Homestead in the Mitten

In this episode of Unexpected Life, I talk honestly about how different life turned out from what I imagined back in high school. I open up about struggling with motivation, bouncing between short-term jobs, never really finding a career path that felt right, and feeling lost while trying to figure out where I belong in adulthood. But this episode is also about trying something new. I share why I...

We dig into why the Nancy Guthrie disappearance feels so strange; no public evidence, no suspects, no footage, no proof-of-life. The police call it a septic tank search, but it looks more like a water overflow; why the mix-up? Savannah Guthrie's asking for help, but with zero details, what are we even looking for? Breaking down the lack of info and what it might mean. Our Links: Homestead in the M...

Tried a TikTok remedy with coconut oil, baking soda, and honey to beat congestion; worked okay, plus warning on overusing nasal sprays like Afrin. Quick sick-day wins! Our Links: Homestead in the Mitten: https://linktr.ee/homesteadinthemitten Sunset Artisan Jewelry: https://linktr.ee/sunsetjewelryartisans

After a week and a half of feeling awful; stuffy nose, sore throat, the works, I tried alcohol-free cold medicine… and boom, reflux kicked in harder than ever. Enter: a 12-inch memory foam wedge pillow from Amazon. Last night was my first real night of decent sleep in forever. If you're dealing with nighttime heartburn or just want to prop up without the drama, this might be your fix. Honest revie...

In this episode, I share my latest home hack gone wrong: buying a thermal door curtain from Amazon to battle the freezing Michigan winter... only to discover it completely blocks easy door access! Now we're stuck entering and exiting through the garage while temps plummet to -17°F with heavy snow and dangerous wind chills. I've been under the weather this week (hence no Tuesday episode—sorry!), so...

Join me for a peaceful yet lively update straight from my snowy backyard in Michigan! This week brought dramatic hawk flyovers right in front of the house, while seven cheeky squirrels feasted on peanuts out back; I kept a watchful eye to make sure no one became lunch. More snow (around 4 inches) fell today, wiping out the feeders overnight as the birds polished off yesterday's seeds. Tomorrow I'l...

Join me as I debate which season of birds I like best. Summer birds that are calm and colorful or winter birds with their sass and dull colors? I also discuss the gear I use to get the shots I want. Bird feeder camera, cellphone, camera. What equipment do you use? Our Links: Homestead in the Mitten: https://linktr.ee/homesteadinthemitten Sunset Artisan Jewelry: https://linktr.ee/sunsetjewelryartis...

Hey everyone, so today I had to record this because the drama at my bird feeder was next-level! There's this gorgeous male Northern Cardinal—he's all bright red and super territorial—and he was NOT having it with the House Sparrows today. Those little brown bullies kept swarming in, trying to hog all the seeds, and he just kept charging at them, flaring his crest, chasing them off like "this is MY...

Feeling overwhelmed by a messy workspace, endless clutter, or that constant state of urgency on your homestead? In this episode of Homestead in the Mitten, we dive into practical, low-pressure ways to bring order to your home without the overload. Learn how to clean small spots gradually (over several days, not all at once!), repurpose everyday items like old jars, plastic containers, and pill bot...

In this quick episode of Homestead in the Mitten, we share a budget-friendly home upgrade that's perfect for our slow-living lifestyle in Michigan. Discover how easy it is to install rechargeable motion-sensor under-cabinet lights – no drilling, no tools, just magnetic magic! For under $30 total, these wireless lights provide soft, adjustable glow that lasts weeks on a charge, making late-night ki...

Happy New Year! On this Thursday, January 1, 2026, I’m kicking off the year by sharing my biggest goals: getting comfortable on camera diving into up-north adventures like rock hounding and bird watching and bringing real consistency to Sunset ArtisanJewelry and Homestead in the Mitten. It’s all run by just me—no team, scattered thoughts, and a lot of learning. If you’re a solo creator ready to le...

In this heartfelt episode, I open up about the emotional tug-of-war between our suburban Michigan home and our seasonal vacation property up north—a quiet, pine-scented escape that feels more like home every visit. I share the dream of one day moving there full-time, the slower pace of bird watching, crafting jewelry for Sunset Artisan Jewelry, and small home projects… and the very real hurdle my...

Merry Christmas, everyone. This episode is just a soft little visit with you on Christmas morning—right here in our Metro Detroit home, with no snow outside, a few gifts for our grown boys, and nothing fancy under the tree for my husband and me. It’s been a tight year financially, but sitting here in the glow of the lights, listening to the quiet before everyone wakes up, I’m just so grateful we’r...

In this episode I’m opening up about something that’s been on my heart lately; Why spending time on our little piece of land up north always brings me such deep peace. It’s not about big adventures or getting everything done on the property. It’s the quiet walks, the wind in the trees, the way the world slows down, and how I always drive home feeling lighter, steadier, more like myself. If you’ve...

Lately, life has felt loud—especially in my head. In this episode, I talk honestly about overwhelm, racing thoughts, and the cycle of overthinking that can keep us stuck. From lying awake at night with a noisy mind to walking away from goals out of fear of failing, this is a quiet conversation about noticing the pattern and learning to create space for calm. This isn’t about pushing harder or havi...

I used to be obsessed with squirrels… until forty-five hit and suddenly I’m a birdwatcher. In this episode, I unravel how that happened, why it seems universal, and what this says about midlife hobbies. If you relate, welcome—you’re in good company. Our Links: Blog - www.homesteadinthemitten.com Shop: www.sunsetartisanjewelry.com

We’d been hunting for up-north property forever. One popped up, I couldn’t go see it, so my husband drove up alone. He called me from the middle of a garbage laden, bug infested-trailer disaster and said, “It’s rough… but I can fix it.” I thought he’d lost his marbles, but we’d already lost too many good ones, so I told him to make the offer. Fast-forward through years of dumpsters, sweat, and a m...