Day to Day Life on our Homestead - Off Grid in Rural Portugal

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Nick and Andrea: ‪@projectportugal‬
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Beijinos e abraços,
Carissa, Iwan, Frankie & Albi
Our Story:
We are Carissa, Iwan & Frankie the sausage dog, and in 2020 decided one night over a bottle of wine that moving from North Wales to Portugal would be a good idea. Within a month we were on the road to Portugal to find the perfect piece of land to call home. We picked up Albi, Joao and Simao the cats along the way, as well as Diogo the podengo and a flock of chickens.
Subscribe to follow our project as we turn an old stone barn into our home, and learn the ropes of looking after a piece of land to make an abundant garden and one day, our very own winery.

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Wishing Albi a speedy recovery. Lilly will have a lovely life with Nick and Andrea. 💚

[@lorawiseman8847]

I can't think of a better place for your found kitten than Ang and Nick's!! They will love their Lily and you can visit her.😊

[@manjularamanujan3624]

It’s heartwarming to know that the kitten has found a loving home. I love the energy of Diego. Such an affectionate dog. He follows both of you doing your chores. Frankie is like a sage, very philosophical outlook! Regards from India, Delhi.

[@Toomanydogs7]

I felt your sadness, but you couldn't have asked for two better pet parents. ❤

[@jcr_jcr]

Great decision on the kitten. She will be happy in her new home. I love watching in your animals playing. Your land is looking lovely.

[@maryroberts8566]

I love the way you love your family .Everyone has a special place and a gift they bring to the table.We are an elderly couple and now only have one kitty.But thru the years we’ve had many pets and lived in many places .I remember my mother answering the question Why do you work so hard in every yard where you live ? She would answer by saying I want every where I leave to be prettier than I found it

[@Путешествуй-к2ь]

So beautiful!❤

[@greenphoenix687]

Diogo is such a cool little dude.... loved the way he followed you with every one of the the pallets. Also happy that little Lily has found a loving home.All your animals always look so content living alongside you on the Homestead. Also thank you for the Aeropress code. Ive been looking at getting one for a while and you've pushed me to make a decision. Look forward to another calming session with you next week... maybe with an aeropress coffee in hand :D

[@jessejames5375]

Nice to see you both over on Nick and Andrea’s helping out. Glad they homed Lily, as she will be loved. Have a great week guys, as you both work hard. 😊

[@lindagage7315]

Another fine job of filming! Good catch in the sky at the end!

[@kailand3056]

I’m sad that we won’t be able to follow Popcorn Larry’s adventures every week on your channel but I can’’t think of a better home for her (Lily is also a more appropriate name than Popcorn Larry). I’m really looking forward to watching you build the new structure - fingers crossed that you will receive all of the pallets you need next week. I hope Albie recovers from his wound - please keep us posted!

[@peterwhite9261]

Lily has the best home. You did right. I am glad you got that rain. For this time of year, it doesn't look as dry as previous years. You both work hard in that heat. That is how we survived the heat wave. We waited for the sun to go down before doing anything. The garden is doing great. I love all your animals and garden scenes. They all have distinct personalities. Till next time.❤

[@mardimccabe6207]

love how Diogo tirelessly follows you back and forth with every pallet you carry down!!

[@juliemcnair5182]

Nice bit of rain, it's amazing how everything comes to life after a good down pour.

[@kaiwalyamate5773]

Love to see you doing a steady progress in your surrounding and improving your homestead.

[@calypso4554]

Lily has a wonderful new home! ❤

[@asgeirandersen]

it's pleasure watching your films Frankie

[@FiuMcFadyen]

Thank you for another beautiful and calming video ….as always it is very heartwarming to see your happy pets …🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🦮🦮🪿

[@louisbasso58]

It is such a joy watching your videos, guys. Every Saturday I look forward to watch you sharing your daily tasks and the very special tasks took. Your garden is a soothing spectacle to see. Many thanks for sharing xx

[@rachelfrees1268]

Another great day on the farm with you all and the animals. Andrea will spoil the 🐈‍⬛. Have a good week. ❤

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

The beauty that you both bring to each vlog makes me want to move to Portugal. I keep telling myself that the heat and especially the critters, snakes etc wouldn’t be a problem… Just beautiful to follow your journey. Now to watch it all again. ❤️🥂xxx

[@luisagoncalves7889]

Em Portugal não há "criaturas" perigosas😃

[@Lupina-mp5ck]

In the North it‘s not that hot in the summer 😊

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

@@Lupina-mp5ck you’re right. Carissa and Iwan will just have to move. 😉👍😂🥂

[@AbigailGerlach-zt1sh]

Snakes??? I'm out!

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

@@AbigailGerlach-zt1sh 😂😂

[@JennyGunston-uh5og]

My son and my nephew have two aeropress cups, one at home and one at work. I visited the Valley Road open gardens last Sunday, including your mother’s

[@reannejarvis9464]

I’ve been watching another pallette build…”steep in the woods”. Looking forward to this build series on your land 🇦🇺🎸⚡️🤘🏼🤘🏾💋💜

[@LorraineinAustralia]

Aaah how fabulous.. Lilly Savage.. I miss him, …. She lives on… Your peas are wonderful 🩷 Gazanias are a fave in our garden . My husband loves them. Summer storms can be a blessing.. I hope your garden loves the rain. I’m so looking forward to seeing what the new cabin becomes. Loving your videos ❤ Sending love your way you all….🩷🩷🐨🐨🐨🐨🐨🐨🐨

[@judyannludchawefoyagao8278]

That angle/shot at 25:20 going forward (smaller focus to bigger one) is amazing! It must feel awesome coming in to your land with the garden (especially when they are lush and all green!) as the first view!❤

[@monolithicbiaviscide]

Love the breakdancing cloud dude! (34:17)

[@carolinawren3594]

Sawzall? (considered indispensable in most carpentry crews). You may wonder how you did without it (wide variety of type and size of blades. Will live well beyond the pallets. No offense to the indomitable host and hostess but the animals almost steal the show - together a stunning repertory company for the delight of its adoring fans

[@Winnie-hq5hs]

Poor Albi😢 I hope she will soon be ok again - and the chicken! God news about the kitten, you know, she's in good hands with loving people, and you get to see her all the time❤ Your cabin project is exciting, good luck.

[@bettyboowpr]

Check out The Scotters, they are making their temporary home out of pallets. You might get some good inspiration there. Sending positive vibes

[@spicynomad]

😍😍😍i knew she was going to uncle nicks.

[@jamesrivis620]

Another graceful morning with all of you , loving your peaceful instrumentals, insects, flowers, cats and a skittish dog. Here in Downtown, Montpelier , Vermont, USA we too are awaiting 95s most of next week I have kept my front garden wet deliberately as the temperature climbs (it has been very moderate and I see a 42 F morning slipped in with a high Fahrenheit next week !! At almost 82 I am thoroughly enjoying lots of soccer and looking forward to the Olympics from Paris. Lots of Women's talk programs have sprouted so I stay in touch and expand my many talented female players' knowledge. I am thoroughly enjoying the reactions to my lush garden so your early morning videos are a delight.

[@victoriakopp1483]

Beautiful sky 💙

[@chrisdouglass7962]

5:20 wild dog blurred DIOGO!!! geeze 🤣🤣🤣

[@paulinewilson613]

How wonderful to see that beautiful rain refreshing your land and seeing all the flowers come back to life again. Your little kitten has definitely found a new home with Uncle Nick and his wife. Diogo is a circus to watch as he plays in the garden, particularly with the water from the hose. Looking forward to next week's video xxx

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

I knew she was named after me!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@susanaquezada7671]

Love Diogo and Pipoca

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

Frankie and Albie chilling 😂❤️❤️

[@ritafoster4958]

Hey there, my friend Jimmy! ❤️😘🥂

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

@@ritafoster4958 hello sweetheart!!! Happy belated 70th birthday. I don’t know how I missed your message. ❤️❤️❤️🥂xxx

[@ritafoster4958]

@@jimmyconnolly3461 Thanks so much, Jimmy! I keep waiting for the day that wisdom strikes me, now that I’m an old bat- but somehow I just keep eluding it! It’s more like…with age comes hemorrhoids!! 😉😂💃

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

@@ritafoster4958 I hear ye sister!! 😂😂😂❤️🥂xxx

[@faithvansanden82]

Another great video the garden is coming on nicely, just loved the rain so soothing ❤

[@EileenBecher]

love every video keep them coming-find them artful, and peaceful love all the animals, Frankie clearly my favorite

[@mindsetmentor681]

Use a saw Zaw with a long metal blade. It works like butter. Reciprocating saw.

[@SueBennett-h4w]

How wonderful to hear the rain. We haven’t had rain for weeks here in Brisbane Australia

[@tuboid001]

Reciprocating saw with a metal cutting blade is what you need for the pallets.

[@ritafoster4958]

My Saturday morning happy spot! Love your beautiful photography and watching the antics of your furry family! The sounds of the rain storm was wonderful. Your garden and the land looks great, especially after the rain. It’s very interesting to watch you putting your pallets together to make your cabin. I’m so glad you found the perfect home for wee Lilli! ❤️🇨🇦

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

👍❤️🥂xxx

[@memeannasvegetables497]

Check The Scotters....they build a beautiful tiny house out of pallets.

[@Aotruba]

Happy to see on Project Portugal that Pipioca (Lily) was adopted by Andrea and your Uncle Nick ❤👏🥰👏 Thank you for showing us the vegetation of your beautiful garden and veggie garden. Beets looked delicious! I will definitely try beets with feta ! Yummy! Frankie and Diogo are such cutie pies❤ I love Albi, Simbao, and Joah, too. 😻 The breathtaking evening sunsets and sky color schemes are worth saving for your children's book... ✌️💖

[@sgrvtl7183]

So lovely to see the rain and hear thunder! (from So. Calif. where summer rains are sparse to none). Your gardens will flourish~💚💗💛

[@anniemac3075]

Lily will soon be one of the family in her new home, she's a tortoiseshell baggage so she'll stand up for herself alright. Watching the rain in your video & the sky here this evening in South Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 is a very weird colour I've never seen before. Peculiar shade of grey, there have been a lot of various colours of grey skies here lately. ☔ Oh poor Albi wearing the cone of shame, hope her wound heals quickly. 🐾 ❤️

[@rossalyntownsend9535]

Broody hens can pick up fleas , so a good check is a must they can cause anaemia ❤

[@stellafabing3773]

Good day. Saturday here and as always watching your videos. ❤

[@robflange]

Instead if a jigsaw getting a Sabresaw or reciprocating saw (both the same thing) Blades are twice to 3 times longer than a jigsaw ans way more rugged

[@robflange]

Try using zip ties in the trimmer Use the thickest zip ties you can fit through the holes The locking end goes into the hub with the tail out to do the cutting Cut to length Might last a little longer

[@deborahreynolds1552]

Works a treat!

[@joeeigo9820]

Fun idea 😂 I 'll give it a shot

[@andypayne1571]

A wonderful trip to Portugal this week, very relaxing to watch thankyou. A recipricating saw with metal cutting blades is the tool for the pallets. Plus with timber blades it will find uses in plenty of other jobs.

[@agnesninadiacon3741]

I like your videos very much. I've been watching them for some months now and was wondering why you are not using a drip irrigation system. You would use the water in a much more economic way while watering your vegetables 😊

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thanks so much 😊 Unfortunately they tend to get clogged up with our well water. We’re gonna try putting some filters on the pump and hopefully that will help (I have to clean out the sprinklers every day at the moment)

[@agnesninadiacon3741]

​@@FrankieOffGridOh I see. Good luck with that.

[@JulieaBennett]

I've seen a very effective tool for prising pallet wood apart, with nails, so no pallet wood is wasted at all. It has a long metal handle, like a crowbar, that acts as the fulcrum, with 2 tines on one end that you loop under the crossbeams on the pallet. Even when the wood is prised apart, you still have to complete nail removal with, say, a claw-hammer. But at least no wood is wasted. I'll try to find a link to show you what I'm referring to. I'll get back to you asap!

[@kimsparks7871]

Love your channel. I especially love the way you treat your animals. What an awesome home! Hope you guys have a great week!

[@belindagordon8042]

Love your beautiful videos I want to live with you guys & your gorgeous fur babies ❤❤

[@jbyrd2516]

Love those clouds!

[@flyoverurbangarden4315]

Your videography and editing are top notch.

[@allon33]

I think I need several hours of Portugal off-grid each week. Watching you and a few others. You rock. ✌

[@lidijabirsa7768]

Me too! 😅Project Portugal, Cindy Vine Portugal, Portugal from scratch, Simple life Portugal, Quinta, Real Algarve living, The Newbys, The Scotters.... ofc Frankie off grid..... I'm sure I forgot someone!

[@allon33]

@@lidijabirsa7768 The Origin Homestead is the one I like the best.

[@lidijabirsa7768]

​@@allon33Oh yes, I forgot them..... also Luke and Sarah off grid life.... I like the best Thai Schoterrs, bc of the positive vibe they spread.😊

[@clairepapadatos1116]

Absolutely wonderful filming!❤

[@JaxPah8640]

Watch the Scooters videos they just built a whole house with pallets turned out great!!!

[@SJC49]

I love rainstorms! Also Iwan, always put on the safety glasses, please! Remember, Carissa is ALWAYS right!😍🇨🇦

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

Iwan is doing the ad break…. 🤞😉😂

[@tomazosenar5277]

Hello, put strimmer string in water for one day. It Will strip less. Naylon gets dry and then is brital.

[@rhondadean5455]

Every week I think I watch you all for your animals antics such cheerful fun. Diogo races round like road runner. Funny dog. He hit lottery when you all found him. I wonder often do animals sleep in cookroom alone. Maybe you all be together in big bungalow cabin. Exciting. Lot hard work.

[@jenniferh3111]

I’m glad your kitten found a new home but sort of sad for cat 3 (i can’t for the life of me remember all their names) who seemed a little like odd man out with cats 1 and 2 and had found a friend! but maybe he’s closer with the other 2 than it looks! Always love watching!

[@carolbulmer8253]

Hi, Carissa and Iwan. What’s wrong with Albi? I hope that it’s nothing serious🙏 Roasted beets + feta cheese sounds yummy. I’m looking forward to watching the cabin build. See you next week.❤️❤️

[@AleeshaSattva]

Best of both worlds with the kitten... you can go visit and they cover the cost of vet and feeding!!! LOL ***(((hugs I know you love her)))***

[@corky9589]

Good morning,I have been waiting for this ❤

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

Hooray!!! Bom dia bom dia! ❤️🥂👍

[@Debora-m8r]

It needs a base plate and top plate in the USA we call them 2”x6” and 2”x4” wall studs then fit the pallets over the studs for structural support. Then nail or screw the pallets to the studs. It needs longer members to keep them together. The pallets act like blocking on the walls.

[@angelaprovencher7150]

Y'all need a aaw-all with the right blade to cut through the nails and wood.

[@elainecoad205]

Always seems so calm and serene on your homstead even though you both work so hard on the land and your building projects. Look forward to next video

[@henrycarter7563]

Have you looked at TheScotter pallet house? It looks good and they may live close to you.

[@jeanmeyer8194]

Just love y videos

[@AhaAha-n4g]

En hälsning från ett grönt men lite regnigt Sverige🇸🇪 En lugn och skön video. från er i Portugal 🇵🇹 Jag följer er och ser fram emot en ny video. Ta det lugnt och ta hand om er.

[@neutonrenda2303]

Diogo is hilarious when he has the zoomies, of course he loves playing in the water.❤

[@neutonrenda2303]

Yummy, my favourite veg to grow, peas, they are forgotten about most of the time. Nothing is more satisfying than getting them off the plant and on your plate the same day, those that survive that far lol.👍❤

[@emmaslow]

I can recommend a reciprocating saw - mine has proved useful so often it still surprises me.

[@rosemaryjasper1121]

It seems everywhere has had extreme weather this past week or so! ❤

[@FrankieOffGrid]

It’s very normal for us this time of year.. the weird part is that we haven’t had more storms

[@evelinedebakker61248]

hi guys enjoying your very interesting lovely video’s and dont know if I missed it but where is the wee kitten( forget her name ) havent seen her in the video’s:)

[@FiuMcFadyen]

The little kitten has just found a new home with Uncle Nick ….just saw in the latest video of Nick’s ProjectPortugal ….

[@marilynlanger1932]

Where did you buy your beautiful straw sun hat?

[@theyellowbootshomestead]

Loved it:) Diogo made me laugh a lot, and Frankie chilling on her back too. Favorite part was when Carissa says "Oh you know what? I used this hand saw and was so surprised by how well it worked!" Tries it for a few seconds. Iwan says "No, we're not doing that." I agree that it would be SO crazy time consuming. Love you guys and always inspired by you

[@portugal1969]

👍

[@katykay6537]

Diogo bounding through the land! Love watching him! So glad his hip healed so well. He doesn’t seem to have any problems with it as he stretched off the sofa. Hoping Albi gets better soon. Saw you gave Lily to Nick and Angie! You make such beautiful videos. Thank you. ❤️ 🐈‍⬛🐶❤️

[@SusanWaller-y8v]

I like the way you try to use stuff you have or can get, the same ethos as Brian and Dianne from “Portugal on a shoestring”

[@quinta_da_vinha]

So much of beauty on your homestead! 😍

[@projectportugal]

Yay first to comment, thought you were a bit late🤣❤

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

Did you name Lily after me?😉😂❤️🥂

[@arjanvogel6444]

Thanks for your vid 😇💟💟💟 Love and bless you guys, good work 👍😁 how nice to be with you guys again 😍

[@stephenfriday1352]

Great job Great video as always, Cutting through nails on the pallets I've always uses a battery rip saw due to the longer blade

[@suedale1865]

Good vlog thank you for sharing I have no comment that hasn’t already been said about Larry/ Lilly Angie & Nick will give her a loving home ❤

[@sgrvtl7183]

A unique flower - minute 21:25 - is it 'Love-in-a-Mist' ? Lovely and peaceful video. Good Luck with the 'cabin' pallets💚

[@susanmay4082]

❤ hi guys, today I used headphones it was glorious ( Distressed check ) now on with the weekend xx

[@SJC49]

After a couple of nights wearing socks to bed, starting tomorrow we’re going up to 35 that is supposed to feel like 40 all next week. The following week I’ll probably have to get the snow shovel back out! Crazy, eh?! Looks like Lilly will have a good life with Andrea and Nick!😍🇨🇦

[@deborahlee8135]

OMG!!!!❤❤❤ those peas look totally amazing, are they sweet peas or edible? What is your secret to success, mine keep getting eaten

[@AbigailGerlach-zt1sh]

I'm glad it's summer, until it gets too hot to do much. Early mornings and late evenings are my favorite times of day. It's about 31° here and I would be so much more comfortable at 20°. This too shall pass. Great pictures of the storm clouds. At least the rain brings down the heat and saves your water supply. Maybe you could peg out your clothes for a free wash! There was a period of time when I'd put my clothes out on the line to dry and it would rain cats and dogs. I should have just washed them on the line! It would have saved a step. Lol.

[@susanbrookes8247]

Hi there , just been through a bad period with my hens here in central Italy....looking very pale and being really poorly and some even died. It turned out to be fleas or mites which apparently suck blood. I managed to save them by using a flea powder an sterilising everything . Just to say because it took me by surprise.

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

You’ve changed your logo. FRANKIE! SAUSAGE!! ❤️🥂

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Well Spotted Jimmy!!

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

I was catching up with tennis on KZbin and your vlog came on from 17/06/23 Carissas dad is visiting and Nick is helping with the driveway. 😉👍😂

[@lizziekelly9738]

I also Loooove the Sausage logo ❤ Will there be a T-shirt??? If so, It might finally crack open my rather empty purse 🎻🎻🐕🐕🐈🐈‍⬛🐔👛❤

[@grandmasstories3418]

If you place a longish stick with a crack at the top, under the clothes lines, you will prop them up, so the clothes don't slide down towards each other

[@racebanning6390]

Beautiful vid as always. So glad you had rain👍👍Time to invest in a Battery operated Sawzall. They are the Best All purpose around the home. And... a Steel Garden Wagon with removeable sides, i use both of these tools on my homestead here in Idaho quite often. Be blessed ya all🙏🙏👍Anxious to see the new cabin build.

[@sheilakerr-jones4345]

Once again, great content.