FINALLY FINISHING Two Jobs I've Been Avoiding - OFF GRID IN PORTUGAL

Two things have been nagging at my for weeks now, one inside my tiny house and the other just outside my front door. I'm trying to wrap up lots of little bits of work here on my off grid homestead and getting to these two small jobs and actually completing them feels great!
I feel like I have so many things piling up so it's these little wins that keep me motivated to do the larger things. The problem is that there always seems to be so many little things! 😬 But I'm getting there and it's nice to see the small improvements each time I check something off the list.
I hope you enjoy this one, please give the video a like if you do! 😀
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I'm Kirsty and I'm novice builder attempting an off grid stone barn renovation here in Central Portugal. I love going slowly, learning along the way, and trying new things as I attempt to build a beautiful tiny house using natural materials.
If you like my stuff and want to help support the channel, please like my videos and share them around! 😀 Or if you'd like to help financially, my Paypal is below. Any amount goes a long way and is much appreciated!
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Horribly Neglected Website: www.portugalfro...

[@carolchisholm433]

Wow Tracy is looking wonderful! I thought she was a goner. Your Mom is plant whisperer. Wall looks good. Love your use of natural materials.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Me too, yay mum!!

[@Reet64]

Astonished at Tracy's recovery! Kudos to your mom for the rehab start on that. Really like how that wall turned out!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Me too with Tracy and the wall... thanks!

[@meaquindinho541]

Tracy is one tenacious trumpet flower!! She really surprised me. Loving your videos.❤

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I know, I'm surprised too! Thanks!

[@igneousidol]

Tracy Trumpet is a show off, so cool she survived and thrived

[@PortugalfromScratch]

She certainly is!

[@shehazi695]

Thanks for sharing Kirsty. Tracey trumpet is looking magnificent!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

My pleasure, I'm so happy for Tracey!

[@keart65]

Really nice closet. You have the nicest closet in Portugal I would think! My Angel's trumpet has frozen to the ground many time and always bounces back. They are hardy plants. Tracy is certainly a showstopper. ♥

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Haha, thanks!! This flower is very resilient, I love it!

[@FifiVanTonder]

Think you should cover all your plastic pipe fittings from the sun, because it will definitely do damage to them

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Yes the sun is brutal!

[@juanitakauffman6336]

The plaster looks good. Now the weeds will grow from the rain. Tracy looks great.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

So much rain!! I'll need to be vigilant. 🙂

[@nancibishof6462]

Tracey the Trumpet has a motherload of ants! Borax will help or Diatomaceous earth also works to remove the buggers. Diatomaceous earth isn't toxic at all so it is what I use.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I'll give it a try... I see that earth stuff suggested for a lot of things, I'll have a look for it. Thanks!

[@deborahwhite2339]

The trumpet flower is looking amazing! Back from the brink. Great plaster job. 🙂👍👍🇨🇦

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Yes I'm amazed! Yay to my mum for saving her!

[@lindawoerz8688]

Tracy looks fabulous! For the ants try using borax soap. Just sprinkle around where the answer at and they'll take it back to their little nest and it takes a little bit but they will go away and you don't have to use poison. You might also want to do it around the perimeter of your house especially in the front since the answer in the front flower bed to keep them from coming into your place. Looks great good job!

[@lindawoerz8688]

Sorry the word answer in my comment should say ants zeesh lol

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I need to get some borax, it seems to have many uses. Thanks for the tip!

[@sari4079]

Tracy's looking good! And so does the wall. Must be very satisfying work.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

It really is! Thanks!

[@emmaslow]

Wow Tracy!!!! I think she needs to be on my list of "thrive despite me" plants ❤

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Definitely! I've neglected her and she lives on!

[@emmaslow]

Yay, you're going to be at Clay Fest! Really looking forward to meeting you 🙂

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Ah very cool! Sinead and I will both be there. She'll be doing the four day course on building a stove and I'll be doing the earth floors and plastering two day courses... camping and conference, etc. Come find us and say hi!

[@emmaslow]

@@PortugalfromScratch Fab! I'm planning on helping Will for 2 days and Jeffrey (floors) for 2 days, so will definitely see you!

[@polgarauk5606]

Yay 🎉🎉 well done all for Tracey Trumpets awesome recovery 👏😊 The cupboard is looking great and I bet it feels fantastic to finish that part of it 😁

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I'm so happy for Tracy! And yep, I've been meaning to do the plastering for forever, it feels great!

[@madelinegoldingay6440]

Three cheers for Tracy, your Mum will be so proud. The plastering you have done looks really good, well done.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks! Yay Tracey!

[@funkyduckee]

Your rendering looks amazing, well done 😊

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thank you!

[@stevejohnstonbaugh9171]

Good job Tracy the Trumpet Flower! May your days be many and filled with joy

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I’ve heard lime water is good for building. Thanks for the tips!

[@michelleellis8201]

If you make a habit of pulling the weeds as soon as they sprout it makes the task much easier. Takes just a minute to do too.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Yes but finding the time always seems hard... 😁

[@virginiajorgensen8614]

Looking good and Tracy is amazing.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks! She really is resilient!

[@osaalbin]

Rendering is the coating of external walls, whilst plastering is the coating of interior walls.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Good to know, thanks!

[@jan9562]

💡Aha

[@ruthnoronha8206]

There’s always a smart one out there.

[@Lee-yb2zr]

Get a fine sponge. Water will help smooth render and take streaks and such more even and leave a cleaner look.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I think a finer sponge would have worked better... I did sponge it but I don't remember if I filmed that part or not. 🙂

[@Jeanetteinnes]

Could you mosaic over the clay?? Maybe the holes with timber boarders and mosaic tiles?😊

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Ooh a mosaic might be nice! Thanks for the idea!

[@debbiejones11]

Wow the lime plaster looks incredible and extremely satisfying like spreading peanut butter on the walls ! Tracy is looking fabulous too ! Great video thanks for sharing x

[@PortugalfromScratch]

It's so fun to work with... lime putty is wonderful stuff. I'm not sure it would be as satisfying with a cement-based plaster.

[@7TerriPod]

Kristy, ants hate water, so whenever you want to get rid of them, water 💦

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks, I'll try that!

[@mafish7962]

Great job! ❤

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks!

[@annadaurie2435]

Tracy looks fabulous. That render looks easier to spread? The closet looks great.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Yes this render is very nice to work with, it's made with fine sand and lime putty and it's so sticky and nice! It would be a lot less enjoyable if it were a cement render.

[@MomPuff-b9w]

I love everything you have done👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I absolutely love your wall!! Very unique & it was so relaxing watching you do it!! 😅😊🤗

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks so much! It's also quite relaxing to do!

[@suenunn9099]

Could you insert the bottoms of colored bottles in the holes of your closet/heater wall?

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I could and I did have that thought but a part of the reason they're there is for ventilation... but perhaps I'd consider it one day in the future, let's see!

[@gabrielebehr563]

I‘m happy too. Tracy came out sooo beautiful 🤗. Closet looks realy pretty. Good job Kristy👍👍👍

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks so much!

[@suzannemarion400]

Good looking Tracy! For ants my mom told me to sprinkle baking soda. Destroys them. Not dangerous around plants but not on the leaves. Good luck.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks for the tip!

[@denesfatrai]

The plaster looks amazing and Tracy is a true bad@ss beauty :)

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks! Tracy is amazing!

[@debravanwinkle3946]

Tracy doesn’t even look anything clips to a twig 👀👍☀️😄✌️

[@PortugalfromScratch]

She’s come a long way! 😀

[@Ceilidh444]

Tracy is gorgeous. Great job on the closet. Bring on the shitter! 😂

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Haha, yep!!

[@fincalavita4842]

❤❤❤

[@PortugalfromScratch]

😁

[@makoke1matsuri]

Sabes con ese floripón se drogan por mis tierras , va quedar hermoso el cuarto de mando solar....

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I hope so! So far so good!

[@fionaworrell4535]

Are those trumpet trees not highly toxic to cats?

[@PortugalfromScratch]

And people bit we both stay clear. 🙂

[@joketendam5806]

of you have a lot of ants check for afids. I am shure you knew

[@PortugalfromScratch]

No sign of aphids in that area but there are some on my trees.

[@romnorwalker]

The plants around Tracy are edible(not all) and you killed some marigold also

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Oops! I was on a mission to get it done before I was bitten by the ants... 😬

[@ManuelPineiro-dr1oc]

Hi

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Hi 🙂

[@debravanwinkle3946]

Tracy you R beautiful 💖✌️👀👍😄

[@PortugalfromScratch]

She is, indeed!!

[@Marc-mo8bt]

As said Tracy is quite poisonous. So do not make tea out of it. I would actually not even touch it without gloves. But it looks nice.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Yep I know... she's a beauty, though!

[@Marc-mo8bt]

@@PortugalfromScratch That is good, we care about you!

[@RobinJones-ow9oz]

Please don't you be letting Tracy get weeds after your mom worked like a dog.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

🙂

[@kathleenmurray6034]

What an amazing recovery for Tracy the trumpet flower. She is beautiful ❤❤❤

[@PortugalfromScratch]

She is! I'm amazed she's come back so strong!

[@Shibalvr]

She can grow taller than your roof. I know. She will make quite a mess but so beautiful and sweet smelling in the evenings.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

My friends have a crazy huge one! Not quite as tall as the roof but left unpruned, who knows!

[@jennichristie5264]

Peppermint essential oil dropped around the area and across areas you don’t want them to pass might help with moving those ants on. Citronella EO on the bites is soothing. Google say the difference between render and plaster is render is for coating exterior walls and plaster is for covering interior walls (ready for painting). Tracey is gorgeous!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks for the ant tips! Yes I think Google is right about the name of things, thanks!

[@ArtistMartinaP]

What a transformation of a dark corner. Feels wholesome 🙂

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks! Still more transformation to come! 😀

[@anaclark5751]

Cannot believe Tracy recovered ….after you dropped her on her head. She is sooooo happy. She’s showing her smile with her beautiful blooms. We have a pink one and a white one in our garden in Australia. They’re magnificent aren’t they? P.S. I love the intro shot now without that blue tarp. Yehhhhhhhhhhh

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I know! She’s amazing! I’d love love some other colours too.

[@rosbeaton637]

The plaster makes a huge difference! Well done! Your Mum's trumpet flower has responded splendidly to the love and care the two of you gave it. How beautiful it is!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I'm happy with both things, thanks!

[@monikacarless_wordwitch]

Does the plastering involve a final smooth with a damp sponge? I think I saw that somewhere, sometime, but maybe that was a different plastering material, not sure. It is no longer the dark corner of doom, looks so bright and clean and I'm sure the shelving will make a huge difference to your space.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Yep! I did that but I'm not sure I did it at the correct stage, plus I didn't film that part. But I did attempt it. Yes the creepy corner is no more, it's come a long way!

[@joanbroadway759]

Wow! Just look at Tracy!She's absolutely gorgeous!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

She’s amazing!!

[@marianreddy9848]

Well done, your plastering job looks amazing!You're always so packed with great ideas.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks! It as a fun challenge!

[@venturingout4235]

I like seeing you work on your projects. You are created & it turns out great. You also have some great friends.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks so much!

[@bigythomas3264]

Happy to see my ginger boy your mom hand blessed that's why tracy trumpt plant survive happy to see it blossom lovely yellow flowers thank you

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Yes mum has the magic touch!

[@debravanwinkle3946]

That plastering look great an the holes you R just A Kristy of All Traits 🤣👍👀✌️ those two walls R going to look amazing an with that shelving an all that batteries tucked away out of sight Wow it’ll look like a totally different room you’ll really enjoy that this winter curled up on the sofa with a fire an hot chocolate 👍👀✌️😍as always looking forward to your next video love to the boys 👍🤗

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks! I’m so excited to have all of these pesky wires tucked out of sight and to be on that couch! 😀

[@donnahenderson2676]

Tracy is beautiful. How are the weeds on the other side of the garden? Don’t forget to put straw around her. Your wall looks great. Good job you. ❤

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Weeds are ok so far!

[@jannetomlinson1831]

Tracey looks wonderful,check the side shoot, it may have a couple of dead inches to come off

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Yes I think so too, I'll investigate. Thanks!

[@WriterGeek]

Really great job rendering/plastering (🙄). Well done!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks!

[@mbd6054]

The plastering looks really neat. That's such a useful area. I'm always amazed by the amount of 'stuff' a few good shelves can absorb! Tracy is beautiful, and obviously very happy. Great video. Thank you. :)

[@PortugalfromScratch]

It was fun to practice! I need to get shelves in there asap!

[@debbrown5648]

Oh my, that is one beautiful trumpet vine!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

She's a beauty!

[@busybeaver793]

Hello Kirsty. Your plastering looks good. Another job off your to do list. Take care.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Ya it feels great to check another thing off... thanks!

[@sarahnd]

Google tells me that what you are doing is plastering. If you were doing the same thing on the outside of the house, it would be called rendering. But I would bet that there is a decent amount of overlap from one speaker to another... because, who needs two words if one will do? I have been thinking of you lately as I tile the bathroom floor, knowing how much you love this activity! 😁

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Haha, go luck with the tiling! Though I didn't enjoy it so much, I really do get a lot of satisfaction out of knowing I eventually did it! 🙂

[@sarahnd]

@@PortugalfromScratch I agree! This is penny tile 😳 so very fiddly, but I'm pleased to be able to conquer it!

[@barbaranielsen2888]

I like/love all your videos!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Yay, thanks!

[@adamosman7284]

Hi Miss Champion

[@PortugalfromScratch]

😀

[@portugal1969]

Boo

[@PortugalfromScratch]

🙂

[@daffs0]

❤️

[@PortugalfromScratch]

🙂

[@lorimontcalm9086]

Tracy is quite the strumpet! She's looking mighy fine! With the plaster/render, if you use a big yellow damp sponge, you can get a nice smooth finish. But I bet you already know that technique! Have you ever read the children's book "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie"? It epitomizes doing a project and all the fallout. Hugs from 🇨🇦

[@PortugalfromScratch]

She is! I did a sponge finish but I’m not sure I did it at the right moment. Let’s see!

[@effie924]

What happened to Mikie ? that wall looks so nice!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks! Mikey is around… you’ll see more of him on Friday! 🐈‍⬛

[@sallyedmondson9275]

Hats off to Tracey ?! 👍❤️

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Yep!!

[@jeanmeyer8194]

Wow miss trumpet

[@PortugalfromScratch]

She’s great!