Preparing for a Hot Summer on Our Rural Homestead Renovation

It’s time to get our 3 acre rural homestead prepped & ready for a hot, hot summer of renovations! Temperatures are set to soar next week & if we’re going to survive the next few months renovating our abandoned farm (well…formerly abandoned now!), then we need to protect our old stone cabin from the heat, so that progress on our countryside renovation project doesn’t grind to a halt! Thankfully our DIY traditional wooden shutters will do the job perfectly…we just have to finishing building them first! 😅
Elsewhere on the farm, our renovated off grid plunge pool is looking more & more like a swamp 🤢 & is only being enjoyed by the local Portuguese wildlife! So it’s time to get it cleaned, filled & back in good working order, ready for us to take refuge in it & enjoy a refreshing dip at the end of a sweaty day of building work! The dipping pool’s shade set up is also getting a cabana-vibes upgrade, so we can get maximum protection from that searing summer sun! ☀️
LIKE THIS VIDEO if you enjoyed it and SUBSCRIBE to follow our journey as we document our life here in Portugal and the many DIY projects that we'll be tackling including renovating a tiny stone home, setting up systems to grow some of our own food and finally restoring the 100+ year old farm house.
Also say hi in the comments! We'd love to hear from you 😊
Ricky and Victoria x
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We're Ricky & Victoria 👋 We're slowly bringing an abandoned off grid Portuguese farm back to life & transforming it into a beautiful homestead for us & our two rescue dogs Teddy & Poppy.
We both agree that we’re not experts in anything that we do here, however we don’t let that stop us from giving it a try. We live our life by trying. We live our life by doing. We live our LIFE BY LIVING.
#homestead #abandonedfarm #stonehouse

[@kgrand62]

I watch dozens of KZbin channels and the charisma of the hosts can make or break it. The content may be great but if I can't vibe with the host I won't watch. You two are wonderful. Natural, adorable, funny, real, keep it up. An old lady in Western Canada.(Happy Canada Day).

[@nandaabreu5369]

From one Canadian to another, Happy Canada Day

[@anadorsamp3560]

❤❤

[@LifebyLiving]

That’s very kind of you to say ❤ Happy to bring the vibe!😊 Happy Canada Day!

[@donnab9015]

Well said, I am enjoying Victoria and Ricky! Their land is very nice. great shutters!! And team work!! 😊😊

[@jessejames5375]

Happy Canada day from uk. 😊

[@petracollins8623]

Such a beautiful job on the shutters.I have never seen two such hardworking people.

[@LifebyLiving]

Thank you Petra ❤ You’re too kind

[@faithvansanden82]

The shutters will look great once they have been hung,you are so knowledgeable. Please take time for yourselves so you don't over do it. You always make me laugh with the things you come out with ❤

[@ianwoodhams6886]

Great job on the shutters, you should be proud of yourselves.

[@LifebyLiving]

Thanks Ian 😊

[@sandralongoria1483]

PERFECT MUSIC TO WORK BY!!!!! Your channel is SO Enjoyable to watch......it just makes me SMILE! THANKYOU!!!!! NICE WORK YOU TWO!!!!!

[@LifebyLiving]

Thank you Sandra 😊 It makes us smile to hear that we make you smile!😁

[@debbiemilan2867]

I love the screening on the pool. It’s starting to get a tropical retreat vibe! Just add some strings of flowers and lights, and a couple of mai tais for a great mini getaway! 🏝️🧉

[@vickimarlene4905]

Great job on the shutters. Very professional. No wonder they cost so much to buy. ❤

[@LifebyLiving]

Thanks Vicki! You can easily see why they’re so expensive…& ours are pretty basic compared to some professional ones!

[@user-hz8tt4wx5b]

Nearly at 100k subscribers!!! I remember your first ever video, and i subscribed right away because this is the content that i love watching. You two have come so far in your KZbin journey, and I'm along for the journey. Keep up the good work 🥰🥰

[@Flyingliketheeagle]

Those shutters look amazing, love watching you two ,it’s always a treat,you are fun and really perfect in everything you do.

[@LifebyLiving]

Thank you 😊

[@ginacrusco234]

I love that you post on Monday. Otherwise it's such a slow, dreary day on youtube!

[@spicynomad]

there are over 100 portugal builds you can watch in the mean time every single day of the week. not just portugal. france, italy, etc. if you dare.😀

[@ginacrusco234]

@@spicynomad Thank you! Yes, I follow several, but I'm choosy. I have to like the presenters as well as the project!

[@spicynomad]

@@ginacrusco234 🤣🤣exactly! im not going to name names but some channels irritate me. its either one or the other of the couple. if its just one person its easier. i go with first impressions. i watch all diy and builds. im a woman and im trying not to rely on trades to finish my renovations cause i dont want to get taken for a ride, right. i dont have stone bldgs but you never know. im in new york city.

[@LifebyLiving]

We normally post on a Sunday but it’s been a hectic few weeks so just posting as soon as we can 😊

[@ginacrusco234]

@@LifebyLiving Fine by me!

[@margaretspurling8162]

You are the happiest hardest workers I've seen! Wish more of us could learn to be like that.

[@cathybrewer8958]

The shutters look like professionally made. Pool area looking so cool.

[@cferguson3368]

Making ice cream is not as hard as people think. While you can still buy handcrank makers, the smaller electric makers have made it so much faster. Once you get the ratio (2:1:.5) down pat--2 parts cream which is the fat: 1 part milk: 1/2 part sugar--you can make new recipes very quickly.

[@lindamiller5489]

Always happy to see you have a new video up❤

[@bmax43]

You two really have it together. You are interesting and so knowledgeable. Thank you for including us in your adventure.

[@LifebyLiving]

Thanks for joining us on the adventure! Appreciate your kind comment. We’re actually not very knowledgable at all 😂 just love to learn & share

[@KBITH888]

Missed you guys yesterday. Happy to see you today. Jobs well done, as usual. ❤❤

[@elainekaufman2264]

Clever catchy intro. Very professional

[@annettelatham2256]

I would grind the sawdust in the nutribullet or coffee grinder to make a powder and then mix it with the glue. I think it will fill your holes better!!

[@cferguson3368]

I use a tea strainer to separate the fine sawdust.

[@jangrosemartindale8740]

Wonder Hubbie Lee (now 87) used to mix the fine sawdust with Carpenter’s glue for filling in joints with tenons or biscuits. Do you call the little odd shaped joint pieces glued in “biscuits”?

[@hrep14]

Or just keep the dust from the sander, while doing the job that's what I use.

[@elenikatseni8772]

@@hrep14 Exactly. Dust with super glue.

[@DJ-6972]

@@jangrosemartindale8740They are using dowels for their joints, which only require a drill. Biscuits are either round or oval in shape and require a biscuit jointer which cuts out that specific shape in the wood. Both methods work well.

[@leeboss373]

14:08 “she’s not perfect but she’ll do” 😮 poor Victoria

[@brendamcelyea1246]

Pretty sure he meant that for the pool!

[@leeboss373]

@@brendamcelyea1246 lol

[@LifebyLiving]

😂

[@paulvine1487]

As a self employed purpose made cabinet maker in France to say that's the first time you have made shutters that's a great achievement well done certainly not the easiest of things to work out sorting out the pool is a must hopefully the the sun will come to us all soon I'm sick of all the rain well done guys keep it up. 😁👌👍

[@laurasinkins]

I truly believe you two can do anything. You are amazing. ❤

[@LifebyLiving]

Thank you Laura 😊 We both feel that we can try anything…whether we do it well or not is another thing!😂

[@user-kg2kz6ed3z]

Looking at how good the shutters are, I’m really looking forward to seeing how the internal finish is going to turn out. I think it’s an amazing transformation from when you started and each post is showing us all just how much your joint hard work is paying off. Well done folks.

[@LifebyLiving]

Thank you! 😊 we can’t wait to get started on the interior!

[@homebuddytv]

Hello guys, I love your episodes.. congratulations to your everyday achievements. Hope one day I could come and visit your farm 😊❤

[@dennismatthews6660]

Thank for taking me along. You are excellent storytellers. Love the natural scenes too.

[@lauraquigley6403]

The shutter’s are absolutely beautiful! You should both give yourselves a pat on the ? I can’t tell you enough how much I enjoy your videos!🙏🙏🙏Blessing’s

[@LifebyLiving]

Thanks Laura ❤

[@kdclothes]

shutters Aces! Pool Cabana aka nudist camp perfect.

[@aok2727]

That workbench was the perfect tool for this project!! Well done!

[@LifebyLiving]

Couldn’t have done it without them!

[@kaval1er]

If you want to go skinny dipping, make some shutters for the plunge pool! It would be awesome!

[@pamknoll7383]

Agree the shutters will be perfect its shade youre going for 😊 cool and allowing air in 👏

[@esmekaffen4961]

Great job on the shutters, very professional work! And love the bamboo screening around the plunge pool, very tropical! Have a great week and stay cool❤

[@Beth-kg1lz]

When Ricky started screening the pool I was thinking what has he got planned in there?!😂

[@LifebyLiving]

😂

[@user-xj5ys3fb6r]

Looove what you do Look forward every week to watch what's next❤

[@cherylmoss3632]

Lovely. Cozy and very pleasing to the eye.

[@AdonaiForMe]

I’m very impressed by those handmade shutters!

[@elizabeththomas8746]

That pool is a blessing. Please be mindful of mosquitoe attraction. In the summer.

[@edgeveg]

Bit by bit its getting done. We know the plunge pool is really for the dogs to cool off

[@LifebyLiving]

They’re both actually extremely shy of the water but we’ll be getting them in 😊

[@larhumba4233]

If you wanted to start a business in the future, you two could easily open a wooden shutter bespoke Artisan business, and hopefully earn a few bob to pay for the main house restoration.

[@LifebyLiving]

Oh we’ve definitely not got the patience for that 😁 Very proud of the ours but happy that we don’t have to make any more!😂

[@etainepona4206]

Make sure that the cabana boy brings you a Margarita lol. Add algacide to the pool, it helps alot.

[@hugoperez7044]

Nice job!

[@bigbluecat57]

You two seem like genuine folks. I enjoy videos. Stay cool this summer.

[@cathyholt5215]

You guys make such a cute couple. Thanks for sharing this part of your life with us.

[@user-mr2zv2vy3b]

I am so proud of you Victoria..working along with Ricky..keep it up...

[@AnneHeyns]

Those shutters look great and so does the pool☺

[@LifebyLiving]

Thank you!

[@leslierosslentz1988]

This may be the first time commenting. We have watched since the beginning. It is delightful to watch the two of you work together. What makes great relationships is the humor that is shared. Thank you for making us a part of this new life of creation and renewal. Leslie - Saint Helena, CA, USA

[@LifebyLiving]

Thanks Leslie 😊 Couldn’t agree more. If you share the same morals & sense of humour then you’ll be very happy

[@susanlenville]

You 2 are Amazing!! Very talented and perfectionist.. LOVE your taste in choices. ❤ Best Wishes from New England.

[@kimberlyllamas5804]

When I started watching the video I was like man.....they need to get in their pool lol. Well done!

[@cathylewis2181]

There's a fairly inexpensive cover available for pools that floats on top of the water. It keeps out mosquitoes and leaves and helps keep the Sun from creating algae. Very easy to roll up and unroll as needed. Just a suggestion. I always love your videos. The shutters are amazing. Watch some KZbin videos on how to make ice cream at home. Real easy because there's a ton of them and some have good low-fat low-carb type recipes. You guys rock!!

[@ALTJR]

I think open sun water turn green more fast... everyone recommend to paint the exterior of a water tank to protect of the sun... seaweeds like sun light... maybe put a cover on when you don't use the pool 🙃🌞🌱

[@margaretlehmann-berry263]

Another great video. Thanks, guys. Watching from Vancouver Island, Canada.

[@sugarkane4830]

Happy Canada day.

[@tracey4913]

Plunge pool would be nice with shutters

[@jpgoat5488]

Impressed to see you make the filler with wood glue and sawdust. Just how my dad taught me 😊 Quality x

[@gilliangreen7097]

I love watching you guys😀👍 you both work hard but you still got your sense of humour😍😂 and really, that is all we need in life. Enjoy your pool😀👍

[@michaelaronsohn3624]

Great job on the shutters guys and your work table is definitely earning its keep.

[@PaulRansonArt]

Brilliant Victoria and Ricky - p.s don't forget you endscreen template - Happy Dipping - Paul 😃😃🥰🥰

[@Toqueville2023]

I'm praying for a small four wheeled tractor to help you...and for a spectacular harvest!

[@donaldmackinnon5779]

I admire your patience and skills in doing those shutters well done , first rate job well done and they look great well done. No rush easy does it.😅😊😊

[@LifebyLiving]

Thanks Donald. We’re really pleased with how they turned out but thankful we don’t have to make any more!😂

[@ps6860]

LOOK VERY PRO THAT SHUTTERS JOB,,,,,MIGHT BECOME THE NEXT BUSINESS INCOME....

[@tammyspurdle9208]

Thank you for your videos, a joy to watch them. ❤

[@tammyroyal7547]

Hi guys!! The shutters are looking awesome!! Love how the pool is looking!! So tropical!! Y'all take care ❤😊

[@jamesdunican1750]

Fantastic work on the shutters If you went to buy them they wouldn’t be better quality You are great at what you are doing 👍👍👍👍

[@peggyday236]

bamboo screens are a good choice. The are inexpensive, easy to use and they work well.

[@janriley138]

That workbench you’ve made, must be a life changer! A good height and adjustable length .. brilliant!!!

[@RevGerryRM]

SWEET! If I was young and had a beautiful wife, skinny dipping would be totally rad!!!

[@rolandtb3]

Create a shaded area around the raised pool. Trees, sunshade, tent. Guesstimate the volume and add an adequate amount of bleach. If possible a include an aerator preferably solar. Same for subtle overhead and footpath lighting. Any plans to build stairs or a ramp walking up to the open pool end? Using repurposed wood, rock, rubble? The extra shutters came out fine, rustic touches.

[@LifebyLiving]

We already have steps going up to it. We add chlorine in the summer months but not for the rest of the year as we use the water for watering plants & trees

[@rolandtb3]

Water appropriately diluted with chlorine is safe to drink. Should also be good for the plants. Try some of that protective greenhouse netting for protective overhead cover.

[@tapovardhanraut9873]

Window shutters look great . Like the idea of covering 3 sides of your pool for the protection from the Sun .👍

[@lidiaarbolario1722]

I love your positive and cheerful outllook. So refreshing.

[@LifebyLiving]

Thanks!😊

[@Aotruba]

I love the shutters!❤ Great job! Glad to see the plunge pool is almost ready ! Thank you for sharing! ❣️🐶❣️🐶❣️

[@MP...111]

I didn't know pool boy was part of your duties😊 As expected your craftsmanship on the shutters are first rate. Best videos on KZbin

[@garywilliams5675]

When making wood filler, I always use the dust out of the sander’s dust bag, as it makes much better/finer wood filler 👍

[@LifebyLiving]

That’s exactly what we did for the final two. Such a finer end result

[@lieuwina]

Those shutters are beautiful, much better than bought ones, beautifully finished off. Well done. Love the pool. Have a lovely day.

[@nigelnorton1140]

I do hope you have found that work balance . Well done ,there is always tomorrow or the day after.

[@lizregan1949]

You have done a wonderful job. And so enjoyable to watch.

[@user-gq8vy4lz4r]

there's the pool !! good job, guys, enjoy it !!

[@pattydonald7770]

I discovered your channel quite by accident! It's a lot of hard work in hot weather, but your sense of humor about it all is refreshing 😊. I'm sure you have more than your share of frustrations but your videos are light and fun. Thank you!

[@johnhensley7027]

Please consider doing a video or 2 of the village near your home. I'm curious as to what the area looks like. Thanks!

[@suzanneeichman9576]

You two make a wonderful team!

[@michaelwilson7819]

Hey you two, I have several things to say, one, I love how positive you two are, two, both of you are a breath of fresh air and I absolutely love how you relate with each other. Oh, and BTW, not doing a half bad job on the cottage, actually an awesome job but I don't want to give you guy's a big head, 😂. And you are one of my favorite u-tube channel's, don't change a thing.

[@sallyparker3131]

Love the music on today's video. Had me up and dancing! Love watching you guys.

[@LifebyLiving]

🕺🏻💃

[@FloatingVillageLife]

is truly inspiring! The dedication and effort you're putting into renovating your homestead for the upcoming hot summer are commendable. It's impressive to see how you're transforming your space with such care and foresight. Your commitment to creating a comfortable and sustainable environment shines through. Keep up the fantastic work, and continue sharing your progress and insights with your audience. I am Floating Village Life

[@jellievanderwerk2973]

Job well done greetings from the Netherlands

[@marybarnett9645]

Shutters look very professional 👌 glad your getting more rain for the land 🥰

[@mistydawncreates]

Any dip in water feels good when temps reach that high. Looking great out there.

[@jwestrik9308]

Those shutters are well endoweled..

[@LifebyLiving]

😂

[@pmichelerowes3700]

Copper in the pool will prevent algae growth

[@philipjarvis5979]

A policeman.?

[@lenneam3745]

@@philipjarvis5979😂

[@margomoore4527]

You can make any kind of ice cream you want, even without a crank device. Just make it the French way, with maybe 5 or six egg yolks, and once you’ve mixed it, put in a stainless steel bowl in freezer. Take out and stir every couple of hours. The egg yolks somehow prevent the development of ice crystals. You can make pure vanilla, vanilla bean, cinnamon, fig, plum, cherry, chocolate, whatever.

[@bobcole3852]

Coming along nicely! Was wondering about a paint color on the shutters for a spot 'o color....

[@Susan.I]

The shutters are beautiful and the pool looks great. And ready to cool off in!

[@juanitakauffman6336]

The work benches you made previously were very useful for you shutter work, great job!

[@oupaswoodshop1325]

Using sanding dust from the sander bag will work much better. Leave a lump on top to accommodate for shrinkage as it dry.

[@spicynomad]

i cant believe you guys made those from scratch. i dont know if you live close to 'the origin homestead' but they could use your help. they are working on their stone house now and you guys are further along and you have tools.

[@RMCluff]

You two have done and outstanding job! Every time I see your project I am surprised and you don't cut corners. Congratulations!

[@LifebyLiving]

Thanks!

[@clairecooper9931]

Those shutters are incredible great job 🙌 loving the screen around your pool, hope the weather changes soon for you to get in 😁

[@walshesworkshop]

Those shutters look fantastic! That would be a great sideline for you both 💰

[@dawnfitzgerald2951]

Great summer pool. Skinny dipping is the best. Enjoy…no one around to see you.❤️🇨🇦

[@johnlander1610]

For the shade you might find that extending the shade cloth on the top by a metre out each side and it would not cut off the breeze

[@carolwoodward6141]

Good morning from Virginia.😎

[@mariaxxx1014]

Thank you for tis post on Monday

[@nickythompson6468]

You two are so lovely😊. You make me laugh and I to see you developing new skills is so interesting. Good on you for taking this wonderful opportunity to create a new lifestyle by hand! Quite envy you...hope your summer isn't too hot! Take care😊

[@lindapeters9026]

The cottage looks so good. Can't wait to see how you fix it up.

[@didielenanzih6883]

Great job.So professional.❤🌞