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Our Manor on Main

Our Manor on Main

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Our Manor on Main
Our Manor on Main

Explore cozy from-scratch recipes, old-fashioned homemaking & slow living tips, or follow along with our historic renovation project.

rustic sourdough bread that is sliced next to a bouquet of flowers
FROM-SCRATCH RECIPES
Homesteading & Gardening
Inside view of a classic white doorway and statue, exuding elegance and timeless style.
DIY Projects & Decor
A cozy scene featuring purple lilacs in vases and a cup of coffee on a silver tray.
HOmemaking & Slow Living
A relaxing scene with a tea set and warm fireplace, perfect for a cozy home atmosphere.
Seasonal
Living
Colorful quinoa salad with fresh vegetables creates a healthy, balanced meal.
Healthy Living & Wellness
An image of a vintage vase with antique tarnished silverware, a small candle in a vintage glass vessel on a linen cloth.

A Little Piece of the Manor

Welcome to The Vintage Aviary, my little collection of handmade treasures and carefully curated vintage finds to bring a bit of the Manor into your home.

SHOP NOW

FRESH SPRING RECIPES

Sourdough Discard Lemon Blueberry loaf slices on a white plate ready to eat.
Sourdough Discard Lemon blueberry quick bread
I glass pitcher full of iced lavender lemonade water kefir.
Easy water kefir lavender lemonade
Homemade probiotic ranch dressing in a mason jar surrounded by fresh vegetables.
probiotic ranch dressing (Like Hidden Valley)
Lavender cold foam for spring drinks
Chicken sausage patties on a plate with fresh thyme sprigs.
easy homemade chicken sausage with herbs
Best sourdough carrot cake cinnamon rolls

SOURDOUGH RECIPES

MORE SOURDOUGH RECIPES
Artisan sourdough bread on cooling rack
Quick Made From Scratch Sourdough Bread
Simple Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread sliced on a cutting board
SimpLE Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread
A white bowl full of savory sourdough croutons with fresh herbs on a marble surface with a tea towel.
Homemade sourdough croutons
A freshly made sourdough waffle with dark chocolate chips and maple syrup drizzle on a plate on a linen tea towel
Easy Sourdough Waffles or Pancakes
Homemade sourdough tortillas in a bowl with a tea tkwel
Easy Sourdough Discard Tortillas
Sourdough Buttermilk Biscuits are fresh out of the oven in a cast iron skillet
Sourdough Buttermilk Biscuits

From-Scratch Recipes

More From-Scratch Recipes

  • A group of senior adults enjoying a meal together in a lush outdoor setting.

    8 Summer Gathering Recipes for Outdoor Entertaining

  • A bottle of strawberry simply syrup on a wooden surface with freshly cut strawberries.

    How to Make Strawberry Simple Syrup

  • I glass pitcher full of iced lavender lemonade water kefir.

    Easy Water Kefir Lavender Lemonade For Spring and Summer

Homesteading & Gardening

More Homesteading & Gardening

Recent Posts

  • Two chickens, including a Silkie, stand on grass in a sunny garden. Vibrant outdoor scene.

    Must Have Items for Your Chicken First Aid Kit

  • A woman sitting next to her homemade compost bin.

    Spring Composting 101: Easy Tips for Your Garden

  • Close-up of green sprouts emerging from soil in seed trays, symbolizing growth and vitality.

    15 Seeds to Start Indoors in Late February for a Thriving Spring Garden

Homemaking & Slow Living

More in Homemaking & Slow Living

Recent Posts

  • How to Romanticize Ordinary Life at Home with a Simple Winter Homemaking Reset

    How to Romanticize Ordinary Life at Home with a Simple Winter Homemaking Reset

  • An entryway of an abandoned old drug store with a staircase and plaster walls.

    What Renovating an Old Building Is Teaching Me About Home

  • Vintage thrifted finds scatter the counter showcasing curated finds for European style aesthetic.

    Thrifting with Intention: A Cozy Conway Weekend and a French Kitchen Dream

Our Manor Renovation Project

More Posts about our Renovation
  • DIY Renovation of an Abandoned 120-Year-Old Main Street Building

    DIY Renovation of an Abandoned 120-Year-Old Main Street Building

  • An entryway of an abandoned old drug store with a staircase and plaster walls.

    What Renovating an Old Building Is Teaching Me About Home

  • An old window opening is boarded up with chipping plaster surround.

    From Boarded-Up to Beautiful: Our European Windows Journey

DIY Projects & DΓ©cor

More DIY Projects & Decor

Recent Posts

  • Vintage thrifted finds scatter the counter showcasing curated finds for European style aesthetic.

    Thrifting with Intention: A Cozy Conway Weekend and a French Kitchen Dream

  • An old window opening is boarded up with chipping plaster surround.

    From Boarded-Up to Beautiful: Our European Windows Journey

  • Orchid plant in an antique white ironstone chamber pot on a shelf by a window

    Repotting An Orchid Plant with Antique Ironstone


Introducing the Manor on Main

Community Resource LiBrary

Free Resources at your fingertips! I want to invite you to explore my Free Resource Libraryβ€”a curated collection of printables and downloadable guides all centered around homesteading, design, and simple, beautiful living. Whether you’re looking for seasonal dΓ©cor inspiration or helpful tools for your homestead, it’s all there waiting for you to enjoy.

Access Free Downloads

We HAVE Got BIG

Dreams

Beautifully restored antique pressed tin ceiling

Restoring Our 118-Year-Old Historic Building Into a Dream Home | DIY Renovation Journey

It all began in 2012 when I took on my very first DIY upholstery projectβ€”reupholstering my dining room chairs. Discovering the joy of transforming old furniture into something beautiful and functional sparked a deep passion for DIY home decor, furniture restoration, and creative living. That single project planted a seed that has grown into a 12-year journey of hands-on learning, home transformation, and sustainable living.

I’m excited to share my story with you in hopes that it inspires you to chase your own dreams, embrace the beauty of handmade living, and believe in what’s possibleβ€”no matter where you’re starting from.


OUr manor

About Me

Welcome to Our Manor On Main

A homestead-inspired lifestyle blog sharing from-scratch recipes, cozy homemaking tips, seasonal slow living, and our historic renovation journey.

My name is Bri and I am a small town girl from the Midwest. I am a lover of Jesus Christ, owner of The Vintage Aviary Boutique, and a coffee enthusiast. I am passionate about all things creative including but not limited to music, culinary pursuits, painting, dancing, and design.

Read More

Follow Me On Social Media!

@ourmanoronmain

ourmanoronmain

Small Space, BIG dreams: A blog about homesteading, diy, and creating a cozy life β˜•οΈ
Follow as we turn our historical building into our dream home! ✨️

We’ve been trying to be more mindful about waste l We’ve been trying to be more mindful about waste lately. Just paying attention to what we’re using and what we’re throwing away.

Not anything extreme… just slowly learning to be more intentional with what we use and what we throw away.

Composting has been such an easy place to start.

Nothing complicated. Just scraps, a simple system, and letting it turn back into something useful.

I shared how we’re doing spring composting over on the blog if you’ve been wanting a more low-waste rhythm at home without overthinking it 🀍

Link in bio πŸͺ΄

#lowwasteliving #simplehomestead #compostinglife #intentionalhome #sustainablehabits
There’s never a dull moment with chickens πŸ˜‚ I loo There’s never a dull moment with chickens πŸ˜‚

I looked away for two seconds and suddenly we’ve got a full investigation happening in my flower pot. No training, just vibes.

They’re better than TV. Always β€œhelping,” always in something, always making me laugh.

Somewhere between restoring our old Main Street building and building our dream little mini homestead, I apparently hired a team of chaotic garden assistants.

And honestly… I wouldn’t have it any other way πŸ“

#backyardchickens #homesteadlife #chickensofinstagram #simpleliving #modernhomestead
Would you do it? Every single thing that goes int Would you do it?

Every single thing that goes into this home has to go up these stairs. And I mean everything. Windows that weigh a few hundred pounds. Sheets of drywall. Subfloor. Two by fours. Tools. Furniture. All of it.

There are days we stand at the bottom, look up, and just laugh a little because it feels a bit crazy. But then again, this place is worth it to us. Every step, every load, every sore muscle.

So I have to ask… would you do it? Or are we just a little crazy?

#homerenovation #homesteadlife #fixerupper #oldbuilding #diyhome
You wouldn’t even know these windows existed… Whe You wouldn’t even know these windows existed…

When we first bought this building, they were completely covered up, hidden behind drywall like they were meant to be forgotten.

My mom and I uncovered them years ago, just hoping there was something worth saving underneath.

And now… they’re finally coming back to life.

We have both windows in, and the way the light pours through in the evening feels like a reward for all the slow, messy progress it took to get here. I love opening them at sunset, listening to the birds, watching the sky change, and imagining what it will feel like when this place is finally home.

Piece by piece, it’s all coming together 🀍

#homerenovation #restorationproject #oldhomerescue #cozyhomevibes #slowliving
Sometimes dreams do come true… just not on the tim Sometimes dreams do come true… just not on the timeline you expected.

We found this building in 2012.
It took until 2018 to finally buy it.
And we’ve been working on it ever since.

There have been moments I didn’t know how we would keep going. Financial stress. COVID. Losing people I love, including my mom and the one who started this dream with me.

But something in me never let go.

This dream has always been bigger than the setbacks. Bigger than the delays. Bigger than the grief.

And I’m not quitting. Because the life we’re building here… it’s worth it.

If you’re holding onto something that feels far away right now, don’t give up. Keep showing up. Even if it’s slow. Even if it’s hard.

Sometimes that’s exactly how dreams come true 🀍

#homesteadinglife #restorationproject #oldhomerestoration #dreamhomejourney #slowandsteady
POV: You step outside and your fan club is already POV: You step outside and your fan club is already waiting πŸ˜‚πŸ€£πŸ€£

Jason opens the door and suddenly it’s a full sprint across the yard like he’s a celebrity!

Backyard chickens are equal parts eggs, chaos, and pure joy… and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Life on our little homestead in the middle of this old building renovation just keeps getting better 🀍

#backyardchickens
#homesteadlife
#chickenmom
#simpleliving
#farmlife
I have been having way too much fun experimenting I have been having way too much fun experimenting with new water kefir flavors, and this one might be my favorite so far 🀍

This lavender water kefir lemonade is perfectly sweet and tart, super refreshing, and such an easy way to sneak in some natural probiotics without even thinking about it. It just feels like spring in a glass!

I’ve been trying to find more ways to enjoy my homemade water kefir, especially heading into warmer weather, and lemonade felt like the perfect place to start. The light lavender flavor makes it feel a little extra unique without being overpowering.

Honestly, I can already picture this sitting out for an Easter lunch or just sipping a glass in the garden with a good book and some sunshine.

I’ll be sharing more flavor ideas soon because I am fully in my experimenting era right now and loving it!

#waterkefir #probioticdrinks #homemadelemonade #guthealthdrinks #naturalliving
Sourdough carrot cake cinnamon rolls for Easter mo Sourdough carrot cake cinnamon rolls for Easter morning 🀍🐣

Soft, fluffy, and filled with warm spices, sweet carrots, and that subtle sourdough tang… then finished with the dreamiest frosting. They taste like a cozy spring morning at home!

I made these on a whim while playing around in the kitchen, and now they’ve officially earned a spot on our Easter table. There’s just something about baking from scratch this time of year… 

If you’re craving something a little different (but still nostalgic), this is your sign to try them πŸ₯•

Save this for your Easter baking and send it to someone who would make these with you!

Comment β€œRECIPE” and I’ll send you the link!

#sourdoughbaking #easterrecipes #fromscratch #homemadegoodness #springbaking
Our kitchen is slowly becoming a no-food-waste zon Our kitchen is slowly becoming a no-food-waste zone from composting to feeding our chickens to making bone broth. 

This simple homemade croutons recipe is another way we use every bit of food we have. Perfect for spring and summer salads or cozy fall soups! 🌿

Full recipe on my blog linked in bio. 

#HomemadeCroutons #NoFoodWaste #KitchenHacks #CozyCooking #HerbCroutons
It doesn’t feel like spring to me until I’ve had s It doesn’t feel like spring to me until I’ve had something lavender.

For the longest time, that meant a drive-thru run and a cup in my hand. And while I still love that every now and then, I’ve been making it at home more lately… and honestly, it feels even more special.

Standing in the kitchen, windows cracked open, birds chirping, pouring this soft lavender cold foam over an iced latte… it’s slower, it’s simpler, and it saves a little money too.

Full recipe on the blog. Link in bio πŸ’œ

#lavenderlatte
#cozymornings
#fromscratchliving
#springathome
#homemadecoffee
When I got Lady Grantham, I had no idea how much s When I got Lady Grantham, I had no idea how much sass and cuteness I was in for. I loved raising her from a baby chick and watching her personality blossom.

Now she is living her best life at the manor and takes her role as queen very seriously. Watch her walk the yard with confidence and charm.

Who else rules their backyard like royalty? Comment below and share your favorite farm animal moment.

#homesteadlife #backyardchickens #raisingchickens #farmanimals #chickenpersonality
I found this beautiful vintage door on Facebook Ma I found this beautiful vintage door on Facebook Marketplace and learned it came from a historic home in one of our city’s old districts.

Now it is about to start a new chapter as the front door of our 120 year old building renovation.

Pieces like this are why I love restoring old places. They carry stories with them. πŸ’•

#historicrenovation
#vintagehome
#oldhouserenovation
#architecturalsalvage
#homesteadrenovation
This past weekend, we decided to take a quiet day This past weekend, we decided to take a quiet day at home in between renovation projects down at our old building. I paused by the window and watched the rain tapping on the roof. My little pink plant caught the soft light, and for a moment, everything slowed down. It reminded me how important it is to really notice the earth and the little joys around us. πŸ’§πŸŒΈ

Who else is taking a moment to slow down today?

#SlowLivingLife
#CozyRainVibes
#MindfulMoments
#HomeRenovationJourney
#NatureInspiration
Every backyard chicken keeper needs a first aid ki Every backyard chicken keeper needs a first aid kit! πŸ”βœ¨ 

Learn which supplies to stock, how to organize them, and what to use for common chicken health needs. Keep your flock safe, happy, and healthy with this simple guide for new and experienced homesteaders.

Blog link in bio 🫢

#BackyardChickens #ChickenFirstAid #HomesteadLife #ChickenHealthTips #FlockCare
POV you were about to buy Easter eggs but your bac POV you were about to buy Easter eggs but your backyard hens already took care of it πŸ”β€οΈ 

My girls are almost six years old and still laying the sweetest colorful eggs for our homestead table! 

If you love watching chicken life and spring moments at the homestead, stay awhile and tell me your favorite egg color below. 🌸πŸ₯š

#farmfresheggs #layinghens #backyardchickens #homesteadlife #rainboweggs
Just a normal morning in the chicken yard when Lad Just a normal morning in the chicken yard when Lady Grantham decided to debut her spring hairstyle.

I am not convinced she is still a chicken. She may have fully transformed into a dandelion. 

This is why I love backyard chickens. They keep life interesting. πŸ˜‚

#backyardchickens
#homesteadlife
#funnychicken
#chickensofinstagram
#simplehomestead
If you have sourdough discard sitting in your frid If you have sourdough discard sitting in your fridge, this Lemon Blueberry Bread is such a good way to use it.

Soft, tender, and bright with fresh lemon, this loaf is filled with sweet blueberries and bakes up more like a classic lemon loaf than traditional sourdough bread. It’s one of those simple recipes that feels a little special with a cup of coffee in the morning.

This is one of my favorite sourdough discard recipes when I want something easy and sweet.

The full Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread recipe is on the blog. πŸ‹πŸ«

#sourdoughdiscard #lemonblueberrybread #sourdoughrecipe #quickbreadrecipe #homemadebread
After losing my mom, it was hard to keep chasing t After losing my mom, it was hard to keep chasing the dream we started together.

Restoring this 120 year old Main Street building felt different without her there to celebrate the progress.

Then Jason stepped in and made the dream his too.

Long hours. Dust everywhere. Late nights working on a building that means so much to me.

He did not have to carry this dream with me, but he chose to.

And somehow he made me excited about it again.

I am really grateful for a man who shows up, works hard, and believes in the life we are building together.

Some dreams take a village. Sometimes they take one person who refuses to let you give up.

#historicrenovation
#oldbuildingrestoration
#renovationlife
#buildingourdream
#mainstreetrevival
Just my backyard chickens running the show one clu Just my backyard chickens running the show one cluck at a time πŸ”βœ¨

These feathery divas make every day a little cozier and a lot more fun!

πŸ‘‰ Tap Follow for more backyard & homestead moments.

❀️ Save this if it made you smile!

#BackyardChickens 
#ChickenLife 
#HomesteadVibes 
#CozyAnimals 
#FarmTok
I am building a life I do not need a vacation from I am building a life I do not need a vacation from and that starts with turning an abandoned 120 year old building into a home that feels like us. πŸ› πŸ‘βœ¨

This is more than renovation, it is life redesign, meaning, and intentional living in motion.

What is one thing in your life you do not want to escape from?

#LifeDesign #HomeRenovationJourney #IntentionalLiving #HistoricRestoration #SlowLiving
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