Simply Living Homestead | Homemaking, Rhythms, Organization, Time Management, Simplify, Systems

If you’ve ever sat at the end of a long day wondering how other women seem to do it all—raise children, cook meals, keep a home running, maybe even milk a cow or grow a garden—you’re not alone. I remember sitting in my son’s bedroom late at night asking that exact question: How do you do this life without constantly feeling behind? What I eventually realized is something most people never talk about. The first homesteading skill isn’t sourdough, gardening, or raising animals. It’s time management. In this episode, we talk about the skill that comes before all the other skills. I’ll walk you through why understanding your execution capacity matters, why adding more homestead projects can actually increase overwhelm, and how simple daily anchors can begin bringing order back into your day. You don’t have to build a perfect schedule today. You just need to start noticing the natural structure already present in your life. If you’re longing for a homemaking rhythm that gives you space to breathe, rest, and enjoy your family again, this episode will help you take that first step. Listen in, friend. I’m right here walking this journey with you. Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Community group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review Free 15-Minute Coaching Chat – Not sure where to start with your home, time, or homestead rhythms? Let’s chat for 15 minutes and see what support would help you move forward with clarity and peace. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/call Book a 1-Hour Coaching Session – Ready for real clarity and a plan that finally fits your life? In this focused hour, we’ll work through the areas you feel most overwhelmed—your home, your time, or your homestead systems—and create practical steps you can use right away. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/coach

If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one keeping the house running… you’re not imagining it. Many homemakers carry the invisible responsibility of meals, laundry, clutter, and organization—and it can feel exhausting when no one else seems to notice what needs to be done. I’ve lived this too. There was a season where Jonathan was working outside the home and I was responsible for nearly everything inside it. Over time we learned to share some of the big responsibilities. But once Emerson got old enough to play and make his own messes, we realized something important again: a peaceful home only works when everyone helps maintain it. In this episode, I’m sharing how to teach the home reset so your family can participate in maintaining the home instead of relying on you to do it all. We’ll talk about setting small expectations, organizing your home so your family can succeed, and modeling simple daily resets that even young kids can learn. If your heart longs for a home that feels peaceful instead of overwhelming, I hope this episode encourages you. You don’t have to carry it all alone. Listen in, friend. Let’s learn how to build a home that works for the whole family. Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Community group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review Free 15-Minute Coaching Chat – Not sure where to start with your home, time, or homestead rhythms? Let’s chat for 15 minutes and see what support would help you move forward with clarity and peace. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/call Book a 1-Hour Coaching Session – Ready for real clarity and a plan that finally fits your life? In this focused hour, we’ll work through the areas you feel most overwhelmed—your home, your time, or your homestead systems—and create practical steps you can use right away. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/coach

Have you ever looked at your to-do list and thought, “I know exactly what needs to be done… so why can’t I do it?” If winter has felt heavy, if your routines have drifted, or if your homemaking systems feel like they’re quietly unraveling — you are not alone. I’ve been there too. Some seasons feel like everything is falling apart, but often it’s not failure… it’s just missing anchors and undefined priorities. In this episode, I’m walking you through three simple questions that will help you identify exactly where your execution is breaking down. We’ll talk about decision fatigue, missing routines, and how to simplify your systems so you can move into the next season with clarity and energy. You don’t need a brand-new planner. You don’t need more willpower. You likely just need a small reset. Come listen in, friend. Let’s pull one small piece back together this week — and walk into the next season steady and encouraged, together. Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Community group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review Free 15-Minute Coaching Chat – Not sure where to start with your home, time, or homestead rhythms? Let’s chat for 15 minutes and see what support would help you move forward with clarity and peace. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/call Book a 1-Hour Coaching Session – Ready for real clarity and a plan that finally fits your life? In this focused hour, we’ll work through the areas you feel most overwhelmed—your home, your time, or your homestead systems—and create practical steps you can use right away. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/coach

Have you ever felt like your to-do list follows you everywhere? You’re folding laundry and thinking about emails. You’re working on a project and wondering if the dishwasher got started. It’s exhausting. I used to live there too — constantly half-working and half-homemaking, never fully present in either place. What finally changed things for me wasn’t working harder. It was creating intentional Work Zones. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what a Work Zone is, how it fits into your Time Management system, and why it reduces the mental load so many homestead moms carry. I’ll share how I use different work blocks in my own week, how I clock in and clock out, and how that simple structure gives me brain space back to actually care for my family well. If your days feel scattered and your brain feels full, this episode will help you build simple Zones and Routines that support both your work and your home — without letting them compete. You don’t have to live in constant mental clutter. Come listen in, and let’s build a beautiful life with intention — together. Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Community group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review Free 15-Minute Coaching Chat – Not sure where to start with your home, time, or homestead rhythms? Let’s chat for 15 minutes and see what support would help you move forward with clarity and peace. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/call Book a 1-Hour Coaching Session – Ready for real clarity and a plan that finally fits your life? In this focused hour, we’ll work through the areas you feel most overwhelmed—your home, your time, or your homestead systems—and create practical steps you can use right away. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/coach

Have you ever stood in your kitchen stirring supper while mentally counting how many animals still need attention and chores need done? I have. There were seasons where I felt torn between my dairy cows and my dinner table — and guilty no matter where I stood. If you’re building your Homestead while raising a family, evenings can feel like the breaking point. The chores aren’t optional. The kids aren’t optional. And somehow you’re expected to hold it all together. In this episode, I’m sharing how I stopped letting my animal chores ruin my evenings. I’ll walk you through how I separated my work block from my family block, why consistency matters more than perfect timing, and how to build a simple system that supports both your animals and your people. You don’t need more willpower. You need better rhythms. If you’re ready to feel capable instead of chaotic at 6 PM, this episode is for you. Come listen in, and then share your new routine stack inside our free community group so we can cheer you on. We’re building homesteads that serve our families — not steal from them. Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Community group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review Free 15-Minute Coaching Chat – Not sure where to start with your home, time, or homestead rhythms? Let’s chat for 15 minutes and see what support would help you move forward with clarity and peace. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/call Book a 1-Hour Coaching Session – Ready for real clarity and a plan that finally fits your life? In this focused hour, we’ll work through the areas you feel most overwhelmed—your home, your time, or your homestead systems—and create practical steps you can use right away. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/coach

Can I tell you something today? Learning another homestead skill isn’t going to fix your overwhelm. I say that with love — because I’ve tried. Winter is usually when I feel it the most. The craving for something new. A fresh project. A skill that makes me feel productive again. The desire to just DO something. That little dopamine hit that whispers, “This will finally make you feel caught up.” But meanwhile, the dishes still stack, the rhythms slip, and the chaos quietly lingers. In this episode, I’m sharing why chasing new skills won’t simplify your homestead life — and what actually will. We’re talking about mindset, time zoning, simple weekly structure, and organizing your environment in a way that lowers your mental load. Because peace doesn’t come from adding more… It comes from building rhythms that hold you steady. If you’ve been feeling behind, scattered, or tempted to add “just one more thing,” this episode is for you. There is hope. There is a way to simplify. And you don’t have to do it alone. Listen in, friend. Let’s build a homestead life that feels calm, not chaotic — together.

If life feels chaotic right now, you’re not alone. On the homestead—whether you have one child or many—there always seems to be another season, another demand, another shift coming your way. And when everything keeps changing, it’s easy to feel like your home is constantly slipping through your fingers. In today’s episode, I’m sharing how simple daily and weekly rhythms can keep your home running even when your schedule isn’t steady. We’ll talk about how rhythms fit into my Time Zoning Method, how anchor routines and tidy blocks reduce decision fatigue, and why evening and weekly resets are the secret to staying grounded during busy seasons. This isn’t about rigid routines or rules that make you feel guilty when life changes. It’s about building systems that flex with your season—so your home supports you instead of draining you. If you’re craving steadiness, clarity, and a calmer rhythm to your days, I’d love for you to listen in. We’re walking this journey together. Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Community group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review Free 15-Minute Coaching Chat – Not sure where to start with your home, time, or homestead rhythms? Let’s chat for 15 minutes and see what support would help you move forward with clarity and peace. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/call Book a 1-Hour Coaching Session – Ready for real clarity and a plan that finally fits your life? In this focused hour, we’ll work through the areas you feel most overwhelmed—your home, your time, or your homestead systems—and create practical steps you can use right away. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/coach

Have you ever sat down to start your day and felt stuck before you even began? You know what needs to be done—but getting started feels harder than it should. I’ve been there too, and for a long time I thought something was wrong with me. In today’s episode, I’m sharing how anchor routines completely changed the way I move through my day. When you don’t have anchors, everything feels scattered. But when you create a simple starting routine inside one time zone, decision fatigue eases and momentum builds naturally. We’ll talk about what anchor routines are, why they work so well for busy homestead moms, and how to set one up without overhauling your entire schedule. This isn’t about doing more—it’s about making it easier to begin. If you’re ready to feel capable again and step into your day with confidence, I think this episode will really encourage you. Come listen in, and let’s simplify this together. 💛 Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Community group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review Free 15-Minute Coaching Chat – Not sure where to start with your home, time, or homestead rhythms? Let’s chat for 15 minutes and see what support would help you move forward with clarity and peace. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/call Book a 1-Hour Coaching Session – Ready for real clarity and a plan that finally fits your life? In this focused hour, we’ll work through the areas you feel most overwhelmed—your home, your time, or your homestead systems—and create practical steps you can use right away. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/coach

If you’ve ever set up an organizing system that made perfect sense in your head — only to watch it fall apart the moment your family touched it — you are not alone. So many women discover their organizing style and then feel stuck trying to make it work in shared spaces like the kitchen, pantry, laundry room, or toy area. And the truth is, it’s not that you’re doing it wrong — it’s that shared spaces require shared systems. In today’s episode, I’m walking you through how to organize rooms when everyone is different. We’ll talk about how to blend styles, how to decide who to organize for, and how to simplify systems so they’re easy to reset — even on busy homestead days. I’ll also share how I organize differently for my own family than I do for my mother, and why that distinction matters so much. You’ll leave this episode inspired and equipped to pick one space in your home and make a small, practical change that actually sticks — without overwhelm or guilt. Come listen in, friend. We’ll figure this out together, one room at a time. Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Community group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review Free 15-Minute Coaching Chat – Not sure where to start with your home, time, or homestead rhythms? Let’s chat for 15 minutes and see what support would help you move forward with clarity and peace. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/call Book a 1-Hour Coaching Session – Ready for real clarity and a plan that finally fits your life? In this focused hour, we’ll work through the areas you feel most overwhelmed—your home, your time, or your homestead systems—and create practical steps you can use right away. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/coach

If your days feel heavier than they should—like every simple task takes too many steps—I want you to know there’s a reason for that. Most overwhelm isn’t about motivation or discipline. It’s about friction built into our homes. In this episode, I’m breaking down what zoning really is and why it works so beautifully in both homes and homesteads. I walk you through kitchen zoning first—because it’s familiar—and then show you how the same idea applies to entryways, school spaces, work areas, and even the flow of coming and going from your home. You’ll learn how to define zones based on real life, not ideal life, and how hotspots and clutter piles are actually clues that a space needs to be rezoned—not fixed or forced. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a short, manageable list of zones to create or tweak this week. If you’re craving more calm, less walking, and a home that supports your energy instead of draining it, this episode is for you. Come listen in—and let’s create flow together. 💛 Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Community group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review Free 15-Minute Coaching Chat – Not sure where to start with your home, time, or homestead rhythms? Let’s chat for 15 minutes and see what support would help you move forward with clarity and peace. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/call Book a 1-Hour Coaching Session – Ready for real clarity and a plan that finally fits your life? In this focused hour, we’ll work through the areas you feel most overwhelmed—your home, your time, or your homestead systems—and create practical steps you can use right away. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/coach

If you’ve ever tried an organizing system that looked perfect but completely fell apart in real life, I want you to know something right away—you’re not broken, and you’re not bad at homemaking. For years, I watched how differently the people in my own family functioned. I’m a hidden, detailed organizer. My husband needs to see everything, and everything is in its place. My mom? Big, open, visual categories or nothing works. Once I saw that, it all clicked—our homes and spaces weren’t failing us. The systems just didn’t match our brains. In this episode, I’m walking you through the four core organizing styles—macro, micro, visual, and hidden—using a simple grid that makes it easy to see where you naturally fall. We’ll talk about why systems fail, how styles can shift by room or season, and how to organize for the person who actually uses the space. My hope is that by the end of this episode, you feel encouraged and relieved—knowing you don’t need more discipline or prettier bins. You just need systems that support the way God designed you. Come listen in, and then join us inside the free community to share your organizing style and the small change you’re making this week. You don’t have to figure this out alone. 🤍 Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Community group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review Free 15-Minute Coaching Chat – Not sure where to start with your home, time, or homestead rhythms? Let’s chat for 15 minutes and see what support would help you move forward with clarity and peace. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/call Book a 1-Hour Coaching Session – Ready for real clarity and a plan that finally fits your life? In this focused hour, we’ll work through the areas you feel most overwhelmed—your home, your time, or your homestead systems—and create practical steps you can use right away. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/coach

If your house feels chaotic no matter how much you tidy, I want you to hear this first — you are not failing. Most of the time, we’re just fighting patterns we can’t yet see. In this episode, I walk you through how to identify your home’s hidden friction zones — the clutter hotspots, broken systems, and spaces that don’t match how your family really lives. I share what I noticed when I started doing evening resets and why thinking in usable zones changed everything for me. Together, we’ll talk through simple ways to look at your home with clarity instead of shame, so you can stop guessing what to organize and finally focus on the areas that actually matter. You’ll finish this episode knowing exactly where to start — and feeling encouraged that calm is possible. Come listen in, and let’s take this next step together. Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Facebook group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review Free 15-Minute Coaching Chat – Not sure where to start with your home, time, or homestead rhythms? Let’s chat for 15 minutes and see what support would help you move forward with clarity and peace. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/call Book a 1-Hour Coaching Session – Ready for real clarity and a plan that finally fits your life? In this focused hour, we’ll work through the areas you feel most overwhelmed—your home, your time, or your homestead systems—and create practical steps you can use right away. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/coach

If you’ve ever looked around your house and wondered why all the organizing advice still isn’t working—you’re not alone. So many homestead moms are trying to fix clutter and chaos without first stopping to ask what their home is actually meant to do. In this episode, I’m walking you through a perspective shift that changed everything for me. Before I ever learned how to manage my time, I learned how to organize my home around purpose—not perfection. When I finally understood my home as both a launch pad for our family and a safe place to land, everything from decluttering to daily rhythms started making sense. We’ll talk about the true role of the home—safety, nourishment, rest, and mission—and how recognizing friction points can guide you instead of discouraging you. You’ll walk away encouraged, clearer, and equipped with one simple step you can take today to bring peace back into your space. I can’t wait for you to listen in—and I’d love to hear the purpose you define for your home. We’re walking this journey together. Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Facebook group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review Free 15-Minute Coaching Chat – Not sure where to start with your home, time, or homestead rhythms? Let’s chat for 15 minutes and see what support would help you move forward with clarity and peace. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/call Book a 1-Hour Coaching Session – Ready for real clarity and a plan that finally fits your life? In this focused hour, we’ll work through the areas you feel most overwhelmed—your home, your time, or your homestead systems—and create practical steps you can use right away. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/coach

If you’ve ever felt like you’re juggling two full-time jobs—running your home and your homestead—you’re not alone. I used to feel buried under all the appointments, projects, and chores that lived only in my head. But little by little, I found a rhythm that brought it all together. In this episode, I’m sharing the four tools that changed everything for me: a shared Google Calendar, a simple paper planner, a family command center, and my trusty Homestead Binder. I’ll walk you through how they work together and how you can start using them to bring calm and clarity to your days. Let’s trade overwhelm for order, one tool at a time. Tune in and let’s simplify our days—together. Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Facebook group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review Free 15-Minute Coaching Chat – Not sure where to start with your home, time, or homestead rhythms? Let’s chat for 15 minutes and see what support would help you move forward with clarity and peace. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/call Book a 1-Hour Coaching Session – Ready for real clarity and a plan that finally fits your life? In this focused hour, we’ll work through the areas you feel most overwhelmed—your home, your time, or your homestead systems—and create practical steps you can use right away. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/coach

Have you ever spent the whole summer canning, freezing, and preserving food… only to realize months later that you barely used any of it? I’ve been there. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the simple shift that helped me stop forgetting what I worked so hard to put up — and start actually serving it at my family’s table. We’ll talk about making your preserved food visible, connecting it to the meals you already love, and creating a tiny night-before rhythm that makes using what you have so much easier. You’ll walk away with practical ideas you can try tonight, and a short list of meal inspiration to help you feel empowered in your homestead kitchen again. If you’re ready to turn all those jars and freezer bags into real meals, this episode is your invitation. Let’s walk it together, one simple step at a time. Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Facebook group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review Free 15-Minute Coaching Chat – Not sure where to start with your home, time, or homestead rhythms? Let’s chat for 15 minutes and see what support would help you move forward with clarity and peace. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/call Book a 1-Hour Coaching Session – Ready for real clarity and a plan that finally fits your life? In this focused hour, we’ll work through the areas you feel most overwhelmed—your home, your time, or your homestead systems—and create practical steps you can use right away. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/coach

You know that strange in-between week after Christmas—when the house feels messy, time feels slow, and you’re not sure what day it is? I’ve been there too. Between the toys, cookie crumbs, and leftover wrapping paper, it’s easy to feel like the joy of Christmas left behind a tornado. In this episode, I’m sharing how I use that quiet “dead space” between Christmas and the New Year to reset my home and heart. We’ll talk about simple ways to tidy your main spaces, rehome new gifts, and start dreaming for the year ahead—without overwhelm. If you’ve been craving peace after the holiday rush, this is your gentle reminder that order brings calm, and calm brings joy. Grab a cozy drink, take a breath, and let’s step into the new year together—with hope and a peaceful home. Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Facebook group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review Free 15-Minute Coaching Chat – Not sure where to start with your home, time, or homestead rhythms? Let’s chat for 15 minutes and see what support would help you move forward with clarity and peace. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/call Book a 1-Hour Coaching Session – Ready for real clarity and a plan that finally fits your life? In this focused hour, we’ll work through the areas you feel most overwhelmed—your home, your time, or your homestead systems—and create practical steps you can use right away. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/coach

Do you ever wake up on Christmas morning already overwhelmed? The clutter, the toys, the noise—it all hits before you’ve even had your coffee. I’ve been there too. Growing up, Christmas mornings were simple—quiet family time before heading to Grandma’s for lunch and gifts. These days, our family has added our own little traditions, but I’ve learned that peace doesn’t just happen—it’s prepared for. In this episode, I’m sharing how you can set up your Christmas morning for calm. You’ll hear practical rhythms for decluttering before the big day, prepping your space, and setting up two small systems that make all the difference. Let’s make this Christmas one of peace and presence, not chaos. Grab your cocoa, take a breath, and let’s walk through it together. Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Facebook group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review Free 15-Minute Coaching Chat – Not sure where to start with your home, time, or homestead rhythms? Let’s chat for 15 minutes and see what support would help you move forward with clarity and peace. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/call Book a 1-Hour Coaching Session – Ready for real clarity and a plan that finally fits your life? In this focused hour, we’ll work through the areas you feel most overwhelmed—your home, your time, or your homestead systems—and create practical steps you can use right away. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/coach

Can you believe it’s December already? Between the baking, the events, and the endless to-do lists, it’s easy to feel like peace has left the building. I’ve been feeling that tug too—and I’ve learned that a few simple daily rhythms can make all the difference. In today’s episode, I’m sharing five quick 5–10 minute habits that help keep your family running smoothly through the holidays. We’ll talk about small things—like writing a three-item priority list, prepping tomorrow’s dinner, and doing a quick evening tidy—that bring calm to your Christmas season. If you’re craving a slower pace and a little more breathing room, this episode will help you find it. Let’s walk this December together—one peaceful rhythm at a time. Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Facebook group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review Free 15-Minute Coaching Chat – Not sure where to start with your home, time, or homestead rhythms? Let’s chat for 15 minutes and see what support would help you move forward with clarity and peace. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/call Book a 1-Hour Coaching Session – Ready for real clarity and a plan that finally fits your life? In this focused hour, we’ll work through the areas you feel most overwhelmed—your home, your time, or your homestead systems—and create practical steps you can use right away. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/coach

Have you ever wanted to invite someone over… but stopped because your home felt too messy or overwhelming? I’ve been there too. When clutter builds up, it’s not just hard to clean—it’s hard to open your doors and your heart. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the real reason it’s so hard to host when your home doesn’t function well. We’ll talk about the biblical call to hospitality, how your home’s flow affects your energy, and the first small step toward creating a space that’s easy to reset and ready for fellowship. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about function. You don’t need a perfect home to be hospitable, just one that serves your family and gives you peace to welcome others. I can’t wait to walk with you through this. Listen in, take one small action in your home this week, and come share your progress in our free Facebook community. Let’s make hosting simple—and joyful—again. Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Facebook group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review Free 15-Minute Coaching Chat – Not sure where to start with your home, time, or homestead rhythms? Let’s chat for 15 minutes and see what support would help you move forward with clarity and peace. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/call Book a 1-Hour Coaching Session – Ready for real clarity and a plan that finally fits your life? In this focused hour, we’ll work through the areas you feel most overwhelmed—your home, your time, or your homestead systems—and create practical steps you can use right away. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/coach

Do you ever feel like your house just can’t stay clean no matter how much you pick up? I used to feel the same way. My so-called “10-minute resets” used to take me thirty — because everything was out of place, and I didn’t have systems that matched how our family really lived. In today’s episode, I’m sharing how quick room resets transformed my home. You’ll learn what a tidy routine is, why it’s different from deep cleaning, and how you can create your own 10-minute reset to keep your space livable day after day. We’ll walk through how to choose one area to start with, how to build a simple checklist for that space, and why short resets matter so much for peace at home. If you’ve been feeling behind or overwhelmed, this is your gentle reminder that you don’t need perfection — just a few minutes of intention. Let’s reset together, one room at a time. Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Facebook group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review

Have you ever felt like no matter how early you wake up, the day already feels behind? I used to start my mornings surrounded by clutter, dishes, and chaos — until one small mindset shift changed everything. In this episode, I’m sharing the story of how my therapist once asked, “If every business resets before the next shift, why don’t you?” That question led me to create an Evening Reset — a rhythm that closes the day and clears space for peace. You’ll learn how to build your own evening reset routine with an anchor action to kick it off, ways to involve your family, and how this one practice can transform your mornings before you even wake up. Let’s trade late-night overwhelm for calm, confident mornings — together. Listen in, and let’s make tomorrow a little lighter. Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Facebook group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review

Do you ever feel like your planner collects dust and your phone dings just stress you out? I’ve been there too. I’ve always said, “If it’s not in the calendar, it’s not happening!” — but it wasn’t until I learned to pair my digital tools with my paper planner that my time finally started to make sense. In this episode, we’re breaking down simple time management using your planner and Google Calendar — the perfect tools to help you live out the Time Zoning method. I’ll show you how to set up your week, what belongs in your calendar (and what doesn’t!), and how to give your brain space to rest while still getting things done. By the end, you’ll be ready to grab a planner from your cupboard, dust it off, and start using it again — but this time, with purpose. Let’s do this together, one simple zone at a time. Tune in and get ready to feel excited about organizing your time again! Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Facebook group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review

If you’ve ever felt like keeping up with meals, cleaning, and kids is an endless game of catch-up, you’re not alone. I’ve been there—standing in my kitchen at 5 p.m., wondering how it all slipped away again. In this episode, I’m sharing how I finally found peace through routine stacks—simple sequences that take the chaos out of daily life. I’ll walk you through how to build your own stack inside one zone of your day, so you can stop spinning and start moving with purpose. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to use Time Zoning and Routine Stacks to create order without burnout—and feel ready to take on tomorrow with calm confidence. Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Facebook group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review

Do you ever reach the end of the day wondering what you actually did — yet feeling completely spent? It’s not that you aren’t working hard… it’s that your time is scattered. In this episode, we’re walking through how to build a weekly rhythm that actually fits your life. You’ll learn how to look at your week as a whole, take inventory of your time, and group your activities into simple time zones — what I like to call “baskets” for your day. When you keep similar tasks together, you save time, energy, and mental space. Instead of running from one thing to the next, you’ll move through your day with purpose and flow. By the end, you’ll have the first version of your normal week — a simple baseline to guide your routines and help you build the calm, steady rhythm your family needs. So grab a notebook, and let’s start building a week that actually makes sense. Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Facebook group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review

Have you ever noticed how a trip, sickness, or emergency can throw your whole routine off—and how long it takes to feel “normal” again? I used to take a full week (sometimes two!) before I felt like I had my feet under me after disruptions. It wasn’t until my therapist asked, “Why don’t you have a reset routine?” that I realized I needed a system to help me bounce back. In this episode, I’m sharing the simple reset strategies that have changed everything for me. You’ll hear the story behind my realization, the difference between planned and unplanned disruptions, and the key steps you can take—like giving yourself grace, cutting back to bare minimums, and using a brain dump to clear mental clutter. My hope is that you leave this episode encouraged and hopeful—knowing you can create your own hard reset routine. With just a few simple steps, your days can feel lighter, and getting back on track won’t feel so overwhelming. So, grab your planner and let’s reset together. Take my Podcast Listener Survey and help shape the future of this podcast! https://links.ivorey.io/widget/form/lsOTg1sCuLzO0FwGMNwe Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Facebook group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review

Have you ever looked around your home or farm and realized your kids weren’t carrying any of the load? That was me this summer with my four-year-old. As an only child and only grandchild, he had been given everything—without learning responsibility. I knew that had to change. In this episode, I’m sharing how we began involving him in simple tasks like our Evening Reset and how that opened the door to teaching responsibility, one small step at a time. I’ll talk about how chores build character, what realistic expectations look like for kids of different ages, and why consistency matters more than rewards. My hope is that you walk away encouraged and empowered to start involving your own kids in daily farm life—whether that’s in the garden, with the animals, or just around the house. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s walk this journey together. Take my Podcast Listener Survey and help shape the future of this podcast! https://links.ivorey.io/widget/form/lsOTg1sCuLzO0FwGMNwe Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Facebook group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review

Have you ever felt like you’re carrying the entire weight of your home on your shoulders? I know that feeling all too well. Jonathan and I once found ourselves stuck in that exact struggle—until a couples therapist helped us realize something simple but life-changing: if we share a home, we should share the tasks. In this episode, I’m opening up about how we shifted from “helping” to truly sharing, what it looks like to take full ownership of household tasks, and how we use the Fair Play Cards to keep things balanced through different seasons. You’ll also hear practical ways to bring this conversation up with your husband—with love, respect, and the belief that he’s a good-willed man who wants to support you. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, my prayer is that this episode encourages you to take the next step toward sharing the mental load in your home. Listen in, and let’s walk this road together. Take my Podcast Listener Survey and help shape the future of this podcast! https://links.ivorey.io/widget/form/lsOTg1sCuLzO0FwGMNwe Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Facebook group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review

We all have those hard days when the animals, the house, or the work feels heavy—but sometimes the hardest battles are in our own minds. I know that struggle deeply. For years, I believed the lies that I wasn’t good enough, wasn’t lovable, and would never be enough. In today’s episode, I want to share how I learned to take those thoughts captive and replace them with truth. Sometimes it was scripture. Other times it was writing truths on sticky notes, my mirror, or even my phone so I could grab them when I needed them most. Over time, these little steps helped me shift from constant self-doubt to walking in more peace and confidence. If you’ve ever struggled with negative self-talk or felt stuck under the weight of lies, this conversation is for you. My hope is that you walk away encouraged, with a practical tool you can use the next time those hard thoughts come knocking. I’d love for you to listen in and take this journey with me. Take my Podcast Listener Survey and help shape the future of this podcast! https://links.ivorey.io/widget/form/lsOTg1sCuLzO0FwGMNwe Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Facebook group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review

Do you feel like there’s never enough time in your day? Overwhelmed by the endless to-do list? Wishing you could teach your children real-life skills, but the clutter and chaos make you feel like you’ll never be good enough? I’ve been there too. Friend, I’m so glad you’re here. If you’re a mom who dreams of that homestead life you see on Instagram, but feels like you’d need an extra 12 hours in your day to make it happen — this podcast is for you! Hi! I’m Amanda. Wife, Mama, Homesteader, Milkmaid, and a Daughter of the King. I've rocked the babies at 2 am, crying and wondering “How am I supposed to do it all?” The weeds grew taller, the dishes stacked higher than a giant game of tetris, the laundry went untouched — all while I tried to learn to make sourdough and milk a cow, hoping a new skill would fix everything. The truth that changed my future wasn’t a recipe or a quick fix — it was learning to simplify. To create systems that carried me from one task to the next, the rhythms that kept my day flowing smoothly, and the zones that held it all together like a pretty piece of twine. Now, I’ve built a plan that fits every part of me — the homesteader, the homemaker, the mama — and I’m ready to share it with you. So if you’re ready to finally manage your home with ease, homeschool your babies, keep the garden weeded, and still have time to learn new skills — grab your pitchfork and planner, friend. Let’s do this

Shopping for a family milk cow and not sure what to ask (or how to handle breeding once she’s home)? This episode is your confidence boost. I walk you through the exact questions to ask any seller—records, lactations, calving history, udder health, handling, temperament, production, due dates (vet-confirmed!), and a live milking demo—plus where to look (local homestead dairies, reputable sale groups, commercial dairies) and red flags to avoid. We also dig into breeding basics after purchase: AI vs. keeping/borrowing a bull, real costs and logistics, timing and success rates, and what to consider if you need to keep a closed herd or maintain milk while breeding. Finally, I touch on first-aid and health must-knows (mastitis signs, bloat emergencies, chapped teats) and a few tools and natural-care avenues to have on hand. If buying a cow feels intimidating, I hope this gives you language, questions, and a plan. You’re allowed to ask everything—and a good seller will gladly answer. Hit play, take notes, and step into cow ownership with clarity and peace. P.S. Tell me what you’re shopping for and where you’re stuck—email me at [email protected]. If this helped, follow the show and leave a quick review so more homesteading mamas can find simple systems and really good milk right at home.

Thinking about a family milk cow but overwhelmed by breeds, butterfat, and all the A2 talk? You’re not alone. In this episode, I break down the essentials so you can choose a cow that truly fits your homestead and your family. We walk through dairy vs. beef vs. dual-purpose (Jersey, Guernsey, Holstein, Brown Swiss, Dexter, Milking Shorthorn), what that means for milk volume, cream line, temperament, and feed needs, and how to think realistically about how much milk you’ll use once you’re making yogurt, butter, and cheese. I also explain A2/A2 in simple terms—who might benefit, what testing involves, timelines to expect, and how to handle sellers who charge a premium—plus practical ideas like crossing to a beef breed for better meat calves. By the end, you’ll have a clear starting point for “which cow?” based on your land, family size, and goals—and you’ll know what to research next. P.S. Next week is Part 2: the exact questions to ask the seller and how to plan for rebreeding. If this helped, I’d love to hear what breed you’re leaning toward—send me a note at [email protected]. And if the show serves you, follow and leave a quick review so more homesteading mamas can find peace, order, and really good milk right at home.

Ever have a week that goes completely sideways? In this episode, I share a real-life mid-July whirlwind: 7½ bushels of Lodi apples to sauce, a flooded basement after a big Iowa rain, a bee-sting kiddo, birthday plans, county fair, and… zero margin. Instead of melting down, I leaned on time-blocking, chose a true bare-minimum list (podcast, tidy/maintain, groceries), took a deep breath, and pivoted with peace. We’ll talk about how to build a simple “bare-minimum plan” for your own busy seasons, what to pause without guilt, and why honest systems—time management, home rhythms, and family teamwork—help you flex when life hits hard. I’ll walk you through practical examples from our homestead (applesauce marathon, garden in full swing, calves weaning) and a gentle mindset shift: breathe, then pivot. This is simple living in practice—homestead organization, Christian homemaking, and family rhythms that actually work. If you’re feeling behind, I pray this conversation gives you permission to do less, do what matters, and rest in God’s timing. Pop in your earbuds, take that deep breath, and let’s walk it together. P.S. I’d love to hear what you’re working on this week and how you’re learning to pivot—send me a note at [email protected]. And if this encouraged you, follow the show and leave a quick review so more homesteading mamas can find peace and order right where they are.

Your pasture is ready and your fencing is up—now let’s talk shelter, gear, and what your milking space really needs to look like. In Part 2 of our Homestead Dairy series, we’re digging into the practical setup: shelter, milking areas, must-have gear, and how to choose the right equipment for your setup. Whether you’re planning to hand milk or invest in a system, this episode is all about making your space functional, comfortable, and sustainable for the long haul. Main Themes/Topics Covered: Shelter Needs – 3-sided shelters, milking spaces, and how to prep for storms and winter weather. Gear You Actually Need – From buckets and teat dip to strainers and towels. Milking Methods – Pros and cons of hand milking vs. mechanical systems (and what we use in a pinch). Next Steps – Researching breeds, sourcing healthy animals, and preparing for the right cow for your family are coming in the next episode. Adding a cow means building systems that work for you. Start small, start smart, and create a setup that honors your capacity and grows with your homestead. Got questions about milking setups or starting a micro dairy? I’d love to help. Email me at [email protected] and let’s chat—it’s free.

So, you're dreaming of fresh milk, homemade butter, and a cow in your pasture—but are you really ready for what that takes? In this Homestead Dairy series, we’re breaking down everything you need to think through before your cow ever arrives. This episode focuses on the daily time commitment, what it really means to add a dairy rhythm to your life, and how to prepare your land, pasture, and fencing. If you’re in the dreaming or planning stage, start here to avoid overwhelm and burnout down the road. This is a 4 Part series, But because I am a talker, Episode 1 is broken into 2 Parts, so now its a 5 part series! See you next week for the second part of "How to Prepare for a Dairy Cow" Main Themes/Topics Covered: The Daily Commitment – Why dairy is a lifestyle, not just an animal. Time Boundaries – Milking means showing up every day, no matter the weather or holiday. Land & Fencing Prep – How much pasture you need, fencing options, and hay planning for winter. Real Talk on Self-Sufficiency – Why your cow will shape your daily life and how to prepare your mindset before she arrives. If you’ve been dreaming of a milk cow, this is where you begin. Let’s talk about what you really need to be ready for the work and joy of dairy life. Got questions or need help thinking through your setup? I’d love to hear from you! Email me at [email protected]

Have you ever walked away from a parenting moment thinking… “That’s not the kind of mom I want to be”? Yeah. Me too. In this episode, I want to open up about how we’re learning to speak life—not shame—over our son. Words carry power—especially in motherhood. Today, we’re talking about the impact our language has on our children, particularly when the days are hard and emotions run high. I’m sharing a raw look into our family’s story: how we moved from yelling and seeking control to choosing connection and understanding. Through occupational therapy, mindset shifts, and a whole lot of grace, we’ve learned to approach parenting with a new heart—and new tools. If you’ve ever felt stuck in reaction mode or grieved the way you responded, this one’s for you. Main Themes/Topics Covered: Honest reflections on parenting before the shift: yelling, reacting, and seeking control Eye-opening moments through our child’s neurodivergent diagnosis How occupational therapy changed the way we parent—and see our child The powerful mindset shift from control to connection, and shame to support Practical tools we’ve adopted: time-ins, emotional regulation, helpful scripts, and sensory awareness Encouragement for the mom who’s trying, failing, learning, and trying again Mama, if your heart feels heavy today, I want you to hear this: you’re not alone, and you’re not failing. You’re learning. You’re growing. Your voice—gentle, grounded, and grace-filled—has the power to shape your child’s world in beautiful ways. If this episode spoke to you, would you share it with another mama who needs the reminder? I’d love to hear your heart. Your struggles, your questions, your victories. Send me a note at [email protected]—you’re not walking this alone Find Me Online: 🌿 Website: www.SimplyLivingHomestead.com 🌿 Facebook & Instagram: @thesimplylivinghomestead

Ever wonder how a homesteading mama gets it all done—from milking cows to managing a business—without losing her mind? Today’s episode is a special one, thanks to a sweet listener named Cherish who asked for a behind-the-scenes look at what a typical day looks like for me here at Simply Living Homestead. From early-morning Bible study and farm chores to homeschooling, content creation, and family rhythms, I’m sharing how I time-block my days, where I make room for grace, and how I stay grounded in the midst of a full life. Whether you’re wrangling kids, cows, or both, I hope this episode gives you a little encouragement—and maybe even a few practical ideas to bring peace and structure into your own routine. Main Themes/Topics Covered: My morning routine: Bible study, chores, and getting the house moving Midday rhythm: housework, farm projects, lunch, and a focused work block Content creation and business tasks woven into homestead life Evening routines: shared chores, supper, bedtime with kids, and quiet evening moments How I balance productivity with grace and flexibility Encouragement for mamas managing full, beautiful, and imperfect days No matter how full your days are, you’re allowed to pause, breathe, and make space for both purpose and peace. If this episode gave you a new idea or a little encouragement, would you send it to a fellow homesteading mama? Have a question about how I structure something—or want to share your own rhythm? I’d love to hear from you! Send me a message at [email protected]. Find Me Online: 🌿 Website: www.SimplyLivingHomestead.com 🌿 Facebook & Instagram: @thesimplylivinghomestead

Homesteading is often celebrated as a path toward doing everything yourself. But what if that very mindset is what’s wearing you down? Today, let’s talk about redefining self-sufficiency and how true sustainability grows in the soil of community. In this heartfelt episode, I’m unpacking why I’ve grown uncomfortable with the term “self-sufficiency”—not because the goal is wrong, but because the mindset can sometimes lead us toward isolation and burnout. From my upbringing in a family-style compound community to my current homestead life, I’ve seen both sides. We’ll talk about the warning signs of burnout, how to ask for help without guilt, and practical ways to build organic, local community around you. If you’ve ever felt like you have to do it all to “count” as a real homesteader, this conversation will challenge and encourage you. We were never meant to do this alone. Main Themes/Topics Covered: Why “self-sufficiency” often gets misunderstood—and how to reframe it Personal stories from growing up in community and what that taught me Warning signs of burnout from doing too much on your own Practical ways to ask for help and start building real-life homesteading friendships Creative community ideas: bartering, workday swaps, tool libraries, and more Mindset shifts like: “Community makes the work lighter and the joy deeper” Maybe it’s time to take one small step—reach out to that neighbor, say yes when help is offered, or host a simple work swap day. You might be surprised by how much beauty is found in shared work and friendship. Tell me about a moment when community made all the difference in your homesteading journey. Email me at [email protected]—I’d be honored to hear your story. Find Me Online: 🌿 Website: www.SimplyLivingHomestead.com 🌿 Facebook & Instagram: @thesimplylivinghomestead Sign Up for Raw Dairy in Central Iowa HERE Get the Newsletter HERE SHOW NOTES

In today’s episode, we’re talking about the beautifully chaotic reality of raising littles while running a homestead (or trying to get anything done, really). I’m joined by my dear friend Leslie to have an honest, grace-filled conversation for the mamas in the thick of it—whether you’re balancing chores and children, business and babywearing, or faith and fatigue. We’ll share the real-life struggle of feeling pulled in all directions, the guilt of not “doing enough,” and the surprising ways we’ve found joy and purpose in the middle of it all. You’re not behind, Mama—this is the work. And God meets us right here, at the kitchen sink and the chicken coop, with children tugging at our skirts. What it’s really like trying to be productive with little ones around How to shift your mindset and routines to find small wins and creative solutions (hello, toy buckets in the barn!) Encouragement to let go of perfection and lean into presence A conversation about faith in the chaos—and how interruptions can be holy invitations Practical tips for including kids in the work (without losing your mind) Closing challenge: Invite your children into one task this week and watch what happens If this episode encouraged you, share it with a fellow mama who’s doing the hard and holy work of raising kids while homesteading or working from home. Your presence matters more than your productivity. Tell me your best (or most chaotic!) story of trying to homestead with littles underfoot. I’d love to hear from you at [email protected]. On Facebook and Instagram @thesimplylivinghomestead Sign Up for Raw Dairy in Central Iowa HERE Get the Newsletter HERE SHOW NOTES

For many of us, our children are the reason we started homesteading. But in the daily grind of chores and projects, it’s easy to overlook the greatest gift we’ve been given—our little ones. So how do we actually bring them into the skills we’re building, in ways that feel joyful, not stressful? This episode is an invitation to slow down and welcome your kids into the traditional skills you’re learning on the homestead. Whether your children are toddlers who mimic your every move or preteens ready to take on real responsibility, we’re talking about how to meet them where they are and give them space to grow. I’ll share how my own son, who’s always underfoot, became my favorite farm helper—and what my dad taught me about the beauty of letting kids fail. We break down age-appropriate ideas and activities for toddlers, early elementary kids, and older children. From collecting eggs and helping with feed, to tracking chores and learning to preserve food, you’ll hear dozens of simple, doable ways to help your kids build confidence, connect to the land, and feel a sense of belonging on the homestead. Along the way, I’ll remind you that this isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, and planting seeds of wonder and work ethic for the next generation. Let your kids try. Let them mess up. Let them grow. This might be your dream—but it can become their legacy too. If this episode encouraged you, share it with another homesteading parent, or leave a review so more families can find this podcast. Got a story or question to share? I’d love to hear it. Reach out at [email protected]—I’d love to hear how your kids are learning alongside you. On Facebook and Instagram @thesimplylivinghomestead Sign Up for Raw Dairy in Central Iowa HERE Get the Newsletter HERE SHOW NOTES

When there is so much to do in your home, on your homestead, and with your children every day—how do you find time to be still? Even when your heart craves a slower pace, life rarely slows down on its own. In this episode, I’m sharing the real-life story of how I stumbled into stillness through blogging, and how it became a practice that grounded me in motherhood and homesteading. You’ll hear why rest isn’t lazy, but actually deeply spiritual—and how God uses stillness to meet us right where we are. We’ll talk about why stillness matters—not as another task on your list, but as a rhythm that nourishes your soul. From feeling guilty about rest to struggling with mental clutter or time scarcity, we’ll name the challenges and share simple, grace-filled ways to make space for peace. Whether it’s five minutes of silence, a quiet chair in the corner, or a walk with your kids—this episode offers practical encouragement rooted in Scripture and real life. Scriptures Shared: Psalm 46:10 – “Be still and know that I am God.” Exodus 33:14 – “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to Me, all who are weary…” Luke 5:16 – “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “There is a time for everything… a time to be silent and a time to speak.” Stillness isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline. If today’s episode gave you space to breathe a little deeper, share it with a friend who might need that same reminder. Want to suggest a topic for a future episode? Leave a review or message me—I’d love to hear from you! Send your thoughts or topic ideas to [email protected]—I always love hearing from you. On Facebook and Instagram @thesimplylivinghomestead Sign Up for Raw Dairy in Central Iowa HERE Get the Newsletter HERE SHOW NOTES

When there is so much to do in your home, on your homestead, and with your children every day—how do you find time to be still? Even when your heart craves a slower pace, life rarely slows down on its own. In this episode, I’m sharing how learning to be mindful and still grounded me in motherhood and homesteading. You’ll hear why rest isn’t lazy, but actually deeply spiritual—and how God uses stillness to meet us right where we are. We’ll talk about why stillness matters—not as another task on your list, but as a rhythm that nourishes your soul. From feeling guilty about rest to struggling with mental clutter or time scarcity, we’ll name the challenges and share simple, grace-filled ways to make space for peace. Whether it’s five minutes of silence, a quiet chair in the corner, or a walk with your kids—this episode offers practical encouragement rooted in Scripture and real life. SHOW NOTES Scriptures Shared: Psalm 46:10 – “Be still and know that I am God.” Exodus 33:14 – “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to Me, all who are weary…” Luke 5:16 – “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “There is a time for everything… a time to be silent and a time to speak.” Stillness isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline. If today’s episode gave you space to breathe a little deeper, share it with a friend who might need that same reminder. Want to suggest a topic for a future episode? Leave a review or message me—I’d love to hear from you! Send your thoughts or topic ideas to [email protected]—I always love hearing from you. [email protected] On Facebook and Instagram @thesimplylivinghomestead Sign Up for Raw Dairy in Central Iowa HERE Get the Newsletter HERE SHOW NOTES

SHOW NOTES Today’s episode comes from listener homemaker_beus, who writes: "I’m so glad Amanda is doing this podcast! She sounds like a genuine friend and gives such good insight into homesteading. Keep it up! And please share any tips for raising backyard chickens (for beginners like me!)." If you’d like to suggest a topic, leave a comment or review on Apple Podcasts! Backyard chickens are more popular than ever, but where do you start? Whether you’re hatching your own chicks, picking them up from a farm store, or just dreaming of fresh eggs, this episode walks you through the essentials of chicken keeping. Topics Covered: Must-know facts about chickens Setting up a brooder for baby chicks Building a safe and functional chicken coop Integrating new chicks with an existing flock Troubleshooting common flock issues Keeping chickens is rewarding, but it does require some planning and care. By the end of this episode, you’ll have the confidence to start (or improve) your backyard flock! Resources & Connect: Send me your chicken-related questions at [email protected]. Follow along on Instagram & Facebook: @thesimplylivinghomestead Visit www.SimplyLivingHomestead.com Don’t forget to leave a review and let me know what homesteading topics you’d love to hear next!

SHOW NOTES Are you ready to add animals to your homestead? Whether you’re looking to produce your own food or just love the idea of having livestock, choosing the right first animal is an important decision. Today, we’re breaking down different homestead animals, their pros and cons, and what you need to consider when starting out. A common question in the homesteading community is: Which animal is the best to start with? The truth is, no animal is inherently easy—each comes with its own requirements, rewards, and challenges. Instead of looking for the “easiest” option, think about the level of care, space, and time commitment each animal requires. In today’s episode, we’ll walk through beginner-friendly animals, intermediate livestock, and milk-producing animals so you can make an informed decision for your homestead. Main Topics Covered: Beginner Animals (Low Cost, Low Input, Small Space): Chickens – Easy care, egg and meat production, but require predator-proofing. Ducks – Hardy birds that lay in winter, but need a water source and can be messy. Rabbits – Small space, great meat source, and produce amazing manure for the garden. Intermediate Animals (More Space, Fencing, Higher Input): Pigs – Fast growers and land clearers, but require strong fencing. Goats – Great for brush clearing, but known escape artists! Sheep – Gentle and pasture-based, but need rotational grazing to avoid parasites. Beef Cows – Provide a large meat yield but require more land and feed. Bees – Small space, honey production, and pollination benefits, but high startup costs. Milking Animals (High Commitment, Equipment, and Space): Dairy Goats – Smaller and easier to manage than cows but require daily milking and parasite management. Dairy Cows – Large milk supply for butter, cheese, and yogurt, but need a lot of space and feed. Fiber Sheep (Optional) – Produce wool for fiber arts but require shearing and pest control. Connect with Me: 📧 Email: [email protected] 📍 Facebook & Instagram: @thesimplylivinghomestead 🌐 Website: www.SimplyLivingHomestead.com

SHOW NOTES Does your family eat together often? Sitting down for a meal is a powerful way to slow down and connect, but if you haven’t made it a habit, where do you start? Today, we’re talking about the art of gathering your family around the table—and practical tips to make it a consistent and enjoyable routine. I grew up in a family that valued eating meals together, and as I prepared for this episode, I came across some fascinating statistics on family dinners. Studies show that families who eat together experience less stress, make healthier food choices, and even spend more quality time together. But with busy schedules and different routines, how do you make it happen? In this episode, we’ll explore simple ways to make family meals a priority, including meal planning, setting routines, and getting everyone involved. Main Topics Covered: Planning Your Meals: Taking time to plan meals reduces stress, ensures you have the right ingredients, and helps set realistic expectations for sit-down meals each week. Involving kids in meal prep and table setting also makes them feel included. Creating a Routine: A consistent dinnertime helps the whole family know what to expect. Whether it’s through a starting ritual like prayer, gratitude, or conversation cards, setting a routine makes meals smoother and more meaningful. Getting Everyone Involved in Cleanup: Even the smallest hands can help clear the table or wash dishes. When everyone pitches in, clean-up is quick, easy, and part of the shared experience. Connect with Me: Email: [email protected] Facebook & Instagram: @thesimplylivinghomestead Website: www.SimplyLivingHomestead.com Show Notes Resources: Family Dinner Statistics: Instacart Report Conversation Starters: Talking Point Cards

SHOW NOTES Over the past two weeks, we’ve talked about planning and starting a garden in the spring. Today, we’re shifting focus to food preservation—what I put up for the winter and when I harvest different foods throughout the year. My goal is to give you insight into when things are ready and what you can incorporate into your own garden and homestead! Preserving food isn’t just about stocking up—it’s about knowing what’s in season, when to harvest, and the best methods for storing food to last through the winter. This episode breaks down seasonal preservation, from spring’s fresh eating to fall’s big canning projects, helping you build a year-round food supply that fits your family’s needs. Key Topics: Spring: Light preservation—blanching and freezing early crops like lettuce, radishes, broccoli, and strawberries. Summer: The busiest time for preservation—canning, freezing, and dehydrating vegetables like tomatoes, green beans, and cucumbers, plus berries and melons. Fall: Harvesting and storing root crops, squash, apples, and pears for winter use. Winter: Processing anything left over from the growing season that was frozen for later canning or preserving. Have a favorite preservation method or a family tradition for putting up food? Share your experiences in the comments! Let’s chat about all things food preservation! Email me at [email protected], Find me on Facebook and Instagram @thesimplylivinghomestead.