Simple Homesteading Life

The goal for many women, especially homesteading women, is to become a full-time homesteading housewife, or homesteading homemaker. However, in this day and age many homesteading women do not have this opportunity. Instead you will find many of us balancing home, children, and property responsibilities with a full-time job.  The dream to solely manage the property, family, and home is within reach. We as modern homesteading homemakers need to learn how to achieve this goal. How is it possible for us to do it all? Even I maintain a full time job while running the homestead.  In this episode I'll talk to you about balancing career, family, and homestead responsibilities without feeling inadequate when we do not get ALL-THE-THINGS done. Make sure to read my article, The Homesteading Housewife. If this podcast resonates with you or someone you know, please share it. No-one should ever feel inadequate in the roles of being a homemaker. 

In this episode I talk about how to make your dreams a reality. Many will quit the homesteading life because they become frustrated and do not have the necessary information to achieve living a sustainable homesteading life.  I want to share with you how we problem solve projects and goals to accomplish what we need in order to continue living a sustainable life. In detail I talk about: Find the workaround for projects which will hinder your ability to live sustainably. Determine if it is the right time to incorporate another project. Research thoroughly the task which you need to accomplish.  Find your community. Plan accordingly.  This life is worth living, do not walk away from your dreams because the reality of achieving it is difficult.  #homesteading #sustainableliving #goalsetting

I like to believe that our 7 children have learned something from us over the years. In truth, I pray that out of the 7 at least 2 will seek to live the life we do. However, each child is their own person and their dreams may not always align with ours.  There are two types of homesteading kids: Ones that are born into this life Children who are brought into this life Today's podcast covers the latter of the two, the kids who were uprooted from everything they know and brought on this homesteading journey. In this podcast episode I give 5 tips on how to raise homesteading children, along with how to instill the values of living a simple, traditional life. This can be accomplished with children of all ages, when you begin is key.  Once our kids are gone and we become empty nesters, Justin and I know we've done something right when our children share with their children the stories of our homestead and why we chose to live the way we do. #homesteading #homestead #homesteadingkids

He's back! My husband has joined me for another episode, and this time we're talking about whether we can survive the zombie apocalypse or not. Through all the joking, we did cover a few good points, but with him, you never know whether you're going to laugh your way through the episode or learn something.  I promise, once he get's his feet wet a bit more we'll talk more on living a sustainable life with your spouse. So for now, enjoy this very candid conversation about surviving the apocalypse! Also, we talked about our Harvest Right freeze dryer. This appliance is pricy, however, it makes a big difference in home food preservation.  #homesteading #sustainableliving #homesteadinglife

Let me preface this with, what a humbling experience it was. Six days of no electricity or water teaches you a valuable lesson, you're not as prepared as you thought you were. In this episode I talk about the overall experience as well as, what I could live without and what I must have on hand.  Would I live off-grid full time? I'm still wondering this myself. *please note, this original episode was accidently deleted  Discover more about our homesteading journey on my website - afarmgirlinthemaking.com and make sure to sign up for our newsletter. You can also find us on FB, IG, and YouTube under @afarmgirlinthemaking Preserve foods as a sustainable homesteader would, grab a copy of my book The Farm Girl's Guide to Preserving the Harvest. An easy to comprehend guide to canning, fermenting, drying, curing, freezing, and storing fresh foods. 

I am so very thrilled to announce that Justin, my husband, joined me on this podcast episode! And also that I ordered a new mic because this one stinks. For this episode I wanted to give you a view of how he and I work together, and what it looks like behind the scene. He's a great man with a lot of heart, and I am so very glad you get to meet him.  We spent 30 minutes talking about working together, his perspectives, goals, and how difficult and rewarding it can be to homestead on top of working 40 to 50 hours a week outside of the home. The most incredible outcome of this podcast, we both learned something new about each other in this episode.  Working with your spouse can be difficult, regardless of how close the two of you are, each has a different mindset and that is how God intended it to be. Learning how to meet in the middle is key to accomplishing great things.  _____________________________________________________________________________________________ My Sustainable Garden Workbook is now available for pre-order at a discounted price for a limited time. Grab your copy now!  Need help using up the items which you painstakingly preserved? My Pantry to Table Cookbook will do just that! Enjoy traditional hearty recipes which are easy to make using items from the pantry.  #homesteading #farmlife #marriage

For the past 5 years I have created a personal mission statement for myself. This has allowed me to remain on task for what I seek to accomplish throughout the year. A mission statement is designed to keep you focused or refocus yourself when things become hectic, and trust me, it's going to happen.  In this episode I share with to you why I began creating a personal mission statement verses a family or property one. I am also sharing with you what my 2021 mission statement covers. You won't be surprised to know that it covers homesteading, self, and my personal relationships. Also, here are the links which I talked about in this episode:  My books:  Pantry to Table Cookbook The Farm Girl's Guide to Preserving the Harvest The Sustainable Garden Workbook (pre-order now at a discounted price) Stay up-to-date on future courses, books, workbooks, recipes, preserving tips and recipes, and homestead related articles by joining my email list. 

We seek to live a traditional life in a modern world, which can make it VERY difficult. Many seek to hold onto appliances and items because it brings them convenience, and that is okay. However, if you had to downsize your home or live off grid, would you really be okay with letting these items go?  This episode stemmed from an Instagram post about not owning a dishwasher. I quickly discovered there were three type of people when it comes to getting dishes cleaned: the handwasher who loves the task and finds it therapeutic  the individual who doesn't have time to hand wash due to large family or busy schedules the individuals who feel the only way to properly wash and sanitize dishes is with the use of a dishwasher I began thinking, what other modern appliances would others have a hard time getting rid of? In today's episode I talk about 5 modern appliances which may prove difficult for many to let go of. This simple homesteading life in a modern world has a different take for each person.  Also, here are the links which I talked about in this podcast: convention oven/air fryer my book, The Farm Girl's Guide to Preserving the Harvest Make sure to come back for the second part of this episode! 

A quick end of the summer recap covering the garden, preserving, livestock care, and property maintenance. It is an never ending process, but let's talk about this. From here we head into a very sensitive topic for many, seasonal depression. I am working on getting through this late fall and winter season with a lot more ease. Join me in learning what I am doing to make changes within our small farmhouse to get me through this season.  Also discussed in this episode: Planting Garlic - https://afarmgirlinthemaking.com/how-to-plant-garlic-and-when-to-harvest-garlic/ DIY Porch Wood Box - https://afarmgirlinthemaking.com/diy-wood-box-storing-firewood/ #fallgarden #winterblues #homestead

It is the end of the summer and soon enough you'll have green tomatoes available. If you're anything like me, you'll may have a quite a bit to processes and preserve. In this episode I talk all about the difference between green to red tomatoes and methods for preserving them.   acidity level the correct way to preserve them options on how to preserve them Canning recipes:  Canning Green Tomato Slices 50+ Green Tomato Recipes Heirloom Tomato Pie Coming soon to the website - Green Tomato Pasta Sauce with recipe!

The romantic portager or farmhouse kitchen garden is on the mind of many homesteaders lately. This garden space is often found close to the home (actually, right outside the kitchen) and has a layout much different than the main or market garden. Well, unless you're like me and your main garden is very similar to the portager. In this podcast I talk about what makes up a kitchen garden and how extremely easy it is to design one to fit your space. I may have been a bit pushy in encouraging you to build one, and the only reason why is because I've come to truly love my little farmhouse garden!  The review of this space will release onto our YouTube channel on August 24, we hope you'll stop by and see the space which I've designed. Also, on the 24th you will have access to an article on my website on tips to designing your own farmhouse kitchen garden space.  I'll talk to you guys next week!  #farmhousekitchengarden #designingapotager #kitchengarden 

A well stocked pantry will have 6 months worth of pantry staples at any given time. This does not cover what we preserve from the garden, but instead non-perishables which are regularly purchased from the market. Is your pantry successfully stocked for a pandemic, unemployment, or natural disaster? If not, I talk about the basics every pantry should have, AND how to substitute the items which are sold out. For example, what can be substituted for cooking oil? What produce stores best long-term? Do you know how to make many household cleaning supplies and personal hygiene products? This podcast skims the Pantry Preparedness Guide, however, a full detailed list can be found here: https://afarmgirlinthemaking.com/pantry-preparedness-stocking-your-pandemic-pantry/ Or if video is your preference, take a look at our YouTube video: https://youtu.be/aAPp0Lu9ZOY Part of a well-stocked pantry is the ability to own your food source. Take the steps for owning your food source and preserving the garden's bounty or items which have been purchased from your local farmers market. My book, The Farm Girl's Guide to Preserving the Harvest will provide you the confidence you need to preserve foods within the comfort of your home.  Do not wait until the last minute to stock your pantry, it is best to always be prepared at all time, regardless if you are homesteading or living in town.  #pantrypreparednessguide #foodstorage #preparingforapandemic 

Many homesteads do not thrive due to procrastination. Let me give you a hint as to what I am referring to:  Garden Preserving Raising livestock Projects Home  Come discover the 5 tasks which causes homesteaders to feel overwhelmed, learn tips as to how to resolve the issues, and how to get back on track to being a successful homesteading family!

In truth, there are more than the 5 tips mentioned here in order to live simply. However, the 5 tips I talk about make-up the mission statement for our homestead. For those who have additional tips feel free to share them in the comments!  Reduce your footprint Food Ownership Go Green As suggested, here are additional items to help you in the journey to living a simpler life. No Knead Bread (perfect for kids) Homemade Laundry Soap  DIY Clothesline My Book - The Farm Girl's Guide to Preserving the Harvest

The homesteading community is growing by leaps and bounds, but it needs more leaders. More contributors. More individuals who seek to bring others into the life we live. Homesteading leaders come from all walks of life, the suburbs, small homesteads, large farms. You do not need a platform to be the leaders. You need to have passion about the life you live. In this podcast I cover how to organically draw people into the lives we live. Also, I've included a challenge for each one of you. Take the challenge and then sit back and watch the outcome.  Be the teacher, leader, sharer, giver, and encourager for the life we live. You have as much clout as I do on this matter.   #homestead #leadership #mentor

Sustainable homesteaders are different than most. We have emotions which often can't be tamed. They are raw, and they are there.  The miracle of life should never be taken for granted. The individuals who view our lives often find it difficult to understand how we can value birth and the lives of our livestock just to consume it a few months later. Fair enough. Animals deserve being held, petted, talked to, cuddled with, be allowed to see the sun, stretch its legs, eat grass and bugs, and run free. Unfortunately, there are many which don't. Factory farming has taken away the understanding of where food comes from and the humanity it takes to be good stewards to our livestock.  One of my older children had asked how I felt when we butchered our livestock, and as I explained the about to him, he instantly understood.  Butchering day is just as rewarding as the day they were born. The animals on my homestead serve a purpose, and while they are here they will run free and live the lives they deserve to live.  This is what makes homesteading and farming worthwhile. This is what makes us capable of truly valuing the food we consume. RELATED ARTICLES: Raising Broiler Birds for Meat  Raising Rabbits for Meat Raising Coturnix Quail #sustainableliving #homestead #farming

Tell me, are you a lone wolf in this homesteading world. I am not talking about being a lone wolf among friends and extended family, no not at all. What I am talking about is, do you and your spouse run as a pack or are you a lone wolf?  I may touch a few nerves on this particular topic, but I think you'll have a better understand once I share whether I am a pack member or a lone wolf.  I talk about this topic with ease, simply because I have learned a lot about myself in the last 6 years. My goal is to get the lone wolves to become pack members. The process of getting there takes work, but more importantly, a lot of patience, grace, and forgiveness.  I have dreams and goal for this homesteading life I live. Big ones. Being a modern homesteading housewife is one of those dreams. If you haven't listened to this particular podcast go back and listen to it. I also wrote an in-depth blog on the desire of becoming a homesteading homemaker.  So, before you listen to this podcast ask yourself, in the homesteading life you live, are you a lone wolf or a pack member?  Homesteading Housewife podcast Homesteading Housewife blog post w/podcast #homestead #spouse #homesteadinglife

I truly believe outsiders to the life we live consider us to have a romantic lifestyle. And maybe, just maybe it is our fault. We share beautiful photos of our gardens, livestock, home cooked meals and the items we've preserved. But, but, you and I know this life is far from being simple. It's work. Daily hard, labor intensive, work. And this work happens to rewards at the then of the day, for that I am thankful. In this episode I'm going to talk about the actual workload which goes into our lives that others do not see.  We seek to live a simple life because we know the benefits of doing so. Even through the mishaps which occur daily, and there are certainly daily mishaps. However, at the end of the chaos there are good things happening.  For those of you looking to raise your own meat, here's the link I mentioned in this podcast: https://afarmgirlinthemaking.com/poultry-processing-equipment-butchering-day/ https://afarmgirlinthemaking.com/raising-broiler-chickens-meat/ https://afarmgirlinthemaking.com/raising-turkeys-on-the-homestead/

In a perfect world all tasks at hand are completed in a timely manner. As a homesteader, this world does not exist, and that's okay! Homesteading often requires you go with the flow. Forgiving yourself for what doesn't get done and celebrating the tasks which do.  April was a good month for the property, take a listen to what's change, the accomplishments, and the plans for May.  I'm extremely excited for May to begin. I am the type of person who likes to see instant change. And boy, will there be some instant changes happening in May!  PS - here's the smoked kale kraut I mentioned --> https://bit.ly/2KvRsid

Individuals who follow me on Instagram and Facebook have brought forth question about canning. In this episode I am going to answer your questions AND give you the confidence to move forward and process foods confidently!  Q&A is my absolute favorite part of public speaking. It not only teaches others, but it teaches me as well. I must ensure that what I am speaking on is current and good information. You guys also challenge me to think outside of the box, so for that, I thank you!  This particular Q&A covers hot water bath, steam, and pressure canning. Whether you're new or a seasoned canner there's something in this podcast for you.  Also, much of the information discussed here can be found in my book, The Farm Girl's Guide to Preserving the Harvest, and my website, A Farm Girl in the Making. While you're there, sign up for my weekly newsletter!  Thanks for being here, and I'll talk to you soon, Ann