Simple Farmhouse Life

The topic of home decor can be intimidating for many who don’t feel that they are naturally talented at decorating. But decorating is a skill that anyone can learn and continually improve. Myquillyn has been mastering the skill of home decor for many years, and she helps others do the same in their own homes. Today, she is encouraging us to stop taking our homes too seriously, to take risks in our home decor, to be willing to make mistakes and learn from them. May this episode leave you feeling inspired and full of attainable ideas to experiment with in your home! In this episode, we cover: How to quickly create a homey feel in a new house What it means to not take your house too seriously Strengthening your decorating muscles by taking risks Practical suggestions for experimenting with your home decor without spending too much One major pitfall to avoid when curating your home decor Some unique thoughts on the process of finding your style Prioritizing the feeling of your home over the specific style The three decor elements that will transform any room How you can enjoy indoor plants through the concept of “plant math” View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! Toups and Co Organics uses nourishing, organic ingredients to create simple and safe skincare products. Toups and Co is offering my listeners 10% off any one purchase with the code FOB15. Visit ToupsandCo.com to order today. And check out my interview with the founder of Toups and Co, Emilie, to find out more about this amazing company and their products. Visit the website for more information on our podcast sponsors! ABOUT MYQUILLYN Myquillyn Smith, also known as “The Nester,” is the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Welcome Home and Cozy Minimalist Home . For the past 17 years, she’s been encouraging women to embrace their space—imperfections and all—and make it their own. Her previous homes have been featured in Better Homes & Gardens , Ladies’ Home Journal , and Cottages & Bungalows . She recently purchased and redecorated a 1905 Queen Anne Victorian home in Morganton, North Carolina, the inspiration for her new book House Rules . She’s never met a home she didn’t love. Find her online at TheNester.com and on Instagram @TheNester. RESOURCES MENTIONED House Rules: How to Decorate for Every Home, Style, and Budget by Myquillyn Smith CONNECT Myquillyn Smith | Website | Podcast | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

As homemakers and mothers, our role extends beyond completing the daily tasks of housekeeping and child rearing. We are the ones who nurture the atmosphere of our homes and infuse life into our families. I am so happy to have Jennifer back on the podcast to talk about her latest book, Habits for a Sacred Home. This conversation is rich with ideas and real life examples of the everyday practices that make our homes come alive and impact our children for decades to come. May this episode inspire you as you create live-giving rhythms in your own family. In this episode, we cover: How the everyday tasks of motherhood might actually be the most impactful things we can do The long-term power of gathering together for morning time What to do about regret in your parenting journey Starting small when establishing new habits and rhythms in your home Recognizing the uniqueness of your family and avoiding comparison Balancing community rhythms and protecting family time Embracing relationships with those who are different from us Simplifying education by living real life and engaging living stories View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsor! Toups and Co Organics | Use code FOB15 at ToupsandCo.com ABOUT JENNIFER Jenifer Pepito is the host of Restoration Home podcast, author of Mothering by the Book, and founder of The Peaceful Press. Jennifer is on a mission to help moms overcome fear and live with wonder and purpose. Her homeschool curriculum empowers this mission through heroic stories, heartwarming poetry, and engaging life skill development. Her resources create joyful memories among families, which lead to deeper connections and lasting relationships. She has made guest appearances on popular podcasts such as 1000 Hours Outside, At Home with Sally, and Read Aloud Revival. Jennifer lives in the mountains with her beloved family, where she enjoys reading aloud, working in her garden, and watching the sunset. Learn more at ThePeacefulPress.com. RESOURCES MENTIONED Habits for a Sacred Home: 9 Practices from History to Anchor and Restore Modern Families by Jennifer Pepito Restoration Home Podcast CONNECT Jennifer Pepito | Website | Podcast | Instagram | Facebook Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

In her early days as a homemaker, Mystie found the role to be more difficult than she had expected. It was in acknowledging how truly valuable the role of a homemaker is that Mystie found joy and peace and purpose in the tasks of homemaking. If you struggle to embrace the role of homemaker or you are drowning in the mundanity, this episode will be a great encouragement to you! In this episode, we cover: The mindset that makes homemaking harder than it has to be What happens when you decide to value the work of homemaking Breaking down the overwhelming tasks of homemaking into baby steps Prioritizing your many roles in the home How to decide what to do first when you are overwhelmed The power of acknowledging small progress along the way Ideas for troubleshooting what isn’t working in your homemaking systems Adjusting your expectations for your season and your specific family The importance of your mindset in forming new homemaking habits View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! Azure Standard is a family-owned company dedicated to providing you with high quality, affordable organic, natural, and non-GMO groceries, health, and household products. Place your order at AzureStandard.com and use the code SIMPLEFARMHOUSE10 to receive 10% off your purchase. This promotion expires May 31, 2024, and is only available for the first-time Azure customer order, with a minimum of $50 order (orders to drop locations only). One time use per customer. ABOUT MYSTIE Mystie Winckler and her husband Matt live in Moscow, Idaho, and have five children, including two adult sons and three kids they still homeschool. Mystie is the author of The Convivial Homeschool and Simplified Organization. She writes and podcasts at Simply Convivial to encourage moms to tackle their responsibilities with joy. RESOURCES MENTIONED Simplified Organization: Learn to Love What Must Be Done by Mystie Winckler Listen to Mystie’s podcast: Simplified Organization CONNECT Mystie Winckler of Simply Convivial | Website | YouTube | Podcast Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

I’m sitting down to answer your questions about finances, cooking from scratch, and minimalism!  If you have been around here for long, you know I am passionate about debt freedom.  I’m diving into our financial mindsets and the major pitfalls we avoid as a debt-free family.  I’ll also explain how cooking from scratch is the best way to stretch your grocery budget and how minimalism is a non-negotiable for us as a family of ten! In this episode, we cover: How monthly payments create financial traps and sabotage your long-term goals Considering the opportunity cost of carrying debt Making unpopular sacrifices to maintain peace in your finances The surprisingly simple answer to saving money on groceries The key to keeping meals on the table in your from-scratch kitchen Organizing my time for maximum efficiency in my business My strategy for maintaining minimal wardrobes for our large family View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. CONNECT Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

I am excited to bring Kali back on the podcast to chat about what she has been up to lately! For anyone who is entrepreneurial or creative, you will relate to a lot of what we discuss in this episode. We tackle the topic of burnout: how it can happen, what you can do to overcome it, how to know when to step back. But just because you need a break from something, it doesn’t mean you have to quit forever. Kali shares about returning to creative work in a way that supports the life you want to live. Also, if you have ever considered taking my blogging course, don’t miss this peek behind the curtain of what it’s like to be one of my blog students! In this episode, we cover: The surprising gifts of taking a sabbatical from creative work Kali’s journey of starting a blog last year A look at how blogging has changed over the years Navigating which kind of content is right for which platform Thinking through what platform and strategy is right for your unique goals What your schedule can look like as a full-time mom and blogger Thoughts on imposter syndrome and moving forward in confidence View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! Toups and Co Organics uses nourishing, organic ingredients to create simple and safe skincare products. Toups and Co is offering my listeners 10% off any one purchase with the code FOB15. Visit ToupsandCo.com to order today. And check out my interview with the founder of Toups and Co, Emilie, to find out more about this amazing company and their products. In my brand new Simple Sourdough course, I am sharing every step of the sourdough process and the tips and tricks I have learned along the way. This 7-module course covers everything you need to know about sourdough starters, beginner bread recipes, advanced skills, and more. You’ll also gain access to an exclusive members-only Facebook group where fellow sourdough enthusiasts will share and learn together. Visit bit.ly/farmhousesourdoughcourse to enroll today! ABOUT KALI Oregon mama, farmer's wife, and creator of the Potager book and blog. RESOURCES Listen to Kali’s previous episodes on Simple Farmhouse Life: All Things Spring: Home Decor, Gardening, Cooking Finding Contentment in Your Home Decor & Homemaking CONNECT Kali Ramey Martin | Website | Instagram Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

Do you feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information available to us today? Having answers and research available at our fingertips can be incredibly helpful, but it also brings the challenge of stress and overwhelm around deciding which voices to listen to and which changes to implement. Fallon Lee is joining me on the podcast again to tackle this complex topic, and I’m confident this conversation will be a blessing to you! We each share portions of our own journeys and our decision making criteria in hopes of helping you navigate this overwhelming information age with grace and sustainability. In this episode, we cover: The problem with having access to so much information A few tangible criteria for evaluating new information Why it is important to acknowledge the specific season you are in Identifying when it may be time to pursue new knowledge Zooming out and taking on an intuitive and historical lens Discerning which voices and sources to trust Why our intuition is a valid piece of our decision making Laying a solid foundation for health through grace-based nutrition Prioritizing our goals and establishing habits around them Healthy habits to prioritize as a new mom Prioritizing a healthy diet while on a budget View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! Blogging Success Masterclass | Visit bit.ly/farmhousebloggingschool Free 5 Day Blog Challenge | Visit bit.ly/5dayblogchallenge ABOUT FALLON Fallon was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s after the birth of her second son, and within a few years of going the “cutting foods” & chasing symptoms route, she was down to eating only seven foods. When she came across the world of metabolic health, she was both amazed and a little offended that she realized she did not have to claim this identity of restrictive eating & autoimmunity for life. She could heal?! And that’s exactly what she did. Today she is walking in absolute food freedom (including dairy & gluten), she is off of all medication, & she is teaching other women that they can do the same while curating delicious recipes along the way. Aside from being a metabolic recipe queen, she is also a wife & homeschool mom of 3 boys in Texas.  RESOURCES MENTIONED Take Fallon’s meal plan and calorie quiz Check out Fallon’s cookbooks and meal plans CONNECT Fallon Lee | Website | Instagram Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

I asked who you all wanted to hear from on the podcast, and you answered with a resounding vote for my sisters! I am excited to sit down with Laura and Andrea and dive into the questions my community sent in. We chat about the similarities and differences between how we each approach things like homemaking, self-care, business, birth, and more. We answer common questions including why we have large families, how we make it through tough stages of pregnancy, and how we were raised. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did! In this episode, we cover: How our upbringing set us all on an entrepreneurial path What makes our family relationships strong into adulthood Why do we have large families? Our working theory on why we have so many sons in a row Thoughts on raising girls and fostering sister relationships Our favorite things about motherhood Different ways we each approach self-care Andrea’s birth story as a first-time mom Why all three of us love the Bradley method for birth How we make it through the difficult stages of pregnancy In what ways do we run our households similarly or differently? Do we compare ourselves to one another? How we navigate overwhelm in homemaking View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! Toups and Co Organics | Use code FOB15 at ToupsandCo.com Simple Sourdough | Visit bit.ly/farmhousesourdoughcourse to enroll today! CONNECT Laura of Our Oily House | YouTube | Website | Instagram Andrea of Our Sweet Sunny Days | YouTube | Website | Instagram Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

As a mom of six sons, I have seen firsthand just how uniquely and wonderfully boys are wired. Moms of boys often struggle to understand their sons because they don’t think like we do. I am joined in this episode by Durenda, mother of five sons (eight children total), to discuss her new book all about raising strong and virtuous boys in today’s culture. We dive into some of the differences between raising and homeschooling sons vs. daughters. We reflect on the unique nature of boys and discuss specific strategies for shepherding their strengths and weaknesses as they grow. Moms of boys, we hope you will be blessed by this rich conversation! In this episode, we cover: What is so different about raising boys? Why you shouldn’t worry if your son seems “behind” academically The importance of letting boys take risks Some benefits of schooling outside of the status quo Why you can stop worrying about what others think of your kids Expanding our thinking beyond the traditional school model Ideas for setting up an optimal learning environment for our boys Helping our kids develop their creative muscles How to handle boys who are not self-motivated Directing boys’ natural tendencies in a healthy direction Thinking forward about the adults our children will become View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! Azure Standard | Use code SIMPLEFARMHOUSE10 at AzureStandard.com Blogging Success Masterclass | Visit bit.ly/farmhousebloggingschool ABOUT DURENDA Durenda Wilson has been married to Darryl for thirty-four years. They have eight kids and ten grandkids and have been homeschooling for thirty years. She is a trusted voice and resource at homeschool conventions and on The Durenda Wilson Podcast. RESOURCES If you purchase Raising Boys to Men on March 5th or 6th, you will receive FREE access to The Unhurried Homeschooler Audiobook! Use this link and enter your order number from your receipt: https://www.durendawilson.com/redeem. CONNECT Durenda Wilson | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Podcast Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

You want to start homesteading, but you can’t imagine how you will fit it into your full life.  Do homesteaders do farm chores from sunup to sundown?  Do you have to stay home full-time to start homesteading?  The feelings of overwhelm can be paralyzing in the beginning, but Beth helps homesteaders from all walks of life create realistic goals for their homesteads so that they can start putting one foot in front of the other.  In this conversation, we dive into the what, the why, and the how of Beth’s homesteading life in hopes that it will inspire you to get started wherever you are! In this episode, we cover: How do you “do it all” on the homestead with a large family? Navigating a family rhythm that changes with the seasons Thoughts on keeping dairy animals– processing milk, calf sharing, pros and cons Best advice for getting started on a homestead when you have no background or skills in homesteading How a desire for improved health led to a homesteading life What motivates you to put in the hard work that a homesteading life requires? Discerning when a homestead endeavor is not working and when it is time to move on Adopting the appropriate mindset around the reality of farm animals vs. pets Can you start a homestead if you can’t afford to buy heavy equipment and farm vehicles? Prioritizing your commitments if you want to make room for homesteading in your life View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! Toups and Co Organics | Use code FARMHOUSE at ToupsandCo.com Free 5 Day Blog Challenge | Visit bit.ly/5dayblogchallenge RESOURCES Download Beth’s FREE Garden Success Formula: www.intentionalhomesteading.com/farmhouse CONNECT Beth Declercq of Intentional Homesteading | Website | Instagram | YouTube Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

I am excited to be answering more of your questions this year on the podcast!  To start off this Q&A series, I’m tackling a random set of questions on everything from my daily routine to our future plans for the homestead to baby proofing my house to my thoughts on self-care.  Join me as I dive into your most pressing questions about our homemaking, homesteading, homeschooling, entrepreneurial life. In this episode, we cover: Our approach to celebrating kids’ birthdays in a large family Do I have a daily routine? Why I am a content creator who does not prioritize Instagram How I keep track of all my business ideas and stay organized Meeting the needs of the littlest kids in a large family My thoughts on my early years of motherhood vs. my current season Why it is important for us to get out of the house to spend quality time as a family Our future plans for the homestead– will we be at this property forever? My most difficult transition in motherhood My thoughts on baby proofing my home How and why we use lard for frying in our kitchen View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! Simple Sourdough | Visit bit.ly/farmhousesourdoughcourse to enroll today! Blogging Success Masterclass | Visit bit.ly/farmhousebloggingschool CONNECT Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

Every mother knows that there are moments in motherhood that bring out the worst in us.  We can feel overwhelmed and triggered, and these feelings may result in angry outbursts toward those we love most.  If any of this resonates with you, this episode with Natalie (the Angry Mama Coach) is a must-listen.  Natalie shares her history with anger in motherhood and coaches us on recognizing triggers, dealing with anger in a healthy way, shifting your mindset, and more.  May this conversation be an encouragement to you no matter where you are in your motherhood journey. In this episode, we cover: Natalie’s story of overcoming destructive anger in her early years of motherhood A simple acronym to help you pause when you feel anger rising How do you know if your anger is destructive or normal? Healthy ways to express anger Recognizing your triggers and taking proactive steps to avoid overwhelm How hormones play a role in our feelings of anger and overwhelm Where to begin shifting your mindset if you find yourself not enjoying motherhood Avoiding the comparison trap in your parenting Not allowing even good things in life to steal your peace View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! Simple Sourdough | Visit bit.ly/farmhousesourdoughcourse to enroll today! Free 5 Day Blog Challenge | Visit bit.ly/5dayblogchallenge RESOURCES MENTIONED Natalie is offering the Simple Farmhouse Life audience access to her Trigger Tracker as a first step to overcome destructive anger in order to be the fun, present and joyful wife and mom you want to be. The Trigger Tracker will help you identify your triggers, create awareness around them, and support you in changing your mindset around these triggers: www.nataliehixson.com/SimpleFarmhouseLife. CONNECT Natalie Hixson the Angry Mama Coach | Website | Instagram | Pinterest Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

There are so many buzzwords and labels and opinions floating around when it comes to sourcing healthy food.  If you want to have confidence in the food you are feeding your family, it is important to understand what terms like “grass-fed” and “free range” and “all natural” really mean.  Join me for this fascinating conversation with Tara as she shares what she has learned from her years of experience in the dairy farming industry and how she navigates the complexities of our current food system. In this episode, we cover: Diving into the information overload available to us on the internet An examination of the “organic” label and what it does and does not mean Why the rBST labels on dairy products are misleading How to know what terms are actually beneficial on food labels A discussion on GMOs and hybrid crops Why it is important to understand the truth behind the buzzwords The simplicity of building your plate around animal protein Decoding the dairy aisle Finding the middle ground in the raw milk debate The importance of making your own informed decision  View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! Azure Standard | Use code SIMPLEFARMHOUSEWINTER10 at AzureStandard.com Toups and Co Organics | Use code FARMHOUSE at ToupsandCo.com ABOUT TARA As a fifth-generation dairy farmer hailing from the beautiful state of New Mexico, Tara has built a successful career out of a love for the land and her roots in agriculture. As an environmental scientist, Tara has worked on agricultural projects throughout the southwest, and as a professional speaker, her influence extends far beyond the borders of her home state. She has been invited to speak at prestigious national and global conferences, showcasing her knowledge and insights on agriculture sustainability. Tara is also the co-host of the popular podcast and tv series Discover Ag where she melds food and pop culture to create captivating conversations that dive into the intricacies of our food system in a fun, light-hearted way. A fast talker with a quick wit, Tara engages audiences with her vibrant energy and captivating storytelling. RESOURCES Discover Ag Podcast CONNECT Tara Vander Dussen | Website | Instagram | Facebook Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

In this episode, I am sitting down to respond to a listener’s question about my entrepreneurial journey.  If you are familiar with my blog and YouTube channel Farmhouse on Boone, you may not know that it took me years of trying various business ideas before I was successful in my blogging business.  Today, I am taking you through that journey with me.  Whether you are toying with the idea of starting a business or ready to pivot your existing business, may this episode inspire you to try new things and learn as much as you can along the way! In this episode, we cover: How my entrepreneurial journey led us to the life we have now Recognizing the entrepreneurial spirit throughout my family members The skills I learned in my early years of motherhood that laid a foundation for my future endeavors My venture into selling handmade and wholesale products and the lessons I learned How I created Farmhouse on Boone and started to see growth How we were able to replace my husband’s income with our blogging business The business lessons I’ve learned that have helped us get to where we are now View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. In my free Blogging Success Masterclass, I will teach you my 4-step framework for going full-time with blogging, how to avoid the most common mistakes new bloggers make that I learned the hard way, and how to make it all work with just a few hours a day.  Visit bit.ly/farmhousebloggingschool to find out how you can earn a full-time income by sharing what you love! In my free 5 Day Blog Challenge, I will share with you the framework I used to build my blogging business so that you can create one too.  I teach you how to narrow down your niche, craft your brand, and come up with a content plan while also providing you with the checklists and planning sheets you need to make it all happen.  Visit bit.ly/5dayblogchallenge to find out how you can earn a full-time income by sharing what you love! CONNECT Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

In this episode, we are diving into the logistics of chicken keeping!  We start by exploring the benefits of chicken keeping for kids– what it teaches them and the skills they will gain.  Then we are diving into some of the most common chicken keeping questions: feed, egg production, flock management, and more.  If you are just getting started in chicken keeping or need a refresher, join us for this discussion! In this episode, we cover: Dalia’s unexpected journey to becoming a chicken keeper How your kids can benefit from learning to care for chickens Thoughts on supplementing with artificial light in the winter You can feed your chickens well without spending a lot of money How fermentation can make your chicken feed stretch further The best breeds to build your laying flock and where to source them Keeping track of your growing flock year to year How the deep litter method can benefit your flock and your garden View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Submit your questions or guest/topic ideas for the podcast here: bit.ly/SFLquestions Thank you to our sponsors! Toups and Co Organics | Use code FARMHOUSE at ToupsandCo.com Blogging Success Masterclass | Visit bit.ly/farmhousebloggingschool ABOUT DALIA You know her as The President of Chickenlandia, but her non-feathered friends call her Dalia. Some years ago, Dalia decided to bring home ten little chicks and start a hobby. That hobby quickly grew into a full-feathered passion that she couldn’t stop talking about. Before long, she was part-owner of a farm store, teaching beginner chicken-keeping classes, and delivering seminars across Northwest Washington. While the store has since closed, Dalia continues to help others start their chicken-keeping adventure while sharing peace, laughter, and inspiration. RESOURCES MENTIONED My Pet Chicken Murray McMurray Hatchery Flockstar App Let’s All Keep Chickens! by Dalia Monterroso Chickenlandia’s Backyard Chickens 101 Course CONNECT Dalia Monterroso of Chickenlandia | Website | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Podcast Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

I love sharing about what I am doing in my home as a homemaker – the meals I’m cooking, the decor I’m bringing in, the systems I’m maintaining – but this episode goes even deeper into homemaking.  I am chatting with my friend and fellow blogger Andrea about the heart behind our homemaking pursuits.  As wives and mothers who have been learning and loving homemaking for well over a decade, we want to encourage you to see the beauty and creativity and opportunities that are available to you as a homemaker.  May this episode empower you to reject negative depictions of homemaking and to fully embrace the powerful calling of caring for your home and family. In this episode, we cover: Andrea’s journey into creating a home decor blog and where she is headed now All about the incredible resource Andrea has created to mentor homemakers Exploring the creativity available to us as homemakers Keeping inspiration and beauty in your home during bleak winter months The challenge of comparison and discontentment in our connected world Acknowledging the uncomfortable truth about time management Breaking out of overwhelm and growing your homemaking skills little by little View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! Simple Sourdough | Visit bit.ly/farmhousesourdoughcourse to enroll today! Toups and Co Organics | Use code FARMHOUSE at ToupsandCo.com ABOUT ANDREA Andrea Francavilla married her high school sweetheart and moved back to her hometown where she purchased the home that she used to clean as a high school senior. Ten years and four boys later, Andrea and her husband Mike have worked hard to restore their 1930’s cottage on a very small budget. Andrea started her blog in 2017 to inspire and encourage others with the idea that any house can be a beautiful home, no matter the size or budget.  RESOURCES MENTIONED Andrea’s The Heart of Homemaking course CONNECT Andrea Francavilla of Pine and Prospect Home | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

We have talked quite a bit on this podcast about minimalism and living clutter-free.  Even as someone who has been practicing the principles of minimalism for many years, I find that I have to constantly be aware of what is coming into our home so that it does not become overwhelming.  Robyn and I chat in this episode about developing a decluttering habit in the new year.  Rather than viewing decluttering as a giant one-time task we have to tackle, we should aim to make it part of our everyday mindset.  We live in a time and place when it is easier than ever to acquire items, so we have to be intentional about minimizing in order to experience peace in our homes. In this episode, we cover: The surprising role your age may play in your relationship to clutter Addressing the emotional component of decluttering sentimental items What minimalism can look like in a kids’ room Moving past the feeling of overwhelm to get started decluttering Tips for making decluttering a part of your everyday habits How storage spaces contribute to the problem of overwhelm Dealing with guilt when decluttering Addressing some of the common psychological obstacles around decluttering Choosing to make our homes reflect our current season of life  Finding the right balance of minimalism for your personality and your needs The one thing you can do today to start a decluttering habit View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! Toups and Co Organics | Use code FARMHOUSE at ToupsandCo.com Free 5 Day Blog Challenge | Visit bit.ly/5dayblogchallenge ABOUT ROBYN Robyn Buchanan is a mom, wife, nurse and youtube creator. She started her minimalism journey because she was overwhelmed coming home to a cluttered house after working in a chaotic emergency department. Since decluttering, she not only uncovered her floors and surfaces, but also the deeper meanings behind our clutter, how clutter impacts our focus, why it’s so hard to declutter, and how life is freer without our stuff weighing us down. Robyn lives on Vancouver Island in BC with her 3 teen boys and husband, 4 out of 5 of them have ADHD, including Robyn & her husband. She loves hiking, gardening and cooking along with Jane Austen, Monty Python and Harry Potter movies. CONNECT Robyn Buchanan of Minimalist Home | Website | Instagram | YouTube | Podcast Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

Cooking every meal from scratch can seem like a complicated and time-consuming endeavor if it is not part of your normal routine.  In this episode, Cami and I aim to change your mindset around cooking from scratch and show you how truly simple and fast it can be.  We start out by giving you ideas of meals you can throw together in a pinch without sacrificing quality.  Then we dive into meals that take a little planning ahead, but don’t require you to spend all day in the kitchen.  If you have a goal of cooking from scratch more this year, we hope this episode encourages you with how simple it can be and how valuable it is to your family. In this episode, we cover: What ingredients to keep stocked in your kitchen so you can always throw together a quick meal Meals you can pull together at the last minute if you haven’t planned ahead The few staple appliances that make it easy to whip up last minute meals Some simple meal ideas that require a little planning ahead but are not complicated How cooking meals from scratch is actually simpler than you may think Shifting our mindset around cooking from scratch and why it is valuable Leaning into the creativity of cooking from scratch Practical strategies for cooking meals from scratch when you have little ones underfoot How to approach meal times with picky eaters Cooking healthy meals from scratch on a very tight budget View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! Azure Standard | Use code SIMPLEFARMHOUSEWINTER10 at AzureStandard.com Toups and Co Organics | Use code FARMHOUSE at ToupsandCo.com Please see full show notes for more details on these offers. ABOUT CAMI Cami is the creator of the blog and YouTube channel TIDBITS & Company.  She loves sharing inspiration for the keeper of the home.  You can also tune into her Keeper of the Home Podcast, hosted on any of your favorite podcast platforms and as a video podcast on her TIDBITS & Company YouTube channel.  Shop all her products, keeper of the home classes and more at tidbitsandco.com. RESOURCES MENTIONED Watch Cami’s video on healthy and fast dinner ideas + read the blog post  Keeper of the Home Podcast Shop Cami’s products and classes Check out Lisa’s sourdough course Simple Sourdough CONNECT Cami Graham of TIDBITS & Company | Website | Instagram | YouTube | Podcast | Pinterest | Facebook | TikTok Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

We all want to be free from financial stress, but what practical steps can we take to get there?  Does the secret to financial freedom lie in sticking to a budget?  Paying off debt?  Making more money?  In this episode, Jen and Jill share their unique and powerful insights about frugality and financial freedom.  We explore the idea of spending better rather than just spending less.  Jen and Jill share the importance of examining your mindset and habits around money before making changes.  If one of your goals for the new year is to gain more control over your finances, this is the episode for you! In this episode, we cover: How the principles of frugality and stewardship extend beyond money Learning to critically evaluate what you bring into your home based on your capacity Making a distinction between being cheap and being frugal How to take steps from a consumerist mindset to a frugal mindset Identifying your priorities and letting go of what doesn’t matter to you Where should you start if you want to reform your spending habits? The surprising benefits of seeking creative solutions that don’t require spending View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! Toups and Co Organics | Use code FARMHOUSE at ToupsandCo.com Blogging Success Masterclass | Visit bit.ly/farmhousebloggingschool RESOURCES Frugal Friends Podcast Join the Friendletter, Jen & Jill’s  newsletter that highlights the week’s freebies, saving tips, and life hacks to help you save more and spend better The No-Spend Challenge Guide: How to Stop Spending Money Impulsively, Pay off Debt Fast, & Make Your Finances Fit Your Dreams by Jen Smith CONNECT Jen & Jill of Frugal Friends Podcast | Website | Instagram | YouTube Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

You can accomplish a lot more on a small homestead than you think!  I have had many guests on the podcast testify to this fact with the incredible ways they use their homesteads to produce surprising amounts of food.  In this episode, Michelle is sharing how she and her family produce approximately 75% of their food from their five and a half acre homestead.  She walks us through how to choose what crops you will produce and how to preserve them all while avoiding feelings of overwhelm and burnout.  Join us for this practical conversation! In this episode, we cover: Swaps you can make when you are trying to minimize shopping at the grocery store Changing your strategy from year to year as you grow your family’s food Deciding what your staple crops will be in your climate Finding the best method of preservation for your produce Creating a meal plan that fits with what you grow and preserve A simple approach to garden planning for a year’s worth of food What to grow in a raised bed and what to grow in the ground Practical strategies for avoiding or recovering from burnout Minimizing your stressors by simplifying your home The power of involving your kids in the garden and homestead projects View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! Simple Sourdough | Visit bit.ly/farmhousesourdoughcourse to enroll today! Toups and Co Organics | Use code FARMHOUSE at ToupsandCo.com ABOUT MICHELLE Michelle is a homesteader, avid gardener, content creator, and homeschooling mom of 4.  She and her husband, Codi, grow and raise a large percentage of the food they eat on their 5 ½ acre homestead in Ohio. Michelle and Codi have a passion for educating people on how to be efficient and avoid stress and burnout on the homestead.  RESOURCES MENTIONED Strategies to Grow an Entire Year’s Worth of Food on a Small Homestead CONNECT Michelle Knox of More Than Farmers | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

I hear from many of you who are dreaming of life on a homestead, but you are currently living in the suburbs.  While it can be discouraging to search and wait for that dream property, there is so much you can do in the backyard of your neighborhood lot.  Join me in listening to Katie’s story about making the most of where you are.  Katie now helps other homestead dreamers begin their homesteading endeavors no matter how small their property. In this episode, we cover: How Katie began homesteading using only her balcony Why beekeeping should be the gateway venture for homesteaders Getting started raising meat rabbits in your backyard A cost breakdown for raising meat rabbits An argument for being involved in the raising and processing of the meat you consume What benefit is there to keeping bees on your homestead? Issues to watch out for in your bee hives Navigating hive swarming and splitting How much honey do beehives produce? Is beekeeping safe?  How often do you get stung? How to get plugged in to your local beekeeping community and find a mentor All about the helpful resource Katie has created to help you get started with beekeeping View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! Toups and Co Organics | Use code FARMHOUSE at ToupsandCo.com Free 5 Day Blog Challenge | Visit bit.ly/5dayblogchallenge RESOURCES MENTIONED The Ultimate Guide to Backyard Beekeeping CONNECT Katie Brandt of Sweetgum Spot | Website | Instagram | TikTok Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!