Simply Living Homestead | Build Community, Sustainable Practices, Traditional Skills

22 | Day in the Life of a Homestead Mom

 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 connect@SimplyLivingHomestead.com.
Find Me Online: 🌿 Website: www.SimplyLivingHomestead.com 🌿 Facebook & Instagram: @thesimplylivinghomestead

21 | Finding the Balance Between Self-Sufficiency and Community

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 connect@SimplyLivingHomestead.com—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

20 | Doing Things When You have Babies at your Knees

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 connect@SimplyLivingHomestead.com.
On Facebook and Instagram @thesimplylivinghomesteadSign Up for Raw Dairy in Central Iowa HERE
Get the Newsletter HERE
SHOW NOTES

19 | Getting your Teens Interested and Involved on the Homestead Pt 2

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 connect@SimplyLivingHomestead.com—I’d love to hear how your kids are learning alongside you.
On Facebook and Instagram @thesimplylivinghomesteadSign Up for Raw Dairy in Central Iowa HERE
Get the Newsletter HERE
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18 | Get your Children Interested in Traditional Skills Pt 1

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 connect@SimplyLivingHomestead.com—I always love hearing from you.
On Facebook and Instagram @thesimplylivinghomesteadSign Up for Raw Dairy in Central Iowa HERE
Get the Newsletter HERE
SHOW NOTES

17 | Creating Time To Be Still

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 connect@SimplyLivingHomestead.com—I always love hearing from you.
connect@Simplylivinghomestead.com 
On Facebook and Instagram @thesimplylivinghomesteadSign Up for Raw Dairy in Central Iowa HERE
Get the Newsletter HERE
SHOW NOTES

16 | Chicken Keeping 101

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 connect@SimplyLivingHomestead.com.
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! 

15 | Which Animal Should You Start With on Your Homestead?

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: connect@SimplyLivingHomestead.com
📍 Facebook & Instagram: @thesimplylivinghomestead
🌐 Website: www.SimplyLivingHomestead.com

14 | Gathering the Family Together for a Meal

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: connect@SimplyLivingHomestead.com
Facebook & Instagram: @thesimplylivinghomestead
Website: www.SimplyLivingHomestead.com
 
Show Notes Resources:
Family Dinner Statistics: Instacart Report
Conversation Starters: Talking Point Cards

13 | Food Preservation by the Season

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 connect@Simplylivinghomestead.com,
Find me on Facebook and Instagram @thesimplylivinghomestead.