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

27 | Don’t Buy a Dairy Cow Until You Know THIS - Homestead Dairy Part 3

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 connect@simplylivinghomestead.com. 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.

26 | Breathe and Pivot - Surviving the Change after burnout

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 connect@simplylivinghomestead.com. 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.

25 | Why Fencing, Hay, and Winter Prep Matter More Than Breed Choice - Homestead Dairy Part 2

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 connect@SimplyLivingHomestead.com and let’s chat—it’s free.

24 | Starting with Dairy: The Beginner Homesteader's Guide to Getting Ready - Homestead Dairy Part 1

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 connect@SimplyLivingHomestead.com

23 | Do you yell more than you would like? How 3 Shifts changed our family life

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 connect@SimplyLivingHomestead.com—you’re not walking this alone
 
Find Me Online:
🌿 Website: www.SimplyLivingHomestead.com
🌿 Facebook & Instagram: @thesimplylivinghomestead

22 | A real Homesteaders Day - How I organize my Day

 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 | You can't do it all. 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
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SHOW NOTES

20 | Faith in the Chaos: Parenting, Homesteading, and the Guilt We Don’t Talk About - Guest Leslie Warwick

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 | Ready to Create a lasting legacy? Get your Teens involved on the homestead

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
SHOW NOTES

18 | Do your kids have a job on your homestead? Simple Chores for the children in your life.

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