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

17 | Stressed out and always running? Try this simple routine to create 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.
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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 
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16 | Start with Chickens on your homestead. Care Basics to get you started

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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 | Ready for Animals on your homestead? 3 Categories to Consider

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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 | Want the Family to eat together more? 3 Tips to make your traditions last

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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 | Save money on food all year! Preserving Food with the Seasons

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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.

12 | You can garden in Town! Space saving tips to your urban homestead

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Think you need a big backyard to grow your own food? Think again! In this episode, we’re talking about practical ways to garden in small spaces—whether you live in an apartment, have a tiny backyard, or just want to make the most of every inch of soil.Many people dream of growing food but feel limited by their space. Today, we’re diving into creative ways to make gardening work—no matter where you live! Whether it’s filling flower beds with vegetables, growing vertically with trellises and stacking pots, or using grow lights indoors, there’s always a way to produce fresh food. I also share insights on how to connect with local farmers for bulk produce and preserving opportunities. If you’re ready to turn even the smallest space into a thriving garden, this episode is for you!
Main Topics Covered:
Making the most of what you have—using flower beds, front yards, porches, and containers
Vertical gardening: stacking pots, trellises, and shelves to maximize space
The best crops for small-space gardening, from strawberries to tomatoes
Growing food indoors with grow lights for year-round harvests
Special techniques for small spaces—potato towers, staggered planting, and compact crop varieties
How to connect with local farmers to buy in bulk, rent space, or trade labor for produce
Big thanks to Leslie for requesting this topic! If you have a question or an idea for a future episode, send me an email at connect@SimplyLivingHomestead.com—I’d love to hear from you!
Connect with Me:Email: connect@Simplylivinghomestead.comFacebook & Instagram: @thesimplylivinghomesteadWebsite: www.Simplylivinghomestead.com

11 | Sturggling with your homestead garden? Master Gardener Interveiw with Clyde Majerus at the Homesteaders of Iowa Expo

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What if your garden could feed your family, slash your grocery bill, and make weed control easier—all at the same time?In this episode, I sit down with Clyde Majerus, a Master Gardener from the Missouri Ozarks, at the Homesteaders of Iowa Expo. Clyde shares the time-tested gardening wisdom that allowed his family to feed multiple generations. We talk about the real financial benefits of homegrown food, why expanding your diet can transform the way you garden, and how strategic mulching and soil care can set you up for success. From choosing the right manure to tackling invasive weeds, Clyde’s insights will help you grow more food with less effort.
Main Topics Covered:🌱 How a backyard garden can feed a family and save thousands of dollars🌱 The best mulch alternatives beyond wood chips, including cottonseed hulls and straw🌱 How different manures impact soil health—and why cow manure might be fueling your weeds🌱 The surprising benefits of solarizing your soil to eliminate invasive grass🌱 Why talking to experienced gardeners can save you years of trial and error🌱 The importance of trying new vegetables—like Hilton cabbage and arugula—to maximize your harvest🌱 How Clyde’s Garden Planner makes it easy to track planting dates and frost schedulesClick HERE to sign up for our giveaway of Clyde's Garden Calender! You could be one of 3 Lucky Winners! Enter The Giveaway!
Connect with Me:Got a gardening question or tip? Send me an email at connect@Simplylivinghomestead.com—I’d love to hear from you!Want to plan your garden with confidence? Check out Clyde’s Garden Planner, a simple tool that helps you track planting dates based on your local frost schedule. https://www.clydesvegetableplantingchart.com/
 
You can find me at
connect@Simplylivinghomestead.com 
On Facebook and Instagram @thesimplylivinghomestead
Or on my Website www.Simplylivinghomestead.com

10 | 4 Tricks to a thriving garden as a Beginner Homesteader

SHOW NOTESLast week, we covered the first steps to building a new garden. This week, we’re diving into what makes a garden truly successful and stress-free.A thriving garden isn’t just about planting seeds—it’s about creating a system that works with nature, not against it. Today, we’ll tackle common gardening challenges like water management, weeds, and pests, plus explore essential additions like supports, compost, and greenhouses.
Key Topics:
Managing water levels to prevent overwatering or drought stress
Keeping weeds under control naturally
Protecting plants from bugs and pests organically
Adding garden supports, compost, and protective structures
Want to get the most out of your garden this season?
You can find me atconnect@Simplylivinghomestead.com On Facebook and Instagram @thesimplylivinghomesteadOr on my Website www.Simplylivinghomestead.com

09 | Grow your First Garden! 3 tips for the beginner homesteader

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Are you new to homesteading and itching to start a garden this spring? Whether you're a beginner or a few years into growing your own food, this episode will help you lay the foundation for a successful garden.Gardening season is just around the corner! Today, we’re breaking down the first steps to starting a new garden—from choosing the right location to planning your seeds and setting up a watering system. Plus, I’ll share lessons learned from my own gardening journey and family traditions.
Key Topics:
Planning your garden layout: in-ground vs. raised beds
Choosing and organizing seeds for planting
Setting up an efficient watering system
Have gardening tips or questions? I’d love to hear from you! 
You can find me atconnect@Simplylivinghomestead.com On Facebook and Instagram @thesimplylivinghomesteadOr on my Website www.Simplylivinghomestead.com

08 | Save money and Preserve your own food! How to make Maple Syrup last all year.

SHOW NOTES - Print your maple syrup recipe here!
Want to enjoy real maple syrup without the high cost? Let’s talk about how to buy in bulk and preserve it for long-term storage!It’s late February, which means maple syrup season is here! Whether you tap your own trees or not, you can still take advantage of the harvest. In this episode, I’ll share how to find bulk maple syrup at better prices and walk you through the simple steps of canning it for long-term storage.
Key Topics:
How maple syrup is harvested and produced
Where to buy bulk maple syrup at a lower cost
Step-by-step guide to canning maple syrup for long-term storage
Have you canned maple syrup before? I’d love to hear about it!
Maple Syrup is delicious, and so easy to preserve for long term storage. 
Leave us a comment below telling us About your canning adventures.
 
You can find me at
connect@Simplylivinghomestead.com 
On Facebook and Instagram @thesimplylivinghomestead
Or on my Website www.Simplylivinghomestead.com
 
https://www.massmaple.org/about-maple-syrup/