Simply Living Homestead | Rhythms, Organization, Time Management, Routines, SAHM, Homemaker, Simplify, Community, Family, Garden

Have you ever looked around your home or farm and realized your kids weren’t carrying any of the load? That was me this summer with my four-year-old. As an only child and only grandchild, he had been given everything—without learning responsibility. I knew that had to change.

In this episode, I’m sharing how we began involving him in simple tasks like our Evening Reset and how that opened the door to teaching responsibility, one sm...

Have you ever felt like you’re carrying the entire weight of your home on your shoulders? I know that feeling all too well. Jonathan and I once found ourselves stuck in that exact struggle—until a couples therapist helped us realize something simple but life-changing: if we share a home, we should share the tasks.

In this episode, I’m opening up about how we shifted from “helping” to truly sharing, what it looks like to take full o...

We all have those hard days when the animals, the house, or the work feels heavy—but sometimes the hardest battles are in our own minds. I know that struggle deeply. For years, I believed the lies that I wasn’t good enough, wasn’t lovable, and would never be enough.

In today’s episode, I want to share how I learned to take those thoughts captive and replace them with truth. Sometimes it was scripture. Other times it was writing tru...

Do you feel like there’s never enough time in your day? Overwhelmed by the endless to-do list? Wishing you could teach your children real-life skills, but the clutter and chaos make you feel like you’ll never be good enough?

I’ve been there too. 

Friend, I’m so glad you’re here.

If you’re a mom who dreams of that homestead life you see on Instagram, but feels like you’d need an extra 12 hours in your day to make it happen — thi...

Shopping for a family milk cow and not sure what to ask (or how to handle breeding once she’s home)? This episode is your confidence boost. I walk you through the exact questions to ask any seller—records, lactations, calving history, udder health, handling, temperament, production, due dates (vet-confirmed!), and a live milking demo—plus where to look (local homestead dairies, reputable sale groups, commercial dairies) and red fla...

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...

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 t...

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, a...

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 pla...

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 stor...

 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-b...

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 i...

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 directi...

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 you...

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 deep...

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...

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 yo...

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...

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 fascinat...