Simple Farmhouse Life

As I am anticipating the birth of our eighth child any day now, I sat down to answer some of your questions about how my pregnancy has been going, my plans for birth, and how we are preparing for baby number eight! In this episode, I’m answering: Will we have more kids after this? What were my previous births like? How am I planning for this home birth? Did we find out the gender this time? Has this pregnancy been different from the rest? Am I taking iron? How do I handle afterbirth pains? Were my girl and boy pregnancies different? Do I nurse on demand or on a schedule? Where will my older kids be when the baby is born? What would I tell my first-time pregnant self? What kinds of tests do I have while pregnant? Do we have a list of names for this baby? How long do I nurse my babies and how do I wean? What do I love so much about the Bradley method? How do I survive the first trimester with so much on my plate? What do I do with my placenta after birth? Do I drink raw milk while pregnant? Have I ever been close to having a C-section? How do I space my babies? What do I eat when experiencing food aversions? Do I still use cloth diapers? Do I get stretch marks? Why do I choose home birth over hospital birth? View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! School of Traditional Skills | Use my link bit.ly/farmhouseskills Toups and Co Organics | Use code FARMHOUSE at ToupsandCo.com RESOURCES MENTIONED My previous baby/pregnancy videos Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon AfterEase tincture Baby podcast episode with Ariel Tyson Kinderpack carrier Childbirth without Fear by Grantly Dick-Read CONNECT Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

Navigating the topic of screen time as a mom in today’s world can definitely be overwhelming.  Joy is a fellow mom of seven, and she has a passion for helping families put down the screens and enjoy the beauty of life outdoors through her nature study resources.  In our conversation, we address the feeling of overwhelm moms experience when outdoor time seems like just one more task to add to their already full plate.  Rather, Joy encourages us that time spent outdoors can become a natural part of the daily rhythm that brings richness and joy to the whole family.  If you have a goal of less screen time and more nature time this summer, don’t miss this episode! Join us as we discuss: Getting your kids outside doesn’t have to be one more thing on your to-do list Creating an outdoor family culture even if you have a small yard The importance of free play and allowing kids to be bored Helping our kids learn to be intentional with how they use their time Getting things accomplished without putting kids in front of screens Finding ways to get outside in extreme weather + screen-free indoor activities Setting an example for our kids with our own screen time habits View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! Azure Standard | Use code SIMPLESUMMER10 at AzureStandard.com Toups and Co Organics | Use code FARMHOUSE at ToupsandCo.com Carly Jean Los Angeles | Use code FARMHOUSE20 at CarlyJeanLosAngeles.com Please see full show notes for more details on these offers. RESOURCES Screen-Free Kids: Get Outside Challenge Screen-Free Guide to the Outdoor Life of Children (Inspiration for the Mother-Teacher) Nature Study Resources CONNECT Joy Cherrick of Nature Study Hacking | Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Podcast Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

You all have been asking me to bring Jessica on the podcast, and I know you won’t be disappointed in our conversation!  As a mother of eight and homesteader, Jessica is well-versed in many aspects of motherhood and homemaking.  We sat down to answer your questions about food preservation, minimizing food waste in your home, priorities and perspective in difficult seasons of motherhood, and more.  Join us for this inspiring discussion about some of our favorite topics! In this episode, we cover: Preserving the harvest and efficiently using what you’ve preserved How to get kids started helping in the kitchen and at what age Creative ways to use leftovers so they don’t go to waste in the fridge Figuring out what to prioritize when you have a never-ending to-do list Navigating your many responsibilities when struggling in pregnancy Adjusting your expectations of yourself during different seasons of life Approaches to baby sleep in the first year of life Sharing life online in a way that protects your mental energy View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! Carly Jean Los Angeles | Use code FARMHOUSE20 at CarlyJeanLosAngeles.com Blogging Success Masterclass | Visit bit.ly/farmhousebloggingschool Toups and Co Organics | Use code FARMHOUSE at ToupsandCo.com ABOUT JESSICA Jessica lives in Northwest Ohio with her husband, Adam, where they homeschool and homestead with their eight children. She is passionate about growing and preserving homegrown food to feed her large family, and encourages others to do the same through her various social media platforms. RESOURCES #ThreeRiversChallenge on Instagram #EveryBitCountsChallenge on Instagram CONNECT Jessica of Three Rivers Homestead | YouTube | Instagram Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

I heard Katie and her husband discussing this idea on their podcast, and I was intrigued by the thought that maybe a problem we face as homemakers is not that we don’t have enough time, but that we have too much of it.  In our conversation, Katie and I look at how modern conveniences save us time but have presented us with new challenges in terms of productivity and efficiency.  We hope this episode leaves you feeling encouraged that you can get things done with kids around, you can learn new skills, and you can become the kind of homemaker you dream of being.  Join us! In this episode, we cover: Being intentional as mothers of large families How modern convenience has presented us new challenges Filling up our time with soul satisfying pursuits Can you really get stuff done with little kids around? Avoiding boredom in motherhood and choosing fulfilling activities instead The freedom of keeping a simplified home Discerning what homemaking tasks are worth our time Overcoming the mental barrier of learning new skills 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 Carly Jean Los Angeles | Use code FARMHOUSE20 at CarlyJeanLosAngeles.com Mockmill | Visit FarmhouseonBoone.com/Mockmill to save 5% on your purchase RESOURCES Get it All Done Club Check out Lisa’s conversation with Katie on the Now That We’re a Family Podcast or on YouTube! CONNECT Katie Voetberg of Now That We’re a Family | Website | YouTube | Podcast | Instagram Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

As much as I love sharing about homemaking and homesteading and family life, I also love talking about online business!  Being a business owner is a huge part of my life, and it is so fun to talk to fellow moms and business owners about how they are managing the many responsibilities of this way of life.  Gillian teaches women about building and managing profitable online businesses that don’t take away from family life, and I am excited to bring you all along on this conversation as we chat about our own journeys as business owners and moms. In this episode, we cover: What led Gillian to pursuing online business instead of local business The two main pitfalls people fall into when trying to make money online Why the size of your platform does not necessarily determine your success in online business Examining whether there is room in the market for your voice or product Are there certain avenues you should definitely avoid in online business? Differentiating your business in the market  Finding time to balance online business with the rest of mom life Growing your capacity as your responsibilities increase Strategies for separating business and life to be fully present with your family View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! Carly Jean Los Angeles | Use code FARMHOUSE20 at CarlyJeanLosAngeles.com Free 5 Day Blog Challenge | Visit bit.ly/5dayblogchallenge Toups and Co Organics | Use code FARMHOUSE at ToupsandCo.com ABOUT GILLIAN Gillian Perkins is the CEO of Startup Society and the host of the Work Less, Earn More podcast. She also hosts a popular entrepreneurship-focused YouTube channel that has received over 25 million views to date. Gillian teaches people how to start and build profitable online businesses that allow them to earn passive income and live a flexible lifestyle. She runs her company with a primarily remote team, enabling her to travel with her family and homeschool her five young children. RESOURCES Gillian’s Startup Society Learn more about Gillian’s business accelerator program $100K Mastermind CONNECT Gillian Perkins | 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!

I hear from countless women who have a dream of starting a homestead and making it their full-time lifestyle.  Katie of Lost Oak Sheep Farm had the same dream, and she put her nose to the grindstone to make it a reality.  In our conversation, we talk through what it looked like for Katie to leave her full-time career as a teacher and begin her life as a stay-at-home homesteading mama raising sheep with a baby strapped to her back.  Whether the homesteading lifestyle seems like a far-off dream or it is your current reality, I know this chat with Katie will inspire you with what is possible! In this episode, we cover: Why Katie decided to go full-time in raising sheep on her farm How Katie’s efforts to save her household money turned into homesteading The reality of what it looks like to go from two full-time incomes down to one How to make money raising sheep Navigating work on a homestead with young kids in tow Adjusting to a new definition of productivity as a stay-at-home mom How to start a homesteading journey if you don’t have a lot of land Embracing the learning curve of homesteading skills Using the skills from your education or career to serve you in your role at home Addressing the financial concerns around transitioning from a career to home Adapting to each new season and challenge life brings How many acres do you need to raise sheep? View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! Azure Standard | Use code SIMPLESUMMER10 at AzureStandard.com Carly Jean Los Angeles | Use code FARMHOUSE20 at CarlyJeanLosAngeles.com Toups and Co Organics | Use code FARMHOUSE at ToupsandCo.com Please see full show notes for more details on these offers. ABOUT KATIE Katie is a homesteading wife, mama, and shepherdess who spends her days raising lambs, growing cut flowers, working on farm projects, preserving garden food, and trying to glorify the Lord through it all. Tapping into those skills of self sufficiency allowed her to step away from her career and into the role of a stay-at-home farm mom. As a former teacher, she now hopes to teach and encourage others to pursue the simple life. CONNECT Katie Carrico of Lost Oak Sheep Farm | Website | Instagram | Facebook Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

If you have seen the viral strawberries in a jar hack, then you know who Amy is!  A couple of years ago, Amy shared her best tip for keeping berries fresh in the fridge for three weeks, and she took the world by storm.  She has built her business on teaching families how to effectively store and use the groceries they bring into their homes, thus saving money and cutting down on food waste.  If you find yourself constantly throwing away wilted greens or soft berries, join us for this discussion on all things groceries! In this episode, we cover: Amy’s viral hack for keeping strawberries fresh for three weeks The reality of food waste in the majority of American households How to keep greens fresh in the fridge for weeks How you can only go to the grocery story every three weeks A balanced approach to meal planning that allows for flexibility and seasonality Keeping track of what is in your freezer and making sure you use it all in time A detailed look at budgeting for your groceries throughout the entire year How to make whole food snacks a staple in your home Is grocery delivery worth it? Sourcing and budgeting for high quality meat Making protein go a long way in nourishing your family 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 Carly Jean Los Angeles | Use code FARMHOUSE20 at CarlyJeanLosAngeles.com Redmond Real Salt | Use code FARMHOUSE at bit.ly/farmhouseredmond RESOURCES I Bought It, Now What? eBook  The Grocery Solution Course Easy Vegan Dinner Mexican Quinoa Recipe Classic Lemon Bars - Allergy & Diabetic Friendly CONNECT Amy Cross of The Cross Legacy | Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Pinterest | Amazon | LinkedIn | TikTok Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

Wouldn’t you love to have access to all of your grocery staples within a few steps of your kitchen?  This is what Jamerrill has spent the last several years working towards in her home, and she’s here to talk to us about her systems!  She shares what it looks like to start small when you are building up your long-term food storage.  We also discuss how this type of bulk buying and storage can benefit you on a short-term basis.  Even if you have a small home or a small budget, Jamerrill’s systems for stocking your pantry and freezer are possible for you! In this episode, we cover: What led Jamerrill to start her long-term storage supply How to use a food storage bucket system The ins and outs of using mylar bags How bulk buying and storing can be used for both short-term and long-term purposes Ideas for stocking up on pantry staples even if you don’t have a lot of space Can you build up a home pantry on a small budget? Top ten items to stock up on if you are just getting started Utilizing freezers as part of your food storage plan Starting small with stocking up on freezer meals Is it worth all the work it takes to start a home-based business as a mom? View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! Carly Jean Los Angeles | Use code FARMHOUSE20 at CarlyJeanLosAngeles.com School of Traditional Skills | Use my link bit.ly/farmhouseskills Toups and Co Organics | Use code FARMHOUSE at ToupsandCo.com RESOURCES MENTIONED A Year Without the Grocery Store by Karen Morris Prepper’s Pantry by Daisy Luther Successful Business Momma Course CONNECT Jamerrill Stewart of Large Family Table | Website | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

Dena is perhaps best known on the internet for sharing about how she and her family self-built their home from scratch for only $70,000.  Dena has had extensive DIY, renovation, and design experience on a number of homes, and she is sharing her best tips with us today.  She shares lots of practicals, but we also dive into what it looks like to embrace your own definition of “dream home” and create a beautiful home that your budget can sustain.  For anyone with a DIY spirit, this episode is such a good one! Join us as we discuss: How Dena and her family built their home from scratch for only $70,000 Why it was important to them to build their home debt-free The reality of self-building a house from scratch as a family Where to start when you are designing your home Budget-friendly tips for creating a home you love Behind the scenes of creating content about your life and projects Design specifics: window treatments, outdoor furniture, rugs What you need to know about adding old charm to a new build Top two must-haves when designing your dream home Evaluating your perspective on “dream home” when you are trying to live within your means 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 Carly Jean Los Angeles | Use code FARMHOUSE20 at CarlyJeanLosAngeles.com Blogging Success Masterclass | Visit bit.ly/farmhousebloggingschool RESOURCES How to Make DIY Concrete Countertops CONNECT Dena Breitmeyer of Fletcher Creek Cottage | Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Pinterest Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!

The pressure is off!  If your homeschool days have become overrun with stress and pressure to do all things perfectly, this episode is for you.  My friend, Julie, has been homeschooling her large family for over a decade, and she loves helping moms free themselves from the pressures of homeschooling by embracing delight directed learning.  Not only does this approach free moms to thrive in homeschooling, it liberates our children too.  I hope our conversation about the beauty of delight directed learning inspires you as you steward your child’s education. In this episode, we cover: How delight directed learning differs from other educational approaches Recognizing and stewarding each individual child’s gifts Where boundaries come into play with delight directed learning Stepping back to examine our expectations about our child’s education An example of a day in the life of a delight directed homeschool Rejecting rigid schedules to cultivate lifelong learners Examining the cause of burnout and overcoming it The power of keeping lessons short Taking the pressure off by recognizing that each child learns at his own pace Creating an atmosphere in your home that celebrates learning How taking a hands-off approach can inspire your child to continue self-learning Navigating clutter in your schedule and household How do you know if it’s time for a change or time to quit? View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! Carly Jean Los Angeles | Use code FARMHOUSE20 at CarlyJeanLosAngeles.com Toups and Co Organics | Use code FARMHOUSE at ToupsandCo.com Mockmill | Save 5% at FarmhouseonBoone.com/Mockmill RESOURCES How to Simplify Your Homeschool eBook by Julie Kreke CONNECT Julie Kreke | Website | Instagram | YouTube Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community!