If you’ve ever felt like keeping up with meals, cleaning, and kids is an endless game of catch-up, you’re not alone. I’ve been there—standing in my kitchen at 5 p.m., wondering how it all slipped away again. In this episode, I’m sharing how I finally found peace through routine stacks—simple sequences that take the chaos out of daily life. I’ll walk you through how to build your own stack inside one zone of your day, so you can stop spinning and start moving with purpose. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to use Time Zoning and Routine Stacks to create order without burnout—and feel ready to take on tomorrow with calm confidence.   Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Facebook group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey.  www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review  

Do you ever reach the end of the day wondering what you actually did — yet feeling completely spent? It’s not that you aren’t working hard… it’s that your time is scattered. In this episode, we’re walking through how to build a weekly rhythm that actually fits your life. You’ll learn how to look at your week as a whole, take inventory of your time, and group your activities into simple time zones — what I like to call “baskets” for your day. When you keep similar tasks together, you save time, energy, and mental space. Instead of running from one thing to the next, you’ll move through your day with purpose and flow. By the end, you’ll have the first version of your normal week — a simple baseline to guide your routines and help you build the calm, steady rhythm your family needs. So grab a notebook, and let’s start building a week that actually makes sense.   Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Facebook group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey.  www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review  

Have you ever noticed how a trip, sickness, or emergency can throw your whole routine off—and how long it takes to feel “normal” again? I used to take a full week (sometimes two!) before I felt like I had my feet under me after disruptions. It wasn’t until my therapist asked, “Why don’t you have a reset routine?” that I realized I needed a system to help me bounce back. In this episode, I’m sharing the simple reset strategies that have changed everything for me. You’ll hear the story behind my realization, the difference between planned and unplanned disruptions, and the key steps you can take—like giving yourself grace, cutting back to bare minimums, and using a brain dump to clear mental clutter. My hope is that you leave this episode encouraged and hopeful—knowing you can create your own hard reset routine. With just a few simple steps, your days can feel lighter, and getting back on track won’t feel so overwhelming. So, grab your planner and let’s reset together.   Take my Podcast Listener Survey and help shape the future of this podcast! https://links.ivorey.io/widget/form/lsOTg1sCuLzO0FwGMNwe   Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Facebook group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey.  www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review

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 small step at a time. I’ll talk about how chores build character, what realistic expectations look like for kids of different ages, and why consistency matters more than rewards. My hope is that you walk away encouraged and empowered to start involving your own kids in daily farm life—whether that’s in the garden, with the animals, or just around the house. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s walk this journey together. Take my Podcast Listener Survey and help shape the future of this podcast! https://links.ivorey.io/widget/form/lsOTg1sCuLzO0FwGMNwe Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Facebook group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey.  www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review

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 ownership of household tasks, and how we use the Fair Play Cards to keep things balanced through different seasons. You’ll also hear practical ways to bring this conversation up with your husband—with love, respect, and the belief that he’s a good-willed man who wants to support you. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, my prayer is that this episode encourages you to take the next step toward sharing the mental load in your home. Listen in, and let’s walk this road together. Take my Podcast Listener Survey and help shape the future of this podcast! https://links.ivorey.io/widget/form/lsOTg1sCuLzO0FwGMNwe Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Facebook group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey.  www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review

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 truths on sticky notes, my mirror, or even my phone so I could grab them when I needed them most. Over time, these little steps helped me shift from constant self-doubt to walking in more peace and confidence. If you’ve ever struggled with negative self-talk or felt stuck under the weight of lies, this conversation is for you. My hope is that you walk away encouraged, with a practical tool you can use the next time those hard thoughts come knocking. I’d love for you to listen in and take this journey with me. Take my Podcast Listener Survey and help shape the future of this podcast! https://links.ivorey.io/widget/form/lsOTg1sCuLzO0FwGMNwe Connect With Me Join the Community – Come be part of the Simply Living Homestead family! Our private Facebook group is where real conversations happen and encouragement is shared. www.simplylivinghomestead.com/community Subscribe to the Newsletter – Stay connected with monthly homestead updates, recipes, and encouragement to simplify your life. Plus behind the scenes of baby animals and homestead life! www.simplylivinghomestead.com/newsletter Review the Podcast – If this show has encouraged or helped you, would you take a minute to leave a review? Your words help other women find the podcast and simplify their own homestead journey.  www.simplylivinghomestead.com/review

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 — this podcast is for you! Hi! I’m Amanda. Wife, Mama, Homesteader, Milkmaid, and a Daughter of the King. I've rocked the babies at 2 am, crying and wondering “How am I supposed to do it all?” The weeds grew taller, the dishes stacked higher than a giant game of tetris, the laundry went untouched — all while I tried to learn to make sourdough and milk a cow, hoping a new skill would fix everything.   The truth that changed my future wasn’t a recipe or a quick fix — it was learning to simplify. To create systems that carried me from one task to the next, the rhythms that kept my day flowing smoothly, and the zones that held it all together like a pretty piece of twine. Now, I’ve built a plan that fits every part of me — the homesteader, the homemaker, the mama — and I’m ready to share it with you.   So if you’re ready to finally manage your home with ease, homeschool your babies, keep the garden weeded, and still have time to learn new skills — grab your pitchfork and planner, friend. Let’s do this

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.

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

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

 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

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

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

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

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

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

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!