Simple Farmhouse Life

I’m back behind the mic with baby Miriam in my arms, sharing her birth story and what life has looked like in this new season. She was my earliest and smallest baby yet, and my first experience with breast milk jaundice. I’m chatting about postpartum rhythms, how my perspective has shifted after years of motherhood, and a few listener questions on everything from diet and mold prevention to couches, business growth, and sourdough. Tune in for this catch-up on life lately in our family of eleven! In this episode, we cover: Sharing Miriam’s birth story — my earliest baby yet and one of my smoothest, simplest deliveries My first experience with breast milk jaundice, what I learned, and how I found peace of mind through it Reflections on postpartum life, newborn sleep, and easing back into our daily rhythm Why I’m confident in our meat and dairy focused diet and how sourcing matters more than labels How I’ve learned not to worry so much about teaching or milestones after years of experience raising little ones What we’re doing in the new build to prevent mold (and how I’m learning not to stress over every comment) My honest take on modular washable couches and what to know before buying A look at how Farmhouse on Boone has evolved from a small blog to a full-time family business Thoughts on when I’m comfortable leaving a breastfed baby overnight The rule of thumb I use for turning any family favorite recipe into a sourdough version View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible! RESOURCES MENTIONED Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook CONNECT Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the podcast?  A guest you’d like me to interview?  Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.

Homeschooling six kids while running a thriving food blog is no small feat, but Laura of Joy Food Sunshine shares how she’s made it work without losing sight of her priorities.  From the postpartum depression that first pushed her to start blogging, to the viral chocolate chip cookie recipe that still ranks #1 on Google, Laura opens up about building a business alongside motherhood.  We talk about sharing responsibilities with her husband, letting go of perfectionism, setting boundaries, and creating content rooted in real life.  This conversation is packed with encouragement for moms who want to pursue something they love while keeping family first! In this episode, we cover: Connecting with Laura Sandford, homeschooling mom of six and creator of Joy Food Sunshine How postpartum depression after her third baby lead Laura to start her food blog as a creative outlet The viral chocolate chip recipe that grew her blog and continues to rank #1 on Google since 2017 Building a business in the early years by tag-teaming childcare and homeschooling with her husband Learning to let go of control, hire help, and find the right people to support her business Monthly check-ins with her husband to ensure every business maneuver is still serving their family– not the other way around Saying no to opportunities like writing a cookbook until the season is right Structuring work hours during afternoon rest times and keeping the business sustainable in busy family seasons Letting go of perfectionism in homemaking and setting up simple systems for chores, cleaning, and laundry Laura’s honest story of postpartum depression during nursing seasons and how she chooses to slow down and savor the baby years Why both of us believe sustainable content has to come from real life, not just chasing trends Advice for moms who want to start something online: focus on passion, authenticity, and consistency rather than sensationalism View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible! RESOURCES MENTIONED Laura’s chocolate chip cookies recipe  Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook CONNECT Laura of Joy Food Sunshine | Website | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the podcast?  A guest you’d like me to interview?  Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.

Boyhood today looks very different than it did a generation ago, and many moms are wondering how to raise sons who thrive in a culture that often works against them.  In this conversation with Molly, we talk about why so many boys are struggling and how we as moms can ground them in faith, family, and belonging.  We dive into practical ways to recognize your son’s unique wiring, reframe weaknesses as strengths, and guide him through big emotions, school struggles, and everyday responsibilities.  From the resilience built around the family dinner table to the importance of one-on-one connection and real-life community, you’ll hear encouragement and tools for nurturing boys in the formative years so they can grow into men of strength, character, and purpose! In this episode, we cover: Why boys today are struggling and how culture shapes their sense of identity Biblical principles that guide us as moms raising sons Recognizing the unique wiring of each boy and learning to reframe weaknesses as strengths The importance of belonging, worldview, and family connection Family meals as a simple but powerful practice for building resilience in kids Eight key areas to nurture in your son during the formative years Creative ways to weave one-on-one connection into ordinary family life Guiding boys through anger and big emotions  Encouraging motivation and building focus for schoolwork without constant battles Teaching boys to notice messes, take initiative, and follow through on responsibilities Understanding what’s “normal” chaos in a boy-filled home and how to balance it with structure Why real-life community is vital for moms raising boys, and how it brings encouragement and perspective View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible! RESOURCES MENTIONED Mothering Boys: 8 Things Your Son Needs from You before He Turns 10 by Molly DeFrank Check out Molly DeFrank’s previous episode on the podcast Listen to RuthAnn Zimmerman’s recent episode on the podcast Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook CONNECT Molly DeFrank | Website | Facebook | Instagram Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the podcast?  A guest you’d like me to interview?  Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.

While waiting on baby #9, I’m sharing one last solo chat before stepping into the newborn season!  From why I’m hoping for a daytime labor and how mindset shapes birth pain, to what the Christmas season really looks like in a big family, this episode is a mix of my personal reflections and practical advice.  I dive into my approach to teething, first foods, picky eaters, sourdough routines, and even how I’ve kept up with full-time content creation without burning out.  If you’ve ever wondered how I approach motherhood rhythms with a house full of kids, this one pulls back the curtain a bit! In this episode, we cover: At 39 weeks pregnant with baby #9, I’m reflecting on labor patterns and what I’ve noticed over the years Why I’m really hoping for a daytime labor this time and how mindset can change the pain of contractions What Christmas morning looks like in our house with so many kids and how I’ve felt both joy and overwhelm around the holidays The real answer to what number of kids is “easier” or “harder,” and why perspective makes all the difference My laid-back approach to teething, baby-led weaning, first foods, picky eaters, sunscreen, Tylenol How I currently handle fermenting sourdough with stretch-and-folds, my everyday breads, and why bagels are my go-to when I’m short on time Behind the scenes of content creation: how I’ve kept up with weekly videos and avoided burnout through different seasons Why I keep baby items minimal, how I store what we do use, and my experience with toddlers and breakables View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible! RESOURCES MENTIONED Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook CONNECT Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the podcast?  A guest you’d like me to interview?  Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.

Homesteading isn’t just about raising your own food— it’s about building a life where relationships, rhythms, and real community come first.  In this conversation with RuthAnn, we dig into everything from screen-free parenting to the myth of “not enough time,” the health wake-up call that reshaped her family’s lifestyle, and the true meaning of the village for moms today.  If you’ve ever wondered how to slow down and find joy in the ordinary while strengthening your home, join us for this conversation! In this episode, we cover: Why homesteading is about more than food on the table— prioritizing relationships make it matter Lessons carried from an Old Order Mennonite childhood into today’s homemaking rhythms The childhood health scare that flipped everything and sent RuthAnn’s family back to homemade, nourishing food How food choices connect to kids’ behavior, focus, and overall peace in the home The real thief of time in modern motherhood and how to reclaim creativity from screen addiction Why RuthAnn keeps her kids off screens and trusts they’ll thrive in the skills they need when the time comes Retraining our brains to find joy in “ordinary” tasks like bread baking, gardening, and family meals The myths of “the village” and what young moms are missing when social media becomes their community Why younger moms often don’t trust older moms these days and how smaller families have broken the natural overlap of generations in parenting A better way for older moms to support the next generation and be “the village”: listening first, then guiding with wisdom and understanding The true heart of homesteading: slower rhythms, stronger families, and intentional time together View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible! RESOURCES MENTIONED Pre-order RuthAnn’s book, The Heart of the Homestead Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook CONNECT RuthAnn of Homesteading with the Zimmermans | Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the podcast?  A guest you’d like me to interview?  Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.

Creating a sense of history and place on raw land takes vision and patience, and garden designer Tessa Pinner shares how to make it both practical and beautiful.  We chat about designing outdoor “rooms,” why smaller spaces can sometimes be easier than wide-open acreage, and how trees, fences, and timeless materials add history and charm.  Tessa offers simple, long-term strategies to beat overwhelm and cultivate outdoor spaces that truly feel like home, whether you’re on acreage or working with a small backyard. In this episode, we cover: Creating a sense of place on raw land through thoughtful landscape design Why outdoor spaces deserve as much attention as interiors for function and enjoyment Designing “garden rooms” that encourage gathering, eating, and everyday living outside How wide open acreage can feel overwhelming and why smaller yards are sometimes easier to design Using permaculture “zones” to plan spaces from most-used near the house to more relaxed areas farther out The importance of making outdoor spaces safe and hospitable for children and guests Choosing materials that feel timeless and appropriate to the style of the house Balancing beauty, practicality, and budget when designing for features like pools, patios, and fencing Planting trees early to establish maturity and history on a new property The hidden benefit of casting a long-term vision and phasing projects in gradually over many years How to avoid analysis paralysis when planning: books, drawings, and vision over Pinterest overwhelm Hardscaping as the backbone of outdoor spaces— surfaces, boundaries, and seating areas View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible! RESOURCES MENTIONED GIVEAWAY! Leave a 5-star review on my beginner sourdough recipe to be entered to win a $500 Amazon gift card ⭐️ How to Design a Garden by Pollyanna Wilkinson Food Forward Garden by Christian Douglas Check out Monty Don’s current publications and youtube channel, Gardening with Monty Don Check out the Garden Gab podcast hosted by Tessa Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook CONNECT Tessa Pinner | Website | Youtube | Instagram | Podcast Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the podcast?  A guest you’d like me to interview?  Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.

Life in this season feels full of change– new babies, teenagers gaining independence, and the daily rhythms that keep our large family moving forward.  In this episode, I share my real experiences with co-sleeping, freshly milled wheat, toys and clutter, pregnancy challenges, car seats, and the everyday questions you’ve asked about homemaking and homesteading.  I also talk about the farmhouse build alongside my sister, our different approaches to decision-making, and the long-term dreams I have for life on the farm.  Join me for this Q&A style conversation where your questions guide the discussion and I share the simple, intentional rhythms that shape our home and family! In this episode, we cover: My experience with co-sleeping through many babies, how my approach has shifted, and the safe sleep setups that work best for us Why I use freshly milled wheat in my baking and whether I’ve noticed any health differences in our family How we approach toys and gifts in our home— letting the kids enjoy them fully and then decluttering when the interest fades Pregnancy challenges I’ve faced, including varicose veins, and the simple things that help like magnesium and extra rest Our current car seat setup with a new baby on the way, plus the big milestone of having a teenager with a driver’s license and how quickly family dynamics shift Everyday homemaking and homestead questions— from spiders and ticks to kids’ haircuts, dishwashers, and the routines that keep our large family moving My thoughts on building our farmhouse at the same time as my sister, the differences between how we approach home decisions, and the long-term dreams I have for animals on our farm Listener questions on sourdough starters, selling our house plans, and other homemaking challenges, all bringing me back to simple, intentional rhythms View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible! RESOURCES MENTIONED Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook CONNECT Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the podcast?  A guest you’d like me to interview?  Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.

Homeschooling isn’t just about academics.  It’s about shaping character, habits, and family culture in the everyday moments.  In this conversation with Erin from Gentle + Classical Press, we talk about what the early years can look like without the pressure of early academics, how to raise children who know how to use their free time well, and why consistency matters more than perfection.  You’ll hear encouragement for the overwhelmed mom, perspective on kids’ different personalities, and practical ways to build a gentle and classical foundation in your home. If you’re looking for fresh vision and tangible ideas for your homeschool days, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! In this episode, we cover: Erin’s family life with four children, 15 years of homeschooling, and a business run alongside homesteading A shift from academic goals to discipleship, character development, and strong family habits The meaning of a “gentle and classical” approach, blending Charlotte Mason influence with classical education in a soft, approachable way Preschool years centered on scripture memory, virtues through song, habit training, and life skills, with limited academics before age six Encouragement for overwhelmed moms: God equips you for the children He gave you, one hard day won’t undo everything, and comparison online is misleading The role of children’s personalities in shaping both family dynamics and parental growth Homeschooling with a deeper purpose of individualized learning, supporting specific needs, and cultivating family culture Lessons learned from the early years, including the importance of consistency in habits and the danger of overemphasizing grades or peer influence Recognizing readiness for formal learning by watching attention spans, keeping lessons short, and letting children progress in their own time Homeschooled kids often learn to use free time creatively, developing projects and play rather than becoming bored or dependent on screens View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible! RESOURCES MENTIONED Listen to Erin’s recent podcast episode about why homeschooling is a foundational choice for her family Check out Erin’s preschool homeschool offerings  Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook CONNECT Erin Cox of The Gentle + Classical Press | Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the podcast?  A guest you’d like me to interview?  Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.

Juggling motherhood and entrepreneurship comes with unique challenges and unique rewards. In this episode with Lily of The Flour Barn, we talk about running a thriving micro bakery while managing a blog, YouTube channel, and teaching schedule. From setting boundaries and avoiding burnout to slowing down and auditing systems for smarter growth, Lily shares the rhythms that keep her business sustainable and her home life prioritized. We cover her weekly workflow, stress-reducing systems, lessons from five years of menu refinement, and when to choose freshly milled whole grains vs. white flour. Whether you’re dreaming of starting a business or simply looking for inspiration to work smarter at home, you’ll love this conversation! In this episode, we cover: Managing a full plate as an entrepreneurial mother: running a micro bakery with a blog, YouTube, storefront, and teaching classes Finding rhythms that allow space for being present in your real life without turning every moment into content The importance of establishing realistic boundaries that make business sustainable over the long haul Balancing business growth with your true priorities and how opportunity can sometimes become a burden The payoff of slowing down to do the deep work– audit systems, strategize well, and make your work easier instead of getting stuck in old ways Weekly rhythm breakdown for a weekend microbakery: grocery runs, baking classes, dough prep, lamination and proofing days– getting it all done as a mom of littles Small business systems that reduce stress: online pre-orders, projecting sales, and intentionally slow growth Lessons learned from five years of refining the menu and workflow for maximum profit (without burning out) Diving into our philosophies on when to use choose the nutrient density of freshly-milled whole grains vs. when to opt for the effectiveness of white flour Adjusting all-purpose recipes for whole grains without sacrificing texture or flavor View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible! RESOURCES Listen to Lily’s previous appearances on Simple Farmhouse Life HomeBaked by Kate Sarah Kieffer's lamination method Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook CONNECT Lily of Flour Barn Bakery | Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Pinterest Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the podcast?  A guest you’d like me to interview?  Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.

At 34 weeks pregnant, I’m sharing all the latest on our home build, pregnancy with baby #9, and what life is like in this full season. Even though progress on the house feels slow, I’m finding peace in the extra time to make intentional decisions, and we are loving how our unique vision is coming to life. I talk about chimney brick, roofing surprises, and the proportions that make it feel like an old homestead. I also reflect on how textbook this pregnancy has been compared to my others and answer a few listener questions about storm windows and monitoring during labor. In this episode, we cover: Slow building progress continues, but the slower pace has allowed for more thoughtful, intentional decisions Finalized historic design elements like trim profiles, wall materials, and appliance choices— finding excitement in the progress even if it’s gradual Chimneys are now bricked and the garage is roofed with wide-seamed metal that perfectly fits the historic vibe— a happy surprise with no overthinking! Main house will feature cedar shake roofing, while the porches and additions have metal to embrace the “old house with add-ons” story Reflections on how proportions, window placement, and overall structure are beautifully bringing to life the original vision of a “new old house” Pregnancy update at 34 weeks: similar symptoms and baby position as past pregnancies, feeling confident and ready Choosing minimal prenatal interventions— tracking iron and glucose at home, keeping midwife visits sparse Sharing our personal approach to open windows with no screens or storm doors for an indoor-outdoor connection Thoughts on Doppler use in labor and delivery— balancing caution with practical monitoring when needed View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible! RESOURCES MENTIONED Check out my last episode with Lana of Girl, Teach me Listen to Jennifer Pepito’s previous appearances on the podcast: Episode 233: Bringing Our Homes to Life through Sacred Rhythms Episode 160: Overcoming Fear in Motherhood Listen to this recent episode for all the house updates Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook CONNECT Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the podcast?  A guest you’d like me to interview?  Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.