Simple Farmhouse Life

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.

Birth doesn’t have to be something to fear. I sat down with Lana from Girl, Teach Me to talk about seeing labor as a God-designed process, not an emergency. We covered choosing the right midwife, why changing your mindset around pain is so powerful, and how to respond to people who think you are choosing home birth to get a “trophy”.  Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, this episode is full of honest, empowering wisdom for walking into birth with peace! In this episode, we cover: Lana’s story: how a college nutrition class sparked her love for birth and led to Girl, Teach Me Birth as normal— not an emergency to fear, but a process designed by God The faith walk of birth that requires releasing control and trusting God each time, no matter the number Choosing your birth team wisely and why the right midwife makes all the difference Power moves and fear tactics— recognizing red flags in medical care Labor predictions that miss the mark: baby size, dilation, and due dates that don’t actually mean much A new perspective on pain: working with your body instead of resisting it Birth prep that actually helps: Bradley Method, Ina May, and positive birth stories The realities of the first-time birth and why it often takes longer and feels more intense Things that can go wrong— why skilled midwives know when to transfer, and how most situations are calm and non-emergent How to prepare for postpartum experiences like afterbirth cramps, recovery, and what actually helps (or doesn’t) Thoughts on free birth— being prepared either way, but personally valuing the peace of a midwife’s presence How Lana included her older children in her birth and what it meant to her daughters Why home birth just makes sense for outcomes, comfort, and family flow Pushing back on comparison— birth choices aren’t competitions, and excellence isn’t judgment Lana’s heart behind creating content for new moms through YouTube, blogging, and her course View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. RESOURCES MENTIONED Checkout Lana’s courses and resources here Use code FARMHOUSE to save 10% on Lana's birth course! 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 Lana of Girl, Teach Me | Website | Instagram | YouTube | 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.

If you are feeling tired, foggy, reactive to everything you eat, and you’re not sure where to even begin, this episode is for you!  I’m joined by Christa from Less Stressed Life to unpack some of the most confusing and overwhelming health topics moms face: sluggish thyroid, hidden stress, food sensitivities, and nervous system overload. Christa shares her holistic, systems-based approach to healing that prioritizes nourishment, nervous system support, and practical tools over endless restriction and fear. If you’ve ever been told your labs are “normal” but you still don’t feel like yourself, you don’t want to miss this conversation! In this episode, we cover: Welcoming Christa from Less Stressed Life to talk thyroid, nervous system health, food sensitivities, and more How her own health journey shaped the way she helps women heal holistically The “health triad” framework: chemical/nutritional, structural/environmental, emotional/energetic Common issues women face—gut troubles, skin flare-ups, fatigue, and subclinical thyroid symptoms Why many symptoms trace back to nervous system dysregulation and chronic stress A story about stress shutting down digestion—how even nature couldn’t calm the fight-or-flight response Defining neuroplasticity and the importance of training the body to shift out of stress mode Simple tools for nervous system support—gratitude, humming, breathwork, nature walks, legs up the wall Wearable tech to promote calm—vagus nerve stimulation devices like Apollo Neuro How long-term stress depletes nutrients and contributes to hidden deficiencies Subtle but telling signs of sluggish thyroid—cold hands, brain fog, fatigue, cracked feet, and hair loss Why “normal” thyroid labs don’t always reflect what’s really going on in the body The real root of many food sensitivities—gut permeability, poor digestion, and fear-based restriction How over-restriction can backfire and increase hypersensitivity to everyday foods Encouragement for those navigating Hashimoto’s, reintroducing gluten or dairy, or feeling stuck 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 Christa’s podcast, Less Stressed Life 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 Christa Biegler of Less Stressed Life | Website | Podcast | Instagram | 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.

From laundry bottlenecks to housing market realities, I’m diving into your current  questions in the midst of our busy build season. I’m sharing why we skip chore charts and budgets, how I fix sticky whole grain dough, and what postpartum has typically looked like for me. I also talk through common questions about our debt-free journey of homeownership, why two washers wouldn’t help our laundry system, and how we’re handling homeschool without a dedicated schoolroom. Plus, my go-to sourdough recipes this summer that keep us well-fed without keeping me in the kitchen all day! In this episode, we cover: Living in the fullness of a busy season and what it feels like to build a house while pregnant with baby nine Chore charts and budgets? Not in this house— why intuitive, all-hands-on-deck rhythms work better for our family Sticky sourdough solved: why flour weight and rest time make all the difference especially with freshly-milled grains Postpartum struggles that I haven’t walked through myself but hold compassion for Debt-free build questions and why I’m quieter these days about the specifics An honest look at our journey through the housing market over the years and what younger families are really up against Many of you suggested this, but here is why two washers/dryers wouldn’t solve our real laundry bottleneck Why we are not adding a designated homeschool room to our new build as a large homeschooling family Summer sourdough lineup to make our days easier— bagels, half whole grain loaf, and hamburger buns on repeat 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 Freshly Milled Grains Course  Modern Homesteading Conference Replays 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.

From calorie-counting culture to kitchen confidence, Jillian Hankins shares her journey toward joyful, nourishing meals made with real ingredients. We chat about embracing food freedom, raising kids who eat what’s served, and the rhythms that make homemade meals feel doable—even three times a day. With tips for balancing your plate, using seasonal produce, making simple sauces, and working with your natural energy, this conversation is full of encouragement for simplifying healthy eating and making it work for real family life. In this episode, we cover: Jillian’s journey from junk food to holistic nutrition Growing up in diet culture and learning to enjoy food again How real food helped her heal hormonally and digestively Discovering the joy of cooking after growing up on boxed meals Why calorie-counting and food guilt are giving way to freedom Reframing dessert as a tool for joy—and for picky eaters Teaching kids to eat what’s served with a two-bite rule and protein emphasis Honoring where food comes from and why that shapes how we eat Using seasonal produce and sales to guide budget-friendly meals Building a simple balanced plate: protein, carb, produce, sauce How sauces transform meals without adding complexity Weekly rhythms that support homemade meals without burnout Why Jillian always plans snacks and treats—not just dinners Doubling dinner for easy lunches and prepping in pockets of time Using rhythms that match your energy instead of fighting it 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 Jillian’s monthly meal plans through her Simple Seasons subscription 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 Jillian Hankins of Jillian Margaret Wellness | Website | 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.

If you’ve ever dreamed of leaving the suburbs for a slice of quiet country life, this episode will speak right to your heart. Author Melissa Ferguson joins me to share the real-life inspiration behind her new children’s book, Our Friendly Farmhouse—a sweet and whimsical reflection of her family’s journey from cul-de-sac to countryside. We talk about building a home from scratch, traveling with a big family, and slowly creating a homestead that feels peaceful, practical, and full of charm. Melissa offers encouragement and budget-friendly tips for anyone in the thick of building, dreaming, or simply trying to make thoughtful choices in the season they’re in. In this episode, we cover: Melissa Ferguson returns to share the inspiration behind her debut children’s book, Our Friendly Farmhouse, which tells a whimsical version of her family’s move from suburbia to the country How a spontaneous land auction and a last-minute bid from her brother-in-law launched their homesteading journey The process of building their home from scratch—leveraging her husband’s experience as a builder and funding parts of the project through social media brand deals Reflections on the early stages of their homestead—living in town during the build, missing the land, and making daily visits to the property A rich conversation about traveling with a big family—carry-on-only tips, spontaneous trips, dividing and conquering, and how animals (especially dairy cows) impact travel flexibility Melissa’s best budget-saving build strategies: buying materials on Black Friday, repurposing gym flooring, and skipping high-end finishes in favor of upgrades over time Thoughtful advice on design choices—prioritizing natural light, southern exposure, adaptable floor plans, and creating cozy, lived-in charm Honest reflections on what she might do differently: adding a tornado shelter, skipping carpet, and not letting a gifted vanity dictate an entire bathroom design Why they chose to build slowly, add animals over time, and prioritize flexibility over going “all in” from the beginning The value of outdoor gathering spaces—daily porch coffee with her husband, chalk art and pickleball in the driveway, and simple spots that invite rest and connection View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible! RESOURCES Our Friendly Farmhouse by Melissa Ferguson Check out Melissa’s other books 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 Melissa Ferguson of Our Friendly Farmhouse | Website | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Bookbub | 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.