Simple Farmhouse Life

Homemaking doesn’t pause when major life changes take place; it simply looks different.  In this conversation, K shares how her family is learning to build stability and peace in the midst of transition, moving off-grid to a 1,300-square-foot cabin in Alaska.  We dive into the practical side of daily life without modern conveniences: hauling water, using solar power, and finding new rhythms for cooking, laundry, and homeschooling, while reflecting on the mindset shifts that make it possible to find joy in the challenges.  This episode is for you if you need a reminder that even in stressful seasons, simplicity, gratitude, and steady forward motion can create a sense of home anywhere! In this episode, we cover: - How K and her family went from homesteading on the east coast to making a permanent move to Alaska after an off-grid summer experiment in 2023 - The surprising challenges of finding affordable, livable land in Alaska and how a podcast connection led them to the small cabin they now call home - What life looks like for their family of nine in a 1,300-square-foot off-grid cabin— setting up solar power, ordering water, and using a composting toilet system - How they manage the daily needs of a large family like refrigeration, cooking, laundry, and dishes without modern conveniences - Why K actually feels less busy now than she did on their 100-acre Pennsylvania farm, and how this slower season is giving her space to refocus on homeschooling and homemaking - Their long-term homestead goals, from installing a wood cookstove to possibly adding pigs, chickens, or even a small dairy animal down the road - The mindset shift that helped her adapt when the move first felt overwhelming— acknowledging the chaos, starting small, and putting one foot in front of the other - How living simply has transformed her relationship with possessions and space, from ruthless decluttering to letting go of “someday” storage bins - Adapting to Alaska’s unique realities: high costs, long drives, and dramatic shifts between endless summer light and dark winter days - K’s practical advice for beginner homesteaders: start with chickens, understand the true workload of dairy animals, and grow slowly - Honest reflections on staying grounded through uncertainty, choosing gratitude, and trusting that every hard transition builds resilience 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 K of Homesteady | Website | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | 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.

What if the best way to raise capable kids is to let them work and create beside you?  Casey and Jason Cashell share how restoring their 1859 Virginia estate has shaped their family through hands-on learning, hard work, and entrepreneurship.  They talk about giving kids real responsibility, letting them learn through mistakes, and helping them turn their skills into small businesses.  Their story offers practical encouragement for parents who want to raise hardworking kids and homes full of purpose and partnership. In this episode, we cover: - How Jason and Casey found and restored an 1859 Victorian home and 37-acre estate to serve as a hub for family, business, ministry, homeschool, and hospitality all under one historic roof - How their kids have been hands-on in every home renovation since toddlerhood and what they’ve learned from real responsibility - Why kids often rise to higher expectations when given meaningful work and trust - Practical ways to raise capable, competent kids even if you don’t have a homestead by simply inviting them into what you are already doing - The heart behind raising “humble leaders” instead of entitled adults in an over-psychologized culture - Why letting children experience struggle and failure leads to humility and long-term success - The difference between confidence built on praise versus confidence built on true competence - Restoring old-fashioned trades and hands-on creativity as an antidote to modern tech dependency - Encouragement for parents who feel unequipped to teach skills– how learning with your kids is often the best approach - Practical examples of entrepreneurship in childhood and how the Cashell kids have turned their skills into online classes - What restoring this historic Virginia estate has meant to their family: living among the birthplaces of America’s founders and making history come alive 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 the Cashells’ Mayhurst Estate B&B here Explore the Cashells' hands-on workshops offered at the Artisan Kids Hub  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 Casey & Jason Cashell | Website | Instagram | Facebook | 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.

Building a new home that feels like it’s been here for a hundred years has been a labor of love (and a learning curve!).  In this solo episode, I’m sharing the latest updates from our farmhouse build, what’s been harder (and more rewarding) than expected, and the details that are truly making our home look historic.  From kitchen plans and farm goals to my favorite baby wrap, birth method, and thoughts on balancing homemaking and entrepreneurship, this conversation is a mix of practical tips and real-life reflection from my current season of life. In this episode, we cover: - An update on where we are in the farmhouse build and what has surprised us throughout this unique building process - How priming and painting every board, trim piece, and bit of crown molding has slowed the process but is worth it for the truly historic look - What I’ve learned about creating a historic-looking new build and why proportions matter more than you may think - Is it possible to build a “new old home” on a tighter timeline or with a smaller budget? - Some of my kitchen plans, including the Lacanche range and wood cookstove I’ve been dreaming of for cozy winter baking - What we plan to use our land for and how we are learning from my sister’s full-time farm  - Why I’m such a staunch believer in babywearing and which wrap I’d choose if I could only have one - The reason I won’t have a water birth and the method I swear by that’s made my labors nearly pain-free - Thoughts on whether it’s possible for moms to truly balance homeschooling, cooking, and homekeeping all at once - How Luke and I divide our work, homeschool, and business responsibilities in this season as a full-time entrepreneurial family 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 this video where I share our original “new old home” building plans Follow along with my sisters on their YouTube Channels: - Ashley at New Hartford Farm Co. - Andrea at Our Sweet Sunny Days - Laura at Our Oily House Watch my step-by-step Babywearing Wrap Tutorial video on Farmhouse on Boone Find my favorite wrap here: Didymos Prima Natural Woven Wrap Some of my go-to sources for country home decor inspiration: Country House Living by Nora Murphy and a few books by Gil Schafer 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.

Parenting doesn’t necessarily get easier as the years go on, but the demands change. In this conversation, Sarah of Our Tribe of Many shares what life looks like as a mom of 11, from toddlers to young adults, and how her perspective on motherhood has transformed along the way. She shares their process of designing a home with future generations in mind, finding confidence in the homeschooling journey, and learning to release control as her kids grow into independence. We also talk about common misconceptions about large families, how to redefine your “wins” in overwhelming seasons, and the freedom that comes from trusting your God-given instincts over the noise of the internet. Join us for this conversation full of wisdom and encouragement no matter where you are in your motherhood journey! In this episode, we cover: Sarah shares what life looks like as a mom of 11, with children spanning from 3 years old to 21 years old How raising children into adulthood shifts your perspective on what truly matters in motherhood The process of designing and building a custom home with future family gatherings and grandkids in mind The surprising ways homeschooling has evolved as older children graduate and confidence is gained in the process How parenting changes when your kids become young adults—shifting from managing their days to guiding their decisions, learning to trust, pray, and stay connected in new ways Reflecting on common misconceptions about big families and the deep connection that’s actually possible in a large household When life feels overwhelming, change what counts as a “win,” and reminds yourself that steady, imperfect progress still adds up The value of tuning out online noise and finding wisdom from trusted voices and real-life community Why mothers can trust their God-given instincts rather than chasing every new parenting philosophy 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 Sarah of Our Tribe of Many | Website | 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.

What if the path to a peaceful home isn’t found in having more and doing more, but in less? In this episode, I’m chatting with Sarah Therese, a young mom of five who shares her journey of creating a peaceful, intentional home in the midst of real family life. We talk about how living with less first shaped her perspective, the simple systems that keep her family of seven running smoothly every day, and how she keeps her heart grounded in motherhood amid all the noise. Join us for an encouraging conversation about rhythms, rest, and building a home that truly serves your family. In this episode, we cover: Why Sarah chose to pause her YouTube channel and how stepping back is helping her reset and find peace in her home life The hidden work behind filming homemaking content and how to balance authenticity with protecting children’s privacy How living as a family of five in a 700-square-foot mobile home first shaped Sarah’s minimalist mindset Bringing that same simplicity into a larger home and learning to create coziness through color and visual interest, not clutter The difference a minimized wardrobe makes in the ease of starting the day and necessitates greater intentionally in shopping Simple systems that keep kids’ clothes organized: grow-in bins, small drawers, and one load of laundry a day Why Sarah sees homemaking and motherhood as one calling, and how she invites her children into daily work beside her The few kitchen tools she relies on to make everything from scratch without cluttering her counters The importance of guarding your heart against comparison in motherhood and being the mom your unique kids need Why delegating and asking for help is not a sign of weakness but ultimately serves your family  The mindset that keeps overwhelm at bay— trusting rhythms, not perfection, to bring peace to the home 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 Sarah Therése of Simplifying Motherhood | Website | Instagram | YouTube | Patreon 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.

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.