Simple Farmhouse Life

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.

Life is full right now—between preparing for a new baby, building our dream home, and navigating the everyday rhythms of raising a big family. In this Q&A episode, I’m sharing how we’re handling baby sleep, toddler bedtime battles, room sharing, and pool days with non-swimmers—plus a few thoughts on off-grid readiness, Instant Pot meals, and how I’m embracing this once-in-a-lifetime season, even when it feels overwhelming. In this episode, we cover: A real-life update on what it’s like building a house with toddlers (hint: it’s not relaxing) Thinking about generators, drafts, and wood stoves… and what we’re actually prioritizing Why I love heating with wood—and the cozy setup we’ve included in the new house My kefir theory on baby gender (just for fun!) and whether we “tried” for a girl Navigating toddler bedtime battles and deciding when to hold the boundary My thoughts on babies and toddlers sharing rooms—and what’s worked for us Taking non-swimmers to the pool: how I manage it and when I’ve felt too outnumbered Where I land on sleep training, co-sleeping, and why I never feel like an expert Why having another baby girl doesn’t really change our bedroom plans—for now Our choice to go with cedar lap siding and lean all the way into that vintage feel Why I’ll never be without an Instant Pot (especially on a busy, unplanned Monday) Processing the highs and lows of building a dream home while preparing for baby #9 View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. RESOURCES MENTIONED Try my Instant Pot beef carnitas for a quick from-scratch weeknight dinner! 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.

Ginny Yurich, founder of 1000 Hours Outside, is a passionate advocate for outdoor learning and author of 'Homeschooling: You're Doing It Right Just by Doing It'. In this engaging conversation, she shares insights on the power of unstructured play and the importance of embracing creativity over traditional academic pressures. Ginny discusses how parents often underestimate their impact on their children’s learning and the benefits of mixed-age interactions. She reassures homeschoolers that following their instincts can lead to remarkable outcomes beyond conventional education.

After a health scare in her twenties, Melissa K. Norris returned to her roots with traditional, from-scratch cooking—and never looked back. In this episode, she shares the simple swaps that make a big difference, her favorite freezer and batch-cooking tips, and why it’s easier than you think to build nourishing kitchen rhythms. We also chat about her updated cookbook Home and Handmade, a practical and inspiring guide for anyone wanting to cook with real ingredients and a whole lot of heart. Tune in for encouragement and doable ideas to make old-fashioned cooking work in your modern life! In this episode, we cover: Melissa’s health journey and how it led to a total shift toward from-scratch, whole-food cooking Why starting with the most frequently eaten foods makes the biggest impact on health and budget Common harmful ingredients to avoid and easy one-for-one swaps for better oils, sugars, and salts The myth that homemade food is hard—many convenience foods can be replaced in minutes Encouragement that old-fashioned kitchen skills are doable and worthwhile, no matter your lifestyle Batch cooking strategies for breakfast, dinner, and baked goods that reduce stress and food waste Using freezers effectively: pre-shaped doughs, cookie dough logs, veggie scrap bags, and bulk meats The power of simple routines, momentum, and planning just a day or two ahead– it doesn’t have to be all or nothing Melissa’s updated book Home and Handmade—a practical guide to whole food, herbal remedies, and homemade living View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. RESOURCES MENTIONED Home and Hand Made by Melissa K. Norris 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 K. Norris | Website | Podcast | 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.

Building a house from scratch has been such an adventure—full of surprises, lessons, and all the little details that bring a space to life. I’m sharing where we are in the process, how we’re blending old and new to create a home with real character, and answering your questions about pregnancy, motherhood, and home birth. If you’re in the thick of family life or just love chatting all things home and babies, I think you’ll really enjoy this summer life update! In this episode, we cover: Framing progress on the build and why we’re showing up daily to avoid costly mistakes Lessons from past renovations where small contractor assumptions caused big regrets Mixing salvaged doors and painted porch floors to achieve an authentic “new old” house feel Where we’re sourcing vintage windows and antique doors—and what’s worth buying new Deciding to include a range hood for health reasons and adding a wood-fired cookstove for winter My experience getting pregnant while nursing and what our typical age gaps have looked like How I’ve learned to manage the baby stage more smoothly with a larger family and older helpers Encouragement for moms feeling maxed out with littles—why it won’t always feel this hard How we evaluate home birth safety, from ultrasound decisions to midwife experience Why some pregnancies feel harder than others, even when everything seems the same 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 Brent Hull 100 Year Window by Brent Hull Thornhill Range Cookers 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.

There’s something deeply sacred about pouring your life into your children—even when it’s messy, exhausting, and far from picture-perfect. In this heartfelt conversation with Abbie Halberstadt, we talk about the high calling of motherhood and why it’s worth investing in, even when the fruit takes years to see. From cultural messages that dismiss the value of family life to the myth that good parenting guarantees easy outcomes, Abbie offers gentle wisdom, honest stories, and so much encouragement for moms in every season. If you’ve ever questioned whether the hard work is worth it, this one will remind you just how meaningful it really is. Family trip to Hawaii and what travel looks like with kids of all ages Why Abbie’s new book You Bet Your Stretch Marks speaks to weary moms The cultural narrative that says motherhood is misery—and Abbie’s response Toddler chaos, twin struggles, and the hope that came years later Letting go of formulas and trusting God with the outcome When parenting teens and adults doesn’t look like you imagined Speaking truth with grace—why personal experience isn’t a prerequisite for offering wisdom Balancing littles and bigs—Abbie’s top tips for rhythms that work Thoughts on “me time,” rest, and what really recharges a mom Personality-driven homemaking—permission to do what fits you 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 Abbie’s previous appearances on Simple Farmhouse Life: - Episode 247: Breaking Down Popular Narratives in Motherhood - Episode 197: Be a Countercultural Mom: Finding Joy, Peace, and Purpose in All Seasons of Motherhood - Episode 112: Getting it all Done, Setting Priorities, Rebelling Against Mediocre Motherhood - Episode 80: Chatting potty training, baby sleep, overwhelm and seasons of life with Abbie Check out Abbie’s books: - Preorder You Bet Your Stretch Marks - Hard is Not the Same Thing as Bad - M is for Mama Grab Abbie’s free resources: - A Seven-Time Mama’s Best Tips for Sleep-Training Babies - The Penny Reward System eBook - The Gentleness Challenge eBook 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 Abbie Halberstadt of M is for Mama | Website | Instagram | Podcast | 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.

I always love having Jamerrill Stewart on the podcast because she brings so much encouragement and practicality to the table—especially for those of us feeding a lot of people every day. In this episode, we’re talking all about freezer cooking, bulk shopping, and how to make mealtime a little less overwhelming. Jamerrill shares what meal prep looks like in her current season of life, how she keeps food on the table for her big crew, and simple ways anyone can start building more margin into their kitchen routine. In this episode, we cover: Life updates from Jamerrill and how homemaking looks in her current season of single motherhood The story behind how her freezer cooking system began and why it works for families of all sizes Tips for shopping in bulk, planning monthly grocery trips, and staying on budget with a large family How she preps ingredients—like meats and rice—in advance to simplify daily meal routines Her strategy for always doubling recipes and freezing extras for easy meals later Why having a stocked freezer made all the difference during a family medical crisis Creative ways she handles leftovers with a “choose-your-own-adventure” approach to meals The logistics of storing bulk food with multiple fridges and freezers throughout the house Kitchen tools and systems that help her manage daily meals for ten—like her oversized island and dual dishwashers Encouragement to start small with meal prep—even one extra freezer meal can lighten the load View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible! ABOUT JAMERRILL Jamerrill Stewart is a seasoned homeschool mom of 9 (7 boys/2girls) with children ages 2 through 22. She shares about big batch cooking, mega canning, freezer meals and more from her slow and steady developing homestead in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Jamerrill has been making a full-time income online while raising her family for over a decade and she’d like to show you how you can, too. Join the Successful Business Momma Course waitlist largefamilytable.com/business which will help you build your dream online business while raising your family, just like Jamerrill has done! RESOURCES Listen to my first two podcast episodes with Jamerrill here and here Shop Jamerrill’s big batch recipe guides here 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 Jamerrill Stewart of Large Family Table | Website | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | 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.

In this solo episode, I’m sharing a big family update—we’re expecting baby number nine! I’m also chatting about where we’re at with our custom farmhouse build (hint: it’s going slower than I hoped), how we’re navigating delays, and what I’ve learned through the process. I’m answering your questions on everything from large family rhythms to sourdough baking with freshly milled grains, co-sleeping routines, dairy goats vs. cows, and more. Whether you’re in the thick of little years, planning a future homestead, or just love chatting all things motherhood and homemaking, I think you’ll enjoy this one. In this episode, we cover: Big announcement: we’re expecting baby #9 later this summer! Why we won’t be in the new farmhouse before the baby arrives Unexpected delays and decisions in building from raw land Why I’m learning to appreciate the slower pace of this build The vision behind our forever home (inspired by my parents’ setup) Our Sunday family rhythm: large family gathering, casual food, outdoor country life Switching a sourdough starter to freshly milled flour without a complicated transition Our experience with dairy goats (and why we ultimately stuck with cows for milk) My must-have babywearing favorites for every stage—from newborn snuggles to toddler back carries How I navigate my evening routine with a co-sleeping baby (and what changes around 6 months) Late-night snacks I love—nourishing ideas that feel indulgent but skip the junk Thoughts on prenatals vs. whole food nutrition during pregnancy—and how I approach supplements Tips for getting soft, well-risen sourdough bread with freshly milled flour Troubleshooting sandwich bread made with whole grains: rising issues, sour flavor, and more Sourdough baking without an oven? My go-to stovetop recipes for bread-like alternatives How we’re managing indoor pets with a big family and young children Reflections on motherhood through different seasons—how the hardest years eventually feel softer Designing a new farmhouse: blending modern function with vintage character (and why I’m saying yes to closets!) 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 friend Ashley’s slow and intentional home build I share more details about my current pregnancy in this recent announcement video Take a look at the recent design refresh to my parents’ home Check out the Q&A episode I recorded with my sisters Laura & Andrea Listen to this podcast episode with Anja all about sourdough and freshly-milled grains 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.

Christine Ashby, the mind behind Frugal Fit Mom, brings her budget-savvy expertise to the conversation. She shares practical strategies for feeding a family of five on just $200 a month, and her approach to reverse meal planning, making use of pantry staples to keep costs low. Christine explains how she spots true stock-up prices on meat and why she skips many grocery delivery services. Find out how to indulge in fun foods without overspending, and discover her go-to bread recipe, perfect for a busy family!

Join Amy Cross, Founder of The Cross Legacy and author of The Zero Waste Produce Guide, as she shares her expert tips on saving money and reducing food waste. Learn how to store berries and herbs to extend freshness for weeks. Discover the best practices for organizing your fridge and the surprising ways some produce can spoil each other. Amy reveals her grocery budget secrets while emphasizing versatile ingredients and creative meal prep ideas that make feeding your family budget-friendly and waste-free!