Simply Living Homestead | Homemaking, Rhythms, Organization, Time Management, Simplify, Systems – Details, episodes & analysis

Feeling stuck or overwhelmed with sourdough? You’re not alone! In today’s episode, we’re breaking sourdough down to the basics and showing you just how simple it can be.

I’ll share my own journey into sourdough (including a class that almost made me quit!) and teach you practical tips to keep your starter happy and thriving. From easy feeding methods to reviving a neglected starter, you’ll learn everything you need to get started with confidence.

Sourdough doesn’t have to be complicated—let’s make it approachable and fun!

 

Show Notes

Join our newsletter for more sourdough tips and homesteading inspiration: Simplylivinghomestead.com

Have questions or tips? Let me know! Email me at connect@Simplylivinghomestead.com.

 

Get ready to dive into sourdough and take the first step toward homemade, delicious bread!

What’s the secret to “doing it all” like Grandma did? In this episode, I’m sharing my personal story of homesteading—how it all began with my great-grandparents in the 1950s, the resourcefulness I learned growing up, and what led me back to the homestead.

I’ll also talk about the heart behind this podcast: empowering Christian moms, teaching traditional skills, and building a community of like-minded women. Plus, we’ll explore how Grandma managed without distractions, found joy in daily tasks, and leaned on the strength of her community—and how we can apply those lessons to our modern lives.

Show Note

👉 Download the free workbook to step out in faith and build your own community: https://www.simplylivinghomestead.com/stepoutworkbook 💌 Have topic ideas? Let me know! Email me at connect@simplylivinghomestead.com.

Join the conversation, and let’s work together to create peace, purpose, and productivity in our homes and homesteads!

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that impacts us all: fear. What does the Bible say about fear and faith? How can we practically overcome fear and step out in trust and boldness? I’ll share personal stories, including my own journey with anxiety, and explore the powerful role of prayer, scripture, and intentional action.

We’ll walk through practical steps to identify your fear, find God’s truth about it, and create a plan to move forward. Plus, I’ve created a free workbook to guide you through everything we discuss today.

Let’s tackle this together—because faith is a choice, and you can choose to step into God’s promises!

Show Notes

👉 Download the free workbook: https://www.simplylivinghomestead.com/stepoutworkbook 💌 Share your journey with me: Email at connect@Simplylivinghomestead.com.

Get ready to be encouraged, inspired, and equipped to step out in faith today!

 

When there is so much to do in your home, on your homestead, and with your children every day—how do you find time to be still?

Even when your heart craves a slower pace, life rarely slows down on its own. In this episode, I’m sharing how learning to be mindful and still grounded me in motherhood and homesteading. You’ll hear why rest isn’t lazy, but actually deeply spiritual—and how God uses stillness to meet us right where we are.

We’ll talk about why stillness matters—not as another task on your list, but as a rhythm that nourishes your soul. From feeling guilty about rest to struggling with mental clutter or time scarcity, we’ll name the challenges and share simple, grace-filled ways to make space for peace. Whether it’s five minutes of silence, a quiet chair in the corner, or a walk with your kids—this episode offers practical encouragement rooted in Scripture and real life.

SHOW NOTES

Scriptures Shared:

Psalm 46:10 – “Be still and know that I am God.”

Exodus 33:14 – “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to Me, all who are weary…”

Luke 5:16 – “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “There is a time for everything… a time to be silent and a time to speak.”

Stillness isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline. If today’s episode gave you space to breathe a little deeper, share it with a friend who might need that same reminder. Want to suggest a topic for a future episode? Leave a review or message me—I’d love to hear from you!

Send your thoughts or topic ideas to connect@SimplyLivingHomestead.com—I always love hearing from you.

connect@Simplylivinghomestead.com 

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SHOW NOTES

SHOW NOTES

Today’s episode comes from listener homemaker_beus, who writes:

"I’m so glad Amanda is doing this podcast! She sounds like a genuine friend and gives such good insight into homesteading. Keep it up! And please share any tips for raising backyard chickens (for beginners like me!)."

If you’d like to suggest a topic, leave a comment or review on Apple Podcasts!

 

Backyard chickens are more popular than ever, but where do you start? Whether you’re hatching your own chicks, picking them up from a farm store, or just dreaming of fresh eggs, this episode walks you through the essentials of chicken keeping.

 

Topics Covered:

Must-know facts about chickens

Setting up a brooder for baby chicks

Building a safe and functional chicken coop

Integrating new chicks with an existing flock

Troubleshooting common flock issues

 

Keeping chickens is rewarding, but it does require some planning and care. By the end of this episode, you’ll have the confidence to start (or improve) your backyard flock!

 

Resources & Connect:

Send me your chicken-related questions at connect@SimplyLivingHomestead.com.

Follow along on Instagram & Facebook: @thesimplylivinghomestead

Visit www.SimplyLivingHomestead.com

 

Don’t forget to leave a review and let me know what homesteading topics you’d love to hear next! 

Show Notes Have you ever faced a loss that completely shifted your perspective? Today, I’m sharing a personal testimony of the Lord’s sovereignty and how, through heartache, I found unexpected peace. In September 2024, I lost my milk cow, Clara, to frothy bloat. Through the sorrow, my faith was strengthened, and I saw God’s hand at work in ways I never expected. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by life’s burdens, I pray this story encourages you. Key Topics:

• Trusting God in loss and uncertainty
• How unexpected trials can lead to peace
• The power of surrender and faith

If this story resonated with you, share it with a friend who needs encouragement. I’d love to hear your own story of faith and resilience. Send me your thoughts at connect@Simplylivinghomestead.com Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @thesimplylivinghomestead. Visit www.Simplylivinghomestead.com for more.

Show Notes

You’ve landed on your new homestead, full of excitement and plans—but suddenly, the reality sets in. There’s so much to do, so much to learn, and the farm store aisles look really expensive. How do you set your homestead up for success from the start without getting overwhelmed? In this episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges for new homesteaders: getting organized and knowing what tools you actually need. I’ll walk you through essential organization strategies to help you stay sane, share how to choose your first projects wisely, and, at the end, give you a list of simple tools you’ll use over and over on your homestead.

Key Topics:

• The importance of starting with organization before diving into big projects
• How to choose the right first projects and avoid overwhelm
• A simple list of essential tools every new homesteader should have

Hey Neighbor! Are you ready to start your journey homesteading? Is there something holding you back from following the call? I have a free workbook to Identify your Fear, get unstuck and step out in faith just for you! Go to www.simplylivinghomestead.com/StepOutWorkbook to download it today!

And If you would like to suggest future topics we can discuss here on the podcast, send me an email at connect@Simplylivinghomestead.com and tell me all about it!

Ever feel like eating healthy is too expensive, too complicated, or just plain overwhelming? You're not alone!

 

In today’s episode, we’re diving into small, sustainable changes you can make to step away from processed foods without losing your sanity or blowing your budget. From meal planning to from-scratch cooking, I’ll share practical tips, historical context, and personal stories to help you build healthier habits for you and your family—without judgment.

 

We’ll explore why reducing sugar, preservatives, and artificial dyes can have a significant impact on your health, starting with small, manageable changes. I’ll share simple from-scratch replacements for pantry staples, like healthier oils, natural sweeteners, and unrefined grains, to help you transition gradually. You’ll also learn how to set yourself up for success with strategies like meal planning, eating with the seasons, and making freezer meals to save time and money.

Show Notes

 

https://www.livestrong.com/article/325437-harmful-effects-of-preservatives-in-foods/)

NOVA Classification:

https://archive.wphna.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/WN-2016-7-1-3-28-38-Monteiro-Cannon-Levy-et-al-NOVA.pdf

You don’t have to change everything overnight! Download my free Step Out Workbook to identify where to start and take that first step toward healthier living: www.simplylivinghomestead.com/StepOutWorkbook.

 

Got questions or ideas for future episodes? Send me an email at connect@Simplylivinghomestead.com  I’d love to hear your thoughts and help you on your journey!

How can following the seasons bring more peace and purpose to your life? In this episode, I’m sharing how life on the homestead aligns beautifully with the rhythms God created. From planting in the spring and harvesting in the fall to the hard work of summer and the restful quiet of winter, each season holds its own unique blessings and purpose.

 

I’ll walk you through what each season looks like on our farm—like spring calving, summer repairs, autumn harvests, and winter soap-making—and how these natural rhythms help us stay organized and reduce stress. We’ll also explore the benefits of seasonal living, from better planning to creating space for what matters most.

Show Notes

👉 Want more inspiration? Join our newsletter for tips, updates, and stories: www.simplylivinghomestead.com

💌 Have questions or tips to share? Email me at connect@SimplyLivingHomestead.com—I’d love to hear from you!

 

Let’s embrace the beauty of seasonal living and make the most of every moment together.

SHOW NOTES

Are you ready to add animals to your homestead? Whether you’re looking to produce your own food or just love the idea of having livestock, choosing the right first animal is an important decision. Today, we’re breaking down different homestead animals, their pros and cons, and what you need to consider when starting out.

A common question in the homesteading community is: Which animal is the best to start with? The truth is, no animal is inherently easy—each comes with its own requirements, rewards, and challenges. Instead of looking for the “easiest” option, think about the level of care, space, and time commitment each animal requires. In today’s episode, we’ll walk through beginner-friendly animals, intermediate livestock, and milk-producing animals so you can make an informed decision for your homestead.

 

Main Topics Covered:

Beginner Animals (Low Cost, Low Input, Small Space):

Chickens – Easy care, egg and meat production, but require predator-proofing.

Ducks – Hardy birds that lay in winter, but need a water source and can be messy.

Rabbits – Small space, great meat source, and produce amazing manure for the garden.

 

Intermediate Animals (More Space, Fencing, Higher Input):

Pigs – Fast growers and land clearers, but require strong fencing.

Goats – Great for brush clearing, but known escape artists!

Sheep – Gentle and pasture-based, but need rotational grazing to avoid parasites.

Beef Cows – Provide a large meat yield but require more land and feed.

Bees – Small space, honey production, and pollination benefits, but high startup costs.

 

Milking Animals (High Commitment, Equipment, and Space):

Dairy Goats – Smaller and easier to manage than cows but require daily milking and parasite management.

Dairy Cows – Large milk supply for butter, cheese, and yogurt, but need a lot of space and feed.

Fiber Sheep (Optional) – Produce wool for fiber arts but require shearing and pest control.

 

Connect with Me:

📧 Email: connect@SimplyLivingHomestead.com

📍 Facebook & Instagram: @thesimplylivinghomestead

🌐 Website: www.SimplyLivingHomestead.com