Simply Living Homestead | Rhythms, Organization, Time Management, Routines, SAHM, Homemaker, Simplify, Community, Family, Garden

If you’ve ever felt like you’re juggling two full-time jobs—running your home and your homestead—you’re not alone. I used to feel buried under all the appointments, projects, and chores that lived only in my head. But little by little, I found a rhythm that brought it all together.

In this episode, I’m sharing the four tools that changed everything for me: a shared Google Calendar, a simple paper planner, a family command center, and my trusty Homestead Binder. I’ll walk you through how they work together and how you can start using th...

Have you ever spent the whole summer canning, freezing, and preserving food… only to realize months later that you barely used any of it? I’ve been there. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the simple shift that helped me stop forgetting what I worked so hard to put up — and start actually serving it at my family’s table.

We’ll talk about making your preserved food visible, connecting it to the meals you already love, and creating a tiny night-before rhythm that makes using what you have so much easier. You’ll walk away with practical i...

You know that strange in-between week after Christmas—when the house feels messy, time feels slow, and you’re not sure what day it is? I’ve been there too. Between the toys, cookie crumbs, and leftover wrapping paper, it’s easy to feel like the joy of Christmas left behind a tornado.

In this episode, I’m sharing how I use that quiet “dead space” between Christmas and the New Year to reset my home and heart. We’ll talk about simple ways to tidy your main spaces, rehome new gifts, and start dreaming for the year ahead—witho...

Do you ever wake up on Christmas morning already overwhelmed? The clutter, the toys, the noise—it all hits before you’ve even had your coffee. I’ve been there too.

Growing up, Christmas mornings were simple—quiet family time before heading to Grandma’s for lunch and gifts. These days, our family has added our own little traditions, but I’ve learned that peace doesn’t just happen—it’s prepared for.

In this episode, I’m sharing how you can set up your Christmas morning for calm. You’ll hear practical rhythms for decluttering before th...

Can you believe it’s December already? Between the baking, the events, and the endless to-do lists, it’s easy to feel like peace has left the building. I’ve been feeling that tug too—and I’ve learned that a few simple daily rhythms can make all the difference.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing five quick 5–10 minute habits that help keep your family running smoothly through the holidays. We’ll talk about small things—like writing a three-item priority list, prepping tomorrow’s dinner, and doing a quick evening tidy—that bring calm to your Christmas season.<...

Have you ever wanted to invite someone over… but stopped because your home felt too messy or overwhelming? I’ve been there too. When clutter builds up, it’s not just hard to clean—it’s hard to open your doors and your heart.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing the real reason it’s so hard to host when your home doesn’t function well. We’ll talk about the biblical call to hospitality, how your home’s flow affects your energy, and the first small step toward creating a space that’s easy to reset and ready for fell...

Do you ever feel like your house just can’t stay clean no matter how much you pick up? I used to feel the same way. My so-called “10-minute resets” used to take me thirty — because everything was out of place, and I didn’t have systems that matched how our family really lived.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing how quick room resets transformed my home. You’ll learn what a tidy routine is, why it’s different from deep cleaning, and how you can create your own 10-minute reset to keep your space livable day after day.

Have you ever felt like no matter how early you wake up, the day already feels behind? I used to start my mornings surrounded by clutter, dishes, and chaos — until one small mindset shift changed everything.

In this episode, I’m sharing the story of how my therapist once asked, “If every business resets before the next shift, why don’t you?” That question led me to create an Evening Reset — a rhythm that closes the day and clears space for peace.

You’ll learn how to build your own evening reset routine with an anchor action...

Do you ever feel like your planner collects dust and your phone dings just stress you out? I’ve been there too. I’ve always said, “If it’s not in the calendar, it’s not happening!” — but it wasn’t until I learned to pair my digital tools with my paper planner that my time finally started to make sense.

In this episode, we’re breaking down simple time management using your planner and Google Calendar — the perfect tools to help you live out the Time Zoning method. I’ll show you how to set up your week, what belong...

If you’ve ever felt like keeping up with meals, cleaning, and kids is an endless game of catch-up, you’re not alone. I’ve been there—standing in my kitchen at 5 p.m., wondering how it all slipped away again.

In this episode, I’m sharing how I finally found peace through routine stacks—simple sequences that take the chaos out of daily life. I’ll walk you through how to build your own stack inside one zone of your day, so you can stop spinning and start moving with purpose.

By the end, you’ll know ex...

Do you ever reach the end of the day wondering what you actually did — yet feeling completely spent? It’s not that you aren’t working hard… it’s that your time is scattered.

In this episode, we’re walking through how to build a weekly rhythm that actually fits your life. You’ll learn how to look at your week as a whole, take inventory of your time, and group your activities into simple time zones — what I like to call “baskets” for your day.

When you keep similar tasks together, you save time, energy, and mental s...

Have you ever noticed how a trip, sickness, or emergency can throw your whole routine off—and how long it takes to feel “normal” again? I used to take a full week (sometimes two!) before I felt like I had my feet under me after disruptions. It wasn’t until my therapist asked, “Why don’t you have a reset routine?” that I realized I needed a system to help me bounce back.

In this episode, I’m sharing the simple reset strategies that have changed everything for me. You’ll hear the story behind my realization, the difference bet...

Have you ever looked around your home or farm and realized your kids weren’t carrying any of the load? That was me this summer with my four-year-old. As an only child and only grandchild, he had been given everything—without learning responsibility. I knew that had to change.

In this episode, I’m sharing how we began involving him in simple tasks like our Evening Reset and how that opened the door to teaching responsibility, one small step at a time. I’ll talk about how chores build character, what realistic expectations look like for kids of diffe...

Have you ever felt like you’re carrying the entire weight of your home on your shoulders? I know that feeling all too well. Jonathan and I once found ourselves stuck in that exact struggle—until a couples therapist helped us realize something simple but life-changing: if we share a home, we should share the tasks.

In this episode, I’m opening up about how we shifted from “helping” to truly sharing, what it looks like to take full ownership of household tasks, and how we use the Fair Play Cards to keep things balanced through different seasons. Y...

We all have those hard days when the animals, the house, or the work feels heavy—but sometimes the hardest battles are in our own minds. I know that struggle deeply. For years, I believed the lies that I wasn’t good enough, wasn’t lovable, and would never be enough.

In today’s episode, I want to share how I learned to take those thoughts captive and replace them with truth. Sometimes it was scripture. Other times it was writing truths on sticky notes, my mirror, or even my phone so I could grab them when I needed...

Do you feel like there’s never enough time in your day? Overwhelmed by the endless to-do list? Wishing you could teach your children real-life skills, but the clutter and chaos make you feel like you’ll never be good enough?

I’ve been there too. 

Friend, I’m so glad you’re here.

If you’re a mom who dreams of that homestead life you see on Instagram, but feels like you’d need an extra 12 hours in your day to make it happen — this podcast is for you!

Hi! I’m...

This summer has been full of blessings… and full of busyness! In this short episode, I’m sharing a personal update and letting you know that the Simply Living Homestead Podcast will be taking a short break during August and September.

I’ll be using this time to rest, tackle important projects on the farm, preserve food for my family, and restructure the show to bring you even better, more focused episodes this fall. I also drop a few hints about some exciting things on the horizon — and how you can be the first to know when we retur...

Shopping for a family milk cow and not sure what to ask (or how to handle breeding once she’s home)? This episode is your confidence boost. I walk you through the exact questions to ask any seller—records, lactations, calving history, udder health, handling, temperament, production, due dates (vet-confirmed!), and a live milking demo—plus where to look (local homestead dairies, reputable sale groups, commercial dairies) and red flags to avoid.

We also dig into breeding basics after purchase: AI vs. keeping/borrowing a bull, real costs and logistics, timing and success rates, and what to consid...

Thinking about a family milk cow but overwhelmed by breeds, butterfat, and all the A2 talk? You’re not alone. In this episode, I break down the essentials so you can choose a cow that truly fits your homestead and your family.

We walk through dairy vs. beef vs. dual-purpose (Jersey, Guernsey, Holstein, Brown Swiss, Dexter, Milking Shorthorn), what that means for milk volume, cream line, temperament, and feed needs, and how to think realistically about how much milk you’ll use once you’re making yogurt, butter, and cheese. I also explain A2/A2 in simple terms—...

Ever have a week that goes completely sideways? In this episode, I share a real-life mid-July whirlwind: 7½ bushels of Lodi apples to sauce, a flooded basement after a big Iowa rain, a bee-sting kiddo, birthday plans, county fair, and… zero margin. Instead of melting down, I leaned on time-blocking, chose a true bare-minimum list (podcast, tidy/maintain, groceries), took a deep breath, and pivoted with peace.

We’ll talk about how to build a simple “bare-minimum plan” for your own busy seasons, what to pause without guilt, and why honest systems—time management, home rhythms, and family teamwork—he...

Your pasture is ready and your fencing is up—now let’s talk shelter, gear, and what your milking space really needs to look like.

In Part 2 of our Homestead Dairy series, we’re digging into the practical setup: shelter, milking areas, must-have gear, and how to choose the right equipment for your setup. Whether you’re planning to hand milk or invest in a system, this episode is all about making your space functional, comfortable, and sustainable for the long haul.

Main Themes/Topics Covered:

Shelter Needs – 3-sided shelters, milking spaces, and how to pre...

So, you're dreaming of fresh milk, homemade butter, and a cow in your pasture—but are you really ready for what that takes?

In this Homestead Dairy series, we’re breaking down everything you need to think through before your cow ever arrives. This episode focuses on the daily time commitment, what it really means to add a dairy rhythm to your life, and how to prepare your land, pasture, and fencing. If you’re in the dreaming or planning stage, start here to avoid overwhelm and burnout down the road. 

This is a 4 Part series...

Have you ever walked away from a parenting moment thinking… “That’s not the kind of mom I want to be”?

Yeah. Me too.

In this episode, I want to open up about how we’re learning to speak life—not shame—over our son.

Words carry power—especially in motherhood. Today, we’re talking about the impact our language has on our children, particularly when the days are hard and emotions run high. I’m sharing a raw look into our family’s story: how we moved from yelling and seeking control to choosing connection...

 Ever wonder how a homesteading mama gets it all done—from milking cows to managing a business—without losing her mind?

Today’s episode is a special one, thanks to a sweet listener named Cherish who asked for a behind-the-scenes look at what a typical day looks like for me here at Simply Living Homestead. From early-morning Bible study and farm chores to homeschooling, content creation, and family rhythms, I’m sharing how I time-block my days, where I make room for grace, and how I stay grounded in the midst of a full life. Whether you’re wranglin...

Homesteading is often celebrated as a path toward doing everything yourself. But what if that very mindset is what’s wearing you down? Today, let’s talk about redefining self-sufficiency and how true sustainability grows in the soil of community.

In this heartfelt episode, I’m unpacking why I’ve grown uncomfortable with the term “self-sufficiency”—not because the goal is wrong, but because the mindset can sometimes lead us toward isolation and burnout. From my upbringing in a family-style compound community to my current homestead life, I’ve seen both sides. We’ll talk about the warning signs of b...

In today’s episode, we’re talking about the beautifully chaotic reality of raising littles while running a homestead (or trying to get anything done, really).

I’m joined by my dear friend Leslie to have an honest, grace-filled conversation for the mamas in the thick of it—whether you’re balancing chores and children, business and babywearing, or faith and fatigue. We’ll share the real-life struggle of feeling pulled in all directions, the guilt of not “doing enough,” and the surprising ways we’ve found joy and purpose in the middle of it all. You’re not behind, Mama—...

For many of us, our children are the reason we started homesteading. But in the daily grind of chores and projects, it’s easy to overlook the greatest gift we’ve been given—our little ones. So how do we actually bring them into the skills we’re building, in ways that feel joyful, not stressful?

This episode is an invitation to slow down and welcome your kids into the traditional skills you’re learning on the homestead. Whether your children are toddlers who mimic your every move or preteens ready to take on real responsibility, we’re talking a...

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 the real-life story of how I stumbled into stillness through blogging, and how it became a practice that 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 t...

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 l...

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 st...

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 “e...

SHOW NOTES

Does your family eat together often? Sitting down for a meal is a powerful way to slow down and connect, but if you haven’t made it a habit, where do you start? Today, we’re talking about the art of gathering your family around the table—and practical tips to make it a consistent and enjoyable routine.

I grew up in a family that valued eating meals together, and as I prepared for this episode, I came across some fascinating statistics on family dinners. Studies show that families who eat together experience less s...

SHOW NOTES

Over the past two weeks, we’ve talked about planning and starting a garden in the spring. Today, we’re shifting focus to food preservation—what I put up for the winter and when I harvest different foods throughout the year. My goal is to give you insight into when things are ready and what you can incorporate into your own garden and homestead!
Preserving food isn’t just about stocking up—it’s about knowing what’s in season, when to harvest, and the best methods for storing food to last through the winter. This e...

SHOW NOTES

Think you need a big backyard to grow your own food? Think again! In this episode, we’re talking about practical ways to garden in small spaces—whether you live in an apartment, have a tiny backyard, or just want to make the most of every inch of soil.
Many people dream of growing food but feel limited by their space. Today, we’re diving into creative ways to make gardening work—no matter where you live! Whether it’s filling flower beds with vegetables, growing vertically with trellises and stacking pots, or using grow light...

SHOW NOTES

What if your garden could feed your family, slash your grocery bill, and make weed control easier—all at the same time?
In this episode, I sit down with Clyde Majerus, a Master Gardener from the Missouri Ozarks, at the Homesteaders of Iowa Expo. Clyde shares the time-tested gardening wisdom that allowed his family to feed multiple generations. We talk about the real financial benefits of homegrown food, why expanding your diet can transform the way you garden, and how strategic mulching and soil care can set you up for success. From choosing the ri...

SHOW NOTES
Last week, we covered the first steps to building a new garden. This week, we’re diving into what makes a garden truly successful and stress-free.
A thriving garden isn’t just about planting seeds—it’s about creating a system that works with nature, not against it. Today, we’ll tackle common gardening challenges like water management, weeds, and pests, plus explore essential additions like supports, compost, and greenhouses.

Key Topics:

SHOW NOTE

Are you new to homesteading and itching to start a garden this spring? Whether you're a beginner or a few years into growing your own food, this episode will help you lay the foundation for a successful garden.
Gardening season is just around the corner! Today, we’re breaking down the first steps to starting a new garden—from choosing the right location to planning your seeds and setting up a watering system. Plus, I’ll share lessons learned from my own gardening journey and family traditions.

Key Topics:

SHOW NOTES - Print your maple syrup recipe here!

Want to enjoy real maple syrup without the high cost? Let’s talk about how to buy in bulk and preserve it for long-term storage!
It’s late February, which means maple syrup season is here! Whether you tap your own trees or not, you can still take advantage of the harvest. In this episode, I’ll share how to find bulk maple syrup at better prices and walk you through the simple steps of canning it for long-term storage.

Key Topics:

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 ...

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, an...

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, star...

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 st...

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<...

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 m...

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...