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.

I’m chatting with Christine from Frugal Fit Mom all about feeding your family well on a budget—without stressing over perfection. Christine shares her tried-and-true strategies for keeping grocery costs low in today’s economy, including how she stocks her pantry, finds the best meat deals, and plans meals based on what’s already on hand. We also dive into the hidden costs of organic and local food, why she skips most grocery delivery services, and how you can still enjoy fun foods without blowing the budget. Whether you’re shopping for two or ten, this episode is full of real-life tips you can start using today.

In this episode, we cover:

Why Christine avoids Instacart and prefers Walmart Pickup for cost savings

The key pantry staples she stocks up on—and how that helps reduce impulse grocery runs

Her method for spotting true stock-up prices on meat and stretching it to feed a large family

How she feeds a family of five (including three teen boys) on as little as $200/month

A realistic starting point for grocery budgeting: $150 per person per month

Why she generally skips organic (aside from milk) and how local sourcing can dramatically increase grocery costs

How reverse meal planning works and why it saves more than traditional recipe-first planning

Tips for making frugal meals taste amazing with salt, fat, and acid

Christine’s go-to bread recipe (not sourdough!) and how she keeps it soft for days

Her rule for buying fun foods like chips and ice cream—only when they’re 50% off

How shopping less frequently helps avoid overspending (even for perishables)

View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.

RESOURCES

Check out Christine’s banana bread 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

Christine Ashby of Frugal Fit Mom | Website | YouTube | 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.

In today’s episode, I’m welcoming back Amy Cross from The Cross Legacy to dive into a topic that’s more important than ever: saving money on groceries and keeping produce fresh for longer. Amy shares her tried-and-true methods for making fresh food last weeks (even months!), simple strategies for reducing food waste, and how she’s kept her grocery budget the same despite rising prices. We’re talking practical tips you can apply whether you’re feeding a large family, preparing for garden harvests, or just trying to make your grocery trips stretch a little farther. I learned so much in this conversation — I know you will too!

In this episode, you’ll hear:

How to wash and store berries, grapes, and fresh herbs to make them last for weeks

The right way (and wrong way) to use vinegar, glass jars, and paper towels to extend produce life

Which foods need metal lids versus plastic lids for best storage

Tips for organizing your fridge to save space and prevent food waste

How to pair "produce buddies" like lemons and avocados for longer freshness

Why some fruits and veggies spoil each other (and how to store them separately)

How Amy keeps her grocery budget at $135 per person per month

Smart grocery shopping habits: focusing on versatile, multi-use ingredientsHow batch cooking and strategic freezer storage simplify busy weeks

Creative ideas for using up leftovers and cutting down on food waste

How Amy is preparing for a move while keeping her food systems running smoothly

Why food security and long-term storage matter — and how to build it gradually

View full show notes on the blog + watch on YouTube.

Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible!

ABOUT AMY

Amy is an urban homesteader who teaches her audiences how to care for their produce and reduce food waste.  As the Founder and CEO of The Cross Legacy, she has made it her mission to share her food hacks through social media. Her content has been featured in publications around the world and her viral Strawberries in a Jar hack has been shared over 18 million times. 

Amy helps families and communities save money on groceries - most notably by eating what they buy. The average American household throws away 30 to 40% of the food they purchase. To help combat this issue, she wrote a bestselling book, The Zero Waste Produce Guide  which outlines her directions for how to wash and store produce items so that they will last for weeks. At a time when our food costs are the highest, it is so imperative that food waste statistics trend downward. This starts in the family home. An accomplished speaker, author, and influencer, the information Amy shares helps families save money, reduce food waste, and be able to afford fresh produce. 

RESOURCES

Buy Amy’s new book Zero Waste Produce Guide (Code: FARMHOUSE15 for 15% off)

Listen to Amy’s Tedx Talk

Amy’s first appearance on my 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

Amy Cross of The Cross Legacy | Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Pinterest | 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 Q&A episode, I’m diving into your most-asked questions about motherhood, homemaking, and our new farmhouse build. From figuring out how to prioritize marriage when you have little ones, to managing clutter and paper piles, to designing a kitchen that actually works for a real family—I’m sharing what’s working (and what’s not) in our home right now. I also cover topics like breastfeeding while pregnant, sourdough fermentation timing, pantry organization, and how we’re thinking through long-term homesteading plans. If you're navigating the beautiful chaos of family life while trying to live intentionally, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

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 my conversation with Katie Voetberg on episode 190 of the podcast

Check out my conversation with Katie & Elisha on their podcast, Now That We’re a Family

NTWAF episode on their recent home build

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.

In this episode, I’m chatting with with America’s #1 Mom Coach, Hannah Keeley, to unpack the truth behind mom brain. We explore why motherhood rewires the brain, how overstimulation and anxiety show up, and what moms can do to reclaim clarity, peace, and joy in their daily lives.

Whether you’re a mom of littles, teens, or somewhere in between, this conversation is full of practical encouragement and real-life strategies for thriving—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

In this episode, we cover:

View full show notes on the blog + watch full episode on YouTube.

RESOURCES

Get rid of stress, boost your energy, and 10X your productivity by working WITH your Mom Brain in Hannah’s program Mom Brain Makeover

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

Hannah Keeley | Website | Mom Mastery | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | TikTok | Twitter

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 episode, I’m joined by Meg of Hollar Homestead to talk about what it really looks like to raise a large family on a homestead. From cooking from scratch and homeschooling rhythms to livestock management and letting go of perfection, Meg offers a refreshingly honest take on simple, intentional living.

We are diving into:

📝 Full show notes + links to everything mentioned in this episode

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube

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.

Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible!

In today’s Q&A episode, I’m sharing exciting updates on our farmhouse build, including the unique pantry design I’ve been working on and how we’re planning for long-term living in our new home. I also dive into how I manage those pesky ticks and mosquito bites while prioritizing plenty of free-range outdoor time for my kids. Plus, I answer your questions about managing daily chores with littles in tow and how to stay motivated to decorate when you know your living situation is temporary. If you're looking for inspiration in homemaking, family life, and parenting, this episode is packed with practical tips and relatable insights.

In this episode, we cover:

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 Abbie of M is for Mama on her podcast and follow on Instagram

Check out Abbie Halberstadt’s two books: M is for Mama and Hard is Not the Same Thing as Bad

The Lila Rose Show, Episode 166: The Truth About Babies, Big Families, and Happiness with Catherine Pakaluk

Check out Jennifer Pepito’s two appearances on my podcast here and 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

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.