From laundry bottlenecks to housing market realities, I’m diving into your current  questions in the midst of our busy build season. I’m sharing why we skip chore charts and budgets, how I fix sticky whole grain dough, and what postpartum has typically looked like for me. I also talk through common questions about our debt-free journey of homeownership, why two washers wouldn’t help our laundry system, and how we’re handling homeschool without a dedicated schoolroom. Plus, my go-to sourdough recipes this summer that keep us well-fed without keeping me in the kitchen all day!

In this episode, we cover:

Living in the fullness of a busy season and what it feels like to build a house while pregnant with baby nine

Chore charts and budgets? Not in this house— why intuitive, all-hands-on-deck rhythms work better for our family

Sticky sourdough solved: why flour weight and rest time make all the difference especially with freshly-milled grains

Postpartum struggles that I haven’t walked through myself but hold compassion for

Debt-free build questions and why I’m quieter these days about the specifics

An honest look at our journey through the housing market over the years and what younger families are really up against

Many of you suggested this, but here is why two washers/dryers wouldn’t solve our real laundry bottleneck

Why we are not adding a designated homeschool room to our new build as a large homeschooling family

Summer sourdough lineup to make our days easier— bagels, half whole grain loaf, and hamburger buns on repeat

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

Freshly Milled Grains Course 

Modern Homesteading Conference Replays

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.

From calorie-counting culture to kitchen confidence, Jillian Hankins shares her journey toward joyful, nourishing meals made with real ingredients. We chat about embracing food freedom, raising kids who eat what’s served, and the rhythms that make homemade meals feel doable—even three times a day. With tips for balancing your plate, using seasonal produce, making simple sauces, and working with your natural energy, this conversation is full of encouragement for simplifying healthy eating and making it work for real family life.

In this episode, we cover:

Jillian’s journey from junk food to holistic nutrition

Growing up in diet culture and learning to enjoy food again

How real food helped her heal hormonally and digestively

Discovering the joy of cooking after growing up on boxed meals

Why calorie-counting and food guilt are giving way to freedom

Reframing dessert as a tool for joy—and for picky eaters

Teaching kids to eat what’s served with a two-bite rule and protein emphasis

Honoring where food comes from and why that shapes how we eat

Using seasonal produce and sales to guide budget-friendly meals

Building a simple balanced plate: protein, carb, produce, sauce

How sauces transform meals without adding complexity

Weekly rhythms that support homemade meals without burnout

Why Jillian always plans snacks and treats—not just dinners

Doubling dinner for easy lunches and prepping in pockets of time

Using rhythms that match your energy instead of fighting it

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 Jillian’s monthly meal plans through her Simple Seasons subscription

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

Jillian Hankins of Jillian Margaret Wellness | Website | 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.

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.

So many of us worry we’re not doing enough when it comes to homeschooling—but what if simply choosing this path is already a powerful step in the right direction? In this encouraging conversation, I talk with Ginny Yurich of 1000 Hours Outside about her newest book and the deep confidence that can come from stepping outside the system. We explore how real learning often looks like play, boredom, creativity, and curiosity—how our kids naturally fill in the gaps over time, and how the freedom to pursue their own interests can lead to unexpected and incredible outcomes. If you’ve ever doubted your ability to homeschool well, this episode will remind you that you're doing more right than you think.

In this episode, we cover:

How Ginny accidentally started a global movement—and why it resonates so deeply with families

The heart behind her new book Homeschooling: You’re Doing It Right Just by Doing It

What we miss when we follow the standard school model—and the surprising freedom of unlearning it

The one message every anxious or burnt-out homeschool parent needs to hear

What if the thing you’re worried is a “deficit” is actually your child’s biggest advantage?

Why qualities like creativity and empathy will matter more than grades in the world our kids are growing up in

What boredom, unstructured time, and “doing nothing” are actually teaching your child

What’s lost when childhood is spent only with same-age peers—and what kids gain from growing up alongside babies and toddlers

Why your kids need to see you building, learning, trying—and even failing

Everyone has educational gaps... so what really matters in the long run?

When you trust the process, learning shows up in the most beautiful and unexpected ways

The amazing story of how Ginny’s daughter became a certified personal trainer at just 15

Why homeschooling doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s—and that’s the point

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

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Until the Streetlights Come On by Ginny Yurich

Homeschooling: You’re Doing It Right By Just Doing It by Ginny Yurich

Learning All the Time by John Holt 

UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me-World by Michelle Borba

Generative Artificial Intelligence: What Everyone Needs to Know by Jerry Kaplan 

Listen to my two episodes with Julie Kreke about delight directed learning:

- Give Your Children the Gift of Lifelong Learning (Episode 270)

- Transform Your Homeschool Days with Delight Directed Learning (Episode 184)

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

Ginny Yurich of 1000 Hours Outside | Website | Instagram | Facebook | X | Youtube | 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.

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.