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.

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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 [email protected]—I always love hearing from you.

[email protected] 

On Facebook and Instagram @thesimplylivinghomestead

Get the Newsletter HERE

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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 [email protected].

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! 

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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: [email protected]

📍 Facebook & Instagram: @thesimplylivinghomestead

🌐 Website: www.SimplyLivingHomestead.com

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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 stress, make healthier food choices, and even spend more quality time together. But with busy schedules and different routines, how do you make it happen? In this episode, we’ll explore simple ways to make family meals a priority, including meal planning, setting routines, and getting everyone involved.

Main Topics Covered:

Planning Your Meals: Taking time to plan meals reduces stress, ensures you have the right ingredients, and helps set realistic expectations for sit-down meals each week. Involving kids in meal prep and table setting also makes them feel included.

Creating a Routine: A consistent dinnertime helps the whole family know what to expect. Whether it’s through a starting ritual like prayer, gratitude, or conversation cards, setting a routine makes meals smoother and more meaningful.

Getting Everyone Involved in Cleanup: Even the smallest hands can help clear the table or wash dishes. When everyone pitches in, clean-up is quick, easy, and part of the shared experience.

Connect with Me:

Email: [email protected]

Facebook & Instagram: @thesimplylivinghomestead

Website: www.SimplyLivingHomestead.com

Show Notes Resources:

Family Dinner Statistics: Instacart Report

Conversation Starters: Talking Point Cards

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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!

Key Topics:

Have a favorite preservation method or a family tradition for putting up food? Share your experiences in the comments!

Let’s chat about all things food preservation!

Email me at [email protected],

Find me on Facebook and Instagram @thesimplylivinghomestead.

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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.

Main Topics Covered:

Big thanks to Leslie for requesting this topic! If you have a question or an idea for a future episode, send me an email at [email protected]—I’d love to hear from you!

Connect with Me:

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!!

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What if your garden could feed your family, slash your grocery bill, and make weed control easier—all at the same time?

Main Topics Covered:

You can find me at

[email protected] 

On Facebook and Instagram @thesimplylivinghomestead

Or on my Website www.Simplylivinghomestead.com

SHOW NOTES

Key Topics:

Want to get the most out of your garden this season?

You can find me at

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.

Key Topics:

Have gardening tips or questions? I’d love to hear from you! 

You can find me at

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!

Key Topics:

Have you canned maple syrup before? I’d love to hear about it!

Maple Syrup is delicious, and so easy to preserve for long term storage. 

Leave us a comment below telling us About your canning adventures.

You can find me at

[email protected] 

On Facebook and Instagram @thesimplylivinghomestead

Or on my Website www.Simplylivinghomestead.com

https://www.massmaple.org/about-maple-syrup/