In this throwback episode, I'm chatting with my friend Anne Briggs from Anne of All Trades about real life homesteading, what it takes, what works, and how to keep moving forward even when life gets busy. Anne left the tech world and dove into homesteading, and over the past decade she has learned everything from blacksmithing and woodworking to raising goats and building her own furniture. As of 2025, Anne is now a new mom and learning how to reevaluate her daily life and rhythms to fit into motherhood.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• A fresh word from Anne on how things have changed since becoming a mom.

• How Anne learned new trade skills by teaching herself and seeking out mentors.

• Why the phrase "don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle" helps her stay grounded.

• Why starting with goats might not be the smartest first move (and yes, she shares some hilarious stories).

• Simple time management tools for the homestead, including how she uses the Pomodoro technique and limits phone distractions.

• How small, consistent steps add up to big results over time.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done or wondered how to balance work and homesteading, this conversation will encourage you to start where you are and keep going. Join me for an honest, practical talk with Anne about what it really looks like to build a hands-on, meaningful homestead life.

For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/485