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Are your chicken eggs coming into the house dirty, especially during mud season? In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, Carolyn is joined by Amy, cofounder of Good Egg, to talk about how to keep eggs clean starting in the coop—and how to properly handle fresh eggs once they’re in your kitchen. We’re covering everything from nesting box strategies to the right (and wrong) way to wash eggs, plus how storage methods affect shelf life. If you’ve ever wondered whether to wash your eggs, how long they last, or how to keep them cleaner in the first place, this episode will give you clear, practical answers. In this video, you’ll learn: - How to keep eggs clean in the coop (even during mud season) - The difference between clean, dirty, and washed eggs - What the egg bloom is and why it matters - How to wash eggs safely without pulling bacteria inside - The best ways to store fresh eggs for longer shelf life - Whether you’re new to backyard chickens or have been raising hens for years, these simple systems will help you bring cleaner eggs into your kitchen and use them more efficiently. - Read the full blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-keep-eggs-clean/ - Learn more about Good Egg products and use coupon code "15OFFHSFAMILY" for 15% off your purchase: https://goodeggstuff.co/hsf - Grab my FREE guide for preserving eggs here: https://classes.homesteadingfamily.com/PreservingEggs - Thanks to Farmhouse Teas for sponsoring this episode. Click the link to check out all of Homesteading Family's favorites, and be sure to use coupon code "HSPODCAST" for 10% off your order: https://homesteadingfamily.com/FHTeas-Favorites Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction 2:42 - Farmhouse Teas 6:20 - Main Topic ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.

How do you get your kids excited about gardening, especially if you’re still learning yourself? In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, I’m joined by Luke Hammond from Dirt Academy Kids to talk about why gardening is one of the most powerful tools we have for raising capable, grounded kids. We dive into:  Why so many adults who garden today had childhood garden experiences  The real-life skills kids learn in the garden  How gardening helps improve kids’ health and their relationship with food  The challenge of teaching kids while you’re still learning  A simple, structured way to bring kids alongside you Luke also shares how Dirt Academy Kids is helping families bridge the gap with a hands-on gardening curriculum designed specifically for kids. If you’ve ever wondered how to bring your kids into the garden without frustration, this episode is for you. Watch or learn more with the accompanying blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-get-your-kids-excited-about-gardening/ 👉 Learn more about Dirt Academy Kids here: https://dirtacademykids.com Thanks to our sponsor, Azure Standard. For first-time Azure customers, use coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY15" for 15% off your first order of $100 or more: https://homesteadingfamily.com/main-azure-standard-b  Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction 0:52 - Azure Standard 2:14 - Main Topic ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.

What happens when your child grows up… and chooses to stay? In this episode of the Everyday Homesteading podcast, I’m joined by my oldest daughter, Rachel, as we share the story behind her and her husband’s decision to stay close to home and build a tiny house right here on our homestead. We’re talking about what it really looks like to build a life near family in today’s world—from navigating independence and boundaries to learning how to work together as separate households with a shared vision. Rachel also shares honestly about her experience growing up on a homestead, what made her want to stay, and what it’s been like adjusting to off-grid living (including the parts that aren’t so glamorous). If you’ve ever wondered what multi-generational homesteading could look like—or if it’s even possible—this conversation will give you a real, behind-the-scenes look. In this episode, we cover: Why Rachel and her husband chose to stay on the homesteadWhat it’s like building and living in a tiny home on family landThe reality of off-grid living (and the biggest adjustment!)How we’re creating independence while living close togetherA new take on the “family economy” and shared homesteading lifeWhy communication is the foundation of making this lifestyle work Read the full blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/why-our-daughter-chose-to-stay-close-to-home/ Thanks to American Blossom Linens for sponsoring this podcast! If you'd like to give their products  a try, use the coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY2026" for 15% off your entire order (one time use per customer), and know they have a two-year warranty on all their products!: https://homesteadingfamily.com/s-american-blossom-linens TIME STAMPS: 0:00 - Introduction 1:00 - Chit Chat 4:29 - American Blossom Linens 6:28 - Main Topic ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.

Canning safety can feel overwhelming, especially when you hear all the warnings and conflicting advice out there. But what if it’s actually much simpler than you think? In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the three things you absolutely must get right for canning safety so you can preserve food with confidence and peace of mind. We’ll talk about: Why so many people feel afraid of canningThe truth about botulism and real riskHow pH determines whether you water bath or pressure canWhy processing time matters more than you thinkThe biggest mistakes to avoid (including unsafe methods still being taught today)How to confidently know your food is safe on the shelfIf you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing this right?”—this episode will give you the clarity you need. 👩‍🌾 Get the FREE Confident Canner Pack here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/confident-canner-podcast To learn more, visit the accompanying blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/canning-mistakes-to-avoid/ 🌿 Thanks to Azure Standard for sponsoring today's podcast. If you're brand new to Azure, get 15% off your first order of $100 or more with code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY15": https://homesteadingfamily.com/main-azure-standard-b ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.

We spend a lot of time learning the hands-on skills of homesteading like baking, gardening, and preserving. But what if those aren’t the skills that actually make a home run well? In this episode, we’re talking about the quiet skills that don’t get much attention but make all the difference. Things like planning ahead, creating rhythms, finishing what you start, and learning how to say no. These are the habits that protect your peace, prevent burnout, and help you build a sustainable homesteading lifestyle for the long haul. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to do it all, this episode will help you step back, refocus, and create a home that feels both productive and peaceful.  For more information, check out the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/the-quiet-skills-that-make-a-home-run-well/ Links Mentioned: - Eat Pluck - If you want to get more organ meats into your diet, Pluck is the best place to start! Use coupon code "EATHEALTHY15" for 15% off your order: https://homesteadingfamily.com/eat-pluck Thanks to American Blossom Linens for sponsoring this podcast. If you would like to give them a try, they have a two-year warranty! Plus, grab 15% off your first order with coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY2026": https://homesteadingfamily.com/s-american-blossom-linens Time Stamps 0:00 - Introduction 1:35 - Chit Chat 10:29 - American Blossom Linens 12:27 - Main Topic ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.

Cultured dairy sounds intimidating, but it's actually one of the easiest traditional kitchen skills you can learn. In this video, I explain how cultured dairy works, why it’s so beneficial for digestion and gut health, and how you can start making your own yogurt right at home. Once you understand the basics, you’ll realize that cultured dairy is far simpler than most people think. The bacteria do almost all the work. Your job is simply to create the right environment and give it time. In this episode, you'll learn: • What cultured dairy actually is • Why fermented dairy is easier to digest • The two types of dairy cultures (thermophilic and mesophilic) • How to make homemade yogurt step-by-step • Simple ways to keep yogurt warm while it cultures • How to keep your yogurt culture going batch after batch If you've ever thought making yogurt or cultured dairy was complicated, this video will show you just how approachable it really is. Traditional kitchen skills like this can help you stretch your grocery budget, improve digestion, and bring healthier foods into your home. 👉 Read the full blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/cultured-dairy-made-simple/ 👉 Join our FREE live dairy training here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/dairy-live-podcast Thanks to Farmhouse Teas for sponsoring this podcast! Be sure to check out the Sneeze-Ali Tea here, along with our other favorites: https://homesteadingfamily.com/FHTeas-Favorites Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:45 - Farmhouse Teas 4:45 - Main Topic ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.

Most people never fail at gardening. They quit before they begin. In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, Josh sits down with Luke from MIgardener to talk about why so many aspiring gardeners stay stuck in the dreaming and planning phase — and what it actually takes to start. You’ll learn: Why fear of failure quietly holds people backThe mindset shift that changes everythingThe importance of journaling and tracking your harvestHow to grow what your family actually eatsWhy building soil every year is non-negotiableIf you’ve been waiting for the perfect conditions, this episode is your reminder: imperfect action beats perfect planning every time. Watch the interview or read the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/stop-planning-and-start-gardening-even-if-its-imperfect/ Be sure to find Luke at MIgardener on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or at https://migardener.com You can also email any of your gardening questions to [email protected] and be sure to check out his full line of seeds at https://migardener.com/seeds We want to thank Grubbly Farms for sponsoring this episode. If you raise chickens, you know they’re not just livestock — they’re part of the daily rhythm of your homestead. That’s why we appreciate Grubbly’s focus on clean, thoughtfully sourced feed and treats made without fillers or unnecessary additives. If you’d like to try them, you can get 30% off your first order with the code HOMESTEADING30 and give your flock a boost the natural way: https://homesteadingfamily.com/grubbly-farms-fb  TIME STAMPS: 0:00 - Introduction 1:15 - Grubbly Farms 3:02 - Main Topic ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.

For many homesteaders, the dream is complete self-sufficiency. Producing all your own food. Depending on no one. Living independently. But is that really possible? And more importantly, is it even the right goal? In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, we’re sharing why complete self-sufficiency is actually a myth and what matters far more: building practical skills and strengthening community. We discuss how focusing on skills rather than trying to do everything yourself leads to more resilience, less overwhelm, and greater freedom in your homesteading journey. You’ll learn how to shift your mindset, avoid burnout, and build real, lasting resilience for your family. Read the full blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/self-sufficiency-is-a-myth/ Thanks to Azure Standard for sponsoring this episode! Azure has been our trusted source for bulk foods and pantry staples for years. When we can’t grow or produce something ourselves, Azure Standard is often our first choice. Get 15% off your first order of $100 or more using coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY15" at checkout: https://homesteadingfamily.com/main-azure-standard-b Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction  - Azure Standard  - Main Topic ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.

Even with healthy, well-selected animals, there comes a day when you have to call the vet. And when that moment comes, most of us aren’t nearly as prepared as we could be. In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and veterinarian, Dr. Patrick Jones of The Homegrown Herbalist, to talk through what every homesteader should know before picking up the phone. We discuss: The importance of signalment (age, breed, sex, pregnancy status)Why taking a temperature can immediately narrow down a diagnosisThe questions your vet is likely to askWhat details matter most in an emergencyHow good observation can improve care and reduce stressThis is one of those practical, real-life conversations that helps you feel equipped instead of overwhelmed. If you raise livestock or have animals on your homestead, this episode will give you simple, actionable steps to be ready when something goes wrong. For more information (or to watch my interview with Doc Jones), visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/things-to-know-before-calling-the-vet/ For more from Dr. Jones, visit: https://homegrownherbalist.net Thanks to the sponsor of this podcast, Farmhouse Teas! Check out the Plumb Tuckered Out tea (and all the rest of our favorites), and be sure to use the coupon code "HSPodcast" for 10% off your order (one time use per customer): https://homesteadingfamily.com/FHTeas-Favorites Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction 2:57 - Farmhouse Teas 5:57 - Main Topic ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.

Making bread isn’t about talent, and it’s not about finding the perfect recipe either. In this episode, I’m sharing why bread is one of the most foundational skills in the homesteading kitchen and how learning to read your dough instead of following formulas changes everything. From flour amounts to kneading to rise times, we’re breaking down the simple techniques that lead to consistent, reliable bread no matter where you live or what recipe you use. If you’ve ever felt frustrated, inconsistent, or convinced that bread “just isn’t your thing,” this episode will help you see bread making in a completely new way. 👉 Read the accompanying blog post here:  https://homesteadingfamily.com/the-secret-to-reliable-bread/ 🎥 Free Bread Training If you want to see these techniques in action, I’m hosting a free bread training where I walk through each step on video and show you exactly what to look for. 👉 Sign up here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/podcast-bread 🛏 Today’s Sponsor: American Blossom Linens Most sheets are made with toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, PFAS, and flame retardants. American Blossom Linens makes toxin-free sheets right here in the USA, and they’re built to last. Use code HOMESTEADINGFAMILY2026 to get 15% off your order (one use per customer). They also offer a 2-year money-back guarantee, so you can try them risk-free: https://homesteadingfamily.com/s-american-blossom-linens Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction 2:15 - American Blossom Linens 5:53 - Main Topic ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.

Thinking about keeping backyard egg-laying chickens, but not sure where to begin? In today’s episode, we walk through the essential checklist every new chicken keeper should know. We cover: • What to think about before bringing chickens home • Coop setup and space requirements • Feeding, water, and daily care routines • How to successfully raise chicks in their first few weeks • Biosecurity basics and avoiding common pitfalls • Planning for seasonal egg production Whether this is your first flock or you’re brushing up on best practices, this episode gives you a clear, practical foundation so you can raise healthy, happy chickens. - Read more on the blog and get your free printable checklist: https://homesteadingfamily.com/raising-backyard-egg-laying-chickens/ - Printable Quick-Start Chicken Keeping Checklist: https://classes.homesteadingfamily.com/pl/2148743214 - Check out the monthly chicken articles inside the Homestead Kitchen Magazine: https://homesteadingfamily.com/podcast-hkm - Thanks to Grubbly Farms, the sponsor of this podcast episode. If you'd like to give Grubbly a try, use coupon code "HOMESTEADING30" for 30% off your order! https://homesteadingfamily.com/grubbly-farms-fb Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:38 - Chit Chat 5:38 - Grubbly Farms 7:18 - Main Topic ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.

Feeling overwhelmed while trying to add homesteading skills to an already full life? You’re not alone. In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, I’m continuing our conversation about going from overwhelmed to peaceful and sharing what I’ve learned about building a homestead life that’s sustainable for the long haul. This is Part 2 of our series on creating peaceful household rhythms instead of rigid schedules. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, I recommend starting there and then coming back to this episode so these ideas can really come together. 👉 Listen to Part 1 and Part 2 here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/3-things-that-keep-our-homestead-running/ In this episode, we talk about: Why you don’t have the same energy every day or every seasonHow rhythms work better than strict schedulesAssigning focus days to reduce overwhelmCreating household minimums that support your family instead of exhausting youLetting go of unrealistic expectations and finding peace in everyday lifeIf this conversation resonates with you and you’d like help putting it into practice, you’re invited to join me inside the Find Your Peaceful Homestead Rhythm Challenge, where I walk you through creating a custom system for your own home. 👉 Join the challenge here:  https://classes.homesteadingfamily.com/homestead-kitchen-membership-evergreen You can also find ongoing encouragement, seasonal inspiration, and practical homesteading skills inside the Homestead Kitchen Magazine. 👉 Subscribe here:  https://homesteadingfamily.com/podcast-magazine Links Mentioned: 👉Homemade Sandwich Bread Recipe: https://homesteadingfamily.com/basic-homemade-sandwich-bread-recipe/ 👉Homemade Make-Ahead Breakfast Casseroles: https://homesteadingfamily.com/MABC_YT Thanks for spending this time with me. My hope is that this episode helps you release some pressure, find more peace in your day, and move toward a rhythm that truly works for your home. Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction 3:45 - Homestead Living Magazine 6:00 - Main Topic ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.

If you love the idea of homesteading but constantly feel behind, overwhelmed, or emotionally exhausted, I recorded this episode for you. In Part 1 of this new series, I’m sharing the household system that helped me move from constant pressure and burnout to a calmer, more sustainable rhythm of life. I talk about why overwhelm usually isn’t a discipline problem and why trying to “work harder” often makes things worse, especially for busy moms caring for families while adding homesteading skills. I share why stacking homesteading on top of an already full life doesn’t bring peace, how historical households managed full workloads without living by the clock, and the simple mindset shift that helped me stop feeling like I was always behind. This episode lays the foundation for creating a homestead life that fits real seasons, real energy levels, and real families, without guilt or burnout. Learn more about the Homestead Kitchen Membership and the Peaceful Homestead Rhythm Challenge here: homesteadingfamily.com/podcast-hkm Thanks to American Blossom Linens for sponsoring this podcast. Use code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY2026" for 15% off your next order. Only ONE use per customer. Enjoy! https://homesteadingfamily.com/s-american-blossom-linens ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.

Homesteading is about so much more than chores, food, and checklists. In this episode, I’m joined by RuthAnn Zimmerman from Homesteading With the Zimmermans for a conversation that goes straight to the heart of what this lifestyle is really about: people. We talk about balancing hospitality with busy homestead life, raising children with a strong work ethic and character, and learning to trust God’s economy when it comes to time, energy, and priorities. RuthAnn shares how she keeps emotional needs first in her family and why that simple shift brings so much peace to the home. If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed by the busyness, or wondering how to keep relationships from getting lost in the work, this episode is for you. 📚 RuthAnn's book, The Heart of the Homestead, here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/heart-of-the-homestead-book 🎥 Find her on YouTube: @Ruthannzimm Thanks for being here and for walking this journey of everyday homesteading with us. Thanks to Azure Standard for sponsoring this episode of Everyday Homesteading. For first-time customers, use coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY15" at checkout for 15% off your order of $100 or more: https://homesteadingfamily.com/main-azure-standard-b Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction 2:59 - Azure Standard 5:10 - Main Topic ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.

A lot of people talk about going off-grid. But what if off-grid living isn’t just about power and water, but about freedom from systems that quietly run your life? In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Burkinshaw from the Gridlessness YouTube channel to talk about what gridlessness really means. Jeff shares how his family moved from suburban life to a remote homestead in the Canadian wilderness, not out of fear, but out of a deep desire to live with intention. We talk about • redefining what it means to be “off-grid” • breaking free from debt and financial pressure • raising kids with responsibility, resilience, and confidence • the real challenges of independent living • and why freedom is worth the work it takes to build it If you’ve ever felt the pull toward a simpler, more meaningful way of living, this conversation will challenge and encourage you. 👉 Links mentioned in this episode • Jeff’s book: Gridlessness: Finding Freedom Off Grid: https://homesteadingfamily.com/gridlessness-book • Gridlessness YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Gridlessness • Everyday Homesteading podcast: https://homesteadingfamily.com/podcasts/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.