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Welcome to the very first episode of Old Fashioned On Purpose!  On today’s episode I’m thrilled to share with you my very unlikely foray into homesteading.  You’ll hear why growing up as city kids didn’t prevent my husband and I from achieving our goal of owning milk cows, cultivating our own gardens, building our own farm, and so much more.

It’s summertime, and beyond the beautiful weather, it means that all of the amazing fruits are in season.  What does in-season fruit mean?  Jam of course!  While I love to make jam, I’ve always found that most jam and jelly recipes are loaded with added sugar.  If you’re anything like me, you want to use as little added sugar as you can.  Today I’m going to teach you how to easily create incredible tasting jams with having to overload them with white sugar.

When Christian and I started our first garden on our homestead, we began with a traditional in-ground garden.  After a somewhat comical mistake involving manure, we quickly had a yard growing in our garden.  Certainly not an ideal situation.  Though a temporary solution worked for a while, we discovered a deeper issue as a result of previous pesticide use. Enter raised beds.  Listen today to find out if raised beds are the right solution for your homestead.

One of the most common concerns I hear from people looking to get into homesteading is what happens when you need to leave or take a vacation? While we want all of the joys that a homestead provides, certainly there can be issues when needing to be away for a prolonged period of time. Fear not my friends, I’m here to explain how you can leave your homestead without a great deal of worry. Listen today to find out how we prepare for trips away from the homestead. This episode is sure to inspire some ideas of your own.

By far the number one fear I hear the most in regards to canning concerns food poisoning. Better known as botulism, this phenomenon has the potential to cause some very serious health problems. While botulism has the can be extremely dangerous, I’m here to provide some guidance to help you mitigate any possible risk. From acidity to temperature to different types of canning, listen to find a comprehensive guide on canning safely.

Today you’re going to learn about a special fertilizer that is sure to produce miracles in your garden. You’ll learn the difference between aerated and non-aerated tea, why non-aerated tea is my weapon of choice, and how you can make it for free.

Hail is one of the most destructive forces when it comes to the health and well-being of your garden. If you’re anything like myself, you can relate to the devastation of walking outside and seeing your garden in tatters following a hail storm.

Unfortunately, a recent storm crushed months of hard work, time, and money. Even though I was bummed and initially wanted to quit gardening, it ultimately wound up creating a positive shift in my attitude. Today I’m going to outline several strategies on how you can salvage, recover, and rebuild moving forward. Don’t miss my idea on how to protect your plants from future storms.

Who knew canning tomatoes was such a controversial subject? When you stumble across canning discussions on Facebook or in other homestead groups, this seems to be one of the most hotly contested topics. Why you might ask? Primarily because many canning organizations challenge certain traditions in terms of how foods should be canned. Fear not my friends.

In today’s episode, I share a simple solution that will allow you to utilize any canning method you desire. I also dig deep into the different factors that can affect the acidity, which ultimately effects the canning method you should use. If you’ve ever wondered how you can stay true to whatever canning method you desire, then this is the podcast for you!

Yes, it’s that special time of year that we all love: Fly Season! For all of my fellow homesteaders currently in the throes of fly season and the ones about to experience it, I’m here to deliver my top four strategies on how to mitigate our pesky little friends.

Are you tired of dealing with soft, squishy pickles? I’m sure I’m not the only one who has dealt with this problem. After years of experimentation and fighting with different recipes, I’ve collected these 5 simple tips to take your pickles to the next level. We’ll learn why small cucumbers are the best, why immediate canning leads to crunchy pickles, and why the blossom end might be our biggest enemy. You’ll also hear about my favorite way to keep pickles fresh for the long-haul.

Have you ever struggled to keep your weeds at bay? It’s one of the most common problems for any homesteader. I don’t know about you, but I sure don’t want to be spending three hours a day in my garden just to keep my weeds under control. Over the years I’ve tried dealing with this issue in many different ways. Today I’m here to share my most effective tips in weed control. These will not only save you time, but they will also give you peace of mind.

As we’re approaching harvesting season on the homestead, it’s crucial to be prepared for the bounty of food that’s about to roll in. Whether it’s coming from your own garden, a farmers market, or other local producers, understanding how to properly preserve the harvest will provide wonderful meals for months to come. Today we’re going to focus on my favorite method of food preparation: canning. In particular, I’m presenting the 5 most common mistakes people make when it comes to canning.

We all make mistakes. Let me tell you, Christian and I have made quite a few on our homesteading journey. In today’s episode, I’m going to dive into the top 5 mistakes we’ve made over the last few years. These learning experiences are sure to save you time, money, and headaches in the process. No matter if you own a homestead, are interested in becoming a homesteader, or simply enjoy learning about the lifestyle, there are valuable lessons to learn throughout.

Eating fruits and vegetables fresh off the vine is always the preferred method for optimum nutritional value. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to consume our fresh foods before they go bad. So what’s the best way to preserve the harvest? Research shows that proper canning is the best way to ensure nutrients remain locked in your foods as long as possible. Listen today to discover everything you need to know about the shelf-life of nutrients when it comes to preserved foods.

Today I’m going to talk about several different options on how you can create raised beds on your own. You’ll also get a detailed explanation on how we built own very own, incredibly unique raised beds made out of steel. I’m hoping this episode will make it clear that there’s no right or wrong way to build a raised bed, it simply comes down to finding something that fits your specific needs.

Although both dairy goats and milk cows are viable options, find out why Christian and I eventually moved to milk cows and sold our goats. Learn the main differences when it comes to cost, pasture space, transportation, and overall taste of milk. If you are considering entering the world of home dairy or contemplating making a switch, this episode will provide everything you need to make an informed decision.

When Christian and I first started out, we were relying on his single income as an electrician. By staying out of debt and focusing on doing anything we could do to earn extra money, it allowed us to build our homestead piece-by-piece. Regardless of where you’re at financially, it’s possible to get into the homestead game. Before you begin on your journey there’s some key things you should know. First and foremost, it’s going to take a serious amount of discipline along with rock solid intent. Second, there’s no right or wrong way to do this. Listen today to find out how Christian and I managed to make our dream a reality and learn some tips and tricks so you can do the same.

Whether or not you are currently a homesteader, I’m willing to bet that we both share this common problem. Time is our most valuable commodity, and usually the first and easiest thing to sacrifice is a good home cooked meal. Today I’m here to not only explain why you don’t have to sacrifice cooking from scratch but also provide the tools you need to make your home cooked meals a reality.

When is the “simple life” not always simple? For those of you transitioning into the homestead lifestyle, it’s pretty much all the time. From barn construction to dairy goats to him baked bread and so much more, it’s a never ending cycle of building and improving. How do I know? I’ve been there. Even with all the homesteading experience Christian and I now have, we still find ourselves overwhelmed at times. Today I’m going to demystify the process of starting a homestead and provide every tip and trick you need to take action today.

On today’s episode, you’re going to learn how Christian and I are managing to raise old-fashioned kids in the modern technological world. How our we accomplishing this? Mostly by providing our kids with unstructured time. It turns out that allowing time for your children to be bored will actually increase their creativity. Who knew? Listen to find out why letting go of your kids is actually the best thing you could ever do as a parent.

If you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for different ways to maximize the yield from you harvest. While I love canning, sometimes the volume of your harvest simply doesn’t warrant going through the process. On today’s episode I’m detailing my favorite way of quickly preserving even the smallest amount of vegetables. Listen to find out the entire process of quick-pickling, the tools you’ll need to pull it off, and some of my favorite recipes.

Herbs have always seemed to be hit or miss for me. While I love the flavor fresh herbs bring to my cooking, I tend to either have more than I know what to do with or none at all. If you’v ever experienced this problem, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for. I detail my four favorite methods of preserving herbs for the long haul. Many of you are likely aware of dried herbs. While I do cover dried herbs, I dive into three other techniques that are less common but just as effective. If you want to prepare tasty meals through any season you don’t want to miss this episode.

Potatoes are by far my favorite vegetable. I’d imagine it’s pretty safe to say I’m not alone in my affinity for spuds. No, it’s not even due the fact I was born in Idaho, better known as the home of the potato. My favorite part of harvesting potatoes is the act of digging them up. It’s like treasure hunt every time. Today’s episode is dedicated to everything potatoes. From harvesting to storing to preparing and everything in between, this will prepare you and your family for the coming harvest.

The seasons are changing. Depending on the part of the country you’re in, winter can mean vastly different things. While it’s great to enjoy the current harvest, a homesteader always has to plan ahead with the upcoming season in mind. On today’s episode I dig deep into my favorite tactics on preparing for winter, including amending your soil, cleaning up your plants, adding compost, and so much more.

Apples hold a special place in my heart. This incredible fruit is the very first thing I ever canned on my own. In today’s episode I detail my favorite way to preserve apples for the long-haul. Find out which apple varieties are the best for canning and why naturally sweet apples are always the best choice. Today’s episode will teach you how you can create incredibly tasty, crispy apple slices with minimal use of sugar.

Today I’m here to provide you a very organic, extremely affordable way to fertilize your soil, suppress weeds, increase organic matter, and prevent erosion. I know what you’re thinking. This sounds way too good to be true. I’m happy to tell you, this is very, very real. On this special episode I’m joined by Parker from True Leaf Market, the non-GMO seed company that is literally a dream come true for homesteaders like you and I. By now I’m sure you’re wondering what this incredible and magic solution is. Join Parker and I as we dig deep into cover crops and how they can transform your garden.

Winter is slowly creeping up on us, especially here in Wyoming. After our first frost last week, I knew it was time to start prepping for the season ahead. That being said, we don’t have to give in and close up shop at the first sign of winter. There are a number of different tactics we can utilize to squeeze the last bits of life from our gardens. In fact, the tips I’m outlining in today’s episode have the potential to extend the life of your garden by 6-8 weeks! Pretty incredible, right? Tune in today to discover there easy and relatively inexpensive ways to keep your garden producing into the early stages of winter.

Fermented foods can be a polarizing topic. For quite some time, they literally left a bad taste in my mouth. Have you ever experienced this yourself? It wasn’t until I ventured into the world of crocks that I finally cracked the fermentation code. No matter what side of the fermentation fence you sit on, today’s episode will provide a thorough guide to help you get started.

If you’re on the verge of stepping into the homestead life, this episode is a must listen. Today I’m diving into the most important issues to consider before making an investment in a property. Find out why thinking small can leave you stuck, why climate considerations matter, and why overall lifestyle is important to keep at the front of mind. No matter if you’re purchasing your first homestead or if you’re on the lookout for an upgrade, you’ll find plenty of information to help you make a more informed decision.

Without a doubt, by far the question I get asked the most is how I got started in homesteading. In reality, the better question to ask is why does homesteading even matter in the first place? In today’s episode, I take a deep dive into why homesteading serves such an important purpose in today’s ever increasing technological world. The truth is, no amount of convenience can replicate or replace the satisfaction that comes from homesteading.

It’s no secret. Out of all the aspects of homesteading, the animals are the one thing I can’t live without. Today I’m going to walk you through everything you need to consider prior to adding your first animals to your homestead. You’ll learn where to buy, what to look out for before buying, why quality is always the best route, and so much more. Discover why bloodlines not only lead better animals, but also more dollars in your pocket. Even if you currently have animals on your homestead, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Let’s face it. The modern kitchen isn’t built for the homestead lifestyle. Even after several renovations, my relatively small kitchen requires several key tools to create maximum functionality. If you’ve ever wondered the key items I simply can’t live without, well today is your day. From dutch ovens to wooden spoons and everything in between, load up on these simple tools to make your daily food preparation a breeze.

For many health conscious individuals out there, fat might as well be a four letter word. The sheer thought of using fat to cook might even send chills up your spine. Fear not my friends. Not only do the right fats add a ton of flavor, but many are even good for you. I did a ton of research while building my ideal homestead kitchen, and fat was the common ingredient tying the best recipes together.

Have you ever wondered how you can eliminate sugar from your recipes replace it with 100% natural sweetener that’s actually good for you? This might seem like something made I just made up, but I promise you this is a real ingredient that you can start using immediately. Today I’m joined by homesteader, author, photographer, and maple syrup expert, the incomparable Michelle Visser. Michelle walks us through the incredible process of how to make syrup from beginning-to-end. She also digs deep into why homesteading matters and why she initially had a difficult time with the transition from suburbia.

Cooking with oils tend to be looked at as a no-no in the culinary world. However, with a little practice and some care, essentials oils have become a vital addition to my kitchen cabinet. Today we’re going to investigate how to asses any dangers with essential oils, the efficacy of cooking with them, and the incredible flavor benefits from good oils. Most important, you’ll learn how to separate the good oils from the bad so to ensure you’re putting quality oils in your food.

4-H played a pivotal role in my life growing up. Because of this, I have been counting downs the days until my daughter was able to start participating. Though I had experience of going through 4-H as a kid, it’s entirely different going through it as a parent. In today’s episode, I’m here to share the most valuable tips I learned from my first go-round as a 4-H parent. My goal with this episode is to prepare you and your family for success with 4-H.

No, the title isn’t a mistake. After gaining a reputation online as “the milk cow” girl, once again we have milk goats. Why do we have milk goats again after all these years? Our daughter Mesa decided to use some of her fair money to buy two Paper Nigerian Dwarfs. Listen today to find out why I’m excited to once again have goats on the homestead and what we could be doing with them in the future.

As I sit here today, it’s very clear to look back and see how homeschooling gave me the tools needed to succeed. The disciplined instilled in me at young age allowed me to build the habits that let me excel in college and in business. It gave the me the freedom to explore passions that I never would’ve been able to if I attended public schools. To be very clear, I’m not saying homeschooling is the only way or that public schooling is bad. I’m here to relay my experiences and explain how homeschooling can be beneficial in the long run.

When push comes to shove, I always prefer to let a broody hen hatch her eggs rather than getting chicks from the feed store. However, sometimes it’s just not that simple. If you’ve ever been curious about broody hens or have dealt with this yourself, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for. What I have for you today is a crash course on everything you need in order to successfully deal with a broody hen. Keep your pen and pad handy. This episode is full of useful gems.

What’s it like to be a homesteading, homeschooling, entrepreneur, from-scratch-cooking, mom-of-three? I’ll be the first to admit, it can be exhausting. While I work to keep a set schedule, depending on the seasonal duties I have I need to keep things a little fluid. Fair warning, my schedule isn’t to be used as a template for everyone. I’m simply here to show you how I manage my busy life with the hope that you can take some bits and pieces to improve yours.

Home dairy is a bit of a status symbol in the homesteading community. However, there are three very big myths that prevent most homesteaders from even getting started. In today’s episode I expound on these myths as well as outlining many incredible uses for home dairy (hint: it’s not just milk).

If you’ve followed me for any period of time, you’d certainly know my deep love for all things butter. It’s by far my favorite dairy-made product. Today you’ll learn the process of making your own butter at home and the incredible advantages it provides over store bought butter. To be honest, you’ll be shocked at how easy this really is to do. I hope this inspires you to start making butter of your own today!

There is no shortage of information out there when it comes to homesteading. The unfortunate thing is that most of it is just fluff. Today I’m here to provide you a quick start guide so that you can get on the correct path on your journey. Learn why food is always the top priority on the homestead and how you can start weeding out poor choices immediately. Find out why the most important part of starting a homestead will always be taking action.

Have you ever used ancient grains in your cooking? If you’re new to the game, you’ll likely realize that using Einkorn flour produces a much different experience when it comes to cooking and baking. Today we’re going to explore the health benefits of using Einkorn and other ancient grains. We’re also going to dig into different uses and what to expect when you first go to use ancient grains in your cooking.

Yes my friends, it’s that wonderful time of the year. Thanksgiving is upon us and for most of us that means one thing: turkey. On today’s episode, I’m thrilled to share my favorite way of cooking a turkey. Brining offers the best combination of deep flavor and juiciness. Beyond brining, I’ll share some of my favorite turkey related stories. If you’re stressed out about the big day, fear not. This show will provide all the information you need to make cooking your turkey a breeze.

Are you tired of the same old processed foods you’ve been eating at Thanksgiving? I’m here today to show you why cooking Thanksgiving the homestead way is the absolute best way to go. On today’s episode I’ll explore my favorite way to cook a turkey, why mashed potatoes are the best, my ideal way to prepare cranberry sauce, and so much more. This episode will provide the blueprint for crafting the most incredible home-cooked Thanksgiving ever!

Do you ever dream of the homestead life, but shutter at the thought of living so far away from town? I can’t even begin to count the number of people that’ve voiced this exact concern over the years. Don’t worry. I get it. The full-on homestead life isn’t necessarily for everyone. Don’t fret my friends, today I’m here to offer up ideas on how you can get a taste of the homestead life without ever leaving suburbia. On this episode I cover everything from gardening to keeping your own animals. This is a must listen for anyone that wants to get a taste of the homestead life!

Time is by far our most valuable asset. While I love cooking delicious, healthy, and wholesome food, it can be an extremely time consuming task. I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve wasted in the kitchen on a daily basis Today I provide my favorite tips and tricks to save time every single week. Find out the staples that are always in my kitchen and on the shopping list, how to batch, and why it’s important to keep a list of easy-to-make meals on hand. If you’re spending too much time in the kitchen on a daily basis, this episode is a must listen.

Milk is magic. It’s an incredibly versatile liquid that has the ability to morph into so many amazing things. Today I’m focusing on three of my all-time favorite milk recipes that will leave you coming back for more. Specifically I’m talking about yogurt, ricotta, and buttermilk. These three recipes are not only delicious, they’re also easy to make! Want to make these phenomenal recipes in your very own kitchen?

The word ‘cast iron’ exudes strength in-and-of itself. For some reason, the internet might have you believing these types of pans are delicate little flowers. No matter what you think at this point, I’m here to bust some common cast iron myths that will have you converting in no time flat. Listen today to learn how to properly season your pan, how to save rusty pans, and hear me bust the largest, most common myth when it comes to cast iron.

Have you ever dreamed of publishing your own book? I can tell you from experience, it is one of the most challenging and rewarding processes you can ever undertake. On today’s episode, I’m drifting a bit from the traditional podcast. Come with me as we take a journey from initial idea to published book. We’ll talk literary agents, the difficult editing process, the computer crash that nearly broke me, and everything in between. Whether you’re interested in writing a book or not, you’ll gain immense behind-the-scenes insight on how my cookbook was actually assembled!

This is what we all dream of, right? Of course our love of the homestead life is why we get involved in the first place, but the idea of actually making a living off the homestead (or even just a little extra money) can seem far-fetched. Today I’m not just here to explain why this is entirely possible, but I’m also providing 6 proven ways to start making money off your homestead. From selling animal products to creating homestead experiences and everything in between, I know one of these ideas are sure to spark something in your mind. Have you done anything to make money on your homestead? If so, be sure to share!

Are you struggling to keep up with an increasingly busy schedule filled with 4-H, homeschooling, tending to the milk cows, and all of the other wonderful things that come with life on the homestead? I’m in the thick of it right now and let me tell you, it ain’t no joke ya’ll! Like most of you listening, I’ve always felt a certain way about freezer meals. My first association had always been bland, lifeless casseroles. As a proud homesteader, they always felt like cheating to some degree. It wasn’t until I took a serious deep dive into into meal prep that I realized the power and convenience of well thought out freezer meals. On today’s episode, I explain how and why my mindset shifted around freezer meals. I also offer up my favorite tips and tricks to maximize flavor and make efficient use of your time. Let’s get cooking!