323. Do Teens Really Need College? Rethinking the Path After High School | Hannah of Degree Free

How do you know if you’re ready to have kids? Is buying a grain mill really worth it? Do you need a mixer to experiment with sourdough? These are just a few of the questions we’re tackling in this week’s 40th birthday Q&A. I’m sharing a quick update on our farmhouse build, what newborn life looks like right now, and how my older kids have naturally discovered their interests. We also chat about practical rhythms like afternoon time, laundry stains, raw milk basics, freshly-milled flour, and making sourdough without a mixer. Join me for this conversation about the everyday homemaking routines shaping our home in this season! In this episode, we cover: - A quick birthday trip to NYC for my 40th, traveling light with a newborn, and why short city visits work best for us - Where we’re at with the house build, waiting on casement windows, and what happens once they arrive - Whether my older daughters were at Miriam’s birth and how natural birth has become part of our home culture - How my older kids found their hobbies and when I step in to help brainstorm interests - My thoughts on letting kids choose reading or projects in their free time - How I make all my sourdough recipes with stretch-and-folds, even low-hydration dough like bagels - Raw milk basics: how long it lasts, why making butter can be challenging, and easy yogurt ideas - My take on grain mills, budget-friendly options, and why freshly-milled flour is worth learning - Keeping laundry simple with mostly dark clothing and what I do about stains - Encouragement for first-time moms overwhelmed by baby advice and why on-the-job learning is best - How I’d think through cutting dairy or gluten based on symptom severity - Why I stick to blending whole grain and all-purpose flour instead of using vital wheat gluten 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 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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Homemaking doesn’t pause when major life changes take place; it simply looks different. In this conversation, K shares how her family is learning to build stability and peace in the midst of transition, moving off-grid to a 1,300-square-foot cabin in Alaska. We dive into the practical side of daily life without modern conveniences: hauling water, using solar power, and finding new rhythms for cooking, laundry, and homeschooling, while reflecting on the mindset shifts that make it possible to find joy in the challenges. This episode is for you if you need a reminder that even in stressful seasons, simplicity, gratitude, and steady forward motion can create a sense of home anywhere! In this episode, we cover: - How K and her family went from homesteading on the east coast to making a permanent move to Alaska after an off-grid summer experiment in 2023 - The surprising challenges of finding affordable, livable land in Alaska and how a podcast connection led them to the small cabin they now call home - What life looks like for their family of nine in a 1,300-square-foot off-grid cabin— setting up solar power, ordering water, and using a composting toilet system - How they manage the daily needs of a large family like refrigeration, cooking, laundry, and dishes without modern conveniences - Why K actually feels less busy now than she did on their 100-acre Pennsylvania farm, and how this slower season is giving her space to refocus on homeschooling and homemaking - Their long-term homestead goals, from installing a wood cookstove to possibly adding pigs, chickens, or even a small dairy animal down the road - The mindset shift that helped her adapt when the move first felt overwhelming— acknowledging the chaos, starting small, and putting one foot in front of the other - How living simply has transformed her relationship with possessions and space, from ruthless decluttering to letting go of “someday” storage bins - Adapting to Alaska’s unique realities: high costs, long drives, and dramatic shifts between endless summer light and dark winter days - K’s practical advice for beginner homesteaders: start with chickens, understand the true workload of dairy animals, and grow slowly - Honest reflections on staying grounded through uncertainty, choosing gratitude, and trusting that every hard transition builds resilience 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 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 K of Homesteady | Website | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | 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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the best way to raise capable kids is to let them work and create beside you? Casey and Jason Cashell share how restoring their 1859 Virginia estate has shaped their family through hands-on learning, hard work, and entrepreneurship. They talk about giving kids real responsibility, letting them learn through mistakes, and helping them turn their skills into small businesses. Their story offers practical encouragement for parents who want to raise hardworking kids and homes full of purpose and partnership. In this episode, we cover: - How Jason and Casey found and restored an 1859 Victorian home and 37-acre estate to serve as a hub for family, business, ministry, homeschool, and hospitality all under one historic roof - How their kids have been hands-on in every home renovation since toddlerhood and what they’ve learned from real responsibility - Why kids often rise to higher expectations when given meaningful work and trust - Practical ways to raise capable, competent kids even if you don’t have a homestead by simply inviting them into what you are already doing - The heart behind raising “humble leaders” instead of entitled adults in an over-psychologized culture - Why letting children experience struggle and failure leads to humility and long-term success - The difference between confidence built on praise versus confidence built on true competence - Restoring old-fashioned trades and hands-on creativity as an antidote to modern tech dependency - Encouragement for parents who feel unequipped to teach skills– how learning with your kids is often the best approach - Practical examples of entrepreneurship in childhood and how the Cashell kids have turned their skills into online classes - What restoring this historic Virginia estate has meant to their family: living among the birthplaces of America’s founders and making history come alive 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 the Cashells’ Mayhurst Estate B&B here Explore the Cashells' hands-on workshops offered at the Artisan Kids Hub 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 Casey & Jason Cashell | Website | Instagram | Facebook | 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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Building a new home that feels like it’s been here for a hundred years has been a labor of love (and a learning curve!). In this solo episode, I’m sharing the latest updates from our farmhouse build, what’s been harder (and more rewarding) than expected, and the details that are truly making our home look historic. From kitchen plans and farm goals to my favorite baby wrap, birth method, and thoughts on balancing homemaking and entrepreneurship, this conversation is a mix of practical tips and real-life reflection from my current season of life. In this episode, we cover: - An update on where we are in the farmhouse build and what has surprised us throughout this unique building process - How priming and painting every board, trim piece, and bit of crown molding has slowed the process but is worth it for the truly historic look - What I’ve learned about creating a historic-looking new build and why proportions matter more than you may think - Is it possible to build a “new old home” on a tighter timeline or with a smaller budget? - Some of my kitchen plans, including the Lacanche range and wood cookstove I’ve been dreaming of for cozy winter baking - What we plan to use our land for and how we are learning from my sister’s full-time farm - Why I’m such a staunch believer in babywearing and which wrap I’d choose if I could only have one - The reason I won’t have a water birth and the method I swear by that’s made my labors nearly pain-free - Thoughts on whether it’s possible for moms to truly balance homeschooling, cooking, and homekeeping all at once - How Luke and I divide our work, homeschool, and business responsibilities in this season as a full-time entrepreneurial family 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 this video where I share our original “new old home” building plans Follow along with my sisters on their YouTube Channels: - Ashley at New Hartford Farm Co. - Andrea at Our Sweet Sunny Days - Laura at Our Oily House Watch my step-by-step Babywearing Wrap Tutorial video on Farmhouse on Boone Find my favorite wrap here: Didymos Prima Natural Woven Wrap Some of my go-to sources for country home decor inspiration: Country House Living by Nora Murphy and a few books by Gil Schafer 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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Parenting doesn’t necessarily get easier as the years go on, but the demands change. In this conversation, Sarah of Our Tribe of Many shares what life looks like as a mom of 11, from toddlers to young adults, and how her perspective on motherhood has transformed along the way. She shares their process of designing a home with future generations in mind, finding confidence in the homeschooling journey, and learning to release control as her kids grow into independence. We also talk about common misconceptions about large families, how to redefine your “wins” in overwhelming seasons, and the freedom that comes from trusting your God-given instincts over the noise of the internet. Join us for this conversation full of wisdom and encouragement no matter where you are in your motherhood journey! In this episode, we cover: Sarah shares what life looks like as a mom of 11, with children spanning from 3 years old to 21 years old How raising children into adulthood shifts your perspective on what truly matters in motherhood The process of designing and building a custom home with future family gatherings and grandkids in mind The surprising ways homeschooling has evolved as older children graduate and confidence is gained in the process How parenting changes when your kids become young adults—shifting from managing their days to guiding their decisions, learning to trust, pray, and stay connected in new ways Reflecting on common misconceptions about big families and the deep connection that’s actually possible in a large household When life feels overwhelming, change what counts as a “win,” and reminds yourself that steady, imperfect progress still adds up The value of tuning out online noise and finding wisdom from trusted voices and real-life community Why mothers can trust their God-given instincts rather than chasing every new parenting philosophy 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 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 Sarah of Our Tribe of Many | Website | Instagram | 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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.