If you’re looking to get into dairy animals, raising goats is a great way to get started. But to ensure you’re set up properly to give them the care they need, you need to know a few things first. We’re talking about everything you need to know to keep dairy goats. For additional information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post: https://homesteadingfamily.com/raising-goats-for-dairy . Find Anne of All Trades at: https://anneofalltrades.com Time Stamps: 0:00 - Chit Chat 5:45 - Fish emulsi...
Apr 20, 2022•40 min•Season 3Ep. 43
We usually think about fermentation in the short term, a few weeks, maybe even a few months, but today Carolyn shares tips on adding Fermentation to your long-term food supply plan (up to 2 years of storage). For more information: In The Homesteading Kitchen Digital Magazine - https://homesteadingfamily.com/n-homestead-kitchen-magazine-silver Redmond Salt - 15% off will be automatically applied when using this link. https://shop.redmond.life?afmc=homesteadingfamily Fermenting 101- https://homest...
Apr 13, 2022•30 min•Season 3Ep. 42
Have you ever wondered about the health benefits that come with going "off-grid"? I had the privilege of chatting with Stacy of "Off-Grid with Doug & Stacy" to learn all about the secondary benefits she and her husband experienced when taking their home and lifestyle off-grid. To read more, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/health-benefits-of-going-off-grid Time Stamps 0:00 - Chit Chat 12:50 - Clean unwashed eggs 19:01 - Health Benefits of Going Completely Off-Grid MOR...
Apr 06, 2022•36 min•Season 3Ep. 41
Join us for this Pantry Chat with Melissa K Norris from Pioneering Today as she shares with us how to successfully grow a year's worth of food without getting overwhelmed. For more information, links, and step-by-step instructions, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-grow-a-years-worth-of-food Grab Melissa's book, The Family Garden Plan: https://homesteadingfamily.com/family-garden-plan-yt Freeze Dried Chicken Pot Pie Recipe (and video): https://homesteadingfamily.com...
Mar 30, 2022•37 min•Season 3Ep. 40
We're answering the question "does homesteading really save you money?" in today's Pantry Chat. We can't cover all areas of homesteading, so today we're focusing just on the food costs of growing and raising your own food vs buying the equivalent in quality at the grocery store. For more information, visit the blog post: https://homesteadingfamily.com/does-homesteading-save-money-on-food TIME STAMPS: 0:00 - Chit Chat 9:28 - Wine, Mead & Cider 11:25 - Pressure Canning on a Boat 15:36 - Main T...
Mar 16, 2022•37 min•Season 3Ep. 39
What preservation tools do we recommend for a beginner on a budget? What's worth it, and what's not? Watch today's episode of the Pantry Chat to hear our best recommendations on how to get started with preservation and resiliency in the kitchen. For more information and links to the preservation tools we love and use visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/preservation-tools-on-a-budget To check out Homestead Iron visit their website here and be sure to use code "homesteadingfam...
Mar 09, 2022•33 min•Season 3Ep. 38
In this episode of the Pantry Chat, we're talking with Dr. Ramon Issa of Off-Grid Doc to learn more about the "off-grid" medical practice, otherwise referred to as Direct Primary Care. If you're looking to take your healthcare into your own hands, this type of doctor may be just what you're looking for. Learn more about what the DPC membership is like, what options are available for you, and how to connect with Dr. Issa on the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/direct-primary-care-go...
Mar 02, 2022•38 min•Season 3Ep. 37
This week's Pantry Chat we have a guest, and one of my best friends, Melissa K Norris! We're chatting about late winter in the garden and discussing growing onions from seed. Everything from when to start seeds indoors, how to grow them, what varieties are best, and even growing tips once they're in the garden. For more information, visit the blog post: https://homesteadingfamily.com/growing-onions-from-seed And to learn how to cure and store onions properly visit this post: homesteadingfamily.c...
Feb 09, 2022•41 min•Season 2Ep. 36
We're diving even deeper into our garden planning strategies and sharing it with you so you can plan out your best gardens yet. We're talking about everything from the garden calendar, when to plant, how to avoid harvest and preservation overwhelm in the fall, soil health, and watering systems. It's a jam-packed episode so grab a cup of coffee and come hang out with us! For more information and even more garden planning ideas, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/first-time-g...
Jan 26, 2022•42 min•Season 2Ep. 35
Regardless of the space available to you, there are ways to maximize your garden space so you can grow as much as your area will allow. We're talking about garden planning basics in today's Pantry Chat! Learn practical ways to expand and extend your growing season, how to work WITH your climate rather than against it, what the MOST important thing in gardening is, plus other tips for getting your crops to produce the best they can. For even more tips (and other garden planning videos or podcasts...
Jan 19, 2022•35 min•Season 2Ep. 34
Should you go off-grid with your homestead? Maybe... or maybe not! What does going "off-grid" actually mean, what does it look like, and what are we doing to get there? We're sharing a few key concepts to consider before going off-grid, or deciding whether or not you should go off-grid for your homestead. For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/things-to-consider-before-going-off-grid Time Stamps: 0:00 - Chit Chat 8:12 - Seasoning Cast Iron 10:00 - Main Top...
Jan 12, 2022•31 min•Season 2Ep. 33
It's important to be prepared for emergency power outages whether you're living off-grid, on a large homestead, or even within the city. There are simple steps you can take to be prepared for short-term power outages. For a full list, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-prepare-for-power-outage Links Mentioned: - Hybrid Light: (Use code "homesteadingfamily" for 20% off!) https://hybridlight.com/search?type=product%2Carticle%2Cpage%2Ccollection&options[prefix]=last...
Nov 24, 2021•34 min•Season 2Ep. 32
Living the homesteading lifestyle is definitely harder on clothing than suburban or urban living. So how do you source high-quality clothing that can be passed down from kid to kid, or even clothing that will last adults longer while maintaining the homesteading lifestyle? Here are our best tips! For more info, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/affordable-clothing-for-the-homestead Links Mentioned: - To get on the waitlist for the Homestead Kitchen Membership and Meals On ...
Oct 27, 2021•35 min•Season 2Ep. 31
Learning how to organize your property layout based on permaculture zones will help make homesteading an easier task without wasted energy. Learn about the permaculture zones and how to layout your own homestead in this episode of The Pantry Chat. For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/permaculture-zones Time Stamps 00:00 - Chit chat 12:03 - Stringing Onions 13:30 - Property Zones ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Jo...
Oct 13, 2021•35 min•Season 2Ep. 30
It's fall, harvest season is in full swing and the year has been long! Many of us are dreaming of a vacation. But how to you get away? Many of you have asked us about vacations and how to get time off from the farm. This week on The Pantry Chat: Food for Thought, we will be talking about vacations and how to plan them in to the homesteading life. It can be a challenge and we will share some of our experiences and key tips to help you make sure you are getting some much needed, and deserved, RnR!...
Sep 15, 2021•36 min•Season 2Ep. 29
Buying a homestead, whether it is 1/4 or 40 acres, is a big investment. What's the best way to go about it? Buy with all cash if you've got it and then develop it as more resources come your way, or is getting a mortgage so you have some funds left over to build your dream a better way to go? The answer may surprise you. Join Josh and Carolyn today on The Pantry Chat - Food for Thought as they share their experiences and things to think about when buying a property to homestead. And don't forget...
Aug 18, 2021•30 min•Season 2Ep. 28
Today we're covering one of Josh's favorite topics this week on The Pantry Chat- soil! Come join Josh and Carolyn as we discuss prepping your soil for a fall garden. See you there! And hey, don't forget to get on the waitlist for the upcoming release of Carolyn's new Master Class on easy homemade dairy- https://www.schooloftraditionalskills.com/dairy-class-waitlist-sign-up ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our nine ch...
Aug 11, 2021•32 min•Season 2Ep. 27
If you’ve been wondering what to do with that constant overflow of kitchen and yard debris that’s left after cooking and pruning … this is the episode for you. In short, you need to compost! In this episode of Pantry Chat, Josh and Carolyn get down and dirty with a short tutorial on the art and science of easy home composting. Grab your shovel (and a cold lemonade), and listen in! In this Episode: Chit Chat: June is the “everything” month! A homesteader’s trick to having a happy marriage How the...
Jun 16, 2021•38 min•Season 1Ep. 25
One of the most important aspects of a successful homestead is looking ahead. We’re constantly challenged by what needs to be done today, but with one eye fixed on what’s coming in the next few months as well. With a little planning, it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. In this episode of Pantry Chat, Josh and Carolyn get practical with an episode on preparing your pantry for the coming preserving season. If you need a break from weeding and milking, grab a cold lemonade, sit back, and listen in!...
May 22, 2021•26 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Raising chickens has been a staple practice of homesteads large and small for thousands of years. Our beautiful birds give us so much, from scratching and fertilizing the ground as they move across the property, to delivering that perfect unit of food called the egg. In this episode of Pantry Chat, Josh and Carolyn dive deep into the art and science (and love) of egg-laying chickens. This is one of the topics they get the most questions about, so take a break from the garden for a bit and tune i...
Apr 25, 2021•44 min•Season 1Ep. 23
It’s time! It may not feel like it, depending on where you are in the world, but for Josh and Carolyn, it’s time to start making preparations for their early spring gardens. And of course, they’re here to share their thoughts on that with you ... In this episode of Pantry Chat, Josh and Carolyn get ready to bring the homestead around to spring, focusing specifically on getting early spring gardens growing in the ground! In this Episode: The whole side of beef incoming to their freezer Grinding p...
Mar 13, 2021•33 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Q and A sessions are always needed! Whether you’re brand new to homesteading or have been at it for years new twists and turns can pop up at any time or ALL the time. In this episode of Pantry Chat, Josh and Carolyn are ready for your questions! Listen in to hear the ins and outs of everything from creating a great garden to building the perfect homestead. In this Episode: Carolyn describes her book-reading habits. Josh and Carolyn share resources for brand new gardeners. Josh and Carolyn review...
Feb 14, 2021•42 min•Season 1Ep. 21
We’re already moving fast through 2021 and it’s time to start thinking about garden planning! How can you optimize the most amount of food possible from whatever space you have available? In this episode of Pantry Chat, Josh and Carolyn talk about food production right in your backyard. Whether you have a large amount of space or a small balcony the methods discussed will work great for you! In this Episode: Josh and Carolyn describe how their food storage is going this year. Josh and Carolyn sh...
Jan 24, 2021•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 20
This year is over and that means it’s time to reflect! 2020 has been exhausting and stressful for many and the year at Riverbend was no exception. In this episode of Pantry Chat, Josh and Carolyn look back at their past year at Riverbend to discuss successes, failures, and accomplishments while hinting at what might be coming up in 2021. In this Episode Josh and Carolyn discuss the challenges of living in Idaho. Josh and Carolyn describe ice skating on the ponds and family fun at the New Year’s ...
Jan 03, 2021•46 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Homesteading can be a great adventure, but it can also present its fair share of challenges and a whole lot of questions! In this episode of Pantry Chat, Josh and Carolyn have fun trying to answer some of your questions on everything from pressure canning beef stew to best practices for storing ancient eggnog, how to select the right wood cookstove, and so much more! In this Episode: Josh and Carolyn are hard at work planning new content for 2021. Carolyn is hosting a sourdough challenge on Janu...
Dec 13, 2020•38 min•Season 1Ep. 18
You’re going week to week buying groceries and spending way too much money… There has to be a better way, and there is! Buying in bulk and storing it! But before you make the transition to being a bulk-buying homesteader, there are some basic rules you need to follow. Josh and Carolyn continue their series on food storage with some helpful strategies you can start putting in place now to grow your long-term food storage supply. In this Episode: Carolyn is using lots of leftover pumpkins. Pumpkin...
Dec 06, 2020•35 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Winter should be a time for rest, relaxation and reflection, so the last thing you want to be doing is scrambling around trying to manage your homestead through the snow and ice and frigid temperatures. In this episode of the Pantry Chat, Josh provides three core strategies to help you take stock of your winter needs, be more efficient and save money to make the overall management of your homestead easier and more enjoyable during the season. In this Episode Why stocking up your barn should be v...
Nov 29, 2020•24 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Thanksgiving is almost here and that means food and lots of it! Prepping a big Thanksgiving feast can be challenging, but having a good strategy in place can make all the difference between being thankful or being stressed in the kitchen. In this episode of Pantry Chat, Josh and Carolyn share their own Thanksgiving menu, plus a few of their fun annual traditions, and some tips that can help you plan ahead to create a memorable and blessed holiday with your family. In this Episode Get some of Car...
Nov 22, 2020•33 min•Season 1Ep. 15
You're incredibly busy! One of the things that shouldn’t be adding more stress to your day is trying to figure out how to make sure there are meals on the table for everybody. In this episode of Pantry Chat, Carolyn talks about the strategies she uses to plan ahead for meals and the ways you can create your own system for saving your sanity and still having healthy, delicious meals ready for your family. In this Episode The wood cookstove is up and running and Carolyn is making meals on it and l...
Nov 15, 2020•29 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Supply and demand issues are impacting homesteaders everywhere, especially when it comes to finding quality canning supplies. The reality is that this problem is not going away anytime soon, so what can you do? In this episode of Pantry Chat, Josh and Carolyn present some creative solutions you can try as well as the practicality and safety issues you need to look out for when exploring these alternatives. In this Episode: Temps have gotten down to only 6 degrees already and sent Josh and Caroly...
Nov 08, 2020•43 min•Season 1Ep. 13
