Holistic Homestead with The Schoolhouse Life

Are you mineral deficient? Tips to improve vitamin & Mineral absorption Jan 23, 2026

For many years I tried to fill in mineral blanks in my health by taking more of them, and while supplementation can be a brilliant way to help the body get what it needs, if there is a fundamental block in absorption, no amount of ingesting will get you back into mineral balance. 

Tips to Improve V...

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Is Sunflower Oil Bad? Why Carolina Gold’s Cold-Pressed Sunflower Oil Is a Rare Exception Dec 12, 2025

Quick Answer:

Most sunflower oil is unhealthy because it is industrially processed, chemically extracted, and highly refined.
However, Carolina Gold’s cold-pressed, unrefined, high-oleic sunflower oil is different. It is grown and pressed on a fifth-generation North Carolina farm, made without hexa...

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Why Winter Is the Secret Season for Fixing Your Pasture Nov 25, 2025

Most folks think winter is the “off-season” for pasture work… but honestly?
Winter is when most of the big mistakes — or the big breakthroughs — actually happen.

When the grass slows down, the days get short, and the animals go on hay, the whole pasture becomes easier to read. You can suddenly see ...

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Not All Raw Milk Is Equal: What I’ve Learned in 20 Years of Milking, Buying, and Drinking Raw Milk Nov 25, 2025

I’ve been drinking raw milk for nearly 20 years.
I’ve milked my own cows, visited dozens of small dairies, talked with farmers about everything from pasture health to mastitis… and I’ve learned something that isn’t talked about enough:

Just because milk is “raw” doesn’t automatically make it good f...

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How Animal Impact Builds Soil: The Hoofprint Manure Method Nov 25, 2025

If you’ve spent any time around grazing animals, you’ve seen manure pats and you’ve seen hoofprints.
But when those two show up in the same spot, that’s when something important is happening.

A hoofprint pressed into a manure patty is more than a funny farm photo — it’s one of the simplest, most re...

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Why We Carry Loom Coffee: Clean, Ethical, and Locally Roasted in North Carolina Oct 26, 2025

☕ Why We Carry Loom Coffee: Clean, Ethical, and Exceptionally Delicious

Meta Description:
Discover why our Food Club proudly carries Loom Coffee — locally roasted in Greensboro, North Carolina. Learn how it’s healthier, ethically sourced, and includes a delicious maple latte recipe with local milk ...

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What 70+ Graziers Taught Me About Healthier Pastures (and How You Can Copy Them) Oct 12, 2025

🌾 Introduction: Lessons from the Field

This fall, I asked more than seventy graziers one simple question:
“What’s the one thing that made your pasture healthier this year?”

The answers came in from every corner — sheep ranches, small beef farms, mixed herds, and regenerative homesteads. What stood...

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Drought Plan 3 Ways to Save on Hay Costs Sep 26, 2025

This fall I had to move my herd onto hay earlier than I’d hoped. Even with some rain, the grass just isn’t bouncing back. If you’re in the Southeast, you’re probably seeing the same thing.

Moments like this are a reminder: droughts and tough pasture years will happen. The difference between scrambl...

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The Best Aromatherapy Play Dough Aug 05, 2025

The Best Aromatherapy Playdough Recipe

Looking for a natural way to support your child’s sensory play and emotional well-being? This easy DIY essential oil playdough recipe is perfect for calming big feelings, encouraging focus, and making hands-on learning fun.

With simple pantry ingredients like...

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The Great Patternless Skirt Jul 16, 2025

It's almost July 27th 15 years later. My psychological jaw drops at this. Sometimes my physiological jaw also does. How can that be?! And also, only 15?? This was a lifetime ago. But yes, I do still have this skirt. Do I wear it? Well, it's not as loose & free-flowing as it once was, and for fear of...

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The Circle Perpetual Calendar (throwback post series) Jul 07, 2025
This post was originally written & shared in January of 2013. We are migrating from that blog to this, and as we do I won't edit, but I will note what is still true or has changed,  and what I've learned in the years since. 

This is still one of the most favorite projects we created, and we still h...
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Harnessing Herbalism in the Heat Jul 09, 2024

I made a tea blend for a recent gathering of ladies in honor of the New Moon. We drank this tea over ice as we quietly considered its flavor profile and discussed the benefits this simple brew had to offer. I also asked for help in naming this particular concoction and we collaborated on the name ‘S...

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Navigating the Path to Financial Freedom: A Guide to Mastering Personal Finance Feb 29, 2024

In today's fast-paced world, achieving financial freedom has become a paramount goal for many. Yet, the journey to financial independence can often seem daunting, filled with complex investment options, the ever-present burden of debt, and the elusive art of budgeting. "Navigating the Path to Financ...

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Embracing the Spiritual Harvest: How Faith and Farming Can Coexist for a Sustainable Future Feb 22, 2024

In the heart of every seed lies not just the potential for growth but a profound spiritual lesson waiting to be uncovered. The intersection of faith and agriculture offers a unique perspective on how our spiritual beliefs can harmonize with sustainable farming practices to foster a deeper connection...

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Navigating the Waters of Vacation Rental Ownership: Lessons from Our First Year as Airbnb Hosts Feb 08, 2024

Hello, fellow adventurers and aspiring entrepreneurs! It’s Lacey and Drew here, and today we're pulling back the curtain on our first year diving into the world of vacation rental ownership. When we embarked on this journey, little did we know the rollercoaster of experiences it would bring. From ex...

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The Joy of Gardening: Expert Tips for Starting Your Perfect Garden Jan 31, 2024

Hello, fellow green-thumbed enthusiasts! It's Lacey and Drew here, ready to dive into one of our most beloved topics - gardening! There's something incredibly rewarding about planting and nurturing your garden, especially when the chill of winter prevents you from getting your hands in the soil. In ...

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Mastering Winter Grazing: A Human-Powered Homesteader's Guide Jan 24, 2024

Unlocking Efficiency: The Human Powered Homestead

The Podcast Preview

In their latest podcast episode, Lacey and Drew introduce the concept of a "Human Powered Homestead" and provide a sneak peek into their innovative approach to winter grazing. Drawing from their 40 years of combined experience, ...

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Cultivating Abundance: Our 2024 Garden Plant List Revealed! Jan 05, 2024

Welcome to our gardening haven, fellow plant enthusiasts! In this blog post, we're excited to spill the beans, quite literally, on our extensive plant list for the upcoming 2024 season. Grab a cup of tea, settle into your favorite gardening chair, and join us on a journey of planning, planting, and ...

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Unveiling Nature's Symphony: A Journey into the Wisdom of Trees with Akiva Silver Jan 03, 2024

Welcome to the enchanting world of "The Schoolhouse Life," where we embark on a journey to explore the hidden wonders of nature, sustainable living, and the profound wisdom encapsulated in the silent guardians of our planet—trees. In this blog post, we shine a spotlight on a true steward of the eart...

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Harvesting Life: A Profound Journey into Field-Harvesting Cattle Nov 22, 2023

The act of harvesting goes beyond the simple notion of picking vegetables; it is a deeply involved and fascinating journey that most people never get the chance to experience. In this episode, Drew & Lacey share their insights into the intricacies of self-harvesting cattle, shedding light on the pro...

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Navigating Silvopasture on the Homestead: Insights from the Field Nov 15, 2023

Embarking on the journey of creating silvopasture on your homestead is a rewarding endeavor, but it comes with its unique set of challenges and valuable lessons. In this blog post, we'll delve into the lessons we've learned firsthand in our recent podcast series documenting the silvopasture developm...

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Embracing Nature's Bounty: A Foraging, Homesteading, and Seed Saving Adventure Nov 01, 2023

Welcome to our corner of the world, where nature's wonders are our greatest teachers. In this blog post, we're embarking on a delightful journey into the heart of foraging, homesteading, and the artistry of seed saving. Join us as we explore the rich tapestry of flavors, sustainable living, and the ...

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Homesteading Harmony: Unveiling the Power of Australian Shepherds Oct 25, 2023

This is from a recent podcast we had. You can listen to the full episode here. Working Dogs with Jordyn Kelly

 

Are you a homesteader seeking a steadfast companion? Look no further than the remarkable Australian Shepherd! In a recent enlightening conversation with Jordyn Kelly, a passionate breede...

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Where the Locals Go: Top Christmas Tree Picks from the Community Sparta, NC Oct 17, 2023

The holiday season is upon us, and for many families, picking out the perfect Christmas tree is a cherished tradition. If you're wondering where to find that ideal tree this year, why not take advice from the locals? We reached out to the community to compile a list of their favorite spots for getti...

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