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...

Hey there, fellow homesteaders and farm enthusiasts! Welcome back to our Schoolhouse Life blog, where we're always eager to share our adventures in family, faith, and farming. Today, we're diving deep into the heart of our latest escapade – the wild, unpredictable, and incredibly rewarding world of ...

The humbling experience of gardening never ceases to demean my ego. That might be my very argument for doing it--perhaps the urgency behind my recommendation that EVERYONE do it. Yes, even the faint of heart. 

Gardening diminishes me, it belittles me, it excites and then also deflates me. Probably ...

We had the most amazing chat with Christopher in our recent podcast episode, and we couldn't wait to spill the beans (pun intended) on all the incredible coffee insights we uncovered. You know how much we both adore our daily dose of caffeine, but this conversation took our coffee appreciation to a ...

We're back with another exciting episode of our podcast, and this time we're delving into a topic that has sparked some interesting conversations: lab-grown meat. In this episode, we discuss the pros and cons of this emerging trend and share our perspectives on why we choose to approach food differe...

I am thrilled to take you on an exciting journey to explore the world of natural fermentation and cider-making with Botanist and Barrel. Join me as I dive into a captivating conversation with Deric, one of the minds behind Botanist and Barrel, a local food producer that is making waves in the world ...

In a recent conversation on our podcast, we delved into the topic of artificial intelligence, specifically ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer). Our discussion covered various aspects of this rapidly evolving technology and the implications it holds for the future. In this blog post, I want ...

I’ve been stockpiling fabric for some time, but specifically intended for skirt making for a couple months. I have a few staple skirts that I wear all the time through the summer–some of them quite simple & so comfortable. When I’m at a store with a discount fabric section I’m more or less obligated...

Hey there, fellow homesteaders and community builders! It's Lacey here, and I'm thrilled to share some exciting news with you. In our latest podcast episode, we delved into the power of creating connections and building a strong network within the homesteading community. And let me tell you, it's be...

Calling all adventurous families! If you're seeking a perfect vacation destination in the North Carolina mountains, Sparta beckons with its abundant natural beauty and exciting outdoor activities. Picture a serene escape from the daily grind, where you can bond with your loved ones amidst breathtaki...

Are you like me? Really want to know what you're doing is effective? What you’re spending money and time on isn't just some fad? Being wasteful is such a cultural norm. So is the craving for agelessness--good news, we can get one without the other!

So you know, this product will sell out. It has 3 ti...

Let's dive deep into the world of grazing and pasture management. On our latest podcast, "Are You Grazing Wrong?", we explore the fascinating and often overlooked topic of optimizing your grazing practices for maximum efficiency and productivity. Join me as I share valuable insights and expert tips ...

Thanks to one of our listeners who posed a simple question to us, our recent podcast episode delved into the fascinating world of spaying and neutering animals. In this thought-provoking discussion, we explored diverse perspectives on this practice, considering cultural beliefs, religious considerat...

Planning a family getaway to the scenic town of Sparta, North Carolina? Get ready to embark on a memorable culinary adventure as we unveil the best family-friendly dining spots in the area. Discovering the local favorites shared by Sparta's residents ensures a delightful experience for both parents ...

Introduction: Planning a family vacation in Sparta, NC? Discover the insider secrets of this charming town as we unveil the top 10 activities based on recommendations from local residents. From thrilling outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, Sparta offers a treasure trove of family-friendly at...

Welcome back, dear readers! Today, we are going to explore a topic that challenges conventional wisdom about protecting your skin: sunscreen. In this enlightening blog post, we will uncover the unexpected effects of sunscreen and why it may be time to reconsider its use. Join us as we delve into the...

Hey there, fellow adventurers! Are you dreaming of a magical family vacation in the picturesque North Carolina mountains? Well, you're in luck because I've got some exciting news for you. As a mom of four delightful kids who loves the outdoors, I couldn't resist sharing the inside scoop on our recen...

Ticks can be quite a nuisance, especially during the warmer months when we want to enjoy the great outdoors. But fear not! In this blog post, we'll be sharing some valuable insights and tips from our latest podcast episode. Join Lacey and me as we discuss natural remedies and the role of diet in com...

Starting a homestead can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor, but it's not without its challenges. In our latest podcast episode, we discuss what we would do differently if we had the chance to start our homestead over again, knowing what we know now.

Lessons Learned

One of the things we emphasi...

Sparta, North Carolina is a beautiful city located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This scenic town offers plenty of opportunities for families to explore, relax and have fun together. Here are the top things to do with your family in Sparta, North Carolina.

1. Visit the Alleghany Histor

   ...

Wow. That's a lot. 

So don't do it all. Ever. Ask for help, do it bit by bit. 

Modern culture is 'on-demand'. Bingey, indulgent and generally overfed. We are an all or none, immediate gratification kind of people. But...that's why we are crashing from issues like Adrenal Fatigue, any number of inf...

Adrenal Fatigue (Part 3) (what I started doing: lifestyle)

I love the metaphor of cleaning. There’s something about it we dread, but then you start doing it and it’s hard to put the sponge away–everywhere you look there’s something that could use just a bit of a touch-up. And how nice it feels to l...