Simple Farmhouse Life

Lisa Bass
  • 4.9 (2K)
  • Home & Garden
  • Updated Weekly

With over ten years experience making a home, author and mom of eight, Lisa Bass, shares her love for from scratch cooking, natural living and all things handmade. As a full-time blogger and homeschooler, Lisa also mixes in a little mom life and business tips.

  1. 1d ago

    The Farmhouse Edit: Breaking Free from Diet Culture: Joyful Rhythms for Nourishing Meals | Jillian Margaret Wellness

    From calorie-counting culture to kitchen confidence, Jillian Hankins shares her journey toward joyful, nourishing meals made with real ingredients. We chat about embracing food freedom, raising kids who eat what’s served, and the rhythms that make homemade meals feel doable—even three times a day. With tips for balancing your plate, using seasonal produce, making simple sauces, and working with your natural energy, this conversation is full of encouragement for simplifying healthy eating and making it work for real family life. In this episode, we cover: Jillian’s journey from junk food to holistic nutritionGrowing up in diet culture and learning to enjoy food againHow real food helped her heal hormonally and digestivelyDiscovering the joy of cooking after growing up on boxed mealsWhy calorie-counting and food guilt are giving way to freedomReframing dessert as a tool for joy—and for picky eatersTeaching kids to eat what’s served with a two-bite rule and protein emphasisHonoring where food comes from and why that shapes how we eatUsing seasonal produce and sales to guide budget-friendly mealsBuilding a simple balanced plate: protein, carb, produce, sauceHow sauces transform meals without adding complexityWeekly rhythms that support homemade meals without burnoutWhy Jillian always plans snacks and treats—not just dinnersDoubling dinner for easy lunches and prepping in pockets of timeUsing rhythms that match your energy instead of fighting itView 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 Jillian’s monthly meal plans through her Simple Seasons subscription 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 Jillian Hankins of Jillian Margaret Wellness | Website | Instagram 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.

    1h 3m

  2. 4d ago

    The Farmhouse Edit: From Suburbs to Homestead: Building a Family Farmhouse Life | Melissa Ferguson of Our Friendly Farmhouse

    If you’ve ever dreamed of leaving the suburbs for a slice of quiet country life, this episode will speak right to your heart. Author Melissa Ferguson joins me to share the real-life inspiration behind her new children’s book, Our Friendly Farmhouse—a sweet and whimsical reflection of her family’s journey from cul-de-sac to countryside. We talk about building a home from scratch, traveling with a big family, and slowly creating a homestead that feels peaceful, practical, and full of charm. Melissa offers encouragement and budget-friendly tips for anyone in the thick of building, dreaming, or simply trying to make thoughtful choices in the season they’re in. In this episode, we cover: Melissa Ferguson returns to share the inspiration behind her debut children’s book, Our Friendly Farmhouse, which tells a whimsical version of her family’s move from suburbia to the countryHow a spontaneous land auction and a last-minute bid from her brother-in-law launched their homesteading journeyThe process of building their home from scratch—leveraging her husband’s experience as a builder and funding parts of the project through social media brand dealsReflections on the early stages of their homestead—living in town during the build, missing the land, and making daily visits to the propertyA rich conversation about traveling with a big family—carry-on-only tips, spontaneous trips, dividing and conquering, and how animals (especially dairy cows) impact travel flexibilityMelissa’s best budget-saving build strategies: buying materials on Black Friday, repurposing gym flooring, and skipping high-end finishes in favor of upgrades over timeThoughtful advice on design choices—prioritizing natural light, southern exposure, adaptable floor plans, and creating cozy, lived-in charmHonest reflections on what she might do differently: adding a tornado shelter, skipping carpet, and not letting a gifted vanity dictate an entire bathroom designWhy they chose to build slowly, add animals over time, and prioritize flexibility over going “all in” from the beginningThe value of outdoor gathering spaces—daily porch coffee with her husband, chalk art and pickleball in the driveway, and simple spots that invite rest and connectionView full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible! RESOURCES Our Friendly Farmhouse by Melissa Ferguson Check out Melissa’s other books 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 Melissa Ferguson of Our Friendly Farmhouse | Website | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Bookbub | Pinterest  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.

    1h 11m

  3. Jun 18

    The Farmhouse Edit: How we’re managing sleep, room sharing, house progress, and large family life in this busy season + more Q&A!

    Life is full right now—between preparing for a new baby, building our dream home, and navigating the everyday rhythms of raising a big family. In this Q&A episode, I’m sharing how we’re handling baby sleep, toddler bedtime battles, room sharing, and pool days with non-swimmers—plus a few thoughts on off-grid readiness, Instant Pot meals, and how I’m embracing this once-in-a-lifetime season, even when it feels overwhelming. In this episode, we cover: A real-life update on what it’s like building a house with toddlers (hint: it’s not relaxing)Thinking about generators, drafts, and wood stoves… and what we’re actually prioritizingWhy I love heating with wood—and the cozy setup we’ve included in the new houseMy kefir theory on baby gender (just for fun!) and whether we “tried” for a girlNavigating toddler bedtime battles and deciding when to hold the boundaryMy thoughts on babies and toddlers sharing rooms—and what’s worked for usTaking non-swimmers to the pool: how I manage it and when I’ve felt too outnumberedWhere I land on sleep training, co-sleeping, and why I never feel like an expertWhy having another baby girl doesn’t really change our bedroom plans—for nowOur choice to go with cedar lap siding and lean all the way into that vintage feelWhy I’ll never be without an Instant Pot (especially on a busy, unplanned Monday)Processing the highs and lows of building a dream home while preparing for baby #9View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. RESOURCES MENTIONED Try my Instant Pot beef carnitas for a quick from-scratch weeknight dinner! 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.

    43 min

  4. Jun 15

    From the Farmhouse Edit: You Won’t Mess Them Up: Real Encouragement for Homeschool Moms | Ginny Yurich of 1000 Hours Outside

    So many of us worry we’re not doing enough when it comes to homeschooling—but what if simply choosing this path is already a powerful step in the right direction? In this encouraging conversation, I talk with Ginny Yurich of 1000 Hours Outside about her newest book and the deep confidence that can come from stepping outside the system. We explore how real learning often looks like play, boredom, creativity, and curiosity—how our kids naturally fill in the gaps over time, and how the freedom to pursue their own interests can lead to unexpected and incredible outcomes. If you’ve ever doubted your ability to homeschool well, this episode will remind you that you're doing more right than you think. In this episode, we cover: How Ginny accidentally started a global movement—and why it resonates so deeply with familiesThe heart behind her new book Homeschooling: You’re Doing It Right Just by Doing ItWhat we miss when we follow the standard school model—and the surprising freedom of unlearning itThe one message every anxious or burnt-out homeschool parent needs to hearWhat if the thing you’re worried is a “deficit” is actually your child’s biggest advantage?Why qualities like creativity and empathy will matter more than grades in the world our kids are growing up inWhat boredom, unstructured time, and “doing nothing” are actually teaching your childWhat’s lost when childhood is spent only with same-age peers—and what kids gain from growing up alongside babies and toddlersWhy your kids need to see you building, learning, trying—and even failingEveryone has educational gaps... so what really matters in the long run?When you trust the process, learning shows up in the most beautiful and unexpected waysThe amazing story of how Ginny’s daughter became a certified personal trainer at just 15Why homeschooling doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s—and that’s the pointView full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. RESOURCES MENTIONED Until the Streetlights Come On by Ginny Yurich Homeschooling: You’re Doing It Right By Just Doing It by Ginny Yurich Learning All the Time by John Holt  UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me-World by Michelle Borba Generative Artificial Intelligence: What Everyone Needs to Know by Jerry Kaplan  Listen to my two episodes with Julie Kreke about delight directed learning: - Give Your Children the Gift of Lifelong Learning (Episode 270) - Transform Your Homeschool Days with Delight Directed Learning (Episode 184) 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 Ginny Yurich of 1000 Hours Outside | Website | Instagram | Facebook | X | Youtube | 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.

    54 min

  5. Jun 11

    From the Farmhouse Edit: Cooking from Scratch for Modern Life: Kitchen Rhythms, Real Ingredients & Homestead Tips | Melissa K. Norris

    After a health scare in her twenties, Melissa K. Norris returned to her roots with traditional, from-scratch cooking—and never looked back. In this episode, she shares the simple swaps that make a big difference, her favorite freezer and batch-cooking tips, and why it’s easier than you think to build nourishing kitchen rhythms. We also chat about her updated cookbook Home and Handmade, a practical and inspiring guide for anyone wanting to cook with real ingredients and a whole lot of heart. Tune in for encouragement and doable ideas to make old-fashioned cooking work in your modern life! In this episode, we cover: Melissa’s health journey and how it led to a total shift toward from-scratch, whole-food cookingWhy starting with the most frequently eaten foods makes the biggest impact on health and budgetCommon harmful ingredients to avoid and easy one-for-one swaps for better oils, sugars, and saltsThe myth that homemade food is hard—many convenience foods can be replaced in minutesEncouragement that old-fashioned kitchen skills are doable and worthwhile, no matter your lifestyleBatch cooking strategies for breakfast, dinner, and baked goods that reduce stress and food wasteUsing freezers effectively: pre-shaped doughs, cookie dough logs, veggie scrap bags, and bulk meatsThe power of simple routines, momentum, and planning just a day or two ahead– it doesn’t have to be all or nothingMelissa’s updated book Home and Handmade—a practical guide to whole food, herbal remedies, and homemade livingView full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. RESOURCES MENTIONED Home and Hand Made by Melissa K. Norris 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 Melissa K. Norris | Website | Podcast | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Pinterest  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.

    56 min

  6. Jun 8

    The Farmhouse Edit: Pregnancy, Motherhood & Homebuilding: A Summer Life Update

    Pregnancy, Motherhood & Homebuilding: A Summer Life Update Description Building a house from scratch has been such an adventure—full of surprises, lessons, and all the little details that bring a space to life. I’m sharing where we are in the process, how we’re blending old and new to create a home with real character, and answering your questions about pregnancy, motherhood, and home birth. If you’re in the thick of family life or just love chatting all things home and babies, I think you’ll really enjoy this summer life update! In this episode, we cover: Framing progress on the build and why we’re showing up daily to avoid costly mistakesLessons from past renovations where small contractor assumptions caused big regretsMixing salvaged doors and painted porch floors to achieve an authentic “new old” house feelWhere we’re sourcing vintage windows and antique doors—and what’s worth buying newDeciding to include a range hood for health reasons and adding a wood-fired cookstove for winterMy experience getting pregnant while nursing and what our typical age gaps have looked likeHow I’ve learned to manage the baby stage more smoothly with a larger family and older helpersEncouragement for moms feeling maxed out with littles—why it won’t always feel this hardHow we evaluate home birth safety, from ultrasound decisions to midwife experienceWhy some pregnancies feel harder than others, even when everything seems the sameView full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible! RESOURCES MENTIONED Brent Hull 100 Year Window by Brent Hull Thornhill Range Cookers 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.

    54 min
  7. The Farmhouse Edit: Reverse Meal Planning, Stock-Up Staples & Grocery Hacks for Real Life | Christine of Frugal Fit Mom

    May 31

    The Farmhouse Edit: Reverse Meal Planning, Stock-Up Staples & Grocery Hacks for Real Life | Christine of Frugal Fit Mom

    I’m chatting with Christine from Frugal Fit Mom all about feeding your family well on a budget—without stressing over perfection. Christine shares her tried-and-true strategies for keeping grocery costs low in today’s economy, including how she stocks her pantry, finds the best meat deals, and plans meals based on what’s already on hand. We also dive into the hidden costs of organic and local food, why she skips most grocery delivery services, and how you can still enjoy fun foods without blowing the budget. Whether you’re shopping for two or ten, this episode is full of real-life tips you can start using today. In this episode, we cover: Why Christine avoids Instacart and prefers Walmart Pickup for cost savings The key pantry staples she stocks up on—and how that helps reduce impulse grocery runs Her method for spotting true stock-up prices on meat and stretching it to feed a large family How she feeds a family of five (including three teen boys) on as little as $200/month A realistic starting point for grocery budgeting: $150 per person per month Why she generally skips organic (aside from milk) and how local sourcing can dramatically increase grocery costs How reverse meal planning works and why it saves more than traditional recipe-first planning Tips for making frugal meals taste amazing with salt, fat, and acid Christine’s go-to bread recipe (not sourdough!) and how she keeps it soft for days Her rule for buying fun foods like chips and ice cream—only when they’re 50% off How shopping less frequently helps avoid overspending (even for perishables) ⁠View full show notes on the blog⁠ + ⁠watch this episode on YouTube⁠. RESOURCES ⁠Check out Christine’s banana bread recipe⁠ 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 Christine Ashby of Frugal Fit Mom | ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠YouTube⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠ 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.

    51 min
  8. The Farmhouse Edit: Save Hundreds on Groceries and Reduce Food Waste: Produce Storage Tips | Amy of The Cross Legacy

    May 29

    The Farmhouse Edit: Save Hundreds on Groceries and Reduce Food Waste: Produce Storage Tips | Amy of The Cross Legacy

    In today’s episode, I’m welcoming back Amy Cross from The Cross Legacy to dive into a topic that’s more important than ever: saving money on groceries and keeping produce fresh for longer. Amy shares her tried-and-true methods for making fresh food last weeks (even months!), simple strategies for reducing food waste, and how she’s kept her grocery budget the same despite rising prices. We’re talking practical tips you can apply whether you’re feeding a large family, preparing for garden harvests, or just trying to make your grocery trips stretch a little farther. I learned so much in this conversation — I know you will too! In this episode, you’ll hear: How to wash and store berries, grapes, and fresh herbs to make them last for weeks The right way (and wrong way) to use vinegar, glass jars, and paper towels to extend produce life Which foods need metal lids versus plastic lids for best storage Tips for organizing your fridge to save space and prevent food waste How to pair "produce buddies" like lemons and avocados for longer freshness Why some fruits and veggies spoil each other (and how to store them separately) How Amy keeps her grocery budget at $135 per person per month Smart grocery shopping habits: focusing on versatile, multi-use ingredientsHow batch cooking and strategic freezer storage simplify busy weeks Creative ideas for using up leftovers and cutting down on food waste How Amy is preparing for a move while keeping her food systems running smoothly Why food security and long-term storage matter — and how to build it gradually ⁠View full show notes on the blog⁠ + ⁠watch on YouTube⁠. ⁠Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible⁠! ABOUT AMY Amy is an urban homesteader who teaches her audiences how to care for their produce and reduce food waste.  As the Founder and CEO of The Cross Legacy, she has made it her mission to share her food hacks through social media. Her content has been featured in publications around the world and her viral Strawberries in a Jar hack has been shared over 18 million times.  Amy helps families and communities save money on groceries - most notably by eating what they buy. The average American household throws away 30 to 40% of the food they purchase. To help combat this issue, she wrote a bestselling book, The Zero Waste Produce Guide  which outlines her directions for how to wash and store produce items so that they will last for weeks. At a time when our food costs are the highest, it is so imperative that food waste statistics trend downward. This starts in the family home. An accomplished speaker, author, and influencer, the information Amy shares helps families save money, reduce food waste, and be able to afford fresh produce.  RESOURCES Buy ⁠Amy’s new book Zero Waste Produce Guide⁠ (Code: FARMHOUSE15 for 15% off) ⁠Listen to Amy’s Tedx Talk⁠ ⁠Amy’s first appearance on my podcast⁠ 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 Amy Cross of The Cross Legacy | ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠YouTube⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Pinterest⁠ | ⁠TikTok⁠  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.

    59 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.9
out of 5
2,042 Ratings

About

With over ten years experience making a home, author and mom of eight, Lisa Bass, shares her love for from scratch cooking, natural living and all things handmade. As a full-time blogger and homeschooler, Lisa also mixes in a little mom life and business tips.

Information

  • Creator
    Lisa Bass
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    347
  • Copyright
    © Lisa Bass
  • Show Website
    Simple Farmhouse Life

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