Learning to Live on a Farm

Accessible, intentional, sustainable

Welcome to my corner of the world! I’m Melissa, the heart and hands behind this blog. My journey to homesteading has been a interesting experience, as someone who grew up on a farm and swore to never return. It’s a journey rooted in embracing simplicity, sustainability, and the deep satisfaction that comes from growing and creating with my own hands.

By day I am a hairstylist and pursuing a degree in social work, but as night falls, you’ll often find me cozied up by the woodstove with a warm cup of tea and a good book in hand. I reside in the heart of rural Iowa with my partner, and my daughter, son-in-law, and two grandsons live just a stone’s throw away. Our little homestead is shared with a quirky pet rooster named Waylon and a tiny Tom cat called Joon, who keep things lively. I have a deep appreciation for coffee, reading, and everything related to pen and paper. With camera in tow, you might catch me wandering the farm, capturing glimpses of the native wildlife that inhabit this beautiful land with us.

Some of my favorites …

From Scratch
Homemade
Beekeeping
Dinner
Canning
Growing

I invite you to join me on my journey. In a time when the modern homestead movement can often feel exclusive or privileged, I believe that true sustainability should be accessible to everyone. It’s important to recognize that genuine homesteading isn’t always glamorous; it’s about finding fulfillment in the everyday tasks that nourish our bodies and souls.

Each post represents a chapter in this adventure, from starting a vegetable garden and raising chickens to preserving food and crafting homemade goods. However, this blog is more than just a reflection of my experiences; it’s a shared space for learning and growth. Together, we can inspire one another and cultivate a supportive community of individuals united by a passion for a simpler, more sustainable way of life.

Whether you’re an experienced homesteader, an aspiring green thumb, or simply curious about this way of living, I invite you to be part of this journey. Let’s learn, grow, and thrive together as we pursue a more grounded and gratifying existence. Welcome to my homesteading adventure—where every day brings new opportunities to cultivate happiness from the ground up!

follow along

Introducing my new Book

Grounded Roots

Laying the Foundations of Your Homestead Dream

This book serves as a comprehensive roadmap, taking readers through the crucial stages of establishing their own homestead. Beginning with the fundamentals of selecting the right land, the book delves into the essentials of sustainable living, from growing organic produce to raising livestock and implementing renewable energy sources.

Learn More