Welcome, friends, to an insightful journey into the heart of vacation rental ownership! Lacey and Drew here, sharing our rollercoaster ride of a year with our beloved Airbnb property, Sparta Holler Hall. Whether you’re toying with the idea of diving into the rental world or you’re a seasoned host looking for fresh insights, this episode is packed with our real-life lessons, triumphs, and the occasional stumble. Grab your notebook, and let's dive in! In This Episode: The Adventure Begins: We kick things off by taking you back to where it all started – buying and setting up our dream Airbnb. From the initial scramble to get everything ready to welcoming our first guests, hear about the journey from homesteaders to vacation rental owners. A Little More Than Homesteading: Discover how integrating a vacation rental into our homestead life has opened up new avenues for income, allowing us to embrace an off-grid, self-sufficient lifestyle more fully. Hard-Knock Lessons: It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, and we’re here to share the challenges and learning curves we've faced. From understanding guest expectations to navigating the complexities of the rental market, we're laying it all out. Identifying Your Ideal Guest: Learn why knowing who you’re hosting is crucial and how it influences everything from property design to marketing strategies. We share how we designed Sparta Holler Hall with medium-sized families in mind, creating a space we’d love as guests. The Business Side of Things: Peek behind the curtain at the operational side of running a vacation rental. We discuss everything from marketing your property and managing bookings to the importance of direct communication and building a brand beyond Airbnb. Practical Advice for Aspiring Hosts: Considering becoming a host? We’ve got you covered with actionable tips on getting started, what to expect, and how to create a standout guest experience. Q&A with Lacey and Drew: We answer some of the most common questions we get about running a vacation rental, from dealing with unexpected issues to maximizing your property’s appeal. Additional Resources: Visit Holler Hall and The Schoolhouse for a firsthand look at our unique getaway experiences. Dive deeper into vacation rental insights and homesteading adventures on our blog [Insert Blog Link]. Follow us on social media for daily updates, tips, and a peek into our homesteading life [Insert Social Media Links]. Listener Call to Action: Loved this episode? Share it with a friend who’s dreaming of starting their own Airbnb or looking to up their hosting game. Your shares and feedback fuel our journey and help us bring more valuable content your way. Until next time, keep cultivating your own slice of paradise and exploring new ways to live authentically and sustainably. Cheers to your adventure, whether it's in homesteading, vacation renting, or beyond!

oin Lacey and Drew in this enlightening episode as they delve into the art of gardening, perfect for beginners and seasoned green thumbs alike! With over 20 years of gardening experience, they share invaluable tips and personal anecdotes to help you kickstart your gardening journey. 🌱 What You'll Learn: Starting Small: Discover how to begin your gardening adventure, even in limited spaces like apartment patios. Plant Selection: Learn the importance of choosing plants you love and will use, maximizing your garden's potential. Vertical Gardening: Tips on growing upwards to make the most of small spaces. Sunlight and Soil: Understanding the crucial role of sunlight exposure and soil quality in garden success. No-Till Gardening: Explore the benefits of this sustainable gardening method and how it can improve your soil over time. 🌿 Get Your Hands Dirty: Lacey and Drew discuss practical steps for planting your first garden, whether you're working with a sprawling backyard or a cozy corner. They cover essential topics like seed starting, managing different soil types, and the importance of efficient water management. 💡 Why Watch This Episode? Perfect for anyone looking to create a thriving garden, this episode is filled with easy-to-follow advice, creative solutions, and a passion for gardening that's contagious. Whether you're planting your first seed or looking to enhance your existing garden, Lacey and Drew's insights are an invaluable resource. 👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe! Enjoyed this episode? Like, share, and subscribe for more gardening tips and tricks from Lacey and Drew. Have questions or topics you'd like us to cover? Send us your questions.

Join Lacey and Drew, your homestead health and business strategists with nearly 40 years of experience, on The Schoolhouse Life's "I Bought a Homestead, Now What?" podcast. In this episode, they dive into the fascinating world of human-powered homesteading and share a quick tip on winter grazing. Discover why skipping the tractor might be the key to a more efficient, peaceful, and deeply rooted homesteading journey. The duo discusses the art of bale grazing during winter, offering insights on techniques, pitfalls, and the long-term benefits of this approach. Learn how to build your pasture for spring while connecting with your flock and saving on expenses. Whether you're a seasoned homesteader or just starting, this podcast episode will inspire, ease, and answer questions you didn't even know to ask. Don't miss out on the strategic wisdom and practical tips that will transform your homesteading experience. Tune in every month on Wednesdays for more valuable insights from The Schoolhouse Life

In this episode, we dive deep into the exciting world of gardening as we lay out our comprehensive plant list for the upcoming 2024 season. Join us on this journey of planning and cultivating a garden that not only delights the senses but also provides a wealth of fresh produce and natural beauty. Episode Highlights: Introduction to Our Garden: We kick things off by sharing our enthusiasm for gardening and our plans for the 2024 season. From favorite topics to the potential of the coming year, we set the stage for an exciting conversation. The Art of Gravity Gardening: Explore the concept of gravity gardening as we discuss the joy of letting nature do the heavy lifting and the benefits of experimenting with different planting methods. Seed Planting Strategies: Delve into the world of seed planting, from the advantages of sowing seeds outdoors in the fall to the thrill of surprise successes in unexpected places. Learn how we approach the challenges and joys of seed starting. Gardening Philosophy: Discover our evolving gardening philosophy, from learning hard lessons about plant care to finding the perfect balance between nurturing plants and allowing them to thrive naturally. Favorite Gardening Books: Get insights into our go-to gardening resources and the books that play a crucial role in shaping our approach. Explore how we incorporate knowledge from various sources into our garden planning. Defining Garden Edges: Hear about our experiences in defining the edges of our garden, including the significant impact of installing a deer fence. Learn about ongoing efforts to create more defined edges, making gardening more manageable and enjoyable. Wetland Planting and Pond Improvements: Dive into our plans for wetland areas around the pond, including the creation of an edible hedge ("fedge") and the introduction of various wetland plants. Explore our efforts to improve the clarity of the pond and introduce plants that thrive in wetland environments. Plant Lists for 2024: We break down our plant list into categories, including trees, flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Explore our choices for each category and the reasoning behind our selections. Practical Tips for Planting: Gain valuable tips on budgeting for plant purchases, propagating plants for future growth, and the importance of planning infrastructure before plant arrivals. Conclusion: As we wrap up this episode, we invite you to share your own plant lists and gardening experiences. Connect with fellow plant enthusiasts, share the joy of gardening, and stay tuned for more episodes packed with inspiration and practical tips. Thank you for joining us on this gardening adventure! Don't forget to share this episode with friends and fellow gardeners. Happy planting! 🌱🌸🌳

Welcome to "The Schoolhouse Life" podcast, where we explore the wonders of nature, sustainable living, and the wisdom of trees. In this episode, join us as we delve into the world of trees with the incredible Akiva Silver, renowned for his work and insights, particularly highlighted in his major book, "Trees of Power." Discover the secrets of harnessing the potential of trees on your homestead, learning about the unique ways they can enhance your ecosystem and create a thriving habitat. Akiva Silver shares his journey into the realm of wilderness survival, primitive skills, and the realization that nature's abundance often thrives on the edges of civilization. Get ready for an enlightening conversation about holistic management, the art of planting magnetic trees that draw in wildlife, and transforming disturbed areas into thriving ecosystems. Whether you're an avid homesteader, a nature enthusiast, or simply curious about sustainable living, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in to learn how trees can be powerful allies in creating a more vibrant and sustainable world. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with nature and gain a deeper understanding of the profound impact trees can have on our lives. Subscribe, share, and join us on "The Schoolhouse Life" podcast for more episodes exploring the beauty and wisdom found in the natural world.

Greetings, dear listeners! Welcome to another episode of "Homesteading Happenings." Today, we're diving into the latest developments in our dairy department, sharing both our triumphs and challenges. Segment 1: Progress in the Dairy Department We kick off with a quick overview of the progress we've made in the dairy department on our homestead. From coaxing our cow into the barn to the successful implementation of halter training, we've overcome hurdles that might resonate with fellow homesteaders. Segment 2: The Halter Training Journey Drew takes the lead in narrating the journey of halter training our cow. A strategic approach involving alfalfa cubes and consistent effort twice a day over two weeks laid the foundation for success. We discuss the importance of patience in this slow but rewarding process. Segment 3: Milking Success & Efficiency Lacy delves into the challenges of getting the cow to stand still during milking. Tightening the halter and introducing alfalfa cubes during the process proved to be game-changers. We share our experiences with efficiency, discussing the balance between feeding and milking. Segment 4: Community Support vs. Internet Advice Reflecting on our experiences, we emphasize the significance of seeking advice from trusted friends and local connections rather than solely relying on internet forums. We touch upon an instance where online advice proved overwhelming and not necessarily applicable to our unique homesteading approach. Segment 5: Lessons Learned and Moving Forward As we refine our milking process, we reflect on the lessons learned. The importance of community support, creativity in problem-solving, and the unique aspects of our homestead come into focus. We share how our approach differs from conventional wisdom and the ongoing learning process. Conclusion: Wrapping up, we express our excitement about achieving about a half a gallon of milk daily, perfectly aligning with our family's needs. We encourage listeners to share this episode with fellow homesteaders and to reach out with their thoughts and questions. Happy homesteading! Outro: Thank you for joining us on this episode of "Homesteading Happenings." Don't forget to tag us on social media and share the homesteading love. Until next time, take care and enjoy your homesteading journey! 🌾🐓 #HomesteadingPodcast #DairyDepartmentUpdate #HomesteadLife #CommunitySupport

Welcome to another riveting episode of The Schoolhouse Life where hosts Drew & Lacey take you on a profound journey into the world of self-harvesting, challenging conventional norms and celebrating the sacredness of life and death. Episode Focus: In this episode, we reflect on the recent self-harvesting experience of our second cow, delving into the intricacies of the process and exploring the emotional and spiritual dimensions that accompany such a transformative journey. Key Takeaways: Beyond Picking: Harvesting is more than a mere act of picking; it's a deeply involved and fascinating journey that most people never get to witness or participate in. Challenges in the Food System: Discussion on the goal of eliminating the middleman in beef processing. Reflection on challenges faced during the recent COVID crisis, revealing our lack of control over the food system. The Intimate Harvesting Process: Decision to shoot the cow in its natural habitat for a full-circle event. Emphasis on intentionality and alignment with principles of regeneration. Emotional Weight of Self-Harvesting: Comparative reflections on healthcare systems, home births, and education. Discussion on the vulnerability of learning and its connection to intimate experiences. Herd's Unexpected Reaction: Exploration of the herd's emotional and spiritual connections during the harvesting process. Insights into the lead bull's unique response and the unexpected depth of the experience. Family Involvement: Active participation of children in various stages, learning anatomy, and gaining a deep understanding of life's interconnectedness. Holistic Approach: Consideration of potential uses for various parts of the harvested animal. Highlighting a holistic approach that goes beyond mere consumption. Nutritional Benefits and Criticisms: Addressing common criticisms of self-harvesting. Exploration of the nutritional benefits of ethically raised animals. Spiritual and Nutritional Aspects: Emphasis on the spiritual and nutritional aspects that accompany the self-harvesting experience. Encouragement for listeners to join the conversation and share their thoughts and questions. Invitation: Tune in to "The Schoolhouse Life" for a unique perspective that challenges conventional norms, celebrates the interconnectedness of all things, and invites you to be part of a transformative exploration into the sacred aspects of self-harvesting.

Welcome to I Bought A Homestead Now What?!, where we dive into the challenges and triumphs of homesteading life! 🌿 In this episode, we share our ongoing journey on a 10-acre property that started as a foreclosure and has been evolving since we moved in. Today's topic: navigating the complex decisions surrounding tree management on our homestead. From the initial daunting task of removing towering pine trees to the unexpected challenges in land clearing, we discuss the emotional and practical aspects of handling a forested property. Join us as we recount the lessons learned, the mistakes made, and the tough decisions we faced to create a space for gardening and livestock. Discover the highs and lows of our experiences, from the initial tree removal to the pitfalls of hiring the wrong professionals for land clearing. We explore the financial and logistical aspects, sharing insights on the costs and unexpected hurdles that arise in the process. Learn from our journey as we discuss different approaches, from additive silvopasture to subtractive silvopasture, and the surprising intricacies of each. We also touch upon the challenges of finding the right professionals, the costs involved, and the importance of proper planning. If you're on a homesteading adventure, thinking about silvopasture, or simply curious about the realities of turning a wooded property into a functional homestead, this episode is for you. Join us as we share our experiences, lessons, and the ongoing efforts to transform our homestead into a thriving and sustainable space. Don't forget to share your thoughts and experiences with us! Connect with us on social media, and let's build a community where we can learn, share, and grow together on this homesteading journey. 🌱✨ #HomesteadingLife #LandManagement #PodcastJourney #SustainableLiving #HomesteadTips #RuralLiving

ntroduction: Welcome to another episode of "The Schoolhouse Life" podcast! Today, we're diving into the world of foraging, homesteading, and the magic of seed saving. Join us for an exciting conversation as we explore the wonders of harvesting from nature. Segment 1: The Joy of Foraging Discover the sheer excitement of foraging for wild edibles. Hear captivating stories about our memorable foraging adventures. Learn why being open-minded and observant in nature is key to successful foraging. Segment 2: Homesteading Adventures Gain insights into our homesteading journey, including our successes and challenges. Get practical tips on incorporating foraged foods into your everyday meals. Understand the importance of sustainable living through homesteading practices. Segment 3: The Magic of Seed Saving Dive into the significance of seed saving in sustainable agriculture. Receive practical advice on how to start your own seed saving journey at home. Learn why preserving heirloom and native plant varieties is crucial for the environment. Key Takeaways: Foraging is an incredible way to reconnect with nature, discover unique flavors, and be open to the unexpected. Homesteading promotes self-sufficiency and a deeper connection to the land, emphasizing the importance of living sustainably. Seed saving is the guardian of biodiversity, ensuring a sustainable future by preserving the precious genetic diversity of our plants. Call to Action: Ready to embark on your own journey into the world of foraging, homesteading, or seed saving? Here's your call to action: Start small: Try foraging for a single edible plant or kick off a small homesteading project. Dive into the enchanting world of seed saving by saving seeds from a favorite vegetable or flower. Share your foraging, homesteading, or seed saving experiences on social media using the hashtag #SchoolhouseHarvest. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave us a review on your preferred platform. Your support keeps us going! Closing: Thank you for joining us on this adventure into the heart of foraging, homesteading, and seed saving. We can't wait to explore more exciting topics in the future. Keep the conversation going and share your thoughts, feedback, or suggestions with us. Until next time, happy harvesting!   Share @theschoolhouselife on all social send us an email at [email protected] website. www.theschoolhouselife.com

Introduction: Welcome to another episode of "The Schoolhouse Life" podcast. Join your hosts Drew and Lacy as they dive into the fascinating world of Australian Shepherds with special guest Jordyn Kelly from Working Aussies Homestead. Discover the incredible capabilities of Australian Shepherds and how these intelligent and versatile dogs can transform your homestead experience. Section 1: Discovering the World of Australian Shepherds Introduction to Jordyn Kelly and her journey into breeding and training Australian Shepherds. The unique characteristics and intelligence of Australian Shepherds that set them apart. How Australian Shepherds can be valuable assets on a homestead, from herding livestock to providing companionship. Section 2: The Training and Bond Between Homesteaders and Australian Shepherds Insights into the training process for Australian Shepherds, focusing on effective communication and understanding. The strong bond and connection that can be developed between homesteaders and their Australian Shepherds. Stories of real-life situations where Australian Shepherds demonstrated their intelligence and reliability on the homestead. Section 3: Responsible Breeding and Homesteading Jordyn's approach to responsible breeding and ensuring the well-being of the dogs and their future homes. Tips and advice for aspiring homesteaders looking to integrate Australian Shepherds into their lifestyle. Balancing the demands of homesteading with the care and training of Australian Shepherds. Section 4: Listener Questions and Closing Thoughts Answering listener questions about Australian Shepherds and homesteading experiences. Jordyn's recommendations for individuals interested in starting their journey with Australian Shepherds. Closing thoughts on the powerful connection between homesteaders and their loyal Australian Shepherds. Conclusion: Thank you for joining us on this episode of "The Schoolhouse Life" podcast. We hope you gained valuable insights into the world of Australian Shepherds and their impact on homesteading. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical tips to enhance your homesteading journey. Until next time, happy homesteading!