Why Meal Planning Doesn't Work for You (and what to do instead!)

Our life is.... weird and different. We're entering a season that I never saw coming, yet it's wonderful in it's own way. However, it's taken me a while to come to terms with it. In today's personal episode, I'm sharing what I've been wrestling with lately, as well as giving updates on the soda fountain, our beef company, and more.Podcast Episode HighlightsPersonal updatesDeep thoughts on the seasons...The shifts and seasons happening in our lives right nowThe new word of the year for meThe lesson I'm learning right nowThe end of one era and start of a new oneFinal thoughts on the unknown and upcoming adventuresResources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:Learn more about Aquatru here: www.aquatru.comUse the code HOMESTEAD to save 20% on your orderOrder your Old-Fashioned on Purpose Planner here: www.prairieplanner.comOTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

If your kitchen counters are currently covered in garden veggies like mine, this is the episode for you!We're talking all things tomatoes today: from how to make fresh sauce, to making tomato powder, to the controversary surrounding canning practices, to my favorite versatile sauce and so much more!Podcast Episode HighlightsMy thoughts on growing tomatoes...Ripening green tomatoesWhat to do when you're getting just a handful of tomatoes at a timeWhat to do when you're getting buckets of tomatoes at a timeWaterbath vs. pressure canning tomatoes Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:Learn more about the planner here: www.prairieplanner.comFind my Fast Tomato Sauce recipe here: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2018/09/fast-tomato-sauce-recipe.htmlFind my Dehydrated Vegetable Powders tutorial here: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2021/11/how-to-make-dehydrated-vegetable-powders.htmlFind my Canned All-Purpose Tomato Sauce recipe here: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2020/09/can-tomato-sauce.htmlOTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

"I'll never be able to afford a homestead!" It's one of the most common pain points I'm hearing right now and for good reason: the real estate market is tricky. I'm happy to be joined by Anna Young today. She's a loan officer with Rural 1st and specializes in helping rural folks find the property of their dreams. We discuss interest rates, the volatile market, plus lot sof actionable strategies for getting closer to becoming a land owner. Don't miss this one!Podcast Episode HighlightsFrustrations on current market and how we got hereWill the market stay the way it is right now?Looking at the differences depending on the locationConsiderations for getting a rural propertyTips for first time buyersRole of credit history and how to improve credit scoresA closer look at zoning lawsTips about interest ratesDetails on the loansTrends in rural propertyFinal tips and advice on buying rural propertyResources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:Learn more about Rural 1st here: www.rural1st.comLearn more about the planner here: www.prairieplanner.comOTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

How do you keep all the balls in the air when you're a multi-faceted homesteader?In this episode I'm sharing my most-used strategies for managing life as a homeschool mom, content creator, rancher, business owner, restaurant owner, and more. (Plus, the 2025 planner is HERE-- get the details at the end of the episode!)Podcast Episode HighlightsHow our lives have been lately...Planning ahead is the keyThe importance of brain dumpingProject mappingWrite everything downMake sure your meals are flexibleGive yourself graceFinal thoughts...Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:Learn more about the planner here: www.prairieplanner.comLearn more about meal craft here: https://mealcraftmethod.com/meal-craft-main177846-9453OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

We've talked about goats... we've talked about cattle... but we've NEVER talked about dairy SHEEP. That's changing today with this enlightening conversation with Rachel Hester of Whoopsy Daisy Farm. If you love being a pioneer in new industries, or are looking for a smaller dairy animal with LOTS of potential, this episode is for you!Podcast Episode HighlightsWhy you might want to consider dairy sheepIdeal number of sheep for beginnersCommon breeds of dairy sheepA closer look at the flavor of the meat Yield of dairy sheep (and what to feed them for more milk)Types of cheese you can make The taste of sheep's dairy milkWhere to find dairy sheep for your homesteadUsing the wool on the homesteadResources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:Learn more about Rachel Hester here: https://www.whoopsydaisyfarm.com/Learn more about Meal Craft here: https://mealcraftmethod.com/meal-craft-main177846-9453OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

"What are you using for homeschool curriculum this year??" I don't consider myself a homeschool content creator, but I'm always happy to share my favorite books and studies. Find out what I'm using for this coming year, plus an important plea to any homeschooling families.Podcast Episode HighlightsHow I'm a homeschool minimalistWhy we aren't dogmatic about our homeschool curriculumOur kids and their schooling this yearMy thoughts on homeschooling older kids/teensMy thoughts and pleas on educationOur homeschool curriculum choices this yearResources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:My podcast episode on charter schools: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/tph_podcasts/season-14-episode-5-the-hardest-thing-weve-ever-done-the-charter-school-tell-allOTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

For several years, I’ve been asking myself… how can we close our chicken loop? And by that, I mean how can I reduce the outside inputs in our home food production. It's easier said than done when it comes to livestock, BUT I've hatched a new plan for our chicken operation and I'm excited to share it with you. Listen in to hear me answer the question: "What is the BEST dual-purpose breed?" along with the breed I decided upon and how I plan to close our chicken loop once and for all (maybe).Podcast Episode HighlightsHow I've been successful on the homestead in "closing the loop"Why I have been reinspired to figure out how to close the loop with chickensThe challenges I have had so far with closing the loop with chickensStep #1: Find a dual-purpose chicken breedStep #2: Get better at hatching eggsStep #3: Adjust our personal expectations when it comes to meat birdsMy wish list for a dual-purpose breedThe top dual-purpose breeds I learned aboutFinal thoughts on finding the "perfect" chickenResources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:Learn more about Meal Craft here: https://mealcraftmethod.com/meal-craft-main177846-9453My podcast chat with Kate from Venison for Dinner about closing the loop: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/tph_podcasts/s4-e3-closing-the-loop-with-dairy-eggs-with-kate-schat-2OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

Looking for a bit of redemption after a less-than-stellar growing season? Want to reduce the pressure to preserve ALL the food right NOW? A fall garden can offer all of this and more and it's one of my secret weapons for growing more food with less stress. The time to start your fall crops is NOW-- join me to talk about what plants are best, some of my biggest mistakes, and how you can start your own fall garden no matter where you live.Podcast Episode HighlightsFirst thoughts on fall gardening (why I'm going to do it, why you can/should)Figuring out your frost dateLearning about plant maturity datesWhy it's worth it to have a fall gardenWhy you need to start NOW for fall gardeningTips for planting outdoors for a fall gardenMy plans for this fall garden Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:Learn more about Air Doctor here: airdoctorpro.comUse code HOMESTEAD to save up to $300 on your air doctor systemOTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

I never get tired of talking about sourdough, ESPECIALLY when it comes to ways to bake it more efficiently! Today I'm joined by Mike from Rosehill Sourdough to dive into some of the common pitfalls in the sourdough world that are costing you time and flour. I love Mike's engineer perspective and he gave me a lot of new ideas to chew on including sifting whole wheat flour, his rule-breaking method of adding salt, why you should let your whole wheat flour age, and more!Podcast Episode HighlightsMike's backstory and how he got into sourdoughWhy it's good to slow down with sourdoughBiggest mistakes people are making with sourdoughTalking about salt and sourdoughA closer look at sourdough discardTypes of flour to useTips for using whole wheatFavorite sourdough toolsResources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:Learn more about Meal Craft here: https://mealcraftmethod.com/meal-craft-main177846-9453Learn more about Mike and Rosehill Sourdough here: http://www.rosehillsourdough.com/OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

Cooking for larger groups used to stress me out SO much, but over the years, I've honed my skills in putting food on the table for big groups WITHOUT spending all day in the kitchen. In today's episode I'm sharing a few of my favorite old-fashioned strategies for cultivating community with food.Podcast Episode HighlightsHow cooking for large crowds is an old-fashioned ideaGoal #1: Staying in the action despite being in the kitchenGoal #2: Not expensive, still tasty, and not stressfulTip #1: Investing in certain toolsTip#2: Food inventory and types of mealsTip #3: What to skip...Strategy #1: Keep a repertoire of group mealsStrategy #2: My thoughts on freezing meals ahead of timeStrategy #3: Maximize your mornings and eveningsStrategy #4: Using a self-serve buffet styleStrategy #5: The stone soup approachFinal thoughtsResources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:Learn more about Meal Craft here: https://mealcraftmethod.com/meal-craft-main177846-9453My Old-Fashioned on Purpose book: http://oldfashionedbook.com/OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!