Here’s what I’d do if I were starting from scratch:

First, start right in your kitchen with something simple like growing sprouts. You can buy sprouting seeds or even little sprout kits at the store. They grow fast, require almost no space, and give you a little win to build your confidence.

Next, try getting a baby plant—a small potted herb or veggie—and care for it. This step helps you get familiar with watering and watching a plant grow without too much effort or risk.

Another great step is to offer to help someone who already has a garden. Watching and learning from a seasoned gardener can teach you a lot and make gardening feel more approachable.

The most important thing is not to bite off more than you can chew. Take your time, be gentle with yourself, and enjoy these micro baby steps. Gardening is a journey, and every little step counts.

Connect with Neva: https://www.thehappyhomesteadmaker.com

She didn’t inherit assets. No land handed down, no safety net built in. Every piece of what’s been created has come through slow, steady work—one decision at a time.

Getting dirty is part of it.

Building anything—whether it’s a homestead, a short-term rental, or a business—means starting from the ground up. It’s not always clean. It’s not always pretty. Even after years of work, there are still hard decisions, unknown outcomes, and messy days.

That doesn’t mean something’s wrong. It just means it’s real.

Neva shares more than just the good parts of homesteading, because she believes the beauty is in the whole picture. The mud, the sweat, the growth, and the hard-won lessons.

For anyone in the middle of building—slowly, imperfectly—this is the encouragement: keep going. And getting dirty? That’s where the real work happens.

Connect with Neva: https://www.thehappyhomesteadmaker.com

In today’s episode, Neva (mom of seven!) shares her very first step: joining HSLDA. She walks you through the top benefits of membership—instant curriculum resources, expert legal support, and real-world case reviews—so you can start your homeschool journey with confidence and peace of mind.

Top 3 Reasons to Join HSLDA

1. It’s an ever-growing library of homeschool resources ready when you are.
2. You get expert legal representation any time questions arise.
3. You can read and review real families’ cases to learn from their successes and missteps.

You’re not alone in this journey.

Join HSLDA today: https://www.hslda.org/join

Connect with Neva: https://www.thehappyhomesteadmaker.com

With five girls, the conversations run deep: what they wear, how they talk, who they spend time with. Neva doesn’t skirt around it. She calls it like it is.

She reminds her daughters that their clothes and words say something. And that character matters—especially when no one’s watching.

In this episode, Neva shares the honest, unfiltered way she’s helping her girls think differently about clothing, makeup, and the influence of the people around them.

It’s not about being better.

It’s about being anchored in who you are.

Connect with Neva: https://www.thehappyhomesteadmaker.com

Homesteading is often sold as a "do it all yourself" lifestyle. But the idea that anyone can be 100% self-sufficient is simply not true. True homesteading isn’t about doing everything alone—it’s a frame of mind, a way of living that values hard work, learning, and connection.

Neva has seen how chasing total self-sufficiency leads to burnout and a narrow view of what homesteading is meant to be. No one was created to do it all. Homesteading was never meant to be an isolated life—it’s meant to be shared.

Community matters. Learning matters. Grace matters.

Neva reminds us: it’s good to be capable, but it’s better to know that you were never meant to do everything alone.

Connect with Neva: https://www.thehappyhomesteadmaker.com

So if you’ve found yourself thinking, “We need a break” or “This just doesn’t feel good anymore”—you’re not alone.

One thing that’s helped us? Creating a rhythm. Nothing fancy. Just a simple routine with two anchors: what we do, and when we do it.

Build in creative time—not as a filler, but as a focus. Paint, build, write, imagine. It doesn't need to be productive, just hands-on. Because when we don’t carve out time for that, we lose touch with it. And our kids miss it too.

We spend so much time consuming. What if, instead, we focused on reacting? On making? On using our skills instead of our screens?

Skill time instead of screen time. That small shift has made a big difference for Neva and her family.

Connect with Neva: https://www.thehappyhomesteadmaker.com

The most important work you’ll ever do doesn’t come with a paycheck. It happens within the four walls of your home.

Neva shares how she once tied her value to a job title and income. She thought working outside the home meant she was contributing. But over time, she realized that was a lie. Real value isn’t in initials after your name or a resume—it’s in raising your kids and being fully present for them.

You only get one shot at this. One season where your children are your responsibility in the most intimate way. Anyone can replace you at work, but no one can take your place at home.

So if you’re sitting at your desk wishing you were home, maybe it’s time to shift your mindset. Stop seeing your home role as “less than.” Start treating it like the profession it truly is.

Your work at home matters—far more than the world gives it credit for. Maybe it’s time to quit your job and get to the work that really counts.

Connect with Neva: https://www.thehappyhomesteadmaker.com

Neva is sharing three books to consider if you’re curious about homesteading—or just craving a little more simplicity in your life.

1. The Backyard Homestead

This one is packed with inspiration. If you’ve got even a small patch of land (or just a dream), The Backyard Homestead is a great place to start. It’s less about perfection and more about possibility. Neva often flips back to this one when she needs a little boost or reminder of what’s doable.

2. The Good Life

This book tells the story of someone who actually did it. It’s not step-by-step instructions—it’s their journey, struggles, and successes. And honestly? That’s often way more motivating. It helps to read someone else’s story and realize there's no one “right” way to do this.

3. The Foxfire Series

If you haven’t picked up a Foxfire book, start with one. These cover all kinds of traditional skills, stories, and old-school know-how. It’s not a modern Pinterest-perfect version of homesteading—it’s the real stuff. Each volume covers different topics, so you can pick what interests you most.

These books aren’t about doing everything from scratch or living completely off-grid-think of them as guides, not manuals. There’s no all-or-nothing rule when it comes to learning this stuff. Just start where you are, stay curious, and keep collecting ideas that feel like you.

Books Mentioned in this Episode:

The Backyard Homestead

The Good Life

The Foxfire Series

Connect with Neva: https://www.thehappyhomesteadmaker.com

In this episode, Neva is finally sharing her go-to recipes for making the most of the egg overload. French toast and egg salad are staples, but what about something a little different? Whether you’re looking for new ways to cook with them or considering a small project like incubating a few, Neva is sharing her ideas.

If your fridge is overflowing with extra eggs, this episode is for you.

Connect with Neva: https://www.thehappyhomesteadmaker.com

One option is to repurpose them in a way that benefits other parts of your homestead. Whether they serve a practical use or support the natural cycle of your space, weeds don’t have to go to waste.

Another idea is to let nature do the work. Over time, weeds break down and can be used to enrich the soil, making them a valuable resource rather than just something to remove.

Lastly, consider setting them aside for future use. Sometimes, what seems like a nuisance now can have a purpose later, whether in the garden or elsewhere.

Weeds may be inevitable, but with a little creativity, they can serve a greater purpose.

Connect with Neva: https://www.thehappyhomesteadmaker.com

Marriage isn’t about control. It’s about trust, respect, and working with each other, not against each other. There will be checks and balances, but never fault. Keeping score only creates distance.

The biggest freedom in marriage comes when you let go of the need to control. He doesn’t own you, and you don’t own him. You are teammates, and when you embrace that, marriage becomes about moving forward together.

So take this lesson with an open heart and mind—marriage isn’t about ownership, it’s about partnership.

Connect with Neva: https://www.thehappyhomesteadmaker.com

Some gardening methods are carefully planned—greenhouses, temperature-controlled rooms, and specialized tools. But sometimes, the urge to start planting sneaks up on you.

In today’s episode, Neva shares how you can start your garden, even if you don’t have all the fancy tools. No greenhouse? No problem. She dives into simple, effective ways to create the right conditions for your seeds to thrive, using things you already have around your home.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, there are ways to get ahead and start your seeds early. 

Connect with Neva: https://www.thehappyhomesteadmaker.com

When I started my homestead journey, I wasn’t thinking about traditions. I was thinking about what I could do with this land, how I could make it work for our family. But over time, certain rhythms formed—little things we do every year, in the same season, without even planning it.

In today’s episode, Neva shares some of the unintentional traditions that have woven themselves into her life—things she never set out to do but have become part of the fabric of her family’s story. Maybe you have traditions like that too. The way you always eat the same meal on a certain day, or how you end up at the same place every summer. The things that feel like habits but, when you look closer, are actually something more—anchors in time, tying one year to the next.

What were the traditions you grew up with? What are the ones you’ve built now, whether intentionally or by accident? Maybe you’ve made more than you even realize.

Connect with Neva: https://www.thehappyhomesteadmaker.com

Matching tasks to a child’s age helps set them up for success. Younger kids do best with clear, simple instructions. Instead of saying, “Clean up,” try breaking it down into specific steps like putting toys in the bin or placing books back on the shelf. Older kids can handle a set order of tasks, like making the bed before picking up the floor.

Timing makes a difference. A two-minute tidy turns cleanup into a quick win, while a ten-minute tidy keeps bigger messes from becoming overwhelming. Turning it into a race or setting a goal for what happens after helps keep kids engaged.

Messes are constant, but tidying doesn’t have to be a struggle. With clear expectations and small, consistent efforts, keeping a space clean becomes part of the routine—not just another chore.

Connect with Neva: https://www.thehappyhomesteadmaker.com

Instead of focusing on everything that didn’t get done, start smaller. Rather than a mile-long to-do list, narrow it down to one to three priorities. What is the one thing that absolutely must be done today? Completing even a single task creates momentum, turning an overwhelming day into a productive one.

Productivity doesn’t always look the same. Some days, it’s tackling big projects. Other days, it’s handling the small but necessary things—cleaning out your purse, getting a carwash, or simply resetting for the next day. Every step forward counts.

There’s no need to do it all. Progress, no matter how small, is still progress. Checking off even one box on the list is a win, and sometimes, that’s enough to turn the day around.

Connect with Neva: https://www.thehappyhomesteadmaker.com

Homesteading is a lifestyle choice, not a financial barrier. It’s about shifting your mindset—viewing your homestead as a legacy and rethinking how you approach your family’s future. Start where you are. Don’t let money become the problem that holds you back. You can begin small and grow from there.

Prioritize what matters most to you, take baby steps, and budget for the equipment or supplies you need. Be prepared for unexpected challenges and think creatively to overcome them.

Homesteading isn’t about having everything perfect or starting with unlimited resources. It’s about building something meaningful from the ground up.

The key is to focus on what you can do now, no matter how small it seems. Take things one step at a time, embrace the back-to-basics lifestyle, and let your homestead evolve naturally. You don’t need to have it all figured out—you just need to begin.

Connect with Neva: https://www.thehappyhomesteadmaker.com

Your homestead vision will be unique to you. It doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. Take some time to really think about what your dream homestead would look like. What’s important to you? That’s where you begin.

You don’t have to know everything right away. The process of homesteading is about starting small, learning along the way, and allowing yourself room to grow. The “doing” is what creates the “being.” Don’t let the fear of not knowing it all stop you. The truth is, you’ll never get everything perfect from the start.

So, don’t wait for the perfect moment or the perfect setup. Just decide to start—and you’ll learn, grow, and adapt as you go. That’s the true beginning of your homesteading journey.

Connect with Neva: https://www.thehappyhomesteadmaker.com

Today, Neva is here to help clear up some of the jargon you might encounter and give you the details on where to start. She shares her favorite breeds for beginners, including Rhode Island Reds, Barred Rocks, and Buff Orpingtons. These breeds are hardy, friendly, and great egg-layers—making them perfect for those just getting started.

Most importantly, Neva provides some encouragement. Starting your homestead with chickens is a rewarding experience. They offer fresh eggs, help enrich your soil, and are fun to watch. With Neva’s advice, you’ll feel confident in taking that first step toward building your homestead with chickens.

Connect with Neva: https://www.thehappyhomesteadmaker.com

If you’re wondering where to begin, start with what’s on your plate.

Homesteading can feel overwhelming when you think about all the possibilities. But instead of trying to do it all at once, narrow your focus to one meal. Choose a favorite meal you and your family love, and commit to making it entirely from scratch. 

Homesteading is all about working smarter, not harder. Use a quiet winter weekend to cook a few meals in advance. Soups, stews, and casseroles freeze beautifully and will save you time when life gets busy.

Winter might be cold and quiet, but it’s the perfect season to start something new. Homesteading begins with small, intentional steps—and the kitchen is the best place to take them.

Connect with Neva: https://www.thehappyhomesteadmaker.com

In today’s episode, Neva shares her reflections on what she’d do differently if she could start over. She opens up about the mistakes she made and the lessons she learned along the way. From managing her mindset to refining her approach to everything—like composting, raising chickens, and finding balance in the day-to-day—her journey is full of insights that can help anyone just beginning their own homestead.

Homesteading isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. It’s about learning as you go, nurturing what you build, and being intentional with your time and energy. Neva’s story is a reminder that it’s okay to start small and adjust as you grow.

Connect with Neva: https://www.thehappyhomesteadmaker.com

In today’s episode Neva teaches listeners how to mind their MANORS. An acronym that is a framework for living intentionally both inside and outside of your home. By focusing on key areas such as managing your mindset, nurturing relationships, and optimizing opportunities, you can transform your home into a thriving, joyful place.

This approach isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating a homestead where every aspect of life is aligned with your values. Neva shares how small, intentional changes can make a big difference, helping you cultivate a space of growth, peace, and connection.

By minding your MANORS, you’ll learn how to shape your life with purpose, build deeper relationships, and make your home a place where everyone can flourish. It’s not just about tending to your home—it’s about tending to your whole life.

Connect with Neva: https://www.thehappyhomesteadmaker.com

Neva shares her personal story of growing up in a broken family, the struggles of balancing motherhood with a busy career, and the moments when she felt like she was failing at it all. She talks about how society doesn’t always value the role of a homemaker, but how she finally realized that this work is more than just a job—it’s a calling.

Neva reminds us that homemaking isn’t about perfection. It’s about heart. It’s about taking pride in building a home and raising a family, even when it feels hard. Together, we’ll reclaim the value of homemaking and support one another through the ups and downs of this journey.

Join Neva as she offers guidance, accountability, and a whole lot of encouragement. You don’t have to do it perfectly—you just have to do it with love

Connect with Neva: https://www.thehappyhomesteadmaker.com

We Believe:

• Homemaking is the most important and impactful role we will ever hold.
• Our families are the heart of our homes, and nurturing them is a calling of the highest purpose.
• Faith, family, and freedom are the pillars of a meaningful life, guiding every choice we make.
• Simplicity is not a sacrifice—it’s a gift that brings clarity, connection, and joy.

We Reject:

·     The societal narrative that devalues homemaking and denies its importance seeing it as static or outdated.

• The notion that homemaking is “just staying home” or a fallback for women without ambition.
• Society’s pressure to measure success by materialism, status, or outward achievement.
• The idea that busyness equals productivity or that chaos is inevitable.

We Embrace:

• The power of our work at home to shape lives, create legacies, and impact generations.
• The art of homesteading and timeless homemaking skills as tools for resourcefulness and resilience.
• Our unique role as the anchors of our families and the creators of purposeful homes.

We Commit:

• To valuing and celebrating the significance of our role, knowing it’s foundational to our family’s success and well-being.
• To cultivating a home environment that nurtures relationships, builds traditions, and reflects our values.
• To growing in knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in this profession of prestige.

We Declare:

• We are not “just homemakers.” We are visionaries, creators, and leaders shaping the present and the future.
• We lead with grace, strength, and faith, embracing the extraordinary power of our ordinary days.
• Through our work, we honor our families, fulfill our purpose, and create a better world—one home at a time.

This is our passion. This is our mission. This is our profession.

We are Happy Homesteadmakers.

Connect with Us: https://www.thehappyhomesteadmaker.com