On today’s podcast, I’m joined by Jen Sharpin from TheEasyHomestead.com. Jen Shares with us about her Journey from no homesteading experience living in Florida to a 15-acre homestead in South Carolina to a 45-acre homestead in Virginia.
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How A Bad Experience Began A Journey into Homesteading
Meet Jen from The Easy Homestead. She and her family went on an amazing journey to live a healthier and happier life by starting their own homestead.
Moving to a New Home
Jen and her husband lived in Florida all their lives. They wanted a place where their kids could play outside and have more space. So, they decided to move to South Carolina. They didn’t even see the house before moving in! It was a little scary, but everything turned out well.
A Sad Time in the Family
In 2012, something very sad happened. Jen’s mom got sick with cancer and passed away at the age of 50. This was a hard time for the whole family. Jen was very close to her mom, and they talked many times every day.
Learning About Food and Health
After her mom died, Jen’s dad shared something important. He told her that Mom’s doctor had said, “Look at our food system.” Jen began to wonder what that meant. She started watching documentaries and reading about how food can affect health.
Jen discovered that even when people think they’re eating healthy food, sometimes it’s not as good as it seems. She learned that many foods in stores have things in them that aren’t healthy.
“This magical, marvelous food on our plate, this sustenance we absorb, has a story to tell. It has a journey. It leaves a footprint. It leaves a legacy. To eat with reckless abandon, without conscience, without knowledge; folks, this ain’t normal.” ― Joel Salatin,Folks, This Ain’t Normal: A Farmer’s Advice for Happier Hens, Healthier People, and a Better World
Starting the Homesteading Life
Jen and her husband decided to make a change. They wanted to grow their own food so they knew exactly what was in it. They started with a few chickens for eggs and meat. They also began a garden. Jen’s husband knew a lot about gardening and taught her along the way.
They even got two goats so they could have their own milk and make cheese. This was a big step towards living a healthier life.
Moving to Virginia and Expanding
Recently, Jen and her family moved to Virginia. They found a big piece of land—45 acres! The land used to be a tobacco farm, so the soil is great for growing things. They are excited to expand their homestead and share healthy food with others.
Sharing with the Community
Jen’s family wants to help other families have access to healthy, non-GMO food. They plan to raise chickens for eggs and meat, and even start a farm store where people can buy fresh products right from their property.
Starting The Easy Homestead Blog
Jen began a blog called The Easy Homestead. She wanted to share her family’s story and help others who might be interested in homesteading or just eating healthier. On her blog, she shares tips, recipes, and lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Future Plans
The family has big plans for their homestead. They are thinking about raising pigs and maybe even sheep in the future. They want to keep learning and growing, and they’re excited about what comes next.
Advice for Others
Jen believes that anyone can start making healthier choices. Here are some of her tips:
- Start Small: You don’t need a lot of land. Even in an apartment, you can grow herbs in pots or make your own bread.
- Learn About Your Food: Try to understand what’s in the food you buy. Reading labels can help you make better choices.
- Take One Step at a Time: You don’t have to do everything at once. Pick one thing to start with, and then add more as you go.
Conclusion
Jen’s journey shows that big changes can start with small steps. By learning more about food and health, she and her family have created a life that’s healthier and happier. They hope to inspire others to do the same.
If you’d like to learn more about Jen’s story or get tips on starting your own homestead, visit her blog at The Easy Homestead.
Links:
- Jen’s Website: The Easy Homestead
- Facebook:www.facebook.com/theeasyhomestead
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