Homestead Journey: Recent Episodes
ErynWhalen
Welcome to Homestead Journey by Eryn Whalen, from Eryn Whalen Online. Blogging for over seven years, she’s transitioned from sharing about her family’s adventures on their half acre urban farm in Washington, to 120 acres in Tennessee. Follow along as she and her husband renovate their 100 year old farmhouse and reclaim the overgrown land. Homeschool mama, decor addict, and garden lover, Eryn’s here to share the journey with you. From recipes to information about homestead life, and everything in between.
Pressure canning is not as scary as many people think! If you use an Instant Pot, you can easily use a pressure canner. Let's chat about what you need, common questions, and get you excited to try this method of preserving food!
This post is sponsored by Roots and Harvest, your GO-TO for all things preserving.
Use code: ERYN15 FOR 15% off your entire order + FREE SHIPPING!
Check out their canning products here!
FOLLOW ALONG ON:
ERYN WHALEN ONLINE WEBSITE
Dive into the Homestead Journey! Get exclusive only available to you content from my Substack!
Water bath canning is a great way to dip your toes into the world of preserving your garden harvest. Let's chat about what you need, common questions, and my go-to must can items. Hint (Below is a few of my favorite recipes from my blog)
Canned pizza sauce recipe
Canned Salsa
Canned Tomatoes
Canned Peach Salsa
Canned Apple Sauce
This post is sponsored by Roots and Harvest, your GO-TO for all things preserving.
Use code: ERYN15 FOR 15% off your entire order + FREE SHIPPING!
Check out their canning products here!
FOLLOW ALONG ON:
ERYN WHALEN ONLINE WEBSITE
Dive into the Homestead Journey! Get exclusive only available to you content from my Substack!
Welcome to "Preserve Your Harvest," a summer podcast series dedicated to helping you make the most of your garden bounty. Each week, we'll explore a different method of food preservation, from canning and freezing to fermenting and drying. Whether you're a seasoned homesteader or just starting out, you'll find practical tips and expert advice to keep your garden-fresh produce deliciously preserved for the long term. Join us and learn how to enjoy the flavors of summer all year round!
This episode is sponsored by Roots and Harvest, a family owned company that has everything you need for your homestead journey.
Roots and Harvest Website
Use code: ERYN10 for 10% off + free shipping
Some of my favorites from Roots and Harvest -
Canning and preserving products from Roots and Harvest
FOLLOW ALONG ON:
ERYN WHALEN ONLINE WEBSITE
Dive into the Homestead Journey! Get exclusive only available to you content from my Substack!
In this episode, we talk about children on the homestead, while also homeschooling and how we do it all! I hope this is an encouraging episode for anyone thinking of incorporating one or both of these, homeschooling and/or homesteading into their lives.
This episode is sponsored by Roots and Harvest, a family owned company that has everything you need for your homestead journey.
Roots and Harvest Website
Use code: ERYN10 for 10% off + free shipping
Some of my favorites from Roots and Harvest -
Canning and preserving products from Roots and Harvest
FOLLOW ALONG ON:
ERYN WHALEN ONLINE WEBSITE
Dive into the Homestead Journey! Get exclusive only available to you content from my Substack!
In this episode, we talk about gardening while maintaining a social life during the summertime. Is it possible? Yes! With these 5 tips
This episode is sponsored by Roots and Harvest, a family owned company that has everything you need for your homestead journey.
Roots and Harvest Website
Use code: RH15FS for 15% off + free shipping over $40
Some of my favorites from Roots and Harvest -
Canning and preserving products from Roots and Harvest
FOLLOW ALONG ON:
ERYN WHALEN ONLINE WEBSITE
Dive into the Homestead Journey! Get exclusive only available to you content from my Substack!
Welcome to our latest podcast episode, where we jump into the journey of adding our newest addition to the homestead: Lilac, our already cherished Jersey cow. Listen as I recount the anticipation, joy, and invaluable lessons learned throughout the years of waiting for this moment.
Grab your favorite coffee or tea and join us I we share the magical moments of welcoming Lilac to our homestead.
This episode is sponsored by Roots and Harvest, a family owned company that has everything you need for your homestead journey.
Roots and Harvest Website
Use code: RH15FS for 15% off + free shipping over $40
Some of my favorites from Roots and Harvest -
-
Cheese kit
-
Strainer bags
-
Yogurt Maker
Alpine Village Farms Sweatshirt
Alpine Farms Website
Join us on this episode of Homestead Journey with John Moody, an expert and one of the who's who in the homesteading movement. We'll explore his journey into homesteading, his experiences with raising meat birds, and practical advice for beginners. From the essentials for raising meat birds to overcoming common challenges, John shares insights to and wisdom.
FIND JOHN:
John Moody's Website
Rouge Food Conference at Polyface Farm May 17th - 18th
Homesteaders of America Conference
MY LINKS:
Roots and Harvest Website Code: ERYN10 for 10% off
Force of Nature | My absolute favorite non-toxic cleaning product.
Use code ERYN40 for 40% off Force Of Nature Bundles + Free Shipping!
FOLLOW ALONG ON:
ERYN WHALEN ONLINE WEBSITE
Dive into the Homestead Journey! Get exclusive only available to you content from my Substack!
In this episode, we sit down with Jen to explore her journey into the world of homesteading and the innovative ways she's turned her passion into a thriving online income.
Join as Jen shares her personal story, detailing the challenges and triumphs of establishing a hobby farm and navigating the path to profitability in the digital age. Whether you're a seasoned homesteader or just starting out, this conversation offers invaluable guidance and actionable homestead tips along with how to turn your farm into a successful online venture.
Jen was also gracious to give my listeners 20% off of her course with code: ERYN20
FIND JEN:
Jen's Course: How to add online income to your farm
Website
MY LINKS:
Force of Nature | My absolute favorite non-toxic cleaning product.
Use code ERYN40 for 40% off Force Of Nature Bundles + Free Shipping!
FOLLOW ALONG ON:
ERYN WHALEN ONLINE WEBSITE
Dive into the Homestead Journey! Get exclusive only available to you content from my Substack!
Join me today for a fun conversation with Neeli, a Tennessee-based homesteader and talented photographer/videographer. Neeli shares her inspiring journey of transitioning to homesteading life in Tennessee, highlighting both the highs and challenges she faced along the way.
Explore how Neeli seamlessly integrates her passion for homesteading with her skills in photography and videography, capturing authentic moments on homesteads, in homes, and even during homebirths.
From memorable homesteading moments to future goals, Neeli shares invaluable insights and advice for those considering the homesteading lifestyle. Join us as we celebrate the beauty and authenticity of homesteading through Neeli's lens, and gain a newfound appreciation for the rich tapestry of life on the homestead.
How to find Neeli:
Heritage and Homestead Films
MY LINKS:
Force of Nature | My absolute favorite non-toxic cleaning product.
Use code ERYN40 for 40% off Force Of Nature Bundles + Free Shipping!
FOLLOW ALONG ON:
ERYN WHALEN ONLINE WEBSITE
Dive into the Homestead Journey! Get exclusive only available to you content from my Substack!
🌾 Exploring the Homesteader's Journey: A Conversation with Mindy from The Little Red Farm 🐄
Join me as I dive into raw dairy farming and homesteading with Mindy, the passionate mind behind The Little Red Farm. In this candid conversation, we delve into Mindy's personal journey of setting up her farm, specializing in Jersey cows and A2A2 milk production.
🚜 Key Highlights:
🐮 A2A2 Milk Specialization: Why did Mindy and her family decide to start a raw dairy farm.
🏡 Farm Shop: Mindy shares her experiences in setting up a farm shop, connecting with the local community, and providing fresh, wholesome produce.
🌱 Online Mentorship: Learn how The Little Red Farm extends its reach through online mentorship, helping aspiring homesteaders kickstart their own journey.
💼 Building a Homestead Business: Mindy opens up about the challenges and triumphs of building a successful business rooted in homesteading values. Listen in to gain valuable insights, practical tips, and inspiration for your own homesteading adventure.
Whether you're a seasoned homesteader or just starting, Mindy's story is sure to resonate and motivate you on your path to a fulfilling homesteading life. Subscribe for more engaging conversations with homesteaders, farmers, and lifestyle creators as we explore the beauty of the homesteading life together! 🌿✨
HOW TO FIND MINDY:
Little Red Farm Website
Naturally Simple Homestead Website
Youtube
TikTok
Mindy's Group Mentorship: Naturally Simple Homestead - Beta Testing rate until Feb. 29th: https://www.naturallysimplehomestead.com/homesteadmentorships/p/group-mentorship-subscription-52rp4
If joining after March 1st: https://www.naturallysimplehomestead.com/homesteadmentorships/p/group-mentorship-subscription
MY LINKS:
Force of Nature | My absolute favorite non-toxic cleaning product.
Use code ERYN40 for 40% off Force Of Nature Bundles + Free Shipping!
FOLLOW ALONG ON:
ERYN WHALEN ONLINE WEBSITE
Dive into the Homestead Journey! Get exclusive only available to you content from my Substack!
Explore the art of running your kitchen on a budget with insights from a homesteader friend in West Tennessee. Uncover tips to slash your grocery bills in 2024, from smart shopping to crafting homemade staples. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just getting started, this guide is your recipe for a wallet-friendly and delicious kitchen experience.
Podcast for this episode
LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:
Jax Organic Skin Care Products Use code: eryn20 for 20% off your entire order.
Force of Nature: My absolute favorite non-toxic cleaning product
Use code ERYN40 for 40% off Force Of Nature Bundles + Free Shipping!
FOLLOW ALONG ON:
ERYN WHALEN ONLINE
MY LTK STORE
MY AMAZON STOREFRONT
Dive into the Homestead Journey! Get exclusive only available to you content from my Substack! JOIN HERE
Finding community isn't easy. It takes getting outside of your comfort zone, putting yourself in situations where you can get rejected and/or don't fit in. But I promise, once you find people that your family can do life with, everything changes for the better!
LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:
My mom's podcast: (She doesn't have it available yet apparently, I'll update the link when she does)
My sisters boutique: Birkland Boutique
Find and Awana program in your area
Force of Nature: My absolute favorite non-toxic cleaning product
Use code ERYN40 for 40% off Force Of Nature Bundles + Free Shipping!
FOLLOW ALONG ON:
ERYN WHALEN ONLINE
MY LTK STORE
MY AMAZON STOREFRONT
Dive into the Homestead Journey! Get exclusive only available to you content from my Substack! JOIN HERE
Hey friend! Winter's here, and we're breaking down how to own it on the homestead. No fluff, just real talk about cozying up your space, picking up new hobbies, and making winter your ally. Grab a warm drink and join the chat – we're spilling the beans on turning winter into your homesteading sidekick. Let's dive in
LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:
Force of Nature: My absolute favorite non-toxic cleaning product
Use code ERYN40 for 40% off Force Of Nature Bundles + Free Shipping!
FOLLOW ALONG ON:
ERYN WHALEN ONLINE
MY LTK STORE
MY AMAZON STOREFRONT
Dive into the Homestead Journey! Get exclusive only available to you content from my Substack! JOIN HERE
In this special episode, join Eryn as she sits down with her husband, Travis, for a frank conversation about their homesteading first two years.
Together, they delve into the highs and lows of their adventure, reflecting on the challenges they've faced, the growth they experienced, and the invaluable lessons learned. Travis shares his unique perspective on the trials of transitioning from city life to rural country, offering a candid glimpse into the Whalen Farms reality.
LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:
Force of Nature: My absolute favorite non-toxic cleaning product
Use code ERYN40 for 40% off Force Of Nature Bundles + Free Shipping!
FOLLOW ALONG ON:
ERYN WHALEN ONLINE
MY LTK STORE
MY AMAZON STOREFRONT
Dive into the Homestead Journey! Get exclusive only available to you content from my Substack! JOIN HERE
In the first episode of 2024, discover practical tips to eliminate toxins from your daily life. Dive into the accompanying blog post for detailed insights and product recommendations, turning your homestead into a healthier haven.
LINKS FOR TOPICS IN THE PODCAST:
Podcast post to all links mentioned
Force of Nature: My absolute favorite non-toxic cleaning product
Use code ERYN40 for 40% off Force Of Nature Bundles + Free Shipping!
FOLLOW ME ON:
ERYN WHALEN ONLINE
MY LTK STORE
MY AMAZON STOREFRONT
Dive into the Homestead Journey! Get exclusive only available to you content from my Substack! JOIN HERE
Join Eryn as she candidly shares her family's homesteading journey, unraveling the unexpected role patience plays in making a well oiled homesteading machine.
LINKS FOR TOPICS IN THE PODCAST:
Force of Nature: My absolute favorite non-toxic cleaning product
Use code ERYN40 for 40% off Force Of Nature Bundles + Free Shipping!
FOLLOW ME ON:
ERYN WHALEN ONLINE
MY LTK STORE
MY AMAZON STOREFRONT
Dive into the Homestead Journey! Get exclusive only available to you content from my Substack! JOIN HERE
Join me, Eryn, the voice behind the Homestead Journey Podcast, as I spill the beans on how I'm gearing up for 2024.
In this episode, I'm wearing my hats as a creative homesteader, homeschooling parent, and online business owner, and I'm dishing out all my best tips for planning. We'll chat about why looking back at the past year is like gold, helping us shape those exciting plans and goals for the new year ahead. Let's make 2024 a year of purpose and creativity in our homes!
LINKS FOR TOPICS IN THE PODCAST:
Force of Nature: My absolute favorite non-toxic cleaning product
Use code ERYN40 for 40% off Force Of Nature Bundles + Free Shipping!
My Favorite Day Planners
FOLLOW ME ON:
ERYN WHALEN ONLINE
MY LTK STORE
MY AMAZON STOREFRONT
Dive into the Homestead Journey! Get exclusive only available to you content from my Substack! JOIN HERE
Hey, friend! Get ready for a heart-to-heart. In this episode, I've got a special guest – none other than my wonderful mom! Together, we're diving into the holiday magic and the beautiful art of giving.
Grab your favorite mug, cozy up, and join us as we navigate through the holiday season
LINKS FOR TOPICS IN THE PODCAST:
Force of Nature: My absolute favorite non-toxic cleaning product
Use code ERYN40 for 40% off Force Of Nature Bundles + Free Shipping!
Shadow & Light, a Journey into Advent
FOLLOW ME ON:
ERYN WHALEN ONLINE
MY LTK STORE
MY AMAZON STOREFRONT
Dive into the Homestead Journey! Get exclusive only available to you content from my Substack! JOIN HERE
Step into the heart of the holiday season with our special Thanksgiving episode. Join me as we dive into the art of creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for the season. From cozy decor ideas to recipes, let's chat about it all. Get ready to love your Thanksgiving experience with the touch of homemaking magic. Tune in and let's celebrate the season together, as we bring the spirit of thanks into every corner of our homes!
LINKS FOR TOPICS IN THE PODCAST:
Brussels Sprout Salad
Homemade Mac N Cheese
Leftover Turkey Sliders
Cranberry Orange Ice Box Cookies
Cranberry Orange Pound Cake
Link to Vintage Christmas Tree
Azure Standard: Info and find a drop near you
Force of Nature: My absolute favorite non-toxic cleaning product
Use code ERYN40 for 40% off Force Of Nature Bundles + Free Shipping!
FOLLOW ME ON:
ERYN WHALEN ONLINE
MY LTK STORE
MY AMAZON STOREFRONT
Dive into the Homestead Journey! Get exclusive only available to you content from my Substack! JOIN HERE
Join me for a heartfelt conversation about raising animals with the intent to butcher. Today I'm diving into the delicate topic of how to talk to our kids about the animals we raise for food, offering compassionate insights and age-appropriate approaches to help them understand the process with empathy and respect.
Discover alternatives for those who can't butcher animals themselves.
But our discussions don't stop at the dinner table. We also explore eco-friendly solutions for your home, sharing effective methods for cleaning without toxins. Grab a cup of coffee or your favorite tea and let's get started!
LINKS FOR TOPICS IN THE PODCAST:
Butcher course: Meatsmith Instagram Handle
Azure Standard: Info and find a drop near you
Force of Nature: My absolute favorite non-toxic cleaning product
Use code ERYN40 for 40% off Force Of Nature Bundles + Free Shipping!
FOLLOW ME ON:
ERYN WHALEN ONLINE
MY LTK STORE
MY AMAZON STOREFRONT
Dive into the Homestead Journey! Get exclusive only available to you content from my Substack! JOIN HERE
Let's chat about slowing down over the holiday season and what we do at our house to intentionally create an environment of joy, tradition, and foster creativity.
FOLLOW ME ON:
ERYN WHALEN ONLINE
MY LTK STORE
MY AMAZON STOREFRONT
Dive into the Homestead Journey! Get exclusive only available to you content from my Substack! JOIN HERE
Today we're getting the homestead ready for the upcoming cold months. We won't be caught unprepared for bad weather and emergencies! Join the discussion on protecting our water supply, how to keep Chickens through winter, large animal issues, and what to keep in an emergency kit!
FOLLOW ME ON:
ERYN WHALEN ONLINE
MY LTK STORE
MY AMAZON STOREFRONT
Dive into the Homestead Journey! Get exclusive only available to you content from my Substack! JOIN HERE
Today, we're focusing on the heart of the home . . . the kitchen. I'll be sharing advice and creative solutions to transform our kitchens into an haven of order and convenience. Get ready to embrace the cozy vibes of fall with a perfectly organized pantry!
Painting our kitchen - CLICK HERE
Our Kitchen counter facelift - CLICK HERE
Items I use in my pantry - CLICK HERE
Favorite containers for my kitchen and pantry - CLICK HERE
FOLLOW ME ON:
ERYN WHALEN ONLINE
MY LTK STORE
MY AMAZON STOREFRONT
Dive into the Homestead Journey! Get exclusive only available to you content from my Substack! JOIN HERE
Join me as we dive into the world of pantry organization. I'll be sharing advice and creative solutions to transform your pantry into an autumnal haven of order and convenience. Get ready to embrace the cozy vibes of fall with a perfectly organized pantry!
Items I use in my pantry - CLICK HERE
Favorite containers for my kitchen and pantry - CLICK HERE
FOLLOW ME ON:
ERYN WHALEN ONLINE
It's that time of year! BACK TO SCHOOL. And for our family, that means back to our homeschool schedule. Today I'm sharing what we do, our weekly and daily schedule, the curriculum we're using, and why!
One size does not fit all in the homesteading community. It isn't only flowy linen dresses and limited technology. The same goes for the crunchy, clean living movement. Let's break free of the stereotypes and learn to live out the journeys we're intended too
FOLLOW ME ON:
ERYN WHALEN ONLINE
Are you tired of your space feeling stagnant and dull? In this podcast, we explore the amazing power of paint, cleaning, and rearranging to transform any space into a whole new world. Join us as we delve into color, and how a deep cleaning can rejuvenate your surroundings, and the art of strategic furniture placement. Discover how simple yet powerful actions can create a whole different feel.
In this episode, we're diving into the world of fall gardening and what to plant, as well as preserving your summer harvest with creative methods to store the fruits of your labor.
Eryn from Whalen Farms shares personal tips and tricks to help you stock your pantry with the deliciousness of summer all year round.
Don't let any of what you're growing (or purchasing) go to waist! There's many more ways to preserve the harvest besides just canning.
When I talk about -
Fall Planting: 1:56
Ways to preserve your harvest: 15:30
Chickens in the heat: 31:00
Our garden design: Whalen Farms Budget Friendly Garde
FOLLOW ME ON:
ERYN WHALEN ONLINE
Join me today as I share our one-year update since making the scary, crazy decision to leave our bustling city in Washington and set roots down on a rural farm in Tennessee.
In this podcast episode, I delve into the emotional rollercoaster we've experienced throughout this life-altering transition. From bidding farewell to the familiar, and embracing the unknown in the pursuit of a simpler, more fulfilling life. I discuss the challenges we've faced, both physically and emotionally, as we adapt to this new lifestyle.
But amidst the hardships, we've discovered the incredible wonders that can unfold when you embrace change with faith. From watching the sunrise over rolling hills to tending gardens and growing our food, every moment has been filled with awe-inspiring beauty and profound growth.
Through our conversations, I hope to inspire others who dream of stepping outside their comfort zones.
We delve into the lessons we've learned, the difficulties we've overcome, and the incredible rewards that come from embracing the unknown.
Grab a cup of coffee, and join me on this journey from city to farm.
Referenced posts:
Our Gardens
Slowly, an old house becomes a home
FOLLOW ME ON:
ERYN WHALEN ONLINE
In this special episode, we're diving into the exciting world of raising poultry in your own backyard. Join me for some advice, personal stories, and practical tips for beginners looking to keep chickens, ducks, and guineas.
Discover the joys of having your very own flock of feathered friends and learn as I discuss the essentials of housing, nutrition, and keeping your birds safe and healthy.
Grab a seat and get ready to explore the world of backyard poultry in this beginner's guide episode!
Referenced Links:
Follow along on IG
My website
Blog: How to Keep Backyard Chickens
If you're thinking of adding chickens to your farm or even in the backyard of your city home, this is the episode for you!
Today we'll cover, best preparing for chickens, where to house them, how to purchase, from chicks to chickens, favorable breeds and how to keep them safe!
Be sure to check below for a few great reading pieces!
Referenced Links:
Follow along on IG
My website
Blog: How to Keep Backyard Chickens
Blog: Painting the Inside of a Chicken Coop
Today the Homestead Journey is welcoming a very special guest to tell us all the things about sewing!
Sewing may sound difficult or like there are too many materials needed to start but fear not Heather from HeatherHandmade will walk you through where to start, materials to use, tools you need, where to find patterns, how to best set yourself up for success, and much much more.
Don't forget to scroll below to connect with both Heather and me, plus check out all the amazing links she provided!
Referenced Links:
Follow along with Eryn on IG
Find Heather: Website: https://www.heatherhandmade.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherhandmade/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/heatherhandmade Some of her easy patterns to begin with: FREE fleece hat pattern: https://www.heatherhandmade.com/free-fleece-hat-pattern/ FREE Tote bag sewing pattern: https://www.heatherhandmade.com/tote-bag-sewing-pattern/ FREE Circle skirt pattern: https://www.heatherhandmade.com/easy-circle-skirt-tutorial-free-pattern/ Brother Sewing Machine: https://rstyle.me/+_62Jv8HfQZ8j48YkPIk0iA
I know, I know, you're wishing for spring! Trust me, I'm with you. However, this week I've had quite a change of heart. Where does our time go friends? Why are we always trying to move to the next task, the next podcast, the next lesson, the next, the next, the next. I think you get my point.
This season is made to be a little slower. Join me in this episode as I talk about where my heart has been pulled this past week and how you can cozy up your home and enjoy the season rather than wishing for the next.
Referenced links:
• Tag along on IG
• All the blog posts and recipes on my website
• Rub n Buff
• Giani Carrara White Marble Epoxy
Winter may be a slower time when it comes to being able to work outside but my mind is racing with ideas and visions for this coming garden season.
Join me in this episode where I turn my visions and wants into a plan!
Sponsored by, Washington Grown
Referenced Links:
Connect with me day to day in IG
Checkout my website
Amazon Seed Organizer
The world of gardening is beautiful, romantic, humbling, satisfying, and yields much gratification!
Whether you're just starting to garden, looking to expand, or simply looking to learn, you've come to the right place. We'll talk about the differences between seeds vs starts and then break it down further into heirloom seeds, hybrid seeds, and GMO seeds.
I am so excited to plant this year, all of the different seeds mentioned in this episode, and share my experiences at the end. Happy Gardening!
Referenced Links:
• Browse my website
• Catch me day to day on IG
• Amazon Seed Organizer
• What You Need To Know About Heirloom seeds, Hybrid Seeds, and GMO Seeds Blog Post
• Winter Garden Prep January - February Blog Post
• Harvesting and Drying Herbs Blog Post
• Johnny's Seeds
I'm back and my oh my, do I have a story for you!
Our first Christmas in our almost 100-year-old farmhouse was stressful, memorable, and telling to say the least. I heard the phrase "Weather Shows Our Weakness" the other day and thought not only was it the perfect title for this podcast but also the perfect way, to sum up, our Christmas week.
Popular Links:
Follow Along on Instagram
Checkout my Website
Washington Grown YouTube Channel
For all my fellow bloggers and for those that are still deciding whether or not to make the leap, this episode is for you!
I'll share the struggles in business, and how I am pivoting within my environment. Sometimes, you have to sit back and take inventory of what you’re doing, and of your environment, and if you need to formulate a new plan to achieve your end goal.
Links Referenced:
• My IG
• My Website
Join me for a short message to discuss some of my favorite recipes plus a word of encouragement for the week.
You'll also hear from two very special guests and what they're grateful for!
Links Referenced:
• My IG
• Brussel Sprout Salad with Caramelized Pecans and Goat Cheese
• Cranberry Orange Pound Cake with White Chocolate and an Orange Glaze
• Leftover Turkey Ideas - Turkey Cranberry Sliders
• Buttery and Rich Thumbprint Cookies
• Inspiration and Ideas for a Cozy Family Thanksgiving
Christmas comes at the same time every year! So why are we constantly shocked, ill prepared and making last minute trips to the grocery store?
Our life is hectic enough around here in the Whalen Household so I'm spending extra time in prepping for Christmas this year.
In today's episode we'll talk about taking some time and mapping out what Christmas day and the week or so beforehand look like. Is family coming into town, are there any extra sales where I could pick up needed grocery items now, are there any local events that I want scheduled in the calendar? Ask yourself these questions and others depending on your traditions and what you want Christmas to look like!
Links References:
Last Weeks Episode
My IG
My Website
Rainbow Resource Guide
Join me in this episode where I'll discuss cleaning out your pantry and organizing in a way that brings you joy and inspires you.
Often times pantries are dark, dull and full of expired foods. No more! I'm encouraging you to recreate your pantry into a space that you enjoy. Food is beautiful and meant to fill the bellies of those you love, lets treat how we handle it the same!
We'll also cover the importance of watching what foods you use the most of and planning a couple months in advance. It's always good to know where your food comes from and even more so that it'll be there in the case of emergency!
Links to Items Referenced:
Pantry and Kitchen Holiday Organization Blog Post
Mountain Rose Herbs
Harvesting and Drying Herbs Blog Post
My Amazon Store
My IG
My Website
Join me in this weeks episode where I'll discuss how to make do when you can't quite do what you want... yet!
Everything takes time and money but that doesn't mean you have to hate the in-between. I'm a strong believer in making the situation bearable until you have the means necessary to take a project into a full renovation!
A little bit of paint, scrubbing and sometimes a cheap fix for the now is all worth the peace of mind it brings in the moment!
Links Discussed:
Last Weeks Episode: Handmade, Homemade and Handpicked Goods
My IG
My Website
Liz Marie IG
Liz Marie Book: Cozy White Cottage
Giani Carrara White Marble Epoxy Countertop
https://lollyjane.com/chalk-paint-countertops/
Today we're welcoming Kristen from the Curated Farm to talk all things Homestead, Sourdough and Community!
Having lived in multiple different states over the years Kristen is no fool to plugging in, getting involved and learning from those around you. Longing for community and a piece of land to call her families own, Kristen set off to learn how to be self sufficient and come together with those around her to check all the boxes.
The pandemic taught us a lot of things but if anything the biggest take should be that the grocery store aisles can run empty, but then what happens?! How do you support family?
Join us today to cover multiple topics ranging from, doing it scared, getting out of your own way, plugging into a community and why its so important to have longterm goals!
Links:
Curated Farm IG
Curated Farm Website
Eryn Whalen IG
Eryn Whalen Website
Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome? Where you feel like you don't belong or you shouldn't be in a position to take on a certain opportunity or responsibility because X, Y or Z?
Suddenly the whole world feels like its falling down and your faults become much more apparent than your gifts and strengths! I'm here to tell you today that I have those feelings too and it's okay.
But it's not okay to let it go so far as to hold you back from the gifts that God has given you or for the work that he has prepared for you. You are here for a reason and although our "to do" lists often feel never ending and every day it seems we can't get enough done, its most important in those moments to stop and look around at the small things.
Taking a breath and hugging your child in this moment is more important than sending the email, listening to your husbands worries and concerns is more important than rushing off to that get together, taking in the beautiful moments of the day is more important than rushing off to the next task.
Spoiler Alert! Homeschooling isn't as difficult as the pandemic made it.
Discover the freedom of homeschooling, why we specifically decided to homeschool, what our day to day looks like, curriculum we study and how to cover multiple subjects in one.
There are so many resources out there these days that homeschooling can be as structured or free-flowing as you'd like. Personally I feel its a tremendous gift to walk alongside my children during their education journey and selfishly I love to have them home with me!
Mentioned:
4 Day A Week Homeschool Schedule 1st Grade Homeschool Curriculum Homeschool Requirements for WA state
Harvest season is among us! This is the time of year where endless amounts of tomatoes are brought inside to be canned or turned into homemade spaghetti sauce. Peppers, onions and herbs are pulled for salsa and whats not being used immediately must somehow be preserved!
Have you thought to preserve your herbs? I feel herbs are so often only used during the summer months and then let to flower and wither away. However, herbs offer an abundance of flavor and health benefits! Today I'll be covering my specific process on how to dry, store and preserve your herbs.
Mentions:
Instagram:
ErynWhalenOnline.com
Mortar & Pestle:
Mountain Rose Herb:
Thinking of starting your own Airbnb? Here's what we've learned so far!
The first big thing is getting in touch with your local county administrators, they will be the basis of legalizing the whole process and making sure the process is done to code.
Next you'll need to decide if you're using a building on your property or adding a brand new one. Does the area need to be cleared? How do we get running water there? Electricity? The list goes on...
This is just the beginning steps friends! Keep an eye out for a secondary podcast in the months to come!
Links:
Instagram: Eryn_Whalen_Online
Website: Erynwhalenonline.com
Book: Short Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth
Join me in this episode where I'll cover some of the questions you've asked me on Instagram regarding what differences we've noticed from Washington to Tennessee!
From topics such as wildlife, am I scared to let me kids play alone outside to what sets Tennessee apart and what I miss about Washington.
Be sure to follow along on Instagram to keep up on what our day to day looks like and some of the projects we are tackling. Until next week friends!
Join me in this episode as I give you a quick recap of what our lives have looked like the past three weeks and as I complete our, "Moving Across The Country" series.
If you're just joining I highly encourage you to go back and listen to how our journey began and why we decided to move from Washington to Tennessee.
As Travis, my husband, and I have bought and sold a couple times we thought we knew what we were up against when it came to purchasing a home. However, from what we have since learned, purchasing an almost 100 year old home while still living across the country makes for more difficult times.
One of the biggest surprises that we encountered was how our appraiser, who is supposed to calculate the value of the home, had enough pull to halt our loan process and make us pay out of pocket for a structural engineer to ensure the safety of our house to be.
Not only did we now have to pay more than was we had originally expected but all of a sudden our current bank said that we were to high of a risk and we had to look elsewhere for funding. Add a slurry of other unknown complications and the world began to feel like it was toppling down on us.
There is so much to the story that truly you'll just have to listen!
This process was far from easy friends. And somedays I feel as if I'm drowning in my to do list but I also have faith that we are here for a reason and our journey is just beginning. If you have ever felt this way take a moment and just look at the good around you.
Every night our family takes a turn around the yard and I am in awe of what we have built just in our short five months of being here. The beauty of the area is how I imagined it and our children are happy, healthy and learning just as much as we are in this beautiful experience.
Fear is a powerful thing but so is courage and I can honestly say that I am so proud of myself and my husband for being courageous and walking into the unknown. Somedays are scary and overwhelming but the small moments that you catch in between the chaos makes it all worth it.
What are you afraid to do my friend? Maybe now is the time to say no more to fear and take the leap of faith. Leave a comment below and I'd be happy to pray for you and your journey!
Links to Items Discussed:
Cat carriers:
• https://www.amazon.com/shop/eryn_whalen_online/list/1XIMX0RNQ4U4Y
• https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/go-pet-club-folding-soft-green-dog-crate
Walkie Talkies:
• https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013QIFCLE/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_NQKYK18M4G4GETQAD1M7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=ml2&tag=erynwhalenoni-20
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eryn_whalen_online/?hl=en
Website: https://www.erynwhalenonline.com/
Catch you next week!
Join me in this episode as my husband, Travis, makes a guest appearance!
Travis and I will be making an announcement about our next big project on our 120 acres. Hint: It’ll make it easier for friends, family and tourists to come visit our quaint town!
Travis will also be sharing some of this thoughts and feelings throughout our moving process!
We’ll cover how we had originally written our current house off to due to its starting list price, what moving company we used, how we would’ve packed differently and how we then almost LOST our Tennessee house due to an appraisers opinion.
References:
U-Pack: https://www.upack.com/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/eryn_whalen_online/?hl=en
Website: https://www.erynwhalenonline.com/
Somedays are harder than others friends and today is one of those days. One of the days where I miss what we had in Washington and all our family and friends.
I wasn’t going to record today but I feel its only fair to be honest with you about the emotions involved in moving across the country.
Taking a break from our series, Moving Across the Country, today I will be answering questions that some of you had asked me on Instagram!
Tune back next week where we’ll continue our journey from Washington to Tennessee.
Join me in this episode where we cover flying from Washington to Tennessee for the home inspection on our new house to be.
Keep in mind, our house back in Washington has been listed and is currently pending. If all goes well with the contract on our Washington home but doesn't go well in Tennessee we're still contractually obligated to move out of our current home. Therefore, we really need to love this house in Tennessee and we need it to be livable.
That being the case, there were a lot of questions this trip needed to answer for us. One, did we actually love Tennessee and the surroundings enough to live here? Two, was the commute for my husband bearable on a daily basis? Three, did apple maps and all my research lie to me with how close things were and the area's aesthetic or was it what I had been dreaming of? Lastly, four, did this house feel like home?
Check back next week for the story to get even more complicated!
In this episode we're covering how to ensure you're not moving into a bad neighborhood.
Once we announced that we were moving and people found out that we have never been there everyone wanted to know how we felt so comfortable making that decision. In reality, I had done a TON of research. From dropping pins on my apple phone to then googling how far the closest pizza place was, library, car shop and convenient store.
We also decided that we wanted to be a part of a smaller town, around 3000 in population but also not be farther than an hour or so from a larger city with more amenities.
From there we waited for a house to go live that we fell in love with. Once we found a farmhouse that had a lot of potential, we put in an offer. In all honesty, I didn't think our first offer would be accepted. Boy was I wrong!
Then began the wild journey of listing our home, scheduling a flight to be at the inspection of our home in TN, all while a million other things were going on in the background.
On episode four of Homestead Journey I am covering where things got real for Travis and I in deciding to move. The first year we knew a big change was coming and so we started doing soooooooome research but come the second year in our journey things really started to move.
From Travis fighting me and wanting to move but also being hesitant, to having a huge change of heart and being willing to jump in headfirst with me, to us then putting in an offer on a house, site unseen, except for videos, to our offer getting excepted, to us having to list our current house in five days, to us booking plane tickets to be there for the inspection of our new home, all awhile trying to stay sane.
Someone hear that a second time and tell me how I kept it together! Keep in mind that's only what's covered in this episode. Life get's crazier my friends. Tune back in next Tuesday for what happens next!
On todays episode we're touching on taking a leap of faith. Much easier said than done, as I'm sure you all know.
In last weeks episode I talked about the moment when I was drinking coffee and staring out my living room window, in my beautiful home might at I add, when I heard God say, "It's time to go".
At the time it sounded like preposterous idea, I loved where I lived and how close my friends are family were. Why would I want or need to go elsewhere? I'm sure we can all look back at moments like this and now chuckle at how God moves.
My heart changed after that, I started looking at other places in the country to live and originally we thought Texas! None of us were the biggest fans of winter and a longer growing season would be wonderful. But then COVID hit and cost of living plus home values skyrocketed.
Time went on and we kept hearing about Tennessee. Some friends of ours were also curious about moving there and then the more we talked about it the more we found that almost everyone knew of someone that had made the same move and loved it.
This episode is all about the beginning steps in our journey and lots of research that we did. Come back next Tuesday as we continue our journey into year two of everything happening and how things got more serious.
My kids are grown enough to grab a snack from the fridge and entertain themselves for a bit, now what?!
Join me on this episode where I talk about the self discovery process I personally went through once my kids were older and I had a little more time on my hands.
Have you ever heard the phrase, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree? Although this is true to an extent don’t allow it to box you in.
Did my parents raise me with a garden and canning every year, yes. Did they have a process that we almost never deviated from, yes. Was this a bad thing? Absolutely not! Once I came to the realization that I could take what I wanted and leave what I didn’t, it was a whole new world.
I learned to navigate my life and passions based off of the gifts that God instilled in me rather than just how I was raised. “I think that wall should be a different color, great let’s paint it!”, “The dog spilled paint over the 30 year old carpet! Tear it up, we’ll figure it out.”, “Family get together at my house in two days? Let’s do it!”.
Through my experiences, I believe that desires are put in our hearts by God and that he wants us to follow them. I also believe that God places discontentment when he has other plans for us.
That’s not to say that the Pineglen house made us discontent. In fact, it brought us so much joy and prepped in many ways for the journey that we are on today.
Tune in next week as I begin the series on moving from Washington to Tennessee!
Shoutouts:
• Hewn Flooring - Durable, Beautiful Floors For Our High-Traffic Home
• Home Depot - Master Bedroom Overhaul
• Taylor Ray Boutique - From purchasing a shirt to purchasing a house!
Welcome Friends!
My name is Eryn Whalen and in this episode I am giving you a bit of backstory of me and my family! Blogging for over seven years now, I have transitioned from sharing about my family’s adventures on our half acre urban farm in Washington, to 120 acres in Tennessee.
Join me as I cover how growing up in Washington state, and almost always on acreage, led me and my family to make this huge move.
Check back next week as this homeschool mama, decor addict, garden lover and so much more has to share on Homestead Journey.
For now, if you'd like to learn more or catch-up on the blog, click the link below.
Eryn Whalen Online