Every day on the homestead is a step toward inner peace
About Me
I’m Sarah, a full-time professional and passionate homesteader carving out a life of purpose, peace, and self-reliance on a five-acre wooded lot I recently acquired. At 48, I’ve embraced the challenge of building my barndominium from the ground up—learning every step of the way.
It’s been a journey of grit, growth, and gratitude.
My homestead is more than a place—it’s a vision coming to life. I raise 25 free-range chickens, and I’m preparing to welcome bees for pollination and two Southdown Babydoll wether sheep in the spring of 2026. I live with a lively crew of animals who bring joy and companionship to my days: a 9-year-old German Shepherd, a 3-year-old Golden Doodle, four indoor-outdoor cats, and a black-and-white lop-eared rabbit named Chandler.
PLANTA SIGMA 20FT
The Planta Sigma 20 is an urban gardener's dream come true. The quality heat-capturing materials allow for 3 or 4 season gardening, meaning you'll be able to harvest delicious fruits and vegetables beyond the outdoor growing season. Additionally, the rounded design is incredibly spacious, giving you the room to make the most out of your backyard garden.
My goal is to create a thriving ecosystem that supports both my lifestyle and the environment. I’m currently designing a 50x50 garden and planning to install a 20-foot greenhouse from Planta.com to extend my growing season and increase my food production.
Homesteading is more than a hobby—it’s a way of life. I find deep joy in starting seedlings, tending to my garden, preserving harvests, freeze-drying produce, and making raw dog food from scratch. I incubate and raise chicks, and I dispatch chickens for food with respect and care. I attend local homesteading meetings to connect with others who share my values and to continue learning and growing in this lifestyle.
EQIP Grant for Forest Mgmt.
I’m working with the USDA on a forest management plan and an EQIP grant to steward my land responsibly and sustainably. My goal is to create a thriving ecosystem that supports both my lifestyle and the environment.
Singlehomesteader Sarah
So great to meet you! Welcome, explore, and let me inspire you to start your homesteading journey.
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Harvest Right Freeze Dryer
A home freeze dryer from Harvest Right allows you to preserve the food your family loves to eat. Freeze-drying locks in both flavor and nutrition and can last for years, making freeze-dried food even better than fresh! I own the Medium- 5 Tray design in Black.
Beef Tallow Soap Making
Pure tallow soap recipe directions. Ingredients: 32 oz. tallow 4.2 oz. lye 12.16 oz. water 1.5 fl. oz. essential oils (optional) Instructions: Weigh tallow and put into a crockpot. I find it is easiest to melt the tallow before weighing it. If the tallow is below 100 degrees F, turn the crockpot on low to gently heat the tallow. Weigh the water in a heat-safe container or sturdy plastic bucket and weigh the lye separately. Check the temperature of the tallow. You want it to be 100 degrees F. Let tallow cool if necessary. Once the tallow is 100 degrees F, take the lye and water outdoors. Wearing gloves and safety goggles, carefully and slowly pour the lye into the water. Stir gently. Once the lye water has turned from cloudy to clear, leave it to cool for 10 minutes. Carefully pour the lye water into the tallow. Use an immersion blender to mix the soap. After a few minutes, it will grow creamy and start to thicken. Mix until it has reached “trace,” the light
Incubating Chicks
To incubate chicken eggs, start by placing fertilized eggs in a clean incubator set to 99.5°F (37.5°C) with 45–55% humidity. Turn the eggs at least three times a day until day 18 to prevent the embryo from sticking. Around day 7–10, candle the eggs to check for development and remove any infertile ones. On day 18, stop turning and raise humidity to 65–75% for hatching. Chicks typically hatch around day 21—let them dry before moving them to a brooder.
Forest and Garden Pollinators
The Beekeepers Association provides ongoing education to local beekeepers through education, mentoring, up-to-date information, and hands-on workshops.
Raw Food for My Two Dogs
I feed both my girls a raw diet. Think SPECIES APPROPRIATE DIET. Feeding your dog a raw diet—often called the BARF diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food)—can offer several health benefits. Supporters say it leads to shinier coats, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, improved digestion, and increased energy levels. Raw diets typically include raw meat, bones, organs, vegetables, and fruits, aiming to mimic what dogs would eat in the wild. Some owners also report reduced allergies, firmer stools, and better weight control along with overall better health. #PetFooled