Episode Summary: Simple Farmhouse Life - Episode 274

Host: Lisa Bass
Release Date: January 28, 2025
Episode Title: Recent changes I’ve made in my baking, our no-fuss approach to family goals, how I handle tantrums, and more Q&A!

In Episode 274 of the Simple Farmhouse Life podcast, Lisa Bass delves into a variety of topics ranging from her recent baking adjustments to her streamlined approach to family goals and effective strategies for managing children's tantrums. The episode is structured around listener questions, allowing Lisa to provide in-depth insights drawn from her extensive experience as a homemaker, blogger, and mother of eight.

1. Recent Changes in Baking

Lisa begins by addressing a listener's struggle with dense whole wheat sourdough bread. She recommends investing in a grain mill to achieve fresher, less compacted flour, which can significantly improve bread texture.

“If you can acquire a grain mill from somewhere now, you could get something like the Nutra mill... two cups of wheat berries into a grain mill, two cups of flour do not come out way more than that comes out. So that could help some with the density.” [04:30]

Key Adjustments:

• Freshly Milled Flour: Switching from store-bought to freshly milled whole wheat flour to enhance bread rise and reduce density.
• Measuring by Weight: Using a scale to measure flour accurately (approximately 140 grams per cup) to avoid excess bulk that contributes to heaviness.
• Stretch and Fold Technique: Emphasizing the importance of the stretch and fold method over traditional kneading for better gluten development and dough manageability.

Lisa shares her successful experience with a whole wheat roll recipe, highlighting the benefits of letting the dough sit and using stretch and folds to achieve a light, airy texture.

“When you first go to mix the dough up, it's going to feel like it'll never come together. But after you let it sit for a while... it actually absorbs the grains and all the liquid.” [07:45]

2. No-Fuss Approach to Family Goals

Addressing how she maintains focus on family objectives amidst daily responsibilities, Lisa emphasizes the importance of small, consistent steps rather than grand, immediate changes.

“When you first start out with something, you expect each intention to be something very groundbreaking as opposed to little small steps that you do every day over lots of years.” [00:45]

Strategies Implemented:

• Overarching Goals: Maintaining simple, long-term objectives such as acquiring land for homesteading and homeschooling without a formal mission statement.
• Incremental Progress: Achieving family goals through gradual actions, ensuring that each step aligns with their ultimate vision.
• Flexibility: Allowing the family's needs and circumstances to guide the pace and nature of their progress, ensuring goals remain attainable and relevant.

Lisa reflects on her journey, reassuring listeners that steady progress is key and that being too rigid can hinder the natural evolution of family plans.

3. Handling Tantrums

Lisa shares her approach to managing tantrums, particularly focusing on her experiences with her oldest daughter. She debunks the notion that tantrums are abnormal, highlighting them as a natural part of child development.

“Every single kid throws fits. And I do think that it is helpful if you understand that it's normal so that you don't have to think like, okay, well, because I remember when my second she threw so many more fits than my first... they just have to go through it.” [27:50]

Effective Techniques:

• Emotional Validation: Offering extra attention and allowing the child to express their feelings without judgment.
• Consistency: Maintaining consistent routines and boundaries to provide stability during emotional outbursts.
• Perspective: Viewing tantrums as opportunities for children to develop emotional regulation rather than as behavioral problems.

Lisa emphasizes that tantrums are not indicative of parental failure but rather a normal stage in childhood that, with patience and understanding, can be navigated successfully.

4. Q&A Highlights

a. Replacing Kneading with Stretch and Folds

A listener inquires about the efficacy of the stretch and fold method versus traditional kneading, especially in recipes requiring extensive kneading like bagels.

“For the best and easiest way to develop all sourdough gluten is with stretch and folds. I've exclusively switched to that. I never use my mixer...” [19:15]

Lisa explains that stretch and folds are not only effective but also more adaptable to modern, busy lifestyles, eliminating the need for labor-intensive kneading processes.

b. Geriatric Pregnancies

Another question touches on pregnancies in the 40s and the associated stigma.

“I have had two geriatric pregnancies at this point and I really hope to have like two more. Honestly, if I could, that's probably what I would pick.” [29:10]

Lisa shares her positive experiences with late-age pregnancies, addressing societal judgments and emphasizing personal choice and physical capability over societal expectations.

c. Decorating Style Discovery

Listeners seek advice on finding and maintaining a cohesive decorating style.

“I still make mistakes. I see things and I know I like them, but then they're just paired with the wrong color or the wrong furniture.” [32:10]

Tips Provided:

• Experimentation: Moving furniture and décor pieces between rooms to discover optimal placements.
• Inspiration Sources: Utilizing books, Pinterest, and personal preferences to guide aesthetic choices.
• Patience: Allowing time for pieces to naturally find their place within the home’s overall design.

d. Balancing Self-Care and Motherhood

A listener expresses difficulty in finding time for personal hobbies while managing a large family.

“The number one thing I currently do to fill my cup is go out on a date with my husband and go out with my sisters.” [31:20]

Lisa advises prioritizing small, regular self-care activities and leveraging the support of older children and extended family to carve out personal time without neglecting familial responsibilities.

5. Upcoming Projects and Conclusion

Lisa concludes by teasing upcoming content related to her new house and land building process. She plans to share the journey of designing a new farmhouse that blends old aesthetics with functional homestead living, inviting listeners to follow along for practical insights and inspiration.

“I will definitely be showing all of that... I'm really trying to create the look of a new house that looks old. And so I'm excited to take you all along on that journey.” [34:30]

Final Thoughts: Throughout the episode, Lisa Bass underscores the value of simplicity, patience, and intentionality in both homemaking and family life. Her practical advice, grounded in personal experience, offers listeners actionable strategies to enhance their own lives while maintaining alignment with their core values and goals.

Notable Quotes:

• “Just keep putting one foot in front of the other.” [00:45]
• “Tantrums are a normal part of childhood and nothing to be overly worried about.” [27:50]
• “Sourdough is the most flexible, easy to work around your life process than anything else.” [20:10]

Resources Mentioned:

• Simple Sourdough Course: Bit.ly/farmhouses
• Simple Sewing Series: Available through her blog and podcast.
• Create Your Blog Dream & YouTube Success Academy: Business courses for home-based entrepreneurs.

For more detailed recipes, homeschooling tips, and homesteading insights, visit farmhouseonboom.com and follow Lisa’s YouTube channel for visual guides and tutorials.