Podcast Summary: Simple Farmhouse Life - Episode 284
Title: Real Food, Real Life: Homesteading & Motherhood with Meg of Hollar Homestead
Host: Lisa Bass
Guest: Meg Holler, Holler Homestead
Release Date: April 8, 2025
Introduction and Welcome
Lisa Bass reintroduces Meg Holler as the guest of the episode, highlighting their previous conversation about homesteading and motherhood. She mentions the high listener interest in Meg’s perspective on managing a large family, cooking from scratch, and homesteading.
Meg Holler’s Homesteading Journey
Background and Move to North Carolina
Meg Holler shares the origins of her homesteading journey, detailing how her family transitioned from a traveling RV lifestyle to establishing a homestead in North Carolina.
Meg (04:17): "We really just share our homesteading life. It is me, my husband, and our now six children... we moved from California to North Carolina because we loved the area when we traveled through in October."
Reasons for Choosing North Carolina
Meg explains that climatic and practical considerations influenced their move.
Meg (05:02): "Mostly the weather, actually... water was a really huge consideration for us coming from California, because water is so scarce and regulated there."
She emphasizes the importance of water availability and the homeschool-friendly environment in North Carolina.
Meg (06:25): "Water was actually a really huge consideration... and homeschool factors were a big deal for us. The area we landed in is really big on homeschooling."
Establishing the Homestead
Initial Investments and Infrastructure
Meg discusses the foundational steps taken to establish their homestead, focusing on preparing the land for food production and livestock.
Meg (08:57): "One of our biggest things was getting beds in the ground... our number one goal was growing our own food. We invested in infrastructure like beds, soil preparation, and acquiring animals."
They prioritized building raised beds due to the hard, clay-heavy soil and frequent heavy rains.
Meg (10:16): "We do raised beds because the ground is really hard and clay-heavy, and we experience huge rain events that can wash away our soil amendments."
Challenges with Dairy Farming
Breeding Difficulties and Maintenance
Meg recounts the challenges faced with maintaining dairy cows, particularly issues with breeding and the daily responsibilities of milking.
Meg (11:27): "One of the cons was we had a hard time getting her rebred... We called the vet multiple times, but it didn't work out, so we decided to sell her."
She highlights the logistical difficulties and financial implications of dairy farming.
Meg (14:15): "Ensuring enough grass or having to buy hay is a balance between what’s easier and what’s better for our budget."
Economic Considerations
Meg shares her calculations on the cost-effectiveness of having a dairy cow versus purchasing milk.
Meg (17:36): "She paid for herself in about a month and a half by providing milk, and selling the calf helped offset costs. Overall, it evened out."
Balancing Homesteading and Motherhood
Daily Routines and Teamwork
Meg outlines a typical day on the homestead, emphasizing the collaborative efforts between her husband and children.
Meg (37:21): "A typical morning starts around 7:30-8:00 AM with breakfast, followed by communal schooling. My husband handles filming and animal chores, while I manage homeschooling and meal preparation."
She stresses the importance of teamwork and flexibility in managing daily tasks.
Meg (37:48): "We all work together as a team. My husband takes care of the YouTube channel and homestead chores, while I focus on homeschooling and meal prepping."
Handling Overwhelm and Stress
Addressing listener questions, Meg shares her strategies for managing stress and maintaining sanity amidst the chaos.
Meg (43:25): "I do get flustered. Sometimes we give up on a video because everything is chaos. But my desire for clean, from-scratch food keeps me going."
She advocates for simplicity and preparedness in meal planning to reduce stress.
Meg (44:50): "I make large batches of meals and freeze them. For example, shepherd’s pie can be defrosted and baked when I’m too tired to cook."
Cooking from Scratch and Meal Planning
Favorite Recipes and Strategies
Meg discusses her go-to meals and tips for efficient cooking.
Meg (22:13): "I do meal planning, usually on Sundays, based on what’s in the fridge and freezer. My boys take turns cooking dinner, which gives me a break and introduces new meals into our rotation."
Simplifying Meals
She emphasizes the importance of having flexible, easy-to-make meals that utilize available ingredients.
Meg (45:22): "From scratch doesn't have to mean complicated. It can be as simple as meat, a starch, and a veggie. Being good at a few basic recipes makes cooking easier."
Favorite Dishes
Meg shares specific recipes she frequently prepares, such as spaghetti with various sauces and loaded French fries.
Meg (48:07): "Pasta carbonara is a favorite—egg yolks, parmesan, bacon, and spaghetti. It’s simple, filling, and delicious."
Impact of Hurricane Helene and Future Preparations
Hurricane Helene’s Aftermath
Meg recounts how Hurricane Helene affected her community and the ongoing recovery efforts.
Meg (29:55): "Our area wasn’t hit as hard, but friends up in eastern Tennessee are still rebuilding. We helped by providing water and tools."
Lessons Learned and Future Preparations
She discusses the importance of preparedness for future storms, including having generators and sufficient supplies.
Meg (32:38): "After Hurricane Helene, we realized the importance of being prepared. We have generators, filled gas cans, and ensure our water sources are secure."
Lisa adds her own experiences with power outages, reinforcing the need for preparedness.
Lisa (33:02): "We went without power for three days, which was incredibly challenging. It’s essential to have a generator."
Closing Remarks and Future Plans
Upcoming Projects
Meg shares her plans for expanding the garden and increasing homesteading activities in the upcoming seasons.
Meg (58:31): "We've almost doubled our garden space and plan to do a lot more preserving this year."
Where to Follow Meg Holler
She directs listeners to follow her on YouTube for ongoing updates and homesteading tips.
Meg (59:40): "YouTube is the best place to follow along with our homesteading journey through Holler Homestead."
Encouragement for Listeners
Meg offers motivational advice for listeners juggling similar lifestyles.
Meg (58:18): "Do the best you can and remember, you don't have to be perfect. One step up is always better than none."
Notable Quotes
- Meg Holler [05:37]: "As soon as we crossed the border [into North Carolina], it felt like home."
- Meg Holler [11:27]: "One of the cons was we had a hard time getting her rebred... So we decided to sell her."
- Meg Holler [37:21]: "A typical morning starts around 7:30-8:00 AM with breakfast, followed by communal schooling."
- Meg Holler [43:25]: "I do get flustered. Sometimes we give up on a video because everything is chaos."
- Meg Holler [44:50]: "I make large batches of meals and freeze them... It makes life a lot easier."
- Meg Holler [58:18]: "Do the best you can and remember, you don't have to be perfect."
Conclusion
In this episode of Simple Farmhouse Life, Lisa Bass and Meg Holler delve into the multifaceted life of homesteading and motherhood. Meg shares her journey from traveling in an RV to establishing a homestead in North Carolina, the challenges of dairy farming, and the daily balance of managing a large family alongside homesteading duties. Emphasizing teamwork, flexibility, and preparedness, Meg offers invaluable insights for listeners striving to simplify their lives while maintaining a commitment to real food and sustainable living. Her practical tips on meal planning, cooking from scratch, and managing stress provide actionable advice for homemakers and homesteaders alike.
For more insights and updates from Meg Holler, listeners are encouraged to follow her journey on Holler Homestead YouTube Channel.