Everyday Homesteading

Are your chicken eggs coming into the house dirty, especially during mud season?

In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, Carolyn is joined by Amy, cofounder of Good Egg, to talk about how to keep eggs clean starting in the coop—and how to properly handle fresh eggs once they’re in your kitchen.

We’re covering everything from nesting box strategies to the right (and wrong) way to wash eggs, plus how storage methods affect shelf life. If you’ve ever wondered whether to wash your eggs, how long they last, or how to keep them cleaner in the first place, this episode will give you clear, practical answers.

In this video, you’ll learn:

- How to keep eggs clean in the coop (even during mud season)
- The difference between clean, dirty, and washed eggs
- What the egg bloom is and why it matters
- How to wash eggs safely without pulling bacteria inside
- The best ways to store fresh eggs for longer shelf life
- Whether you’re new to backyard chickens or have been raising hens for years, these simple systems will help you bring cleaner eggs into your kitchen and use them more efficiently.

- Read the full blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-keep-eggs-clean/
- Learn more about Good Egg products and use coupon code "15OFFHSFAMILY" for 15% off your purchase: https://goodeggstuff.co/hsf
- Grab my FREE guide for preserving eggs here: https://classes.homesteadingfamily.com/PreservingEggs
- Thanks to Farmhouse Teas for sponsoring this episode. Click the link to check out all of Homesteading Family's favorites, and be sure to use coupon code "HSPODCAST" for 10% off your order: https://homesteadingfamily.com/FHTeas-Favorites

Time Stamps:
0:00 - Introduction
2:42 - Farmhouse Teas
6:20 - Main Topic
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo

Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!
Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily
Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily
Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily

A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop
You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.

How do you get your kids excited about gardening, especially if you’re still learning yourself?
In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, I’m joined by Luke Hammond from Dirt Academy Kids to talk about why gardening is one of the most powerful tools we have for raising capable, grounded kids.
We dive into:
 Why so many adults who garden today had childhood garden experiences 
 The real-life skills kids learn in the garden 
 How gardening helps improve kids’ health and their relationship with food 
 The challenge of teaching kids while you’re still learning 
 A simple, structured way to bring kids alongside you 
Luke also shares how Dirt Academy Kids is helping families bridge the gap with a hands-on gardening curriculum designed specifically for kids.
If you’ve ever wondered how to bring your kids into the garden without frustration, this episode is for you.
Watch or learn more with the accompanying blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-get-your-kids-excited-about-gardening/
👉 Learn more about Dirt Academy Kids here: https://dirtacademykids.com
Thanks to our sponsor, Azure Standard. For first-time Azure customers, use coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY15" for 15% off your first order of $100 or more: https://homesteadingfamily.com/main-azure-standard-b 
Time Stamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:52 - Azure Standard
2:14 - Main Topic
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo

Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!
Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily
Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily
Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily

A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop
You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.

What happens when your child grows up… and chooses to stay?
In this episode of the Everyday Homesteading podcast, I’m joined by my oldest daughter, Rachel, as we share the story behind her and her husband’s decision to stay close to home and build a tiny house right here on our homestead.
We’re talking about what it really looks like to build a life near family in today’s world—from navigating independence and boundaries to learning how to work together as separate households with a shared vision.
Rachel also shares honestly about her experience growing up on a homestead, what made her want to stay, and what it’s been like adjusting to off-grid living (including the parts that aren’t so glamorous).
If you’ve ever wondered what multi-generational homesteading could look like—or if it’s even possible—this conversation will give you a real, behind-the-scenes look.
In this episode, we cover:
Why Rachel and her husband chose to stay on the homestead
What it’s like building and living in a tiny home on family land
The reality of off-grid living (and the biggest adjustment!)
How we’re creating independence while living close together
A new take on the “family economy” and shared homesteading life
Why communication is the foundation of making this lifestyle work
 Read the full blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/why-our-daughter-chose-to-stay-close-to-home/
Thanks to American Blossom Linens for sponsoring this podcast! If you'd like to give their products  a try, use the coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY2026" for 15% off your entire order (one time use per customer), and know they have a two-year warranty on all their products!: https://homesteadingfamily.com/s-american-blossom-linens

TIME STAMPS:
0:00 - Introduction
1:00 - Chit Chat
4:29 - American Blossom Linens
6:28 - Main Topic
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo

Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!
Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily
Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily
Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily

A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop
You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.

Canning safety can feel overwhelming, especially when you hear all the warnings and conflicting advice out there. But what if it’s actually much simpler than you think?
In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the three things you absolutely must get right for canning safety so you can preserve food with confidence and peace of mind.
We’ll talk about:
Why so many people feel afraid of canning
The truth about botulism and real risk
How pH determines whether you water bath or pressure can
Why processing time matters more than you think
The biggest mistakes to avoid (including unsafe methods still being taught today)
How to confidently know your food is safe on the shelf
If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing this right?”—this episode will give you the clarity you need.
👩‍🌾 Get the FREE Confident Canner Pack here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/confident-canner-podcast

To learn more, visit the accompanying blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/canning-mistakes-to-avoid/

🌿 Thanks to Azure Standard for sponsoring today's podcast. If you're brand new to Azure, get 15% off your first order of $100 or more with code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY15": https://homesteadingfamily.com/main-azure-standard-b
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo

Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!
Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily
Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily
Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily

A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop
You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.

We spend a lot of time learning the hands-on skills of homesteading like baking, gardening, and preserving. But what if those aren’t the skills that actually make a home run well?
In this episode, we’re talking about the quiet skills that don’t get much attention but make all the difference. Things like planning ahead, creating rhythms, finishing what you start, and learning how to say no.
These are the habits that protect your peace, prevent burnout, and help you build a sustainable homesteading lifestyle for the long haul.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to do it all, this episode will help you step back, refocus, and create a home that feels both productive and peaceful. 
For more information, check out the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/the-quiet-skills-that-make-a-home-run-well/
Links Mentioned:
- Eat Pluck - If you want to get more organ meats into your diet, Pluck is the best place to start! Use coupon code "EATHEALTHY15" for 15% off your order: https://homesteadingfamily.com/eat-pluck

Thanks to American Blossom Linens for sponsoring this podcast. If you would like to give them a try, they have a two-year warranty! Plus, grab 15% off your first order with coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY2026": https://homesteadingfamily.com/s-american-blossom-linens

Time Stamps
0:00 - Introduction
1:35 - Chit Chat
10:29 - American Blossom Linens
12:27 - Main Topic
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo

Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!
Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily
Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily
Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily

A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop
You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.