Hey there! I’m Shani!

I am a homemaker passionate about learning and living out a simpler life with my family by bringing back the “old ways.” I enjoy getting lost in a good book, spending time in my garden, and finding new ways to live a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

My husband Kyle and I just celebrated our 10th anniversary! We have four children, our oldest is seven, the twins are about to turn six, and a brand new three-year-old (going on thirteen). There’s never a dull moment around here.

Our family recently settled on a few acres in Northwest Florida right down the road from where my husband grew up. Since moving in, we’ve begun building our dream homestead by planting gardens and raising chickens. We plan to add a small duck pond later this year and the kids really want goats. (Psst, I do too!) Every week I learn something new about the land and how we can make it work best for us.

Fun Facts about me…

I grew up just minutes from one of the most beautiful beaches on the Gulf Coast of the Florida panhandle.

My favorite childhood trips were when we went to visit my dad’s family in the Missouri Ozarks.

As a teenager, I dreamed about moving to Missouri and rebuilding my grandparent’s farm.

After high school, I attended the local university and earned a bachelor’s degree in history.

My favorite drink is, and always will be, an ice-cold can of Dr. Pepper.

Let’s Get Started!

My hope is that through this blog you are inspired to start living a simpler life by remembering where you came from and gaining an understanding of where you are going. Together we will rediscover traditions like breadmaking, soapmaking, from-scratch cooking, growing food for our families, sourcing locally grown foods, and supporting the local economy. I hope to encourage you as you find ways to make these forgotten skills part of your daily life and share them with generations to come.

Don’t forget to find me on Facebook and Instagram for more daily content about how you can make the old ways a part of your everyday life!