About Us

My husband Dan and I started our homesteading journey in 2009 as empty nesters. After a long search, we bought a 1920s farmhouse on five acres in the foothills of the Southern Appalachians. Our dream was to become as self-reliant as we are able, by simplifying our lifestyle and working toward sustainable ways to steward our land, our animals, and our resources.

I started this blog when an acquaintance asked to see photos of our new place. It seemed like a good way to keep a record of our progress, and that's what it's become. Little did I know so many others would be interested. In fact, folks started telling me I should write a book. In 2013, I published 5 Acres & A Dream The Book

A lot changed over the years, not only in the way our homestead looks, but in what we do and how we do it. Through living closer to the land and the natural creation around us, our very worldview has changed, which in turn has changed our relationship with these things. In 2020, I published 5 Acres & A Dream The Sequel, which shares not only those changes, but the experiences and philosophy behind them.

In addition to my 5 Acres & A Dream Series, I've written a number of other books on homesteading: Critter Tales, Prepper's Livestock Handbook, How To Bake Without Baking Powder, and The Little Series of Homestead How-Tos. You can find them all at my book website, here.

Dan and I are "retired" now. Income and energy levels have changed, but our dream is as alive as ever. 5 Acres & A Dream The Blog continues to serve as my personal journal, documenting our progress, challenges, successes, and failures as we take on the learning curve of working toward a self-reliant lifestyle.