Latest news with #homesteading
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Carrie Underwood Overwhelmed by Taking Care of Sprawling Tennessee Farm: ‘There's Too Much to Do'
Country superstar Carrie Underwood's Tennessee farm isn't the rustic paradise she envisioned as the songbird finds herself overwhelmed and exhausted by the property's costs and demands on her limited time, sources say. 'It was total folly to have these 400 acres of land, chickens, horses, fruit trees, vegetable garden and greenhouse — and she's realizing that now,' an insider confides to Globe. A source who spoke with Star recently shared the same sentiment. 'It's become too much for her to maintain, and she's getting no sleep because she's up at the crack of dawn taking care of all these animals,' the source shared. 'She's shoveling hay, weeding, fertilizing, harvesting, and then she's in the kitchen making jams and pickling cucumbers,' the source told the outlet, noting the 'Cry Pretty' singer is also encountering 'repairs that never end.' 'The hours she spends over a hot stove are enough to singe her hair,' the Globe insider says. 'Something is always breaking down — from farming equipment to appliances.' According to the insider, Carrie, 42, has enlisted people to help but staffing is a 'nightmare' and still requires her oversight. Meanwhile, her ex–hockey player husband, Mike Fisher, is busy being a hands-on dad to their two sons, Isaiah, 10, and Jacob, 6. The American Idol winner turned judge bought the rural property in 2011 for $3 million with the former NHL jock, 45, and built the dream home where they're raising their family. The insider explains, 'She once loved the idea of having a farm and had this romantic picture of how it would be — and it's not that.' Carrie wouldn't dream of selling the place, says the insider, but 'she's tired of getting dirty and running from bee hives and other unforeseen occurrences.' 'When she's on a break from touring, she wants to come home and relax, but she can't do that,' adds the insider. 'There's too much to do.' Solve the daily Crossword
Fox News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Carrie Underwood fully embraces traditional country living on her Tennessee farm
Carrie Underwood is embracing life as a country girl. When the country superstar isn't performing or working as a judge on "American Idol," she spends time at her family farm just outside Nashville. There, Underwood and husband Mike Fisher and their two sons, Isaiah and Jacob, practice homesteading. Underwood grows produce and raises livestock, and she has been dabbling in canning foods and crocheting clothing, all seemingly part of her move to live a simpler life. Earlier this month, she shared photos of tomatoes and peaches she'd grown. In June, she shared a post about an experience she had tending to her sheep. The "Before He Cheats" singer explained that, at the time, she'd gone to her orchard to feed some of her animals, and while she was checking on her fruit, she got the idea to pray. "I love praying out loud in the orchard…it's so beautiful and peaceful," she wrote. "I was about 15 seconds into my chat when I was surprised by a snake in the blueberry bush. Just a rat snake…nothing dangerous. But he was there…JUST as I began to pray. It obviously made me think…about God…about the devil. "The devil is always there…watching…lurking…even when we feel at our closest with God. Being a Christian isn't a free ticket out of trouble. The world is full of evil…BUT God is with us. The snake and I kept our eyes on each other…but I got what I came for, finished my prayer and went about my morning…having faith that Mr. Snakey and the devil will both be moving along…out of my orchard and out of my way!" Just before sharing her experience with the snake, Underwood detailed an experience she had canning, writing, "Canning is the perfect way to make use of everything and save myself some time later on when I need a quick meal!" She prepared soup and pot pie filling, then made some filling for cobblers. She admitted she "tried to do something with all the plums we've got growing here." And while she wasn't sure if she made "jam or plum butter or some sort of sauce out of it," she looked on the bright side, writing, "I'll figure out something to do with it! I feel accomplished!!! Yay me!" Underwood got her start in the music industry by competing on (and ultimately winning) season four of "American Idol," and she made news when she made the decision to return as a judge for season 23, which aired earlier this year. She found a way to tie in the new gig with her life on the farm, naming a lamb that was born the same day as the season finale of the show Jamal after winner Jamal Roberts. The "American Idol" set got another glimpse of Underwood's homesteading life during a taping in May when the singer arrived to work in a shirt she'd crocheted herself featuring tomato designs. In 2023, Underwood did a collaboration with Epic Gardening, a gardening brand with a YouTube channel. The team behind the brand traveled to her farm to help her build one of her greenhouses. There, she explained that as soon as she and Fisher moved to their home outside Nashville, they started working on the garden. But, in 2020, when the pandemic hit, they were able to really get something major started. "I love the heat here in Tennessee, and it just made me happy to, you know, grow something from nothing," she said. "It feels like little miracles every time I get something." In a 2023 episode of "The Dr. Josh Axe Show," she said that, with the farm, her ultimate goal was to no longer have to purchase any food from a store. At that point, she was still working toward the goal, admitting her children made it a bit more difficult, but added, "I love that our meals, especially dinner, it's like you look on our plate and everything on our plates is something that either came from the garden or my husband's a hunter, you know. The meat is something that he got. "We eat what we have. We eat seasonally. It all tastes delicious because it's food." Another important part to her, she explained, was that her home doesn't produce any food waste. Anything her family doesn't use either goes to her chicken coop or to compost, and they use it in another way. "It's fun," she said. "You know you're doing something good for you. It feels good to physically do all of these things."
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
12 Reasons Homesteading Is Trending
More millennials and Gen-Z are returning to traditional homesteads, and you might wonder why. If you heard about a lifestyle that offers simplicity, sustainability, and a closer connection to nature, wouldn't you be curious to try it out? Homesteading is becoming more popular, and more and more people are trading the hustle and bustle of corporate city life for a taste of the good old days. Some are looking to escape the relentless notifications of modern life, while others are tired of not knowing where their food comes from. And as it turns out, there are plenty of perks to this back-to-basics approach. Here are 12 compelling reasons why homesteading is on the rise. From 1/4 acre square foot gardening to raising chickens and goats, people are finding a return to old-school skills to be liberating. 1. Desire For Self-Sufficiency One big reason folks dive into homesteading is the itch for self-sufficiency. Convenience has been at a tug-of-war with quality, and families are now eager to reclaim the driver's seat in their lives. It's empowering to know you can rely on your own skills and resources. This sense of independence boosts confidence and provides peace of mind, knowing that you have the skills to provide for your family no matter what happens in the world. 2. Less Technology With smartphones, tablets, and laptops forever vying for our attention, it's no surprise we're all yearning for a tech detox. Homesteading is the ultimate unplugged adventure, where WiFi signals are weak, but the satisfaction of milking a goat is strong. Homesteading allows people to use technology differently and less frequently. Rather than staying perpetually connected and communicating with the world, it is used to learn things that are needed to survive—from constructing a chicken coop to knitting a sweater. Technology takes on a different meaning in this environment. 3. Environmental Awareness As climate change heats up, more people are trying to shrink their carbon footprint. Homesteading aligns seamlessly with this goal by promoting practices like composting and using renewable energy. This helps the planet and also instills a sense of responsibility and stewardship. There's joy in knowing you're contributing to a healthier world for future generations. 4. Control Over What You Eat Processed foods and questionable ingredients are the norm, and having control over what you eat is a powerful motivator for homesteading. If you want to be more mindful of your food and how it's grown and prepared, homesteading provides great insight into these processes. Growing your own fruits and vegetables, raising chickens for eggs, and even producing honey ensures that you know exactly what's on your plate. 5. It's a Cheaper Lifestyle Contrary to popular belief, homesteading can be a cost-effective way of living. While initial setup costs can be high, the long-term savings are substantial. Generating your energy and making household products can drastically reduce monthly expenses. Homesteading promotes resourcefulness and frugality. It's all about repurposing materials, bartering with neighbors, and coming up with creative solutions to everyday challenges. 6. Simplicity and Minimalism The minimalist movement has gained popularity in recent years, and homesteading embodies this principle. Living with less and focusing on what truly matters can lead to a more fulfilling and contented life. Homesteaders often find joy in the simple pleasures of daily tasks and the beauty of nature. Without the clutter and distractions of modern life, homesteaders can create spaces that are peaceful and functional. 7. Preparedness We're not hoping for the apocalypse anytime soon, but homesteading equips individuals with the skills and resources needed to weather unforeseen circumstances. This extends from natural disasters to economic downturns. Homesteading involves stockpiling food, learning essential survival skills, and becoming self-reliant. It also helps promote intrinsic psychological resilience, which is vital to the lifestyle. 8. Sense of Community and Connection Do you know who your neighbor is? Homesteading breeds a sense of community and connection that is often lacking in city communities. Most homesteaders will participate in local farmers' markets and attend homesteading workshops. These interactions build strong, supportive networks, which is great for mental well-being and bringing up kids. 9. Educational Opportunities Homesteading is like nature's classroom with endless lessons for all ages. From mastering the art of horse whispering to becoming a DIY guru in carpentry or soap-making, it's your ticket to a PhD in self-sufficiency. Homesteading provides a unique educational environment, especially for children who benefit greatly from the hands-on and traditional experiences, which can be more engaging and memorable than traditional classroom learning. 10. Returning to Roots Many folks are embracing homesteading as a means to channel their inner ancestors and revive ancient skills. It's like a time-travel journey, offering a nostalgic nod to tradition while keeping us connected to our roots in style. Engaging in activities that have been passed down through generations promotes a connection to one's past and a sense of identity. 11. Creative Outlet Homesteading offers a myriad of creative outlets, from designing a garden layout to crafting homemade goods. These activities provide a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that can be hard to find in other aspects of modern life. From baking bread and sewing clothes to building furniture, homesteaders have endless opportunities to express their creativity. 12. Desire For Authentic Experiences These days, real-life experiences are rare, while virtual ones are everywhere. That's why the craving for authenticity makes homesteading so appealing. There's nothing like getting your hands dirty with tasks that offer genuine, meaningful experiences. Watching plants grow, harvesting fruits and vegetables, and caring for animals create a sense of wonder and appreciation for life's simple pleasures. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Holding ancient Greek and Roman coins is touching 'living history,' says N.L. collector
For one homesteader on Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula, collecting ancient Greek and Roman coins is about holding a piece of history in his hands. Steve McBride has a homestead with his wife Lisa in Mobile, where they raise goats, honeybees, turkeys and ducks for their own consumption, and his ancient coins hit close to home. "I like them a lot because they show scenes that are very familiar to us," McBride told CBC News. He's specifically interested in coins with animals on them, which ties back to his homestead. One coin in his collection depicts a honeybee, which was a symbol of the Roman goddess Diana whose priestesses were called little honeybees and served as beekeepers. "There's a coin I've got here, one of my favourite coins, has basically somebody milking a goat. Which is something I did this morning," he said. "It makes me feel like we're directly connected to our ancestors from, not just not just a generation ago, but from many, many generations ago." Ancient coins also have propaganda messages and depict historical events. McBride said he was a child in 1986 when Halley's Comet last flew by Earth's sky. When he started coin collecting he found the Romans also marked the comet on a coin. "It brings everything full circle," he said. Accessible history McBride said history has been a longtime interest, and about 20 years ago he started acquiring his coins on eBay. Pennies, nickels and dimes are pretty common. "It means that people like me can spend $50 or something and buy one and hold a 2,000-year-old piece of history, something that was spent on bread or on a ticket to the theatre 2,000 years ago," he said. "Being able to touch something that's tangibly connected to people from so long ago … I find it really exciting." McBride has developed a deep understanding of the time periods from which these coins were made. He said he has been asked to help identify coins for others, including auction houses and museums — all from the comfort of his home. "Basically I'll identify the coins and translate the Latin on them and try to precisely date them," he said. In some cases, details can say the month or even day the coin was struck, he added, and he's even found a few coins that have never been documented before. "When you actually get to research and add a coin to a catalogue, it feels like you're creating a little bit of history or dusting off a little bit of history and putting it back up on a shelf," McBride said. "I find that really rewarding." Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Sign up for our daily headlines newsletter here. Click here to visit our landing page.
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How a jazz drummer from Montreal is building a bustling farm business in rural N.B.
On a quiet country road in Stanley, north of Fredericton, overlooking the densely forested Nashwaak Valley, is nestled an unassuming little farm where some bold moves are being made. "Our idea when we first started was to be able to produce everything that a family would need for a year," said Louis St-Pierre, owner-operator of Earth to Belly Homestead. Now, the 1½ acres he farms with his partner, Courtney Atyeo, both 31, and seven other employees are also producing enough vegetables, eggs, chicken, pork and baked goods to fill weekly meal boxes for 120 customers and make another few hundred sales in local stores. St-Pierre would like to keep adding garden beds and growing his direct client base to between 3,000 and 4,000 within the next five or six years. WATCH | Homesteader bullish on growing to 4,000 customers: "I'm pretty confident with 10 to 15 acres in vegetable production we'd be able to do that," he said. "And two or three bigger greenhouses." Selling directly means Earth to Belly doesn't have to settle for wholesale prices or supply the large quantities required for contracts with grocery store chains. "It basically allows us to get maximum dollars for what we're selling," St-Pierre said. It takes a pretty big crew to pull it off, including a driver who delivers the boxes by truck throughout the Nashwaak Valley, the Fredericton area and Saint John. "It's a big logistical nightmare, but … it's a format that works for us," he said. Earth to Belly started doing meal boxes two years ago with 15 customers. Last year, the farm supplied 80 customers for 16 weeks. This year, it's filling 120 boxes for 30 weeks and plans to keep the program going on an every-other-week schedule over the winter. St-Pierre bought the 50-acre former Flying Shoe Farm property less than eight years ago and has been steadily building a profitable, modern small-scale farm business. He and Atyeo have several fields in production, two greenhouses, a plant nursery, half a dozen chicken coops, a commercial kitchen, a vegetable washing and storage area and a pottery studio. In one greenhouse, they grow cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, turmeric and ginger — which generate about 30 per cent of the farm's vegetable income, St-Pierre said. The greenhouses and plant nursery are heated to some extent year round, which is costly, but increases the yields four fold, he said. The heating, cooling and watering systems — for the plants and the animals — are all automatic and some have remote control by app. Also helping to reduce St-Pierre's workload are two managers, one for the fields and one for the tomato greenhouse. Field manager Adam Jeffrey is originally from the area, but has experience farming in B.C. Finding workers is tough, Jeffrey said. "Consumers have to recognize the value of this kind of farming in order to support living wages on the farm," he said. Instead of pesticide, Earth to Belly uses nets in the fields and predatory insects in the greenhouse. For fertilizer, they use pelleted chicken manure and their own compost. Jeffrey is working to create a bio-complete compost so that eventually they won't have to till. Fertilizer is applied in the greenhouse weekly instead of the "old school" method of front loading at the start of the season. It's a little more work, but gives the plants what they need to bear a lot of fruit, St-Pierre said. "A commercial conventional farm gets about a fifth to a tenth the production we get per square foot," he said. That calculation is based on getting two or three crops per season and fitting five or six rows in the space that would be required for one row on a farm that uses a tractor, he explained. Last year, 18.6 kilograms of cherry tomatoes were harvested per square metre in the greenhouse, added St-Pierre. By virtue of not using tractors, artificial fertilizers, pesticides or fungicides, they've also avoided recent cost increases. Five years ago, their prices were 30 to 40 per cent higher than grocery store alternatives, said St-Pierre. Now, they're equal or below. Farm boxes are selling for $135/week. 'Huge' market opportunity It's a great time to get into small-scale farming, in St-Pierre's view. "The market is booming, and it's going to be expanding over the next few years," he said. "There's not enough food being produced in New Brunswick. If you are able to bring a good quality product to market, there will be people to buy it." But farming is not for everyone, he warned. For starters, St-Pierre estimates it would take $150,000 to $200,000 plus the cost of land. Renting might be a better option for starting out, he suggested. It also takes business and science know-how. He spends about 20 hours a week on marketing, advertising, looking at reports and making sure money is well spent. When it comes to things like crop yields, density and plant pathology, St-Pierre reads a lot, experiments and consults outside experts weekly. "Awesome" resources are available through the government, he said. Even armed with knowledge, you still have to be willing to take risks, said St-Pierre, who is well-practiced in the art. It was quite a leap to reinvent himself as a rural New Brunswick farmer after growing up in the suburbs of Montreal, studying music and working as a touring musician. The transformation began when he spent a couple of months between gigs living "on frogs and squirrels" in his father's woodlot. He got to Stanley via a posting on the World Wide Work on Organic Farms website ( and within a couple of years he had taken over the farm. St-Pierre and Atyeo lived in a tiny home while the business got going, "roughing it" with an outhouse, supplementing their diet with hunting and gardening and selling eggs to pay for fuel and other things. Today, they can live more comfortably in a regular sized house with their two-year-old child, close to nature and extended family. Carving out personal time is essential, said St-Pierre, who has seen some of his farming friends burn out. It's all feasible, he said. "You just have to plan it."
