Building a Homestead: One Year in the Making | HOMESTEAD TIMELAPSE

Welcome to Calico Cow Acres! We're Mickayla and Taylor. We’re starting from scratch on a previously abandoned farm in the foothills of North Carolina, and we're working to transform it into our dream homestead!
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[@dorisprice9800]

I love seeing young couples like you two starting a homestead. My parents did when they were young in 1945 with much less sophisticated tools. My husband and I are in our late 70’s and we have grown vegetables and I have frozen and canned lots in my life all the while each of us had full time jobs. I hope you have great success all things. Your place has beautiful potential.

[@calicocowacres]

That’s so cool to hear! I hope to be doing this for years to come, too! Thanks so much🥰

[@Tobysmommas]

How does the canning work? With things going bad?

[@lindawilliams4902]

I see how you two seem healthy mentally, homesteading attributes to a healthy mind. The cost of living and creating a place that nurtures the soul is mute, having peace within is a goldmine in and of itself. I’m so glad I clicked on your channel.

[@grandmad3823]

We started homesteading in East TN in 2020. The main thing I've learned is that in this lifestyle, the work never ever ends. Don't sweat not getting everything done at once because even if you did, more work will just pile up. As soon as I accepted this, nothing was stressful. You're doing great, you're young and strong and living the dream.

[@calicocowacres]

You’re so right. The mile long lists gets longer with every thing you check off😆 thank you!

[@debihuntsman9314]

You could have waited another ten years to do what you're doing, but you are living the life you want, right now. I think too many people wait to live their dream, and some never reach it. As someone much older than you two, I applaud you both for jumping in and doing it instead of waiting. ❤❤

[@calicocowacres]

We feel the same way! And thank you for saying this. It’s a lot to take on but we’d rather give something all of our effort than be wondering “what if” way down the line❤️

[@philmason5147]

Amen.

[@Radoslav-gk7wu]

And imagine how more (will)power they have now VS after another 10-20 years 😂❤ . Or after kids ❤

[@pollyheagle446]

YES 🎉❤

[@mvikelimaninjwa3103]

I'm not crying

[@susan-almosta_farm8823]

Man! Y'all worked your butts off this past year and your property shows it! It's beautiful and y'all have done an incredible job! I look forward to watching what all y'all do over the years to come. ❤

[@calicocowacres]

Wow, this is so sweet! Thank you so much! It really doesn’t feel real still when I stare at the property, even when I see how much it’s changed❤️ thanks for being here & for your kind comment!

[@mumstheword8]

I grew a chocolate pepper this year. Taste just like a red pepper but it comes early so you don't have to wait for the pepper to go through all those colors. Really good! Highly recommend.

[@calicocowacres]

Looking up chocolate pepper seeds now🤣👀 sounds delicious!

[@susanmyer1]

You have plenty of time. Looks like you’ve got a lot done and the preserved food is impressive. Loved the video.

[@calicocowacres]

Thanks so much for watching! We definitely exceeded our own expectations for preserving this year.😌 very exciting!

[@jillbegley943]

I think I found my new favorite young couple! Y’all are absolutely precious!!!

[@bluebirdhomestead]

Hi Mickayla and Taylor! It looks like you guys have accomplished so much on your property in such a short amount of time! It has been so fun to see your journey and follow along. -Cara

[@calicocowacres]

Hey Cara! Thanks so much! Glad you're enjoying our videos. We love yours, too!

[@annieho9233]

Glad Ben (from The Hollar) recommended your channel. When young people are passionate and hardworking, there is hope. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

[@calicocowacres]

We’re glad, too! Thanks so much for coming over to our channel❤️

[@connieatkins7390]

The Holler homestead sent me here and yay! Good to see young people getting back to the land

[@calicocowacres]

Well hello! Thanks for coming on over! ☺️

[@karenfrankland7763]

I love what you are doing. It is so encouraging to see young people homesteading. Things I would concentrate on are building a large compost area to use to amend your gardens. Think about using your chickens to help with composting. As for trees I would get Elderberry established, currants, grapes as well as berries and fig trees. For a survival food start a patch of Jerusalem Artichokes. Jerusalem artichokes are an edible tuber that you harvest in the late fall and winter. Our chickens and ducks love to eat the foliage when they are green as well as the tubers. A small plot of approx. 5 foot by 5 foot can produce up to 100lbs of food. We use the tubers like we do Potatoes. Grow Comfrey which can be used for feed for the chickens and ducks as well as to make fertilizer for your gardens. We built a garden bed around our chicken and duck run of lots of greens like mustard greens, collards, Kale, swiss chard and lettuce as well as amaranth. We allow the chickens and ducks to eat the greens through a fence we put up that allows them to stick there heads through. It's worked great and they love it. Anything the animals can't reach we use for ourselves. Squash and Pumpkins is another great crop to grow. for storing as well as to feed the chickens and ducks. Another great animal to raise are quail.. We live on a half acre suburban lot and have incorporated all of these things and can feed our family of four adults throughout the year with everything we can and raise.

[@calicocowacres]

Wow this is all so great. Thank you for all these suggestions. I particularly love the idea of planting around the coop so they can have little snacks! Can't wait to implement more of the perennial crops and permaculture type things like comfrey & jerusalem artichokes. Hopefully next year we can invest in more of that type of stuff! thanks for your comment, its super inspiring!

[@homeschoolontheCroft]

What a fab comment!

[@ourlittlegingerbreadhouse6000]

Just found your channel, I absolutely LOVE this and all your diagrams and pictures of your land are so helpful, I see your vision and am like minded. We have a small home, small land and live in the city. This is our forever home while we're here anyway, and it's always been my dream go have like a secret garden full of perennial fruits, flowers, just everything that takes care of itself, and this is yr 4 working on it, what a beautiful blessing it is❤❤

[@curthale8605]

After seeing you helping the Hollar Homestead with the chickens. I was happy to subscribe. Love the North Carolina homesteading community .

[@calicocowacres]

This is so nice of you! Thank you so much☺

[@Tina-n7c4i]

Hollar Homestead sends their Love. Blessings!

[@calicocowacres]

Hello! Happy to have you here🥰

[@capt.ronswoodworks9344]

I have been following the Hollar Homestead for sometime now and learned of you folks on the chicken processing workshop they just did so had to check you all out and I am glad I did. I commend you and your husband for taking on the task that you have and glad to see you seeing success in it. If I could go back in time I would love to choose the homesteading life, but at our age, both myself and my wife in our mid and late 70's, we just can't do something like that. We went a different direction in life, with me working a career in the auto industry working in maintenance and finally taking my retirement after 35 plus years. We relocated from California to TN when I transferred to a new type of work environment (Saturn Corp) and bought a nice home on a big lot in a subdivision in a small community. We do have a few raised garden beds that I enjoy growing vegetables we both enjoy eating. For several years we had a small (6) flock of laying hens which we enjoyed the fresh eggs from them, but unfortunately some type of varmint got into their pen and that was the end of that. So now I support local egg producers either at farmers market or selling them from their farms. We also did canning (my wife does that) and would buy fruits or vegetables from local growers. Unfortunately getting old comes with some health issues so my wife no longer can do that, but on a bright note, our younger daughter took our canning equipment and now she is doing that so that was good. Anyways, probably have written much more than needed so again wishing you folks the very best in your venture. Have watched many of your videos and enjoy them all and also subscribed to your channel. Blessings to you both.

[@calicocowacres]

Wow! Thank you for such a thoughtful comment. We really appreciate you taking the time to come visit our channel! It sounds like you found your own way to do a version of homesteading throughout life so far, and I think that's just as awesome! I very much wish I grew up with family living this lifestyle that could've passed their knowledge down to me, so I'm sure your children are more grateful than you realize to have had that experience. Thanks so much again & thanks for subscribing! Wishing you the best!

[@craigleaser2996]

I envy both of you!! Loved this episode and one day I will be able to make my dream come true! Even if on a smaller scale! You guys are awesome and a true inspiration.

[@calicocowacres]

Thanks for watching! We’re glad you liked it. We’re rooting for you🫶🏼

[@thecarolinafarmhouse]

I LOVED this video. Such a cool way to commemorate your one year homestead-aversary! Also...20k views....I see you girl!!! Get it! 👏

[@calicocowacres]

THANK YOU! (also yeah I'm totally not-so-secretly freaking out about that view count - so cool!😱)

[@jasonwilson7998]

Awesome episode! Thank you for the insight of future plans. Can't wait to see the Chik-Mansion full build episode. Love your channel

[@calicocowacres]

Thank you! We can’t wait to see the darn chik-mansion finished either 😂🤣 hopefully soon! Thanks for watchin 😊

[@antoniomoran7526]

Thank you both so much for sharing so honestly. I feel that there are too many channels out there that only give a small portion of their journey. Please keep it up!

[@shawnnagarner3551]

Sent by the Hollars! I'm starting out small myself, got 4 chickens 2 months ago, and 2nd yr gardening that I'm expanding a lil each time, added garlic a greenhousr and putting strawberries in the raised beds this weekend. Can't wait to see your journey unfold. ❤ Baker creek has thise pepper seeds you want, I saw them last night in the catalog.

[@calicocowacres]

Hi there! Welcome to our channel! It sounds like you have such a lovely little homestead going yourself☺ I'll have to go check Baker Creek again because they have been out of stock on there for so long!!! Thanks so much for watching!

[@Evanger1263]

Such an inspirational video to see such beauty and nutrients coming from land that would’ve otherwise remained destroyed and neglected without caring and driven owners. Please keep up the awesome work and message

[@calicocowacres]

Well said, thanks so much!

[@TobyCatVA]

I came by because of the Hollars, and subscribed for the cats. Mickayla can tell a tale with the best of them. Taylor seems to be a good man, who's smart enough to live by the old chestnut, "happy wife, happy life."

[@calicocowacres]

Hahaha this gave us a good laugh! Thanks for subscribing (the cats say hi!)😊😊 we’re happy to have you here & we hope you like our videos!😸

[@mmurphy2317]

I like your ducks! Try to protect them(and your chickens) from skunks and other critters. I think Jack, one of the Hollar Homestead twins, lost a pet duck from critters one night several months ago! So sad to invest time/love in a pet and lose it like that! Best of luck in your homestead transformation!

[@thewhitehorsefarm]

After seeing you helping at the Hollar Homestead, here I am. Great seeing the progress you’ve made in a year. Best of luck on KZbin, and in your own homesteading journey.

[@calicocowacres]

Hi there! Welcome to our channel! We're really glad to have you, thanks so much☺💕

[@manishaholm]

I loved having ducks. We had chickens, ducks, and llamas. I loved all of them, but the ducks held a special place in my heart. They are absolutely worth the extra effort.

[@calicocowacres]

The ducks are just so darn sweet❤️ I adore them!

[@POSMhorsefarmer7]

It's Thanks Giving Day. We thank God we saw your show. It was very inspiring. We are on the late middle of our homesteading journey. May the Good Lord bless your effort. It's such a blessing to hear your story, see your plans and to join with you in your hope. Good job.:)

[@calicocowacres]

Awe so glad you enjoyed it! We're so happy to have you here & hope you'll stick around☺ happy thanksgiving!

[@sueborden4815]

Found you on Ben & Meg's channel. I can already tell I'm going to enjoy your channel very much! You guys have done amazing things and i look forward to your next year on the homestead! 💜

[@larryparish8708]

Me too!!

[@calicocowacres]

Aww so nice of you to say this! Thank you! We're so excited to have you here. Hope you continue to enjoy☺

[@karinhayth4025]

Me too!😊 I'm super excited to follow you guys on this wonderful journey ❤️

[@TheKraemerLife]

Great job. You two did a ton the first year!

[@calicocowacres]

Thank you so much!🥰🫶🏼

[@alvinchisenhall6376]

Caught you on holler homestead, and was impressed, I'm a full time subscriber now. Best to y'all's adventures ❤

[@calicocowacres]

Aww thank you so much! This is so sweet. Glad to have you here 😊❤️

[@bethsands7665]

You are an awesome couple and could become my favorite ! as you are hard-working , real, relatable and honest I hate the Leaf-legged bugs who love to hatch babies on tomatoes and demolish them. You are amazing in your vision of knowing what you want and have so many home-steading skills already. You have made so much progress in just one year and you are learning day by day and getting better. You are definitely a power couple who can make your dreams come true step by step.

[@calicocowacres]

This is such a nice comment! Thank you so much! We definitely try our hardest to keep our eyes on the big picture & work towards it daily. 💕

[@CabinGirl2001]

Welcome to the foothills of NC! We built our dream home during 2020 in McDowell County. We have 12 acres and we love it. The internet situation has been our biggest challenge. Congratulations on just jumping right in there because there never is a BEST time. Although, I'm old enough to be your parents, I loved hearing your story. ❤🌻

[@calicocowacres]

You’re just a bit north of us! Thank you so much! We’re only a few mins out of town but the internet was definitely a tough one for us, too! The good internet ends at the property right next to us & would’ve been like 2k to extend to our house haha so we settled for the “not so good” one but it’s alright once you’re used to it. Uploading videos isn’t fun but otherwise it’s just fine! Thanks for watching☺️

[@mikeduda3173]

Starlink

[@kaymack5304]

It’s great to get your start early. You will be surprised where you’ll be in 10, 20, 30 years.

[@cherylpresleigh6403]

I had fully intended to watch the live but I put my phone on the charger because I was neck deep in jalapeño’s and tomatoes that afternoon. I loved hearing the story of what you’ve been up too and I sure hope that as you put this video together you were encouraged by your accomplishments as well. It was also nice how both of you shared in the narration of the video. I can honestly say that if we could go back to the time we bought our first house (1984) in the suburbs, and not in a more rural area that was also on the list, we would. Today we are on an acre in a pocket area of the suburbs where many of the houses are on 1/2 acre plus size lots. It feels a little rural with lots of folks having chickens and gardens and some have enough land to raise a pig or a cow. Starting this so late in life has its own problems but when you’re doing what you believe is best for you then you just do it! You definitely need time to rest and to get away so that you maintain your relationship too. You’ve got a great work ethic and plenty of dreams and ideas to go with it. Congrats on what you’ve accomplished in the last year!

[@calicocowacres]

No worries on the premiere! We're happy you even had the thought to watch & appreciate it either way! I'm so glad you enjoyed it & I really am loving that taylor took part in it, too! :) And totally agree on the rest time. We're going to try and do a bit more of that this winter, but we really do love working on projects together so that almost feels like date time to us😆 Thanks so much for the sweet comment!

[@debrawilson2893]

My husband and I have experienced water seepage in our basement so he layed plastic like a tarp from foundation out but first he built up dirt higher around foundation slopping away from house. We then covered with dirt and landscaping. Didn’t have anymore problems after that in our old farm house. Another home a trench was dug so water that seemed to gather on our land would run to the trench. This was a perimeter drainage a good way from home on two sides. Then in garden area we use raised boxes and that too was on slope. We utilized free manures and wood chips from county fairs after fairs and 4 h events and also local saw mills. Worked great along with chickens waste and compost. God Bless your continued success in homesteading!

[@tinatippin5705]

The Hollar family sent me your way. That was a wonderful education, processing chickens, you got with them. So nice to meet you. I subscribed today.

[@calicocowacres]

Agreed! I learned so much from them yesterday! Thank you for coming over to our little channel and for deciding to stick around 😊❤️❤️

[@tomcarey7334]

same here! :)

[@mmurphy2317]

Me three! Maybe more Calico Cow/Hollarin' collabz?

[@calicocowacres]

@@mmurphy2317 I’ll be there tomorrow helping film their class! Not sure I’ll be in the video much haha but I’ll be there behind the scenes hanging out & helping ☺️

[@mmurphy2317]

@@calicocowacres Iknow Meg and Ben and their crew as well as ya'lls followers appreciate you pitchin' in. I'm sure Meg's cookin' alone is worth the price of helpin' out! Take care and have a great time Hollarin' with the Hollars!

[@hackedfiles9975]

I love these styles of videos, I think its someone that allows you to reflect and appreciate and learn from whats happened, you should do this as a yearly video!

[@calicocowacres]

Aw thank you! I really enjoy these ones, too. They're a lot to put together, but makes me feel so proud of everything we've accomplished! I think we'll definitely make it a yearly anniversary video😊

[@donnamays24]

Saw you on The Hollars so I popped on over to check you out! You guys have truly jumped into a monumental task but your young and motivated…that’s everything you need! Can’t wait to watch you both grow!..New sub..blessings from a western NC neighbor ❤🙏🎉

[@calicocowacres]

Thanks so much for checking out our channel & for subscribing! We appreciate it😊 it’s definitely a huge undertaking, but we’re enjoying the process for sure!

[@xOhMyGoshAlyssax]

I got indian runners this year & have been struggling with their mess also- I have learnt to turn that struggle into a benefit! I have a large pond for them, which gets incredibly dirty within only a day or two! I ended up coming up with this solution: every night or 2 when I go to lock them up, I put a submersible pump into their pond, this pump has a hose going directly into my compost piles next to the coop! The pile consists of bedding, shavings, straw, grass clippings etc. The poppy pond water fills the compost pile with nutrients! In the morning, about 20 minutes before my automatic door opens for the coop, I have an automatic timer that starts filling up the pool again! And then the ducks have fresh water to swim in in the morning!! Once you have the system set up, it is very easy!!! My chickens also just drink the pool water, so it eliminates their water needs too! Hopefully this can help you with your duck water system!

[@calicocowacres]

This is similar to what we'll be doing! We will have a little filtration system & a drain in their pond when we get it in. Our coop and run area is on the hill, so we can easily pipe the water down & out the hillside to collect & use! We're getting so close to being able to set up their pond & permanent water/food systems and I'm so excited. It's going to streamline things a ton.

[@NanaPelletier]

The Hollar's sent me, i subbed. This has been a great video. Im glad I caught you on their butchering video. This has been fun. Looking forward to checking out more videos.

[@calicocowacres]

So glad you stopped by & decided to stick around! Thank you! We hope you enjoy our channel☺️❤️

[@leanneadams2549]

You could have at least two horses. I’m so jealous because that what I’d get immediately but that’s just me. Gorgeous property and can’t wait to see in another year !!! Such a cute couple with your whole life ahead !! ❤️💯🙏🐴

[@terranovaacres]

YOU GUYS this was so good! Can't wait to see your property one of these days

[@calicocowacres]

Thank you!🥹 you’re welcome literally anytime, even though I know you’re so busy at home, too! We’ll have to pick another date soon after we come visit yours❤️

[@janicedalesandro1190]

I feel your strength and desire in this blog and know what Michigan roots mean! Blessings always and the Hollars are the best neighbors to have. Build your community well. 💪 🙏

[@calicocowacres]

Thanks so much! We agree, they're lovely humans to have in our community!

[@leesanders3742]

I enjoy keeping up with the Hollar ~ got to see you learning to be a chicken plucker 😁 Checked on the link they shared ... you now have one more subscriber 👍 Like your content.

[@calicocowacres]

Hahaha yes! That was me! Thanks so much for coming to check out our channel & for subscribing. We appreciate it! ☺️☺️

[@brittanyportell6259]

Hubby and I (and the 3 year old) bought 4ish acres in GA this year. Did a complete restoration of a mobile home and I began a teaching career. He started his own business almost two years ago. We did the clearing of the land all summer before we actually moved onto the property. Water lines. Sewer. Plumbing. All the fun stuff. We want to get where the pair of you are! Gardens, animals, and living off the land as much as possible. Your story is inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@calicocowacres]

Wow what an awesome story you have, too! It's so cool to hear that other people are doing things very similarly to us, but in a way that works best for them. That's what I love most about homesteading! We're definitely just at the beginning of this journey, too, so I'd say youre off to a great start. Thanks so much for watching & for your sweet comment☺

[@amymyers451]

If you haven't watched it already, Living Traditions Homestead did an awesome set-up for their ducks recently. You should check it out for some ideas for you ducks.

[@calicocowacres]

I haven’t yet - thank you for the suggestion! I’ll go watch!

[@belieftransformation]

Fantastic accomplishments! Great workers! It was fun meeting you over at the Hollars on their video! 🤗💕🇨🇦

[@calicocowacres]

Thanks for coming over to our channel! Much appreciated! It was such a neat experience to do that project with the Hollars😌

[@brandismith7573]

When we first moved in our garage flooded as well. My husband got a sealer and painted it on the lower portion of house and we put a french drain in. Its basically a large PVC pipe with holes in it. Voila it worked. Ah to be young with energy! lol

[@rebeccagraf2962]

Don't get discouraged! It is definitely tiring when the projects never end. Just know this is your life and you have to live this time anyway! You will get there day by day!

[@calicocowacres]

Yes! Thank you!

[@noelkenyon1912]

You guys are easily the most realest on KZbin when talking about the homestead journey. This is so relatable! Welcome to Western NC! We love it there.

[@calicocowacres]

Aw wow this is so sweet of you. We try to be as open as possible & are always happy to share anything that might be helpful. Thanks so much for the welcome & for the nice comment!💕☺️

[@theadventuresofzoomandbettie]

You guys have done such a good job! We are about 18 months into being on our 1 acre place here in Australia. Found it hard to smash things out at fast as we want with working full time as well. You guys have achieved tons! The space you have has heaps of challenges, but it also has a lot of charm! Get yourselves a float valve for the ducks water, so it just refills itself when it drops below a certain level you set it to.

[@calicocowacres]

Thank you so much! It's definitely a lot of work, especially with such limited time, as you probably totally understand. We love it here, even if its the definition of a nightmare of a house lol it's OUR chaotic little home😂 We'll be getting the ducks a nice little pond setup soon in their big coop!

[@LunaAhLaLift]

You inspire me. You make me feel confident that I can do it.

[@calicocowacres]

Well that's good to hear because you CAN! Cheering you on! :)

[@tammytaylor4697]

To be perfectly honest, I just found your channel and I absolutely love you both. Should you have waited? I don’t think so. You did what your heart told you to do, there will always be things to do on a homestead. As an outsider watching your journey I am proud of what you have accomplished, I will like subscribe and follow moving forward. :)😊 looking forward to all you share

[@mssmgirl1]

Here from the Hollards. Happy to have found you and follow your journey. Congratulations!😊

[@calicocowacres]

Hi there! Thanks so much for coming to our channel. We appreciate it!❤️

[@mvikelimaninjwa3103]

Just came across this channel and this is the first video I've just watched - best channel and best video for the year for me, exactly what wife and I are planning to start asap, super inspired, I'm even teary ❤

[@calicocowacres]

Wow this is so nice! Thank you so so much!

[@angeliquegrim5561]

I love the honesty on the money part especially. We are dealing with the same thing and no one ever talks about it. We have been on our property 5 years now and watch these videos and go how do they afford to bring in big equipment etc. Bought an old abandoned property as well so we relate to this 100%

[@calicocowacres]

The money is not talked about enough! I want to do more chats about this, but I haven't quite figured out how to incorporate it into another video yet. Best of luck to you, sounds like we've both got our work cut out for us! :)

[@dignit1620]

Just keep on keeping on! The best time to plant a tree is yesterday! Bartering is an old way to get things done! Your accomplishing great hints!

[@calicocowacres]

Thanks so much!❤️

[@teater1590]

I’m a 79 yr. old granny from zone 7 (East Tennessee . Enjoy your videos very much, keep up the good work. I still garden in raised beds. Hope you have a blessed day.

[@annawild7117]

A lot of farmers work on their own equipment as much as possible and teach their kids skills. This is what makes it harder as a starter out, but you will learn skills over time

[@calicocowacres]

It's more of the cost aspect for us! Taylor knows how to fix all the things!

[@robinlangeliers6870]

You guys are smart to do one or two animals and do them well before you take on more. I’m so impressed with how you think things through so well. It’ll be fun to watch your progress🌱

[@calicocowacres]

We're trying to take it slow, for sure. We have a lot on our plates and don't want to take on more than we can manage right now! Thanks for watching :)

[@joannekreutzer752]

I'm in WNC also. Been offgrid farming since 2016 here. You'll have your hands full with the Kudzu. You have gotten a lot done for such a short time. We pump from a spring and drag hose also. We have rescued horses and dogs on the farm and chickens, guineas and turkeys. I want ducks also. I am also focusing on growing herbs for my chickens and tea. Established Lemon Balm and Echanacea from seed and it has given me a sense of fulfillment. My only regret is that I wish I were younger. It is a great feeling when you collapse at the end of the day and look at your accomplishments. Congratulations and welcome to WNC.. Looking forward to following your journey.

[@calicocowacres]

This is amazing. It sounds like you've accomplished a ton! I'm really looking forward to getting a little cottage garden established with flowers, tea, herbs etc this year. And hey, you're doing it! Doesn't matter what age you start, as long as you're following your dreams. Thanks for the comment and the welcome! Happy to have you here!

[@NatureAdventureHomesteadFamily]

I live in WNC too!!! 🙌🙌

[@joannekreutzer752]

@@NatureAdventureHomesteadFamily and not far either. I am in Rutherford County.

[@NatureAdventureHomesteadFamily]

@joannekreutzer752 oh wow, we are neighbors!!!! Love meeting other homesteaders in my area. 🌱💚

[@angelfilley1981]

Such an inspiration to see you guys doing it. Love the 1-2 year plan and so forth. I think that may be where I need to start. My kids are now grown so doing this a lil backwards but I can’t wait to get our own land!

[@leannekenyoung]

WOW! Your larder is VERY impressive! All your canned foods are amazing and I know you will enjoy every time your pop open a jar! It’s too bad you weren’t able to get rid of the pests. Best time is to pick them off at night and putting them in a jar of water with dish soap, they glow in the dark, once you pick them off and put them in the jar they will drown. God bless! Keep up the hard work and you are right you have to keep the faith and knowing it will work out. Goats are really good for clearing brush and fast! I highly recommend getting goats to help clear your land. Omg! Mold is one of the worst things to clear out! But it is possible and you just need to keep pushing forward. KZbin videos are a fantastic way to learn how to do anything! 🥰❤️🙏🏻🇨🇦🍁Congratulations on your wedding, what a beautiful bride you made!! ❤

[@calicocowacres]

Thank you so much! What a lovely comment. We’ve just started breaking into our jars & it’s been sooo fun to experience that for the first time. We can’t wait to get goats! They’ll be such a big help around here I’m sure. Thanks again! ❤️

[@ourbetterlife8010]

First of your videos we've watched, but a really cool introduction to you guys. One day at a time is the best way. We're just starting our journey now, so it's great to see how different people tackle their journey! Thanks for sharing!

[@michelleblandine]

Nice to stumble upon your channel, you are doing your best and this is very important, enjoy your journey as you learn how to balance everything your channel will grow,hang in there ❤ super proud of how courageous you both are and congratulations on your marriage ❤

[@shugmagnolia188]

❤ exactly! God opened the door and You are where you need to be. Just beautiful! Congrats🎉 on the wedding. Sending warm blessings for many years ahead.

[@calicocowacres]

So sweet, Thank you!☺️❤️

[@MoonkissedMintakan]

I own one acre of land here in Hawaii on Mauna Loa and it's brutal bulldozing becuase it's mostly lavarocks so your green grass and trees are very beautiful and I agree that the sunrises and sunsets must be stunning. You truly did ALOT of hardwork and the transformation of your home is awesome! I hope to achieve half of what you did this year on my acre!! It's been hard but very worth it ❤

[@DiscoveringLiz]

Thank you for being so inspiring!! Me and my husband are in our 40's and our kids are grown. We having been looking for land in northern New Mexico to get away from the southern end and get away from small city life and live a quit country life. We are doing all our research about homesteading and are actively looking for our forever home and land package. I just cant believe how much you both have accomplished in such a small time frame. Makes me believe we can do the same but may be more of a challenge due to NM being more desert like.

[@debrawilson2893]

Beautiful footage of your place. Hope you continued success as you establish beautiful memories on your land!

[@chasjacks9378]

This is a great video to show what is really involved in remodeling an existing building. The deeper you dig the more you find.

[@calicocowacres]

so true!

[@BlakeV-zw9vg]

I am watching this on August 18th 2024, happy anniversary!

[@calicocowacres]

Thank you so much!🥰

[@brijjitgundy3081]

This is something ive felt, like "just go for it!"

[@calicocowacres]

Only way to do it!

[@scottensley9964]

Love you guys. Pacing yourselves is a good plan.

[@calicocowacres]

That's the only way we can do it haha!

[@CarriesCulinaryCrafts]

Beautiful Homestead! Congratulations on getting Married, My husband and I got married on August 18, 2007. 😊 We are moving to North Carolina for land once our youngest sons graduates 2025. We go down from Pa every year for an extended weekend looking at land. I can't wait and probably video it on my channel as well. I currently have a non animal homestead..just garden and do lots of canning, preserving and cooking on my channel for now. Good luck in continuing your journey.

[@Mell0113]

This is so impressive is a lot work and what you guys did is absolutely amazing keep the good work guys

[@xaviervillalobos3958]

This video is so great! It has been really helpful. My wife and I are currently on a similar journey and your videos have been so insightful. Thanks!! You rock!!😆👏💯

[@jamieclark2486]

Watched you helping process chickens with the Hollars. Then I subscribed! Enjoyed this video. Keep on the journey.

[@calicocowacres]

Thank you so much for coming over & watching! So glad you enjoyed it & thank you for subscribing ❤️😊

[@HiddenBlessingsHomestead]

You guys are doing great in so many ways, we quit our jobs and moved to the middle of nowhere when our boys were young (really young) and some people were negative about our move, the house (double wide trailer on a overgrown homestead) we moved into, the fact that we had no jobs, etc. but our mortgage was cheaper than we could rent, and we were able to start our homestead, our boys were able to grow up roaming our land and learning so many skills along the way, that I don't regret a bit of the move. Sure we could have waited and stayed in the city and our house would have been worth more, but the payoff of raising our children in the country is worth every dollar we may have sacrificed. My only regret was we didn't record more of the journey and like you said the before and after. Your KZbin channel has grown so fast good for you, I feel like we have been at this for so long and seen only slow growth. Keep up the good work guys, you won't regret owning your own land and living your dream.

[@calicocowacres]

This is so reassuring to hear. Thank you for sharing :) our channel growth is exciting and kind of scary at the same time lol so many people watching us! I am so so grateful, though!

[@surftrekkers]

Excellent round up of your year guys, you have been busy!!! Keep up the good work. I enjoy watching young people chasing their dreams. Trust me you will get there way sooner than most. Keep finding ways to inspire.

[@calicocowacres]

Thank you so much & thanks for watching!! We’ve realized we don’t know any other way to live than to just go for it😆 it’s a bit hectic sometimes but always entertaining haha

[@sjau2748]

Well on you guys on the heat pump. My old school friend from technical college put one in and it's been amazing. Particularly satisfying when you get a sense for its efficiency. You can use solar (at a later stage) to run it. And it can cool in the summer so you could be self sufficient on heating and cooling. While at it, you can run a line to the barn to keep temps in the winter more moderate for the animals. And a fireplace for a few really cold days... heat pumps are a bit sluggish so best used for broad temp control.

[@CastingwithKirk]

Your story is awesome 👍 That land looks amazing, great work. Hollar Homestead sent me to your channel. Going to keep watching your journey

[@calicocowacres]

Thanks so much for coming over to our channel from the Hollars'! We're happy to have you here. We appreciate your kind comment!☺

[@aliciasnyder1512]

Hollar Homestead sent me .... Welcome to the fam!

[@calicocowacres]

Thanks so much for coming to our little corner of the internet! Happy to have you here🥰🥰🥰

[@debraromine7758]

Thanks for sharing ! Y’all’s work is amazing ..

[@calicocowacres]

Thanks so much! And thank you for watching 🥰🥰

[@rebeccazody1278]

You are so driven and accomplishing mountains! Great video

[@calicocowacres]

Thank you very much!

[@AZJH8374]

I'm really enjoying your channel! Sooo glad you went over to Ben & Meg's. Good job. BTW. Nurse Judi in Scottsdale AZ and E Minister. Prayers daily 🙏🏻 for 🙏🏻 you!

[@calicocowacres]

So glad you’re enjoying! ❤️

[@danielamartinez5351]

This video is so beautiful it’s a dream to live like this. Also CONGRATULATIONS 🍾 💍

[@dianadriverasbury9130]

Wonderful that you are living your dream.

[@calicocowacres]

Thank you! ❤️

[@denisemusicnut]

Like several other people, I learned about you on the Hollar’s video. I’m also from Michigan! I just subscribed to your channel, and look forward to seeing your future adventures in homesteading.

[@calicocowacres]

Hello there! Happy to have you! And thank you so much for sticking around❤️

[@jeanie7693]

Found you because of the Hollars. You’ve done a lot this year! Congratulations!

[@calicocowacres]

Well hey there! Thank you for the comment & thanks so much for coming over to our channel!❤️

[@roguestorm9834]

An idea is to use the chickens in a rotating fenced in area and use them to till the ground. Make them work for you. In the same time they will fertilize the ground too. Win Win. I"m glad you're able to start this work being young. You got this!

[@calicocowacres]

We want to do this eventually, but the static coop helps us more right now because of the time commitment. We'll be revisiting the mobile coop option for some of our birds.

[@suburbanbiodiversity]

Just found your channel and I love what you are doing - glad to be witnessing your journey!

[@rhondahuber6412]

The Great Folks over at Hollar sent me!!! Best Wishes🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@calicocowacres]

Thank you for checking out our lil channel! Happy to have you here😊😊

[@kisamorevivetta]

U got married on my birthday ❤. Loving your videos I'm new 2 your channel can't wait 2 see your farm grow

[@d.j.robinson9424]

Stick with it guys, it's always worth it at the end of the day. Just to let you know, you'll never be finished, and that's a good thing.👍👍💚🍻

[@calicocowacres]

Yepp you're right! And we're glad! We'd be so bored if we ever "finished" somehow😆 we really do love the projects!

[@rickwamps7445]

one of the best homesteading videos. Tells the back story current story and future story. The video brings you along with them, versus normal homestead video that has you wondering how you, the viewer, got there. Looking forward to your future. thank you.

[@calicocowacres]

Wow what a compliment! We’re so glad you enjoyed it❤️❤️

[@rainerounduphomestead8942]

Ducks are excellent to use in orchards! They eat a lot of grasshoppers and other pests that attack fruit.

[@calicocowacres]

For sure! They're going to love the orchard once we've got some stuff growing down there ☺ (shoot, they love it now & it's just grass haha)

[@atlas4225]

Bees!!! I love it! You covered that while I was writing to suggest them. They don't need to be difficult and its a solid niche.

[@calicocowacres]

Thanks! Yes, we totally can't wait to get them!

[@sarahireland7727]

I'm 72 and how I envy what you are doing at your age! My main regret in my life us that I didn't do this when I was capable of doing it and had the opportunity. I'm so excited for you and to see young people taking an interest in homesteading. Take things one step at a time. You will eventually reach your goal.

[@calicocowacres]

Thank you! We're so grateful to be here doing this now!

[@carolsgardenjournal8326]

Discovered you thru the Hollars,! I look forward to following your journey. Be sure to keep your health upper most on the list by addressing your basement flooding sooner rather than later. Maybe run a longer driveway parallel to the road & graded to flow around the house. Ive been there done that, health issues & all. Wishing you all the best going forward!

[@calicocowacres]

Hello! Welcome to our channel😊 We’ll definitely be addressing the basement/flooding issues as soon as we possibly can! Thank you so much💕

[@aricabergeron7446]

We are about to embark on a similar journey! I’m glad to see there will be some ups and downs but it will all work out in the end

[@calicocowacres]

Ohhh best of luck to you! We’re rooting for ya!❤️ it’s definitely a bit of a rollercoaster & the hard stuff feels so hard BUT it is so worth it.

[@garycloud5705]

Found you through the Hollars. Plant your tomatoes and peppers as far away from each other as you can. If they are too close they stunt each others growth.

[@calicocowacres]

Neat! Didn’t know this! I’ll work that into the garden plan for next year. Thanks so much for coming to check out our channel😊