From Our Family to Yours: The Story Behind That Homesteading Mama

Hi there! I'm Anastasia Oxendine, and if you're here, you're likely curious about a life that's a little more connected to the earth. Welcome! This space is where I share the journey of my family and me as we build a more self-sufficient life, one recipe and one new skill at a time.

It All Started with a Few Chickens

The dream of a homesteading life wasn't even on my radar, but it became my reality in 2020. My family and I took a leap of faith and purchased our first four chickens and two ducks. It was a humble beginning, but those first few animals sparked something in us. They ignited a passion for growing our own food and a deep appreciation for the effort that goes into every meal.

Since then, our homestead has grown in countless ways. We've gone from a small flock to a full-fledged garden where we now grow the bulk of our produce. It hasn't always been easy, but every victory—from the first perfectly ripe tomato to a pantry full of home-preserved goods—has made it all worth it.

My Roots: Tradition Meets Science

My approach to homesteading is a blend of old-world wisdom and modern knowledge. As a proud member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, I carry the traditions of my heritage, honoring the lessons passed down through generations about living in harmony with the land.

I'm also a firm believer in the "why" behind every method. With a Bachelor's Degree in Food Science and a Master's in Science Education, I love exploring the science of things like fermentation and food preservation. It’s this unique blend of ancestral knowledge and scientific understanding that fuels everything I share here.

What You Can Expect to Find Here

This blog started as a simple way to connect with other homesteaders and create a community where we could all learn and grow together. Now, it's a place where I share everything from our kitchen to our garden.

• Recipes: Dive into our family’s kitchen with recipes for the dishes we love, as well as easy-to-follow methods for preserving food.

• Knowledge: I’ll break down the science of homesteading in simple terms so you can feel confident in your own skills.

• Curated Products: To help you on your journey, I share my favorite tools and resources from various retailers. Please know that I may earn a small commission from any purchases you make through these links, but it’s always at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely use and trust.

The Dream Continues

Looking ahead, my family and I are excited to continue growing and learning. We have big dreams of expanding our homestead even further to provide our community with delicious, locally raised food.

Thank you for being here and being a part of our journey. Whether you're a seasoned homesteader or just starting with a windowsill herb garden, I hope you feel at home here.

If you'd like to follow our day-to-day adventures, you can find me on Facebook, TikTok, & Instagram.