At RealBestLife, I’m passionate about creating an urban farming lifestyle for my family. It’s not always easy, but it’s real (sometimes a little too real, if you know what I mean), but it’s the best life.

Well, I guess if you’re going to try to become an urban farmer the best way to do it is to *DO* it. My friend dared me to to a crazy challenge called “The Homegrown Year” where I’m going to live mostly off what we produce on our small urban farm for a whole year. Follow along! 

From the fresh fruits and veggies we grow to the milk, eggs, and meat we get from our animals – food is always top of mind. I mean, it’s always top of mind anyway. I make cheese now, and once you make your own cheese, it’s all you think about. We collect recipes here (some farm fresh and some are, well, not – everyone needs a good queso recipe every once in a while).

Living an urban farming lifestyle isn’t ALL about what’s in the garden, which animal is yelling at you from the yard, and what’s cooking in the kitchen. It’s also about learning new skills and surrounding yourself with beautiful things that make you smile. The urban farm aesthetic means joyous upcycling for me. Heck, you don’t even need an urban farm to get the homey look. Just do it.

Real real, but real best

I don’t know everything. There’s nothing like deciding to transform yourself from a suit-wearing bottomless pit of lukewarm coffee and anxiety to an aspiring urban farmer Mom to remind yourself that you know almost nothing at all. But, I try on occasion to share the things I have learned about life so far. There’s so much more to go.

Refinished Salvaged Antique Door Project Roasted zucchini, onion, and tomato parmesan Perfectly Puffy Pancakes Painted and raw wood dresser refinishing DIY Corned beef and cabbage sandwiched – delicious