Ditch The Store

Easter on the Homestead: Seasonal Cycles, Real Food & Why You Should Pat Yourself on the Back

Easter looks a little different when you're living off the land — especially in the Southern Hemisphere, where it lands smack in the middle of autumn, not spring.

In this episode, CJ digs into what Easter actually means for homesteaders: the ancient seasonal roots behind the chocolate eggs and rabbits, why the northern and southern hemispheres are at completely opposite ends of the cycle right now, and what you should actually be doing on your property this time of year.

New to backyard chickens and something suddenly looks… wrong?

In this episode of Ditch the Store, CJ walks through the most common chicken problems new chicken keepers run into — and the simple fixes that usually solve them.

This isn’t a deep dive into complex poultry health issues. Instead, it’s a practical overview designed to help beginner homesteaders stay calm when something unexpected happens in the coop.

CJ covers common situations like:

chickens suddenly stopping laying eggs

strange or misshapen eggs

moulting and feather loss

bullyi...

What do you do when your chickens suddenly produce more eggs than your family can eat?

In this episode of Ditch the Store, CJ dives into the very real homestead problem of egg overload. If you keep backyard chickens, chances are you’ll eventually walk into the coop and realise you’ve got far more eggs than you know what to do with.

CJ talks through why egg gluts happen, how long fresh eggs actually last, and the simple ways you can store, preserve, cook, barter or even sell surplus eggs.

You’ll learn...

You don’t need a fancy coop.

You need a secure one.

In this episode, I walk you through what actually keeps your chickens safe — not what looks pretty on Instagram.

We cover:

The biggest predator mistakes beginners make

Why chicken wire isn’t enough

How dogs are often the real problem

The 5 non-negotiables of a predator-proof coop

Daily habits that protect your flock

What to check before predators ever become an issue

Foxes...

Not all chickens are created equal.

Some are hardy and steady. Some are high-drama divas. And if you're just starting out — you do not need divas.

In this episode, I break down the four best chicken breeds for beginners, focusing on:

We compare ISA Browns, Australorps, Sussex, and Plymouth Rocks — and I’ll help you decide which one suits your family, climate, and egg goals.

If you want chickens that are forgiving, practi...

Episode 153: Why Autumn Is the Smartest Time to Get Chickens

Thinking about getting chickens? Don’t wait for spring.

In this episode, I explain why autumn is actually the smartest time to start your flock — and exactly what to do over the next four weeks to set yourself up properly.

You’ll learn:

The best age birds to buy for autumn timing

Why daylight hours matter more than cold weather

How to set up your coop before birds arrive

What to feed (and wh...

What does a self-sufficient year actually look like?

In this episode, CJ shares a practical 12-month roadmap for becoming more self-sufficient — without burnout. From choosing one food to stop buying, to building seasonal rhythms and learning small skills each quarter, this is about steady progress, not perfection.

If you’ve ever felt behind or overwhelmed, this one will ground you.

📓 Journals mentioned in this episode:

Journals

Beekeeping Journal https://amzn.to/46iNapz 

Chicken Keeping Journal https://amzn.to/44QgctY

Goatkeeping Journal https://amzn.to/4lzYGSa

Far...

CJ covers seasonal planning for your first homesteading year, including what to prioritise in each season, how to avoid doing too much too fast, and why simple routines + record-keeping make everything easier.

Main takeaway: keep it small, grow what your family eats, and review what worked so year two is easier.

Also includes a quick personal update on CJ’s recovery and how it’s shaped this year’s plans.

Canva 2026 Calendar Free to Use

https://www.canva.com/design/DAHBSZ73834/_ANyUH2p76eAOtATkZBxug/view?utm_content=DAHBSZ73834&utm_campaign=design...

CJ and the Handy Helper cover the real beginner tool list for homesteading, including garden basics, livestock gear, and kitchen/preserving essentials—plus what not to buy yet. They talk frugal strategies like secondhand shopping, repurposing containers, and borrowing tools before investing. Practical, no-fluff advice to help you start without blowing the budget.

Links mentioned:
https://www.mojohomestead.net

Ditch the Store with CJ from Mojo Homestead🌱 www.mojohomestead.net

This week we’re taking a little detour — into the spiritual side of homesteading.

Join CJ as she explores Lammas (also known as Lughnasadh) — an ancient Celtic harvest festival that marks the beginning of reaping what we’ve sown. Whether you’re into folklore, farming, food preserving, or just the rhythm of the seasons, this episode is all about connection — to the land, to the work, and to yourself.

You don’t have to be religious or even spiritual to take something...

Podcast: Ditch the Store with CJ from Mojo Homestead🌱 www.mojohomestead.net

This week, CJ gets real about what it takes to build a homestead while still working full-time. She shares personal stories, lessons, and hard-earned tips from managing 120 acres with a shift-working partner, teenagers, and a busted leg… all without quitting the day job.

💬 “You don’t need to live off-grid or quit your career to start homesteading. You just need to start — one small step at a time.”

🧭 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why 2.5 acres was more than e...

🎧 Episode 147 – 12 Beginner Homesteading Mistakes to Avoid

Podcast: Ditch the Store with CJ from Mojo Homestead🌱 www.mojohomestead.net

Let’s be honest — when you’re starting out with homesteading, it’s easy to miss things you didn’t even know to think about. This week, CJ goes through the 12 most common beginner mistakes (yep, not 10 — she added extras she couldn’t leave out) and gives you practical tips on how to avoid each one.

From fencing fails and foxes, to burnout, budgeting and bypassing the council… this is the stuff that trips people up ear...

🎧 Episode 146 – How Much Land Do You Need?

Podcast: Ditch the Store with CJ from Mojo Homestead🌱 www.mojohomestead.net

Ever been told you need a farm to start homesteading? In this episode, CJ sets the record straight. Whether you're in a unit, on a suburban block, or out on five acres — you can absolutely start homesteading right where you are.

From window-sill herbs and homemade laundry powder to backyard chooks and full-scale food forests — this week is a deep dive into what you can do with the land you have, plus what to think about...

Hey everyone, and welcome to Episode 145 of Ditch the Store!

We’re officially a week into 2026 (can you believe it?), and after a cracking start with last week’s beginner episode, this week I’m diving into the big question: What even is homesteading?

Because let’s face it — everyone seems to have their own definition. From off-grid living to growing herbs on a balcony, homesteading can mean very different things depending on where you live, what you have, and what you’re aiming for.

In this episode, I’m unpacking:

🏡 The real (and his...

Happy New Year and welcome to Episode 144 of the podcast!We’re kicking off 2026 by going back to basics — because let’s face it, a lot’s changed in the last couple of years and it’s time for a reset.

This month on the podcast, we’re talking all things beginner homesteading — where to start, what to think about before diving in, what you absolutely don’t need, and how to avoid that slap-in-the-face overwhelm that can knock you sideways when you try to do too much, too soon.

Whether you’re dreaming of backyard chooks, a...

It’s Christmas Day, and if you’re tuning in — thank you. Whether you’re milking goats, cooking a roast, working a shift, or hiding from the in-laws with your earbuds in — this episode’s for you.

I’m looking back on 2025 with real honesty. It was the year where plans went pear-shaped: a knee replacement, a broken leg, a dog attack, and a veggie garden that never even got planted. But amongst the chaos, there were wins too — healthy goat kids, infrastructure progress, and an incredible show of support from my family (and you).

So in this episo...

🎙️ EP 142 – My Farm Accident

(Warning: Graphic Content)
This episode is raw, real and straight from the paddock. I’m sharing the full story of my recent farm accident — from a routine neighbourly favour to an emergency dash in the ambo and major surgery.

It’s not pretty. It’s not polished. But it’s important.

Farm accidents do happen. And if you’re working with animals, you need a plan for what to do when things go pear-shaped.

I'm sharing the moment it all went wrong, the pain, the paramedics, the x-rays (which y...

It’s time to talk about the stuff under your boots — soil.

Industrial farming has turned living earth into lifeless dirt, and the fertiliser companies are cashing in on the damage. In this episode, we dig into how Big Ag broke the soil — and how you can fix it in your own backyard.

🌾 In this episode:

What’s really killing our soils

The fertiliser myth that’s keeping farmers broke

How to bring your soil back to life naturally

Compost, worms, and microbes — your real soil army

Because if...

The backyard veggie patch isn’t just about saving a few dollars — it’s about taking back control of your food.

In this episode, we’re talking about why growing even one tomato plant is a quiet act of rebellion against a food system that’s broken, overpriced, and overprocessed.

🌱 In this episode:

Why growing food matters more than ever

The truth about supermarket dependence

How home gardening builds independence and resilience

Turning your backyard (or balcony!) into a personal food revolution

This one’s for the doers —...

Every goat keeper faces it sooner or later — Barber’s Pole Worm, the bloodsucking parasite that can take down even the healthiest doe overnight.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into how to recognise, prevent, and manage Barber’s Pole Worm without relying on constant chemical drenches.

🐐 In this episode:

What Haemonchus contortus actually is — and why it’s so dangerous

Early warning signs and how to use the FAMACHA card properly

The truth about faecal egg counts (FECs) and what your results really mean

Pasture management tips...

Raw goat’s milk is one of the most talked-about — and sometimes controversial — topics in the homesteading world. In this episode, we’ll unpack the benefits, the risks, and how to handle raw milk safely so you can decide if it’s right for your homestead.

🥛 In this episode:

Nutritional benefits of raw goat’s milk vs cow’s milk

Safety concerns and how to reduce risks with good hygiene

How to store and use raw milk at home

Why raw milk is more than just food — it’s part of food sovereig...

So you’ve got goats — now it’s time to fill the bucket! In this episode, we’re walking through exactly how to milk a goat, from the first squeeze to storing that fresh milk in your fridge.

🐐 In this episode:

When to start milking after kidding

Setting up your milking space and equipment

Step-by-step milking routine (without the fuss)

Hygiene tips for safe, long-lasting milk

How to store and handle your milk to keep it fresh

Whether you’re brand new to goats or just want to...

Sometimes goat kids can’t stay on mum — and that’s when bottle-feeding steps in. In this episode, we’re covering everything you need to know about raising bottle babies with confidence.

🍼 In this episode:

When and why to bottle-feed (rejection, multiples, weak kids, or management choice)

Colostrum and the first 24 hours

Feeding schedules and what to feed

Preventing bloat and scours

Bonding and training benefits of bottle babies

Bottle babies take more work, but they also become some of the friendliest, easiest goats you’ll ever own.<...

Episode 135: Doe-Raised Kids

When goat kids arrive, you’ve got two choices: raise them on mum or step in with a bottle. In this episode, we’re talking about the natural way — letting kids stay with their doe.

🐐 In this episode:

The benefits of doe-raised kids: natural growth, immunity, and less work for you

The challenges: sharing milk, weaning, and taming

How to manage kids while they’re on mum

Tips for keeping both doe and kids healthy, happy, and easy to handle

Whether you’re new to goa...

So, you’ve got your goats — now it’s time to plan for baby goats! 🐐 In this episode, we’re walking through the full kidding journey, from breeding and pregnancy right through to birth, kid care, and weaning.

I’ll talk through what age to breed, how to choose between bucks and artificial insemination, signs of labour, what to expect during birth, and how to care for those squishy little newborns once they arrive.

Whether you’re gearing up for your first kidding season or just thinking ahead, this episode will give you the confidence and practical k...

You don’t need a fancy goat barn or electric fortress to keep goats safe — but you do need to plan ahead.

In this episode, we’re getting practical about what your dairy goats actually need when it comes to shelter, fencing, and paddock layout.

I cover shelter ideas for different weather, what makes a fence truly goat-proof, and how to protect your herd from predators (without breaking the bank). Whether you’re just getting started or tweaking your current setup, this one’s full of helpful tips to keep your goats safe, comfy, and right wher...

Not all dairy goats are created equal — and choosing the right breed can make a big difference to your homesteading success.

In this episode, I walk you through the most common dairy goat breeds in Australia (and a few lesser-known ones), comparing milk production, cream levels, personality, and how much space they really need. Whether you're feeding a big family or just want rich milk for cheese, butter or soap, there’s a breed that’ll suit your setup.

I’ll also share what I wish I knew before I bought my first goat, why I’m lean...

Thinking about adding a dairy goat to your homestead? In this episode, we chat through everything you actually need to know before you bring one home.

I share the story of why we got goats in the first place (spoiler: it started with my son’s supposed lactose intolerance), plus the real-life pros, cons, and must-haves when it comes to owning dairy goats. We’ll talk costs, fencing, daily care, milking, and some common myths that might surprise you.

Whether you’re still dreaming or nearly ready to dive in, this episode will help you work o...

Some jobs feel too big to tackle — baked-on oven grime, greasy BBQ plates, rusty tools, even that sad-looking cast iron pan. But you don’t need toxic sprays or expensive “specialty” cleaners to get results.

In this week’s Natural Cleaning Series finale, we’re diving into the heavy hitters with safe, affordable, and effective DIY methods.

🔥 In this episode:

Why oven sprays, degreasers & rust removers can harm your health and septic system
Simple pantry-staple recipes for:
Oven cleaner paste
BBQ plate degreaser
Lemon & salt rust remover
Gentle cast iron clean...

Glass cleaners are one of the most over-marketed — and overpriced — products in the cleaning aisle. In this week’s Natural Cleaning Series episode, we’re ditching the ammonia fumes, single-use plastic, and streaky finishes for a safe, affordable, and effective homemade solution.

🪟 In this episode:

Episode 128: Bathroom Cleaning Without the Toxins

Your bathroom might sparkle, but at what cost?

In this episode of the Natural Cleaning Series, we’re tackling one of the most chemical-heavy rooms in the house — the bathroom. From bleach sprays to mould removers, we’ll break down the hidden health and environmental risks, and show you how to swap them for safe, affordable, and effective DIY alternatives.

🧼 In this episode:

Why bleach, ammonia, and synthetic fragrances aren’t as “fresh” as they seem

How commercial cleaners affect your skin, lungs, septic...

Ditch the Store, Clean the Sink

Store-bought dish soaps and dishwasher tabs might leave your dishes shiny, but what else are they leaving behind?

In this episode of our Natural Cleaning Series, we're diving into what’s really in conventional dishwashing products — from synthetic fragrances and surfactants to phosphates and formaldehyde-releasing compounds. We’ll also chat about how these chemicals don’t just vanish down the drain — they end up in your soil, your waterways, and potentially… on your cutlery.

🧪 What you’ll learn:

Why natural dishwashing matters for your skin, gut, and garden<...

🎧 Episode 126: Homemade Laundry Products

The Load Down: Homemade Laundry Products That Actually Work

Got sensitive skin? Sick of spending a fortune on detergents that smell like a fake rainforest? In this episode, we’re getting stuck into homemade laundry solutions that actually work.

We’ll chat through:

This week on Ditch the Store, CJ dives into the essential oils that actually pull their weight in a clean home. These aren’t just for diffusers — we’re talking mold-fighting, degreasing, deodorizing powerhouses.

✅ Top 5 oils that clean AND smell amazing

✅ How to use and store them safely

✅ What’s safe for kids and pets

✅ How to build your own blends

🎁 Join our mailing list at: www.mojohomestead.net

🛒 Farm gear & funny aprons: www.notthefarmerswife.com

🎧 Related Episodes:

Ep. 124 – One Spray to Rule Them All

Ep. 123...

Ep. 124 – One Spray to Rule Them All: My Simple All-Purpose Cleaner

You don't need a dozen overpriced bottles under your sink — you just need one. In this episode, CJ shares her go-to DIY all-purpose spray recipe that’s safe, powerful, and actually works. Whether you’re wiping down the kitchen, sprucing up the bathroom, or disinfecting surfaces — this is your everyday hero.

✅ The recipe (and why each ingredient matters)

✅ The best essential oils for cleaning

✅ What to avoid using vinegar on

✅ Surface-specific tweaks for glass, wood, and stone

✅ Add-ins to mak...

Sick of bleach fumes and overpriced “miracle sprays”? In this episode of Ditch the Store, CJ reveals how to deep clean your home naturally and effectively using just 3–5 ingredients. From oven grime to mold and grout, you’ll get the real-life, homesteader-approved methods that actually work.

✅ Oven paste recipe

✅ Mold-fighting vinegar & tea tree spray

✅ Grout scrub trick

✅ Disinfection without harsh chemicals

✅ What tools and oils are best

✅ What NOT to clean with vinegar

📌 Related Episode – Ep. 122: Toxic Truth: Why You Should Ditch the Chemical Cleaners at the link below https...

Ever gotten a headache while cleaning? Or worse—passed out from your shower spray? In this episode, CJ and the Handy Helper break down the dirty secrets of store-bought cleaners: the hidden toxins, the health risks, and why they’re especially dangerous for kids and pets. You’ll learn what chemicals to avoid, how they impact your hormones and lungs, and how to start ditching the store—one bottle at a time.

✅ Real facts, personal stories, and a few laughs
😷 Health risks (yes, formaldehyde is in your kitchen spray!)
🐾 Why pets and kids are most at risk
💸 Why...

This week’s a special one — we’re jumping off the sourdough and diving into something a little feathery and a whole lot of fun 🐔

In this one-off episode, I sit down with my partner to chat about why I genuinely believe every suburban backyard should have chickens. We’re unpacking the benefits (eggs, compost, pest control, and kids learning responsibility), busting a few chicken-keeping myths, and tackling the common pushbacks around noise, smell and council drama.

We’re also celebrating the launch of my brand new program — Confident Chicken Keeper — which is open for registration now...

You’ve made the loaf, the crackers, the pancakes — now how do you keep them fresh without daily baking marathons? In this practical episode of Ditch the Store, CJ shares her top tips for freezing, storing and preserving sourdough and other baked goods so nothing goes to waste.

Learn how to freeze loaves, slice like a pro, and keep that crust crisp even after defrosting. From school lunches to weekend prep, we’ve got you sorted.

✅ How to freeze and defrost loaves properly

✅ Best way to store crackers, pancakes & more

✅ Avoiding soggy crusts...

Got discard piling up? You’re not alone — and you’re not wasting it either. In this fun and practical episode of Ditch the Store, CJ explains what sourdough discard actually is, why it’s still useful, and how to turn it into delicious everyday snacks.

From crunchy crackers to fluffy crumpets and savoury pancakes, we’re going beyond the loaf to make the most of your hard work and flour stash. Plus — you’ll learn how to store discard safely, stretch your starter, and get creative with no-waste baking.

✅ What is discard and why you shouldn’t to...