Everybody was Fruit Tree Fighting

When or where should you save or splurge? What do you value enough to spend your hard-earned cash on?

This is one tiff or debate that often surfaces in the Thurmon household. And we know we are not the only couple with differing opinions regarding what to spend money on!

For me (Jared), I hate buying new clothes. I am perfectly happy wearing 20-year-old T-shirts with holes in them. But when I dine out, I have no issue splurging on 5 appetizers and two to three dishes just to try new things. 

I, Annette, hate it when people (especially fancy hotels!) skimp on toilet paper that feels like sandpaper on your bottoms! I would also much rather serve our chickens delicious, out-of-season blueberries, than replace my 18-year old mixing bowls!

More than 2 in 5 (42%) Americans say they treat themselves monthly, while 21% indulge in non-essential spending at least weekly. A staggering 74 percent of Americans prioritize experiences over products.

That’s not surprising, as studies have found that spending money on experiences brings more lasting joy than spending money on things.

Join us as we chat about the benefits of prioritizing experiences over material possessions and how to decide when to splurge and when to save on a purchase or activity!

We also love to hear from you! Ask us anything about this topic. And if you don’t mind, we will share and discuss it anonymously on this podcast with fellow listeners! Text your question or message to (310) 879-8441.

If you like this episode and know of someone who needs to hear it, help us get this message out to improve people’s personal lives and foster healthy relationships!

Resources:

1. Pre-order my new book - Simple Country Living - From how to start a garden to garden-to-table recipes, tips, and family activities, you’ll reduce waste, save money, harness new skills, and be able to live the “simple country life” no matter where you live.

2. Subscribe to Azure Farm’s newsletter for weekly inspiration, tips, informative blogs, recipes, and more!

3. Visit our website - Azure Farm -  for all things concerning farm, home, gardening, and the simple life

4. Follow Annette on Instagram at Azure Farm for your daily inspiration

5. Follow Jared on Instagram at Jared Thurmon

6. Sign up for Jared's newsletter to level up your health

Here’s a few links to some things we’re passionate about:

Annette’s new book - Simple Country Living

https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Country-Living-Techniques-Recipes/dp/0760385408

For our Workshops and How-to series - LiveHomeGrown.com

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/azure-farm/id1463340821

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4eieYkvDungVAwkcHewo89?si=j0_fZgcQSZq2e3lHAGFP0Q

Web - https://www.azurefarm.com and HappyFarmily.com

Follow along on IG or TikTok - @azurefarm

This topic has been on our minds lately: the art of knowing when to let go.

When we first ventured into farm life, we were bursting with excitement and ambition, eager to take on everything that came our way. One of our dreams? Alpacas. I mean, who could resist those adorable, fluffy creatures? So, naturally, we got some! But, as we soon discovered, raising alpacas isn't all sunshine and rainbows. 

Despite having a top-notch vet by our side, we faced heartbreak as several of our alpacas fell ill and passed away, leaving one, Opal, alone. It was a tough call, but we knew it was time to let go. So, after seven years, we said our goodbyes to Percy and found a new home for Opal. 

Our farm life experiences got us thinking: knowing when to let go isn't just crucial in the barnyard; it's a valuable skill for navigating real life too.

Whether it's a business venture, a relationship, or a personal project, sometimes holding on too tightly can do more harm than good. We've learned the hard way that recognizing our limits and knowing when to say no or walk away is essential for our well-being.

In this episode, we're getting real about our own struggles with letting go and sharing some hard-earned wisdom along the way.

So, join us as we explore the art of knowing when to say, "This isn't working," and how to find the courage to let go. 

We also love to hear from you! Ask us anything about this topic. And if you don’t mind, we will share and discuss it anonymously on this podcast with fellow listeners! Text your question or message to (310) 879-8441.

If you like this episode and know of someone who needs to hear it, help us get this message out to improve people’s personal lives and foster healthy relationships!

________________

Resources:

1. Pre-order my new book - Simple Country Living - From how to start a garden to garden-to-table recipes, tips, and family activities, you’ll reduce waste, save money, and harness new skills and be able to live the “simple country life” no matter where you live.

2. Read more: A beginner’s guide to caring for alpacas

3. Read more: How to integrate new animals on your farm

4. Subscribe to Azure Farm’s newsletter for weekly inspiration, tips, informative blogs, recipes, and more!

5. Visit our website - Azure Farm -  for all things concerning farm, home, gardening, and the simple life

6. Follow Annette on Instagram at Azure Farm for your daily inspiration

7. Follow Jared on Instagram at Jared Thurmon

8. Sign up for Jared's newsletter to level up your health

Here’s a few links to some things we’re passionate about:

Annette’s new book - Simple Country Living

https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Country-Living-Techniques-Recipes/dp/0760385408

For our Workshops and How-to series - LiveHomeGrown.com

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/azure-farm/id1463340821

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4eieYkvDungVAwkcHewo89?si=j0_fZgcQSZq2e3lHAGFP0Q

Web - https://www.azurefarm.com and HappyFarmily.com

Follow along on IG or TikTok - @azurefarm

City life versus country living - which reigns supreme?

Of course, it comes down to personal preference, but in our very biased opinion ;-), country living wins by a long shot!

As two former city dwellers turned countryside enthusiasts, a few years ago, we swapped bustling streets for serene landscapes and skyscrapers for endless azure skies.

Did you know that since 9/11 and the COVID pandemic, there's been a surge in Americans moving to rural areas, seeking refuge from urban chaos? With nearly half of Americans now preferring small-town charm over city hustle, it's clear: the call of the wild is stronger than ever.

But what makes country living so irresistible? Is it the fresh air, wide-open spaces, or the joy of growing your own vegetables? We explore the magic of countryside simplicity, from starry nights to homegrown tomatoes.

Yet, it's not all idyllic sunsets and peaceful pastures. Country living demands hard work and unwavering commitment. But fear not; whether you're a city slicker yearning for greener pastures or a country pumpkin at heart, the simple life is within reach! And we want to tell you how!

Join us as we uncover the joys, challenges, and endless possibilities of embracing the countryside mindset.  

Where do you stand? Are you drawn to the city lights or dreaming of chickens and green pastures? Tune in and share your thoughts with us!

We also love to hear from you! Ask us anything about this topic. And if you don’t mind, we will share and discuss it anonymously on this podcast with fellow listeners! Text your question or message to (310) 879-8441.

If you like this episode and know of someone who needs to hear it, help us get this message out to improve people’s personal lives and foster healthy relationships!

Resources:

1. Pre-order my new book - Simple Country Living - From how to start a garden to garden-to-table recipes, tips, and family activities, you’ll reduce waste, save money, harness new skills, and be able to live the “simple country life” no matter where you live.

2. Read more: Homesteading for beginners

3. Read more: 20 Ways to experience country living no matter where you live

4. Subscribe to Azure Farm’s newsletter for weekly inspiration, tips, informative blogs, recipes, and more!

5. Visit our website - Azure Farm -  for all things concerning farm, home, gardening, and the simple life

6. Follow Annette on Instagram at Azure Farm for your daily inspiration

7. Follow Jared on Instagram at Jared Thurmon

8. 

Sign up for Jared's newsletter 

to level up your health

Here’s a few links to some things we’re passionate about:

Annette’s new book - Simple Country Living

https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Country-Living-Techniques-Recipes/dp/0760385408

For our Workshops and How-to series - LiveHomeGrown.com

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/azure-farm/id1463340821

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4eieYkvDungVAwkcHewo89?si=j0_fZgcQSZq2e3lHAGFP0Q

Web - https://www.azurefarm.com and HappyFarmily.com

Follow along on IG or TikTok - @azurefarm

Have you ever been dragged into something reluctantly, only to come out completely blown away?

Well, that's exactly what happened to me (Annette) when Jared convinced me to attend this mysterious “retreat” up in Canada, which he attended last year. I was skeptical, to say the least, but let me tell you, it was a game-changer!

In our latest episode, we spill the beans (well, sort of!) on this life-altering experience and unpack the importance of self-discovery. We reflect on how the retreat forced us to give ourselves the time we deserve and understand our deepest desires and values.

We also dive into what it really means to love your neighbor as yourself and the nuances of genuine compassion and empathy, sharing some eye-opening realizations along the way.

Do you ever think about what it's like to be on the receiving end of your own kindness? 

Join us as we navigate the twists and turns of self-reflection, friendship, and trust, and uncover the profound meaning behind those simple but impactful words from Mark 12:31. 

We also love to hear from you! Ask us anything about this topic. And if you don’t mind, we will share and discuss it anonymously on this podcast with fellow listeners! Text your question or message to (310) 879-8441.

If you like this episode and know of someone who needs to hear it, help us get this message out to improve people’s personal lives and foster healthy relationships!

Resources:

1. For more information on the retreat we went to, send us a message or email at thurmon@gmail.com

2. Sign up for Jared's newsletter to level up your health at https://www.1upyourlife.com/subscribe

3. Visit our website - Azure Farm -  for all things concerning farm, home, gardening, and the simple life

4. Follow Azure Farm on Instagram for your daily inspiration

5. Pre-order our new book - Simple Country Living - From how to start a garden to garden-to-table recipes, tips, and family activities, you’ll reduce waste, save money, and harness new skills.

Here’s a few links to some things we’re passionate about:

Annette’s new book - Simple Country Living

https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Country-Living-Techniques-Recipes/dp/0760385408

For our Workshops and How-to series - LiveHomeGrown.com

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/azure-farm/id1463340821

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4eieYkvDungVAwkcHewo89?si=j0_fZgcQSZq2e3lHAGFP0Q

Web - https://www.azurefarm.com and HappyFarmily.com

Follow along on IG or TikTok - @azurefarm

Sustaining romance and passion can be a formidable challenge, right?! Let's face it: we're not teenagers anymore, and the honeymoon phase fades away as life gets in the way.

Life's challenges, career demands, and external stressors can temporarily dampen the flames. Anyone's got a headache? ;-)

So, how do you keep the magic alive in a long-term relationship? How can you keep things passionate and romantic like those very first days?

Well, we’ve got some tips to ignite that spark and make your hearts flutter again. 

In this episode, you’ll discover why it is so crucial to keep romance and passion alive in your long-term relationship. And you’ll learn some ways to reignite and sustain that passion for a richer, enduring, long-lasting relationship.

Hold on, it’s gonna get hot in here! It’s time to light that flame up again and write your own Notebook movie!

We also love to hear from you! Ask us anything about this topic. And if you don’t mind, we will share and discuss it anonymously on this podcast with fellow listeners! Text your question or message to (310) 879-8441.

If you like this episode and know of someone who needs to hear it, help us get this message out to improve people’s personal lives and foster healthy relationships!

Resources

1. Visit our website - Azure Farm -  for all things concerning farm, home, gardening, and the simple life

2. Follow Azure Farm on Instagram for your daily inspiration

3. Pre-order our new book - Simple Country Living - From how to start a garden to garden-to-table recipes, tips, and family activities, you’ll reduce waste, save money, and harness new skills.

Here’s a few links to some things we’re passionate about:

Annette’s new book - Simple Country Living

https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Country-Living-Techniques-Recipes/dp/0760385408

For our Workshops and How-to series - LiveHomeGrown.com

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/azure-farm/id1463340821

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4eieYkvDungVAwkcHewo89?si=j0_fZgcQSZq2e3lHAGFP0Q

Web - https://www.azurefarm.com and HappyFarmily.com

Follow along on IG or TikTok - @azurefarm

Ever wondered why some gestures make your heart flutter while others seem to miss the mark? 

Well, the secret to more flutters is called your preferred love language.

Turns out, being each other’s servants is what makes both of our hearts flutter! 

In this episode, we unravel the secrets behind Gary Chapman's renowned concept of the five love languages and explore how understanding these languages can transform your relationship.

You’ll discover practical strategies for unveiling your own love language and becoming an emotional detective by understanding your partner's preferences.

You’ll want to listen to this one; you’ll laugh all the way through!

Let’s make those hearts flutter!

We also love to hear from you! Ask us anything about this topic. And if you don’t mind, we will share and discuss it anonymously on this podcast with fellow listeners! Text your question or message to (310) 879-8441.

If you like this episode and know of someone who needs to hear it, help us get this message out to improve people’s personal lives and foster healthy relationships!

Resources:

1. Download our Practical “How-To” PDF for the five love languages

2. Take the Five Love Languages Quiz

3. Valentine’s garden-to-table dessert cooking class

4. Visit our website - Azure Farm -  for all things concerning farm, home, gardening, and the simple life

5. Follow Azure Farm on Instagram for your daily inspiration

6. Pre-order our new book - 

Simple Country Living

 - From how to start a garden to garden-to-table recipes, tips, and family activities, you’ll reduce waste, save money, and harness new skills.

Here’s a few links to some things we’re passionate about:

Annette’s new book - Simple Country Living

https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Country-Living-Techniques-Recipes/dp/0760385408

For our Workshops and How-to series - LiveHomeGrown.com

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/azure-farm/id1463340821

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4eieYkvDungVAwkcHewo89?si=j0_fZgcQSZq2e3lHAGFP0Q

Web - https://www.azurefarm.com and HappyFarmily.com

Follow along on IG or TikTok - @azurefarm

#couplegoals

Nope, we’re not talking about the perfect Instagram couple that seems to have everything figured out.

We’re talking about the mom who wants to lose weight and the dad who wants to save money and how they can align these individual goals and also create joint goals.

More like #settinggoalsasacouple

If you feel your couple or individual goals have been misaligned lately or have no joint relationship goals, this episode is for you! 

Goal setting as a couple is a powerful tool for personal and relational growth. It fosters a sense of unity, creates a supportive environment, and ensures that both partners are actively engaged in each other's journeys.

Join us as we explore why sharing personal goals with your partner can increase your chances of success, how to align your individual goals, and the benefits of setting joint goals as a couple.

We also love to hear from you! Ask us anything about this topic. And if you don’t mind, we will share and discuss it anonymously on this podcast with fellow listeners! Text your question or message to (310) 879-8441.

If you like this episode and know of someone who needs to hear it, help us get this message out to improve people’s personal lives and foster healthy relationships!

Resources:

1. Visit our website - Azure Farm -  for all things concerning farm, home, gardening, and the simple life.

2. Follow Azure Farm on Instagram for your daily inspiration

3. Pre-order our new book - 

Simple Country Living

 - From how to start a garden to garden-to-table recipes, tips, and family activities, you’ll reduce waste, save money, and harness new skills.

Here’s a few links to some things we’re passionate about:

Annette’s new book - Simple Country Living

https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Country-Living-Techniques-Recipes/dp/0760385408

For our Workshops and How-to series - LiveHomeGrown.com

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/azure-farm/id1463340821

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4eieYkvDungVAwkcHewo89?si=j0_fZgcQSZq2e3lHAGFP0Q

Web - https://www.azurefarm.com and HappyFarmily.com

Follow along on IG or TikTok - @azurefarm

New year, new beginnings. We have all heard this saying a thousand times before.

But while we all go into the new year with new aspirations, dreams, and goals, are we truly committed to them? Do we really know what gets us out of bed each morning, propelling us into the day with purpose and enthusiasm? Are we prepared to do what it takes to reach our goals?

When we started our homestead journey, this is how it went for us: Yeah, we moved to a farm, we can do all these wonderful things! Jared, please build me a chicken coop. Oh, wait, I think we need a few animal shelters for the alpacas. Or maybe we should start our garden beds. No, actually, put in our fruit trees first.

See where we’re going with this? We had so many plans and ideas but no clearly set goals and a plan of action on how to accomplish them.

And this is often the case with our personal dreams, aspirations, and goals.

Join us, Jared and Annette, as we explore the motivations that fuel ambitions, the power of goals in shaping lives, and effective strategies for setting your goals and actually achieving them.

At the end of this episode, you’ll be clearer than you have ever been on how to finally reach your goals and make you excited about the year ahead!

We also love to hear from you! Ask us anything about this topic. And if you don’t mind, we will share and discuss it anonymously on this podcast with fellow listeners! Text your question or message to (310) 879-8441.

If you like this episode and know of someone who needs to hear it, help us get this message out to improve people’s personal lives and foster healthy relationships!

Resources

• Visit our website - Azure Farm -  for all things concerning farm, home, gardening, and the simple life
• Helpful article - Homesteading For Beginners - Three Principles To Get You Started
• Follow Azure Farm on Instagram for your daily inspiration

Pre-order our new book - 

Simple Country Living

 - From how to start a garden to garden-to-table recipes, tips, and family activities, you’ll reduce waste, save money, and harness new skills.

Here’s a few links to some things we’re passionate about:

Annette’s new book - Simple Country Living

https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Country-Living-Techniques-Recipes/dp/0760385408

For our Workshops and How-to series - LiveHomeGrown.com

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/azure-farm/id1463340821

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4eieYkvDungVAwkcHewo89?si=j0_fZgcQSZq2e3lHAGFP0Q

Web - https://www.azurefarm.com and HappyFarmily.com

Follow along on IG or TikTok - @azurefarm

Welcome to our new yet not-so-new podcast!

Let’s rewind it a bit, shall we?

It all started with two city lovers - a risk-taker entrepreneur and a more conservative rapid-response nurse (although she did venture into the exciting world of designing wedding gowns!)

They fell deeply in love, pursued all sorts of careers and business ventures, got married, yearned for a slower pace of life, started searching for the perfect piece of land, waited six years to find one, got pregnant soon after, and started their podcast a week after their little girl arrived.

Ok, so that is the short version! And, of course, we are talking about us, Jared and Annette.

Fast forward 10 years, and here we are today, surrounded by our #happyfarmily of chickens, donkeys, alpacas, goats, and more, making our podcast bigger and better for you.

We have a passion for healthy relationships and getting the most out of life, and want to share it all with you.

Come listen to our full story on how we got here, and join us as we take on this wild but amazing ride called life!

Next week, we’ll dive into how the power of goal setting can shape your life and share some strategies on how to achieve your new year's goals.

We also love to hear from you! Ask us anything about this topic. And if you don’t mind, we will share and discuss it anonymously on this podcast with fellow listeners! Text your question or message to (310) 879-8441.

If you like this episode and know of someone who needs to hear it, help us get this message out to improve people’s personal lives and foster healthy relationships!

Resources

Prefer to read our story? Read it here!

Visit our website - Azure Farm -  for all things concerning farm, home, gardening, and the simple life

Follow Azure Farm on Instagram for your daily inspiration

Pre-order our new book - 

Simple Country Living

 - From how to start a garden to garden-to-table recipes, tips, and family activities, you’ll reduce waste, save money, and harness new skills.

Here’s a few links to some things we’re passionate about:

Annette’s new book - Simple Country Living

https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Country-Living-Techniques-Recipes/dp/0760385408

For our Workshops and How-to series - LiveHomeGrown.com

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/azure-farm/id1463340821

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4eieYkvDungVAwkcHewo89?si=j0_fZgcQSZq2e3lHAGFP0Q

Web - https://www.azurefarm.com and HappyFarmily.com

Follow along on IG or TikTok - @azurefarm

Azure Farm is located just outside the tiny town of Adairsville, Georgia -  about an hour north of Atlanta.  We moved out here and started our farm in pursuit of a more simple lifestyle. We wanted to get back to the basics. The rat race and the hustle and bustle were quickly replaced by a love for gardening, harvesting food, quiet evenings with the sounds of crickets, and sunny azure sky days. We hope sharing peeks into our daily lives can inspire you to live more of your life outdoors and ultimately to slow down. We are passionate that we all must slow down to really appreciate what matters in life. 

Here’s a few links to some things we’re passionate about:

Annette’s new book - Simple Country Living

https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Country-Living-Techniques-Recipes/dp/0760385408

For our Workshops and How-to series - LiveHomeGrown.com

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/azure-farm/id1463340821

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4eieYkvDungVAwkcHewo89?si=j0_fZgcQSZq2e3lHAGFP0Q

Web - https://www.azurefarm.com and HappyFarmily.com

Follow along on IG or TikTok - @azurefarm