Visit the Farm

Welcome to the Farm!

A large garden and orchard, chickens, lambs, and a huge Do-It-Yourself farmhouse build keep our hands busy, our tummies filled, and our hearts humbled. Life on our hobby farm is wonderfully messy.

I grew up in Southern Indiana and loved spending my summers picking sweet sun-ripened strawberries straight from our home garden, playing in the creek, and collecting fresh still-warm eggs. My mama taught me how to can, make bread, and to enjoy the simple pleasure that country life brings. Now that I’m married with 5 little ones of my own, we’ve chosen a country life so that we could give our children similar experiences. Bless this Mess is not just about food, we are also a hobby farm blog, we love to share life on our hobby farm and the joys of growing our own food!

January 2016 we broke ground.
April 2017 we have part of a house!

Follow Our Farm Journey!

Building our own farmhouse, with our own two hands

All Life on the Farm Our Garden Preserving the Harvest

jar of pickles with text overlay

August 10, 2020

Easy Fermented Pickles

Looking for a great homemade fermented pickle recipe? Look no more! This recipe makes lacto-fermented dill and garlic pickles that last ages and are so full of flavor. New to fermenting? I’ll be your guide. Naturally...

December 2, 2019

DIY Sewing Kit in a Jar – Homemade Christmas Gift

This DIY sewing kit in a jar is such a fun & creative gift idea for your favorite crafty person! They’ll love this simple homemade gift that only takes a few moments to make. Simple Sew...

Holiday Gift Ideas For Your Neighbor | Bless This Mess

November 28, 2019

Simple Holiday Gift Ideas For Your Neighbors

Looking for easy gift ideas for your neighbor? These fun and affordable gifts are perfect for spreading holiday cheer in your neighborhood! 15 Gift Ideas for Neighbors that You Only Kinda Know Do you give Christmas...

Gift Ideas for Gardeners and Homesteaders

November 26, 2019

The Best Gift Ideas for Gardeners & Homesteaders

Have a gardening or farming lover on your list? This homesteader gift guide has ideas perfect for anyone who loves to garden and grow their own food! Gift Ideas for Gardeners and Homesteaders These gifts are...

Title Image for Gift Guide 2019 Food Gift Baskets with examples of 15 different food gift baskets

November 25, 2019

Bless this Mess Gift Guide 2019: Food Gift Baskets

Looking for the perfect gift ideas for a relative, host, neighbor, or teacher? These food gift baskets are fun and functional for everyone on your list! 15 Deliciously Awesome Food Gift Baskets The older I get,...

October 20, 2019

How to Cook Pumpkin in the Instant Pot

Learn how to cook pumpkin in the Instant Pot with this simple guide that will teach you how to make pumpkin puree at home. Use it in pumpkin pie, soups, and all the other Fall comfort...

Title Image for 5 Easy Fall Crafts for Kids with examples of four fall crafts

October 8, 2019

5 Fall Crafts for Kids

The change in season is always a great time to introduce some fun new crafts. These 5 Fall Craft Ideas for Kids will encourage them to be creative and resourceful as we transition into the season of...

September 27, 2019

Easy Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipe

This easy pumpkin dog treat recipe contains four simple ingredients that are good for your pup and that he or she will love to chow down! This is my very first dog treat recipe, but if...