Have you ever heard that digging your hands in the dirt is a natural antidepressant? There is something innately soothing about connecting so physically with the earth and truly grounding yourself within nature. When my husband and I packed up our four kids, our dog, and all our belongings to search for a home to "put down our roots", we had no idea how literal that phrase would become.
In March of 2020, we found our dream home. Plenty of bedrooms, an in-law apartment for my mother-in-law, and a big yard to roam. Our property was like a blank canvas waiting to be transformed. If you asked me a few years ago if we would one day cultivate our home into a homestead, I would think you were out of your mind.
It all began with a few seeds sown indoors, under the advice of our grandparents. When seedlings erected, my husband and I worked together to build a garden bed. The first of many yard ventures together, seeing that first garden thrive was a feeling we had never known. With zucchini and summer squash coming out our ears, we began learning new recipes and ways to preserve our crop. Our children found joy counting the daily haul, and sometimes helping to harvest. Through working that first garden bed, we had unknowingly planted new seeds in our hearts as our love for our land grew.
Two and a half years, a healthy dose of love, and a whole heap of hard work later, that first garden bed has flourished into a small farm. A coop to house our flock of chickens and ducks sits at the wood line, while a portion of our woodshed has taken residence of the "Bunny Bungalow". Our children, who would once run inside at the sight of a bug, now plant their own micro-garden, assist with tending the animals, and playfully explore the woods on our acreage.
An admiration for nature has sparked a deep passion for sustainable living and cultivating our land. Through the trials and tribulations of learning to homestead, we've all gained many valuable lessons. We've slowed down to appreciate the little things, honed new skills, and discovered that beauty is all around us.
One sunny morning, during the dog days of summer, the kids and I decided to build our own little farm stand. Using crates and scrap wood from around our property, we worked together to create our first "business". My sweet little entrepreneurs busied themselves making crafts, homemade lemonade, and helping to decorate some cupcakes to sell at their new stand. It was then that an idea started burning bright. That afternoon, Diva + Duke Love-Bell Farm was born. We aim to provide sustainable goods, farm fresh ingredients, and handcrafted decor at affordable prices. Bring the outside in, refresh your space, and slow down to take in the small stuff. From our family to yours, we hope to help you enjoy the simple things.