Meet Mandy | Desert Homesteading & Family Life

🌵 About Me

Hi there, I’m Mandy — wife, mama, homesteader (in progress), and big fan of Hatch green chile.

I live in southern New Mexico with my husband, our two little girls, and a slobbery but sweet Bloodhound who keeps us on our toes. Together, we’re learning to live a little closer to the land—one chicken, turkey, and tomato at a time.

Our days are full of dirt-under-the-nails goodness: raising poultry, growing food in our tough desert soil, cooking from scratch, and preserving everything we can—whether it comes from our garden or a local grower down the road. What started as a hobby has turned into a passion, and one day, I hope it becomes our full-time way of life.

Out here, homesteading is less about perfection and more about presence. I love teaching my girls where their food comes from, how to plant a seed, and how to listen to the world around them. Whether we’re hiking the desert trails, camping under the stars, or just tending to the backyard flock, every day is an adventure worth savoring.

MandyTales is where I share the real, raw, and often hilarious journey of homesteading in southern New Mexico. You’ll find posts about gardening, raising animals, cooking from scratch, preserving the harvest, and making a home that’s rooted in both grit and grace.

So grab a cup of something good and settle in. I’m so glad you’re here.

— Mandy