Making Everyday Magic: The Podcast

Let's play Never Have I Ever: Homeschool Mom Edition! 🤭✨ In today's episode, I'm spilling the tea on all the homeschool trends, popular curriculum, and "must-dos" that I've never tried — and honestly? I don't regret it one bit. 😂 Homeschooling looks different for every family, and sometimes skipping the popular things is the best way to make your magic. 💖 I'm sharing my real experiences with p...

Let's get real—parenting today is political. Homeschooling? Even more so. In this episode, we're diving headfirst into what it means to raise the next generation with intention, integrity, and impact. 💥 In a world that often feels divided, raising kids who think for themselves , stand up for others , and challenge the status quo is the real revolution. We're not just teaching math and reading—we'...

It's that time again… thinking for next year. 😅 My brain is doing that homeschool ping-pong thing where I'm asking all the questions and getting... not a lot of answers (yet). ✨ What's next? 🔬 Where are we headed with physics? 📉 Are we scaling back? Shifting focus? 🔁 Are BIG changes coming? Right now, I'm just talking it out, sorting through ideas, and trying to feel what makes the most sense...

🎙️ Deep Dive: 7th Grade Language Arts | Michael Clay Thompson Level 4 in Our Homeschool Let's break down our 7th grade language arts curriculum! This year, we're using Michael Clay Thompson Language Arts Level 4 —the Classic Literature Level —in our secular homeschool. If you've been wondering how this curriculum works, what makes it unique, and if it's the right fit for your homeschool, I've got...

Somehow, we're already closing out the 3rd quarter of our homeschool year! 🤯 As we roll into the final stretch, we're finally settling into our new routine, soaking up that fresh spring energy, and—because homeschool planning never really stops—starting to think about next year. 🌸 In this episode: ✔️ How we're settling into our new homeschool routine ✔️ The boost of spring energy & a fresh minds...

Welcome back to Time With A Homeschool Mom ! Today, we're tackling the ultimate homeschool mom challenge—balancing productivity with the much-needed downtime we all deserve. If you ever feel like there's just never enough time, you're not alone! In this episode, I'm sharing my best time management strategies, organization tips, and how I make space for self-care. Plus, I'll talk about how Outree S...

Homeschooling and parenting come with a lot of feelings—and let's be real, guilt is a big one. No matter how much we plan, adjust, or pour into our kids, that little voice still whispers, "Am I doing enough?" Today, I'm diving into how I navigate the guilt—what triggers it, how I shift my mindset, and why I'm learning to let go of the pressure (because perfect isn't the goal). If you've ever felt...

Curious about how to make Michael Clay Thompson Language Arts Level 1 work in a secular homeschool ? This program is unlike anything else, and I'm sharing exactly how we use it for 3rd grade language arts . From grammar and vocabulary to writing and poetics, I'll walk you through what's included and how we fit it into our routine. Thinking about using MCT? Or already using something else? Let's ch...

📢 Social Media Is A Dangerous Scam: Why We Keep Comparing Ourselves to Fake Perfection We know social media isn't real. We know it's all curated, filtered, and staged. And yet… we're still out here comparing ourselves to people who don't even live the "perfect" lives they post. WHY do we keep falling for this? It's time for a reality check. 🔥 What's on my mind today: ✔️ Social media is basically...

Are you stuck in the endless loop of waiting for the perfect time, plan, or decision? Let's talk about how everything can turn into perfection paralysis —keeping you frozen instead of moving forward. When every option is on the table, choosing feels impossible. You second-guess, overanalyze, and search for the flawless solution, but here's the truth: perfection isn't real. In this episode, we're t...

Feeling like your homeschool has veered off track? You're not alone! In this episode, I'm breaking down the real and practical steps I'm taking to reset, refocus, and get things running smoothly again. Whether it's tweaking the schedule, rethinking curriculum choices, or simply finding our rhythm, these strategies will help you regain control of your homeschool journey. Homeschooling isn't always...

It's time for another Since You Asked, Homeschool Mom episode! In this one, I'm answering all of your questions about homeschooling, routines, life balance, and more. Whether you're feeling stuck or just need a little homeschool boost, I'm sharing my thoughts, tips, and real-life experiences to help you feel confident and supported on this wild homeschool journey. Grab your coffee, get comfy, and...

Consistency in parenting and homeschooling sounds great in theory—but in practice? It can feel impossible! In this episode of Making Everyday Magic , I'm breaking down how we maintain a steady homeschool routine and family life without burning out. I'll share the systems and habits that help us stay on track, plus how we embrace flexibility to stay consistent in the ways that truly matter. Spoiler...

Let's kick off the new year by focusing on what truly matters—fostering a love for language and storytelling in homeschool! 🎉 In this episode, I'm sharing my philosophy on teaching the essential building blocks that help kids develop a passion for expressing themselves through language. Instead of diving straight into formal writing, I focus on nurturing creativity, communication, and confidence....

✨ Is it time to refresh your why for homeschooling? ✨ Sometimes, we all need to pause, reflect, and realign. In our latest podcast episode, we're diving into how reevaluating your reasons for homeschooling can reignite your passion, refocus your goals, and breathe new life into your homeschool journey. 🌟 🖍️ Why Refreshing Your Why Matters: Your "why" is the foundation of everything you do in ho...

🎙️ Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you set up for success. Don't miss out! It's time to Plan and Prep the New Homeschool Year! 🖍️ Whether you're gearing up for a new semester or reassessing where you are midyear, this video will guide you through my process for organizing, evaluating, and preparing for the upcoming homeschoo...

It's time for an honest Mid-Year Homeschool Update! This year has been nothing short of "other"—a vibe that's hard to define but undeniably different from what I envisioned. In this episode, I'm reflecting on where we are, what's working (or not), and how this year compares to those before it. The start of a new year often comes with fresh goals and plans, but sometimes life has other ideas. From...

Homeschool regulation is a hot topic in the homeschooling community, and in this episode, I'm diving into my mixed feelings about it. As a homeschooler, I cherish the freedom to create a learning environment tailored to my family's needs. But I also recognize the critical importance of protecting children who might benefit from more oversight. Homeschooling is as diverse as the families who choose...

Unpopular opinion alert! It's OK to quit homeschooling, and I'm here to tell you why. Not everyone's homeschool journey starts from a place of choice. For some, it's a "no better option" scenario. This life is challenging, and it's not for everyone—and that's perfectly fine. In this episode, I share my perspective on why quitting doesn't mean failure. Instead, it's an opportunity to learn what doe...

📚✨ Resources Above Grade Level ✨📚 Ever wondered if using advanced materials in your homeschool is worth it? 🤔 In our latest podcast episode, we're diving into the benefits of going above grade level! From boosting confidence to encouraging deeper learning, we're sharing why challenging your learners can make a big difference. 🚀 🎙️ Tune in for: ✅ Tips on incorporating advanced resources ✅ H...

Game Changer: Mom And Me Monday In my quest to balance it all—homeschooling, running a small business, and being a productive work-from-home mom—I had a lightbulb moment: why not structure our homeschool week the same way I organize my day? That's when Mom And Me Monday was born! So, what is Mom And Me Monday? It's all about front-loading our homeschool week with the hardest tasks—the ones where m...

Homeschooling with a toddler in the house can feel like an impossible task. Whether it's balancing lessons or managing the chaos, I know firsthand how challenging it can be. With my girls being just over 4 years apart, nearly my entire homeschool journey has included a baby or toddler nearby, eager to join in! In this episode, I'm sharing my top 5 tips for homeschooling with a toddler in tow, so y...

Why do people have such strong reactions to your decision to homeschool? Whether it's family, friends, or even strangers, everyone seems to have an opinion—and they're not afraid to share it! In this episode, we unpack the reasons behind these unsolicited comments, questions, and concerns. Discover why your choices might make others uncomfortable and gain insights to help you stay patient and conf...

Are you finding it tough to keep up with your homeschool responsibilities? Wondering if your own ego might be affecting your child's educational journey? It's time to get real about homeschool! In this episode, we're diving deep into maintaining accountability in homeschooling and putting your child's education front and center. Whether you're a seasoned homeschooling parent or just starting out,...

Thinking about starting to homeschool? Don't take the plunge until you listen to this episode! It's crucial to be honest with yourself about your limits and when you might need to pivot or step away from homeschooling. In this episode, we'll discuss why having a clear understanding of your boundaries and expectations is essential before beginning your homeschooling journey. We'll cover key topics,...