Episodes

  • Save Money Fast With These Homeschool Tips | Real Budget Hacks That Actually Work
    Jan 8 2026

    Homeschooling does not have to be expensive to be effective.

    In this episode, I am sharing practical homeschool budget hacks that help us save money fast while still providing a solid, meaningful education. These are real strategies we actually use, from finding quality free homeschool resources to making smarter curriculum and supply decisions that stretch your budget without sacrificing learning.

    If you are feeling the pressure of rising costs or wondering how to homeschool well on a tight budget, this episode will help you rethink what is truly necessary and where you can simplify. These homeschool tips are designed to support sustainable, long term homeschooling that fits real life and real finances.

    This is about doing homeschool on purpose, not on impulse, and creating a rhythm that works for your family and your budget.

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    17 mins
  • Is Denison Really Worth It for Homeschoolers? An Honest Geometry Curriculum Review
    Jan 1 2026

    Choosing a homeschool math curriculum can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to balance rigor, confidence, and real understanding.

    In this episode, I share our honest experience with the Denison geometry curriculum and answer the question so many homeschool parents are asking. Is Denison really worth it for homeschoolers?

    We talk about how this curriculum functions day to day, what worked well for our family, where the challenges showed up, and who Denison geometry is actually a good fit for. If you are navigating homeschool math, considering Denison algebra or geometry, or rethinking your current math approach, this conversation will help you make a more informed decision.

    This is a real homeschool math discussion from a mom in the middle of it, not a polished sales pitch. Just practical insight, reflection, and clarity as we continue shaping what works for our homeschool.

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    22 mins
  • The Proven Math U See Strategy That Actually Works for 4th Grade
    Dec 25 2025

    If you've been wondering whether Math U See is the right fit for your homeschool, this episode dives into the honest, real-life breakdown you've been looking for. Today, I'm sharing the proven strategy that's been helping our 4th grade math routine click — and why this curriculum continues to surprise me in the best ways.

    Math doesn't have to be stressful, overwhelming, or a daily battle. With the right approach, it can actually feel doable and even enjoyable (yes, really). I'm talking about what works, what doesn't, and the small adjustments that have made a huge difference in our homeschool season.

    Inside this episode, I'm covering:

    • My honest thoughts on Math U See
    • The strategy that transformed our 4th grade math flow
    • How I simplify lessons without sacrificing mastery
    • What I've learned after using MUS across multiple grades
    • How this curriculum fits into our homeschool plans this year

    If you're a homeschool parent trying to find the math program that actually works for your child (and for you), this episode is going to feel like a deep breath and a practical roadmap.

    #MathUSee #MakingEverydayMagic #4thGradeMath

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    19 mins
  • Why I Started Making Everyday Magic: Our Homeschool Story
    Dec 18 2025

    If you've ever wondered how Making Everyday Magic began, this episode is the heart of it all. Today, I'm opening up about who I am, why I started this journey, and how our homeschool story shaped everything I share here.

    From the early days of figuring things out, to the messy, real-life moments that pushed me toward creating a space for honest, encouraging homeschool content — this is the story behind it all. And yes… I also try coconut water for the first time, because why not?

    Inside this personal episode, I'm sharing:

    • What inspired me to start Making Everyday Magic
    • How our homeschool journey began and grew
    • The mindset shifts that shaped the way we learn at home
    • Why creating this space matters so much to me
    • A little life, a little homeschool, and a whole lot of real talk

    Whether you're new here or you've been walking this homeschool path with me for years, I hope this episode gives you a deeper look into the heart of our story — and maybe even inspires you to find the magic in your own.

    #OurHomeschoolStory #MakingEverydayMagic #MyStory

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    25 mins
  • Surprising Lessons From Week One of Homeschool
    Dec 11 2025

    Week one of our homeschool year is officially in the books — and wow, did it come with some surprises. In this episode, I'm sharing our honest first impressions of the new homeschool routines, the curriculum we're testing out, and the little lessons that already shifted how we're approaching this year.

    If you love real-life homeschooling without the pressure or perfection, this is the recap you'll want to hear. We're talking adjustments, wins, what we didn't expect, and how we're already finding the rhythm that makes everyday magic actually possible.

    Inside this episode, I'm diving into:

    • What worked (and what absolutely didn't) during week one
    • First impressions of our new homeschool curriculum
    • Why flexibility matters more than flawless routines
    • The small shifts that made a big difference in our days
    • How we're shaping a homeschool year that feels good for everyone

    Whether you're a brand-new homeschooler or deep in your own routines, I hope this encourages you to pause, reflect, and celebrate the small wins hiding in your week.

    #FirstImpressions #MakingEverydayMagic #BackToHomeschool

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    17 mins
  • Why I Stopped Chasing Goals And Started Actually Living
    Dec 4 2025

    If you've been chasing achievements, checking boxes, or waiting for the perfect moment to finally feel "ready," this episode is your reminder that real life is happening right now. Today, I'm sharing the mindset shift that's been changing everything in my heart, home, and homeschool: I stopped chasing goals for someday and started living with intention today. ✨

    This isn't about giving up. It's about letting go of perfection, stepping out of hustle mode, and rediscovering the joy in the beautifully imperfect everyday moments. Because if you're always waiting for the "right time," you'll miss the magic that's already here.

    Inside this episode, I'm talking through:

    • A personal life update and what's coming next
    • Why I'm shifting my focus and message
    • How I'm learning to make everyday magic right now
    • Why motivation rooted in presence—not pressure—changes everything

    Whether you're a homeschool parent, creator, or someone trying to juggle all the things, I hope this episode gives you the encouragement to pause, breathe, and lean into the life you're living today.

    Let me know: Are YOU chasing or living?

    #motivation #makingeverydaymagic #stopchasinggoals

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    18 mins
  • Are You Overcommitting Your Kids? Simplifying Extracurriculars for Sanity + Balance
    Nov 27 2025

    Ever feel like your family calendar is running you instead of the other way around? 🙋‍♀️

    In this episode, I'm getting real about how easy it is to overcommit our kids — and ourselves — with endless activities, lessons, and events. We recently hit that wall of exhaustion and decided it was time to simplify.

    Let's talk about how to spot the signs of burnout, what happens when you say "yes" too often, and how scaling back can actually make room for more joy, connection, and peace in your home.

    If you've been feeling mentally tired from high-commitment (and high-cost) extras, this conversation is your gentle reminder: less really can be more. 💕

    ✨ Topics covered:

    • Avoiding burnout from too many activities

    • Simplifying kids' extracurriculars

    • Balancing family time and mental health

    • Letting go of the "busy means better" mindset

    #SimplifyingKidsActivities #MakingEverydayMagic #HomeschoolExtras #HomeschoolMom #FamilyBalance #IntentionalParenting #HomeschoolEncouragement #SimpleHomeschool #MomLife #MentalHealthMatters #FamilyTime

    💖 — Shanna
    Just a mama making magic!

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    13 mins
  • Surviving Homeschool Mornings Is Easier Than You Think: Simple Routines That Work
    Nov 20 2025

    If your homeschool mornings feel more like chaos than calm, you are not alone. But here's the good news — it doesn't have to be that way!

    In this episode, I'm sharing how a simple, realistic morning routine has completely changed the tone of our homeschool days. From building habits that actually stick to creating peaceful starts that set the tone for success, I'll walk you through what's worked for us — no overcomplicating, no Pinterest-perfect schedules required.

    We'll talk about finding a flow that fits your family, what to include (and skip!) in your mornings, and how to build a rhythm that helps everyone start the day feeling ready instead of rushed.

    If you've been craving a calmer start to your homeschool day, this episode is your cozy cup of encouragement. ☕💕

    ✨ Topics covered:

    • Simple homeschool morning routines

    • Easy homeschool planning strategies

    • Calming the chaos before it starts

    • Building peace into your homeschool day

    #HomeschoolMorningRoutine #MakingEverydayMagic #HomeschoolMomRoutines #HomeschoolPlanning #SimpleHomeschool #HomeschoolEncouragement #HomeschoolLife #HomeschoolTips #HomeschoolCommunity #MomLife #MorningRoutine

    💖 — Shanna
    Just a mama making magic!

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    14 mins