As a homeschooling mama, I spend most of my days pouring into my children — teaching, guiding, feeding, cleaning, and all the little moments in between. It’s a full and beautiful life, but it’s also one that can leave me feeling drained if I don’t intentionally take time to refill my own cup. So here it is – the Things I love as a Busy Homeschooling Mama: Essentials That Fill My Cup!
Because here’s the truth: you can’t pour from an empty vessel. Recharging isn’t selfish — it’s essential. God created us to rest. When I take care of myself, I’m a more patient, joyful, and creative mom. And when my cup is full, it naturally overflows to my family.
So today I thought I’d share a fun list of the things I’m loving right now — my little essentials that make the busy homeschooling days lighter, brighter, and more enjoyable. Maybe you’ll find a new favorite too!
As a blogging homeschooling mama, I thought it might be fun to do a quick little roundup of some of my favorite things!
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What I Love to Wear These Days
As a homeschool mom with a toddler, I need clothes that are comfortable enough for sitting on the floor doing puzzles, practical for chasing kids outside, but still make me feel put together. Some of my go-tos:
Oversized Batwing Sweater – I’ve ordered this in white, black and I love them so much I may order another! These look great over workout pants or with jeans. So cozy – your perfect fall sweater!
New Balance Sneakers – This was the first time I’d ever bought New Balance before. I’m usually an Asics girl but I thought I’d give them a try and I’m hooked!
Women’s Sleeveless Romper – You can’t go wrong with this onesie! They are such a fantastic price point (at $19) that I’ve bought three different colors over the summer. This has basically been my “mommy uniform” – you feel so comfortable like you’re in pajamas all day! And when you’re running around chasing a toddler, comfort is of utmost importance!
“Mama” Hat – I’ve worn a hat a lot this past year (…any other moms not see a shower for 3+ days?!!) I think they are so cute and would make an adorable gift for a new mother as well! While this isn’t the exact one I’m wearing in my photo, I think it’s equally as cute with that worn vintage look.
Cool Gadgets & Beauty Products I’ve Discovered The Past Few Years
This Revolutionary Lemon Squeezer – yes, you heard me right! I discovered this in a unique kitchen store down by the beach that we go to in the summer, and fell in love with it right away! If you cook and bake a lot with lemon, you will see why this is so helpful! Made in Australia, this brand is coming up with some REALLY COOL gadgets! I’m impressed.
A Self-Sharpening Peeler – Made by the same innovative company as the lemon squeezer mentioned above, this peeler does exactly what it says! Every time you close your peeler, the blades get sharpened. How cool right?! I love mine!
Leather Wallet & Phone Case – I seem to always have people ask me where I got this wearable phone case/wallet. This is great for being hands-free when running into a store and/or dealing with young kiddos while out and about! I’ve had one for years!
Heatless Roller – If I ever have something where I want to look a little more put-together, and actually look like I spent some time on my hair I use this heatless roller. It is incredible and I can’t say enough about it! I’ll wash my hair, let it dry partially, roll hair up with it and go about my day. In a few hours, I simply undo it and WAH-LAH! Supermodel hair! You’ve got to try it.
Tallow & Organic Makeup – I buy from Toups & Co. It’s done amazing things for my skin! I just wish I’d known about it sooner!
I joke with my family that when I use face mask, it’s because I’m trying to convince myself that I still take time for self-care, (since it can be something I quickly forget to do sometimes) as simple as that is! Seriously though – it’s my favorite and leaves my skin glowy!
What I Love to Eat & Drink
Food is fuel, but it can also be a form of comfort and joy during long homeschool days. I keep things simple and nourishing.
Always cooking/baking up a big batch of my favorite bean salad for the week, or some of our favorite protein-filled muffins for easy and quick snacks during school time.
Matcha Green Tea Powder – For my morning matcha latte! I usually have this in the morning and afternoon!
Califia Farms Oat Milk Barista Blend Creamer – We are “subscribe-and-saved” to this one! This is the perfect complement to any coffee drinks, lattes and hot beverages you’ll be cozying up to this Fall/Winter season! I personally love frothing it with this frother (not to mention, rechargeable and sleek-looking for sitting out on your counter!) to make it extra indulgent and something special just for me! A little pit-stop in the middle of my crazy day!
Squeezable Tahini – I love making homemade hummus, and this squeezable tahini makes it nice and convenient!
Sourdough – if we don’t have time to make it from scratch, I love this brand! Makes it super-easy! Just pop it in the oven for a few minutes. Obviously homemade will always be better, but this works perfect in a pinch!
Shaklee Vitamins – The most important! Not a day goes by that I don’t have my Shaklee protein powder, collagen, multivitamin, b-complex, omega 3s, and D! I’ve never felt better!
For That Mid-Afternoon Chocolate Craving
Vegan Chocolate – This brand of chocolate bar is by far the best I’ve come across in a long time! The perfect treat.
Cacao Powder – for making low-sugar hot chocolate! I love making hot chocolate (even in the summer – I know, I’m weird!)
Other Random Stuff I’ve Been Loving
This Stainless-Steel Waterbottle that is massive – perfect for a long co-op day; we use it on Fridays when we are out most of the day! Great for re-filling all the kids water bottles throughout the day! I hate buying water.
This Fall candle is a good price point and smells amazing. They have a bunch of scents but this one is a favorite and in my kitchen currently!
One of my kids just turned 11 and we needed a reliable phone for her to use without any internet and apps – just call and text. We are SO impressed with the Gabb phone. They have used watches in the past but I feel like they were never very reliable. So far, I highly recommend it!
It seemed like a lot to spend on a tea kettle, but given the fact that I literally drink tea ALL DAY LONG, and we host a bunch, we wanted a good one. I kept buying cheaper random ones that looked good, and they never lasted long or without some issue but even my husband raves about this one!
What I Love for Rest & Refreshment
These are the small practices that breathe life back into me when I start to feel empty:
- Morning quiet time with Scripture, journaling, sitting in the quiet
- Walks outdoors – a little fresh air does wonders for the soul!
- Exercise – believe it or not, this helps me to de-stress and energizes me for the day ahead. But whether I fit it into the morning or carve out some time in my afternoon, I never regret it! It helps me think more clearly.
- Reading “mama books” (the ones just for me, not for homeschool) – even if it’s just 10 minutes before bed
- Listening to a favorite podcast while doing dishes or doing laundry – I love Farmhouse on Boone and Read Aloud Revival!
- Creative outlets like blogging, baking, or planning a future event — because creating something new always recharges me!
- Hiring a mommy’s helper just for a few hours one day a week can make all the difference!
- Hiring someone to clean my house occasionally to get a break and a good clean sweep that I can keep up in between. I always remember the advice one of my seasoned homeschool-mom friends told me: you can’t do everything. So delegate. Whenever possible, try to hire someone to do something you don’t want to do and fill that time with something that is life-giving like playing with the kids.
Why It Matters
Homeschooling is a calling and a joy, but it’s also demanding. When I ignore my own needs, everything feels heavier. But when I intentionally make space to be refreshed — with a cozy sweater, a nourishing snack, lighting a candle in the morning while I sip a latte and pray, or even just five minutes in the sunshine — I find myself better able to pour into my kids with much more grace and joy! I’ve also noticed how little time it actually takes to start feeling refreshed! Sometimes in as little as 10-15 minutes!
So keep pouring out, mama! But please remember to get filled back up! Find those little things you love and let them become part of your daily rhythm. Filling your cup isn’t just good for you — it’s a gift to your whole family! I’m needing to constantly remind myself of this as well!
Proverbs 11:25 “…whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
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