SPRING INSPIRATION | healthy habits, organization, easy meals & new workouts

[@pattiforrester5355]

Is it just me? For some reason your skin is glowing today! You look so healthy! You have such a peace about you. You are at such a good place.

[@margaretmatheny]

Ah, that's so kind of you to say! I really do feel just that - peace and joy. Thanks for sharing these kind words, Patti.

[@amyding6990]

let's all take a moment to appreciate Margaret's existence. I read your story on your website and it totally touched me. Today there's pervasive glorification of being a corporate girl boss (which is the route I took but i hope a man can save me from this someday haha), materialism, bougie family vacations, etc. You're bringing it all back down to reality. This is life for the mass majority of families and you showcase the beauty and joy of the mundane. In our modern world where life is so complicated thanks to the abundance of things we own and the bombardment of info from media outlets, everyday life can be so frustrating. But you've discovered a way to navigate life as a mother with grace and joy. You're a wonderful example of how you have to say no to the millions of things that are trying to grab our money and time and to make way for what actually freaking matters, like complete presence when spending time with your children, appreciating the little moments of each day, and making way for a simpler life. I'm 25 & single but I hope to be the kind of mom you are someday. Your content makes me look forward to having children someday unlike all the fearful content I see about having children. I hope you know how special and inspiring you are, Margaret!!

[@soulsamlove]

Again, Margaret this video is so relatable! Super inspiring too! Thank you!!!!!

[@Clister0430]

"you're creating a safe place for those whom you love" That's a beautiful and holy perspective, and just the reminder I needed. Love your videos.

[@brookemiller3553]

I found your videos when I was doing a reset of the content creators that I follow. They have seriously transformed my life by helping me feel confident in slowing down, being intentional and embracing homemaking. I appreciate you so much and know that God put this content in my path!

[@margarethand4498]

Hey Margaret!! Not a mom yet, but I was actually entirely homeschooled until college. My Dad homeschooled my brother and I at the same grade level (my brother is 15 months older than I am). We basically went through a bunch of books when we were younger, like Kumon, or the ____ for Dummies books. When we were older, we would watch Great Courses (now Great Courses Plus) and do the connected assignments. We would start the day around 7am-8am each day and end whenever we got all of our work done. So instead of public school where you're in school for a set amount of time, we instead had a set amount of work each day and worked until we were done with everything. We had no homework or anything outside of that, so our evenings were free to spend time with family. We also had no summer vacations, but instead took random days off throughout the year. The last couple years of homeschooling, we did get the month of August off. My brother and I went to college when we were 16 and 15, and had no issue whatsoever transitioning out of homeschooling. Even the experience with no homework didn't set us back. I graduated last year with a BS in Mathematics and my brother is pursuing a PhD in Physics. Hopefully this helps!!

[@HaleyVillena]

You radiate true joy, such an inspiration! ❤

[@AmandaCummings-fl4pe]

I just found your channel and live it!! I plan to homeschool as well and gentle & classical press has so many good stories in their curriculum and is Christian based ❤

[@macapizzi]

Margaret! Same scenario for me, we’ve been doing a light 1/2 day preschool for my now 3 and 4 year old boys. Homeschool is on my heart and my oldest is kindergarten ready so I’ll be taking the plunge along with you. We are planning on a classical Christian approach but CM is so beautiful too❤❤ ❤❤❤❤❤

[@margaretmatheny]

Aw, amazing! Wishing the best for you all!!

[@hannahbentson9374]

Highly recommend good & beautiful for homeschool! I was very overwhelmed with the idea of schooling my children at first but this curriculum is really just grab and go. It’s so beautiful, teaches a lot about God and his creation which I love too! Biggest advice trust your intuition. If you need to make changes do it and lean on the holy spirit he will empower you to do more than you ever thought possible. Very excited for you on this new adventure!

[@ourwildflowerhaus]

we use this curriculum also & love it!

[@BarnAndBeach]

We’ve used it since preschool and my oldest is finishing 2nd grade. I love it so much.

[@emiliegetscrafty]

Your videos always leave me feeling better, hopeful, and motivated. Thank you for the work that you do!

[@margaretmatheny]

So welcome and so touched that I can help you in this season!

[@brookedallimore7101]

Your videos are so peaceful. Love the organized closet!

[@jaclynwilson7978]

Your videos are so calming and so real. I’m new to motherhood, and I keep coming back to these videos as inspiration for how I want to set intentions in our new family life 🤍

[@asmith8529]

When you put the bin on your head, it immediately made me happy. My 18 year old often does the same thing and you reminded me of her.

[@margaretmatheny]

Haha, I gotta keep the fun around here. Love that!

[@kamloopscruiser874]

I homeschooled our then teens thru high school. Best thing we ever did. Wish I had started sooner. They’re now 46 & 43 and I now have 5 grandchildren who range from 14 down to 5 who are being homeschooled. None of us have or had a homeschool room. Learning happened on the couch, the bed, the carpet and the kitchen table (the only table). Cuddling with our 2 dogs. I even used to pack their stuff in individual dishpans in the van and we did school outdoors at a local lake. Seems to be the same for the grandkids. As for other comfy indulgences with the flexibility of homeschooling- our daughter enjoyed wearing a bathing suit while she did her lessons while our son enjoyed his fuzzy bathrobe. Their “uniform” suited each of them. The grandchildren seem to be following in the same quirky ways which I love. Snuggling with their pets,following the beat of their own drums. You’ll love it. Just don’t be too hard on yourself- kids are learning machines. There’s no perfect one size fits all method. We tried everything from textbooks, unit studies and unschooling and found a blend of the above that suited us. Saxon for math, various science texts from Bob Jones University Press, homemade unit studies for the rest. They ended up with science degrees in university and did quite well. Both used to tutor their peers in math and science while at university - they were quite a lot more advanced than the normal school students. As for social interaction- we joined a huge homeschool group, did stuff with them, more with our church, our daughter was in ballet and both were in soccer. Our son did woodworking, both of them helped out with our rental business.

[@margaretmatheny]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I find it so valuable to read everyone’s story. There’s so much wisdom to u pack in yours. Thank you!

[@adharafidalgo]

I love love love watching your videos! It makes me calm, this one I watched while doing house work 😅

[@barefootfaith2096]

I just love that you're in my life in this small little way! 💕

[@theunhurriedmama]

So thrilled for you in your homeschool journey! This is our 6th year and it has been just as much of an education for me as it has been for my children. You are going to enjoy the slower pace SO MUCH. My biggest advice is to tell you that you ARE doing enough. Rigor isn’t necessary. Character formation first and the academics will follow in time, no rush.

[@naseerahdola1847]

Just letting you know I put your videos on whilst in the kitchen and cleaning etc, your great company! And thank you for the music, love it,

[@margaretmatheny]

Awww that makes my heart happy! Happy cleaning!

[@Pocketlint143]

What you said about being impatient and buy everything you need NOW, is exactly how I am when I move into a new space. Lord help me be wise financially! 😅 The memory of your dad reading to you all sounds like the sweetest times of childhood, also after homeschooling my three for a few years, I still haven’t found a “groove” lol and it ALWAYS changes. There are days it’s so beautiful outside that we just don’t do school that day, and that’s fine! Also..homeschooling is not hard, unless we make it hard Prayers to you on this new and exciting journey! 😊❤

[@shellykean]

I really enjoy watching your videos!!! 💕 They are so calming and informative! Thank you for sharing your heart! I have a suggestion for a video that I would love for you to share. I’m always interested in learning what you love most about the products you have or just things that you have for everyday use. Could you make a video of just things you use and have? Like just pull out things like candles, your favorite silicone spoon you use to cook with, bath products, laundry detergent, cookware, daily stuff you use and where you got it from, etc. That is just some of the things I would like to know. I’m always wondering where you get things from that are in your videos. I know you tell some of the things that you use, but I’m curious about some of the other things that you don’t mention. This is just a suggestion, but really, I am just curious about what you use and love and where to find it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas with us!

[@jennyjinx]

We are loving the faraway tree series and wind in the willows :)

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

I caught your comment about homeschooling in one of the recent videos I enjoyed and thought to myself, "If she hasn't found Mason yet, she surely will." Enjoy falling through the classical wardrobe, Margaret! It's magic on the other side.

[@Shasta31487]

Little House on the Prairie, A Wrinkle in Time, Gathering Blue, The Giver, Mrs. pigglewiggle, and soooo many more when they are older. And one I personally collect, Stone Soup. Great for littles.

[@sarataylor8207]

As someone who was homeschooled, my chief piece of advice is to make sure your kids are still getting plenty of socialization with their peers. My mom put a lot of emphasis on getting us into all kinds of activities, but we didn't automatically make friends there. I learned how to do a lot of really cool things, but I struggled to connect. Hope that helps.

[@rmm4123]

This is definitely one of the reasons I hesitate. I tried it last year and my kids had no friends, even going to a co-op. My oldest is an extrovert so being at home all the time is very lonely for her.

[@therecianmcpherson1298]

hello Margaret I been a fan of you for a very long time and I just love how inspiring you are your so pretty and you have the prettiest skin what skin products do you use and suggest for sensitive skin?

[@brookedallimore7101]

Would love to see all the homeschool things when y’all start that! 😊

[@margaretmatheny]

Will do my best!

[@brittany5891]

I’m not a mom yet, but my friends who were homeschooled told me they wished they had more interaction with kids their own age. Even with siblings, I think that caused them to feel lonely sometimes. My advice would be try and get them involved in maybe other homeschool groups or an activity/club/sports every week so they can keep up their social skills! 😊

[@mariakilpela8014]

I love that you share recommendations! I recently purchased the prime protein powder that you mentioned, and I love it, so thank you!

[@theworkofherhands]

Aaah I love this video 🥰 Inspired me to make a meal for my friend this week.❤️ Also the common house podcast is my absolute favorite to listen to right now and is the thing that has made me feel confident and super excited to homeschool my son! 🎉 thanks for sharing.

[@emilycowdrey99]

Not a mama yet, but I was homeschooled, and the best thing when I was your boys ages was just getting to read about everything. All we did for school until 5th grade was reading, math, and handwriting/writing. You can read and explore about science, history, Bible, and everything else at that age. Library days and preschool story time were hugely influential in my learning and childhood

[@margaretmatheny]

WOW, love this so much! Exactly what I’m dreaming of for my boys. Thank you for sharing.

[@cara.lee.h]

Loved this video!

[@hannahbentson9374]

Yesss! Frog and toad is a fav of all my kids. Sorry for the million comments I’m just so excited with you!!

[@mollygoebel6152]

Hi! Thank you for your videos! Praying for you on your homeschool journey! You'll do great 😊 Question; what washable couch do you recommend?

[@margaretmatheny]

Love our Albany park couch! I think the link is in the description!

[@babycate912]

Your videos always feel like fresh air. I can feel my shoulders drop immediately while watching and that’s so rare in a world full of chaos. Thank you for that. Also, If I missed where you said it, I’m sorry, but I had to know as soon as I saw it. WHERE is your entertainment center from? I love it 😍

[@hannahbentson9374]

Tabitha Pages books are stunning! Your littlest may really love them. My 2 year old really enjoys them. My boys love magic tree house, Beatrix potter and little house on the prairie.

[@kimberleylibby1028]

I’m really particular about the illustrations in kids books. It could be because I’m a hobby artist so I notice and really care about the illustrations but they really do matter. Kids can be visual learners and the illustrations can help keep their attention and add to the magic of the story.

[@iamnyoka]

I need to try it out, because right now my daughter has full access to all craft stuff except paint.

[@ohnelson1988]

Margaret I love your sweater! Where is it from?

[@natalieelskamp9677]

I watched the first part of this and thought, "she's totally a Charlotte Mason mom" and then I watched reading section and yup, you are!! Do you know about Simply Charlotte Mason? And their podcast? Love them. I'm a homeschool and homestead mom of 6, we've homeschooled from day one and my oldest is entering the highschool, and years next year, CM has been absolutely amazing and we will continue it.

[@LearnWithAdrienne]

I’m also considering using Simply Charlotte Mason curriculum and I love their podcast/KZbin channel!! My sons are 3 and 5.

[@capricebachor7632]

Margaret, where is your green/gray t shirt from? The one you wore at the gym? Love this video :)

[@LivChapp]

I was going to suggest the common place as my tip before you said it!! lol

[@margaretmatheny]

Omg!! Love that! I can’t get enough of Autumn’s wisdom!

[@victoriajohnson3034]

Favorite book growing up was pilgrims progress.

[@sarahthatcher123]

One of my favourite books that I think especially boys might enjoy is ‘Where the Red Fern Grows’. You would have to read it out loud. It’s for older children technically in terms of reading level. It’s about a boy and his dogs. Also, maybe preread it yourself because I read it when I was young and can’t remember if there is anything very slightly ‘inappropriate’ for very young kids. Nothing way off I’m pretty sure.

[@HomesteadHealing]

I do the same thing with my kids toys and art supplies, I do keep pens and crayons out now that they're all over 4 years old, but they cant get into paint or playdoh or all the toys at once, i have to limit those. Toys are also in a closet in sets, they have plenty of their favorite toys in their rooms, too many really, but the rest stay organized in a locked closet for now and I'll open it and let them get what they want when they ask if they put something else away so the house isnt flooded with toys 😂. Great video! I need to get back into an exersize routine!

[@HomesteadHealing]

I've been homeschooling for 4 years now, and the dining room table has been the absolute best place for us to work. I do have a weird room in my house that would have made a cute homeschool room, but it was too far away from the kitchen and there's no bathroom downstairs where the room is, so I just hide our homeschool books and products in our hutch and buffet cabinet right behind the table and we love it!

[@margaretmatheny]

Love all of this, thank you for sharing! And yes, that also makes me feel right about this decision with the dining room table. It just makes sense! Thanks for sharing your wisdom. I truly appreciate it!

[@HomesteadHealing]

@margaretmatheny Thank you for sharing yours as well, you've inspired me so much! 😊

[@capricebachor7632]

Durrenda Wilson for all things unhurried homeschooling! She has a podcast and amazing, easy-to-read books for homeschooling parents. We like My Father's World curriculum, and are going to be in our 5th year using it. Its so adaptable and I can do as much or as little as my children need. We have 3 boys and a girl ages 3-9. Curriculum is a guide, so I try to remember to teach my children, not the curriculum. Discipleship is the goal, homeschooling is the tool. The early years are for the basics and exploration, to love learning.

[@haley1532]

I’m sure you e already heard this, but just in case you haven’t, I highly recommend getting the book Awaking Wonder by Sally Clarkson! She is so encouraging!

[@LibbyWiltsey]

Have you joined the CMEC? Love Autumn and her podcast 🎉

[@kamhana8966]

Hii great video :) I looked into the electrolyte brand and they use “natural flavors” and stevia… why not just add a clean salt to your water ?

[@burakmuhammad2415]

Which hair colour you use please i love your hairs colour, and also beef tallow you use on face , i will love to know❤

[@chasidisharp]

Read Teaching From Rest by Sarah Mackenzie...I've been homeschooling for 10 years, I read it once a year. The best homeschooling book, centered on Jesus, reading aloud and gentle/ simple homeschooling

[@naomiupdike9450]

🌸🤗

[@dmarie4192]

Love and appreciate the recommendations, what were the electrolytes?

[@margaretmatheny]

So glad they can help you! They are linked below for you, they are Redmond Real Salt Electrolytes! I have the strawberry lemonade flavor.

[@jhaub305]

Do you have recipe for those delicious looking garlic knots?

[@capricebachor7632]

And my Father's World is a Charlotte Mason style :)

[@ushmamehta9261]

Link for the washable rug please

[@margaretmatheny]

My favorite thing in our home!! ohhappyhome.store I'll add a link to the description as well. Thanks for reminding me!

[@katieruhrwien9977]

Do you have a branch basics code right now?

[@margaretmatheny]

Yes! It’s either MARGARET.MATHENY or MARGARETMATHENY ♥️

[@mikaylastuart9108]

Sara Therese could help!

[@chloestruse]

You feel like a friend I’m catching up with who encourages and inspires me. Feel free to “over share” haha because it’s the little things that help me the most! 🤍

[@margaretmatheny]

Ah thanks Chloe. Those words are so kind ♥️