The Feast Life – Details, episodes & analysis

In this heartwarming episode of The Feast Life, Julie Ross explores the transformative power of learning to receive during the holidays. For many, the season can bring pressure to give endlessly, especially for homeschooling moms. Julie shares her personal journey of shifting from “doing it all” to graciously accepting help and blessings, leading to deeper joy and connection.

1. Keep It Simple and Savor the Little Things
   Overcomplicating the holidays can lead to burnout and frustration. Julie encourages us to “Keep it Simple, Silly” by focusing on meaningful, manageable traditions. Instead of trying to do everything, choose a few traditions that you and your family cherish and can sustain with joy.
2. Embrace a Mindset of Receiving
   Homeschool moms are often so focused on giving that they forget how to receive. Julie highlights the importance of letting others help and shower us with blessings. Learning to accept support—whether in the form of a meal, help with holiday preparations, or even a compliment—can foster deeper connections and reduce stress.
3. Cultivate Gratitude and Awe
   Reclaim the holiday magic by nurturing gratitude and wonder. Julie reminds us to look for small daily blessings, from a child finishing a math problem to shared moments of laughter. Embracing awe for the season’s blessings opens our hearts to unexpected joys and new possibilities.
4. Practice Working from Rest, Not Stress
   Approach the holiday season from a place of rest rather than stress. Allow flexibility in your schedule to welcome spontaneous joy and memorable moments. By releasing the need to control every detail, you create space for meaningful experiences and deeper family connections.

Resources Mentioned:

Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/56 for additional resources and links

Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

Connect with Us:

• Website: A Gentle Feast
• Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community
• Instagram: @agentlefeast
• Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife

Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com. Sign up for our “Peaceful and Joyful Holidays” course http://www.thefeastlife.me/holidays

In this episode of The Feast Life, Julie Ross interviews Heather and Emily from Beauty and Truth Math, a math curriculum designed for Charlotte Mason homeschooling families. They discuss the origins of Beauty and Truth Math, their personal homeschooling journeys, and the unique Charlotte Mason approach to teaching math. They delve into why traditional math teaching methods often fail to foster a love for math, while Beauty and Truth Math emphasizes understanding, conceptual thinking, and the beauty of math as a means to know God and truth. Heather and Emily share how their curriculum allows for flexibility, pacing, and individualized learning, making it accessible and encouraging for parents, regardless of their previous math experience.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Beauty of Math: Beauty and Truth Math aims to help students see math as a reflection of God’s order and truth, moving beyond rote learning to understanding the beauty in patterns and problem-solving.

1. Charlotte Mason’s Math Streams: Their curriculum incorporates "streams" of math subjects, which are introduced gradually and revisited, allowing for deeper conceptual connections across arithmetic, geometry, and algebra.

1. Flexible, Real-Life Application: Lessons are short and varied, allowing students to explore math ideas without pressure to memorize immediately. Parents can pace lessons based on each child’s readiness.

1. Support for Parents: Beauty and Truth Math provides scripted lessons, guides, and encouragement, allowing parents to grow alongside their students, especially those who may have had challenging experiences with math.

1. Math for All Ages and Abilities: The curriculum includes options for struggling students to progress without feeling "behind" by using multiple entry points and providing alternative approaches and reviews.

1. Preparing for Future Success: By aligning with national standards and integrating math into a Charlotte Mason education, students gain a solid math foundation that equips them for higher education and careers, with a heart to serve others through their learning.

The episode provides a refreshing approach for homeschooling families, emphasizing the joy and beauty in learning math within a supportive, flexible framework.

Connect with Beauty and Truth Math:

• Website: www.beautyandtruthmath.com  
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyandtruthmath 

Resources Mentioned:

Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/55 for additional resources and links

Peaceful & Joyful Holiday Course

Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

Connect with Us:

• Website: A Gentle Feast
• Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community
• Instagram: @agentlefeast
• Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife

Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

In this episode of The Feast Life, host Julie Ross is joined by Amanda Erickson, known on Instagram as The Flourishing Family. Amanda shares her journey from dealing with infertility and foster care to raising her two children and starting the flourishing homes and families ministry. They discuss the importance of parenting with grace, abiding in Christ, and creating a nurturing environment for children. Amanda’s insights on connecting with children, managing stress responses, and trusting God’s plan over rigid parenting paradigms are both inspiring and practical.

Key Takeaways:

1.Embrace Flourishing Over Surviving:

   Flourishing involves God’s intimate involvement and purpose, even in challenging seasons.

2.Abide in Christ:

   Constantly seek to know Jesus better through scripture to transform personal and parenting perspectives.

1. Model Desired Behaviors:

   Children often mirror their parents' behaviors and tones; modeling gentleness and compassion is crucial.

4.Growth Over Guilt:

   Focus on learning and growing from mistakes rather than being paralyzed by guilt and shame.

1. Connect Before You Correct:

   Establish connection and safety with children before administering correction to foster trust and effective learning.

Connect with Amanda Erickson:

• Instagram: @flourishinghomesandfamilies
• Website: flourishinghomesandfamilies.com 
• Book Available 09/17: The Flourishing Family 

Resources Mentioned:

Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/46 for additional resources and links

Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

Connect with Us:

• Website: A Gentle Feast
• Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community
• Instagram: @agentlefeast
• Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife

Today’s episode is sponsored by The Confident Homeschool Mom. This 12 week course launches September 18th. Create a life and homeschool you love and join our waitlist now. https://www.thefeastlife.me/confidentwaitlist 

In this episode, Julie Ross guides you through the process of setting a clear and intentional vision for your homeschool year. If you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck in the "how" of planning, Julie offers practical strategies to help you refocus on what truly matters. Through calming exercises and thought-provoking questions, she encourages you to move past analysis paralysis and decision fatigue, so you can approach the upcoming school year with clarity and confidence.

Key Takeaways:

1. Avoid Getting Stuck in Analysis Paralysis:
• It’s easy to become overwhelmed with decisions and details when planning your homeschool year. Instead of getting bogged down in the "how," focus on the bigger picture and remember that there are often multiple paths to success. By broadening your perspective, you can find a range of possibilities that align with your goals.
2. Clarify Your Vision and Purpose:
• Knowing your "why" is essential. Take time to reflect on why you homeschool, what you believe about education, and the kind of people you hope your children will grow up to be. This vision will guide your decisions and help you stay focused on what truly matters in your homeschool journey.
3. Shift Your Mindset to Empowerment:
• Replace the language of "I have to" with "I get to" or "I choose to." This simple shift can transform your attitude toward homeschooling, making it feel like an exciting privilege rather than a burdensome task. Embrace the opportunities homeschooling offers and approach your planning with a sense of empowerment.
4. Develop a Purpose Statement:
• Create a purpose statement for your homeschool that encapsulates your vision and the actions needed to achieve it. This statement serves as a guiding star, helping you make decisions that align with your long-term goals. Julie encourages you to write down this statement as a tangible reminder of your homeschool’s direction.
5. Stay Flexible and Adaptable:
• Understand that your homeschool plan may need to evolve over time. What works this year might not work next year, and that’s okay. Be willing to adapt your approach based on your family’s needs and the outcomes you desire. Flexibility is key to maintaining a joyful and effective homeschool environment.

Resources Mentioned:

Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/45 for additional resources and links

Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

Connect with Us:

• Website: A Gentle Feast
• Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community
• Instagram: @agentlefeast
• Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife

Today’s episode is sponsored by The Confident Homeschool Mom. This 12 week course launches September 18th. Create a life and homeschool you love and join our waitlist now. https://www.thefeastlife.me/confidentwaitlist 

In this heartwarming and insightful episode of The Feast Life, host Julie Ross welcomes Beth Howard to discuss the importance of a Charlotte Mason education not just for children, but for mothers as well. Dive into the concept of “mother culture” and discover how moms can enrich their own lives while educating their children. Beth shares her personal journey and the transformative power of embracing a wide and living education. Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for nurturing your own heart and mind. 5 Key Takeaways: Mother Culture Matters: Embracing a Charlotte Mason education for yourself as a mother enriches your life and enhances your ability to homeschool your children effectively. Integration into Daily Life: Incorporate learning activities such as narration, nature journaling, and reading into your daily routine alongside your children to model lifelong learning. Pursue Personal Growth: Dedicate time each day to read a variety of books and engage with living ideas. This not only nourishes your mind but also sets an example for your children. Build a Book of Centuries: Creating a Book of Centuries helps you see the interconnectedness of global history, making your learning journey more cohesive and comprehensive. Believe in Your Worth: Recognize that you, as a mother, deserve a rich and fulfilling education. Your personal growth and well-being are crucial for a thriving homeschool environment. Connect with Beth Howard: Instagram: @littleworldwanderers Website: littleworldwanderers.com Resources Mentioned: Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/44 for additional resources and links Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews. Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW Connect with Us: Website: A Gentle Feast Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community Instagram: @agentlefeast Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of confidence and how it can help you become a more confident homeschool mom. Building on last week's discussion about managing difficult emotions, we explore how to create positive emotions by changing our thoughts and actions. We discuss the true nature of confidence, the actions that generate it, and the thoughts that support it. Whether you're looking to be more joyful, motivated, or patient, this episode offers practical advice and encouragement to help you grow in confidence and lead your homeschool with assurance and joy. Key Takeaways: The Origin of Emotions: Emotions are generated by our thoughts. By changing our thoughts, we can create the emotions we desire. Defining Confidence: Confidence is built through taking imperfect action, not from being unafraid. It involves taking risks and trying new things despite fear. Distinguishing Confidence from Arrogance: Confidence is not arrogance; true confidence doesn't need to prove itself. Confident people can be quiet and unassuming, unlike arrogant individuals who are often loud and insecure. Confidence as a Skill: Confidence is not an innate trait but a skill that can be developed. It grows through practice, failure, and persistence. Practical Steps to Build Confidence: Keep promises to yourself to build self-trust. Be emotionally resilient and learn to process emotions healthily. Believe in your worthiness and capability. Take action, even imperfect action, to build confidence. Use positive affirmations and practical techniques like power posing and smiling. Reflection Questions: How would your life and homeschool change if you were more confident? What small step can you take this week to build your confidence? Actionable Advice: Identify one small action you're currently afraid to take and commit to doing it this week. Write out and practice positive affirmations daily to reinforce your confidence. Resources Mentioned: Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/43 for additional resources and links Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews. Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW Connect with Us: Website: A Gentle Feast Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community Instagram: @agentlefeast Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

In this inspiring episode, host Julie Ross sits down with Jill McAleer, a devoted homeschool mom and certified holistic health coach. Jill shares her journey of balancing the demands of homeschooling with her passion for health and fitness. From understanding the importance of macronutrients to practical tips for incorporating movement into a busy schedule, Jill offers invaluable advice for moms striving to improve their health while managing a homeschool household. Tune in for a conversation filled with actionable insights, encouragement, and practical tips to help you thrive in both your homeschooling and personal wellness journey.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understand Macronutrients: Learn the importance of balancing carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in your diet to sustain energy and overall health.
2. Start with Protein: Increasing protein intake can help improve energy levels, satiety, and overall well-being. Aim for your body weight in grams of protein.
3. Incorporate Movement: Small, consistent actions like walking while your kids play can significantly improve your fitness. Prioritize movement in your daily routine.
4. Meal Prepping Simplified: Doubling dinner recipes to have lunch ready for the week can save time and ensure you’re eating nutritious meals consistently.
5. Track and Adjust: Tracking your food and movement helps increase awareness and allows for better adjustments to meet your health goals. It’s not about perfection but consistent improvement.

Resources Mentioned:

Visit www.thefeastlife.me/blog/42 for additional resources and links

Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

Connect with Us:

• Website: A Gentle Feast
• Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community
• Instagram: @agentlefeast
• Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife

Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

About our Guest:

Jill is a homeschooling Mom of 4, and a Certified Nutrition Coach who is passionate about helping busy Moms, women and parents learn how to adequately fuel their body and life through balanced nutrition and movement habits.  Her 1:1 coaching service is centered around nutrition education and awareness, developing strategies and applying a methodology to build long term habits and maintain results. She advocates for healing relationships with your body and food and encourages everyone to chase strong and build muscle! Jill loves spending time with her family, serving in her church, cooking, lifting heavy weights and the beach!

Instagram: @jillfitjourney

Website: FIT with Jill Nutrition Coaching

Join Julie Ross, creator of the award-winning curriculum A Gentle Feast, as she shares her proven framework for creating a life-giving homeschool. In this episode, you'll learn how to structure your homeschool day like a four-course meal, ensuring that your children receive a rich and nourishing education. With over 20 years of homeschooling experience and a background in public and private education, Julie offers practical advice, inspiring stories, and actionable steps to help you simplify your homeschool routine and foster deeper connections within your family. Stay tuned until the end for some special bonuses and free scheduling cards to make your planning even easier!

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Morning Time Matters: Start your day with beauty and connection to set a positive tone for the rest of the day.
2. Integrated Language Arts: Simplify language arts by integrating it into main subjects through copywork and dictation.
3. Living Books and Narration: Feed your children’s minds with rich, living books and use narration to develop critical thinking.
4. Short, Focused Lessons: Keep lessons short and varied to maintain attention and prevent burnout.
5. Mother Culture: Prioritize self-care and personal growth to ensure you have the energy and inspiration to lead your homeschool effectively.

Resources Mentioned:

Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/41 for additional resources and links

Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

Connect with Us:

• Website: A Gentle Feast
• Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community
• Instagram: @agentlefeast
• Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife

Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

In this episode of The Feast Life, host Julie Ross sits down with Leslie Martino, author of The Joy of Slow, to discuss her unique approach to homeschooling that emphasizes slowing down to foster deep, meaningful learning experiences. Leslie shares insights from her journey, practical tips for integrating self-directed learning, and the importance of aligning your homeschool with personal values to create a joyful, balanced, and life-giving educational environment. Tune in to discover how you can transform your homeschooling experience and cultivate a more connected and joyful life for your family.

Key Takeaways:

The Power of Slowing Down: Leslie explains how slowing down allows for more meaningful learning experiences. It's not about doing more, but about going deeper and truly engaging with the material.

Aligning with Personal Values: Joy in homeschooling comes from aligning activities and routines with what is genuinely meaningful and valuable to your family. Leslie emphasizes the importance of reflecting on and understanding your own values to create a fulfilling educational experience.

Alternative Methods to Assess Progress: Traditional tests and worksheets aren't the only ways to measure learning. Leslie discusses the value of self-reflection, maintaining collections of work, and other creative ways to assess progress and growth in your children.

Incorporating Self-Directed Learning: Giving children the time and space to explore their interests deeply can lead to incredible learning opportunities. Leslie shares practical ways to integrate self-directed learning into your homeschooling routine.

The Importance of Balance and Rest: Both children and parents need time to rest and pursue their passions. Leslie talks about the necessity of creating a balanced schedule that includes time for relaxation and personal interests, highlighting the importance of modeling this behavior for your children.

Resources Mentioned:

Visit www.thefeastlife.me/blog/40  for additional resources and links

Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews. Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

Connect with Us: Website: A Gentle Feast Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community Instagram: @agentlefeast Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife

Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

In today’s episode, we dive into practical strategies to reclaim your time as a busy homeschool mom. Learn how to make time to get time, encourage independent play and learning in your children, and simplify household chores. We'll explore the Eisenhower Matrix to evaluate your tasks and share effective techniques like delegation, bundling, batching, and reframing to manage your responsibilities better. Plus, discover why creating before consuming can set a positive tone for your day. Tune in to transform how you manage your time and make your homeschool days smoother and more enjoyable! Key Takeaways: 1. **Empowering Independent Play:** Encouraging children to engage in independent play not only fosters their creativity and problem-solving skills but also liberates significant amounts of time for parents. Structured playtime with parents can be scheduled, ensuring quality time without constant interruptions. 2. **Gradual Release of Responsibility:** Teaching children and teens to handle more responsibilities incrementally can significantly enhance their independence while maintaining close familial bonds and ensuring educational goals are met. 3. **Simplifying Household Chores:** Streamlining chores by involving children in age-appropriate tasks can free up parental time while teaching valuable life skills. Consistency in assigned chores helps children master specific tasks. 4. **Eisenhower Matrix for Task Management:** Utilize President Eisenhower's strategy to categorize tasks into four quadrants—Do, Dream, Delete, and Deal—to prioritize and manage daily activities more effectively. 5. **Creating Ideal Weekly Schedules:** Mapping out a week where both personal and family time are balanced can lead to a more productive and fulfilling routine. This approach encourages integrating activities that nourish the soul and reduce burnout. For additional resources such as the Eisenhower Matrix template, check out thefeastlife.me/blog/39 Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews. Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW Connect with Us: Website: A Gentle Feast Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community Instagram: @agentlefeast Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.