Mountain & Mind

Raising kids, running businesses, chasing freedom

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I’m a homeschooling mom, entrepreneur, horse lover, and nature chaser—equally at home in the mountains or with my toes in the sand. My days are a mix of schooling my kids, training horses, managing our family business, and sneaking in a little yoga when I can.

I believe in raising kids with freedom and intention, building a business that supports our values, and staying grounded—whether it’s on a yoga mat, a horse, or a mountain trail. Life’s busy, beautiful, and a little unconventional… just the way we like it.

How to Keep the Days Interesting When You’re Home with Kids (Even If You Live Far From Town)

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Simple, soul-filling routines for families who are staying in more — by choice or necessity.

If you spend most of your time at home with your kids—whether it’s because you live far from town, you’re on a budget, or you’re just trying to live more simply—you’ve probably had days that feel a little… too quiet. A little repetitive. Maybe even a little stuck.

But staying home doesn’t have to mean settling for less.

In fact, with the right rhythms and mindset shifts, life at home can feel interesting, luxurious, and even expansive—without spending much (or anything) at all.

Here are five ways to love the life you’re building at home:

1. Love the space you live in.

You don’t have to renovate your whole house to love your home. It costs zero dollars to declutter and keep things tidy—and it makes all the difference in how you feel in your space.

Start by asking:

  • What can I let go of today that we no longer use or love?
  • How can I make our main living area feel more functional and peaceful?

A daily cleaning rhythm can help tremendously. Staying on top of laundry, dishes, and general clutter keeps your mind clear and your days flowing. If it’s in the budget, consider small seasonal refreshes to breathe new life into your space. A cozy throw blanket, a new pillow cover, a calming essential oil diffuser—little things go a long way.

  • Candle Warmer– Change the candle to match the season! (Only Soy or beeswax candles in our household)
  • Throw Blanket– Nothing beats the feeling of a soft, new blanket!
  • Handheld Vacuum– new cleaning supplies to motivate you to keep up on the house work!

2. Know your non-negotiables.

Before the day begins, get clear on what absolutely has to happen. Doctor’s appointments, homeschool work, daily chores, your workout, prepping dinner, a work block—write them down or time-block them into your day.

When the essentials are done early, you free up the rest of the day for connection, creativity, and rest. This kind of clarity brings calm. And if you’re running a business or side hustle alongside motherhood (like so many of us are), this is your lifeline.

  • Goal Planner and Life Planner– Know your non-negotiables!
  • Yoga Mat– Having the right tools makes you 33-45% more likely to achieve the goal.
  • Kitchen Aid– yes they’re pricey, but if you cook a lot from scratch, a Kitchen Aid is a MUST HAVE.

3. Dive into your kids’ passions.

Once the work is done, it’s time to play—and that doesn’t have to mean planning Pinterest-worthy crafts or going on big outings. Sometimes fun looks like sitting in a lawn chair with a sparkling water, watching the kids make mud pies.

The most beautiful thing? When you’re mentally present, you can really lean into what your kids love. Whether it’s dirt bikes, horses, painting, or building forts, you have the time and space to help them go deeper. And if you’re homeschooling, this is one of the biggest perks: letting your kids discover and pursue their passions while they’re young.

4. See downtime as productive.

If you’re someone who thrives on productivity, this may feel uncomfortable at first: doing less is often the most productive thing you can do.

Afternoon downtime is a game-changer. Plan for quiet time, rest, or free play every day—even if it’s just an hour. You’ll see fewer meltdowns, more emotional regulation, and a calmer transition into sports or evening activities.

Motherhood has a way of redefining productivity. Let it.

5. Rewire your brain for a slower life.

Let’s be honest—we’re not wired to slow down. But slowing down is the very thing that leads to joy.

You can learn to be happy with less stimulation. To actually enjoy the quiet. To let go of the pressure to “do more” all the time. For our family, that’s looked like focusing on mindfulness, yoga, clean eating, and just being together without distractions.

Your kids will follow your lead. If they see you slowing down, grounding yourself, and choosing simplicity, they’ll naturally start to crave the same.

Final Thoughts

Home doesn’t have to be boring. It can be sacred. It can be full. It can be whatever you choose to make it.

So if you’re feeling stuck in the routine or unsure how to make the most of your time at home—start here. One rhythm, one refresh, one slowed-down afternoon at a time.

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