If your oils are gathering dust on a shelf, it’s time to bring them back to life. I’ll show you how to use essential oils in ways that actually fit your day—like freshening laundry, easing headaches, supporting hormones, or winding down before bed. You’ll also get my favorite roller ball recipes, diffuser blends, and natural cleaning tips. Simple, beautiful, and completely doable.
Books and Resources mentioned:
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Check out the blog at edpursuits.com with a printable on essential oils coming soon.
Life is full of bumps, breakdowns, and unexpected setbacks — but what if obstacles aren’t detours, but part of the road itself? In this episode, I share stories from scripture and my own life that reminded me to expect resistance and trust God’s hand through it all. From Nehemiah rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall under attack, to Nephi refusing to give up on the brass plates, to my own recent migraine and even a broken-down SUV, I’ve been learning that God uses obstacles to protect us, teach us, and strengthen our faith. I’ll also share a simple journaling practice with prompts to help you reframe your own challenges and discover what God may be showing you through them.
Books and Resources mentioned:
Journaling link on instagram https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLO5vs1Ti_W/?igsh=eDRqaWVlcWUydXdp
Joe Dispenza speech- https://youtu.be/LCuvMtC02qE?si=YUmYfI4X0RXYgzaW
Nehemiah 4, 1 Nephi 4:1-3
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Menstrual migraines are more than just a bad headache—they’re a full-body experience that can knock you off your feet. In this episode, we dive into why they happen, what’s going on hormonally, and the natural ways you can support your body before, during, and after a migraine hits.
We’ll explore common triggers, how to track your symptoms, and the power of nutrition, herbs, and gentle lifestyle practices for prevention and relief. If you’re ready to move beyond frustration and start working with your body instead of against it, this conversation will give you tools to find balance and hope.
Get the book here: https://edpursuits.com/product/natural-relief-for-menstrual-migraines-a-holistic-guide-to-healing-with-herbs-nutrition-and-self-care/
Get my free 7 day Reset Journal when you sign up for the newsletter here: https://edpursuits.kit.com/resetjournal1
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Check out the blog at edpursuits.com
In this episode of Messy but Meaningful, I share some personal stories that taught me the power of gratitude — from the time my arm was paralyzed and healed, to near-misses on the road, to the car trouble that reminded me how thankful I am for our new-to-us vehicle. Life is full of challenges, but sometimes the obstacles are invitations to notice what we’ve taken for granted.
We’ll explore simple ways to practice gratitude in daily life — from journaling and affirmations to breathing exercises inspired by Joe Dispenza and Tony Robbins. I’ll talk honestly about how hard it can feel to find gratitude when life has been overwhelming, and how even small steps can shift your focus toward peace, faith, and joy.
If you’ve been feeling weighed down by the hard things, this episode is a reminder that gratitude is the easiest first step toward hope, alignment with God’s love, and a deeper sense of happiness.
Get my free 7 day Reset Journal when you sign up for the newsletter here: https://edpursuits.kit.com/resetjournal1
Follow me on instagram @edpursuitscom and facebook @edpursuits
Check out the blog at edpursuits.com
How do you simplify life so things run smoothly — without having to overthink every detail? In this episode, we dive into the power of rhythms and routines to help you accomplish what matters most.
We’ll explore self-care routines that keep you grounded, homeschool rhythms that give kids clarity and ownership, and household habits that make cleaning and decluttering feel more doable.
Every family and every season is different, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works best for you. Small rhythms really can create a big sense of peace, purpose, and flow in your day.
Get my free 7 day Reset Journal when you sign up for the newsletter here: https://edpursuits.kit.com/resetjournal1
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Check out the blog at edpursuits.com
In this episode, we’re cutting through the noise of trendy diets and nutrition fads to talk about what really matters: finding what works for you and your family. I’ve tried it all—keto, paleo, plant-based, raw, low-fat—and here’s what I’ve learned: every diet works for someone, but no diet works for everyone.
We’ll explore the simple truths most approaches agree on—like the importance of whole foods, hydration, and gut health—and why protein, veggies, and minerals are your quiet powerhouses. I’ll also share thoughts on why supplements can help, but why herbs and real plants will always be superior. We’ ll also look at how the French approach food!
You’ll hear practical tips for mindful eating, meal planning, grocery sanity, and even why growing your own herbs (yes, even just one!) might be a gentle first step into feeling more nourished and in control.
This episode is about giving yourself permission to experiment, to ditch the guilt, and to trust that small shifts make a big difference. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being present and intentional.
Get my free 7 day Reset Journal when you sign up for the newsletter here: https://edpursuits.kit.com/resetjournal1
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Check out the blog at edpursuits.com
This is the first episode in a new Messy but Meaningful series on self-care for moms—and we’re kicking things off with real talk. What is self-care, really? And how do you find time for it when your days are already packed with kids, chores, and constant demands?
I share a personal story, the truth about what happens when we don’t take care of ourselves, and why self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. We’ll explore the many forms self-care can take: from food, movement, and quiet time to journaling, hobbies, and routines that actually fill you up instead of draining you.
You don’t need a spa day to feel human again. This episode is your permission slip to start where you are, use what you have, and build self-care into the rhythm of your real life.
🎧 Tune in now and get ready to rethink what self-care can look like—for you.
Get my free 7 day Reset Journal when you sign up for the newsletter here: https://edpursuits.kit.com/resetjournal1
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Check out the blog at edpursuits.com
In this first deep-dive episode of the Messy but Meaningful Self-Care Series, I share a turning point in my own healing—a time when I was burnt out, spiritually dry, and weighed down by life. A friend (and therapist) introduced me to Come to Your Senses by Dr. Stanley Block, and it completely shifted how I approached my inner world.
I began learning to be present—not just in a vague sense, but as a practiced skill. Stanley teaches how to notice the “requirements” our minds create—the subconscious programming and thought loops we live by without realizing it. Others might call them stories. Either way, they can keep us stuck. When we pause, become aware, and reconnect with something bigger (what he calls Source, and what I eventually recognized again as God), we start to find peace.
Presence became the foundation of my self-care—not just for mental health, but for spiritual clarity, physical well-being, and emotional balance. This episode is about noticing, letting go, and returning to the quiet place where God is.
Books and Resources mentioned:
Come to Your Senses by Stanley Block
Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza
Follow me on instagram @edpursuitscom and facebook @edpursuits
Check out the blog at edpursuits.com
In this episode, I’m sharing the real-life rhythm of how I make my everyday sourdough bread using 100% spelt flour. This is the bread I bake again and again—nourishing, simple, and forgiving enough to fit into real life with kids, chaos, and all.
I’ll walk you through how I prep my starter (yes, it lives in the fridge most of the time), how I mix the dough more like a batter and let time do the work, and how I use fresh-milled spelt or grind it in batches to keep it easy.
You’ll also hear how I sneak sourdough into my daily routine with crepes, tortillas, and pan breads made from discard—and how I boost my bakes with whey or kefir from my yogurt-making.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a spelt-based loaf that works with your lifestyle, this one’s for you.
📥 Grab the downloadable recipe
What if the medicine your body needs is already growing between the cracks of your sidewalk?
In this episode, I share the time my friend started admiring my weeds and asked if she could have some! That moment made me realize that all the herbs I was buying at the store were real live beautiful actual plants, some of which were growing right in front of my eyes!! I started blending clovers and dandelions into my smoothies the next day! (spoiler: they’re bitter, and yes, I learned the hard way).
Together, we’ll explore the basics of herbal preparations — from teas and tinctures to simple kitchen infusions — and meet five powerful “weeds” you probably walked past this week:
• 🌼 Dandelion – A bitter liver ally hiding in plain sight
• 🍀 Red Clover – Sweet blossoms full of nutrients and gentle hormone support
• 🌱 Plantain – The skin-soothing sidewalk superstar
• 🥬 Curly Dock – A wild green packed with iron and resilience
• 🌾 Mullein – The fuzzy friend your lungs and ears will thank you for
Whether you’re a curious beginner or a mama looking to reconnect with the natural world, this episode is your invitation to see your lawn with new eyes. Because sometimes, the healing starts right under your feet.
💌 Listener Challenge:
Snap a photo of a “weed” you now see differently and tag me! 🌿
(Plus, grab the free PDF guide to the 5 featured plants — link here)
In the thick of everyday life, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling short. But friend, you’re doing better than you think.
In this encouraging episode, I share honest stories from my own messy, beautiful journey raising eight kids—moments of doubt, grace, and growth. You’ll hear a heartfelt mix of personal experiences, scripture, and reflective questions designed to help you pause, notice your progress, and reconnect with what truly matters.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about giving yourself credit, finding purpose in the mess, and remembering that your quiet efforts have lasting impact. So take a breath—you’re not behind. You’re right where you need to be.
Get my free 7 day Reset Journal when you sign up for the newsletter here: https://edpursuits.kit.com/resetjournal1
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Check out the blog at edpursuits.com
In this episode, we explore positive affirmations—why they work, how they help rewire the subconscious mind, and the power they have to shift your internal dialogue. You’ll learn how repeating intentional, encouraging phrases can actually create new neural pathways and help replace negative thought patterns as you become more aware of them. Whether you’re new to affirmations or looking to deepen your practice, this episode offers practical insights and gentle encouragement to help you speak life over yourself—one thought at a time.
Thanks for listening! I hope your day is awesome!
Books and Resources mentioned:
Florence Scovil Shinn free pdf
Get my free 7 day Reset Journal when you sign up for the newsletter here: https://edpursuits.kit.com/resetjournal1
Follow me on instagram and facebook
Check out the blog at edpursuits.com
In this first episode, I’m sharing why I’ve rebranded the podcast from EdPursuits to Messy but Meaningful—and what this new direction is all about.
If you’ve ever felt like life is beautifully chaotic, like you’re trying to do it all but still want to stay grounded in what truly matters, this space is for you. I’m here to cheer you on, offer encouragement, and help you find peace and purpose in the everyday mess. Plus you're probably doing better than you realize!!
You’ll hear a bit of my story, the heart behind this new name, and what you can expect in the episodes ahead—real conversations, practical ideas, and a whole lot of grace. We'll still be talking about homeschooling, raising kids, gardening and farm animals, herbs and mindset and mindfulness- all the things!
Let’s do this journey together—with joy, with purpose, and without needing it to be perfect. Thanks for being here!!
Click here to sign up for the email list and get the 7 Day Reset Journal.
Click here to visit the edpursuits blog/website full of resources.
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We are planting seedlings, capturing chickens and getting ready for bees. Hopefully we're able to follow through and not get too tired! We're plugging along with school and trying to declutter too! Hopefully it will make you feel encouraged too, we all just do the best we can!
In this episode we talk about how important it is to follow up on the homeschool assignments we give our kids. Whenever you require more from your kids, it can be hard for them to make the transition to doing more than before. There may be complaints and feet dragging, but if you persevere and follow up with them before they are allowed to do the fun things, then they will know you are serious and adjust to the new schedule!
I share my experiences and thoughts on learning languages basically from my own experience and the experiences of my family. I spent 5 years in Mexico as a child and almost 4 years in France as an adult. The biggest thing is to listen so you can get used to the sounds of the language and to just keep trying!!
It turns out that that migraines and all kinds of issues can come up because of hormone fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. It's so helpful to really pay attention to your body and to start to find things that help. It's also important to be gentle with ourselves and keep up
hope that we will find solutions.
In this episode we talk about bringing some plants back inside. We talk about kitchen routines and finding the fortitude to clean the kitchen before bed- and a few other things. I hope to be keeping you good company!
The frost has come, but lots is still going on in the garden. We talk about which plants froze, which are still growing strong and lots about herbs and how to use them. I met a cool lady who grows a lot of herbs and dries and sells them. She also sells salves and tinctures and gives health consultations. I learned a little, she was very informative and interesting. It was really fun to see all her plants- and most of her plants were fine because she covered them all with mulch and sheets.
Here is her website https://mytrueessence.net/ and the fb page for her garden.
Here is a link to my instagram, fb page and blog edpursuits.com
In this episode we talk about incorporating sourdough easily even though it can be hard at first. I go into more detail on how we homeschool. It is hard, but worth it. Also focus on what you're doing right, and what strengths your kids have instead of just where you lack. That can really help get through the tough times when you think you're doing it wrong!!
