Everyday MAGIC: The Joy of Not Being Everything and Still Being More Than Enough

by Mattie James

Find the motivation you need to feel good about your life with the help of this inspiring guidebook to MAGIC. Today we are all stretching ourselves more than ever to live up to life’s seemingly endless demands, so why do we still feel we are less than enough? Mattie James— mother, influencer, and CEO—believes that living a beautiful life amidst the chaos and pressures is possible. All it takes is a little everyday MAGIC.
 
In this book, Mattie shows you how, helping you to evaluate the tasks and decisions you face in your daily life to make sure everything in your life is   This honest and practical guide offers tools, insights, and encouragement to help you center yourself within the minutiae of everyday life and evaluate tasks to become intentional about everything you do. Mattie shows readers how to be more efficient by making big decisions in the morning, batching household chores for maximum effectiveness, and deciding which tasks to tackle yourself and which to hire out. She also shows you how to provide healthy meals for your family with minimum hassle, eliminate clutter and stress in your home to make space for the heart, and ultimately make your life, career, home, and family a reflection of what makes you whole. 
 
The work required to change your life has been inside you all along. It’s not deep, just deliberate. This book begins your journey to connect with yourself so that you can prioritize your own reasons for everything you do.
 

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Personal Development

256 pages, Hardcover

Published August 23, 2022

Reviews

[LaShawn Wiltz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have followed Mattie James on IG for years, so I was excited to read her book! If you have followed her at all, this is all of her lives and blog posts and ideas all put into one place in book format. It is a great inspirational book about finding the magic in your everyday life and how busy women can do that.

Some of the advice felt..surface level? Like get facial and massages. and the entire section on skin care. While I agree it is a great way to practice self care,the chapters on Tasks and Memories and balance and boundaries are where this book really shines. Because really that's what this book is about: setting boundaries and finding everyday magic and realizing that you can't do it all but you can enjoy the journey.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC for this book. All opinions are my own.

[Bella Azam · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Everyday Magic, James framed the everyday life as MAGIC: Meaningful, Aesthetically Pleasing, Goal-Oriented, Intentional, Consistent. With this MAGIC, she tell us how we can evaluate our life better according to the terms but don't stress too much about it because its all about the MAGIC and joy in life.

This book obviously focused more on the everyday life, the everyday magic in our life. Mattie James is a huge content creator, a successful influencer with platforms on social media that promoted everyday magic of life. She posted on simple things like finding joy in little things, organizing time with yourself, your family and loved ones, giving tips on health like skincare, eating well, put your interest first and all the organization stuffs, the life advices and beauty hacks she shared with many. In a way, its like a mixed of biography with self help which to me feel a bit on surface level. All the things she talked about are the kind of things we can relate but also something that had been talked about in other books too so not a new things. This book can get lost amongst other self help books but for those who have been following her may found its a nice read.

Thank you to Times Reads for the review copy for exchange in an honest review

[Julianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 really, I was on the fence. The parts on general philosophy deserved 5 stars, but most of the book was spent on specific examples that were out of reach for most people.

[Jaime Tumbelty · Rating 1 out of 5]

Book filled with bragging and unrealistic expectations

[Monica H (TeaandBooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you ever feel like you aren't enough? I know I do. As Mattie James says in Everyday Magic, we are all stretching ourselves more than ever to live up to life's seemingly endless demands. We often try to be Superwoman or everything to every body, which just isn't sustainable. James has some ideas to help you handle your overload.

In Everyday Magic, James shows you how to evaluate your own life so that everything in it is MAGIC:

Meaningful

Aesthetically Pleasing

Goal-Oriented

Intentional

Consistent

In the introduction, James says that you can read her book word for word or you can skim it and get what you need. She encourages the reader to do what they need to do for their own life. She says that you won't be shamed or lectured for not doing it a certain way. Whew, what a relief all of that is, huh?

Everyday Magic offers a lot of great advice for living life as a woman in the world today. She offers practical, down-to-earth advice from a "regular everyday black girl." It is good advice. She encourages you to know your purpose and to take care of yourself. She offers ideas for managing your space and helping your family life to be better. She has helpful advice on task management and staying on top of things. She encourages you to have your own style--and to make it easy with a wardrobe that works for who you are and your body type. James also encourages readers to have boundaries and to work at having better relationships. This is just the tip of the iceberg. The book is full of tidbits on living a better life today. James is a blogger but I was not familiar with her before reading this book. However, I enjoy her writing style and the helpful tips for living a better life that she has to offer.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.

[Risha Crutcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's get right into why you're hear! YOU NEED A COPY! Digital, physical, audible. One or all. Don't miss your blessing. This book has touched on every single part of my life.

Areas that I excel in (the book affirms it) to areas that I lack in, pray about and work on (the book motivates, advises, encourages & even offers sensible ways to understand why, what, and how to get on the right track to YOUR everyday MAGIC, ALL WHILE, giving you permission to grow, because everything is a process tailored only to you).

After reading this book, I realize that her VERY WELL THOUGHT OUT acronym for MAGIC will always lead to peace. Peace in knowing that you are MORE THAN ENOUGH. And girrrllll, we all NEED peace inside. Outside. Upside. Downside. Yesterday. Today. And Tomorrow. Listen, If it ain't peace, PLEASE, RELEASE *insert laughing emoji*

THIS BOOK HAS ALREADY MADE SUCH AN IMPACT ON MY LIFE. A few days ago my husband (who has been 'encouraging' me and probably fasting and praying over said 'areas' previously mentioned) told some family 'i don't know what SHE HAS IN THAT BOOK and I don't care, because the way my wife has been lately, she needs to keep on reading it and read it again'. So, after receiving the free digital copy, I had to purchase a physical book for my home.

I could go on, but if you're still reading and NEED PERMISSION, you didn't stop at this comment for nothing. GET THE BOOK and you'll see how much magic you ALREADY possess, but that needs to be unlocked with a new, perspective/approach. This is simply a gentle nudge to MAKE EVERYTHING CLICK. THATS WHAT IT DID FOR ME. It's simply SOUND WISDOM and I thank God for leading me to this because I've had the opportunity to gain so many gems to apply to my life but also to look back on when I feel myself slacking or needing 'more'. If He led you to it, He'll TAKE YOU through it. Let this book help guide you.

[Alecia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and easy read with some great ideas and processes on how to make your home life run smoothly. I follow Mattie on IG and bought the book because her content is useful and fun. She is unapologetic about pouring into her domestic life just as much as she does her career, and curating the aesthetic that she enjoys. I don't share her love for frilly dresses or the color pink, but I do love fashion and my home is my sanctuary. I came away with some actionable tips on streamlining my wardrobe, improving my home decor game and creating routines that support my self-care in all areas.

[Shereen Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Purchased this book after hearing her on Rachel Rodgers’ podcast. I have the audio version. I thought the delivery by Mrs. James was great. I absolutely loved the first chapter and the last chapter. The chapters in between drove me insane. I could do without the painstaking detail of how to do a facial or schedule holiday photos sessions. Maybe in the hard copy of the book those things are just notes or charts but it was hard to listen to. I really wish she would write an entire book like the first and last chapter.

[Mercedes Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved about the book is that even though it’s listed under Christian self-help, it’s more so because she’s a Christian. It’s not proselytizing and that’s important to me because I’m secular. The themes and lessons are universal. I found the messaging uplifting, relevant, and easily digestible. The lessons are practical and the book is filled with actionable steps to help you move forward.

[Aletha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little dream life esque. I appreciated the way she mentioned everyone having different things that make magic for different people, but the idea of some of the tips still make me feel like a failure that I’ll never achieve the organization or planning and I had really hoped it would just be enough to not be productive. Haha

[Marlise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. Helpful maybe for an ambitious woman with a young family.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

James is an influencer. She influences people to buy her products or those from companies with which she partners. This is a new profession to me, a septuagenarian who grew up with radio and televisions advertisements.

I appreciate that James desires to help women thrive in their everyday lives, living well. There is lots of practical advice in this book. James writes about skin care, clothing, possessions, meal planning, family time, health, and much more. At times I felt there was too much information such as her detailed description of how she empties her dishwasher. I found it interesting that she did not hesitate to recommend outsourcing daily tasks, such as laundry.

The strength of this book for me was the section on creating a personal mission statement. I appreciated the many questions she asked to stimulate thought about thinking through the MAGIC principles in the various areas of life.

This is a good book for career and family age readers who want lots of practical suggestions for living each day well. You'll learn how to arrange your closets, create meaningful events for your family members, and much more.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Pernilla Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book! This book is literally for everyone! I couldn’t stop reading it once I started!
Overall, this book helps us become more confident in the day to day life style and task that we experience as moms, women, and as a society in general.
Mattie walks us through ways to eliminate the feeling of being overwhelmed on a daily. We don't have to have hard days everyday. Each day can be magical! In Everyday Magic Mattie shares how boundaries and routines, can help make our days magical. It’s a must have!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Mattie through the Lazy Genius community and started following her on Instagram. I was really drawn to the way she makes all the little moments extra special. This book is a fantastic way to get inspiration to live an intentional life and pay attention to the little (most important) things. I am so excited for this book to get into as many hands as possible. It will be a great addition to your self help library.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Everyday MAGIC, Mattie James had written a book to assist readers in shifting their mindset and to discover peace and joy in every day. She is an influencer, blogger, wife, mother, and a winner of Miss Liberia USA. She started her own companies, The Mattie James Company and BOSSFLUENCE. She mainly focuses on helping woman to thrive and to live a life that brings them joy. She uses an acronym: magic which stands for meaningful, aesthetically pleasing, goal-oriented, intentional, and consistent. She explained how we don’t have to live up to everyone expectations and be everything to everyone. She begins the book by sharing how important it is to envision our life and living in our purpose. She encouraged readers to create a magic memo and to write down a manifesto of our lives. She instructs readers to also create them a mission statement and this will allow us to learn who we are and what goals we want to achieve. She also explored self-care, organizing your house, decluttering, creating family moments and traditions, and much more.



I would recommend this awesome book to any women who are seeking a book to assist them in navigating and crafting joy in day to day living. I immensely liked how she shared about how she came to know Christ. She even explained in detail about her health issues and her struggles with starting a family. Sometimes doctors don’t have the final say! I liked the idea of a weekly screen time fast that they do as a family starting on Friday night until Saturday. This included everything from TV to iPhone to iPad. This forces everyone to bond and enjoy activities together. I also liked how she provided tips to declutter and organize your home and making it easier to find things. I appreciated how she explained the importance of self-care on a weekly or bi-weekly basis and I think this will help us to relax and rejuvenating.


"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords for my honest review.”

[Cover Lover Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes (for me, anyway) it’s difficult to get excited about a non-fiction book. But this one is much more than a run-of-the-mill counselling manual. I can tell you it has lit an unexpected fire in me.

I was first drawn in by the subtitle: The Joy of Not Being Everything and Still being MORE THAN ENOUGH. That’s a powerful assertion, and one that pricked my heart. Upon reading the candid introduction, I already felt connected to the author’s early desires to be ‘everything.’ Through the years I’ve gotten over that desire (for the most part, anyway) but still gained from the encouraging sentiments she conveyed.

Everyday Magic reveals how so many of us spread ourselves thin, try to be everything for someone else, or feel we don’t stack up, aren’t enough, or
lack motivation. It also reveals ways of overcoming those thoughts, setting attainable goals, discovering our best selves, and living our best lives.

Not only does this book showcase the magic we (perhaps unknowingly) possess but it is magically motivating, encouraging, and inspiring. Highly recommended.


First Line: Early on in our marriage, before we had kids, I tried to become this person in my mind who was good at routines and good at being domesticated.
Genre: Christian Self-help, Personal Growth

Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.

[Shaunte Booker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have followed Mattie for years and I knew that her book would be an extension of her. I was so excited to read it and the book did not disappoint!

Everyday MAGIC is exactly what it is... the book itself is MAGIC. It is meaningful, aesthetically pleasing, goal-oriented, intentional, and consistent. It is Consistent with who Mattie James is as a person and a businesswoman (honest, authentic, genuine, and encouraging). It's Goal-Oriented and Intentional in that there is a clear understanding right from the beginning that nothing you're reading is by accident. When you finish reading it, you will be able to clarify your own personal goals and the purpose behind them. It's Meaningful in the way each chapter is specific and targeted; you will no longer just do things by accident or happenstance. It is clear in giving you a reference point for why you do certain things and offers a new approach to the everyday moments of your life without being "preachy". I could go on and on about this book, but the last thing I will say is that it is a must-read for any woman who needs to clarify different areas of her life. Everyday MAGIC gives you permission to just be with all of the flaws and imperfections, and reassures you that YOU ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH JUST THE WAY YOU ARE!!!

[Qyecha Parnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

10’s. Across. The BOARD.


There is a special kind of “Magic” and talent that goes into creating a book like this. A book that whisks you away to a land of RENEW. The woman that started this book is NOT the same woman that finished! 

Mattie managed to strip me of all my unrealistic expectations, and ever so "gent-gressively" encourage me to recreate my outlook on life. I now know that I am not only enough, but I deserve a quality life of peace. I deserve to sleep at night knowing my life is with living the next day.

Mattie ever so graciously handed me the tools, blueprint AND material to curate, build and maintain the life of my dreams! She simplified what it means to live in my personal magic— and reminded me that it’s very much achievable!


This is not your average “Do this and your life will be 10x better!”, self help book. It’s a graceful guide to creating a better world for YOU.

Do yourself a favor and grab this book. And say hello to the new woman that arises!

[Susan Schubert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really enjoying the book, then in the middle of the health chapter it got weirdly specific about skincare and I was like, okay, maybe it really does help as much as she says. And I got some products, they were expensive but they help. Then I looked up this woman who wrote it and found that she sells the stuff, and I felt kind of manipulated. So for the rest of the book, while I did occasionally find good advice I could use, I read it with suspicion. Was she going to try to get me to buy stuff again?
She does, but it’s not something that she sells (I think).
Again there is a lot of good advice and reminders of stuff you should already know, but sometimes I read it and wondered, how rich does she think I am? Like it was written for people who already have money. (Who are already successful.)
Just if you do read it, probably believe a person that believes in god, listen to the purchasing advice with patience, feel happy for her when she talks about her wholesome life, maybe take notes on the stuff about hard work, confidence, and boundaries! 🙂 I know I did!

[Cherrisse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyday MAGIC is the book our generation we didn't know we needed.

I wish I had this book earlier in life, especially when I was first married. Everyday MAGIC is a how-to book that every woman entering adulthood needs. Author Mattie James does an outstanding job of dismantling the lie "we need to do it all to have it all" and the lie "it will be easy work to create and enjoy a good/whole life."
Spoiler alert: there isn't a shortcut or hack.

In James' book she breaks down the acronym MAGIC: Meaningful, Aesthetically pleasing, Goal-oriented, Intentional, Consistent. She shares how she has implemented these five pillars as the margins of which she lives/operates with her family, friends, and business. Through her heartfelt stories and an incredible Lego analogy she teaches you, the reader, how to utilize the same pillars in and throughout your life. Reading this book feels like a big sister or aunty giving me all the best actionable advice.

My only negative about the book, isn't even about the content of the book. It is the subtitle ONLY because I personally think it is a disservice to the content of the book. I would have the subtitle say, "Relishing in the joy of not being everything. I will teach you how to, too, by utilizing the wonderful resources (no matter how big or small) that are at your fingertips". I do understand why they went the one that was chosen. ;)

[(a)lyss(a) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was around 3.5 stars for me.

James breaks down her acronym MAGIC and how to apply it to your life. She shares anecdotes and tips throughout the book. I like the general concept and ideas for finding or making meaning. There's a lot that I also didn't feel was relevant - for example James talks about the importance of self care and suggest things like getting a massage and doing a skin care routine which is fine, but those are also things that cost money and time and may not be accessible to most people or even the kind of self care that's helpful or interesting. I think if you take what you want from this book and leave the rest it could be helpful.

[Whitney West · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful & thoughtfully written book! No matter what stage of life, women of all ages can appreciate Mattie’s heartfelt storytelling, realistic yet MAGICAL everyday life tips, and intentional encouragement. Mattie has a delicate yet deliberate way of motivating & challenging readers; it’s a refreshing & authentic approach. Through masterful & exciting anecdotes, Mattie permits readers to flourish into the best version of themselves while not trying to be everything to everybody. It’s an excellent book to refer back to during certain seasons of life, the perfect addition to any must-read list, & an ideal gift for the special women in your life. Happy reading!

[Shannon Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I found out Mattie was writing a book I was super excited! When I found out what the book was about I was even more excited! Mattie is the epitome of intentionality and execution. Whether it's with her business, family, or self, she always gives 100% and EVERYDAY MAGIC is no different. So many women didn't grow up with moms or other impactful women to teach them greatness. Mattie's book acts almost as a coming-of-age guide for the millennial woman. I love that it's a book you can grab nuggets from and not have to read cover to cover to grasp the concepts. But better believe it's worth reading COVER to COVER!

[Mena Darré · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every thing that Mattie touches is MAGIC! I really enjoyed this book but specifically I enjoyed Mattie sharing her stories. Some of her stories made my jaw drop and others brought back childhood memories growing up with my grandparents. I've been following Mattie since Periscope and she's always talked about being an influencer. However, I'm happy she wrote a book like this! Yes becoming an influencer sounds like a ton of fun and a lot work but this book talks about how to just bring MAGIC to your life in general. Sometimes we get so caught up with the money and career that we forget their is MAGIC in our home, in our family, etc. This was a really fun and light hearted read. Definitely good if you want to spark a little MAGIC into your every day life.

[Glynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Seeing the words WORTHY on every page let me know what kind of book this was going to be! The author, Mattie, takes her time in the introduction to lay the framework on why we as the readers are WORTHY of having an amazing..not perfect life.

She also really breaks down into digestible bite-size pieces on how we can achieve that life. The personal stories weaved into the steps make for a great manual on achieving a life that I am worthy of. The exercises drove home the instructions. In each sentence that I read, I could hear Mattie's voice giving very practical instructions on how to achieve a magical life that I am worthy of.

[Niccole Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purposed Practicality. Thats how I’d sum up Everyday MAGIC. Change you can implement without overwhelm in every facet of your life. For some time I’ve prayed to go from just existing to living a life I enjoy and want to celebrate. Everyday MAGIC took the veil off my eyes about my day to day living and has helped me find the significance in simplicity. I’m a homebody and I enjoy the little things. After reading this incredible book I now know that too is a life worth living. My STAN for Mattie James continues.

[Tonya Lightbourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing read!

In this 21st guide for women and moms, Mattie simplifies how we can create M.A.G.I.C. everyday; for ourselves, with family and within our spaces.

It’s no secret the pandemic has put an enormous amount of pressure and added a level of anxiety to our lives. I struggle to find time to read, but this has been so refreshing! So many takeaways, so many gems.

10/10 would recommend! I wish this book was available after having my first daughter.

A huge thank you, Mattie! You’ve reminded us we don’t have to be everything, but are still more than enough.

xo

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this ARC! My favorite part of this book was the definition of MAGIC and the personal mission statement. That part really resonated with me and stood out from other self-help books. However, the rest of the book did feel almost exactly like other influencer books, and while I didn't learn anything new from this book in the later parts, it was well written, nicely framed throughout the book, and I enjoyed the author's personal touches and realistic discussions of what did and did not work for them.

[BrooklynBelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 ⭐️

Everyday Magic was a book I tried during my reading slump. I’m so glad that I decided to pause reading it at that time, so I could come back to it now.

I enjoyed it. I’ve been following the author Mattie James for some time and Everyday Magic is her life in book form. She is a daughter, sister, wife, and mother. If you find yourself not fitting into any of those roles, there are still things that you can take away from this book.

She encourages you to take what you need and leave the rest. And I will do just that.

[Faith L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Everyday MAGIC. Mattie’s writing is relatable, vulnerable, funny, and full of wisdom. I was inspired and encouraged as I read Everyday MAGIC. I found myself at times saying to myself, “that’s what I’m talking about,” and other times, “that’s such a good idea,” as I read along. Mattie has managed to write a lifestyle book that is simultaneously a fun, easy read and a book of substance, purpose, and meaning. I highly recommend it.