I am so thrilled to be joined this week by Kate Strickler, author of the new book I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen: And Other Lies I Think Will Make Me Happy. The book is brand new, and let me tell you - it’s exactly the kind of book we all need right now! Kate and I talk about the little stories that we tell ourselves, those “lies” that sneak into our marriages, our homes, and our friendships, and how they can so easily steal our joy.

Listen in as we laugh about the quirks of daily life such as piles of toys on the floor or an unloaded dishwasher and how easy it is to build an entire story in our heads about why someone did or didn’t do something. Kate’s perspective is refreshingly practical, showing us how to give each other grace at home, communicate clearly, and focus on what really matters instead of trying to create a Pinterest-perfect life.

We also get into her experience building Naptime Kitchen where she started sharing simple recipes during her baby’s naps and gradually grew it into a space full of real-life solutions for families. Her honesty about online life, friendships, and being seen authentically is something that truly resonates with me!

We talk about how adult friendships often require intention, asking for help, and letting people support you, which can feel vulnerable but ultimately deepens connection, and Kate shares some practical tips for making your home work for you rather than stressing over appearances. She encourages us to embrace authenticity in marriage, parenting, and online spaces!

By the end of our chat, I guarantee you that you will be laughing, reflecting, and maybe even inspired to lower your standards a little because life is meant to be lived, not staged, so if you are looking for a book that will make you feel seen, laugh out loud, and think differently about home, family, and friendships, grab a copy of Kate’s book and follow her online at Naptime Kitchen!

In This Episode

[0:35] - I welcome Kate Strickler, author of I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen, to the show!

​​[1:58] - Hear how Kate realized that being vulnerable online showed me others shared my struggles, making me feel less alone.

[4:13] - Kate confidently chose relatable topics to show that struggles exist even in happy marriages.

[7:29] - Marriage requires grace; Kate's spouse Nate leaving small messes isn’t personal but is just part of everyday life.

[10:55] - Communicating openly about household messes helps prevent guilt.

[13:16] - Kate views her home as adaptable, focusing on solutions that make it serve her family.

[16:21] - I discuss how lowering expectations for cleanliness helps me manage a busy household without constant frustration.

[19:50] - Hear how Kate's online presence grew gradually and how she aims to keep it inclusive, approachable, and accessible.

[22:54] - Kate shares her authentic, everyday self online to avoid unrealistic public expectations.

[24:47] - Kate explains why she craves honest, deep friendships rather than surface-level connections.

[27:46] - I point out how understanding a friendship’s intentions sometimes feels even more uncertain than dating.

[30:10] - Accepting friends’ support revealed how small gestures can deeply strengthen bonds.

[33:05] - Kate recognizes that receiving help nurtures trust and enriches friendships.

[35:58] - Embracing and expressing needs allows true connection.

Links & Resources

Crystal Paine

Naptime Kitchen

Books

I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen: And Other Lies I Think Will Make Me Happy by Kate Strickler

Social Media

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)

Crystal Paine on LinkedIn

Crystal Paine on Twitter

Crystal Paine on Goodreads

Money Saving Mom

Money Saving Mom on Facebook

Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group

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