Not Quite Grownup

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Ready to ditch the mom guilt and prioritize your well-being? This week, Ariella Monti (stepping in for Jenny) and I are sharing 4 clever ways to reset your self-care routine. It's time to reclaim your "me time" and feel like yourself again.

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post, here.
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Who Should Listen

Anyone who feels overwhelmed, guilty about taking "me time," or wants practical tips to prioritize their well-being should listen. Busy moms, especially, will find this episode a game-changer for reclaiming their sanity and rediscovering themselves.

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What You Get In This Episode

• Ditch the Mom Guilt: Learn practical strategies to prioritize your well-being without feeling selfish.
• Reclaim Your "Me Time": Discover actionable tips to carve out time for yourself, even with a busy schedule.
• Practical, Not Preachy Advice: Get real, relatable strategies that fit into your everyday life, not just idealistic concepts.
• Feel Like Yourself Again: Learn how to reconnect with your passions and rediscover your identity beyond motherhood.

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Bios

CK and Ariella are two moms who know the struggle of balancing motherhood and self-care. They're here to share their wisdom-ous-ness on how to ditch the guilt and prioritize your well-being.

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Sources

• ReachOut Australia: Anonymous and confidential, ReachOut is a safe place where young people can openly express themselves, get a deeper understanding and perspective on what’s happening in their lives, connect with people who will provide judgment-free support, and build the resilience to manage their challenges now and in the future.
  • Quiz: What kind of self-care is right for you?
  • Blog post: How to make self-care a family priority
  • FactSheet: Self-care for parents and teens
  • Video: What parents think about self-care
• How To Stop Feeling Guilty About Taking Care Of Yourself | Heather Moulder
• How To Say No Without Feeling Guilt (Step-By-Step Instructions) | Heather Moulder
• Self-Care for Kids by Age: Everything You Need to Know | ChildSavers

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Send Caitlin a Text!

Forget shopping sprees! This week, we're diving into the glorious world of Buy Nothing Groups with the delightful Ariella Monti (pinch-hitting for our injured Jenny). Think free kayaks, poker tables, random flowers, and a whole lot of community spirit. It's like a virtual garage sale, but everything's free. Seriously.

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post, here.
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Who Should Listen

Anyone who loves free stuff, wants to declutter their life, or is looking for a way to connect with their community. Plus, anyone who enjoys a good story about a slightly used poker table.

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What You Get In This Episode

• The lowdown on what Buy Nothing Groups are and how they work (it's not just a free-for-all!)
• Hilarious and heartwarming stories of gifting and receiving (Free. Freaking. Kayak.)
• Practical tips for finding and joining your local Buy Nothing Group
• How to communicate effectively and build positive relationships within the group
• Ideas for exploring new hobbies and decluttering your life, all for free!

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Bios

CK and her friend, published author Ariella Monti, are diving into the world of Buy Nothing Groups. They’re sharing how you can declutter, save money, and build community, all at the same time.

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Sources

• The BuyNothing Project
• Visit Ariella’s website here
• Learn about her books and place your preorder here

Welcome to Not Quite Grownup. Let's do this. 

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Send Caitlin a Text!

Discover how a library card can be your secret weapon for saving money during our Finance February series! Ariella Monti, a talented author and cherished friend of the show, joins us to share her savvy approach to maximizing the benefits of local libraries. We uncover the surprisingly expansive world of resources that a simple library card can unlock. From borrowing books to gaining free or discounted access to museums and zoos, Ariella and I explore how libraries are much more than a quiet place to read—they're a gateway to a treasure trove of cost-saving opportunities and experiences.

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post, here.
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Who Should Listen

Moms, families, bargain hunters, bookworms, and anyone who wants to make the most of their local library.

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What You Get In This Episode

Libraries are not just about books; they offer a huge amount of free resources that can enrich your life and save you money! This episode discusses how to maximize a library membership.

Listen to learn about:

• The benefits of getting a library card—and then getting more library cards
• Discounts and free passes available for local attractions
• Unique items available for borrowing beyond traditional books
• Library classes and workshops to explore new skills at low cost
• Streaming services accessed through your library
• How to support your local library to ensure continued resources

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Bios

Caitlin (CK) and her cherished friend, author Ariella Monti, are spilling the secrets on how your library card can unlock a world of savings and experiences. Because who doesn't love free stuff?

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Sources

• All about Ariella Monti 
  • Visit Ariella’s website here
  • Learn about her books and place your preorder here

Welcome to Not Quite Grownup. Let's do this. 

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Send Caitlin a Text!

What if the financial world wasn't stacked against women?

Financial literacy and savings are a big deal, especially for women. Frankly, the deck is often stacked against us. We're talking about how societal stuff, economic realities, and even our own choices can make it harder for women to save for the future. On this week's podcast, we're diving headfirst into this mess, figuring out why it's so tough for women to save and what we can actually do about it.

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post, here.
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Who Should Listen

Millennial moms, working women, and anyone who's ever felt the sting of the gender pay gap—this episode is for you. We're tackling the financial challenges women face head-on.

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What You Get In This Episode

This week, we're diving into the financial challenges women face and offering practical strategies to overcome them, including:

• The cold, hard truth about women's savings: We're talking stats, the gender pay gap (ugh), how education (and student loans, double ugh), and the lack of paid parental leave all play a role.
• Why community matters: We'll discuss the power of talking about money with other women (no judgment here!).
• Real solutions to help women build financial security like how to get paid what you deserve and how to make your money work for you: Quick tips on negotiating salary and benefits and high-yield savings accounts and other smart money moves (because you're worth it!).

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Bios

CK and GK, hosts of "How to Be a Grownup," are tackling the financial challenges women face and offering practical advice you can actually use.

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Sources

• 26% of working women are leaving free money on the table that could set back their retirement by Alex Gailey
• What holds women back from saving — and what they can do about it by Jasmin Suknanan
• Why Don’t Women Save As Much as Men by Liliana Hall

Welcome to Not Quite Grownup. Let's do this. 

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Send Caitlin a Text!

Ever feel like you're just winging it when it comes to money? Yeah, us too. Adulting is hard enough, but throw in the complexities of managing finances, and it can feel downright overwhelming.

This week on How to Be a Grownup, CK and GK are getting real about financial mindsets. We're diving deep into how our upbringings, societal pressures, and those sneaky negative thoughts can impact our wallets. We're not just talking about budgeting (though we touch on that too!). We're going straight to the source: your mindset.

We're sharing 7 practical and actionable strategies to help you identify limiting beliefs, cultivate positive money habits, and ultimately, achieve your financial goals. Because we're all in this together, mama.

Tune in for a relatable and jargon-free conversation about taking control of your finances and building a brighter financial future. It's time to ditch the "flawed finances" feeling and embrace a more empowered approach to your money. Listen now!

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post, here.
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Who Should Listen

Millennial moms who are tired of feeling overwhelmed or "flawed" when it comes to their finances. If you're ready to ditch the negative self-talk, learn practical strategies for managing your money, and create a more abundant financial future, this episode is for you!

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What You Get In This Episode

• Discover how your upbringing and societal pressures have shaped your relationship with money: We'll explore the hidden influences that impact your financial mindset.
• Identify and challenge your limiting beliefs about money: Learn how to recognize those sneaky negative thoughts that hold you back and replace them with empowering affirmations.
• 7 actionable steps to reframe your money mindset: From budgeting tips to cultivating gratitude, we're sharing practical strategies you can implement today.
• Learn to celebrate your financial wins (big and small!): Because acknowledging your progress is key to staying motivated on your financial journey.
• A relatable and jargon-free conversation about money: No complicated financial terms here! Just real talk and practical advice from two moms who get it.

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Bios

CK and GK are former (and current!) educators from Austin, TX, who are passionate about empowering millennial moms to navigate the ups and downs of adulthood with confidence. They bring a relatable and humorous perspective to parenting and finances, drawing on their own experiences and sharing honest, practical advice you can actually use.

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Sources

• We got limited support from AI for this episode, and of course, Reddit!

Other sources:

• Six Steps to Creating a Positive Money Mindset | Happy State Bank

DISCLAIMER: This is not financial advice; listeners should consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

Welcome to Not Quite Grownup. Let's do this. 

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Send Caitlin a Text!

Tired of those 'wake up at 4 am' morning routines that sound… well, awful? In this episode, we ditch the unrealistic advice and share tips to create a morning routine that actually works for YOU. We're listing more than 20 simple ideas to start your day off right, from quick wins like a glass of water to more involved routines that include short workouts and mindful moments.

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post, here.
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Who Should Listen

This episode offers practical, realistic routines that can easily fit into any busy mom’s schedule, emphasizing the importance of intentionality and self-care from the moment you wake up.

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What You Get In This Episode

• Insight from listeners on successful morning practices that set a positive tone for the day
• Simple 5-minute rituals for a positive start, plus ideas to expand your morning self-care routines to 15 and 30 minutes or more
• Ways to incorporate physical activity and mindfulness

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Bios

Caitlin and Jenny are two friends navigating the joys and challenges of motherhood. In this episode, they share their honest and relatable experiences with creating a morning routine that actually works for busy moms.

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Sources

• Reddit (see our blog post for links to the original post!)

Welcome to Not Quite Grownup. Let's do this. 

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Send Caitlin a Text!

Let's be real—moms are always on the go! And while our cars are essential for getting us from point A to point B, they can quickly become chaotic and disorganized, and yet somehow not have the items we need when we need them!

In this episode, Jenny and I dive deep into the must-have items every mom should keep in her car. We're talking beyond the basics—think sanity-saving snacks, unexpected emergencies, and stuff for those 'oh-crap' moments that inevitably arise.

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post, here.
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Who Should Listen

This episode is for any mom who's tired of being caught off guard by life's little (and big!) surprises. We'll help you transform your car into a mom mobile that's always prepared for anything.

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What You Get In This Episode

• Identify car must-haves: Learn about the essential items every mom should keep in her car for convenience, safety, and sanity.
• Say goodbye to "oh-crap" moments: Be prepared for unexpected situations with a well-stocked car.
• Transform your car into a mom-mobile: Organize your car efficiently and make every journey smoother and more enjoyable.

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Bios

Jenny and I are moms just like you, navigating the everyday chaos and surprises. We bring a relatable and humorous perspective to parenting, drawing on our own experiences and sharing honest, practical advice you can actually use in your own life.

Welcome to Not Quite Grownup. Let's do this. 

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Send Caitlin a Text!

Let’s talk about kids and good manners.

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post, here.
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Who Should Listen

Do your kids’ manners—or lack thereof—give you anxiety? If so, this episode is for you!

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What You Get In This Episode

In this episode, we explore how our own family rules and values, like leading with kindness, can actually help reduce social anxiety for both kids and parents.

We discuss practical strategies for teaching good manners, including the importance of modeling good behavior, knowing when to introduce certain manners, and using positive reinforcement to encourage polite interactions. Tune in for the tips!

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Bios

Jenny and Caitlin are two friends sharing their experiences and insights on parenting. In this episode, they discuss practical strategies for teaching children good manners, from modeling good behavior to using positive reinforcement.

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Sources

• How to Teach Kids Manners: Parenting Tips for Polite Kids, According to a Child Therapist by Emma Singer with additional reporting by Suzanne Zuckerman | PureWow 
  • Jennifer Kelman is a mental health expert on JustAnswer, where she has provided online support to those in need since 2012. In addition to her work on JustAnswer, Kelman has been a licensed clinical social worker for more than 30 years and maintains a private practice specializing in relationships, parenting, and children’s mental health issues.

Welcome to Not Quite Grownup. Let's do this. 

• Subscribe to join other Not Quite Grownups here >>>
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• Please, rate, review, and subscribe for more Not Quite Grownup stories. 
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Support the show

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Send Caitlin a Text!

Discover how to transform your post-holiday blues into a seamless return to routine with us on "How to Be a Grown-Up."

We’re back and sharing our own struggles and tips to help ease that jarring shift from holiday bliss to work and school life. From restocking school supplies to managing after-school meltdowns, we unpack strategies to ensure your family’s transition is smooth, practical, and full of fun. We guarantee you’ll come away with actionable advice and plenty of laughs to jumpstart your new year!

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post, here.
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Who Should Listen

Feeling that post-holiday letdown? Struggling to get back to—well, anything? This episode is for you!

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What You Get In This Episode

Jenny details 5 things she’s doing to combat the blues that follow the winter holidays. Listen to all her practical tips!

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Bios

Caitlin and Jenny are moms and besties in Austin, Texas. Jenny is a middle school assistant principal and Caitlin is a former middle school teacher turned EdTech marketer. Learn more about them, here.

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Sources

• Thanks to CK's friend Joey for the hilarious New Year's resolution (listen to the episode to hear it!)
• Sending a special thank you to Karen, CK's mother-in-law, for restoring her cherished baby blanket with this beautiful labor of love.
• Tips to Help Families Get Back Into the School Routine After Winter Break - Sallie B Howard School | Public Charter School | Wilson, NC

Welcome to Not Quite Grownup. Let's do this. 

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Send Caitlin a Text!

Tired of looking awkward in your holiday photos? 📸 We've all been there! Ditch the weird poses and embrace your inner model with this episode!

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post, here.
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Who Should Listen

If you're like CK and hate what you look like in photos because you don't know what to do with your body parts, this episode is for you!

In this episode, we draw inspiration from the expert advice of photographer Marissa Wu to help you pose for those holiday pics with confidence. We'll cover everything from mastering the elusive S-curve, finding your most flattering angles, and avoiding the dreaded “slug fingers.”

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What You Get In This Episode

• Avoid the "Slug Fingers": Learn how to position your hands naturally for flattering photos. Say goodbye to awkward hand placement and hello to elegant poses.
• Master the "S-Curve": Discover the secret to shifting your weight for a more flattering and slimming look in photos.
• Embrace the "Raptor Pose" (or something similar): Find flattering arm positions that avoid the "roadkill" look and create a more defined silhouette.

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Bios

Caitlin K. and Jenny GK are two friends navigating the hilarious and sometimes chaotic world of adulthood. From awkward family photos to the joys (and perils) of holiday baking, they're here to share their relatable stories and offer a healthy dose of laughter along the way.

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Sources

• I’m a Photographer and These Are the 3 Things You Should Avoid Doing in Photos | By Marissa Wu for PureWow

Welcome to Not Quite Grownup. Let's do this. 

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• Please, rate, review, and subscribe for more Not Quite Grownup stories. 
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