Jesse and I did something we've never done before for this episode: we recorded it twice! Not because of technical issues, either. Listen in for why (and you can laugh!) In this week's podcast, we share a candid glimpse into some struggles we've experienced in recent months that prompted a conversation that led to a change in our daily lives. We talk about some of the hurdles that come with working from home and how these have impacted us recently. We also talk about how to be honest when you feel stuck, how to assess and acknowledge your challenges, and how to move forward from stuck to solutions. Throughout the conversation, listen in as we emphasize the importance of recognizing that you're never truly stuck, and we encourage listeners to be open to new perspectives and approaches. Join us as we share our journey of embracing change, finding solutions, and discovering the transformative power of a fresh perspective! In This Episode [1:37] - RSV, stomach bugs, and surgery... it's not been dull around here! [10:37] - I just finished listening to a really fascinating novel! [15:19] - What has been saving my life? [16:10] - Car seat covers have been so helpful! [20:24] - We are talking about a little tweak that has made a big difference in our lives! [22:51] - Learn about the four As to tweak your life! [24:57] - I felt resistance to Jesse's idea at first. [29:46] - I detail how this tweak brought unexpected benefits. [34:56] - Jesse adds not to dismiss possibilities based on perceived impracticality. [35:52] - I emphasize the importance of not believing that you’re stuck; there’s always a solution.Links & ResourcesCar Seat CoversThe Crystal Paine Show - 230. Why I’m Saying NoA Night Divided by Jennifer A. NielsenCrystal Paine10 Days to Be a Happier MomSign up for the Hot Deals Email ListMoneySavingMom.comMy Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal @ moneysavingmom.com


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235. One simple tweak that has made a big impact in our lives

The Crystal Paine Show is dedicated to helping you embrace life right where you are and take practical steps to get where you want to go. Crystal says, &#34;My hope is that this podcast will serve as an inspiration to your week, a pause in your day to slow down and reflect a little, a looked-forward-to part of your weekly routine, a place where we can connect on a deeper level… and ultimately, my desire is that you come away from listening to each episode feeling motivated to bloom where you are planted and take intentional steps to move in the direction you are longing to go.&#34; Crystal is a wife, mom of 6, foster/adoptive mom, speaker, New York Times bestselling author, and online entrepreneur, best known for founding MoneySavingMom.com.

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Today's episode is on a topic that was requested by a follower! Jesse and I share what it's been like navigating back-to-back senior years with our daughters, Kathrynne and Kaitlynn! It has been a whirlwind of emotions and logistics and Jesse and I are opening up about our experiences - the highs, the challenges, the blessings, and the unexpected lessons that we have learned along the way. Jesse and I share things we learned the hard way, how it's been different for each daughter, what has been easier about going through senior year the second time, and just fun insider information about the experiences that we haven't shared elsewhere online. Whether you have a senior or a child in high school or just are curious what we've learned, I hope that you enjoy listening to us share
In This Episode[0:35] - Jesse and I are talking today about having back-to-back seniors. [1:13] - I share insights from a devotional from a book, highlighting God's timing and unexpected blessings. [4:08] - Hear how I discovered unforeseen opportunities through MoneySavingMom.com. [7:03] - Be sure to follow @crystaliscleaning on Instagram! [9:04] - The challenges and emotional intensity of having two high school seniors in two years. [12:52] - Jesse finds our current senior year smoother compared to the previous one, crediting Kaitlynn's self-motivation. [13:44] - I reflect on simplifying preparations for Kaitlynn's graduation, learning from past experiences with Kathrynne. [22:18] - Encouraging preparedness and focusing on the next year makes for smoother transitions for children. [23:13] - Kaitlynn's openness to uncertainty and evolving plans for the future. [28:09] - What I'm learning about embracing the present while also thinking about the future.Links & Resources
LinksCrystal Paine Embraced: 100 Devotions to Know God Is Holding You Close by Lysa TerKeurst FREE Simplified Home ChecklistsSocial MediaCrystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)Crystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.com

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258. How We're Processing Having Back-to-Back Seniors

Do you ever feel like you're just barely keeping your head above water? If so, this episode of The Crystal Paine Show is for you! Jesse and I have been married for 21 years and we've learned and grown a lot in those years -- and tried a lot of different things that worked and many things that didn't. In this conversation, we share some of our simple systems that keep us sane and help us to have breathing room in our days to enjoy our life and invest in what matters most. First up, we talk about how we each have our own jurisdictions in managing our house and business and what that looks like. We also share what we expect of our kids and how us all working together really frees up a lot of physical and emotional energy for us as parents. Then, we move onto detailing changes we've made this year to simplify and how it has made such a difference: like reserving one day a week for meetings and interviews, carefully considering commitments and what that looks like for us right now, and how we have our work schedule set up so we both get time to work in. We end with sharing a number of different strategies we employ to eliminate decision fatigue and to streamline our lives: things like groceries, dishes, laundry, daily routines, avoiding paper piles, and more! I also give you a little peek into my home life growing up and talk about how my mom's organized systems influenced me. If you're ready to ditch the overwhelm and reclaim your peace of mind, I hope our ideas serve as a springboard for solutions that might work for you, and don't forget to snag your free Simplified Home Checklists!In This Episode[0:35] - Today's episode dives into practical strategies for maintaining sanity and enjoying life even if there's a lot going on. [1:52] - Delegation and instilling teamwork and work ethic in our kids. [4:35] - Gradual release of responsibility leads to independence as kids develop their own systems over time. [8:20] - Everyone is an asset to our home and we all work together. [11:05] - What simplifying has looked like for our home and schedule this year and one change that has made a big difference. [15:58] - Our current schedule for work-life balance with both of us working from home. [18:39] - How my mom's organized systems have influenced me. [20:46] - Scheduling grocery deliveries and using cost-saving programs like Kroger Boost. [22:59] - Daily routines, paper piles, and how we prep for our day the night before. [27:52] - Check out the free Simplified Home Checklists!Links & ResourcesCrystal Paine208. Slacker Parenting (AKA How to spend less time micromanaging and more time enjoying your kids)232. Why We Require Our Teens to Get a Job at 15Kroger BoostSimplified Home ChecklistsSocial MediaCrystal Paine on InstagramCrystal Paine on TwitterCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.com

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257. Simple Systems That Keep Us Sane

This episode is a reminder to trust your God-given intuition. If you feel something is wrong or off, get it checked out. In this podcast, we share the story of Micah getting really sick recently and how it ended up landing him in the hospital. We got so many questions from you all about his illness and how we knew when it was time to take him to the hospital/what we experienced, that I thought recording a podcast episode sharing in-depth might be helpful. We're so grateful that Micah is doing better now and fully back to his sweet, busy, silly self! We missed all his smiles and laughter and singing while he was sick! In this episode, we also give an update on what we're reading, share a reader's response to last week's episode, and we have a fun and friendly "argument" over audiobooks. In This Episode [0:35] - This week, we're sharing about Micah's recent sickness and hospital stay. [1:27] - Jesse is still reading Three Felonies A Day by Harvey Silvergate and Alan M. Dershowitz because it’s a dense read. [2:01] - I've been reading I Want God by Lisa Whittle. [4:10] - I share a message from a listener about commentary in last episode about Farmer Boy. [6:07] - Jesse and I have a friendly discussion about whether audiobooks count as "reading" and he shares about the John Grisham audiobooks he's listened to recently, including Jake Brigance trilogy. [8:45] - I had a very full weekend planned, including my last girls-only youth group camp and attending my friend's wedding, but that all changed when Micah got sick. [12:04] - We knew we needed to do something and ended up calling and asking about getting Zofran. [14:01] - Micah's symptoms persisted, prompting a pediatrician visit. [18:39] - We ended up in the ER and it took many attempts plus two rounds of sedatives to finally get the IV in. [24:31] - After hours of IV fluids in the ER, they ended up deciding to admit Micah as his labs didn't look good. [29:23] - I touch upon some of the lessons that were learned from this experience. Links & Resources Crystal Paine BooksThree Felonies A Day: How the Feds Target the Innocent by Harvey Silvergate and Alan M. DershowitzI Want God: How to Love Him with Your Whole Heart and Revive Your Soul by Lisa WhittleFarmer Boy: Little House, Book 2 by Laura Ingalls WilderJake Brigance Trilogy by John GrishamSocial MediaCrystal Paine on InstagramCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.com

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256. Micah's Unexpected Hospital Stay

Join Jesse and I this week as we sit down together for a personal episode where we tackle some burning questions submitted by followers on Instagram and share some life updates. (Including a story about a recent travel mishap where we ended up locked out of our own house at 2 a.m.!!) We kick things off by discussing our recent trip to Kansas for Easter -- our first time to fly with all three younger kids in over a year. We went to a goat farm, connected with friends we hadn't seen in a long time, and got to spend a lot of wonderful time with family. We also talk about a book I'm reading aloud to the kids, a tea I'm loving, and a freebie we launched recently. And then we dive into your questions on marriage. We reflect on our marriage journey, sharing advice and revelations from over two decades together. We talk about daily flirting, how our lives have taken very different paths than we ever envisioned, how we've grown and learned to work together, whether Jesse has always been a nerd, who makes the meals, and much more. If you enjoy a peek behind-the-scenes of our life, you don't want to miss this fun episode! Also, don’t forget to check out my newly launched 10 Weeks to a More Organized Home resource! (And use code PODCAST to save!!)In This Episode[0:35] - Jesse and I are excited for a lighthearted episode answering Instagram followers' marriage-related questions! [1:55] - All the details on our recent trip to Kansas, including how our three younger kids did on the trip. [5:40] - How we ended up locked out of the house at 2 a.m.! [8:09] - A listener responding to our 1900s episode shared about having a car phone in the 1990s for safety concerns. [9:29] - I have been enjoying Lemon Loaf Tea from TAZO, despite not typically liking lemon tea. [10:26] - The little kids are loving Farmer Boy a book from the Little House series. [13:25] - Before we dive into the questions, check out our free Simplified Home Checklists on our website! [15:13] - Jesse and I have been married for twenty-two years in January. [15:54] - Flirt daily; it's amazing how something so simple keeps the connection strong. [17:33] - The hardest (but most important words!) to say in a marriage. [23:55] - Who does the cooking at our house? [24:52] - How nerdy was Jesse when we met? [27:07] - How did we know how big we wanted our family to be? [29:49] - In 21 years, we've cultivated an intuitive bond, anticipating each other's needs and openly addressing frustrations to improve our communication [32:11] - Approach situations from a place of love, not opposition, with each other's best interests at heart. [32:56] - When overwhelmed, I confide in Jesse, who offers support or a listening ear; gratitude and encouragement nurture our bond. Links & ResourcesCrystal Paine250.What it was like living in the 1900’s :)TAZO Glazed Lemon Loaf Herbal Tea Bags for Health and WellnessSimplified Home ChecklistsBooksFarmer Boy: Little House, Book 2 by Laura Ingalls WilderLittle House on the Prairie (book series) by Laura Ingalls WilderSocial MediaCrystal Paine on InstagramCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.com

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255. Answering your burning questions on marriage

This week's podcast guest is Kaitlynn (my 16-year-old!) who is here to discuss the details of her unforgettable trip to Singapore and Indonesia! Join us as Kaitlynn shares exclusive insights into her trip, talks about why she chose to go on this trip, and all the highlights (and a few lowlights) of the experience.  The trip started out rocky with a delayed flight that caused their group to miss their a 17.5-hour flight to Singapore and end up stranded in San Francisco at 2 am in the morning! Kaitlynn recounts some of the things she felt and learned and some unexpected fun in the midst -- including impromptu volleyball games in airport terminals! She also shares how the unexpected adventures brought more camaraderie. In Indonesia, they spent time in a remote fishing village helping build a retaining wall, in addition to a Survivor Challenge and a hike in the jungle. In Singapore, they got to enjoy the bustling city life and vibrant culture while exploring the city. Some of her favorites from her time there were the rooftop restaurant and iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and the electronic Supertrees. We close out the episode with Kaitlynn reflecting on the lessons learned and the lasting friendships forged. In This Episode[0:35] - Kaitlynn joins us talk about her trips to Indonesia and Singapore! [2:49] - Tight layovers, flight delays, and being unexpectedly stuck in San Fransisco. [8:48] - Indonesia and Singapore were stark contracts to each other. [10:26] - What their accommodations were like, helping at the village, and the intense heat and humidity. [18:25] - An exciting jungle hike, including a waterfall, an ankle sprain, monkeys, and heat exhaustion. [20:52] - Singapore was a whole different, modern world. [26:56] - Chinatown and Starbucks where she had an excellent chai. [29:42] - Kaitlynn reflects on the trip and highlights stark financial contrasts between Singapore and remote villages [33:27] - Despite challenges, Kaitlynn embraced Philippians' message: refrain from complaining and foster faith and gratitude. [35:55] - I am excited to announce 10 Weeks to a More Organized Home, a step-by-step guide to help you clear out the clutter and get more organization in your home and lives! Use the code PODCAST for a special deal!Links & ResourcesCrystal Paine10 Weeks to a More Organized HomeSocial MediaCrystal Paine on InstagramCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.com

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235. One simple tweak that has made a big impact in our lives

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