Crystal Paine Show Crystal Paine

Do you ever feel like you're barely keeping your head above water? Life can be hectic, but I have some strategies to share that have been real game-changers for my family and me. In today's episode, inspired by a recent blog post that struck a chord with many of you, Jesse and I are sharing three strategies that keep us sane. From managing a bustling household to finding time for the things that truly matter, we're getting practical and sharing our tried-and-true methods.
First up, we're busting the myth of doing it all ourselves. It's very much a team effort, and we spill the beans on how we've instilled a strong work ethic in our kids while keeping our sanity intact.
We are also all about simplicity. With a crew of teens and tots under one roof, we've learned that less is more, and I'll let you in on how we've streamlined everything from schedules to meal plans without sacrificing quality time, but there's more!
We are also talking about systems like to-do lists and the magic of online grocery shopping! If you're ready to ditch the overwhelm and reclaim your peace of mind, tune in now and let's get your life running smoother than ever before, 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 amidst chaos.
[1:52] - Hear about our first strategy: delegation and instilling teamwork and work ethic in our kids.
[4:35] - I point out how a gradual release of responsibility leads to independence as kids develop their own systems over time.
[5:37] - Learn how we save time and emotional energy as parents by tailoring guidance toward each child’s needs.
[8:20] - Sharing chores at home can ease the load and keep things running smoothly, making family life a whole lot easier and happier.
[11:05] - I move into our second strategy, simplifying things and reserving Wednesdays for external commitments.
[14:21] - I share that I have simplified commitments by avoiding Bible studies, opting for minimal contributions to school events.
[15:58] - Jesse simplifies our schedule by dedicating mornings to childcare and focusing on tasks in the afternoon.
[18:39] - I emphasize the importance of efficient systems at home, learned from my mom's meticulous organization.
[20:46] - I streamline my routine by scheduling grocery deliveries and using cost-saving programs like Kroger Boost.
[22:59] - I maximize efficiency by tweaking grocery orders and using quick delivery options, streamlining hair care routines and mail management.
[24:19] - My morning routine includes prepping the night before, maintaining car cleanliness, and organizing weekly tasks.
[27:52] - Check out the free Simplified Home Checklists!

Links & Resources
Crystal Paine
208. 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 15
Kroger Boost
Simplified Home Checklists

Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram
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
crystal@moneysavingmom.com




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* Check out undefined and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: undefined


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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
Books
Three 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 Media
Crystal Paine on InstagramCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.com

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: http://www.armoire.style
* Check out Homethreads and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: www.homethreads.com
* Check out undefined and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: undefined


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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 & Resources
Crystal Paine250.What it was like living in the 1900’s :)TAZO Glazed Lemon Loaf Herbal Tea Bags for Health and WellnessSimplified Home ChecklistsBooks
Farmer Boy: Little House, Book 2 by Laura Ingalls WilderLittle House on the Prairie (book series) by Laura Ingalls WilderSocial Media
Crystal Paine on InstagramCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.com

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: http://www.armoire.style
* Check out Homethreads and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: www.homethreads.com
* Check out undefined and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: undefined


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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

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: http://www.armoire.style
* Check out Homethreads and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: www.homethreads.com
* Check out undefined and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: undefined


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There were tears and there was laughter on this episode of the podcast, because we talked about the vulnerable (and sometimes difficult!) topic of belonging. And my guests were Chris and Julie Bennett, the authors of Fighting for Family: The Relentless Pursuit of Building Belonging.
As the title of their book would suggest, Chris and Julie are passionate about relationships and community. In the conversation, they share about how family isn't just the people who you are related to, it can also be people who become like family because of your deep friendship. 
The Bennetts share their story of a very crazy and chaotic season in their lives -- uprooting their lives to move to Los Angeles without a clear plan, not being able to find housing, moving again and again, while facing the completely unexpected diagnosis of stage three breast cancer for Julie.
They share how hard it was, but also how good it was. How God used this space where they felt like they had nothing to offer and were so needy to teach them powerful lessons about belonging. 
In this episode, they share some of what they have learned and provide encouragement for anyone who is feeling lonely or like they are an outsider.
If you're craving deeper connections, longing for a sense of belonging, or simply seeking inspiration to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience, this episode is for you. I think you will be so blessed by this heartfelt conversation!
In This Episode
[0:35] - I am interviewing Chris and Julie Bennett, authors of the book Fighting for Family.
[1:50] - Chris reveals how the book came to be.
[3:21] - Julie points out how life's challenges turned her adventurous family into brave survivors, battling homelessness and cancer together.
[5:49] - Their faith was deepened amidst chaos, reshaping their understanding of belonging.
[8:49] - How did Julie and Chris navigate the immense risk and uncertainty, especially with children involved?
[15:43] - Julie, despite hesitations, joined a diverse group of fourteen women and these women ended up serving as a lifeline for her.
[19:35] - Belonging involves both giving and taking risks.
[24:05] - Fostering genuine connections requires vulnerability without hidden agendas, creating space for authentic sharing.
[27:00] - Chris reasons that Jesus exemplified love and belonging, prioritizing the marginalized and modeling inclusiveness.
[29:39] - It's okay to feel lonely, even with loved ones. Keep fighting; there's hope ahead.
[31:51] - And stay tuned at the end for an exciting announcement of a project I've been working on for a number of months that I'm finally launching this week! I announce that I am launching "10 Weeks to a More Organized Home," with daily tasks for decluttering.
Links & ResourcesCrystal Paine10 Weeks to a More Organized HomeChris and Julie's podcastBooksFighting for Family: The Relentless Pursuit of Building Belonging by Chris & Julie BennettBowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert D. PutnamSocial MediaCrystal Paine on InstagramCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.com

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: http://www.armoire.style
* Check out Homethreads and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: www.homethreads.com
* Check out undefined and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: undefined


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Silas makes his formal debut on the podcast this week by joining Jesse and me to share about their trip to DC. He's joined in on a few podcasts in the past when he was much younger and didn't say much, so I'm excited for you to get to hear more from him now that he's older and less scared of the microphone. :)
Jesse and Silas recount the adventures they had on the 8th grade school trip, including flying Southwest (and winning some vouchers), Arlington, the Holocaust Museum, the 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon, Museum of the Bible, the Capitol, Mount Vernon, Gettysburg, the White House Visitor's Center, and more!
You'll enjoy hearing both of their perspectives on it, what they learned, what was disappointing and surprising, and places they want to return to. They shared some stories and insights I hadn't yet heard from their trip, so it was really fun for me to sit back and listen -- I hope you enjoy it as much we did recording it!
In This Episode[0:35] - Silas and Jesse are here to recount their recent trip to Washington D.C.!
[2:19] - Jesse admits that this trip was better than Kathrynne's eighth-grade trip because they flew this time.
[3:18] - Silas won two $50 gift vouchers on the trip!
[4:49] - Jesse highlights getting to know the teens in Silas's class better and visiting Arlington.
[5:59] - Silas reflects on gaining insights from classmates and highlighted visiting the Museum of the Bible and the Holocaust Museum.
[6:58] - Jesse found it unexpected and intriguing to meet someone who was in the Pentagon during the attack.
[7:43] - Hear Silas go into more detail about the visit to the Holocaust museum and Museum of the Bible, finding the transition from heavy to light.
[11:35] - I mention the personalized experience at the Holocaust Museum and compare it to a memorial in Israel.
[13:20] - Visiting the Capitol and the White House Visitor's Center.

[16:42] - Was there anything that was disappointing or surprising about the trip?

[20:11] - Silas wants to go back to D.C. but with the whole family.
[21:26] - Jesse found their visit to Mount Vernon intriguing, describing it as a living history experience.

[25:13] - I share some exciting news: I am launching the Simplified Home Checklist, offering daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly tasks for organizing!
Links & ResourcesFREE Simplified Home ChecklistsCrystal PaineSocial MediaCrystal Paine on InstagramCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.com

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: http://www.armoire.style
* Check out Homethreads and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: www.homethreads.com
* Check out undefined and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: undefined


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands