Crystal Paine Show Crystal Paine

Jesse and I are doing something a little bit different this week and are talking about some of our favorite audiobooks! Summer is a great time for reading, and I especially love audiobooks. Whether you’re looking for a way to pass time while cleaning, cooking, or driving, or you simply want to enjoy more books without sitting down with a physical copy, this episode will hopefully give you lots of recommendations that will enrich your listening library!
I have gotten so many requests for recommendations, so Jesse and I have compiled a list of our favorites. I have managed to narrow my list down to 20 (okay, maybe a few more), while Jesse has some great picks too! By the end of this episode, you’ll have close to 25 must-listen audiobooks, ranging from captivating fiction to eye-opening historical narratives.
While I don't want to spoil all of the titles here, just to name a few, we mention Lisa Wingate's Before We Were Yours, The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris, Shelby Van Pelt’s Remarkably Bright Creatures, The President Is Missing and The President's Daughter (both by James Patterson and Bill Clinton), The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin, and so many more!
If, like me, you love listening to audiobooks, then this episode is definitely for you! Please feel free to reach out! I would love to hear what some of your favorites are!

In This Episode
[0:35] - Jesse and I are diving into our favorite audiobooks and sharing around 25 recommendations!
[2:59] - I reveal that I use the Libby app to listen to audiobooks on my phone without headphones.
[4:53] - I start by recommending Lisa Wingate’s Before We Were Yours.
[5:51] - I highly recommend The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society for its engaging, well-narrated story.
[7:11] - Jesse enjoys starting a series from the beginning, like Bill O'Reilly's Killing series.
[9:39] - Next up on my list is The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris.
[10:53] - Dear Bob and Sue recounts a couple's witty, sarcastic adventures visiting all U.S. national parks.
[13:23] - Jesse enthuses over Vince Flynn’s American Assassin, which starts a series completed by other authors after his death.
[14:11] - I mention the highly popular book Atomic Habits.
[16:42] - The next audiobook on my list is The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer.
[17:18] - Pam Jenoff’s The Orphan’s Tale explores how Jews were hidden in circuses during World War II.
[17:50] - I also mention Georgia Hunter’s We Were the Lucky Ones, which tells the true story of a Jewish family's survival during World War II.
[18:52] - Madeleine Martin’s The Last Bookshop in London is a soothing story that encourages me to read some classic works.
[19:38] - Jesse and I both enjoyed The President Is Missing and The President's Daughter for their thrilling political insights and insider details.
[20:59] - Kristin Hannah’s The Great Alone vividly depicts the harsh, isolating life in Alaska.
[22:29] - I reflect on how Shelby Van Pelt’s Remarkably Bright Creatures, featuring an octopus, was captivating, engaging, and unexpectedly compelling.
[23:51] - My summer book club led me to Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys, sparking my interest in Sepetys’ other historical fiction works.
[25:22] - The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek and The Book Woman’s Daughter by Kim Michele Richardson are also compelling.
[27:49] - For younger kids, I recommend the Little House on the Prairie series, great for both reading and listening!

Links & Resources
Crystal Paine
Libby App
Goodreads


Books
Before We Were Yours: A Novel by Lisa Wingate
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society: A Novel by Mary Ann Shaffer
Killing Series by Bill O'Reilly
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
Dear Bob and Sue by Matt & Karen Smith
Mitch Rapp Series by Vince Flynn
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
Code Name: Lise: The True Story of the Woman Who Became WWII’s Most Highly Dec

This week, join us as we share our goals for this summer! You might recall from our recent episodes our theme for the summer is a Slowed Down Summer.
Today, we're talking more about what we plan for that to look like and the specific goals I set for the summer to help me live out that theme. Some of these goals might seem -- at first -- a bit contradictory to the idea of slowing down, but I share more in this episode how these will help me walk out my hope for slowing down this summer.
I set a running goal -- which is something that is so cathartic to me! And a reading goal, which is also something that helps me to slow down. In this episode, I share about how I'm incorporating more reading into my day. I also set a reading goal for two chapter books I want to finish with the younger kids + some preschool I want to finish with them over the summer.
Finally, we are hoping to plan in lots of dates as a couple and dates with the older kids. I set specific numbers to shoot for, but it's mostly just able intentionally prioritizing time to be together and have fun together.
What are your goals and hopes for this summer? I'd love to hear!
In This Episode[0:35] - Our goals for a slowed-down summer!
[1:42] - A little update on savoring vs. surviving graduation week.
[7:45] - I recently finished reading Win at Work and Succeed at Life, which challenged me to rethink overworking and balance business with personal priorities.
[10:31] - My summer goals focus on working less and slowing down, with specific objectives to achieve this.
[11:11] - Goal #1: Run 100 miles and why it doesn't contradict slowing down.
[14:33] - Goal #2: finish 50 books!
[18:30] - Goal #3: finish reading Farmer Boy and Little House on the Prairie with the younger kids.
[19:44] - Goal #4: finish reading the Biggest Story Bible with the younger kids and Goal #5: go on eight dates with her older kids.
[21:21] - Goal #6: Goal on 15 dates with Jesse.
[22:25] - Prioritizing one-on-one dates with the older kids, embracing flexibility while aiming for monthly quality time together.
[24:59] - Jesse hopes to finally finish Three Felonies a Day this summer.
Links & Resources
Crystal Paine
Books
Win At Work And Succeed At Life: 5 Principles To Free Yourself From The Cult Of Overwork by Michael Hyatt & Megan Hyatt MillerFarmer Boy: Little House, Book 2 by Laura Ingalls WilderLittle House on the Prairie (book series) by Laura Ingalls WilderThe Biggest Story Bible Storybook | 104 Engaging Bible Stories for Ages 6–12 by Kevin DeYoung & Don ClarkThree Felonies A Day: How the Feds Target the Innocent by Harvey Silvergate and Alan M. DershowitzSocial Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Crystal Paine on Goodreads
Money Saving Mom
Money Saving Mom on Facebook
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
crystal@moneysavingmom.com


Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire: armoire.style/CRYSTAL
* Check out Claritin: www.claritin.com
* Check out Seed and use my code 25CRYSTAL for a great deal: seed.com
* Check out undefined and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: undefined
* Get 15% off your order at happymammoth.com with code CRYSTAL at checkout.


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

There are certain conversations and interviews that I know after having them, they will stick with me for a long time to come. This episode with Jessica Hurlbut, author of Unlimited Motherhood: Overcome 12 Limits That Overwhelm and Conflict Our Hearts, is one of those.
It touched and challenged me deeply... and it wasn't just the interview with her that you'll hear at the link below, but also our time before and after the interview. Jessica just oozes with kindness and grace and Jesus and her book and her life and this interview inspired me 
Jessica is mom of five and two of her children have severe autism and of her children were adopted through foster care. Jessica has a heart for families who have children with disabilities and a passion for foster care and adoption -- so we both have a lot of shared passion!
One of the most touching parts of our conversation (and of her book) was Jessica's transparency about her struggles and her candidness about walking through what she calls the "hidden years of motherhood". For her, these were years filled with isolation and relentless difficulties, especially when it came to having multiple little ones, fostering, and learning to navigate having two children with autism. But it was during these times that she learned invaluable lessons about surrender, trust, and finding beauty in the unexpected.
I can almost guarantee you that you'll be richly blessed by listening to this episode. Jessica's faith in the goodness of God -- despite the dark days of motherhood -- really convicted me! Jessica's insights and experiences will encourage you to lean into God's grace and trust Him even when things feel overwhelming. 
In This Episode[0:35] - Join me for this episode as I interview Jessica Hurlbut, author of Unlimited Motherhood!
[1:33] - Jessica's journey of mothering children with autism, fostering, and then adopting two young children.
[5:42] - What it was like to walk through eight isolating years as a stay-at-home mom to a child with autism.
[9:33] - I ask Jessica to share how she grieved the loss of what she pictured her life would be.
[11:58] - Our lives are almost always so much different than we envisioned, but also so much better.
[17:11] - What faithfulness looks like in our every day lives.
[18:07] - Motherhood isn't about controlling outcomes or being a supermom but is about learning deep trust in God.
[22:47] - Jessica shares a powerful story of living radically courageous, even when other people didn't understand. 
[26:39] - The story isn't tied up with a neat bow, but it's a reminder that God doesn't call us to success but to faithfulness.
Links & ResourcesCrystal PaineBooksUnlimited Motherhood: Overcome 12 Limits That Overwhelm and Conflict Our Hearts by Jessica HurlbutSocial 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

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire: armoire.style/CRYSTAL
* Check out Claritin: www.claritin.com
* Check out Seed and use my code 25CRYSTAL for a great deal: seed.com
* Check out undefined and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: undefined
* Get 15% off your order at happymammoth.com with code CRYSTAL at checkout.


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

Recently, I mentioned something on Instagram about how having an adult child is wonderful and also there are new challenges as your kids get older and grow wings and fly. This resonated with so many people that I ended up turning my thoughts into an Instagram post.
And then it inspired us to expand further on it in this week's podcast episode. We're just a year into having an adult child, but we wanted to share what we learned so far -- especially as we get ready to graduate another senior from high school! 
In this episode, we talk about the ups and downs of watching our kids learn to navigate life on their own. We discuss things we are glad we did ahead of time and things we wish we had known.
It’s such a joy to see them succeed and grow, but it’s also tough to watch them struggle and face hardships that we can’t fix for them. We share some of our experiences, some of the hard lessons, and the surprising things we've learned along the way.
I hope this conversation encourages you, whether you’re about to launch your kids into adulthood, you already have launched them, or you’re right in the thick of parenting littles or tweens or teens. 
We also discuss my goal for a “slowed-down summer” and what I've proactively put into place to make that happen. We also answer a question we kept getting about Jesse's To Do app, talk about a book I finished recently, and share some lessons we've learned about communication in marriage (please laugh -- this was such a rabbit trail!). Plus, I share a freebie with you -- 100 Free or Low Cost Summer Bucket List Ideas!
In This Episode[0:35] - What we wish we knew before having an adult child, a topic inspired by an Instagram post.
[1:35] - Hear about the phrase I chose for this summer.
[3:52] - I recently read and loved Tired of Being Tired by Jess Connolly.
[6:02] - Jesse shares what he loves about the Appigo Todo app.
[8:50] - Challenges we've had in communication in our marriage and lessons we've learned.
[13:13] - Learning to let go as a parent of an adult child can be one of the hardest things.
[14:22] - The importance of letting kids handle challenges themselves when they are younger.
[17:53] - Plus, teaching kids to be more self-sufficient involves giving them tools to confront problems.
[20:01] - There is a time to say no and there is a time to express caution and let your child learn through experience.
[24:03] - I describe how starting my day with a walk and prayer helps me support and connect with each of my kids.
[26:18] - In closing, parenting older children is challenging but rewarding, reminding us to trust and rely on God.
Links & Resources
Crystal Paine
Free Summer Bucket List
Appigo Todo App
Books
Tired of Being Tired: Receive God’s Realistic Rest for Your Soul-Deep Exhaustion by Jess Connolly
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
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


Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire: armoire.style/CRYSTAL
* Check out Claritin: www.claritin.com
* Check out Seed and use my code 25CRYSTAL for a great deal: seed.com
* Check out undefined and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: undefined
* Get 15% off your order at happymammoth.com with code CRYSTAL at checkout.


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

Myquillyn Smith was my very first in-person guest to ever have on the show -- back in 2018! (Listen to episode 12.) And because I loved the in-person experience so much, we decided to ultimately only have in-person guests on the podcasts! She's also someone I've known for years and years through blogging -- back before social media was even a thing!
She has a brand-new book called, House Rules: How to Decorate for Every Home Style and Budget. It's a fun and very visual book with lots of practical inspiration (and pictures of her house!). I underlined and dog-eared so many pages in the book and loved getting to ask her to share more about some of my favorite parts of the book.
Listen in as Myquillyn shares about why she wrote a book on rules (you'll breathe a sign of relief to know it's not going to be a rigid system but rather simple guidelines!), the importance of authenticity, and the power of starting with what you know. She also teaches us about the "Homey Trinity" and the significance of proper lighting and decor scale. And you'll be encouraged as she talks about how limitations can actually lead to creativity in unexpected ways.
Plus, we discuss the concept of clutter and how to navigate the fine line between cozy and chaotic. We close this episode with me asking Myquillin what the hardest rule is for her to follow -- you might be surprised with her answer!
Throughout the conversation, Myquillyn reminds us that our homes should serve us, not the other way around. I hope that this episode helps you to see and approach your home and decorating in a brand-new light!
In This Episode[0:35] - Today’s guest is returning guest Myquillyn Smith!
[2:02] - Myquillyn talks about how starting online was intimidating and why she originally went by the pseudonym of The Nester.
[4:33] - Teaching decor involves guidelines, but breaking rules can enhance creativity and confidence.
[7:29] - Do what you know, use what you have, and finish what you started with.
[9:11] - Myquillyn advises starting with inspiration, creating a Pinterest board, and identifying the needs of a room for decorating confidently.
[12:12] - You'll love this story of Myquillyn's fancy drapes and how she adapted them to better suit her casual lifestyle.
[15:39] - When we find ourselves overly protective of our homes, it's a sign that something needs to change.
[17:54] - Owning practical, easy-to-clean furniture allows freedom in enjoying and sharing your home.
[19:29] - How to appreciate thrift store finds without feeling compelled to own them brings peace and contentment.
[22:00] - The "Homey Trinity" of rugs, window treatments, and lighting.
[25:30] - Myquillyn identifies her biggest struggle as items left on the floor becoming "unintended decor".
[26:44] - Hear my solution to Myquillyn's challenge - keeping a dumpster in the garage for donations.
[30:38] - Be sure to check out 10 Weeks to a More Organized Home, and use the code PODCAST at checkout!
Links & ResourcesCrystal PaineThe Crystal Paine Show - 12. How to Create a Home That Serves Your Family (with Myquillyn Smith)Myquillyn’s WebsiteMyquillyn’s Instagram PageMyquillyn’s Threads Page10 Weeks to a More Organized HomeBooks
House Rules: How to Decorate for Every Home Style and Budget by Myquillyn SmithSocial Media
Crystal 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

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire: armoire.style/CRYSTAL
* Check out Claritin: www.claritin.com
* Check out Seed and use my code 25CRYSTAL for a great deal: seed.com
* Check out undefined and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: undefined
* Get 15% off your order at happymammoth.com with code CRYSTAL at checkout.


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

I recently shared a blog post on How to Graduate College Debt-Free. This post sparked so many discussions via comments and messages on my blog and through social media that I wanted to explore the topic more in-depth with Jesse on a podcast. 
This is not a podcast saying that every single person should go to college with zero debt, nor is the purpose to heap shame and guilt on anyone who has college debt. Instead, our hope is just to challenge you to think outside the box a little and to share some strategies and inspiration for ways to save money on college.
In this episode, we not only share personal experience from Jesse going to college and law school debt-free, but also from recent things we've learned from our girls. We discuss how it begins with mindset. If you don't believe you can do something or think something is not possible, there's a good chance you're not going to be very motivated to try.
We then get really practical and dig into tips and ideas for spending less on college, how to plan ahead for college expenses, how to leverage scholarships, and ways that you can significantly lower college costs just by going a nontraditional route.
I hope this episode inspires you with ideas, insights, and inspiration -- whether you are thinking of going back to college, have a child who will be starting college in the not-too-distant future, or you are just curious how it might be possible to get a college degree without debt. As always, we'd love to hear your feedback, ideas, and thoughts after you listen to the episode!
In This Episode[0:35] - Today’s topic - getting a debt-free college education, was inspired by a blog post of mine.
[2:27] - Belief in possibility is the initial step towards accomplishing anything.
[7:33] - Debt relies on uncertain futures; prioritize your current affordability.
[10:24] - Choosing in-state education and state scholarships drastically reduces college expenses.
[13:21] - Community colleges offer more affordable Gen Ed credits, which can really help save money.
[15:13] - Plan strategically and explore dual enrollment in high school + look into alternatives to living on campus.
[18:48] - Many students transfer schools after the first year, indicating initial choices may not be your final choices.
[21:45] - Challenge your own students to actively seek scholarships. Numerous opportunities exist, even for niche interests.
[24:12] - Treat scholarship hunting as a part-time job, maximizing financial aid opportunities.
[25:47] - Explore job opportunities offering tuition reimbursement or discounts, including college roles such as being an RA.
[29:53] - A mindset shift with creative solutions helps pave the way for generational financial freedom.
Links & ResourcesCrystal Paine
Blog Post: How To Graduate College Debt-Free
College of the Ozarks - “Graduate Debt Free”
Social 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

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire: armoire.style/CRYSTAL
* Check out Claritin: www.claritin.com
* Check out Seed and use my code 25CRYSTAL for a great deal: seed.com
* Check out undefined and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: undefined
* Get 15% off your order at happymammoth.com with code CRYSTAL at checkout.


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