Crystal Paine Show Crystal Paine

I'm super excited to share this episode with you because it's a special one. I have had today's guest, my dear friend Myquillyn Smith, on the show before back in episode 12! The author of House Rules: How to Decorate for Every Home Style and Budget, she is here with me today as we reminisce about our early blogging days and how far we've come since then. We dive into some insightful conversations about the world of social media presence and the challenges we've faced along the way.
Listen in as Myquillyn and I chat about the importance of authenticity and the power of starting with what you know. Myquillyn shares some fantastic tips from her book such as the "Homey Trinity" and the significance of proper lighting and decor scale. She even reveals how limitations can actually lead to creativity in unexpected ways.
That's not all, though! We also discuss the concept of clutter and how to navigate the fine line between cozy and chaotic. Plus, Myquillin shares her struggles with storing stuff on the floor (something with which I can totally relate).
Throughout the conversation, Myquillin, with her wisdom, reminds us that our homes should serve us, not the other way around, so if you're craving some inspiration to spruce up your space, grab a cup of tea and join us for some delightful decor chat, and don't forget to pick up a copy of Myquillyn's book!

In This Episode
[0:35] - Today’s guest is returning guest Myquillyn Smith!
[2:02] - Myquillyn reveals how starting online was intimidating due to privacy concerns, hence adopting the pseudonym 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] - Hear how, despite admiring fancy drapes, Myquillyn adapted them to better suit her casual lifestyle.
[15:39] - When we find ourselves overly protective of decor, it's a sign that we are babysitting, not living.
[17:54] - I point out how owning practical, easy-to-clean furniture allows freedom in enjoying and sharing your home.
[19:29] - Myquillyn discusses how appreciating thrift store finds without feeling compelled to own them brings her peace and contentment.
[22:00] - Learn how mastering the "Homey Trinity" of rugs, window treatments, and lighting transformed Myquillyn's decorating approach.
[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.
[28:25] - I commend House Rules for making decorating simple and best suited to one’s family.
[30:38] - Be sure to check out 10 Weeks to a More Organized Home, and use the code PODCAST at checkout!

Links & Resources
Crystal Paine

The Crystal Paine Show - 12. How to Create a Home That Serves Your Family (with Myquillyn Smith)
Myquillyn’s Website
Myquillyn’s Instagram Page
Myquillyn’s Threads Page
10 Weeks to a More Organized Home

Books
House Rules: How to Decorate for Every Home Style and Budget by Myquillyn Smith

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
crystal@moneysavingmom.com


Our Sponsors:
* Check out Claritin: www.claritin.com
* Check out undefined and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: undefined
* Visit armoire.style/CRYSTAL to get up to 50% off your first month, that’s up to $125 OFF! Never worry about what to wear again—try Armoire today!


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 Claritin: www.claritin.com
* Check out undefined and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: undefined
* Visit armoire.style/CRYSTAL to get up to 50% off your first month, that’s up to $125 OFF! Never worry about what to wear again—try Armoire today!


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

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 Checklists
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 Claritin: www.claritin.com
* Check out undefined and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: undefined
* Visit armoire.style/CRYSTAL to get up to 50% off your first month, that’s up to $125 OFF! Never worry about what to wear again—try Armoire today!


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

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

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Claritin: www.claritin.com
* Check out undefined and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: undefined
* Visit armoire.style/CRYSTAL to get up to 50% off your first month, that’s up to $125 OFF! Never worry about what to wear again—try Armoire today!


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

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 Claritin: www.claritin.com
* Check out undefined and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: undefined
* Visit armoire.style/CRYSTAL to get up to 50% off your first month, that’s up to $125 OFF! Never worry about what to wear again—try Armoire today!


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

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 Claritin: www.claritin.com
* Check out undefined and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: undefined
* Visit armoire.style/CRYSTAL to get up to 50% off your first month, that’s up to $125 OFF! Never worry about what to wear again—try Armoire today!


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