Crystal Paine Show

Join Jesse and me for this final episode of 2024 as we reflect on the past year and look ahead to 2025 and talk about our goals and hopes for the coming year! The beginning of 2025 feels like a great time to reset, refocus, and embrace a new approach to personal growth, and I share why I’m shifting from yearly goals to monthly ones, how this change brings about flexibility and prevents burnout, and the five key areas I plan to prioritize (all of which happen to be words that start with M!).

We dive into the specific goals I set for January, why I set them, and how I'm really excited to walk them out. I also talk about the 12 areas I hope to become proficient in in 2025 and why I set this goal!

If you are looking for practical tips to set achievable goals for the new year, encouragement to prioritize your health and passions, or maybe even just some general inspiration to make 2025 your best year yet, I hope this episode inspires and encourages you!

In This Episode

[0:35] - Why I am setting specific, actionable monthly goals for 2025 instead of my usual yearly goals.

[3:59] - Hear how Jesse finds it challenging to stay motivated toward year-end goals even though he is so close to reaching them.

[7:17] - Hear how I organize my goals into five “M” categories to prioritize important areas of my life.

[8:05] - 2024 brought about some unexpected challenges, which made it harder to achieve some of my goals.

[9:20] - I celebrate personal growth in 2024 and am focusing on realistic monthly goals for 2025.

[13:05] - By prioritizing health via circadian rhythm, less sugar, and more protein, I saw real marked improvement in my overall health in 2024.

[14:56] - Why I focus on strong spiritual rhythms instead of setting a lot of specific spiritual goals.

[19:33] - I also plan, for 2025, to master twelve DIY items, a new one each month.

[21:11] - This coming year, Jesse is prioritizing flexibility and sustainable habits over rigid programs such as 75 Hard.

[24:30] - I highlight setting goals that are actionable and achievable even during difficult times.

[27:04] - Jesse shares how his coach suggested starting small, like exercising twice weekly, in order to build consistent habits.

[28:01] - I reveal how I adjusted my goals, like decluttering 500 items, to be realistic and attainable.

[30:39] - I plan family-focused activities, personal goals, and savings with Jesse for January.

[33:31] - It's important to budget conservatively with variable income in order to maintain financial stability.

Links & Resources

Crystal Paine

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

[email protected]

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Seed and use my code Seed.com/CRYSTAL and use code 25CRYSTAL for a great deal: https://seed.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

We finally made it happen -- after having to cancel due to the snow and ice the week before. Angie Smith came over to record a podcast... and we covered a lot of ground in our short interview! Angie is one of those people who is always so honest and also hilarious. Every time I'm with her, she makes me think with her deep questions AND she makes me laugh until the tears come with her funny stories!

In this episode, we begin by recounting how Angie and I met at a blogging conference a number of years ago and her first words to me the first time we met actually played a profound part in our family’s journey. We also talk about how she was instrumental in connecting us with a group of people who became our lifeline after we moved to TN. (And don’t miss her funny story about the time we were on a cruise together and she forgot to pack the bottom half of her wardrobe!)

Angie didn’t grow up in the church and she shares really candidly in the episode about her faith journey, her struggles with doubt, how she is processing and wrestling through grief in her life, plus really practical advice for women who want to study the Bible but don't know where to start and feel like they don't have time to "do it right".

If you've ever had doubts about God, struggled to really believe that the Bible is true, or felt like you want to deepen your faith or grow closer to the Lord but you just don't know how to do so, I hope this conversation gives you a big dose of encouragement (and hopefully a few laughs, too!)

In This Episode:

[01:19] Angie is one of the reasons that we moved to Tennessee. Learn more about that.

[04:34] ...and then there was the time that Angie completely forgot the bottom half of her wardrobe.

[06:15] Angie shares a little about herself and her family.

[08:43] How Covid has impacted the way Angie is approaching her online ministry.

[12:44] Why did she wait so many years to release another book?

[15:36] Did she wrestle with some of her beliefs as she wrote this book?

[20:07] Angie’s words for those who are struggling with their faith in these difficult times.

[23:27] How is she processing through the grief of her twins getting ready to go off to college?

[27:51] Where can busy moms and women start to dive deeper into scripture?

Links and Resources:

• Woven by Angie Smith
• Angie Smith Ministries
• Angie's Instagram account
• 10-Days to Be a Happier Mom
• Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
• MoneySavingMom.com
• My 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: [email protected]

How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Seed and use my code Seed.com/CRYSTAL and use code 25CRYSTAL for a great deal: https://seed.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Jesse and I celebrated our 18th anniversary recently (our marriage is officially an adult!) and we had fun sitting down and recounting 10 lessons we've learned in 18 years of marriage.

We talk about lessons like: if your wife says she's not hungry, still get food for her and why daily gestures are more important than celebrating Hallmark holidays. We also share honestly about a simple phrase that has completely changed the way we communicate and how I completely blew an opportunity when Jesse wanted to buy me a car. Plus, we share how forgiveness and praying together and choosing to love (even when we don't like each other!) makes such a difference.

Whether you've been married for 18 days or 18 years (or longer!) or you are planning to get married in the future, I hope this episode encourages you.

In This Episode:

[01:43] The first lesson we’ve learned in our 18 years of marriage.

[03:20] Ways we’ve learned to talk about feelings without being accusatory with each other.

[07:12] Laughter is the glue to a strong marriage.

[09:33] The importance of pursuing individual interests.

[13:41] Don’t assume that your spouse processes at the same speed that you do.

[18:49] Daily gestures are so much more important than big moments.

[22:39] We’ve learned to express gratitude in our relationship.

[28:28] Spouses don’t always accept and give love in the same ways.

[29:28] Love is a choice rather than just a feeling.

[30:42] It’s so important to ask for forgiveness often.

[32:50] Pray together!

Links and Resources:

• Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
• MoneySavingMom.com
• My 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: [email protected]

How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Seed and use my code Seed.com/CRYSTAL and use code 25CRYSTAL for a great deal: https://seed.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

I was sitting with a few women recently and we were sharing some heavy things in our lives and big feelings. After a little while, I said, "Does anyone have any good news to share?"

It's so easy to focus on the hard and difficult things. And I think we do need to acknowledge our feelings and not try to stuff down the difficult things, slap on a happy face, and pretend we're okay. But at the same time, I also think it's so good -- and important -- even on hard days and during sad or overwhelming seasons to look for the good, to notice the beautiful, and to practice an attitude of gratitude. Because, as you've heard it said, what you look for is usually what you see.

If you focus on the negative, you can find a lot to complain about. If you focus on the positive, you can find a lot to be grateful for!

In this week's episode, Jesse and I sit down and talk about some positive, fun, beautiful, and good things happening in our lives. We share about milestones, perspective shifts, and lessons we're learning. Plus, we talk about some fun updates and funny happenings. I also discover the history behind the phrase "deader than a doornail" (thanks, Jesse!) and we share what's saving our lives and what books we're reading.

In This Episode:

[00:42] We’re sharing some good news and fun things that have been happening lately.

[01:26] Champ is reunifying with his mom soon and we talk about processing that.

[04:02] Jesse’s Apple iPhone case is saving his life this week.

[07:25] My top 10 baby products are saving my life.

[08:58] Jesse is reading Fortitude by Dan Crenshaw and listening to One Vote Away by Ted Cruz.

[10:17] I’ve been reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.

[13:16] Why we’ve decided to share some good news today.

[15:03] Jesse recounts the wonderful baseball season that they had this year.

[16:52] I’ve turned in the FINAL edits for my new book!

[20:18] Some fun updates on the babies and why we basically never do professional family photos.

[24:22] Jesse had a lot of fun shopping for the babies for the photos.

[25:14] We have a driver at our house -- and both Jesse and I have been teaching her, something I never expected I'd say!

[29:37] How the seminary class I'm taking is really challenging me.

[33:52] Some thoughts on doing your own research, not just going to one source, and what our currently political climate is teaching me.

[36:06] What is your good news right now?

Links and Resources:

• Apple iPhone Cases
• Top 10 Baby Items
• Fortitude by Dan Crenshaw
• One Vote Away by Ted Cruz
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
• The Bible Project
• Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
• MoneySavingMom.com
• My 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: [email protected]

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Seed and use my code Seed.com/CRYSTAL and use code 25CRYSTAL for a great deal: https://seed.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Feeling burdened, weary, tired, or heavy-hearted today? Try the One-Minute Pause! Here’s how it works:

• Set a timer for 60 seconds.
• Take a few deep breaths.
• Then, verbally release the weight of what you are carrying. “I release my stress or worry over my job to You, God.” “I release my fear over my child’s future to You, God.” “I let it go.” Literally let yourself breathe out your fear, stress, worry, tension and breathe in God’s care and carrying of You.

This simple practice isn’t going to solve all of your problems, but it can certainly help you feel a little calmer and remind you that you don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.

God sees you. He cares about you. And He is big enough to carry your heaviest burdens. You are not alone.

Need more encouragement to stop feeling burned out and get your joy back? Be sure to listen to this week’s podcast episode with John Eldredge.

We talked about simple, sustainable practices (like the One Minute Pause) he implemented in his life a few years ago when he found himself feeling completely burned out, tethered to his phone and email, and unable to really stop and savor his life.

In This Episode:

[00:57] I ask John Eldredge to introduce himself and share more about his books and ministry.

[04:43] What inspired John to write his newest book?

[06:11] John talks about realizing that his soul was running dry.

[07:50] We discuss how hard was it for him to untether himself from his phone and email and the basic steps he took to get his job back.

[11:31] Learn about how the One Minute Pause has impacted John’s day.

[13:56] The One Minute Pause isn't just for adults; you could do it with your kids, too! Check out the One Minute Pause App.

[17:08] Benevolent Detachment -- what does this mean?

[22:59] Why naming your stressors out loud and letting them go helps turn your day and mindset around.

[23:44] John encourages us with practical ways to drink beauty in for your soul.

• Get Your Life Back by John Eldredge
• John Eldredge - Ransomed Heart Ministries
• One Minute Pause App
• CrystalPaine.com
• MoneySavingMom.com
• YourBloggingMentor.com
• My 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: [email protected]

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Seed and use my code Seed.com/CRYSTAL and use code 25CRYSTAL for a great deal: https://seed.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands