6 Simple Habits in January + what I'm reading & an update on my goals

Sourdough English Muffins, getting our ears double-pierced, and sunshine! (Micah and Kaitlynn working on putting together a flower arrangement.) Hi, Friend! In January, I committed to, among other things: 👉 Get up every morning and go outside and walk first thing (even if just for a few minutes) at least 25 mornings. 👉 See sunlight before I looked at a screen at least 25 mornings. 👉Only eat refined sugar 8 times. 👉Eat 90 grams of protein daily at least 25 days. 👉 Shut my phone off at 8:30 pm at least 25 days. 👉Stay completely offline at least 3 Sundays. Did you notice how I didn’t aim for perfect? I aimed for progress. And I not only got every single one of these goals in January; I actually exceeded most of them! It’s taken me years and years to learn what works for me when it comes to goal-setting, but setting small, realistic goals with wiggle room left for the unexpected has made a huge difference. I’m beginning February with a similar list and so encouraged and hopeful that I can continue the momentum. Your goals or habits will be different than mine, but I hope that this inspires you to take the next tiny step — whatever that might be. Today is a good day to start! By the way, you're interested in seeing my list of 22 goals for 2024 along with an update on how I'm doing on each of the goals, [check out this post here.]() I consider the mark of a good book one that makes you laugh and get teary-eyed in the space of a few pages. Cynthia Yanof’s book, [Life is Messy, God is Good: Sanity for the Chaos of Everyday Life,](=) did that very thing for me. Her ability to bring humor into life’s messiness is beautiful and one we can all learn from. In [this week's podcast episode](), I get to sit down with Cynthia and we touch on some of her story and lessons she’s gleaned. We talk about her experiences as an older mom with kids in college, high school, and first grade and how foster care profoundly impacted their family. I love her insights into stepping into scary places and learning to lean on God and trust Him — even when it’s really hard. One of the parts of her book I really appreciated was her wisdom on friendships. I ask her to dive into this on the podcast as I often hear from women who are really struggling to make and keep friendships. We talk about what it looks like to invest in relationships, even when it feels like we don’t have much time and how to really show up well for people in the midst of full schedules. If you are navigating the chaos of everyday life (and, let’s be honest, aren’t we all?), craving a good laugh, and looking for encouragement in the messiness, I think Cynthia’s words and story will bless you! Listen in to hear about embracing and seeing beauty in life’s messiness and standing confident in the unwavering goodness of God. [Listen to the episode here.]() I told you last week that I was going to try my hand at making Sourdough English Muffins. The [Sourdough English Muffins]( were definitely the most time-intensive sourdough recipe I’ve made so far. They were delicious and it felt pretty fulfilling to see how beautifully they turned out. (It was my first time to make English Muffins!) I think they will be easier to make next time — now that I know how to make them! Psst! Want a much easier recipe? Check out my [Homemade English Muffin Bread recipe](). It's not sourdough, but it's delicious and very easy! What I'm Attempting This Week: Water Kefir (I already made it, but it's not finished fermenting yet! I'll keep you posted!), sauerkraut, and kombucha! Stay tuned for an update next week on how these experiments are going! Links You Might Be Interested In: - [3 Budgeting Mistakes to Avoid This Year](-- This was a great guest post on MoneySavingMom.com from Jessi Fearon for anyone who struggles with budgeting, wants to do better at budgeting, or just feels like you might be doing budgeting wrong. [Read the post here.]( - [My Honest Thoughts on Kroger Delivery + What We Ate & Bought at Kroger This Week.]( Spoiler alert: I bought a Boost membership this week! I still can’t believe it! [I share why in this post.]( - If you love deals, don’t miss the [Top 9 Deals From This Past Week post!]( There’s a hot deal on Stanley Tumblers, Dave & Buster’s, Cookware, a first aid kit for just $1.99, and more! - [I’m trying something new on Instagram]( and posting frugal cooking recipes/videos each week for the next few weeks. [See my first Instagram cooking video here.](=) - David learned his first sign this past week!!! [See a video here.]( For Kathrynne's birthday, the girls and I went and got our ears pierced (second piercing or doubles or second hole -- I've learned people call it different things!). I wasn't ever planning to get mine double pierced (I've had mine single pierced since I was 20), but the girls and Jesse convinced me to give it a go. Jesse was like, "You can always let it grow back if you don't like it, but it will be a fun memory with the girls." Parenting has caused me to do all sorts of things I never thought I'd do, to learn all sorts of things I never expected to learn, and to become well-versed in a lot of topics I never knew I'd become passionate about or interested in. I love that our kids constantly challenge us outside our comfort zones and stretch us to learn and grow as individuals. Now, if the girls come and say they want to do a third piercing, I believe I'm out! :) Speaking of Kathrynne's birthday, [I wrote a post recapping this past year of her life here.]( Do you struggle with menu planning and getting dinners on the table each night for your family? If so, download my [FREE one-week menu plan]() to help take the stress out of menu planning this week! - Simplify (or actually start) meal planning for yourself or your family - Save time and money on the meal planning process - Feed your family well - Give your brain a break from tackling all the meal prep details on your own - Enjoy more quality time around the table with your family Your [One-Week Money-Saving Menu Plan]() is where it’s at! It includes a grocery list with everything you need at the store plus complete recipes and side ideas to go with each dinner. Just click the below to download yours and make meal-time easier…starting TODAY! [Click here to get your FREE one-week menu plan!]( Books I Finished This Week [The Warsaw Sisters]() -- I really enjoyed this novel. It was well-researched, taught me about some different events in history I didn't know about, and reminded me of the gift of sisters. If you are looking for a good historical fiction to read, I'd definitely recommend it! [Words With God](=) -- I loved this book. It is rich. It is deep. And it made me think a lot. It challenged some of me pre-conceived notions about prayer, motivated me to deepen my relationship with Jesus, and convicted me in the area of relationship, trust in God, and forgiveness. It's a book you don't want to quickly read but will want to slowly savor it. What I'm Currently Reading/Listening to: [If I Were You]() -- I'm listening to this audiobook. I'm over halfway through and still undecided what I think, but the storyline has drawn me in and I have to finish it now! I'm committed! :) I'm hoping to finish it in the next few days! [Becoming Elisabeth Elliot]() -- So many people have recommended this book to me, so I'm excited to read it. I read and listened to Elisabeth Elliot a lot as a young teen -- and heard her speak in person a few times!.So I'm very interested to hear more of her backstory. Have you read this book? [Only the Beautiful]()-- My sister said I must read this book! And she knows me well, so if she says that, then I do what she says! I can't wait to dive in! [The Gift of Limitations]( -- I am interviewing Sara for an upcoming podcast episode soon, so I'm reading her book in preparation! The sun has been out some of the days this past week -- which has been amazing! I spent 4 hours outside today and it was incredible! It will likely get cold again soon, but we're soaking up all the warmth while it's here! Have a wonderful Sunday! -Crystal P.S. If you love deals, don’t miss the [Top 9 Deals From This Past Week post!]( There’s a hot deal on Stanley Tumblers, Dave & Buster’s, Cookware, a first aid kit for just $1.99, and more! [Unsubscribe]( Money Saving Mom, LLC 2020 Fieldstone Parkway, Ste. 900 #313 Franklin, Tennessee 37069 United States