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***TOP 1.5 % Global Podcast*** Are you a busy mom who wants more time for what matters most, but you have no idea where to start simplifying your life?
Do you wish you could nourish your family with healthy homemade food but are too overwhelmed and end up going through the drive thru......again?
Are you concerned about the toxins in your home and food but don’t know how to find simple, natural options to support your family’s health?
I am so excited you are here! This podcast will teach you how to live an simpler life, make your own natural products, simple ways to garden, cook from scratch, and preserve your food to save money and reduce the items you have to buy at the store to become more self-reliant and creating an income on your homestead!
Hey, I’m Monica, I’m a wife, mom of 5 kids, grandma, nurse and daughter of the King! I was overwhelmed with my full schedule and knew I wanted to create more time for my family by simplifying my life. I started small by swapping toxic products for more natural ones, cooking simple healthy meals from scratch, and creating simple systems without the stress and overwhelm! And I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned with you!
So grab that cup of coffee, get cozy on the porch swing…..and let’s chat!
Website: Claimingsimplicity.com
Join our Community of Christian Moms https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/
Email -＞ monica@claimingsimplicity.com
Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
Episodes
Friday Jan 12, 2024
Friday Jan 12, 2024
Hi Friend!
I want to give you some simple meal ideas to cut your grocery expense and eat nutritious healthy meals without a lot of time in the kitchen.
Some simple ways to cook is instant pot meals, easy casseroles or hot dishes, simple crockpot recipes for soups and chilies, egg bakes and any kind of breakfast food.
Make sure you don't waste time in the kitchen so you can spend life living more intentional.
Below is instagram link if you want to check out what is happening in my life
Website:
Join our Community of Christian Moms ->
https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/
Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com
Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
Love ya friend!
Monica
Wednesday Jan 10, 2024
Wednesday Jan 10, 2024
Hi Friend
I want to talk about the 3 areas of your budget where you can easily save money.
First, as we have talked about before, food can be one of the largest expenses for some families and it is also an area you can save quite a bit when you focus on more intentional spending. If you go into the grocery store with cash, you can only buy items that add up to less than that, so using cash can help you from buying extra items you don’t need. Make a list of meals you can make with the items in your fridge and see if there are a few ingredients you may need to go with the meals for the week When grocery shopping, make sure you go with a list and stick to the list so you just get what you need. You can also just order online and pick up-that way you know exactly how much you are spending and are less likely to get unnecessary items. So much of our food gets wasted because we have so much excess in our fridges and can’t eat it all. Another way to save on food is do not go out to eat the whole month-that could possibly save you hundreds of dollars if you go out as a family just a few times a month. I don’t know if you can even go to eat as a family of 4 for much less than $100 each time, so that could be a significant saving for you if that is something your family tends to do.
Next, make sure you are not buying any unnecessary items. Do you really need anything from amazon? If there is an item you are thinking you need, see if there is another alternative. Can you make something to do the same thing? Do you have a place to put this item? Being very conscious of each purchase is key and as I said in a previous episode, make sure you do not have your credit card linked to an online shopping accounts so it isn’t quite as automatic for you to spend money. Make it a game to put an item in the cart without buying it so you can look at the total and say you saved that amount! Online shopping is just so convenient and can easily get you off of your budget.
Lastly, you can do without any new clothes, shoes, purses, makeup or anything you buy that is not a necessity. This may be hard for you, but I promise, it won’t kill you. It is so amazing how much money is spent on frivolous items-most times just to give you a status or look good. How many people do you know that will buy outfits just for a picture~this is so self focused. You know the people that spend money on things to make them look good or feel like they are better than someone else, but God looks at what you do for others, so I want you to remember that when you are tempted to buy these materialistic items. Giving is so rewarding-it gives you so much joy _J-O-Y_ Jesus, Others, You. This should be the order every day, but not just this month.
I hope you have an incredibly blessed day friend!
Monica
Website:
Join our Community of Christian Moms ->
https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/
Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com
Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Happy Monday Friend
I am gearing up to make large batches of some of my soaps, lotions, laundry detergent, scent booster, stain removers, and I thought I would let you know how much money you can save by making your own products along with how much safer they are compared to anything at the store. I think of all the money I spent for years on products like dawn dishsoap, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, and so many other items that I could make myself for a fraction of the price and am so thankful I learned about what they were doing to my health about 20 years ago. I make my products in bulk because I don’t do it very often so I make large batches! It takes very little time to make a large amount of products and uses such few ingredients that anyone can make these.
Today I want to talk about a few of my favorite ingredients when making my supplies.
White Vinegar
Castile Soap
Baking Soda
Washing Soda
Coconut Oil
Essential Oils
Start out with a few items so you dont get overwhelmed. You will be amazed how easy it really is!
I have a free non toxic cleaning recipe guide on my website to help you get started quickly and they are all super simple.
Go to claimingsimplicity.com and get your free recipes and I have many many more recipes, so if there is something else you need a recipe for, just let me know!!!!!!
Remember to leave a rating and review if you have not already so you can be entered into our monthly giveaway starting with the first one in February
Happy Cleaning Friend!
DIY Cleaners ->https://claiming-simplicity.ck.page/best-diy-cleaners
Oils -> my.doterra.com/monicabaker/
Website:
Join our Community of Christian Moms ->
https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/
Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com
Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/
Saturday Jan 06, 2024
Saturday Jan 06, 2024
Hello
There is something freeing about having time freedom. I remember when I did daycare and the income looked good until I subtracted all the expenses and when you divide that by working 40 or 50 hours per week plus the time for shopping for food and daycare items, I made less than minimum wage and the value of our house went down because of wear and tear! Most daycare providers realized that they can’t get ahead and without having benefits or retirement it didn’t make sense so now it is hard to find home daycares. There are just so many more opportunities for you to make changes so you don’t have to trade time for money anymore!
We haven’t retired my husband yet, but that is the plan eventually!! Right now, all my grandkids live within 2 hours, so if they need something, have programs, or need me to watch them, guess what-I can do it because over 20 years ago, I made that as one of my goals and priorities as a Grandma! You can change your life without having to sacrifice what you value! You are not going to make a full time income selling eggs on your little homestead unless you sell 20000 or so a year, but there are so many other ways to make money right from home without sacrificing time!
Blessings!
Website:
Join our Community of Christian Moms ->
https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/
Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com
Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/
Friday Jan 05, 2024
Friday Jan 05, 2024
I try to batch cook as much as possible and I want you to spend less time in the kitchen as well if that is what you choose.
When it comes to cooking, you do have to do a little planning if you are cooking in large amounts. You may not have all the ingredients on hand when making large quantities, so that is the first step. Take a look at the ingredients you have on hand and then get a recipe and figure out how many other ingredients you will need to either double or triple that recipe.
Once you know what you are making, you will want to plan a day that week that you have a longer amount of time in your schedule to cook a large amount of food. I try to do bulk cooking at least once a week to keep a large supply of meals on hand and that is the reason we rarely go out to eat. If you prepare meals and they are convenient to make quickly, it is more work to go somewhere else to eat!
Once you know what you are making, you will want to make sure it can be frozen and it may only be a portion that you will freeze, for instance, when I make my chicken noodle soup, I freeze all of it except the noodle and then when I heat it up, I will add the noodles about 10 minutes before the soup is ready. Many of the items like lasagnas, eggbakes, tacos and even sauces freeze very well.
It also helps if you have a list of your favorite recipes that you can easily make into large quantities that freeze well. Start out by making just 1 meal a week that you double or triple and then if you would like, take 1 morning a month and make a few extra recipes that you could have throughout the month and you will add quickly to meal surplus so you can easily have meals ready on the nights when you don’t have time to prepare a healthy meal. This will not only keep you from eating out as much, but it will also help you to eat healthier.
I like to make all my breads for the month in 1 day and freeze those as well, so I'm not spending time taking all the ingredients and equipment out several times a month plus then I only have to clean up once from that too! Keep your meals simple and add more time back to your life.
I’m all about keeping everything as simple as possible and these systems that I have learned over the years have really helped with that so I have time to do other things that I love.
Monica
Website:
Join our Community of Christian Moms ->
https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/
Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com
Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/
Thursday Jan 04, 2024
Thursday Jan 04, 2024
Happy New Year Friend
I’m sure many of you overspent for Christmas and the no spend challenge we do in January is just like a detox from spending! You can do a sugar fast along with a spending fast to get life back on track!!!!
If you really want to save money in 2024, you need to reduce expenses. This challenge is so different for each person, but I want you to really evaluate what you actually NEED to spend money on for the month of January. We all need to pay our bills and we need food, but i’m guessing you could go through your cupboards and freezers to clean out as much as you can and get creative with your meals and just buy the bare minimum ingredients you need. Last year I only spend $73 on groceries for the month for a family of 4 and I can link that episode below on how I did that and this year I’m trying to spend nothing.That is a stretch challenge, but we do raise our own milk, eggs, chicken, and pork now along with making all my own breads, noodles, pizza dough and all things sourdough which just uses starter, flour and water, so it shouldn’t be too extremely difficult when we already cook from scratch.
I was just trying to think the other day when the last time we have gone out to eat was and I can’t even remember. When you cook from scratch, eating out isn’t that exciting~especially when you think about the ingredients they use-we feed our animals non gmo feed ~which is expensive and have to drive almost 2 hours to get it and order some online, but it is important to us what we put in our bodies as well as what we put on our bodies, so we choose to eat at home as much as possible, but it you eat out often, that is an area you can save so much money in just this one month!
Another great way to save some money would be to unlink your credit card from amazon, or any online store you may easily order online from. This one extra step could help you think a little more about your purchase and if it is really something you need. Our culture thinks we NEED so much more than we actually do! Don’t buy anything with credit cards. Just try it for a week or 2 and see how it goes for you. You might enjoy spending less money once you see how much extra money you really have.
There are so many great benefits to spending less. When you stop bringing clutter into the home, you also declutter your mind. One of the biggest benefits from spending less is that you may become less focused on wanting more and learn to be content with what you have. I suggest you try it for just one month.
EPISODE 74: https://www.podbean.com/pu/pbblog-2vz43-c15ea5
Great to have you back!
Monica
Website:
Join our Community of Christian Moms ->
https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/
Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com
Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/
Friday Dec 29, 2023
Friday Dec 29, 2023
Hey Friend!
So many people ask how I have so much energy, so I just want to share with you my top 7 things I do every single day to feel my best and have consistent energy so you can too in 2024!
Engage in activities that spark your creativity. It could be painting, writing, gardening, or anything that brings you joy. Expressing yourself creatively is a fantastic way to recharge your energy.
Get up early and start your day with a few minutes of quiet time. Whether it is enjoying a cup of coffee, praying, or taking a short walk, these peaceful moments can set a positive tone for the day. Embrace the calm before the chaos.
When life gets hectic, its tempting to grab quick snacks, so make sure to choose nutrient rich options such as protein, fruit or nuts. They are not only good for your health, but also provide sustained energy to keep you going.
Cultivate a habit of gratitude by jotting down 3 things you are thankful for each day. It is a wonderful way to shift your focus to the positive aspects of life, even on the busiest days.
Diffuse PURE essential oils that promote energy and motivation-I have been doing this for many years. My favorites are citrus oils like grapefruit, lemon, lime and orange because they are so uplifting, refreshing, energizing and all natural.
Don’t underestimate the power of water! Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining energy levels. Keep a water bottle handy throughout the day to remind yourself to sip and stay refreshed. I try to drink at least 100 ounces per day and during the winter, I actually drink warm water so I drink enough because I hate to be cold!
Prioritize quality sleep by creating a cozy and dark sleep environment and aim for a consistent sleep schedule. A well-rested you is a more energized you! If you are having trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep, I do have some suggestions that have helped me and I will link those below as well!
It seems like a simple list, but if you arent doing all of these, start with just one and then once you are doing that consistently, add the next one. This is called habit stacking if you are not familiar with it. Once you create these systems one at a time, they become your habits!
Happy Happy New Year and Stay Safe!!!!
Monica
Favorite Home Products to get started:
For Sleep: https://doterra.me/X6TEh2
Website:
Join our Community of Christian Moms ->
https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/
Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com
Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
Tuesday Dec 26, 2023
Tuesday Dec 26, 2023
Hello Friend!
I know you can get overwhelmed with all the projects you may have on your homestead or farm, but if you begin by planning in the less busy season, you will feel less stress because you actually have a plan!
First, Start by listing all the projects outside you want to do this year. I will add everything I can think of when I am planning for the new year
Next list any more animals we want to get and now this year, I will add to the list when we plan to breed our animals.
After that I will add any inside projects we need to get done
I will add the things I want to learn or try in the kitchen and try to plan my canning as much as I am able and the things I want to add to the garden.
If you take time to write these things down and then plan a date or time frame for them, you are going to have less overwhelm because you know exactly what it is that you want to plan for the year and you will be prepared.
Simplifying all the systems is key!
Blessings to you!
Website:
Join our Community of Christian Moms ->
https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/
Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com
Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/
Friday Dec 22, 2023
Friday Dec 22, 2023
10 Family Activites to Have Quality Time if You Want to Simplify Your Life and Enjoy Slow Living
Hello!
Happy Friday! I hope you have enjoyed this week's tidbits every day!! Remember, you need to sign up before the end of the year to join our no spend challenge!
This is the last podcast before Christmas and if you have some time off and want to focus on slower living and being more intentional, and simplifying family time, here are a few activities you could focus on doing if it is colder where you are at this time of the year!
Take a Hike or Nature Walk: Explore the landscapes around your homestead or wherever you are-it is so important to get outside no matter what the weather is. It's a peaceful and beautiful way to connect with nature.
Build a Snow Fort or Snowman if you have snow: Let your creative side shine by building a winter wonderland right in your backyard. Snow forts are not just for kids—adults can have a blast too! Quality time together is cherished by all.
Ice Skating: If you have a frozen pond or a nearby rink, grab your skates and hit the ice. It's a great way to enjoy the season and get some exercise. This is an unusual winter here so far and I’m not sure we will have enough cold weather to skate this year, but there are places that also allow indoor ice skating, so that might be an option for you as well!
Sledding or Tubing: Find a nearby hill and indulge in some classic sledding fun. It's a timeless activity that's bound to bring smiles and laughter. I know here they are making snow, so we might go tubing during our time off.
Bonfire: Bundle up and gather around a bonfire with your family. Enjoy some relaxing time by the fire. Roast marshmallows, sip on hot cocoa if it is cold, and share stories to make it extra cozy.
Snowshoeing: Explore the winter landscape on snowshoes. It's a wonderful way to get some exercise while enjoying the serene beauty of the snow-covered outdoors.
Picnic: Pack a thermos of hot soup, some sandwiches, and your favorite winter snacks. Find a scenic spot, lay down a blanket, and enjoy a winter picnic with your family.
Indoor Movie Night: For those extra chilly days, snuggle up indoors with a family movie night. Pop some popcorn, grab blankets, and enjoy a movie marathon.
Play Board Games: One of my favorite activities, but we seem to do more when it is cold outside!
Baking or Cooking: Not only will you be spending quality time together, but you will be teaching life lessons, so this is crucial to your family's future!
Remember, the key is to savor the simplicity of these moments and create lasting memories. Happy winter adventures and Merry Merry Christmas! Enjoy celebrating our Savior’s Birthday!
Blessings!
Monica
Website:
Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com
Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/
Thursday Dec 21, 2023
Thursday Dec 21, 2023
Hey Friend
I just want to give you a recap of my year of rarely being on social media. I do have a few groups I am a part of, but for the most part, I have not missed it at all! I have posted on occasion on Instagram for others to see what is going on, but I honestly forget all about social media and since I am not on there posting consistently, people don’t even see the content when I do post, so it is not a focus at all for my business! Crazy thing is that my business this last year has grown faster than ever, so I like to focus my time on what is working and put my energy there and this next year it is not going to be on social platforms.
Benefits I have noticed without social media:
More free time
More time to do hobbies
More family time
Business growth
Less Stress with trying to keep posting every day at least 5 times to be seen!
Downfalls are that I don’t see pictures of family and friends and unaware of many events-which I guess can be good and bad-there is NO Fear of Missing out, but there has been a few times I wished I would have known about an event that would have been fun to go to, but that is really minor!
I’m going to evaluate this next year and see how I can build an online community of like minded ladies off of social media, so if you have a favorite way that you are doing it or a favorite platform, I would love to hear about it!
I’m building my VIP group through email so you can get all the tidbits to help you simplify and discounts before anyone else knows about them!
Chat tomorrow!
Monica
Website:
Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com
Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/
DIY Cleaners ->https://claiming-simplicity.ck.page/best-diy-cleaners