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Other than my interviews with Jesse, this was my very first interview to do in-person -- with Myquillyn Smith (aka The Nester) sitting right across the table from me as we recorded. I loved getting to chat with her face-to-face and be inspired by her heart for creating a cozy and inviting home that serves your family well.

Myquillyn and I talk about the importance of making your home into a place that fits the way you’re called to use it, and she offers practical advice for women who may feel intimidated or insecure about decorating. If you’ve ever wanted your home to be a cozy, welcoming place, but aren’t sure where to start, you don't want to miss this episode!

(And while I'm not much of a decorator at all -- as I talk about on this episode! -- I surprised myself by truly being inspired by her book. Listen in as I share more on that!)

I also give you some last-minute tips for simplifying December, tell you one of our favorite Christmas traditions when our kids were younger, and share some of our favorite Christmas read-alouds for younger kids.

And I close out the show by sharing some encouragement from my heart to moms of littles. If you currently have babies, toddlers, or younger kids and maybe feel a little overwhelmed by this season of life, I hope that my words will inspire you and help you feel less alone!

In This Episode:

[01:34] - Our Christmas Bucket List is what's saving my life this week! This simple practice makes our Decembers so much simpler, calmer, and fun-filled.

[06:54] - Instead of just one book, this week I tell you about some of our family's favorite Christmas picture books.

[07:50] - Today's guest is Myquillyn Smith -- a woman who is well known on the internet for encouraging people to love their homes and that "it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful".

[10:16] - I asked Myquillyn to share advice for women who have insecurities or fears when it comes to decorating their homes (because this is 100% me -- I was even insecure about having Myquillyn come to my home and had to talk myself out of that before she got there!)

[15:17] - One of the things I often hear from women is that they wish they could redecorate or change some things in their home but they are on a really tight budget. We talk about this and Myquillyn shares some of her best tips for loving your home and making it cozy and welcoming -- on a tight budget.

[17:45] - We talk about what it's like to be an introvert and how to step out and do scary things in spite of our fears. Myquillin addresses my question on how she has managed to invite 1000 people to her home for a festival and go on book tour. She shares how it's been for her and why she chose to do this, even though she knew it would be a lot.

[21:58] - Myquillyn shares three books she's planning to read soon -- two of which have been on my radar screen and that I promptly ordered after she talked about them!

[23:04] - And we talk about none other than baths. Yes, for real! You'll have to tune in to find out why! :)

[24:45] - Many listeners have written in to ask about my advice for a first-time mom. I share some of my best advice and encouragement -- that I wish I would have learned early on!

Links and Resources:

• Twigby (this episode’s amazing sponsor!)
• The Gingerbread Boy by Paul Galdone
• Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett
• Gingerbread Friends by Jan Brett
• The Mitten by Jan Brett
• The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski
• The Christmas Story by Jane Werner Watson
• B is for Bethlehem by Isabel Winer and Elisa Kleven
• Great Joy by Kate DiCamillo
• Myquillyn Smith
• Myquillyn Smith on Instagram
• @thenester on Twitter
• The Nesting Place by Myquillyn Smith
• Cozy Minimalist Home by Myquillyn Smith
• Remember God by Annie Downs
• The Ministry of Ordinary Places by Shannan Martin
• The Wondering Years by Knox McCoy
• 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: crystal@moneysavingmom.com

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