If you are a regular reader of The Peaceful Mom then you know that I like to “keep it real”. Today is one of those “real” days.
With everything that has been going on in my life in the past couple of months (death of a close family member, the school year starting, increased involvement at church, increased responsibilities on the blog, etc.) I am frankly a little tired and I have lost some of my motivation and direction.
I originally started The Peaceful Mom with the intention to help and encourage women in their every day lives, but as the blog has grown, I have had more and more responsibilities added to my plate (answering more comments, more emails, more brand requests, etc.). All of these things are good, but as a result of this increase in the “business” side of things, I have been distracted from my primary focus which is my readers.
Can you do me a favor and leave a comment about what you like best about The Peaceful Mom and why you continue to come back?
It will help me to return to my first priority–YOU, my readers–and hopefully re-energize my motivation for what I am doing.
(If you are reading this in an email, click here and scroll to the bottom to leave a comment.)
Thank you!
(P.S.- Feel free to be honest, but please be nice. :)).
Kimberlee. You do a great job. I was once a go get-er too. I wish I knew how to blog. You our very blessed. You also still have children at home. which you will miss as they start their own life. one day. I know I had three sons. I lost one not yet two years. I have one that came back home from service not well. I myself have Fibromyalgia with Chronic Fatigue. I work hard trying to stay at a positive frame of mind. Reading the different stuff on how to do things have giving me ideals on how to make my life easier around my home and also helps with keeping myself positive. So, like some other have said you lets us know we or not the only one who get hard on ourselves. Keep up the good work. I do enjoy.
My heart goes out to you in this tough season. I just found your sight today via Pinterest, so I have only read a tip of your iceberg, so to speak. But God is using your writings to inspire folks, literally, years after you wrote them. So even when you’re not feelin it, what you say matters. Your ideas matter. Your story matters. Thanks for being brave enough to put yourself out there. It has encouraged me HUGELY today.
Thank you so much Kelly for your encouragement. I have recovered from my burn out to some degree, but it is always good to hear that I have encouraged or inspired someone. Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know. 🙂
I agree with Kelly, I’ve just found you and so far you have inspired and helped motivate me to get going, to start planning and reorganizing, to face the challenges that I need to face both financially and emotionally.
Thanks so much Corinna. I’m so glad you have been encouraged!
Just wondering if you ever post any of your Grandmother K’s recipes?
No, I actually don’t have any. Sad, isn’t it?
Hello, I love your blog. You keep me coming back for more daily. keep up the good work because your blog is the only one I follow. Thanks
I like the fact that you always keep it real, you’re honest and seem to truly want to share your experiences and provide a support network for others of us in similar circumstances. We’ll continue to follow you, regardless of what you decide that you need to add or take away from the blog because by now, you’ve become a friend 🙂
Thank so much Lisa!
Hi Kimberlee — sorry to hear that you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed. I’m a new reader, but enjoy your blog very much; from budgeting advice, recipes, saving money shopping, and faith. It’s nice to not feel alone in working to provide a positive and rich home environment for my family and me too. Cheers, and this too shall pass as you bring forth solutions to mitigate the stress.
I’m a fairly new reader to your blog, but I really enjoy it because, for one, it makes me think about what’s really important enough for me to focus my energy on, and I also like your tips on saving money and organization. Hang in there! This, too, shall pass! You’re doing great work on your blog!
I read your post and started drafting a response in my head then life happened and I am just getting here. Oh well. Anyway, I came here initially for the 28000$ series but soon realized you are a real wife and mom daily learning to manage your family and trying to improve yourself in those roles as well. As a young wife and mom I enjoy reading your “realness” in your journey as wife and mom.
As a side note, is there a sister in your family or church who has similar values and desire to teach/train others that could help carry this blog with you?
Thanks for the idea Kathie. I am thinking about getting some help. 🙂
Kimberlee, I live in Canada so most of your coupon offers do not apply to me. Why I keep coming back is because of your honesty, practicality, and how you showcase other people too (the weekly creativity sign-in). I don’t think you have to respond to every one of the comments sent to you. That must take an incredible amount of time.
I really enjoy the “goals” and the “10 minutes a day/week” sections where you encourage us to just do a little at a time to get big projects done. It’s good motivation for some of us who feel overwhelmed by big projects!
You may live in America and I live in Australia which shows me how similar our lives are with all the ups and downs.
You and all your contacts help keep me motivated and I never stop learning from you all.
Thank-you
I love to read your blog so I know I am not alone.. Trying to figure out how to save money or just the mere fact that it is ok not to have everything material wise. We all struggle day to day over something, or struggle to find our way. At least I see that other people are out there and they are making it. Gives me some hope that we can reach goals we set for overselves. I like mostly the blogs when you vent.. lol.. like this one. Sometimes we get tuckered out..but you have press on.. We all need to breathe once in while. You have a great talent to write and tell your story.. At least your blog is real and not roses everyday. Thats what makes it special.. to me anyway.. Chin up!!
I originally started following you after reading the $28,000 a year series. That is the most helpful to me and my favorite. I like hearing how you budget and how you live on that amount, as it is my goal to be able to live on what my husband works so I can be home full time. Hearing about how you handle things really motivates me and helps me to cut back in order to live on less. Thanks for your inspiration and all you do. Hang in there.
I love all the financial advice. I had already read lots from Mary Hunt and it is so nice to find someone who is doing things her way. Hubby and I don’t always agree, and your site has given me insight into that as well. I also love that God is Strength and your blog is just as you say Peaceful.
i find the tips on how to cut your expenses, budget,and live simply the most helpful. Thanks for all you do 🙂
One day last spring I was sitting at work hating my work life. I have the best husband and the most wonderful children, but work was REALLY killing me. Financially, we had been working hard to get out of debt, but my husband was a bit spendy,(still is), and that was making me freak out even more because I wanted to quit my job and stay home. I found your blog one day looking for financial advice but got so much more. I learned so much about other people, God and received such a sense of peace. Now, several months later, I feel better about work because I learned through your writing that, although it may seem counter-intuitive that staying home is not for me. A few weeks ago, you were talking about your “just keep moving” goals, and about how going to bed by 10PM was someone else’s idea of a good goal, but didn’t fit with your situation. Although I LOVE my children, I realized that I wanted to stay home because I’m LAZY(there, I said it). I’m a better parent when I’m not obsessing about every little thing that happens to each of my sons. I’m a better wife when I have something else to concentrate on besides our house. I CANNOT multi-task. I give myself permission to be imperfect when I work outside our home and that’s a great relief. This is not to say that I disrespect those parents who stay at home. I live in awe of people who can get things done while taking care of their little ones. I learned this very, very important lesson while reading your blog. It changed my entire attitude about work and my family. I’m not resentful of going to work in the morning, and I make the most of spending time with my husband and kids. Our debt is being reduced and I’ve learned some great frugal tips and ways to make extra money. You really helped me find a better way and I’m so grateful!
Wow–thank you so much for sharing this with me. That is exactly my hope in writing, that women will find what works best for them and be at peace with their decision. I love that you know yourself well and realize what is healthiest for your family. I have been a working mom (teaching school) and it was too difficult for me to juggle everything, so I admire you for being able to do it.
It sounds like you are living the best life you can, and I am so happy to know that I could play a small part in that process. 🙂
Kimberlee, i started reading your blog because, as a new reader and new “living on a lot less” wife, I enjoy reading about your ideas and recipes, meal plans and shopping guides i have found my way to living on even less when it comes to doing the care and feeding of my little family, and save. You’re frankness is refreshing and though you don’t apologize for your choices, you don’t expect everyone to “do it your way” ;o) All those things have been a help to me as I have plowed through August and September,
I get the full plate syndrome! Praying the Lord will show you what needs to give. Reading “Boundaries” by Henry Cloud was a big help in my life when I found that responsibilities at Church were colliding with my health. sincerely Barbara
~PS~ I never thought you would respond personally to ALL my posts! it’s great, but not always necessary I’m no longer a “newbie!!”
~Ps PS~ I made your Chicken enchiladas recipe and we loved it, it was SO inexpensive and filling. Thank you!
Glad you liked the chicken enchiladas. One of the things that I enjoy most is responding to comments, so I want to find a way to keep doing that as much as possible. I’m glad you noticed. 🙂
I found you through the living on less than 28k series on pinterest and have been following for a couple months now. I just love everything you post about finances, organizing your life, and recipes. I love how real you are and posts like this show us how honest and open you are. Thanks for being you and everything you do!
Thank you for taking the time to share with us.
I love seeing what you buy for the week and the menu and recipes. It has given me the base to start creating my own weekly sale menu.
I like reading the stories about how something wonderful happens (encountering the man on your walk, the van, etc). I also like the GF recipes. I have celiac and food allergies. I’ve been able to adapt a bunch of your recipes and they are keepers! I can totally relate about needing to take a break and look at the bigger picture. Maybe it would help if you only posted once a week or when the mood strikes. I have only used the coupons a few times – usually I already have the GF/allergy ones I need or they are no longer available by the time I’m able to print. Good luck with whatever you decide! 🙂
I like just reading about how you do things, I have no kids and never experienced home schooling so just learning about how you do things is very interesting to me. The budget tips and date ideas are very helpful for enjoying life and one another creatively.
Thanks for all your work on the blog.
Honestly I just love how realistic you are. You inspired me to make weekly goals, and that it isn’t the end of the world when you don’t meet them all, you just try again ne t week or figure out why you aren’t accomplishing it! Thanks for keepingit honest and real!!!
I’m a reader from France/Switzerland. I like all your tips on organising: your day schedule, way your organise things in your home, your 10minute a day tip, menu week plan etc… From reading this part of your blog I have been able better organise my days (I took the idea of the food-menu-week planning, and weekly planning: I created my own organiser with one page for the 5 days (+week end) on left side, and week stuffs to do on the right page). Also your blog helped me to motivate myself on this particular topic of everyday-organisation.
I like also your savings and financial tips (not the coupons & co, as it’s not useful for me).
I like also to see you craft and inspiration work.
I don’t really read your menu and recipe ideas, or gluten free recipes, as I’m not in need of that and food is really different where I am.
Thank you for your blog and great tips on organisation! I hope you will find yourself less stress with all your responsabilities very soon.
Wow Laura–so cool that you are from Europe! Thanks for letting me know what you find helpful.
I love the real-ness of your site. It is well-organized and easy to read, but it is real-life information to help us see how a tip might or might not work for us. I appreciate that you show a little bit of the balancing act that is motherhood. For example, I have been wanting to go vegetarian with my family, but have known that I couldn’t do it 100% because of all the variables that go into planning and eating meals as a family. I think you show very well one way to balance nutrition, health concerns, budget, and preferences in meal planning.
Thanks Kristy. That is helpful insight.
Hi Kimberlee!
Thank you for all you do and share with us! You are a huge inspiration and so giving to share your personal stories and all the tips and coupons, etc. on a regular basis! I can see how doing this blog on a daily basis would be way too much to create. Honestly, I’m not even able to keep up on reading them daily being a working mom. May I suggest having 1 blog a week? This would give you the time and energy to focus on your purpose of sharing! What brought me to your blog is that my teenaged daughter needs to be gluten-free and dairy-free. Your ideas on gluten-free menus and coupons is so helpful as well as organization, time management and life in general!
It’s important that you take time to help yourself first before you can take care of others! We care about you, and it’s OK to step back and do a weekly blog and we’ll enjoy it all the more!
Have a great day and pamper yourself in a hot bath, relaxing music and a book!
Kimberlee,
I can totally understand where your coming from in being burned out. I’ve sometimes wondered how you manage to balance everything in perfect harmony. It’s completely normal for everyone to experience some sort of exhaustion at times when stretched so thin. Just know that regardless of how your feeling, you continue to inspire and influence so many women in such a positive way. Personally, you’re posts have driven me to get a hold of my families finances, and given me the confidence to confront my husband about our spending, and provided us with a way to handle that situation peacefully. Your “Living on Less” series initially caught my eye on Pinterest, and I’ve been a faithful follower since. We’re beginning our journey through Dave Ramsey’s series and this will be such a blessing in our life to be able to eliminate our credit card debt. You started that fire burning inside me, so THANK YOU! Keep your head up, because you’re doing an AWESOME job!!!!!
Thanks Rebecca! I lost the balance for the last few weeks, but I’m getting it back!
I started visiting your blog for the gluten free coupons and general money saving advice. What hooked me into checking in with you on a regular basis was your relationship with Christ. Several stories have inspired me, but the general idea that is sticking out this morning was including prayer before your shopping trip and giving God the credit, not yourself for the deals you were able to find. Your insight has helped me to not become coupon CRAZY. I was beginning to get upset with myself for not getting the best deal in history on every shopping trip, and you helped me put Christ first and feel blessed with whatever deals he puts in my path. I love your gluten free recipes and gluten free coupons/deals when you post them, the Living Beyond 28,000/year, and all your personal stories. You have really helped me to improve my family’s life and I am very grateful.
Thanks so much for letting me know that I have helped to improve your family’s life Jaime–that is so encouraging to me! 🙂
I love it all! My husband actually happened upon your blog and told me about it because he thought that I would like it. He was right, I love it! I love the way you give your real life situations that I can connect with. I love the way you share your ideas of saving money and being frugal! I am a stay-at-home mom to a precious little boy and also a homeschooler! He is in kindergarten and you have helped me so much in the aspect of homeschooling even if your children are much older than mine, I still feel like I can still relate to you. You truly inspire me. Thank you for your time and your dedication to us (the readers). I appreciate you!
I love your budgeting, freebies, menu ideas, and your honesty about it all. We all know how it feels to get overwhelmed and need a break whether short term or permanent. It has always amazed me how much time really goes into keeping a daily blog and we have been amazing blessed that you have shared with us. Thank you!
I am a newbie to your sight but have SO APPRECIATED your very REAL advice and helps with life. You seem honest and caring and that keeps me coming back. I’d look to you first since you seem so open and honest rather than a site that just caters to the “perfect” person whoever that is.
I love that the Holy Spirit has inspired you to share your journey with us. Your positive (but firm) motivation for issues that families face is refreshing. You have a talent that you need to share with others.
Thank you for caring. Thank you for being there. Thank you for taking the time, effort and energy to spend on “us”, your readers. I am in Australia and therefore can’t use a lot of the coupons, etc, but your honesty, your understanding and your generosity is invaluable. Never underestimate the difference you make in the lives of others. Please look after yourself. xoxo
Thanks for your honesty–I’m new to your blog, and frankly, more often than not I feel like your dying plant. I am encouraged to know I’m not alone–someone understands the way I’m feeling–someone with skin on. You are much younger than I, hopefully not suffering from disease; hopefully you’ll soon be back on top of things–but weary is weary no matter your age or your health status–you just need to rest and realize nothing is as important, at this time, as for you to take some time to be renewed. Obviously you have a following of people who love you and who care about your feelings–they will keep on loving you, they will understand your need of rest, and they will pray for your well-being. Thanks again for your honesty–it is refreshing! Blessings to you.
I love your blog because it truly is “peaceful”- so well-organized, calm colors, clean fonts, regular posts about useful ideas mixed with personal honesty and revelation. It’s a refreshing alternative to blogs that just chronicle what someone ate for breakfast or what they did during the last weekend – that’s fine for some people, but from a functional standpoint, I find this blog so much more fulfilling in that I either learn something or find a coupon or just become inspired by your dedication and discipline to budgeting, parenting, and faith. You have a gift and as a type-a personality, I personally love the easy-to-navigate, super organized outline of the blog. You inspire me to want to be a peaceful mom in my own way!
The reason I keep reading and saving your wonderful e-mails? You have provided so much positive information in so many areas of life! I look forward to your posts everyday! I do understand running on empty, though. Our present world doesn’t fill us up with positive energy- so your posts are a breath of fresh air! Please, continue bringing us your encouraging posts, and know you are appreciated greatly for it!
Thank you for being real and being true to you and your needs!
I don’t always read your full posts but you seem to have a lot of integrity and drive! I appreciate your honesty and that you portray that in your writing.
I started following because of the financial advice. It is awesome what you have been able to share about your experiences and it has helped me make some changes with our finances. I then found your gluten free resources which have been amazing! I have celiac disease so finding all the amazing coupons, recipes, and meal plans has been awesome! Thanks for the dedication to your readers and the diversity of your content. You help a lot of people. I have recommended your blog to several people!
Thanks for recommending me Katey!
I love the beginning part of your daily blog! I read that section every evening before going to bed! This is one of the only blogs that I actually follow daily. Since I read it at night, I don’t always pay attention to all te coupon deals (I also follow other blogs that follow my local stores).
I appreciate the peacefulness of your blog. I appreciate how basic and usable your organizational ideas and tips are. I have long sought to become more organized in all aspects of my life and you have helped me get farther than anything else I’ve tried and you’ve helped me realize that it has to start inside. All you have shared is to reach-able, so do-able. Thanks for giving yourself to help us! We really appreciate it!!!
I LOVE all the organizational helps! It has definitley motivated me to get my home more organized. THANK YOU!!!
I love reading your blog each day. I like to follow how you live off of $28k a year. I find it amazing what you can do with your money and I look for tips on how to manage our family finances. My favourite blog is Freebie Fridays. I wait until I have everything done and on Friday night (or Sat/Sun depending on when I have the time) I go through it and see what deals there are that are available to me (I live in Canada so I don’t always have access to the links). I love the free cookbooks, the free stuff for kids to do and I have found so many other blogs that I now follow through you.
Your blog is fun to read and I enjoy knowing that there is someone out there that goes through the same stuff that I do each and everyday. I understand how easy it is to get burnt out. Sometimes you just need a break to do something for yourself. I hope you find that time.
I love the blog and your stories, I appreciate organizational ideas and recipes, and free stuff. Keep up the great job that you do but do it at your own pace so you don’t burn out.
Thanks so much for sharing.
I love your real life inspirational stories. I skim over the coupons and recipes quickly. I don’t have time for those. Thanks so much for what you do!
I also am a fairly new follower. I keep coming back because of your stories. I love hearing how you recognize God moving in your life. I love your testimonies and your practical insights on how to bring peace into your life. Thank you for investing into us, and I pray that the Lord bless you as you seek His face : )
It’s perfectly acceptable to take a step back from blogging, to regroup, reassess and rejuvenate your purpose. Things change in your life and in the blogosphere, and it’s important to keep pace.
That said, the reason I come back to your blog is for the organization and budget tips. I don’t have access to a car, so I can’t do the kind of shopping you do, buying things from different places to get the best deals. My roommate and I do our big monthly shopping at a nearby supermarket that we feel has the best prices and deals for our needs. We take a cab there and get a ride back from our housing counselor.
I also appreciate the coupons you have in your e-mails, those are helpful. Also, I find it encouraging to read about your budgeting habits, because I’m learning that it takes time to learn to live within one’s means.
I hate to sound like a repeat but I too love how real and honest you are. I came here from MSM and just started reading everything I could cuz your info is so great. I love your menu planning, it gives me so much motivation and I have tried several recipes and love them. I loved your 28,000 series and I love, love, love your pics of shopping breakdowns. I am probably a different reader cuz my husband makes 6 figures and money is not an issue, BUT we moved 5 years ago into a house that has caused lots of discord and we want to move, long story and complicated situation but yes, I have learned so much from you and God Bless you and your family!
I appreciate all the organization ideas and printables and the step by step information on your family binders. Paperwork is such a challenge in my home and I just can’t seem to get on top of it. Time management is another issue with being a homeschooling family, church activities, cleaning jobs that I do outside the home to help supplement the family income and to help my daughter who recently started college, and the list goes on and on, so the time management tips and ideas help as well. Not to mention all your dinner and grocery planning ideas….thank you for sharing all your ideas as you have matured and figured out what works.
I am so sorry you feel burned out. Honestly though, I don’t know how you do it all ? You have really inspired me. I go walk almost every day for at least 30 minutes now. I keep telling myself “just move”. I’ve got my mom involved too and that helps both of us. I love freebie Friday. I look forward to seeing if there is a little treat in store. You are amazing !!!
Yeah for you Jennifer! Exercise keeps me sane. 🙂
Dear Peaceful Mom,
I get your emails. I like the tips and ways you save and have fun but I enjoy most is reading about another stay-at-home mom with more kids than I got and older kids that if you can live on less so can we. I’ve learned a lot from you. I try to enjoy this time I have with my kids and try to remember they are not going to stay this little and all these toys I can later sell if times are tough I don’t have to hold on to it just because it means something to me. You’ve helped remind me that my help comes from God not my husband and if I look at my babies and my husband as bring honor to them is bringing honor to God then I’m actually taking better care of my family and reading your emails reminds me that what I go though I’m not the only one. So thank you for being so open and honest and reminding me a lot of times of the little things really are what matters most. Thank you.
I love your blog because you help keep me on track, eye on the prize. You help me save money, stay organized, and show me balance and frugality in life is possible and still fun!
I am a brand new follower (less than a week) but I started following you because I appreciated your honesty and focus. Reading your blog has helped me to regain my focus and helped me to remember what is important to me and where I am going in my personal life and my business. Thank you for keeping it real I know I am going to enjoy your blog.
I love your honesty and it encourages me to stay on track with our own budget. Take time for yourself and do not neglect your faith or family for the sake of this blog.
I love your peaceful outlook, and your kindness, as well as your advice, always welcome. Take good care of yourself!
I love that you are REAL! I read as much as I can of your gluten free living as possible, as a newbie to gluten intolerance.
You help us save money, you are funny, you are so completely kind, you live a real life, you are frugal and you are Christian.
I hope you get enough comments to lift your spirits. I pray for your strength, calm and balance.
What I like most about your blog is that you’re “real”. I can relate to you- I’m dealing with two teenagers, a husband, a job and a terminally ill father so I know what it’s like to be completely overwhelmed!
Let’s see…my husband was an assistant pastor for 7 years. Our finances were tight. During the seven years, we went from the two of us to the 6 of us. 🙂 I have been able to stay at home completely for the past 9 months, and prior to that I was able to stay at home all but 2 hrs a day. I worked 10 hrs a week to help pay the bills. Frugality is one of the ways that I help with the finances. Reading all of your tips on budgeting and frugal living has really been a benefit to my family!! I am here to beg you to NOT QUIT WRITING THIS BLOG!! 🙂
Oh yeah, my husband recently stepped down from his Pastoral position and took a job outside of ministry. He is home so much more now which is a huge blessing to us. Our finances haven’t changed a whole lot, but we sure love spending so much more time with Daddy! (Just had to add that in)
I look forward to reading your blogs because of all your money tips and your down to earth blogs. Your website has helped me make better financial decisions. (:
I love the budgeting advice & your stories of God’s provision. Praying for rest for you this week.
I have been following you for your money advice, coupons, and your life stories. It helps me feel connected to you, more like you are a real person, not someone perfect trying to give an imperfect me advice.
I am a pretty new follower, but I appreciate all the advice, tips, and strategies you have for budgeting and controlling finances! I also like freebies. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your experiences with your blog…I know it must be a lot of work sometimes, but it is appreciated!
I like that you show us what you’ve purchased and then how you use/don’t use when life happens. You give a positive spin on frugality when I know for a fact that it gets tedious.
I appreciate your honesty when you’ve had to back off on some stuff on the blog- the Gluten free stuff. If you decide the blogging season is over that’s ok. I’ve learned that its ok to up your food budget with older kids and not feel guilty.
I started following your blog because you helped my family of five reign in on the finances. The series and vids have been great and an excellent resource. That’s why I continueto follow your blog.
I love your blog for many reasons, but the reason I will click from email to browser is the freebies and creative ways to save money. Thanks!
I’m a new reader and love the frugality, shopping and menu planning tips!
I use your blog for your honesty, I am not religious but have found many of your entries thought provoking. I like your recipes and your budget planning. I am from the UK and am living in America. Planning to move back to the UK in the next 2-3 years I hope. So I am trying to save and put money aside to get to that goal. I will be honest and say I don’t do that well! but I try. I have followed your blog for over a year and really enjoy it. I mainly use facebook to follow it, I also don’t really read your weekend reader posts.
I read your blog because I get excellent info on keeping my grocery costs low, great recipes and again excellent info on budgeting and debt control! I am newly married and I have found you blog to be very helpful! Thank you for the time you put in! It is greatly appreciated!
I love that you keep it real. In this webworld of super women it can sometimes be intimidating and exhausting trying to ‘keep up’ or in my case ‘straggle behind’ to finally find another real person like me who has ups and downs and is sometimes bone tired is refreshing. I hope you can keep the blog going and somehow maybe even figure a way to earn a living from it.
I read your blog for the great budget ideas, grocery shopping, and the fact that you are so honest. After working for 30 some odd years, I am looking to stay home and start a small sewing business. I have 3 grown children and have survived cancer twice, now am dealing with raynauds disease and early stages of lupus. I am a nurse and it is getting increasingly more difficult to do my job, so at the end of December I am resigning to stay at home and heal myself and my soul, my husband is very supportive of this. Reading your blog has made me realize it is possible to live on less than $28,000 a year and still be happy and have what you need. Your budget advice and recipes have been an inspiration. Just need to figure out what to do for insurance. I understand your feeling of being burned out. Just do what you love. Thank you for your wonderful blog.
I like your faith and how I can relate to you and your family. I am a mother of 4 ranging from 6 to 16. I am always looking for ways to help support our family financially and spiritually and I find inspiration from your blog.
I found your blog on Pinterest when I reached a tipping point with my finances and needed guidance on how to save and budget better. My husband and I are wanting to start a family but found ourselves struggling just to get the bills paid each month. Your $28,000 series really changed my view on money and I was so inspired by the way you live a more simple life and still get so much enjoyment out of it! You’ve really helped me figure out how I can find a better balance in my budget and I’m also collecting ideas for when I have a family too!
I love the money-saving tips. I also enjoy reading that you are a normal, typical family just looking to enjoy life in today’s economy.
Believe me, I had LOTS of THOSE DAYS when my children were younger and it DOES get a little easier. KEEP YOUR CHIN UP and keep smiling <3
Julia
Kimberlee, I started following you after seeing a pin on Pinterest re: your extreme budgeting. I found your honesty & straightforward approach refreshing & helpful. This is still what I enjoy most from your blog – your personal trials & triumphs in life. The advertising stuff…not so much. I am at a different stage in my life than you. I am 58, have been an empty nester for about a year & a half, & my husband just took early retirement last month, so we are living on a greatly reduced budget. Though my children (30 & 22) are grown, they are still a very high priority in my life & my greatest treasures. Thanks for all you do to encourage others in their Christian walk.
Kimberlee, you have reached success beyond what you realize! Look how many people have taken the time to post a comment to let you know what they enjoy from your blog. Your group of followers are thankful for The Peaceful Mom and what you offer us! Our lives are thriftier, more spiritual, family centered, and well fed on a budget because of YOU!
I personally found you on Pintrest on a friend-of-a-friend’s board and read all the back posts for hours. Your meal plans inspired me to change our grocery spending, and to maintain our $100/week budget, we eat an ovo-vegetarian at home. So not only are we saving money, we are healthier. I have you to thank for that!
I would suggest if you are feeling burned out, you could consider reducing the frequency of your posts (1-3/week) so you don’t lose time with your family and your priorities. We will still be loyal followers 🙂
Thanks Janina!
The $ posts. Thank you.
I enjoy the $28,000 series. It inspires me to continue to try to work on getting my finances under more control. I follow you on facebook. I like the honesty. I like the way it feels like talking to one of my girl friends.
Thank you for sharing a part of you with us.
I started reading your blog because of the $28,000 series. We are adopting again and trying to be good stewards of our money and that part of your blog is very helpful. However, I really like all of it.
I really enjoy following your day-to-day/week-by-week family happenings. Seeing how another family does life while saving money and having fun! I really like that you offer GF recipes for those that need to or choose to eat Gf. I don’t, but I know people who do and I think your site is a great resource for them. I’ve actually sent a couple of them to check your blog out. Oh and a big thank you for all the time you invest in your blogs!
I must tell you that every afternoon at about 3:00pm, I see your daily post pop up in my email and my heart says “Yay”! Your blog is truly annointed, as I always sense kindness and encouragement in all your daily wisdom. So with that being said…my most favorite part of your blog is the sharing of the daily life application ideas for your household and family…How you choose to deal with situations and circumstances, etc. I truly could do without all the outside consumer posts.
I so appreciate when you use scripture to bring us back to the fundamental foundation of the Lords will for us and our families in such a rushed crazy world. Bless you and your family! and thank you for all of your investment in the Peacfule Mom blog! ☺♥
I like that you have been open about your finances. It is interesting that people can talk about budgeting in a general way, but not specifically. I think it is good to be open sometimes and that is what you have done. I was attracted to your blog by Pinterest 28K and I enjoyed your e book about groceries.
It has helped me. We have a goal to be out of debt in 3 years 2 months, sometimes it’s hard to to keep going when everyone seems to be spending and buying like crazy.
Thanks for your encouragement to me to keep going!
Hi Kimberlee!
I originally started following your site for your 28,000 series, but I’ve really come to love your writing style and straight-forward honest approach to LIVING. Not just getting through, not just saving, not just looking forward to something else, but enjoying each and every day- going to bed knowing that you’ve done the best you can that day.
You’ve really inspired me to be a better person, wife and friend- things don’t have to expensive to be good. Things don’t have to look perfect to be enjoyed. I need these reminders constantly and it’s so refreshing to know that there are other people out there that struggle against conforming to society’s idea of “normal”- because “normal” it isn’t!
I come home to my husband and tell him about articles I’ve read on your site and menu ideas to encourage us to spend time together in different ways.
I love reading your blog, but I don’t think that you should feel obligated to be the perfect blogger. I enjoy what you have to say but I don’t expect you to produce/give more than you are able.
What I love most about your blog? Just reading your stories about life. My famiky had teally benefitted from your financial discussions! You have given me TONS of ideas to do with my family. Thank you! To be perfectly honest, I could do without the coupons. There are a gazillion blogs with just coupons. I subscribe to you for the daily reminder that I don’t have to punish myself because I’m not the “perfect” mom. Thank you for giving my sanity back!!
I found your blog through Pinterest at a time when I was stuggling to make ends meet and I was wondering how to start teaching my children about money when we could barely afford food.
We are a young family of 4 (we have 2 boys, ages 1 and 3) and we are living on less than 20,000 a year. It helps that we live in a rural town in the midwest but money is still tight. I was inspired by the creative ways you budget and stretch your money.
Because of our new budget, inspired by you, we will be able to save 15% of our income for an emergency fund and a downpayment for a house.
Way to go Alisha!
I have been reading your blog for about 2 months and love almost all your post. These days, everyone is blogging. Love Jesus-blog about it. Love to cook gluten free-blog about. Money problems-well, just blog about. However, while you may blog about these things, your content is relevant, refreshing, and on my level.
I appreciate the time you put in your posts and your heart to want to help those you don’t know. Your blog encourages me to stay the course. I hope that the Lord will give you grace in all that you do and you would have His peace all around you.
The financial updates and the most encouraging!
my FAVORITES are the Grocery totals and meal planning menus. I so look forward to seeing how you save so much at the different stores you go to for groceries. Love that. LOVE the series on how to get on a budget and Living less on $28,000 a year. I love the blog but those are my favorites!
I think if you need to take some time to rejuvenate, then do it. We will be here when you get back. Or just limit the posts, maybe 3 per week or something. 🙂 Thanks
I still love to follow you on Facebook, but I’ll be honest and tell you that I only read your financial posts, click through on the free Amazon.com Mp3 links, and don’t bother with the Weekend Reader posts.
Thanks for your honesty Melissa. I have my assistant post the Weekend Reader so that I can take a break on Sundays, and to give people who only want to visit once a week a chance to catch up, but I totally understand where you’re coming from. Glad you like the free mp3 offers!
I come for the honesty. I like that you admit to not being perfect. I love your humor. I love reading about faith and God in a non preachy way. My little family of 3 live in a 950 sq ft, way old home and we don’t have a lot of money, but reading your blog makes me feel like we are OK. That it’s OK not to have a huge house with freshly painted walls or newly installed carpet, basically that I don’t have to have houses that look like Pinterest homes! 🙂 I enjoy the freebies and stories about your kids, families, budget and mishaps.
If our houses are supposed to look like the ones on Pinterest, I’m in trouble! 🙂
I, too, found you via Pinterest for your mad budgeting skills. Of course, as a fellow homemaker, I instantly appreciated your great desire to make your life more peace-filled. Budget inspiration, grocery shopping tips, schedule maintenance…everything has been helpful and has made me feel as though I’m not alone in my struggle for the ever-elusive “balance” in life. SO…I suppose it’s my turn to say, “You are not alone!” and “This, too, shall pass.” 🙂 I do hope the “funk” goes away quickly.
I love seeing the ways that you and others find to save money and to spend money wisely. I think it’s so easy to forget the difference between wants and needs. I love how you show that you can live on a small amount of money and still have a lot of fun.
I started following to read your weekly grocery posts and your other posts about budgeting and living off less. They have helped me to realize there is so much that I can do as the mom and money manager to help my family live with the things we need and not the things the world thinks we need. Thanks for all the great posts.
You. Just you, your quiet, wonderful ways. Simplifying things so that they are more easily handled. Reminding us of what is important. I have had a lot of blogs that I have followed that have come and gone; only yours is one that I have kept from the start and still enjoy. Thank you.
Thank you so much Beverly! It is so encouraging to know that you have stuck with me. 🙂
Hi Kimberlee,
My life probably differs from yours a lot, but your blog is a great inspiration for me and I visit it every morning for about 2 months. I live in Germany (though I am originally from Serbia, Europe). I’m a genetics PhD student,working 50-60 hours a week. I’ve been to curch maximum 10 times in my life (not saying that I don’t believe) and lived in the US only for 6 months as a student. So what do we have in common?
Still I am 28 years old, I started living with my boyfriend and your blog inspires me to make our place a home and to know that we are more important than my scientific career. Reading your blog a lot of things had changed. Practically: we meal plan, shop and cook (from that we saved for “just a two of us” vacation), we try to have date nights, set our goals and take 10 minute projects (even in the lab) .
Welcome Jelena! Thank you so much for letting me know that you have been encouraged by the blog. It is so amazing that I can write something from my desk in the US and reach someone in Germany who is from Serbia–wow!
I like that you keep it real and don’t pretend to do it all with ease and perfectly. I went from working full time to staying home with a 6 and 9 year old. Your blog inspires me to focus on them and to try to do my part by keeping the grocery budget under control. You also remind us that an occasional mistake shouldn’t be our undoing. Thank you
I enjoy the blog, because of how real you keep it. I can relate to many of your struggles, and find your grocery trip and menu posts most helpful. Even though I don’t have multiple stores in my area, I have learned how to match up sales, price match, etc.
I know others have seen it, but don’t feel pressured just to blog to be blogging. If you don’t feel up to it, then don’t post. Quality over quantity! 🙂
Blessings and peace to you and your family.
I read for two reasons. First, our family is gluten free as well. I love to see your meal ideas and get inspiration from them.
Second, money is tight with us and I make a lot more than you do. I read here to remind me how many ‘wants’ we have in our life and to hopefully simplify so we can save more. You give me so much inspiration!
I have enjoyed reading about your amazing life that thrives on very little financially. Up until last year, my family lived on what I considered to be “too” little, but after reading about how you (and especially your kids) are loving life, it made me more greatful that God allowed us to learn the value of money before He allowed us to make more than we needed:) That leads me to the second thing I really enjoy on your blog: I love hearing your kids honest opinion about living on less. All your children are older than mine and it has helped me to realize what is (or will be) important to my children’s eyes in the future. I would love to hear more from your kids:)
Thanks Tabitha. That is a great idea!
I am sorry that you are down today. You can never know how much your blog inspires me to choose happiness and to take care of myself!
I started reading after clicking a Pinterest link on the living on $28,000 series and spent a couple of weeks browsing all your back posts. Your writing reminds me so much of how I think and I appreciate your honesty and virtual friendship.
I will never be perfect, and I am ok with that. At age 49 I quit my fulltime teaching position when we adopted a baby girl. I need a good sense of humor now that she’s 2 1/2 and I’m older! Thanks for the reminders to not take things too seriously sometimes.
Blessings,
Elly
Thanks Elly-I’m so glad you have been inspired.
One of the things I really appreciate is how real you are with us. I feel like you do not try to hide the ups and downs of your life. Your willingness to be open helps me to see that imperfection is okey dokey!
As for your posts I really enjoy how you update/redo things bought at second hand stores and your gluten free recipes. Look to Him for your encouragement 🙂
I can’t really put it into words, but reading your blog has allowed me to be okay with the fact that I’m not perfect and never will be. That in itself has helped me to be closer to what I was viewing as “perfect” and now I am content with my live and excited to see each new day (even though as a family we’ve been handed some pretty bad stuff in the last 6 months, we’re happier than we ever were before). Keep it up, you are inspiring.
Your blog came to me at a perfect time. We recently started Dave Ramsey’s financial peace university, and are striving to get out of debt. It is exciting and daunting at the same time. Your blog gives me tips, encourages me, and shows me that it can be done! From freebies to coupons to recipes to organizational ideas, I love it!! Thanks for keeping it real, and sharing your life with us.
Sorry Kimberlee that you are feeling down.
Hopefully you will be boosted up by something today—
butterflies flying by, wind on your face, sunshine, or the sweet compliments of your readers. Wishing you a better day!!!
Fondly,
Mary Ann
I love this post. Why do I love this post? Because it’s real. It’s you.
It’s ok to feel burned out you know. That happens, especially when you’re stressed and overwhelmed. And it happens to all of us. If it doesn’t happen to someone, they aren’t human lol.
But what I love about your blog. Oh wow there is so much. I found your blog through a friends pinterest. It was completely by chance, she pinned it around the time you first started the $28,000 a year series and you were on post 5 or 6 by the time I started reading. I was looking through her board, I saw it, and I decided to check it out.
To be honest, when I came here I was not at all optimistic. I had been trying to cut back our budget for years, but with all the blogs I’ve read, I felt there was alot of faking going on. I mean sure, for some it was probably simple to reign in the money, but most of these blogs talked about all the new (not cheap) things they were getting and in the next post talked about how easy it was not to spend money on useless items and keep their budget super low.
But you’ve been real from the start. You’ve admitted it wasn’t easy, and when you make a mistake you talk about it. You made me feel confident that, although my steps were small and my mistakes often, I was trying and succeeding.
In Feb of this year my grocery bill alone was close to $1000.
A couple months ago I commented on you about a meat package I was buying and you told me that while it was a better deal than regular prices in the grocery stores, I could find better. I was buying 43 Lbs of meat for $129.99
This month, my 2 week grocery budget is $133. That is after meats. Sept 28th I bought 80 lbs of chicken for $80. We chose to make a diet change and cut out red meat, and this deal is amazing. Most chicken cuts here are at least $1.50 a Lb. When I estimated the averages, I saved 43% on these packages.
I’m not joking when I say finding your blog helped up from drowning. If I continued to spend the way I did in Feb, I would be without a house and without a car right now. You are definitely an inspiration!
Wow–thanks so much for letting me know Crystal. I am really, really happy to help in some small way, but I am so proud of you for doing the hard work!
What caught my eye about your blog is living on $28k per year. While our budget is more than that (it’s just my boyfriend and I) we’re doing our best to pay off our debt so we can live the life we really want. Your insights on what is really needed to be happy and content helps me keep things in perspective. I also like that you are willing to share how you are doing what you do…e.g. how much each grocery trip costs and what you purchased. Also your budgeting info is helping me to stay on track to pay our bills.
While I don’t like that you are feeling tired and unmotivated (it never feels good to feel that way does it?) I do like that you share your thoughts and feelings with your readers. I’m a real woman, unemployed, and tired and unmotivated too. Life sometimes feels overwhelming and it’s nice to know that we’re not alone. You are reaching out to so many on a daily basis…Anyone who reads this blog, I’m sure really appreciates YOU. I know I do. Just keep at it – when you can. One day it will all feel like it was just a bump in the road.
Thank you. 🙂
I like many things about this blog, but for me it’s just nice to read about what another busy Mom does in her daily life and how she handles the struggles and joys of running a household. I also like that you’re not always so “life is amazing and perfect” all the time, that it is real. That makes you different from other bloggers, because you’re showing us that you’re normal like the rest of us!
Kimberlee- I love the “details.” It is so interesting and I’ve gotten some great money-saving tips from you. I love your budget updates. Seeing how other people manage in this recession is fascinating. We are all in this together and I appreciate your honesty. I also love how you give glory to God when he provides over and beyond.
I like your tips and tricks on how to save money, and do things on your own instead of buying them at the store! It has saved my family money and I feel better about what I am feeding my family. Thanks for all of your info!!
As a person who wants to live on less, eat healthy and care for myself and my family as best as I can I enjoy many aspects of your blog. $28,000$ or less as well as your menu plans are my favorites.
You inspire me, good lady! I downshifted from attorney to stay-at-home mom, because my autistic child needed me to be there intensely for him. But the change has been really hard on me – one, because I actually never learned how to manage a household, and two, because I had a lot of my identity invested in my work life. Even though you and I are different faiths (I’m a Jew), your faith and dedication to living a higher calling through your family is inspiring 🙂
Thanks Didi. I really want the blog to be a place where people from different walks of life (and faiths) can feel welcome. I am sorry that becoming a stay at home mom has been difficult for you, but I am so glad that I can help in any way. Hang in there! 🙂
I have to say I like to click in and read about how your are scheduling your time. I don’t homeschool, so when my son comes home I SHOULD make him the focus and put down my work… but so many times I don’t. I like to read your blog and see how you schedule work/blog time AS WELL AS uninterrupted time with family. That’s one of my goals!
I’m probably not your typical reader… I’m 30, not married, no children. I don’t even attend church, even though I was raised in a Christian home. But, I really enjoy reading your blog. I started here through Pinterest, because of the $28,000 series, because I have sustained huge pay cuts in the past few years (I work in the real estate industry) and basically had to relearn everything I thought I knew (which it turns out wasn’t very much) about money and budgeting. I was always panicking because I thought I couldn’t live a good life on less money (even though as a kid my folks survived on 12k a year with 2 kids! I took your idea of a second bank account and utilized it for myself for stuff like car insurance and having an account separate from my regular savings to save up for a larger purchase like a piece of furniture.
But, as I got further into your blog, I found myself really enjoying your writings about your marriage and family. I’m moving towards that with my boyfriend, and often stressed myself out about being the perfect partner/wife, and later on, the perfect mother. Like someone else mentioned, so many other blogs make these women sound like superwoman… raising kids, keeping a perfect home, having a garden that they eat from, cooking fancy dinners every night, and keeping their husband happy… it seemed so daunting. But, here, your blog is “real” and gives me a bit of peace (after all you’re the peaceful mom!) that I will be OK when that time comes for me, even if I’m not perfect.
Lastly, I enjoy the grocery stuff. I’m a pretty savvy meal planner/shopper but I always like to see what other people are buying/spending in case I’m missing something. I’m one of those creepers at the grocery store who is always looking in other people’s carts LOL!
It will most definitely be okay if you are not the perfect wife/mother. Just do the best you can each day. 🙂 I am happy to contribute to your grocery cart stalking habit–haha!
I just started following this past week. I really haven’t had chance to look around too much, but I really commend you for starting this. I am married with three kids, ages 10,7, and 4. My husband works full time,I work part time, and my husband is also janitor at our church which is maybe an extra 50/month. We really try,but we are still struggling. I’m hoping to find some ideas we haven’t tried. Thanks again!
Welcome Yvonne! I hope you find some helpful ideas. Feel free to ask any questions you have.
First I want to say THANK YOU!!!!!! 2nd I want to say put what you need to 1st, if its god, family, you, us your readers, whatever it is do it. Now I will hopefully give you encourgement:) I really enjoy your meal planning, shopping & recipes on fridays, I have gotten several ideas from you & my family likes them whoo hoo. You have proven to all of us its is POSSIBLE to live on less which I think is great because we have had to cut back also. Your living on less series has been so fun to read because it has given me ideas also where to cut back. again a big thanks:)
You are welcome Karen. Thanks for being a faithful reader and encourager!
I read your blog because you make it feel possible. Possible to be frugal. Possible to keep going in the face of adversity. Possible.
That may be the best comment yet Shannon! Possible.
I found your blog a few months ago and immediately loved your videos, brain in a binder, printables,…. There are so many things I love about your blog. You do give, give, give so much to us all. If I can encourage you just a little it will hardly be enough to thank you for being a bright, friendly space I can visit daily. I always leave feeling hopeful and renewed to live my life with joy. Thanks for that!
You are very welcome Charyl!
The peaceful mom is my FAVORITE blog! I enjoy freebie Fridays , I enjoy your weekly shopping updates and all your financial advice and tips! I use your planner. Recipes oh yes the recipies. I was totally inspired by your god provides page. I read it often to motivate myself and to keep it real . Thank you for ALL you do! I love this page and check it every day!
Kimberlee, I like coming to your blog everyday to see what’s happening and what’s going on. I appreciate your honesty and your willingness to share your faith in such a real and open way.
I like seeing your friday shopping and your menu planning. I appreciate that you share lots of different aspects of life on your blog, food, crafts, everyday life. That you’re not just “pretty-ing” life up to make it acceptable. That you can be open and honest and share when you’re feeling burnt out, when you need a break because of a personal crisis. I hope you get the encouragement you need from all the comments, hope you can take some time to rest and recover from your burn out. You are blessing to many and I appreciate you! God Bless you.
Thank you so much Sandra. You are exactly right, I don’t want to pretty things up and not deal with reality. That is a helpful insight.
I find encouragement here – that some of the cost cutting choices we are making are the right thing to do, and inspiration to save on my darn groceries! I had meant to email you last week and tell you that you are making a difference in my life and now I wish I had done it when I thought of it! Keep up the great work!
Better late than never–haha! 🙂
I found u on pintrest and was hooked after my daughter was born 2 years ago i went from working 45+hours a week to about 14 my husband works 2 jobs so that i can be home with our sweet girl so when i found your blog i found hope that we too will get by and do ok thank you from the bottom of my heart . The shopping ideas and freebie site is great but most of all your words of wisdom and hope thanks again have a great day 🙂
We all have to get real sometimes! I, too, try to be authentic in my blogging and I think people generally appreciate that more than a facade. Just this week I posted about my struggle with depression–something that I had wrestled with sharing because I didn’t want to be a downer, but it resonated with a lot of people (http://www.servingjoyfully.com/2012/10/08/the-one-where-i-come-clean/ ).
I like your blog because we’re on a tight budget as well, so it’s kind of nice to see someone talking about budget matters out in the open and with specifics. I do this on my blog as well, but you have a wider reach and I like that more people can see that.
I personally don’t get anything out of the freebies/deals posts, but I like the content posts.
I personally am trying to figure out how to cook and plan better on my budget. I’ve loved your sharing of recipes and tips on how you cook and plan your meals in advance so you are more prepared for the everyday busyness.
I am sorry for your loss.
Thanks Emily. 🙂
The keeping it real part of your blog I most enjoy are the times when you share your emotions or struggles. I am touched when you talk about how you need to go have a little cry in your room as you deal with a child who may be causing a frustration for you, or the steps you take to keep plugging along when you find you are feeling down and drained. I find encouragment from those posts by the way you admit how those situations made you feel, but then how you describe the steps you took to change the situations around and keep putting one foot in front of the other. I enjoy other things as well like when you post about your shopping trips–seeing the foods you bought and the break down in stores and cost.
Kimberlee,
I like your blog because it keeps it real. I like your segments on marriage and grocery shopping tips, loved your two series on money, first how to live on $28,000 and now how to not let money be your only focus. I just feel encouraged by your perspective on things. I do love freebie Friday of course, especially the kids section because while I don’t have kids of my own yet I do have nieces and nephews who benefit greatly from some of the downloads you find! I am glad you are re-evaluating because you are so busy! Life can get hard! Be sure and focus on your priorities because the thing I like best about reading your stories is that you are very big on family first! So make sure to keep that in your mind while you are in the decision making process!
Thanks for being an inspiration!
Thanks Jessica. It is important to keep my family first and I just realized that I have let myself get too busy. Time to cut back!
I read because you are real. You are another mom trying to make life work and knowing that I’m not the only one helps.
I’m having a lot of struggles right now within myself. I love all your ideas and thoughts about everything.
I keep coming back because you are real and honest. I feel like we would be great friends if we were neighbors.
I love you honesty about things in your personal life regardless of how they turn out. You don’t just talk about the “good” things. Loved the living on less than 28,000 series, love your grocery trip pictures and menu’s.
I to have had times recently where I suffered burn out and a bit of depression which made me take a small break from blogging. I was a little stressed at the beginning of our Homeschool year and a little depressed after sending my oldest off to college. I think honesty in writing is the most important thing in blogging. That’s why I come to your blog every day!
I also enjoy guest posts by honest people. Love hearing how others make do, get organized etc., as long as it’s not every day.
Love your blog Kimberlee, praying for you to make it through this. This too shall pass…..
Thanks so much Dianna. I actually feel better already. 🙂
I found your blog through Pinterest a few months back and it was an encouragement to me. Also a conviction that I can be making much wiser choices with our money and getting back to sticking to the budget.
My favorite is “YOU” 🙂 Well, and the next on my list is the living on less than $28000 series. Seeing your budget has helped me to FINALLY get my family on a budget and to make my “homemaking binder” that I have longed to make. I’ve used a lot of your ideas and make them my own, while still using some of your ideas. While we dont have 4 kids (only 2), especially not as old as yours, it helps to know that we are able to do be better stewards. Thank you!
I am so glad that you have been able to use some of my ideas Jennifer. Thanks for letting me know.
Please relax and take car of yourself! I like that you provide us with solutions we didn’t even know we needed! You can’t do that if you are not rested and well!
Peace!
Karen
“I like that you provide us with solutions we didn’t even know we needed!”–hahaha! You made me smile. 🙂
I like your budget posts and living on a budget series. I guess I am financial minded. I struggle with blog burnout as well and frequently contemplate deleting the whole thing. But I keep doing it, I’m not sure why, I guess for me? Maybe I need to figure that out.
Definitely don’t delete it! We can do it!
I love that you give God the glory for all things! It is only by His strength we live day by day. I am also grateful for the blog planners you have provided. Thank-you!
You are very welcome Melissia!
About a year ago I gave up my job to stay at home with my baby. We are now living on my husbands teacher’s salary, and are expecting our second child next spring. Many people told me I was being silly and old fashioned that it wasn’t possible to raise a family well on so little. So when I found this blog I felt like it was possible, you were doing it with more kids and less money! I feel like a lot of mothers wish they could stay home and don’t because they don’t think it is financially possible, for some that is true but many just need some ideas and a little inspiration. That is where you come in.
Thanks Ariane!
I found your blog this summer when I was really trying to pinch pennies while my husband finished his schooling. I learned so much and really changed the way that I thought about money and budgeting. It has helped me as I start to prepare for my family’s financial future. I don’t have kids yet, but I always wanted to be a stay at home mom, and I really think using some of the things that I’ve learned here, I will be able to prepare our finances so that it’s possible.
Now, I just really like keeping up with you and what you have to say. I hope you can find your balance.
I agree with Shelly, I love the freebies, being money savvy & also the menus & grocery ideas. BUT I think you should do the things YOU enjoy doing, it is your blog after all!! If you are having fun, then you are doing it right! lol Good luck to you!
I do not have fancy words are anything like that… I know that you are a REAL woman, wife and mother… all the things that are important to me..but add grandmother to it.. I started reading your blog because of your series “Living on Less than $28,000/yr” but I kept reading it because of your faith and encouraging that you give me.. we are newly retired and making 1/3 of our normal pay.. but through you I got excited with the challenging of living this and living it well and peacefully… It does not bother me at all with the cut.. well unless my friends can go out without me.. but then I think… hmmm I’m still able to do crafting with fullfills me even more.. I do understanding taking a step back because of your family needs and wants… Please go back to the reason you started this blog and don’t worry about the people that demand you do this or that for them.. You have to do this because you love doing it not for others.. you started it because you were being fullfilled with it… hope all this rambling makes sense.. God bless you in whatever you decide for you and your family.. and Hugs, Kath
YES! I do have to do this because I love doing it. Just trying to find that place again. 🙂
I love your honesty and advice. As someone who eventually plans to have kids the idea of home schooling has been on my mind more and more, yes very prematurely, but you have inspired me to believe I can do it.
I started reading your blog with the living on less series. I really enjoy your budget/money/finance stuff. I do like that you keep it real.
You are always totally relatable! I love that you share YOU with us. I loved reading some very personal things about your past that shaped who you’ve become. You are brave and corageous in how you share personal battles, past and present. Many of those battles I’ve shared and you have been an inspiration to me. Unfortunately I haven’t had the time to read as much now that my baby has arrived (six weeks old now), but still enjoy doing so very much when I can.
Congratulations on your new baby Jen–how exciting! Thanks for letting me know that you have been encouraged. Take time to enjoy that little bundle of wonderfulness and visit when you can. 🙂
Encouragement that we’re not the only ones living- and sometimes struggling- on a small budget. 🙂
I read your blog because you keep it real and spelled out the specifics of how you live on a lower income. It has really helped me!
Thank you! ~Deb
What a brilliant plan to reach out for help – it’s nice to return the favor.
I’m pretty new to your site but I have to tell you, your style really speaks to me. Not too busy, not too overwhelming, simple, supportive. I’m finishing up treatment for breast cancer & the drug (Tamoxifen) has done a number on my body & my brain. I can read something over & over but not get the gist, which is so frustrating. Your blog has helped me be calm & hopeful. You combine healthy eating, with simple ideas that even I can hold onto. In my world, that is huge.
You would never know your impact if you had not posted the email. I am so glad you did. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you because I surely will!
I am so sorry that you have had to deal with breast cancer, but so glad that I can encourage you in your healing process. I pray for a quick recovery for you and an amazing and beautiful life.
A double thanks to you!
Thanks for the reminders that you don’t need a lot of money to have what is important.
I echo what the other lovely women have stated here. KIimberlee I love your honesty, your integrity, and how down to earth you are. And life just gets busy sometimes, so it’s okay to step back and not post as much or to pray about what direction you want to go in. The blog has been helpful to me in so many ways. I’ve only been reading a short time, but as Karen stated the Living on Less than 28,000/yr has been a super helpful series to me because I eventually want to be able to work from home. I also love your menus and seeing how you are able to spend less without a whole lot of help from coupons (I love and hate them! lol) etc… I just find your blog refreshing and I know whatever direction you go in in the future, I’ll really enjoy your journey along the way!
Thanks Carrie–and thanks for supporting my lack of coupon love–lol!
I’ve been following you for a few months. I consider myself a SAHM but I have a couple of part-time jobs, a 7 yr old son, college step-daughters, a grandmother with alzheimer’s that I help with,…and, of course, a tight budget. What I love about your blog is that you share about living a real life, with all it’s difficulties and joys, with a Christian focus. It helps the rest of us feel like we are not alone, that we are in this together, and that we can not only survive, but thrive! Thank you for sharing.
Wow Melissa–you have a lot going on. You are definitely not alone. Glad I can help to encourage you a little.
I appreciate you so much and all the information you share. I feel like I can relate to you and the advice you give is often much needed. Thanks for all you do!
You are very welcome Vanessa!
I love reading your blog because it is a realistic approach to saving money, parenting, and so much more. I commend you for all the honesty you put into your work. I have used your money saving tips and tools for my own family, and I am also using pinecone research, which helps, even if it’s just 3 dollars at a time 🙂 I would never have found out about pinecone if it were not for this blog. I appreciate the God influenced pieces, and everything else you do on this site. Thanks for everything!
You are very welcome Kylee! I am so glad that Pinecone is working out for you. I like having that little bit of extra money too.
What do I like/love about Kimberlee and this blog?! Let me count the ways!
I was first brought here by the draw of your famous Living under $28K/yr blogs! I caught on quickly to the spiritual guidance that you use and fell in love. My life goals are to be financially healthy (not rich, just healthy), grow my family (2 bio kids, foster kids on the way, adoption to follow), develop my marriage and give it extra care, and be a healthy mom!
My favorite Peaceful Mom blogs are:
Budgeting ideas, PRINTABLES (gosh I love those things more than anything), creative crafts for kids/families, relationship building, and the Gluten Free posts are a bonus (I have a diabetic hubby and a GF daughter).
I love my life simplified. I have sacrificed so much to get to where I am now, in the house I want to live in forever…the car that we owe nothing on (it’s worth investing in and avoiding a new car payment)…growing my family in numbers…and strengthening my family by staying home and watching little kids while finishing my Master’s degree (I left a job in management for this, best decision ever).
Thanks for reiterating what I know, teaching what I want to learn, and sharing your heart…my heart appreciates it!
Love and Peace!
Thanks Kristina!
I loved your living on less than $28,000 series. I live on very minimal and I love seeing how other people/families manage.
I came to your blog a month or so ago. My life had changed…no longer employed and living off hubby’s salary, I was looking for motivation to be domestic again. Organize the home and living simply. Through your blog, I have found other similar bloggers, and between all of you, I have snapped out of my funk and am feeling good about the changes I was given and am living simply more happily.
Woohoo Patti! So glad I could help you.
I love so many things about your blog, however, my favorite is that you are real! A real woman, wife, mother, friend, etc. etc. etc. You’re such an inspiration to so many!
Thanks Laura!
Oh, I have been having those “real” days for a few months now myself. I found your blog a while ago and it was a God-send when my husband and I had to close our family business about a year ago. It was helpful for me to read your financial journey and your suggestions for meals for less. I come here often to find encouragement and it helps keep me going on this journey of endurance that we find ourselves on. It’s encouraging to know that I am not alone and you have done it! And you’re honest and real. That is very appealing and gives me reason to trust what you write. Thank you for being here! Praying for you today as you seek to walk this hard part of the journey. May God give you comfort.
And thanks for your honesty today. Real people make life easier.
Thanks for your encouragement Becky. 🙂
Kimberlee,
I have been following your blog for about 6 or 7 months. You are always an inspiration. I have been seriously giving my budget a workover the past couple of months using some of your strategies. That is helping us to get organized and be prepared better if an emergency comes to call.
I love your honesty and like you I try to be frugal at the grocery store. Not counting the formula for my 8 month old, I feed 3 of us plus make baby food on $100 a week and that amount includes our toiletries and household cleaners etc.
I have also tried some of your recipe tips. We love tacos and nachos and I just started mixing my meat and beans (I mush up the beans a bit so my 8 year old doesn’t notice!
Thanks for all you do.
Mandy
I came across your blog via Pinterest back in July. I was drawn in by the “$28,000” series, and found the inspiration I needed from that and other articles you had written. It literally brought years to my eyes…I felt so thankful that you had shared your best practices with such honesty. It has helped me to organize my thoughts and life, and has brought me some “peace”. Thank you for that! 🙂
Yeah! I am so glad that you have more peace Laurie!
I read because I have family who are gluten free, and am starting to see sign that we may need to go that route, and I love seeing how gluten free can be done in a budget friendly way. I also love your “keeping it real” attitude.
I love your blog because we have decided to work for a non-profit organization, which means a lot to us. But, our income is pretty limited. In addition, my husband is going to college. Seeing how you manage your family, keep everyone happy, handle your finances, etc. helps me improve how I’m doing all those things. I want to be the best “keeper of the home” I can be and your blogs help me to do that.
Hey there,
I started reading your blog because of my own personal burnout at work. I have been struggling to recover from that what seems like forever and manage to do it without making a CEM (a career-ending maneuver). I keep coming back as a reminder to myself about setting goals and to see what organization tools you are using and what is up with your art journaling (I’m trying this as part of my burnout recovery plan).
Hang in there, we all have days that we slide into the pit, but we are out here ready to throw you a rope!
I like that Mary, a “burnout recovery plan”. 🙂 I actually haven’t touched my art journal in the last two weeks, so I’m going to put that on the fun part of the “to do” list. Thanks for the reminder. 🙂
easy…Organize, Save and Eat…
I like to be organized to save money on what we eat lol
I am a mom of seven daughters one left to get married and my next oldest left in Aug to go to College leaving five daughters at home with me 15, 9, 7 and 5 year old twins …Home is a 4 bedroom stairwell apt in Germany my husbands in the Army and deployed..
So my oldest left, my husband deployed and then my next oldest went to college..your site keeps me sane so hope that helps you stay motivated
I appreciate the freebies you share, and the tips for saving money and balancing a busy life!
I have just recently found your blog and I love it! It is the first thing I read everyday. Your honesty and faith is what keeps me coming back. I loved your series “Living on Less than $28,000/yr”. The fact that you are willing to share very personal elements of your family life and budget has given me the courage to continue to be a stay at home mom and honor my husband and child the best way I know how. It is a great feeling to know that even though we sometimes have to go with out, the end result is worth it.
Thanks Karen!
I have only been coming to your blog for a short time but really enjoy the variety of your posts. My main reason for coming to your site is to find ways to save money. I hope in the not too distant future to have the opportunity to stay home with my children instead of working full time, and hearing how you do so much on just your husband’s income gives me hope and encouragement. My biggest area to get under control is our food costs, and your weekly menus give me good ideas. Thank you for what you do. You are an inspiration!
Good for you Rebecca for being proactive. I’m glad the weekly menus help!
I read your blog everyday. You keep things real for me, like menus that I can really make at home, life with your family, projects you do, and I really enjoy seeing the pictures of your shopping trips. This blog is from a real mom doing and handling real things in everyday life. I found about your site on pinterest and I feel truly blessed to read it everyday. Keep up the good work and know that I am praying for you. I hope this encourages you just as you encourage me. : )
Thank you Connie, it does!
I agree! Your blog is one I like for the sincerity… You’re real, your family is real, and not everything is over-the-top perfect. I love that you set goals and don’t always meet them – because we all do it, especially when we’re really trying to be that over-the-top perfection. I also love when you post about your kids… sometimes I see blogs that have perfect children with no emotion but “happy,” and that’s not the case with your family OR mine.
Don’t burn out! We’re out here, and we follow you 🙂
I liked your blog at first because it made me feel better about a real potential decrease in income (DH is being called to the diaconite program which is five years of school, then a substantial pay decrease to be in service). I liked that you seem to be content in your life, and are raising kids to value things beyond money. I like that you admit when your budget hasn’t worked (or you’ve made choices that make it more difficult to stay on budget). I like that you are real and genuine, that you are tired and burned out, like me 🙂 And that it is OK, we have a new start tomorrow. I like that you’re creative in what you do (vision boards and such). I like that you inspire me to keep on track with a budget especially in the grocery challenge. I like that you are “real” and you don’t make me feel about living the real life (some blogs suck the air right out of you, the SAHM of ten who homeschools and has a color-coded system for her family and goes apple picking for bushels of fruit that magically become cider, apple sauce and crisp. Oh, her kitchen is spotless, too, and … get the picture?!) So, that is why I like your blog, it is like coming to a cyber-home, real and fun.
You just made me laugh Laura! While everyone in my family does have his/her own color glass and towel, the rest of the house is hardly color coded–haha!
I haven’t been reading long, but the most encouraging thing on here for me is you weekly meal plans and then the shopping trips. I have four boys 15, 12, 5, & 4. I’ve felt the need to “healthy up” our meals, but our budget can’t handle it, it’s been a tremendous struggle for me. Convictions vs. budget.
I found your blog and realized you’re trying to do the same thing real food but realistic budget. Just seeing how you handle this realistically has empowered me to try to buy whole/local foods but not stress when I can’t.
Thank you for keeping it real.
Thanks Jennifer. I am so glad that you find the menus and shopping helpful. Sometimes I feel that it is boring because I am posting the “same thing” each week. That is very helpful information.