Hello, Before Breakfast listeners!
Today, I'm on the Before Breakfast podcast with Laura Vanderkam; click here to listen to it. 🙂
And if you are a first-time visitor here from the podcast, welcome, welcome!
I talked a lot on the podcast, of course, but I thought I'd share a post of some relevant stuff for those of you who just listened. 🙂
Nursing School Study Tips
I shared a few on the podcast, but if you want more, here's a whole big post about how I got through nursing school with a 4.0.
Finishing my nursing degree was extra satisfying because of the challenges I faced; here's what I wrote about finally graduating (and you can see how I modified my cap!).
Here's how I got my nursing school paid for with scholarships.
And here are some nursing/pinning ceremony FAQs.
My lunch containers
Laura asked me what containers I like for lunch-packing and I mentioned my stainless steel containers.
This one is my favorite for holding main dish salads and the like.
And I like this medium sidekick container for fruits and veggies.
Finally, for sauces or cheese cubes, this small sidekick container is excellent.
I love how light these containers are, and I also love that they don't absorb smells. Your current meal never will take on the flavor/odor of your previous one.
Obviously, they are not good for things that need to be microwaved, but for cold foods, they are 10/10.
My life's plot twist
I never expected to be divorced, which is, I suppose, what everyone says!
Here's what I wrote when my divorce got finalized.
I'm grateful to be free, but the last few years have not been without struggles. For example, a knife block purchase sent me into a whole pity party.
But here is how I help myself when I think, "This isn't how I'd write my story."
If this resonates with you: I have a Patreon where I share more about the process of grieving and healing from my marriage; I publish one post a week there.
It's behind a small paywall solely because what I share over there is more personal than what I want to share with the general public.
I never want anyone to feel obligated to join; I just want my story available for people who will find it helpful and for those who want to learn what it is like to navigate a problematic marriage and then a divorce, particularly in the evangelical world.
What will you find here?
I write about saving money, of course, but also I focus on sustainability. I like to fix and rehab things, and I love to use waste-free versions of things whenever possible (i.e. my lunch containers!)
But I also write about contentment and gratefulness because those are keys to living on less with a good attitude.
I've taken readers along on my nursing school journey, and I plan to keep sharing (in a HIPAA-compliant way!) about the adventures of becoming a new nurse. I managed to keep blogging during the craziness of nursing school, so I know I'll find the time to keep writing as a working nurse as well.
Also, there is a busy community of commenters here, so on each post, you can hear from lots of people besides just me. 🙂
I'll be delighted if you decide to hang here with us!
Places to find me
- Subscribe for emailed post notifications
- Follow me on Instagram
- Follow me on Facebook
- Join my private Facebook group (free)
You didn’t mention your mad photography skills! New readers, you will never look at moss or mushrooms the same way again…
Haha, yes, there are moss and mushroom pictures aplenty here!
@Kristen, Don't forget to mention Chiquita...
Ooh, yes, of course. My sidekick!
I shared some of your study tips and links with my granddaughter who is in nursing school.
For anyone new here - we also share recipes and menus here. This is not a food blog, but readers will get some ideas for planning and cooking.
This is one of the first places I visit in the mornings, unless something unavoidable gets in my way (like today).
Aww, I'm so happy you passed the info on to her, and I hope it helps her!
Hello new readers! You have found a gentle, positive, welcoming space. I look forward to reading it every weekday morning as part of the nice things that start the day.
Please do consider doing a Meet the Reader. You don't have to be a long-time reader and you don't have to be particularly frugal. We love reading everyone's entry.
Ooh, yes! Always love to meet new faces here.
Here's a link to past Meet a Reader posts: https://www.thefrugalgirl.com/category/guest-posts/meet-a-reader/
And if anyone wants to participate, just leave a comment here letting me know, or you can email me: thefrugalgirl@gmail.com
I use this blog as my treat after I do my morning chores. I come in and make my loaded coffee, sit on the front porch and wait for the sunrise.
Kristen's walks and pictures are beautiful.
Today I am nursing a wicked set of bee stings on my right hand. I woke up to my face and eyes swollen, my hand is a softball mitt and my arm is puffy to the elbow. Good times!
I'm taking the rest of the day off as I am working Fri thru Mon in the ER. It is the hardest job on the July 4th! Hours fly by, thankfully.
Have a wonderful day.
@Blue Gate Farmgirl, Ouch! I hope you get your bee stings taken care of fast! 🙂
@Regina,
Thanks! I used a venom extractor on two sting areas, but it doesn't work on a muscle sting unfortunately.
My nephew is coming over to work on my to do list and I will soak, sauna, massage and soak at besties wellness salon ( I will owe her big time for squeezing me in her tight schedule).
Ohhhhhh, I am so sorry to hear about the stings! But I am glad they were bees and not wasps. I have had terrible experiences getting yellow jacket stings (a type of wasp, of course) and the itching and swelling goes on for so long for me. I usually have to get oral steroids to get any kind of relief.
Sawbones (a podcast) just did an episode on wasp stings and what does/doesn't work in treating them.
Kristen's blog is a great place to learn & share. We share our wisdom & fails from life safely without judgement (mostly). Kristen's viewers/community range from young adults to Boomer generation (men & women) from all across the world.
Reading Kristen's blog daily (during the week) is something I (& many others) look forward to. It truly is a great resource of information & community.
Thank you Kristen. 🙂
I love you and I love Laura so what a delightful surprise to see this today (Laura had mentioned you were going to be on Before Breakfast, but I didn't know the air date). Can't wait to get a chance to listen to this interview!!!!!!
You should also mention to newcomers how you provided a safe haven for ALL political refugees during a particularly destructive election year. By staying out of the fray, you let all of us (no matter what our voting affiliation) take comfort in sharing things about which we had some control. We are a group bounded by a belief in the power of good stewardship of resources. That is more than enough. It is precious.
@Mary Ann, this is SO true and appreciated!
@Mary Ann, Also true!
Looking forward to listening to the podcast!
Oh, this was a very fun and interesting podcast/interview to listen to! I've read and enjoyed all of Laura's books.
This blog is a special place. I check in at least once per day, usually more.
You have probably already posted this - several times, but I haven't found it yet. I am obsessed with your steel food containers! Haven't found anything similar online. Would you please give the info again? TIA
@AZ Lynn, Hi Lynn! If you tap or click on the orange words in the post above where she talks about the food containers, they are Amazon links that will answer your question!
Glad to know what your voice sounds like! 🙂 Great interview.
I will ALWAYS hang in with you! Can’t wait for the posts to come!!
Wow, in a podcast episode, you can say so much! You and Laura V are both kind-hearted, thoughtful, amazing ladies who really get things done. A great connection and a great conversation. Welcome, new readers, to the best haven of sanity and frugality available online!