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Say Goodbye to Survival Mode: 9 Simple Strategies to Stress Less, Sleep More, and Restore Your Passion for Life
Calling the super busy, the stressed out, the overtired.
You know you're made for a more fulfilling life. With this book, you’ll know where to start.
You wake up tired. Your to-do list is too long. The commitments—and the laundry—are piling up, but your energy keeps dwindling. You feel like you're simply making it through the days, not living or enjoying any part of them.
In Say Goodbye to Survival Mode, you'll find both practical ideas and big-picture perspective that will inspire you to live life on purpose. As a wife, mother of three, and founder of the wildly successful blog MoneySavingMom.com, Crystal Paine has walked the road from barely surviving to living with intention. With the warmth and candor of a dear friend, she shares what she's learned along the way, helping
feel healthier and more energetic by setting priorities and boundarieseliminate stress with savvy management of your time, money, and homeget more done by setting realistic goals and embracing disciplinerediscover your passions—and the confidence to pursue them Packed with straightforward solutions you'll use today and inspirational stories you'll remember for years, Say Goodbye to Survival Mode is a must for any woman who's ever longed for the freedom to enjoy life, not just survive it.
You know you're made for a more fulfilling life. With this book, you’ll know where to start.
You wake up tired. Your to-do list is too long. The commitments—and the laundry—are piling up, but your energy keeps dwindling. You feel like you're simply making it through the days, not living or enjoying any part of them.
In Say Goodbye to Survival Mode, you'll find both practical ideas and big-picture perspective that will inspire you to live life on purpose. As a wife, mother of three, and founder of the wildly successful blog MoneySavingMom.com, Crystal Paine has walked the road from barely surviving to living with intention. With the warmth and candor of a dear friend, she shares what she's learned along the way, helping
feel healthier and more energetic by setting priorities and boundarieseliminate stress with savvy management of your time, money, and homeget more done by setting realistic goals and embracing disciplinerediscover your passions—and the confidence to pursue them Packed with straightforward solutions you'll use today and inspirational stories you'll remember for years, Say Goodbye to Survival Mode is a must for any woman who's ever longed for the freedom to enjoy life, not just survive it.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2014
357 people are currently reading
3007 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 289 reviews
May 21, 2014
I have enjoyed author Crystal Paine's blog Money Saving Moms so naturally I was eager to read her new book but, sadly, was very disappointed in it. The advice she gives is just so pedestrian, previously chewed up and spit out by hundreds of different writers.
Ms. Paine apparently needed some guidance herself before when she was barely making ends meet, married a man who had to go through college and then law school and barely scrape by while she stayed knocked up and had 3 kids in 5 years. Why would any woman who did not have a secure career and was just trying to get a blog going and who had married a man years away from being ready to earn money and indeed was having to spend money on college and law school stay knocked up like this? Surely she has heard of the pill, a nifty little medicine that comes in a cute little package that prevents children from being born into poverty. And with all the expenses that come with childbearing and childrearing, she just kept on doing it like some bitch dog in heat.
While it is so charming to read her tale of idiotic behavior on her own part, her ideas about saying goodbye to survival mode is not something that appeals to me. She doesn't believe in having "things" so just doesn't shop except for groceries. She doesn't save money by taking a few minutes to pack her husband a lunch but instead has him eat out each day. They go eat with others one night and then eat out on other nights, neither of which saves any money. These are the real areas where people can save.
She refuses to get involved with any professional activities and went in and defriended all of her Facebook friends, just keeping a ghost account so to run a page for her blog. You can help her but forget her helping you. She is so weird about not having things, she once threw her two pairs of winter jeans out that she wears with boots then found herself with none come winter. She pretty much doesn't buy things for the kids. Yet she sends her husband's clothes to the dry cleaners so she won't have to run the washer/dryer or iron.
Her Christian hoo-hah was also tiresome. Her number one priority is not her very real husband and children but is having a relationship with her imaginary friend in the sky- Jesus. She tries to get readers to have one too but at 55, this lifelong Atheist is too damned old to go back to her toddler days and talk to imaginary friends.
If you are looking for something practical and workable, look elsewhere.
Ms. Paine apparently needed some guidance herself before when she was barely making ends meet, married a man who had to go through college and then law school and barely scrape by while she stayed knocked up and had 3 kids in 5 years. Why would any woman who did not have a secure career and was just trying to get a blog going and who had married a man years away from being ready to earn money and indeed was having to spend money on college and law school stay knocked up like this? Surely she has heard of the pill, a nifty little medicine that comes in a cute little package that prevents children from being born into poverty. And with all the expenses that come with childbearing and childrearing, she just kept on doing it like some bitch dog in heat.
While it is so charming to read her tale of idiotic behavior on her own part, her ideas about saying goodbye to survival mode is not something that appeals to me. She doesn't believe in having "things" so just doesn't shop except for groceries. She doesn't save money by taking a few minutes to pack her husband a lunch but instead has him eat out each day. They go eat with others one night and then eat out on other nights, neither of which saves any money. These are the real areas where people can save.
She refuses to get involved with any professional activities and went in and defriended all of her Facebook friends, just keeping a ghost account so to run a page for her blog. You can help her but forget her helping you. She is so weird about not having things, she once threw her two pairs of winter jeans out that she wears with boots then found herself with none come winter. She pretty much doesn't buy things for the kids. Yet she sends her husband's clothes to the dry cleaners so she won't have to run the washer/dryer or iron.
Her Christian hoo-hah was also tiresome. Her number one priority is not her very real husband and children but is having a relationship with her imaginary friend in the sky- Jesus. She tries to get readers to have one too but at 55, this lifelong Atheist is too damned old to go back to her toddler days and talk to imaginary friends.
If you are looking for something practical and workable, look elsewhere.
February 14, 2014
So here's my deal: I am a homeschool mom, whose husband has a high pressure job working many late nights and travels almost every week. So I'm solely responsible for everything in our home from food, cleaning and laundry to bill paying, and I have no hired help. Oh, and I also work part time six months of the year. I wouldn't say I exist solely in survival mode, but I'm definitely "on duty" for pretty much 16 hours a day. I'm high energy and type A, so I'm good with all of this most of the time.
I read a lot of books like this one. I'm always looking for ways to tweak our schedule or improve on our financial management. But there is just something about Crystal Paine that makes her stand out from the avalanche of "mommy blogs" out there. I have read her moneysavingmom blog for many years (in fact, I've pared daily blog reading down to three favorites and she's one of them). This book contains 75% new material I have never heard from her before- it's just honest and appealing common sense. Some might find it too simple, but the beauty is in actually putting it into action. She also shares many of her "down" times and failures, which are real and inspiring accounts. So few women are confident enough to share at this level.
The first few chapters gave me some clarity and walked me through a few exercises I needed in order to feel freedom to make some further changes in our family life. The other chapters were helpful, and although I'm already following a lot of the advice, I gleaned some great tips from them as well.
This would be a great book for any mom (working or at home) with kids preschool through elementary age. I'm not sure if this book contains as much practical advice for women with older kids or empty nesters. But I would still recommend it if you are feeling burned out.
Quotes/tips to remember:
p.57- "I create my own momentum"
p.76- Sundays completely off
p.99- "for writing, choose times when I won't be interrupted"
p.104 "discipline begets discipline"
p.154-155- 4 week clutter clean up plan
ch 8 Giving- little things do matter, practical lists
p.225 Grace- "you are never going to be exactly where you want to be"
p.235 Daily Docket
I read a lot of books like this one. I'm always looking for ways to tweak our schedule or improve on our financial management. But there is just something about Crystal Paine that makes her stand out from the avalanche of "mommy blogs" out there. I have read her moneysavingmom blog for many years (in fact, I've pared daily blog reading down to three favorites and she's one of them). This book contains 75% new material I have never heard from her before- it's just honest and appealing common sense. Some might find it too simple, but the beauty is in actually putting it into action. She also shares many of her "down" times and failures, which are real and inspiring accounts. So few women are confident enough to share at this level.
The first few chapters gave me some clarity and walked me through a few exercises I needed in order to feel freedom to make some further changes in our family life. The other chapters were helpful, and although I'm already following a lot of the advice, I gleaned some great tips from them as well.
This would be a great book for any mom (working or at home) with kids preschool through elementary age. I'm not sure if this book contains as much practical advice for women with older kids or empty nesters. But I would still recommend it if you are feeling burned out.
Quotes/tips to remember:
p.57- "I create my own momentum"
p.76- Sundays completely off
p.99- "for writing, choose times when I won't be interrupted"
p.104 "discipline begets discipline"
p.154-155- 4 week clutter clean up plan
ch 8 Giving- little things do matter, practical lists
p.225 Grace- "you are never going to be exactly where you want to be"
p.235 Daily Docket
February 22, 2015
Seriously?!
I was looking for "survival" help. This woman has no concept of being broke. When you have enough in your budget to take a family of 5 out for a night of entertainment and to eat out twice a week...you are not in survival mode that those of us who wonder where the money to buy milk is going to come from.
I was looking for "survival" help. This woman has no concept of being broke. When you have enough in your budget to take a family of 5 out for a night of entertainment and to eat out twice a week...you are not in survival mode that those of us who wonder where the money to buy milk is going to come from.
July 14, 2014
I can't even begin to describe how disappointed I was in this book. You mean I should establish priorities? Create schedules? Manage my time better? Not exactly precious pearls of wisdom. Maybe if I'd read this book 10 years ago there would have been something meaningful here.
January 3, 2016
Science of Mind for whiny SAHMs (before you jump on me -- I am a SAHM) who harshly judge themselves and others. Throw a little religious preachiness in there and you have this book. I "read" it via audiobook at 2x speed while skipping large chunks. There are far better guides for living an intentional life. Spare yourself.
June 29, 2015
I really enjoyed Crystal Paine's first book, The Money Saving Mom's Budget: Slash Your Spending, Pay Down Your Debt, Streamline Your Life, and Save Thousands a Year. That book was chock full of sound, practical advice that really laid out a strategy and a plan. So I picked up her second book hoping for a similar charting to "stress less, sleep more, and restore [my] passion for life."
For a quick overview of what this book covers here are the titles of its ten chapters:
While there is a short "Get Practical" section at the end of each chapter much of the book felt more high level than the author's budget book. But dealing with things bigger than just a budget is naturally going to require broader thinking. There still lots of good practical suggestions spread throughout, with some chapters more focused than others.
The budget chapter, "Be Intentional with Your Bank Account" is basically a Cliffs Notes of her budget book. If you've read that book feel free to completely skip this chapter, which will save you time by saying "no" which is one of the original core strategies from the first two chapters, "Stop Trying to Do It All" and "Say Yes to the Best".
The worst chapter of the book is "Yes, You Can Make a Difference". It just didn't really fit into this book. I guess it comes under the "restore your passion for life" goal of the book because it doesn't help to "stress less" or "sleep more". Maybe it's to help others say goodbye to survival mode? I won't knock the author's strong Christianity but that certainly feels like a contributing factor to this chapter.
Speaking of Crystal's overt Christianity, you have to be able to stand a lot of talk about God. I am not religious so a few snippets were a little eye-roll-worthy but she isn't trying to convert anyone or anything. On the other hand it is a little bit of a waste to devote book real estate to items many people won't follow. But if reading the Bible and going to church aren't your thing (they aren't mine) then it's easy to breeze past that while getting the gist of her message. You do have to get used to phrases like "Let's live simply so that others can simply live" that toe the line of grandiosity.
The biggest knock against the entire book is its reliance on personal stories and anecdotes. While a few here and there are good to prove or illustrate a point, some parts and even chapters are nothing but stories and interviews. Maybe this is a technique used in books geared toward women, though, since it seems to be prevalent in many books related to this one.
After reading this book I do feel slightly more confident making and implementing goals and staying on course with my life and family at a time when it would be easy to slip into "survival mode". Much of the book is simply about changing your mindset via specific routine habits and actions.
For a quick overview of what this book covers here are the titles of its ten chapters:
Stop Trying to Do It All
Say Yes to the Best
If You Aim at Nothing, You'll Hit It Every Time
Discipline Is Not a Bad Word
Be Intentional with Your Bank Account
Manage the Home Front
When You Feel Like a Failure
Yes, You Can Make a Difference
Sometimes It Is About Your
Kick-Start Your Success
While there is a short "Get Practical" section at the end of each chapter much of the book felt more high level than the author's budget book. But dealing with things bigger than just a budget is naturally going to require broader thinking. There still lots of good practical suggestions spread throughout, with some chapters more focused than others.
The budget chapter, "Be Intentional with Your Bank Account" is basically a Cliffs Notes of her budget book. If you've read that book feel free to completely skip this chapter, which will save you time by saying "no" which is one of the original core strategies from the first two chapters, "Stop Trying to Do It All" and "Say Yes to the Best".
The worst chapter of the book is "Yes, You Can Make a Difference". It just didn't really fit into this book. I guess it comes under the "restore your passion for life" goal of the book because it doesn't help to "stress less" or "sleep more". Maybe it's to help others say goodbye to survival mode? I won't knock the author's strong Christianity but that certainly feels like a contributing factor to this chapter.
Speaking of Crystal's overt Christianity, you have to be able to stand a lot of talk about God. I am not religious so a few snippets were a little eye-roll-worthy but she isn't trying to convert anyone or anything. On the other hand it is a little bit of a waste to devote book real estate to items many people won't follow. But if reading the Bible and going to church aren't your thing (they aren't mine) then it's easy to breeze past that while getting the gist of her message. You do have to get used to phrases like "Let's live simply so that others can simply live" that toe the line of grandiosity.
The biggest knock against the entire book is its reliance on personal stories and anecdotes. While a few here and there are good to prove or illustrate a point, some parts and even chapters are nothing but stories and interviews. Maybe this is a technique used in books geared toward women, though, since it seems to be prevalent in many books related to this one.
After reading this book I do feel slightly more confident making and implementing goals and staying on course with my life and family at a time when it would be easy to slip into "survival mode". Much of the book is simply about changing your mindset via specific routine habits and actions.
April 9, 2015
I have never read Crystal Paine's blog or heard of her before a recommendation from a blog I DO read. The book contains some practical tips which you could pick up from almost anywhere else and is an easy, and straightforward read. What I didn't expect was the HUGE dose of religion with it. If this particular brand of American ego-centric Christianity appeals to you, go for it; otherwise steer clear
August 21, 2021
With the first few chapters of this book, I felt like I was reading the same things I've read in many other books - just repackaged. It was still good information, just nothing earth shattering. The latter half of the book was more helpful, I enjoyed the chapters on taking care of your home and carving out time to take care of yourself and cultivate your relationship with God. The final chapter was great and motivating as well.
March 23, 2015
I skimmed this book in under an hour and found nothing life-altering in its pages. There were no good tips that anyone with common sense hasn't already considered. Save your hour for something more beneficial.
January 2, 2016
Mom bloggers everywhere have been raving about this book, but I'm struggling to understand why. I did enjoy Crystal's book on budgeting and I do enjoy her blog, but this book fell short of my expectations. There is absolutely nothing in here, that you cannot find on 9/10 Mom Blogs out there. I have already implemented everything listed in the book and have even written blog posts about these same topics. She talks a lot about menu planning, giving yourself grace, setting SMART goals, etc. Again, nothing new or original. Crystal talks about her experiences and how they brought about changes in her life, which is about the only original stories/concepts in the entire book.
If you have the time to spare, it will provide an interesting insight into Crystal's life. However, if you're looking for tips on how to actually manage life/momhood better, you've likely heard 99% of all of this information elsewhere.
If you have the time to spare, it will provide an interesting insight into Crystal's life. However, if you're looking for tips on how to actually manage life/momhood better, you've likely heard 99% of all of this information elsewhere.
September 26, 2016
Only a few good ideas and too religious and preachy to my liking.
May 22, 2023
Perspective - you can learn something from everyone. There was some useful info in this book; sift through the things that aren’t practical for you.
January 20, 2014
THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ FOR EVERY MOM!
This book shares Crystal Paine's journey from being a depressed, stressed out, over- scheduled mom who felt like she was drowning in life to now one of the most famous blogger in the world and who offers sound, practical advice for the everyday woman to become the best mom and person that she can be. Instead of barely surviving life, Paine offers compassionate advice and tips to help women to live empowered, fulfilled lives.
The book is structured to where each chapter deals specifically with one area so that readers do not get overwhelmed. There is much of Mrs. Paines own journey and story throughout and tips and tools to help you in your own life. The chapters cover everything from managing your day to day life, to aiming for the future, to making decisions on what works best for you. Paine offers compassionate advice on setting and achieving your goals in such categories like finance and health. She offers advice on how to achieve a life with less stress and more joy. I love the Paine begins each chapter with a goal and a strategy that she will talk about in that chapter and then ends each chapter with a "Get Practical" section to show us how to use the tools in that chapter in our own lives.
There are a couple things that Mrs. Paine does not do. She does not preach that her way is the right way. She does not preach that you must do things a certain way for success. Instead she allows her reader, in this case, me to know that I don't have to be Supermom or a Superwoman. Instead I can focus on what is important in my own life and know that that is okay. I am looking forward to implementing some of her strategies that she shares in the book, including her goal making steps. I love that she includes in the appendix a few of her worksheets to help me along my way to a more stress free life.
I HIGHLY recommend this book to any woman who is feeling stressed, overwhelmed and less than enthusiastic about life. This book will help you to take steps to changing your life for the better.
DISCLAIMER: This book was provided free of charge from Thomas Nelson publishers and booksneeze.com. All opinions expressed are my own.
This book shares Crystal Paine's journey from being a depressed, stressed out, over- scheduled mom who felt like she was drowning in life to now one of the most famous blogger in the world and who offers sound, practical advice for the everyday woman to become the best mom and person that she can be. Instead of barely surviving life, Paine offers compassionate advice and tips to help women to live empowered, fulfilled lives.
The book is structured to where each chapter deals specifically with one area so that readers do not get overwhelmed. There is much of Mrs. Paines own journey and story throughout and tips and tools to help you in your own life. The chapters cover everything from managing your day to day life, to aiming for the future, to making decisions on what works best for you. Paine offers compassionate advice on setting and achieving your goals in such categories like finance and health. She offers advice on how to achieve a life with less stress and more joy. I love the Paine begins each chapter with a goal and a strategy that she will talk about in that chapter and then ends each chapter with a "Get Practical" section to show us how to use the tools in that chapter in our own lives.
There are a couple things that Mrs. Paine does not do. She does not preach that her way is the right way. She does not preach that you must do things a certain way for success. Instead she allows her reader, in this case, me to know that I don't have to be Supermom or a Superwoman. Instead I can focus on what is important in my own life and know that that is okay. I am looking forward to implementing some of her strategies that she shares in the book, including her goal making steps. I love that she includes in the appendix a few of her worksheets to help me along my way to a more stress free life.
I HIGHLY recommend this book to any woman who is feeling stressed, overwhelmed and less than enthusiastic about life. This book will help you to take steps to changing your life for the better.
DISCLAIMER: This book was provided free of charge from Thomas Nelson publishers and booksneeze.com. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 8, 2014
I have to admit, I fell guilty that although I've been blogging for some time and have connections with a lot of great blogger, I'd never heard of Crystal Paine or her website. But, I'm so glad I found her and her book Say Goodbye to Survival Mode: 9 Simple Strategies to Stress Less, Sleep More, and Restore Your Passion for Life at this junction in my life.
Crystal is honest and bare-bones, which I needed. I'm always trying to be Super Woman and never can so no. I tend to be a people pleaser and it has become my downfall.
I needed a good swift kick in the rear to get me back on track of my life. I needed Crystal's book! Say Goodbye to Survival Mode: 9 Simple Strategies to Stress Less, Sleep More, and Restore Your Passion for Life opened the door to a new life.
The book is filled with great reminders but the keys you need to unlock the door to saying goodbye to survival mode. There are ten chapters, each filled with strategies and ways to stop yourself from self-destruction. Crystal begins with a goal and strategy. She includes snippets of her own personal life as well as a place to write down what you need to do. She ends each chapter with a "Get Practical" section.
Reading Say Goodbye to Survival Mode has changed the way I look at myself and how I realized it's okay to say NO. I don't have to please everyone. I've learned where my priorities lie.
I don't have a favorite chapter, because every one is filled with practical everyday advice you will use over and over again!
Crystal is honest and bare-bones, which I needed. I'm always trying to be Super Woman and never can so no. I tend to be a people pleaser and it has become my downfall.
I needed a good swift kick in the rear to get me back on track of my life. I needed Crystal's book! Say Goodbye to Survival Mode: 9 Simple Strategies to Stress Less, Sleep More, and Restore Your Passion for Life opened the door to a new life.
The book is filled with great reminders but the keys you need to unlock the door to saying goodbye to survival mode. There are ten chapters, each filled with strategies and ways to stop yourself from self-destruction. Crystal begins with a goal and strategy. She includes snippets of her own personal life as well as a place to write down what you need to do. She ends each chapter with a "Get Practical" section.
Reading Say Goodbye to Survival Mode has changed the way I look at myself and how I realized it's okay to say NO. I don't have to please everyone. I've learned where my priorities lie.
I don't have a favorite chapter, because every one is filled with practical everyday advice you will use over and over again!
December 6, 2015
This was the worst garbage. I picked this up as an audiobook to listen to. Her voice is exceptionally annoying. The advice is ridiculously simple. I could not evn finish it. I cannot believe that this was ever made into a book. It starts off with her whining about how overwhelmed in life she felt. The title of this book is insulting to those who are or who have ever actually been in survival mode as in not having the basic necessities of life. To openly admit that you eat out 2-3 times in a week is strong evidence that the author was NOT in survival mode at this ever so overwhelming time of her life. Terrible. Terrible. Terrible.
February 11, 2017
Sometimes a book comes into your life exactly when you need it. I recognize the same minimalist spirit from the two organizational books I've already delved into this year. I admire anyone who is able to see the big picture and break things apart into manageable pieces (my husband is like this!). My goal this year is to learn to take things in chunks and manage them accordingly. I felt this book was a good reminder how to set those goals and make a reasonable plan to achieve them. I know I won't implement everything exactly the same way she did, but it is enough to show me in which direction to paddle and for this I am grateful.
January 17, 2023
I've been following Crystal Paine since before the launch of Money Saving Mom. I love her as a blogger and appreciate her tips and the obvious love she has for the Lord, her family, and her readers. That said, I did not enjoy this book at all. While Crystal acknowledges the fact that there are women struggling with situations far beyond the struggles that led her to write this book, it is still painful to listen to you if you are one of them. Crystal was overwhelmed with three small children, running a successful business from home, and other opportunities she had taken on. In her case, she had the ability to hire help, both for the business and at home. There were things on her plate she could choose to remove.
Sometimes we are in survival mode because of situations outside our control - poverty, special needs children, ongoing health challenges, medical debt, and more. It's all while and good to tell suggest multitasking, reading more, exercising, having a budget, and getting enough sleep, but sometimes that's absolutely impossible. I'd be curious to hear how Crystal's perspective has changed now, as she has matured, added to her family through birth and adoption, has a special needs child, and is parenting teens.
If you're a mom of a few kids, doing okay on a single income or dual income, with no extenuating health issues, this book may have some good tips.
Sometimes we are in survival mode because of situations outside our control - poverty, special needs children, ongoing health challenges, medical debt, and more. It's all while and good to tell suggest multitasking, reading more, exercising, having a budget, and getting enough sleep, but sometimes that's absolutely impossible. I'd be curious to hear how Crystal's perspective has changed now, as she has matured, added to her family through birth and adoption, has a special needs child, and is parenting teens.
If you're a mom of a few kids, doing okay on a single income or dual income, with no extenuating health issues, this book may have some good tips.
August 8, 2017
I saw this book come up for 99 cents on Amazon in a Facebook post and thought I would take a chance on it. Say Goodby Survival Mode is written by Crystal Paine is a self help book in a very big market of over stretched moms. This book appealed to me because of it's title and the content as well. The first few chapters was more of a validation of what I was already doing. I did pick up some new ideas in the later chapters. I did take to heart some of what was in this book. Truth be told, this book was a little more religious based then I would normally have been comfortable with. However there is good sound advice in this book and I am glad I took a chance on this book.
June 1, 2017
Meh.
The same advice you have heard everywhere else. It's fine, valid advice, just nothing revolutionary or even particularly helpful.
The section on goal setting gave me a good kick in the rear to out pen to paper, but everything else I'm already doing (well, not the money chapter, but I'll get to that) & I'm still overwhelmed.
The money chapter was all Dave Ramsey. Like, just tell me to read Dave Ramsey - don't regurgitate it.
I felt like it was a great big shrug emoji.
The same advice you have heard everywhere else. It's fine, valid advice, just nothing revolutionary or even particularly helpful.
The section on goal setting gave me a good kick in the rear to out pen to paper, but everything else I'm already doing (well, not the money chapter, but I'll get to that) & I'm still overwhelmed.
The money chapter was all Dave Ramsey. Like, just tell me to read Dave Ramsey - don't regurgitate it.
I felt like it was a great big shrug emoji.
November 9, 2022
NOT what I was hoping for. This book was for someone who has never set a goal or planned a day in their lives. I was looking for more practical advice for a Type A mom who just needs some tips on getting through this busy phase of life. I'm sure it could be really helpful to someone, but just not for me.
September 25, 2023
Was a great reminder of good habits and time management, but I found myself not really learning anything new. Very similar to The Lazy Genius, which I think actually came out later. So maybe, through no fault of the author, in 2023, this topic has just been heavily written about and talked about, so it felt repetitive to me. Still good reminders and encouraging.
April 10, 2021
Had some decent ideas but nothing ground breaking. Avoid the book if you have religious trauma. It's not overly saturated with it but still
May 14, 2025
This book was wonderful. I feel that I learned a lot from it about making goals, staying positive, and spending time with God.
May 14, 2024
START HERE.
This book is great for beginners. However, if you are familiar with organising techniques, time optimization, decluttering etc, you will learn nothing new.
This book is great for beginners. However, if you are familiar with organising techniques, time optimization, decluttering etc, you will learn nothing new.
January 28, 2014
I was captivated with just the title of the book Say Goodbye to Survival Mode. After all, what woman feels she has enough time to do everything she wants to do? It doesn’t matter if you are single, married, young, or old, this book will apply to you. What Chrystal Paine does is outline nine steps to help you get rid of the haired, rushed feeling you often have and learn to live in a more peaceful environment. It won’t happen overnight, and it’s not a super-easy quick fix, (after all, chances are you got yourself into this situation by saying yes one too many times!) but it is do-able to have a bit more simplistic life — even if that “simplistic” life includes lots of business trips or a large number of children!
She gives baby steps to achieve these goals, yet doesn’t talk down to the reader as I’ve seen some books do. Instead, the author can sympathize with you. She once was overly stressed and learned how to manage it one step at a time — one sticky note at a time, and one load of laundry at a time.
Two chapters I really enjoyed were “When you Feel Like a Failure”. I don’t know about others, but when I feel like a failure that’s when I want to throw in the towel and just say “That’s enough, I quit” but then I just get right back on the ‘treadmill’ that was causing me so much stress in the first place. I work at home and recently my mother was asking me about a time I decided to quit my job. It lasted three months. I didn’t make any major changes until recently in that, and the stress continued just as it had been. Now I have a new sales technique, new way of dealing with customers, and it’s a much happier experience for me — but usually I just continue doing what got me so stressed in the first place!
Another chapter I enjoyed was “You Can Make a Difference”. The author runs the popular blog, Money Saving Mom. She talks about how she was able to give out of her abundance she had gotten free with coupons. I’ve always tried to be a giving person. There were times when I was a teenager we could barely afford necessities but because of my coupons, I was able to give to others (and just like her in one place in the story, there were even times I would have missed on social occasions if I wouldn’t have been able to take food in place of paying an amount for cost of snacks!) The author reminds us that while we may have busy, almost out of control lives, there are always people worse off than we are.
This book is a fantastic read. It is like a chat with the author, and I highly recommend it if you are stressed and want more peace in your life!
FTC disclosure: I was provided by a free copy of this book by the publisher. The opinions are my own.
She gives baby steps to achieve these goals, yet doesn’t talk down to the reader as I’ve seen some books do. Instead, the author can sympathize with you. She once was overly stressed and learned how to manage it one step at a time — one sticky note at a time, and one load of laundry at a time.
Two chapters I really enjoyed were “When you Feel Like a Failure”. I don’t know about others, but when I feel like a failure that’s when I want to throw in the towel and just say “That’s enough, I quit” but then I just get right back on the ‘treadmill’ that was causing me so much stress in the first place. I work at home and recently my mother was asking me about a time I decided to quit my job. It lasted three months. I didn’t make any major changes until recently in that, and the stress continued just as it had been. Now I have a new sales technique, new way of dealing with customers, and it’s a much happier experience for me — but usually I just continue doing what got me so stressed in the first place!
Another chapter I enjoyed was “You Can Make a Difference”. The author runs the popular blog, Money Saving Mom. She talks about how she was able to give out of her abundance she had gotten free with coupons. I’ve always tried to be a giving person. There were times when I was a teenager we could barely afford necessities but because of my coupons, I was able to give to others (and just like her in one place in the story, there were even times I would have missed on social occasions if I wouldn’t have been able to take food in place of paying an amount for cost of snacks!) The author reminds us that while we may have busy, almost out of control lives, there are always people worse off than we are.
This book is a fantastic read. It is like a chat with the author, and I highly recommend it if you are stressed and want more peace in your life!
FTC disclosure: I was provided by a free copy of this book by the publisher. The opinions are my own.
December 30, 2018
1. Stop Trying to Do It All
Create a Personal Priorities List (Personal, Spiritual/Emotional, Family, Career, Friendships)
Clear the Schedule Clutter
Cut out Time and Energy Suckers
Count the Costs
2. Say Yes to the Best
Start with the Best Stuff First
Pick and Choose the Best Stuff
Have a strong and vibrant relationship with the Lord
Maintain a wonderful relationship with my husband
Spend quality time with my children
Nurture my body and soul
Write, speak, and manage my blog and business
Mix Your Gifts with Your Best Stuff
Don't try to be Someone Else
Give Your Gifts A Chance
Time Check
1. Add up the hours in a day (168 Hours in a Week)
2. List the activities, tasks, and projects you want to accomplish that time
3. Divide these activities into a day's time frame.
-30 Minutes Bible reading/journaling
-30 Minutes one-on-one with my husband
-6 hours homeschooling, playing,, and reading with the children
-30 minutes of exercise
-30 minutes of shower/dress
-1 hour cleaning/home management
-7 hours sleeping
-2 hour meals/meal prep
-4 hours blogging/computer
-2 hours extra/margin
-Steal time from one of your other times, be strategic and creative, delegate or dont
Map Out a Realistic Routine
-Get up, read Bible, journal, pray
-Exercise, shower/dress
-Check e-mail, clean out inbox
-Writing/blogging work
-Breakfast
-Stick to morning routine for three weeks, then add an evening routine for three weeks.
at the end of six weeks, you should feel significant more order in your life.
-Get Sleep
-Get fresh air and sunshine
-Take long soak in a bubble bath
-Star winding down early
-Turn off electronics
-Go to bed when you start to feel tired
-Don't drink caffeine after 3pm
-Drink Sleeptime Tea with Milk and Honey
-Use lavendar essential oil
-Write down everything that is keeping you awake
-Have a plan for the next day
-Go to bed the same time every night
-Make sure your room is cool and dark
-Regular exervise
-Dim the lights early
-Play soft, soothing music
-Get up early
-Have white noise in the background
-Try earplugs/eye mask
3. If you Aim At Nothing, You'll Hit It Every Time
-Set SMART Goals
-Business
-Personal (
-Health/Nutrition/Fitness
-Relationship
-Family
-Financial
4. Discipline is Not a Bad Word
-Eat the Frog; Do the Hardest Thing First
-Stop Making Excuses
-Celebrate Milestones
5. Be Intentional With Your Bank Account
-Total Money Makeover
-Set up a small emergency fund of at least one month's expenses
-Pay off your credit cards or outstanding doubt
-Increase your emergency fun to cover three to six months
-Save to pay cash for your next large purchase (like a car)
-Save up to put down a large payment on a house, or aggressively work on mort.
6. Manage the Home Front
-Keep it Simple
-What's for Dinner?
-Start Small
-Cook Once Each It Twice
-Cook Meat in Bulk
-Make Bulk Batches
Five Easy Ways
-Sort the mail and misc. papers
-Do one load of laundry to start and finish
-Spend 15 minutes tidying the house
-Wipe down the sink and toilet for each bathroom
-Load the dishwasher and wipe down the kitchen countertops
One Month
Week One: Tackle the Kitchen
Week Two: Declutter Master Bedroom
Week Three: Sweep Through Bathrooms
Week Four: Focus on Living Room/Hallway Closets
8.) Yes, You Can Make A Difference
Creative Ways to Help Others
-Instead of going out for Dinner, plan night in.
-Research your community for ways to volunteer
-Plan a weekly or monthly family night out, and spend a few hours volunteering
-If you know someone pinching pennies, donate your coupons to them
-Organize a clothing drive
-Make a weekly meal or two for a elderly neighbor
-Help out a single mom by cleaning hour or watering garden
-Walk someone's dog for them
-Teach someone a skill
-If you frequently travel, save u the travel-sized tiletries for food pantry
-Write notes
-Help Unload Groceries
-Feed parking meters
-Bake some cookies
9.) Sometimes is IS about you
Burnout Happens
-Plug into God and His Words
-Plug int your relationship
-Plug into your friendsgips
-Cultivate what you already have
-Take the first step
-Be Honest
-Why Rest Matters (Observe Sabbathm Eat Healthy, Go to Bed Early, Exercise, D. Routine)
-Make Time For You
-Focus on Your Health
-Eat Better
-Take Vitamins
-Drink more Water
-Sleep
-Read More
-Schedule Fun (Monthly Goals)
-Recharge Ideas
-Unplug for a day or two. No cellphone or computer, enjoy the quite
-Go to gym and take a new class
-Get a change of scenery (park or new place)
-Take a bubble bath
-Go to a concert
-Have a night out
-State a gratitude journal
-Do something fun with your partner, like dance lessons
-Plan a garden
-Take a nap
-Get some art supplies
-Splurge on a spa treatment
-Watch a movie
Questions
-Am I living a balanced life?
-Am I spending time on my priorities?
-Am I spending time on things that matter most?
-What needs less attention? More attention?
-What changes do I need to make?
10.) Kick-Start Your Success
-Start taking care of yourself
-Go to bed early and good a night's rest
-Make the most of your mornings
-Set five small concrete and realistic goals
-Break down your goals into bite-size pieces
-Find an accountability partner
-Replace TV or Internet with productivity
Create a Personal Priorities List (Personal, Spiritual/Emotional, Family, Career, Friendships)
Clear the Schedule Clutter
Cut out Time and Energy Suckers
Count the Costs
2. Say Yes to the Best
Start with the Best Stuff First
Pick and Choose the Best Stuff
Have a strong and vibrant relationship with the Lord
Maintain a wonderful relationship with my husband
Spend quality time with my children
Nurture my body and soul
Write, speak, and manage my blog and business
Mix Your Gifts with Your Best Stuff
Don't try to be Someone Else
Give Your Gifts A Chance
Time Check
1. Add up the hours in a day (168 Hours in a Week)
2. List the activities, tasks, and projects you want to accomplish that time
3. Divide these activities into a day's time frame.
-30 Minutes Bible reading/journaling
-30 Minutes one-on-one with my husband
-6 hours homeschooling, playing,, and reading with the children
-30 minutes of exercise
-30 minutes of shower/dress
-1 hour cleaning/home management
-7 hours sleeping
-2 hour meals/meal prep
-4 hours blogging/computer
-2 hours extra/margin
-Steal time from one of your other times, be strategic and creative, delegate or dont
Map Out a Realistic Routine
-Get up, read Bible, journal, pray
-Exercise, shower/dress
-Check e-mail, clean out inbox
-Writing/blogging work
-Breakfast
-Stick to morning routine for three weeks, then add an evening routine for three weeks.
at the end of six weeks, you should feel significant more order in your life.
-Get Sleep
-Get fresh air and sunshine
-Take long soak in a bubble bath
-Star winding down early
-Turn off electronics
-Go to bed when you start to feel tired
-Don't drink caffeine after 3pm
-Drink Sleeptime Tea with Milk and Honey
-Use lavendar essential oil
-Write down everything that is keeping you awake
-Have a plan for the next day
-Go to bed the same time every night
-Make sure your room is cool and dark
-Regular exervise
-Dim the lights early
-Play soft, soothing music
-Get up early
-Have white noise in the background
-Try earplugs/eye mask
3. If you Aim At Nothing, You'll Hit It Every Time
-Set SMART Goals
-Business
-Personal (
-Health/Nutrition/Fitness
-Relationship
-Family
-Financial
4. Discipline is Not a Bad Word
-Eat the Frog; Do the Hardest Thing First
-Stop Making Excuses
-Celebrate Milestones
5. Be Intentional With Your Bank Account
-Total Money Makeover
-Set up a small emergency fund of at least one month's expenses
-Pay off your credit cards or outstanding doubt
-Increase your emergency fun to cover three to six months
-Save to pay cash for your next large purchase (like a car)
-Save up to put down a large payment on a house, or aggressively work on mort.
6. Manage the Home Front
-Keep it Simple
-What's for Dinner?
-Start Small
-Cook Once Each It Twice
-Cook Meat in Bulk
-Make Bulk Batches
Five Easy Ways
-Sort the mail and misc. papers
-Do one load of laundry to start and finish
-Spend 15 minutes tidying the house
-Wipe down the sink and toilet for each bathroom
-Load the dishwasher and wipe down the kitchen countertops
One Month
Week One: Tackle the Kitchen
Week Two: Declutter Master Bedroom
Week Three: Sweep Through Bathrooms
Week Four: Focus on Living Room/Hallway Closets
8.) Yes, You Can Make A Difference
Creative Ways to Help Others
-Instead of going out for Dinner, plan night in.
-Research your community for ways to volunteer
-Plan a weekly or monthly family night out, and spend a few hours volunteering
-If you know someone pinching pennies, donate your coupons to them
-Organize a clothing drive
-Make a weekly meal or two for a elderly neighbor
-Help out a single mom by cleaning hour or watering garden
-Walk someone's dog for them
-Teach someone a skill
-If you frequently travel, save u the travel-sized tiletries for food pantry
-Write notes
-Help Unload Groceries
-Feed parking meters
-Bake some cookies
9.) Sometimes is IS about you
Burnout Happens
-Plug into God and His Words
-Plug int your relationship
-Plug into your friendsgips
-Cultivate what you already have
-Take the first step
-Be Honest
-Why Rest Matters (Observe Sabbathm Eat Healthy, Go to Bed Early, Exercise, D. Routine)
-Make Time For You
-Focus on Your Health
-Eat Better
-Take Vitamins
-Drink more Water
-Sleep
-Read More
-Schedule Fun (Monthly Goals)
-Recharge Ideas
-Unplug for a day or two. No cellphone or computer, enjoy the quite
-Go to gym and take a new class
-Get a change of scenery (park or new place)
-Take a bubble bath
-Go to a concert
-Have a night out
-State a gratitude journal
-Do something fun with your partner, like dance lessons
-Plan a garden
-Take a nap
-Get some art supplies
-Splurge on a spa treatment
-Watch a movie
Questions
-Am I living a balanced life?
-Am I spending time on my priorities?
-Am I spending time on things that matter most?
-What needs less attention? More attention?
-What changes do I need to make?
10.) Kick-Start Your Success
-Start taking care of yourself
-Go to bed early and good a night's rest
-Make the most of your mornings
-Set five small concrete and realistic goals
-Break down your goals into bite-size pieces
-Find an accountability partner
-Replace TV or Internet with productivity
December 27, 2013
This book has many interesting tips and suggestions for all the areas of your life: like home, family, work, finances, fitness, goal setting and self-care.
I really liked the way the book is structured. Each chapter deals with one area, Crystal writes about her own life and experiences, there are tips and ideas how to improve that area for yourself. There are also suggestions for further reading, lists, Q&A letters, and input from other people.
This makes the book easy and fun to read. It's not a boring "how to", but rather like a girlfriend telling you about her own experience (good and bad) and then giving you suggestions for your own life.
I didn't like that the book is so heavily focused on God, faith and church. It's just not my thing, and that's why I didn't give it 5 stars.
Even if you are not Christian you can still enjoy this book and get a lot out of it.
I really liked the way the book is structured. Each chapter deals with one area, Crystal writes about her own life and experiences, there are tips and ideas how to improve that area for yourself. There are also suggestions for further reading, lists, Q&A letters, and input from other people.
This makes the book easy and fun to read. It's not a boring "how to", but rather like a girlfriend telling you about her own experience (good and bad) and then giving you suggestions for your own life.
I didn't like that the book is so heavily focused on God, faith and church. It's just not my thing, and that's why I didn't give it 5 stars.
Even if you are not Christian you can still enjoy this book and get a lot out of it.
January 29, 2014
This librarian mom with children in the public schools personally started following her blog moneysavingmom.com a few years ago to get ideas for reducing household expenses. So, I was already familiar with her before reviewing this book. Paine does not claim to have it all together or doing it all. She is a work-at-home mother, but she has found out what her priorities are and what to drop or delegate. While the author is a married, home-schooling mom, she also has input in the book from a single working mom to adapt to a better balanced work and home life. Paine gives very practical advice on achieving goals no matter what your situation. She includes an appendix of worksheets and a bibliography of recommended resources.
Recommended for public libraries and for anyone wanting improve their work/life balance.
February 2, 2016
After reading this book I have to say it was my favorite book that Crystal has written! She was honest and straightforward about what brought her to survival mode, and what she did to overcome it. I was encouraged to say no to anything extra in my life, and embrace a slower pace life.
I could relate to Crystal’s experience of burnout, and fatigue. Since I’ve struggled with adrenal and thyroid issues for years, I can easily push myself too much, and end up exhausted and frazzled. Since I follow Crystal’s blog and know she has such a busy schedule, I was inspired by her commitment to slow down, and be very purposeful and commit to only the best things in her life.
This book will help you develop a clear plan on how to create goals, and be more disciplined in those areas you struggle with. As a busy mom, I think we all have those areas!
I could relate to Crystal’s experience of burnout, and fatigue. Since I’ve struggled with adrenal and thyroid issues for years, I can easily push myself too much, and end up exhausted and frazzled. Since I follow Crystal’s blog and know she has such a busy schedule, I was inspired by her commitment to slow down, and be very purposeful and commit to only the best things in her life.
This book will help you develop a clear plan on how to create goals, and be more disciplined in those areas you struggle with. As a busy mom, I think we all have those areas!
June 28, 2017
I ended up shelving this book at the beginning. It had some nice ideas but it kept going on and on with repeating the same idea for a few pages. It just got too repetitive for me.
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