Claiming Simplicity | Simple Life, Natural Living, Cooking from Scratch, Intentional Living, Save Money, Simple Systems

Monica H Baker - Simple & Intentional Living Expert for Busy Moms
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Claiming Simplicity | Simple Life, Natural Living, Cooking from Scratch, Intentional Living, Save Money, Simple Systems

Are you a tired, exhausted, and overwhelmed mom looking to simplify your life? Do you want to get your priorities back in order so you can enjoy a balanced lifestyle? Do you want to have time freedom to create memories and experiences with your family and friends? In this podcast, you will learn how to simplify your lifestyle, reduce expenses and learn ways to balance your values and your time. If you are ready to take back your time to what really matters most, you are going to want to listen to this podcast! Hey Mama! I am Monica H Baker! I am a Jesus lover, wife, mom of 5 kids, grandma, nurse, and homeschool mom. Over 20 years ago, 3 of my kids were 3 years old and under, I was working full-time in accounting and I heard something that CHANGED MY LIFE! I heard that if you compare your values and your time, you would have a clear picture of what is NOT working in your life! I realized that if I was going to put God and family first, I had to stop spending all my time at work. I had to create a plan in order to step into more balance. Together with God and my husband, I created a simplified life plan that allowed me to get out of debt, scale back my career, and still be able to live fruitfully with more purpose and time than ever before and I never looked back! My mission is to help mamas simplify, reduce expenses, and connect their faith! Follow me on instagram-＞ @claimingsimplicity Email me-＞ claimingsimplicity@gmail.com

  1. 2일 전

    EP 197 // Let Go of These 7 Items for a Simple Life & Reduce Stress

    Hello Hello and Welcome!  If you are new here, I am so grateful you are joining us!  I am passionate about teaching simplicity in all areas of life to reduce stress and overwhelm for busy moms. Do you ever feel like life is spinning too fast? Like you’re juggling so much that you don’t even have time to catch your breath? I’ve been there too, and today I want to share seven things you can let go of this year to slow down, live intentionally, and embrace a simpler, more peaceful life. Saying “yes” to everything.  There was a time in my life over 25 years ago when I got totally burnt out.  I was working full time, putting on a benefit for a young boy in our community that was in a bad car accident along with raising my own small children with their busy schedules. I remember the feeling of hardly being able to function up to the event and then crashing after the event.  It took me some time for me to recover & at that point I realized what stress does to a person’s body.  Thankly that was short term, but you may be living in chronic stress and that can affect you physically and mentally if you don’t get that under control, so I want you to start thinking about what you are saying yes to.  There are many ways to say politely no like-thanks for thinking of me, but at this time I can’t take on anything new or something to that extent. What is one thing you’ve said yes to recently that might be adding unnecessary stress to your life? Could you practice saying no this week? Toxic relationships or negativity.  You do not need the stress of those people, so do your best to let go of those relationships.  Spend more time with the people you love to be around.  Life is short to waste time with those people.  Think about the relationships in your life. Which ones bring you joy, and which ones drain your energy?  In Proverbs 4:23, it says,‘Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Protecting your peace is not selfish—it’s essential for living joyfully and intentionally. Comparing your life to others or social media.  You have a different story and experiences than any other person, so you should not be comparing yourself to anyone at all.  You are unique in your own way and a child of God and daughter of the King.  Rest in that.  Clothes you haven’t worn in a year.  Let them go…..if you haven’t worn them in that time, you probably won’t ever wear them.  Last year, I went through my closet and found clothes I hadn’t touched in a while. I donated them, and not only did it declutter my space, but it felt good knowing someone else could use them. Constant phone notifications.  Do you look at your phone every time it buzzes?  Go into each app and turn off notifications.  What value does it bring you to have those notifications on?  Without them, you may discover more peace and less anxiety.  People don’t need an immediate response to anything!  Well….other than an emergency!  I typically keep my phone away from me while I’m working so I can be in the zone without interruptions which makes for more productivity in less time.  That is one key to getting things done. Overpacked schedules.  This goes along with saying yes to everything and packing so much into your schedule.  Make sure you have rest and recovery time planned.  You can’t sustain stress long term without it creating havoc somewhere, so be very mindful of your schedule. The need for perfection.  You are perfect in God’s eyes and that is all that matters!   Remember Psalm 139:14: I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. You don’t need to strive for perfection—God has already made you perfectly unique. As we step further into this year, I challenge you to pick just one of these things to let go of. Maybe it’s saying no to something that’s not aligned with your values, or maybe it’s turning off those pesky notifications. Whatever it is, take that first step toward living with more intention and simplicity. And remember, God is

    6분

  2. 6일 전

    EP 196 // 3 Steps to Reducing Your Busy, Stressful, and Overwhelmed Life with Simplicity

    Hello Friend 1. Know Your Purpose One thing that sets unbusy people apart is that they are crystal clear about their purpose. They’ve taken the time to figure out what really matters to them—what legacy they want to leave, what goals they want to pursue, and how they want to spend their days. When you know your purpose, you gain clarity. It becomes easier to filter out distractions because you know what to say yes to—and more importantly, what to say NO to. Take a moment to ask yourself: What’s my mission in this season of life? What goals truly align with the life I want to create? When you’re guided by a clear purpose, you’ll find it easier to resist the countless opportunities and demands pulling at you daily. You’ll stay focused on what matters most. 2. Remember: Busyness is a Choice This one’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s empowering. Busyness is a choice. Yes, there are external demands on your time—jobs, parenting, commitments—but ultimately, you decide how to structure your days. Even when life feels overwhelming, you still have the ability to take control of your schedule. Maybe that means saying no to extra obligations that don’t align with your priorities. Or maybe it means reassessing whether the things keeping you “busy” are really worth the energy you’re giving them. You are not a victim of busyness. You are in control. 3. Value Rest as an Essential We live in a culture that treats rest like it’s a luxury, when really, it’s a necessity. Rest is not laziness—it’s what allows you to recharge and show up as the best version of yourself for the people and things you care about most. Think about it: Rest improves our health, strengthens relationships, reduces stress, and even makes us more productive. But if we don’t intentionally make space for it, rest gets crowded out by the busyness of life. Here’s your reminder to build rest into your routine: Take five minutes in the morning to pray, meditate or just breathe deeply before diving into the day. Schedule downtime for yourself and your family, whether that’s a Sunday afternoon at home or a full Sabbath day of rest. Guard these moments of margin as fiercely as you would any other important commitment. I am usually in bed by 9 and natural wake up around 5:00, that might change a little on weekends, but I make 8 hours a priority as I know the significance of sleep and the role it plays in all areas of our lives. Rest is not a reward for finishing your to-do list. It’s the fuel that keeps you moving forward with intention and clarity.   Remember, busyness is not inevitable—it’s a decision you make. And when you choose to prioritize purpose, embrace your power to say no, and make rest a non-negotiable, you can unbusy your life and create space for what truly matters. So let me ask you: What’s one thing you can let go of this week to create more margin in your life? Put it into practice, and see how it shifts your mindset and your days. I can’t wait to hear! God Bless! Monica

    5분

  3. 2월 6일

    EP 195 // 5 Steps to Enjoying a Simple Life in 2025 When Life Feels Chaotic

    Hey Friend If you want to simplify your life in 2025, you will want to start with these 5 steps.   You need to determine what is really important to you.  I think this is the best place to start because if you are unable to envision how you TRUELY want to live your life, you will just stay on the chaotic hamster wheel you have been on and won’t ever get off.  You need direction to know where you are going. Next, Look at where your time is spent.  Compare that to your values and what is important to you.  If this is off, you will be stressed out all the time and it will be hard to get to a simple life with such overwhelm.  This may be a real eye opening experience for you and this is what you will need to work on.  Once your time matches up with your values, you will start to feel the peace in your life. After that, you will ask yourself what do you want for your life? Is it clear? Do you want to continue to live as you do now?  Does your life feel full of happiness or do you need to make some changes?  Are you working for material items or are you working because you absolutely love what you do?  I absolutely love being a nurse, but I enjoy being casual so I can pick up around my family's schedule.  My family is a higher priority than work, so living a simple life is putting time with them above time working for someone else.  This is another reason I started my own businesses-some of my values are freedom and flexibility and I didn’t get that with a 9-5 job. Next figure out what you need to do to help you move closer to that dream life.  Little by little, you can make changes to get to that life you want to live every single day. It does take intention and it can be scary to make changes, but you will be so happy if you are following God’s will and what he wants for you and not your own.  Prayer is the ultimate tool in this process.  Lastly, you need to know WHY you want to live a simpler life and be more intentional.  Is it because you are tired of being stressed out and overwhelmed?  Is it because you want peace?  Once you know why, you are more likely to make lasting change.     Make sure you go through these questions and I would love to hear where you are planning to make changes!     Make God your first priority & make sure you are taking time to listen! Website and Waitlist: Claimingsimplicity.com Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Love Ya! Monica

    5분

  4. 2024. 12. 10.

    EP 194 // Simplicity in All Areas of Your Life with Simple Systems, Simple Homemade Cooking from Scratch Meals, and Natural Living on the Homestead

    Hey Friend!   This might be our last episode of 2024, so thank you for joining me!  It is all about the simplicity of our homestead, update on simple and intentional living and what I have planned for you in 2025! I pray your simple journey in life is to put Jesus first, then family and whatever God has for you to keep your priorities in order! Here are the links to follow for more!!!!!  Please follow and subscribe! Join the free challenge -> https://stan.store/ClaimingSimplicity/ You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/  Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com   Blessing & Merry Christmas! Monica

    5분

  5. 2024. 09. 30.

    EP 193 // Save Money on Groceries as Food Costs Continue to Increase with Inflation

    Hello Friend Want an extra income -> https://www.claimingsimplicity.co/ Do you find that every time you go to the grocery store, you spend more than you budget?  The food prices continue to rise and I want to give you some simple ideas today to start saving on groceries right now.  Depending on where you live in the world, you may be able to start a garden and that is my #1 way to save money on food.  You can have healthy food without any pesticides when you grow it yourself and that can sustain you for several months of the year depending on your season and how much you can preserve. We try to eat seasonally as much as possible to save money on food, but that wasn’t always the case for me when we didn’t source our own chicken, eggs, pork and milk.  Another thing that saves our family alot of money is hunting as we usually get several deer and sometimes bear.  In the summer and winter we also catch as much fresh water fish as possible too. Enjoy the episode and let me know your favorite ways to save money on food! Monica Email me at monica@claimingsimplicity.com

    7분

  6. 2024. 09. 25.

    EP 192 // Simple 5 Step Plan to Have More Abundance in All Areas of Your Life

    Hey Friend Simple Passive Income-> https://www.claimingsimplicity.co/ Take a moment to think about this: What would your life look like if you had complete freedom over your time, resources, and choices? Maybe it’s more time with your family, the ability to give more generously, or the freedom to travel.  In the Bible Proverbs 29:18 says, Where there is no vision, the people perish.  It’s so important that we define our vision before anything else, because without it, we’re just going through the motions. Now that you've got a vision, it’s time to create an income stream that supports that vision. I’ve talked before about the power of passive income, and I’ll say it again—having an income stream that doesn’t trade time for money is a game changer.  In fact, I believe we all should have multiple income streams.  I will do a podcast all about that soon! Whether it's an online business, digital marketing, or a system you can work on just 2 hours a day, the point is to build something that gives you both income and freedom. I will link my favorite income stream in the show notes if you want to check it out!  No pressure in this business at all, but I’m here if you do have any questions at all! Matthew 25:14-30—the parable of the talents—teaches us the value of investing our resources wisely. You’ve been given skills, talents, and opportunities to create wealth not just for yourself, but for God’s Kingdom. Your business, when aligned with God’s purpose, will bless not only your family but others around you.  To me, it is such a blessing to be able to help others~especially in the economy we are living in now. Abundance isn't about more; it’s about better. It’s about focusing on what truly matters. Step three is to simplify your life. Take inventory of how you spend your time, your energy, and your money. What can you cut out that is cluttering your life? I love how the Bible has so many good verses about how we are to live. God has given us resources to manage, whether it’s our time, money, or relationships. Step four is about stewardship.  Proverbs 21:5 tells us, The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. This means creating a budget, planning how to grow your resources, and making decisions that are thoughtful and prayerful. When you become a good steward of the resources God has given you, you’ll see those resources multiply, and you’ll be in a better position to bless others. Finally, step five is where everything comes together—use your abundance to impact others. Abundance isn’t meant to stop with us. God blesses us so that we can bless others.  2 Corinthians 9:8 says, And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. Once you’re living in abundance, ask yourself how you can use your resources, time, and energy to serve others. Maybe it's supporting a ministry, mentoring someone, or giving generously to causes that are close to your heart." Remember, true abundance comes when we align our lives with God’s purpose, and we take intentional steps toward creating freedom, not just for ourselves but for those around us. Have a blessed friend! ~Monica

    7분

  7. 2024. 09. 23.

    EP 191 // Simplifying Your Daily Homestead Routine: 3 Tips to Make Farm Life Easier

    Hey Friend! Simple Passive Income-> https://www.claimingsimplicity.co/ Today, we’re diving into the heart of homestead life with three practical tips to help you simplify your daily routine. Whether you're raising animals, growing your own food, or just trying to balance cooking from scratch, homeschooling and  homestead tasks with family life, this episode is for you. Tip 1: Streamline Chores by Creating a Rotating Schedule One of the most common challenges on the homestead is managing the never-ending list of daily chores. The key to simplifying your routine is to stop treating everything as a daily emergency. Instead, break your chores down into manageable chunks by creating a rotating schedule. For example, feed the animals and collect eggs daily, but stagger larger tasks like garden maintenance, deep cleaning animal pens, moving fencing or preserving food. This helps you focus on only what needs to be done each day, rather than trying to do everything at once. It’s also a way to involve the whole family, assigning specific days to different tasks. Think of it like meal planning—once it’s written out, it’s one less thing to think about." Tip 2: Invest in Time-Saving Tools "One of the easiest ways to simplify your homesteading life is by investing in the right tools. Not every task should be manual—there are tools and technologies that can save hours of time and energy. A good drip irrigation system, an automatic chicken door, or even something as simple as a wagon for hauling feed can drastically cut down on time spent doing repetitive tasks. I know one thing that will be priority next year is setting up a no maintenance garden because the no till option did not work out so well for me, but at least I tried! This may seem like an upfront expense, but remember: time is money, especially when you’re balancing so many responsibilities on the homestead. What tools can you implement today to shave off 10-20 minutes of your daily routine?  Tip 3: Group Similar Tasks Together Another great way to simplify your homestead routine is by grouping similar tasks together. Instead of running back and forth across your property all day, make the most of your time by batching your activities. If you're headed to the garden to harvest vegetables, bring along any tools you might need for weeding or mulching. When you check on your animals in the morning, bring their feed and fresh water with you. Grouping tasks can be a huge time saver and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by the number of tasks that come with homesteading. Plus, it helps you stay focused and more efficient in everything you do and I am the queen of streamlining and simplifying.  I’m sure my husband will be happy when our set up here is complete…..I’m not sure it ever will be completely, but if something isn’t running smooth or isn’t efficient -especially in the long winters we have here-I change it up to be more simplified.  We will be going into winter with at least 12 piglets-unless we deliver anymore from a pig that got in with the boar 1 day, but so far she isn’t looking pregnant. We also have 5 grown pigs, 13 goats, and about 30or so chickens, so it has to be efficient with this amount of animals. Homesteading doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few simple strategies, like a rotating schedule, time-saving tools, and grouping tasks, you can lighten your load and enjoy the lifestyle you’ve worked so hard to build. Simplifying isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about working smarter, not harder, so you can spend more time doing the things that matter most. Thank you for joining me today. If you found these tips helpful, be sure to share this episode with a fellow homesteader, and stay tuned for more content on simplifying your life while creating a more sustainable future. ~Monica

    5분

  8. 2024. 09. 20.

    EP 190 // 3 Simple Steps to Creating a Legacy the Lasts with Kingdom Impact

    Hey Friend! Simple Passive Income-> https://www.claimingsimplicity.co/ Today,  we dive deep into what it means to truly live for God’s purpose in every area of our lives. We are going to explore a powerful truth: Money means nothing if you don’t know what you’re going to do with it. If our hearts aren’t aligned with God’s Kingdom, even financial success can feel empty. So let’s talk about creating an impact that lasts, not just in this life but in eternity." Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV):Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. We live in a world that tells us success is measured by our bank account or the things we own. But Jesus flips that on its head. He reminds us that true wealth is found in heavenly treasures, not earthly ones. What are those heavenly treasures? It’s the impact we make in the lives of others, the love we give, the way we bring God's Kingdom to earth.  This may convict you as you look at the amount you give to God’s Kingdom.  Money is not evil, but what you do with your money matters.  As you give freely, God gives freely.  We have seen this over and over again.  If we are praying about how much to give in a certain situation and the Holy Spirit gives a large number that seems out of reach to give to something. God always returns it in different ways as we listen and are obedient. Do not be someone that clenches your fist closed, but someone that lives with an open hand of generosity…..that is when you will see money easily flow in and flow out. We live frugally so we can give freely.  I don’t care if I have new vehicles or material items as trying to impress others isn’t my jam~I would rather be walking the straight, narrow, and obedient path with God because that is really the only way to find real lasting peace and joy. Let’s get real for a moment. Money can provide comfort and security, but it’s not the end goal. If we chase wealth without knowing why we want it, we can easily lose sight of what’s truly important. As Christians, we need to ask ourselves: How are we using our resources—whether time, talent, or money—for God’s glory? Luke 16:10 (NIV) says, Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.' This teaches us that it’s not about how much you have; it’s about how you use what God has given you. Like I said before~Money in itself isn’t evil. It’s a tool. It can be used for good, to bless others, to grow ministries, to support families in need. But if we’re not intentional about making a Kingdom impact, that tool can become a trap. The real question is: What impact are you making? Are we using your resources to spread the gospel, to serve others and to make the world a reflection of God’s love? In Proverbs 11:25, it says, A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.' When we focus on pouring into others, God pours back into us. So how do we start creating a Kingdom impact with the resources we have? Here are a few  practical steps: Align Your Finances with Your Faith:Make sure you’re giving back—whether it’s to your church, missionaries, or charitable causes. Tithing is more than just a financial transaction; it’s a declaration that God comes first. Invest in People, Not Things:Use your resources to lift others up. This could be by mentoring someone, giving to those in need, or simply being there for people in your community. Your time is just as valuable as your money. Pray for Wisdom:James 1:5 tells us to ask for wisdom, and God will provide it generously. Pray for discernment in how you manage your resources and where God is calling you to invest for His Kingdom." There was a time in my life

    7분
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Are you a tired, exhausted, and overwhelmed mom looking to simplify your life? Do you want to get your priorities back in order so you can enjoy a balanced lifestyle? Do you want to have time freedom to create memories and experiences with your family and friends? In this podcast, you will learn how to simplify your lifestyle, reduce expenses and learn ways to balance your values and your time. If you are ready to take back your time to what really matters most, you are going to want to listen to this podcast! Hey Mama! I am Monica H Baker! I am a Jesus lover, wife, mom of 5 kids, grandma, nurse, and homeschool mom. Over 20 years ago, 3 of my kids were 3 years old and under, I was working full-time in accounting and I heard something that CHANGED MY LIFE! I heard that if you compare your values and your time, you would have a clear picture of what is NOT working in your life! I realized that if I was going to put God and family first, I had to stop spending all my time at work. I had to create a plan in order to step into more balance. Together with God and my husband, I created a simplified life plan that allowed me to get out of debt, scale back my career, and still be able to live fruitfully with more purpose and time than ever before and I never looked back! My mission is to help mamas simplify, reduce expenses, and connect their faith! Follow me on instagram-＞ @claimingsimplicity Email me-＞ claimingsimplicity@gmail.com

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