You may have noticed that I’ve been absent from here this week. That’s because I had a bit of a crazy week… one that didn’t allow much time for blogging. I missed you all so much and thought some of you might enjoy reading a brief recap of the very out-of-the-ordinary events from this past week. So here’s a quick run-down:
Wednesday & Thursday: We get two opportunities pretty much dropped into our lap to do segments with Good Morning America. This was crazy and random seeing as my only other television experience ever was going on the 700 Club two years ago.
Friday: I talk to the producers and we decide to go with the Monday segment. We nail down some more details and around 4 p.m. or so, they tell me they are sending a crew to our home to film a segment the next day. They want to talk about freezer cooking, fitness on a budget, and menu-planning.
I call my book publicist and she recommends that I over-prepare — with props, soundbite points, and run-throughs ahead of time so that I feel really comfortable. (I’m so grateful she had the foresight to have me do this!)
Silas helping me prep food for my Good Morning America segment
Saturday: I spend the morning finishing up the freezer cooking and prepping my topic sheets — with the main points I want to convey in the segment and the specific takeaways I want to share. I clean the house up, get the kids out the door to Grandma’s house, do my hair and makeup, talk to the producer again on the phone, and the crew arrives.
I expected the crew would know exactly what to have me do/what they wanted me to film. But instead, the producer told me she felt I had a really good grasp of what they were wanting to accomplish with the segment and she wanted me to “direct” the piece — telling the crew what I was going to share about and making sure they got the right footage.
I was SO very grateful my publicist had encouraged me to over-prepare! We filmed for almost three hours solid and I was exhausted by the end — but my week was just starting!
Sunday: I got up early to catch a flight to NYC. I was excited and nervous at the same time. Excited because it was my first time ever to go to New York! Nervous because I knew I had a grueling few days ahead of me and I was already tired from the past two days.
I met up with my friend and business manager, Joy Groblebe, and the two of us Colorado and Kansas “bumpkins” were pretty proud to navigate NYC all by ourselves and make it to our hotel without a glitch. 🙂
Monday: My GMA piece aired at 8:35 a.m. and it was quite fun to see what they had done with the 3 hours’ worth of footage (and also a little crazy to think about how much time and money goes into every minute of television since it was hours and hours of work for just a 1.5-minute piece!)
I was also so overwhelmed by all of my friends who called, texted, emailed so incredibly excited about the piece. I’m one very loved and supported girl and I was so touched by how much people went out of their way to celebrate with me. Thank you, friends!
We got ready and headed out to downtown NYC for media training for my satellite media tour on Tuesday. Heather Adams, my publicist, flew in Monday morning and met us at the media training. She’s spent a lot of time in NYC, so we were glad to have her there to help us learn the ropes. We spent the rest of the day in meetings with media and then had dinner at a really fun restaurant in NYC.
Tuesday: We had to get up at 4:30 a.m. in order to be ready and at the studio for my satellite media tour by 6 a.m. I didn’t sleep very well the night before, so I just prayed that God would give me extra energy as I had a very long day ahead of me. And He was so faithful to do so.
Over the course of the next few hours, I did 27 different interviews back-to-back — mostly TV interviews, but a few radio interviews, as well. This was an entirely new experience for me to be doing satellite interviews and it was definitely stretching and outside my comfort zone. But after the first few interviews, I started getting into a groove, and I actually ended up enjoying my morning.
We left the studio and met Chad Cannon (who is the Director of Marketing for my publisher) for lunch and then headed to New Jersey for a meeting with another magazine. I’d never been to New Jersey, either, so I was stoked to get to cross that off my “States I’ve Visited” list this trip, too!
Three exhausted but happy gals! {photo from Joy}
We celebrated the completion of two long days by eating at a sushi restaurant in Times Square and seeing a Broadway show. It was certainly a night I’ll remember for a long time!
Wednesday: We had a breakfast meeting with another magazine, a mid-morning meeting, and a lunch meeting with another magazine. And then it was off to the airport to say our goodbyes and head home.
While I am very grateful for the opportunities I had the past week, I was never so happy to be back home to my family. It was exciting to visit a big city like NYC, but this Kansas girl couldn’t have been more thrilled to come back to yoga pants and PB&J sandwiches. 🙂
Kim says
Yay for a great week! I am really looking forward to reading your book when it comes out. The ideas you have posted over the years about routine, goals, etc., have been a game changer for me as I have become a mom! And because of you I do 1 load of laundry from beginning to end every day and that alone makes my day a lot more productive!
PS- What really fun restaurant did you eat at in NYC? We love NY and try to get there as often as possible!
Crystal Paine says
We ate a few different fun restaurants. One of my favorites was Beauty & Essex. Not cheap, but a really cool experience for every once in a blue moon! 🙂
Molly says
What a great week for you Crystal. Sadly, I missed the GMA segment as I work during the day, but I am sure it was great. I love the new website, so colorful and upbeat. Your success had made me want to redesign my own blog (which I have not done in a few months) and do more for my city. I am having a great year so far and following your site helps me grow everyday. I can’t wait to redo my blog and share all the wonderful things that I have learned from you on there, you are my inspiration. I can’t wait to read your book and learn even more. Keep doing what you are doing and never stop.
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much for your kind encouragement!
Kristia says
What a fun week! I can’t wait to read all of those magazine articles that you interviewed for. Congrats on all of your success.
I love your new design. It’s clean and crisp–love it!
Kathy D says
I’m so proud of you, Crystal!! Thanks for letting us see a peek into how it all works.
It’s going to take me a while to get used to the new site but you’re worth it 😉
Have a relaxing week. Share some more homeschooling, schedule posts please!
Theresa says
Crystal,
Love your website and I was so glad to see you on GMA! Keep up the great work of encouraging others to do there best!
I have a really strange question, what color is the paint you have in your kitchen? I am ready to repaint mine, and yours looks so nice!
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much for your kind encouragement! Our kitchen was this color when we moved in… so I’m not sure what color it is! 🙁
Stephanie @ Mrs. Debtfighter says
Congrats again!!! LOVE the new look of the site!!!! 🙂
Koren says
Um … super woman much? 😉
Congrats, Crystal, what a super exciting (even if totally exhausting) week. You deserve every success for all the wonderful work you do.
Amanda B. says
Congrats; what a whirlwind tour! You do a lot of hard work, though, so you deserve the accolades. I would love to see you spend a little time focusing on how to help single moms who also work full-time. As such, I do not have the time (or energy) to spend all day on Swagbucks or other sites to get gift cards. I have my son *all* of the time and he’s two years old; I barely have enough time to take a bath! It would be nice to have some advice geared for those of us who are insanely time-crunched and doing it all on our own! Thanks!
Crystal Paine says
{Hugs!} I wrote some specific tips for women like you in my new book, Say Goodbye to Survival Mode. I’d love to send you a free copy. Email your mailing address to [email protected] and I’ll send one your way.
Cate R. says
What an exciting week! And yay– I was waiting for MSM to get a mobile site! Lots easier to view on my phone : )
Crystal Paine says
It’s been a LONG time in coming. 🙂
Kristin F. says
I’m so happy to see such amazing things happening for you! You and your blog have been such a blessing to my life, as you are so motivating, educating, and overall inspiring! This work from home mommy has learned so much from you! My day is not complete until I visit your blog!
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much for your kind encouragement!
Ashlee says
I’m a New Yorker. My life is still yoga pants and PB&J. 🙂
Crystal Paine says
🙂
Charlene says
Congratulations on the media blitz, and love the new look on the blog. Glad to be a small part of your launch team.
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much for being apart of the Launch Team! I appreciate you all so much!
Stephani says
You are amazing, Crystal. Congrats on these fabulous opportunities. Glad you got to visit the Big Apple and NJ (my home state!) Love your new look (but kind of miss the old one too 😉 )
Christy K. says
My husband works at WJHL in Johnson City, Tennessee and he told me Monday that you were going to be on Daytime Tri-Cities on Tuesday morning so I made sure to tune in. You did a great job during your interview with Morgan 🙂
Crystal Paine says
How fun! Thanks for tuning in!
Tammy C says
Wow that is exciting !I have been keeping up with reading your blog (s) since April 2005.God has surely blessed you. My week has been trying due to my husband having emergency surgery on the 14 and 2 days later our 19 year old son was admitted to the hospital for Crohn’s disease.
Crystal Paine says
I’m so sorry you’re dealing with all of that! 🙁 {Hugs!}
Marci Loehner says
Oh my word….I’m freaking worn out from just reading all of that! It’s so great to see someone get the recognition you’ve worked years for….congratulations! Now go pat yourself on the back for a job well done!!!
cher says
Congratulations! Love the new look on your blog, too. You have done amazing things for families! Thank you for everything you have done to bless ours personally. Your countless tips and words of inspiration have taken us far. God continue to bless you and your amazing team!!
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so very much for your kind encouragement!
Denise says
This was my favorite post in a while! Maybe because the KS girl in me wants to go to NYC too 🙂 My husband and I just relocated to Indy and your book and blog have helped me get through the difficult time. I love your humble and up-beat attitude.
I hope this book launch turns out more successful than you ever imagined. You deserve it!
And I LOVE the new layout/colors. Beautiful.
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much for your sweet encouragement!
Rachael Sauerbrunn says
I am so proud of you! Your website has been a wonderful encouragement in my life. God has blessed you to help inspire others!
julie says
So excited for you, Crystal! The Lord has certainly blessed the work of your hands (and mind). I’ve been a reader for years and have been encouraged in countless ways. I read this post and the verse that I thought of first was James 4:6, “He gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” It’s so encouraging to see on the blog evidence of you striving (by God’s grace) to be faithful in all the “little” things, the mundane jobs that belong to a homemaker. The humility and no-nonsense way that you approach life is always refreshing. I pray and am confident that as God gives you an even larger platform that He will be faithful to equip you for every good work he has for you. He’ll give more and more grace! Thank you for writing and encouraging us all! Also, the site looks bright and fresh – perfect for the new year!
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so very much for your prayers. I appreciate them more than you know!
Kellie says
Awesome! What a fun experience, but I love that you seem so genuinely humble about it too. Thank you for all you do for us!
Marina Klima says
Wow, you’re such a busy woman! And I love how you’ve done to the site, MSM looks very neat and clean.
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much! That was our goal in the redesign!
Cris says
Sounds like a fun experience! Looking at my house right now I can’t imagine anyone much less aTV show come in! 🙂 getting ready to make bread and then clean.
Although I was not a part of it, a few months ago GMA came to film at my work and just like with you they were there for HOURS but in the end we got a few minutes of exposure. And let’s just say they put their own little twist on things…
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Kathy says
Way to go!!! I visit your website nearly every day. I’m so happy for all your success!!!
Michele says
Wow! I have been blessed to have followed you since your very beginning as Money Saving Mom and it’s just amazing how much you have blossomed as a professional blogger, author, money saving ‘expert’, etc., etc. Yet, it’s so obvious that your heart remains first towards advancing the Kingdom of God and secondly towards being the best mother and wife you can. I wish I had someone like you to guide me when I was much younger and just starting out in my adult life! It’s easy to start out with the best of intentions and lose track of them when a bit of fame and fortune comes around. You, however, remain grounded and focused on your goals to give to others. What an incredible example you set! It’s no surprise that God has honored your efforts and I thank you for sharing this process with us. Now, I hope you can take a break and go snuggle with your family. 🙂
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much for your sweet encouragement. That is so very much my heart’s desire.
We’re having a birthday party for my oldest today and have gotten in a lot of extra snuggling time over the past two days. It’s SO good to be HOME! 🙂
Janelle Marshall says
You’re inspiring, Crystal. Thank you for sharing your experience.
MaryEllen@ImperfectHomemaker says
Wow! Sounds like a lot of crazy, exhausting, nerve-wracking fun! Thanks for sharing! And wow — look at this brand new design! Very nice, but it’s going to take me a while to get used to it. The first thing I noticed was the favicon, and I was thinking, “What is wrong with the colors on my computer?” Very cool how it matches your book design.
Jo Lynn says
What a week!!! Sounds like some amazing new experiences coupled with a good opportunity to explore a new city!
I LOVE the new site design. I really like the colors…they are really motivating and happy feeling!
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much!
Yvonne Reynolds says
Wow! You certainly had one whirlwind of a week!! What an amazing opportunity right before your book comes out this next week, I hope you are able to take some time to rest with your family this weekend!
Oh, and I just love the new blog layout!!
Crystal Paine says
Yes, we had a birthday party for Kathrynne today and are having a fun family outing tonight. It’s so good to be HOME!
Kim says
Oh my goodness what a weekend! I’m glad you made it home to your family safely and that you had such fun. How exciting for your book!
Lea Stormhammer says
I’m with MK – that is totally a whirlwind weekend and you are so excused from your PX90 with all of that going on! I’m so excited about your book coming out next week – my husband and I both read your sample and we decided that it’s the encouragement we need right now in our own lives. We’re so looking forward to reading it!
I also love the new blog layout! I don’t have a mobile device but it’s very cheery and I’m loving that!
Lea
Crystal Paine says
Aw, thank you so much! My readers’ encouragement and support with this book launch just blows my mind! I love you all so much!
Jaime says
Such an amazing opportunity and story, Crystal. You truly are an inspiration. I think if you were any other blogger, I’d be struggling with feelings of jealously, but your humble attitude is so beautiful. I feel like I’m cheering for my own baby sister on the sidelines. Way to go!
Crystal Paine says
Your comment blessed me so much. Thank you, Jaime!
Natalie P says
Wow what an amazing (and tiring!) week! Thanks for sharing with us!
Also LOVE the new blog layout. Much easier format to read on phone also 🙂
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much for your kind encouragement! We’ve been working hard to update it to make it more streamlined and mobile-friendly. 🙂
Melony says
I was so excited to (just barely) catch you on GMA! I totally almost missed it! Now, just a few more days of waiting and I can finally get my hands on my pre-ordered copy of your book! EEEK! You’ve been such an inspiration to this tired mommy and I wanted to let you know that your work is such a blessing!
Love the new site look! It’s so cheery! 🙂
Crystal Paine says
Aw, thank you so very much for your sweet encouragement!
Beth says
Yes, the colors are great! Very bright and happy 🙂
Amy says
Congratulations! And I love the new look of the site 🙂
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much!
MK says
Wow…that *is* a whirlwind! Congratulations; the book is absolutely wonderful, and I can’t even fathom the reach it’s going to have. Enjoy every bit of the hoopla, and remember that even after it’s over, your book is still out there changing and affecting the lives of women everywhere!
Anna@The DIY Mom says
Congratulations on so many exciting things for your business!
And you sound very happy to be home with your family again, that is great too! Nothing beats home sweet home. 🙂
April Schroeder says
That is so fantastic, just shows you that with enough hard work any simple girl : ) can succeed, congratulations!!!
Wendy Klik says
Congratulations Crystal!!!
Christine says
Crystal, as I commented on IG, I’m so happy for you! I’m glad you were able to experience NYC, even if it was a rainy day, Wicked is my FAVORITE Broadway show (I’ve seen it 3 times) !
Wishing you much success, and a special thank you from me~ a NJ teacher, mom and blogger. 1. for answering my questions on an earlier conference call, 2. for commenting on IG, and 3. posting one of my posts to your FB page, you really do practice what you preach to empower women, and for the I am thankful!
You’re book is going to be great! xo Christine 2littledollz 🙂
Crystal Paine says
You are so sweet! Thank you for your kind encouragement! {hugs!}
Stephani says
Christine… looks like we have a lot in common. I am a mom, teacher, blogger, who lives in NJ! 😉
Misty Nicole Overstreet says
I am a parent, blogger, student, and teacher as well. I am also originally from outside Atlantic City, and a shore girl! I hear ya! What’s your site?
Victoria says
What a week! So exciting. Oh and I love the new look of the site.
annie says
I thought something was different?! couldn’t put my finger on it until i saw your comment. love, love it.
Sarah E @The Teacher's Wife says
Wow, what a week you had!! You must be exhausted, but I hope at some point you can make it back to NYC for some more touristy stuff b/c it’s such a fun city to visit. I’m guessing your media tour was for your book launch?!! Glad you had a nice trip and are enjoying some “relaxation” in your pj’s with your family. 🙂
Davonne Parks says
I loved reading this post! Thank you for sharing about your exciting, exhausting whirl-wind week! Glad you made it home safely to your family, yoga pants, and PB&J 🙂