About Me

blog pictureHi there!  I’m Jennifer.

You know how it is to wake up and feel exhausted and overwhelmed before your day even starts?

Then, you go throughout your day, doing the best you can to keep your head above water, continually feeling as though you’re chasing after your day rather than the other way around.

Finally, at the end of the day, you look back on your day and feel like you didn’t get anything done that you meant to get done, that the things you did get done you were a complete failure at, and the one thing you really want is a great big do-over on your day.

Can you relate to this at all?

As a busy mom of 9 from 17 down to 5 months, I know exactly how life can get the better of you as it threatens to get the better of me, too. Yet with a family of my size, I have had to master systems, schedules, budgets and so much more in order to survive – and even thrive!

intentional mom about

I live in Michigan. And, if you stick around, it probably won’t take you long to figure out that I don’t love being a Michigander (this is what we call ourselves). I am not a fan of winter, like not even a little bit, and I would be happiest if I was sitting on a beach somewhere, preferably with one of those cute little umbrella drinks in my hand.

But I digress, I’m most likely surrounded by snow as you’re reading this.

Except in this picture. It was actually an awesome day at the beach in this picture 🙂

We homeschool our kids, and our oldest is just about to graduate – like in a month. Don’t even get me started on where the time went. I’m kind of a sap when it comes to that sort of thing. This is a picture of my oldest. We did something fun for her senior pictures in addition to the normal thing. She loves her color guard.

intentional mom

Speaking of budgets, can you even imagine what it costs to feed a family of my size? Would you believe me if I told you that I only spend $350 a month on groceries? Yep, like I said, I have had to master these things in order to survive. You can actually read about that grocery budget HERE.

And do you know what else? My husband and I became debt free having paid off the mortgages on two different houses. My money saving ninja skills are actually what I’m best known for. Before you think that we are able to become debt free because we inherited money or have high-paying jobs, let me tell you, we don’t. Actually, I teach others how to manage their money better in my money saving community. You can become a part of that money saving community HERE.

Now, we’re building our dream home. See?

Here at the Intentional Mom, I am all about helping women and moms just like YOU create personalized solutions and systems to feel accomplished, content, and fulfilled at the end of the day.

I don’t think that anyone should have to feel alone in their struggles. I think we can all stop criticizing one another about the things we do wrong and focus on supporting one another a whole lot more.

This blog was born after random thoughts and personal journal entries became something I referenced or even shared when helping friends who were struggling with life and felt alone in the struggles that are common among so many of us. It is always nice to know that you are not alone, and it is reassuring to know that others struggle with the same issues as you do while having someone to brainstorm with in how to best live with some of these common issues.

weekly planning checklist

So, that’s a lot of what you’ll find here.

I share the tips, tricks, hacks, and shortcuts I’ve learned when dealing with the things many of us have to deal with every day — things like cleaning, dealing with clutter, making meals, trying to juggle a busy schedule, raising kids who become decent human beings, making smart money decisions that keep more of your own money in your pocket (imagine that!), simple, quick, and easy recipes, being more efficient and time efficient, and so much more.

clean kitchen table

I know what it’s like to feel stuck in the weeds every day, and I also know the freedom you feel when you one day look around and discover you’re not there anymore.

This has been my journey, and I’m so excited to share all of the things you can do to get out of the weeds, too.

In addition to spending time with my family, writing, and both running and sweating it out at the gym. I also enjoy reading, scrapbooking, and tackling my next organizing project.

jen running

I’d love for you to get to know me better, and I would like to learn a little about you, too. Welcome, grab a cup of coffee or a glass of water (or maybe wine, I’ll be honest about my drink of choice), and join me in the journey to live a life you actually want to live every day. Basically, a life you love.

If you’re looking to connect with others in a community setting, be sure to join the Thriving on a Dime community HERE. 

Together we all talk about the things we can do to save on average of $400 a month by doing some pretty basic things.