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  • Home
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    • All About Kristin
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    • Privacy Policy
  • Lifestyle
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    • Beekeeping
    • vTOS
      • My Journey with vTOS
      • vTOS Update Part 2
      • vTOS Surgery Update Part 3
      • vTOS Surgery Update Part 4
    • Lifestyle YouTube Vlog
    • My Favorite Things!
    • Our Home Remodel!
    • Real Estate/Property Management
      • Airbnb
    • DIY
    • Gardening
    • Organizing
    • Green Cleaning
    • Frugal Mama
  • Recipes
    • Meal Planning Sunday
    • Sourdough
    • Keto
    • Carnivore
    • Harvest Freeze Dryer
    • Breakfast
    • Fit Snacks
    • Smoothies
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Recipe Cuisines
    • Recipe Cooking Methods
    • Recipe Search
    • Dessert
    • Recipe Dietary
    • Party Food
    • 12 Days of Cookies
  • Fitness
    • Free YouTube Workouts
    • LES MILLS On Demand
    • Core
    • Free Challenges
    • 30 Day Challenges
      • BACK TO YOU CHALLENGE
      • FREE 21 Day Les Mills OnDemand Challenge!
    • Bikini Challenge!!
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Blog, inspire, Mindset, Motivate

Simple Ways to Practice Positivity

Life is full of ups and downs, but staying positive can help us navigate it all with grace and gratitude. In this post, discover simple ways to practice positivity daily,…

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October 28, 2024
Blog, Fit Friday, Fitness, Health, Health Benifits, Home Workouts, Lifestyle, Personal Training

Tips for Taking a Virtual Fitness Class

Discover essential tips for maximizing your virtual fitness class experience. Learn how to set up your space, stay motivated, and get the most out of online workouts.

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September 29, 2021
Blog, Fitness, Happy New Year, Health

My Tips on Setting Goals

Happy New Year! What do you want to accomplish in 2015? Did you know that only 8% of people complete their new years resolutions!!! Maybe this year instead of making a…

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January 2, 2015
Blog, Cauliflower, Fit Snacks, Football, Party, Party Food, Recipes

Football Party!

Wow! Can you believe that the Biggest Football Game is this weekend?! Are you having a big football party? Parties to go to and of course lots of delicious food.…

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January 28, 2015
Travel
Travel
Lifestyle
Lifestyle
Recipes
Recipes
  • Star Princess Cruise

    May 19, 2026 / 0 Comments

    Celebrating our anniversary on the beautiful Star Princess! 9 days of sea days, stunning Caribbean ports (St. Thomas, St. Maarten & Grand Turk), Thermal Spa relaxation, casino fun, and unforgettable memories. Full day-by-day recap!

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    Kristin McConnell

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  • Ultimate Grocery Shopping Guide 2026: Simple Tips to Save Money, Eat Healthier, and Shop Smarter

    March 11, 2026 / 0 Comments

    Grocery shopping hasn’t changed much in the basics—tempting aisles, confusing labels, and the constant pull toward processed foods—but tools like delivery services have made it easier to stay focused on real, nutrient-dense foods. Whether you’re walking the store perimeter or using something like Walmart+ for occasional free delivery convenience (on orders $35+, same low prices), the goal remains the same: shop smarter, prioritize whole foods, and come home with exactly what fuels your body best. These updated tips build on what worked back in 2018 and help you win every trip. Check that blog here. Your GAME PLAN for Grocery Shopping Break It Down by Category Focus on quality over…

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    Kristin McConnell

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    December 12, 2017
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  • Grow a Thriving Indoor Jungle: Happy Happy Houseplants’ New Plant Food Lineup Revealed

    January 29, 2026 / 0 Comments

    Discover Happy Happy Houseplants' newest plant food lineup: Root Revival Serum, Foliage Fix shine, Soil Detox & Gnat Goodbye traps. My go-to for lush, thriving houseplants! Save 10% with code LIVESIMPLYWITHKRISTIN #HouseplantCare

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  • Life Update: Fully Moved Out—Camper Life & A Simpler Season

    January 27, 2026 / 0 Comments

    After three contracts fell through and eight months of waiting, we didn't wait for closing—we moved out, sold all our furniture, gave away the chickens, and downsized into our camper. Each 'no' brought us closer: decluttering, buying the camper, then fully letting go. Trusting Proverbs 3:5-6 that He makes our paths straight, even in the detours. Hello, lighter loads and new adventures!

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    Kristin McConnell

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    December 12, 2017

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    April 3, 2018
  • Interior photo of a modern MSC World America balcony cruise cabin featuring a large bed, seating area, and glass doors leading to an ocean view balcony.

    MSC World America Balcony Cabin Tour: Can a Family of 4 Actually Fit Perfectly?

    October 31, 2025 / 0 Comments

    Packing four people—especially when your "kids" are actually young adults—into a single standard cruise room can sometimes feel like a recipe for chaos. But on our recent trip aboard the beautiful MSC World America, we put one of their balcony cabins to the test. With a 6-foot son and a 5'10" daughter, we were skeptical about how the space would work. The verdict? It was an absolute game-changer. From the genius bunk-bed couch setup to clever storage hacks, here is exactly how we maximized every square inch without ever feeling cramped!

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    Kristin McConnell

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    Meal Planning Sunday #31 Easy and quick meals your family will love! Helping you take back your time! www.innovativehealthfitness.com #mealplanning #keto #carnivore #carnivorediet

    Meal Planning Sunday #31

    May 2, 2021
  • Fresh Coops, Happy Flock: Discover the Power of GrubTerra Coop Refresher

    September 15, 2025 / 0 Comments

    Keep your chicken coop fresh and odor-free with GrubTerra Coop Refresher! Available in Mint or Rosemary Thyme, this all-natural deodorizer neutralizes odors, absorbs moisture, and extends bedding life for up to 15 weeks. Safe, non-toxic, and eco-friendly—perfect for backyard poultry! Shop now at https://bit.ly/GrubTerraKristin #ChickenCoop #BackyardChickens #GrubTerra #SustainableFarming

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  • Airbnb Cleaning Tips: Elevate Your Hosting Game with Extra Touches

    September 12, 2025 / 0 Comments

    Elevate your Airbnb hosting with these essential cleaning tips! Learn how to make your space spotless and welcoming with our guide on deep-cleaning, fresh linens, and high-touch areas. Plus, add those extra special touches like folded toilet paper and towel art for a truly memorable guest experience.

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  • How to Hatch Eggs with a Broody Hen

    August 22, 2025 / 0 Comments

    Learn how to hatch eggs with a broody hen in this step-by-step guide! From choosing fertile eggs to caring for newborn chicks, discover the natural way to grow your flock. Check out my first hatching experience for more tips! #ChickenKeeping #BroodyHen #HatchingEggs

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    October 6, 2021
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    February 21, 2018
  • Being Too Lenient with Tenants: How to Enforce Rent and Lease Agreements

    August 21, 2025 / 0 Comments

    Being too lenient with tenants can cost landlords thousands in unpaid rent and property damage. With 17 years of experience as a landlord and property manager, I’ve seen how permissive policies lead to financial strain. In one case, a tenant lived rent-free in exchange for maintenance, only to invite five others to stay, causing chaos. In another, a single mom racked up $5,000 in unpaid rent due to unchecked leniency. Learn how to enforce lease agreements effectively with clear rules, consistent consequences, and professional strategies to protect your investment while maintaining compassion. #LandlordTips #PropertyManagement

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  • Homemade Chicken Enchilada Recipe

    August 18, 2025 / 0 Comments

    Ready to elevate your Mexican night? Dive into this irresistible homemade enchilada sauce recipe, featuring the smoky kick of baked hatch green chilies! Rich, tangy, and customizable, this sauce is perfect for slathering over enchiladas, layering in a beefy casserole, or stuffing into sweet potatoes. With easy steps and freezer-friendly storage, it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights. Check out our creative dinner ideas and get cooking! #EnchiladaSauce #MexicanRecipes #HatchChili

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    Meal Planning Sunday #25 Easy and quick meals your family will love! Helping you take back your time! www.innovativehealthfitness.com #mealplanning

    Meal Planning Sunday #25

    January 10, 2021
    Meal Planning Sunday #38 Easy and quick meals your family will love! Helping you take back your time! https://livesimplywithkristin.com/meal-planning-sunday-38/#mealplanning #keto #carnivore #carnivorediet

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    February 5, 2023
  • My Chickens Are Obsessed with GrubTerra Black Soldier Fly Larvae!

    August 12, 2025 / 0 Comments

    My flock went wild when I introduced them to GrubTerra Black Soldier Fly Larvae! These sustainable, protein-packed treats are a game-changer for backyard chickens. Packed with protein and calcium, they’re perfect for healthy feathers and strong eggshells. Plus, they’re eco-friendly, aligning with our simple living ethos. Watch my hens cluck with joy and discover why GrubTerra is now a coop staple! [Read more or watch the video for the full scoop!]

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  • How to Freeze-Drying Fresh Herbs with a Harvest Right Freeze Dryer

    August 11, 2025 / 0 Comments

    Discover the ultimate way to preserve your garden’s fresh herbs with a Harvest Right freeze dryer! In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through harvesting vibrant herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary, preparing them for freeze-drying, and storing them for year-round flavor. With the Harvest Right freeze dryer, you can lock in the taste, aroma, and nutrients of your homegrown herbs, ensuring they’re as fresh as the day you picked them. Ready to transform your herb garden? Check out my full guide and explore the Harvest Right freeze dryer! #FreezeDryingHerbs #HerbGardening

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  • How to Make a Simple DIY Bee Watering Station

    April 23, 2025 / 0 Comments

    Give your backyard pollinators a safe place to hydrate! In this episode of Bee Wednesday, we’re sharing a simple, budget-friendly DIY Bee Watering Station using a shallow saucer, a focal rock, and affordable glass gems. It's a quick 5-minute project that adds a pop of color to your garden while protecting your bees from drowning.

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    March 19, 2025
  • Bee Wednesday Ep. 7: Double Queen Cups & Honey Gold!

    April 16, 2025 / 0 Comments

    In this week’s hive inspection for Bee Wednesday (Episode 7), we tackle some major colony milestones and a little bit of backyard hive drama! From finding unexpected double queen cups to spotting the queen surrounded by vibrant yellow pollen, the bees are keeping things busy. Plus, we check in on our honey super and get a look at some gorgeous, shimmering capped honey that means harvest season is right around the corner!

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  • Bee Wednesday Ep. 6: Hive Buzzing with Action! (Spotting the Queen and Finding Queen Cups)

    April 9, 2025 / 0 Comments

    Get an inside look at a packed hive inspection! In this week's Bee Wednesday, we're diving into the boxes to spot our green-dotted queen, examining the difference between nectar and capped honey, and handling a surprise discovery: hidden queen cups.

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  • First Queen Cup Surprise & Finding the Queen (1-Month Update)

    April 2, 2025 / 0 Comments

    One month into the beekeeping journey and the hive is absolutely buzzing! In this week's hive inspection, we're lighting up the smoker with a secret fuel combo, witnessing the magical moment of baby drone bees being born, spotting the elusive queen, and dealing with our very first queen cup surprise. Here is what a peek inside a thriving colony looks like after four weeks.

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  • 🐝Backyard Beekeeping for Beginners: Inspecting the Hive and Checking the Super

    March 26, 2025 / 0 Comments

    Welcome back to Bee Wednesday! In Episode 4, we’re diving into our third official beehive check. Today is a major milestone for our backyard hive: we’re checking on the honey super for the first time to see how our bees are building out their comb and managing their space. Whether you’re a beginner beekeeper or just love watching a thriving hive, join us as we smoke the hive, inspect the frames, and look for signs of a healthy colony!

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  • Second Beehive Check: Honeybee Progress & What to Look For

    March 19, 2025 / 0 Comments

    Welcome back to another episode of Bee Wednesday! If you’ve been following along, we recently installed our new honeybee colonies, and today it’s time for our second official hive inspection. Regular hive checks are crucial, especially in the early weeks, to ensure the colony is thriving, building out comb, and—most importantly—rearing new generations of bees. Let’s dive into what we found during this week’s check and what you should be looking for during your own inspections! Prepping the Hive and Staying Calm Before opening up the colony, it’s always important to fire up the smoker. A little bit of cool smoke helps calm the bees by disrupting their alarm pheromones,…

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 Older Posts
Kristin McConnell

Hi!! I’m Kristin, the heart behind Live Simply with Kristin. 
As newly empty-nest empty nesters, Ryan and I sold it all and live full-time in our cozy camper—trading big house stress for simple joys, freedom, and adventures together.
Here, I share wholesome recipes that fit tiny spaces, fitness tips to stay strong on the go, small-space living hacks, and the beauty of intentional, less-is-more living. Grateful you’re along for the ride—let’s keep it simple and joyful! 
🩷 ✝️

Happy Happy Houseplant

https://happyhappyhouseplant.com/livesimplywithkristin

Recent Posts

  • Star Princess Cruise
  • Ultimate Grocery Shopping Guide 2026: Simple Tips to Save Money, Eat Healthier, and Shop Smarter
  • Grow a Thriving Indoor Jungle: Happy Happy Houseplants’ New Plant Food Lineup Revealed
  • Life Update: Fully Moved Out—Camper Life & A Simpler Season

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