As a Running Mountain Mama, I try to encourage people to use their resources wisely. After all that's what Mountain Mamas, and moms in general, do every day.

With that in mind, here are some suggestions that I hope will help you stretch your budget and give you some valuable resources you can turn to frequent as you journey through life.

Clothes


Cabela's Triune dress
Cost: $49.99 (I found it on sale for $29.99)
Review: Cabela's Triune dress is a great lightweight piece available in a variety of colors and patterns. It's good for the beach, as seen here, or other dress-worthy occasions. I have issues with the straps, which cross-cross in the back, but I've gotten better wearing it over time. And it has pockets!! Real pockets in women's clothing are hard to come by, so I'm pumped to find a flattering dress with room for stuff. I usually wear an extra large in women's clothing, but for the dress I had to go with a large to fit my upper body properly.

Book
"Lead Yourself First"
Cost: about $19 on Amazon (to Prime members)
Review: "Lead Yourself First: Inspiring Leadership Through Solitude," by Raymond Kethledge and Michael Erwin, is a great book for anyone who want to improve their leadership skills. And no, I'm not just saying that because Erwin founded Team RWB, a group that has changed my life for the better.
The book looks at how solitude, finding quiet time through running, writing letters to yourself, hiking, etc., helps different types of leaders be better at what they do. As a leader of my home, I find its insights helpful as a way to deal with the household/work balance.

Podcast
AppleBell Radio
Cost: free
Review: AppleBell Radio, put together by Blayne and Jeni Smith, offers insights on health and self-improvement that I find refreshing and insightful. I plan to expand on the impact of the "Renaissance (Wo)man" podcast on me. Anyway, they talk about life, work, being parents and how to juggle it all and find your passion. Sometimes, it's about fitness, sometimes food. The variety really keeps it interesting.

I hope to update you on more things that I have found useful every few weeks. Do you want me to review anything or add something to the blog? Leave a note in the comments or send me an email.