Cocktails and Containers

One of my favorite organizer friends is back to chat time blocking for beginners. Kelly Beutler is the lead organizer and owner of The Joyful Sort. She has appeared on previous episodes about goal setting and getting organized to get organized...but today she is talking how to get started with time blocking. We talk about what time blocking is, how it has benefit Kelly in her scheduling, and how to get started if you aren't sure where to start. And we sip on sweet and Springy Honey Thyme Margaritas from The Little Epicurean.

To connect with Kelly, get today's cocktail recipe, or explore past episodes, visit our show notes at podcast.cocktailsandcontainers.com. Just search for the episode "Time Blocking for Beginners."

Spring planting season is right around the corner...have you planned your plants yet? If you're a novice gardener or just looking to get more bang for your gardening buck, we've got you covered this week. We are chatting with gardening expert and kitchen garden planner Annie Chubbuck of Seed Babies. Every summer, Annie helps clients plan and maintain their kitchen gardens. She's giving us planning tips like what to plant where, what to plant next to what, and how much time should you plan to maintain your garden. And she's brought along a delicious Blackberry Herb Cocktail she featured at one of her gardening workshops.

To connect with Annie, get her cocktail recipe, and check out past episodes, visit the show notes at podcast.cocktailsandcontainers.com. Just search for the episode "Planning and Organizing Your Garden."

If something were to happen to you today, does your partner know your wishes? Do they know where important papers are? Do you have a plan for your kids and your money? Aye-yi-yi...yes, mamas! We are going deep this week to chat organizing all those areas that make us feel a little uncomfortable. I'm chatting with author Nine Nights: Your New Little Black Book for Personal Financial Empowerment and professional organizer Laurie Teal. Laurie has a mission to make sure couples and women are organized and prepared with the paperwork they need in case of financial emergency, medical emergency, or, to put it simply, death. She wants you to be able to care for or grieve your loved ones instead of trying to track down medical histories or trust documents. And her book will help you arrange it all step-by-step. With all this talk of death and paperwork, you'll definitely need a cocktail...which is why we are having a tasty pitcher cocktail featuring Laurie's favorite wine, the Riesling-Campari cocktail from Food and Wine.

For links to Laurie, a copy of Laurie's book, today's cocktail recipe or to explore past episodes, visit our show notes at podcast.cocktailsandcontainers.com. Search for the Episode "Organizing Your Estate."

Minimalism and simplicity coach Rose Lounsbury is back to chat love and organizing in honor of Valentine's Day. This week, Rose and I will discuss how to introduce the idea of decluttering to your family and why it's important to teach your family organizing and decluttering skills. This episode partners perfectly with last week's chat where we discussed how to introduce organizing systems when you and your loved ones don't see eye to eye on decluttering strategies. And we introduce an unlikely and delicious combination...the Red Wine Milkshake from Delish.

To connect with Rose, get today's cocktail recipe, or search past episodes, visit the show notes at podcast.cocktailsandcontainers.com. Search for the episode "Love and Organizing Part 2".

In honor Valentine's Day, I'm addressing love and organizing in two episodes with my good friend, minimalism and simplicity coach Rose Lounsbury. For part 1 of our discussion, Rose and I are talking about organizing and decluttering when you and your partner see clutter differently. We hear how Rose and her husband reacted when she started her minimalism "hobby", how to approach a conversation about organizing with your loved one, and how to deal if one of you is an "outie" and one of you is an "innie". And we include a recipe for a delicious Valentine's inspired Strawberry Mint Gin Fizz.

To connect with Rose, get today's cocktails recipe, or check out past episodes, visit the show notes at podcast.cocktailsandcontainers.com. Search for the episode called "Love and Organizing.'

For links to my Tax Paperwork Organizing Checklist, today's cocktail recipe or to search past episodes, visit my show notes at podcast.cocktailsandcontainers.com.

Don't forget to join my Patreon community for organizing checklists, goal setting worksheets and accountability, my cocktail recipe eBook, and our seasonal book club discussions. You can join me at www.patreon.com/cocktailsandcontainers.

Did you resolve to eat healthier this year? Well, you'll be excited that our favorite dietician, Sally Kuzemchak from Real Mom Nutrition is back to talk about getting organized for successful healthy eating in 2020. Sally shares her tips for planning and making changes to your family's eating habits, how to reframe your goals for a more successful transition, and her super, simple meal planning strategy to make eating healthy easy.  We also have this season's mocktail recipe...the healthy and vitamin-C packed Raspberry Lemonade Slushie from BBC Good Food.

To connect with Sally, check out any of her resources, grab today's mocktail recipes, or check out past episodes, visit my show notes at podcast.cocktailsandcontainer.com. Just search for the episode "Getting Organized to Eat Healthy".

Don't forget to join my Patreon community for organizing checklists, goal setting worksheets and accountability, my cocktail recipe eBook, and our seasonal book club discussions. You can join me at www.patreon.com/cocktailsandcontainers.

If you've resolved to make a budget, pay down debt or save more in 2020, I've got a guru for you. Today I'm chatting with Lauren Tucker of An Organized Life about her debt-free journey, where to start organizing your finances, and her favorite resources to help you along the way. And since coffee is one of Lauren's favorite beverages, we give you a delicious Austrian, coffee-based cocktail...the Café Maria-Theresia.

To connect with Lauren, check out her resources, get today's cocktail recipe or search past episodes, visit our show notes at podcast.cocktailsandcontainers.com. 

Join my Patreon community for monthly customizable organizing strategy worksheets, live community calls to help hold you accountable, exclusive step-by-step organizing checksheets, an eBook featuring the cocktail recipes, and a seasonal Book club featuring some of my favorite reads. To join and for more info, visit www.patreon.com/cocktailsandcontainers.

Raise your hand if you've got "get in shape" on your 2020 to-do list. (Now raise it 50 more times and switch sides 😉) This week we are talking to fitness trainer Allison Nelson of Live Real Fit about getting organized to get fit this year. We'll talk about the first steps to take in planning your routine, how to ease into a routine or new routine to prevent injury or burnout, and how to stay motivated when you want to throw in the gym towel. And we'll chat all this while sipping Skinny Blueberry Spritzers from Peanut Butter and Peppers.

Find this week's cocktail recipe, links to our guest, and past episodes in our show notes at podcast.cocktailsandcontainers.com.

Join my Patreon community for even more tips to organize and simplify your family. Visit www.patreon.com/cocktailsandcontainers to check out the benefits and join today.

Welcome to 2020 AND the kick-off to our January "Getting Organized to..." series. Today I'm talking to professional organizers Kelly Beutler of The Joyful Sort and Lori Cela of Time 4 Organizing about their steps to plan your project, start small, and stay motivated when it comes to your organizing projects this year. And they share their wealth of knowledge while we sip on delicious & warm Spiked Mexican Hot Chocolate!

For more information on today's episode and to connect with Lori and Kelly, visit the show notes for this episode at https://www.cocktailsandcontainers.com/getting-organized-to-get-organized.

To search past episodes, visit podcast.cocktailsandcontainers.com.

For links to all the episodes, visit the show notes at podcast.simplesolutionsorganizing.com and search for "2019 Wrap Up."

Today's episode features excerpts from my book "101 Clutter-Free Gifts: And Why You Want Them". You can pick up your copy at gifts.simplesolutionsorganizing.com.  

For links to the gifts suggestions in the episode, today's cocktail recipe, or check out past episodes in the show notes at podcast.simplesolutionsorganizing.com.

What happens when the simple desires of minimalism crash with the holiday push of consumerism? This week we'll chat with mom-to-3 and host of the Minimalist Moms podcast, Diane Boden, about how she stays true to her minimalism during the holidays. Learn about Diane's journey to minimalism and her recommendations on where to start if you are interested in decluttering or minimalism. All this while we sip a delightful twist on the traditional mimosa...the Poinsettia (or Cranberry Mimosa).

For more about Diane, today's cocktail recipe, and past episodes, visit podcast.simplesolutionsorganizing.com.

How to Host a Cookie Exchange https://www.simplesolutionsorganizing.com/cookie-exchange/

Can You Over-Organize https://www.simplesolutionsorganizing.com/can-you-over-organize/

Be sure to check out my "12 Days of Christmas Prep" videos and checklist by visiting holidays.simplesolutionsorganizing.com.

For more info, past epsiodes, and today's cocktail recipe, visit the show notes at podcast.simplesolutionsorganizing.com. 

The holiday season is fast approaching...have you started to schedule all your activities? If the thought of doing all the holiday things stresses you out, join me as I chat with Janet M. Taylor aka Organizer Janet about managing your time and setting priorities during the holidays. And we give you a holiday twist on sangria with a Mulled Wine Sangria from Delish.com.

For more on today's guest, past episodes, or today's cocktail recipe, visit my show notes at podcast.simplesolutionsorganizing.com.

Looking for strategies to keep stress low during the upcoming holiday season? Today I kick off my holiday organizing series with Agile Home Strategist and Family Scrum Master, Yvonne Marcus. Yvonne helps families collaborate and moms delegate through agile systems that make your home run like a well-oiled machine. We discuss "progress over perfection" and her 3 tips to help you live your best #momlife over the holidays. All while sipping a delicious, seasonal Spiced Apple Margarita from Cookie and Kate.

Don't miss my "12 Days of Christmas Prep" starting November 1st on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and in my Cocktails and Containers Facebook Group. There will be short videos each day to help you put more jolly in your holiday. And you can pick up a checklist to take notes and keep track of what you've done and what you need to do.

For more information on today's guest or this week's cocktail recipe, visit the show notes at podcast.simplesolutionsorganizing.com.

Are you struggling to start your organizing projects because they won't be "Pinterest perfect" or "Instagram worthy"? Today we talk about what REALLY matters when it comes to organizing systems (hint: it isn't the bins) and how to start living your best, organized life right away rather than waiting until you have the time, money, or bins. And we give you a delicious fall cocktail...the Apple Gin Mule from Jen Meyering.

To visit the show notes or see today's cocktail recipe, visit the show notes at podcast.simplesolutionsorganizing.com and search for the episode title.

Got too much stuff and not enough space? This episode is for you! Join me as I chat with professional organizer and NYC resident Sharona Balk aka The Organizer Bunny about her tips for making the most of your small space and controlling all the stuff that comes in. And we'll give you a sweet, creamy, and minty shot that even moms can enjoy.

Get links for products, recipes, past episodes, and guests featured on this episode by visiting the show notes at podcast.simplesolutionsorganizing.com.

Receiving a chronic illness diagnosis can be overwhelming and stressful for families. Today I am talking with organizing expert Rachel Rosenthal about her organizing strategies for living with a chronic disease. A busy mom of twins and entrepreneur, Rachel was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease a few years back. Among other symptoms, Hashimoto's can cause brain fog and fatigue which means Rachel had to have her organizing skills on point to keep up with her research, medications, doctor's appointments and life in general. We discuss her strategies and make a delicious "mocktail" with ginger and turmeric, perfect to give you a warm feeling on a cool Autumn night.

For more information on today's episode, visit the show notes at podcast.simplesolutionsorganizing.com.

Working for yourself can seem like an ideal employment choice for moms...set your own schedule, do something you love AND have time left to pick up and drop off from school, right? And yet mompreneurs often feel like there isn't enough time or that they are spinning their wheels. So much of it comes down to time management and clear priorities. That is what I am focusing on today as I chat with Barb Stauffer and Leah Monaghan from Root 23 Simple Syrups. With a thriving business and 5 middle school and high school students between them, Barb and Leah are busy with a capital "B". But we chat some ways to delegate and automate to make the most of the work time and family time. And all while sipping delicious Grapefruit Basil Palomas featuring Root 23 Simple Syrups.

For more info and links mentioned in the show, visit the show notes at podcast.simplesolutionsorganizing.com.

You can find out more about this episode in the show notes at podcast.simplesolutionsorganizing.com. 

An estimated 50-70 million Americans suffer from sleep-related problems. Are you or a loved one affected? If so, I've got sleep consultants Lori and Sara Strong from Strong Little Sleepers to help. Lori and Sara help families develop custom sleep routines for families from newborns to adults. And today they are sharing their tips for creating a sleep routine for your family. And a recipe for a delicious Aperol Spritz.

For links to products mentioned in today's episode or past episodes, visit the show notes at podcast.simplesolutionsorganizing.com.

Want more info or episodes? Check out my show notes at podcast.simplesolutionsorganizing.com.

We all get 24 hours in a day but it never seems like quite enough, does it? That’s why today’s guest, professional organizer and author Morgan Tyree, wants to help you take back your time with her proven time-management system. Morgan's new book Take Back Your Time debuts today and on top her professional organizing business Morganize with Me and writing books, Morgan is a mom-of-3 who has home schooled, lived abroad, AND teaches fitness classes. Sounds like an expert on time management to me, right? And we sip delicious Caipirinhas inspired by Morgan's three years abroad in Portugal.

Even the most organized mama can use a few tips to get the family back into the swing of things when it comes to the school year. Today, I'm addressing the biggest concerns raised when it comes to back-to-school from the mamas in my Cocktails and Containers Facebook Group. We'll discuss trying to find a balance while doing all the things, how to schedule your family, why you need a morning routine, and how to keep up with all the papers.

For more back-to-school tips, don't miss my previous episodes about meal planning, creating a morning routine, organizing kid's papers, and helping your older children plan for after high school.

If the thought of college visits, college applications, and moving out stresses you and your kids out, I’ve got you covered. Today I’m chatting with organizing expert AND college freshman mom Laurie Palau all about planning for post high school life. And she even sneaks a few general life lessons for all us parents.  Laurie is a professional organizer and founder of Simply B Organized and the SBO partner program which helps connect communities with professional organizers all over the Us and in Canada and Australia. She is also the host of the popular This Organized Life podcast And author of the book Hot Mess: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized.  

If you'd like a copy of my Back-to-School Organizing Checklist, click HERE. If you have a back-to-school organizing questions, leave me at voicemail message at anchor.fm/cocktailsandcontainers.

School is starting very soon...and so is the need for quick breakfasts, packed lunches, and dinners at the end of long days. But never fear, I've got THE expert here. Meet Sally Kuzemchak. Sally is a registered dietitian, author, and mom. She's the founder of RealMomNutrition.com, a “no-judgments zone" all about feeding a family, which features advice on picky eating, simple healthy recipes, and lots of reassurance. She is the author of The 101 Healthiest Foods For Kids and Cooking Light on Dinnertime Survival Guide and serves as a Contributing Editor for Parents magazine and a contributor to WebMD. An award-winning reporter and writer, she has been published in nearly 20 magazines including Prevention, Health, Family Circle, Eating Well, Fitness, and Shape. And she is here with us to chat all about her best meal planning tips as we transition from Summer into the school year. And we have the perfect margarita recipes (featuring whole fruit in honor of our dietitian guest). 

Curious about the how the Amazon Alexa can make your mom life easier? Thinking about purchasing one but wonder if you'd only use it to play music or set timers? Well, just in time for Amazon Prime Day, I've collected some of my favorite tips for Alexa as well as some great tips from my Instagram community on how they use theirs. Also, we are sipping Blueberry Lemonade Margaritas that will be perfect for your July 4th celebrations. 

For links to the skills and products I mention in the episode, you can visit the show notes at podcast.simplesolutionsorganizing.com

(Note: Links are affiliate links)

Would you love to look and feel good in every item of clothing you own? Would you love to make getting dressed or putting outfits together a breeze? Well you're in luck because this week I have Color Guru Jeannie Stith-Mawhinney and she has some AMAZING tips for helping you look your best this Summer. And she shares one of her favorite simple cocktails that is perfect for Summer sipping...the Gimlet.

On today's bonus "Follow Up Friday" episode we reconnect with Meg who appeared on the February episode "Balance & the WAHM". Meg is here to talk the changes she's made and how they have affected both her parent life and her work life. And she's made some strides in dealing with her laundry issue.

Everything gets a little slower and a little disorganized in the Summer. This can be especially true of Summer meals...late nights, long pool days and heat that makes you stay out of the kitchen. But today I have meal planning expert Ricki Youngkin from Once a Month Meals. Ricki has all kinds of simple meal ideas for summer to help you save time, money and clean up. And we have a delicious Peach Bourbon Arnold Palmer...perfect for poolside sipping.

If you'd like a copy of the Life Balance Bucket List I mention in this episode, click HERE.

Who better to prep us for dealing with end of the school year clutter than The Organized Mama, Jessica Litman. Jessica is a mom-to-2 and professional organizer in the Chicago area. She gives great advice on how to organize all the supplies, papers and outgrown clothes as well as how to create a "unstructured structure" to your summer schedule. And all the while sipping a delicious, summery Vodka Watermelon Cocktail from Joyful Healthy Eats.

I am guessing most of us, myself included, struggle with keeping our kitchens and pantries organized. That is why I am chatting with professional organizer and kitchen expert Allison Flinn from Reclaim Professional Organizing in Raleigh, North Carolina. Allison tells us how to organize our kitchens and pantries and, most importantly, how to keep it organized. And she shares one of her favorite cocktail recipes...the Spicy El Pepino from Wine Enthusiast.

Welcome to the first in a series of "Follow Up Friday" bonus episodes where I follow up with past guests to see if they made any changes or progress since we last spoke. Today I follow up with Alicia, a mom-to-4 who craves a more organized home but also struggles making decisions on what stays and what goes. You can hear my full original episode with Alicia by clicking HERE.

For my very special Mother's Day episode, I am chatting with my mom (mother of 5) and sister (mother of 4) about organizing tips when the little people outnumber the adults in your home. We talk tips for meal planning, dealing with toys and coping with busy family schedules. And we do it while sipping a special Mother's Day pitcher punch...Sparkling Raspberry Prosecco Punch from Honey and Lime

Motivation and goals are great, but it's creating new habits that helps you maintain. That is why we are discussing how to create new habits and the four stages of habit from James Clear's best selling book "Atomic Habits". And I'll give you a tasty fresh twist on the classic Mint Julep just in time for the Kentucky Derby with a Strawberry Mint Julep from Maker's Mark.

Do you ever feel like you put yourself last when it comes to your needs and wants? Do you ever take time to fill your cup? If you are like me, you struggle to take care of yourself...which is why this week's episode with wellness coach Stacey Crew is so important for you mamas out there. Stacey and I discuss why it is so important to take a little time for ourselves every day (yes, EVERY DAY). And she gives us ways we can care for ourselves that don't take a lot of time or money. Stacey also shares with us not one but two delicious spring mocktails that help feed our insides and tastes great with or without an extra shot.

Do you want to make more of your precious mom hours? Or are you trying to figure out why some moms get so much done? Well you are in luck with this week's episode...I've got productivity expert Brittany Dixon of Brittany and Co. Consulting. Not only does Brittany help small business owners develop systems to help their businesses thrive, she's a busy mom with 6 year old TWINS...so she definitely has tips to share to help you make the most of your day. And make sure you visit the show notes to pick up Brittany's freebie and Trello tips to help start making your day more productive right away. Oh, and lest we forget this week's delicious Spring cocktail recipe...the Sparkling Cucumber Gin Cocktail.

 When decluttering, it is just as important to focus on what is coming in as what is going out. That is why this week we are talking clutter-free Easter Basket ideas. And all the while sipping on a sweet & Spicy Peach Tequila Cocktail from The Restless Chipotle. 

How organized are you when it comes to your money? Do you have a system for tracking what comes in and what goes out? Or do you just click and pay and hope the money is there? Today's guest is Kirsty Farrugia of Feels Like Home Professional Organising (with an "s" not a "z"). She is also one of the co-hosts of the popular The Art of Decluttering podcast. Kirsty is a mum to 2, self proclaim recovering messaholic, and former financial planner. Which makes her the perfect expert for today's topic. We'll chat tips to get your finances organized while sipping on one of Kirsty's favorite cocktails...a toblerone martini.

Whether you have a trip on tap for Spring Break or you're just dreaming of a trip in the future, today's guest Kimbra Naber of ReOrg Project has awesome tips to help you plan, pack and actually enjoy your trip. And we have a delicious Raspberry Lime Tequila cocktail for your spring drinking enjoyment.