Cocktails And Containers

If you struggle with what to keep and what to do with the papers in your home, this episode is for you. Paper organizing & decluttering is one of the most frequent topics I'm asked about as a professional organizer. Today I'm going to let you in on the 2 questions to ask yourself when trying to decide if you NEED a piece of paper, tips for filing what you do decide to keep, and how to stop to the influx of junk mail into your home. All this and a delicious Fall-inspired cocktail...the Maple Bourbon Smash courtesy of Food & Wine. Visit the show notes at podcast.simplesolutionsorganizing.com for any links or recipes from today's episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cocktailsandcontainers/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cocktailsandcontainers/message

What do you do if the power goes out for several days? Where does your family meet up if there is a fire? Is your I.C.E. contact programmed in your phone? So often, we don't consider our emergency plans until after the fact. That is why today, in honor of National Preparedness Month in September, I am chatting with professional organizer Heather K. Powers about how to start organizing your family in case of a natural disaster or serious accident in your community. We'll talk about how to get started, what you might include in your emergency kit, and websites for checklists and resources in your community. AND Heather shares a recipe for one of her favorite cocktails that can be served cold or hot. You can find out more about this episode in the show notes at podcast.simplesolutionsorganizing.com.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cocktailsandcontainers/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cocktailsandcontainers/message

Why would you hire a professional organizer??? Well, that is what I am going to do a deep dive into for you today. I have not one but seven reasons why anyone, no matter what their level of organizing skill, can benefit from hiring a professional organizer. My goal is that by the end you'll be saying "why wouldn't I hire a professional organizer?" I mean, I would! And I give you a fabulous recipe for a sweet, seasonal, and celebratory Apple Pie Champagne. Want more info or episodes? Check out my show notes at podcast.simplesolutionsorganizing.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cocktailsandcontainers/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cocktailsandcontainers/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cocktailsandcontainers/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cocktailsandcontainers/message

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).  --- Send in a voice messag

It's my 50th episode of Cocktails and Containers! To celebrate, I've asked 22 of the best and brightest professional organizers I know for their top tips on home organization, time management, creating habits, minimalism and more! And since we're celebrating, I've got a rundown on all the ins and outs of sparkling wine so you'll know for your next celebration. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cocktailsandcontainers/message

Dealing with other people's clutter can create a lot of stress and tension in relationships...whether it is a spouse, kids, roommate, or some other person you share a space with. But neverfear...there is hope for dealing with OPC. And it all started with a DM from my new friend and this week's podcast guest Natalie Hailey. Natalie is a work from home mom of 2. For the past 2 years their home has been under construction. AND, oh yeah, her mom also moved in with them. Along with a house full of possessions and many of her mother's things. Natalie and I discuss how she can create a plan of action to help her reclaim her space and maintain the relationship with her mom. And we sip a Pimm's Cup in honor of my first UK guest. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cocktailsandcontainers/message

Wanna know my #1 secret for keeping my sanity in my kitchen? It's the Instant Pot. No joke! (I don't joke about food.) And today I am sharing why you want one, how it works and what you can make in it to feed your family easier. I am all about helping make your mom life easier and I am not exaggerating that this kitchen appliance has changed the way I feed my family. And I'll get you ready for National Daiquiri Day July 19th with an easy and delicious Strawberry Daiquiri recipe. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cocktailsandcontainers/message

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) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cocktailsandcontainers/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cocktailsandcontainers/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cocktailsandcontainers/message

Have you ever spent time organizing a space only to have it return to its cluttered state in a matter of weeks or days? Well, you're in luck because this week I have my three tips for maintaining a space that you have organized. And I'll give you a super simple recipe for your new favorite summer drink...the Frosé. Think wine slushie...yum! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cocktailsandcontainers/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cocktailsandcontainers/message

Want tips for planning a great overnight or weekend getaway with your family? Sometimes schedules and budgets don't allow for big family vacations in the Summer, but my friend Donna has some great tips on planning memorable Summer getaways for just a day or two. From using reciprocal membership benefits to staying at State Park Lodge for a fraction of the cost of a hotel, we have plenty of tips for family fun to kick off Season 3 of Cocktails and Containers. And don't forget the delicious "summer in a glass" cocktail this week...Sparkling Pineapple Sangria! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cocktailsandcontainers/message

Summer break is here and I have got the goods on how to plan a "Not Bummer Summer" for your family. My good friend Donna is amazing at planning activities for her own family as well as helping her mom friends find the best parks, festivals and kid-friendly activities around town. And she's here sharing how to plan and actually enjoy summer activities with your family. And we have a delicious Orange Creamsicle Mimosa recipe. If you'd like a copy of the Life Balance Bucket List I mention in this episode, click HERE. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cocktailsandcontainers/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cocktailsandcontainers/message