This Organized Life

Hi Friends! Today I am joined by one of our SBO Partners, Alysha Fenn, founder of Making Space Today–a Los Angeles based Professional Organizing service. Alysha has been part of the SBO community for a couple of years and it’s been wonderful watching her business grow!  She’s an Enneagram 9 (the peacemaker) and we talk about how procrastination, indecision and “slothiness” plays a role in her life.As an East coast transplant, Alysha shares her story of moving across the country, moving in with her sister, and what inspired her to start her own business.The conversation turns to what it’s like to live with someone who’s organizing styles are different from yours–something most of us can relate to at one time or another.Alysha walks us through her Organizing Framework which is made up of 5 different categories:ShoverStackerShopperIndifferentProYou can find out which one you are by taking her free quiz HERE.If you are in the Los Angeles area and looking for a professional organizer, make sure to reach out and co

Joining me today is Ashley Brown. Ashley is the creator and owner of Routine and Things, a product based company which equips women to consistently live their happiest life one routine at a time. Ashley and I met when we were both speakers at the Purpose Driven Mom Summit, and I instantly knew that I wanted her to share her story with my TOL community!Ashley strongly believes routines are a form of wellness and can be a beautiful springboard for improving your home, yourself, and your life. (Can I get an Amen?!) She hosts the Routine and Things Podcast, a space to learn and become inspired on all things routine. She’s on a mission to see as many women as possible live life with ease by starting, maintaining, and enjoying fun and freeing routines!During our conversation we talked about how routines grow and change throughout the stages of our lives. She also shared tips for her 5 categories of routines:CookingCleaningKidsSelf-CarePlanning We talked about why some people have trouble sticking to routines, and w

One of the many things I love about podcasting is meeting incredible people with inspiring stories.  Today’s guest is no exception; joining me is Amy Downs, author, advocate, TEDx speaker and CEO of the Allegiance Credit Union.Amy is one of the surviving victims from the Oklahoma City bombing, which took place on April 19,1995 and is marked the deadliest domestic attack in our nation’s history. Over the past 2 decades, Amy’s message has shifted from centering around the survival of the bombing to her radical life transformation, including her 200 lb weight loss and completing a Triathlon and an Ironman!During our conversation, Amy walks us through her experience the day of the attack, and what followed.We discussed what led her on a path to wellness, what prompted her to go back to school to get her MBA, and what it’s like being the CEO of the company that will forever be in history books. I asked Amy about her book, Hope is a Verb, (which I literally read in 2 days-it was so good!)  Amy’s story gives a new p

Joining me today is fellow Bucks County native, Danielle Gannon. Danielle is mom to three adorable kiddos Abigail (9), Gabriel (7), and Sebastian (4).  Like many of us, Danielle wears many hats–including, mom, local entrepreneur and business owner, but her most recent accomplishment is as co-creator of The Red Barn Homeschool.Last year when the pandemic shut things down, Danielle put her business on the backburner, and joined forces with a few of her friends to create a non-conventional learning experience for their children. Collectively, the three families have kids ranging from 4 years old to 5th grade. During our conversation she walks us through how they converted a barn on one of the properties  into a one-room schoolhouse where they have been teaching the kids for the past year.In addition to traditional learning, each day includes incorporating nature, music and community into the curriculum (by the end of the episode I want to go there!)Later in the show, Danielle and I switch gears and talk about wh

Hi Friends! I am really excited for this episode because it’s about financial wellness for our kids. Joining me today is Benny Nachman- founder of Jassby, a free iOS app that allows parents to share money with their kids while teaching them about financial literacy. Think of it as a chores and allowance app.So much of what we talk about on this show has to do with ownership, responsibility and discipline.  So when I learned about Jassby, I knew that I wanted to have their  founder on to tell us the backstory behind the app. During our conversation we talk about:How using digital tools resonates with kids and teens as a teaching tool for moneyTheir 3 money principles (save, do-good, spend)Teaching age appropriate money knowledgeBenny walks us through how, when and where to use Jassby. As a parent, I always say the best thing we can do is to teach our kids life skills– like organizing, cooking, cleaning and financial responsibility. The method we convey information changes from generation to generation even if

Hi Friends! Joining me today is Vegan chef, author and mom of 3 Hollan Hamid. Hollan lives in Hawaii (ok, I might be a tad jealous!)Although Hollan loves spending time by the ocean, her passion is creating new plant-based recipes for a happier, healthier and greener life. I invited her to join me on TOL to talk about her new book, Good Food Gratitude, which is filled with simple, mouth-watering vegan recipes.  (I highly recommend her vegan french toast-it’s delicious!) We talked about her journey from pastry chef to becoming a veganHow to navigate the vegan lifestyle at home when your kids are not plant-basedHow to organize shopping and meal prepI loved my conversation with Hollan and I hope you do too!  Make sure to check out the links below for everything mentioned in the show.  I highly recommend Hollan’s book-not only does it have great, simple recipes, but it’s beautifully designed and makes for a great gift.One more thing, If you haven’t already heard, The Enneagram & Clutter Course is available now

Joining me today is renowned cardiac anesthesiologist, gender-equity expert, and TedX Speaker Dr. Sasha Shillcutt. As if that’s not enough of a resume, Sasha is also the CEO of Brave Enough, where she leads over 20,000 women on living connected and courageous lives. Sasha spent 2020 coaching women through the unwanted but very real emotions of the global pandemic. Whether talking with physicians and teachers on the front line to executives and furloughed employees faced with losing their careers she has found the same common threads. During our conversation we talked about everything from motherhood to careers, and the fear of failure. Sasha opens up about one of the biggest failures of her life, and how it’s helped to shape who she is today. We also talk about her new book, Between Grit & Grace, and her podcast called Brave Enough.One more thing, If you haven’t already heard, The Enneagram & Clutter Course is available now. It’s a self-paced digital course connecting the dots between Enneagram Types

Hi Friends! I am super excited to share todays guest with you.  Joining me is Cara Harvey, host of the popular podcast A Purpose Driven Mom, and successful business owner where she helps women in the areas of finances, schedules, health, and most of all themselves! Cara has built an incredible community with thousands of women who come from different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, who learn from and support one another. But it wasn’t always this way. I invited Cara to join me today to share her personal story which includes being on food stamps as she and her husband struggled to make ends meet, while both working multiple jobs and raising 3 small children. Cara talks about how she navigated life during that rough season, how she started her business and why she believes that we all have purpose, even if we have lost our way.During our conversation, we talk aboutthe most common struggle she hears from womenThe power of permissionGoal ChasingThe importance of a time inventory and “thought catchers”Whet

Hi Friends! Today I am joined by Mary Davis, founder of In Good Order, and our SBO Partner in Richmond, Virginia (if you’re in the Richmond area and looking for a professional organizer, give her a call!)On a personal level, Mary is married to her husband and together they have two boys ages 9 &12. During our conversation Mary shares her own organizing journey as a self-described “reformed packrat” whose organizing career started to form when her Dad died unexpectedly and she was left to navigate over 5000 square feet of STUFF.I invited Mary to join me on This ORGANIZED Life to talk about Donation Etiquette…WHAT to donate, What NOT to donate, and WHEN to donate.We break it down into several categories including:ClothingSmall Household AppliancesFurnitureLinens/Towels/BeddingBooksBuilding SuppliesElectronicsThis episode was filled with so much useful information and resources on what and where to donate.  Make sure to check out the links below to access Mary’s donation guide and other information discussed

Hi Friends! Joining me today is Cherylanne Skolnicki, host of the top-rated Brilliant Balance podcast, speaker and coach. Cherylanne’s advice has been featured in The Huffington Post, Forbes, and Women’s Day. She appears on TV news shows as an expert on work life balance, productivity, and purpose. On a personal note, Cherylanne lives in Cincinnati with her husband John and their three children. I invited Cherylanne to come on our show to talk about the notion of “Balance.”  Is it a unicorn? Or something truly attainable? During our conversation we talk about:How Health & Wellness, Career, Relationships and Organization are the most common areas of stress, especially among women. Why it’s important to “press pause” and reset when things are feeling out of control.How creating systems has helped Cherylanne in both her personal and professional life. We also talk about the Enneagram (of course!) and how her Enneagram type has played a role in her relationship with clutter and organization.This was a super f

Hi Friends! Joining me today is Autumn McKay, created of the Best Mom Ideas Blog -an online community for moms (or dads!) that provides support, encouragement, and practical resources for parents with littles. During our conversation we talk about real-life struggles parents are facing during the pandemic. From virtual learning to limiting screen time and knowing when everyone needs a time-out (including you!)As a former educator, and mom of 3, Autumn speaks candidly about her own parenting struggles and how she navigated through it. Autumn shares why boredom is good for our kidsHow she encourages kids to readWhat organization looks like in her house (and what responsibilities her kids have)Make sure you listen until the end of the show where Autumn shares a special free gift for all TOL listeners! I’ve said it before, and I will say it again, hats off to anyone parenting little ones during a pandemic. I thank Jesus every day that He spared my kids from having to be educated by me for even a minute.  You guys

Hi Friends! I was introduced to today’s guest, Franziska Iseli, after reading her book, The Courage Map. The book chronicles her personal journal of traveling from Switzerland to Kazakhstan on a motorbike with nothing but a backpack and a notebook.Franziska is one of the most interesting guests I have had on the show. She is an adventure-seeking Swiss-Aussie who has authored 3 Best Selling books, in addition to being a social entrepreneur who is passionate  about ocean conservation.She has been featured across major media platforms including  INC, Forbes, Business Insider, Marie-Claire, and Cosmopolitan, but  I invited her to join me on TOL to talk about the experiences  and lessons learned from writing The Courage Map.During our conversation we talked aboutWhat prompted her to set off on a multi-country bike adventureLessons that she learned on her trip including: truth, intentions, trust, and loveWhy it’s easy for her to let go of material things (you have to listen to her story about giving her jacket to a

Hi friends! I am so excited to share today’s guest with you. Joining me is health and wellness coach, Elizabeth Sherman. Elizabeth works with folks to design the right health program for their body and lifestyle.  Her core demographic are women in their forties who may be struggling keeping weight off, and changing habits that no longer work like they may have in their 20’s & 30’s.  Yes, she may as well have been speaking to me directly!  Elizabeth has been through her own weight loss journey which she shares on the show. During our conversation we talk about:The pivotal moment that was her “wake up call” that something had to changeWhere to begin? Elizabeth shares her first step into creating new habitsWhat to do when you have a setback along the way What habits and routines she has adopted to support her new and improved lifestyle Common obstacles that her clients face and how to overcome themI loved her simple, honest and down to earth approach and suspect you will too! She is also offering our listene

Hi Friends! I know how much you love products, so you are in for a treat!  Joining me today are 2 of the founders of 1Thrive, Brett Stern and Mayra Kavan.  You may have seen their stylish command centers around facebook, Pinterest or the IG because they are taking the organizing & lifestyle space by storm!It’s no surprise why everyone is loving them considering that they were designed by a team of moms-(can I get an amen!)I invited Brett and Mayra on TOL to talk about:How 1Thrive began & why they felt compelled to create a niche product lineHow visual learners are benefitting from the 1Thrive systemHow the entire family can use the same system in their own unique wayMake sure to stick around until the end of the episode where Brett shares a special promo code exclusive for our TOL community!As we wrap up January, let’s continue on the path of organization together.  I always say, a great product won’t make you organized, but it can help to inspire you and make it fun along the way!XOXO - LaurieP.S. Do

I’d like to welcome our newest sponsor, 1Thrive.com.  Start the New Year off Organized with these stylish & customized command centers. Visit 1Thrive.com to check out the entire collection. Make sure to enter promo code SB10 at checkout to receive 10% off of your entire order! Hi friends! If you enjoyed last week’s episode with money expert, Rachel Cruze, then you are going to love today’s guest!  Joining me is advocate, activist, and attorney, Shakisha A. Morgan, Esq.(yes, she has an esq after her name!) With over a decade of legal experience,  Shakisha is currently the Maryland Practice lead for The Griffin Firm, PLLC, an estate planning, probate, and business succession planning firm with offices in Maryland, DC, and Virginia.Shakisha uses her knowledge and expertise to empower communities by helping individuals, families, and business owners create, protect, and transfer wealth through estate planning. The daughter of Jamican immigrants, Shakisha is a graduate of Stanford University and Georgetown Law

I’d like to welcome our newest sponsor, 1Thrive.com.  Start the New Year off Organized with these stylish & customized command centers. Visit 1Thrive.com to check out the entire collection. Make sure to enter promo code SB10 at checkout to receive 10% off of your entire order!Hi Friends! Today we are talking all about Money Habits with money expert, Rachel Cruze.Since 2010, Rachel has served at Ramsey Solutions, where she teaches people to avoid debt, save money, budget and how to win with money at any stage in life. She’s authored three best-selling books, including Love Your Life, Not Theirs and Smart Money Smart Kids, which she co-wrote with her father, Dave Ramsey.  I invited Rachel to join me on TOL to talk about her latest book Know Yourself, Know Your Money: Discover WHY You Handle Money the Way You Do and WHAT to Do About It  that just released last week!  During our conversation we talked about The motivation that led her to write this bookThe role that fear plays into how we use, save and spend

Hi Friends! Happy New Year everyone!  We are kicking off 2021 with a bang!  Joining me today is Author, Speaker, and Coach, Alli Worthington. You may know Alli from her books The Year of Living Happy, Fierce Faith, and Breaking Busy, or from her popular podcast, The Alli Worthington Show.  I invited Alli onto TOL to talk about her most recent book, Standing Strong which was released in September 2020.Alli shares what she calls ”unlocking your superpower”  (she even has a short, fun quiz on her website which we have linked to below).During our conversation Alli talks about her relationship with her husband Mark, raising 5 boys, and her own journey of overcoming adversity and living with confidence. Alli is also an Enneagram Junkie, so of course we spent a few minutes chatting about personality types (you’ll have to listen to hear what her Enneagram Type is!) If you’re looking for some motivation to help start your New Year off on the right foot, this is the episode for you.xoxo - LaurieConnect with AlliWEBSITE

Hi Friends! Today is the last day of 2020 and our final episode of the year. Congratulations for persevering through unforeseeable trials and tribulations–you made it!There’s no denying that 2020 was filled with loss and change-whether personal, professional, financial, or social; we each have a story, battle-scars, and experiences to pull from as we enter a new year.  We’ve had to redefine priorities, reinvent ourselves, our businesses, relationships, and how we “do life.”My guest day is no stranger to any of it.  Joining me on TOL is Alexandria Maria. Alexandria is an Empowerment Coach & Business Mentor for aspiring entrepreneurs. Her mission is to help women make their dream life a reality. She aims to help women move from feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and lost to feeling aligned, motivated, and driven by a clear vision. Having always followed the “rules of life”, Alexandria was thriving on the outside but on the inside, she was fighting a battle with anxiety which ultimately resulted in a breakdown.

Hi Friends! Today we are taking a walk down memory lane as we recap our most popular episodes of 2020.  We looked at which ones were the most popular from you based on downloads, and which were my personal favorites. One thing is for certain, we’ve had some incredible guests this year on TOL, and I’m not going to lie, it was hard for me to choose my top five.As I sat down and listened to hours of content, what I found super interesting was that the one common theme that kept recurring from our guests is something that I have been talking about for years: clutter and disorganization isn’t limited to what you see on the outside, it’s how you feel on the inside.Whether you are riddled with guilt, overwhelmed with fear, or struggling with procrastination, getting to the root of your clutter gives you freedom. This list runs the spectrum of topics, and includes guests from Boomers to Millennials. If you haven’t already listened to these, I encourage you to go back and check them out.  If you have already listened,

Hi Friends! Every year we put together a holiday gift guide to make your shopping a little easier.  Despite 2020 turning the world upside down, we were determined to find some great clutter-free options for you and the family!  Joining me today is SBO Partner, Melynda Weiland. Melynda is the founder of Order to Everything in Austin, TX. Together we scoured the internet to find a variety of gifts that won’t add to the clutter or break the bank!  We broke our gift guide down into 8 categories: CandlesBath and BodyGamesFood & BeverageWorkoutExperiences Personalized Giftsand my personal favorite, Gifts that Give BackAlthough many of these items are physical in nature, they made the list because they are something to use, wear or play-without taking up much space.In years past, experiences like concerts, sporting events and theater tickets topped the list, however given our current climate, we opted to bring the fun experiences inside our homes.Every company on our list was hand selected by either Melynda or m