This Organized Life

Hi Friends! Joining me today is Erin Leonard. Erin is the owner and creator of notice the LITTLE things where she provides practical ways for Moms to be more intentional about their time and space, so they can focus on the things that matter most to them. She is the mom to three young kiddos (who are super cute), a fellow coffee lover, an Enneagram 1 (which we will dig into), and as you’ll see from her adorable website, a lover of lower case letters (which I will definitely ask her about!)Erin shares how her LITTLE things blog started out of her own daily gratitude and has since grown into an entire business of digital & printable products .We also dig into strategies for people who are struggling to stick to a routine, and Erin shares some of her own tips and tricks.During the second half of our show, Erin talks about life growing up as an Enneagram 1 (aka The Perfectionist), and how her mom used to refer to her inner critic as her “imaginary audience.”  ( I so love that!)Erin opens up about  parenting a

Hi Friends! Years ago I intentionally started using the word “integration” in place of “balance” when describing the very delicate juggling act of motherhood, personal time, and my professional life.Over the years I’ve talked to countless women who are in a transitional period and not sure what to do: “I just had a baby and don’t want to go back to an office full-time” “ I’d love to run my own business, but don’t know where to start”“My kids are in school and I’m looking for something flexible and will challenge me”These are just a few of the comments I hear from people just like you.  My entire team at SBO (with the exception of Podcast Producer, Don) is made up of moms, and has been from the start. Today’s guest shares that same philosophy. Joining me today is Emily Hay, founder of Hay There Social Media-a boutique marketing agency where she helps women launch their own social media businesses so they too can live and work flexibly and intentionally with what she’s dubbed “Work+Life Integration Nation”.™”Du

Hi Friends! We are kicking off June with my new friend, Kim Williams.  Among her many accomplishments, Kim is an MBA graduate, full-time working mom, podcaster, and community builder. If she sounds like a rock star, it’s because she is.I was introduced to Kim a few months ago and was inspired by her story.After searching to find single black moms that were podcasting and not finding any that were current, she decided to fill the gap by creating a podcast and building a community that not only supports each other online but also offline.Kim is passionate about educating single moms so that they can live the life they desire without feeling alone on the journey of Single Motherhood, which can become so isolating.Because of the platform, moms all around the world (single and married) have been able to change the way they think, implement strategies to improve their life and the life of their children, and make connections with other moms.During our conversation we talked about:Why women are reluctant to ask for

Hi Friends! We are wrapping up our Behind the Scenes series, where each week over the past month we have looked at what goes into different parts of my company. If you haven’t had the chance to listen to the other 3 episodes, make sure to check them out.Today we are taking a deep dive into my flagship speaker program: The CLUTTER CLINIC. Joining me today is my good friend, and SBO partner, Courtney Wilson, founder of Simpli Sort in San Diego, California. Courtney is a mom of 3 almost grown kiddos like me, and has an incredible gift of helping her clients navigate through messy spaces step by step. If you are someone interested in the professional organizing industry, but not sure where to start, this is the episode for you.During our conversation Courtney shares how she went from wanting to give up on her business in 2018 to having a solid client base through a pandemic!“I honestly love helping people not only get organized but feel the relief as they take back control of their homes.”-SBO Partner, Courtney W

Hi Friends! I hope you’re enjoying our Behind the Scenes series of Simply B Organized.  Today I’m pulling back the curtain of what you’re listening to right here, This ORGANIZED Life Podcast! Joining me today as my co-host is my incredible podcast producer, Don Jackson of the Raven Media Group.When I decided to launch a podcast in January of 2017, I had no clue of what I was doing! I knew that there was a lot on the technical side with editing and production, so I immediately outsourced that part to an expert. What I didn’t know was all of the work required to make a successful show happen-and get listeners week after week.(It’s probably a good thing that I was clueless, because if I had known how much of my time would be spent working on this show, I more than likely would not have jumped in! ) During our conversation we talked about all of the moving parts including: Research, Scheduling Logistics, Content Creation and Marketing.We specifically dive into:How we find and book guestsHow we come up with topics

Hi Friends! Today we are continuing our “Behind the Scenes” series where each week we peel back the curtain and talk about what goes into the different aspects of Simply B Organized. Last week, we looked at the SBO Partner Program, (if you haven’t had a chance to listen, make sure you hop back and check it out!)Today we are looking at where SBO began, working onsite with clients! Joining me in the studio is my friend and colleague, Gail Waterman. This is Gail’s 3rd appearance on TOL (she was on ep 214 talking about money habits along with Rachel Cruze, and ep 165 Preparing for Aging Parents).In this episode, we share with you the work that we do for & with our clients.During our conversation we talk about:The work we do off-site during a projectThe importance of research and sourcing the best options for our clientsWhat makes our job more than labeling binsIf you are passionate about organizing and thinking about being a Professional Organizer we’d love to help you get started!Click HERE to fill out a bri

Hi friends! We are kicking off a new series this month called “Behind the Scenes” where each week we are going to peel back the curtain and talk about what goes into the different aspects of Simply B Organized.Today I am joined by one of my longtime friends and SBO team members Courtney Greisman. Courtney joined the SBO team back in 2013 and has held the title of social media manager to partner promoter (my personal favorite!)She helps me run our SBO community -which is our network of Professional Organizers from different cities around the world. Our partner program has 2 distinct purposes:It allows me to offer trusted, SBO endorsed referrals to you or your loved ones-regardless of where you live.It gives me the opportunity to support other professional organizers grow their businesses. From group and individual mentorship, to brand exposure, and a complete resource library dedicated to helping remove the guesswork on running a business.  Since its inception in 2017, the SBO Partner Program has taken a prima

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