Clutter Free Academy

Hey friends!

You know how we're always looking for ways to make our homes work better for us without breaking the bank?

We have a treat for you!

In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp interviews Lauren, a TikTok sensation known for her creative approaches to saving money on groceries. With a quarter million followers, Lauren shares her journey of feeding a family of seven while maintaining a tight grocery budget, as well as personal stories from her grandmother's Depression-era cooking wisdom. She discusses how she manages to create meals using pantry cleanout items and creative substitutions.

Listeners will discover:

• Lauren's seven strategies for reducing grocery costs
• The truth about expiration dates and food safety
• How to effectively use Buy Nothing groups
• Strategies for stretching ingredients
• How to work around food allergies while staying on budget

Whether you're dealing with a tight budget, wanting to waste less food, or just trying to be a better steward of what God's given us, you're going to love Lauren's practical, down-to-earth approach.

Order your copy of Sabbath Soup here and sign up to receive your free ebook featuring four week’s worth of easy meal plans and delicious recipes.

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Guest: Lauren on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@totesma_gotes

Links Mentioned: 

USDA website Shelf Stable Food information

Ready for Anything by Kathi Lipp

Ibotta

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Order Sabbath Soup here and sign up to receive your free ebook featuring four weeks’ worth of easy meal plans and delicious recipes.

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• Leave a note in the comment section below.
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Have you ever looked around your home and felt that knot in your stomach, thinking, "I don't want to leave this mess for my kids."

In this poignant episode, Kathi Lipp welcomes literary agent and editor Kathleen Kerr to share her experience cleaning out her great aunt's home. After her great aunt's passing, Kathleen and her family faced the overwhelming task of sorting through decades of accumulated items in a historic Maine farmhouse where nothing had left since the 1930s. Kathleen discusses how her family approached this daunting project, working in teams to tackle different rooms while processing their grief and complex emotions.

Listeners will discover:

• How to navigate family dynamics when dealing with heirlooms
• The importance of asking for help before situations become unmanageable
• How this experience has changed Kathleen's own approach to keeping family mementos.

The episode offers practical advice for listeners who might face similar situations, while also providing a compassionate look at how hoarding affects both the individual and their loved ones.

Order your copy of Sabbath Soup here and sign up to receive your free ebook featuring four week’s worth of easy meal plans and delicious recipes.

Click here to be notified when the next podcast episode is released!

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Guests: Kathleen Kerr

Links Mentioned:

https://member.organize365.com/shop

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Join our members-only Clutter Free for Life Facebook Group

Order Sabbath Soup here and sign up to receive your free ebook featuring four weeks’ worth of easy meal plans and delicious recipes.

Let's stay connected

To share your thoughts:

• Leave a note in the comment section below.
• Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.

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Hey there, friend! 

In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, we sit down with Lisa Woodruff, founder of Organize 365 and creator of the PaperSolution Financial Binder. Join us as discuss the importance of organizing financial documents and how it can simplify estate planning and reduce stress for families. 

Listen along to learn: 

• Why everyone needs a financial binder, regardless of wealth
• The difference between a binder and digital solutions 
• What to include in your financial binder 
• Real-life stories of how organization saved families time and money
• Tips for getting started with financial organization

Lisa shares practical advice on how to begin organizing financial documents, including setting up a designated container for collecting important papers. She emphasizes the peace of mind that comes from having all crucial information in one place, especially during unexpected events like natural disasters or family emergencies. 

You'll also will learn how to create a financial binder and keep things such as financial information easily accessible. Don't miss this invaluable conversation that will empower you to take control of your financial organization and protect your family's future. 

Organize Binder Purchase Link

Join the Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group to receive your 30-Day 1K Calendar to help track your progress. Remember to answer all three questions to join the group! It's how we keep it the nicest corner of the internet.

Order your copy of Sabbath Soup here and sign up to receive your free ebook featuring four week’s worth of easy meal plans and delicious recipes.

Click here to be notified when the next podcast episode is released!

Also, stay up to date and sign up here to receive our newsletter.

Guests: Lisa Woodruff

Links Mentioned:

https://member.organize365.com/shop

Join our Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group

Join our members-only Clutter Free for Life Facebook Group

Order Sabbath Soup here and sign up to receive your free ebook featuring four weeks’ worth of easy meal plans and delicious recipes.

Let's stay connected

To share your thoughts:

• Leave a note in the comment section below.
• Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.

Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now.

Hey there, friend!

In today's episode, we're diving deep into the power of the words we use when it comes to our clutter - not just the things we say out loud, but those whispers in our hearts that can either paralyze us or propel us forward.

In this eye-opening episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp sits down with authors Angie Hyche and Liana George to discuss the powerful impact of language on our decluttering journey. The trio explores the common phrases - or "dirty words" - that keep people stuck in cycles of clutter and shame.

Listeners will discover:

• Why no one is "born organized" and how organization is a learned skill
• The real meaning behind "just in case" thinking and how it relates to fear
• The importance of starting small and celebrating progress
• Why cleaning and organizing are "morally neutral" activities

If you've ever felt overwhelmed, ashamed, or just plain stuck when it comes to decluttering, this episode is for you.

Join the Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group to receive your 30-Day 1K Calendar to help track your progress. Remember to answer all three questions to join the group! It's how we keep it the nicest corner of the internet.

Order your copy of Sabbath Soup here and sign up to receive your free ebook featuring four week’s worth of easy meal plans and delicious recipes.

Click here to be notified when the next podcast episode is released!

Also, stay up to date and sign up here to receive our newsletter.

Guests: Angie Hyche and Liana George: https://uncluttered.faith/

Links Mentioned:

Unholy Mess: What the Bible Says About Clutter by Angie Hyche

Uncluttered: Shaping Your Heart & Home for What Matters Most by Liana George & Angie Hyche

Uncluttered Podcast 

Overwhelmed: How to Quiet the Chaos and Restore Your Sanity by Kathi Lipp

KC Davis: Struggle Care

Join our Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group

Join our members-only Clutter Free for Life Facebook Group

Order Sabbath Soup here and sign up to receive your free ebook featuring four weeks’ worth of easy meal plans and delicious recipes.

Let's stay connected

To share your thoughts:

• Leave a note in the comment section below.
• Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.

Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now.

Are you ready to create some breathing room before the holiday chaos begins?

In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, hosts Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo discuss their annual 30-Day 1K Challenge, where participants declutter 1,000 items during November. They explain why this challenge is perfectly timed before the holiday season and how it's achievable for everyone, regardless of their current clutter situation. Kathi and Tonya emphasize that perfect systems aren't necessary for progress, encouraging listeners to take "imperfect action" rather than waiting for the perfect plan.

Listeners will discover:

• Why starting small is crucial for success
• How to gamify decluttering to get the whole family involved
• Tips for handling sentimental items and adult children's belongings
• The importance of community support during decluttering

Whether you're a busy mom trying to reclaim your kitchen table, an empty-nester ready to part with decades of "someday" items, or just someone tired of feeling overwhelmed by stuff, this challenge is for you.

Join the Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group to receive your 30-Day 1K Calendar to help track your progress. Remember to answer all three questions to join the group! It's how we keep it the nicest corner of the internet.

In this episode, Tonya mentioned the time she rented a dumpster. Listen to the original Episode 434: Do I Need a Dumpster?

Order your copy of Sabbath Soup here and sign up to receive your free ebook featuring four week’s worth of easy meal plans and delicious recipes.

Click here to be notified when the next podcast episode is released!

Also, stay up to date and sign up here to receive our newsletter.

Links Mentioned:

Order Sabbath Soup here  and sign up to receive your free ebook featuring four week’s worth of easy meal plans and delicious recipes.

Kalorik Air Fryer

Ninja Air Fryer

Rubbermaid Food Storage

Hoka Shoes

Target Baskets for Meal Prep

Join our Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group

Join our members only Clutter Free for Life Facebook Group

Let's stay connected

To share your thoughts:

• Leave a note in the comment section below.
• Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.

Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now.

Hey there, friend! Have you ever felt like cooking dinner is just one more overwhelming task on your never-ending to-do list? Trust us, We've been there. But what if we told you that just five minutes of prep could transform your entire cooking experience?

In this episode of Clutter-Free Academy, host Kathi Lipp shares her top five pre-cooking habits that can transform any kitchen experience. Joined by Tonya Kubo, Kathi reveals simple yet effective strategies to make cooking less stressful and more enjoyable. Kathi and Tonya provide practical advice for listeners looking to implement these habits in their own kitchens, regardless of size or layout.

Listeners will discover:

• The benefits of gathering all ingredients before starting to cook
• Why printing recipes or using a tablet stand can make following instructions easier
• The value of laying out all necessary tools before beginning to cook

Listeners will come away with actionable steps to create a more organized, efficient, and enjoyable cooking experience, ultimately leading to less stress and more time to enjoy meals with family.

As promised in this episode, here's the link to Kathi's cookbook stand: 

https://www.dayspring.com/mary-martha-psalm-90-17-cookbook-stand

And here's her Poppy Seed Chicken recipe!

Poppy Seed Chicken 

Ingredients:

• 4 Chicken breasts, cooked and cubed 
• 1 can Cream of chicken soup 
• 4 oz Sour cream 
• 2 tsp Poppy seeds, divided 
• 1/4 c. Melted margarine 
• 1/2 sleeve Ritz crackers 

Directions:

1. Combine soup, sour cream and 1 tsp of the poppy seeds in a bowl. Crush crackers and combine with melted margarine and remaining poppy seeds. Layer chicken and soup in casserole dish, then top with cracker mixture. Cover and freeze.
2. Defrost overnight.
3. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes.

Order your copy of Sabbath Soup here and sign up to receive your free ebook featuring four week’s worth of easy meal plans and delicious recipes.

Click here to be notified when the next podcast episode is released!

Also, stay up to date and sign up here to receive our newsletter.

Links Mentioned:

Order Sabbath Soup here  and sign up to receive your free ebook featuring four week’s worth of easy meal plans and delicious recipes.

Kalorik Air Fryer

Ninja Air Fryer

Rubbermaid Food Storage

Hoka Shoes

Target Baskets for Meal Prep

Join our Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group

Join our members only Clutter Free for Life Facebook Group

Let's stay connected

To share your thoughts:

• Leave a note in the comment section below.
• Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.

Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now.

Do you know how sometimes cooking can feel like a chore?

Well, imagine turning it into a party where everyone brings a dish, shares their cooking adventures, and leaves with new recipes and closer friendships.

In this episode of Clutter-Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo dive into the delightful world of cookbook clubs. Kathi introduces the concept, explaining how these gatherings can transform cooking from a solitary chore into a social, enriching experience.

Listeners will discover:

• What is a cookbook club and how to start one
• How to choose and assign recipes from a selected cookbook
• Tips for hosting, including using paper plates for easy clean-up
• How to incorporate discussion questions to enhance the social aspect

Kathi and Tonya also touch on the importance of making cooking enjoyable and how cookbook clubs can reignite passion for home-cooked meals.

Want to start your own cookbook club? Our kit makes it easy. Get yours here. 

And as promised, here is Kathi's favorite scheduling app! http://www.signupgenius.com/

Preorder Sabbath Soup here and receive your free download bonus Sabbath Soup Shortcuts PLUS a personal shout-out on a future CFA episode. Email Tonya Kubo at [email protected] to register for your shout-out. The preorder bonus ends October 8, 2024.

Click here to be notified when the next podcast episode is released!

Also, stay up to date and sign up here to receive our newsletter.

Links Mentioned:

Kathi's favorite scheduling app - http://www.signupgenius.com/

Other cookbooks Mentioned:

Against All Grain Cookbook

Modern Asian Baking Cookbook

Betty Crocker Cookbook, 13th Edition

America's Test Kitchen Cookbook

More With Less Cookbook

Preorder Sabbath Soup here and receive your bonus down Sabbath Soup Shortcuts. Preorder bonus ends October 8, 2024

After you preorder Sabbath Soup, email Tonya Kubo at [email protected] to register for your Shout-Out on a future CFA episode!

Join our Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group

Tonya's newest podcast:

The Business You Really Want on Apple Podcasts

The Business You Really Want on Spotify

Let's stay connected

To share your thoughts:

• Leave a note in the comment section below.
• Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.

Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now.

Hey there, friend! Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of cooking dinner tonight?

We've been there.

In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, we're diving into the world of easy, delicious meals that won't drain your energy or your wallet. In this second installment of their two-part series, Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo continue their discussion about Kathi's new book, Sabbath Soup, offering practical tips and strategies for stress-free meal planning and cooking. They discuss the importance of valuing both time and energy when it comes to meal preparation, and offer encouragement to listeners who may feel overwhelmed by the daily task of feeding their families.

Listeners will discover:

• The importance of cooking ahead and freezing leftovers for low-energy days
• Strategies for involving family members in meal planning and preparation
• The value of establishing clear expectations and dividing kitchen responsibilities
• Insights into the recipes featured in Sabbath Soup and their ease of use for both novice and experienced cooks

Listeners will leave this episode with practical strategies for making meal planning and preparation less stressful and enjoyable, even during busy or low-energy periods.

And as promised:

Kathi's Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

1. Hint: This dough can be frozen as pre-scooped balls or ready-to-slice logs. Prep Time: 20 Minutes Bake Time: 10 minutes Yield: 112 cookies (recipe may be halved)

   Ingredients: 5 cups oatmeal 2 cups butter, room temperature 2 cups granulated sugar 2 cups brown sugar 4 eggs 2 tsp. vanilla 4 cups flour 2 tsp. baking soda 2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 24 oz. chocolate chips 1 8 oz. Hershey bar, grated 3 cups chopped nuts (your choice)

   Directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. 2. Measure the oatmeal and place it in a blender to blend into a fine powder. 3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and both sugars. Add the eggs and vanilla and stir to combine with the butter mixture, then stir in the flour, blended oatmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the chocolate and nuts. 4. Scoop the dough into balls and place about 12 to a cookie sheet, evenly spaced, baking in batches. Bake for 10 minutes. 5. To freeze for later baking: Flash freeze scooped dough balls on a cookie sheet. Individually frozen dough balls are easier to handle and will keep their shape better when transferred to a freezer bag for longer-term storage. Alternately, form the dough into a log about 2 inches around and wrap in plastic wrap. Put the dough in the bag and write baking directions on the bag. I like to experiment with the cookies and find out what the baking time and temp is for frozen dough as well as thawed dough. Bake for 10 minutes, and then keep checking every 2 minutes to get them just perfect.

Did you miss Part 1 of this conversation? Listen to 636 Batch Cooking Basics: Reclaim Your Time and Energy in the Kitchen here.

Preorder Sabbath Soup here and receive your free download bonus Sabbath Soup Shortcuts PLUS a personal shout-out on a future CFA episode. Email Tonya Kubo at [email protected] to register for your shout-out. The preorder bonus ends October 8, 2024.

Click here to be notified when part two in this series is released!

Also, stay up to date and sign up here to receive our newsletter.

Links Mentioned:

Preorder Sabbath Soup here and receive your bonus down Sabbath Soup Shortcuts. Preorder bonus ends October 8, 2024

After you preorder Sabbath Soup, email Tonya Kubo at [email protected] to register for your Shout-Out on a future CFA episode!

Sam’s Club Smoked Shredded Chicken

Join our Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group

Tonya's newest podcast:

The Business You Really Want on Apple Podcasts

The Business You Really Want on Spotify

Let's stay connected

To share your thoughts:

• Leave a note in the comment section below.
• Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.

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Ever feel like you're running on empty, but your family still expects dinner on the table?

This episode of Clutter Free Academy is for you!

In part one of a two-part series, Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo tackle the common challenge of meal planning and preparation when energy levels are low. Drawing from her personal experiences and upcoming book "Sabbath Soup," Kathi shares valuable strategies for creating nutritious meals without exhausting oneself.

Listeners will discover:

• The importance of pre-planning meals to avoid unhealthy quick fixes
• Strategies for breaking down meal prep tasks throughout the week
• Utilizing technology and services for efficient grocery shopping
• Energy-saving techniques for food preparation

Kathi and Tonya's relatable anecdotes and practical tips make this episode a must-listen for anyone struggling to balance healthy eating with limited energy.

Preorder Sabbath Soup here and receive your free download bonus Sabbath Soup Shortcuts. The preorder bonus ends October 8, 2024.

Click here to be notified when part two in this series is released!

Also, stay up to date and sign up here to receive our newsletter.

Links Mentioned:

Kathi's Co-Host: Tonya Kubo

Preorder Sabbath Soup here and receive your bonus down Sabbath Soup Shortcuts. Preorder bonus ends October 8, 2024

Join our Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group

Tonya's newest podcast:

The Business You Really Want on Apple Podcasts

The Business You Really Want on Spotify

Let's stay connected

To share your thoughts:

• Leave a note in the comment section below.
• Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.

Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now.

Have you ever had those moments where you're staring into the fridge at 5 PM, wondering what on earth you're going to feed your family?

Well, friend, We've got some good news for you!

In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo discuss the concept of Sabbath cooking and how it can save both time and money. They explain the benefits of meal planning and batch cooking, emphasizing how these techniques can reduce food waste and lower grocery bills. Kathi also discusses her upcoming book, "Sabbath Soup," which provides a comprehensive guide to this cooking method.

Listeners will discover:

• How to use ingredients you already have on hand
• Batch cooking techniques for soups, salads, and casseroles
• Tips for proper food storage and freezing
• The financial benefits of cooking ahead and reducing food waste

Kathi shares personal anecdotes about her experiences with budget-friendly cooking and offers practical advice for listeners looking to implement Sabbath cooking in their own homes. Plus, here's the Zucchini Boat recipe Kathi raved about in this episode!

Stuffed Italian Zucchini Boats with Italian Sausage

Preparation Time: 20 minutes  Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchini
• 1 lb. Italian sausage
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking sheet or dish.
2. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise and use a spoon or melon baller to hollow out the centers, leaving about a 1/4 inch thick zucchini "boat". Place the zucchini on the baking sheet.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well and cook for a few more minutes.
6. Add back the sausage and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined.
7. Spoon the sausage mixture into each zucchini boat, pressing it down and filling to the top.
8. Top each zucchini boat with a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the zucchini is tender.
10. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Did you miss #634 Time Saving Strategies For Busy Cooks: Sabbath Soup Secrets? Listen in now.

Preorder Sabbath Soup here and receive your free download bonus Sabbath Soup Shortcuts. The preorder bonus ends October 8, 2024.

Click here to be notified when the next episode is released.

Also, stay up to date and sign up here to receive our newsletter.

Links Mentioned:

Kathi's Co-Host: Tonya Kubo

Snapware Pyrex 18-piece Glass Food Storage Set

Souper Cubes

Tonya's newest podcast:

The Business You Really Want on Apple Podcasts

The Business You Really Want on Spotify

Preorder Sabbath Soup here and receive your bonus down Sabbath Soup Shortcuts. Preorder bonus ends October 8, 2024.

Learn more about Clutter Free for Life

Join our Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group

Let's stay connected

To share your thoughts:

• Leave a note in the comment section below.
• Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.

Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now.