Clutter Free Academy

Hey there, friend! Are you tired of feeling like a short-order cook seven days a week?

In this episode of Clutterfree Academy, host Kathi Lipp and co-host Tonya Kubo dive into the revolutionary concept of "Sabbath Soup," as featured in Kathi's upcoming book. Kathi emphasizes starting small, such as preparing one soup for Sunday, and gradually building up to a full week of planned meals. She also addresses common challenges like limited kitchen space and adapting the system for different family sizes and dietary needs.

Listeners will discover:

• The importance of planning and protecting Sabbath rest
• Tips for organizing the kitchen for efficient meal prep
• Strategies for reducing cooking time and streamlining the "big cook day"
• How to involve family members in the meal-planning process

Kathi and Tonya discuss the mental and emotional benefits of having a structured meal planning system, including reduced stress, more quality time with family, and true rest on the Sabbath. As mentioned by Kathi in the episode, here's a picture of her clipboard and basket organizational tip for meal prepping.

Links Mentioned:

Kathi's Co-Host: Tonya Kubo

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.

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Listeners will discover:

• How to implement a fair and fun chore wheel system
• The value of allowing teens to develop independence and responsibility
• Navigating the transition when teens leave for college and return home
• How building a strong family community prepares teens for life's challenges

This episode provides listeners with actionable strategies for fostering independence, improving communication, and creating a harmonious household environment.

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Meet our Guest Amy Betters-Midtvedt Links Mentioned:

amybettersmidtvedt.com

Amy Betters-Midtvedt on Facebook

Amy Betters-Midtvedt on Instagram

Order Amy's book You'll Make It (and They Will Too) here

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To share your thoughts:

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Do you ever say you'll start holiday prep early, but then suddenly it's December and you're in a tinsel-covered panic? Well, no more!

In this episode, Kathi and co-host Tonya Kubo dive into part two of their discussion on preparing for the holidays in August. They offer practical advice for early holiday planning. Kathi and Tonya emphasize the importance of considering family needs, budgeting, and self-care in the planning process.

Listeners will discover:

• How to plan for those perfect holiday photos
• How to plan for budget-friendly holiday travel
• How to create a realistic holiday decor plan (even if your husband Roger thinks there's no such thing as too many Christmas lights.)

Throughout the episode, Kathi and Tonya offer relatable anecdotes and practical strategies to help listeners reduce holiday stress by planning ahead.

Kathi shares her love for early holiday meal planning and cookbook perusing in this episode. She mentions one of her favorite recipes called Raclette. Check out Raclette photos in the banner as well as the recipe below!

 Raclette

3 to 7 oz. raclette cheese per person, sliced to fit the small trays under the raclette grill. (We find this at Trader Joe’s and at some of the fancier stores from around November through February, and we’ve even found it on Amazon.)

4 to 6 potatoes new potatoes per person, boiled with the skins on. (You have better things to do with your life than peel tiny potatoes.)

Optional Ingredients: Everything else is what you like or have on hand. That’s the beauty of this meal—you get to make it what you love. Here are some ideas: bacon, beef fillet, thickly sliced, pork sausage, zucchini, thickly sliced, mushrooms, grape tomatoes, white pearl onions, bell peppers, thickly sliced, cornichons or pickled gherkins (traditional dinners call for sweet pickles, but we only use dill), pickled baby corn, asparagus, crusty hearty bread, barbecue sauce or ketchup (I have found this to be a game changer)

Directions

1. Turn the raclette grill on to medium-high heat.

2. If you are using bacon, place the slices on the grill plate and cook to your liking.

3. Use the bacon fat to cook the other ingredients. (If you are not using bacon, simply brush the grill plate with some olive oil.)

4. Place some meat and vegetables on the hot grill plate. (When we have vegetarians or vegans visiting, we use two grills. You could even just use a tabletop skillet for the veggies and the raclette skillet for the cheese and meat.)

5. While the meat and vegetables are cooking on the grill plate, place slices of raclette cheese on the small trays and put them under the heating element.

6. Slice or smash the potatoes on your plate. Scrape the melted raclette cheese out of the tray and serve it over the warm potatoes. It is also common to place the melted cheese over the cooked vegetables. Some people even put slices of potatoes into the handled trays so that the cheese melts directly on top.

About eight people can use one raclette set at a time. This is a warm, hearty dinner that is a universal hit at our house and with our guests.

If you want to keep the whole meal on the tabletop, you can even use it to prepare dessert. Just clean off the grill and roast marshmallows over it to create tabletop s’mores. (Is there a better way to end a meal than with chocolate and marshmallows?)

Did you miss part one of this conversation? Click #630 Plan Now, Relax Later: 5 August Tips for a Peaceful Christmas 

Would you like to receive an early Christmas gift? Join the Clutter Free Facebook Group where they will provide you with a download of all 10 Planning Tips! Remember,. Remember, you can't join the CFA Facebook Group without answering the membership questions. It's how we keep it the kindest corner of the internet.

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Meet our Guest Tonya Kubo Links Mentioned:

www.Tonyakubo.com

Raclette cheese

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Do you feel stressed out during the holidays? Trust us, your future self will thank you for listening to this episode.

In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and co-host Tonya Kubo discuss the importance of making key decisions in August to ensure a less stressful holiday season. Kathi and Tonya emphasize the benefits of early planning, such as reduced stress, better financial management, and more time to enjoy the holiday season. They share personal anecdotes and practical advice, making the episode both relatable and actionable for listeners.

Listeners will discover:

• How to decide on holiday gathering dates, locations, and participants early to avoid last-minute conflicts.
• How to plan gift exchanges, considering family dynamics and financial situations.
• How to set a realistic holiday budget, including categories like gifts, food, and decorations.

So grab a cool drink, find a comfy spot, and listen in on how to get started on making this Christmas your most organized and enjoyable one yet!

Would you like to receive an early Christmas gift? Join the Clutter Free Facebook Group where they will provide you with a download of all 10 Planning Tips! Remember, you can't join the CFA Facebook Group without answering the membership questions. It's how we keep it the kindest corner of the internet.

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www.Tonyakubo.com

Information from the National Recording Preservation Board on Fibber McGee and Molly

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Hey there, friends! Have you ever wondered how to balance your love for vintage items with a desire for a clutter-free home?

In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, host Kathi Lipp welcomes designer Hillary Prall for part 2 of their insightful discussion on balancing vintage design with clutter-free living. Hillary, who is both a vintage enthusiast and the daughter of a hoarder, shares her personal journey of clearing out her mother's estate while maintaining her love for antique and vintage items. The conversation delves into the emotional and practical challenges of dealing with a hoarder's legacy.

Listeners will discover:

• Strategies for incorporating vintage pieces into home design without overwhelming the space
• The importance of documenting family stories and the history behind heirlooms
• The need for setting boundaries, both with possessions and with family members who may struggle with hoarding tendencies

This thought-provoking episode offers a compassionate look at the complexities of dealing with family legacies, hoarding, and pursuing a balanced, beautifully designed home.

Did you miss part 1 of this insightful conversation? Listen to 628 How to Curate Your Life: The Way to Love Things Without Drowning in Them here.

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www.hilaryprall.com

www.hilaryprall.com/blog

www.instagram.com/hilaryprall

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Hey there, friends! Have you ever struggled with finding the balance between loving vintage and clutter?

In this enlightening episode of Clutter Free Academy, host Kathi Lipp welcomes designer and content creator Hilary Prall. Kathi and Hilary explore the challenges of breaking free from generational clutter habits and finding a balance between loving vintage items and maintaining an organized home. As the daughter of a hoarder, Hilary offers valuable insights on curating spaces, letting go of sentimental items, and developing strategies to resist hoarding tendencies.

Listeners will discover:

• How to set clear goals
• How to understand personal limits when it comes to collecting
• The importance of displaying and enjoying items rather than storing them away

This episode offers a unique perspective on the intersection of design, organization, and personal growth, making it a must-listen for anyone struggling with clutter or seeking to create a more intentional living space.

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www.hilaryprall.com

www.hilaryprall.com/blog

www.instagram.com/hilaryprall

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Are you tired of the constant battles over stuff in your home?

Well, buckle up, because in this episode, we're diving deep into the world of decluttering conflicts. In this episode of Clutter-Free Academy, host Kathi Lipp welcomes guest Donna Jones, author of "Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life" and podcast host of "That's Just What I Needed." The discussion centers around the intersection of decluttering and conflict resolution within relationships. You'll be encouraged to approach decluttering conflicts with empathy, clear communication, and a focus on mutual solutions.

Listeners will discover:

• How possessions often become a source of conflict, especially between generations
• How to start difficult conversations about possessions and space in a healthy way
• The importance of finding win-win solutions in conflicts over clutter

Throughout the episode, Kathi and Donna emphasize that while conflict can't be avoided, it can be handled in healthy ways that lead to more peaceful lives and homes.

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Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life by Donna Jones

www.facebook.com/donnajonesspeak

www.instagram.com/donnaajones

Find Donna Jones's "That's Just What I Needed Podcast" on Apple, Spotify, or here.

Clutter Free Resources:

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Have you ever struggled to give things away without feeling guilty, even when the items have only a slight chance of being useful in the future?

That very question came from our Clutter Free Academy listeners. In this CFA Mail Bag episode, Kathi Lipp and co-host Tonya Kubo answer that question and more. They dive deep into the emotional aspects of decluttering, focusing on the guilt that often accompanies getting rid of items. Kathi and Tonya explore the roots of this guilt, discussing how childhood experiences and ingrained perfectionism can contribute to cluttering behaviors in adulthood. They share personal anecdotes and practical strategies for overcoming these emotional barriers to decluttering.

Listeners will discover:

• Why it's important to question why we're not using certain items
• How being intentional about what we bring into our homes is crucial
• When considering environmental impact should happen

Throughout the episode, Kathi and Tonya offer encouragement and practical advice for breaking free from the cycle of clutter and creating a more peaceful, organized living space.

Click here to be notified when the next episode of Clutter Free Academy is released.

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www.Tonyakubo.com

Information from the National Recording Preservation Board on Fibber McGee and Molly

Clutter Free Resources:

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To share your thoughts:

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Have you ever struggled with this age-old question? "What's for dinner?"

In this episode of Clutter-Free Academy, Kathi and Roger Lipp take you on a journey through the incredible world of AI-driven meal planning. Say goodbye to dinner stress and discover how ethical, efficient AI tools can change your kitchen routine for the better. Join Kathi and Roger as they share their experiences with AI, making home management simpler and more effective than ever. with tips and ideas such as:

• How to use AI to generate delicious, healthy, and budget-friendly recipes.
• Tips for making AI your ultimate meal-planning assistant, especially for families with dietary restrictions.
• The game-changing method to create categorized shopping lists through AI

As promised, here are the Meal Planning prompts that Kathi and Roger use to direct AI to plan their meals:

• "Create a 7-day meal plan for a family of four, focusing on balanced nutrition and variety." 

• "Suggest five quick and healthy weeknight dinner recipes using chicken breast." 

• "Plan a vegetarian meal prep for the week, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner options." 

• "Generate a grocery list for a week's worth of Mediterranean-style meals." 

• "Recommend three easy breakfast ideas for someone trying to increase their protein intake." 

• "Design a meal plan for someone with diabetes, emphasizing low glycemic index foods." 

• "Suggest ways to incorporate more leafy greens into my daily meals." 

• "Create a budget-friendly meal plan for a college student, using simple ingredients." 

• "Plan a week of meals that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less that my kids would like." 

• "Suggest creative ways to use leftover chicken, carrots, onions and French bread to reduce food waste in my meal planning." 

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Claude AI

ChatGPT

Dollar Tree Dinner ideas

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Hey there, friend! Do you ever feel like your home has become a storage unit for everyone else's stuff?

In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, hosts Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo address a common struggle for many listeners: what to do when family members, both parents and adult children, want to leave their belongings at your house. They discuss the challenges of being part of the sandwich generation, caught between aging parents trying to pass down heirlooms and adult children who may not have the space or desire for these items. Join Kathi and Tonya as they tackle the tough questions and offer practical advice for decluttering with compassion and clarity.

Listeners will discover:

• The changing attitudes toward possessions among younger generations
• How to navigate the disconnect between parents' expectations and their children's needs.
• The importance of finding solutions that work for everyone

Whether you're a parent looking to pass down treasured items or an adult child grappling with the influx of stuff, you'll come away with a fresh perspective and actionable steps for creating a more peaceful, clutter-free home.

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Meet our Guest Tonya Kubo Clutter Free Resources:

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.

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