Cocktails and Containers

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.

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)

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.