The Simplified Podcast with Emily Ley

Happy (almost) New Year! Who doesn't love a fresh start? We sure do, and this week, Emily's here every single day until the New Year to give you all the tools and tricks to help you plan your best year yet. Here's the thing: we know you're coming to this episode today from all kinds of different places. You might be ready to take the new year by storm. If that's you, then rock on, sister! But if you're struggling with something—or many somethings—we get it. It can feel hard to feel like a fresh start is within your grasp. Wherever you are on your journey, Emily's here to help you to think about how to set the direction for your brand-new year. Because no matter where you're starting from, taking steps to think about where you are and where you want to be, whether big or small, sets an intention in your heart. And intention is direction. It's a great place to start moving mountains.

SALE! To help you launch your fresh start, you can use code NEWYEAR to save 20% off our Signature 2022 Daily or Weekly Simplified Planners. Head over to emilyley.com to get yours!

Thank you to our episode sponsor!

ARRAE | Go to arrae.com and use code SIMPLIFIED at checkout for 10% off your one-time purchase or 25% off your first month's subscription!

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GET EMILY'S LATEST BOOK!

Growing Boldly: Dare to Build a Life You Love is available now!

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Some of the sweetest holiday memories can be made over a friendly gingerbread house decorating competition, or watching A Charlie Brown Christmas together every year. But after you've gotten in your favorite traditions, how do you keep the fun going? How do you find things to watch and play that everyone can enjoy without scrolling, scrolling, scrolling on your streaming app, or opening up search tab after search tab, trying to find games to play? Don't worry—Emily's got you covered! Emily's sharing her favorite movies, TV shows, and games for people with all kinds of interests and ages to enjoy during the holiday season—and even perennial favorites that are perfect for any time of year! From watching a "Sherlock" marathon to playing Christmas Pictionary, your people have plenty of fun ahead of them this holiday season.

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GET EMILY'S LATEST BOOK!

Growing Boldly: Dare to Build a Life You Love is available now!

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LET'S BE FRIENDS!

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Emily Ley: Instagram | Facebook

We often think of the holiday season as the brightest time of year, filled with love and warmth. And for many, that's true. But real life doesn't press pause at the holidays. So many of us are wading through hard things: a relationship on its last legs, a bank account stretched too thin, a problem we a child we don't know how to solve, an empty chair at the holiday table. This season, many of us find that we're holding grief and joy in both hands. It can feel like a hard and confusing burden to figure out how to carry any time of year, but especially this one, when we're handed a script on how we're supposed to perform the holidays. But today, Emily's here to talk you through how to gently lay down that script and acknowledge what you're going through. She'll walk you through a few different ways you can tenderly care for yourself and honor the season you're in right now. We wish this episode was completely irrelevant and that you had no use for it. But here at the Simplified Sisterhood, we want you to know that we're here to help carry you through this season, however long it may be. Because in the midst of the hard days, one thing remains: the love that comes from community.

* * *

GET EMILY'S LATEST BOOK!

Growing Boldly: Dare to Build a Life You Love is available now!

* * *

SUBSCRIBE

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeartRadio | YouTube

* * *

LET'S BE FRIENDS!

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Emily Ley: Instagram | Facebook

Books are a gift that go way beyond getting a good story in the moment. They show us worlds beyond our own, that love and joy and hope exist in the most unlikely places, that people who are different from us are kind and good and experience the same feelings we all do. These are fantastic lessons to learn at any age, but especially for kids. Emily's sharing her favorite books for kids, from tales she enjoyed on her own to ones that she's sharing with her children now. From picture books to Harry Potter to the Jesus Storybook Bible, these books will help you little ones find joy on the page and off.

Thank you to our sponsors!

GREEN CHEF | Go to greenchef.com/simplified10 and use code SIMPLIFIED10 to get 10 Free Meals—including free shipping!

ELFSTER | Go to elfster.com or download the Elfster app to start organizing your FREE gift exchange today!

ARRAE | Go to arrae.com and use code SIMPLIFIED at checkout for 10% off your one-time purchase or 25% off your first month's subscription!

* * *

GET EMILY'S LATEST BOOK!

Growing Boldly: Dare to Build a Life You Love is available now!

* * *

SUBSCRIBE

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeartRadio | YouTube

* * *

LET'S BE FRIENDS!

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Emily Ley: Instagram | Facebook

One of the most heart-warming parts of the holidays is watching all the ways people bring magic to others, and how different families celebrate the season. Emily and her BFF Kristin share where they're finding holiday magic this year: everything from leaving treats for delivery drivers, watching littles revel in magical moments big and small, giving experiences instead of more stuff, and the traditions that bring us closer to loved ones (even when they go hilariously awry!). So grab yourself a peppermint hot chocolate and a Christmas cookie, and get ready to rediscover the wonder of the season.

Thanks to our episode sponsors!

FRAMEBRIDGE | Go to framebridge.com and use promo code SIMPLIFIED to save an additional 15% off your first order.

ROTHY'S | Get $20 off your first purchase at rothys.com/simplified!

ARRAE | Go to arrae.com and use code SIMPLIFIED at checkout for 10% off your one-time purchase or 25% off your first month's subscription!

ELFSTER | Go to elfster.com or download the Elfster app to start organizing your FREE gift exchange today!

* * *

GET EMILY'S LATEST BOOK!

Growing Boldly: Dare to Build a Life You Love is available now!

* * *

SUBSCRIBE

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeartRadio | YouTube

* * *

LET'S BE FRIENDS!

Simplified: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Emily Ley: Instagram | Facebook

The holiday season is here, friends! It's a season of joy and celebration—and also a schedule that's a bit more full than usual. The end of the year is always a busy time, and it can be hard to carve a break in the middle of it all. To help you avoid burnout and truly enjoy what the season has to offer, Emily's got four ideas to help you feel like rest is within your grasp. As she says, "I know it can feel impossible to care for yourself in the middle of a busy season. But just remember: you weren't made to be in a season of doing and striving and trying forever. That's why the world is divided into four seasons, including winter, when the earth rests until it's ready to bloom next spring."

Thanks to our episode sponsors!

TRUEBILL | Don't pay for what you don't need. Start cancelling subscriptions now at truebill.com/simplified

ELFSTER | Go to elfster.com or download the Elfster app to start organizing your FREE gift exchange today!

* * *

GET EMILY'S LATEST BOOK!

Growing Boldly: Dare to Build a Life You Love is available now!

* * *

SUBSCRIBE

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeartRadio | YouTube

* * *

LET'S BE FRIENDS!

Simplified: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Emily Ley: Instagram | Facebook

Even at the holidays, life doesn't stop. Amid the joy and celebration and light, we can still feel the weight of a broken relationship, a financial hardship, a diagnosis you'd give anything to take on yourself instead. It's terribly hard to watch a friend or loved one struggle with a painful experience, but even harder sometimes to know how to give the support they need. This week, Emily's friend Dean Crowe shares how to hold space for someone who's hurting. A few years ago, Dean's friends lost their son William after her battled cancer for several years. When Dean asked what she could do—beyond prayers, beyond bringing food, though those are important too—William's parents asked Dean to find a way to fun childhood cancer research. And that's exactly what she did, with her organization Rally Foundation. Dean and Emily talk about ways to support friends in big ways, but especially in the small ones, like showing up to clean or watching kids without being asked, even just being a sound board. Most of all, Dean reminds us to go beyond being grateful for the people in our lives. We can say we love them with our words, but even more with our actions.

Thanks to our episode sponsors!

ARRAE | Go to arrae.com and use code SIMPLIFIED at checkout for 10% off your one-time purchase or 25% off your first month's subscription!

ELFSTER | Go to elfster.com or download the Elfster app to start organizing your FREE gift exchange today!

* * *

GET EMILY'S LATEST BOOK!

Growing Boldly: Dare to Build a Life You Love is available now!

* * *

SUBSCRIBE

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeartRadio | YouTube

* * *

LET'S BE FRIENDS!

Simplified: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Emily Ley: Instagram | Facebook

You've made your gift lists and checked them twice—but do you need more ideas for the people in your life? Emily's here to help! She's sharing gifts to give to people who span across all kinds of ages and relationships: your significant other, your kids (or nieces and nephews!), your parents, your friends and coworkers. You'll learn how to pair a few Simplified items to make an impactful gift, discover cool locally-made gifts from small makers around the county, and even favorite gift finds from companies doing good in the world. It's hard not to get caught up in the glitz and bows and wrapping paper, but don't forget: the holidays aren't about gifts. They're about spending time with the people you love, and showing them in many ways, "I see you, and I care."

Thank you to our episode sponsors!

ROTHY'S | Get $20 off your first purchase at rothys.com/simplified!

GREEN CHEF | Go to greenchef.com/simplified125 and use code simplified125 to get $125 off—including free shipping!

**Get links for each gift on the Episode 39 show notes at emilyley.com/podcast**

* * *

GET EMILY'S LATEST BOOK!

Growing Boldly: Dare to Build a Life You Love is available now!

* * *

SUBSCRIBE

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeartRadio | YouTube

* * *

LET'S BE FRIENDS!

Simplified: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Emily Ley: Instagram | Facebook

Happy Holidays, you guys! After months of waiting, the most festive (and busy) time of year is here again. As you ramp up all the fun stuff—the lights, the music, the decorations, the menu and party planning and gift wrapping galore—don't forget: it's not your job to do what you think you're supposed to do to make the holidays merry for everyone. Just do what matters to you and your people, and forget the rest. That's something Emily learned from her mom, Stephanie, who's affectionately known as Nana! Nana stopped by the podcast to share some of her best tips for keeping your special days simple but meaningful: you don't have to deck all the halls; gifts that give experiences can be more fun than toys; and kids will love slathering store-bought frosting on store-bought cookies as much as they will homemade ones. No matter how you choose to celebrate, Nana reminds us that the holidays are special not because of what you do, but who you share them with.

Thank you to our episode sponsors!

FRAMEBRIDGE | Go to framebridge.com and use promo code SIMPLIFIED to save an additional 15% off your first order.

GEMMIST | Visit gemmist.com and enter code SIMPLIFIED at checkout for 20% off your personalized hair care subscription and free 2-day shipping.

* * *

GET EMILY'S LATEST BOOK!

Growing Boldly: Dare to Build a Life You Love is available now!

* * *

SUBSCRIBE

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeartRadio | YouTube

* * *

LET'S BE FRIENDS!

Simplified: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Emily Ley: Instagram | Facebook

It's the most wonderful time of the year—for *clothes.* The knits. The chunky scarves. The adorable boots. When the weather turns cool, it's so fun to get cozy with your wardrobe. But how many times a week do you peek in your closet and think "I have literally nothing to wear"? Actually, you do—you just have too many choices. So let Emily help! This week, Emily's taking a Simplified approach to your cold-weather closet and giving it a capsule wardrobe makeover, sharing what kinds of pieces to keep on hand and how man you need of each. Paring down your choices to your absolute favorites will make choosing outfits a breeze, and get you off to your day of apple picking and football watching (or online shopping while football watching) a little more quickly.

Thanks to our episode sponsors!

"JESUS LISTENS" BY SARAH YOUNG | Get your copy at Barnes & Noble (https://bit.ly/3CbdRd8) or at your favorite book retailer today!

GEMMIST | Visit gemmist.com and enter code SIMPLIFIED at checkout for 20% off your personalized hair care subscription and free 2-day shipping.

* * *

GET EMILY'S LATEST BOOK!

Growing Boldly: Dare to Build a Life You Love is available now!

* * *

SUBSCRIBE

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeartRadio | YouTube

* * *

LET'S BE FRIENDS!

Simplified: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Emily Ley: Instagram | Facebook