A Pleasant Solution: Embracing an Organized Life

Latest Episodes:

30 | The Four Rules of Fair Play Aug 23, 2023

Show notes

Today’s episode is the second of two introductory episodes about The Fair Play Method. The Fair Play Method is a trading card game designed to rebalance the chore load within the home so that everyone saves time and mental energy. First, I will give an outline of the basics of the game. Then, I share my take on Eve Rodsky’s four rules of Fair Play: All Time is Created Equal, Start Where You are Now, Establish Your Values and Standards, and Reclaim Your Right to be Interesting.
Getting curious about each of these rules will help you understand your inner obstacles, and it will move you one step closer towards more efficient household management and connection with your partner.
The Fair Play Method has proven successful and adaptable to various household structures. Beginning the conversation will help you learn so much about yourself, your partner, and your collective vision for your home life. I’ve been on the Fair Play journey for the last few years and highly recommend it.
MENTIONED:
The Fair Play Website
Episode 29: An Introduction to The Fair Play Method
RESOURCE:
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Download your Fair Play Cards + Activity Guide + join my email community.
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29 | An Introduction to The Fair Play Method Aug 16, 2023

Show notes

I’m genuinely excited to bring you today’s topic, an introduction to The Fair Play Method. Eve Rodsky developed this unique time and anxiety-saving systematic approach to the labor we all perform within our homes. The Fair Play Method is a card trading game that forms the basis for discussing who does what within the domestic sphere.
So on today’s episode, I’ll outline a few of the key concepts of Fair Play, including why it’s important for one person to fully own a task, what changes when you value the invisible work within your home, and how communication and accountability come into play when sharing the chore load within the household.
Tune in to to learn about how to lighten your mental load and a few key concepts behind The Fair Play Method. I’ll also share ways I have shifted the division of labor in my household and its positive effects on my relationship.
Are you excited to learn more about the Fair Play Method? Tune into next week’s episode to learn more about the rules of the game and how it’s played.
MENTIONED:
The Fair Play Website
RESOURCE:
Ready to lighten your mental + emotional load?
Download your Fair Play Cards + Activity Guide + join my email community.
FEATURED ON THE SHOW:
Come say hello on Instagram
Follow me on Facebook
See what I’m up to on LinkedIn
Join my community at https://www.apleasantsolution.com/
LIKE THIS EPISODE?
I invite you to share, rate, review and follow my show. Also, join the conversation by connecting with me on Instagram @apleasantsolution.

28 | The Process of Letting Go Aug 09, 2023

Show notes

Today’s episode is about the process of letting go and how to clear space, literally and figuratively, for what you actively need.
I am proud to be a certified Deep Dive coach. The Deep Dive philosophy centers on embodiment and the belief that emotions, bodily experience, and intuition are key sources of wisdom for our life choices. So there isn’t just one way to let go. Embracing an organized life is deeply knowing why you are keeping certain people or things in your life, and those stories are unique to your experience, emotions, and stories.
Use this episode as a guide to reflect on what is working or not working within your decluttering journey. I share a few reasons why letting go isn’t as straightforward for some as it is for others. I also walk you through my process for letting go of items, thoughts, relationships, and anything that isn’t earning its keep in your life anymore. Remember, you are capable of changing your relationship to clutter because you are more organized than you think.
RESOURCE:
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FEATURED ON THE SHOW:
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LIKE THIS EPISODE?
I invite you to share, rate, review and follow my show. Also, join the conversation by connecting with me on Instagram @apleasantsolution.

27 | Why Morning and Evening Routines are Essential Aug 02, 2023

Show notes

Whether you're well into the journey of embracing an organized life or at the very beginning of it, revisiting your morning and evening routines is always a great and impactful practice. We measure the passing of time in days. Therefore, having a conscious simple start and end to your day creates space to reflect upon this larger journey of life that we're all on together.
Creating a structure that works for you has several practical reasons and benefits—defining what simplicity looks like for you helps reduce mental, physical, and emotional clutter preventing you from living an organized life.
I will also share key choices I have made for my days that regulate my morning and evening routines despite distractions from family, obligations, and the constant stimuli that take up space in our brains. Finally, I will help you examine what you're currently doing each day and suggest a few adjustments to consider.
RESOURCE:
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FEATURED ON THE SHOW:
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Join my community at https://www.apleasantsolution.com/
LIKE THIS EPISODE?
I invite you to share, rate, review and follow my show. Also, join the conversation by connecting with me on Instagram @apleasantsolution.

26 | Digital Estate Organizing with Kate Hufnagel Jul 26, 2023

Show notes

Today’s episode is about digital estate organizing. I welcome Kate Hufnagel, also known as the “Digital Wrangler,” to discuss how to make it fun and hip to talk about getting your affairs in order. Kate specializes in educating individuals and families on modern-day estate planning, and how technology can make it a more complex process.
Tune in as Kate shares her high-tech know-how and passion for financial literacy. You will hear valuable tips to help you and your loved ones navigate the difficult conversation of planning for the unthinkable.
Key points Kate and I address in this episode include:

Kate’s experience and education in financial literacy & estate planning
Why Kate is passionate about helping people navigate legacy planning
How online accounts & technology make things more difficult
Small actions to take to ensure life goes smoothly for your family
The importance of creating legacy contacts online
Transparent budgeting and bill paying
How to approach a digital hygiene conversation with family
Leading by example - creating your plan

I know this is a difficult topic and one most people would prefer to avoid. However, planning for the future is essential to living an organized life. Not only will Kate’s tips make your life easier, but they will also take an immense burden off your family during a challenging time.

GUEST INFO:

Kate Hufnagel, Digital Estate Organizer

Website - Kate Hufnagel | The Digital Wrangler

Facebook: The Digital Wrangler

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-hufnagel/

YouTube: The Digital Wrangler

Instagram: @thedigitalwrangler

MENTIONED:

Episode 21: Start Talking With Your Aging Parents Now

RESOURCE:

Becoming a Caregiver or Thinking Ahead?
Download my Open Ended Questions for Loved Ones and Care Communities + join my email community.

FEATURED ON THE SHOW:

Come say hello on Instagram

Follow me on Facebook

See what I’m up to on LinkedIn

Join my community at https://www.apleasantsolution.com/

LIKE THIS EPISODE?

I invite you to share, rate, review and follow my show. Also, join the conversation by connecting with me on Instagram @apleasantsolution.

25 | Guiding Little Humans and Their Parents with Leith Speer Barton Jul 19, 2023

Show notes

Today’s special guest is Leith Speer Barton. Leith is a fellow Fair Play Facilitator and she works both in-person and virtually as a parenting educator and coach. Based in New York City, Leith facilitates RIE® Parent-Infant Guidance classes to support and empower parents in order to build respectful and connected relationships with their children.
The key topics Leith and I discuss include:

The life transition of becoming a parent
How Leith coaches and educates parents with a range of childhood development milestones in mind
What organization looks like in early childhood years
Why the RIE® method resonates with Leith and its benefits for families
How the Fair Play Method improves communication for partners
The importance of transition time for toddlers and adults
What inspired Leith to become a parenting coach
Leith's children's wear company Mini Lila

Becoming a parent is a major life transition. Tune into this episode to learn how the Fair Play Method and RIE® approach contributes to living an organized life.

GUEST INFO:

Leith Speer Barton, Parent Educator, Coach, and Certified Fair Play Facilitator

Coaching: @caringwithleith

In-person Classes: @‌nurtured_child

Mini Lila: @‌liveinlila

Mini Lila Website: Mini Lila

RESOURCE:
Welcoming a New Child Soon?
Download The Fair Play Method's New Child Guide + join my email community.

FEATURED ON THE SHOW:

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Join my community at https://www.apleasantsolution.com/

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I invite you to share, rate, review and follow my show. Also, join the conversation by connecting with me on Instagram @apleasantsolution..

24 | Antique Jewels and Appraisals with Hana Thomson Jul 12, 2023

Show notes

Today's episode features special guest Hana Thomson. Hana is a jewelry appraiser and writer in the Ann Arbor, Michigan, area. She's worked at museums, auction houses, and in jewelry retail and production. She has a master's degree in the history of jewelry design from 1850 to 1950 from Parsons Cooper-Hewitt in New York City and a graduate technologist degree from the GIA. Hana loves to learn and research the stories behind jewelry, watches, and objects.
I want to introduce you all to Hana so that you can get curious about the jewelry you may have considered selling or getting rid of as part of a decluttering project. Is your inherited jewelry valuable? Tune in as Hana shares critical aspects of evaluating jewelry.
The main topics discussed in this episode include:

Qualifications that make jewelry antique
How to categorize your old jewelry: retro vs. vintage vs. antique
How to decide whether to sell or keep sentimental pieces
Hana's most memorable client stories
Resources to leverage when assessing jewelry value
The importance of appraisal reports

So if you are considering parting with jewelry, this episode is for you! Gain key insights from a top jewelry appraiser and gain the confidence to learn the history behind sentimental and inherited pieces.

GUEST INFO:

Hana Thomson, Jewelry Appraiser And Writer

Website: Hana Thomson, Appraiser and Consultant

Instagram: @‌hanathomson_jewels

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hana-thomson-52a9ab11/

RESOURCE:
Curious to learn how Clutter Coaching is different than in-home organizing?
Download my Clarity Guide + join my email community.

FEATURED ON THE SHOW:

Come say hello on Instagram

Follow me on Facebook

See what I’m up to on LinkedIn

Join my community at https://www.apleasantsolution.com/

LIKE THIS EPISODE?

I invite you to share, rate, review and follow my show. Also, join the conversation by connecting with me on Instagram @apleasantsolution.

23 | Replacing Mental Clutter with a Rest Practice, with Marissa McKool, MPH Jul 05, 2023

Show notes

I am excited to welcome Marissa McKool to our podcast today. Marissa, Master's in Public Health, is a coach for women in public health and related professions who struggle to find work-life balance, set boundaries, and clear mental clutter. She helps professionals stop chasing productivity at the expense of their happiness and health.
Today we discuss ways Marissa helps her clients who want to get out of a burnout cycle. There are so many similarities between living an organized life and handling our mental loads. Specific topics we touch on during the episode include:

The prevalence of burnout amongst women
The effect of the patriarchy and socialization of women
The value of setting boundaries
Replacing mental clutter with a rest practice
Lessening your workload through delegation at home and work

I hope you enjoy this special guest episode. Please listen in and, most importantly, schedule a slot on your calendar for rest.
GUEST INFO:
Marissa McKool, MPH | Certified Feminist Life Coach
Website: McKool Coaching
Instagram: @publichealthcoach
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-mckool-a9701892/
RESOURCE:
Curious to learn how Clutter Coaching is different than in-home organizing?
Download my Clarity Guide + join my email community.

22 | How To Declutter And Organize Your Car Jun 28, 2023

Show notes

My whole philosophy is that our internal clutter often shows up externally in some shape or form and I believe that our cars can be a sneaky place for clutter to appear.
Each of us has a special relationship with our car. If you drive on a regular basis, your car essentially may be an extension of your home. And you deserve it to be a peaceful or restorative space, especially if you have kids.
So on today's episode, I'll give practical tips and share my approach to car care. As a pro organizer I like to think broadly when it comes to the category of my car, so I’ll also talk about a few easily missed details regarding your vehicle.
As you tune in I want to invite you to think for a moment about what you'd ideally like your car environment to look and feel like.

How important is it to you for the interior of the car to be clean versus the exterior?
What's true comfort for you as a driver?

Now, dig a layer deeper and consider why you want it to be that way. Your car doesn’t have to be an afterthought, and in about an hour, you can reset it back to a space of comfort.

RESOURCE:

Ready to declutter but not sure where to take items?
Download my Decluttering Resources Quick Guide + join my email community.

FEATURED ON THE SHOW:

Come say hello on Instagram

Follow me on Facebook

See what I’m up to on LinkedIn

Join my community at https://www.apleasantsolution.com/

LIKE THIS EPISODE?

I invite you to share, rate, review and follow my show. Also, join the conversation by connecting with me on Instagram @apleasantsolution.

21 | Start Talking With Your Aging Parents Now Jun 21, 2023

Show notes

Today I’m talking about inherited clutter. Inherited clutter is when you become the recipient of someone else's belongings for any other reason than by choice. Many people avoid having a conversation with their parents about finances, future living situations, and healthcare.
Talking about aging doesn't make it less likely to happen. Instead, it's a way to connect with and better understand the older generation's wishes and desires. Your parents may push it off or say they don't want to be a burden, but it's your job to help them understand that unfinished plans or decisions are a burden.
Listen in as I briefly touch upon the impact of inherited clutter and emphasize how you can proactively engage in conversations so that there's a plan for your loved one's items and care. Here are a few open-ended questions to start with:

Where would they like to live?
How might their home need to be modified to ensure they can age-in-place successfully?
How comfortable are they with continuing to handle the home’s upkeep?

The impact of not knowing what someone wants is immense. However, it's preventable. By embracing an organized life, you can use the three cornerstones: emotional resilience, powerful decisions, and deep self-trust to navigate everyone through sensitive conversations. Remember, you're more organized than you think, so decide to use it to your advantage to get the conversation started.
RESOURCE:

Becoming a Caregiver or Thinking Ahead?
Download my Open Ended Questions for Loved Ones and Care Communities + join my email community.

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