Today I'm talking about a topic I'm super passionate about- living slower. I talk a bit about the reasons for slowing down, and encourage you to think about your life and your schedule, what it looks like vs. what you'd like it to look like. I also encourage you to say no, to find margin for rest in your days, and to take control of your days by slowing them down. I believe this message can be for anyone- whether you're single or a mama of 7. We can all find a way to slow down, it's just a little counter cultural to do so.  In this episode, I suggest a book to you, so here's the link to the book: Chasing Slow by Erin Loechner.  Other links: How to leave a review on iTunes The Podcast Instagram Podcast Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I talk with Debtkickinmom all about the journey she and her family took to get out of debt. They are officially debt free as of December 2018, and our conversation is so encouraging whether you are at the beginning of this journey, in the middle, already debt free, or just thinking about it!  What we talk about: -How Debtkickinmom started -The reason behind her family's debt free journey -The hardest part of beginning the debt free journey -The idea of contentment and changing behaviors around spending -Meal Planning/ Grocery Shopping and the concept of Zero Food Waste -Encouragements for someone starting out on their journey or wanting to take the leap into a debt free journey -And a whole lot more! Links: Debtkickinmom on instagram Debtkickinmom on Youtube Zero Food Waste Tips Video Step by Step Meal Planning VideoSpirit Lead Me - Michael Ketterer The Podcast Instagram Podcast Website How to review the podcast on itunes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you feel like your days get lost on things that are important, but not MOST important, this is the episode for you. If you feel like you're going and going but missing out on what you care about most- this is what we're discussing here.  Today I talk about... -Two exercises to help determine your true priorities (your MOST important things) -An exercise to help you goal set around these priorities  -Your "yes" and "no" list for what you want your days to look like -How to have purposeful days Links: Podcast Instagram Leaving a Podcast Review Meal Planner Podcast Website Email: [email protected] Thanks so much for listening!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I talk to Taesha Butler from thenaturalnurturer.com about healthy living - specifically when it comes to nutritional choices, and how to simplify this part of our lives that often leaves us confused and overwhelmed. What we talk about: -The reasons feeding our family nourishing food can be overwhelming -Making meal prep simpler -Not overthinking healthy eating - keeping it simple -Ways to veggie load your meals -Mindset when trying to feed our kids healthier meals -How to work with picky eaters -Great smoothie add ins -Favorite grab and go, easy healthy meals. Links: thenaturalnurturer.com Taesha on Instagram Green Smoothie Muffins The Podcast on Instagram Podcast Website Meal Planner Directions for Leaving a Podcast [email protected]   Thanks for listening!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I'm talking about decluttering your wardrobe and paring it down to a uniform you can wear for work and play - this is something that has made a huge difference in my life and has been one of the most important changes I've made through minimalism in my home.  Things I talk about: -My personal struggle with my closet/ wardrobe -How I finally took steps to truly pair down my wardrobe -Action steps towards creating a "uniform" for your everyday life (and why you should) -The emotional ties to clothing and the highly emotional process of decluttering. Links: -podcast instagram -podcast website -email desirae ([email protected]) -Teach with VIPKID (Teach Online) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the podcast, I interview Lauren Tucker, the brains behind anorganizedlife.info and @an_organized_life on Instagram! She’s a guru of all things organization, and our conversation is full of tips on how to get organized, ways to approach goals, and reasons why so many find it hard to get organized at all. We talk about: -Why Lauren started An Organized Life -The psychology/mindset behind organization -The link between identity, clutter, and why you can’t get organized. -A way to set goals so you feel less overwhelmed (and more likely to actually take action) -and more! Things we mention: -Lauren’s website -Lauren’s instagram -The minimal-ish podcast instagram -The Minimal-ish Meal Planner -The minimal-ish podcast website -Google Tasks -This Naked Mind -How to leave a review on iTunes If you’re loving the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review! It helps the podcast get seen (and heard) by more people. I appreciate your help and time more than you know!If you have any questions about the podcast, topic suggestions, or guest suggestions, please email Desirae at [email protected]. Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the Minimal-ish podcast! A quick episode previewing where the podcast is headed and explaining the purpose behind the new name "Minimal-ish"   Find me on instagram: @minimalish_motherhood Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, I have a super exciting episode to share with you! I’m talking to Manda Carpenter, a writer/ blogger who I’ve personally followed for a long time. I talk to her about her foster parenting journey, the joys and struggle that have come along with that, and we talk about how she switched careers from teaching (we have this in common) and how we can take the stress and anxiety out of big career decisions like this.  We also talk about her movement, Letters of Encouragement, and her future writing endeavors. Manda is a beautiful person and I'm so excited to share this episode with you! Links you'll want to check out: Manda's Website/Blog Manda's Instagram Letter's of Encouragement My Instagram Podcast Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I'm talking about practical ways to simplify your holiday season and focus in on what you want your holiday season about- and then how to actually follow through with all of it! Things I Discuss: -Planning for success during the holiday season -Putting others first this season -Putting thought into your gift list -Letting go of things that stress you out this season -Putting down your phone more during the holidays I also announce the Simple Holidays Challenge which starts December 1st as a community! Links: Simple Holidays Challenge Full Version Simple Holidays Challenge Free Version Ann Voskamp Devotional Instagram Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is not your typical gift guide- this is an episode entirely focused on how to give gifts intentionally- how to use your specific gifts and talents to give good gifts, and how to think about others through the entire gift giving process, including shopping for that gift.  You won't find ideas of dozens of new companies to shop from, but you'll be inspired to think twice about the way you give gifts this season, and how you can put your creativity into the gift giving process in a new way.  My friend Jessalyn is an expert gift giver. She's that person that always gives an intentional gift or writes a thoughtful note when you aren't expecting it but when you most need it. And this episode is full of golden advice for how you can do that for the people you love this season.  What you'll hear: Thoughts on the pressure of "keeping up" with giving gifts to a big long list of people during the holidays.  Different gift giving methods for Christmas morning (and how to walk towards less gifts and less overwhelm on Christmas morning) Inspiration in creating homemade gifts and giving experience-themed gifts What Jessalyn and Desirae have on their wish lists this year Questions to ask yourself to help you be intentional with your buying this season.  A discussion on gift giving all year long, and gift giving as a love language Things we mentioned: Buy Nothing The Unshopping List (this is the only place I could find this) Toddler Discovery Tower The Podcast Merch! How you can support the podcast through your gift buying! Etsy shop (also where you can find the podcast merch) Instagram Website Thanks so much for listening! Review and rate the show if you are loving it and let me know you did on Instagram so I can thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I'm taking you through a step by step process to help you find a way to focus your days on what is actually important to you. Minimalism is about eliminating the stuff and noise in our lives so we can focus on the good stuff- and processes/ routines help us make sure we actually follow through with that. This episode will take you through a process that can help you decide what is important to you and follow through with focusing on those things.  In this episode, I discuss: Deciding what is important to you and creating mission statements Creating a routine or ritual that helps you center your days.  Following through with making a routine a habit.  Incorporating gratitude in your everyday life.  Evaluating what you currently focus on in your everyday life and eliminating the less important stuff.  Things I mentioned/ other places to find the show: Worksheet to go along with the show Free Minimalist Startup Guide Desirae’s Instagram (where the podcast lives on Insta) Podcast Facebook If you’re loving the podcast, it would be amazing if you’d take the time to review our podcast on iTunes! It will help others discover The Minimalist Family Podcast. You can also, always share on social media! Take a snapshot of you listening to the podcast and share it on Facebook, Instagram, or just word of mouth! We’re so thankful if you do! If you have any questions about the show, comments, suggestions, or questions we should answer on an upcoming podcast, please email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I'm interviewing Amy of Minimalista Mom and talking about her Zero Waste journey she's taken over the past year with her family! It's incredible how far they have come and the strides they have made, and she gives practical tips on how you can take steps towards minimizing your waste and caring for the environment. In this episode, I/we discuss: The podcast is changing...stay tuned for a bonus episode to see how! What zero waste is / Amy's reason for going zero waste The biggest challenges with going zero waste with a family The practical things that have really made a difference in Amy's zero waste journey Small, easy, and practical ways you can make change and "go zero waste" Things we mentioned/ other places to find us: Free Minimalist Startup Guide Amy's Instagram: @minimalistamom Amy's website/blog: minimalistamom.com Desirae’s Instagram (where the podcast lives on Insta) Podcast Facebook If you’re loving the podcast, it would be amazing if you’d take the time to review our podcast on iTunes! It will help others discover The Minimalist Family Podcast. You can also, always share on social media! Take a snapshot of you listening to the podcast and share it on Facebook, Instagram, or just word of mouth! We’re so thankful if you do! If you have any questions about the show, comments, suggestions, or questions we should answer on an upcoming podcast, please email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I'm discussing the concept of enough in the second week of our "heart of minimalism" series. We're getting to the root of what minimalism is all about and talking about how to redefine enough for yourself, not just in your stuff, but in your commitments and life in general, too. In this episode, I discuss: What I'm Learning: Living with the mess... 3 strategies to help you define enough in your life Questions to help you pare down your possessions.  Encouragements about "being" enough Things we mentioned/ other places to find us: Free Minimalist Startup Guide Enough Lists Article Desirae’s Instagram (where the podcast lives on Insta) Podcast Facebook If you’re loving the podcast, it would be amazing if you’d take the time to review our podcast on iTunes! It will help others discover The Minimalist Family Podcast. You can also, always share on social media! Take a snapshot of you listening to the podcast and share it on Facebook, Instagram, or just word of mouth! We’re so thankful if you do! If you have any questions about the show, comments, suggestions, or questions we should answer on an upcoming podcast, please email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Desirae discusses a new mini-series, "The heart of minimalism" and starts out by talking about how gratitude practices go hand in hand with minimalism. In this episode, Desirae discusses: How minimalism can steal your joy/ become a burden How practicing gratitude daily is actually proven to make you happier Three ways to practice gratitude in your everyday life How gratitude is related to minimalism, and the intentional living/ mindset part of minimalism Listener Question: Small Kitchen Storage Solutions Things we mentioned/ other places to find us: Free Minimalist Startup Guide Article about Gratitude Another article about gratitude Desirae’s Instagram Podcast Instagram Podcast Facebook If you’re loving the podcast, it would be amazing if you’d take the time to review our podcast on iTunes! It will help others discover The Minimalist Family Podcast. You can also, always share on social media! Take a snapshot of you listening to the podcast and share it on Facebook, Instagram, or just word of mouth! We’re so thankful if you do! If you have any questions about the show, comments, suggestions, or questions we should answer on an upcoming podcast, please email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we discuss five reasons minimalism actually is beneficial for kids who live with a family that practices it. We think this is a huge reason to adopt minimalism as a family, and hope this conversation helps you see why we feel this way! In this episode, we discuss: What we're learning: Grocery Shopping on a budget and Rearranging the furniture Five major benefits of minimalism for kids How you can foster creativity in your kids' lives How minimalism can help you raise less entitled/ more appreciative children in today's culture. Listener Question: Home decor tips for minimalists! Things we mentioned/ other places to find us: Free Minimalist Startup Guide Joshua Becker's Article Blog post on why baby toys are mostly unnecessary Desirae’s Instagram Podcast Instagram Podcast Facebook If you’re loving the podcast, it would be amazing if you’d take the time to review our podcast on iTunes! It will help others discover The Minimalist Family Podcast. You can also, always share on social media! Take a snapshot of you listening to the podcast and share it on Facebook, Instagram, or just word of mouth! We’re so thankful if you do! If you have any questions about the show, comments, suggestions, or questions we should answer on an upcoming podcast, please email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we discuss: Taking a break from social media Why people are better than things How to start minimalism with kids when it feels impossible Four major benefits of minimalism for families Listener Question: Are there rules for minimalism? Things we mentioned/ other places to find us: Free Minimalist Startup Guide Desirae’s Instagram Podcast Instagram Podcast Facebook If you’re loving the podcast, it would be amazing if you’d take the time to review our podcast on iTunes! It will help others discover The Minimalist Family Podcast. You can also, always share on social media! Take a snapshot of you listening to the podcast and share it on Facebook, Instagram, or just word of mouth! We’re so thankful if you do! If you have any questions about the show, comments, suggestions, or questions we should answer on an upcoming podcast, please email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, we're talking from our own experience about throwing birthday parties for kids as minimalists, plus, approaching gift giving and receiving with grace and gratitude, yet making sure your house isn't overrun by stuff in the process.  In this episode, we discuss: Hosting a large-ish party in a small home Tips for throwing birthday parties for kids as a minimalist family Alternatives to birthday parties with kids Gift receiving as minimalists Gift giving as minimalists Things we mentioned/ other places to find us: 5 Love Languages Meal Planning Blog Post Simplified Meal Planning Resource Desirae’s Instagram Podcast Instagram Podcast Facebook If you’re loving the podcast, it would be amazing if you’d take the time to review our podcast on iTunes! It will help others discover The Minimalist Family Podcast. You can also, always share on social media! Take a snapshot of you listening to the podcast and share it on Facebook, Instagram, or just word of mouth! We’re so thankful if you do! If you have any questions about the show, comments, suggestions, or questions we should answer on an upcoming podcast, please email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we're talking about simplifying in a busy season. We know that the back to school season brings a much busier pace for many families, so we are discussing how you can keep things simple during a season like this.  This doesn't just apply to back to school, but any busy season. Minimalism isn't just about decluttering- it's something you can adapt into your entire life. That includes your schedule, your mindset, and the way you intentionally live out your life.  PS: Sorry about any background noise. We’re not professional podcasters. We’re a couple just wanting to share our heart! Give us some grace, We’re doing our best! In this episode, we discuss: Things we've learned this week 5 Ways to simplify in a busy season including... Learning to say no to things Simplifying Dinnertime Simplifying your work life Taking time for Self Care Pressing pause and putting away your work and your phone Listener Question: What do you do with the question/ thought of "I might need it someday" when decluttering? Things we mentioned/ other places to find us: Block Scheduling Video Resource Meal Planning Blog Post Simplified Meal Planning Resource Morning Routines 7 Day Challenge 5 Minute Journal  Desirae’s Instagram Podcast Instagram Podcast Facebook If you’re loving the podcast, it would be amazing if you’d take the time to review our podcast on iTunes! It will help others discover The Minimalist Family Podcast. You can also, always share on social media! Take a snapshot of you listening to the podcast and share it on Facebook, Instagram, or just word of mouth! We’re so thankful if you do! If you have any questions about the show, comments, suggestions, or questions we should answer on an upcoming podcast, please email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're talking about our journey from living in a four bedroom home to a much, smaller two bedroom one, the struggles, and why ultimately, it's been a great change. We'll also talk about how you can be a minimalist no matter your home size, and how to be content right where you are.  PS: Sorry about any background noise. We’re not professional podcasters. We’re a couple just wanting to share our heart! Give us some grace, We’re doing our best! In this episode, we discuss: Why we bought a four bedroom home Why we then moved to a two bedroom home What living in a smaller home has changed for us Small home living tips You can be a minimalist in a larger home, too. Listener question: What to do with all these books? From a book lover's perspective. How to be content no matter your home size Things we mentioned/ other places to find us: Downsizing blog post Simplified Meal Planning Resource Desirae’s Instagram Podcast Instagram Podcast Facebook If you’re loving the podcast, it would be amazing if you’d take the time to review our podcast on iTunes! It will help others discover The Minimalist Family Podcast. You can also, always share on social media! Take a snapshot of you listening to the podcast and share it on Facebook, Instagram, or just word of mouth! We’re so thankful if you do! If you have any questions about the show, comments, suggestions, or questions we should answer on an upcoming podcast, please email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices