Tidy Tidbits

Just because you’re capable doesn’t mean you have the capacity. Tidy Dad and organizing expert Shira Gill talk boundaries, intentional living, and how to protect your time, energy, and family connection, especially during the holidays.In this episode, Shira and Tidy Dad unpack the difference between capability and capacity, especially during the high-demand holiday season. We talk about setting boundaries, choosing what actually matters, avoiding performative “doing it all,” and checking in with your family to make intentional decisions instead of defaulting to overwhelm.🌟 Check out Shira’s books: Minimalista, Organized Living, and LifeStyled 👀 Follow Shira on Substack: The Life Edit📸 Follow Shira on IG: @shiragill📚 Check out my book: Tidy Up Your Life🗞️ Follow Tidy Dad on Substack: The Tidy Times 📸 Follow Tidy Dad on IG: @Tidy Dad This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tidydad.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Tidy Tidbits, Tyler (Tidy Dad) breaks down what it really feels like to be in full-on holiday surthrival mode. It’s that stretch from Thanksgiving to the ball dropping in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, where everything is joyful, chaotic, and wildly exhausting, like living in a snow globe someone won’t stop shaking.Tyler shares a real-time look at life in the Tidy Dad household: three daughters, NYC schools teaching straight through until December 24th, nonstop events, and everyone feeling the holiday pressure. He also talks about why the popular “just rest” advice doesn’t work for everyone, and how his version of rest oddly includes organizing toy bins and reworking his morning routine.In surthrival seasons, the tidying principles apply: cut the excess, name what matters most, and make intentional space for it.Holiday Surthrival Guide: Tidy up your holidays with your go-to companion guide for thriving while surviving the season. Inside you’ll find my five signature surthrival strategies applied to the holidays, a reflective year-end wrap-up, and a cozy Holiday Bingo game that turns tidying and self-care into something worth celebrating.In My Surthrival Era Hats! If you’re deep in holiday surthrival season, you might as well accessorize. Get an In My Surthrival Era hat and wear your season with pride. Grab one for yourself… or gift one to a friend who’s in their own season of surthrival. For the month of December, use code TIDYDAD for 30% off your order! ORDER HERE! Want the full backstory behind why I’m “ignoring the Lazy Genius” this season?I wrote about that, messy mornings, holiday overwhelm, and why rest doesn’t look the same for everyone, in a slightly cheeky Substack piece. Read it here. 📚 Want more tips like these? Check out my book: Tidy Up Your Life🗞️ Subscribe to The Tidy Times: tidydad.substack.com📸 Follow along on IG: @tidydad This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tidydad.substack.com/subscribe

A Tidy Take with Chris Marcum, from Chris Loves Julia & Hey Old Sport - In this episode, Tidy Dad talks with Chris Marcum from the lifestyle duo Chris Loves Julia. Chris is also a home chef and recently founded the brand Hey Old Sport to launch Overachiever, his versatile seasoning blend. Chris shares insights on the spice blend, and how it can enhance meals while accommodating various dietary restrictions. He shares about the importance of flavor in cooking, how to make meal prep more joyful and less stressful, and the significance of prioritizing fresh ingredients and flavors.Takeaways* Tidy up your cooking by prioritizing what you want to get out of your food* Focus on fresh food, real ingredients, and getting flavor out of your food* The Overachiever seasoning blend enhances flavor and simplifies cookingOverachiever Spice BlendGrab the Overachiever seasoning blend HERE: it’s become a staple in our kitchen, and I’m sure it’ll be one in yours too. Bonus: it makes a great hostess or holiday gift.RecipesHere’s what’s on Chris’ holiday menu: Get all the recipes HERE!And here’s my own recipe: Tidy Dad’s Overachiever Chicken TendersCrunchy, flavorful, kid-approved, and ready in under 15 minutesIngredients* 1 lb chicken tenderloins (or sliced chicken breast)* 1 egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)* ½ cup breadcrumbs* 2 tbsp Overachiever seasoning blend* 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, but delicious)* Cooking sprayInstructions* Prep your coating:In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs + Overachiever (and Parmesan, if using).* Make the egg wash: Whisk the egg and water in a separate bowl.* Dip + coat:* Dip each chicken tender into the egg wash.* Press into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated on all sides.* Air fry:* Preheat air fryer to 400°F.* Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.* Add chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed).* Air fry 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through (165°F internal temp).* Serve:Let cool for 2 minutes, then serve with your favorite dips—honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, or ketchup.Tidy Tip - Make a double batch of the chicken tenders, slice them up, and store in your snackle box in the refrigerator for quick protein packed snacks or salad toppers!In this episode: Chris Loves Julia, Hey Old Sport, Overachiever spice blend, cooking, lifestyle, meal prep, holiday cooking, spices, flavor, stress-free cooking, cooking tips👀 Follow Chris and Julia on IG: @chrislovesjulia and @heyoldsportofficial🌟 Try the Overachiever seasoning blend: Order it HERE 📚 Want more tips like these? Check out my book: Tidy Up Your Life🗞️ Subscribe to The Tidy Times: tidydad.substack.com📸 Follow along on IG: Tidy Dad This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tidydad.substack.com/subscribe

A Tidy Take with Margaret Josephs, star of Real Housewives of New Jersey - In this episode Tidy Dad talks with Margaret Josephs. Margaret shares the lessons that keep her from feeling like a total mess, even when the cameras are rolling. The conversation dives into setting boundaries, surviving complicated social dynamics during the holidays, and knowing when to let go of relationships that no longer serve you. This episode is part humor, part therapy, and 100% Real Housewives energy, with a tidy twist.Takeaways* A little tidiness goes a long way. We all have a threshold for how much mess (literal or emotional) we can handle.* Sarcasm can be an messy social situation survival skill. Margaret discusses how humor and sharp wit help her navigate tough moments, both on and off camera.* A little drama keeps life interesting, but it’s just as important to recognize when it’s crossed the line.* Not every relationship is meant to last. Margaret talks about knowing when a friendship or dynamic no longer serves you, and how to gracefully let it go.👀 Follow Margaret Josephs on IG @therealmargaretjosephs🌟 Check out Margaret’s book: Caviar Dreams, Tuna Fish Budget📚 Want more tips like these? Check out my book: Tidy Up Your Life🗞️ Subscribe to The Tidy Times: tidydad.substack.com📸 Follow along on IG: Tidy Dad This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tidydad.substack.com/subscribe

A Tidy Take with Ashlee Piper, Author of No New Things - In this episode, Tidy Dad chats with Ashlee Piper about rethinking the way we give gifts. Together, they explore how to bring more meaning and mindfulness into the season, shifting the focus from stuff to sentiment.They talk about why so many of us feel caught in the chaos of consumerism, how to make gift-giving feel personal again, and why teaching kids the joy of thoughtful giving might be the best gift of all.Takeaways* Somewhere between wishlists and wrapping paper, some people have lost the true meaning of giving, and replaced it with stress and stuff.* The best gifts can come from considering a person’s needs, not from spending more. Sometimes an act of service means more than anything you could buy.* Gifting doesn’t have to be impressive or expensive, it’s about being thoughtful, making the recipient feel understood and seen, and adding utility and joy.If this episode has you rethinking your holiday habits, you’re not alone. Maybe it’s less about buying more, and more about finding meaning.That’s why I put these resources together for you this season:✨ The Holiday Surthrival Download: your guide for thriving while surviving! Inside you’ll find five signature surthrival strategies, a reflective year-end wrap-up, and a cozy Holiday Bingo game that turns tidying and self-care into something worth celebrating.🎁 The Tidy Dad Gift Guide for Kids: 10 of our family favorites from recent toy events, that inspire connection, not clutter. This holiday season, try to choose gifts for kids that make creativity part of everyday life, and inspire play that lasts all year!🧦 And Stocking Stuffers for Kids, Under $10: Fun, thoughtful, and also practical finds for kids. Because sometimes the littlest gifts can bring the most joy!If NYC is on your holiday list, don’t miss the new NYC Experiences Worth Gifting PDF, filled with festive, family-friendly experiences!Because this year, it’s not about having more things—it’s about making more memories.👀 Follow Ashlee on IG: Ashlee Piper 🌟 Check out Ashlee’s book: No New Things: A Radically Simple 30-Day Guide to Saving Money, the Planet, and Your Sanity📚 Want more tips like these? Check out my book: Tidy Up Your Life🗞️ Subscribe to The Tidy Times: tidydad.substack.com📸 Follow along on IG: Tidy Dad This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tidydad.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Tidy Tidbits, Tyler Moore (Tidy Dad) dives into the fascinating world of color analysis, a practice that blends history, psychology, and personal style. From its early 20th-century origins to today’s viral resurgence, Tyler explores how understanding your seasonal palette might simplify your wardrobe, boost your confidence, and even help you see yourself in a new light.Through his own experience getting professionally “draped”, Tyler reflects on what it means to find your season (spoiler: he’s a Bright Winter) and how color can become a tool for both tidying and self-discovery.In this episode you’ll learn:* Color analysis dates back to the 1920s–1930s and categorizes individuals into Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter palettes.* Most people wear 20% of their wardrobe 80% of the time, but maybe color analysis could help change that, by choosing colors you’ll actually wear!* Understanding your best colors can help you to simplify your wardrobe.🎨 Who analyzed my color palette? @lilyscolorlab📚 Want more tips like these? Check out my book: Tidy Up Your Life🗞️ Subscribe to The Tidy Times: tidydad.substack.com📸 Follow along on IG: @tidydad This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tidydad.substack.com/subscribe

This is episode 31 of Tidy Tidbits, and it’s on the topic of Halloween, which always falls on October 31st. Spooky! Today we’re talking about the scary topic of what to do with all the candy after Trick or Treating. Let’s tackle this sweet dilemma!In this episode, Tidy Dad and Megan McNamee discuss the challenges parents face with Halloween candy. They explore the excitement children have for collecting candy, the importance of ownership, and how to manage candy consumption in a healthy way. The conversation includes practical tips for integrating candy into creative snack ideas that use the Halloween treats while maintaining a balanced diet.Tidy Takeaways:* Consider letting your kids choose how much candy to eat on Halloween.* Parents choose WHEN to serve candy - with lunch, after school, after dinner, etc.* When candy doesn’t feel “off limits”, it often loses it’s luster after a few days.👀 Follow Megan on IG: @feedinglittles🌟 Check out Megan’s books: Feeding Littles and Beyond and Feeding Littles Lunches🍬Check out this Feeding Little’s article: How to Stress Less About Sugar 📚 Want more tips like these? Check out my book: Tidy Up Your Life🗞️ Subscribe to The Tidy Times: tidydad.substack.com📸 Follow along on IG: Tidy Dad This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tidydad.substack.com/subscribe

It’s easy to ignore small cleaning tasks, until something breaks or starts to smell! My weekday cleaning routine may have gone viral (it’s in the Tidy Toolkit), but these quick monthly tasks also keep our home and appliances running smoothly. In this episode of Tidy Tidbits, I’m sharing five cleaning tasks I tackle every month.We’ll cover seeming simple routines that are easy to neglect, like descaling your coffee machine, deep-cleaning the dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer, and cleaning your toilet tank. These tasks take just minutes to complete but can make a lasting impact. I’ve learned that a few minutes of care now saves hours (and headaches) later.In this episode you’ll learn:* Regular maintenance of machines and appliances is crucial.* Maintaining appliances leads to better efficiency and longevity.* Simple routines can make a significant difference in home care.If you’re ready to simplify your cleaning routine, here are the products I mention in the episode!* Coffee Machine: Descaler Solution and Descaler Tablets* Dishwasher: Cleaning Tablets (drop in the detergent tray!)* Washing Machine: Mold Stain Remover and Cleaning Tablets* Dryer Vent: Cleaning Kit (attaches to your vacuum!)* Toilet Bowl: Cleaner Tablets (drop in the tank!)If you want to check out the Tidy Dad “Good Morning America” moments, here they are for your viewing pleasure:* InstaParents Segment* Family Surprise Segment📚 Want more tips like these? Check out my book: Tidy Up Your Life🗞️ Subscribe to The Tidy Times: tidydad.substack.com📸 Follow along on IG: @tidydad This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tidydad.substack.com/subscribe

A Tidy Take with Beth Rosenbleeth from Days with Grey - I personally have a tenuous relationship with the New York Post (I can thank them for my “Speedo Dad” moniker). But this week, a headline shared by one of my favorite authors, Jo Piazza, stopped me mid-sip of coffee:“Stay-at-home “hub-sons” are the tradwives of 2025 - and their moms couldn’t be more thrilled”Apparently, guys like Luke, a former door-to-door solar salesman who quit his $170K job to move back home, aren’t just loafing around. They’re doing laundry, cooking, and running errands… basically earning their keep as modern-day homemakers.The article sparked a bigger questions about masculinity, gender norms, and the role that men play in household tasks. What does it really mean to teach life skills, and how do we prepare the next generation to contribute at home?In this episode of Tidy Tidbits, I chat with Beth Rosenbleeth, the creator of Days with Grey and mom of three boys. I’m a dad of three girls, so we come at this from both sides of the parenting coin. We talk about why life skills matter, how to gamify responsibility (check out her amazing “Life Skill cards”), and what it looks like to give kids the confidence to manage real-world tasks - without the nagging.Together, we explore:* How chores teach independence and teamwork* Why regression is normal (and how to help kids reset)* Simple ways to make household routines fun and consistentWhether you’re raising hub-sons or tidy daughters, this episode is all about raising capable, confident kids - one life skill at a time.👀 Follow Beth on IG: @dayswithgrey - and check out her website!📦 Grab her Life Skill cards: Soft Skills (ages 4+) or Life Skills for Big Kids (ages 7-12)📚 Want more tips like these? Check out my book: Tidy Up Your Life🗞️ Subscribe to The Tidy Times: tidydad.substack.com📸 Follow along on IG: @tidydad This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tidydad.substack.com/subscribe

A Tidy Take with Megan McNamee, Author of Feeding Littles LunchesI’m a little obsessed with my snackle box. Every morning, I fill it so it’s ready for that post-school, everyone-is-HUUNNNGGRRRYYYY moment. Think of it like a snack survival kit: eight compartments, a lid, tucked neatly in the fridge. It’s our secret weapon against afternoon chaos. The only problem? I kept filling it with the same things… again, and again, and again.In this conversation, I chat with Megan McNamee about how to take this routine beyond the basics of fruits and veggies. We explore practical tips for creating balanced, appealing snacks that keep kids fueled through the afternoon slump, from adding proteins to pairing foods in smart ways. Megan shares insights from her book Feeding Littles Lunches, reminding parents that snack and lunch prep doesn’t have to be complicated, just simple, fun, and sustainable.Tidy Takeaways:* Pair fruits and veggies with filling proteins and carbohydrates* Use leftovers to creatively enhance snack options* Focus on practicality rather than Pinterest perfection👀 Follow Megan on IG: @feedinglittles📦 Check out Megan’s books: Feeding Littles and Beyond and Feeding Littles Lunches📚 Want more routine ideas? Check out my book: Tidy Up Your Life🗞️ Subscribe to The Tidy Times: tidydad.substack.com📸 Follow along on IG: Tidy Dad This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tidydad.substack.com/subscribe

A Tidy Take with Tiffany Jenkins, Author of A Clean Mess and High Achiever -When life is “lifing”, it can be really difficult to tidy up your emotions and find a way through. This week my beloved grandma, Noreen Moore, passed away at the age of 94. She was fiesty, independent, and deeply loved. I flew to Kentucky to be with my dad and family, and we began the process of “death cleaning” her home. Sorting through over 60 years in one house, one drawer, one memory at a time. It’s been an emotionally difficult but beautiful process. Grief doesn’t tidy up neatly. But even in the mess, beauty shows up, and along the way, I kept intentionally trying to find the funny.In this episode, I sit down with NYT bestselling author Tiffany Jenkins to explore the role of humor in navigating life's difficult times such as divorce, parenting, the death of a loved one, or other challenging situations. Tiffany shares her journey of finding humor as a coping mechanism, emphasizing the importance of self-deprecation and lightheartedness in her life.In this episode we talk about:* Humor can be a defense mechanism during tough times.* Finding humor in small moments can help cope with challenges.* Acknowledging the irony in difficult situations can provide relief.And as referenced in the opening of the podcast, as we cleaned my grandma’s home of over 60 years, I discovered photographs that proved I’ve been rocking the speedo since the 80s. It brought some laughs. If you look for it, the funny can in fact be found.👀 Follow Tiffany on IG: @jugglingthejenkins📦 Order Tiffany’s books: A Clean Mess: A Memoir of Sobriety After a Lifetime of Being Numb & High Achiever: The Incredible True Story of One Addict’s Double Life📚 Want more tips like these? Check out my book: Tidy Up Your Life🗞️ Subscribe to The Tidy Times: tidydad.substack.com📸 Follow along on IG: Tidy DadEven in moments of grief, there’s room for laughter. This episode is dedicated to my grandma, Noreen Moore. . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tidydad.substack.com/subscribe

In this conversation, I chat with Meredith Mann to explore the importance of incorporating protein into daily meals to manage blood sugar levels and enhance overall health. Meredith also shares her personal journey with blood sugar issues and how prioritizing protein has changed her relationship with food.Tidy Takeaways:* Why protein is so important to incorporate into a balanced meal* Practical hacks for sneaking protein into various dishes* The transformative effects of protein on cravings and energy levelsMeredith is the author of The Blood Sugar Balance Cookbook: 100 Delicious Recipes That Let You Ditch the Crave, Crash, Fat-Storing Cycle and Heal Your Metabolism.She also sells delicious protein powder in vanilla, chocolate, and cookies and cream flavors. You can use code TIDYDAD for a discount at checkout!And here’s the recipe for her Reese’s Smoothie - it’s so good!👀 Follow Meredith on IG: @thepeachiespoon📦 Check out Meredith’s website: https://thepeachiespoon.com/📚 Want more tips like these?Check out my book: Tidy Up Your Life🗞️ Subscribe to The Tidy Times: tidydad.substack.com📸 Follow along on IG: Tidy Dad This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tidydad.substack.com/subscribe

In this Small Talk, Sarah and Peterson from La Casa Aldomovar share how they transformed their 750 sq ft NYC rental where Peterson grew up into a home that works beautifully for their family of five.In this episode, you’ll learn how to:* Why redefining home matters more than square footage* How conflict resolution keeps the peace in close quarters* The myth of “bigger is better” when it comes to family life* Setting boundaries, prioritizing experiences, and embracing “just enough”Their story is a masterclass in creativity, adaptability, and the joy of living small—proof that a compact home can hold big love.👀 Follow Sarah and Peterson on IG: @lacasalmodovar 📦 Check out Sarah and Peterson’s website: https://lacasaalmodovar.com/📚 Want more tips like these? Check out my book: Tidy Up Your Life🗞️ Subscribe to The Tidy Times: tidydad.substack.com📸 Follow along on IG: @tidydad This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tidydad.substack.com/subscribe

Feeling a bit of September whiplash? You’re not alone. After a 12-hour road trip, unpacking chaos, and starting school in the same week, I found myself feeling the after effects of pushing summer to the last minute. Everywhere you look, people are in transition. It’s a season of change. A season where routines are desperately needed.In this episode, I’ll share five simple routines helping my family shift from summer chaos to school-year structure - not a total overhaul, just small tweaks layered onto systems we already know work.In this episode you’ll learn:* Why routines work best when applied slowly (not in one giant overhaul)* Why it’s important to show up bright-eyed and bushy tailed * How we’re making mornings less frantic with a fridge checklist and a shoe edit* Why “keep meals simple” is the best cooking philosophy for September* How early bedtimes unlock early mornings* Why movement counts, even if it’s not happening in a gymBonus: Here are some things helping us this back-to-school season!📚 Want more tips like these? Check out my book: Tidy Up Your Life🗞️ Subscribe to The Tidy Times: tidydad.substack.com📸 Follow along on IG: @tidydad This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tidydad.substack.com/subscribe

A Tidy Take Ash Brandin, Author of Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family - Screens aren’t the enemy… but without some boundaries, they can turn into tiny, glowing dictators. In this episode, I sit down with Ash Brandin—middle school teacher, parent, and unapologetic gamer—to talk about managing technology in your home without losing your mind.In this episode, you’ll learn about:* Moral neutrality when it comes to technology* The ABCs of tech: access, behavior, and contentThis conversation will help you hit Power On—without hitting panic mode.👀 Follow Ash on IG: @thegamereducator📦 Order Ash’s book: Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family📚 Want more tips like these? Check out my book: Tidy Up Your Life🗞️ Subscribe to The Tidy Times: tidydad.substack.com📸 Follow along on IG: @tidydad This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tidydad.substack.com/subscribe

Feeling worn out by your own ambition? After a year full of “firsts,” I’m swapping shiny new things for one unglamorous word: maintenance. In this episode, you’ll learn how to choose a word for yourself that guides your time and routines—and why sometimes the most radical choice is to keep doing what’s already working.In this episode you’ll learn:Why “maintenance” became my guiding word for the school yearHow to spot what’s already working—and keep it goingA few questions to help you pick your own word to guide your time and routinesWhy the most radical choice might be not to start something new📚 Want more tips like these? Check out my book: Tidy Up Your Life🗞️ Subscribe to The Tidy Times: tidydad.substack.com📸 Follow along on IG: @tidydad This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tidydad.substack.com/subscribe

A Tidy Take with Lee Tilghman, Author of "If You Don't Like This, I Will Die"It’s exhausting trying to get everyone to like you. How much time have you spent replaying conversations, wondering if someone approves of you? How many opportunities have you missed because you worried what someone might think?In this episode, Tidy Dad sits down with author and former wellness influencer Lee Tilghman, who knows firsthand the cost of chasing approval. After building a massive following as @leefromamerica, the internet stopped liking her. Lee then began the hard work of redefining success and self-worth. She shares it all in her new memoir.In this episode, Lee talks about:* How freeing it is to be at peace with not being liked* How to focus on meaningful connections* What she likes about “2025” Lee Tilghman👀 Follow Lee on Substack and on IG📦 Order Lee’s book: “If You Don’t Like This, I Will Die”📚 Want more tips like these? Check out my book: Tidy Up Your Life🗞️ Subscribe to The Tidy Times: tidydad.substack.com📸 Follow along on IG: @tidydad This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tidydad.substack.com/subscribe

A Tidy Take with Neha Ruch - If life feels like a nonstop to-do list—coffee in one hand, phone in the other—and the idea of slowing down makes you nervous, you’re not alone. Many of us worry that pausing will mean falling behind.That’s why I sat down with Neha Ruch (@neha_ruch -IG and Neha Ruch -Substack), writer, mom, and author of The Power Pause. Neha knows the pressure to keep going, but she also knows that intentional pauses can become a secret weapon for clarity, focus, and growth.In this episode, you’ll learn how to:* Push back against the societal pressure to always be “doing”* Use a simple pause to set thoughtful goals during busy seasons like back-to-school* Find the courage to “slow down” without guiltIf you’re ready to trade exhaustion for something slower, hit play and discover how a well-timed pause can help you create the life you actually want.👀 Follow Neha on IG: @neha_ruch📦 Grab Neha’s bestselling book, “The Power Pause”: Shop here📚 Want more tips like these? Check out my book: Tidy Up Your Life🗞️ Subscribe to The Tidy Times: tidydad.substack.com📸 Follow along on IG: @tidydad This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tidydad.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I’m breaking down what back to school really feels like—chaotic, hopeful, overwhelming, and deeply human. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or just someone who still gets emotional in the school supply aisle, this one’s for you.And yes, I’ve got credentials. This fall marks my 18th year as a teacher—and I’ve got three kids starting kindergarten, third grade, and fifth. So my brain is currently juggling a mountain of forms, a world-travel-themed classroom, and enough school supplies to stock a small Staples.What we cover:🧠 Why this season always feels a bit (or a lot) overwhelming 🍎 Five practical mindset shifts to make this season easier🎒 How to stop chasing perfection and start creating rhythms that work💥 Why we call it “surthrival”—when you're trying to survive and thrive at the same timeThis one’s packed with real talk, intentional strategies, and a gentle reminder: you don’t have to do it all.📚 Want more tips like these? Check out my book: Tidy Up Your Life🗞️ Subscribe to The Tidy Times: tidydad.substack.com📸 Follow along on IG: @tidydad This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tidydad.substack.com/subscribe

A Tidy Take with Beth from Days With Grey - Is your child waking up like a human confetti cannon while you’re still fumbling for coffee? Same. That’s why I wanted to get a Tidy Take with Beth from @dayswithgrey. She’s sharing a genius routine that just might change your mornings: Breakfast Invitations.Beth is a former teacher and mom of three who came up with this simple, screen-free solution to early-morning chaos. In this episode, she breaks down what a Breakfast Invitation actually is, how to set one up (spoiler: it involves paper, markers, and magic), and why it might buy you a few sacred minutes of peace before the day begins.🎨 What we cover:- What Breakfast Invitations are and the problem they can help solve- How a roll of white paper and a few fresh markers can spark independent play- How to make mornings feel calm(ish), connected, and purposefulWhether you’re a morning person or not, this little shift just might change your routine and save your sanity.👀 Follow Beth on IG: @dayswithgrey - and check out her shop!📦 Grab her Breakfast Invitations: Set 1, Set 2, or bundle of both!📚 Want more tips like these? Check out my book: Tidy Up Your Life🗞️ Subscribe to The Tidy Times: tidydad.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tidydad.substack.com/subscribe