Why I am building Cooking Without Recipes

Hi everybody -In this episode, we interview Catherine Stewart, former COO of Shippo and Chief Business Officer at Automattic/Wordpress.Negotiation, she argues, is a practical skill to study. We are constantly negotiating to have better outcomes and get our needs met. A lot of negotiations happen at the beginning of a relationship. By creating value from the get-go, you set yourself up for success as you work together as partners.I hope you enjoy this episode!~ MichelleP.S. Got feedback? Leave a comment. 👇P.P.S. Notes of the Key Takeaways can be found here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.trylifeschool.com

Hi everybody - Hope this email finds you well! Our first episode of the Life School 2.0 podcast features Dana Dunford, CEO & Founder of Hemlane, a technology company that helps manage long-term rental properties. She speaks with us about the future of the rental industry, the benefits of investing in cash flow-generating properties, and how to start investing beyond your backyard. I have linked some notes & key takeaways here. Given this is the first episode post-pivot, I’d love to know what you think! Feel free to drop me a line or post a comment. Also, if you have any questions for Dana, her email is here. Have a great weekend! ~ Michelle  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.trylifeschool.com

This note is 237 words, a 56-second read time. Hi Everybody -I hope this email finds you well! Today I am writing to share some news with you. Life School is going to pivot and become an audio-first company. We will now focus on interviewing experts about basic life skills. This decision was not an easy one to make. If you are curious to learn more about the rationale, feel free to listen to the recording attached to this email. I am also linking some notes here if you prefer to read the key takeaways. I know many of you have been fans of the content we have created so far, and it will continue to be available. But - we want to go deeper and cover more topics faster. Audio will enable us to do this more efficiently. Our mission remains the same - to help motivated, curious learners improve their quality of living, one new skill at a time. If, for any reason, you would like a refund on your subscription, please email me.Additionally, if you are interested in weighing in on this direction, please do speak up! We'd love to know what questions you have and what topics you want us to cover. Feel free to comment below in the Substack, or email me. See you soon on the airwaves! 🎙 Michelle  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.trylifeschool.com

This note is 230 words, a 55 sec reading time. Subscribe here. Hi Everybody -Welcome to the 8th edition of the Life School Weekly! We hope you find something here that inspires you. ✨🔦 Featured this week:* Hacks to Prevent Messes: If you prevent the mess in the first place, you’ll waste less time later cleaning up. We scoured the internet for the 15 best tips & tricks to help you keep your kitchen tidy while cooking up a storm. * How to Roast Vegetables: Served hot or cold, as a side, base, or main, roasted vegetables are a fantastic meal prep staple to master. This guide covers the basics and includes ideas for sprucing up seasonal veggies you like. * How to Make Applesauce 🎬: Got extra apples? Consider making applesauce! This dish makes for a healthy, easy & tasty side dish or dessert. ⛱ Sandbox * Slack Group: Do you have questions about cooking, cleaning, personal finance, or other practical life skills? Do you have expertise & advice to share? Come join our community! 🗝 Members-Only($10/month or $60/year): Subscribe here for a free 30-day trial.* The Etiquette of Overnight Hosting & Guesting: Are you confident in your manners & skillsets as a houseguest or host? This guide covers some basic etiquette tips and tricks. Have a great week!~ Michelle & the Life School Team* Got feedback or ideas? Please email us. * Want to learn more? Check out the Table of Contents. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.trylifeschool.com

This guide is 1,277 words, a 5 min and 6 second reading time. Subscribe here. 📍 Introduction: An overnight invitation - whether with a friend, family member, or new romantic prospect - is an honor, and responsibility! Both hosting and guesting can lead to awkward or uncomfortable interactions. As Benjamin Franklin famously said, "Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days." Whether hosting or guesting, a little etiquette know-how can go a long way towards receiving that coveted return invite. Let's dive in. Part I: Hosting✅ Instructions:* Invite your guest(s) & set the dates.* Ask about dietary restrictions.* Share your address & relevant instructions (e.g., gate code). * Prepare the guest room (e.g., wash linens, make the bed). * Stock the kitchen & bathroom (see reference guides below).* Host with style! 📝 Notes, Tips & Tricks:  Before & Upon Arrival* If a guest is flying in, ask for arrival & departure information so you can track easily. If your home is in a remote area, offer to help your guests figure out transportation.* Seek to make your guests feel welcome (e.g., ask about any special requirements or needs, show excitement for their visit). * Upon arrival, greet your guests and show them to the room and bathroom they will use. Show them how to adjust the heating or air conditioning and where the light switches are. Give them a moment to relax and get settled. * Share your routine with your guests and give them a heads up on any absences. (e.g., "Monday evening I have a work dinner, but let's plan on getting dinner together on Tuesday.”)* The more comfortable the bedding, the happier your guest will be. While it's tempting to skimp on guest pillows & sheets, provide bedding you would be excited to sleep in. * Want to provide next-level sleeping arrangements? Provide a couple of different types of pillows (e.g., soft, medium). During the Stay:* Aim to make your guests feel as comfortable as possible by being attuned to their needs. * Instruct your guests to help themselves to the kitchen or bar. If there is anything you don't want to share, tuck it away. * Have some activities in mind to do with your guests, but also leave them time to relax or explore independently. * Share with them some of your favorite restaurants, hikes, local museums, or other activities in the area. After the Stay: * Assist your guests with their departure. (e.g., help them figure out transportation, see them to the door). * Thank them for any gifts or contributions and for the time together.* Take a moment to relax! 📓 Kitchen Stocking Reference Guide * Morning Beverage (highly recommended): Coffee or black tea; milk (or dairy-free alternative), sugar/honey* Breakfast (recommended): Bread & butter/jam, granola, yogurt, fruit (e.g., bananas, berries, apples); eggs* Snacks (optional): fruit, crackers, cheese, nuts, olives, chocolate* Afternoon/evening beverage (recommended): wine, beer, sparkling water, juice, herbal tea* Information (highly recommended): Wifi login (ideally written or printed)📓 Bedroom Stocking Reference Guide * Bedding (recommended): comfortable pillows, extra blanket, fresh sheets  * Closet (recommended): Hangers and space, 1-2 empty drawers * Other (optional): a carafe of water and drinking glasses, reading material (a newspaper or magazine), extra phone charger, a snack. 📓 Bathroom Stocking Reference Guide  * Shower (recommended): shampoo, conditioner, soap (e.g., liquid, wrapped/fresh bar) Sink (optional): toothpaste, extra toothbrush, sunscreen, body lotion* Misc (recommended): hairdryer, feminine supplies, toilet paper, plunger, toilet brush Part II: Guesting ✅ Instructions:* Receive invitation graciously (e.g., "thank you so much!") * Accept or politely decline.* Schedule transportation & other relevant logistics (e.g., cat sitter). * Procure host(ess) gift.* Pack. * Travel. * Arrive & enjoy! 📝 Notes, Tips & Tricks:  Before Arrival:* When receiving an invitation, either accept or reject promptly within a couple of days. Do not waffle or ask to "play by ear"; this can signal that you aren't excited to spend time with your host. It can also make it difficult for the host to plan (e.g., stocking the fridge). * Do not cancel unless necessary. * In general, plan to stay no more than three nights. If your host is a close friend or you have visited before, it is common to stay longer. Listen to your intuition. * Offer to bring treats & supplies (e.g., unique items from where you live, things you can pick up on the way). * Share your expected arrival and departure times with your host, and do your best to be prompt. * Offering some gift or token of appreciation upon arrival is suggested but not required. You can also provide a gift upon departure. * The best gifts are personalized & shareable (e.g., if the host has children, bringing something the whole family can enjoy). Upon Arrival & During the Stay * Upon arrival, greet your host, share your gift, and thank them for hosting you.  * Minimize your impact as much as possible; a great guest doesn't add much work to the load. Be tidy and keep your items contained in your bedroom/area. * Make your bed each morning and keep your room relatively organized (e.g., no clothes on the floor). * If your host offers you hangers or drawer space, unpack & use them. * Keep the bathroom clean & tidy (e.g., wipe the counters, hang towels, tidy the countertops, clear the drain of hair). * Bring your toiletries; do not use your host's supplies without asking first. * Help your host with their daily routine (e.g., offer to set the table, wash the dishes, make a favorite dish, or keep their children entertained). * Always help clean up after meals unless you are firmly told not to. At the very least, clear your plates & dishes. * Offer to help with errands (e.g., a grocery run, gassing the car)* If you use the kitchen or any other common areas, leave it cleaner than you found it. (See The Daily Kitchen Cleaning routine for more information). * Respect your host's plans and schedule (e.g., be timely, allow your host privacy, check with your host before making plans with others). * If making plans with others, it's nice to invite your host, but not necessary. Keep your host in the loop on your plans, however, regardless of their invite status. * If visiting a friend with roommates, it's nice to gift something that the whole group can enjoy. You're visiting their space, too. Departure: * Ask your host how they would like you to leave the bedroom (e.g., make the bed or strip the sheets). * Leave on time and thank your host. * If you didn't bring a gift, order/procure one.* The next day, follow up with your host by sending a thoughtful thank you note. While handwritten is traditional, email is now commonly accepted. ✍️ Sample Thank You Note: Dear Danielle, Thank you so much for hosting me this past weekend. What a fantastic time I had! From walks to cooking together to binging on The Great American Baking Show - everything was just so much fun. Getting to spend some quality time together was incredibly special. How lucky I feel to have you as a friend. I can't wait to see you out in New York in a few weeks! Lots of love, Michelle📓 Host(ess) Gift Reference GuideUpon Arrival* Food & Beverage: Wine, champagne, olive oil, chocolates, cookies, herbs, spices, gourmet salts* Household items: candle, set of linen/cloth napkins, dish towels* Plants: cut flowers, herb, orchid, indoor plant (ideally potted) * Other/Misc: book (e.g., one you have enjoyed or think they would appreciate), board game/puzzleDuring/After the Stay: * Financial contribution: Covering the bill (e.g., for an outing, restaurant meal, or groceries) * Household items they don't have (e.g., cheese board, pitcher) * Liquor (especially if you consumed a decent amount during your stay) * Flowers (can't go wrong) 🎓 Further Study: * The Daily Kitchen Cleaning Routine [Life School]* Emily Post's Etiquette, 18th Edition 🙏 Have feedback? Did we miss something? Please leave a comment. Life School’s mission is to improve your quality of living, one new skill at a time. We send a weekly newsletter … This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.trylifeschool.com

This note is 327 words, a 1 min 18 sec read time. To watch, click here. Hi Everybody! Welcome to the sixth edition of the Life School Weekly. This week we are featuring three guides that we hope will help elevate your quality of living. We also have a few new concepts in beta that we’d love to share with you. If you have any feedback, please do post in the comments below. Okay, let’s dive in! 🔦 Featured this week:* 7-Minute Eggs 🥚🎬 (1 min 20 sec): Packed with protein & speedy to make, hard (or medium)-boiled eggs are a delicious, timeless, economical treat. * Grain Bowls 🍲📓 (2 min 33 sec): Allowing you to use what you already have on hand, grain bowls are the ultimate, elegant MaxF meal. These delicious, nutritious, and fun-to-make bowls require no unique ingredients or techniques. Additionally, they serve as a delightful blank canvas for endless experimentation and creativity.* Pickled Red Onions 🧅🗝 (1 min 5 sec): Pickled red onions are a secret weapon of an organized home chef. Tangy, sweet, and a little crunchy, they help brighten & sharpen the flavor of whatever they top. Given their short prep time (~5 min), and long shelf life (a few weeks in the fridge), this condiment registers as seriously high leverage. Go ahead and try adding these to salads, sandwiches, tacos, grain bowls, meat dishes, & more. We bet you'll be adding this to your meal prep repertoire in no time.⛱ Beta/Sandbox Experiments:* Dinner Party Club 🥂: Are you interested in joining others as we explore the art of hosting a dinner party? We're going to team up & learn together about how to host a dinner party in January. Join the waitlist here. Life School Premium Members will have priority. * Better Than Takeout 🥡: Are you sick of wasting money on takeout?  Learn how to make meals in less time than it takes to decide what to order.  Sign up for our free 5-day email mini-course here.Have a great weekend!~ Michelle & the Life School TeamLife School’s mission is to help motivated, curious learners elevate their quality of living, one new skill at a time. For access to the archive and our private community on Slack, become a member. It’s $5/month or $50/year. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.trylifeschool.com

This note is 316 words, a 1 min and 15 second read time. Hi Everybody -Welcome to the fifth edition of the Life School Weekly! This week we are unlocking three guides that we hope will help elevate your quality of living. 🔓 Unlocked this week:* Chicken Salad 🎬📓 (2 min): Chicken salad is one of the most delicious, nutritious, versatile, and high-leverage meal prep items you can make. A neutral base primed for creativity & experimentation -- you have an ultimate say on this tasty lunch creation. * The Etiquette of Overnight Hosting & Guesting 📓 (5 min): An overnight invitation is an honor, and responsibility! Both hosting and guesting can lead to awkward or uncomfortable interactions. As Benjamin Franklin famously said, "Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days." Whether hosting or guesting, a little etiquette know-how can go a long way towards receiving that coveted return invite. * Kitchen Organization (1 min): Rummaging through cupboards looking for all the items you need to prepare a dish is time-consuming and frustrating. Use these tips to get your kitchen into working order for faster and more efficient cooking. 🗝 Premium-Only($5/month or $50/year): Subscribe here for a free 30 day trial.* The Balanced Salad (mini-course): A tasty salad is a glorious thing - and fortunately, with a little practice & know-how, they are well within reach for a beginner home chef.  What is a balanced salad? It has a mixture of complementary flavors (e.g., salty, tart, bitter & sweet) and textures (e.g., crisp, soft, crunchy, creamy). When these flavors and textures meld, the salad transforms from a meal “should have” into a star unto itself. A delightful, healthy, exciting component of a fulfilling meal. This mini-course includes 11 lessons about creating delicious salads.  🏸 Other: * Why I’m building Cooking Without Recipes 🎬: Video & audio recording with some context on the origin story of CWR (& Life School). Have a great weekend!~ Michelle & the Life School Team* Got feedback or ideas? Email us. * About Us * Symbol guide: 🎬 = video | 📓 = reference guide This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.trylifeschool.com

Transcript coming soon. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.trylifeschool.com

This note is 328 words, a 1 min and 18 second reading time. To watch a video version of this note, click the thumbnail above. 👆Hi Everybody -Welcome to the fourth edition of the Life School Weekly! This week we are unlocking three guides that we hope will help elevate your quality of living. 🔓 Unlocked this week:* Roasted Spaghetti Squash 🎬 (1 min 39-sec read): Sometimes referred to as nature’s gluten-free pasta, spaghetti squash is exceptionally high leverage. It costs ~$1.50/lb, requires only ~10 minutes of active work, and stores for almost a week. To boot, at 42 calories a serving and 10% of your daily fiber needs in a cup, this root vegetable is incredibly healthy.  * How to Make Kale Chips 🎬 (42 sec read): Have some extra kale on hand? Lucky you! Pop some in the oven for ~10 minutes to make delicious kale chips. * Cleaning As You Go⚡️ (49 sec read): Experienced chefs always seem to have clean countertops & empty sinks by the time they finish cooking. With a bit of planning & some tips up your sleeve, you too can finish your cooking without staring down another big job. 🗝 Premium-OnlySubscribe here for a free 30-day trial. ($5/month or $50/year)* Roasting Vegetables 📓 (3 min read): Roasted vegetables are one of the highest leverage meal prep items you can make. They are tasty, healthy, economical, easy to make in batches, and require very little active work. Furthermore, they work well as a side, base, or main dish. You can also enjoy them hot, cold, or even at room temperature. Go ahead and pop some veggies in the oven. You’ll be thanking yourself later in the week. * The Nosh Plate 📓⚡️(1 min 37 sec read): A little resourcefulness, scavenging, and creativity go a long way in making a most satisfying nosh plate. Mixing and matching what you have on hand reduces waste and clears room for new items. Go ahead and dig into the back of your fridge. You might be surprised by what you create.Have a great weekend!~ Michelle & the Life School Team* Got feedback or a request for a lesson/guide? Email us. * Symbol guide: 🎬 = video | 📓 = reference guide |⚡️ = hack This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.trylifeschool.com

Hi Everybody -Welcome to the third edition of the Life School Weekly! This week we are unlocking three guides that we hope will help elevate your quality of living.🗝 Unlocked this week:* 🪴 Indoor Plant Care 📓 (4 min 23 second read): Plants bring nature into the home, help rejuvenate the air, make a room feel cozier, and add a dash of flair at a low cost. This guide will help you build your confidence as a proud plant parent. As the old saying goes, if you have a window, you can have a plant! * 🍴The Art of Loading the Dishwasher (2 min read): Like playing a game of Tetris, loading a dishwasher is a puzzle. Once you master this skill, you will significantly reduce time spent rejiggering, & improve the odds that dishes come out sparkly & clean. No water spots, residue, or broken items for you! * 🥣 Oatmeal Delight 📓 (2 min and 38 sec read): With its neutral flavor and customizable texture, oatmeal is the ultimate blank canvas for building a hearty, satisfying, & economical breakfast. The most important thing to remember about oatmeal? It’s best the way *you* like it. Go ahead and experiment. Your scrumptious bowl of whole-grain goodness awaits. 🔒 Premium-Only ($5/month or $50/year): Subscribe here for a free 30 day trial. * Hacks to Prevent Messes ⚡️ (2 min and 9 sec read):  If you prevent the mess in the first place, you’ll waste less time later cleaning up. We scoured the internet for the 15 best tips & tricks to help you keep your kitchen tidy while cooking up a storm. Have a great weekend!~ Michelle & the Life School Team* Want to learn more about Life School? Check out the new About Us page.* Symbol guide: 🎬 = video | 📓 = reference guide |⚡️ = hack | 🌟 = guest star This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.trylifeschool.com