315: Packing Lunches Just Got Easier: Simple Systems + Smart Food Mindsets with Megan McNamee

Ever feel like you’re stuck in lunch limbo—standing in front of the fridge at 11:58 a.m. with no plan, no energy, and three hungry kids staring you down? You’re so not alone. Today’s guest, Megan McNamee, co-founder of Feeding Littles and co-author of the New York Times bestselling book Feeding Littles Lunches, is here to help you ditch the decision fatigue and start feeding your family with more ease, flexibility, and confidence. In this episode, we’re breaking down: Megan’s go-to lunchbox formula (hint: it’s genius—and easy to remember) How to raise intuitive eaters without pressure or perfection Tips for navigating picky eating, food guilt, and power struggles at the table What to do when your kid only eats beige food (because we’ve all been there) Summer survival strategies when it feels like the kitchen is open 24/7 How to make packed lunches (even during summer) a breeze—not a burden Plus, we chat about how Megan’s non-recipe cookbook is helping kids and parents get excited about lunch again (my boys are obsessed with it—and yours might be too). 🎧 Whether your kids are heading to summer camp, starting school soon, or just raiding the pantry on repeat, this episode is full of fresh, grace-filled ideas that make food feel fun again. 🔗 Links & Resources: Grab Megan’s book: Feeding Littles Lunches Follow Megan on Instagram: @FeedingLittles (https://www.instagram.com/feedinglittles) Join 35K+ women getting the Ready, Set, Simplify newsletter every Wednesday: Sign up here (https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify) 💡 Pro tip: Want your kids to pack their own lunches? This episode will give you the tools (and the mindset shift) to make it happen—without the usual lunchtime battles. Loved this episode? Be sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a friend who’s ready to simplify lunch once and for all. 💛

What if keeping your home clutter-free didn’t require a weekend marathon… just one minute? This week, we’re ditching the pressure to “go big” and embracing the power of micro-habits. I’m walking you through 5 tiny-but-mighty strategies you can use right now to simplify your space—even on the busiest, messiest summer days. Whether you’re juggling beach bags, snack wrappers, or just the mental clutter of a full calendar, these 1-minute habits are about to become your new secret weapon. No stress. No perfection. Just progress. 🧺 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: My go-to 1-minute reset for mess magnet zones (looking at you, kitchen counter) How to sneak in decluttering “audits” while living your everyday life A surprisingly fun trick that turns the date into your decluttering goal The reason donation bags never leave your trunk—and how to fix it The OHIO principle (a clutter-free rule that takes less time than scrolling IG) A daily mindset question that’ll change how you show up in your home ✨ Why It Works: Because decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These habits don’t require a big chunk of time or mental energy—they work with your real life, not against it. And when they stack up? Total game-changer. 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES: → Join 35K+ women getting the Ready, Set, Simplify newsletter every Wednesday: Sign up here (https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify) → Want more quick wins like this? Check out the Momentum Maker module (https://www.katyjoywells.com/cluttercureclub-page837548) inside Clutter Cure Club → AirDoctor Sponsor: Clean air = clear mind. Save up to $300 here (https://airdoctorpro.com) with code MAX 👯‍♀️ Share the Simplicity: If this episode made you breathe a little easier, send it to a friend who’s in declutter mode this summer. One share = one less overwhelmed mama. And hey—your home doesn’t need to be spotless. It just needs a system that supports the season you’re in. You’ve got this. One minute at a time. Ready, Set, Simplify.

Because sometimes even a decluttered home can feel like… too much. 🔥 PSST—QUICK HEADS UP: The Clutter Cure Course is 50% off this week only! In honor of Independence Day, gain freedom from the clutter that’s still weighing you down. Lifetime access. Step-by-step home reset. Only $77. 👉 Grab it now before the flash sale ends 👈 So you’ve KonMari’d your closet, donated the baby gear, and finally tamed the junk drawer. Your home looks… decluttered. But your nervous system? Still on edge. If you’ve ever walked into your kid’s room and felt like the Legos might actually swallow you whole, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. In this real-talk episode, I break down why a home with less stuff can still feel overstimulating—and what to do when your outer space doesn’t match your inner peace. 💡 You’ll Learn: Why visual clutter isn’t the only kind of clutter messing with your calm The difference between “expected mess” vs. true clutter—and why it matters How to navigate the tension between your needs and real life with kids (without guilt) Simple questions to help you decide what’s worth addressing—and what’s just part of the season you’re in ✨ Highlights from the Episode: My honest response to a listener who decluttered and still feels overwhelmed The reframe that will help you stop gaslighting yourself for being “too sensitive” Real-life examples of how to reset overstimulating spaces (without tossing everything) What to do when your minimalist values clash with plastic toys, busy schedules, and motherhood 🧘‍♀️ Truth Bomb of the Day: You don’t want less stuff. You want less nervous system activation. And that’s a completely valid goal. So let’s shift the conversation from “how much is too much” to: → What supports your peace? → What disrupts your calm? → And how can you build rhythms that honor both your family and your own capacity? 🧡 Loved this episode? → Grab The Clutter Cure for just $77 (https://www.yoursimplifiedhomecourse.com/flashsale) during the Independence Day Flash Sale → Join our supportive community inside the Clutter Cure Club (https://www.katyjoywells.com/cluttercureclub-page837548) → Subscribe to the free Ready, Set, Simplify Newsletter for weekly motivation (https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify) 📸 And don’t forget to tag @katyjoywells on IG if this episode made you feel seen—we're in this together. See you next week, friend. Ready, Set, Simplify.

Packing light shouldn’t feel like rocket science… or like you’re prepping for the runway. This week, I’m walking you through my exact minimalist travel system—no overpacking, no stress, and zero suitcase regrets. 👕👖☀️What if you could pack less and actually feel more like yourself on your next trip? Whether you’re hitting the road for a weekend getaway or jetting off on an overseas adventure, this episode is your permission slip to ditch the “what-if” items and build a travel wardrobe that works hard for you. I’ll share my go-to 5/4/3/2/1 packing formula, the truth about “aspirational outfits,” and the one mindset shift that changed how I travel forever. ✈️ In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How to avoid overpacking by planning for the real you, not the vacation fantasy version of you The 5/4/3/2/1 minimalist packing formula that simplifies everything Why “just in case” items = clutter in disguise The color palette hack that makes mix-and-matching effortless My favorite fabrics for wrinkle-free travel that don’t scream “tourist” One thing to do before zipping your suitcase that will save your sanity later 💡Packing Tips That’ll Change Your Travel Game: The unexpected reason we overpack—and how to quiet that clutter voice Why breathable, layerable pieces are your vacation MVPs How snapping outfit photos before your trip becomes your secret weapon What to pack instead of extra outfits (hint: it smells amazing and saves your back) Yup—decluttering your air is a thing. And AirDoctor makes it ridiculously easy. It filters out 99.99% of dust, mold, pet dander, and even bacteria. 🎁 Grab up to $300 off + a FREE 3-year warranty at airdoctorpro.com with code MAX Ready to Simplify Even More? Start Here: ✅ Declutter Fast with My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter Right Now Quick wins. Instant relief. Clear space in minutes. 📥 https://www.katyjoywells.com/declutter 💬 Get Personalized Coaching from Me Stuck in your clutter cycle? Let’s build a simple, customized plan to clear the overwhelm. 💼 https://www.katyjoywells.com/innercircle 📝 Create Your Home Management Blueprint Finally feel on top of your home—with routines and systems built just for you. 🏡 https://www.katyjoywells.com/home-management-mastery 📲 Come Say Hi on Instagram Behind-the-scenes, real-life simplicity, and lots of laughs. 💛 @katyjoywells 📲 Found this helpful? Text this episode to your favorite overpacker. They’ll thank you at baggage claim. And don’t forget to tag @katyjoywells on Instagram—we’re all about traveling lighter together. You don’t need more outfits to have more fun. You just need space for what matters. Ready, Set, Simplify.

Wait… buying things in a minimalist lifestyle? Yep. We’re going there. If you’ve ever felt guilty for buying something new—even something that actually made your life easier—this episode is for you. Because decluttering isn’t about never buying again. It’s about buying smarter. More intentionally. In ways that support your current season (not clutter your home or conscience). In this honest and practical episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on 8 simple purchases I’ve made over the years that have truly helped me streamline routines, reduce friction, and support my peace. From laundry hacks that keep my boys’ floors clear 🙌 to the one kitchen item that makes every morning feel just a little more joyful—these aren’t “influencer” recommendations. They’re real-life, tried-and-true tools that help a home work. 💡 What You’ll Walk Away With: The reframe you need if you feel guilty about buying (even useful!) things My go-to habit-supporting tools for smoother mornings, less nagging, and fewer meltdowns Why spending money can align with minimalist values (and how to tell if it actually will) The underrated power of functional upgrades—and how to spot them in your own routines 🛍️ Mentioned in This Episode: Hanging laundry hampers for kids’ rooms A countertop espresso machine that sparks joy ☕ Matching garage bins that finally ended bin Jenga Reusable plastic sleeves + dry erase markers for family routines Visual timers for time-blind kiddos (and mamas) Our beloved digital photo frame My favorite way to “read” more books without the guilt stack → Audible ✨ Let This Be Your Permission Slip: Buying less is a powerful tool. But buying better? That’s how you build a home that serves your life. So if you’ve been eyeing something that would actually make your days flow easier—this is your nudge. Don’t overthink it. Just press play. 🎯 SEO keywords woven throughout: minimalist lifestyle hacks, simple home organization tools, decluttering guilt, best household purchases, how to simplify your life, family organization ideas, minimalism for moms, smart home buys 🧡 Loved this episode? Join me inside the Clutter Cure Club (https://www.katyjoywells.com/cluttercureclub-page837548) — where we take conversations like this even deeper, and I help you simplify everything. 📩 Or subscribe to my free weekly newsletter, Ready, Set, Simplify (https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify), for one decluttering mindset shift every Wednesday morning. Tag me @katyjoywells with your favorite simplifying purchase—I’d love to cheer you on. See you next week. Ready, Set, Simplify.

Ever feel like the world’s designed to keep you anxious… and stuck? You’re not alone. And today’s guest—Martha Beck, best-selling author and world-renowned life coach—is here to show us a gentler way forward. In this episode, Martha shares the soul-soothing, science-backed strategies from her latest book, “Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life’s Purpose.” We dive deep into why anxiety is on the rise (and what you can do to quiet it), how to live in a “circle world” even when life feels like a box, and the simple actions that unlock your purpose—no hustle required. 🎙️ Inside this conversation: 🌿 How your environment (yes, even your kitchen counters!) can either fuel anxiety or bring calm 🌱 Why modern life is like living in a box… and how to create your own circles of peace, creativity, and connection 🧠 The real reason your brain is stuck in the anxiety spiral (it’s not your fault!) 💡 The magic of “sense drenching” and how it can melt anxiety in minutes 💛 Why your life’s purpose isn’t something you have to find—it’s something you live, one step at a time Martha’s insights are more than just tips—they’re an invitation to come home to yourself. To swap out overwhelm for curiosity. To finally create the calm and purpose you know you’re craving. Because when we declutter the noise and listen to our soul’s quiet whispers? That’s where real peace—and real purpose—live. 🔗 Links & Resources: Martha’s must-read book: “Beyond Anxiety” (https://marthabeck.com/beyond-anxiety/) Free Anxiety Toolkit (https://marthabeck.com/exercises/) from Martha to help you put these ideas into practice Join my free weekly newsletter, Ready, Set, Simplify, (https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify) for more ways to calm the chaos in your home (and head!) 👉 Let’s step out of the box, into the circle, and find the freedom you’ve been waiting for. Hit play and let’s simplify, together.

If you’ve ever felt torn between wanting to improve yourself and just wanting to be… this episode is for you. I sat down with Gretchen Rubin—best-selling author, researcher, and self-knowledge expert—to unpack some of her most powerful insights from her book, “Secrets of Adulthood.” We’re talking about real-life advice you can actually use… the kind that makes you go, “Oh, that’s me.” 👉 No one-size-fits-all life hacks. 👉 No endless to-do lists. 👉 Just honest, practical wisdom about how to be a little more you—and a little happier in the process. 🎙️ What You’ll Hear: Gretchen’s favorite secrets of adulthood—like why “no tool fits every hand” is a game-changer for simplifying your life The surprising link between self-knowledge and decluttering (yes, your home and your mind!) How to stop “arrival fallacy” thinking—where we wait for someday to feel happier or enough Tips for balancing ambition with acceptance… because love is unconditional (and demanding!) Why self-awareness is the missing piece to everything from better mornings to real calm ✨ Why It Matters: So often, we’re bombarded with advice that doesn’t fit our lives or personalities. Gretchen and I dive deep into how to find what actually works for you—and why knowing yourself is the ultimate clutter cure. Because when you truly know yourself, you can build a life that feels lighter, calmer, and more aligned with what matters most. 🔗 Links & Resources: Grab Gretchen’s book, Secrets of Adulthood (https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Adulthood-Simple-Truths-Complex/dp/0593800737), for even more bite-sized wisdom you’ll want to stick on your fridge (link in show notes!) Love this kind of conversation? Join my free weekly newsletter, Ready, Set, Simplify (https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify), for bite-sized tips and pep talks to help you declutter your home and your mind 👉 Ready for some of the best life advice you’ll ever hear? Hit play and let’s simplify—inside and out.

Ever looked around your house and thought, “Where would I even start?” Maybe the idea of decluttering feels overwhelming—like you need a whole weekend, a label maker, and a small army to make progress. But what if I told you that big results don’t require big time? In this episode of the Maximized Minimalist, I’m flipping the script on what it really takes to simplify your space—and your headspace. I’m sharing 7 ridiculously doable decluttering wins you can grab in five minutes or less… even if your schedule is slammed. No perfect conditions required. No color-coded bins necessary. If you’ve ever felt stuck because you didn’t have time, energy, or motivation—this episode will help you get started (and feel good doing it). What You’ll Learn: Why traditional decluttering advice might be sabotaging your progress The nightstand trick that can create a domino effect of calm What your purse really says about your stress level (👀) My favorite way to clear digital clutter that takes less time than brewing coffee And the one drawer you definitely need to rename ASAP Real talk: It’s not about doing it all. It’s about doing something. Listen now for 7 quick wins that’ll leave you thinking, “Wait… decluttering can feel this good?” Links Mentioned: Want to breathe easier? I love AirDoctor (https://www.airdoctorpro.com) for cleaning up the invisible clutter in my home. Use code MAX for up to $300 off + a free 3-year warranty. Need a weekly nudge to simplify your life? Join my free newsletter (https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify) for 60-second decluttering tips that actually fit your life.

Do you feel like your body is constantly on high alert—even when nothing’s technically wrong? Or maybe you wake up already tired, feel wired-but-exhausted by 2 PM, and no matter how much you “rest,” it never feels like enough? You're not broken, friend. You're likely stuck in nervous system dysregulation—and today’s episode will help you get back into alignment. I’m joined by Michelle Grosser, a nervous system coach, somatic practitioner, and former trial attorney who now helps women regulate stress, calm overwhelm, and feel safe and present again in their bodies and lives. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What a dysregulated nervous system actually is—and why it matters How to tell if you’re stuck in fight, flight, or freeze (even if you're “functioning”) Simple 90-second practices to regulate your nervous system on the spot Why hustle feels “safe” to your brain—and how to rewire that response How slowing down physically can create more clarity, peace, and energy 🔥 Quick, Practical Tools Shared: The Physiological Sigh — the 3-second breath technique that soothes your system instantly The Shake + Move Method — what your body needs when you feel anxious or overstimulated Cold touch hacks (yes, frozen peas can regulate your vagus nerve!) The Sensory Grounding Scan — perfect for when you feel stuck, numb, or foggy 💡 Your Takeaway Today: You don’t have to earn your rest. You don’t have to hustle for your worth. And you don’t have to live in a body that feels like a battlefield. There are simple, gentle tools that help your nervous system exhale—and once you learn them, everything shifts. 📥 Want More Support? Grab Michelle’s free Nervous System Reset Guide here: 👉 michellegrosser.com/reset And be sure to follow Michelle for more somatic tips: 📲 Instagram: @itsmichellegrosser 🎙️ Podcast: The Calm Mom 💛 Simplify Even More with These Resources: Ready to Declutter Even More? Check Out These Resources: 🚀 Get FAST Results with My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter Right Now Need a quick win? This guide helps you clear space and see results fast. 📥 https://www.katyjoywells.com/declutter 💡 Work 1-on-1 With Me Need personalized support to simplify your life? Let’s create a plan that works for you. 💼 https://www.katyjoywells.com/innercircle 🏡 Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint Want a step-by-step plan to manage your home effortlessly? Let’s create your custom blueprint. 📝 https://www.katyjoywells.com/home-management-mastery 📲 Connect with Me on Instagram Follow me for daily decluttering tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks into my life. 💛 https://www.instagram.com/katyjoywells

☀️ Ready for a calmer, lighter summer? Let’s make that happen—starting with your stuff. If summer’s approaching and you’re already feeling behind—hello, cluttered counters, mystery sunscreen stash, and overflowing school papers—this episode is your roadmap to reset. In this episode, I’m walking you through 5 specific things to declutter now that will make your summer feel easier, more peaceful, and way more manageable. No massive overhaul. No organizing binge. Just small, powerful wins that help you create the margin you’re craving. Because here’s the truth: You don’t need more bins or a color-coded summer calendar. You need space—for joy, rest, fun, and being present. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 1️⃣ How to Clear the End-of-School-Year Dump Zone (Without Guilt) Tired of stacks of artwork and random folders piling up? I’ll show you how to quickly process school papers—and how to make one decision that eliminates the overwhelm for good. 2️⃣ The Easy Way to Declutter Last Year’s Summer Gear No more moldy towels, broken goggles, or expired sunscreen hanging around. Learn how to create a quick “maybe” bin to make decluttering painless and kid-friendly. 3️⃣ A 10-Minute Pantry Reset for Summer Sanity Toss the stale snacks, organize your overflow, and create a grab-and-go summer snack bin your kids can actually use—without asking you 47 times a day. 4️⃣ How to Let Go of Your “Maybe Someday” Summer Projects This is the pep talk you didn’t know you needed. You don’t have to organize your whole house or start a garden to have a meaningful summer. I’ll help you pick one thing—and release the rest with zero guilt. 5️⃣ Breaking Free from the Pressure to “Do Summer Right” This one goes deep. I’m sharing what shifted for me when I gave up being the Pinterest-perfect fun mom and chose presence over performance. 💡 One Powerful Reminder from This Episode: “Summer doesn’t need to be productive to be valuable. It just needs space to be what you need it to be.” 💬 Your Challenge This Week: Pick one clutter zone we talked about—school paper piles, summer gear, or your pantry—and give yourself just 10 minutes to tackle it. Then pause, breathe, and soak in the difference it makes. 🎧 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend who’s feeling summer stress before school even ends. And if you haven’t yet, be sure to subscribe so you never miss the simple mindset shifts and micro-wins that make a big impact. Ready, Set, Simplify – bye! 💛 Simplify Even More with These Resources: Ready to Declutter Even More? Check Out These Resources: 🚀 Get FAST Results with My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter Right Now Need a quick win? This guide helps you clear space and see results fast. 📥 https://www.katyjoywells.com/declutter 💡 Work 1-on-1 With Me Need personalized support to simplify your life? Let’s create a plan that works for you. 💼 https://www.katyjoywells.com/innercircle 🏡 Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint Want a step-by-step plan to manage your home effortlessly? Let’s create your custom blueprint. 📝 https://www.katyjoywells.com/home-management-mastery 📲 Connect with Me on Instagram Follow me for daily decluttering tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks into my life. 💛 https://www.instagram.com/katyjoywells