Cassandra Aarssen's Blog, page 5

Stop Chasing Happiness: Why You’re Never Satisfied (and How to Fix It)

If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I’ll be happy when…” — when the house is clean, when the kids are older, when you finally get that promotion or dream kitchen — you’re not alone. Maybe you’re always chasing the next goal, the next purchase, the next big thing… but somehow, happiness still feels out of reach.

In this episode, I’m getting real about something I’ve been struggling with for years: destination addiction. It’s that constant feeling of needing more to finally feel content. And spoiler alert — it’s not just a mindset issue… it’s biology. It’s what psychologists call the hedonic treadmill, and friends, I’ve been sprinting on it for most of my adult life.

So today, I’m hitting pause. I’m sharing the science behind why we adapt so quickly to the good stuff, why our happiness resets to “meh,” and what we can actually do about it. If you’ve been feeling chronically dissatisfied, overwhelmed, or like you’re missing the joy in your already-amazing life — this one’s for you.

Whether you’re in full hustle mode or feeling a little lost between “next big things,” this episode is your permission slip to slow down, breathe, and start appreciating the incredible life you’re living right now.

✨ In this episode, I talk about:

What the “hedonic treadmill” really means — and how it keeps us stuckHow society, social media, and even ADHD feed into our addiction to “more”The emotional crash that comes after a big milestoneWhy midlife crises aren’t what we think they areHow to raise your “baseline” and feel truly content againSimple but powerful ways to practice gratitude and presence every day

💛 This isn’t about giving up on dreams. It’s about learning to love the life you’ve already built.

👇 Mentioned in this episode:
Here are the articles and resources I talked about —
→ What Is the Hedonic Treadmill? (PositivePsychology.com) – https://positivepsychology.com/hedoni...
→ Hedonic Treadmill – Psychology Today – https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/ba...
→ Understanding Dissatisfaction – Dr. Debra Campbell – https://www.drdebracampbell.com/under...
→ 4 Steps to Letting Go of Chronic Dissatisfaction – Lynda Hoffman – https://lyndahoffman.com/4-steps-to-letting-go-of-chronic-dissatisfaction/

→ Lottery Winners and Accident Victims: Is Happiness Relative? (ResearchGate) – https://www.researchgate.net/publicat...

How to Declutter Your Home in Just 30 Minutes!

Here’s the good news when it comes to decluttering your home—you don’t need a whole weekend or a professional organizer to make real progress. All you need is 30 minutes, a trash bag, and a little motivation.

Start Where It Hurts

Pick a space that’s been driving you a little bit crazy lately—maybe it’s your closet, your junk drawer, or your kitchen counter. Wherever it is, start there. No need to plan or prep. Just grab:

A trash bag

A box or bag for donations

A laundry basket (for stuff that belongs elsewhere)

A timer

The Power of Five

Set that timer for 5 minutes and make it your goal to find five things to go. That’s it. Five. You can totally do that.  Why five? Because five is magic. It’s just enough to feel doable, but once you get going, you’ll likely want to keep going. Think of it like priming the pump—five is your starting line, not the finish.

You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can fill a bag with things like:

Broken gadgets

Expired products

Clothes that don’t fit or feel good

Random junk you forgot you even had

And yes, actual garbage totally counts.

Ditch the Perfectionism

Repeat after me: “Better, not perfect.” You’re not here to organize, categorize, or color-code. You’re here to declutter your home and reduce the overwhelm. This isn’t about pulling everything out and creating a bigger mess. It’s about taking a deep breath and letting a few things go.

If something’s broken, unloved, or hasn’t been used in forever—bye-bye! If you’re hesitating because “I might need this someday,” ask yourself: “Would I buy this again?” If not, it can go.

Mantras That Make It Easier

Sometimes, the biggest roadblock is in your head. So here are a few mantras to help push past the guilt and indecision:

“I deserve a space that feels good.”

“The money is already spent.”

“It’s not a cat. I don’t have to rehome it.”

“I am more important than this stuff.”

Seriously. Say them out loud. Write them on a sticky note. Let them guide your decisions.

Little Spaces, Big Wins

In just 30 minutes, you can tackle multiple small zones in your home:

Closet: Find 5 (or 15) things you don’t wear anymore. Let go of clothes that don’t fit, flatter, or make you feel amazing.

Bathroom drawers: Toss the expired, the empty, the “meh” products.

Pantry: Hunt for stale chips, expired snacks, and forgotten cans.

Fridge: Ditch those mystery leftovers and old condiments.

Catch-all zones: You know the ones. The garage, the mudroom, the entryway.

The key? Set a timer for 5 minutes per space. Only aim to find five things. That’s it. That’s the magic formula.

Progress Over Perfection

You don’t need a perfect house—you need a home that feels manageable. A few fewer things in your space can mean a lot less stress in your mind. Every item you let go of is one less thing to clean, store, or think about.

As you move from room to room, remind yourself: You’re not just decluttering your home. You’re taking back control. You’re creating breathing room—for your stuff, your schedule, and your sanity.

Keep the Momentum Going

Want to keep the good vibes going? Join my free 30-Day Decluttering Challenge—just five minutes a day, five things to go, with full support and body doubling accountability. It’s zero pressure, all progress.

👉 Click here to join the FREE 30 DAY DECLUTTER CHALLENGE NOW 🎙 Subscribe to my Podcast Channel & Get Inspired!

🧺 ORGANIZING & STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR UNIQUE ORGANIZING STYLE:

✨ DECLUTTER & CLEAN LIKE A PRO – My Top Picks
Fave Cleaning Tools : https://urlgeni.us/amazon/2xYW0
Fave Organizing Solutions: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/JOrJm
Kitchen Organizing Faves: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/8YWRx
🛍️ SHOP MY AMAZON: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/Clutterbug

📲 Let’s Get Social! Follow Me Here ↓
Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/ffwh
Facebook: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Clutterbug
TikTok: https://urlgeni.us/tiktok/TikTokClutterbug
Website: http://www.clutterbug.me

Some links are Amazon affiliate links to products I love! I may earn a small commissions for purchases made through these links (but don’t worry, it doesn’t cost you anything extra

Is It ADHD or Am I Just Bad at Adulting? Expert Dr. Ari Tuckman Explains the Difference

If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly messing up — forgetting things, zoning out, missing steps, or just trying to keep your head above water — you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve wondered if you have ADHD… or maybe you’re just chronically overwhelmed and tired of feeling like you’re failing at “being an adult.”

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ari Tuckman — psychologist, speaker, and leading expert on adult ADHD — to talk about what it really means to be productive when your brain works differently.

We dive deep into how ADHD affects not just your focus, but your self-esteem, your past experiences, and your ability to trust yourself. Ari shares science-backed, shame-free strategies from his new book The ADHD Productivity Manual — and gives us permission to stop striving for perfection and start creating a life that works for us.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed, suspect you might have ADHD, or just want to finally feel a little less behind all the time… this episode is packed with validation, laughter, and practical advice that will leave you feeling seen and supported.

✨ We chat about:

How ADHD shows up in adults (and why so many go undiagnosed)Why your messy past doesn’t mean you’re broken — or doomedThe powerful link between clutter, distraction, and overwhelmMedication myths (and why it’s just one helpful tool, not a cure-all)Small shifts that make a big difference in productivity and self-worthThe importance of compassion — for yourself and others

🧠 Learn more from Dr. Tuckman:
→ Website: https://adultadhdbook.com
→ New book: The ADHD Productivity Manual — available everywhere books are sold

How to Spoil Yourself for Under $25

Let’s be real—life gets busy. Between tidying the house, wrangling kids, working, and just trying to be, it’s easy to feel like you’re running on empty. If you’ve been fantasizing about a break (like, maybe booking a one-way flight to anywhere), you’re not alone.

But here’s the thing—you deserve rest, and it doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag or a suitcase. Here are eight fun, fabulous, and totally affordable ideas (each under $25!) to treat yourself to a mini getaway… without leaving your home.

1. Backyard Oasis

Transform your patio or backyard into a tropical paradise. No need for fancy furniture—a blanket, a couple of chairs, and a few potted plants can work magic. Think “island vibes” with chilled drinks (piña colada mix from the dollar store, anyone?), pre-prepped fruit and snacks, and maybe even a cute umbrella straw.

Don’t forget: no chores allowed. This is your mini vacation. Bring a book, bask in the sun, and sip your drink like you’re poolside in paradise.

Bonus Spa Touches:

Fill a spray bottle with water and a few drops of olive oil for a refreshing facial mist.

Chill damp towels with essential oils for a luxe cool-down treat.

2. Cozy Campout

If nature speaks to your soul (even just a whisper), plan a mini campout. Start with a walk or hike—yes, even around the block counts. Pack yourself a picnic, and if you’re brave, try napping in a hammock (even if getting in is half the challenge!).

Then comes the best part: s’mores. Whether you have a fire pit, tabletop flame, or even an oven inside, the goal is melty, gooey joy.

3. Hotel Vibes

Turn your bedroom into a five-star suite. Declutter the space, hide the laundry baskets, and hang a “Do Not Disturb” sign. Make a DIY minibar stocked with your favorite snacks (yes, even candy counts), grab a cozy sleep mask, and snuggle in with a good book or movie.

Pro tip: A TV tray makes the perfect in-bed dining table. It’s the little luxuries, right?

4. Spa Day, Your Way

You don’t need an appointment to pamper yourself. Try these budget-friendly DIY spa ideas:

Heat towels with essential oils for an instant aromatherapy experience.

Place warm rocks (yes, rocks!) on your skin while relaxing with zen music.

Add bath bombs, face masks, and candles for the ultimate wind-down.

Even just sitting in a dimly lit room with a flickering candle can feel like a full reset.

5. Paint & Sip in Paris (Sort Of)

Set the mood with French music (Spotify’s got you covered), wear your chicest beret, and whip up your favorite drink (wine optional, Kool-Aid works too). Then, grab a paint-by-numbers kit or a blank canvas and get creative.

It’s not about skill—it’s about play, and letting yourself feel like an artist for the afternoon.

6. Be a Kid Again

Adulting is exhausting. So, for a day, ditch it. Stock up on your favorite childhood candy, pull out some video games, or jump on a trampoline. Frolic in your backyard. Make mud pies. Be silly. Be free. Most importantly—don’t clean up after yourself until tomorrow.

7. Date Yourself

Sometimes you just need to leave the house (I get it!). Plan a solo date that fuels your soul:

Go thrifting or antiquing

Take in a matinee movie

Visit the beach and search for beach glass

Grab a coffee and people-watch

This is about reconnecting with you. No expectations. No guilt. Just joy.

8. Live Like Fantasy You

Who do you dream of being? A homesteader? A painter? A racecar-driving rebel? Spend the day stepping into that role. Dress the part. Act the part. Live it—even if it’s just for a few hours.

Fantasy Cas is a garden-growing, apron-wearing homesteader making homemade jam (or at least trying to – my quick jam recipe is here).   For you, it might mean yoga in a flower field or exploring a new hobby you’ve always wanted to try.

At the end of the day, these aren’t just fun ideas. They’re reminders that you are worth the effort. Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re dreaming of a backyard island or becoming your boldest self, take a day off from life. Recharge. And maybe… have a little fun while you’re at it.

🎙 Subscribe to my Podcast Channel & Get Inspired!🧺 ORGANIZING & STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR UNIQUE ORGANIZING STYLE: 

✨ DECLUTTER & CLEAN LIKE A PRO – My Top Picks
Fave Cleaning Tools : https://urlgeni.us/amazon/2xYW0
Fave Organizing Solutions: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/JOrJm
Kitchen Organizing Faves: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/8YWRx
🛍️ SHOP MY AMAZON: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/Clutterbug

📲 Let’s Get Social! Follow Me Here ↓
Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/ffwh
Facebook: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Clutterbug
TikTok: https://urlgeni.us/tiktok/TikTokClutterbug
Website: http://www.clutterbug.me

Some links are Amazon affiliate links to products I love!  I may earn a small commission for purchases made through these links (but don’t worry, it doesn’t cost you anything extra)

You Don’t Need More Time – You Need Less Noise: Simplify with Courtney Carver

If you’re exhausted from trying to do it all — keeping the house clean, showing up for everyone, working, and staying “on” — you’re not alone. Maybe you’re craving peace, space, or just one quiet moment to breathe… but you don’t know where to start.

In this episode, I sit down with the incredibly inspiring Courtney Carver — bestselling author of Soulful Simplicity and Gentle — who completely transformed her life after a diagnosis of MS forced her to slow down, simplify, and let go of what wasn’t serving her.

We dive into what it really means to declutter—not just your home, but your calendar, your mind, your expectations, and your heart. Courtney shares how she found more health, creativity, love, and presence by doing LESS… and how you can too.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in commitments, noise, or stuff—and you just want to feel like yourself again—this episode is for you.

✨ We chat about:

How to simplify when you’re completely overwhelmedWhy your self-worth is not measured by how much you doCreating boundaries with your time, energy, and emotionsThe power of starting small — and starting gentlyThe life-changing magic of Project 333Simple, soulful shifts that will help you breathe again

🌿 Connect with Courtney:
→ Website: https://bemorewithless.com
→ Instagram: @bemorewithless
→ Grab her new book Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want — available everywhere books are sold!

👇 What’s one thing you’re ready to let go of—physically or emotionally? Drop it in the comments. Let’s release it together.

You Don’t Need More Time – You Need Less Noise: Simplify with Courtney Carver

If you’re exhausted from trying to do it all — keeping the house clean, showing up for everyone, working, and staying “on” — you’re not alone. Maybe you’re craving peace, space, or just one quiet moment to breathe… but you don’t know where to start.

In this episode, I sit down with the incredibly inspiring Courtney Carver — bestselling author of Soulful Simplicity and Gentle — who completely transformed her life after a diagnosis of MS forced her to slow down, simplify, and let go of what wasn’t serving her.

We dive into what it really means to declutter—not just your home, but your calendar, your mind, your expectations, and your heart. Courtney shares how she found more health, creativity, love, and presence by doing LESS… and how you can too.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in commitments, noise, or stuff—and you just want to feel like yourself again—this episode is for you.

✨ We chat about:

How to simplify when you’re completely overwhelmedWhy your self-worth is not measured by how much you doCreating boundaries with your time, energy, and emotionsThe power of starting small — and starting gentlyThe life-changing magic of Project 333Simple, soulful shifts that will help you breathe again

🌿 Connect with Courtney:
→ Website: https://bemorewithless.com
→ Instagram: @bemorewithless
→ Grab her new book Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want — available everywhere books are sold!

👇 What’s one thing you’re ready to let go of—physically or emotionally? Drop it in the comments. Let’s release it together.

How to Instantly Discover Your Organizing Style

Not knowing your organizing style keeps tidying your home feel like a never-ending job. You clean, you sort, you put things away… and yet somehow it always ends up messy again. If that sounds familiar, I’ve got great news for you: it’s not your fault. You’ve just been organizing the wrong way for your brain.

Today, we’re diving into a simple, fun, and shockingly accurate way to figure out your natural organizing style—so you can finally set up your home to stay tidy without driving yourself crazy.

Why You’re Still Struggling to Stay Organized

After 15 years of helping people get organized, I realized something important—most of us are trying to use systems that don’t match how our brains naturally sort and store things. That’s why even with the cutest bins and Pinterest-worthy pantries, the clutter still creeps back.

The secret? Learn how you organize best. And that starts with understanding two things:

How you naturally sort things

How you naturally store things

Let’s break it down.

Are You Detailed or Big-Picture?

Imagine you’ve got a pile of random kitchen stuff—beans, utensils, snacks—and I ask you to sort it into piles in 45 seconds. No thinking, just go!

Here’s what we discovered from doing this game live with the crew here at Clutterbug:

Detailed Sorters (like Emily) group things into tiny, precise categories: forks with forks, tea separate from coffee.

Big-Picture Sorters (like Mara) use broad categories like “food” and “not food.” That’s it. No muss, no fuss.

Neither is right or wrong—it’s just how your brain works. And knowing that can help you create systems that feel natural and that you’ll actually maintain.

How Do You Store Stuff? Visual vs. Hidden

The second part of your organizing style is how you like to see (or not see) your stuff.

Visual People keep things out where they can see them—like papers on the fridge or makeup on the bathroom counter.

Hidden People like things tucked away neatly in drawers or behind doors.

Pop quiz: Is the front of your fridge covered in stuff or completely bare? That’s your clue!

The Four Organizing Styles (a.k.a. The Clutterbug Types)

Now that you know whether you’re detailed or big-picture, and visual or hidden, you fall into one of four “bug” styles. Each style has its own strengths—and its own organizing kryptonite.

🐝 The Bee – Visual + Detailed

You love to see everything and crave lots of categories. But you also tend to spread across every surface. The fix? Clear containers with drawers, pegboards, and vertical storage systems so everything is both visible and sorted.

🐞 The Ladybug – Hidden + Big Picture

You’re a “chuck it and shut it” kind of girl. You like things out of sight and aren’t into nitty-gritty sorting. Your best bet? Big bins without lids and pretty baskets to toss things into quickly. No more piles on the counter!

🦋 The Butterfly – Visual + Big Picture

You need to see everything, but don’t want complicated systems. Open shelving, big clear bins, and labels everywhere are your best friends. Skip the filing cabinet and opt for labeled baskets you can drop stuff into.

🦗 The Cricket – Hidden + Detailed

You’re a perfectionist who loves tidy drawers, labels, and file folders—as long as everything stays out of sight. Drawer dividers, portable totes, and caddies you can tuck away are perfect for you.

Why This Matters

Knowing your organizing style isn’t just cute—it’s life-changing. You stop forcing yourself to use systems that don’t fit. You stop feeling guilty when the bins don’t stay organized. You finally create spaces that make sense for how your brain works.

And when your systems work for you? Tidying takes minutes. You actually want to put things away. Your home stays cleaner with less effort. Yes, really.

Real Life Fixes for Real Homes

Here are just a few examples of how matching the system to the style made a huge difference:

Shawna (a Bee) was overwhelmed by piles in her craft room. Adding some $20 bookcases to get things off the floor changed everything. Watch Shawna’s home makeover here.

Stephanie’s husband (a Butterfly) struggled with dressers. A simple open closet system saved their sanity. Watch the closet transformation here.

Kelly (a Ladybug) chucked groceries into a closet. Once we added shelves and baskets, she still “chucked”—but now everything had a home. Watch Kelly’s extreme makeover here. 

One-Minute Fixes for Every Style

If you’re ready to make small changes with big impact, here are quick wins tailored to your organizing bug:

🐞 Ladybug Fixes:

Ditch lids on bins

Use baskets for paper instead of filing cabinets

Install hooks in closets instead of using hangers

🐝 Bee Fixes:

Use wall-mounted storage (magnetic shelves, pegboards)

Get clear stacking bins with drawers

Use trays to limit spreading

🦗 Cricket Fixes:

Use drawer dividers

Try portable storage like rolling carts

File papers vertically where you naturally pile

🦋 Butterfly Fixes:

Remove closet or cabinet doors

Use floating shelves everywhere

Label everything like it’s a preschool

Take the Free Quiz to Find Your Style

If you’re still unsure what bug you are, or just want to double-check you’re not picking answers as your “fantasy self,” take the free quiz right here. It only takes a minute—and it could change how you organize forever.

You’re Not Messy—You’re Just Organizing Wrong

I know you’ve probably tried a million organizing systems before. You’ve watched the shows, bought the bins, labeled your life. But this is different. This is about knowing yourself, how your brain works, and creating a home that finally clicks.

🧺 ORGANIZING & STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR EACH STYLE CAN BE FOUND HERE

🎙 Subscribe to my Podcast Channel HERE

✨ DECLUTTER & CLEAN LIKE A PRO – My Top Picks
Fave Cleaning Tools : https://urlgeni.us/amazon/2xYW0
Fave Organizing Solutions: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/JOrJm
Kitchen Organizing Faves: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/8YWRx
🛍️ SHOP MY AMAZON: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/Clutterbug

📲 Let’s Get Social! Follow Me Here ↓
Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/ffwh
Facebook: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Clutterbug
TikTok: https://urlgeni.us/tiktok/TikTokClutterbug
Website: http://www.clutterbug.me

Some links are Amazon affiliate links to products I love!  I may earn a small commissions for purchases made through these links (but don’t worry, it doesn’t cost you anything extra)

Tidy Home, Clear Mind: The Power of Declutter For Mental Wellness

Have you ever torn your house apart looking for something that was exactly where it should have been? Or spent hours tidying, only to find the mess returned overnight? You’re not alone—and you’re not a failure.

In this episode, I dive deep into the powerful science behind clutter and how it impacts your brain, your stress levels, and even your physical health. Discover how decluttering isn’t just about a Pinterest-perfect home—it’s about rewiring your brain for clarity, calm, and joy.

You’ll learn:

Why clutter overwhelms your brain and saps your energyHow a tidy space can boost your focus, creativity, and sleepSimple, science-backed tricks to master motivation and beat decision fatigueHow minimalism might be the mental freedom you’ve been craving

So grab a trash bag, hit play, and let’s declutter together—because your sanity is worth it.

Show Notes & Links:

Join the Take Your House Back Course (on sale now!)
https://www.takeyourhouseback.com/cou...

All Day Declutter Event – May 3rd
Be part of a community declutter day with real-time coaching and support from Cas, Dana, and Dawn.

Studies & Research Mentioned:

Visual Clutter Affects Brain Function
McMains & Kastner – Princeton Neuroscience Institute
https://www.princeton.edu/news/2011/0...Desk Clutter & Productivity
Same Princeton lab study – desk simulation showed 20% faster performance in tidy spaces
(See link above)Clutter and Chronic Procrastination
Joseph Ferrari’s work on clutter and avoidance behavior
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joseph-FerrariCortisol Levels in Cluttered Homes
UCLA “No Place Like Home” study (Saxbe & Repetti, 2010)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20384438/15-Minute Tidy-Up and Anxiety Reduction
Study by Our Mental Health (Nov 2024)
https://www.ourmentalhealth.orgClean Desks Boost Accuracy & Creativity
Colton Moulton (2015) – anecdotal reference, source not availableImplementation Intentions Increase Follow-Through
Gollwitzer & Sheeran (2006)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0065260106380050

Tools and Methods Mentioned:

20/20 Rule – The Minimalists
https://www.theminimalists.com/clutter/Pomodoro (20/10 Timer Method)
https://francescocirillo.com/pages/po...Temptation Bundling – Katy Milkman
https://behavioralscientist.org/how-t...

Tag ne on social media (@clutterbug_me) and share your wins!
Your progress might just inspire someone else to start closing the clutter tabs in their brain too.

How to Save Money on Grocery Shopping: 20 Clever Hacks

Are you staring at your grocery bill like, “Wait… how did THAT happen?” Groceries are out-of-control expensive right now—but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. These 20 super simple hacks will help you slash your grocery budget without sacrificing tasty meals or healthy snacks.

Let’s dive into the easiest, most effective ways to save money on groceries (that you may have never tried before).

1. Stretch Ground Beef with Lentils

Ground beef is pricey, but you can double your meat (and nutrients!) by mixing in boiled lentils. They’re high in protein, have almost no taste, and blend beautifully into tacos, chili, or spaghetti. It’s a genius way to make one pound go twice as far—and no one will even notice.

2. Make Freezer Jam from Overripe Fruit

Got brown bananas or sad strawberries? Don’t toss them—jam them! Throw fruit into a pot with some sugar, simmer for 10 minutes, and boom: delicious freezer jam. No canning needed. It’s amazing on pancakes, cake, graham crackers with cream cheese—basically everything.

3. Pantry Pasta for the Win

Skip the expensive jarred sauce and make your own using canned tomatoes, veggies, and dry pasta cooked right in the same pot. The pasta starch makes a creamy sauce that tastes gourmet—for under $5 a meal.

4. Cold Pasta Salads for Days

Make a big batch of pasta salad once a week with whatever veggies you have on hand. It lasts up to five days, is super cheap, and doubles as lunch or dinner. Tuna pasta salad? Kids will love it—and it costs pennies per serving.

5. DIY Cleaners

Stop spending big on name-brand cleaners. Mix rubbing alcohol, water, and dish soap for a streak-free, disinfecting miracle spray that’s safe on almost everything. Add essential oils if you’re fancy.  Want the recipe to make your own homemade cleaners? Download my faves for FREE right here!

6. Buy Ugly Produce

Farmers markets and some grocery stores sell imperfect fruits and veggies at a steep discount. Who cares if your carrot has curves? You’ll save at least $1 per pound and still get all the nutrients.

7. Take the No-Name Challenge

Store-brand and no-name canned goods are often made in the exact same factory as the name brands—just cheaper. Try it once and you’ll never go back.

8. Leftover Night

Designate one night a week as “Fend for Yourself” night. Eat up leftovers, make sandwiches, or clear out the freezer. It keeps food from going to waste and gives you a break from cooking.

9. Try a No-Spend Week

Once a month, challenge yourself to skip grocery shopping for a week. Use what you have in your fridge, freezer, and pantry. It’s fun, forces creativity, and can shave hundreds off your monthly spending.

10. Make One Big Pot a Week

Cook up a giant pot of something like chili or soup. It lasts all week and can be used in tons of ways—on nachos, in quesadillas, or just with toast. Use pantry staples, and it’s under $10 for multiple meals.

11. Become a Budget Betty Crocker

Don’t be intimidated by baking. Find easy “dump and stir” recipes for muffins, banana bread, or donuts using what’s already in your pantry. Make a dozen treats for the cost of one store-bought snack pack.

12. Snack & Lunch Prep

Take a cue from my husband Joe and prep grab-and-go snacks every Sunday—fruit cups, homemade Lunchables, salads. You’ll avoid fast food temptations and school lunch purchases all week long.

13. Shop the International Aisle

The international foods section is a goldmine for cheap staples—chickpeas, sauces, noodles. Don’t overlook the snacks either. Bonus: you might discover a new favorite cuisine.

14. Upgrade Ramen with Peanut Butter

Transform a 30-cent pack of ramen into a Thai-inspired peanut curry. Add a spoonful of peanut butter and some chili oil to the pot—bam, gourmet in five minutes.

15. Frozen is Your Friend

Frozen fruits and veggies are often cheaper than fresh, and they last way longer. My fave? Frozen mango from Costco—so sweet and firm, never mushy. Perfect for smoothies, snacks, or desserts.

16. Use Grocery Apps Like Flipp & Flash Food

Download Flipp  to scan flyers and price match with ease. And check out FlashFood for major markdowns on food that’s nearing its best-before date. You’ll find crazy deals on meat, produce, and even bakery items.

17. Buy in Bulk—but Check the Unit Price

Yes, buy in bulk—but smartly. Always look at the unit price on the label to avoid shrinkflation tricks. Only buy what you’ll actually use, and compare costs before you toss it in the cart.

18. Themed Dinners = Easy Meal Planning

Not into traditional meal planning? Try themed nights instead—Taco Tuesday, Pasta Friday, Soup Sunday. It takes the guesswork out of planning and helps avoid takeout temptation.

(Grab my free Miracle Menu Planner printable here!)

19. Choose Pork Over Other Meats

Pork is often half the price of beef and chicken—and just as delicious. Try roasting a pork loin with some fennel or stuffing it with sausage and cheese. It’s budget-friendly and totally gourmet.

20. Grow Something—Anything!

Herbs, tomatoes, lettuce—grow it in pots, indoors, outside—wherever. Seeds are cheap, plants are practically free food, and you’ll feel like a magical garden witch every time you harvest.

If you try just a few of these grocery hacks, you could save up to $700 a month—that’s $8,400 a year! All while still feeding your family amazing, nourishing meals.

So what are you waiting for? Try a tip, try them all—and don’t forget to check out the free printables below

Download my FREE Miracle Menu Planner Here: https://clutterbug.me/products/miracle-meal-planner

Download my FREE Easy Summer Recipes Here: https://clutterbug.me/products/fast-easy-summer-recipes

Download my FAST & EASY Fav Recipes Here: https://clutterbug.me/products/fast-easy-recipes

🎙 Subscribe to my Podcast Channel & Get Inspired! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzb9pSHe_w_e1jeg5BaK-bQ? sub_confirmation=1

🧺 ORGANIZING & STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR UNIQUE ORGANIZING STYLE: https://clutterbug.me/2025/02/storage-and-organizing-solutions-to-fit-your-style.html

✨ DECLUTTER & CLEAN LIKE A PRO – My Top Picks
Fave Cleaning Tools : https://urlgeni.us/amazon/2xYW0
Fave Organizing Solutions: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/JOrJm
Kitchen Organizing Faves: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/8YWRx
🛍️ SHOP MY AMAZON: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/Clutterbug

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Some links are Amazon affiliate links to products I love!  I may earn a small commissions for purchases made through these links (but don’t worry, it doesn’t cost you anything extra)
#clutterbug #groceryhacks #frugalliving

Break Free from the Cycle of Mess and Stress with Julia Ubbenga

Do you ever feel like you’re drowning in stuff… but you still don’t know how to let it go?

In this episode, I sit down with the lovely Julia Ubbenga from Rich In What Matters — a minimalist mama of five who transformed her entire life by decluttering not just her home, but her heart, soul, and mind.

We dive deep into why we hold onto clutter, how consumerism traps us emotionally, and what it really means to live an intentional, clutter-free life. Julia’s story is powerful — from $40K in debt and postpartum depression to building a simpler, calmer, more joyful life (with five kids, no less!).

If you’ve ever held onto something out of guilt, or felt like your stuff is managing you, this episode will hit home.

✨ We chat about:

The emotional side of declutteringBreaking the “stuff = love” mindsetWhy you’re not failing — you’re just overwhelmedSimple mindset shifts to stop the buying cycleDecluttering as self-worth and self-careHow to get started when it all feels like too much

🌿 Connect with Julia:

→ Blog: https://richinwhatmatters.com
→ Instagram: @richinwhatmatters
→ Grab her book “Declutter Your Soul, Heart & Home” wherever books are sold!