Search a title or topic

Over 20 million podcasts, powered by 

Player FM logo

Zee And Friends Podcasts

show episodes
 
Let's simplify organizing, shall we? Join Professional Organizer and Productivity Consultant, Zee Siman, along with her occasional co-host or guest, as she provides sustainable decluttering, home organizing and time management tips curated for you: working moms, mompreneurs and entrepreneurs. Beautiful Living is all about creating joy-filled, organized homes and vibrant social connections, balanced with meaningful work for a fulfilling, sustainable life. As 'The Choosy Organizer', Zee shows ...
  continue reading
 
Zee Arnold, founder of UX Teacher Prep, spills the tea on her incredible journey from a 15-year teaching career to becoming a remote UX Researcher in just 5 months. Join Zee as she shares strategies, tips, and tricks to help you land your first tech role outside of the classroom. Discover how to showcase your transferable skills and escape burnout while finding the balance to unleash your creativity. Since her transition in 2022, Zee has been supporting other teachers in their career pivots ...
  continue reading
 
Loading …
show series
 
Want a cozy, clutter-free Fall without blowing your budget? In this episode of Organizing for Beautiful Living, I've got 7 simple ways to “rollover” your home into Fall. These ideas are low-cost or no-cost, sustainable, and will help you stay organized while keeping the season light and joyful. You’ll learn how to: 💨 Shore up drafts to cut costs an…
  continue reading
 
Why is decluttering so hard even when you know you’re ready to do it? In this tough-love episode, I walk you through the top 10 excuses that keep us stuck in clutter. From “I don’t have time” to “but it was expensive” to “it’s organized chaos,” I break each one down with research and stories, then shares the mindset shifts you can use to finally mo…
  continue reading
 
What do decluttering your home and your finances have in common? More than you think. In this special interview-style episode, I sat down with financial coach and author Bernadette Joy, whose CRUSH method helps people declutter their money goals and design a life with more freedom — financial and otherwise. We talked about how clutter shows up in o…
  continue reading
 
Do you feel like you’re the only one in your household who notices the clutter? 🧺 You're tired of being the default “home manager” while everyone else moves through the mess like it’s invisible! You’re not alone, and you don’t have to wait for your partner or kids to suddenly jump on the decluttering train. In this episode, I’m showing you how to o…
  continue reading
 
Decluttering doesn’t have to feel like scrubbing the toilet. What if instead of dragging yourself through organizing projects, you reframed it as curating your life? In this episode of Organizing for Beautiful Living, we’re trading burnout for intention. I’ll guide you through a mindset shift that transforms decluttering from a chore into something…
  continue reading
 
Early alarms + school rush don’t have to mean foggy, frantic mornings. In this episode, I'm sharing the six small “levers” that reliably flip my mornings from groggy to calm and focused—no perfection required. You’ll learn how to: 📵 Phone fast for 10–15 minutes to protect your attention and stop the doom-scroll before it starts 🧭 Use a simple Get-G…
  continue reading
 
Fall is creeping in—school forms, Q4 chatter, and (somehow) Halloween candy in August. If you’re feeling pushed forward in time, this episode brings you back to center with two grounding routines and a few mindset helpers so you can savor the season instead of sprinting through it. We’ll look at: the 12-Week Year approach to calm goal-setting (four…
  continue reading
 
Is your child’s room a mine-field of laundry, stray tech and lost shoes? 😩 In this episode, I'm walking you through a one-hour Bedroom Reset that turns cluttered kid-spaces into stress-free launchpads just in time for those early-morning back-to-school routines. 📝 What You’ll Learn 0–20 min: Tackling cramped drawers and floor hazards first 20–40 mi…
  continue reading
 
Tiny Boston apartment? Sprawling suburban playroom? Either way, toy clutter can take over fast. In this episode I tackle the real reason toys multiply (think “permission creep” and Parkinson’s Law) and I'll share five small-space principles inspired by families who thrive in 700-square-foot city flats—but that work just as well in a four-bedroom ho…
  continue reading
 
In today's episode I share a personal update about answering a spiritual call to mentor youth in my local community while continuing my UX research career. This unexpected opportunity represents not a step backward but a meaningful expansion that combines my teaching background with my UXR skills in a new context. THANK YOU for sticking with me thr…
  continue reading
 
When school ends and schedules go loosy-goosy, even the most organized households can start to feel wobbly. 😅 If July has you buried in pool towels, half-done projects, and that vague “I’m forgetting something…” feeling, today’s episode is your reset button. I’m sharing two simple systems I rely on whenever life feels floaty: The Simple Single – ho…
  continue reading
 
Ever glance at a messy countertop and feel that pang of I should have it together by now? You’re not alone—and you’re not broken. In this episode, professional organizer Zee Siman unpacks the science of “clutter shame” and shares three simple mindset shifts (plus a five-word mantra) that turn self-criticism into self-compassion — so you can clear s…
  continue reading
 
Coach Zee shares essential UX research interview questions and expert advice for teachers transitioning to tech careers. This updated summer episode includes new AI-related interview questions for 2025, along with sample answers tailored specifically for educators making the career change. • Common hiring manager questions focus on research methodo…
  continue reading
 
No need to hide and pretend you're not home when the neighbor rings he doorbell anymore! In this episode,I'm sharing my simple 3-part “Blueprint for Confidence” that lets any busy mom flip her main living spaces from lived-in to guest-ready in about the time it takes to brew iced tea. In this episode you’ll discover ➡️ The science behind surface st…
  continue reading
 
Plastic lids with no containers, shoes that take over the hallway, and pots you never cook with—sound familiar? In this episode I'm picking 10 everyday culprits that quietly steal storage from working-mom households and I'm sharing my Lazy-Organizer solutions that fit the 5 Pillars of Beautiful Living. In This Episode Why mismatched plastic food co…
  continue reading
 
A brief reflection on how children and family members perceive the shift from dynamic classroom teaching to the seemingly static world of UX research. What looks like "just clicking all day" to a 13-year-old is actually detective work uncovering patterns in human behavior and advocating for users. • The visible nature of teaching versus the invisib…
  continue reading
 
Kids don’t learn “Stuff-Management 101” at school, yet the ability to sort, store, and let go of belongings is a genuine life skill. In today’s episode I’m sharing the 8 mindset shifts that turn kids into confident, clutter-busting pros, no matter how old they are. In this episode you’ll learn: Why decluttering is literacy, not a chore – and how it…
  continue reading
 
Missing someone after they leave, post-vacation blues, rainy-day doldrums—whatever the trigger, the “blahs” can hit hard (especially when you’re a busy, sleep-deprived mom). In this episode, I share seven quick, low-lift mood boosters that fit right into a working-mom schedule—all straight from my own Lazy-Organizer toolbox. In this episode you’ll …
  continue reading
 
Navigating the pressures of job hunting while transitioning into UX can tempt anyone to embellish their experience, but authentic storytelling and strategic positioning of real skills prove more effective. I share my personal experience of almost stretching the truth on a job application and how choosing authenticity led to an interview anyway. • C…
  continue reading
 
Summer may feel lighter, but real life (and soccer practice!) always sneaks back onto the calendar. Today I’m sharing four organizing “fails” from my own house—times I worked way too hard, spent money on the wrong solutions, or simply forgot to think things through. If you’ve ever color-coded clutter, jam-packed a closet, or decanted everything onl…
  continue reading
 
In this episode of Organizing for Beautiful Living, I’m joined by culinary nutritionist and founder of the Green Palette Kitchen, Heather Carey. Heather shares practical, science-backed advice on how to make healthy eating easier, especially during life transitions like perimenopause and raising a family. We talk about how to: Approach meal plannin…
  continue reading
 
Three years into my career as a UX researcher after leaving the classroom, I'm reflecting on the realities of remote work and what I miss about in-person connection. While I don't regret my career change and appreciate the freedom of working remotely, I'm experiencing unexpected challenges that have me considering a hybrid approach. • Communication…
  continue reading
 
Summer is here—and it’s the perfect time to declutter! But before you start pulling everything out of your closets and kitchen drawers, let’s bust the 4 biggest myths about organizing that might be sabotaging your efforts before you even begin. In this episode of Organizing for Beautiful Living, I’ll walk you through the often-heard myths that keep…
  continue reading
 
More than 23 million U.S. adults are living with ADHD in 2025, and even more of us share homes or offices with someone who is. In this episode, I share six science-backed hacks that make daily life flow easier for ADHD brains (and everyone else who juggles work, family, and clutter). What you’ll learn 🎧 Cognitive off-loading: turn sticky-notes and …
  continue reading
 
Ever feel like you’re the only one who knows where anything is in your house? It doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, I’m sharing the 10 Simple Single systems that help everyone in my home find what they need, without asking me (most of the time!). Whether you’re facing end-of-school-year burnout or just tired of being the family’s “finder…
  continue reading
 
Small stuff, big mess? You’re not alone. In this episode of Organizing for Beautiful Living, we’re taking on one of the biggest hidden sources of clutter: all the tiny things scattered around your home. From hair ties and Legos to spare screws and tech cords, the little things can quickly cause a lot of chaos — unless we learn to manage them intent…
  continue reading
 
In today's short and sweet episode, I explore how teachers can leverage AI (artificial intelligence) tools in education to build valuable skills for transitioning to UX research and design careers. I share practical strategies for using classroom AI experiences to develop a compelling UX portfolio while still teaching. Text Me! 📱I’d love to hear fr…
  continue reading
 
Before you yawn and tune out because this episode is about finances, hold on! Back in January, I attended a podcasting conference and met today’s guest, Bernadette Joy — a financial coach whose vibrant energy immediately drew me in. What blew me away was her fresh, no-nonsense approach to money: she teaches financial freedom the same way I teach ho…
  continue reading
 
If you're short on time but big on wanting a home that’s calm, functional, and less chaotic, this episode is for you. In this episode, I'm introducing the Weekend Decluttering Sprint: a fast, focused, and highly effective way to get more organized without getting stuck in overwhelm. But is it the right solution for you? I'll break down down: What a…
  continue reading
 
Think your home doesn’t have enough space? Think again! In this episode, I'm introducing the Home Heatmap Method—a fresh and functional way to uncover hidden, underused areas in your home by tracking where you and your family actually spend time. No renovations, no expensive furniture flips—just a mindset shift and some creative reimagining. Whethe…
  continue reading
 
April is the 'turnaround' month, turning us fully into Spring! You’re ready to feel more organized, but with a busy schedule, work deadlines, and family life in full swing, you might be wondering: Where should I even start with spring organizing? In this episode I share a realistic, judgment-free "Spring Organizing Menu"—a list of high-impact areas…
  continue reading
 
In today's episode, Sharae Gibbs, founder of She Designs and Google Interaction Designer, shares her 12-year journey in UX and her mission to empower women of color in tech through mentorship and training. • Former Graphic Designer who pivoted to UX design at major tech companies like IBM and Google • Created She Designs as a mentorship platform fo…
  continue reading
 
Spring has arrived—and so has the pressure to get your home perfectly organized. But if you're a working mom, the idea of spending an hours and hours decluttering can feel completely out of reach. In this episode I'm sharing practical, no-fluff strategies to help you declutter your space without the stress—and without the shopping spree. Whether yo…
  continue reading
 
Are you part of the Sandwich Generation — juggling the needs of your children and your aging parents? If your mom or dad is starting to talk about downsizing, or if you’re already knee-deep in sorting through decades of memories and mementos, this episode is for you. I'm going to walk you through five common challenges your parent might face as the…
  continue reading
 
In today's episode, I explore accessibility in UX design with Shaine Frazier, a former special education teacher who now works as a UX insights professional in the insurance industry, discussing how teaching experience translates into building more accessible digital products. • Accessibility in design helps not just people with disabilities but be…
  continue reading
 
📩 How many emails are in your inbox right now? Too many? Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone! Today, I’m sharing the easiest way to declutter your email inbox so you can save time, reduce stress, and never lose an important email again. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: Why email clutter is a huge time-waster How one small email mistake c…
  continue reading
 
Spring Break is around the corner! Whether you're planning a family trip or using the break to refresh your home, a little organization can make everything run smoothly. But beware—there are a few common organizing mistakes that could be making things harder than they need to be. In this episode, I’m sharing three organizing mistakes to avoid so yo…
  continue reading
 
This is a replay episode (S1. Ep. 10)- while I'm out sick. I'll be back with fresh content as soon as my voice returns! Thanks for tuning in, I hope you enjoy this throwback gem! Whether you’re pivoting careers, breaking into UX or just trying to stand out in this competitive job market, how you articulate your purpose and motivation can make all t…
  continue reading
 
If your to-do list is growing faster than you can check things off, you’re not alone. Today, we’re diving into why it feels like there’s never enough time, and how the right organizing system can help you treat your energy as a sustainable resource to take control of your schedule and your home. In this episode, I’ll share three must-have organizin…
  continue reading
 
Do you want a formula to follow to design and decorate your living room? You’re in luck! Interior designer Amy Barrickman just published her book, The Living Room Design Formula: Style Your Home Like A Pro, One Room At A Time. In this episode, Amy shares that designing and decorating your living room isn’t overwhelming when you have specific guidel…
  continue reading
 
The episode highlights the transferable skills educators possess that can open new career pathways outside teaching. I discuss how teacher skills can pave the way for successful careers in areas like curriculum design, project management, policy-making, and more. • Exploring the adaptability of teaching skills • Importance of communication and coll…
  continue reading
 
Do you sometimes feel like your home is more of a to-do list than a sanctuary? It can be easy to fall out of love with your home when you feel frustrated by rooms and stressed out by spaces. Learn how to fall in love with your home again, not by creating 'Pinterest-pretty' spaces, but, more importantly, by making simple, 10-minute-or-less changes t…
  continue reading
 
You've very likely faced this: you started organizing an important space in your home, and you were excited to finally get this done! You pulled everything out of the space, and started three piles: keep, donate, toss/sell. Then, a hours later, you're only halfway through, and...you REALLY don't want to continue! There's so much more to do! This is…
  continue reading
 
As educators transitioning into UX and product design, the sting of rejection can feel overwhelming. But remember, you're not alone in this. Every "no" you encounter is an opportunity to adapt and grow. In today's episode, I share a personal story of rejection and guide you on transforming these challenging moments into stepping stones towards succ…
  continue reading
 
Do you ever find yourself saying "I just need to get inspired to organize my closet" or "I'm just waiting for a little motivation to get started on decluttering the garage!" The truth is, motivation is NOT what will get you to organize! You know what will? Action Momentum Seeing incremental results In this episode, you'll hear the 3 proven ways to …
  continue reading
 
Stress is inevitable, but Cathy Nesbitt has found interesting and fun ways to de-fuse her stress! Cathy is a worm composting (Vermicomposting) aficionado, and a laughter yoga teacher. I loved learning about Cathy's unconventional and interesting life, and her unique responses to stressors over the years. Cathy shares how she approaches composting w…
  continue reading
 
I'm taking you with me to a kitchen organizing mini-session today! I just had a recent session with a client to declutter and organize her kitchen, and you'll hear the process I followed, the challenges of the space, and two specific decluttering and organizing tips that I left my client with. Tune in to have a sneak peek into what a professional o…
  continue reading
 
The truth: I've lost plenty of stuff in my own house. Why? Because I didn't put it back where it was supposed to go! Sound familiar? In this episode, you'll see exactly how the Simple Single makes it possible for you to never lose anything again - whether it's stuff in your house, or digital files on your computer. The Simple Single fits right into…
  continue reading
 
2025 can definitely be the year you become organized for beautiful living! In this episode, I'm sharing the 5 simple steps that I use for every organizing project I do, whether for myself or for clients. It's my CLEAR5 Framework: Clarify Limit Edit Assign Homes, and Review You'll hear exactly what each step entails, and how to get organized in a su…
  continue reading
 
Are you ready to be organized in the new year? Well, to make it easier to get, and stay, organized, I've got 5 habits that I use all the time that I think will help you, too! They are: Micro-organizing Quick Meal Planning Do laundry often Make your bed every day, and Weekly Planning. Put these 5 habits into your "organizing toolkit", and you'll fin…
  continue reading
 
Loading …
Copyright 2025 | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | | Copyright
Listen to this show while you explore
Play