The Busy Vibrant Mom - Strategic Time Management, Home Organization, Productivity, Christian Mom, Christian Parenting, Declutter

EP446// If Valentine’s Day Feels Like One More Thing: What I’m Doing (and Not Doing) This Year

Valentine’s Day can sometimes feel like just one more thing on an already full plate. The decorations, the cards, the candy, the class parties—and making sure everything is allergy-friendly and sent in on time—it can add up quickly. Even as kids get older and some of that fades, there’s still pressure to make it special, including trying to plan a romantic evening with your spouse when you’re already tired and stretched thin.  In today’s episode, I’m sharing a simpler approach. I’ll walk you through a few ways I’m making Valentine’s Day easier this year, what I’m letting go of, and how to celebrate in a way that feels meaningful without the comparison or overwhelm. My hope is that this episode gives you permission to do Valentine’s Day in a way that actually works for your family.
Quick Announcement 
We have some fun things coming up this spring.  
VIP Spring Group Coaching session: https://michellebyrd.myflodesk.com/waitlist
Powerful Purpose Moms on 2/18/26 @ 10am PST 
https://michellebyrd.myflodesk.com/powerfulpurposemoms
 
I pray this episode today blesses you!
Michelle
PS If you need some extra accountability or help with productivity hacks, time management tools, mapping out a more efficient daily or weekly schedule, time blocking and so much more. We will break down what isn’t working in your schedule, create new personalized goals for you, and determine the next new steps you need to take to have more freedom and live with more joy and laughter!  
Grab a coaching call with me at:
https://calendly.com/byrd-michelle/bonus-one-time-un-stuck-time-management-coachin-clone
Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
website: www.byrdmichelle.com
Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 
Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/

EP445// Busy Mom’s Guide to Easy Meal Planning: 10 Tips to Save Time, Eat Healthier & Ditch Takeout in 2026

Hey have you ever closed your laptop at 5pm, walked into the kitchen, and realized you have no idea what's for dinner? You open the fridge, hoping for inspiration, but everything feels like too much effort — so you order takeout. Again. Yep, me too.  Planning dinner, feeding everyone, and trying to keep meals healthy can feel overwhelming. And now, with the fresh energy of a new year, a lot of us are trying to build better habits — including eating at home more often.  That’s why today’s episode is both timely and practical. I’m sharing my top 10 tips to make meal planning easier, take the guesswork out of “what’s for dinner?”, save money, and actually make it doable to get dinner on the table.  Let’s dive in! 
Quick Announcement: 
Mark your calendars for our spring group coaching program.  It’s coming up soon, so make sure you are getting the emails.  We have a special VIP link if you want to grab a spot on the waitlist, be the first to know all the inside scoop, and get VIP benefits.(https://michellebyrd.myflodesk.com/waitlist).
 
If you have any questions or just want to say hi, connect with me at contact@byrdmichelle.com.  
I pray this episode blesses you!
Michelle
PS If you need some extra accountability or help with productivity hacks, time management tools, mapping out a more efficient daily or weekly schedule, time blocking and so much more. We will break down what isn’t working in your schedule, create new personalized goals for you, and determine the next new steps you need to take to have more freedom and live with more joy and laughter!  
Grab a coaching call with me at:
https://calendly.com/byrd-michelle/bonus-one-time-un-stuck-time-management-coachin-clone
Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
website: www.byrdmichelle.com
Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 
Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/
 

EP10// Coffee & Tea, With M&E: Graceful New Year Rhythms: Mental Load, Margin & Mom Life Reset

You are in for a special treat! This is another episode of Coffee & Tea (with M&E) Real Moms Talking About Real Things.  Join Emily McDermott, the host of Moms Overcoming Overwhelm and I as we talk about what didn’t work this week, how we pivoted, what things we are excited about, and things that made us laugh! We wanted to provide moms with real life examples of time management, organization, and pivoting when life throws you curveballs. So grab your coffee or tea, pull up a chair, and join us! 
I pray this episode blesses you!
Michelle
 
Reminder: Quick Announcement 
I’ve got a special discount code to grab a personal 1:1 coaching call just for this month (January).  Use NEW2026 to book a discounted coaching call.  This is my gift to you to help you start off the year in a way that actually fits your life! To create personalized routines and systems to fit your family, so they can support you in 2026 and you can have the best year ever! If you have any questions or just want to say hi, connect with me at contact@byrdmichelle.com.  
Book a 1:1 coaching call: https://byrdmichelle.thrivecart.com/get-your-time-back-group-coaching/
 
Bio: 
Emily McDermott is an Air Force wife and mom to two energetic boys living in Fairfax, Virginia. She is also the host of the top 1% globally ranked podcast Moms Overcoming Overwhelm where she helps moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. As a virtual and in-person decluttering coach, she works with moms one-on-one to define what matters, eliminate what doesn’t and automate the rest. Emily enjoys writing custom poetry, dancing, and eating peanut butter out of the jar.
 
Contact Info For Emily: 
Moms Overcoming Overwhelm Podcast: https://momsovercomingoverwhelm.podbean.com/
Simple by Emmy: http://www.simplebyemmy.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplebyemmy/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplebyemmy/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1OzHKsGziu5IbkaHBQXGIw
Facebook Group - Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms: tinyurl.com/momsovercomingoverwhelm
Contact E-mail: info@simplebyemmy.com
Freebie: 5 Mindset Shifts To Help you Let Go of Clutter: https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/
 
Contact Info For Michelle: 
Grab a coaching call with me at:
https://calendly.com/byrd-michelle/bonus-one-time-un-stuck-time-management-coachin-clone
Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
website: www.byrdmichelle.com
Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 
Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/

EP444// Tired, Stretched, and Overwhelmed? The Real Reason You’re Burned Out — And the Mindset Shifts That Can Help

I’m so glad you’re here today. Since we’re still in January — that season when many of us are setting fresh goals, making plans, and dreaming about what 2026 could look like — we wanted to lean into that ‘new year energy’ and offer some practical support.
Last week, we talked about Why Your Goals Don’t Stick and how busy moms can actually achieve their goals in 2026 using SMART planning. We broke down what makes a goal achievable and how to set yourself up for success.
Today, we’re shifting our focus to something just as important — your mindset. Because while strategy matters, your mindset is what determines whether you end up feeling peaceful and focused… or burned out and overwhelmed.
Burnout is incredibly common for moms — especially when you’re juggling kids, work, home life, relationships, and the never-ending mental load that comes with managing a household.
In this episode, we’ll explore why mindset matters so much, and walk through a few key mindset shifts moms can make to move from survival mode to a life that feels sustainable, calm, and supportive.
Quick Announcement: HURRY THE DISCOUNT CODE WILL EXPIRE
I’ve got a special discount code to grab a personal 1:1 coaching call just for this month (January).  Use NEW2026 to book a discounted coaching call.  This is my gift to you to help you start off the year in a way that actually fits your life! To create personalized routines and systems to fit your family, so they can support you in 2026 and you can have the best year ever! If you have any questions or just want to say hi, connect with me at contact@byrdmichelle.com.  
Book a 1:1 coaching call: https://byrdmichelle.thrivecart.com/get-your-time-back-group-coaching/
I pray this episode blesses you!
Michelle
Grab a coaching call with me at:
https://calendly.com/byrd-michelle/bonus-one-time-un-stuck-time-management-coachin-clone
Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
website: www.byrdmichelle.com
Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 
Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/

EP443// Why Your Goals Don’t Stick: How Busy Moms Can Actually Achieve Their Goals in 2026 with SMART Planning

Do you still have some of that New Year energy? January has a special energy of newness - motivation, dreams, plans, goals, hopes for next year.  This big new energy can help motivate us to make goals, like going to the gym every day, eating healthy, reading more books, getting a new planner, or picking a word for the year.  The only problem with all these new goals or resolutions is that they usually end by mid January if not sooner.  So how can you actually create goals, and accomplish them? It’s all about setting reasonable, achievable goals, with the right purpose and mindset.  In today’s episode we will explore how to create attainable goals, how to make space and time in our already busy life to reach these goals, and what might be holding us back.  Grab your favorite beverage and let’s settle in. 
 
Quick Announcement 
I’ve got a special discount code to grab a personal 1:1 coaching call just for this month (January).  Use NEW2026 to book a discounted coaching call.  This is my gift to you to help you start off the year in a way that actually fits your life! To create personalized routines and systems to fit your family, so they can support you in 2026 and you can have the best year ever! If you have any questions or just want to say hi, connect with me at contact@byrdmichelle.com.  
Book a 1:1 coaching call: https://byrdmichelle.thrivecart.com/get-your-time-back-group-coaching/
I pray this blesses you!
Michelle
Grab a coaching call with me at:
https://calendly.com/byrd-michelle/bonus-one-time-un-stuck-time-management-coachin-clone
Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
website: www.byrdmichelle.com
Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 
Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/

EP442//Empowered Single Parenting & Emotion Regulation (for You and Your Kids) with Guest Dr. Gila Reckess

Today, we have a special guest, the amazing Dr. Gila Reckess — a parenting coach who specializes in supporting single parents and those raising strong-willed or neurodivergent kids. Gila’s work centers on one of the most powerful but overlooked parenting skills: emotion regulation — for both you and your kids.  If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly on the edge of losing it, or you’re not sure how to help your child calm down without losing your own cool first… this conversation is for you.
In this episode, Gila shares:
Why emotion regulation is the foundation of calm, connected parenting
A super relatable "sink" metaphor to understand emotional overflow
A powerful 3-part strategy to support your child’s big emotions
And how to model self-compassion (especially when you don’t get it right)
This isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress, connection, and learning to regulate together. Grab your lukewarm coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into this empowering conversation.
 
Reminder: Quick Announcement 
I’ve got a special discount code to grab a personal 1:1 coaching call just for this month (January).  Use NEW2026 to book a discounted coaching call.  This is my gift to you to help you start off the year in a way that actually fits your life! To create personalized routines and systems to fit your family, so they can support you in 2026 and you can have the best year ever! If you have any questions or just want to say hi, connect with me at contact@byrdmichelle.com.  
Book a 1:1 coaching call: (use code: NEW2026) https://byrdmichelle.thrivecart.com/get-your-time-back-group-coaching/
 
INFO & BIO: 
Dr. Gila (she/her) is a Jai-certified parenting coach, a psychologist and neuropsychologist, a speaker and educator, and the host of the "Single-Parenting with Connection (NOT Perfection)" podcast. But her most important role is as single mom to an incredibly awesome and beautifully strong-willed tween. She specializes in supporting single parents, and parents of strong-willed, spirited, or neurodivergent kids. Her motto is: Even if you're on your own, you don't have to do it alone!
 
CONTACT INFO:
Website: www.drgilaparenting.com
Email: info@drgilaparenting.com
IG: www.instagram.com/drgila_parenting
FB: www.facebook.com/drgilaparenting/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@drgila_parenting
Podcast: Single-Parenting with Connection (NOT Perfection)
(https://www.drgilaparenting.com/podcast/)
Free Facebook group:
▶︎ Single-Parenting with Connection, not Perfection (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/154KRmy72k/)
Free downloads:
▶︎ PDF GUIDE: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors (https://www.drgilaparenting.com/SP_tantrum_signup)
▶︎ AUDIO: Guided Meditation for Single Parents (https://www.drgilaparenting.com/SP_meditation)
Free consult call:
▶︎ Schedule a free Zoom call with Dr. Gila to get a customized plan for your family (https://calendly.com/gzr/consult_call)
 
I pray this episode blesses you!
Michelle
PS If you need some extra accountability or help with productivity hacks, time management tools, mapping out a more efficient daily or weekly schedule, time blocking and so much more. We will break down what isn’t working in your schedule, create new personalized goals for you, and determine the next new steps you need to take to have more freedom and live with more joy and laughter!  
Grab a coaching call with me at:
https://calendly.com/byrd-michelle/bonus-one-time-un-stuck-time-management-coachin-clone
Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
website: www.byrdmichelle.com
Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 
Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/

EP441// Top 10 Favorite Time Management & Productivity Episodes of 2025 for Busy Moms Who Want Calm, Control, and More Time

Happy New Year, and welcome to 2026. Before we jump in, I want to invite you to take a deep breath right where you are. Let your shoulders drop, unclench your jaw, and remember this: you don’t have to rush into this year already feeling behind.  A new year can come with so much pressure — new goals, new routines, new expectations — and yet what so many of us really want is something much simpler: to feel calm, clear, and supported in our real, everyday lives. This season is a fresh start, not because everything needs to change overnight (you don’t have to toss everything out and start from scratch), but because you get to choose what actually fits you and your family.
Today’s episode is a little special. I’m sharing the Top 10 Time Management & Productivity Episodes of 2025 — the episodes you loved most, shared most, and came back to when life felt full and overwhelming. These conversations are packed with simple tools, mindset shifts, and practical strategies to help you feel less scattered and more in control — without adding more to your plate.  So whether you’re listening in the carline, on a walk, or sipping your morning coffee, I hope this episode feels like a gentle reset and a reminder that you don’t have to do it all to have a really good year.   Definitely grab a warm drink and let’s get started. 
 
Quick Announcement 
I’ve got a special discount code to grab a personal 1:1 coaching call just for this month (January).  Use NEW2026 to book a discounted coaching call.
Coaching Call
This is my gift to you to help you start off the year in a way that actually fits your life! To create personalized routines and systems to fit your family, so they can support you in 2026 and you can have the best year ever! If you have any questions or just want to say hi, connect with me at contact@byrdmichelle.com.  
 
I pray this blesses you!
Michelle
 
Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
website: www.byrdmichelle.com
Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 
Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/

EP440// Feeling Behind Already? How Can Busy Moms Use Christmastide to Gently Plan 2026 Without Overwhelm?

How was your Christmas?  Christmas Day is always so magical, but once the presents are opened and life starts to settle back into normal, I sometimes feel that quiet post-holiday letdown. Do you feel that too?  That’s why I love this in-between time after Christmas. The days between December 25th and early January are actually called Christmastide — that cozy stretch where you don’t quite know what day it is, and everything feels a little slower.  In today’s episode, we’re talking about how to use this season intentionally, from reflecting on what matters most, to gently starting to plan for 2026 in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming.  If planning ahead ever feels heavy, especially as a busy mom, we’re going to keep this simple, light, and doable. Grab a warm drink, take a deep breath, and let’s ease into it together. Alright — let’s get started.
I pray this blesses you!
Michelle
Reminder:
I’ve got some exciting things coming in January that will help you design the right routines, rhythms, and systems for the year ahead, so let’s stay connected via email, connect with me at contact@byrdmichelle.com.  
 
PS If you need some extra accountability or help with productivity hacks, time management tools, mapping out a more efficient daily or weekly schedule, time blocking and so much more. We will break down what isn’t working in your schedule, create new personalized goals for you, and determine the next new steps you need to take to have more freedom and live with more joy and laughter!  
Grab a coaching call with me at:
https://calendly.com/byrd-michelle/bonus-one-time-un-stuck-time-management-coachin-clone
Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
website: www.byrdmichelle.com
Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 
Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/
 

EP9// Coffee & Tea, With M&E: Christmas Planning and Gift Ideas for Overwhelmed Moms, Plus Goals for a Stress-Free New Year

You are in for a special treat! This is another episode of Coffee & Tea (with M&E) Real Moms Talking About Real Things.  Join Emily McDermott, the host of Moms Overcoming Overwhelm and I as we talk about what didn’t work this week, how we pivoted, what things we are excited about, and things that made us laugh! We wanted to provide moms with real life examples of time management, organization, and pivoting when life throws you curveballs. So grab your coffee or tea, pull up a chair, and join us! 
I pray this blesses you!
Michelle
Topics In This Episode
Holiday Gift Guide: Top 10 Gifts Ideas 
Magazine subscriptions 
Arts & crafts (consumable goods) 
Experience gifts - zoo membership, aquarium, amusement parks 
Books 
Sports equipment  
Gift cards 
Compassion, Samaritan's Purse, IJM, etc. 
Food - snacks
Room - calendar, pictures, bedding 
 Clothing 
Bio: 
Emily McDermott is an Air Force wife and mom to two energetic boys living in Fairfax, Virginia. She is also the host of the top 1% globally ranked podcast Moms Overcoming Overwhelm where she helps moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. As a virtual and in-person decluttering coach, she works with moms one-on-one to define what matters, eliminate what doesn’t and automate the rest. Emily enjoys writing custom poetry, dancing, and eating peanut butter out of the jar.
 
Contact Info For Emily: 
Moms Overcoming Overwhelm Podcast: https://momsovercomingoverwhelm.podbean.com/
Simple by Emmy: http://www.simplebyemmy.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplebyemmy/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplebyemmy/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1OzHKsGziu5IbkaHBQXGIw
Facebook Group - Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms: tinyurl.com/momsovercomingoverwhelm
Contact E-mail: info@simplebyemmy.com
Freebie: 5 Mindset Shifts To Help you Let Go of Clutter: https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/
 
PS If you need some extra accountability or help with productivity hacks, time management tools, mapping out a more efficient daily or weekly schedule, time blocking and so much more. We will break down what isn’t working in your schedule, create new personalized goals for you, and determine the next new steps you need to take to have more freedom and live with more joy and laughter!  
 
- Grab a coaching call with me at:
https://calendly.com/byrd-michelle/bonus-one-time-un-stuck-time-management-coachin-clone
- Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
- website: www.byrdmichelle.com
- Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 
- Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/
 

EP439// The Busy Mom’s Guide to a Meaningful Christmas Eve: Traditions, Stillness, and the Story of Jesus’ Birth

Happy December! Wow! The days leading up to Christmas always seem to fly by faster than the Polar Express. But it’s here - tomorrow is Christmas Eve!  How do you like to celebrate Christmas Eve?  What family traditions did you have growing up? What traditions did you start with your kids? Have they changed as your kids have gotten older? In today's episode I wanted to offer you a chance to reflect and be reminded of the Christmas story, just in case you (like me) and so many other moms have been running around and been too busy, too overwhelmed, too tired, to stop and reflect on the real reason for the season.  Grab a warm beverage, turn on the car seat warmer, or bundle up as you take a walk and listen in to this episode.
Reminder: 
I’ve got some exciting things coming in January to help you design routines, rhythms, and systems that truly support your day-to-day life. And the best way to get started? Let’s chat.  You can book a free Discovery Call with me over at www.byrdmichelle.com 
And while you're there, be sure to join the email list so you don’t miss a thing. You can also reach out any time at contact@byrdmichelle.com — especially if you just want to say hi or share your favorite Christmas Eve tradition!
I pray this blesses you!
Michelle
PS If you need some extra accountability or help with productivity hacks, time management tools, mapping out a more efficient daily or weekly schedule, time blocking and so much more. We will break down what isn’t working in your schedule, create new personalized goals for you, and determine the next new steps you need to take to have more freedom and live with more joy and laughter!  
Grab a coaching call with me at:
https://calendly.com/byrd-michelle/bonus-one-time-un-stuck-time-management-coachin-clone
Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
website: www.byrdmichelle.com
Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 
Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/