Hi Everyone,

When my boys were little, summers turned me into a camp counselor. After they begrudgingly put on sunscreen, we’d explore the many parks and museums New York had to offer. As they got older, summer became the time we worked on honing their skills to take on household tasks — without the pressure of a school schedule.

I’ve even worked with a few clients and their children over the summer, which felt like its own kind of summer camp. Actually, that’s an idea I keep coming back to.

Now that my kids have become more skilled and more independent, I’m learning to redirect that energy toward more self-care. Though I’ll admit, home organizing is still the one activity that genuinely lights me up.

If you’re feeling the pull of summer clutter, or wondering how to involve your kids in the process, I’m here if you’d like to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Recent celebration worth noting

“This was so informative and I’m excited about working with kids in the future.”

That came from an attendee at a recent workshop I gave to a group of certified KonMari home organizing consultants. The room was full and the questions were thoughtful. I left feeling genuinely moved — knowing that more families might feel what it’s like when cooperation comes from connection.

A challenge worth noting

I recently worked with a client who had a very full summer ahead. We decided to tackle several key projects over two consecutive days — 10.5 hours total. I went in energized. Dedicated, focused time means we can accomplish so much more.

What I didn’t anticipate: the physical toll. Climbing up and down a step ladder, moving heavy items — it’s a real workout. I also know myself well enough to recognize that I push harder when I want to leave a client’s home in a good place.

We accomplished everything we set out to do. And I was reminded, again, that taking care of my body is part of the work too.

A commitment worth noting

Over the past few months, I’ve been enjoying some genuinely meaningful connections on Substack — many of them growing out of simply being fans of each other’s work.

I’m currently working on something special with my friend Sheeba of This, Right Here — a series exploring why kids have such a hard time letting go of things. I’d love for you to check out her work and subscribe to both of us so you don’t miss it when it drops.

One final note

The Bedroom Reset — my 4-part mini video course designed to help parents reclaim their energy and introduce home organizing to their kids — is available now. If you haven't seen the intro yet, it's a good place to start.

Watch Video Now

Co-working sessions are just one of the many benefits of paid members.

For the price of an oat chai latte, you can join as many Dooley Noted co-working sessions available in a month — sessions are on most Mondays and Tuesdays at 1 PM EST, 90 minutes.

Upgrade to get access to the booking page below

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Join me and others to cross things off the list and stay focused. Organize a closet, meal prep, answer emails — anything that helps you feel a little lighter.

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Hi there!

Wherever this finds you — mid-chaos, mid-coffee, or somewhere in between — I’m glad you are reading this email. (If you’d rather read at your leisure instead of getting them in your inbox, you can adjust your notifications here.)

If this is your first time getting Dooley Noted, welcome. And to everyone who’s been here for a while — thank you for sticking around and for all the hearts and comments. They mean more than you know.

And just curious, does summer feel like you can finally get a little break, or does it bring more anxiety?

I’ve noticed that as I age, the anxiety from anticipation seems to build earlier and linger longer — even when the thing I was stressed about is done. But what's helped me consistently is maintaining the minimum care for our home — less visual noise, less to distract me, and a little more room to slow down and breathe without the stress escalating.

If you've been the one organizing your home mostly on your own, summer is a natural opening to build some new rhythms with your kids. Start with this free Foundation Lesson to learn how to bring your children into the process without it turning into a power struggle.

Recent celebration worth noting

I recently migrated everything from my old website over to Dooley Noted and created a contents page for the Dooley Method Library. Looking at all the lessons and videos, I felt like a proud mom seeing how much I’ve built over the years.

And something new is already growing from it.

🌟 I’m currently recording a 4-part mini course called The Calming Reset — designed to give you back more capacity and stop hiding in the bathroom for a moment of peace. (You’ve done that too, right?)

I’m looking for a small group of families to beta test it before the official launch. In exchange for your honest feedback, you’ll receive 3 months of full access to my premium content and live support.

If this interests you, comment below or reply to this email and I’ll be in touch with more details.

A challenge worth noting

Working on something alone, no matter how much you love it, can start to feel heavy. I think a lot of parents know that feeling of the invisible work of keeping everything running, the decision-making and troubleshooting when you feel like there’s no one to turn to for help. It’s part of the reason why I offer the live co-working sessions. It’s not only for my subscribers, but for myself too.

And recently, I found an accountability partner on Substack! Debbie from Connection Bridge Parenting, who uses connection-first storytelling to help parents through everyday challenges. We’ve been showing up for each other and even started planning a collaboration I’m very excited about. I invite you to check out her Substack, she’s shares wonderfully engaging stories that can help children process real life obstacles and how to overcome them.

Debbie has helped me feel less alone on days when I feel deflated or overwhelmed. Who in your life can be that person for you?

Leave a comment

A commitment worth noting

Last month I committed to finish editing my conversation with Angela Tam, the Mental Load Coach. I kept that promise — and the episode is scheduled to air on June 23rd. I can't wait for you to hear it. It's one of the most honest conversations I've had about the invisible weight so many of us carry, and what we can actually do about it.

One final note

Some days even the minimum feels hard to start. Having someone else working alongside me makes all the difference between actually getting something done and scrolling my phone until the moment passes.

That’s the whole point of co-working sessions. For the price of an oat chai latte, you can join me on Mondays and Tuesdays at 1 PM EST, 90 minutes. Show up, work on whatever’s on your list, and leave feeling a little lighter.

(P.S. There won’t be a session on June 9th because I’ll be giving a workshop teaching KonMari consultants how to organize with kids. That’s like a kind of co-working too. I’m looking forward to that.)

Sign up below or upgrade to participate:

Come sort through your mail, clear a drawer, meal prep — anything that helps you start the week feeling a little lighter.

Sign Up for a Co-Working Session

Keep the sunscreen in a basket by the front door. Your future self will thank you.

Until next month!

Joyfully, Ann

To all the moms, cheers to a happy early Mother’s Day!

This month I’m also turning 51!

I’ll be sharing how I plan to celebrate in next Tuesday’s post. So look out for that in your inbox.

Recent celebration worth noting

I received a truly heartwarming testimonial from a client, here’s an excerpt:

“(Ann’s) approach is simple, uncomplicated, and always has love at the core. The reframes and practical systems she gave me have stuck for two years through two major upheavals. Because of her, I’ve gone from just surviving to practicing thriving — finding more meaning and joy in everyday life.”

It never gets old being part of someone's journey like this. It is truly an honor.

A challenge worth noting

For the last few months I hosted live subscriber events with the intention of making myself accessible for your questions, only to learn that asking busy parents to show up at a set time often only made sense on paper.

So apply the Dooley Method and see this as an opportunity to pivot.

Let’s try something simpler. Use the button below and ask me anything weighing on you with organizing for yourself or with your kids.

I’ll respond to every question through a post, podcast, video, or when appropriate, direct message. (And rest assured your privacy is always protected.)

Tell me, what’s feeling challenging for you right now? I’d love to help.

My commitments worth noting

I'm really excited about this one! I recently recorded a conversation with Angela Tam, an amazing mental load coach, and I'm committed to finishing the edit so you can listen to her incredible wisdom and insights.

What’s something you’d like to commit to doing this month? Leave a comment below.

One final note…ok, two.

The Celebrate, Challenge, Commitment format is something I use with families too to keep track of our progress. If you’d like to try, download it here:

Celebratechallengecommitmentworksheet

70KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

And the live co-working sessions are still FREE! (Starting June, it will be $8/month should you decide to continue and to get access to exclusive lessons.)

May co-working sessions are on Mondays and Tuesdays, starting at 1 pm EST and lasts 90 minutes.

You can choose to sort through your mail, clean out a drawer, meal prep, or anything that helps you start each week feel a little lighter. I hope to see you there!

Sign Up for Co-Working Sessions

Home organizing is creating a place for everything.

Parenting is teaching a child that they belong somewhere too.

The Dooley Method is doing both at the same time.

And if you’d like to support the work I do, but aren’t ready to commit to upgrading your membership, maybe you’d buy me a chai latte instead to help me keep going.

Buy me a coffee

It’s been about 7 months since I started posting on Substack.

In the beginning, I felt unsure of my voice — questioning whether I needed to worry about sales funnels, content pillars, and algorithms. The constant chasing and self-doubt was a habit I didn’t realize I’d picked up from being on Instagram for so long. It was exhausting and left me feeling like quitting altogether.

The move to Substack has been a slow and steady pace. And I’ve had to remind myself of something I tell my clients all the time — decluttering your home, setting new habits, or resolving conflicts with your children, none of it happens overnight. By showing up consistently, in time, you'll notice a shift. Connections are made, and you move one step closer to your goal.

I’m trying to bring that same patience to Dooley Noted.

The last few live events only had one person show up, but I appreciated being able to focus on one person, one challenge at a time. She shared photos with me showing how much a simple solution helped.

That is why I show up — knowing that making a difference, no matter how small, still counts.

Recently I posted a survey to see if the timing of the live events could better serve more people by offering more flexibility.

I’m now hosting co-working and Q&A sessions three times a week, Tuesday through Thursday, back to back from 1–3 PM EST. That’s at least 24 hours a month of live support — for the price of one fancy latte!

Here’s the thing — helping parents feel more ease in their day is what lights me up. Solving your problems keeps my skills sharp, and making a difference gives me a sense of purpose.

So when you show up, you are not only helping yourself and your family — you are helping me do what I love.

And I appreciate every opportunity I get to support someone on their journey to feel more calm in the space they call home. It truly is an honor to witness the transformations for families that once felt hopeless with the clutter taking up their time and energy.

Since it’s a new schedule, I want to open it up to all members to see if it works for more of you. Sign up for as many sessions as you’d like. If it works, I’ll keep it open for a couple of months before returning it to paid members only.

And if you’d like to support but aren’t ready to commit to upgrading your membership, maybe you’d buy me a chai latte instead.

Buy me a coffee

Here's what's on the calendar this month. I look forward to seeing you!
Ann

Co-Working Sessions

Every Tuesday- Thursday starting April 2nd, 2026
1 p.m. - 2 p.m. EST

This is a co-working session where you choose your own project and work alongside others. You set the intention to organize your home or your mind.

From cleaning out a closet to answering your emails or meal prep, I’ll be there to help you stay focused, and offer accountability as you go.

You’re welcome to join all 3 sessions each week and stay for as long or as little as fits your schedule.

Register for Co-working sessions

Live Q&A

Every Tuesday- Thursday starting April 2nd, 2026
2 p.m. - 3 p.m. EST

This is a space for questions, reflection, and conversation. You can ask about something you’re working through at home, something that came up during a tidy, or a pattern you’re noticing with your family.

This is a come-as-you-are space. You’re welcome to participate in whatever way feels comfortable. There’s no requirement to speak — listening is always welcome. Pick the day that works best for you or come back another day if you think of more questions.

Register for Live Q&A

Ugly Cry Club

Wednesday, April 8, 2026
9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. EST

I started a gentle online space for those who’ve been holding it together — a place to pause, to let it out, and to release what’s been building. There’s no need to explain and no need to apologize. If that sounds supportive to you, you can learn more at uglycry.club or give it a try by registering to join for free.

Register for Ugly Cry Club

You don’t need to attend everything for this to be valuable. These sessions are here to meet you where you are.

I look forward to seeing those who can make it to these sessions.

Joyfully,
Ann

Hi there,

Let’s trying something new this month. I’m opening up the sessions to all members so everyone gets an opportunity to try tidying together or get your parenting+organizing questions answered.

When you register, you can show up anytime during the 2-hour window and participate in any way that feels helpful to you. I look forward to supporting your family and making life feel a little lighter.

Tidy-Together

Saturday, March 7, 2026
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. EST

This is a co-working session where you choose your own project and work alongside others. You set the intention to tidy your home or your mind.

From cleaning out a closet to answering your emails or meal prep, I’ll be there to help you stay focused, and offer accountability as you go.

You’re welcome to join at any point during the session window and stay for as long or as little as fits your schedule.

To prepare:

• Choose a project you’d like to tackle during this focused fime

• Have a charged device or keep it plugged in.
  
  

  Register for Tidy Together

Live Q&A

Saturday, March 28, 2026
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. EST

This is a space for questions, reflection, and conversation. You can ask about something you’re working through at home, something that came up during a tidy, or a pattern you’re noticing with your family.

This is a come-as-you-are space. You’re welcome to join when it works for you and participate in whatever way feels comfortable. There’s no requirement to speak — listening is always welcome.

To prepare:

• Jot down any questions or situations you want support around

• Or simply come as you are
  
  

  Register for Live Q&A

Ugly Cry Club

Wednesday, March 11, 2026
10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. EST

I started a gentle online space for those who’ve been holding it together — a place to pause, to let it out, and to release what’s been building. There’s no need to explain and no need to apologize. If that sounds supportive to you right now, you can learn more at uglycry.club or register to join for free.

Register for Ugly Cry Club

You don’t need to attend everything for this to be valuable. These sessions are here to meet you where you are.

I look forward to seeing those who can make it to these sessions.

Joyfully,
Ann

Hi there,

Here’s what’s coming up this month for Dooley Noted paid members.

These sessions are here to support you — not to add another thing to your plate. Come live if you can, or simply keep the dates in mind.

Tidy-Together

Saturday, February 7, 2026
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. EST

This is a supportive co-working session where you choose your own project and work alongside others. I’ll be there to help you stay focused, answer questions, and offer accountability as you go.

Life with kids is unpredictable. You’re welcome to join at any point during the session window and stay for as long or as little as fits your schedule.

To prepare:

• Choose a decluttering or organizing project

• Have a charged device or keep it plugged in

• Prepare bags, boxes, to help you sort or discard items
  
  

  REGISTER FOR TIDY-TOGETHER HERE

Live Q&A

Saturday, February 21, 2026
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. EST

This is a space for questions, reflection, and conversation. You can ask about something you’re working through at home, something that came up during a tidy, or a pattern you’re noticing with your family.

This is a come-as-you-are space. You’re welcome to join when it works for you and participate in whatever way feels comfortable. There’s no requirement to speak — listening is always welcome.

To prepare:

• Jot down any questions or situations you want support around

• Or simply come as you are
  

REGISTER FOR GROUP Q&A HERE

You don’t need to attend everything for this to be valuable. These sessions are here to meet you where you are.

I look forward to those who can make it to these sessions.

Joyfully,
Ann