In this episode of Busy House, Happy Home, it’s a solo episode with just me and a cup of tea. I wanted to sit down and have a chat and keep you company as you go about your day. I talk about the importance of quiet moments, and why I often have my best ideas when I’m driving, walking the dogs, or simply sitting with my own thoughts. I share how I capture those ideas, and why recording and transcribing my voice has been such a helpful way of writing, particularly as I’m dyslexic. I also share a behind-the-scenes look at Ask Charlie as the business continues to grow. Growth can feel exciting, but it can also feel daunting, and I talk honestly about change, taking advice, and working out the best next steps. I also wanted to address a comment I received about working with brands. I share how I approach partnerships, why I only recommend what I genuinely love and use, and why I recently turned down a paid collaboration because the quality was not right for me. From there, I move into spring preparation. We talk about decluttering, organising and getting your home ready before spring cleaning begins properly, along with a few practical tips that make it easier. I also share what has been helping me feel brighter at this time of year, from my SAD lamp to daily movement, and why nourishing food makes such a difference. It’s an honest, gentle chat about home, work, wellbeing, and the small changes that help life feel lighter as spring approaches. In This Episode, We Talk About: – Why quiet moments help us think clearly and come up with our best ideas – How I capture ideas, and why I record and transcribe voice notes – Writing as someone who is dyslexic, and how I work around it – Ask Charlie growing, and why change can feel exciting and scary – Working with brands, transparency, and turning down a paid partnership – The difference between free content and paid work behind the scenes – Getting ready for spring cleaning: decluttering, organising and packing away winter – Selling, donating and rehoming items rather than throwing them away – Why I’m not a minimalist, and having a home full of meaningful treasures – SAD lamps, winter mood, and what helps at this time of year – Exercise, energy, and feeling more grounded – Nourishing food, simple home cooking, and making healthier choices – Members Club recipes, cookery confidence, and why video tutorials help Links & Resources Mentioned: Ask Charlie website https://www.askcharlie.how Through the Seasons https://www.askcharlie.how/shop/p/through-the-seasons-with-ask-charlie Ask Charlie Loves https://www.askcharlie.how/ask-charlie-loves Suri toothbrushes - https://stry.cl/ASKCHARLIE extra 10% off current sales with my code ASKCHARLIE (Ad) Bower Collective (discount code: CHARLIE) https://bowercollective.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorp8GZtLPq5ev1icLemzy0p1XgeAywYKtQ55o5JEqTjBB3Q_fsr (Ad) Get in Touch: I’d love to hear from you. If you have a question, a topic you’d like me to cover, or somebody you’d love me to speak to on the podcast, please do get in touch. Email: hello@askcharlie.how Follow & Subscribe If you’re listening on a podcast app, please do follow Busy House, Happy Home and add it to your library. Thank you so much for being here, and for listening. Love, Charlie x Thank you for listening to Busy House, Happy Home - a place for gentle conversations about everyday life at home. This podcast is shaped by the questions and conversations shared by its listeners, so please do get in touch if there’s something you’d like Charlie to talk about. You can reach her at hello@askcharlie.how. For more from Charlie, including books, seasonal guides, and her Members Club, as well as lifestyle and homeware, you can visit askcharlie.how. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.