Keeping a tidy home with a busy schedule (and a toddler running around!) means I have to be strategic about cleaning. One of the best systems I’ve put in place is having a cleaning closet on both floors of my home—and a simple bin to keep clutter under control.
This small change has made a huge difference in how easily I stay on top of housework without constantly running up and down the stairs. Here’s how I set it up and why it works!
Why I Have Two Cleaning Closets
I used to keep all my cleaning supplies in one central location, but that often meant lugging bottles, cloths, and tools upstairs and downstairs multiple times a day. Not only was it inconvenient, but it also made quick cleaning feel like a chore.
Now, I keep a fully stocked cleaning closet both upstairs and downstairs, so no matter where I am, I have everything I need within reach.
What’s in My Cleaning Closets?
Each closet holds:
✅ Multi-surface cleaner ✅ Disinfecting wipes ✅ Microfiber cloths ✅ A handheld vacuum or dustbuster ✅ Floor cleaner for that level ✅ Trash bags ✅ Toilet bowl cleaner (for bathrooms)
This setup makes it so much easier to tackle small messes on the spot instead of waiting until later (because we all know “later” usually never comes).
My Trick for Managing Clutter: The “Upstairs Bin”
Another game-changer? I keep a small bin in my downstairs cleaning closet specifically for random items that need to go upstairs.
Throughout the day, I toss in anything that belongs upstairs—like my son’s toys, a pair of socks, or a book I brought downstairs. When I go up, I take the bin with me and put things away in one trip. No more running up the stairs every five minutes!
This simple system: ✔ Keeps clutter from piling up downstairs ✔ Saves me time and effort ✔ Helps maintain a tidy home without extra work
Why This System Works
💡 Convenience = More Consistency. When supplies are easy to access, I’m more likely to clean in small bursts instead of letting messes build up.
💡 One-Minute Rule in Action. If something takes less than a minute (like tossing an item in the bin or wiping a countertop), I do it immediately.
💡 No More Staircase Clutter. Instead of leaving random items on the stairs (a tripping hazard!), they go straight into the bin.
Final Thoughts
Having cleaning closets on both floors and a dedicated bin for upstairs items has made cleaning more effortless and my home more organized. It’s a simple system that keeps things tidy without extra effort!
Do you have any go-to cleaning hacks? Let me know in the comments—I love hearing new ideas!
I used to be that person—every time an idea popped into my head, I’d grab my phone to jot it down in my Notes app. Sound familiar? The only problem with this approach? The moment I opened my phone, I was greeted by a cascade of texts, notifications, and apps begging for attention. What started as a simple idea quickly turned into a 15-minute scroll-fest, and before I knew it, the brilliant thought I had was gone—lost in the sea of distractions.
I realized I had a major problem. Not only was I losing ideas, but I was also getting increasingly frustrated with the constant digital noise that surrounded me. So, I decided to make a change, and it was a simple one: I switched to a tiny notebook.
Now, instead of reaching for my phone, I carry around a cute pink pocket notebook (with an attached pen—because toddlers + loose pens = chaos). Whenever an idea strikes—whether I’m in the middle of a walk, cooking dinner, or playing with my son—I can quickly jot it down without getting sucked into my phone’s endless notifications.
Why This Works for Me:
Keeps Distractions Away: The beauty of a physical notebook is that it’s free from the digital noise of social media, emails, and texts. When I’m writing in my notebook, there’s no temptation to check anything else. It’s just me and my ideas.
Helps Me Stay Present: I used to grab my phone at the slightest pause in conversation or a lull in my day, but now that I have my notebook on hand, I don’t have to check out of the moment to capture a thought. I stay present with my family, my surroundings, and the current task, and I still capture creative moments on the fly.
Captures Creative Thoughts Without Digital Noise: There’s something about the act of physically writing down an idea that feels more intentional and less hurried than typing on a screen. Plus, I find that my ideas stick with me longer when they’re captured in a notebook. I don’t have the temptation to scroll through social media, and the thought doesn’t get lost among other distractions.
Why I Highly Recommend This:
If you’ve ever lost a brilliant idea to the endless scroll of your phone or been frustrated by how easy it is to get distracted, I can’t recommend this enough. Keeping a notebook with me at all times has been a game-changer in my creative process. Not only does it keep my ideas safe, but it also helps me stay focused on what matters most—being present in the moment while still nurturing my creativity.
Do you already keep a notebook to capture your thoughts, or are you still using your phone? If you’ve tried the notebook method, I’d love to hear how it’s worked for you! Let’s talk in the comments below. 😊
A lot of people have a complicated relationship with money. Whether it’s stress, fear, or simply a lack of knowledge, finances can feel overwhelming. There are so many misconceptions about what it means to be financially successful, and often, we feel like we need to have it all figured out right away. But when you’re going after big dreams—whether it’s writing, starting a business, or pursuing something else—you need to get clear on your relationship with money and how it can work in your favor.
My husband and I have built a six-figure income, which might sound like we can just buy whatever we want. But that’s not the case. We know that in order to live off of our income without overspending, we have to be intentional about every purchase we make. It’s not about how much we make—it’s about how we manage it.
The Spending Flow: Is It Worth It?
When I see something I absolutely love and think I need to have, I go through a simple but powerful spending flow to help me decide whether it’s truly worth the purchase. I ask myself a series of questions to evaluate the necessity and value of that item:
Should I buy it?
Do I love it?
Did I need it like yesterday?
Do I really want it?
Can I borrow it?
Is it really a necessity?
Would it improve my life?
Do I truly need it?
These questions help me make a decision that aligns with my values and goals, and they keep me from buying things I might regret later. By answering them honestly, I can save money and stay focused on what matters most.
With social media, it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to keep up with the Joneses—the idea that we need to match the lifestyles, possessions, and achievements of those around us. But constantly comparing ourselves to others can be draining and counterproductive. True financial success isn’t about having the same things as everyone else or living up to someone else’s standards. It’s about aligning your spending and goals with your own values and priorities. By focusing on what you truly want in life—not what others think you should have—you can create a financial plan that works for you and brings fulfillment without the stress of trying to match someone else’s pace.
Focus on the Goals, Not the Numbers
Here’s the thing: we don’t focus on the actual numbers we’re bringing in as much as we focus on what we can afford. I know that sounds crazy, but hear me out. Our goal isn’t to make more money just for the sake of it. Our focus is on the goals we’re trying to achieve with what we’re already earning.
Take, for example, one of our goals: buying a lake house. Can I afford that right now? No, not yet. But one of our current achievable goals is to have annual Carowinds season passes so I can take my son there every day during the summer. That’s something we can absolutely afford right now, and it brings us so much joy. We prioritize goals like that because they’re aligned with our lifestyle.
Prioritize What Truly Matters
When we focus on our big goals, it becomes easier to let go of the small, superficial purchases. Why would I order Uber Eats when I’m saving for a closet upgrade? Why would I splurge on designer clothes when my focus is on upgrading my laptop and vlogging tools to create even better content for my YouTube channel?
By making intentional decisions, we’ve learned that our money is best spent on things that truly align with our long-term dreams and current priorities. It’s about investing in the things that move us forward, not just the things that feel good in the moment.
Define Your Priorities First
I think the key to managing money is simple: start with your priorities. What do you want your day-to-day life to look like? Once you figure that out, you can start designing your finances to support that vision. Whether that’s saving for travel, upgrading your home, or building a creative business, knowing your priorities will make your financial choices so much easier.
Money is a tool to help you build the life you want, and when you focus on your priorities, you can make sure every dollar is working toward your dreams, not just your next impulse buy.
Saving and Investing for Long-Term Financial Freedom
While it’s essential to stay intentional with your spending, it’s also critical to think about saving and investing for the future. Saving a percentage of your income each month can give you the security you need for emergencies and future plans. I recommend saving at least six months’ of living expenses in case of emergency. And don’t just keep that in your normal bank account. Find a high-interest savings account that you can dump that money into. I think the one that we use gives us like 5% on what we’re throwing in there.
On top of that, investing in the right avenues and diversifying your accounts can help your money grow, setting you up for long-term financial freedom. This isn’t something you need to figure out all at once, but the sooner you start, the better. There are tons of investing apps you can look into.
Plus, if you work in corporate and they have a 401K match, then go ahead and do that. Seriously, it’s free money, and you don’t want to miss out on it.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to managing your finances, but if you start with a clear vision of your priorities, manage your spending intentionally, and invest wisely, you can build a stable foundation for your future. Ultimately, financial planning isn’t just about having enough money—it’s about using money as a tool to live the life you’ve always dreamed of.
Enjoying Life’s Little Splurges
Even with all of this budgeting and being intentional about my spending, I still allow myself to splurge on things that bring me joy and contribute to my well-being. For me, it’s things like my Daily Grind Planner goodies, which help me stay organized and inspired as I work toward my goals. I also make sure to get my nails done once every two weeks because it’s a small self-care ritual that makes me feel confident and refreshed. Another thing I invest in regularly is quality, supportive shoes that help me stay comfortable, especially during long writing sessions or when I’m on my feet more than usual.
My husband also enjoys splurging on things he loves—like buying video games. It’s his way of unwinding and enjoying his downtime, which is just as important as the work we put into achieving our goals. These are the things that make life enjoyable and balanced. We don’t see them as “wasteful” purchases, but rather as intentional investments in our happiness and well-being.
I recommend sitting down and making a list of all the things that make you happy that cost money. Then, start ranking them. The top three to five items are going to be what you splurge on. The rest can be re-evaluated as you move forward with your new money mindset.
Funding the Life You Want
The key takeaway is that your money should be funding the life you want. It’s not about depriving yourself of the things you enjoy or always saying no to little indulgences. It’s about making sure that the majority of your spending aligns with your bigger goals, and then allowing yourself the freedom to enjoy a few things that truly make you happy.
By thoughtfully budgeting and investing in things that are aligned with our priorities, we’re able to enjoy these little splurges without feeling guilty. In fact, they’re a reminder that financial planning isn’t just about saving and investing for the future—it’s also about creating a lifestyle today that brings fulfillment, joy, and balance. So, indulge a little here and there, but make sure that the way you’re spending your money is always contributing to the life you envision for yourself.
Keeping a clean home while balancing a busy life—especially as a parent—can feel overwhelming. But what if I told you that a simple shift in how you approach cleaning could make it easier and more automatic? Enter habit stacking, a method that pairs a new habit with one you already do regularly. It’s a small but mighty trick that helps you stay on top of chores without feeling like you’re drowning in housework.
I’ve been using habit stacking to keep my home tidy without spending all day cleaning. Here’s how it works and how you can incorporate it into your daily routine!
What is Habit Stacking?
Habit stacking is a concept popularized by James Clear in Atomic Habits. Instead of trying to build a new habit from scratch, you attach it to an existing habit—something you already do daily. This makes it easier to remember and integrate into your routine.
For example, if you already make coffee every morning, you could add the habit of wiping down the counters while you wait for it to brew. Over time, cleaning the counters will feel as natural as making your coffee.
How I Use Habit Stacking for a Cleaner Home
I use habit stacking to fit cleaning into my daily schedule without it feeling like a burden. Here are a couple of ways I do it:
Nighttime Routine: After putting my son down for the night, I immediately scrub out his tub and spend five minutes cleaning his bathroom. Since I’m already in there, it’s easy to add this quick habit to my routine.
Nap Time Cleaning: When my son goes down for his nap, I throw a load of laundry in before I start my one-hour cleaning session. This ensures I keep up with laundry without feeling like it’s an extra chore.
These small, intentional habits make a huge difference in keeping my home clean without feeling like I’m constantly tidying up.
Simple Habit Stacking Ideas to Try
Want to make cleaning feel more effortless? Here are a few habit-stacking ideas you can start using today:
After brushing your teeth at night, wipe down the bathroom sink and mirror.
When you start the coffee maker in the morning, unload the dishwasher.
After dinner, set a five-minute timer to declutter the living room.
When your kids finish their baths, do a quick wipe-down of the bathroom sink.
While waiting for food to heat up in the microwave, clean one section of the kitchen counter.
Why Habit Stacking Works
It eliminates decision fatigue. You don’t have to think about when to clean—it’s already built into your routine.
It keeps cleaning manageable. Instead of marathon cleaning sessions, you tackle small tasks consistently.
It builds momentum. The more you do it, the more second nature it becomes.
Final Thoughts
Keeping a home clean doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By habit stacking, you can incorporate small cleaning tasks into your existing routine without adding extra stress. The key is consistency—over time, these little habits add up to a cleaner, tidier home with minimal effort.
Have you tried habit stacking for cleaning? Let me know in the comments what habits you’ve stacked to keep your home tidy!
The journey to a successful glow up isn’t about quick fixes or drastic transformations. Instead, it’s about creating lasting, sustainable habits that become part of your daily routine. That’s where the concept of habit stacking comes in—a simple yet powerful technique that played a huge role in my own glow up journey.
When I started the 121 Glow Up Challenge by Angie Bellemare and the Daily Grind team, I was immediately introduced to the idea of building habits one step at a time. Initially, it seemed overwhelming. There were 18 different habits to incorporate into my day, covering everything from skincare and hydration to physical fitness and mental health. It was a lot to take on, especially while balancing the demands of being a new mom.
But here’s the secret: Habit stacking helped me succeed.
What is Habit Stacking?
Habit stacking is the process of pairing a new habit with an already existing one. The idea is that you use a habit you already do automatically (like brushing your teeth or drinking coffee) as a trigger to perform a new, desired behavior. By linking new habits to previously established ones, you create a system that requires less willpower, which makes it easier to stay consistent.
For example, instead of trying to remember to drink 80 ounces of water throughout the day, I would stack that habit on top of a routine I already had, like my morning coffee. Every time I finished my coffee, I would make it a point to drink a large glass of water. Over time, it became automatic, and I didn’t need to remind myself to do it anymore.
How Habit Stacking Transformed My Glow Up Journey
As a new mom, my life was busy and chaotic. Between recovering from a C-section, caring for my baby, and adjusting to my new responsibilities, it felt like I didn’t have time to focus on myself. But I knew something needed to change if I wanted to feel better—physically, mentally, and emotionally. That’s where habit stacking made a huge difference.
I didn’t have time to dedicate long hours to working out or meal prepping, so I used habit stacking to maximize every moment. Here are a few examples of how I incorporated it into my routine:
1. Morning Routine: Pre-Workout and Supplements
In the mornings, while my son was eating breakfast, I would quickly prepare my pre-workout drink, collagen supplement, and probiotic. I combined all three into one glass of water, which saved me time and ensured I didn’t forget any of them. I paired this with another habit I already had—getting my son settled for breakfast. This moment in my morning routine became my cue to get my health habits started, and before I knew it, I was consistently getting my supplements in.
2. Self-Care While Baby Eats: Ice Rolling and Skincare
While my son was eating, I also used the time to complete my skincare routine. Instead of seeing it as an extra chore, I saw it as a chance to focus on myself. While he was munching away, I would take the opportunity to ice-roll my face for 10-15 minutes. This wasn’t just a way to improve my skin. It was a form of self-care that helped me feel rejuvenated and grounded. Combining this with a task I was already doing (feeding him) made it an easy, no-brainer habit.
3. Walks with Baby and Dog: Getting My Steps In
Getting enough steps in each day was essential to my glow up, but it wasn’t always easy to find time for a dedicated walk. Instead of forcing myself to set aside an hour, I started pairing walking with other activities I already did, like taking my dog outside or getting my baby out for fresh air. Whether it was a short walk around the block or a longer stroll, it became a natural part of my routine. I was able to kill two birds with one stone—getting exercise and bonding with my baby.
4. Housework and Mental Clarity: Tidy While You Think
Another important habit I added to my day was keeping my spaces tidy. For me, a clean space means a clear mind. I’d pair tidying up with other tasks, like putting on a podcast or listening to an audiobook. As I folded laundry, wiped down surfaces, or swept the floors, I used the time to listen to something inspiring or educational. Not only did I feel productive, but I also felt mentally refreshed after clearing the clutter.
5. Stretching and Yoga: At-Home Self-Care
Even on days when I didn’t make it to the gym, I found ways to incorporate movement into my day. Stretching and yoga were two habits I stacked into my post-shower routine. After I got dressed, I would take 5-10 minutes to do some light stretching or yoga poses. It wasn’t a full workout, but it helped release tension in my body and set a calming tone for the day. Pairing it with something I was already doing (getting ready in the morning) made it so much easier to keep up.
The Key to Success: Consistency and Small Wins
The beauty of habit stacking is that it’s about small wins. Instead of trying to overhaul my entire lifestyle at once, I was able to integrate one tiny habit at a time. Each success—whether it was drinking my water, getting my workout in, or taking a few minutes for skincare—added up over time.
As a new mom, I was exhausted and overwhelmed, and trying to change everything at once would’ve felt impossible. But by stacking habits onto things I was already doing, I didn’t have to make drastic changes. I simply needed to be consistent. And over the course of months, I started noticing real, lasting results.
Why Habit Stacking Works for a Glow Up
Time Efficiency: By pairing habits with existing routines, you maximize your time. You don’t have to carve out extra hours to focus on your glow up—you can incorporate healthy habits into your existing schedule.
Increased Accountability: The more habits you stack, the more likely you are to stay consistent. It builds momentum and creates a cycle of success that motivates you to keep going.
Reduced Overwhelm: Trying to change too much at once can feel daunting. Habit stacking allows you to make small adjustments that lead to big results without the stress.
Built-In Reminders: Habit stacking creates built-in cues. When you pair a new habit with an existing one, you’re more likely to remember to do it because the routine is already familiar.
Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of a glow up, habit stacking is the perfect solution. It’s not about doing everything perfectly—it’s about making small, manageable changes that become second nature. Start with one habit, pair it with something you already do, and build from there. Before you know it, you’ll be glowing inside and out.
Remember, the journey to your glow up doesn’t have to be rushed. It’s about consistency, patience, and stacking those habits that will lead to long-term success. Try it for yourself, and let me know how habit stacking works for you!
As a writer, I used to believe that I needed constant inspiration—an endless stream of Pinterest boards, beautifully curated aesthetics, and thought-provoking articles to fuel my creativity. But what I really needed was boredom.
Breaking the Habit of Constant Stimulation
When I quit my corporate job and transitioned to being a full-time writer and stay-at-home mom, I unknowingly developed a bad habit: filling every single spare moment with my phone.
Standing in line? Scroll.
Waiting for my son to wake up from a nap? Scroll.
A moment of quiet? Scroll.
I told myself that I was “researching” or “finding inspiration,” but in reality, I was overstimulating my brain and leaving no room for my own thoughts. The more I consumed, the less creative I felt. Instead of developing fresh ideas, I found myself overwhelmed, uninspired, and stuck in comparison traps.
The Lightbulb Moment: Boredom Fuels Creativity
One day, I left my phone in another room while taking a walk. At first, it felt weird—I kept reaching for it, wanting to check something, listen to something, or scroll through something. But as I walked in silence, something surprising happened.
My mind started to wander.
I found myself thinking about my book ideas, untangling plot problems, and imagining new character interactions. Without the constant noise of social media, my brain had space to breathe.
That’s when I realized that boredom isn’t a bad thing. It’s a creative superpower.
How I Embrace Boredom to Boost Creativity
Instead of filling every moment with external content, I now give myself space to just think. Here’s how I do it:
✨ Letting my mind wander on walks – I walk without headphones, and instead of consuming a podcast or audiobook, I let my thoughts drift. Some of my best plot twists have come from these quiet moments.
✨ Daydreaming about my characters and stories – Instead of reaching for my phone first thing in the morning or while sipping coffee, I let myself daydream. I play out different scenarios for my characters, and sometimes, I surprise myself with new ideas.
✨ Journaling random thoughts – I used to only journal when I had something specific to write about. Now, I scribble down whatever comes to mind—ideas, fragments of dialogue, or even a single word that resonates with me. These random thoughts often spark my next big writing breakthrough.
From Consumer to Creator
Now, instead of consuming other people’s content all day, I create my own. I no longer feel like I need a perfectly curated aesthetic board or endless writing prompts to spark creativity. The best ideas don’t come from scrolling—they come from stillness.
So if you’re feeling creatively stuck, I challenge you: embrace boredom. Step away from your phone, sit in silence, and see where your thoughts take you. You might just unlock your next great idea.
Have you noticed a connection between boredom and creativity? Let’s chat in the comments! ⬇️✨
Spending time outdoors isn’t just great for your health and well-being—it can also be a game changer when it comes to keeping your home clean! As someone who’s actively working toward the 1000 Hours Outside challenge, I’ve noticed an unexpected perk: a tidier, less cluttered home with minimal effort.
Less Time Inside = Less Mess 🏡
It’s simple math—the more time you and your family spend outside, the less time there is to create messes indoors. Fewer snack crumbs on the couch, fewer toys scattered across the floor, and fewer fingerprints on every surface. Whether it’s a morning walk, a trip to the park, or just playing in the backyard, every hour outside means one less hour spent making a mess inside.
Fewer Dishes, Less Kitchen Chaos 🍽️
If you’re eating lunch on a picnic blanket at the park instead of at the dining table, that’s fewer dishes to wash! When we spend more time outside, we naturally shift some of our meals and snacks outdoors, which means less kitchen cleanup. Bonus: food spills are way easier to manage outside than on your carpet!
Less Screen Time = Less Clutter 📱
In my recent digital detox, I talked about how cutting back on screen time has helped me feel more creative and present. But another hidden benefit? Less clutter! When we’re indoors, it’s easy to fall into mindless online shopping, accumulating more “stuff” we don’t really need. Being outside keeps us engaged in the real world rather than filling our home with impulse buys.
More Energy for Cleaning When You Are Inside ⚡
Spending time outdoors boosts energy levels, reduces stress, and improves overall mood. When I get fresh air and movement, I actually want to tidy up when I come inside! It’s amazing how a little time in nature can give you the motivation to tackle household tasks with a more positive mindset.
The 5-Minute Outdoor Reset 🌿
Instead of taking a break by scrolling on my phone, I’ve started stepping outside for a few minutes when I need a reset. A quick walk or just sitting in the sun helps clear my mind and keeps me from procrastinating household tasks. It’s a small shift that’s made a huge impact on how I manage my day.
A Cleaner Home, the Easy Way ✨
If you’re looking for an effortless way to maintain a cleaner home, start prioritizing outdoor time. The fresh air, extra energy, and reduced indoor mess all add up to a tidier space without extra effort. Plus, you’ll get all the mental and physical health benefits that come with spending more time in nature.
Are you trying the 1000 Hours Outside challenge? Let me know how it’s going for you—I’d love to hear your experience! 😊
A year ago, I was stuck in a rut. As a new mom, I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and frankly, not feeling like myself. Between the challenges of recovering from a C-section and adjusting to motherhood, I found myself constantly fatigued, struggling with simple things like climbing the stairs or picking up my baby. I knew something had to change but didn’t know where to start.
I had heard the term “glow-up” tossed around, but I never really took it seriously. For me, a glow-up wasn’t just about looking better—it was about feeling better in every way. I needed to elevate myself, not just physically but emotionally and mentally as well. That’s when I came across the 121 Glow Up Challenge by Angie Bellemare and the Daily Grind team. This program caught my attention because it offered a structured way to improve yourself with small, actionable steps.
What initially stood out to me was the idea of holistic transformation. This wasn’t about following a one-size-fits-all plan. The challenge addressed everything from skincare to fitness, from mindset to habits—everything I felt I was missing. I had spent so much time focusing on taking care of everyone else that I had neglected myself. This challenge gave me a roadmap to begin shifting my focus back to me.
Starting the Glow Up Challenge wasn’t easy. It required consistency, self-discipline, and a commitment to myself—something I hadn’t prioritized for a long time. But I knew I was worth it. I needed to get out of the funk I was in. I needed to rebuild my physical strength, regain my energy, and feel good in my own skin again.
The first month was challenging. I felt sore from workouts I hadn’t done in ages, and adjusting to new habits felt overwhelming at times. But slowly, I began to see changes. It wasn’t just about losing weight or looking better—it was about how I felt after completing each daily task. The more I stuck to the habits, the more I noticed my energy increasing, my skin improving, and my mindset shifting. I felt stronger, both physically and emotionally.
One of the most important lessons I learned was that a glow-up isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about embracing the journey and realizing that every step forward, no matter how small, matters. That first step in my glow-up journey was the hardest, but it was also the most important. It was the beginning of something new for me.
In this video, I dive deeper into the specifics of the challenge and how the habit-stacking technique helped me build consistency. But for now, I want to encourage anyone who’s feeling stuck or overwhelmed to start their own glow-up journey. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to start. And believe me, you’re worth every effort.
There’s something unsettling about the things we can’t see—the shadows that linger, the whispers in the dark, the sense of being watched when no one is there. My latest poem, Poltergeist, now published in QuailBell Magazine, explores this eerie feeling, the presence of something just beyond reach, hovering at the edge of our reality.
I’ve always been drawn to the supernatural, the stories that make us question what exists beyond the veil. Poltergeist was born from that fascination—a poetic reflection on the ghosts that haunt us, whether they be spirits, memories, or unspoken fears. With each line, I sought to capture that creeping sensation, the lingering presence that refuses to be ignored.
Interestingly, Poltergeist was inspired by Rowena, a character from The Midnight Masquerade, the first book in my Seasonally Spellbound series. Rowena is a medium who can see ghosts. Her story stayed with me, and this poem became an extension of that.
Here’s a glimpse into the poem:
Sweep away the cobwebs, brush off the dust, That which torments me cannot be shaken. It follows––hovering just out of sight Ever present––right beneath the surface.
The full piece is now live in QuailBell Magazine, and I’d love for you to read it. Let me know what you think—does it give you chills? Does it make you wonder what might be lurking just beyond your vision?
If you enjoy poetry that dances between the living and the dead, the seen and the unseen, I hope Poltergeist resonates with you. Let’s talk ghosts—drop a comment and tell me your favorite eerie experience or haunting story!
Let’s be real—putting your phone down is hard. After years of working in social media management, I was used to constantly being plugged in. Checking notifications, staying updated on trends, and being available 24/7 became second nature to me. But when I transitioned to being a full-time stay-at-home mom and writer, I realized something: I needed to set boundaries with my screen time.
As much as I loved the idea of being “productive,” I was finding myself mindlessly scrolling during moments when I should have been present—whether it was with my son, writing, or even just relaxing. The constant connection left me feeling mentally drained and creatively blocked. That’s when I decided to make a change.
Here are five game-changing hacks that helped me cut back on screen time and reclaim my time and energy:
1️⃣ Use a Screen Time Widget
I’ve learned that awareness is key when it comes to managing screen time. So, I added a screen time widget to my home screen. This handy tool shows me exactly how much time I’m spending on my phone, broken down by app. Seeing those numbers in real time is a wake-up call.
This simple visual reminder keeps me accountable and motivates me to put my phone down and get back to being present. It’s hard to ignore the truth when the widget clearly shows me I’ve been scrolling for 30 minutes or more!
2️⃣ Keep Your Phone in Another Room
One of the easiest ways to reduce screen time is to remove temptation. I started leaving my phone in my office when I’m with my family. This means when I’m playing with my son or sharing a meal with my husband, I’m not distracted by incoming texts or social media updates.
Out of sight, out of mind is a simple but effective strategy. When my phone’s not within reach, I don’t feel the urge to mindlessly check it, and I can focus on the people and moments right in front of me.
3️⃣ Set App Blocks
I’m not going to lie—resisting the urge to scroll can be tough. That’s why I started using an app called Opal, a free screen time blocker. With Opal, I can block access to certain apps—like social media—during specific hours.
For example, when my son is awake and I need to be fully engaged with him, I have my social media apps blocked. This way, I’m not tempted to check Instagram or Twitter while I should be focusing on him. It’s been incredibly helpful in keeping my attention where it needs to be.
4️⃣ Ditch the Phone in Bed
Before I started setting boundaries, I had a bad habit of scrolling through my phone right before bed. But I quickly realized this wasn’t helping my sleep or mental clarity. The blue light from my phone was interfering with my circadian rhythm, and my mind was racing from all the content I’d consumed.
Instead of scrolling, I now make a habit of reading a book or journaling before bed. It’s become a relaxing routine that helps me unwind, reflect on the day, and improve my sleep quality. Plus, it’s given me a lot more peace of mind at night.
5️⃣ Use a Notebook Instead of Notes App
I love jotting down ideas for my writing, but I noticed that whenever I opened my phone’s notes app, I’d get sidetracked by notifications, messages, or emails. Before I knew it, the inspiration I had quickly turned into a distraction.
Now, I keep a cute pink notebook by my side for whenever inspiration strikes. I jot down ideas, thoughts, or snippets of dialogue the old-fashioned way, and it’s been a game-changer. I don’t have to worry about getting sucked into my phone, and I stay focused on my creative process.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Breaking phone habits isn’t easy, especially after years of being constantly connected. But these small changes have made a huge difference in my daily life. I’m more present with my family, I’m more focused on my writing, and I feel less overwhelmed by the constant need to check my phone.
Have you tried any of these hacks to cut back on your screen time? I’d love to hear what’s worked for you! Drop a comment below and let’s chat. 😊
Elizabeth Yuen 