lifestyle – Page 2 – Elizabeth Yuen

As a stay-at-home parent, balancing homemaking duties with writing goals can feel overwhelming. The never-ending list of chores and responsibilities often makes it hard to carve out dedicated time for writing. However, with some thoughtful planning and organization, managing your household while prioritizing your creative work is possible. Here’s how you can organize your daily homemaking tasks to create space for writing, maintain mental clarity, and stay productive.

1. Create a Daily To-Do List

One of the simplest ways to organize your day is by making a to-do list. Before you start your morning, jot down the most important tasks that need to be done. This could include laundry, meal prep, tidying up, or paying bills. Break these down into small, manageable tasks, which makes the list less overwhelming and gives you a sense of accomplishment as you check things off.

The trick to a good to-do list is prioritizing. Ask yourself which tasks are time-sensitive and which can be pushed to later. Once you’ve identified the must-dos, block off time for writing. Treat it as a non-negotiable part of your day, like cooking or cleaning.

2. Declutter for Mental Clarity

A cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind. When your surroundings are messy, it’s harder to focus on creative work. One of the best ways to set yourself up for a productive writing session is by keeping your home tidy and organized.

You don’t need to deep-clean every single day, but consider decluttering your most-used spaces. Focus on clearing off your desk or kitchen counter—the places where you might be working or brainstorming. A quick 10-minute clean-up can make a huge difference in how mentally prepared you feel to write.

3. Schedule Writing as Part of Your Daily Routine

Writing needs to be part of your daily routine, not just an afterthought. To make it easier, schedule your writing sessions around your homemaking tasks. For example, if you know you’ll have 30 minutes while the kids nap or after dinner, set that time aside specifically for writing.

This is where having a planner (I like the Daily Grind Planner) can be a game-changer. Having a planner allows you to map out your day, organize your household tasks, and still leave room for the things that matter most—like your writing. It’s designed to help you prioritize effectively, so you can find a balance between managing your home and working on your passion projects.

With a planner, you can:

Break your day into manageable chunks
Track your writing progress alongside homemaking tasks
Set daily goals that focus on both home management and creative work
Organize your week in advance to see where writing fits into the bigger picture

Having a planner like this helps you not just survive the day but thrive by knowing that both your homemaking and writing goals are being met.

4. Batch Similar Tasks Together

When you have a long list of chores, consider batching similar tasks together. For example, do all of your laundry at once, or meal prep for the week in one afternoon. This saves time and mental energy, giving you more space to write.

By organizing similar tasks, you’ll spend less time bouncing between different duties and more time in a productive flow. Once you’ve completed these tasks, you can focus fully on writing without worrying about the next chore on your list.

5. Start the Day with Intention

Your mornings set the tone for the rest of the day. If you start with intention, you’re more likely to stay organized and productive. Try to begin each day with a quick review of your planner or to-do list. Mentally prepare for both your homemaking responsibilities and your writing time.

Additionally, consider starting your day with a short writing session if possible. Even 15–20 minutes of writing first thing in the morning can give you a sense of progress and motivation to carry you through the rest of your day.

6. Build in Downtime

Finally, remember to give yourself some grace. Balancing homemaking and writing is no small task. Build some downtime into your schedule so you don’t burn out. Whether it’s a walk, a quiet moment with a cup of tea, or reading a book, having a few moments of rest will help you recharge and stay productive in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Organizing your daily homemaking tasks is key to finding more time for writing. By using tools like to-do lists, decluttering spaces, and incorporating writing into your daily schedule, you can ensure both your home and creative projects stay on track. With the help of a planner (again, my personal favorite is the Daily Grind Planner), it becomes much easier to balance these dual roles effectively.

Don’t wait for the perfect moment—make writing a priority today by organizing your life in a way that supports both your homemaking and your passion for storytelling.

career, lifestyle

How a Daily Walk Boosts My Writing Productivity

September 17, 2024September 15, 2024 Elizabeth Yuen

As writers, we often find ourselves trapped at the desk, trying to force out words or wrangle ideas onto the page. But over time, I’ve discovered a game-changing habit that’s helped me break free from that creative block: daily walks. This simple routine has not only improved my writing productivity, but has also transformed the way I brainstorm, outline, and reflect on my stories.

A New Perspective Through Movement

It all started when I decided to take short walks during my writing breaks. At first, I just needed fresh air, but I quickly realized that walking opened my mind in ways that sitting at my desk couldn’t. Something about moving through nature—whether it’s a peaceful park or a quiet street—allowed me to think more clearly. The rhythm of walking seemed to unlock ideas I didn’t know were stuck.

When I hit a roadblock in my writing, I lace up my shoes and step outside. The moment I start moving, thoughts that feel disorganized or overwhelming in front of my screen seem to fall into place. The distraction-free time helps me visualize scenes, hear dialogue, and solve tricky plot issues without realizing I’m doing it.

Walking as a Brainstorming Tool

One of the best ways I use my walks is to brainstorm new ideas. Whether you’re in the early stages of a project or revisiting a story you’ve been working on for months, walking helps shift your focus from the pressure of having to come up with something to just letting ideas flow naturally.

I often leave my phone at home or set it to airplane mode so I can fully immerse myself in my thoughts. As I walk, I allow ideas to drift through my mind without judgment—sometimes, the ideas seem small or disconnected at first, but by the end of the walk, they’ve merged into something more tangible. This free association has led to some of my best story twists and character revelations.

Outlining and Plotting On the Go

Walks are also a great time to outline or work through the structure of a story. If you’ve ever tried to outline at your desk and felt stuck, go ahead and take your outline with you on a walk. You can mentally rehearse key points, think about the flow of your story, and even imagine potential endings or character arcs as you go.

If you’re worried about forgetting these new thoughts, consider bringing a small notebook or using the voice memo app on your phone to capture ideas in real-time. Personally, I find that by the time I’m back home, I’m so energized that I can sit down and quickly jot down everything I came up with.

Reflecting on Your Work

Writing can feel emotionally draining, especially when you’ve been working on a project for a long time. Daily walks give me the space I need to reflect on my stories from a fresh perspective. Instead of ruminating over what isn’t working, walking provides a gentle reset.

It allows you to take a step back (both literally and metaphorically), helping you to see the bigger picture and evaluate what’s truly important in your writing. I’ve found that the combination of movement and reflection often leads to unexpected insights that deepen my work.

Making Walks Part of Your Writing Routine

You don’t need to carve out hours for a walk—15 or 20 minutes can make a huge difference. What matters most is consistency. I’ve made daily walks a part of my writing routine, and it’s become something I look forward to. If you’re struggling to find time, consider incorporating walks into your existing schedule: take one after lunch, before you start your writing session, or whenever you hit a wall in your productivity.

If you’re not sure how to get started, here are a few ideas:

Use your walks to think about a specific scene or piece of dialogue.
Walk with the intention of solving a specific writing problem.
Use the time to daydream and let new story ideas emerge.
After your walk, jot down the thoughts and ideas you want to explore.

Walk Your Way to Productivity

Daily walks have helped me find clarity, break through creative blocks, and increase my productivity in ways I hadn’t expected. Writing is hard work, but it doesn’t always have to happen at the desk. If you’re feeling stuck, overworked, or just need a fresh perspective, try stepping outside and letting the movement guide your creativity.

So next time you’re staring at a blank page, grab your shoes and go for a walk—you might just find the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.

career, lifestyle

How Becoming a Mom Changed My Perspective on My Writing Career

September 16, 2024September 15, 2024 Elizabeth Yuen

When I first set out to pursue my writing career, I had a clear vision of success. I imagined long hours spent crafting stories, meeting tight deadlines, and rapidly building a portfolio of published work. But then, I became a mom—and everything changed.

Motherhood didn’t just transform my day-to-day life; it completely shifted my perspective on what success looks like and how I approach my writing. Here’s how becoming a mom has redefined my writing journey.

1. Redefining Success

Before having children, success felt like something to chase relentlessly. It was all about hitting certain milestones—completing projects, getting published, growing my audience. But motherhood taught me that success isn’t just about tangible achievements. Now, success looks more like balance and fulfillment. It’s about creating work that I’m proud of, while also being present for my family.

Writing, for me, is no longer tied solely to external validation. Instead, it’s about telling stories that matter, even if they take longer to complete or don’t always reach a wide audience. I’ve come to appreciate that success is about quality, not quantity.

2. Letting Go of Timelines

Before becoming a mother, I would set very strict timelines for my writing goals. I wanted to get published by a certain age, complete a novel by a set date, and try to keep up with all things career and productivity. But once I became a mom, I had to let go of all of that.

Motherhood is totally unpredictable. Some days, I have the energy and time to write for hours at a time. Other days, my kid decides to nap for twenty minutes and that’s all the writing I get done for that day. This used to frustrate me to no end, but now I’ve learned to embrace the ebb and flow of motherhood. My writing will eventually get done, but I’ve realized that it’s okay to just take it slow.

3. Embracing Flexibility

Motherhood has required me to embrace flexibility in all aspects of life, including my writing career. My writing routine is no longer rigid. Some days, I wake up early to squeeze in a few quiet moments before the household wakes up. On other days, I jot down notes while my kid plays. Flexibility has become essential to maintaining both my writing practice and my role as a mom.

This adaptability has also helped me become more patient and compassionate with myself. I’ve learned that it’s okay to pause, reset, and return to my writing when life allows. The creative process doesn’t have to be rushed.

4. Focusing on the Journey, Not Just the Destination

In the past, I viewed writing as a race to the finish line—publish the book, get the recognition, and then move on to the next project. But motherhood has taught me that the journey is just as important, if not more so, than the destination. I’ve learned to savor the small victories: a well-written sentence, a breakthrough in a difficult scene, or even the act of sitting down to write, no matter how brief.

My writing career is no longer defined by end goals alone. It’s about enjoying the process of creation, finding joy in the everyday moments of inspiration, and celebrating progress in whatever form it takes.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a mom has undoubtedly slowed down my writing career, but it has also made it more meaningful. My goals have shifted from productivity and achievement to growth and fulfillment. I’ve learned to be kinder to myself, to embrace the unpredictable nature of life, and to cherish the creative journey.

Motherhood has changed my perspective on writing in the best possible way. I’m not just chasing a dream—I’m living it, one story at a time, alongside the most important role of my life as a mother.

career, lifestyle

How We Live Frugally to Support My Writing Career

September 12, 2024 Elizabeth Yuen

For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of being a writer and a full-time homemaker, balancing the creative joys of storytelling with the satisfaction of nurturing a family. But as with most dreams, there were financial realities to face. Becoming a stay-at-home mom and pursuing my passion for writing meant making some serious changes in how we approached money.

Adopting a frugal lifestyle has been key to making this dream a reality. By being mindful about our spending and focusing on what truly matters, we’ve found a way to live comfortably, enjoy life, and support my aspirations as a writer, all while sticking to a tight budget. I’d love to share a few strategies that have helped us, with tips for budgeting as a family, low-cost activities, and making smarter financial choices.

1. Set Clear Financial Goals

The first step in our frugal journey was getting clear on what we wanted. My dream of writing and homemaking meant transitioning to a single income, so we needed to assess our financial situation and set clear goals. We started by determining how much we needed for basic living expenses—like housing, utilities, food, and savings—then calculated how much we could save by cutting unnecessary spending.

Tip: Write down your long-term financial goals, whether it’s buying a house, starting a business, or simply living debt-free. This will guide your spending choices and keep you motivated.

2. Create a Family Budget

One of the most effective tools for frugal living is a solid budget. We sat down and created a family budget that broke down our monthly income and categorized our expenses. From groceries to entertainment, we tracked every penny to see where we could cut back.

Tip: Use a simple spreadsheet or a budgeting app to track your income and expenses. Set realistic spending limits for each category and review them regularly to stay on track.

3. Plan Low-Cost Family Activities

Being frugal doesn’t mean sacrificing fun. In fact, we’ve discovered that some of the best family memories come from simple, low-cost activities. Instead of pricey outings, we opt for budget-friendly experiences, like visiting local parks, having movie nights at home, or taking nature walks.

We also love DIY projects—whether it’s a home-cooked meal together, a craft afternoon, or even a themed family game night, these activities foster connection without costing much.

Tip: Check out community events, free museum days, or local libraries, which often host free or low-cost programs for families. Prioritize time spent together over expensive outings.

4. Get Creative with Groceries

Groceries are one of the biggest expenses for a family, but there are ways to save without sacrificing quality. I’ve learned the art of meal planning, buying in bulk, and cooking from scratch, which has helped us cut costs significantly. We also avoid pre-packaged convenience foods and focus on whole, versatile ingredients that can stretch across multiple meals.

Tip: Plan your meals around what’s on sale or in season, and don’t be afraid to try generic brands—they often taste just as good at a fraction of the price. Batch cooking and freezing leftovers also helps reduce waste and save money.

5. Prioritize DIY and Secondhand

We’ve embraced the DIY mindset and learned to fix, create, and repurpose things ourselves. From simple home repairs to crafting my own décor, I’ve found that doing things myself not only saves money but also brings a sense of accomplishment. When we do need to buy something, we turn to secondhand stores, online marketplaces, or swap with friends and family.

Tip: Before making any purchase, ask yourself if it’s something you can borrow, buy secondhand, or make yourself. This small shift can lead to big savings over time.

6. Focus on Needs, Not Wants

Living frugally has taught us to differentiate between needs and wants. Every purchase is considered carefully—will this item add value to our lives, or is it something we can do without? This mindset shift has helped us avoid impulsive spending and focus on what truly matters.

Tip: When tempted to buy something, give yourself a cooling-off period. Wait 48 hours and see if you still feel the same urge. Often, the desire passes, and you’ll be glad you didn’t make a hasty purchase.

7. Build an Emergency Fund

One of the best financial decisions we’ve made is prioritizing an emergency fund. Having savings set aside for unexpected expenses, like car repairs or medical bills (or dealing with house emergencies, like our flooded first floor), gives us peace of mind and prevents us from relying on any credit cards. Even with a frugal lifestyle, emergencies happen, so having a cushion is essential.

Tip: Start small by setting aside a portion of your income each month until you reach at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses. Automating your savings can help make it a consistent habit.

By being intentional with choices surrounding money, I’ve been able to focus more on my writing and homemaking without the stress of financial strain. Living frugally does not mean giving up on any enjoyment or comfort––it just means being strategic, resourceful, and thrifty with what you’ve got.

With thoughtful budgeting, low-cost family activities, and smarter spending habits, my dream of being a writer and homemaker is not only possible but fulfilling in ways I hadn’t imagined.

If you’re looking to follow a similar path, I hope these tips inspire you to embrace a frugal lifestyle and pursue your own passions. Every penny saved is a step closer to your dreams!

health, lifestyle

Self-Care for Writing Homemakers: How to Stay Energized and Inspired

September 12, 2024September 12, 2024 Elizabeth Yuen

Balancing the demands of homemaking and writing can be both fulfilling and exhausting. Whether you’re managing daily household tasks, caring for family, or finding time to nurture your creative writing projects, it’s easy to burn out. That’s where self-care comes in. Taking time to recharge your body and mind isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential for maintaining the energy and inspiration needed to be both an effective homemaker and a productive writer.

In this post, I’ll explore practical self-care strategies that will help you stay energized, motivated, and creatively inspired—no matter how busy your days get.

1. Create a Morning Routine That Fuels Your Day

Mornings set the tone for the rest of the day. As a homemaker and writer, a solid morning routine can help you balance both responsibilities. Start your day with activities that fuel your mind, body, and creativity.

Tips for a rejuvenating morning:

Hydrate: Start with a glass of water to wake up your body.
Mindful movement: Whether it’s yoga, stretching, or a short walk, moving your body early helps boost energy and focus.
Journaling or freewriting: Spend 10-15 minutes writing your thoughts or doing a creative brain dump. This can clear mental clutter and spark ideas for your writing projects.
Plan your day: Prioritize your homemaking and writing tasks, setting clear and achievable goals. A sense of direction helps reduce stress.

By incorporating these small rituals, you’ll begin the day feeling centered and ready to take on your dual roles.

2. Set Boundaries for Writing Time

One of the biggest challenges for homemakers who write is finding uninterrupted time to focus on their creative work. Setting boundaries for your writing time is crucial for both productivity and mental clarity.

How to create writing boundaries:

Designate specific writing times: Choose times of the day when you’re most creative and less likely to be interrupted, whether that’s early in the morning, during nap time, or late at night.
Communicate with family: Let your family know when your writing time is and ask for their support in protecting it. Make sure they understand that writing is important, even if it’s done from home.
Create a dedicated writing space: Whether it’s a desk in the corner or a cozy chair by the window, having a physical space set aside for writing signals to your brain that it’s time to focus.

When you set boundaries, you’re carving out time for yourself—both to express creativity and to nurture your writing craft.

3. Incorporate Movement Throughout the Day

Sitting for long periods, whether writing or doing homemaking tasks, can leave you feeling sluggish. Incorporating small bursts of movement throughout the day can do wonders for your energy levels and mental clarity.

Simple ways to stay active:

Take short breaks: Every hour or so, stand up and stretch, walk around the house, or do a few light exercises.
Outdoor time: Make it a habit to walk after meals. A 10-minute walk outside can refresh your body and mind, giving you a burst of inspiration when you return to your writing.

Keeping your body moving will boost your energy, prevent burnout, and even spark fresh ideas when your creativity feels blocked.

4. Nourish Yourself with Healthy Meals and Snacks

It’s easy to get caught up in caring for everyone else while neglecting your own health. But as a writing homemaker, you need to stay nourished to keep both your body and creativity energized.

Tips for mindful eating:

Plan balanced meals: As you plan meals for the family, make sure to include healthy, nourishing options for yourself—foods rich in protein, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
Snack smart: Keep healthy snacks like nuts, fruits, or yogurt on hand for quick energy boosts during writing sessions.
Hydrate: Stay hydrated with water or herbal teas. Dehydration can zap your energy and make it harder to focus on writing.

By nourishing your body with healthy foods, you’re also fueling your creative mind, helping you stay alert and focused on both your homemaking tasks and writing projects.

5. Practice Creative Self-Care

As a writer, nurturing your creativity is essential. Self-care for your mind means finding ways to keep inspiration flowing and avoiding burnout.

Ways to nurture your creative spirit:

Engage with art: Visit a museum, watch a film, or listen to music that inspires you. Sometimes stepping away from writing and absorbing other forms of art can reignite your creative fire.
Read widely: Read books in your genre and beyond. Exposure to different writing styles and perspectives helps to broaden your imagination and keeps your writing fresh.
Do something playful: Creativity often thrives in play. Try painting, baking, crafting, or even gardening—activities that allow you to be creative in a low-pressure environment.
Unplug regularly: Digital burnout is real. Take time to disconnect from social media and technology, even if it’s just for an hour a day. Give your mind space to rest and daydream.

By practicing creative self-care, you’ll maintain a steady flow of ideas and inspiration, making your writing time more productive and enjoyable.

6. Give Yourself Permission to Rest

Rest is one of the most important—and most neglected—forms of self-care. Homemaking and writing both require a lot of mental and physical energy, so it’s crucial to give yourself time to rest without guilt.

Ways to prioritize rest:

Set a bedtime routine: Establish a consistent sleep schedule, and create a calming nighttime routine—whether that’s reading a book, taking a bath, or practicing relaxation techniques.
Take power naps: If you’re feeling exhausted during the day, a 20-minute nap can recharge your energy and give you the boost you need to tackle the rest of your day.
Learn to say no: Sometimes the best way to rest is by protecting your time. Don’t overcommit to tasks or projects—know your limits and allow yourself time to relax.

Rest is not only vital for your physical health, but it also allows your creativity to recharge, making your writing time more effective.

Final Thoughts

As a writing homemaker, you wear many hats, and it’s easy to prioritize everyone and everything else above yourself. But self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. By taking the time to recharge physically, mentally, and creatively, you’ll have more energy, motivation, and inspiration to be the best version of yourself as both a homemaker and a writer.

Remember, self-care can be as simple as a quiet cup of tea in the morning, a walk around the block, or carving out 20 minutes to write without distractions. Small, mindful moments add up, ensuring you stay energized, balanced, and ready to create. So, take a breath, give yourself permission to rest, and let self-care be the foundation for a fulfilling, creative life.

lifestyle

An Apartment of One’s Own

March 4, 2018March 4, 2018 Elizabeth Yuen

My mom is a pretty smart lady. Throughout my life, she has offered guidance, support, and wisdom. One of the best pieces of advice she has ever given me was to make sure that I got a place of my own before settling down.

As Ben and I get closer and closer to the day when we actually move in together (and I get more and more excited), I can’t help but feel glad that I decided to live alone this past year. Most of my adult life had been spent splitting rent with roommates up until I got my current apartment, because it’s way cheaper to split rent with someone than to live by yourself.

Taking my mom’s advice, I decided to get a place of my own this past year. And it certainly has had its benefits! Check out the list below:

You have a place to yourself. All of that space is all yours. You get to do with it what you will and can decorate it however you choose! No one will tell you where to put that odd piece of art you love.
No more dirty dishes that aren’t yours. I’ve lived with messy roommates and I’ve lived with neat freaks. Both are not fun to live with. But there is something majorly irritating when you look in the sink to find a mountain high pile of dishes (that are not yours) waiting for you after work.
You are responsible for the well-being of your home. No longer can you blame your roommate for the utter chaos of your home. If you’ve got dirty laundry lying on your living room floor, that’s your dirty laundry. If the trash hasn’t been taken out in weeks, that’s your trash to take care of. Living by yourself makes you take responsibility for your own actions.
No worries about who did or did not pay their rent. I have lived in a 3 bedroom apartment with 5 other roommates before. Whenever we got a notice of “past due payment” from our landlord, it was crazy trying to figure out who did or did not pay their portion of the rent. Save yourself the stress of that situation and live by yourself as soon as possible.
Peace and quiet. When I get home there are no roommates waiting to talk to me about their day or ask me for advice. There is just complete and total silence, and there is nothing more beautiful than that.

What are your thoughts on living alone?

lifestyle

27 Things I’ve Learned in 27 Years

March 1, 2018March 1, 2018 Elizabeth Yuen

This weekend something special happened… I turned 27!

And to celebrate that, I decided to come up with a list of 27 things I have learned over the past 27 years of my existence.

Life is hard. I learned this lesson earlier in life than I would have liked, but my teenage years were certainly an eye-opener to how difficult life can be. I like to think that life’s hardships have made me a stronger person.
A positive attitude changes everything. Because life is so hard, it’s important to face your challenges head on with a smile on your face. We only get one life. Let’s live it up!
If you want something, go get it. You’re not going to be handed your dreams on a silver platter. You need to be willing to crawl through the mud and go get it yourself.
Live below your means. When I first got out of college and lived by myself for the first time, I got a trash dump of a place for just $550 per month. At that time, I could have afforded a more expensive place for myself, but I chose to live below my means so I could work hard on paying off my student loans.
Friends will come and go. Life happens and people grow apart. We change, we develop, we grow. If a friendship ends up fading away because of that, then that’s okay.
Be with someone who is willing to protect you, provide for you, and profess his love for you. These things may be simple, but they are important and should not be overlooked when looking for a partner.
If you are the smartest person in the room, get out. There is always someone smarter. Go find those smarter people and make conversation.
Your opinion is not the only one that matters. Listen to other people’s opinions and take them into consideration.
Buy timeless pieces of clothing. Have a few little black dresses, some pencil skirts, dress pants, and solid color tops to ensure that you look styled but not tacky. Don’t go with the immediate trends when it comes to fashion.
Make family a priority. I try to call my mom, dad, and brother regularly. Usually I call them during my lunch break at work and chat with them for about 20 minutes. It’s super important to make sure your family is a priority. They’ll be there for you when things get rough!
Get a hobby. Whatever that hobby may be for you, just make sure you have something you’re doing outside of your day job.
Be kind to yourself. If you were as harsh to your friends as you are harsh to yourself, would that be acceptable? Treat yourself with love and compassion.
You can walk away. Bullies and abusers are not just in grade school. They will appear in all walks of life. But remember no matter what, you don’t have to sit there and take it. You can simply walk away from the harmful situation.
Respect yourself. Never lower your standards for someone else.
Forgive but never forget.
Don’t be afraid of change. Picking your life up, moving to a new city, and making new friends can be scary. But I promise you, change is good! Change happens, so embrace it.
Not everyone is going to like you. To this day, I have trouble accepting this. I try really hard to be a pleasant person to everyone, but at the end of the day there will be some people that just don’t like you. Try to brush it off as best you can.
Learn to love yourself. Accept your flaws and move forward with your life. If you’re unhappy with who you are as a person, then change. At the end of the day, you need to love the person looking back at you in your mirror.
Make your health a priority. If you love yourself, then make sure to take good care of yourself. Workout, eat right, and be healthy!
Take care of your skin. Wash your face, put sunscreen/moisturizer on, and stay in the shade!
Do not procrastinate. Seriously.
Volunteer. Try to get outside of yourself and do something for others. I volunteer for Girls on the Run of the Triangle and help out with their marketing efforts. If you’re not sure what to do to volunteer, check this out.
Do not act in anger. If you have an argument with someone, it’s totally okay to say, “Look. I’m really upset right now and I just need an hour to process. Give me an hour and then we can talk.” Then go for a quick walk, meditate, or just do something that will calm your mind. Never say something you will regret or do anything in anger.
Listen to podcasts to and from work. I like to listen to The Dave Ramsey Show and Amy Porterfield.
Read the news. I look at different sources to try and get as much information as possible. When I don’t have time, I have The Skimm come straight to my inbox.
Make a monthly budget and stick to it! You’ll save so much money.
Learn how to take a compliment. Smile, say thank you, and let the compliment happen.

What are some things you have learned over the years?

lifestyle

10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Me

February 21, 2018 Elizabeth Yuen

All week I’ve had the song “Getting to Know You” stuck in my head from “The King and I.” In honor of that wonderful song, I decided to whip up a list of ten things you might not know about me.

I used to hate to run, but now I love it.
When I go on runs, I mainly listen to movie soundtracks. They make me feel like an epic superhero and keep me charged through the end of the workout.
I get way too attached to fictional characters in books, movies and TV shows.
I am easily startled so please don’t sneak up on me!
I love doing things by myself. I enjoy hanging out with other people, but there’s something nice about taking yourself to a restaurant or just spending the evening alone. Solitude is wonderful.
I used to work for a pet store in college. Never again! I love animals, but having dogs bark in my ears all day long is not my dream job.
Every morning, I try to wake up with a heart full of gratitude. I do this by listing at least 3 things I’m thankful for.
I want to be a young adult and romance writer. I take a little time every day to work toward this goal.
I used to weigh about 200 pounds in college. I’ve lost around 40 pounds and am still working toward my goal weight.
I take great pride in my home and my domestic skills. I love knitting, cooking, and baking in particular. Sewing is something I’ve always had a fondness for, so my parents got me a sewing machine for Christmas. I’m super excited to try it out!

What are some things other people might not know about you? Leave a comment below!

lifestyle

How I Relax After a Long Day

January 22, 2018January 22, 2018 Elizabeth Yuen

It’s Monday today and Mondays always hit me pretty hard. I get up at the crack of dawn, squeeze in some morning Pilates before quickly getting ready and making my way to work.

The first thing I do after work is run. I blast some epic movie tunes (Two Steps from Hell is what gets me moving), and hit the outdoors. Now that the sun sets around 5:30 pm, I only have time for about 2-3 miles. In the spring and summer, I usually get about 5-6 miles in after work.

If it’s raining or the weather is just not good, I take myself to the YMCA and lift some weights after doing the elliptical for 20 minutes. Regardless, it’s important that I get a workout right after work to release some of that work stress and tension.

After working up a decent sweat, I go home to take a shower with the lights off. There’s something about being in a steaming hot shower with the lights dim that is just super relaxing to me.

Once I’m all dried off, I lather on some lotion and put on some comfy pajamas. Being in work clothes all day can tense the body up. Wearing familiar and comfortable clothing will help it relax.

When I’m winding down for bed, I always like to read a chapter or two of a book and listen to soothing music. Keep in mind, when I read right before I go to bed, it’s usually a self help book that can help sooth me, not a mystery/action/suspense filled novel where every chapter ends in a surprise. Books like that keep me on my toes and are usually best for reading earlier in the evening.

Lastly, I meditate right before I fall asleep. During meditation, I like to reflect and take deep breaths as I set my intentions for the next day. I don’t like to think about anything heavy or dark. I just like to keep it positive and light during my evening meditation.

How do you relax after a long day?

lifestyle

New Year Resolutions

January 1, 2018January 1, 2018 Elizabeth Yuen

It’s that time of year again! Everyone’s gearing up for the new year and getting ready to tackle their goals.

For 2018, theses are mine:

Run one race per month – I’m a strong believer in giving back and running races is a perfect way to do just that while staying fit! I started doing this back in August of 2017 and only skipped December since I didn’t have the proper winter running gear. Now that my family has beefed up my winter running wardrobe with some awesome Christmas gifts, I’m back in action and ready to do some good for the community by running.
Run a 10K – I’ve already done a 5K before, and I want to push myself even further this year! I’m signing up for the Florence Forth 10K happening March 3rd, 2018.
Run a Half Marathon – Once I finish my 10K in March, I’ll be looking for something new to sink my teeth into. Running a half marathon sounds pretty good to me! So I’ll be looking to accomplish that 3 months after I finish the Florence Forth 10K. There’s a half marathon happening in June that I’m really looking forward to. Sign me up!
Blog twice a week – I’ve been slacking on this goal. Sometimes life gets in the way and writing takes a back seat, but this year I’d like to make my blog a priority. So every day during my lunch break at work, I’ll be breaking out my laptop and working on my blog posts.
Write a novel – I really want to finish my first book by the end of 2018. My dream is to become a writer, so it’s time to make that dream a reality. I’m going to dedicate at least one hour per evening to my writing my very first novel.

What are your goals for 2018? How do you plan on getting there? Let me know in the comment section below.