Category: March 2025

March 2025

How 1000 Hours Outside Leads to a Cleaner Home

Elizabeth Yuen

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! 😊

March 2025

The Start of My Glow Up Journey

Elizabeth Yuen

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.

March 2025

Haunted Whispers: My Poem Poltergeist in QuailBell Magazine

Elizabeth Yuen

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?

✨ Read Poltergeist here. ✨

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!

March 2025

5 Screen Time Hacks That Helped Me Break My Phone Addiction

Elizabeth Yuen

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. 😊