Category: May 2025

May 2025

Embrace Your Girly Girl Era

Elizabeth Yuen

Let’s talk about embracing your inner girly girl 💖 If that’s something you’ve been feeling called toward lately, you’re in the right place! In this post, I’m diving into how your outer and inner appearance and style can help set the tone for stepping into your soft, feminine energy.

1. Presentation Matters

How you present yourself truly sets the tone for what you’re putting out into the world. That doesn’t mean being perfect—it means being intentional. One of the easiest ways to start? Your nails.

I get mine done every two weeks (sparkly is always my personal fave ✨). If you’re not into glitter, even a clean, classic manicure can make you feel polished and put together. Just having tidy, well-maintained hands makes such a difference.

2. Your Signature Scent

You know that feeling when someone walks past and they just smell like they’ve got their life together? Yeah, that. Pick a signature scent that speaks to you. Mine is a mix of vanilla and coconut—romantic, timeless, and a little flirty. It makes me feel girly and grounded.

You want something that leaves a soft impression as you pass by—feminine and memorable.

3. Style Your Wardrobe for You

Now’s the time to reassess your closet. Ask yourself: What makes me feel feminine? What makes me feel like the main character? It’s okay to have comfy pieces for chores or errands, but don’t be afraid to add dresses, skirts, or even workout clothes (hello, tennis dress!) that bring out your soft, confident side.

I personally love having a few tennis dresses in rotation for when I work out or run errands. They’re comfy, cute, and make me feel like that girl.

4. Create an Aesthetic Life

You’re the main character. So treat your life like it! From your skincare routine to your sheets and pajamas, romanticize your environment. Soft, clean sheets. Cozy, cute pajamas. Light a candle. Turn on your fairy lights. It’s not just about how it looks—it’s about how it feels.

5. Keep Skincare Simple (But Consistent)

I used to do a 10-step routine, but honestly? Simple is better. These days I stick to 4-5 steps that really work for me.

The key is consistency—not perfection. Cleanser, toner, moisturizer, SPF, and maybe one treatment serum. That’s it. Oh—and drink your water, girl. Hydration is ✨everything✨.

Go chug a glass right now. I’ll wait.

6. Move in a Way That Makes You Feel Beautiful

Whether it’s lifting, yoga, or a group class like Body Pump, choose workouts that make you feel confident and strong. You don’t need to feel beautiful during (let’s be real, I’m a sweaty mess lol), but afterward? Absolutely.

7. Speak with Kindness and Intention

One of the most beautiful things about feminine energy is the kindness that flows from it. Start speaking to yourself—and others—with love. Words carry energy. Make yours soft, but strong.

That means giving yourself grace, using gentler words, and choosing love over judgment—even when it’s hard.

8. Boundaries Are Beautiful

Being feminine isn’t about being a pushover. It’s about knowing your worth. Set boundaries with grace, but be firm. Know what you will and won’t accept. That’s part of honoring your softness.

Boundaries protect your peace and help you stay aligned with your feminine energy.

9. Journal It Out

Your dreams. Your goals. Your gratitude. Write it all down. Journaling connects you to your inner world and helps you stay aligned with your intentions. It’s girly, powerful, and grounding all at once.

Closing Thought:
Femininity is strength and softness. It’s not about having a pink room or perfect hair—it’s about feeling good in your skin, embracing joy, and choosing beauty in your everyday life.

So put on your favorite lip gloss, press play on that fire playlist, and go be that girl 💕

May 2025

How Fitness Classes Helped Me Lose 35 Pounds

Elizabeth Yuen

When I first started my glow up journey, I knew one thing for sure: I needed to make fitness a regular part of my life. As a new mom, my energy levels were low, and I was feeling sluggish—often struggling with basic things like climbing stairs or carrying my baby. It was clear that something needed to change. But one of the most important decisions I made was not just about starting to work out—it was about choosing the right kind of workout for me. That’s where fitness classes played a major role in helping me lose 35 pounds and completely transform my life.

Accountability and Motivation

One of the most significant factors in my fitness success was choosing group fitness classes. Initially, I thought about working out at home or going to the gym on my own. But, after some thought, I realized that group classes were what I truly needed. Group workouts helped me stay consistent, not only because I was part of a community but because I knew that people were counting on me to show up. This accountability motivated me to get out of bed early, push myself during each session, and stay committed to my goals.

Fitness classes also introduced a sense of camaraderie that made the entire experience more enjoyable. I wasn’t just showing up for myself, but for a group of people who were all working toward similar fitness goals. I saw familiar faces every time, which made me feel like I was part of a fitness family. And it wasn’t just about working out—it was about creating friendships, building connections, and having fun along the way.

Varied Workouts for a Full-Body Transformation

Another benefit of group fitness classes is the variety of workouts available. I didn’t have to worry about planning a routine or trying to figure out what exercises to do next—each class was structured and targeted different aspects of fitness, such as strength, flexibility, and cardio. For me, classes like Body Pump, Body Balance, and yoga were key to my weight loss success.

Body Pump: This class focused on strength training, and it was perfect for building lean muscle and boosting my metabolism. The mix of weightlifting and high-repetition exercises helped tone my body, and I could feel myself getting stronger each week.

Body Balance: This class combined elements of yoga and Pilates, which helped improve my flexibility and balance. It also gave me a mental break and allowed me to focus on deep breathing and relaxation. I found that doing these types of workouts helped reduce stress and contributed to my overall well-being.

Yoga: Yoga helped me become more in tune with my body. It gave me time to slow down, stretch, and take care of my mind and body. It also helped me recover from intense workouts, keeping my muscles flexible and preventing injuries.

By consistently taking these classes, I didn’t just lose weight—I also improved my overall fitness and mental health. The combination of strength training, stretching, and cardio allowed me to see results in all areas of my body, giving me the toned and fit physique I was striving for.

The Joy of Group Support

The best part about fitness classes was the support and encouragement I received from instructors and fellow participants. Instructors would cheer me on, push me to work harder, and celebrate my progress, no matter how small. This kind of positive reinforcement helped me stay focused and motivated, especially on days when I felt exhausted or discouraged.

There were also plenty of times when the other participants would share their journeys, offer advice, or simply encourage me to keep going. Knowing that we were all working toward the same goal—becoming healthier and stronger—made it easier to push through challenging workouts. This shared energy created an uplifting environment that made the process of getting fitter much more enjoyable.

The Power of Consistency

Fitness classes became an essential part of my routine, and consistency was key to my success. I started going six days a week, and I was amazed by how quickly my body responded. Not only did I lose the 35 pounds I had gained during pregnancy, but I also gained muscle, improved my posture, and built a level of endurance I never thought possible.

The structure of the classes made it easier to stay on track. Having a set schedule each week kept me disciplined, and knowing I had a class to look forward to motivated me to stay active even on days when I wasn’t feeling up to it.

The Bottom Line: Find What Works for You

What I’ve learned from my experience is that fitness is not a one-size-fits-all approach. What works for one person might not work for another, and that’s okay. For me, fitness classes were the perfect solution, but if group workouts don’t appeal to you, that’s fine too. The important part is finding something you enjoy and can stick to in the long run.

If you’re struggling with motivation or just don’t know where to start, I recommend trying out a few different types of fitness classes or activities. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy a class that you initially thought wasn’t for you. The most important thing is to find something that feels right and keeps you coming back for more.

Losing 35 pounds was not about an extreme transformation—it was about making small, consistent changes that built up over time. Fitness classes were a game-changer for me, and I’m so grateful for the community, support, and motivation they provided. If you’re ready to start your fitness journey, remember that the right workout can make all the difference.

May 2025

How I Stay Organized with Two Cleaning Closets (and a Simple Trick for Clutter!)

Elizabeth Yuen

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!

May 2025

How a Tiny Notebook Saved My Creative Ideas (And My Sanity!)

Elizabeth Yuen

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. 😊