Tag: homemaking

lifestyle

New Year Refresh: Clean and Prep for 2025

Elizabeth Yuen

As the confetti settles and the clock resets, the start of a new year brings with it the promise of fresh beginnings and endless possibilities. But before we dive headlong into our resolutions and plans, it’s essential to create a clean slate — both mentally and physically. Here’s how to clean out the old, take down the festive décor, and prepare your home and mind for an amazing 2025.

1. Clear the Decks: Declutter and Deep Clean

The holidays can leave our homes feeling cluttered and chaotic. Start the new year with a deep clean to set the tone for an organized and harmonious 2025.

  • Declutter first. Go room by room, sorting through the items that have accumulated over the past year. Donate, recycle, or discard anything that no longer serves a purpose or brings joy.
  • Deep clean your space. Pay attention to areas often overlooked during the year: clean behind furniture, dust light fixtures, and shampoo carpets. A sparkling home feels like a blank canvas for new possibilities.
  • Reorganize storage. Refresh storage spaces like closets, pantries, and drawers. Use bins, labels, and clever organizing solutions to maximize efficiency.

2. Say Goodbye to Christmas

The holidays are magical, but keeping seasonal decorations too long can make your home feel stagnant. Embrace the transition by carefully packing away the festive cheer.

  • Take down decorations mindfully. As you remove ornaments, lights, and garlands, inspect items for damage and decide if anything should be retired. Store decorations in labeled bins for easy access next year.
  • Switch to winter decor. Replace holiday-specific items with neutral, cozy accents. Think plush throws, warm candles, and winter greenery to keep your home inviting.
  • Recycle your tree. If you’ve used a real Christmas tree, look into local recycling programs to dispose of it sustainably.

3. Refresh Your Mindset

Prepping for a new year isn’t just about physical space; it’s also about resetting your mental space. A clear mind is key to achieving your goals in 2025.

  • Reflect on the past year. Take some time to journal or meditate on what went well in 2024 and what you’d like to improve. Use these reflections to guide your intentions for 2025.
  • Set actionable goals. Break down your resolutions into achievable steps. For example, instead of saying “get healthier,” set a goal to exercise three times a week or cook more meals at home.
  • Declutter your digital space. Organize your email inbox, clean up your photo library, and delete unused apps. A tidy digital environment can reduce stress and boost productivity.

4. Welcome Positive Energy

Now that you’ve decluttered and cleaned, it’s time to set a positive tone for 2025. Small rituals and mindful practices can help create a space that feels aligned with your goals.

  • Add a touch of nature. Bring in houseplants or fresh flowers to invigorate your home. Plants improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere.
  • Refresh your decor. Consider small updates like new pillows, a fresh coat of paint, or a statement piece to breathe new life into your space.
  • Light it up. Replace dim or outdated lighting with warm, bright options to keep your home feeling vibrant and energized.

5. Establish New Routines

Consistency is key to maintaining the changes you’ve made. Use the momentum of the new year to set routines that support your mental and physical well-being.

  • Morning rituals. Start your day with intention—whether it’s a cup of tea, a short meditation, or reviewing your goals for the day.
  • Weekly resets. Dedicate time each week to tidy your home, reflect on your progress, and prepare for the week ahead.
  • Prioritize self-care. Schedule time for activities that recharge you, like reading, exercising, or connecting with loved ones.

By cleaning out the old, packing away the holiday season, and refreshing both your home and your mindset, you can step into 2025 feeling organized, motivated, and ready to take on whatever comes your way. Here’s to a year of growth, joy, and possibility!

career, lifestyle

Balancing Homemaking Duties with Writing Dreams

Elizabeth Yuen

Balancing the daily demands of homemaking with the pursuit of writing is no easy task, and I often find myself pulled between the two. The struggle is real, but I’ve seen a few strategies that work for me, helping me navigate both worlds with less overwhelm.

1. Setting Realistic Goals

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to set goals that align with my current capacity. Instead of aiming to write thousands of words every day, I’ve adjusted my expectations based on the reality of my schedule. On busier days, my goal might be as simple as writing a few hundred words or brainstorming ideas for my next chapter. By setting achievable, flexible goals, I’m able to make steady progress without the constant pressure of falling short.

For my novel writing, I like to break up my chapters into three digestible sections to tackle individually over three days. Day one I focus on part one of the chapter, day two I focus on part two and then day three is the final section. I can write about two chapters a week with that strategy and it’s not overwhelming.

Tip: Break larger writing projects into smaller, manageable tasks. This way, you can celebrate the small wins and stay motivated over time.

2. Asking for Help

It took time, but I’ve learned to ask for help when needed. Whether it’s enlisting my husband to handle certain household chores or asking a family member to watch the my kid for an afternoon, sharing the load has been key. I used to feel guilty about needing help, but now I see it as essential to creating balance. Writing is important to me, and asking for support has given me more time for my creative work.

Tip: Identify areas where you can delegate tasks, whether housework or childcare, and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. I also recommend looking into child watch options at your local gym if that’s available to you.

3. You Don’t Have to be Perfect

Perfectionism was something I struggled with in both homemaking and writing. I wanted everything to be spotless, every meal homemade, and every word I wrote to be perfect. But trying to meet those unrealistic standards only led to burnout. Now, I accept that some days the laundry might pile up, or a rough draft may not be as polished as I’d like. By letting go of trying to be perfect, I’ve found more freedom to focus on what matters most—whether that’s spending quality time with my family or working on my novel.

Tip: Accept that not everything will be perfect, and that’s okay. Both your home and your writing are allowed to have flaws.

4. Prioritizing Self-Care

Taking care of myself has been crucial in balancing everything. Whether it’s a quiet morning with a cup of tea before the household wakes up or a quick walk in the afternoon, I make time to recharge. When I’m well-rested and mentally refreshed, I’m more productive and better equipped to handle both writing and homemaking responsibilities.

Don’t skimp on this. It is absolutely key to take time for yourself. Some of us only have the luxury of taking care of ourselves for an hour after everyone in the house is asleep. Take advantage of that and dedicate an hour of your time to taking care of you.

Tip: Make self-care a daily habit to help with your energy levels and mental clarity.

Conclusion

Balancing housework with writing ambitions requires a combination of realistic goal-setting, asking for help, accepting imperfection, and making space for self-care. It’s not always easy, but these strategies have helped me find a rhythm that works, allowing me to pursue my writing while still keeping the household running. If you’re struggling with this balance, know that it’s okay to adjust your expectations and seek support—it’s all part of the journey.

Uncategorized

Finding Time to Write While Managing a Home

Elizabeth Yuen

As a homemaker, my days are filled with countless responsibilities—caring for my family, managing the home, cooking, cleaning, and everything in between. When you add the dream of writing to the mix, it can feel like an overwhelming balancing act. However, with some strategic planning and a little creativity, it’s absolutely possible to carve out writing time amidst the hustle of homemaking. Here are some strategies that have worked for me, and I hope they can help you too!

1. Time-Blocking for Success

One of the most effective tools for managing both homemaking and writing is time-blocking. This method involves dividing your day into specific chunks of time, each dedicated to a particular task. By assigning blocks of time to homemaking duties, family care, and writing, you can create a balanced schedule that ensures nothing gets neglected.

For example, you might block off the morning for house chores and family activities, reserving the afternoon for a focused writing session while the kids nap or have quiet time. I tend to write while my child naps so I get quiet, uninterrupted time for my writing.

Tip: Start by assessing your daily routine and identifying when you’re most productive. Block off your high-energy hours for writing and schedule homemaking tasks for when your energy dips or when the household is more active.

2. Establish a Routine

Establishing a consistent routine is essential. It provides structure, ensuring that both you and your family are aware of what to expect each day. Set designated times for your writing—whether it’s an hour in the early morning before everyone wakes up or during the kids’ quiet time in the afternoon.

By making writing part of your daily routine, you’re more likely to stick to it and build the habit. Plus, when everyone knows it’s “writing time,” they’ll be more inclined to respect that space. I always write at the same time every day to keep my creativity going.

Tip: Include your family in your routine planning. Let them know when it’s your writing time so they can give you the space you need. Even young children can learn to respect quiet writing moments when it’s part of the daily rhythm.

3. Maximize Small Pockets of Time

Not every writing session needs to be a two-hour marathon. In fact, you can make significant progress by using the small pockets of time scattered throughout your day. Maybe you have 15 minutes while the kids are playing, or 20 minutes while dinner is in the oven—these moments add up.

Instead of waiting for the “perfect” time to write, seize the short bursts of quiet time you have. Keep a notebook or your phone handy so you can jot down ideas, outline chapters, or write a few sentences whenever a free moment arises.

Tip: Try setting a timer for 15-20 minutes during these small pockets and focus on one specific writing task. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish in short, focused bursts.

4. Prioritize Writing Like Any Other Task

As homemakers, we often put everyone else’s needs ahead of our own, but your writing dream is important too. Treat it like any other essential task on your to-do list—whether it’s laundry, cooking, or taking the kids to school. By making your writing a priority, you’ll give yourself permission to take time for it without feeling guilty.

Tip: Write your daily or weekly to-do list and include writing time as one of the top items. By scheduling it alongside other responsibilities, you’re more likely to follow through.

5. Create a Dedicated Writing Space

Creating a dedicated writing space can greatly enhance your focus and productivity. It doesn’t have to be a full home office—just a corner with a comfortable chair, a desk, or even a cozy nook by a window. Sitting in this space signals to your brain that it’s time to write, helping you get into the flow more easily.

Tip: Try to keep this space free of distractions. Set up a cozy environment with your favorite writing tools, and when you sit there, make it your goal to focus solely on your writing.

6. Delegate and Simplify

One of the challenges of homemaking is feeling like you need to do everything yourself. But remember, it’s okay to delegate tasks or simplify your daily chores. Get the family involved—kids can help with age-appropriate chores, and partners can share responsibilities too. The more help you have, the more time you can carve out for your writing.

Tip: Consider meal prepping or choosing simpler recipes on busy days. By lightening your homemaking load, you’ll have more energy and time to dedicate to your creative pursuits.

7. Use Early Mornings or Late Nights

If you’re someone who enjoys the quiet calm of the early morning or late at night, these times can be perfect for uninterrupted writing. Waking up even 30 minutes earlier than usual can give you a solid block of time to write before the day’s demands set in. Similarly, if you’re a night owl, consider dedicating some of your evenings to writing after the household has settled down.

Tip: Experiment with early mornings and late nights to see what works best for your body and energy levels. Choose whichever time feels most productive and peaceful.

8. Be Kind to Yourself

It’s essential to acknowledge that some days will be more difficult than others. There will be times when household tasks take longer than anticipated, or when family needs come before writing. And that’s perfectly fine. The key to balancing writing with homemaking is to stay flexible and be kind to yourself.

Tip: Celebrate the small wins. Even if you only write for 10 minutes or finish a paragraph, it’s still progress. Don’t be hard on yourself if things don’t go perfectly—there will always be another day to try again.

Balancing homemaking with writing is no easy feat, but it’s absolutely possible with the right mindset and planning. By time-blocking, building routines, and maximizing small pockets of time, you can carve out space in your busy days to nurture your writing dreams. The key is to stay flexible, be intentional with your time, and remind yourself that your creative passion is just as important as any other responsibility.

With a little patience and determination, you’ll find the rhythm that works best for you, and your writing will flourish, even amidst the beautiful chaos of homemaking.

career, lifestyle

How We Live Frugally to Support My Writing Career

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!