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Runaway Truck Ramps and the Reminder I Didn’t Know I Needed
So…I drove my daughter to college last week. The car was packed with too many blue zippered moving bags (which were filled with fluffy pink blankets and pillows with pink pom-poms and pink extra-long twin sheets). We had a fan that TikTok said we had to have, too many sweatshirts for someone going to South Carolina, and snacks… a lot of snacks. But my heart was full. On the drive, we alternated between true crime podcasts, self-help audiobooks, and what I call “memory music”… the songs that sneak up on you and remind you what it felt like to buckle them into a car seat. (Those were tough!) Then, somewhere…
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Polyworking? I Think Gen X Invented That
I came across a Forbes article recently about how millennials are embracing “polyworking.” It’s a fancy term for holding multiple jobs or juggling income streams to stay afloat. The article talks about how millennials are burning out from side hustles, long hours, and trying to do it all while still answering Slack messages. And while I don’t disagree, millennials are absolutely doing the hustle, I couldn’t help but think… Gen X has been living this life for decades. We just didn’t have a catchy word for it or time to write think pieces about it. We were too busy doing it. We were latchkey kids. We learned early how to…
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7 Realistic Productivity Tips That Keep Me Sane(ish)
Am I really qualified to share realistic productivity tips? Hmm… Let’s just say my daily routine wouldn’t exactly make it onto a productivity podcast. There’s no cold plunge. No journaling by candlelight. No perfect app that tracks my every move. I do what works for me… and most of it would probably raise some eyebrows. But that’s the point. It works, and that’s what makes it realistic. My days are full, my work gets done, I’m around when my kids need me, and I stay (mostly) sane in the process. And if some of that comes down to strange little habits I’ve collected over time? So be it. Here’s a…
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5 Spring Reset Ideas That Don’t Involve a Cleanse or a Rebrand
I’m not doing a “new me” this spring. I don’t have the energy for some full-blown reinvention. And truthfully? I kind of like the old me. She’s really been through it, but still has a few endearing quirks. For example, she has this thing for reality TV, goes to bed weirdly early, and keeps a list of oddly specific notes in her reminder app. (Current favorite: “Organize the pantry, toss the mystery tea bags, and stop pretending the decorative lentils are part of a meal plan.”) Instead, what I am doing is a soft reset. Not a cleanse (been there, done that!). Not a challenge (have enough of those, thank…
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What Knitting Has Taught Me About Business and Marketing
I’ve been knitting for many years. It started all the way back before my daughter was born, when I was determined to make her a blanket before she arrived. That was also probably my first lesson in good intentions not always leading to results (or maybe in biting off more than you can chew!). Despite buying all the supplies, picking out the perfect pattern, and envisioning how beautiful the finished product would be, I never actually made that blanket. But I did learn something: starting is easy, but following through is the real challenge. Almost two decades and hundreds of successful knitting projects later, I’ve found my place in the…
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Mastering Productive Downtime: A Balanced Approach to Recharge
We’ve all experienced those moments when we hit a wall and just need to step back. For me, that often means zoning out in front of the latest reality TV show—a quick escape from the hustle. But then, the guilt creeps in because there’s still so much to do. What if I told you that downtime can actually be as productive as your busiest work hours? “Productive downtime” isn’t an oxymoron—it’s a key to sustainable success. Downtime is often seen as unproductive, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, incorporating intentional breaks into your routine can enhance your productivity and overall well-being. Think of it as hitting the refresh…
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The 21 Best Apps for Productivity and Work/Life Balance
We all know the struggle of juggling multiple tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities while trying to stay on top of our game. Over the years, I’ve tried countless tools and apps to streamline my workflow and boost my productivity. Today, I’m excited to share some of my favorites that have truly made a difference in my daily routine. These are, in my opinion, some of the best apps for productivity and work/life balance. Enjoy! Task and Project Management Apps 1. Trello If you’re anything like me, keeping track of tasks and projects can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s where Trello comes in. This intuitive project management tool uses boards, lists, and cards…