How to Manifest Without the Woo: A Real-World Guide for Rebels

Manifestation…But Make It Punk

Here’s my rally cry to my fellow weirdos, skeptics, overthinkers, & black sheep dreamers who want more out of life but refuse to vision board it with a fake smile & a $6 latte. The word “manifesting” itself might sound like glitter & girlbossing – but fuck all that.

This isn’t about fake positivity & mood boards, or waiting on the universe like it’s Uber Eats. True manifestation is about clarity, commitment, & creation, not crystals & vibes. It’s about owning what you want, & doing the work to get it.

“Manifesting sounds silly, but it’s real.” – Darius Foroux

Manifestation = Focus, Not Magic

You don’t need rituals directed to the spirits of the universe or a woke third eye – just a decision & a direction. All manifestation really means is putting your energy toward something specific instead of letting it leak everywhere.

It’s clarity & consistent action. That’s it. You don’t even have to believe in yourself to begin, you just have to start. Confidence is the result, not the starting requirement.

Daydream With Purpose

The “misfit” version of manifestation isn’t about pretending things are already perfect, it’s about getting honest about what you want. Let yourself imagine your wild, weird, perfect life shit – that’s your target.

Ask yourself:

What do I keep fantasizing about?
What kind of day do I want to wake up to?
If no one were watching, what would I create?

The Misfit Manifestation Method

Here’s the no-frills, anti-fairy-dust game plan :

Step 1 : Choose ONE thing. Don’t try to manifest everything – start with one goal. Money? Energy? Space to create? You’ll gain momentum once you start.
Step 2 : Make a rough plan. It doesn’t need to be a 90-day strategic breakdown. Just…what can you do today? What needs to happen this week? Even a messy plan beats waiting for the planets to align in your favor.
Step 3 : Do the stuff. Show up. Make the call. Post the thing. Build the system. Learn the tool. Action builds belief, not the other way around.
Step 4 : Adjust, don’t quit. If it’s not working, then whatever. Tweak it. Pivot. Realign. Your goals are supposed to evolve. Just don’t ghost yourself when it gets uncomfortable.

Why “Believing in Yourself” is Overrated

It’s normal to lack confidence when you start anything – how else can you learn?

Action builds confidence. Every time you show up, you grow. Stronger regret comes from what you didn’t do, not from trying & shifting course as needed.

Rebel Energy & Relentless Faith

You’re not here to live a quiet, tiny life full of half-finished dreams. And you don’t need perfect clarity or inner peace to begin – you need grit, vision, & the willingness to try.

Daydream. Focus. Act. Adjust. Repeat.

Manifest like a misfit & create the weird, wild life you were made for.

You don’t need a vision board. You need a spine, a soul, & a reason.

If this fired you up, share it with a fellow misfit who’s tired of waiting for signs and ready to make moves. Let’s manifest like we mean it — no glitter required.

🖤 Want more no-fluff self-help for rebels? Subscribe to my newsletter and never miss a hit of clarity. Next week we’ll take this to the next level!!

Rock on!

How to Use Novelty to Feel More Alive Every Day

Uncategorized

Routines Are Great…Until They’re Not

Routines can be sacred. Especially if you’re a homeschooling parent, productivity junkie, or even just trying to survive.

But even the most solid system can become a cage if you never step outside of it – “Don’t let your rituals become ruts”.

Novelty Slows Down Time

While structure is great, so is knowing when to burn it down for a day or two.

I was reminded by Ali Abdaal’s “Holiday Paradox” video that our sense of time flies by when every day looks the same because our brains switch into autopilot.

But when you experience something new, your brain takes more mental “snapshots”, making time feel longer, fuller, richer.

“Life is long if you know how to use it.” – Seneca

Give Your Brain a Jolt (On Purpose)

Schedule regular adventures, & treat them like an appointment you’ll get arrested for if you miss.

You don’t have to get too crazy or too rigid about it – it could be a random Tuesday hike, working from a grocery store cafe, or even a spontaneous dance party in the kitchen.

The point is to get weird on purpose. Let your brain break the pattern. Novelty naturally makes you more creative, resilient, & present.

The Power of a “Fuck It” Day

I’ve mentioned my “Do Nothing Days” before – once a week, I give myself full permission to say “fuck it” to my whole routine. And it’s a breath of fresh air!

So skip the lesson plan, leave the dishes, & toss your planner out the window (metaphorically).

These days are to recalibrate your spirit, & remind you that you’re not a robot.

Flexibility is Strength

While routines can help us thrive, adaptability keeps us alive.

Don’t let your days blur into one big beige loop. Add some neon. Smash a routine or two. And if you try it this week — I wanna hear about it! Let’s swap weird ideas in the comments.

✨If this post sparked something, hit like, share it with your people, and subscribe to zen BLITZ (my weekly newsletter) for more unconventional ways to stay human.✨

You’re not a robot. Rock on.

Real Talk: How to Function When Life Super Sucks

Uncategorized

Let’s Get Real : When Happiness Feels Like a Scam

It seems like everyone’s always chasing happiness, as though it’s the ultimate goal of life. Romanticizing happiness like that, however, can really just set us up for failure, especially when we feel like we’re just struggling to survive.

Here’s a little truth bomb for thought, from Mark Manson – “Comfort with your core misery is a form of happiness.” I suppose accepting, understanding, and approaching with compassion your underlying (angst, sadness, or whatever) is the key to freedom from its control.

Even Stoic philosopher king Marcus Aurelius was dealt a super shitty hand throughout his life, yet he showed up for it. Every. Damn. Day.

How to Deal When It All Feels Pointless

“We continue to rise because it’s the only way forward.” – Ryan Holiday

Start with the basics (especially if you’re at rock bottom) :

Eat something that didn’t come out of a crinkly wrapper. Your mind, just like your body, needs actual nutrients to feel good.
Move your ass, even if it’s just a casual stroll.
Sleep, hydrate, repeat.

2. Don’t numb out. You’ll only cause yourself more problems.

No drugs. No binges. No “maybe if I just…” decisions.
That one night stand? Definitely not the solution!
Therapy & medication are tools, not weaknesses. If your brain is sick, help it heal – no one worth a shit is judging you.

What to Do Instead of Spiraling

Journal. And get ugly about it. Be honest, even if it’s petty & especially if it’s dark. Then flip the script – What would you say to someone you love if they were feeling the way you do?
Lean on your people, even if it feels awkward or vulnerable. Any decent human will want to lift another up.
Do one tiny thing to look forward to. A creative project, a cheap vacation, plan a local hike, or learn something weird on YouTube.
Volunteer. Sometimes, giving a shit about someone else helps us give a shit about ourselves again.
Develop healthy routines to help you get through each day.

When You Feel Like Nobody Cares

Quick sad story – My mom died at home of complications from ALS four days after my 15th birthday. (Worst. Birthday. Ever.) I remember sitting on the couch in front of her while my aunt called the coroner & distant family members in the other room, and my father did shots & smoked cigarettes with my uncle outside. I asked myself, “now what do I do? How do I grieve? How do I move forward from this?” And then I realized I was left alone with the empty shell of my mom. And I screamed in agony, feeling like I didn’t matter.

This just magnified my tendency to shut down and disappear when I’m in pain. As an adult, I try hard to consciously choose not to revert to that – I try to make sure I reach out to others just to say “hi, how are ya?!?” (even though I feel like no one does that in turn).

A little reminder (for myself, & you)…

If you ever feel like no one gives a fuck – you’re not alone, or broken, or anything like that. That pain has a root. But isolation isn’t really going to make anything better. Reach out anyway – you’ll never know if some light will reach back otherwise.

Selective Apathy : A Survival Skill in a Loud World

“Let the chaos settle, & clarity will follow”

From there, we need to focus on caring deeply about things that matter to us, & not at all about things that drain us. Mindfulness is a matter of noticing where your energy goes unattended, & rerouting it with intention.

According to the Dalai Lama (& a million philosophers before him), the only constant in life is change. Suffering occurs as a natural response when we are resistant to change. When we are capable, we need to let go – accept it, so we can address it & turn it around by finding any possible meanings & lessons hidden beneath the pain.

You Don’t Have to Be Happy to Live Well

You’re not broken because you’re not blissed out. You’re still here. Still trying. And that definitely matters. You are not alone, and the world is better with you in it. Feel & live loud, even if it gets a bit ugly at times. The golden rule in life, in my opinion, is to do whatever you want so long as you don’t hurt anyone, including yourself.

If you’re in the thick of it right now — I see you. Keep doing the next right thing, even if it’s tiny. Leave a comment, message me, or just save this for later. You’re not alone in the mess.

If you liked this post, please give it a “like”, share it with friends, and subscribe to my weekly newsletter zen BLITZ.

Rock on!

Screw the Bland Diet : A No-BS Approach to Lowering Cholesterol Without Losing Your Mind

Uncategorized

The Wake Up Call : Why I’m Even Talking About This

A couple of weeks ago, I went and got my annual lab work done for my PCP. Unexpectedly, I got a call from one of the nurses letting me know my cholesterol levels are a bit elevated—she said, ”Heart healthy diet & exercise, and follow-up lipid panel in six months.” And that’s literally it. That was the whole conversation.

My father had cardiovascular issues, and as his primary caregiver I already knew how to approach a “heart healthy diet” and whatnot. If I didn’t, I’d be freaking out. (Which is one of many reasons why I loathe the current state of the American “healthcare” system, but that’s a rant for another day. Don’t be afraid to ask questions — your health team works for you.) So, the information in this post is based on past and current research. While I do have some healthcare education and experience, I am not a doctor and this article is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. I just want to share what I’ve learned and how I’m approaching this situation.

Bite Sized Explanation – LDL vs non-HDL Cholesterol

Both of these were noted as “high” in my lab report, which means my overall cholesterol levels are considered elevated.

LDL cholesterol refers to one specific type of lipoprotein, while non-HDL cholesterol refers to “all potentially harmful cholesterol particles in the blood”.

In other words, LDL is like the reckless driver and non-HDL is a full report of all the troublemakers in the area. HDL is the good guy.

I’m choosing empowerment over panic – I’ve been wanting to improve my physical health game, and this is just a nudge to level up!

Cholesterol Isn’t Evil, But You Might Be Eating Like An Asshole

(I know I’ve been!)

The real villains are saturated and trans fats (not cholesterol itself), so check your nutrition labels accordingly. Everything in moderation.

Simple dietary swaps won’t ruin your life –

Instead of butter & cream > use olive oil or avocado
Instead of fatty meats & processed snacks > go for leaner proteins (chicken, salmon, legumes) & whole foods (fresh fruits & veggies)
Instead of hard cheeses > try softer, less processed options (like feta)
Instead of having coffee with your creamer (lol) > sip on black coffee (you’ll get the same kick!)

Foods that actively help :

Soluble fiber (oats, beans, fruits) sweeps away cholesterol like a janitor listening to the Dead Kennedys
Foods fortified with plant sterols & stanols. (What the hell are those you ask? Me too!) Apparently these naturally occurring plant chemicals reduce absorption of dietary cholesterol in the body, but they’re found in such small amounts in the plants themselves that some food manufacturers will fortify certain (often high caloric) foods with them. They can also be found in supplements. (Just drink some OJ, eat some nuts & seeds, and…don’t eat like an asshole?)

Move Like You Mean It

Exercise isn’t just for getting shredded – it raises HDL (good) cholesterol and improves heart health.

You don’t need a gym membership – walking, dancing, lifting your kid 600 times a day all count. The key is to find some movement that doesn’t bore you to death – skateboarding, hiking, karate – whatever keeps you coming back!

I’m pretty fond of Juice & Toya on YouTube – they use fun music, different routines & moves in each video, and there’s plenty to choose from!

Vices & Fixes : Smoking, Vaping, & Stress

Smoking is an HDL killer – so quitting gives your good cholesterol a boost! And studies have shown that vaping isn’t a loophole (damn.) – it has similar effects as smoking. Both stress out your liver (which regulates cholesterol), cause inflammation, & expose your body to more toxins than you already do just by being alive. So stop it (I’m yelling at myself here.)

Psychological stress & cholesterol are BFFs too (& not in a good way). Practice stoicism or selective apathy, meditate, or just scream into the void – find a way to decompress.

Genetics : Are You Screwed At Birth?!?

Yes, but no. Genetics do play a role (40-60% of HDL levels are inherited). Your lifestyle is more important though – you can outmaneuver your DNA.

Your Body, Your Rules : The (Punk Rock) Experiment

Instead of blindly following health advice, track what actually works for you. On Notion, I keep a daily health log that includes dietary goals, exercise tracking, a food log, & room for reflection.

Start small, & reduce your misery :

Swap one bad habit at a time
Experiment with food, movement, & stress management
Get labwork redone periodically & see what helps

Own Your Health Without Losing Your Edge

Lowering cholesterol doesn’t mean selling out – you can take control without becoming a health obsessed robot. It’s more about balance than restriction. Don’t eat like a jerk, move your ass, & chill the fuck out. Just like any other goal or habit – plan some stuff, test it out, keep track, reflect, & pivot as needed. Find what works, & screw the rest.

✊ If this fired you up in a good way, give it a share, hit “like,” and don’t forget to sign up for my weekly newsletter zen BLITZ — where punk meets practical and we figure out this whole health/life thing without losing our edge.

Rock on!

Where I’m At #8

Where I'm At

“All I want for Easter is my 2 front teeth” 😂

“Where I’m at” posts are just regular updates about what’s going on, based on the areas / roles in my life. Any particular goals I’m working on will be highlighted, so you can easily see what I’m actively working on improving. Leave a comment & give me ideas for things you’d like to see me write individual posts about!

planner : I SOO want to do a BuJo again, & it just doesn’t make any sense lol! I use my blog BuJo, but I miss setting up daily pages for my life – adding stickers & washi, & just having a linear notebook. It’s such a waste of time & money though. Notion has been rocking my world for like a year now lol. Anyway, I’m planning for BooBoo’s 6th birthday – I hope she has fun!! Our little tea party this past month was cute & fun (& I found out I’m gonna be a step grandma! Omfg!! 😭) And I really need to plan a concert or 2 this summer – it’s been too long (last show I went to was Flogging Molly in 2019 😭)!
self (body & mind, emotion & education) : Well, I’ve been on a pretty interesting DIY diet & doing more intentional exercise, & it’s all been going pretty well (as far as I can tell) – I feel better, overall. (Stay tuned for my next post to see why I’m going crazy with it now, heh.) I set up a class that I’ve been taking with ChatGPT on various topics within Stoicism, Buddhism, & psychology, & I’ve been loving every second of it!
marriage (relationship & libido) : All’s pretty good hehe. We’re both working on being more intentional with our time together. I got my wedding rings resized, & so I’m super excited to be able to wear them all the time again!!!
mom (BooBoo & Bubby) : The girls are good! Both are super excited to get outside more!
teacher (K & PK) : School’s been chugging along. They both love science & art. Bubby’s doctor agrees that she’s probably dyslexic, so I need to have her tested with the school soon – Hubby’s dyslexic, so he’s been working with her to identify letters more ❤️
zB : I’m loving writing this blog! 🥰 I started a weekly newsletter (sign up here!), & I’m hoping to expand it a bit in the future, but I’m glad I’ve got it started hehe. I’m working on my social media strategy this month, but I’m a bit behind because I needed to write an extra post for the month heh. That’s ok though – “Throw the timeline out the window, it’ll take what it takes!”
homemaker (finance, cleaning, gardening, prepping, travel) : Uh… All’s pretty good! Lots of cleaning to do, but at least I’m keeping up with maintenance fairly well heh. I’ve decided to say fuck it to the garden this year; hubby can do what he wants, if he wants. Same with travel – I’ll wait til our bus is ready to camp in before I bother to start making plans.

Currently

eating : Vegetables LOL

drinking : black coffee ☕

watching : Echoes seems pretty interesting. Younger is still a favorite! Alpha Males has been pretty funny!

reading : Everything is Fucked by Mark Manson

playing : Nothing, really

buying : Birthday gifts for BooBoo, & Pair Eyewear (I’m excited – hopefully they’re not too dorky hehe)

listening to : “Wish I Knew You” by The Revivalists, “Revolution Radio” by Green Day, & “Burritos” by Sublime are current favorites

celebrating : BooBoo!!

pinning : Green Day, exercise, fashion, & food

planning : BooBoo’s bday

feeling : Ok. My back’s been bothering me a lot though 😕

From Burnout to Bliss: Build a Life That Fuels You

Uncategorized

The Problem : Your Life Feels Like a Hamster Wheel

Hustle culture sells burnout as a sign of success. Working for the escape of the weekend every week, and for what? To play it on repeat for half a century?

You don’t need an escape – You need a life you don’t want to escape from!

What if you could live a life that felt good today — not decades from now?

Redefine What Success Actually Means To You

Success is a life that feels like freedom. Granted, we all have to pay the bills and consider future savings (hot tip: some online high-interest savings accounts still pay 4% APY or higher!), but is that what success looks like? Hell no.

Pillars of a meaningful life :

Job : a bread and butter bill payer that doesn’t suck the life out of you
Passion : Ikigai, what fuels you (Ikigai is a Japanese concept that combines what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can get paid for. What fires you up? What could you chase even without a paycheck?)
Adventure : experiences that keep life interesting

The way to feel more successful? Infuse more life into your life. You’re gonna regret wasting away on the couch every weekend when life’s clock starts ticking louder.

Design a Life You Love, On Purpose

What would your days look like if you didn’t have to work? (Make that your baseline.)
Borrow from Olly Staniland’s “Dopamine Journal” :
- Plan and schedule adventures, big or small
- Reflect on what truly brings you joy, and adjust accordingly
“Fit more lives into the time you have” (Darius Foroux)
- Don’t just exist – Live a handful of lives before you’re done

The zenBLITZ Formula (Because Balance Matters)

Rejuvenating leisure (zen) : Rest, mindfulness, journaling, deep conversations, long walks
Exciting action (BLITZ) : Adventures, spontaneous plans, learning cool shit
Plan, experiment, reflect, and adjust – And keep fucking going.

The Punk Rock Life Design Manifesto

Don’t grind your life into something you want to escape from, and stop waiting for vacation time to feel alive.

Create a life where the everyday is enough — and the future is even better.

Hustle culture won’t design your dream life. You will. Subscribe for weekly doses of rebellion-fueled self-help.

If you liked this post, please give it a “like”, & share it with your friends.

Rock on!

Spring Cleaning For Your Mind : Dump the Junk and Reset Your Mindset

Uncategorized

Your Brain is Hoarding Trash : Time to Take It Out!

Your mind can get like a messy room – cluttered with random junk, half thoughts, and emotional dust bunnies. If you let it linger, just like environmental clutter, it can drain your focus, energy, and sanity. It’s spring – let’s tidy that shit!

Step 1 : Braindump the Chaos

Get a piece of paper (or five) and purge every single thought, worry, or task onto the page. Don’t do this digitally – it’ll be much more cathartic if you make it a physical list.

Now go through each item and ask, “Does this matter? Why am I holding onto this?” If there’s no good reason, and it really doesn’t matter, toss it.

Spend a few minutes afterward in mindful meditation to help you reset.

Step 2 : Cut the Energy Vampires

Energy monitoring. Keep track of what (or who) leaves you feeling energized vs exhausted. If it consistently drains you, unsubscribe.
Regrets and “what ifs”. Living in the past is like keeping rotten food in the fridge – Toss it!
Guilt and obligation that isn’t yours. Not your problem? Drop it!
Toxic relationships. Some mental clutter comes from people draining the life out of you. If they harshen your vibe, cut them out.
Self-doubt and imposter syndrome. If it’s not making you better, it’s weighing you down.
Mindless distractions and doomscrolling. Don’t let the algorithm dictate your mental real estate. If it doesn’t add value to your life, it’s a distraction.
Embrace minimalism in mind. If a thought, relationship, or commitment isn’t a “hell yes!”, it’s a “fuck no!”

Set hard boundaries, and stick to them – No apologies, no guilt. What needs to be cleared away so that you have room to grow?

Step 3 : Hit the “Reset” Button on Your Mindset

Sometimes a deep reflection can help you evaluate where you are vs where you want to be.

Sometimes you just need a kick in the ass. Here are some quick reset ideas :

Cold shower : Shocks you into a different mindset
Brisk walk : Moves stagnant energy out of your body
Powerful affirmations : Repeat something that actually hits (not just “I am strong”, but more like “fuck it!”)

Keep Your Mental Space Clean (Or At Least Less Messy)

Decluttering isn’t a one-time thing – make it a daily habit! Your mind should be a place you enjoy, not a cluttered attic full of ghosts and rabid mice. If a thought, habit, or person isn’t paying rent for your mental real estate, evict them immediately.

Any “quick reset” ideas? Drop them in the comments below!

If you liked this post, please give it a “like”, share it with friends, and subscribe if you’re new.

Rock on!

Bullet Journaling to Improve Your Life (Because Your Memory Sucks)

Uncategorized

Your Biggest Enemy is an Uncontrolled Mind

Your thoughts are scattered. Your emotions run amok. Your memory? Unreliable at best. Enter – the Bullet Journal Method.

Bullet Journaling isn’t just a planner – it’s a mental command center that helps you track, process, and problem-solve.

And when everything seems to suck, it can help remind you that it really doesn’t – you just tend to forget the good stuff.

What Bullet Journaling Really Is (And Isn’t)

Contrary to popular belief, the Bullet Journal Method wasn’t meant to be a DIY planner system. It’s a tool for mindfulness, clarity, and reflection.

Also contrary – You don’t need any fancy layouts – Just a pen, notebook (analog is key!), and whatever elements work for you.

Some people even use two notebooks alongside each other – a portable pocket notebook for on the go, and a larger journal for deep dives.

Core BuJo Elements That Actually Improve Your Life

Basic system and symbols. Keep it functional – tasks, events, notes, & feelings.
Daily highlights and/or gratitude. Negativity bias is real (your brain overlooks the good to protect you from the bad) – combat it by tracking your wins, even small ones. (Bonus points if you turn your highlight log into relevant song or show titles!)
Habit trackers. When motivation wanes, proof of progress will encourage you to practice discipline & resilience.
Braindumps & freewriting. Mental decluttering = less stress and better focus (more on that next week!)
Goal reflections. Are you moving toward the life you want? (More on that in a couple weeks!)
Interstitial journaling. Practice mindfulness by taking a pause throughout your day to log your real-life moments in real time (who, what, where). Your future self will thank you.

There’s Always a Way to Deal With It : BuJo Problem Solving

Instead of freaking out, work through it using these prompts:

What’s bothering you? (Name it.)
Why is it bothering you? (Dig deeper.)
Do you have control over it?
1. Yes? Brainstorm real solutions, then create a mini action plan.
2. No? How can you reframe your perspective and reactions? Control what you can.

Get Your Mind Under Control

Bullet Journaling isn’t about being organized just for the hell of it – it’s about taking control of your thoughts, actions, and emotions. You can’t trust your brain to remember everything or to be rational in every moment.

Write it down. Track what matters. Improve your life.

Have a favorite bullet journaling hack? Drop it in the comments!

If you liked this post, please give it a “like”, share it with friends, and subscribe if you’re new.

And here’s a couple related things I’ve found interesting lately :

An article about reflections in your Bullet Journal

A video with a helpful explanation of daily logging / interstitial journaling

Rock on!

Where I’m At #7

Where I'm At

“Where I’m at” posts are just updates about what’s going on in my life at any random time, based on the areas / roles in my life. Any particular goals I’m working on will be highlighted, so you can easily see what I’m actively working on improving. Leave a comment & give me ideas for things you’d like to see me write individual posts about!

Warning : It’s been a rough month, I’m not gonna lie…

planner : Well, I set up a whole fondue party, only one of my guests RSVPd (however, 2 of the guests RSVPd to that guest instead of me, and at the last minute one of those guests informed us she was bringing 3 additional people)…so, luckily, my youngest caught a cold & I had to cancel the party LOL. We did, however, enjoy an overnight stay at a local hotel! We went out for a nice ambient dinner & took advantage of the pool at the hotel, which the kids absolutely loved! I would definitely recommend this kind of “staycation” to anyone who needs it! Next month, we’ll be hosting a tea party for the girls, but I’m only inviting the one guest who RSVPd to the last one lol – fuck everyone else (sorry, not sorry). Not sure yet what mini adventure we’ll be embarking on – I’m thinking maybe rollerskating or mini golf. We’ll see!
self (body & mind, emotion & education) : I’ve been quite unhappy this month – lots of stuff on my mind. One big thing is that I had annual lab work done & my doctor’s office said my cholesterol is a bit elevated and so I need to improve my diet & exercise and do follow up lab work in six months (I’ll be working on a related post soon!)
marriage (relationship & libido) : He’s been driving me crazy. I’m working hard to figure out how to deal with it.
mom (BooBoo & Bubby) : The girls are good! BooBoo got her yellow belt in karate, and Bubby started gymnastics this past month! I think Bubby caught her cold at gymnastics though because a lot of the parents there don’t seem willing to keep their kids home when they’re sick (literally every little kid there is snotting all over the place – so gross!) So now we’re all sick (especially me & Bubby!)
teacher (K & PK) : Having lots of fun with school, and BooBoo is always surprising herself when she can read things! Bubby is identifying more letters, but I’m still a little concerned that she might have inherited hubby’s dyslexia – so, we just go a bit easy with her, & push her pace a little but not too much.
zB : I actually upgraded my site! LOL. I wanted to start a weekly newsletter, and I needed a proper domain, so I finally bought zen-blitz.com – and I’m excited hehe! (Sign up for my weekly newsletter here & get a free set of journaling prompts!)
homemaker (finance, cleaning, gardening, prepping, travel) : Really haven’t had time for much of any of this stuff (except for planning the overnight trip to the hotel).
witch : Trying to meditate more often. Hopefully my mind will calm down a bit soon…

Currently

eating : Gazpacho pasta salad! lol

drinking : Chamomile mint tea with honey

watching : White Lotus & The Baldwins on Max, and Sisters Feud, Alpha Males, & Younger on Netflix. And the new Daredevil series on Disney+, but I’m not sure how much I like it yet.

reading : Everything is Fucked by Mark Manson

playing : Fruit Merge on my phone

buying : Shoes for everyone but me heh

listening to : Stray Heart by Green Day

celebrating : Spring!

pinning : Green Day, homeschool, self care, journaling

planning : Tea party, mini adventure, & garden

feeling : Kinda shitty, to be honest

How to Make an Emergency Binder (Without the Doomsday Vibes)

Uncategorized

Why Everyone Needs an Emergency Binder (Yes, Even You)

The only constant in life is change.

Unexpected curveballs—family emergencies, natural disasters, financial setbacks—can throw everything into chaos. The smartest thing you can do? Minimize that chaos before it happens.

If something happened to me, my husband would be completely lost. That’s why I put together an emergency binder. It’s like a cheat sheet for life’s worst-case scenarios.

Imagine having everything important in one place, ready to grab when shit hits the fan…

Keep It Simple, Stay Sane

You don’t have to go full doomsday prepper unless you want to (here’s an extreme version if you’re feeling extra). But for most of us, the key is only collecting the essentials. Overcomplicating it just makes it less likely you’ll ever finish.

What to Include

Pro tip: Build it in stages! Start small and add as you go.

📝 Personal Information: Birth certificates, IDs, Social Security cards, marriage licenses, death certificates, medical records

🏡 Home & Financial Info: Usernames and passwords, mortgage/rent documents, deeds, car titles/payments, insurance policies (home, medical, auto, life), bill list with due dates, investment info

🩺 Health Records: Allergies, medications, primary doctor contacts, important medical devices (pacemakers, etc.)

📞 Emergency Contacts: Family, neighbors, local emergency services

⛑ Survival & Reference Info: I like the Doomsday Preppers Survival Guide because it’s thorough without going full bunker mode. But having any physical survival guide is smart.

Digital vs. Physical: What’s Best?

A digital copy is accessible anywhere, but let’s be real—storing all your sensitive info in the cloud (even encrypted) feels risky.

My ideal setup? A physical binder stored in a fireproof safe, with a secure USB backup inside.

That way, you have both digital and hard copies, but you control access.

Keeping It Updated (Without Overcomplicating It)

Set a reminder once or twice a year to review and update your binder. For small, temporary changes, use sticky notes—just swap them out as needed!

Make It Personal (Because You’ll Actually Use It That Way)

Use bold colors or labeled tabs
Create custom covers for each section
Name your binder something fun (Apocalypse Playbook? The Oh Shit File? Your call.)

Preparedness Is Power

This isn’t about living in fear—it’s about taking control. When life throws the unexpected at you, you won’t be scrambling.

💡 Your challenge: Start small. Gather just three essential documents today. Future You will thank you.

If you found this helpful, hit like, share it with a friend, and subscribe for more!

Rock on! 🤘