Let’s be real: if the holidays were a person, they’d be that friend who’s always urging you to “treat yourself.” It starts innocently enough—maybe with a cute snowflake mug at the grocery store or a few extra strings of twinkly lights for the front porch. But before you know it, your credit card is maxed, and you’re wondering how you’ll survive until January without selling a kidney on eBay.

There’s a lot of noise out there about how to organize your home and life—color-coded planners, Marie Kondo folding techniques, picture-perfect pantries with matching bins. These things can be beautiful and inspiring, sure, but they don’t always translate to real life, especially for those of us juggling kids, careers, or, you know, just trying to keep up with the chaos of everyday life.

The idea of “romanticizing your life” has been trending on TikTok and across social media—and for good reason. It’s a movement that encourages us to find beauty in the ordinary, to celebrate the small, simple moments, and to live with more intention and contentment. It’s a shift that moves us away from the cycle of consumerism and toward a lifestyle of simplicity and mindfulness. But how do we actually do that in a world that’s constantly screaming for more of our attention?

From the moment we wake up, there are a million tiny decisions waiting for us—what to wear, which products to use, what to buy. These seemingly insignificant choices pile up and leave us feeling stressed. But here’s a simple strategy that can save your sanity: Simplify by making a single choice.

The rise of digital communication has undoubtedly brought convenience, but it has also led to a significant loss of community.

Learn how to create a basic plan for your meals!