Welcome August

August always feels like the warm-up act before the main event. It’s not quite fall, but you can sense it coming—and for me, that brings a whole lot of excitement… and a little chaos if I’m not careful. Between gearing up for our annual vacation, preparing for a busy season in my business, and counting down to my favorite time of year, it’s easy to get swept up in the rush. That’s why I make a conscious effort to stay grounded all month long.

Antsy Energy and What I Do With It

I always get a little antsy in August. There’s a hum of anticipation in the air. Our vacation is right around the corner, and while I absolutely love getting away, prepping for it can be overwhelming. A week away from work and real life means I’ve got to plan ahead—not just packing, but making sure orders are done, blog posts are scheduled, and everything is squared away for when we’re gone.

To keep from spiraling, I’ve started turning that nervous energy into action. I make a running list of everything I need to handle before vacation—personal and business. Then, I break it down week by week so it’s not all sitting on my shoulders at once. It’s not a fancy system, just a notebook and a highlighter, but it works like a charm.

Creating Space to Breathe

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that staying grounded doesn’t mean you have to slow everything down—it just means you need to give yourself space to breathe. I build little pockets of calm into my day, especially in August when things start to feel stacked.

Some mornings, I’ll light one of my own wax melts, put on some music, and just sit for a few minutes before I dive into the day. It sounds small, but it reminds me why I do what I do—and it makes everything feel a little less rushed.

I also get outside as often as I can. Even if it’s just a walk around the block or sitting on the back porch with a cold drink, being in the fresh air always recenters me.

Grounding Myself Through Routine

Because this month gets so hectic, I stick to a strong daily routine. I wake up at 5 a.m., pack my husband’s lunch, and take him to work. That’s been our rhythm for the last year and keeping that going helps me feel balanced no matter what else is happening. After that, I get started on work early, which leaves a little breathing room later in the day for whatever August decides to throw at me.

I also go to bed earlier in August than I do in other months. I know what’s ahead—September is full of momentum, then the holidays roll in hard and fast. Rest now means energy later.

Why This Month Matters So Much

August isn’t just about getting ready for vacation. It also kicks off one of the most meaningful stretches of the year for me. My birthday and our anniversary both land in this season, and every year, I take a little time to reflect on what I’m grateful for. That helps ground me in a big way.

And then there’s fall. Y’all know how much I love it. The cooler weather, the decorations, the food, the family time—everything. August is the doorway to all of that. When I get overwhelmed, I remind myself that I’m walking toward my favorite time of the year. That little reminder is sometimes all I need to calm my nerves and stay focused on the moment.

Staying Present, Even When I’m Planning Ahead

It’s tempting to live in the future when you’ve got big plans coming up. But I’ve learned the hard way that if I don’t slow down and stay present, I miss the sweet little things happening right now. The summer sunsets, the slow Saturdays, the final pool days—they all matter, too.

So I keep myself grounded by soaking up these last bits of summer even as I prepare for what’s ahead. I savor the messy middle. I stay in the moment. And I remind myself: there’s no need to rush what’s coming. It’ll get here soon enough.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

work from home laptop

Ever wonder what it really looks like to work for yourself from home? Spoiler alert: it ain’t always pretty, but it works for me. Here’s a peek behind the scenes at what I actually do all day—and how I keep everything running without losing my mind.

My Day Starts Before the Sun’s Up

Like clockwork, I’m up at 5:00 AM. First things first: I make my husband’s lunch and drive him to work. It’s our little ritual, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. By 6:00, I’m back home and jumping into the shower—sometimes with my favorite podcast, other times catching up with my go-to TikTok live host. That’s my way of easing into the day.

But I don’t jump straight into work. I let the early hours stay slow and simple on purpose.

The Fun Stuff Comes First

I don’t officially “start work” until after Santiago’s first break at 8:40 AM. We always chat for a few minutes—that call marks the true start of my workday. Before that, I use those quiet hours for all the lighter stuff:

  • Catching up on the news
  • Skimming through emails
  • Cleaning up the kitchen or tidying the house
  • Posting or scrolling through my business socials
  • Packing orders from Mama Crow’s

It’s work, but it’s the fun kind. The stuff that doesn’t feel like work at all. It helps me ease into the heavier tasks that come later.

The Real Hustle Kicks In

Once 9:00 hits, it’s time to dig into the real work. I’m blessed to be able to set my own hours, which gives me the freedom to work how I want—but that also means I have to keep myself in check.

I’ve got two regular clients I contract with, and I sometimes take on ad-hoc projects too. That means copywriting, editing, blog content, or whatever else they need. On top of that, I manage two of my own blogs, make and list new wax melt products for Mama Crow’s, and keep up with content across Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Snapchat, TikTok, and Pinterest.

Yep. It’s a lot.

Lunch Dates, Even From Afar

At 11:30, it’s time for a lunch break—but not just any lunch. We’ve got a standing phone lunch date every weekday, unless it’s Friday. On Fridays, I drive to town to bring him lunch in person. We’ll sit in the car, eat, and catch up like a real date—just one that happens in a parking lot. It might sound silly, but after nearly 16 years together, it’s still one of my favorite parts of the day.

Back to the Grind (Wherever I Am)

After lunch, I work until it’s time to go pick Santiago up from work. And yes, I’m usually working in the car while I wait. If something’s due or I’ve still got creative energy, I’ll even work a couple more hours in bed that evening.

I know it might sound like a lot, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’m an introverted homebody, so staying in my own space while still getting everything done is a blessing.

Schedules Keep Me Sane

Living with OCD means I need structure, or else everything falls apart. I use Google Calendar to block off time for each client, blog, and Mama Crow’s tasks. If something pushes me off schedule, it’s like a domino effect—and I don’t like chaos.

That’s why I plan every part of my day, from order packing to TikTok posting. It keeps my head clear and my business running smooth.

Why It All Works for Me

Some folks think working from home means sleeping in and lounging around. Not in this house. My day is packed, but it’s built around my priorities—my marriage, my sanity, and my business. I get to choose what matters most, and no job will ever come before my relationship.

We stay in constant contact, we support each other, and we make time for the little things—like a five-minute phone call or lunch in a parking lot. It’s unconventional, but it works for us.

So yeah, that’s what I really do all day. It might not look glamorous, but it’s honest work, and it’s all mine.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

unplugged

Image created with Canva AI

If you’ve ever said, “I just need a break,” but immediately grabbed your phone… this one’s for you. Unplugging isn’t about disappearing into the woods for a week (unless you want to). It’s about creating breathing room in a world that never stops buzzing, dinging, or updating. This beginner’s guide will help you ease into the habit without making it feel like punishment.

What Does “Unplugging” Even Mean?

Unplugging is simply stepping away from screens and digital noise. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You don’t need to toss your phone in a lake. Instead, it’s about being intentional with your time and attention.

Whether you want to scroll less, focus better, or just feel more human again—unplugging helps reset your brain and reconnect with your real life, not just your online one.

Why Unplug at All?

The world is loud. We get notifications for texts, emails, likes, breaking news, and even people going live on apps we forgot we had. All of that pulls our attention in a hundred directions. Over time, it can wear us out.

Some benefits of unplugging include

  • Better sleep
  • Improved mood and reduced anxiety
  • More focus and creativity
  • More time for the stuff that actually matters

Plus, you won’t be doomscrolling at 2 a.m. wondering why you feel so drained all the time.

Start Small and Keep It Real

You don’t have to go off-grid to see results. Start with baby steps that fit into your lifestyle.

Set “No Phone” Zones
Pick a few places where phones are off-limits. The dinner table, bedroom, or bathroom (yes, really) are great places to start.

Try a Tech-Free Hour
Choose one hour a day where you don’t use any screens. No phone, no laptop, no TV. Just you and the real world.

Turn Off Notifications
The constant pings are designed to keep you hooked. Turn off non-essential notifications or set your phone to “Do Not Disturb” during focus times.

Use Apps to Help You Unplug
Ironically, some apps help you use your phone less. Apps like Forest, Focus Keeper, and Freedom block distractions and keep you on track.

Plan Offline Activities
Fill the gap with something fun or productive. Read a book, go for a walk, cook a new recipe, or just sit on the porch and be for a minute.

How to Handle the Digital Detox Jitters

Let’s be honest—at first, you might reach for your phone without thinking. That’s normal. Your brain is used to the dopamine hits from scrolling. You’re not lazy or weak; it’s just how these tools are built.

Here are a few ways to get through that uncomfortable phase

  • Keep your hands busy (journaling, doodling, knitting, etc.)
  • Tell someone you’re unplugging for accountability
  • Keep your phone in another room when possible
  • Replace screen time with something that fills you up emotionally

The more you practice, the easier it gets.

Set Boundaries Without Guilt

You don’t owe anyone 24/7 access to you. Let folks know when you’ll be unavailable or off your phone, and don’t feel bad about it. Setting boundaries is healthy—and necessary.

Want a weekend unplugged? Tell your people. Taking one night a week away from screens? Block it off. Your well-being matters more than a quick text reply.

You Don’t Have to Be Perfect

Unplugging isn’t a competition. You’re not failing if you check your phone or binge-watch a show now and then. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s balance. Being more present, more mindful, and less reactive to every ding or scroll urge is progress.

Give yourself grace. Some days will feel easier than others. The point is to create space where your brain and soul can breathe.

Final Thoughts

Unplugging doesn’t mean turning your back on the digital world—it just means not letting it run your life. Little by little, you can reclaim your time, energy, and focus. You’ll be amazed how much more grounded, creative, and calm you feel when you step away from the noise.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

side hustle

Image by Daniel Chrisman from Pixabay

Starting a side hustle can feel exciting, overwhelming, and honestly, a little scary. Whether you’re chasing a dream, building a backup plan, or just looking to bring in some extra income, the journey is full of lessons. If I were talking to someone starting out today, here’s exactly what I’d tell them.

Start Before You Think You’re Ready

Waiting until everything is “perfect” will leave you stuck. Most people delay because they think they need a website, a logo, a brand, or even a big audience. Truth is, you don’t need any of that to begin.

Just start. You learn so much more by taking action than by sitting on the sidelines planning. Whether it’s selling handmade goods, offering a service, or launching digital content, done is better than perfect.

Don’t Spend a Bunch of Money Upfront

You don’t need a big budget to get started. Use what you have. Your phone, internet, and social media accounts can go a long way.

There are free and low-cost tools like Canva, Google Docs, and email platforms that help you build as you go. Focus on delivering value instead of trying to look like a polished brand from day one. That part can come later.

Stop Worrying About What People Think

One of the biggest things that holds folks back is fear—especially fear of judgment. You might wonder what your friends, family, or coworkers will say. Here’s a secret: most people are too wrapped up in their own lives to dwell on what you’re doing.

If they do judge you, that says more about them than it does about you. The people who matter will cheer you on. The rest? Let ‘em watch.

You’ll Learn More By Doing

You don’t need to be an expert to get started. You’ll figure things out as you go. It’s okay to make mistakes—they’re part of the process.

Sure, listen to podcasts or take a short course if you want to—but don’t let “learning” become a way to avoid action. Take messy steps forward. That’s how real progress happens.

Be Consistent Even When It’s Slow

The beginning can feel like a grind. You might post content and hear crickets. You may make zero sales in your first week. That’s normal.

The difference between people who succeed and people who quit is simple—consistency. Keep showing up. Keep learning. Keep adjusting. Results compound over time, but only if you stay in the game long enough to see them.

Protect Your Time and Energy

Balancing a side hustle with your regular life is no joke. You’ve got to be intentional with your time. Block out hours in your week just for your hustle. Treat it like an appointment.

And don’t forget to take breaks. Burnout won’t help you hit your goals any faster. You’re in this for the long haul.

Be Willing to Pivot

Sometimes the thing you start with won’t be the thing you stick with—and that’s okay. You might launch one product and realize your audience wants something slightly different. Or maybe you discover you enjoy one part of your hustle more than another.

Pivoting is smart, not shameful. Let the data and your gut guide you. It’s your business—build it in a way that works for you.

Final Thoughts

If you’re thinking about starting a side hustle, don’t overthink it—just start. Take the leap, even if it’s small. Use what you have. Ignore the noise. Be consistent. And know that success rarely shows up overnight.

But if you stick with it, adjust as needed, and keep learning—you’ll be amazed at what you can build.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

Bible with crown of thorns

Image by James Chan from Pixabay

I don’t always go searching for God, but somehow—He always finds me. And most of the time, it’s not during a church service or a formal prayer. It’s in the small, sacred moments I never expect.

He Shows Up in the Silence

It’s funny how loud the world is. There’s always something buzzing, ringing, or demanding attention. But sometimes, in the middle of a chaotic day, everything gets quiet. Maybe it’s early morning before the house wakes up or that hush that follows a thunderstorm. And in that stillness, I feel something I can’t explain. A peace that doesn’t make sense. A knowing that I’m not alone.

I See Him in People

It’s not always in the obvious “church folks” either. I’ve seen God in the kindness of strangers, the patience of a friend who lets me ramble, and the hug from a grandchild that melts every worry away. He’s in the tired woman at the grocery store who still smiles. In the man who holds the door just because. In the person who forgives even when it’s hard. Those glimpses of grace—that’s God all over it.

He Meets Me in the Mess

Let’s be honest. Life gets messy. There are seasons when I feel burnt out, sick, behind on everything, or just plain lost. I’ve questioned Him. I’ve gotten mad. I’ve begged for answers. But even then—especially then—He shows up. Not always with a solution, but with comfort. With reminders that I’m held even when I don’t feel strong. Sometimes it’s a verse that pops into my head out of nowhere, a song on the radio, or a memory that brings tears and healing.

He’s in Nature, Too

I might be from Texas, but God’s not just in the Bible Belt. He’s in the way the sky turns pink just before dusk. He’s in the scent of honeysuckle on a warm day. In the rhythm of the waves when we finally make it to the beach. He’s in the birds that show up just when I need a sign and the wildflowers that bloom where nobody planted them. His creation whispers His presence even when I’m not listening for it.

Unexpected Conversations Bring Him Near

Some of the most God-filled conversations I’ve had didn’t start that way. A simple “how are you?” can turn into a holy moment. A phone call with a friend who just gets it. A heart-to-heart with my husband after a long day. Sometimes those talks turn into confessions, prayers, laughter through tears—and I walk away feeling seen, known, and loved. Not just by the person—but by God Himself.

I Don’t Always Look, but He’s Always There

I’ll admit—I don’t always wake up with my Bible open or my mind on spiritual things. Life happens. But somehow, God doesn’t wait for an invitation. He meets me where I am. On the couch with a headache. At the kitchen sink. In my car on a backroad. In the middle of grief. In the middle of joy. I’ve come to believe He’s not just with us when we call—He’s already there, gently nudging, waiting, comforting.

Final Thoughts

I don’t think we have to chase God down. I think we just have to be willing to notice Him. He’s in the background of our everyday life, weaving Himself into the ordinary. And maybe that’s the most sacred thing of all.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

Fall image

Image created with ChatGPT

After what felt like a never-ending stretch of feeling run down, I finally had a weekend that let me catch my breath—literally and figuratively. I’m happy to say I’m finally starting to feel like myself again. And thank goodness, because there’s a lot happening around here!

A Weekend of Rest, Takeout, and Fall Magic

We kept it simple this weekend. No big plans. No chaos. Just the kind of stay-in weekend that lets your body heal and your mind reset. Santiago and I ordered takeout, stayed cozy, and even managed to get some of our newest fall wax melt scents poured.

I’ve been so excited to dive into fall prep, and y’all…these new blends are something else. We’ve got a few new pumpkin-heavy scents coming, of course, but there are also some unexpected combinations I can’t wait to share. Our fall line is already one of our most popular collections, and this year we’re going even bigger.

Something Brand New: We’re Making Incense

This next part has been on my heart for a while. I’ve been wanting to create incense for the longest, and this weekend…we finally did it! It’s happening, y’all—Mama Crow’s is officially adding incense to the shop!

Right now, I’m starting with a few core scents and testing out some fall-inspired ones too. If you’ve ever wanted your space to smell like Honey Dumplin’ or Spiced Pumpkin Latte in stick form—get ready!

A Quiet But Productive Weekend

There’s something to be said for weekends that aren’t packed to the brim. This one was exactly what I needed. Restful but productive, peaceful but full of progress. I’m grateful for the slower pace, the return of my energy, and all the exciting things coming down the pipe.

If you love fall scents as much as I do, keep your eyes on the shop—things are about to smell real good around here.

Related: Fall Is Officially Here

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

batching content

Image created with Canva AI

Whew. The past few days have been rough. I’ve been knocked completely off my feet with something I still can’t quite name. Fever, body aches, and quite possibly the worst headache I’ve ever had in my life. I’ve spent most of my time in bed, and while I’m grateful I can technically work from bed, that doesn’t help much when your energy’s at zero and your head feels like it’s being crushed in a vice.

So, why am I writing this? Because I haven’t posted a blog in several days, and I don’t want to fall off the face of the digital earth. Sometimes, you just need to check in and remind yourself—and your audience—that life happens. But also? This is a hard lesson in the importance of batching content.

The Reality of Falling Behind

Here’s the truth: even before I got sick, I was already behind. I’ve been feeling off for a while and staying busy with other parts of my job. Between trying to keep up with responsibilities, work projects, and life in general, blogging just kept getting pushed to “tomorrow.”

That’s a no-no when you’re trying to build a presence online. One missed post becomes two, then a week goes by, and suddenly your traffic drops, your engagement slips, and the algorithm isn’t working in your favor anymore. Whether you’re a content creator, a blogger, or running a small business, consistency is everything. Without it, your audience doesn’t know when to expect you—or if they even should.

Why Batching Content Saves You

This is where batching comes in. I preach it all the time, and yet here I am, not practicing what I preach. I had no content prepared. Not a single pre-written post to pull out in case of emergency. And this was an emergency, just not the kind you expect.

Batching content means you sit down during your good days and knock out several pieces at once. Instead of writing one blog post a day or scrambling for a caption every morning, you block out time and create a backlog. Think of it like meal prepping—but for your business.

The Benefits Are Too Big to Ignore

When you batch your content, you free up mental space, save time, and create breathing room for when life throws you a curveball. Some of the biggest benefits include:

  • Always having something ready to publish
  • Reducing daily stress and decision fatigue
  • Keeping your brand consistent and reliable
  • Being able to take time off without disappearing
  • Staying ahead of holidays, promotions, and busy seasons

Even if you don’t feel creative every single day, batching allows you to show up as if you do. Your audience doesn’t need to know you wrote that post two weeks ago while sipping lemon water and feeling fabulous. All they see is that you’re present and consistent.

Lessons Learned (the Hard Way)

Being sick and behind has taught me a couple things. First, I can’t afford to leave content creation to chance. Second, batching isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a non-negotiable. When you’re juggling work, life, and a million responsibilities, batching is your safety net.

I’m giving myself grace for this past week, but I’m also setting the intention to get back on track. That means carving out time to prep content, even if it’s just one or two extra posts each week. Because future me—the one who might be down with the flu, swamped with work, or taking a vacation—deserves that backup plan.

A Gentle Reminder for Fellow Creators

If you’ve been putting off batching because you feel like you don’t have the time, let this be your sign. You don’t have time not to. Life is unpredictable. Your business doesn’t have to be.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to try to get a little more rest. But at least now, I’ve got one fresh post scheduled—and a renewed commitment to practice what I preach.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

toilets

Image by Markus Spiske from Pixabay

We all have things we avoid like the plague. For me, it’s phone calls. Give me a rubber glove, some bleach, and a dirty toilet any day—just don’t make me answer my phone. It sounds dramatic, I know. But if you’re an introvert, a chronic overthinker, or just plain overstimulated by life, I bet you get it. Here’s exactly why I’ll scrub tile over taking a call every single time.

Phone Calls Feel Like an Ambush

First of all, phone calls are intrusive. They don’t wait for a good time. They demand your attention immediately, ringing with an urgency that makes your heart race even if it’s just your cousin calling to chat. Texts and emails can wait. They don’t expect you to drop what you’re doing, throw on your customer service voice, and perform a verbal tightrope act.

Cleaning the bathroom, however? It’s on my time. I can scrub, spray, and wipe down surfaces at my own pace, no performance required. The toilet never asks, “Did you get my message?” or “Are you free to talk right now?”

Awkward Silences Are Torture

In-person conversations come with body language, facial expressions, and gestures that fill in the blanks. On the phone, it’s just voices—and sometimes, it’s just silence. And not the good kind.

When there’s a pause in a phone conversation, my brain immediately spirals: Did I say something weird? Are they distracted? Should I fill the silence? It’s exhausting.

Meanwhile, when I’m elbow-deep in cleaning supplies, I can enjoy actual silence. Peaceful, productive silence that smells like lemon-scented disinfectant.

Bathroom Cleaning Has Clear Goals

Cleaning a bathroom is gross, but it’s straightforward. There’s a beginning, middle, and end. You know when the job is done. There’s satisfaction in watching grime disappear and seeing everything sparkle when you’re finished.

Phone calls, on the other hand, are unpredictable. You don’t know how long they’ll last, what they’ll be about, or whether they’ll end on a weird note. One minute you’re saying hello, the next you’re hearing about someone’s dog’s pancreatitis or being guilt-tripped into something you didn’t sign up for.

I Can Multitask When I Clean

When I’m cleaning, I can pop in my earbuds and listen to a podcast or blast some music. I can zone out and still be productive. It’s oddly therapeutic.

But when I’m on the phone? I’m stuck. I can’t do much else besides pace around the house pretending to sound engaged. Multitasking during a call feels rude, and let’s be real—holding the phone with your shoulder while scrubbing the sink isn’t exactly ergonomic.

I Have Anxiety and Phones Are Triggers

This one might hit home for more people than you think. Phone anxiety is real. It’s not just being shy or antisocial. It’s the genuine panic that creeps in when your phone rings or when you know you need to make a call.

Sometimes, even thinking about answering makes me nauseous. I start sweating, rehearsing what I’ll say, and convincing myself I’ll sound ridiculous. The bathroom? At least I know what I’m walking into. And I can wear gloves.

I’m Not Alone in This

If you feel this way, you’re definitely not the only one. More and more people—especially millennials and Gen Z—are ditching calls for texts and DMs. We grew up with caller ID, voicemail, and the sweet relief of “Do Not Disturb.” And we learned to love communication on our terms.

It’s not about being rude. It’s about managing mental load, energy, and boundaries.

Final Thoughts

So yes, I’ll gladly choose a toilet brush over a phone call. Not because I love cleaning (trust me, I don’t), but because it gives me control, clarity, and calm—three things that phone calls rarely offer. If you’re like me, know that it’s okay to screen your calls, text back later, and protect your peace. Just maybe light a candle after cleaning the bathroom, too. You’ve earned it.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

cleaning when mad

Image by svklimkin from Pixabay

Ever been so mad you could scrub the paint off the walls? Same. When I get fired up, I channel every ounce of that frustration into something productive—cleaning. It’s not just about tidying up; it’s therapy with a mop in hand. So if you’re the kind of person who needs to do something when you’re mad, this one’s for you. Here’s how I clean when I’m mad and how you can turn a bad mood into a clean house.

First, I Let the Rage Pick the Playlist

Before I touch a single sponge, I grab my phone and put on a playlist that matches my mood. We’re talkin’ angry girl anthems, Southern rock with some bite, or old-school rap that makes you feel like you can throw hands with the dust bunnies. This isn’t a soft, easy listening kind of clean—we’re deep cleaning like our feelings depend on it. And in a way, they kinda do.

I Start With Whatever’s Bugging Me Most

I don’t follow a routine when I’m mad. I go straight for the mess that’s bothering me the most. If it’s the kitchen counter stacked with dishes, that’s where I go. If it’s the laundry that’s been sitting in the dryer for two days, I’ll yank it out like it personally offended me. When I’m in a mood, I let that emotion guide me, and honestly, it works better than any chore chart ever has.

I Clean Harder, Faster, and Meaner

I don’t gently wipe things down—I scrub. I vacuum like I’m mad at the carpet. I slam trash bags around and toss clutter into the trash like I’m tossing ex-boyfriend hoodies (no offense, Santiago). And I swear, the more I clean, the more the anger melts away. It’s like I’m sweeping up my feelings and dumping ‘em out with the crumbs.

I Talk to Myself While I Do It

Don’t judge me, but when I’m mad-cleaning, I talk it out. Sometimes I mutter under my breath. Sometimes I full-on rant while wiping down the fridge. And every once in a while, I’ll laugh at how ridiculous I sound—but by then, I’m already halfway through a deep clean. Bonus: no one wants to interrupt me, so I get to clean in peace.

I Use It As a Reset

By the time I’m done, I usually feel calmer. My house looks better. My mind feels clearer. And even if the thing that made me mad is still lingering, it doesn’t feel quite as heavy. Cleaning when I’m mad gives me a way to reset without taking it out on anyone (or texting something I’ll regret).

I Don’t Aim for Perfection—Just Progress

Let’s be honest: angry cleaning isn’t always methodical. Sometimes I miss a spot. Sometimes I forget to pop in a wax melt or put things all the way back where they belong. But I’m not chasing perfection—I’m just channeling energy. And progress, especially when you’re fired up, is better than sitting around stewing.

Cleaning when I’m mad isn’t just about having a cleaner home. It’s about doing something with the anger instead of letting it eat me up. Plus, nothing feels better than slamming a cabinet shut knowing the junk drawer inside is finally organized.

So next time you’re mad, don’t doom-scroll or fire off that text. Grab a rag and turn that rage into sparkle.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

friendly ghost

If I ever find myself stuck between this world and the next—haunting the halls of my old house like some leftover casserole nobody wants—I won’t be doing the usual ghost stuff. Nope. No chains rattling, no cold spots, no whispering your name from the closet.

I’d be leaving notes.

Creepy, confusing, sometimes helpful notes. Because even in the afterlife, I’d still be a little passive-aggressive and a lot sarcastic. And believe me, my Southern spirit would have plenty to say.

“Microwave’s Not a Crime Scene, Clean It”

Let’s start with the kitchen. If I’m watching you reheat pizza for the third time this week and still not wiping the damn microwave down, you’re getting a note. Probably written in ketchup if I’m feeling theatrical.

Sticky note on the microwave:
“Your ancestors did not survive plagues and famine for you to leave spaghetti splatter on this appliance. Clean it.”

“You Left the Dryer Door Open Again. What Are We—Animals?”

Laundry rooms are underrated haunting spots. So much energy, so much neglect. If you keep forgetting your wet laundry for days at a time, I’m absolutely haunting you with mildew smell and a blunt reminder.

Taped to the wall above the dryer:
“The mold thanks you. And so does the colony of socks you’re singlehandedly growing behind the machine.”

“Don’t Look Under the Bed. I Mean It.”

Now I wouldn’t be a good ghost if I didn’t mess with you just a little. This one’s simple: write it on an index card, slide it halfway out from under the bed.

The note says:
“If you’re reading this, it’s already too late. (Just kidding. Probably.)”

Cue the paranoia. You’ll be sleeping with the lights on for a week.

“This House Ain’t Big Enough for Two Alpha Females”

Let’s say someone new moves in and tries to rearrange my cabinets. No ma’am. You think just ‘cause I’m dead I’m gonna let you put the cereal above the fridge? Think again.

Note inside the cabinet:
“This is not how I labeled these in 1989, and I will rearrange them every night until you learn.”

Bonus points if she starts blaming the kids.

“Did You Hear That? Neither Did I. That’s the Point.”

Oh, now we’re getting spooky. A well-placed note in the bathroom, when the mirror is just a little fogged up, that’s prime ghost territory. Leave it on the edge of the sink.

Note reads:
“You’ll only hear the sound once. But it’s not random. It’s a countdown.”

You’ll have folks questioning every creak and pipe pop for months.

“You Forgot to Lock the Back Door Again…”

Sometimes, being a ghost means you’ve got to look out for the living. Especially down here, where folks will leave the back door wide open like we ain’t got serial killers and raccoons both trying to get in.

Post-it by the back door:
“Lock it. Or I’ll start whispering your full name at 3:07 AM until you do.”

Now that is discipline from beyond the grave.

“That’s Not Where the Remote Goes.”

Last but not least, the living room. The heart of the home—and the easiest place to drive someone nuts.

Note on the coffee table:
“I know you had the remote last. Put it back before I start hiding it in the fridge.”

Just a lil ghostly mischief to keep things spicy.

Haunting With a Personal Touch

If I were a ghost, you best believe I’d make the afterlife entertaining—for both of us. I wouldn’t need no Ouija board to communicate. Just some sticky notes, a Sharpie, and that timeless Southern flair for keeping folks in line with a smile and a threat.

And hey, if you start finding weird little notes in your house… it might be me. Especially if they’re written in cursive and smell faintly of sunflowers.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.