My dream reading nook Books have always been my safe place. I grew up devouring Nancy Drew stories, completely hooked on every mystery. Then came Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings—series that still sit proudly on my shelf today. Reading has always been my reset button, a way to escape without leaving the room. These days, I do most of my reading in … Continue reading Building a Reading Nook That Feeds the Soul
My ideal work from home space Working from home has its perks—no commute, flexible hours, and the comfort of being close to family. But even in a peaceful household, staying focused isn’t always as easy as it sounds. My teens, for instance, don’t interrupt loudly. They’ll quietly make a hand signal from the door, asking where their papa is, or if they can grab something … Continue reading Designing a WFH Space That Sparks Focus
It’s World Teachers’ Day, and I couldn’t let it pass without saying something to my fellow online tutors. After almost three years of teaching English from home, often with roosters cawing outside and my son’s electric guitar blasting in the background, I’ve learned that this job takes more than just skill. It calls for patience, humor, and a strong cup of coffee. Some days, the … Continue reading To My Fellow Online Tutors: 7 Things I Wish for You Today
I’ve always enjoyed imagining the kind of spaces I’d like to live and work in, even if, for now, they only exist in thought. For me, an interior isn’t just design—it’s about feeling comfortable and peaceful, and seeing how the space you live in can change your everyday life. This new section, Spaces I Imagine, is where I’ll gather those visions. From cozy reading nooks … Continue reading Welcome to “Spaces I Imagine”
When you teach English online, those little stars beside your name matter more than most people realize. As a work-from-home mom juggling ESL tutoring and content writing, I’ve seen firsthand how one number can make a big difference. My RareJob rating hovers around 4.90 — solid on paper — but mixed in with those high scores are the dreaded ones and twos. They sting. They’re … Continue reading Why Poor Reviews Hurt ESL Tutors More Than You Think
I wish I knew the things I know now But then again, it might not be exciting I won’t laugh at my mistakes And cry over the unavoidable pain So I take it back It’s ok not to know Because the mystery is what will make you thrive through it all But sometimes, you just want to feel sure For somehow there’s peace in knowing … Continue reading I Wish I Knew The Things I Know Now
When I first started working from home, I thought I was saving a lot. There were no more early morning bus rides, no need to buy office clothes, and definitely no random coffee shop runs. Fast-forward a few months, and my electric bill was higher than usual, the internet upgrade was non-negotiable, and suddenly, our grocery budget seemed to vanish faster than the kids’ snacks. … Continue reading The Hidden Cost of Working From Home
These days, it feels like bad news is everywhere. One quick scroll through social media, and you’re hit with headlines about disasters, conflicts, and every crisis imaginable. As adults, we know how heavy that can feel. Now imagine kids—still figuring out how the world works—absorbing all that negativity. It’s no wonder many of them are falling into a habit called doomscrolling. If you haven’t heard … Continue reading How to Spot When Your Child Is Doomscrolling—and What to Do About It
I never liked the sound of the alarm. That’s why I felt so at peace when I could wake up automatically at exactly the time I wanted—yes, like clockwork! If I planned to wake up at 5 a.m., I’d open my eyes at 4:59 a.m.—seriously! I never understood how it happened. Maybe as you get older, your body just makes you do certain things, and … Continue reading Morning Musings
“Why am I so nervous? They’re just students.” I whispered that to myself before logging into my first online ESL class two years ago. My hands were clammy, my heart was racing, and for a second, I considered pretending my internet went down. If you’ve been there, trust me—you’re not alone. Teaching English to foreign learners sounds exciting, but the reality can feel intimidating at … Continue reading Confident Teaching: Simple Ways to Beat Nervousness in ESL Classes
From My Corner of the Couch 