Just to Claireify

healthy food, lifestyle, travel, & everyday moments.

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • Wedding
  • Contact

Three Uncomfortable Truths About Life Without a Smartphone

August 24, 2026 by Claire Leave a Comment

It’s been about two months since I traded in my smartphone for a modernized “dumb phone,” which I feel pretty much completes my transition to a lower-tech lifestyle for the moment. I won’t be getting rid of my laptop anytime soon—as I need it to navigate school work and communication for my older two—and I still have a Facebook profile, in order to post/browse our local Buy Nothing group and communicate with a few faraway friends and family members. But I’ve eliminated all other social media and screens–some simply by virtue of not having a phone with apps anymore (PixelFed and the social-y portion of Substack come to mind).

Overall, my life without a smartphone has been, well, great! I am not contemplating going back. However, there are a few effects of life without a smartphone that I didn’t anticipate.… Read More »

Filed Under: Personal, Simple Living, Social Media Tagged With: lifestyle, minimalism, simple living, social media

I Ditched My SmartPhone: One Month In

July 22, 2026 by Claire Leave a Comment

I know I said I was taking an indefinite break—and of course the second I felt like I’d have nothing to write about for the forseeable future, a long-awaited package arrived on my doorstep that also held a big life change inside.… Read More »

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Minimalism, Social Media Tagged With: lifestyle, minimalism, online presence, social media

What to Feed Your Mind

August 15, 2025 by Claire Leave a Comment

I write a lot about how we feed our bodies on Just to Claireify… but what about how we feed our minds?

Do you ever find yourself in a funk and you’re not sure why? The days just sort of blend together and it feels like there’s nothing to look forward to? I’m not talking about a clinical mental health problem, although I certainly have experienced those when I was younger. It’s more of a mental rut–sometimes you don’t know how you got there, but you need to turn things around to start enjoying life again.

For me, during these periods, I often realize that the content I’m consuming–whether it’s books, blogs, videos, social media, or even conversations I’m having in real life–is feeding my funk. The tone of this content isn’t inspiring, in fact, it’s quite the opposite. It’s cynical, pessismistic, perfectionistic or extreme. It normalizes a negative attitude towards the world and I end up feeling frustrated and low, too.… Read More »

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Social Media Tagged With: healthy living, lifestyle, mental health, social media

Five Months Without Instagram

July 5, 2025 by Claire Leave a Comment

This month will actually mark six months since I deleted my account. Yay! I have less desire to return than ever. I’ve actually been paring down my Facebook account as well; it is now only for communication and groups (mainly Buy Nothing). And while my lightphone dream did not materialize–unfortunately I was unable to get one of the kids’ school communication apps to function on my browser–I am feeling in a decent place overall with my transition to more analog life.… Read More »

Filed Under: Social Media Tagged With: lifestyle, simple living, social media

Two Months Without Instagram

April 9, 2025 by Claire Leave a Comment

It’s been over two months since I (somewhat spontaneously) deleted my Instagram account. I’d been thinking about it for over a year, and one day I just went through with it. Annoyingly, Instagram doesn’t permanently delete your account for an entire month in case you change your mind–but February 22nd came and went and finally my account was gone for good.… Read More »

Filed Under: Simple Living, Social Media Tagged With: online presence, simple living, social media

  • 1
  • 2
  • Next Page »

Looking for something?

Hi, I’m Claire!

I'm 31, writer, wife, and mom of 4. Just to Claireify is a lifestyle blog for women who aspire to live healthy, balanced lives. (And, okay, it's a throwback to that girly 2010s blogger vibe sometimes too!) If that sounds like you, grab a cup of coffee and make yourself at home. (Learn more about me here.)

Let’s Connect

Search by topic

My Galleries

My Foodgawker Page
My FoodYub Page

© Claire Walker and JustToClaireify.com, 2026. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material (including photos and videos) without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Claire Walker and JustToClaireify.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

© 2026 · Handcrafted with ❤ by 2 Pups Design Co.