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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

The Magic of New Old Things

December 20, 2025 by Claire Leave a Comment

This morning, we were at Target (where else does one find a midwestern family on Saturday mornings?). I don’t love shopping at Target, but we needed some household items–baby wipes, water softener salt, dishwasher detergent–and it’s by far the easiest place to buy them.

While we were there, we picked up some new sketchbooks for the kids. It had been a few months since I replaced them, and I couldn’t find a blank page the last time I looked. As we were walking away from the craft aisle, my second child said to me: “Don’t we need new markers, too? Ours are all dried up.”… Read More »

Filed Under: Frugal Living, Minimalism, Simple Living Tagged With: frugality, lifestyle, minimalism, simple living

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

A Brief Update + Thoughts on Busyness

April 27, 2025 by Claire Leave a Comment

Hello, friends. No, I haven’t fallen off the face of the planet. Nor am I pregnant, sick (well, I have a head cold at the moment but that isn’t the reason I haven’t been blogging), or shutting down the blog.

It’s just kind of been one thing after the other since the end of March. We had a packed spring break with playdates, doctor’s appointments and the general chaos of four kids at home for a week. Then K, C, and I started a new toddler-and-me class, Eric’s parents came to visit and suddenly it was Easter. Now we’re staring down the end of the school year–so many festivities!–and summer camps, more holidays and family birthdays, and getting our garden up and running.… Read More »

Filed Under: Personal Tagged With: life update, personal, simple living

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

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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.)

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