Kristen Garaffo

Contributor

Kristen is a Washington, D.C.-based freelance writer and homebody. She specializes in home and lifestyle content, and loves helping others live their best lives at home and beyond. Romanticizing her life since 1987, you can probably find her sipping on iced coffee, crushing a Crossfit workout, designing her next dream space, or blasting Taylor Swift.
26 Spooky, Silly, and Fun Halloween-Themed Date Ideas
Living
From costumes to candlelight, here’s how to go out (or stay in) this season.
Sep 15, 2023
33 Tiny Ways to Reset Your Life (and Your Home) This Fall
Living
It’s the perfect time for a fresh start.
Sep 8, 2023
The $4 Aldi Bath Find That Will Instantly Amp Up Your Self-Care
It’ll make your nighttime routine feel infinitely more spa-like.
Sep 8, 2023
5 Little Ways to Romanticize Your Mornings If You Hate Mornings
Living
Cue “Dreams” by The Cranberries.
Aug 10, 2023
The $10 DIY Project That Brings Me Joy Every Time I Come Home
Living
It’s renter-safe, too.
Jul 13, 2023
I Gave My Bathroom a Signature Scent — I Only Wish I Had Done It Sooner
Living
It’s a little luxury I love.
Jul 11, 2023
The One Spot My Mom Always Cleans Before Having Guests Over
Organize & Clean
It’s the only place she’ll thoroughly clean beforehand.
Jul 11, 2023
The $20 Shelf That Saves My Small Bathroom from Countertop Clutter
Living
My skincare collection has never looked so cute.
Jun 6, 2023
The Simplest Way to Get Out of a Productivity Rut, According to an ADHD Coach
Living
Don’t forget to be kind to yourself.
May 3, 2023
I Tried TikTok’s Amazon Price-Matching Hack at Target
This sneaky tip can save you cash on every Target run.
Apr 12, 2023
The Two Trader Joe’s Skincare Products an Aesthetician Highly Recommends
Living
They’re both under $10.
Apr 6, 2023
This Is the Home Fragrance You'll Be Seeing Everywhere This Spring
According to three scent experts.
Mar 26, 2023
The At-Home Self-Care Habit That Saves Me $100 Every Month
Living
I’m happily pocketing $1,320 each year — and still feel so pampered.
Mar 23, 2023
I Tried 6 TikTok Hacks For Better Sleep — Here’s What Worked (And What Didn’t)
I'll be keeping my fridge stocked with a new staple.
Feb 21, 2023
12 Little Luxuries Under $25 That Keep Me Cozy All Winter Long
Treat yourself!
Feb 1, 2023
I Tried the "3 Things" Nighttime Routine and It's the Best I've Slept in a While
This TikTok tip is so simple.
Jan 19, 2023
The One Thing You Should Always Do to Beat the Winter Blues
It's all about the little things.
Jan 16, 2023
I’ve Tried Countless WFH Productivity Hacks, And This One Actually Stuck
I've never felt so relaxed while getting so much done.
Dec 16, 2022
This Bamboo Toilet Paper Is My Favorite Unlikely Subscription
It's soft, strong, and saves some trees!
Dec 14, 2022
These Noise-Reducing Headphones Have Seriously Boosted My WFH Game
They instantly turn down the volume on loud roommates and outside noise.
Dec 6, 2022
The Thing Everybody Gets Wrong About Pickleball, According to a Pro
It's not a boring, less-athletic version of tennis.
Nov 21, 2022
5 Sleep-Boosting Essential Oils You Should Know — And How To Use Them
According to a certified Master Holistic Esthetician, aromatherapist, and flower essence practitioner.
Oct 31, 2022
5 Places to Buy Home Office Supplies for Less than $5 (!)
Refreshed school supplies aren't just for students.
Oct 10, 2022
7 Hacks for Saving Money While Online Shopping, from 10% Cash Back to Coupons
Do you know about these secret ways to save?
Sep 14, 2022
5 Things I Learned from Taking an Interior Design Class
Plus, one thing it taught me not to do.
Sep 9, 2022
This $15 Amazon Find Saves Me Cabinet Space and Makes Me Smile Every Morning
It solved my coffee mug problem.
Sep 6, 2022
Here's How the Swedish Concept of "Fika" Can Make This the Coziest Fall Ever
Tis the season for coffee and a little treat.
Sep 6, 2022
The "Five Senses" Method Is the Most Meditative Part of My Morning Routine
And it couldn't be easier.
Aug 20, 2022
8 of the Best Yoga Apps for Everything From Prenatal Yoga to Meditation
Just like an in-person yoga studio, each app offers a different vibe and a unique roster of offerings. 
Aug 19, 2022
Moving to the Suburbs Stopped My Panic Attacks, And I’ve Never Felt Better
Real Estate
This sense of community wasn’t present at our old place, and even if it was, I was too anxious to participate.
Aug 11, 2022
These Fluorescent Pens Are the Only Ones I'll Ever Use to Color-Code My Planner
My pages have never been more organized — or colorful.
Jul 14, 2022
This Simple Summertime Pleasure Is My Favorite Way to End the Workday
It's slow, satisfying, and refreshing.
Jun 22, 2022
I Embrace Slow Progress by Setting 3-Month Goals — Here’s Why They Stick
I've learned 90 days is the magic number.
Jun 21, 2022
I Only Ever Travel With Carry-On Luggage and This Is How I Do It
And I still have options!
Jun 5, 2022
This Nifty Doggy Door Is Rental Home-Friendly — And My Dog Loves It
It's perfect for apartment balconies.
May 21, 2022