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A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World

Person smiling, wearing a black top, standing in front of a full bookshelf.

Barbara Bellesi Zito

location-pin Staten Island, NY

School: Emerson College

Expertise: Cleaning & Organization, Gardening, Books

Barbara Bellesi Zito

  • More than 20 years of experience writing about home and lifestyle topics
  • Former English and theater teacher (middle school and high school), adjunct college professor and university career advisor
  • Writes for Reader's Digest, Taste of Home, Real Simple, The Spruce, Apartment Therapy and more
  • Author of the novel Lucky Stiff

Experience

Barbara is a freelance writer with more than two decades of experience who specializes in home and lifestyle trends—from cleaning and organization to home improvement and garden care. Her work has appeared in Reader's Digest, Taste of Home, Real Simple, The Spruce and Apartment Therapy. A former middle school and high school English teacher, she is also the author of the 2023 novel Lucky Stiff.

Education

Emerson College

MFA, Creative Writing

Wagner College

BA, English and Theater

Reader's Digest Editorial Policies

Reader's Digest

Articles

Old plastic chairs and table in the backyard

10 Things Professional Organizers Say to Toss at the Start of Summer

Here's to enjoying a clutter-free summer!
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The One Laundry Mistake Almost Everybody Makes—And Why It’s a Bigger Problem Than You Probably Think

If you don’t want to ruin your clothing, you need to stop this bad habit ASAP
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Here’s Why People Put Pennies in Flower Vases

Nope, it’s not just a style statement. But does this help your flowers somehow, or do pennies in vases have a hidden meaning?