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

Articles

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

Copper coins in the bottom of a glass vase with tulip stems and water

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?

How Long It's Ok To Leave Wet Clothes In The Washing Machine Gettyimages 840898866

Here’s How Long It’s OK to Leave Wet Clothes in the Washing Machine Before You Have to Rewash Them

It might be longer than you think!