“Life is change, growth is optional. Choose wisely.”
Karen Kaiser Clark
September has arrived, and with it comes the opportunity to focus on growth, self-discovery, and positive change. As I bid farewell to the summer and welcome the autumn breeze, I’m excited to embark on a journey of self-improvement that’s uniquely me.
Embracing Self-Improvement: My Way In a world that’s constantly evolving, one thing remains clear – the potential for self-improvement. My passion for planning, organizing, and self-care guides me through a month of meaningful transformations. As I navigate through this journey, I’m blending my love for beauty, planning, and self-care to create an elegant path toward growth.
Unlocking the Power of Planning For me, planning goes beyond mere schedules and to-do lists. It’s about crafting a roadmap to my goals, dreams, and personal fulfillment. From a meticulously planned skincare routine to a well-structured day, planning is the cornerstone of intentional living.
Savoring Self-Care and Coffee Moments Self-improvement isn’t solely about productivity; it’s about nurturing my well-being. With a cup of coffee in hand, I’m finding moments of reflection and indulgence in the things that bring me joy. These moments are the heart of self-care and the foundation for growth.
Creating Positive Change, One Step at a Time September is my canvas for change, and I believe that progress is a journey, not a destination. I’m setting achievable goals, celebrating every milestone, and embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth. This journey is about creating a life that reflects my dreams and aspirations.
My Effect: A Beacon of Inspiration In a month dedicated to self-improvement, I’m inspired to be a beacon of my own journey. The blend of beauty, planning prowess, and self-care wisdom I offer is a testament to the art of continual growth. As we navigate challenges and celebrate triumphs, I invite everyone to join me in embracing self-improvement and the journey of becoming the best versions of ourselves.
So, as I embrace Self-Improvement Month, I’m following a path that’s uniquely mine – a journey of planning, beauty, and self-care intertwined with the pursuit of becoming my best self. Let’s welcome September with open arms, as I lead the way in creating a life that’s as elegant and well-curated as my own persona. Here’s to self-improvement, growth, and the art of becoming! 🌟📔🌷
Picture this: it’s a lazy Sunday morning, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, and you’re armed with a planner, a pen, and a dash of imagination. As you take that first sip of your favorite java, you’re not just sipping coffee; you’re sipping on inspiration, ambition, and the promise of a productive week ahead. Welcome to the world where the weekend transforms into a canvas for creative planning, all while infusing your unique style into every detail.
Just like how your morning coffee carries the power to awaken your senses, your weekend holds the potential to awaken your goals and aspirations. In the hustle and bustle of life, we often overlook the art of harnessing our weekends for intentional planning. But fear not, because we’re about to dive into a journey where the blending of caffeine and creativity takes center stage.
Think of your weekend as that captivating blend of beans you carefully choose for your cup of joe. It’s not just any two days; it’s an opportunity to blend your personal style with strategic planning, resulting in a concoction that fuels both your passion and your productivity. Just as you savor the layers of flavor in your coffee, you’re about to explore the layers of planning, goal-setting, and self-care that can brew a week full of accomplishments.
So, grab your planner and your favorite mug, because we’re about to embark on a journey where the weekend becomes your palette, coffee becomes your companion, and planning becomes your masterpiece. Whether you’re a morning planner, a midnight scribbler, or someone who fancies a midday planning rendezvous, get ready to infuse your weekend with the kind of energy that can only come from a well-brewed blend of planning and personal style.
Get ready to sip, sketch, and set your intentions. It’s time to turn your weekend into a canvas of possibilities, painted with the hues of your personal flair. Welcome to the art of productive planning with a side of coffee-fueled creativity. Let’s dive in and brew up a weekend that sets the tone for a week that’s as bold and flavorful as your favorite cup of joe.
Absolutely, let’s delve deeper into the importance of planning your week, including the upcoming weekend, and provide tips for setting clear goals:
The Art of Weekend Planning: Setting the Stage for Success
In the whirlwind of modern life, the concept of the weekend often brings a sense of relief and relaxation. However, beneath the surface lies a treasure trove of opportunity waiting to be harnessed. By incorporating the weekend into your weekly planning, you’re not just enjoying a break; you’re crafting a strategic foundation for the days ahead.
Embrace the Power of Comprehensive Planning
Weekend planning isn’t just about the days off; it’s about weaving those precious moments seamlessly into your overall week. A well-structured plan doesn’t view the weekend in isolation; instead, it envisions it as an integral part of the canvas upon which your week’s masterpiece is painted. Why? Because when you allocate time for relaxation, leisure, self-care, and even a touch of productivity, you’re setting yourself up for success on multiple fronts.
Tips for Setting Clear Goals: From Work to Well-Being
Begin with the End in Mind: As you set your goals for the weekend, envision what you want to accomplish by the time Sunday evening rolls around. This mental snapshot will serve as your North Star as you navigate the weekend.
Balance Across Domains: Your goals should encompass various facets of your life—work, personal growth, relaxation, and social connections. Balancing these domains ensures you’re not just productive, but also nurturing a holistic sense of well-being.
Prioritize Tasks: Break down your larger goals into manageable tasks. Prioritize them based on urgency, importance, and alignment with your long-term objectives. This way, you’re channeling your energy into tasks that truly matter.
Be Realistic and Specific: Set achievable goals that are specific and measurable. Instead of vague goals like “work on a project,” aim for “complete research phase of Project X” or “write draft of report.”
Delegate and Collaborate: Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks that others can handle or collaborate with colleagues on projects. This not only lightens your load but also fosters teamwork.
Include Self-Care: Prioritize self-care as a goal. Schedule time for activities that recharge you—whether it’s reading, yoga, a leisurely walk, or quality time with loved ones.
Visualize Success: As you set your goals, visualize yourself achieving them. This mental exercise can motivate and energize you, making your goals more attainable.
Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, even the small ones. Positive reinforcement boosts motivation and reinforces your commitment to your goals.
By weaving weekend planning into your overall routine and setting clear, well-defined goals, you’re maximizing the potential of your free days. From work-related milestones to nurturing self-care moments, you’re setting the stage for a weekend that’s both rejuvenating and productive. Remember, each goal achieved during the weekend is a step closer to your larger aspirations—a testament to the power of strategic planning and the magic of well-spent weekends.
Absolutely, let’s dive into your favorite planning tools and how they add a touch of style to your weekend organization:
Stylish Tools for a Weekend Full of Flair
When it comes to weaving a tapestry of productivity and style into your weekends, the tools you choose play a pivotal role. These tools aren’t just practical aids; they’re an extension of your personality, helping you curate a weekend that’s both functional and fabulously stylish.
Chic Planners that Speak Your Language
Enter the world of planners that are more than just pages; they’re canvases waiting for your dreams and ambitions to take shape. Tula Xii and Go Getter Girl Co. planners aren’t merely tools; they’re companions on your journey towards goal-crushing and memory-making. Their sleek designs and thoughtful layouts blend seamlessly with anyone’s, (definitely mine to be honest) personal style, ensuring that every page you turn reflects your unique essence.
Pens with Personality
Grab your favorite pens! My favorite go-tos: the Papermate Flairs and Pen Gems, are more than writing instruments; they’re the wands that bring my thoughts to life on paper. As we glide them across our planner’s pages, our words take on a vibrancy that mirrors our zest for life. The choice of pens isn’t just about functionality; it’s about finding tools that resonate with your creative spirit. Do you have favorites? I’d love to hear in the comments which ones you use. I’m always looking for new pens and markers to add to my vast collection.
Highlighting Your Brilliance
Who says highlighting is just about marking text? With my must-have Mildliners or your favorite brand, you’re not just accentuating words; you’re adding strokes of color that evoke your passion and enthusiasm. These aren’t just highlighters; they’re brushstrokes on the canvas of your plans, guiding your eyes and thoughts towards what truly matters. I love using them for color-coding too. Helps me see if I’m balancing different areas of my life and work well. If I see a lack of certain colors it helps draw my attention to it so that I can perhaps consider reprioritizing and rescheduling to make room for important areas like self-care and family time.
Sticky Notes and Stickers: Small Accents, Big Impact
Sticky notes and stickers aren’t just adornments; they’re the brushstrokes that turn your plans into a work of art. From small sticker shops to Tula Xii, each sticky note and sticker is like a tiny gem adorning your planning canvas. They’re reminders of the little joys that punctuate your journey, and they infuse your weekends with a dash of whimsy.
Brewing Creativity with Your Cup of Choice
And then there’s your trusty coffee mug—the vessel that holds more than just coffee. It holds your ideas, your intentions, and your dreams. As you take each sip, you’re sipping on inspiration, fortifying yourself for the planning ahead. I have seasonal mugs that add whimsy to my planning and I have the very important Kansas City Chiefs mugs that are must haves on game days throughout the football season. I mean, for me, this tradition has been linked to the win and loss record of the team so I guess you would say I’m superstitious. I’d like to think of it more like a ritual. Do you have coffee mugs that are sentimental or linked to certain days of the week or year? I’d love to hear the story in the comments.
Who says flavor is just for coffee? I used flavored coffee and Skinny Syrups to infuse more than just taste into my weekends; they infuse personality and delight. Each drop is a reminder that even the smallest details deserve attention and care. Do you like flavored coffee? Are you a Pumpkin Spice Latte fan? I’m more into caramel and cinnamon and vanilla for my coffees although I do have PS syrup on my coffee bar for guests and my occasional desire to join the PSL fandom.
Java Adventures
And let’s not forget the coffee itself. My favorite coffee from Java Momma isn’t just a beverage; it’s the elixir of motivation that fuels my planning endeavors. It’s the companion that keeps my senses awake and my ambitions alive.
So, as I open my stylish planner, grab my favorite pens, and adorn my pages with sticky notes and stickers, I remember that these tools are more than accessories. They’re my creative arsenal, my companions on the journey towards a weekend that’s both meticulously planned and fabulously fashionable. With each stroke of the pen and each sip of coffee, I’m not just organizing my time; I’m crafting a week and weekend that are a masterpiece of style and substance.
Weekend Symphony: Striking the Perfect Chord Between Hustle and Chill
Ah, the weekend—a melody that harmonizes relaxation with productivity, turning two days into a symphony of accomplishment and enjoyment. As someone who embraces the art of planning, sips coffee like it’s liquid ambition, and thrives on the vibrant rhythm of life, I’m about to uncover the strategies that create a weekend score worthy of applause. Let me how these strategies resonate with you. What works and what doesn’t. I love learning from my readers.
Strategy 1: The Productive Prelude
Kickstart your weekend with a “Productive Prelude.” Harness the early hours when your energy is high and your focus is laser-sharp. Tackle those tasks that need your full attention, whether it’s a work project, an organizing frenzy, or a burst of creative brainstorming. Think of it as your opening act—a crescendo of accomplishment before the leisurely interlude.
Strategy 2: The Coffee & Conquer Technique
Leverage your coffee ritual for maximum efficiency with the “Coffee & Conquer Technique.” Sip your favorite brew as you tackle tasks that require less mental strain. Respond to emails, check off smaller to-dos, and tidy up your workspace. Your coffee-induced clarity adds a touch of humor as you conquer tasks with a caffeine-fueled grin.
Enter the “Self-Care Serenade,” where relaxation takes center stage. Whether it’s a spa-worthy skincare routine, a book that whisks you away, or simply basking in the embrace of your favorite cozy corner, this strategy strikes a chord with your passion for self-care. Remember, a well-rested you is a force to be reckoned with.
Strategy 4: The Whimsical Work-Break Waltz
Infuse a bit of whimsy with the “Whimsical Work-Break Waltz.” Alternate bursts of focused work with delightful breaks. Set a timer for 25 minutes (a.k.a. the Pomodoro Technique), and when the timer rings, indulge in a mini-dance break or a quick doodle session. Who said work and play can’t waltz together?
Strategy 5: The Laughter & Learn Rhapsody
Merge humor with learning through the “Laughter & Learn Rhapsody.” Dedicate a part of your weekend to enhancing your skills or diving into a topic you’re curious about. Listen to an engaging podcast, watch an insightful documentary, or read a book that both educates and entertains. Your quest for knowledge becomes a joyful journey of growth.
Strategy 6: The ‘Let’s Tackle It Together’ Sonata
Invite a friend or family member to join you in the “Let’s Tackle It Together Sonata.” Collaborate on a task, whether it’s a DIY project, a cooking experiment, or a decluttering mission. As you navigate the challenges together, your shared laughter and camaraderie create a duet of accomplishment and joy.
Strategy 7: The Blissful Balance Coda
End your weekend with the “Blissful Balance Coda.” Reflect on your achievements and the moments that brought you joy. Raise a cup of coffee to toast the balance you’ve achieved—equal parts productivity and relaxation. The beauty lies not just in the notes you’ve played, but in the rhythm you’ve orchestrated.
With these strategies, you’re not just enjoying a weekend; you’re creating a symphony of accomplishment and enjoyment that resonates with your unique brand persona. From coffee-fueled bursts of productivity to whimsical work-break waltzes, your weekends become a masterpiece composed of laughter, relaxation, and triumph. So go forth, orchestrate your weekend with finesse, and let the music of balance guide you through every note of the melody.
Make Time for Self-Care each Weekend
Look at your weekend calendar and try adding at least one, if not three of the following into your plans. Making time for your self-care ensures you are refueled and refreshed when it comes to tackling all of those goals you’ve set for yourself along with mastering your mindset for the juggle of demands you are planning to meet.
Spa Morning Ritual: Kickstart your Saturday with a spa-inspired morning ritual. Begin with a soothing skincare routine, complete with your favorite cleanser, exfoliator, and luxurious moisturizer. As you massage in each product, visualize the stress melting away, leaving behind a radiant you.
Coffee Meditation: Turn your coffee routine into a mindful meditation. Brew your favorite blend and find a cozy spot by the window. As you savor each sip, focus on the aroma, the warmth, and the moment of tranquility it offers. Let the coffee awaken not just your senses, but your appreciation for the present.
Book Nook Escape: Designate a corner of your space as a “Book Nook Escape.” Surround yourself with plush pillows, a cozy blanket, and a stack of books you’ve been longing to read. Lose yourself in the pages, journeying to far-off lands or exploring new ideas.
Journaling Journey: Set aside time on Sunday morning for a journaling journey. Reflect on the past week’s successes and challenges. Write down your aspirations for the week ahead. This self-reflection becomes a map guiding you towards personal growth.
Creative Art Session: Unleash your inner artist in a creative art session. Whether it’s painting, sketching, or crafting, let your hands dance on the canvas. The act of creation is not just therapeutic; it’s an expression of your unique essence.
Nature Connection: Venture outdoors for a nature walk. Feel the sun on your skin, listen to the rustling leaves, and let the fresh air invigorate your senses. Nature’s embrace provides a reset button for your soul.
Mindful Movement: Dedicate time to mindful movement, whether it’s yoga, a dance workout, or a gentle stretch routine. Let the movement be a celebration of your body’s strength and resilience.
Cooking Creativity: Experiment with cooking a new recipe, infusing creativity into your culinary journey. As you chop, sauté, and season, you’re not just nourishing your body, but your spirit too.
Virtual Coffee Date: Connect with a friend or family member virtually for a “Virtual Coffee Date.” Share stories, laughter, and a cup of coffee as you bridge the distance with love and connection.
Digital Detox: Designate a few hours on Sunday as a “Digital Detox” period. Put away screens and engage in offline activities that bring you joy, whether it’s gardening, playing an instrument, or practicing a hobby.
Pampering Bath: Create a spa-like experience with a pampering bath. Use your favorite bath bombs, essential oils, and soft music to set the ambiance. Sink into the warm water and let the worries of the week dissolve.
Outdoor Exploration: Plan a mini adventure, like a hike, a visit to a local park, or a picnic in your backyard. The change of scenery can refresh your mind and soul.
Remember, weaving self-care into your weekend isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. By prioritizing these moments, you’re nurturing your well-being and setting the stage for a week that’s not just productive, but also filled with the richness of self-love and joy.
Reflect and Refresh Embrace the “Reset and Refresh” mindset as the weekend fades, where you revisit your accomplishments, set intentions, and infuse your week with purpose. Reflect on your weekend wins while savoring your favorite coffee, celebrating each achievement as milestones of progress. Look ahead with hope and set intentions for the week—whether work-related goals or self-care moments—visualizing them as part of a fulfilling journey. Let your planner be a tapestry of purpose, where intentions weave into a beautiful story of your aspirations. Dedicate time for self-care rituals that rejuvenate body and soul, incorporating activities like skincare routines and peaceful walks. Celebrate the week’s progress and embrace the cycle, infusing weekends and weekdays with intention and empowerment. Through this approach, each day is a canvas for purposeful planning, and self-care becomes your guiding compass, leading you toward a week that’s both accomplished and rejuvenated.
The Art of Curated Weekends As the curtains draw on your weekend, it’s time to relish the delightful masterpiece you’ve painted—accomplishments, self-care, and purposeful planning all swirled together in a canvas that’s unmistakably you. Think of it as your personal blend, just like that perfect cup of coffee that brings joy and a jolt of energy.
Crafting a Weekend: Your Personal Artistry
Crafting weekends isn’t just about to-do lists; it’s about channeling your inner artist. Picasso had his brush strokes; you have your planner, your favorite coffee mug, and a dash of humor that makes even mundane tasks seem like a punchline waiting to be delivered. Remember, life isn’t just lived; it’s curated, and you’re the curator-in-chief.
Harmony of Hustle and Humor
The beauty lies in the harmonious symphony of hustle and humor. Picture this: you, in your pajamas, tackling tasks like a boss while humming your favorite tune. You’re not just checking off boxes; you’re dancing through your to-dos, letting humor be the rhythm that keeps you going.
Masterpiece: Yours to Paint
Each weekend is your blank canvas, ready for the swirls and strokes of your intentions. It’s like Picasso said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Your art is in planning that energizes, self-care that revitalizes, and humor that sprinkles a little sparkle.
Blend of Bliss
The blend you create is a cocktail of accomplishments and a dash of delightful relaxation. It’s like crafting a perfect cup of coffee—strong, sweet, and just the way you like it. In each sip, you’re savoring not just the taste, but the journey itself.
Sip, Savor, and Plan the Beauty Ahead
And as you sip your coffee, you’re not just nourishing your senses; you’re nurturing your aspirations. With your planner in hand, you’re not just planning; you’re sketching the vibrant beats of a life filled with beauty, purpose, and a sprinkle of humor. So, here’s to weekends that are as splendid as your favorite cup of joe, and to planning a life that’s as enchanting as it is accomplished. Sip, savor, and let’s plan our beauty-filled journey ahead, together.
Cheers to a life that’s beautifully brewed and wonderfully lived! 🌟🍃☕
She didn’t have all the answers either. And she still doesn’t. She justst said, I’m doing it ANYWAY.
It is another week and I am eagerly sipping coffee after a short, brisk walk before the sun was brightly shining and heating up the pavement. Although it is September and many folks are starting to see signs of fall, those of us in Phoenix are still facing high temperatures around 100°. That means getting up early to beat the heat if you want to walk outside.
I put my weekly plan together last night while watching Sunday Night Football. It took longer than usual because I couldn’t take my eyes off of the fourth quarter madness as Green Bay made their way back to claim the win. Did you know I love football? No? Well, surprise! I had so much to think about this week because I have some lofty goals. I am working my side hustle hard this week and making some time to sharpen my saw. Me time includes reading because, well, to be honest I just haven’t been doing that much lately. And I have been looking at this book for weeks. I never put it on my bookshelf. No. I keep moving it from surface to surface through the house. That tells me how much I want to read it. So, I am planning for it. One chapter a day. I deserve that much me time. I know if I don’t write it in my plan I will keep putting it off and moving the book to, yet again, another surface. What book? This one…
The book is broken into 5 parts. My goal is to read a part each day and plan to add a little Badassery into my future planning. So excited!
My plans this week are pretty loose and functional with some key goals and important activities. The most important activities are the weekend. My son turns 23 on Sunday and I aim to make any free time we have as a family about him and his special day.
It seems lately that I am on the go and running on all cylinders from the moment I wake up until I crawl back into bed. I am making a point to have quality reading time to take my mind and my eyes away from screens. When I crawl into bed I want to sleep easy knowing my plans are clear and my mind is sharpened to be the absolute best person God made me to be.
I challenge each of you to plan the following into your week:
Sharpen your mental saw (read a book, learn something new, meditate)
It is coffee time! Quiet time is so very precious to me. And this time at the beginning of every week as I sip coffee feels paramount to how the week can go. I take time to think on all that I need to do plus what I would like to do. It is my way of getting out of the bed on the right side.
The past few weeks have been a struggle in changing priorities and I have had to shift even more to remembering what matters most. This focus adds a perspective like no other. I want to ensure I balance Mom priorities over work priorities because the family needs that right now. It isn’t just about my schedule. It is more about being “present” in mind and heart more.
I spent most of my time sipping my first cup in a retrospective state and looked back on what did and did not go well over the past couple of weeks. I asked myself what I could do differently because I felt like I was being too hard on myself and others around me. I realized that my expectations were perhaps set too high or not communicated effectively which can cause conflict on the home front.
Setting my plan for this week I designed a motivational and functional week spread in my planner. I wanted to see reminders of what is really important at work so that I can keep the negative noise and nonsense from others in perspective. And in doing that I can avoid the negativity from seeping over into other aspects of life. Most importantly self care needs to be at the front of the train and not in the caboose as a back burner.
My spread is full of motivation and focus areas. It gives me permission to delegate nonsense to the back burner. I am reminding myself to be the servant leader by focusing on my team’s needs and being a positive in the storm. Recently I have had an opportunity to observe leaders who are in the trenches with their teams and leaders who stay back in the tent barking out orders and then hiding in the shelter waiting and watching. The latter leader style sometimes seeps negativity out beyond the team and affects the bigger goal. And it is simply not my style. So while I am in the trenches I want to remember to be positive and guide my crew to the best outcomes with encouragement, gratitude, and course corrections that take us along the journey to the finish line celebrating together.
This week I want to make sure that I am focusing on the behind the scenes planning that sets the stage for every act in the play my team is cast in so they can be stars. I want to ensure the setting is right, the props are in place, and that they know their lines.
At home, I want to keep the work from seeping in. I want to protect our time so that it is of such quality that we all feel accomplished and grateful.
These may seem lofty goals for the week but I don’t think so.
In any moment of negativity I plan to step outside of it and ask myself:
Am I the engineer on this train right now?
Is this helping any of my three focus areas?
Should this be back burner?
Will this seep beyond work?
Knowing the answers to these questions should guide me to the right energy level in the moment and maintain perspective.
At the end of the week I aim to have positive energy to tackle that garage with my family: A project that we never seem to get to with our conflicting schedules and energy levels.
Share your spreads for the week and share the why. I always want to understand others why.
Oh how I love my coffee and my morning time! I haven’t yet cracked open the work laptop even though I probably should. It is going to be a big week full of planning meetings, important dates and appointments.
I thought I would share my weekly spread and some of the other lists I have at the or have plans to make.
I love my spread this week. I picked this sticker set because my best friend is celebrating her birthday and she loves teal colors. Even my Erin Condren pen is primarily teal for the week. Most of the stickers are from one of my favorite Etsy vendors, Joyful Planner. She designs beautiful weekly and monthly sets. It is always a treat for me to visit her shop and splurge a bit.
I really expect today as well as most of the week to feel a bit crazy so I am inserting few extras to help me keep my sanity and make lists as I go along. I am going to try a weekly master as a half page and use the daily as originally intended. I am interested to see how much I can actually get done in a day with the sometimes ridiculous conference call schedule.
As you can see, I haven’t put much pen on yet. I need flexibility in my functional plans because I feel the winds may change a bit as early as today so I focused on only writing the non negotiable events and my goals. I gotta trust my gut today and let my plans and lists take shape in the moment.
I hope you all have a great week and that you are managing just fine this Monday. I am going to keep on sipping coffee, making lists and planning the week day by day.
Share below how you plan. What kind of lists do you make? Do you track your hourly appountments?
As I near the end of March, I start thinking about April. Planning does that to me. I see the next month coming as the pages turn. Ugh! My mind goes into overdrive. To control the chaos, I start thinking about monthly goals, important events and I make lists. Lists help me focus and allow me to be distracted by things in the process. My kids send me texts or come to the door of my room and interrupt. My dogs don’t care that I am in planning mode. If they want affection they get right in my face or sit on my foot. Whatever it takes. So lists are helpful because if I have written it down I won’t forget it. Well, that and it eases my mind.
What on earth do I need lists for? And why do I obsess over them? How many times have you gone to the store and forgotten something? Me? More than I care to admit. And hey, the lists on the phone work for some people but I love what I call a hybrid version of this.
Shopping lists
I have Google Home and I have my household conditioned to tell Google to add items to the shopping list. Best. Thing. Ever. Except for the fact that they cannot see the list so I end up with some items repeated three or four times. That annoys me when shopping from it. Since I meal plan before shopping, I tend to start that list on paper because that is my meal planning method. Pulling up the Home app and looking at the list created through the week to add the needed items is all part of the procesd. Honestly do I need four bottles of ranch dressing? My kids might think so but my budget would argue differently if it could speak. I consolidate to my paper list and chuckle every time I look at that Google list. My kids have jokes. They come up with crazy items. This last time the mystery item was “a stick.” My daughter confessed to this little gem. I mean go in the yard for that one. Obvious right?
Fun Wish lists
All through my planner, you will see wish lists and this is one of my favorites. Concerts and Festivals. Last night after dinner I was enjoying a glass of wine with the family (the legal age drinkers had wine too) and we were all playing music from our Spotify lists and talking about shows. I grabbed my handy wish list and asked which, if any, they would be interested in. What a great time we had looking at other events and finding common artists we all knew and liked.
Why do these go on a wishlist and not right to my calendar? Well, I have to admit that I am budget conscious and won’t put it on the calendar until I bought the tickets. I just don’t like disappointing myself in the reality on that monthly spread by marking something out. I like wishlists better. How about you?
Cleaning Lists
This is a re-try at an old method. My family is ignoring the list posted on the fridge. I suspect that is partly due to everyone’s crazy schedule. When I would like to see things get done seems more like a wishlist of disappointment. The dishes get done and the trash and recycle are taken out but everything else just gets ignored until I make a fuss. So, I am putting this back in my planner and not on the fridge. And when people are home, I will ask nicely and then track who complied. Then i will settle on doing it myself if it is really bugging me. Yesterday was a day where everyone asked what I would like done. So I guess the flow is changing and I will ride the ride.
I picked this format from my stash. I got it from Natalie Rebecca Design several months ago. I think I bought this from her Amazon Store. I am excited to switch it up and see how we get along with it.
Spring Cleaning
I love fellow bloggers who share great tips and tools on cleaning. In preparing for April, I decided this would be a great checklist as I plan my spring clean. De-Clutter Challenge. I actually started some of this last weekend on my own and was frustrated because I was in perfectionist mindset and spent far too long on each task. I went in search of a new method and ran across this saved in my favorites.
Master To Do List
I use a running to do list that follows me from day to day and sometimes week to week. It isn’t always the same format or paper style. This list sits in the middle of my weekly spread where I can note items while I am on conference calls, in meetings, and in those moments of meditation when there is a lot on my mind. The only way to give my mind rest at times is simply to stop and write it down.
Reading…I make lists for this too
I love this planner that Brenda Novak sent in her January Reader’s Box. My reading Vision in 2018 has been to read more. And I set a realistic goal of 2 books per month. Now, what has actually happened is that I have gotten to about 2 per week. Rediscovering this joy makes my heart sing. If you looked all over my house, there are books and my Kindle has a vast virtual library. So I don’t have to go far to make a pile like this.
Every month I have managed to build a pile of self-directed learning and pure enjoyable fiction. Did you notice Erma Bombeck in the pile? My mother always picked up those books. They were her version of the Reader’s Digest for the bathroom quiet time. Sometimes as a mother that is the only room where you tend to spend any amount of time with no interruptions. Well…let me have this moment of fantasy. I have been thinking about these books so I picked a couple up to revisit her wit and wisdom. She was always inspirational.
Oh and plots. Those Works in Progress are eating at me. I have an itch to write chapters after chapters. I am a seat of my pants writer and know I need to find a balance with some structure so this April, I am going to study on story plotting.
Managing Mondays and every day is built on the foundation of lists. What kind of lists do you make? Daily? Weekly? Wishes? Share in the comments. I would love to see pictures and read what you put on your lists.
On Sunday, whether sipping coffee, iced tea, or wine I plan out my week. At least as much as I can. Everyone has a process. And for me personally, there are three basic steps with a lot of flair.
How I get from step to step depends on my mood or something specific about the week that might help drive a theme.
This week launches the first day of spring so flowers sprung to mind. Spring colors are popping up all around the neighborhood and in my house as we switch up accents like pillows, kitchen towels, placemats, and flowers. Our neighborhood had planters and flower beds being refreshed with daisies and petunias. Oh the joy of Phoenix living! Many places are still getting snow and ice and we are already battling seasonal allergies as the smell of orange blossoms begins to fill the air.
Since the outside is blooming, I want my page to bloom too. So, I went through my vast supply of papers, washi, and stickers to celebrate the first day of spring.
With my garden of materials ready, I began the real first step of pulling my pages out of the planner. It really does make it easier to not have the binder discs in the way. This is really one reason why Happy Planners make me so happy. (Pun intended)
I wanted to demonstrate that buying stickers is not the only way to embellish a page. Pen and paper really can go a long way and can be more affordable in the long run. I may have to write a post on finding pretty paper on the cheap. Yeah?
One page I selected had cute items that would make great tips for my spread. So I cut them out.
And I saw some colored designs I thought would look great as blocks in my vertical spaves so I used my HP Classic Punch to make a few for my layout. (I often use a plastic template to make these. I will show you that another time. You don’t have to have a punch. I have only had mine for a couple of months and I love playing with it.)
I really love the spring colors so far. And the butterfly is simply sweet.
Now is when I get to have fun. I take all of these pieces and start placing them around until I love what I see. There is no science. Getting to a point that makes me smile is my goal.
And then I start gluing them in place. Now, this time I used a glue stick. If I want to feel less committed, I often use repositionable glue tape. Next time I will bring that along and show you how great that is.
All that is left to complete the Step (maybe I should call this a phase): Before Pen, is to get some washi tape. I have actually done some weekly spreads using only washi tape and pen. That can be fun and simple too.
Wow! I just love it so far. I did grab a few stickers to pop in some key events for the week. It wasn’t necessary but it was fun to sift through and find ones I thought tied into my theme. Now we are ready for the final phase with pen!
4 key focus blocks I tend to repeat are:
Goal for the week
Space to jot things foe next week
specific to do lists
Key appointments or meetings each day
Here is this week’s plan.
In one view I can see all of the most important tasks, events, and priorities for the week and by day. I have a place for important things to keep in mind for next week. I know when my work day really starts and whether I can roll out of bed and go straight to work after my morning quiet time or if I have to plan extra time to commute. And I love this little dashboard.
Do you plan your week? In a plannet? In your head? Would you like to see more of my weekly spread styles? I would love to hear from you on what I can share on Managing Mondays.
Every once in awhile I come home to a box waiting for me. It feels like Christmas.
So, here is the latest box from Erin Condren! Isn’t that a pretty box? The word “enjoy!” and the pretty design lend a subtle clue that EC has blessed my step. I kinda dig when the box does not blatantly display a company name.
And when I saw this pastel beauty next to my front door I was a giddy girl. Ready to see what is inside? Me too!
Let’s open it!
The enjoy! theme is mirrored inside. I just adore when I order items and they come packaged like a gift. Personal touches is a trend that big box retailers miss.
When I was browsing the site I wanted a new notebook (Her planning system is not what I use these days) and was hoping I could find something with my words for 2018. This little gem ties nicely to Strength. So I jumped on in and customized to colors that made me happy. That is the fun of Erin Condren. You can personalize with your name and change the colors within her palatte range. And the paper quality is amazing! Let’s tour this notebook.
The cover is laminated so the inside can be used over and over again with the wet erase markers.
Instead of the standard lined notebook, I opted for the productivity notebook with a list margin. We all know i love making lists! I haven’t decided what I will do yet with this notebook. I know it is going to be for writing projects. And as a lover of lists I thought I could brainstorm in bullets or list what I might need to research.
The notebooks are filled with quotes and reminders of positivity which make me smile when I use them. I need more positivity. How about you?
Did I mention I love the paper? Made in the U.S.A. and a nice thick paper that won’t tear easily. I am in love and can’t wait until I have a block of time to play.
What else is in the box?
These gift tags were a freebie. I realized I shop regularly with EC and prefer online versus going to Staples for their limited inventory. And I never signed up for the EC Insider program. I finally took the plunge for the perks. And as a thank you they sent me these! What fun! Watch for a post in the not so distant future when I embellish with them.
Markers! I have to hide these from my teenager. I really do. Not only because she would likely borrow them with no plan to return but because I have been organizing in my office in my spare time and my marker/pen/highlighter collection is already put of hand. These are my first ever from EC. They were 15% off and the Wet Erase are needed for some other items in the box. And those are…
These laminated beauties were also on sale. I wanted to see how they work with any and all spiral notebooks. And I wanted to explore laminated or permanent reusable inserts for planners would work for me. Now you know why I needed the wet erase markers. I just love these colors! Watch for some future blogs where I plan with them. I am so excited.
Oh…that isn’t all!
I love pen holders that can be stuck in journals, notebooks, and planners. And these were on sale making them under $2 each. I have never tried EC holders. I have several from Happy Planner and Michael’s but they are not plain and simple. I am into the thought of the pen holder blending in and the pen of choice standing out.
And the Coil Clip Connectors allow you to put anything inside the spiralbound notebook, journal, or planner. A custom-made dashboard or checklist might be good to pop into one…and I have always wondered what to use. So I grabbed a couple to play around with and maybe share with my readers.
Last…but certainly not least. I love these daily dots sets.
And I have been meaning to play around with this on one of my planners. I cannot wait to show you how. I will also compare these to other daily dots that I have found via other retailers.
All in all I am happy with my new unboxing. The notebook feels so personal and was definitely a treat for me. I did pay full price for it. It is okay to splurge every once in a while. All of the accessories were on sale so I went a little crazy while still staying under my budget for my splurge. Don’t you love when that happens?
Watch for some projects coming up in the next couple of months as I put these to good use and compare EC products to other brands.
Have you ever purchased Erin Condren products? The company has quite a selection and not just paper and planners. The colors and desings change regularly throughout the year. I tend to place an order every quarter if one of the new designs catches my eye.
It was a rainy week. And today, the forecast calls for more. In Phoenix? Yup. Unusual to be sure! January is usually a rainy month and not February. So with the rain, I have been feeling lazy. No walking around the neighborhood. To be honest I am still recovering from some illness that took over my body while in Florida on business. I tell myself every morning that I feel better but by the end of the day, my body wants to rest. So I let it.
In January, I set simple goals.
And this post is a way of being real with myself and everyone else. I did not meet all my goals. Not in the pen and paper sense anyway. My fitbit does track some but my planner has a lot of white space left.
I started strong as you can see in week one.
And week two looks similar.
But the last half of the month looks like I fell off the wagon.
I didn’t completely fall off. I was definitely more focused on food. I did monitor my weight. I did work on sleeping better. I certainly focused on moving more. I just epically failed on tracking everything.
What do you do when you recognize you failed? Do you ask yourself why bother? Do you reset and start again.
Me? I sat in my chair and I looked at my vision board hanging on the opposite wall and I remembered that this is no New Year’s Resolution fail. This is a journey to a better me. It is where I want to be.
And the healthier me remembered that I should take time to reflect and reset.
After reflection, a vacation and a business trip have passed, I am picking right back up for the balance of February.
I am keeping the same goals and focus for the month and reminding myself to be kind as I reset.
The bonus to all of This? There is one. I may have not been perfect but I did come home from vacation and a business trip maintaining my weight within a pound. Oh…and as of today I lost two more.
Perfection is nowhere on my vision board. Loving myself and focusing on self-care in easy manageable ways one day at a time is. Let’s see how I do for the next 30ish days.
How are you doing with your plans and vision? I would love to hear. Please comment and share.
Saturday and Sunday I started packing, I organized myself and got down to brass tacks. I am sipping coffee and reviewing my lists. Because, well, do any of you live in New Orleans? Southern Florida, Cozumel?
I think I may need to adjust my plan. I see lots of rain and plain old chilliness on some days in the next two weeks.
I did the laundry, got the suitcase out of the closet and checked the weather forecasts. Then I put only definite items in the case and set it aside. Because I decided today was the day to look at the forecast one more time and make final adjustments.
Is packing such a process for you? I am still trying to avoid cranky. Cold and wet cranky is like a wet blanket. I think I need a couple of sweatshirts and sweaters in the mix. And a beanie and gloves to layer with my jackets.
I saw this post from a friend on social media saying that the day we sail out of NO LA will be chilly. To this Phoenician that high in the mid-50s will feel icy. I might look like I am heading to Alaska as we sail away but I assure you I am hoping that our captain puts the pedal to the metal. (What is the ship speed equivalent? Anyone know? Full Speed Ahead? Or is my Trekkie-ness showing with that one?)
Anyway. I never really worried about forgetting any thing because my lists have been ready and I will follow them. The dilemma is making adjustments. A reader suggested some capsule bloggers who are masters at packing and wardrobe optimisation. I may watch a few tonight. If anything resonates for me to recommend I will share before I set sail and let you know how it worked. For now, I have some coffee to sip.
Any last minute tips? Any suggestions to add to my “while in NOLA” list?
She Sips Coffee 