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Coffee, Goals, Planning, Reflection, self-care

Mastering the Art of Weekend Planning: Productivity with a Dash of Style

Posted on August 20, 2023August 20, 2023 by shesipscoffee

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.

Strategy 3: The Self-Care Serenade

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.
Rachel Marie, CEO, Go Getter Girl Co.

Family, Goals, lists, Planning, Planning, Reflection, self-care, Vision, Writing

Managing Mondays – Finding Inspiration and Motivation

Posted on September 10, 2018 by shesipscoffee

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)
Celebrate something or someone
Love everyone

Have a great week. Back to sipping coffee.

Planning

Managing Mondays-Busy Days with Lofty Goals Await

Posted on May 7, 2018May 27, 2019 by shesipscoffee

This week is full of fun and I have a lot to do around all of it.

Live Music
Movie
Mother’s Day
Work
Appointments
Writing
Home Organization and Cleaning

Will I get it all done? I have a plan. And I decided to color code my days with Work in pink and Home in Green.

This is a new idea. With so much going on I thought the segregation would help my mind focus and fight the clutter. Let’s see how it works.

If nothing else I love the symmetry it lends to the design. This layout is using 100% Happy Planner brand products. Well, and a pen.

I love busy weeks yet when I start laying out the week I get a bit anxious. The events are non-negotiable. Time with friends at movies or live music shows are Aces to me. I live for moments that make memories. And I am well rested and camera ready. By the time Sunday comes around I will definitely love the fact that Mother’s Day means I get to take the day off. No chores from this Mom! And my son gave me a ticket to the live show on Sunday which will make the day the best ever. Ending a week eating at my favorite restaurant, enjoying live music that I love all on Mother’s Day means my blessings are truly overflowing.

With a week ending in so much joy I already feel motivated to rock this week at home and at work. I know I can get it all done and more.

Back to sipping my coffee before I tackle it all!

Planning

Reset – When Plans Need More Plans

Posted on May 7, 2018May 27, 2019 by shesipscoffee

Some weeks my planner needs more than the weekly spread. Honestly, I take a lot of notes on random pieces of paper. I make time during email blocks or between my many meetings to capture highlights on planner notes pages.

I also like to repurpose daily pages like the one below. Washi tape and stickers are by best planner friends. Truly they are!

My notes aren’t always pretty but I know what they mean when I come back to them later and ideally that’s the purpose they serve.

I have never shared and end of week spread so I thought I would.

I love seeing the check marks showing what I planned and accomplished each week.

But I often end up with notes and thoughts tucked into each week. Sometimes it is a to do list of sorts. Or just random ideas I want to look back at when I have time.

Every week I make some type of cleaning list. This is my latest favorite because it has daily, weekly and a focus area. I also love the cleaning tips and supply list. I delegate these tasks to the family via texts and check it off when I see it is done.

I love these daily pages for very busy days. I don’t always use the time slots unless I feel I need it because I am going from room to call to room to call and it helps me keep track where I am headed next when my laptop is closed to be respectful of the discussions in the rooms.

How about you? Do you have lots of pages in your planner? Any favorite formats or modifications? I love modified pages and would love to see ideas of what’s in between the pages.

Happy planning and many blessings!

Crafting, Family, Holidays, Recipe

Organizing Recipes – Decluttering the Piles

Posted on May 2, 2018May 3, 2018 by shesipscoffee

I have so many recipes in so many random places. Santa brought me a Happy Planner Recipe Planner a couple of years ago. And it is full of blank pages that are just waiting to get filled.

Over the past several months I have been finding recipes I have jotted down, saved as favorites, and printed. I look in a box, a book, or a drawer and suddenly a new recipe is stuffed inside. Instead of sticking them back, I have started putting them in the pocket folder of this planner and while I binge watch one evening each week, I WILL transfer them to my recipe planner. Finally!

I love the format and flexibility of this planner and hope that I can eventually have all of my recipes stored here.

As I use it I will also include love notes and memories in these pages for my kids to have for years. I can embellish with stickers and pictures and washi tape so that it can be another memory-filled and likely food-stained reminder of my crazy obsession of making things pretty.

And of course I have themed stickers to include in the fun!

How do you organize recipes? If you are looking for a binder like this I found mine along with expansion packs at Michael’s. I have also seen them on Amazon and of course, at one of my favorite sites, wwe.thehappyplanner.com

Share your way of organizing favorite recipes. Show me some pictures too. I would love to see them.

Family, Goals, lists, Planning, Planning, self-care, Vision, Writing

Managing Monday-Let’s Talk About Lists, Baby!

Posted on March 26, 2018March 26, 2018 by shesipscoffee

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.

Have a great week!

Goals, lists, Planning, Vision, Writing

Managing Mondays-How I Planned

Posted on March 20, 2018March 20, 2018 by shesipscoffee

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.

I hope your week is focused and rewarding.

food, Goals, health, Planning, Planning, travel, Vision

Planner for that: Focus on Fit and Healthy

Posted on February 19, 2018February 19, 2018 by shesipscoffee

Of course I am sipping coffee.

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.