Thursday, October 31, 2013
Inexpensive Find 10/31/13
Inspiration 10/31/13
The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart.
-Elizabeth Foley
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
The Best Planners for 2014
This post is brought to you by the Lorde Pandora station. As well as the last week's worth of posts. Hey, I've been accomplishing oodles, and that's what matters. Whatever works, right? Insert witty segue into planners here.
As you may have noticed, my planner becomes my very best friend throughout the year. When looking for a planner, I have a few different criteria that needs to be met. I need LOTS of room to write in my ample to do lists per day. There needs to be a spot for some quick notes so I can add in my goals (and grocery lists). Everything else, like size, color, paper quality, those are a matter of current preference. A lot of times, I am willing to pay a bit more for a planner that hits every item on my list. So I've created a list of some planners that will help keep you (and me) organized throughout 2014.
1. The Moleskine 12 Month Daily Classic Planner comes in three different sizes, a bevy of different colors and many ways to customize. If you aren't concerned about the thin paper, then this may be the planner for you. I think it's classy yet fun, and this format has worked excellently for me this past year.
2. If you have several kids, the momAgenda may be exactly what you are looking for. It has space for up to four kids and their activities per day, perfect for the busy mom. This seems like a simple way to keep all of the crazy in check. If you aren't a fan of this one, you could get whatever planner you want and create a color-coded system for the kids. They also have a less "Mom" version for those of you without rugrats like me. It's a pretty great system where you can separate your different commitments like exercise, dinner planning, crafting, appointments, etc. Plus, anything that comes in leopard print (in a classy way) automatically makes me a fan.
3. If you need a little less space per day than I do, and want something attractive and functional, this Jonathan Adler agenda may do the trick. It comes in 4 different patterns with pretty tabs for easy finding as well as monthly and weekly calendar views. Did I say pretty? Because I meant it.
4. Levenger Circia smartPlanner is one of the more expensive offerings on the list, but it is so customizable, it may be just about perfect. This has things that every business person, mom, okay-anyone would need. It has the week on the left and a spot for a running to do list and goals on the right. Plus, it comes with a monthly planner, customizable tabs and an introduction to their refillable "apps" system, which come with 9 different types of printed paper (including to do lists, meeting notes, contacts, etc.) to see what organizational system works best for you. I'm not a huge fan of it's case, but it does have some additional options to customize that as well, for an additional fee, but then you can just get the calendar refills for the next years. And you can add notebooks and all the apps you want. This is the tantamount of simple, centralized organization. I'm not so sure how I feel about using disks instead of rings, and once you get all of the things you want to customize, the price can get pretty astronomical. This is for the person who has decided for sure that this is what they want forever, and then can just get the refills every year thereafter.
5. The Rhodia WebPlanner comes in black or orange, but the black version is more readily available online. The feel of this one is much better than a Moleskine, very soft. The format is amazing, the week on the right page for appointments and day-specific information and on the left, empty graph paper for a running to-do list, notes, etc. I currently use Rhodia notebooks, and love them. It has a nice band that keeps it closed, the page corners are perforated so that you always know what day you are on, and there also is a bookmark. It's an excellent product, if you want something that is black and professional looking.
Looking for something more tailored to your own personal organizational style? There are tons of planner printables available for a small price on Etsy that you could put into a binder of your choice. You also could make your own. The Man makes his own planner by getting a cheap fountain pen friendly notebook and divides the page up to show appointments for the week on the left page and his to-do list on the right page. You also could make a printable one yourself based on your own preferences, just make sure you have enough printer ink!
Side note: A cheap option that is similar to the Moleskine and Rhodia in size, shape, and functionality is the Picadilly Essential Diary. While the color is not exceptional (black), and the paper is only marginally fountain pen friendly, the price is awesome. $6.99, although you will have to do some searching for retailers that carry it.
As you may have noticed, my planner becomes my very best friend throughout the year. When looking for a planner, I have a few different criteria that needs to be met. I need LOTS of room to write in my ample to do lists per day. There needs to be a spot for some quick notes so I can add in my goals (and grocery lists). Everything else, like size, color, paper quality, those are a matter of current preference. A lot of times, I am willing to pay a bit more for a planner that hits every item on my list. So I've created a list of some planners that will help keep you (and me) organized throughout 2014.
1. The Moleskine 12 Month Daily Classic Planner comes in three different sizes, a bevy of different colors and many ways to customize. If you aren't concerned about the thin paper, then this may be the planner for you. I think it's classy yet fun, and this format has worked excellently for me this past year.
2. If you have several kids, the momAgenda may be exactly what you are looking for. It has space for up to four kids and their activities per day, perfect for the busy mom. This seems like a simple way to keep all of the crazy in check. If you aren't a fan of this one, you could get whatever planner you want and create a color-coded system for the kids. They also have a less "Mom" version for those of you without rugrats like me. It's a pretty great system where you can separate your different commitments like exercise, dinner planning, crafting, appointments, etc. Plus, anything that comes in leopard print (in a classy way) automatically makes me a fan.
3. If you need a little less space per day than I do, and want something attractive and functional, this Jonathan Adler agenda may do the trick. It comes in 4 different patterns with pretty tabs for easy finding as well as monthly and weekly calendar views. Did I say pretty? Because I meant it.
4. Levenger Circia smartPlanner is one of the more expensive offerings on the list, but it is so customizable, it may be just about perfect. This has things that every business person, mom, okay-anyone would need. It has the week on the left and a spot for a running to do list and goals on the right. Plus, it comes with a monthly planner, customizable tabs and an introduction to their refillable "apps" system, which come with 9 different types of printed paper (including to do lists, meeting notes, contacts, etc.) to see what organizational system works best for you. I'm not a huge fan of it's case, but it does have some additional options to customize that as well, for an additional fee, but then you can just get the calendar refills for the next years. And you can add notebooks and all the apps you want. This is the tantamount of simple, centralized organization. I'm not so sure how I feel about using disks instead of rings, and once you get all of the things you want to customize, the price can get pretty astronomical. This is for the person who has decided for sure that this is what they want forever, and then can just get the refills every year thereafter.
5. The Rhodia WebPlanner comes in black or orange, but the black version is more readily available online. The feel of this one is much better than a Moleskine, very soft. The format is amazing, the week on the right page for appointments and day-specific information and on the left, empty graph paper for a running to-do list, notes, etc. I currently use Rhodia notebooks, and love them. It has a nice band that keeps it closed, the page corners are perforated so that you always know what day you are on, and there also is a bookmark. It's an excellent product, if you want something that is black and professional looking.
Looking for something more tailored to your own personal organizational style? There are tons of planner printables available for a small price on Etsy that you could put into a binder of your choice. You also could make your own. The Man makes his own planner by getting a cheap fountain pen friendly notebook and divides the page up to show appointments for the week on the left page and his to-do list on the right page. You also could make a printable one yourself based on your own preferences, just make sure you have enough printer ink!
Side note: A cheap option that is similar to the Moleskine and Rhodia in size, shape, and functionality is the Picadilly Essential Diary. While the color is not exceptional (black), and the paper is only marginally fountain pen friendly, the price is awesome. $6.99, although you will have to do some searching for retailers that carry it.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
The Planner
While I'd love for the world to see me as Mary Poppins (practically perfect in every way), most of the time, I need a little help. Be that as it may, I've been known to be pretty efficient when I try. I have a planner system that works to keep me focused even at my most ADD moments. My trick? Make everything a task.
I write down everything in my planner. I use it as an appointment book, a to-do list, goal log, and note keeper. And yes, I check everything off after completion. It feels good when you've accomplished even the most mundane tasks to get it off your mind and move onto the next thing on your list. Switched the laundry-check! I don't necessarily do things in order, depending on the time things take and the mood my brain is in. So if I just don't feel like editing photos right now, I can type out the blog posts I have written on paper. Not in the creative mood? I can scrub floors now or exercise. You don't have to get as detailed as I do with what items I consider tasks, but this system really works for me. Called Mom-check!
Also, if I do something that I was going to do at a later date, or if something pops up and wasn't on my list, I add it to the list and check it off. So maybe I didn't get to clean out the microwave today... I did organize the linen closet, and that wasn't originally on my plan. Check! The microwave will have to be added on another day's list, but I don't feel bad about it. This system not only makes you feel more productive, you actually become more productive as a result.
I create monthly goals in my planner that I reference often to make sure I'm staying on track. These include a small list of household projects I want to accomplish, diet and exercise goals, reading I want to do, larger work projects, etc. This has been especially helpful in the wedding planning process.
Near the end of the month, I set aside a few minutes to review my monthly goals and create new goals for next month (yes, I schedule it in my planner). The purpose of this is not to beat yourself up over what you didn't accomplish but to always be mindful of what you want to do for yourself. It works, too.
Currently, I have the Moleskine "Colour a Month" 12 month daily planner. I like that it separates by month into small planners that fit into almost any purse and has tons of room in the day for to-do lists. I don't normally use the time slots as such unless I have many meetings in the day. I normally just put my to-do list and then list my meetings (and TV shows) near the bottom of the page so they are extra noticeable among the days events. I use the notes section in the back for my goals. I really have to think about what ink I put in here so it doesn't show through the other side, and I have to carry an extra small piece of blotting paper so my ink doesn't smear on the next page. Be that as it may, it's been a super convenient planning tool, and I love it. I think my next year's planner, which I have narrowed down to three, will display the whole week slightly smaller than my current setup, and then have a running to-do list on the side. I don't mind a heftier book to make this happen. I'll be going over the best planner options for 2014 later this week.
I have been known to write grocery lists in my planner, tracking information, phone numbers, etc. It helps to have everything organized in one place for quick reference. And if I notice myself getting off task, I check the planner and realign myself. For me, it adds a mindfulness into what you do. Remember, if it isn't written down, it can easily be forgotten (write that down).
You can find some really interesting customization options for planners all over the internet. For me, I like to stick with sticky notes, no pun intended, like these.
 |
| This is my Friday. My to-do list ends |
| up much longer as I think of things. |
Also, if I do something that I was going to do at a later date, or if something pops up and wasn't on my list, I add it to the list and check it off. So maybe I didn't get to clean out the microwave today... I did organize the linen closet, and that wasn't originally on my plan. Check! The microwave will have to be added on another day's list, but I don't feel bad about it. This system not only makes you feel more productive, you actually become more productive as a result.
 |
| Goals! Again, this list gets longer as we go. |
Near the end of the month, I set aside a few minutes to review my monthly goals and create new goals for next month (yes, I schedule it in my planner). The purpose of this is not to beat yourself up over what you didn't accomplish but to always be mindful of what you want to do for yourself. It works, too.
Currently, I have the Moleskine "Colour a Month" 12 month daily planner. I like that it separates by month into small planners that fit into almost any purse and has tons of room in the day for to-do lists. I don't normally use the time slots as such unless I have many meetings in the day. I normally just put my to-do list and then list my meetings (and TV shows) near the bottom of the page so they are extra noticeable among the days events. I use the notes section in the back for my goals. I really have to think about what ink I put in here so it doesn't show through the other side, and I have to carry an extra small piece of blotting paper so my ink doesn't smear on the next page. Be that as it may, it's been a super convenient planning tool, and I love it. I think my next year's planner, which I have narrowed down to three, will display the whole week slightly smaller than my current setup, and then have a running to-do list on the side. I don't mind a heftier book to make this happen. I'll be going over the best planner options for 2014 later this week.
I have been known to write grocery lists in my planner, tracking information, phone numbers, etc. It helps to have everything organized in one place for quick reference. And if I notice myself getting off task, I check the planner and realign myself. For me, it adds a mindfulness into what you do. Remember, if it isn't written down, it can easily be forgotten (write that down).
You can find some really interesting customization options for planners all over the internet. For me, I like to stick with sticky notes, no pun intended, like these.
- Post about my everyday organizational planner. Check!
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