Why You Should Try a Double Monthly Planner System

8.22.2019

Why You Should Try a Double Monthly Planner System

Two months ago I took some pliers to my Erin Condren Deluxe Monthly in order to add another monthly view to each section in the hopes of some planner satisfaction (planner peace just doesn't exist...). I always think of the song "I can't get no (planner) satisfaction!" when it comes to planning. But that's a whole other tangent...

Ok back on point Kayla. Double monthly spreads. I needed a way to keep track of my blog posts and videos without them cluttering up my main monthly view. I don't use weekly views (I prefer to see the entire month at once) so I had to figure out a way to make it work. So why not two planner spreads? 

I'm in love. It works so well at keeping all of my content organized in a way that visually makes sense to me. I can easily flip from my main monthly view to the content and know exactly what's going on. It's all in the same planner so I'm not carrying around extra notebooks or calendars unnecessarily. Sure a larger monthly view could also do the trick, but honestly I like having them separate but similar. Plus it means two planner spreads to decorate which is always a plus.

A double monthly spread could work for you if you have a blog or regular content you're creating on a regular basis. Or if your family has a very busy sports schedule you could separate it all out in the second monthly view, and have a little icon to mark it in your main view. My content schedule never changes, so I know there will be posts on Tues/Thurs and videos on Wed/Fri so I don't need the reminder in my main view, but if you're just getting started it could be helpful so you aren't missing anything.

To me this solves the personal planner/work planner problem without the multiple planner situation. It can also function as a workout or health tracker. The sky's really the limit on the two monthly view planner. I'm just sayin'. It's pretty insane. 

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5 Beauty Products I've Been Loving and You Will Too

8.20.2019

5 Beauty Products I've Been Loving and You Will Too

So my last beauty post was like a year ago...Like I just didn't stop wearing makeup. Or new products. But apparently beauty posts went out the window when I changed the blog from MicroscopeBeauty to Oh, Hello Living. Well they're back my friends and what better way to dive right in than talk about some new products to my collection that I've been loving? Let's get our toes wet again with this whole beauty blog post thing...

I basically cannot live without Glossier's Boy Brow, so whenever I place an order to replenish my stash I've been slowly trying out other Glossier products. I figured I would try the Perfecting Skin Tint (I'm the shade G11) in my most recent order and I'm so happy I did. It's an incredibly lightweight formula that I love for days that I don't want to wear a ton of makeup but still want to even out my skin tone. It has somewhat of a satin finish that I've really been digging lately. In the summer months dewy skin just looks sweaty so this is a great, build-able option.

The vegan and cruelty-free brand Clove and Hallow recently popped up on my radar. Having absolutely no idea about the brand, I chose three products from the line and completely love each one. How often does that ever happen!? Definitely since I'm a grandma when it comes to new things. I went rouge with the Hydraglow* as I'm not usually one for highlights (goes back to that looking sweaty thing). It's amazing. Specifically I use it to highlight my shoulders and collar bone if I'm wearing a tank top or an outfit that shows off those areas. it provides this amazing shimmery glow that I'm completely obsessed with. It's incredibly easy to apply just a little bit so my heavy handed ways don't go overboard. 

I also snagged one of their lipsticks in the shade Desert Rose.* The formula is so smooth. It has the hydration of a lip balm and the pigmentation of a lipstick. Plus the packaging is gorgeous with a strong magnetic closure. Gotta love hearing that satisfying snap of the tube closing. 

The third product I picked up from Clove and Hallow is their Hydratint Blush in Georgia.* I'm having a moment with liquid blushes lately and this one is fantastic. I find that it's really easy to control how much pigmentation you want when it comes to a liquid blush. I apply a bit to my fingers, dab it to my cheeks, and blend out with the beauty blender I used to put on my foundation. It gives this gorgeous flush to the skin that I can't get enough of. I'm definitely going to have to go back for more shades!

Derma-E has become my go-to skincare brand as of late because there hasn't been a product that I haven't liked. It's also a 100% cruelty-free, vegan brand (blog post on my favorite brands maybe?!). Their serums are definitely some of my favorites, but I really have been liking their Vitamin C Renewing Moisturizer.* Vitamin C is great for adding vibrancy and life back to the skin and with the long nights and early mornings I've been pulling for my business lately, I need all the help I can get. I particularly enjoy how liquid-y their products tend to be as they sink into the skin super fast.

Phew. It feels good to be back on the beauty blogging wagon. I can definitely see a shift in my beauty and makeup style over the past year so I'm excited to show you the evolution. Gone are the days of poorly blended eye shadow (fingers crossed). It's all about natural skin and glow (but not sweaty!!).

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My Weird Travel Quirks

8.15.2019

My Weird Travel Quirks

One of the first things my husband accepted about me were my weird travel habits. I'm a strange, anxiety-filled duck when it comes to most things, but I get even weirder when it comes to travel. I honestly don't know why I'm still like this after travelling every month for the past two years. Yet here we are.  

I always bring a pillow. Like a full sized one. From our bed. Regardless of how limited we are on space, I somehow always manage to jam my pillow into the suitcase to bring along with me despite Alex's eye rolling.

I always have to have peanut butter M&Ms. I rarely eat them any other time, but when I'm travelling it's a must. Anyone else have a weird travel-only snack you just have to have?

Now this one has to be the planner girl in me, but I always pack early. We're talking a week early on average. I like to pick out the clothes I want to bring with me early so I don't wear them before we leave. Plus I'm constantly paranoid I'm going to forget something (like a hairbrush I'm constantly forgetting) so in my head packing early means I have more time to think about what I need. Without fail, no matter how often we travel, I still pack like I haven't traveled in years. 

Now so far these aren't too crazy, but I also always use Google maps to check what food will be around me. I'm weirdly paranoid that despite living in the 21st century and really only travelling domestically, I won't be able to find food. Like come on Kayla, there's a Starbucks around every corner. You're good. And yet about a week before we leave for a trip I find myself frantically googling food within walking distance of our hotel. Just in case I find myself starving to death.

Regardless of knowing where all the closest food sources are to the hotel, I still bring enough snacks to feed four people for a week. Without fail. Now that TSA requires you to take out snacks I look like I'm emptying a grocery cart every time I go to a security checkpoint. Apparently my fear of hunger knows no bounds.

What are some of your weird travel quirks? Make me feel less insane!

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How to Start a Planner Instagram in 5 Easy Steps

8.13.2019

How to Start a Planner Instagram in 5 Easy Steps

Any proper planner addict should have their own planner related Instagram profile. Whether or not you combine it with your "personal" account is up to you, but having a place to share your spreads and seek feedback is another element to the planner community. Don't have one yet? Here are five easy steps to get started.

1. Pick a planner related name. That way your Instagram can be found easier when other planner people are exploring for new feeds. Something like "planlikekim" or "kimplansalot" work! 

2. Post consistently. At first your feed won't get much traction, but if you post consistently once a day or every other day, your profile will start to gain more traction and exposure.

3. Use hashtags to help your posts get found. Be sure to mix them up from post to post so Instagram doesn't think you're spamming. Use hashtags like #plannercommunity, #planneraddict, #erincondren, and others depending on what planner you're using.

4. Bright lighting. I mean this one should probably be the only rule with Instagram posts. Keep your photos bright. The easiest way to do this is to put down a white piece of paper next to a window. Take photos of your planner in bright, natural light. No one wants to look at dark photos!

5. Follow fellow planner Instagrams and comment on their posts. The best way to gain a following is to become active in the community. Follow other planner Instagram accounts and comment on their posts. Engage with them and they'll undoubtedly engage with you! Being an active member of whatever community you're using Instagram for is imperative to having success in growing a following.

It's super easy to get your Instagram for your planning up and running! Let me know what your Instagram handle is in the comments so I can go follow you!

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5 Reasons I Love the Day Designer Planner

8.08.2019

5 Reasons I Love the Day Designer Planner

There's a full review blog post on The Day Designer planner a few posts back, but I wanted to share five reasons why I'm completely in love with this planner and how it's completely taken over my planning routine. It's a good'un.

The next week at a glance at the bottom of the weekend page is something I didn't know my planning routine was missing. It's revolutionary. I love being able to see what's coming up in the next week. It helps with my end of the week anxiety over what's to come plus helps me get more prepared in the process. It makes the week feel much more manageable. 

Back when I used a weekly planner, hourly layouts were my jam. So the daily hour slots to write in appointments are right up my alley. I added this planner back into my routine because I had a lot more appointments piling up that previous months. I wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything and I love how easy it is to mark when I have something with a time attached to it.

If I had a particularly unproductive day I love being able to just turn the page, let it go, and move on. Weekly views tend to pile up on me and make me feel like I'm not getting anything done. A daily planner makes it easy to put a crappy day in the past and get more done the next day.

I also really like the notes section on each page. It's another section that I didn't expect I would use as much as I do. I write packing lists, custom stickers I need to design, and random notes throughout the day. This planner just makes me feel like I don't have to be perfect. I can scribble things here and there and the next day I have a fresh, clean spread to tackle.

Because I can just turn the page to a clean start every two days, the Day Designer lets me mix up my planning style. Sometimes I'll plan out my entire day down to the hour, other days I'll write a to do list and call it good. I love the flexibility.

Oh, Day Designer. Did I just write you a love letter? You bet I did.

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Why You Should Create an Essentials List in Your Planner

8.06.2019

Why You Should Create an Essentials List in Your Planner

First thing's first. You may be thinking, "What the heck is an essentials list anyway?!" It's a list of all of the essential tangible things in your life that if your house caught on fire, you'd try to save first if your family and pets were already safe. The items that bring you joy, that hold sentimental value, and matter to you above everything else. So why should you have one?

It helps you put your life into perspective. To really see what actually matters to you at the end of the day. You'll be surprised at what ends up on the list, but even more with what doesn't. And it makes you have this sense of freedom. Like you aren't tied to all the material crap that builds up in your house and overflows from closets (just me?!) You know exactly what matters to you at the end of the day and the rest doesn't matter.

It also helps you stop frivolous spending. You are so much more aware of the types of things that really matter to you that you'll think twice before making an impulse purchase in the dollar section of Target. My impulse purchases are almost non-existent now. I always think back to this list and ask myself, "Will what I want to buy end up going on my essentials list or not? And does it matter to me if it doesn't end up on the list?" Sometimes we all need to have a planner sticker shopping spree every now and again...we're human after all.

So sit down for ten to fifteen minutes and write up your essentials list. What would you pack into a van if you suddenly decided to abandon your current life and start a new one? What material things matter the most? I'd love to hear what ends up on your list in the comments if you're willing to share!

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What to Do if You're the Youngest Person in Your Workplace

8.01.2019

What to Do if You're the Youngest Person in Your Workplace

Now I know I work for myself, but stay with me here. My husband Alex and I are the youngest people in our neighborhood and work networks. When people discovered our ages a few months after meeting us, we could physically feel the air change in the room. Age is tied to experience and that's not necessarily always true. So here's what you can do to navigate being the youngest person in your workplace.

Put your work forward, not your age. We intentionally avoided telling neighbors and work colleagues our ages. For one, it shouldn't matter (even though it does), but two, we let our work speak for us. You're going to feel like you have something to prove, so prove it. Generations stereotype, so put your head down and break the classic "lazy" or "entitled" stereotypes will impressing your boss at work in the process.

Find things in common with your colleagues so they stop seeing your differences first. Do you like the same music as someone in your office? Did you grow up in the same small town? Find common interests to build a relationship beyond the superficial.

Don't take the age comments too seriously. A friend or work acquaintance will make a comment like, "Oh you're too young to know who that is" or "You weren't even born when that came out!" Oftentimes that's their insecurities being projected onto you. It's often hard for people to accept that someone younger is at the same point in life as they are. 

Avoid age references. The other side of the coin is just as true. No one wants their older age to be pointed out. Avoid the "you don't know what Snapchat is?!" comments. Trust me. That's now how you make friends.

There are going to be those people who just can't get over the age difference. It's unfortunate, but it's also not your problem. Be proud of your personal successes while not rubbing them in anyone's face. Work hard and be kind.

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That One Time When I Was in a Shitty Relationship

7.30.2019

That One Time When I Was in a Shitty Relationship

The photo of adorable Gallifrey is here to keep things in perspective. My life and relationships now are stronger than ever. I'm happy. I have a husband and cats that love me. It's all good. But let's talk about that one time I was in that shitty relationship shall we?

There are so many things I wish I could go back and tell myself about that craptastic relationship in college. But I don't actually regret it. Sure I definitely wouldn't repeat it, but I learned a lot about myself, my worth, and the love I deserved. If time travel becomes a thing, I have a few things I'd tell myself (besides 'end it' of course).

Words and actions aren't the same thing. Just because they say one thing, doesn't mean it's true. 

Being in a bad relationship is more lonely than being alone. There's so much doubt and distrust in an unhealthy relationship that you spend more time wondering and worrying what they're up to than anything else. I felt constantly paranoid (and for good reason because he was definitely cheating on me) and unsure of myself. I felt crazy, jealous, and alone.

If it's work, it's not worth it. A relationship shouldn't beat you up mentally. It should make you feel like you've found something that's been missing. That you've found a missing piece of yourself that you didn't know you needed. It shouldn't hurt. It shouldn't be soul-crushing.

Leave the self doubt behind when you leave him behind. It took me way too long to regain the self-confidence I lost in that shitty relationship. I felt worthless, not sexy enough, not funny enough. Just not enough. My self worth got wrapped up and twisted into making him like me that I didn't even care if I liked myself.

I am the accumulation of all of my past experiences. That shitty relationship gave me what I needed to become a person I wanted to be. I learned to say 'no' and to fight for myself. It wasn't easy, and it didn't happen overnight, but I took how terrible I felt those brief months in that relationship and put it on the never-again list. I hope none of you experience a shitty relationship, but if you find yourself in one, have the courage to take yourself out of it sooner rather than later. You deserve better.

Yes you.

You deserve better. 

(Also I sincerely hope that shitty guy reads this post...just sayin')

*plays Lizzo's "Good as Hell" on repeat*

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My Blog Post and YouTube Video Content Calendar

7.25.2019

My Blog Post and YouTube Video Content Calendar

From Google calendars to notebooks, I've tried quite a few ways over the years to keep track of my online content. Since blog posts and videos often change based on my mood and what's relevant, I need a system that can adapt and change with me. Of course Google Calendar is great for that, but I much rather use stickers. I mean...who wouldn't?

So lately I've been operating on a two monthly calendar system. I created my own frankenplanner with two monthly calendars back to back. The first is my main calendar to track travel and appointments, and the second is for content. That way I have everything in one place, but separate to keep things from getting too messy.

I stick with functional stickers and use the boxes with the white insides for blog posts and the shaded ones for videos. I put all of the stickers down at the start of the month and fill in posts and videos as I go along. Having all of the stickers down at the start of the month makes it easy for me to see where and when I need content. It also helps me coordinate blog posts to go along with videos. I use rectangle boxes to mark any travel or big events that will likely affect content.

If I decide to change up a post or a video after writing something down, I place another sticker on top of it. Sure I could use erasable pens or remove the sticker, but I find putting one on top of the other is the fastest and laziest approach. 

I'm sure my system will continue to change and adapt depending on my needs, but this method combines my love of stickers and desire to use a tangible planner into one happy solution.

How do you keep track of your content creation?

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How I Use the Day Designer Planner

7.24.2019

How I Use the Day Designer Planner

As far as daily planners go, the Day Designer has to be my favorite. It's my go-to planner when I'm feeling particularly overwhelmed with my schedule, have a lot of meetings, and don't want to overbook myself. It's gorgeous, heavy-duty, and has tons of space for to do lists and appointments.

Since I use the Erin Condren Deluxe Monthly as my main planner, I decided to keep the monthly view simple in this one. Some Mildliners to mark appointments and travel did the trick. That way I can quickly glance at the monthly view if necessary to see any big events or plans while working on my daily pages.

This ruler trick is one of my favorite new discoveries. Place a sticky note on the ruler to track a list throughout the entire week. Presto. Planner magic. 

The daily views have a timed section to write down meetings and scheduled events, plus a to do list area. The top section has places to write due and don't forget items as well as the day's top three.

The weekend's are on one page with a next week view at the bottom. This is super helpful to know what's coming up the following week that I can prepare for over the weekend.

The Day Designer is an amazing planner if you're quite busy and your day to day changes often. There's plenty of space to write to do lists, plan big projects, and schedule appointments. It has been a savior for me this past month.

Hear more about the planner as well as enter the giveaway to win one for yourself in the above video.

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How to Make To Do Lists Like a Boss

7.18.2019

How to Make To Do Lists Like a Boss

Now of course I wish to do lists contained only important items like "pet puppies" and "eat ice cream," but alas they do not. But in order to get to those two happiness boosting activities, we have to get all of the "meh" things out of the way. Here's how to make a to do list like a boss so you can get on to the things you rather be doing.

Keep it realistic. Your to do list needs to be realistic above everything else. You know how much time you have in the day to actually complete things on the list. Keeping your list realistic makes you feel more accomplished when you check things off rather than disheartened when you barely make a dent.

Limit the list to three top priorities and around six other items. This helps with keeping the list realistic. Have three things that HAVE to get done that day, and around six other action items that you'd like to complete as well. That way you aren't trying to eat the whole elephant so to speak and are taking it one bite at a time.

Don't micromanage yourself. Putting every step in the process may seem like a good idea, but you don't want to micromanage yourself. You know everything that goes into say, writing a blog post. You don't need to list each step along the way (take the photo, write the post, publish, share on social, etc), but can say "Blog Post" on the list instead. It'll keep your list visually manageable despite there actually being a few smaller steps for each item.

Take steps towards your bigger goals. If you have quarterly goals or bigger things you want to accomplish, try and put one thing on your list every day or every other day to help you work towards those goals. That way you're getting closer to the finish line without feeling rushed or overwhelmed at the scale of the project.

Cross things out. It feels oh so good to take a big line through a to do list item. That's while I'll never switch to digital to do lists. It's too dang satisfying to cross things off.

Transfer unfinished items from one day to the next. If you don't have as productive a day as you thought you would, don't sweat it. Transfer unfinished to do list items to the next day's list. That way you don't forget something that still needs to get done. Be kind to yourself. You aren't going to finish every single to do list every single day.

Of course if it helps you stay productive, add fun colors, stickers, and anything else to keep that list top of mind. 

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10 Quick Tips to Having a Very Productive Week

7.16.2019

10 Quick Tips to Having a Very Productive Week

Ah Mondays. They get a bad rep. Mostly because we don't prepare over the weekend to make sure it starts off on the right foot. If you're looking to have the most productive week yet, here are 10 quick things you can do to set yourself up for success.

Create a to do list the night before Monday. That way when you've dragged yourself into work the next morning, you know exactly what you need to do rather than messing about on Facebook for a few hours before finally settling down to work.

Prepare meals for breakfast and lunch so you're making healthier choices than a late afternoon trip to the vending machine. Having them pre-made makes it easy to just grab from the fridge and go in the morning too. Basically, do all the thinking the night before so you don't have to worry about anything bright and early Monday morning.

Finish your laundry. I can't tell you how many times I get halfway through the week and run out of underwear. Finish your laundry over the weekend so you aren't having to do it during the week when you're swamped with spontaneous events and nights out. Plus you'll have all of your favorite clothes.

Make sure your car has gas. Another one of those better safe than sorry tips. This list is pretty much an exposé of all of the dumb things I did when I had a desk job. So many Monday mornings I find myself in a car that's on E and rushing to the gas station, already late to work. Give yourself at least a fighting chance and make sure you have a half a tank or more.

Pack your bags for the next day. If you have plans to go to the gym, pack that bag the night before and put it by the door. Any lofty goals current you has will be immediately forgotten by future you if you don't make it as easy as possible.

Have an idea of what you want to wear in mind or picked out Sunday night. That way you'll look your best and start the week feeling great.

Charge all of your electronics. If you have a fitbit or Apple watch, make sure your devices are charged to kick the week of on the right foot (literally). 

Map out the week ahead so you have a sense of where you need to be and what you need to do. Have a lot of meetings on Tuesday? Push preparing for that big presentation to Wednesday so you won't be interrupted by meetings. 

Get to bed early. Turn off Netflix before eleven and you'll be bright-eyed the next morning. 

Drink a lot of water Monday morning. I mean, drink a lot of water period, but especially Monday morning. But you knew that, right?

What are some of the ways you prepare to have a very productive week?

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