For a while there I was pretty fickle with planners. I jumped around like crazy and every few months I was using something different. Thankfully things have settled down and I’ve fallen into a planner routine I’m quite happy with lately. All thanks to the addition of this Rifle Paper Co. Midnight Agenda.
I’ve been on the hunt for something to keep my to do lists in for ages. I feel like I’ve tried everything too. Sticky notes in my Erin Condren Life Planner, erasable dashboard covers, personal sized planners whose only purpose was to do lists, etc. This is the first system that I’ve stuck with for an extended period of time because it ticks all of the boxes.
The book itself is small (around 5×7) and incredibly portable. The hard, gold-foil cover keeps everything protected and makes it so I don’t have to worry about it bumping around in a bag. It’s much easier to tote around than my ECLP so I find I take it out into the world more while leaving my ECLP at home to be the more prettier, memory keeper of the two.
The layout is fabulous as well. All the monthly views are up at the front for easy scheduling while the weekly to do lists all fit on a two page spread. A lot of the downfalls of my other to do list planning methods were that I couldn’t see the entire week at once. I like to spread my to do list out over the work week so I don’t feel overwhelmed at the start of it and constantly trying to catch up as the week goes along. This way I know exactly what I want to accomplish for the entire week, but it more manageable daily pieces.
The weekly view also makes it great if I happen to not finish or complete a task for a particular day. I can still see that unchecked task for the rest of the week and can get back to it at a later day. I’m not constantly moving a to do list item from one day to the next so it leaves things less cluttered. The weekly spread acts as my entire to do list, just spread out over the days.
Of course I still add stickers. That’s what I love so much about this little guy. It still lends itself incredibly well to adding cute stickers. I tend to buy a lot of decorative stickers without really having a plan for what to use them for, so this gives me a reason to pop a few cute ones here and there to snazz up the weekly spread.
As for events I use these skinny labels to write down anything that’s happening that day above the to do list. That way I know what’s going on without it taking up too much space. It helps me rearrange my to do list for that day to make sure I’m not over-reaching on my goals since there’s something else that’ll take up some of my time.
This planner is a fantastic addition to my planning routine and has made me much more productive and organized. Plus it’s only $15 right now! Score!
One of my favorite things to do is shop around for a good home decor deal. There’s just something about interiors that makes me never want to spend anywhere near full price to get a look I want. I’ve been tackling our living room recently and it’s drummed up some ideas and tips on how to style a coffee table on a budget.
First things first, the table. I found ours for only $150 on Amazon and I couldn’t be more thrilled with it. It’s rustic, industrial, while still working with a modern style house. Assembly was a snap and the quality is just as good as stores selling something similar for double the price. Amazon is a fabulous place to find affordable pieces that are still high quality. A lot of our guest bedroom came from Amazon. Plus this way I don’t have to drag items out of the back of my car; they’re delivered to me.
As for styling the table, a tray of some sort is a must. I found a lot of my items from Hobby Lobby, but any discount home decor store will also do. Be sure to get a tray that doesn’t overwhelm the table by being too large, but don’t get anything too small that disappears on the top.
Decorate your tray with something that has height (cactus ceramic is from Hobby Lobby), something living, a candle, and something of interest. I’m still on the hunt for something of interest, but having this variety keeps the table engaging while not looking overly matchy-matchy.
Keep it simple. Don’t overwhelm the table with bits and bobs making it so it no longer can be used to set drinks. A coffee table’s ultimate goal is to keep you and your guests comfortable in your living space. A crowded coffee table can distract, become a dangerous obstacle, or take away from the inviting space you’re trying to create.
My biggest tip? Use things you already have. I popped a few board games on the bottom shelf to add more interest and color while providing a conversation starter. So many people have asked us about the board games (Junking, Alhambra, and Five Tribes) and it usually leads us to playing one of them. So include any interesting books you might have, travel trinkets, or mementos. Don’t forget to have fun with it. Your house shouldn’t feel like it could belong to anyone. It should feel like your home, so include any quirky items (like a little gnome in the plant) to make the space special.
What are some of your tips and tricks to styling a coffee table?
We all do it. Horde those gorgeous notebooks with grand plans of what we’ll one day use them for. But of course we never do. I think it’s safe to say I have a good dozen or so of these empty notebooks I’m saving for a rainy day. I’m saying enough is enough and finally putting them to good use. Here are some easy ways to finally use that empty notebook.
Create a book of lists where each page is a different list. Write a list for places you want to travel, favorite foods, future baby names, favorite Etsy shops, etc. You could easily fill a nice sized notebook with a ton of different lists. Do this every year and see how your interests change over time.
Try your hand at bullet journaling. An empty notebook is the perfect place to start creating your own system of planning. Create a yearly overview, books read, weekly spread, etc. There are a ton of resources on Pinterest including this handy board I’ve made.
Give journal writing a try. I’m sure we all have those angsty teenage diaries that are cringe-worthy now. But if it can work for our younger selves to work out a few issues it could also help now. Whenever I’m feeling particularly overwhelmed writing in a journal really helps to work out the thoughts and feelings I’m having to make better sense of them.
Finally start work on that big dream you have. I’ve always toyed around with the idea of opening a brick and mortar store. So I took one of my numerous empty journals and am using it for ideas and inspiration. It’s super helpful to put ideas in one place so I’m not just putting them out into the universe with no hope of ever recovering them when the time comes that I need them. Think of whatever dream or plan you’ve wanted to pursue and make a dedicated notebook for it.
Create a gratitude journal and write a few lines every day about what you’re thankful for. This is a perfect way to lead a more positive, focused life and to rid yourself of daily negativity.
Put together a travel scrapbook with all those ticket stubs and pamphlets from that last trip you took. Give each location/event its own page and paste down any souvenirs you may have. Then write in some thoughts about the experience.
Start a letter notebook with a friend. Write a few pages to your friend and mail the book to them. They’ll write their thoughts and send it back. In a few months you’ll have a back and forth log conversation. This is great for a significant other who’s long distance or keeping in touch with friends.
Write unsent letters to work out your emotions. Maybe you’re upset with your boss or a family member. Use the notebook to write out your thoughts and feelings so you don’t bottle them up and let them explode in the worst possible way. Of course you’ll want to keep this notebook well hidden so it doesn’t fall into any unwanted hands. Maybe make a ceremony of destroying it once it’s done!
Use a notebook for daily to do lists. That way you aren’t constantly trying to hunt down that scrap of paper you wrote on. They’ll be all in once place and you can transfer to do list items from day to day if you don’t happen to complete them
Write letters to the future. To your future self, your future kids, your current kids, your significant other. This would be a very fun project to look back on ten years down the road and see where you were at in life.
So let’s all stop hoarding those notebooks and put them to good use!
