Personal Planner Peace

My organization-loving heart is so happy right now. I recently decided to start using a personal sized planner for work, and it's serious planner peace.

Now, I'm not actually using my planner for appointments, we have an Outlook calendar that everyone uses, which is convenient for scheduling appointments. I found myself constantly making little to-do lists and keeping notes in different notebooks, and I finally got tired of trying to remember what cute notebook I was using during such-n-such meeting. And after switching my Plum Paper Planner into an A5 binder, I've loved being able to add different things into my binder, like notes, lists, etc.

So I took to Etsy to find an inexpensive personal planner that I could keep my lists in. I wound up purchasing a red one from washibear after reading some good reviews on them from instagram and their shop page. It's a great planner for the price; I was pretty impressed by the quality.

Once my binder was headed my way, I considered my options for inserts. There are tons out there on Etsy, but I decided to just make and print my own. They are really simple with a spot to write in the date, the day of the week, a place for notes, and another box with the days of the week where I can list appointments. I use this just to write in who I met with on what day, so that if I ever need to reference something, I have it easily. As mentioned, it's not used to schedule appointments, so I do not write in times or locations, but of course you could.

Mostly I write out my daily to-do list and I update it and add to it through out the day. It has helped so much in remembering what I worked on which day and which things still need to be done.

Here is a link to the PDF inserts. I print these double-sided, cut, and hole-punch. Sometimes I'll add a strip of washi tape to reinforce the holes. For reference, the boxes are sized to an Erin Condren/PPP/Happy Planner width, so you could use stickers to decorate. Enjoy!

Summer Must Haves

With the kickoff of summer this week, there's no better time than to share some summer must haves. These could also be considered favorites, because I've had all these things for awhile and a couple I've purchased repeatedly.

Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC - This bag is my most-used, perfect-sized, goes-with-everything summer bag. It's just large enough to fit the necessities but condensed and lightweight. The blue and white print is from two (?) summers ago, but I still feel like it's the perfect summer print. The cognac leather accents and the silver chain keeps it casual, but I always feel put together when I wear it. (shop here)

NYX Mega Shine lipgloss in Beige - I carry this lipgloss with me 24/7 in the summer. It is natural, easy to wear, and not too sticky. The color is just the right amount of pink to pair with any nude, pink, or my lips but better colors. (shop here)

Versace Tortoise Shell sunglasses - My current favorite sunnies are literal perfection. These babies were gifted to me for Christmas and are no longer available, but seriously, the oversized shape, wearable tortoise shell frame, and tan-tinted lenses are the best everyday pair to protect your eyes. (similar here)

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess bronzer - This compact is last year's model, and that's because I bought two *monkey see no evil emoji*. I couldn't help it; this bronzer was made for my complexion and make me look like I've just been baking in the sun, even when I'm stuck in the office. I hope they never stop making this product because it is #bronzegoals. (shop here)

FLO Refillable Perfume Atomizer - Where has this thing been all my life?! I love being able to bring my favorite scents with me to reapply in the afternoon, without lugging a huge bottle or buying a separate rollerball. She's currently filled with Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess (here) which I'm as obsessed with as the bronzer. I'll never go without this little gem now. (shop here)

Summer Salad

This one time in college I started eating salad and I pretty much never stopped. It's funny to think now that I went so many years hating vegetables and salad, but until I was about 18, salad was the last thing I would consider as a meal option. Now, as an adult, I love creating salads with different veggies, fruits, and nuts. Summer always inspires me to play with produce. This one is a repeat offender.

For the dressing, mix a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil with a pinch of chia seeds, a pinch of hemp seeds and three shakes of lemon pepper. (don't you love the exactness of my measurements?) I am currently loving the citrus flavor of this EVOO.

A handful of arugula and a handful of spinach for the perfect combination of leaves. A palmful of almonds, but you could swap out for your favorite nut, and a palmful of sunflower seeds. Then I quarter four or five strawberries and add crumbled feta. Once the dressing is drizzled over, I toss the entire salad. Sometimes I'll eat this on it's own for lunch and sometimes I'll put it on a bed of quinoa. Super yummy and super easy.

Favorites

Beauty products
Urban Decay Naked Skin foundation in the color 3.0 because I have a bit of sun now.
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess bronzer applied as blush because SUMMER! And speaking of Bronze Goddess, I finally jumped on the perfume train. It is hands down my favorite fragrance of all time. It doesn't have a long lasting scent though, so I did pick up a refillable travel container from Ulta so I can carry it with me.
Lorac Pro has been my eye palette of choice, focusing on these three shades: Lt. Pink, Mauve, and Lt. Bronze.
Physicians Formula Eye Booster liquid liner has been my jam for quite awhile now.
Loreal Voluminous Butterfly mascara is now a staple in my routine because it doesn't smudge or flake. I'm on tube 3 of this guy!
Lip colors have been switching up quite a bit but my two favorites are Loreal Fairest Nude lipstick and NYX Beige gloss - worn together or independently.

Fashion
Now that summer is officially here, these shoes are my go-to. They are classic, go with everything, and I can where them all day without hurting my feet. Wedges will always be my shoe of choice.
Ponytails and chandeliers earrings are always a favorite for summer. The Stella and Dot Mirage Chandeliers have been dangling from my lobes several times this month.


Life
There have been so many stressful things going on, that I felt the desire to get back into fitness. It's hard to remember that before the wedding, I was working out four times a week and eating fairly healthy. So in an attempt to get back to it, I've been doing HIIT workouts. Lucy Wyndham Reed's YouTube channel is my favorite.
Recently I've been watching Friends from Season 1 on Netflix. Where has this show been all my life? Seriously, I can rarely make it through an episode without gasping for air while laughing.
If you follow my instagram, you know that the planning world has been life changing for me. I'm loving using it as an outlet for creativity, and more importantly keeping me organized.

Here's to hoping June is sunny and full of fun!