Are your planner pages ruling over you? Do you use them exactly as intended and never deviant?
It's time to take control of your planner!
Monday, August 31, 2015
Take Control of Your Planner Pages
***This post may contain affiliate links. These links help you find the items that I use in my planner and financially support this blog. See my "Disclaimer" link for additional details.***
Are your planner pages ruling over you? Do you use them exactly as intended and never deviant?
It's time to take control of your planner!
Are your planner pages ruling over you? Do you use them exactly as intended and never deviant?
It's time to take control of your planner!
Sunday, August 30, 2015
How to Arrange a Planner That Works
A few years ago, I changed things a bit in my planner. I never imagined that I was starting on a path of developing the system that I use (and blog about) today.
I thought a perfect flashback post would look at the small changes that I made at the beginning of my journey.
So click here:
Tweaking My Planner, circa 2013
...and read about how to set-up a planner in an order that makes sense!
I do things a little differently now, but the essentials of putting a planner in order are all there.
Enjoy!
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Partied at: Share the Wealth, Happiness Is Homemade, Blog Fair, Create Link Inspire, Wow Us Wednesday, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Whimsy Wednesday, Worthwhile Wednesdays
I thought a perfect flashback post would look at the small changes that I made at the beginning of my journey.
So click here:
Tweaking My Planner, circa 2013
...and read about how to set-up a planner in an order that makes sense!
I do things a little differently now, but the essentials of putting a planner in order are all there.
Enjoy!
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Partied at: Share the Wealth, Happiness Is Homemade, Blog Fair, Create Link Inspire, Wow Us Wednesday, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Whimsy Wednesday, Worthwhile Wednesdays
Friday, August 28, 2015
Which Planner Pages Are Worthy of Top Tabs
***This post may contain affiliate links. These links help you find the items that I use in my planner and financially support this blog. See my "Disclaimer" link for additional details.***
I've talked a lot over the years about how I use tabs in my planner (especially when I discuss my projects section), but I've never really focused on the tabs and how I position them.
I've talked a lot over the years about how I use tabs in my planner (especially when I discuss my projects section), but I've never really focused on the tabs and how I position them.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
The Trick to Keeping Up With Paperwork
***This post may contain affiliate links. These links help you find the items that I use in my planner and financially support this blog. See my "Disclaimer" link for additional details.***
I bet most of you have a stack of papers somewhere that you need to deal with, right?
So do I.
It doesn't matter if you work in the office or are a stay-at-home parent. There is always paperwork to be done.
Paperwork is an endless, joyless task, but hopefully I can make it a little easier for you.
I bet most of you have a stack of papers somewhere that you need to deal with, right?
So do I.
It doesn't matter if you work in the office or are a stay-at-home parent. There is always paperwork to be done.
Paperwork is an endless, joyless task, but hopefully I can make it a little easier for you.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
How to Log Exercise in a Planner
***This post may contain affiliate links. These links help you find the items that I use in my planner and financially support this blog. See my "Disclaimer" link for additional details.***
On the way home from the gym tonight, I happened to notice that my exercise log currently shows the old (and still useful) way that I logged my workouts and my new method of logging workouts.
I figured I would show you both, so that you can enjoy the comparison and borrow the style that works best for you!
On the way home from the gym tonight, I happened to notice that my exercise log currently shows the old (and still useful) way that I logged my workouts and my new method of logging workouts.
I figured I would show you both, so that you can enjoy the comparison and borrow the style that works best for you!
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
How to Treat Teachers
Back in the 1990s, I taught middle school for a few years.
After that, I went to law school and became a lawyer, but being a teacher taught me something profound. (Actually, it taught me two things. One is that teaching is way harder than lawyering. The other, though, is that...)
Teachers are people - with gifts and flaws and humanity.
It seems silly to type that, but I think we all need the reminder.
After all, teachers take care of our kids all day.
And when they send home oodles of homework or a note, it's easy to assume they just don't get it. When our kid complains that Ms. Smith is mean, we assume our kid wouldn't lie. If our kid gets grounded from the field trip, we wonder if the teacher was really fair.
In my experience, there are a handful of teachers who should not be in the classroom. If that is the case, it's fair game to speak, calmly and with facts in hand, to the principal. It is always okay to advocate for your child.
But those teachers are rare.
The more common scenario is a great teacher who has a bad moment or a bad day or makes a mistake.
Treat that teacher with love, compassion, and understanding.
We all have bad days. We all raise our voices or lose our tempers. We all make math errors or make a typo in a letter.
We don't all live under the pressures that teachers face, with thirty different personalities (not even counting administrators or parents) to deal with every day, all day long.
We don't all have the future of society as our personal and professional obligation.
We don't all have to skip lunch and bathroom breaks because a parent calls or a kid gets sick or needs extra tutoring.
This school year, treat the teacher as if they are human, with flaws and all, but also as if they are amazing, because by the simple virtue of what they are willing to do for your kid, they are!
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Partied at: Twinkly Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays, This Is How We Roll, Momma Told Me, Think and Make Thursday, Weekend Retreat, Your Turn to Shine, Inspire Me Mondays, Mommy Monday, Meetup Monday, Monday Musings, Anything Goes, Small Victories
After that, I went to law school and became a lawyer, but being a teacher taught me something profound. (Actually, it taught me two things. One is that teaching is way harder than lawyering. The other, though, is that...)
Teachers are people - with gifts and flaws and humanity.
It seems silly to type that, but I think we all need the reminder.
After all, teachers take care of our kids all day.
And when they send home oodles of homework or a note, it's easy to assume they just don't get it. When our kid complains that Ms. Smith is mean, we assume our kid wouldn't lie. If our kid gets grounded from the field trip, we wonder if the teacher was really fair.
In my experience, there are a handful of teachers who should not be in the classroom. If that is the case, it's fair game to speak, calmly and with facts in hand, to the principal. It is always okay to advocate for your child.
But those teachers are rare.
The more common scenario is a great teacher who has a bad moment or a bad day or makes a mistake.
Treat that teacher with love, compassion, and understanding.
We all have bad days. We all raise our voices or lose our tempers. We all make math errors or make a typo in a letter.
We don't all live under the pressures that teachers face, with thirty different personalities (not even counting administrators or parents) to deal with every day, all day long.
We don't all have the future of society as our personal and professional obligation.
We don't all have to skip lunch and bathroom breaks because a parent calls or a kid gets sick or needs extra tutoring.
This school year, treat the teacher as if they are human, with flaws and all, but also as if they are amazing, because by the simple virtue of what they are willing to do for your kid, they are!
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Partied at: Twinkly Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays, This Is How We Roll, Momma Told Me, Think and Make Thursday, Weekend Retreat, Your Turn to Shine, Inspire Me Mondays, Mommy Monday, Meetup Monday, Monday Musings, Anything Goes, Small Victories
Monday, August 24, 2015
Can I Use a Planner That's Not Perfect For Me?
***This post may contain affiliate links. These links help you find the items that I use in my planner and financially support this blog. See my "Disclaimer" link for additional details.***
Each of us is an individual, with specific planner needs.
Maybe your planner needs to be fat and lined.
Perhaps it needs to be portable at all times. (Mine does.)
Some people need room to decorate or they will never even look at it. Others use their planners intuitively.
Each of us is an individual, with specific planner needs.
Maybe your planner needs to be fat and lined.
Perhaps it needs to be portable at all times. (Mine does.)
Some people need room to decorate or they will never even look at it. Others use their planners intuitively.
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Top Ten Ways to Organize for Back-to-School
***This post may contain affiliate links. These links help you find the items that I use in my planner and financially support this blog. See my "Disclaimer" link for additional details.***
Summer is coming to an end. It is back-to-school time, so click below to check out my favorite classic Giftie tips!
My favorite technique that I still use is filing about 10 sample pages of art or school work, along with the report cards and any awards, in manilla clasp folders labeled with the kid's name and grade. I keep these folders in a box under my bed.
Summer is coming to an end. It is back-to-school time, so click below to check out my favorite classic Giftie tips!
My favorite technique that I still use is filing about 10 sample pages of art or school work, along with the report cards and any awards, in manilla clasp folders labeled with the kid's name and grade. I keep these folders in a box under my bed.
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Cheaper to Eat at Home? Or on the Road?
I live in the suburbs, but my kids go to school in the city. Sometimes, especially if I run errands in the city in the middle of the day, I'm tempted to just eat out.
I have a list of inexpensive, diet-friendly foods that I order regularly in my planner, so I know where I can eat for under $5.
But I can make almost any meal at home for less than $5, so how do I know if I should go home to eat?
I've figured out a way to make the decision.
Confession: if you are still reading, you show know that today's calculation is based on Popeye's chicken tenders (man, that barbeque sauce is AMAZING) and NOT on the aforementioned healthy lunch!
Popeye's three chicken fingers (spicy, just the tenders please) cost $4.35 with tax in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
(You are probably thinking, "how does she know that?" You should know that I am a big ole fat fatty piggy hog. That is how I know.)
Driving home to eat and back to town to pick up the kids cost...well, let's figure it out!
I rely on www.fueleconomy.gov to calculate the cost of gas. I just put in my starting point and destination address.
(Note that the website uses the national average cost of gas. I googled the cost in Baton Rouge and used that number instead.)
My 17 mile trip (times two because I have to go home and then come back to the city for afternoon carpool) costs $1.70 x 2 in gas, which equals $3.40.
TIP: Once you have calculated your normal cost, assuming gas prices stay relatively stable, you can write that number in your notes/file section of your planner and never calculate it again!
(You could also add in wear and tear on your vehicle, which the internet estimates at anywhere between $0.05 and $0.50 per mile, but I'll skip that part.)
$4.25 - $3.40 = $0.85, so the big question is whether I can eat at home for under $0.85.
Maybe, if I had red beans and rice or anything relatively cheap meal prepared. Instead, I have chicken breast tenders and some grilled veggies in the fridge, which costs about $2.00 to make.
So, for today only, I'll be eating Popeyes!
BUDGET TIP: If you know you will be staying in town, pack your lunch.
I don't always know if I will, but when I know it, I always pack my lunch.
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Partied at: Country Fair, Share the Wealth Sunday, Weekend Blog Hop, Tuesdays with a Twist
I have a list of inexpensive, diet-friendly foods that I order regularly in my planner, so I know where I can eat for under $5.
I've figured out a way to make the decision.
Confession: if you are still reading, you show know that today's calculation is based on Popeye's chicken tenders (man, that barbeque sauce is AMAZING) and NOT on the aforementioned healthy lunch!
Popeye's three chicken fingers (spicy, just the tenders please) cost $4.35 with tax in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
(You are probably thinking, "how does she know that?" You should know that I am a big ole fat fatty piggy hog. That is how I know.)
Driving home to eat and back to town to pick up the kids cost...well, let's figure it out!
I rely on www.fueleconomy.gov to calculate the cost of gas. I just put in my starting point and destination address.
(Note that the website uses the national average cost of gas. I googled the cost in Baton Rouge and used that number instead.)
My 17 mile trip (times two because I have to go home and then come back to the city for afternoon carpool) costs $1.70 x 2 in gas, which equals $3.40.
TIP: Once you have calculated your normal cost, assuming gas prices stay relatively stable, you can write that number in your notes/file section of your planner and never calculate it again!
(You could also add in wear and tear on your vehicle, which the internet estimates at anywhere between $0.05 and $0.50 per mile, but I'll skip that part.)
$4.25 - $3.40 = $0.85, so the big question is whether I can eat at home for under $0.85.
Maybe, if I had red beans and rice or anything relatively cheap meal prepared. Instead, I have chicken breast tenders and some grilled veggies in the fridge, which costs about $2.00 to make.
So, for today only, I'll be eating Popeyes!
BUDGET TIP: If you know you will be staying in town, pack your lunch.
I don't always know if I will, but when I know it, I always pack my lunch.
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Partied at: Country Fair, Share the Wealth Sunday, Weekend Blog Hop, Tuesdays with a Twist
Friday, August 21, 2015
Where I Plan
Quick...what's missing in this picture?
My planner, of course.
Today's post is not about my planner, exactly, but the many places where I use it.
At home, especially at night, I usually sit on the couch, planner at my side, prepping for tomorrow.
If I am working at home, my planner is at my desk.
During errands, it's in my purse.
You can certainly see me planning in public at the locally-owned coffee shops. (For the most part, that NEVER means Starbucks. Their coffee tastes burnt to me. I prefer a tiny cake ball and coffee shop called Brew Ha Ha.)
My favorite place to plan? The East Baton Rouge Parish Library (pictured above).
Yes, I get the view in that picture!
Yes, they let me bring in water, a coffee, or light snacks.
And, yes, the wi-fi is free.
Don't discount your public library for planning. It's a great place to plan!
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Partied at: Motivation Monday, Busy Monday, Mommy Monday, Blog Fair
My planner, of course.
Today's post is not about my planner, exactly, but the many places where I use it.
At home, especially at night, I usually sit on the couch, planner at my side, prepping for tomorrow.
If I am working at home, my planner is at my desk.
During errands, it's in my purse.
You can certainly see me planning in public at the locally-owned coffee shops. (For the most part, that NEVER means Starbucks. Their coffee tastes burnt to me. I prefer a tiny cake ball and coffee shop called Brew Ha Ha.)
My favorite place to plan? The East Baton Rouge Parish Library (pictured above).
Yes, I get the view in that picture!
Yes, they let me bring in water, a coffee, or light snacks.
And, yes, the wi-fi is free.
Don't discount your public library for planning. It's a great place to plan!
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Partied at: Motivation Monday, Busy Monday, Mommy Monday, Blog Fair
Thursday, August 20, 2015
The Purse Commandments
***This post may contain affiliate links. These links help you find the items that I use in my planner and financially support this blog. See my "Disclaimer" link for additional details.***
I am a one planner lady. Having one place for all my information keeps my life orderly and sane. But bags are a completely different matter.
I have tons of bags - purses, crossovers, totes. If it is functional, I have it.
I'm not one of those women who change my bag to go with my outfit. Instead, I change my bag to go with my errands.
That makes perfect sense, right?
I have tons of bags - purses, crossovers, totes. If it is functional, I have it.
I'm not one of those women who change my bag to go with my outfit. Instead, I change my bag to go with my errands.
That makes perfect sense, right?
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
A Tour of the Tasks in My Planner
Go watch my new You Tube video about where tasks go in my planner here!
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Partied at: Worthwhile Wednesdays, Link It To Me, Wednesday Showcase, Create and Share, R and R, Pintastic Pinteresting, Busy Monday
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Partied at: Worthwhile Wednesdays, Link It To Me, Wednesday Showcase, Create and Share, R and R, Pintastic Pinteresting, Busy Monday
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Why Catholic Schools Are Called to Serve Kids with Special Educational Needs
My kids attend Catholic school.
In so many ways, it is an incredible experience.
They learn about being kind and loving. Academically, they are challenged. They met others who have so much in common with us and make lifelong connections.
But, for years, they missed out on meeting any kids with significant special needs.
This year, that changed. Our school (and some other Catholic schools in Baton Rouge, Louisiana) are accepting students with special challenges, like autism or dyslexia.
As a mom of an epilepsy kid, I could barely be more excited. Every kid deserves the caliber of education that my kids receive.
(Yes, public school kids do, too, which is why I always vote yes for education funding.)
The Loki won't be alone in having special challenges (though, as a medical challenge, his needs are a little different than academically-challenged or socially-challenged kids.)
But as a mom of a slightly above average, completely "normal" kid (down to his hair, which he prefers to have cut "as boring as possible, please"), I am jumping up and down and singing praises for the school and its students!
My "normal" kid (Ander) was missing out - on helping others, on understanding human struggles and successes, on being empathetic - and now he gets a chance to see kids who aren't just like him. He has the opportunity to become compassionate!
Compassion for others is part of the reason we selected a religious school and it was a part that was missing for a long time. So bravo to the Baton Rouge Diocese for educating all children.
I hope that the Church will decide to go even further and stop charging a surcharge for kids with special needs.
I am willing to put my money where my mouth is and pay a bit more for my own tuition and do more fundraising to get the program costs covered, but I think the value - both to the kids in the program and to my own kid - make it worth bringing costs of the program down for the parents of these special kids.
Do your local private schools accept children with challenges? Do they charge extra?
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Partied at: Tuesday Talk, Tell It To Me Tuesday, Tip Tuesday, Turn It Up Tuesday, Party in Your PJs, Worthwhile Wednesdays, Link It To Me, Wednesday Showcase, Create and Share, R and R, Thoughtful Thursdays, Pintastic Pinteresting, Get Your Shine On
In so many ways, it is an incredible experience.
They learn about being kind and loving. Academically, they are challenged. They met others who have so much in common with us and make lifelong connections.
But, for years, they missed out on meeting any kids with significant special needs.
This year, that changed. Our school (and some other Catholic schools in Baton Rouge, Louisiana) are accepting students with special challenges, like autism or dyslexia.
As a mom of an epilepsy kid, I could barely be more excited. Every kid deserves the caliber of education that my kids receive.
(Yes, public school kids do, too, which is why I always vote yes for education funding.)
The Loki won't be alone in having special challenges (though, as a medical challenge, his needs are a little different than academically-challenged or socially-challenged kids.)
But as a mom of a slightly above average, completely "normal" kid (down to his hair, which he prefers to have cut "as boring as possible, please"), I am jumping up and down and singing praises for the school and its students!
My "normal" kid (Ander) was missing out - on helping others, on understanding human struggles and successes, on being empathetic - and now he gets a chance to see kids who aren't just like him. He has the opportunity to become compassionate!
Compassion for others is part of the reason we selected a religious school and it was a part that was missing for a long time. So bravo to the Baton Rouge Diocese for educating all children.
I hope that the Church will decide to go even further and stop charging a surcharge for kids with special needs.
I am willing to put my money where my mouth is and pay a bit more for my own tuition and do more fundraising to get the program costs covered, but I think the value - both to the kids in the program and to my own kid - make it worth bringing costs of the program down for the parents of these special kids.
Do your local private schools accept children with challenges? Do they charge extra?
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Partied at: Tuesday Talk, Tell It To Me Tuesday, Tip Tuesday, Turn It Up Tuesday, Party in Your PJs, Worthwhile Wednesdays, Link It To Me, Wednesday Showcase, Create and Share, R and R, Thoughtful Thursdays, Pintastic Pinteresting, Get Your Shine On
Monday, August 17, 2015
Things I Never Do in My Planner
As a part of the day planner community, I consider myself a bit of a rebel.
I adore spending hours looking at perfect planners. I read everything I can about layouts and binders and inserts. I study and write about planning on most weekdays.
Then I break all the rules!
*I rarely color code.
Why bother carrying all those pens?
If I need to group things together, I can draw shapes around them. I have codes that represent my husband and each of my kids.
*I virtually eliminate all e-projects from my planner.
If something is being planned on-line, only deadlines and appointments go in my paper planner. Everything else gets planned in OneNote on my laptop.
I don't duplicate in two places because that gets so confusing.
*I never worry about perfect edges.
I only use my paper cutter to trim more permanent pages, like dividers. Normal day-to-day planning? I eyeball the paper and cut with scissors!
Guess what else I do?
I eyeball my hole-punching, too!
I know, right? I am such a bad, bad girl.
*I don't limit myself to matchy insides.
I use whatever layouts work best for me, without worrying about coordinating my inserts.
*I don't over-decorate.
In fact, other than doodles, I rarely decorate at all!
For someone as obsessed with planners as I am, this may sound shocking. But there are a couple of things that you should know.
First, I plan mostly to stay sane, so simplicity is important for me to keep my planning useful and relevant.
Second, I don't judge those who do things differently than I do. If decorating helps you use your planner, for example, I honor and respect that!
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
I adore spending hours looking at perfect planners. I read everything I can about layouts and binders and inserts. I study and write about planning on most weekdays.
Then I break all the rules!
*I rarely color code.
Why bother carrying all those pens?
If I need to group things together, I can draw shapes around them. I have codes that represent my husband and each of my kids.
*I virtually eliminate all e-projects from my planner.
If something is being planned on-line, only deadlines and appointments go in my paper planner. Everything else gets planned in OneNote on my laptop.
I don't duplicate in two places because that gets so confusing.
*I never worry about perfect edges.
I only use my paper cutter to trim more permanent pages, like dividers. Normal day-to-day planning? I eyeball the paper and cut with scissors!
Guess what else I do?
I eyeball my hole-punching, too!
I know, right? I am such a bad, bad girl.
*I don't limit myself to matchy insides.
I use whatever layouts work best for me, without worrying about coordinating my inserts.
*I don't over-decorate.
In fact, other than doodles, I rarely decorate at all!
For someone as obsessed with planners as I am, this may sound shocking. But there are a couple of things that you should know.
First, I plan mostly to stay sane, so simplicity is important for me to keep my planning useful and relevant.
Second, I don't judge those who do things differently than I do. If decorating helps you use your planner, for example, I honor and respect that!
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Partied at: Motivation Monday, Meetup Monday, Bloggers Brag Pinterest Party, Anything Goes, Inspire Me Monday, Best of the Blogosphere, Tuesday Talk, Tip Me Tuesday, Tell It To Me Tuesday, Tip Tuesday, Turn It Up Tuesday, Dream Create Inspire, Modern Dad Pages, Worthwhile Wednesdays, Link It To Me, Wednesday Showcase, Create and Share, R and R, Get Your Shine On, Weekend Blog Hop, Weekend Retreat, Small Victories Sunday, Happiness Is Homemade, Share Your Creativity, Making Your Home Sing, Think Tank Thursday
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Discover the Most Important List in Your Planner
***This post may contain affiliate links. These links help you find the items that I use in my planner and financially support this blog. See my "Disclaimer" link for additional details.***
On Sundays, I revisit an amazing post that you might have missed and I update you on my own progress or changes since the post was first published.
Visit the original post here.
On Sundays, I revisit an amazing post that you might have missed and I update you on my own progress or changes since the post was first published.
Visit the original post here.
Saturday, August 15, 2015
How to Get the News You Love on Facebook
We are all going to pretend that I read politics and other serious news stories all the time, right? After all, I am a lawyer.
(But, really truly, I want to know that Jenna Bush had a baby girl named Poppy and that toddler Prince George has officially requested that media back off and, oh, where did Princess-not-really-a-princess Kate get that dress?!?)
We all want to at least appear well-informed, so I'm here to let you in on a secret.
You don't even have to leave Facebook to find out the latest trending news stories!
Most of you already noticed the "Trending" news feed to the right of your Facebook feed.
But did you know that next to the little trending arrow, you can click on political news, science and technology news, sports news, or entertainment news? (See the green box in the picture.)
Get all your news without never leaving Facebook!
Now share this with your Facebook friends so they'll realize how smart you really are.
(If you are like me, smart enough to click on science and entertainment 300% more than you click on politics!)
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Partied at: Create and Share, Momma Told Me, Awesome Life Friday, TGI Saturdays, Skip the Housework, Saturday Sparks, Meetup Monday, Bloggers Brag Pinterest Party, Anything Goes, Inspire Me Monday, Dream Create Inspire, Simple Sundays
Featured at:
(But, really truly, I want to know that Jenna Bush had a baby girl named Poppy and that toddler Prince George has officially requested that media back off and, oh, where did Princess-not-really-a-princess Kate get that dress?!?)
We all want to at least appear well-informed, so I'm here to let you in on a secret.
You don't even have to leave Facebook to find out the latest trending news stories!
Most of you already noticed the "Trending" news feed to the right of your Facebook feed.
But did you know that next to the little trending arrow, you can click on political news, science and technology news, sports news, or entertainment news? (See the green box in the picture.)
Get all your news without never leaving Facebook!
Now share this with your Facebook friends so they'll realize how smart you really are.
(If you are like me, smart enough to click on science and entertainment 300% more than you click on politics!)
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Partied at: Create and Share, Momma Told Me, Awesome Life Friday, TGI Saturdays, Skip the Housework, Saturday Sparks, Meetup Monday, Bloggers Brag Pinterest Party, Anything Goes, Inspire Me Monday, Dream Create Inspire, Simple Sundays
Featured at:
Friday, August 14, 2015
How to Carry Paperwork in Your Planner
***This post may contain affiliate links. These links help you find the items that I use in my planner and financially support this blog. See my "Disclaimer" link for additional details.***
Paperwork.
It's a reality that is unavoidable. I deal with most of it by processing paperwork immediately: toss, file, process, or hold.
*Toss - Trash gets tossed.
*File - Filing goes in my filing container.
*Process - Invitations get an immediate RSVP, a task to buy and wrap a gift, and a note on my calendar of the time and place. Then, they are tossed.
*Hold - A coupon gets the deadline noted in my planner and the coupon goes in the front pocket of my planner. A homework assignment gets written in my planner and the instructions go in the Hold box until assignment is complete.
But, sometimes, there is something that needs processing, but I just cannot deal with it right that second. Or my hold box is not appropriate because I'll be doing the task outside of my house.
If I crammed all of that stuff into my Franklin Covey compact planner, it would be bursting at the seams.
Paperwork.
It's a reality that is unavoidable. I deal with most of it by processing paperwork immediately: toss, file, process, or hold.
*Toss - Trash gets tossed.
*File - Filing goes in my filing container.
*Process - Invitations get an immediate RSVP, a task to buy and wrap a gift, and a note on my calendar of the time and place. Then, they are tossed.
*Hold - A coupon gets the deadline noted in my planner and the coupon goes in the front pocket of my planner. A homework assignment gets written in my planner and the instructions go in the Hold box until assignment is complete.
But, sometimes, there is something that needs processing, but I just cannot deal with it right that second. Or my hold box is not appropriate because I'll be doing the task outside of my house.
If I crammed all of that stuff into my Franklin Covey compact planner, it would be bursting at the seams.
Thursday, August 13, 2015
How One Simple List Can Reduce Food Waste
I've found a simple solution (in my planner, of course) to prevent food waste, save time, and help me stay on the weight loss track.
One simple list can make sure that leftovers don't get thrown away!
I jot a list on a post-it of any leftovers that are on the leftover shelf in fridge.
TIP: Create a designated shelf for foods that are leftover or must be used quickly.
I just move the list from week-to-week in my planner and use it to meal plan each night.
TIP: Note the number of servings left and the number of calories, and you are all set for weight loss.
If you enjoyed this simple tip, please share in your social media circles!
Etcetera.
Partied at: This Is How We Roll, Thoughtful Thursday, Pintastic Pinteresting, Home Matters, Share the Wealth
One simple list can make sure that leftovers don't get thrown away!
I jot a list on a post-it of any leftovers that are on the leftover shelf in fridge.
TIP: Create a designated shelf for foods that are leftover or must be used quickly.
I just move the list from week-to-week in my planner and use it to meal plan each night.
TIP: Note the number of servings left and the number of calories, and you are all set for weight loss.
If you enjoyed this simple tip, please share in your social media circles!
Etcetera.
Partied at: This Is How We Roll, Thoughtful Thursday, Pintastic Pinteresting, Home Matters, Share the Wealth
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Planning to Break the Fashion Rules
My heart pounds. I click on the light switch, staring into the claustrophobic space. Sweat pools under my arms. My breath hitches.
I have to find something to wear.
I have to find something to wear.
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Why I Hate Summer Reading Programs
It's probably not a surprise to my Loyal Readers that someone with a paper planner loves the written word.
In my household, we take reading very seriously.
For example, I read almost every night. I earned a perfect score in reading on the ACT during high school. I've drafted two novels and am mid-way through a third.
My 4th grader reads way above level and reads for fun all the time! He brings a book everywhere. He almost wept in pleasure when the newest Percy Jackson arrived at the local library. He spends his pocket money on books for his Kindle.
My mantle is even a shrine to Harry Potter.
But every summer, the library does a reading program, Scholastic does a reading program, or the bookstore does a reading program.
Then the local schools "challenge" the kids to log their reading as part of the contest. Sometimes, schools even require participation in the contest.
I hate it!
If a kid WANTS to compete in a "who can read more" reading contest, that's cool. I get why libraries and book stores might create these summer reading contests and they are fine with me as an optional program. A self-motivated kid is going to be an enthusiastic reader.
If a kid is a reluctant reader, he NEEDS to be forced to read. For my going-to-2nd-grader, mandatory reading is a wonderful thing. Still, logging is excessive. I say make life simpler and just say read for 20 minutes before bed.
But for the high achieving reader who reads for pleasure all summer long, logging makes reading a chore! Logging causes resentment.
Planners understand the feeling. We log stuff all the time. We might log while we are trying to learn a new routine (say, logging exercise all month) or reach a goal (say, logging cups of water).
Eventually, we burn out on logging.
But for a kid who picks up a book for fun, checking the start and end time of reading and walking over to the fridge to find the log and writing down the time and falling asleep book in hand so not knowing the time and getting stressed about losing the competition and being required to read...well, you can hear the overwhelm in his thoughts, right?
Schools are so overworked and have to make choices for the majority of kids. I get that.
In this case, however, they are demotivating reading in natural readers. They are ruining a great attitude and tradition.
They are stealing away the pleasure of a good book and a glass of cold lemonade on the front porch.
I say parents speak up to change that trend. Share with your friends on Facebook and let them know that reading logs should never be mandatory.
Lemonade and good books all around!
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Partied with: Twinkly Tuesday, Mummy and Us, Lou Lou Girls, Tips and Tricks Tuesday, Dream Create Inspire, Party in Your PJs, Link It To Me, Worthwhile Wednesdays, Laugh and Learn, Tell It To Me Tuesday, Wined Down Wednesday, Wake Up Wednesday, A Little R&R, Wednesday Showcase, Think and Make, Pintastic Pinteresting, Momma Told Me, Weekend Retreat, Weekend Blog Hop, Feature Fridays, Fridays Five Features, Weekend Wind Down, End of the Week Confessions, DIY Inspired, Link Party Palooza, Funtastic Friday, Create and Share, Awesome Life Friday, TGI Saturdays, Skip the Housework, Saturday Sparks, Small Victories Sunday, Simply Sunday
In my household, we take reading very seriously.
For example, I read almost every night. I earned a perfect score in reading on the ACT during high school. I've drafted two novels and am mid-way through a third.
My 4th grader reads way above level and reads for fun all the time! He brings a book everywhere. He almost wept in pleasure when the newest Percy Jackson arrived at the local library. He spends his pocket money on books for his Kindle.
My mantle is even a shrine to Harry Potter.
But every summer, the library does a reading program, Scholastic does a reading program, or the bookstore does a reading program.
Then the local schools "challenge" the kids to log their reading as part of the contest. Sometimes, schools even require participation in the contest.
I hate it!
If a kid WANTS to compete in a "who can read more" reading contest, that's cool. I get why libraries and book stores might create these summer reading contests and they are fine with me as an optional program. A self-motivated kid is going to be an enthusiastic reader.
If a kid is a reluctant reader, he NEEDS to be forced to read. For my going-to-2nd-grader, mandatory reading is a wonderful thing. Still, logging is excessive. I say make life simpler and just say read for 20 minutes before bed.
But for the high achieving reader who reads for pleasure all summer long, logging makes reading a chore! Logging causes resentment.
Planners understand the feeling. We log stuff all the time. We might log while we are trying to learn a new routine (say, logging exercise all month) or reach a goal (say, logging cups of water).
Eventually, we burn out on logging.
But for a kid who picks up a book for fun, checking the start and end time of reading and walking over to the fridge to find the log and writing down the time and falling asleep book in hand so not knowing the time and getting stressed about losing the competition and being required to read...well, you can hear the overwhelm in his thoughts, right?
Schools are so overworked and have to make choices for the majority of kids. I get that.
In this case, however, they are demotivating reading in natural readers. They are ruining a great attitude and tradition.
They are stealing away the pleasure of a good book and a glass of cold lemonade on the front porch.
I say parents speak up to change that trend. Share with your friends on Facebook and let them know that reading logs should never be mandatory.
Lemonade and good books all around!
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Partied with: Twinkly Tuesday, Mummy and Us, Lou Lou Girls, Tips and Tricks Tuesday, Dream Create Inspire, Party in Your PJs, Link It To Me, Worthwhile Wednesdays, Laugh and Learn, Tell It To Me Tuesday, Wined Down Wednesday, Wake Up Wednesday, A Little R&R, Wednesday Showcase, Think and Make, Pintastic Pinteresting, Momma Told Me, Weekend Retreat, Weekend Blog Hop, Feature Fridays, Fridays Five Features, Weekend Wind Down, End of the Week Confessions, DIY Inspired, Link Party Palooza, Funtastic Friday, Create and Share, Awesome Life Friday, TGI Saturdays, Skip the Housework, Saturday Sparks, Small Victories Sunday, Simply Sunday
Monday, August 10, 2015
How to Plan the First Day of School
***This post may contain affiliate links. These links help you find the items that I use in my planner and financially support this blog. See my "Disclaimer" link for additional details.***
This is a back-to-school post, but at its heart, this is really a post about using a planner to complete any project.
Back-to-school is just what is weighing on my mind today as my kiddos leave for their first days of 2nd and 4th grade.
Project planning is one reason that I use a ring bound planner instead of a spiral or bound planner. I can have separate pages that let me brainstorm, think about, and organize what needs doing, before scheduling it on my calendar and task lists. If you do use a bound planner, a notebook for projects is essential!
When something needs to happen (usually by a certain date) that requires complex planning, such as several tasks, multiple deadlines, overseeing several people, or anything else that makes only using a calendar or a task list less than feasible, I plan a project.
I made a new index for project planning this week, as seen in the picture below.
This is a back-to-school post, but at its heart, this is really a post about using a planner to complete any project.
Back-to-school is just what is weighing on my mind today as my kiddos leave for their first days of 2nd and 4th grade.
Project planning is one reason that I use a ring bound planner instead of a spiral or bound planner. I can have separate pages that let me brainstorm, think about, and organize what needs doing, before scheduling it on my calendar and task lists. If you do use a bound planner, a notebook for projects is essential!
When something needs to happen (usually by a certain date) that requires complex planning, such as several tasks, multiple deadlines, overseeing several people, or anything else that makes only using a calendar or a task list less than feasible, I plan a project.
I made a new index for project planning this week, as seen in the picture below.
Saturday, August 8, 2015
How to Save Links on Facebook
***This post may contain affiliate links. These links help you find the items that I use in my planner and financially support this blog. See my "Disclaimer" link for additional details.***
Did you ever want to save a great recipe that you found on Facebook? Maybe you "Liked" Giftie Etcetera on Facebook and saw an article that you want to save to read or share with your friend later?
You could just post it on your timeline, but then you have to scroll around to find it later and either set the privacy to "only me" or have all your friends complain that you posted 10 different articles today on "how to create a page marker."
(Surely I'm not alone in doing that kind of research?)
Facebook has recently rolled out an option on many of its platforms that can help.
To save a link on Facebook:
Did you ever want to save a great recipe that you found on Facebook? Maybe you "Liked" Giftie Etcetera on Facebook and saw an article that you want to save to read or share with your friend later?
You could just post it on your timeline, but then you have to scroll around to find it later and either set the privacy to "only me" or have all your friends complain that you posted 10 different articles today on "how to create a page marker."
(Surely I'm not alone in doing that kind of research?)
Facebook has recently rolled out an option on many of its platforms that can help.
To save a link on Facebook:
Friday, August 7, 2015
How to Mark To Do Lists for Tasks in Progress
Need a simple way to show that you've started a task but not finished it?
Just draw a box around the task.
In the photo, for example, I have laundry in the wash and dishes running, but still need to fold and put away the stuff.
Once the task is done, highlight it to mark it complete.
The remaining tasks will pop out to your eyes and let you know that they need doing.
Etcetera.
Partied at: Small Victories Sunday, Titus 2 Tuesday, Teach Me Tuesday, Wow Me Wednesday
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Just draw a box around the task.
In the photo, for example, I have laundry in the wash and dishes running, but still need to fold and put away the stuff.
Once the task is done, highlight it to mark it complete.
The remaining tasks will pop out to your eyes and let you know that they need doing.
Etcetera.
Partied at: Small Victories Sunday, Titus 2 Tuesday, Teach Me Tuesday, Wow Me Wednesday
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Teaching Kids to Finish What YOU Started
***This post may contain affiliate links. These links help you find the items that I use in my planner and financially support this blog. See my "Disclaimer" link for additional details.***
I often make my kids finish my chores.
Now, now, don't get all upset. I'm doing it FOR THEM!
(Okay, mostly for them. :) But contributing to the family really does leave more time for us to spend together enjoying each others' company.)
My kids have their regular chores, like doing the dishes each night or sweeping the kitchen floor. They are also in charge of picking up their own dinner plates after meals, cleaning their rooms, and picking up toys.
I often make my kids finish my chores.
Now, now, don't get all upset. I'm doing it FOR THEM!
(Okay, mostly for them. :) But contributing to the family really does leave more time for us to spend together enjoying each others' company.)
My kids have their regular chores, like doing the dishes each night or sweeping the kitchen floor. They are also in charge of picking up their own dinner plates after meals, cleaning their rooms, and picking up toys.
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Trick Your Eyes for Perfect Planner Use
***This post may contain affiliate links. These links help you find the items that I use in my planner and financially support this blog. See my "Disclaimer" link for additional details.***
Ever open your planner, check what's on the agenda, and still manage to miss something?
(If your people know that you use a planner, you will experience public ridicule for missing your appointment!
No worries. Just send them a link to Giftie Etcetera and then they can discover what really INSANE planner people are like. :)
You'll appear quite normal after that!)
Ever open your planner, check what's on the agenda, and still manage to miss something?
(If your people know that you use a planner, you will experience public ridicule for missing your appointment!
No worries. Just send them a link to Giftie Etcetera and then they can discover what really INSANE planner people are like. :)
You'll appear quite normal after that!)
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Why a 30-Minute Workout Takes an Hour
People say you can get fit in just 30 minutes a day. I exercise for stroke prevention, weight loss, and my sanity. So, to be fair, a lot of days I plan to exercise for 45 minutes to an hour. But I strive for a minimum of 30 minutes per day.
(I don't like exercise. But if I skip my workout, I cry. I guess I need to call that an addiction?)
I've been really watching the time to make sure that I never miss the 30 minutes. Know what I noticed?
A 30 minute workout takes way more than 30 minutes!
No fair!
(I don't like exercise. But if I skip my workout, I cry. I guess I need to call that an addiction?)
I've been really watching the time to make sure that I never miss the 30 minutes. Know what I noticed?
A 30 minute workout takes way more than 30 minutes!
No fair!
Monday, August 3, 2015
How to Manage Your Mondays (And Avoid the Sunday Blues in 10 Easy Steps)
***This post may contain affiliate links. These links help you find the items that I use in my planner and financially support this blog. See my "Disclaimer" link for additional details.***
Got a case of the Mondays?
I suffer from this debilitating malady most weeks. There is no cure.
(As Sheldon would say, that's a lie. You could win the lottery, quit your job, and move to a nice island somewhere with lots of people attending to your every need. That would cure you!)
Since I am unlikely to win the lottery, I had to find an effective treatment instead.
Being miserable every Sunday - dreading Monday's inevitable arrival - was not working for me.
I found a solution in the form of a Monday Morning Plan.
Got a case of the Mondays?
I suffer from this debilitating malady most weeks. There is no cure.
(As Sheldon would say, that's a lie. You could win the lottery, quit your job, and move to a nice island somewhere with lots of people attending to your every need. That would cure you!)
Since I am unlikely to win the lottery, I had to find an effective treatment instead.
Being miserable every Sunday - dreading Monday's inevitable arrival - was not working for me.
I found a solution in the form of a Monday Morning Plan.
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Watch Giftie on You Tube
The kids go back to school in a week, and when they do, I'll be back to doing You Tube posts here.
You can scroll to the bottom of the page anytime to Tour My Planner or Learn to Plan Projects in a Planner.
Don't forget to bookmark it.
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media.
You can scroll to the bottom of the page anytime to Tour My Planner or Learn to Plan Projects in a Planner.
Don't forget to bookmark it.
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media.
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Labels on Blog Posts: A How-To For Readers and Bloggers
My Loyal Readers might be surprised to know a couple of new tricks that help you find what you want to read on my page.
FOR READERS:
First, scroll down below any post and look at Labels. See one you like? Click on it. You will see a bunch of posts that share that label.
Using this simple trick, you can read all the posts about a single topic, like setting up "weekly" pages or "parenting."
Second, look on the right sidebar for the Search field. Type in any topic and Google will search Giftie Etcetera for more posts about that topic.
I hope these two simple tips let you explore my blog with ease. If you enjoy reading Giftie Etcetera, make sure to join our Facebook group by clicking here.
FOR BLOGGERS:
If you are a Blogger, consider using Labels to organize your posts for your readers. After all, my Loyal Readers shouldn't be the only ones enjoying all the good stuff!
FOR READERS:
First, scroll down below any post and look at Labels. See one you like? Click on it. You will see a bunch of posts that share that label.
Using this simple trick, you can read all the posts about a single topic, like setting up "weekly" pages or "parenting."
Second, look on the right sidebar for the Search field. Type in any topic and Google will search Giftie Etcetera for more posts about that topic.
I hope these two simple tips let you explore my blog with ease. If you enjoy reading Giftie Etcetera, make sure to join our Facebook group by clicking here.
FOR BLOGGERS:
If you are a Blogger, consider using Labels to organize your posts for your readers. After all, my Loyal Readers shouldn't be the only ones enjoying all the good stuff!
Blogging an All Nighter
Thanks to everyone who has been so kind as I recover from my recent health scare. One more test on Monday before I should get the all clear!
I'll still always be at higher risk for stroke, but...
...I should be fine. I have my planner and my plan, including walking for 30 minutes a day EVERY day and taking aspirin therapy.
To thank all of my Loyal Readers, I spent the energy that the steroid medication gives me pulling an all-nighter and making my blog easier to read and navigate. After all, what is a nerdy girl to do but code all night long, right?
(My apologies in the morning. I suspect I'll be grumpy.)
And, hey, bonus - I made a coffee meme for you! Feel free to steal it.
Etcetera.
P.S. I posted an updated Privacy Policy on the sidebar, way down. The law requires me to tell you that now.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media.
Partied at: Lou Lou Girls, Life on Lakeshore Drive, Funtastic Friday, Pintastic Pinterest, Momma Told Me, Feature Fridays, Weekly Summer Link-up, Something to Talk About, Create Link Inspire
I'll still always be at higher risk for stroke, but...
...I should be fine. I have my planner and my plan, including walking for 30 minutes a day EVERY day and taking aspirin therapy.
To thank all of my Loyal Readers, I spent the energy that the steroid medication gives me pulling an all-nighter and making my blog easier to read and navigate. After all, what is a nerdy girl to do but code all night long, right?
(My apologies in the morning. I suspect I'll be grumpy.)
And, hey, bonus - I made a coffee meme for you! Feel free to steal it.
Etcetera.
P.S. I posted an updated Privacy Policy on the sidebar, way down. The law requires me to tell you that now.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media.
Partied at: Lou Lou Girls, Life on Lakeshore Drive, Funtastic Friday, Pintastic Pinterest, Momma Told Me, Feature Fridays, Weekly Summer Link-up, Something to Talk About, Create Link Inspire