Plan for Good

Gals, I missed publishing yesterday's post and the ironic thing is that it's on scheduling. I have to giggle or I'll be pent up in disappointment and frustration. 

You see, I love a schedule! I find comfort, let me rephrase that, I can only function in a structured routine. I use a paper planner, make beaucoup of lists and gracious do I find joy in crossing off each and every item. 

Now, while that all sounds organized and tidy, it's not real life. Interruptions happen, all day long! They more often than not can upset the order. While I'll never be a ' go with the flow' or 'fly by the seat of my pants' kind of gal, I have had to learn to adapt to life's unplanned occurrences.

Prime Example - Vivian & I were invited to a play date yesterday afternoon and several things (including this post) just didn't get accomplished. 

We said goodbye to Summer's fun a month ago and that has meant back to school all week, activities and additional responsibilities (new puppy Trixie being a big one!). It's been an adjustment! Some days have been challenging to get it all in the way we used to do it so I've had to create new routines with change on when we did things.

The key is 'when'. Things can easily get skipped but I'd rather work hard to shift them.

Here's what has helped me shift and create a schedule that works for me ...

1. Determine the Nonnegotiable

Here I go with another list :) Write down what the priorities are. These are responsibilities or commitments that must happen. You may want to do this in calendar form on the day of the week when it comes to timed events. For me it's my job, exercise, Vivian's activities and mine. I should throw in chores because I'm super particular about those too.

This list isn't for everything you 'want' to do but the 'musts'. This means some things may have to be on hold for a season, moved around or removed completely.

We can NOT do it all! 

I encourage you to pray for discernment on what to let go of and what you can say yes to. 

Some things will keep and some things merit dropping it all to address. 

example: Tuesday mornings I attend a ladies bible study during my normal gym time - I shifted it to the early afternoon while Vivian's in gymnastics rather than eliminating it due to conflict.  #Shift

I took on co-leading my MOPS group but stepped down from another role I'd been leading in for the past few years. 

2. Timed Appointments

It helps me tremendously to have scheduled times for things. I find that if I just write down the to-dos for a day without order or timing it can be more challenging to address each one. Unlike the fairytales there are no godmothers to help us accomplish our tasks so we have to make sure it happens the best we can. Having a dedicated time helps create focus and intention on how we spend it.

example: From 5:00am -7:00am I have quiet bible time, write my blog, catch up with email and social media and then I enjoy breakfast before Vivian wakes up. I have specific hours for my job and I also allot ~3:30-5:30pm for dedicated time with just me and Vivian.  I've divided chores like laundry, floors and bathrooms to certain weekdays. 

**Mammas: I prioritize what I need to do without Vivian during times she's at school or asleep (my job, computer work, organizing, phone calls etc ) and that's alleviated a lot of stress and struggle for me.

3. Leave Room 

I believe it's of upmost importance to leave room. Just like a bank account you don't want to spend all you have. I find it valuable to leave blank space for rest, FUN, unexpected tasks, and for others. As important as it is to be productive we are not robots. Blank space provides room to connect with others, handle the unplanned without being ruffled, and for a calmer day that includes things we enjoy.

example: I like to play with Vivian outside, surprise her with frozen yogurt or a trip to the park. I also like to enjoy meeting up with friends, reading, watching a new show. Life can't be ALL about the work.

I'm no expert on time management but it is something I work towards each day and I hope by sharing my strategies it encourages you to use your time in a way that's best for you.

We are gifted this one life to enjoy and make the best use of! 

Dress Beautifully in Times of Work & Play

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pop Fizz Clink

Break's over - back to blogging ...

with a hot cup of black coffee #naturally

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

What a refreshing time.  Time to reflect and time to look forward.  It's a blank slate, and a new beginning.

I have a sense of accomplishment at the new year as I close one year full of life events and milestones and begin filling up a new year.  I have to admit, not all of last year's happenings were happy.  Some were sad and down right heartbreaking but that's life.  It makes you stronger and better. Just remember all your undeserved blessings.

With that, I like to start off by sending some cheer. Snail mail is the best mail.
A hand written note is a such a sweet and sentimental kindness, an art I believe in.

New Year Note Cards

First step in setting up my new year, a new planner!  I look forward to this.  I'm obsessed with paper.  I'm constantly making a list and crossing things off.  In an age of technology, I'm all old school when it comes to staying organized. For the past 4 years I've had the same planner (different prints).  It's just the right size and layout for keeping track of the elements of my life.

Note: I immediately start filling it out month by month with birthdays and important events.

2017 Planner 

I also use this weekly note/mouse pad & this Little Gold Book kept in my purse for jotting down ideas as they strike

The word resolution is on everyone's mind this time of year. Right after Christmas we can finally take a minute to relax and think about ourselves and what we want to change.

I don't make resolutions.  I make goals.

What do I want to accomplish?
How can I grow?
In what ways am I going to serve?

While I keep my body healthy with good nutrition and daily exercise keeping my mind and heart healthy I find to be more difficult.  The world is full of ugly so guarding yourself is a huge challenge.  We are drowning in overindulgence and temptations.

One of my goals is to glorify God in everything.

That sounds impossible, but it's something I want to work hard to do.  That means spending time in the Word, loving others and being a ministry through your life and works; including this blog.

Remember my gift guide for gal pals post I shared before Christmas? Well, I had to treat myself to the books that I actually did gift a few ladies. I've really enjoyed reading Grace Not Perfection.  It's uplifting and encouraging.  The pressure of perfection can wear you down paper thin.  While I may not have thousands of readers, lots of 'likes' or immaculate pictures each and every post is created and written with 100% authenticity. XOXO SL

Another goal of mine is to wear my grace goggles.  With myself and others.  Give the benefit of the doubt, love the unlovely and forgive.  You hear it all the time "I am so busy", remember to slow down  and stop to smell the roses.

My imperfectly perfect space 

I took this not with my 'fancy' camera but just a quick snap with my iPhone 

I didn't stop and adjust the bags under my desk, the hanging cords, or placements  

This is where I sit to write to you gals - all natural 

So when I think about this blog of mine now that it's 3 years old!!! #hbd and where to take 'Dress Beautifully' in 2017 this verse came to heart ...

"She is clothed in strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future" Prov 31:25 

Let's Pop. Fizz. Clink. to 2017 and strive to dress all aspects of ourselves beautifully.  

XOXO Sarah Louise

Beautiful Plans

I'm a planner.  I just can't seem to fly by the seat of my pants and be spontaneous.  Ok well every now and then I embrace the unexpected or schedule change but for the most part I function on routine.

Last year had very little routine and it drove me crazy! But I'm hopeful that 2016 will bring structure and consistency to my world.

In order to stay organized I function with a planner.  I know what year it is and that technology is king but with a lot of things I prefer the old way of doing it; writing things down in my calendar and daily to-do section followed by the therapeutic crossing it off is everyday joy for me.
I also find using phones and tablets rude.  We are all on them constantly so I find it refreshing to put down the electronics and use a book.

My 2016 Planner

For the past 3 Christmases I've received a Kate Spade planner.  I must say they are my favorite.  It's organized with tabs, monthly calendar view and lined spaces for daily entry.
You have to find one that's organized for your best use and of course that's aesthetically pleasing!!

Tip:  If you are in a professional setting, I suggest passing on the planners with bright colors or loud design.  Opt for neutral colors or even leather. 

Mine is already full of exciting plans, things to accomplish and goals to achieve; all to keep me on track for a happy, productive and organized year.


Here are some planners I believe you may like!

Polka Dot  -  Floral  -  Watercolor  -  Gold  - Personalized   

Recycled Leather  -  Confetti  -  Classic Black  - Striped 

Dress Your Desk & Your Schedule Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise

Planner

I'm a Planner!

Are You?

Not Only am I a Planner, I Love to Plan in my Agenda. Old School, I know. 

I'm All Into Efficiency and Technology but Something About Opening Up a Pretty Book, Writing and Crossing To-Do's Off a List, Seeing Fun Events Written Across the Month in my Own Handwriting Beats Pulling Out an Electronic Device and Pecking Away. 

It's a Great Thing that Large Handbags are In :)

I Remember My First New Year's Day with Mr.  I had to Explain to him that my Tradition was to go out and Buy a New Planner for the Year.  He Found it Odd (Menfolk they just don't get it).  Now my Family and Friends have Caught on to my 'Overly Type A - Need to Plan' Personality and Often Gift me a Planner for Christmas. 

Now, Not All Planners are Created Equal.  I'm Particular ... Most Planners are.  In College I was All into the Super Colorful and a Large Size wasn't an Issue.  Now as a Professional, I Prefer a More Subdued Design and a Medium Size.  I need a Full View Calendar so that I can see the Month's Events at a Glance, and Enough Writing Space for the Week to Make my Lists and Add Notes. 

Planning, Whether you are Using a Book Agenda or an Electronic Calendar/App helps you Achieve your Goals, Stay on Task, and to Avoid Forgetting or Missing an Appointment/Event.  I don't know about you but my Brain has Limits and Requires Assistance to Remember it All. 

So for the Past 4 Years I've been Using the Kate Spade Large Agenda to Plan my Days. 

I Love the Classic Designs and Feminine Soft Colored Pages.  They also Feature a Fun Quote on the Page Prior to Each New Month! 

This Year I'm Full Steam Ahead with this Emerald (My Color ... ok Every Red Head's Color) Ikat Agenda

Kate Spade Planner 

Some Other Great Agendas ....

This Planner is Available in Various Sizes, Colors and Leather Finishes 

Southern Gals oh How We Love Our Lilly, This Planner will Surely Bring Color to Your Day 

Love this Gold Polka Dot Planner

Dress Your Plans Beautifully 

XOXO Sarah Louise