Showing posts with label LBlogger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LBlogger. Show all posts
Having Book-Hangover is not something made up in the fictional world of books but is actually something very real that we book-Bloggers and general bookworms experience often - sometimes a little too often.
So what actually is a book-hangover?
A book hangover is in its most simplistic terms when we have finished reading an absolutely outstanding book that we couldn't put down, didn't want to finish or can't wait for the sequel too (or all of the above). It progresses into the actual 'book-hangover' when try as we might we simply cannot get into reading another book. Why does this happen? Well basically it's that feeling like when we are heartbroken when we're so sure that we'll NEVER experience a love like the one we've just lost... It's all wrong and our only chance of being happy is to have stayed with that person (NEWSFLASH!!! it's really not! I'm actual living proof that there is love after heartbreak - and it tends to be way better than you ever dreamed, hoped or wished for! And the same can be said for your next "current read".
The problem of having a book-hangover
Mostly it's just really frustrating to not be able to read another book without thinking about the one we've just finished reading, especially as a book-blogger because reading books is what we do! We can only blog about books (largely) if we are in fact reading books! If we can't get into the zone of reading a book we'll it's not worth thinking about! It's like being a Baker and not being able to bake bread or cakes, or like being a builder and not able to actually build anything.
Another problem with having Book-Hangover is the feeling of hopelessness. Being a blogger is about reaching out to others and sharing our thoughts, feelings, opinions, reactions and our lives with our readers and audience. When we reach that stage of feeling hopeless and full of despair it has a knock on effect to our confidence as a blogger (you know that feeling of being an imposter? - how can I say I'm a book blogger when im not blogging because I can't get into another book?! 😮 😭).
How can I overcome book-hangover?
Ahhh sorry to disappoint you but if I had the answer to that I'd be a millionaire - JOKING - I actually do have some tips for you that I've used and found to help me.
> let yourself off the hook and take the pressure off of yourself to read straight away. Sure you might usually put one book down and legit pick up the next one (that you secretly started reading before you even finished the last one) but sometimes (again like dating) you actually need time away from books to process what just happened, to talk about it, blog about it, really get into conversation about the book. Allow yourself to take time to almost get fed up of thinking and talking about the book so that you literally leap at the chance of a shiny new book (although I KNOW the problems with book love that lasts forever: The Cruel Prince, A Court of Thorns and Roses, The Lunar Chronicles and more - more about how to deal with this in an upcoming post!)
> find something else to do other than read. This is why I have a few hobbies so that when I get bored or experience hobby hangover or literally lack enthusiasm or creativity I can put one down and pick up the other. My hobbies include; crocheting, home decor/inspiration, blogging (lifestyle over at Our Country Home Comforts), books and spending time exploring new places with my handsome Mr R. I find that time away usually gives me breathing space and enough inspiration to reignite my passion for reading, blogging, crocheting and more!
> try a different genre of book. Sometimes reading a book that isn't in the same genre as the one that's given you book hangover can really help. When I first started my book blog I focused on women's fiction and romance and whilst I absolutely adore those books (you can tell by my blog name - another upcoming post for you) sometimes I get book hangover really quickly and can't face reading another romance novel. When I discovered crime fiction by reading Angie Marsons' Silent Scream I entered a whole new world (totally just sang the Aladdin version of that song in my head) and its one that's stuck with me. I find reading crime fiction, or a good psychological thriller a great escape from romance and life in general. So if you usually read YA sci-fi, try a YA without the sci-fi element or try a adult contemporary, or if you usually read women's contemporary try a YA (I did and I loved it!)
> Blog about related topics. So if you're a book blogger that's lost the mojo (do we still use that word?) for reading right now write about something related to books, or even open up to your audience about your book mojo having took a vacation without warning ⚠ It will make your blog more authentic to your readers and you more relatable. Remember some of the readers of your blog are inspired by you and you have a huge influence on them. Teenage girls (and boys) are more social than we were (if your in the 25-35 age bracket) and therefore it's important I feel that we show them the truth about adulting and blogging! Yes share the highs but think about sharing the lows too because maybe then we can break the stigma and shame about not being happy 24/7, stop comparing ourselves to others and embrace who we are flaws and all, and plus maybe we can reduce our own stress levels by allowing ourselves to be human and not robotic.
> Read until you fall back in love with reading. Yep you can just push your way through the sludge of book hangover like having the "hair of the dog" - which by the way I have no idea if it works alcohol wise as I don't drink and neither does Mr R. Just read and keep reading until the hangover fades and eventually you'll find that you are enjoying another book!
There's no easy way through book hangover, no pill to pop, no magic spell to recite or yoga pose to hold. You simply have to just find your own way through via trial and error and even after many years of doing just that you might have to shake things up and tweek them a little. But that's the joy of being alive right? And as a blogger we're totally used to adapting and changing with the times right?
I hope these tips I've shared with you that have helped me and continue to help me, well I hope they inspire you to pick up your next great read.
If this post has helped you, inspired you to blog or read, and you have actually overcome your book hangover using these tips please come back and share in the comments and let me know! Also, please share this with your friends and bookish friends if you think they'd find it useful 🙏
Also if you have any great tips for overcoming book hangover feel free to share them in the comments below 👇 with the other readers.
I hope your book hangover subsides soon if you're currently experiencing one,
Speak soon lovely,
Dawn-Tracy xxx
Hi there!
I want to shake things up a little here on A Page of Fictional Love this year and what better way than to start blogging more about books in a way that isn't always book reviews?!
Today I thought it would be really fun to do a book blogging tag -I've seen a few around and my mission is to do at least one a month this year (but will probably - maybe do more). So, today I'm doing the Reading Habits Book Tag that I saw over at The Bibliophile Girl who by the way has a gorgeous blog that you should definitely be checking out.
Let's get started!
We all have our own way of reading and whilst we can share many pinterest worthy bookisms they do differ depending on the person. I'm going to share with you the habits I have when reading a book giving you an insight to how I read.
Do You Have A Certain Place For Reading At Home?
Not really if i'm honest. I can most definitely park my bottom almost anywhere to read. But my main reading spots include; Bathtub - there is nothing better than lying back and relaxing with a good book amongst the bubbles!, Lounge/Living Room - cosy arm chair!, Garden - but only in the warmer weather - I don't sit out dressed as a snowman in the cold weather :) , and of course the bedroom.
Bookmark or Random Piece of Paper?
Bookmark or a sticky note are my choice. I love a good book mark and have a fair few to be honest, but sometimes it's easier to move a sticky note especially when in the bathtub - I do not want to risk dropping my gorgeous bookmarks in the bathtub so sticky notes are a must to prevent damaging them.
Can You Just Stop Reading or Do You Have To Stop After A Chapter/Certain Amount of Pages?
Ahhh this one is easy. I have to stop at the end of a chapter. I cannot stop halfway down a page, or at the end of the page when a sentence carries on, or halfway into the chapter. It has to most definitely be at the end of the chapter. But that's what everyone does... right?
Do You Eat or Drink Whilst Reading?
Hmmm depends. I can eat whilst reading but I don't do that to be honest - I like to focus properly and eat mindfully. However saying that I do drink whilst reading... it's my fuel!
Multitasking: Music of TV Whilst Reading?
Oh this drives me up the wall. If i had to have one of them (and I really don't like any background noise whilst reading) it would have to be music - and when I say music I mean relaxing, serene, classical music. Like I said, I don't want to be distracted.
One Book At A Time or Several?
Erm... Several! I rarely find myself simply reading one book at a time. I know I should probably just read one at a time, but I can't... I am a tad hyperactive so I find reading a couple (OK-Several) of books keeps me going.
Reading At Home or Everywhere?
I have to say, reading at home. I tend to read if I'm in a waiting room using my Kindle App on my phone - this is why I try to read one paperback and one ebook at the same time - always have something to read. But I do read more at home, it's my way of relaxing. And I can't read whilst travelling - I get travel sick and I doubt anyone would want me throwing up in their car.
Read Out Loud or Silently In Your Head?
In my head - although occasionally I'll read out loud if there's a funny bit I just can't wait to share with someone. I have also read (funnily enough) that reading out loud is good for you health wise - why exactly I can't remember - but knowing my luck it will probably be to do with memory haha.
Do You Read Ahead or Skip Pages?
No No No. Just No. Like...NO!!! What's the point? If you're going to read... do it properly.
Breaking The Spine or Keeping it Like New?
OMG why would anyone break the spine of a book???!! Seriously?? Don't do that! I have to keep the spine in perfect condition. I try so hard and mostly succeed unless there are those monsters of books that are just impossible to read without breaking the spine and then I feel like I've failed. :( It's like when the covers get damaged and someone flippantly says "Oh well shows it's been read" I'm like OMG NO!!! Just don't spoil the book.
Do You Write In Your Books?
Textbooks for studying... yes. I never used to but now I've realised how much time it saves from taking all those notes when I can simply underline, highlight and margin doodle! But as for precious book? Nope. Absolutely not. I take pics of the parts of books I like, or I write them down in a notebook. So, textbooks - Yes, Booky Books... NOOOO!
And that's the end of the Book Reading Habits Tag, I hope you've enjoyed it and now know some of my book habits. I now tag YOU to do it on your blog BUT there's a condition... Link back to this blog saying where you found the tag (c'mon let's be nice!), and then when you've posted, pop back and share your link below so we can all read your book habits too! (It'll grow your readership too!)
I love the quote above - because most likely it's true! When someone picks up a crochet hook and starts sharing their passion publically with friends it becomes a chain reaction - they all want a piece of your action!
Today's post is my first post of 2017 on the crafts I do in my life - crochet. I first discovered crochet a couple of years ago now (I think it's about 3 years ago) and I have been a hooker ever since - a crochet hooker that is!
There is something so deeply meditative and therapeutic about it that it instantly takes me to a portable zen den whenever I pick up my hook and crochet. It doesn't really matter what I have on my hook - it just creates that state of inner peace and calm.
Last year, as many of you know was an awfully tough year for me having lost my auntie, but I wanted something beautiful to come out of the experience so I chose to document my moods and emotions in a mood blanket. No, it wasn't all black - in fact there was only one day that black was a colour in my blanket and that was on Halloween - you know, for the sake of symbolism.
A mood blanket, more specifically a crochet mood blanket is where you crochet a square a day (any pattern) in a colour that resembles a mood that has predominantly been the most active in you during the day. For example, I always chose a bright pink when I felt loved, beautiful and happy, or a blue for when I was feeling sad, upset or anxious.
A mood blanket, more specifically a crochet mood blanket is where you crochet a square a day (any pattern) in a colour that resembles a mood that has predominantly been the most active in you during the day. For example, I always chose a bright pink when I felt loved, beautiful and happy, or a blue for when I was feeling sad, upset or anxious.
My bereavement counsellor loved my idea of documenting my journey and even took photos of it to share at their meetings where the counsellors all discussed methods of coping for their patients.
So, this year, I'm doing one again. I enjoy dedicating a small amount of my evening to focusing on my day, calling up all I was grateful for and selecting a colour and creating something beautiful to look back on for years to come. I've made a few changes, such as the square pattern, the size, and the colour meanings. For example; last year I had mint green for feeling healthy, whereas this year I've chosen a zesty and vibrant lime green for those days, and blue was for sad and anxious days whereas this year blue symbolises the days I've felt so calm and zen like. I've also introduced a few colours too that wasn't in last year's blanket and taken a couple out.
So, this year, I'm doing one again. I enjoy dedicating a small amount of my evening to focusing on my day, calling up all I was grateful for and selecting a colour and creating something beautiful to look back on for years to come. I've made a few changes, such as the square pattern, the size, and the colour meanings. For example; last year I had mint green for feeling healthy, whereas this year I've chosen a zesty and vibrant lime green for those days, and blue was for sad and anxious days whereas this year blue symbolises the days I've felt so calm and zen like. I've also introduced a few colours too that wasn't in last year's blanket and taken a couple out.
This photo is taken from my first few days into the new year - so I apologise that it's not right up to date, but it still shows the start to my year. As you can see I've had a calming, loving and healthy start to 2017 and since then it's only gotten better. In my next post when I update you on my blanket (probably the end of February) you'll see the zesty yellows and powerful confident reds.
Do you crochet? Ever created a mood blanket? If so & you've posted a pic online or blogged about it, why not leave a comment below with your link so we can all take a look and celebrate the beautiful handmade item that is precious to you.
Let's grab a hook & start a chain reaction,
Do you crochet? Ever created a mood blanket? If so & you've posted a pic online or blogged about it, why not leave a comment below with your link so we can all take a look and celebrate the beautiful handmade item that is precious to you.
Let's grab a hook & start a chain reaction,
Love Dawn-Tracy
xxx
I thought that it would be rather nice and fun to do a quick bookish lifestyle post where I share 10 reasons why I became a BookBlogger, especially as we go through the next few weeks I'll be posting plenty of promos for book tours and first looks at books coming soon!
1. I Love To Read - Yep, it really does all come down to the fact that I love to read books, always have and I think and hope that I always will. I'm very open to the genre I read, and will give anything a try.
2. The Wide Range of Books - There are so many genres out there that it would be a crying shame to limit my reading taste-buds to just one or two genres. So, I like to try new genres and share my thoughts with you all.
3. Sharing My Thoughts - I think if we could have more intellectual conversations about the world in which we live today, we would be a far better bunch of humans. One way of doing this is by reading books by talented authors who address the issues in the world, and then sharing our thoughts on them.
4. I Love Writing - Actually, I think I became a bookblogger because it gave me the opportunity to write more and think about what I was writing. It's also a skill needed for University - where we read texts and then have to gleam the intricate details and write our own interpretation of our understanding, so it's a bit of practice really.
5. Get Out Of My Comfort Zone - Books have this amazing capability to "Pied Piper" you out of your comfort zone. If you are stuck in a rut, you can guarantee that kicking back and reading a book you will emerge more energised, more creative, happier, less stressed, and a tad inspired to DO something with your life. I've been thrust out of my comfort zones many times through the reading of Crime, Psychological Thrillers, and even Spiritual/Self Help titles.
6. Learn Something New - This kind of ties in with number 5 in that some titles that I have been blessed to receive from publishers have taught me things that had I not read the book I wouldn't have known, probably ever. For example, I used to think meditating and "talking to your loved ones in heaven" was a bit "Woo-Woo". But in fact, it's a very healing tool to use especially when coping bereavement (My Bereavement Counsellor just this week suggested I talk to my Auntie as if she were still here), and stress.
5. Get Out Of My Comfort Zone - Books have this amazing capability to "Pied Piper" you out of your comfort zone. If you are stuck in a rut, you can guarantee that kicking back and reading a book you will emerge more energised, more creative, happier, less stressed, and a tad inspired to DO something with your life. I've been thrust out of my comfort zones many times through the reading of Crime, Psychological Thrillers, and even Spiritual/Self Help titles.
6. Learn Something New - This kind of ties in with number 5 in that some titles that I have been blessed to receive from publishers have taught me things that had I not read the book I wouldn't have known, probably ever. For example, I used to think meditating and "talking to your loved ones in heaven" was a bit "Woo-Woo". But in fact, it's a very healing tool to use especially when coping bereavement (My Bereavement Counsellor just this week suggested I talk to my Auntie as if she were still here), and stress.
7. Cracks Me Open - Books crack me open in ways other methods have never. I have become a more "sexually embracing" woman through reading erotica (no, NOT Fifty Shades) - although I must admit, my OH really "does" help there!, I have thought about my life and the many roads it could have taken (thanks to "Written In The Stars"), I have cried my heart out reading "The Happily Ever Afterlife Of Rosie Potter & Light is The New Black (totally different genres), and I have laughed until I couldn't breathe reading... Oh wow - so many books have given me the giggles that I simply couldn't pick just one as an example.
8. Advanced Proof Copies - I wouldn't be an honest blogger if I didn't admit that yes there is a certain level of excitement and thrill at receiving an advanced proof copy of a book YET to hit the shelves. I wouldn't be human if I didn't get excited when I receive a book that is not due to hit the shelves for another 4 weeks - 3 months!
8. Advanced Proof Copies - I wouldn't be an honest blogger if I didn't admit that yes there is a certain level of excitement and thrill at receiving an advanced proof copy of a book YET to hit the shelves. I wouldn't be human if I didn't get excited when I receive a book that is not due to hit the shelves for another 4 weeks - 3 months!
9. Authors - Being a BookBlogger allows me to support authors whom I admire and adore. I get to take part in Blog Tours, Guest Posts, First Looks, Interview Authors, and just generally become a part time PR Book Lady! I get to rave about books and authors and most importantly I get to have the most amazing conversations with authors such as Kerry Fisher, Holly Martin, Kerry Wilkinson, Angie Marsons, and SO SO SO many more!
10. Finally, New Friends - I have met so many amazing fellow bookbloggers and now count them as friends. We have Becca from Becca's Books, and my Soul Sister from Macedonia - Dr Ananda aka This Chick Reads. We don't all have the same bookish interests, but we do share a love for books.
There we have 10 fun facts and reasons why I became a bookblogger. But before I leave you, I want to share with you an extra fun fact - the original intention behind A Page of Fictional Love.
When I first opened up this little blog I did so NOT with the intention of it becoming a running machine for blogging about books YET to hit the shelves. I actually began it to reintroduce books that have already been on the shelves for years, books that many may not know exist, books that may have been forgotten about due to the wonderful arrival of new shiny books. I wanted to share my thoughts of books published in 2009, 1999, 1989 and even further back. Titles such as; Little Women, A Whiff of Scandal, Navy Wives, etc.
This is something that I very much want to return to over time whilst picking selected upcoming titles to feature. I am however so blown away and humbled by the success of this little blog and all the wonderful memories and opportunities it has given me.
SO ... Are you a bookblogger? What is 1 reason that you became a bookblogger? Maybe you don't have a blog, but love to read, maybe you post your reviews on Amazon or GoodReads... Why do you love to read? I'd love to read your comments!
When I first opened up this little blog I did so NOT with the intention of it becoming a running machine for blogging about books YET to hit the shelves. I actually began it to reintroduce books that have already been on the shelves for years, books that many may not know exist, books that may have been forgotten about due to the wonderful arrival of new shiny books. I wanted to share my thoughts of books published in 2009, 1999, 1989 and even further back. Titles such as; Little Women, A Whiff of Scandal, Navy Wives, etc.
This is something that I very much want to return to over time whilst picking selected upcoming titles to feature. I am however so blown away and humbled by the success of this little blog and all the wonderful memories and opportunities it has given me.
SO ... Are you a bookblogger? What is 1 reason that you became a bookblogger? Maybe you don't have a blog, but love to read, maybe you post your reviews on Amazon or GoodReads... Why do you love to read? I'd love to read your comments!
With Love,
Dawn-Tracy
Dawn-Tracy
Some of you may or may not be aware of my addiction of using planners... I do I am a self confessed #PlannerAddict and I simply can't go out shopping without popping into local stores to see if they have anything worthy of my planner.
I remember having a homework diary in Primary school... and I would colour the pages in, use stickers and make it look adorably pretty - I am sure I still have it somewhere in storage and if I come across it next year I will definitely blog and show you all (or maybe I'll Vlog?). Anyway, I was over the moon when in high school we were given a thicker, more informative planner that we had to ensure we stayed on top of things - I mean... we're high school kids... like we're going to stay on top of things... well actually I did but I was a total nerd... ANYWAY.... off track here.
I wanted to share with you my Planner Addiction and throughout 2016 I'm going to share with you more of my planner obsessions which help me stay on top of my book reviewing, blogging, studying at Uni and studying to be an accountant. I seriously RELY on my planner to help me through my day. As my Mom says, I plan to use my planner... and I actually do! Sundays are marked out for Planning & Reviewing.
So, firstly the planner I use is a filofax - personal size. I didn't fancy a bigger one because I wanted one that I could actually realistically carry around in my handbag - and one that wouldn't look unprofessional - as a student accountant I have to have some amount of seriousness in my head (my tutor would disagree over our funny conversations we share full of emoticons).
As you can see, I opted for the teal Filofax Domino Patent with the elastic strap - which I think it utterly brilliant. Everyone I know was shocked I opted for the teal when I'm such a PINK fan... not that you can tell by the folder underneath my filofax hey? ;) But I love the teal colour, it's grown up and I can easily accessorise with Pink and Gold.
I have a thaaang for Washi Tape. Seriously. I have over 30 rolls of tape and have asked for more... I know that's a tad greedy but I love it and use it every week in my planner (as you'll soon see). But my favourite washi tapes right now have to be the 3 shown below.
As you can see, I use washi tape, stickers (flat and 3d), paperclips that are pretty and even.... Gift Tags. Yep, these simple all year round, easy to pick up items aren't just for christmas people... they are for PLANNERS....
I use the gift tags on a super selective basis... For example when something HUGE, or IMPORTANT or... ROMANTIC or ... something i'm GRATEFUL for in that week happens. I simply attach the tag through the top 3 ring binds, and write on the tag... that secures it and leaves it to dangle prettily in place. The important thing is it looks pretty and makes me happy.
Ok so that's a quick intro to my Filofax. I'll be doing more on my filofax next year. Now for the other planners i'm going to be using in 2016. They are all in the pink and gold folder you saw earlier.. and first up is something I RAVE about. The Self Love Planner.
The Self Love Planner is something I've used last year and it helped me LOADS. So much I decided to become an affiliate so you can click on the tab at the top of my blog in the sidebar and get your Self Love Planner through my link for $10.
Anyway, my Self Love Planner is something I use in conjunction with my filofax because I use the self love planner to identify what acts of self love I want to make time for in my day, week and month. Then I take out my filofax and allocate the time and act of self love in the diary. It's even got it's own colour (Red) in the filofax so I can clearly identify my SELF LOVE moments.
I've started working through this planner over the weekend because there is quite a bit of closing down 2015, reviewing what worked, what didn't, how you showed yourself love and respect and how you can improve on that in 2016.
The planner shows the opening pages with a declaration of Self Love which I signed;
So that's another planner I use. But still.. being a total planner addict and utterly obsessed, I want more. So I have the Leonie Dawson Life & Biz planners which I've not begun working through yet, but you can see them below;
This is the Life Planner which I have in the folder with my Self Love Planner because I want the focus for 2016 for me is really centred around me. When I've worked through it a little more I'll show you, and share some of my goals with you, so you can help keep me accountable.
Now to your right, there is my Biz planner. As you can see I have created my own back cover for it based on an affirmation by Louise Hay. For me, this inspires me and makes me excited to actually use it throughout the year to help me. Not focused on this yet as for me it's really important that I get my Self Love sorted for 2016.
I really appreciate you sticking with me here and if you're still reading - THANK YOU - and I promise this is the last thing I want to say. In an upcoming post i'm going to share with you more about the accessories I use in planning. So there will be more info on the gift tags, and the stickers I use (maybe with links), and a set of stickers I had for my 27th Birthday to use in my planner. I can't wait to use them throughout 2016 and it's beyond understanding how I've managed to keep my mitts off them so far. So i'll hopefully be sharing that with you soon.
I would LOVE to hear about your planners that you use? Do you have specific planners like mine that you use? Or do you use a diary? Do you have a stationery addiction like me? Let me hear all the details below in the comments, I can't wait to hear from you!
I remember having a homework diary in Primary school... and I would colour the pages in, use stickers and make it look adorably pretty - I am sure I still have it somewhere in storage and if I come across it next year I will definitely blog and show you all (or maybe I'll Vlog?). Anyway, I was over the moon when in high school we were given a thicker, more informative planner that we had to ensure we stayed on top of things - I mean... we're high school kids... like we're going to stay on top of things... well actually I did but I was a total nerd... ANYWAY.... off track here.
I wanted to share with you my Planner Addiction and throughout 2016 I'm going to share with you more of my planner obsessions which help me stay on top of my book reviewing, blogging, studying at Uni and studying to be an accountant. I seriously RELY on my planner to help me through my day. As my Mom says, I plan to use my planner... and I actually do! Sundays are marked out for Planning & Reviewing.So, firstly the planner I use is a filofax - personal size. I didn't fancy a bigger one because I wanted one that I could actually realistically carry around in my handbag - and one that wouldn't look unprofessional - as a student accountant I have to have some amount of seriousness in my head (my tutor would disagree over our funny conversations we share full of emoticons).
As you can see, I opted for the teal Filofax Domino Patent with the elastic strap - which I think it utterly brilliant. Everyone I know was shocked I opted for the teal when I'm such a PINK fan... not that you can tell by the folder underneath my filofax hey? ;) But I love the teal colour, it's grown up and I can easily accessorise with Pink and Gold.
I have a thaaang for Washi Tape. Seriously. I have over 30 rolls of tape and have asked for more... I know that's a tad greedy but I love it and use it every week in my planner (as you'll soon see). But my favourite washi tapes right now have to be the 3 shown below.
I got these three adorable washi tapes from.... drum roll.... Sainsburys! I know! I couldn't believe that my local supermarket were stocking such glorious and delicious washi tapes... so I snapped them up... or rather they just fell into my trolley as I was shopping.. I was surprised when I got home. .... OK... we know that's bull but hey I tried!
So I typically plan my week on a Sunday and fill my planner with all my weekly "To Do" items and decorate with washi tape. By the end of a week my planner pages look something like this...
As you can see, I use washi tape, stickers (flat and 3d), paperclips that are pretty and even.... Gift Tags. Yep, these simple all year round, easy to pick up items aren't just for christmas people... they are for PLANNERS....
I use the gift tags on a super selective basis... For example when something HUGE, or IMPORTANT or... ROMANTIC or ... something i'm GRATEFUL for in that week happens. I simply attach the tag through the top 3 ring binds, and write on the tag... that secures it and leaves it to dangle prettily in place. The important thing is it looks pretty and makes me happy.
Ok so that's a quick intro to my Filofax. I'll be doing more on my filofax next year. Now for the other planners i'm going to be using in 2016. They are all in the pink and gold folder you saw earlier.. and first up is something I RAVE about. The Self Love Planner.
The Self Love Planner is something I've used last year and it helped me LOADS. So much I decided to become an affiliate so you can click on the tab at the top of my blog in the sidebar and get your Self Love Planner through my link for $10.
Anyway, my Self Love Planner is something I use in conjunction with my filofax because I use the self love planner to identify what acts of self love I want to make time for in my day, week and month. Then I take out my filofax and allocate the time and act of self love in the diary. It's even got it's own colour (Red) in the filofax so I can clearly identify my SELF LOVE moments.
I've started working through this planner over the weekend because there is quite a bit of closing down 2015, reviewing what worked, what didn't, how you showed yourself love and respect and how you can improve on that in 2016.
The planner shows the opening pages with a declaration of Self Love which I signed;
This is the Life Planner which I have in the folder with my Self Love Planner because I want the focus for 2016 for me is really centred around me. When I've worked through it a little more I'll show you, and share some of my goals with you, so you can help keep me accountable.
Now to your right, there is my Biz planner. As you can see I have created my own back cover for it based on an affirmation by Louise Hay. For me, this inspires me and makes me excited to actually use it throughout the year to help me. Not focused on this yet as for me it's really important that I get my Self Love sorted for 2016.
Hi all,
I've been thinking recently about my blog - OK I think about my blog ALL the time, but lately I wanted to shift things up a bit, I wanted to blog more about life but didn't know where to start. Life got in the way. When life got in my way it meant that 2 weeks ago today we lost our beautiful baby girl Pepsie (read about my love for her here), and it brought news of my Auntie being firstly diagnosed with bladder cancer on September 11th, and then just this past week we found out that the specialists and doctors have told her that "there is nothing more we can do" - so I have this information in my head that my auntie is dying - and I have no emotion. Which is strange because I LOVE her SOOOOO much, but the shock of it all just hasn't allowed me to process that information at all yet.
Add to this horrible news, I have been - I still am anxious about my own health. My doctor thinks it's natural for me to be feeling so anxious right now about my own health and she is supporting me so much. Anyway, I've been crying and panicking and crying even more and then I realised that I HAVE to stop. I have to change the mental conversation that's going on in my head. I have to try.
So I turned back to my self help roots where I first began blogging. it was back in 2009... on a different blog, and it was a different time in my life. We don't really need to go into that. But, I became a HUGE fan of a lady called Louise Hay (founder of Hay House Publications), and over the years I began reviewing books written by her, and by many other brilliant authors. Then I switched over to Chick Lit, Womens Fiction, Romance and even Mystery, Thrillers and Crime - genres I NEVER thought I'd be interested in (Thank you Angela Marsons <3 ). Louise Hay is the leading Affirmation Queen in my eyes, she lives and breathes her work. She is beautiful, and she is strong, and she has helped millions around the world with her positive energy. So I found out my books by her, one in particular; You Can Heal Your Life.
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| Louise Hay |
But I haven't been able to pick up a book lately... I haven't been able to escape from my problems, so I searched my brains (as traumatised as they are), and I thought about affirmations. Positive statements. Sayings that will help me think and feel more positive. So I began doing them when I woke up and throughout my day. If I'm honest, I was almost chanting them non-stop I felt so desperate to feel happy and healthy again.
I wanted to share with you 10 affirmations that I've been using to help me with my anxiety and self esteem. I'm not 'cured' by any means, but I have been able to smile more, to feel hopeful for my future, to think about next year, to think about all the good I have in my life, and to .... well I guess really I already said it. I feel hopeful.
I hope you enjoy them, use them, or can share them with someone who may need them. All is well in our world.
1. I am Healthy, I am Whole, I am Healed
2. All is well in my world.
3. I am Safe. I am Safe. Everything is OK, I am Safe.
4. I have a strong and healthy body that supports me every day in every way.
5. I am Calm, Centred and In Control.
6. I am Loved. I Love Life and Life Loves Me.
7. I am Strong and Supported by Life.
8. Life is always working out for me in the best possible way.
9. Wellness and good health is my bodies natural state.
10. I am Grateful for my Healthy Body. I am Safe and Strong.
Yesterday I shared with you the news that I was taking part in a 7 day challenge where I intend to follow the Slim Fast 321 plan.
Today's post is where I want to share with you how I actually feel on the plan, how I'm finding it, and anything I have to report back before my RESULTS post which will be LIVE tomorrow (Wednesday 11th November).
So, first day on the plan I was feeling nervous if I'm honest, I wondered if I would actually be able to follow the plan for an entire day. My fears of sweet sugary tastes, hunger pangs, and cravings for food not on plan filled my mind. But I opted to start the day with Brunch (I can't do breakfast, never have been able to stomach it), and I chose the Summer Berry Meal Replacement Bar. Oh my, is it a whopper in size! It was a lot like the cereal bars you find in the supermarkets, but so much bigger, chunkier - really substantially sized. It tasted really nice, it wasn't too sugary, or too sickly.. and it really was the right portion size. I ate it around 11am, and almost forgot to eat until 5pm when I had my first hunger pang of the day.
Second and 3rd days on the plan kind of followed suit only that I skipped Brunch, had a snack of fruit to tide me over and around 1-2pm I opted for the shake (Cafe Latte) which was absolutely delicious! It really was like have an iced coffee...I didn't notice the difference, only that it was filling, tasty and packed of everything you need nutritionally one day, the other day I opted for the chunky chocolate meal bar. Dinner was a nice piece of steamed chicken with steamed rice and veg. I allowed myself the snack bar - the chocolate one for a supper time snack. It was rather like a dark chocolate milky way. It felt naughty, in fact the whole plan feels "naughty" because I'm having chocolate meal bars, chocolate snacks, cheese snacks, and pretzels.
Now I mentioned that exercise is recommended, and I'll be honest, I didn't plan to do any exercise, but I found I was walking more, and even jumping on the exercise bike for a good old spin class. I did make a conscious effort to "move more" and be more active, so I did what felt right for me.
Today's post is where I want to share with you how I actually feel on the plan, how I'm finding it, and anything I have to report back before my RESULTS post which will be LIVE tomorrow (Wednesday 11th November).
So, first day on the plan I was feeling nervous if I'm honest, I wondered if I would actually be able to follow the plan for an entire day. My fears of sweet sugary tastes, hunger pangs, and cravings for food not on plan filled my mind. But I opted to start the day with Brunch (I can't do breakfast, never have been able to stomach it), and I chose the Summer Berry Meal Replacement Bar. Oh my, is it a whopper in size! It was a lot like the cereal bars you find in the supermarkets, but so much bigger, chunkier - really substantially sized. It tasted really nice, it wasn't too sugary, or too sickly.. and it really was the right portion size. I ate it around 11am, and almost forgot to eat until 5pm when I had my first hunger pang of the day.
Second and 3rd days on the plan kind of followed suit only that I skipped Brunch, had a snack of fruit to tide me over and around 1-2pm I opted for the shake (Cafe Latte) which was absolutely delicious! It really was like have an iced coffee...I didn't notice the difference, only that it was filling, tasty and packed of everything you need nutritionally one day, the other day I opted for the chunky chocolate meal bar. Dinner was a nice piece of steamed chicken with steamed rice and veg. I allowed myself the snack bar - the chocolate one for a supper time snack. It was rather like a dark chocolate milky way. It felt naughty, in fact the whole plan feels "naughty" because I'm having chocolate meal bars, chocolate snacks, cheese snacks, and pretzels.
I think the naughtiness of the plan actually helps me stay on plan because it doesn't feel like a diet.
Now I mentioned that exercise is recommended, and I'll be honest, I didn't plan to do any exercise, but I found I was walking more, and even jumping on the exercise bike for a good old spin class. I did make a conscious effort to "move more" and be more active, so I did what felt right for me.
Mid plan I decided to jump on the scales because I seriously doubted I'd lose any weight with what I was eating, but I was pleasantly surprised o discover that i'd in fact lost 2lbs! I can't wait for the end of week weigh in to discover how much weight in total I manage to lose.
Hello you lovely lot,
I'm excited to bring you a *special* 3 part series this week featuring a well known diet plan - Slim Fast.
I was given the opportunity by Slim Fast UK to take part in a 7 day challenge where we follow the Slim Fast Plan and then reveal our results. I jumped at the chance as I have struggled to lose weight easily and consistently in the past.
Enter Slim Fast.
I'm excited to bring you a *special* 3 part series this week featuring a well known diet plan - Slim Fast.
I was given the opportunity by Slim Fast UK to take part in a 7 day challenge where we follow the Slim Fast Plan and then reveal our results. I jumped at the chance as I have struggled to lose weight easily and consistently in the past.
Before I share with you the plan and show you what I actually had as part of the challenge I want to share a little about my background, and why I took up the Slim Fast 7 day Challenge.
I've always been a curvy woman, even at school I wasn't one of the skinny girls. However over the years of hitting my twenties I struggled to fit in regular exercise and watch my portion control and combine studying at university, and working 4 days a week in a Primary School. Although I always seemed to be on my feet, I never felt that I was as slim as I wanted to be, as I could be. Add "LIFE" to the mix of "EMOTIONS" that come and go with falling in love, and being heartbroken, stressed about assignments and exams, working non-stop and stress just got the better of me. So pretty much like the majority of the UK then.
I've followed many weight loss programs with the sheer hope of losing around 2 stone and I've followed intense exercise regimes...sometimes those not far off being Insane (if you get my drift). I even had appointments with a nutritionist and we ran tests, followed calorie controlled diets - you name it we tried it. My weight was NOT causing any health problems and with the weight simply not coming off I was delivered with the news that; I just had to accept I was a 'big girl' and healthy with it. Whilst it was good news that I wasn't causing strain on my body, I wasn't happy to accept my weight as it was.
So, as I turned 27 recently I decided that this is THE year that I will achieve my body dreams. I'm not wanting to reach some ridiculous number on the scale - in fact I've come to accept that my body will never give me that 'perfect' number that society can pressure us to achieve. I am feminine, I have curves... boobs and hips... and a butt to boot. I want to keep those, I simply want to be trimmer.
Enter Slim Fast.
I was actually rather skeptical about following the Slim Fast Plan as I have followed it in the past, but always found myself far hungrier than I expected to be, I was concerned about the sugar content as it was fairly high in my opinion in the past, and I was wondering whether I'd like the taste.
But with the revamped recipes and lower sugar content on their products out now, I decided to give it a try.
So, this is what I received from Slim Fast UK; I got the 7 day starter pack, enough food replacement products for a week.
This is what was included;
6 Meal Replacement Shakes; (2 Chunky Chocolate Flavour, 2 Cafe Latte Flavour, 2 Summer Strawberry Flavour)
8 Meal Replacement Bars; (4 Summer Berry Flavour, 4 Chocolate Crunch)
Snack Bags; Cheese Flavour Snacks, and Sour Cream and Chive Flavour Pretzels
Snack Bars; Caramel Flavour, and Chocolate Flavour Bars
The plan came with a guidebook that gives you a 7 day meal plan, and meal ideas along with information regarding drinking more water and exercising for around 20 minutes a day.
The plan is called a 3, 2, 1 Plan because it asks you to eat, 3 snacks, 2 Meal replacements and 1 main meal around 600 Calories for women (slightly more for men - details given in pack).
When day 1 came, I was excited to start... and a little worried in case I didn't feel satisfied enough and was left feeling hungry.
Check back tomorrow to see how I found the plan in Part 2, and then on Wednesday, I'll be sharing my results with you all!
It is with a heavy heart that I sit and write this post. I've written it many times in my head over the past month or so, and this is the third actual time that I've sat and written it. I'm going on a Sabbatical of sorts.
I've sat and debated this decision for quite some time now. I've literally become burnt out from reading and reviewing the books that I am grateful to have been given. I'm no longer enjoying reading, and have no energy or desire to blog right now, which for me is a HUGE red flag and one that I have to take notice of.
I've been here before when I was a life coach and was literally run off my feet blogging, reviewing, studying, working 4 days a week in a primary school, and trying to keep it all together. Something else that has made me finally make the decision to take a sabbatical is that for the past 2 weeks i've been unwell with an ear infection - labyrinthitis and it has triggered my asthma. Now, anyone who knows me, knows that for my entire life my asthma has been controlled and has never caused a problem. Needless to say that with my asthma actually being affected and having to use an additional inhaler (I now use 3), really scared me, and upset me beyond words. My body is literally worn out. It's even more worn out due to my extreme anxiety which I've been suffering with.
Now, it's not the blogging and reviewing on it's own that has worn me out, I've had to deal with a HUGE amount of messiness this year. I haven't enjoyed summer as a relationship broke down and it was awful, one of my lovely accountancy friends actually described the way he treated me during the break up was cruel and inhuman. I agree with her now. On top of that, I've had the news that my Auntie has been diagnosed with Cancer - she's going to have treatment and i'm praying she will be OK. But, all in all, 2015 has been a rubbish year of sorts.
I have so much to do study wise, I am in my final year at University so this is where it really counts, this is my final chance to secure the degree classification I dream of, I'm also studying my Level 4 in Accountancy which is taking such a huge amount of time and effort, and all in all, I have to say, i'm surrounded by books from studying, and then the piles keep mounting physically and on my kindle for reviews and I'm in a state of despair. I have shelves of books that I've paid for and not even opened yet. I flicked through my Instagram account the other night, came across a post of books I've bought... 53 weeks ago! And I've not read them yet! This has to change. For me.
So, I HAVE to take a break, I have to.
For me this break won't be utterly cold turkey, I'll still pop on and post about books I read and have time to review, and i'll honour the blog tours I have signed up for. Also, I'll post shorter posts of a lifestyle theme to help me not feel so overwhelmed with it all, and also allow you, my readers to see a different side to who I am.
I want to blog and I want to review, but I want it to be enjoyable and less intense. This is meant to be a hobby, It's not my career, I don't get paid to be this stressed, tired and worn out, and I have to listen to what I need and want in life. I could say that I'm sitting here blubbing as I write this, but i'm honest, I'm not. I'm too tired to cry about it.
How long will I be 'gone'?
I honestly don't know. Like I said, I won't be going cold turkey, and i'll still be around, but I won't be machine and robotic lie with my posts. When I post it will be hopefully have energy, punch, enthusiasm, and ooze ME in them. I know that I want to enjoy the run up to Christmas, the novels, the crochet, the snuggling up to watch a movie, all without feeling the pressure to quickly review and rate the book sat staring at me asking me why the hell I am sleeping when I could be reading.
I think I've said what I need to say right now, so I shall end it here. Remember it's not goodbye... it's not a break-up, it's not even a separation. Its a healthy sabbatical that lets me do my thing and you do yours.
I've sat and debated this decision for quite some time now. I've literally become burnt out from reading and reviewing the books that I am grateful to have been given. I'm no longer enjoying reading, and have no energy or desire to blog right now, which for me is a HUGE red flag and one that I have to take notice of.
I've been here before when I was a life coach and was literally run off my feet blogging, reviewing, studying, working 4 days a week in a primary school, and trying to keep it all together. Something else that has made me finally make the decision to take a sabbatical is that for the past 2 weeks i've been unwell with an ear infection - labyrinthitis and it has triggered my asthma. Now, anyone who knows me, knows that for my entire life my asthma has been controlled and has never caused a problem. Needless to say that with my asthma actually being affected and having to use an additional inhaler (I now use 3), really scared me, and upset me beyond words. My body is literally worn out. It's even more worn out due to my extreme anxiety which I've been suffering with.
Now, it's not the blogging and reviewing on it's own that has worn me out, I've had to deal with a HUGE amount of messiness this year. I haven't enjoyed summer as a relationship broke down and it was awful, one of my lovely accountancy friends actually described the way he treated me during the break up was cruel and inhuman. I agree with her now. On top of that, I've had the news that my Auntie has been diagnosed with Cancer - she's going to have treatment and i'm praying she will be OK. But, all in all, 2015 has been a rubbish year of sorts.
I have so much to do study wise, I am in my final year at University so this is where it really counts, this is my final chance to secure the degree classification I dream of, I'm also studying my Level 4 in Accountancy which is taking such a huge amount of time and effort, and all in all, I have to say, i'm surrounded by books from studying, and then the piles keep mounting physically and on my kindle for reviews and I'm in a state of despair. I have shelves of books that I've paid for and not even opened yet. I flicked through my Instagram account the other night, came across a post of books I've bought... 53 weeks ago! And I've not read them yet! This has to change. For me.
So, I HAVE to take a break, I have to.
For me this break won't be utterly cold turkey, I'll still pop on and post about books I read and have time to review, and i'll honour the blog tours I have signed up for. Also, I'll post shorter posts of a lifestyle theme to help me not feel so overwhelmed with it all, and also allow you, my readers to see a different side to who I am.
I want to blog and I want to review, but I want it to be enjoyable and less intense. This is meant to be a hobby, It's not my career, I don't get paid to be this stressed, tired and worn out, and I have to listen to what I need and want in life. I could say that I'm sitting here blubbing as I write this, but i'm honest, I'm not. I'm too tired to cry about it.
How long will I be 'gone'?
I honestly don't know. Like I said, I won't be going cold turkey, and i'll still be around, but I won't be machine and robotic lie with my posts. When I post it will be hopefully have energy, punch, enthusiasm, and ooze ME in them. I know that I want to enjoy the run up to Christmas, the novels, the crochet, the snuggling up to watch a movie, all without feeling the pressure to quickly review and rate the book sat staring at me asking me why the hell I am sleeping when I could be reading.
I think I've said what I need to say right now, so I shall end it here. Remember it's not goodbye... it's not a break-up, it's not even a separation. Its a healthy sabbatical that lets me do my thing and you do yours.
As I've been feeling rather sorry for myself of late due to being unwell with Labyrinthitis (not a nice illness to experience), I thought a great post here on A Page of Fictional Love would be where I share 26 things that make me happy. Why 26 things I hear you ponder? Well, 26 because I'm 26 years old... and in a weeks time I'll be 27 and I don't know whether I could find another something that makes me happy - Ha!
So there you have my list of 26 things that makes me happy. I'd love to hear what makes you happy, you don't have to do as many as me, or you could do more... totally up to you...whatever makes you happy.
Thank's for stopping by and reading what makes me happy.
1. Pretty Notebooks - I happen to have a HUGE haul of notebooks, and rarely venture home following a shopping trip without a new (a few) additions to the family. See I even refer to my notebook love as a family. Ah... true love!
2. Countryside - I grew up in Shropshire, walks on Clee Hills, along the River Severn, Bewdley, Baggeridge, Clent, ahhh... my childhood makes me happy
3. The colour purple - Need I say more... And I once had my bedroom decorated in shades of pink & purple with silver as a teenager and damn did I love that bedroom.
4. The colour pink - read above
5. Pastel colours - I adore pastel colours... I mean they are scrumptious, light and fluffy... oh wait, I just described the perfect cake... haha, but yes, I love pastel colours.
6. Fast Drying Nail Varnish - now when I say fast drying nail varnish, I mean those 60 second ones... but wait. I mean the ones that ACTUALLY flippin do dry quickly, and not are still not dry 40 minutes later. Really annoying!
7. Curly wavy hair - Yep, I loves me some curls in my hair... here's why: (see picture on the left) Yes, I had my hair chopped ... it was a super long 29" and I had a full 10" taken off, and I feel sexier, happier, and damn... I look good there. And yes, my hair has had a tiny bit of curling action help, but largely, now it will go naturally wavy all on it's own which means less work for me.
8. Shabby Chic Home Decor - I just love it! It kind of ties in with my love of pastels.
9. Italy - Venice, Rome, Tuscany, I've never been but it has ALWAYS been on my bucket list
10. Chunky Scarfs - Seriously how can these NOT make you happy? They are warm, cosy, super soft and totally amazing!
11. Achieving - yes, I'm an achievement nut, I love to achieve things, I'm super ambitious, and will try anything and will aim to succeed in it too.
12. Autumn - Oh my FAVOURITE time of the year. I will be doing a separate blog post about Autumn so I'll explain more in that one
13. My Magick Man - no I'm not in a relationship right now, the Magick Man I am talking about happens to be my little kitty. He's a BIG 7 years old now, but will always be my ickle baby.
14. Studying - Yes, I'm a nerd and proud. Since I started school as a little one in Nursery there hasn't been a time that I have not been studying or enrolled on some course. I'm in my final year at University (A long 6 years years this has been) and I'm not quite sure what I'll do after.... OH yes I do, I'll be continuing my accountancy studying and training. See... Study Nerd!
15. Taller Men - Oh dear god yes! I love a tall guy. I'm 5ft 6" so, I like a guy around 5' 10" ideally... I need inches for heels and that perfect tip toe kiss.
16. The Body Shop - I love their perfumes, their body mists, their soaps... oh hell, I just love everything!
17. Woolly Jumpers - This is like number 10 - I love the cosy-ness of them
18. Men in a Suit - Oh this has always been something that makes me happy. Seriously, my love for a guy in a suit came around LONG before Mr Grey. And the men in my mind... in a suit look WAY better than Grey.
19. Christmas Novels - I love snuggling down to read a cosy festive book
20. Men Wearing a Black Shirt - Yes... this is like number 18... and men in a black shirt are guaranteed to get a second glance from me... but whether they get a third or more.. well, that depends on how good they look in that shirt. Simple really.
21. Crochet - This is something that I began last year, I taught myself to crochet and I flippin love it. Those granny squares are a passion of mine, and I have so many ideas for this year including more Santa Socks!
22. Gardening - I like to spend time out in the garden with the plants and the grass and yep - love to do some gardening.
23. Freshly Laundered Bedding - What is not to love about fresh clean bedding? Perfection!
24. Flowers - I love having fresh flowers in my home
25. Spending time with my Mum - I'm lucky that I've always been close to my Mum and we've always done stuff together. She's like my best friend too. We have such a laugh, and she's supported me through SO much, and stood by me, I don't know what i'd do without her.
26. Books - I can't end the blog without saying that yes, books make me happy. I book blog, I review books, I have done for a few years, and I still have ALL my books from my childhood. I may have currently hit a book reading slump but they still make me happy and I know that they will continue to do so.
So there you have my list of 26 things that makes me happy. I'd love to hear what makes you happy, you don't have to do as many as me, or you could do more... totally up to you...whatever makes you happy.
Thank's for stopping by and reading what makes me happy.
Hi there,
This is a new thing I'm trying out on my blog because to be honest I was so close to saying goodbye to this blog because I have found that my love for reading right now - with everything that is going on in my life - has just kind of upped and left me.
Do you know what I found out about myself doing this?
1) That I CAN actually fit everything in during the day
2) That getting things done is far more enjoyable when you're doing it in colour
3) Planning you week/day can be really good fun
4) Having a routine is good... it's healthy... and I totally got this one from a very special person in my life.
So today, I upped the ante on my planner addiction by hitting Sainsbury's (complete with my labryrinthitis - which was not fun with all the noise going on) and seeing what goodies they had.
I am always the first person to drag whomever I'm with into the stationary store and spend hours looking at all the pretty things... because they are pretty gorgeous aren't they? But sometimes, especially now, your supermarket carries a lot of gorgeous stationary too. So let's take a look at what pretties I got today.
First up, I got myself a brand new diary - I know what you're thinking; "But, you ALREADY have a diary". Yes, I do. Bit this one is specifically going to be to plan and monitor my studies. You see, I'm currently studying 3... yes THREE courses. Firstly, I'm doing my level 4 AAT Accounting Advanced Diploma with Kaplan Financial, And Children's Literature, and Marketing & Finance with The Open University. The last two courses, with The Open University, will complete my degree, and this time next year i'll be a graduate... FINALLY!!
Anyway, so as you can see, I need to be able to clearly plan my time effectively and keep track of assignments, exams, tutorials, etc. Here's the pretty diary I picked up today from Sainsbury's.
Next up, I began thinking about my pretty personal planner/organiser and feeling a little more ready to attempt some major prettifying of my planner I picked up these utterly gorgeous gift tags - yes, gift tags - to use in my planner as book marks, writing down really special occasions, amazing things that happened during the week etc... and they will be so easy to attach with a bit of washi tape and they'll look cute and adorable, and will make me want to USE my planner and BE more organised. At 49p for 3 tags, I swept up 6 packs for a tiny £3, again from Sainsbury's.
So I want to share with you my haul from Sainsbury's for my planner.
I've become a bit of a planner addict/freak/junkie/lover! It's true, for someone who is still struggling with fitting everything in I decided a few months ago to try and become more organised. So I grabbed my diary (which I'll be honest, is empty until a couple of months ago), and my rather snazzy fineliners that I picked up super cheap from Wilko's, and I began to plan my week. I think it was a conversation with my Mum about being almost 27 AKA A TwirtieSomething (Twenty coming Thirty = Twirty) and needing to get some proper organisation in my life now... that kicked me up the bum to try this.
Do you know what I found out about myself doing this?
1) That I CAN actually fit everything in during the day
2) That getting things done is far more enjoyable when you're doing it in colour
3) Planning you week/day can be really good fun
4) Having a routine is good... it's healthy... and I totally got this one from a very special person in my life.
So today, I upped the ante on my planner addiction by hitting Sainsbury's (complete with my labryrinthitis - which was not fun with all the noise going on) and seeing what goodies they had.I am always the first person to drag whomever I'm with into the stationary store and spend hours looking at all the pretty things... because they are pretty gorgeous aren't they? But sometimes, especially now, your supermarket carries a lot of gorgeous stationary too. So let's take a look at what pretties I got today.
First up, I got myself a brand new diary - I know what you're thinking; "But, you ALREADY have a diary". Yes, I do. Bit this one is specifically going to be to plan and monitor my studies. You see, I'm currently studying 3... yes THREE courses. Firstly, I'm doing my level 4 AAT Accounting Advanced Diploma with Kaplan Financial, And Children's Literature, and Marketing & Finance with The Open University. The last two courses, with The Open University, will complete my degree, and this time next year i'll be a graduate... FINALLY!!
Anyway, so as you can see, I need to be able to clearly plan my time effectively and keep track of assignments, exams, tutorials, etc. Here's the pretty diary I picked up today from Sainsbury's.
 |
| The paperclips were on sale for 75p, and the diary was £1.50 |
Yes, you've noticed that 'just picking up a diary for my student days' quickly turns into a mental conversation that says;
"Oooh I need those paperclips too... paperclips are useful things, I might need them, no i'll definitely need them, and look at how pretty they are" ... and into the trolley they go.
Next up, I began thinking about my pretty personal planner/organiser and feeling a little more ready to attempt some major prettifying of my planner I picked up these utterly gorgeous gift tags - yes, gift tags - to use in my planner as book marks, writing down really special occasions, amazing things that happened during the week etc... and they will be so easy to attach with a bit of washi tape and they'll look cute and adorable, and will make me want to USE my planner and BE more organised. At 49p for 3 tags, I swept up 6 packs for a tiny £3, again from Sainsbury's.
So, there you have it, my mini stationary haul from Sainsbury's. It's not massive, it didn't cost massive amounts of money, I think I spent just over £5 in total, so it was a nice little haul that will make my year more organised, pretty, and enjoyable.
I hope you've enjoyed my little post and I apologise about the pictures.. I promise I will get better at them. It's been really fun writing this and it's been a nice little break from blogging about books. And it does help to explain my NEW blog banner... So i'll definitely be doing little posts like this from time to time about exciting hauls or things that make my Twirties Life a little more enjoyable.
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