Getting Organised with Planners

While waiting for my train yesterday I popped into Paperchase (any excuse). After cooing over their Christmas goodies I found a display of lots of different planners and journals, and two caught my eye.

The first planner I found in my basket quicker than I could blink was the 'Bossing it' planner - which is apparently for 'Goal Diggin' Girls (honestly - if I'd read that tag line first I probably wouldn't have bought it - I'm way out of the 'girl' age group, and also - I have no idea why it needs to be gender specific). However - there are some useful parts to this planner, which is aimed at people trying to start their own business - space to write out ideas, pages to support in finding clarity regarding the key focus of the business (I've found these particularly useful), and weekly planning pages to track goals.

I started using this planner today and found it really effective in helping me to focus on what I want to achieve from my business ideas, and what I need to do, to make it a reality. I've had lots of creative business ideas floating around for so long and I think this planner will help me focus them and move forward.

The second item I picked up is The Blogger's Journal. In the past I've tried to use online calendars and tools to manage my blog posts but there is something about having a pen and paper planner which I can pick up any time and sketch out ideas in, that really appeals to me. The journal has lots of blank pages for writing out ideas, pages to track followers, and goal setting pages. I used this journal straight away - sat on a train writing out some ideas. I've loved using it so far, and it's helping me focus more than an online calendar or a blank notebook can.

Paperchase have lots of different journals in stock at the moment - they're all super affordable and would be lovely Christmas presents for anyone in your life who likes to write out ideas. When so much of life is now sent looking at a screen I still really enjoy being able to write things out, so I'm sold on them so far - let's see if my blog and business ideas evidence that they are working!

Sorry for the lack of photos - I definitely need to sort out a lighting set-up for taking blog photos during dark evenings, but you can find The Blogger's Journal here and the Bossing it Journal here.

Thoughts on Blogging

Well I have hardly been a prolific blogger these past few months. My blog has remained in the back of my mind through all of the quiet periods, like an old friend you can not talk to for years, but know that when you do catch up it'll be like things never changed.

Things do change though, and I know I've definitely changed as I've progressed through my thirties, and I'd love to start writing a blog that reflects that. 

There are some truly beautiful blogs out there in the world - so many in fact, that it can become overwhelming. Particular for an over-thinker, which I most definitely am. It's easy to decide that because my life will never be the perfect picture of beautiful clothes, worn in amazing locations, surrounded by rose gold accessories that I should give up the blogging game. 

But, honestly, that's not the life I want. I want to look at some pretty items I have a hope of being able to afford, I want to be creative and make things (irrespective of how crappy they may turn out to look) and I want to have fun and write about whatever is interesting me at the time. 

The little blog in the back of my mind has been trying to whisper to me for the past few weeks that perhaps if I feel like that, then other people might too, and might still be interested in reading my space in the blogosphere.  

I think I'm going to listen this time. Life outside of the world of my chrome book is difficult at the moment due to the health of someone I love very much,  but then life can difficult. The truly horrific events that have taken lives in the UK recently seem to suggest that the world has quite literally gone mad. Blogs sometimes neglect to mention that, with the chant of 'only ever be positive' ringing in our ears from so many different lists of blogging tips. 

I'm planning to have a little bit of a re-fresh around these parts - some new post ideas, and just a renewed attempt to make this a space that reflects more of life. I'm planning more posts that involve more writing...my thoughts on things and lessons I've learnt. For I have learnt many! There will still be homeware and crafts a-plenty though...never fear!

If you've taken time to read this little outpouring then thank you. It's really appreciated and makes my heart feel that little bit fuzzier. I hope to see you again soon. 

Bye for now xx