Same Blog, Different Name: Charmingly Chic Creations

Well, hello there!  It's been awhile since I've opened up my blog page.  Why...?  My name.  Not my real name, I like that one, but rather my blog name.  Which essentially narrowed my focus in the process.  Charmingly Chic Organization originally seemed like it was a good fit.  Until, of course, I discovered it wasn't.  I kept feeling stifled by one word.  Organization.  I love to organize, but gosh, my life has certainly been more chaotic than organized since moving to California and I felt like it wasn't a good fit for me considering I know what the inside of several of my kitchen cupboards look like (that's life!).  So, from there I had to think of what actually would fit me well so I don't have to go through another identity crisis in the future (hopefully...).  What did I discover?  Easy.  I love love love to create.  Thus, the word "Creations" struck me as a far better fitting word for what I really love.  I still love to organize but it's really not the only thing I enjoy.

So now that you know the "why" behind the change... let me (re)introduce myself officially:

Hi! I'm Dana writing on a little blog, that probably only my parents and sister-in-law read (Hi!!!), called Charmingly Chic Creations. 

Back at a few other things I wanted to mention...  Another hang up I previously had was the writing.  Which was a little odd for me to discover since I really enjoy writing.  But, it feels so intimidating to have to write so much and if I'm being totally honest, I'm always looking for the pictures in articles and skimming the actual words anyways.  Going forward, there's gonna be a little less talk and a lot more pictures (anybody else think of the country song when they read that line??).  Plus, I'm more visual anyways so I basically read by looking at pictures (IKEA furniture manuals, I get you...).   

Finally, I'm hoping you'll feel like you can hear my real human voice shining through versus a more eloquently written post where you might not really get a sense of what I'm like in real life.  So, really in summary of all these words I just got done saying I wasn't really into writing, I hope you like pictures and punny jokes.  I've got lots of those.  And sometimes I like to type/talk so you may run across a post that seems like I won't stop typing/talking.  Feel free to look at just the photos.  Zero offense shall be taken.

Alrighty, now get excited because during my hiatus of finding what my real name and focus should be, the husband and I bought a house.  This is like a home DIYers HEAVEN on Earth.  I've already done a lot of work around the place and can't wait to start sharing my creations with you!  

Thanks for being here (especially if you're someone other than my parents or sis-in-law!). I'd love for you to introduce yourself in the comment section below!

Cheers!

Dana 

Organize Your Life: Tips to Keep Your Sanity When Life Gets Busy!

Whew, it's been awhile since I've had time to even think about posting on my blog!  Life got hectic...fast!  I know I'm certainly not alone with feeling this way either.  It seems like it's more normal, rather than not, to get caught up in the craziness of life.  Sometimes it's things that come up that are completely out of our control!  Lately, with adjusting to new responsibilities at work, taking three grad school classes, wedding planning, big life decisions and other 'fun' life surprises, I've had a lot on my plate.  Much more than usual.  I've had to take a step back and find ways to keep my sanity to make it through the next month.  I can't help but to think I'm going to be extremely bored once I make it to March...

I thought it might be (hopefully) helpful to someone...anyone...if I share some of the tips I've been trying to implement to better organize my life over the next month.  So far, it's already helping me knock out some of the anxiety I was feeling.

• Schedule time to relax.  During this blocked off time do not, I repeat...do not, feel bad or think about the list of other things you need to do during this time.  Enjoy it. Take the time to rejuvenate.  Put it on your calendar, if needed, to make sure you have time set aside.  So much easier said than done... I know.

• Write everything down in your planner.  I mean everything.  I find I'm less apt to feel like I'm forgetting something if I make it a habit to write it all down in my handy dandy Emily Ley planner.  You use a cell phone?  Find a way to keep track of notes, reminders and events in your phone calendar and stick to it.  While I prefer my planner to keep my life organized, the perk of using cell phone calendars is that you have the ability to set alerts.

How to Successfully Prepare for each School Semester

Well, winter break from school is coming to an end and it's time to prepare for the upcoming semester.  I'm about to begin my final semester (YAY!) of grad school and have a wedding I get to start planning (double YAY!!).  This means, I have to be on top of my schedule and keep track of the assignments and tasks that need to be completed this spring.  Over the past few days, I spent time preparing for the next few months that are sure to be busy with homework and other things.  I wanted to share some the things I do prior to each semester that have helped me stay on track (and from losing my mind!).

TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE SEMESTER STARTING:

Look up what books are required for the course.  Don't forget to search multiple websites for the best deal!  Personally, I prefer finding my used books on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other used textbooks online stores.  Another tip is to check on the shipping costs.  I found that sometimes it's been less expensive to order all from one store rather than from each individual store with the cheapest option.  The cost of the books may be a little more but it can sometimes cost less overall because of cheaper or free shipping from purchasing over a certain dollar amount.

A WEEK OR LESS PRIOR TO THE SEMESTER BEGINNING: 

Your Guide to Finding Chic Office Supplies

Gold, Pink & Glitter - Oh My!

Happy Monday, friends!  Be prepared to get really excited.  And I mean dance-around-your-living-room-to-Mr. Brightside excited. Oh, is it just me who does that...?  Awkward.  So why are we getting so excited, you ask?  Two words that are (maybe, weirdly?) magical to me:  office supplies.  Not just any old office supplies... adorable and grown-up office supplies.  If you've ever been through a stationery section in a large retailer, it can tend to be hit or miss in the chic department.  I'm here to gush about all the cutesy office supplies that are stylish and functional and where I've had luck finding these great items (many on the cheap!).

  

Six places to find your perfect supplies:

1.  Start with what you have.

Christmas may be over but your gold and glittery treasures (that don't necessarily scream Christmas) may be perfect for year round use.  Or, hey, if you want to keep snowflakes and stockings out all year, I'm certainly not judging!  Tiny, glittery gold ornament balls or white and gold candles, for example, could easily be repurposed to add a little shimmer to your desk!  While you're packing up your Christmas decorations that don't make the cut to stay out year round, look around your home for coordinating items or unique pieces that can also be repurposed (i.e.: jars, trays, chalkboards, fun trinkets, cute boxes for storage, etc.).  You may be surprised with what you find!

The 6 Best Planners: 2015

Top L to R:  Sugar Paper; Day Designer; May Designs;   Bottom L to R: Lilly Pulitzer; Emily Ley; Kate Spade

What better way to start a blog about organization than to kick it off with a post about thee most adorable planners on the market for 2015?!  Seriously, just look at those patterns (eeekk - adorbs)!  I had a dreadfully hard time narrowing down the list of planners to only six, let alone one to use for 2015.  I did make a decision - more on that later.

Since 2014 is wrapping up (insert time flies comment here: _____ ), it's time to order a new, fresh and shiny planner for 2015!  While many have chosen to use their smartphone for their calendar needs, I just can't convert.  This comment coming from a total tech nerd.  So believe me when I tell you that I've given it a valiant effort.  I love technology.  LOVE.  But there's something about a beautiful planner and the gratification that comes with checking off a box, once a task has been completed, that I find so satisfying. 

I adore pretty things.  Call me crazy, but, I am convinced I use products that are pretty much more than those that are bland and boring.  Oh, and also I love gold.  And pink. And I can't forget black, white and cream.  Hmm... maybe it's obvious by looking at my blog color choices.  While I love using adorable planners, it is equally important that the planner serves its function properly. 

I searched high and low and spent way too much time on Pinterest (oh, hey, since we're new friends, you should check me out on Pinterest!) and I found some really adorable planners that all get an "A" in the useful department.

So which planner did I (finally) decide on...