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: 

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...