Make it Monday // Christmas Countdown Planner Insert

If there's one thing I love making, it is planner inserts.  Not only do I love making functional ones (peep the ones in my shop here) but I also love making fun ones.  I would say that this insert falls under the category of fun + functional though.

this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

Today I wanted to share with you how to make another fun planner insert using my favorite online design tool - PicMonkey!  If you've read or seen any of my planner insert tutorials using PicMonkey, this will be familiar.  But I wanted to share another take on this DIY and offer some more things to you free!  If you're not down for making this yourself, don't worry - I've got some freebies at the end of the post!

First, start off in the collage feature offered by PicMonkey.  Hover over each box in the collage and click the 'x' until you have a collage of only one image.  Navigate to the Swatches category & pick a background to be added to the collage.  

Be sure to remove the white border by using the slider under the Background category.  At the top of the screen, there is an Edit button.  Click this to navigate to the editor.  This step eliminates the step of saving to your computer and then re-uploading the image to PicMonkey.  One less image file save on my computer is a blessing!

Once the editor screen is active, select the crop tool and move into crop the image.  Select the iPhone 6 Plus preset to get the perfect height to width ratio for personal sized planner inserts.  Be sure to uncheck scale photo as scaling it may cause quality loss.  Be sure to apply the crop.

Next, from the Overlays category, select a rectangle.  Change each color to white - the rectangle border and the fill color - then increase the transparency until the background is visible.  To create a page with room for punching on the left hand side, eyeball the placing of the rectangle to the right of the image.  To create a page with room for punching on the right hand side, eyeball the placing of the rectangle to the left of the image.  Create both a left and right hand page and save both images.

Open the image with the space on the left hand side to create the countdown.  Add a title using the text of your choice, I chose to use a new font added to the collection on PicMonkey called Coffee Break to title the page.  One of the best parts of using PicMonkey is that you can use the fonts installed on your computer.  However, if you don't have anything fun to use, you can always find great free and Royale fonts to fit your project.  Personally, I love the Royale feature!  You get access to many more fonts and overlays with a Royale subscription!  For just $33/year or $4.99/month you can get an all access pass to amazing design tools!  Sign up here.

Next, using the Themes category (the snowflake at the bottom) select Santa Land and overlay some of the Christmas ornaments in a pattern with in the rectangle.  Obviously you'll need to lay at least 24 down.  I reserved the 25th place for a big Christmas tree, also found in the Santa Land theme.  Using the font Budmo Jiggler, I added the numbered countdown.

To create the reverse Santa's List Page, open the image with the room for the holes on the right side.  Using the same font, Coffee Break, create the title.  I used a sans serif font called Lato to lay down the lines.  Add another Christmas tree overlay for a decorative touch.

Be sure to save your work to your computer.

Finally using the tail end of this tutorial, place the two images you've created into word (or another word processing document) to create the file to print from.  Because this tutorial places the images on either side of the word document, when you print the page back to front, you'll end up with two Christmas countdowns with a notes page on the back.  Not a bad thing to have.............but it may be more than you need!

If you follow this tutorial, you will design a page intended for a personal sized planner.  However, if you're willing to play around in Word, you may be able to get this to fit near A5 size.  Because you unchecked the scale photo box you have a lot of quality to work with.  So increasing the size shouldn't be a problem.

If you're not keene on making your own inserts, don't fret - I've got you covered.  Click here for the free PDF download.  I've also created a set of printable stickers that you can use to mark of the dates.  Annnddd because I didn't want you to waste a whole sheet of sticker paper I've also added some headers and heart checklists, too.  (Click here for the stickers!)  These will fit perfectly in your ECLP (sign up here for 10% off your first order, must create a new account!) or in any vertical style planner you may have - I have some personal sized planner inserts in my shop!

Remember that all the printables on the blog are intended for personal use only.  So don't copy, distribute, or disseminate these for profit.  Please share this blog post instead of the file and I'll appreciate it!

I am so happy to start my countdown tomorrow!  So be sure to print yours out tonight!

If you'd like to find more PicMonkey tutorials, click here.  If you're looking for more planner printables, click here.

What are you looking forward to this holiday season?  Anything fun to countdown to other than Christmas!?!?

xoxo, Moe

Favorite Places for Custom Holiday Cards // Zazzle & Minted

Now that Thanksgiving is officially over and we can now freely admit that our trees are up (and have been up for about 2 weeks), it's time to start on the holiday cards you know you should send out each year.  I have to say - this year is the year to send them.

this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

all images are used from minted.com and zazzle.com

There are two places I highly recommend ordering your holiday cards from - Minted and Zazzle.  And don't forget this weekend is prime savings time (details below!)

Minted

this card features real foil detail!  Find it here

Minted is an A+ place to order anything from, in all honesty.  This site offers artwork, notebooks (and planners!), holiday cards, wedding invites, and much more (like, look at this fabric!) all created from quality artwork and customized by you.  This amazing online market places sources talented artists to create works for you to purchase as designed or customize yourself.  The curated works on the site are truly inspiring and breathtaking.  The images appeal to a vintage meets modern aesthetic while offering a wide variety of designs.

this card features silver foil!  Find it here.

An interesting part of the site is that the artwork and designs featured aren't just curated by the site itself, but by the consumer.  Artists submit their works and the consumers of the site rank and vote on each design.  Minted then curates the most popular designs for customization and print.  Each designer can upload to their design shop and have Minted fulfillment process turn the design into a reality.

find this design in assorted colors here.

When it comes to Holiday cards, the designs are limitless.  Choose from a modern postcard to a chic letterpress and wow your relatives with your custom creation.    You can even get free printing of addresses on the envelopes!

Right now, they've extended their Black Friday pricing - 20% off holiday cards & gifts $150+, 15% off no min. Code: BF2015, exp 11/29 (see details here)

Zazzle

A broad market place for all things custom, Zazzle offers countless products to be customized countless ways.  From acrylic trays (see a DIY here) to custom flasks, to wedding invitations (check out the wedding suites offered in the Five Sixteenths shop here.), to holiday cards, Zazzle is a market place for anyone any everyone with a creative bug.  Catering to a wide variety of aesthetics, the endless products on Zazzle allow for any Plain 'Ol Joe to Design Team Suzie to create and sell their creations.

Through Zazzle's fulfillment process anyone can post a design for sale - meaning that the variety is clearly endless.  Choose from post cards, folded cards, die cut cards, matching postage, and envelopes - there are combos galore.  Feel like you have what it takes to design your own card?  Use your favorite design machine (or even PicMonkey!) to create a design 100% custom to you!  Zazzle's fulfillment process will bring your dream into reality!

find this design here.

I love the new die cut cards feature.  The different shapes make your holiday cards (or any cards or invitations) very unique.  Creating a one of a kind holiday memory to send to your friends and family.

Right now Zazzle has an assortment of sales going on, including 50% off site wide!  Details are here.

So, if you haven't yet decided on your holiday cards this year, I urge you to fiddle around with both of these sites to find the one design that makes you feel merry and bright.  And, like I mentioned above...don't forget that it is sales time!! Not only are both sites having AWESOME sales, Zazzle has 10% cash back through Ebates!  So if you haven't signed up for Ebates - an awesome, no joke way of earning cash back on your online purchases - do so here!

Hope you had a wonderful holiday with your friends and family, and I can't wait to get started on the Christmas posts!

xoxo, Moe

Beauty Review // Highlight Palette Comparison & Review

Guys, highlighting is the best.  Beside all make up products, highlighters are the best thing in the world.  I've got 3 highlighting palettes for you to today that I wanted to do a quick comparison on - the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette, the Balm's Manizer Sisters trio, and the Elf Illuminating Palette.  Like, for real guys...I love all three of these, but I'll go ahead and spoil it for you if you're looking for an affordable highlighting palette Eyes Lips Face has you covered.

this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here

But lets talk about them all...

From the Website

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

Create your perfect light with this palette featuring three shades of Ambient Lighting Powder, which utilize Photoluminescent Technology to filter out harsh light and refine the appearance of the complexion. Each of these high-tech, soft-focus finishing powders recreate an exquisitely flattering light source. The powders can be applied individually or layered to imbue skin with a multidimensional glow.  Cost: $58.

taken from the website here

The Balm's Manizer Sisters

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, this trio of Manizers has been found guilty - of being gorgeous. Designed for girls on the run, this highlighting trio enables you to emphasize your finest features. This palette contains three triple-milled multi-tasking highlighter, shimmers and shadows. These champagne, rose, and golden-bronze shades are flattering on all skin tones and easy to use so you can take your glow on the go. Cost: $28

taken from the website here.

Elf Illuminating Palette

This beautiful illuminating palette holds 4 gorgeous complementary shades to mix and match for a custom blended radiance that captures, diffuses, and softens the way light reflects on the skin. The soft-focus powders are great for highlighting around the eyes and on cheekbones to enhance the skin with a luminous effect. Perfect for all skin tones.  Cost: $6

taken from the website here.

First Impressions & Application

So let's get too it, and this is going to be hard.  Each palette is filled with highlight powders that are very pigmented.  Not one of these palettes has a dud.  While I would say each palette has unique colors, there are some that are comparable.  The textures vary between each palette - the smoothest texture being in the Ambient palette\ - but none of them kick up too much powder.

The Ambient Lighting palette has one satin shade - the Dim Light - and two other shades - Incandescent and Radiant Light - that seem to have a bit of shimmer in them.  That didn't pick up on the swatches but there's definitely some glittery brightness (and not in a bad way).  The texture is velvety smooth, and it really does feel luxe.  For the price, the texture is what I'd expected.

The Manizer Sisters trio is a bit more bold with the pigmentation.  Each has a little bit of that shimmer though the Cindy-Lou Manizer has more of a satin finish.  In person it also has sort of an iridescence to it as well.  The texture of these remind me of an eyeshadow rather than a face product, but that doesn't affect the application or my over all opinion of it.

The Elf Illuminating palette has all satin finish shades. Any thing that looks like it might have a little bit of that shimmer blends out to be a purely satin finish.  These powders are very, very soft and have the texture of a face product.  This $6 palette impressed me more than the Manizer Sisters being that the Manizer set is the middle end product here.

Honestly if you had these pans out, unlabeled, I would choose the Elf powders as the middle end product.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Swatches

I applied each with a tapered brush - the Elf Small Tapered Brush - and was impressed with the glow of each.  The Small Tapered Brush is great for laying down product but also blending it out.  I love the point and the density and find it perfect for highlighting in general.  For a more subtle look either the Elf Illuminating palette or the shade Dim Light could be used but the Elf palette can be built up to give a bolder look.  For a bright pop the Manizer Sisters and the shades Incandescent and Radiant light are perfect.

Wear Time

I was impressed with the wear time of all of these.  I can get a little bit longer wear from the Ambient  Lighting Palette but both the Elf Illuminating Palette and the Manizer Sisters lasted a good amount of time.  I would say for the latter two I'd still notice the highlight about 4 hours into the day but I did notice the Ambient Palette to stay slightly longer.

The Manizer Sisters Swatches

I do like using the Manizer Sisters palette as an eyeshadow as well and I notice that the more concentrated the color is the longer it is visible.

I wear a full face of liquid foundation and a setting powder everyday and found that this canvas worked well with these powders.  The texture of the Ambient Lighting Palette and the Elf Illuminating palette allows for blend-ability - meaning you'd get a more even glow with less work.  These powders are able to blend into the skin more evenly with less effort creating that tale tell lit from within glow.  The Manizer Sisters palette takes a little more effort (save the Cindy-Lou Manzier) to get a clean, even application.  It's not terrible - because I really do love all three of these palettes) just in comparison I find this palette take more work.

The Elf Illuminating Palette Swatches

Overall Impressions and Recommendations

Honestly, I would recommend all of these palettes.  However, if you are looking to only spend $6 you will get your money's worth in the Elf Illuminating palette.  While you can tell by the swatches that there are comparable shades in each palette, I would not say that any are dupes.  If you have $58 to spend, do go ahead and pick up the Ambient Lighting Palette.  (Better yet, see if Santa will pick it up for you!)  All in all I am most impressed with the quality of the Elf Illuminating palette - every other one lives up to the price tag, but the drugstore equivalent really gets me!

If you are thinking about getting some of these, don't forget to check out Ebates to see if you can get any cash back on your purchases!  Currently, as I'm typing this - Elf has 5.5% cash back, Nordstrom has 6% cash back (you can find Hourglass and Mac on the Nordstrom site), and Khols has 6% cash back.  That's pretty awesome.  Don't forget that Black Friday is also coming up!

You can sign up for Ebates here to earn cash back on your purchases - seriously, there's no catch!

Do you have a drugstore alternative to a high end product that blew you away?  Have you tried any of these?

xoxo, Moe

Make it Monday // PicMonkey + Zazzle for the Perfect Gift

It is nearly Thanksgiving which means we all really need to be on top of our Christmas shopping.  Mine is nearly done - I picked up a lot of things on one of our mini trips to northern Michigan - I just have to pick up a few things mainly for people that are hard to buy for in my family.  If you have some of those hard-to-buy-for-people on your list, I have an idea to share with you today.

this post contains affiliate links, please see my full disclosure here.

Have you ever heard of the site Zazzle?  Not only is this site great for invitations, announcements, and more (check my shop here), Zazzle.com has an amazing array of personalized gifts.  Not only can you choose from customizable designs but you can also create your own!  There are tons of blank canvases to work on and tons of inspiration.  I chose to go with creating a vanity tray gift since I thought it was super unique. 

I decided to work in PicMonkey even though I know Zazzle has some fun design tools.  PicMonkey offers some clipart, backgrounds, and fun fonts to play with.  I'll be using one of the brand new fonts available on PicMonkey!  They've added 7 new fonts and some of them are the ever popular calligraphy style.

First start off with an 8x10 canvas.  Crop it to the 16x9 selection to get the closest ratio to the small vanity tray.  This will give you a canvas to start designing on.

If you'd like to do a new take on a monogram, add a label overlay.  There are plenty free options to choose from but the Royale (or paid option) from PicMonkey offers more fonts, more overlays, and way more fun creating!  The cost of Royale is totally worth it - $4.99/mo or $33/year!  PicMonkey is an awesome design tool.

After adding the label overlay, use a fun calligraphy font to add the last name of the family you are creating for.  Under the Overlays tab, there is a floral option.  Use this option to place some flourishes on the scrip text.

There are a few floral overlays that play well with this design.  Adding them to the corners works great for a feminine touch!  Save your design, but don't close out of your PicMonkey window in case you need to make any changes.

Now it's time to move over to Zazzle.  Choose the small vanity tray and using the Add Image button, upload the design you've created in PicMonkey and saved to your computer.

For the most part, your image should fit in the constraints of the tray but you can also use the crop to fit button to trim off a little excess on the left and right sides of the image.

View your tray from multiple angles to make sure you like the way your design is displayed.  Then add to your cart!

If you'd like to make similar designs for multiple gifts, keep your PicMonkey Screen open and design as many as you'd like.  If you'd like to have something similar to this design, click here to download the floral image.  Then open it in PicMonkey to customize your design.  You can read more of my PicMonkey tutorials here....you know you want to!

Be sure you check out if there are any coupon codes going on with Zazzle at the time of your purchase and don't forget to use Ebates to get money back on your purchases!  This a great way to whip up a custom gift after you've stuff your face with a delicious Turkey dinner!

You can check out the stationery, invites, announcements, and more in my Zazzle shop here.

Who in your family is hard to shop for?  Would they like a personalized gift?

xoxo, Moe

Wednesday Decor // The Importance of the (Cleaning) Routine

So, you'd think with my obsession over cleaning schedules/routines/etc I'd have an immaculate home right?  WRONG!  I'm obsessed with cleaning schedules and routines because I suck at keeping a clean and tidy house.  It is the one thing I struggle with that really bothers me.  Not good at cooking?  No problem.  But not being able to keep things tidy is really annoying to me.  It has never been a priority - the thing I'm doing now to make the mess is the priority.  Then before I know it there are little pieces of crap laying around and I don't understand why.

So this post is just another post on what I'm doing to keep my house tidy - yet as I write this the house is a wreck!  Zach just left for another work trip, so rather than worry about the dust we wanted to spend time together.  So don't come over today......you might not like what you see.

I created a routine

I can't remember when I came up with this routine, but it's been a while - 30 min of cleaning/tidying a day in a different zone.  I'm pretty sure this isn't the first time this has been done either.  I have a blog post here about the 4 questions I asked myself in order to make my perfect cleaning list and those questions have pretty much framed my routine. (I plan on having a video on routines in my planner up in the next few weeks as well!)   I decided to clean only Monday - Thursday, 30 min a night, in one of four zones.  I have a post that goes more in depth here.  

I made the routine a priority

How can you do something regularly if you don't find it important?  I decided to track my cleaning schedule using a habit tracker.  I made it a priority to clean each day.  It was a personal goal for myself to stick to my cleaning schedule.  Keeping the routine a priority slowly meant that I was getting a better grasp on what I could do in that time.  I'd set a time and the first few days of cleaning (like I know these next few days will be) the whole 30 min was spent tidying/cleaning.  Priorities are to vacuum and to pick up the clutter.  We have a dog so the hair is what gets on my nerves though I've gotten used to it and know there is no way it's going to go away any time soon!  Eventually it would take me 15 min to clean and declutter and the rest of that time could be spent on a deep cleaning task - like the baseboards in the bathroom, or moving things around to dust/vacuum more thoroughly.  I loved that part!  Keeping up with the routine meant the chore got easier.

The routine made it less daunting

Cleaning one thing a day means I'm only focusing on that one task.  I don't stand in a room and am completely overwhelmed making me want to stop before I've even started.  In previous posts I've mentioned that I choose three things to focus on each of the days and make those the priority of the day.  As long as those are done I can feel satisfied.  By being super specific the task is narrowed and I can feel more confident in my ability to complete it.  Even if it's been a busy week like the passed one focusing on three things means something is getting done to make the next time I'm in that zone easier.

A less daunting tasks is a task that gets done

Because I'm able to break my cleaning list into the most basic parts, I feel I can get more done.  Like I mentioned above - eventually, from week to week and day to day, there's very little that needs to be handled and that leaves time to focus on things like deep cleaning.  30 minutes of something I feel like I have a handle on is totally different from standing in a room freaking out!

The biggest thing for me was making cleaning the priority.  It's not going to get done if I don't do it.  I would say I'm still a messy person but I try to be more aware of it and actually do something about it.  When I'm making a mess I make an effort to clean up afterwards.  If part of the thing you're doing is making a mess, part of finishing that thing is cleaning up.

If you haven't checked out the etsy shop recently, each printable kit has 6 habit trackers and there's even a full page of habit trackers!

How do you tackle your cleaning or any task that you hate doing?  Are there any tips you have?

Make it Monday // Thanksgiving Coffee Cozie

Remember when I shared this crochet coffee cozie for Halloween?  Well now I'm addicted to making themed coffee cozies!!  They are super simple to whip up and great creative practice if you're a beginner crocheter because not only are your practicing crocheting in the round, you can also practice different stitches!

this post contains affiliate links, pleas read my full disclosure here.

For this cozie, I used a single crochet in the back loop only of each round.  This project is a great stash buster!  You could work through about a dozen in an afternoon - talk about instant gifts for the holidays.

Pattern

Using worsted weight yarn in two colors and a size H hook

ch 30, slp st in first chain to join, sc in each ch around.  Be careful not to twist your work, join with slp st by picking up second color, ch 1, do not turn.

Using second color, sc in back loop only of each st around.  Join with slp st by picking up first color, ch1, do not turn.

Alternate colors for every row, 11 rows in total. 

Bind off and weave in ends.

To add an embellishment, I used a little bit of E6000 and the stickiness on the back of a premade felt applique in the shape of a Turkey to add to the front of the cozy.  Now is the time to find Thanksgiving stuff at the craft store for like 40% off!  I used these same little appliques to make these paperclips, too!

If you're thinking about getting into the craft of crochet (do it! do it!) I'd suggest this Crochet Basics & Beyond class from Craftsy to get you started!

Are you ready for Turkey day?  I looooovvvee Thanksgiving!

xoxo, Moe

5 Reasons I Love my Cricut Explore

The holidays are coming up and I've never felt more crafty!  I have the ultimate tool sitting right under my desk and it's pretty versatile - the Cricut Explore.  You have seen my posts on using the Cricut's Print then Cut feature to create planner stickers (here, here & here) but there are thousands (upon thousands) of other projects you can do with it.  My current favorite is the easy of use to design my own tabs/divider styles through design space!  Cutting them out from my favorite scrapbook paper with the machine is much easier than doing it by hand.

this post contains affiliate links, please see my full disclosure here.
image used from Circut.com

If you need some more reasons to pick up the Cricut Explore (or the Cricut Explore Air) besides the fact that they are on sale right now keep on reading:

Easy to use

Above all the Cricut Explore and the Cricut Design Space are both easy to use.  You can pick up on how to use and design with Design Space extremely easily.  If you've even used another one of my favorite tools PicMonkey, you'll be able to catch on super quick.  The features are easy to use, you have access to all your downloaded fonts, you're able to change colors quickly, and you can use your own clipart to design.  Creating your own shapes - like planner dividers - is super easy with the weld button.  

Apps + Bluetooth

If you have the Cricut Explore you can purchase a bluetooth adapter to communicate with either your computer or your iPad.  How cool is that?  If you're using this post to convince you that you should buy this thing, if you pick up the Explore Air you get the bluetooth feature included!  Download the app for your iPhone or iPad and design on the go.  You know, after you've eaten all your Thanksgiving turkey you can curl up on the couch and design some Christmas presents before you slip in to a post-feast coma.

Like a Million Cartridges

If you're familiar with the word clip art let me introduce you to the cartridge.  The clip art used in design space corresponds with the cartridges offered by the company.  Think of the cartridge as clipart.  Now that we've got that out of the way - there like a bagillion cartridges.  Each set has corresponding elements to create cohesive designs.  There are even some cartridges with corresponding fonts.  Create to your hearts content.

Smart Set Dial

Not only is there a dial on the side of the machine to take the guess work out of blade depth, but under the custom settings there are so much more!  You can even manage your custom materials to set names for common depths you use for your own materials.  Not to mention you can cut things like leather and balsa wood and then easily set the dial to delicately kiss cut vinyl.

Cut, Write, and Score

Not only is this machine like a one stop cutting shop - but it also writes and scores!  The Cricut Explore (and the Cricut Explore Air) have two different heads - one for the blade and one that you can interchange with either a writing tool or a score tool.  All in one awesomeness!  Write, cut, score, fold, bam you're DONE!

If you're down for a new crafty gadget to add to your creative arsenal, I've got some great news!  Currently the Cricut Explore Air and various Cricut Explore Air Bundles/Starter Kits are on sale through the Cricut website!  Hooray!!!!  Or you could alway suggest the sale price to Santa, I'm sure he'd hear you loud an clear. 

You can also get FREE shipping on your orders using the code FREESHIPNOV (I'm not sure how long the code is good for...so go use it!)

Is there one crafty gadget you are excited about?  Do you have any crafty gadgets on your Christmas lists?

xoxo, Moe

Five Crafty Things For the Planner Girl

I think I have so much fun planning because I'm a crafty girl at heart.  I have found a way to be creative everyday - I used to want to scrapbook and even got into 30 Lists for a while, but it just didn't really suit me.  I couldn't keep up with 30 Lists and I was too non-committal with traditional scrapbooking (which is why I love Project Life....but haven't finish an album in ages.)  So transitioning from crafty girl to planner girl wasn't really a hard transition.  I mean I already had a but load of scrapbooking paper just sitting around being pretty.......

Here are 5 crafty things for the planner girl:

this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here

Xyron Sticker Maker
This has a specific use and you may not have purchased one before getting into planning but you definitely need one now.  I have a Cricut (and my new Shillouette!) so making kiss cut stickers is something I can do anytime I want.....but a $10 sticker maker like the Xyron is AMAZING.  When I don't feel like messing around with my Cricut or Sil, I bust out the good 'ol scissors and get to work with my Xyron.  There are tons of free printables out there and if you have yourself a good pair of smaller scissors (check the clearance often of your craft stores!) you can be super precise.  I've uploaded some functional printable stickers in my shop here. A paper trimmer can help too.  The Xyron comes in a variety of sizes but the small one fits your DIY stickers up to the width of an Erin Condren Life Planner box - 1.5 inches wide.  How convenient is that?

Rule Your Rulers (and your washi)
I found these guys the other day in Hobby Lobby and knew exactly what they could be used for.  The literal name of this is Rule Your Rulers.  I'm pretty sure they are about $4-$6 depending where you grab them from.  You don't have to keep the little hook on it but it's pretty utilitarian if you have a place to hang them up.  Organize your washi by color, by holiday, by theme, etc.  Pretty handy.

Hexagonal Punch
Not only are hexagons all the rage right now but the angles of the sides of the hexagons make perfect little tails to page flags.  This might be a preference thing but I like my page flags to look a certain way (I also like my tear drop stickers to have a certain shape!).  Trimming scrapbook paper down and then using the angled edge of the hexagon punch makes the tail the right angle.

Felt Appliques
I shared before how to make easy paper clips with pre assembled felt appliques.  Those little crafty goodies are great if you are unable to die cut shapes or unwilling to assemble them all into cute little things!  You can find them all the time around the holidays.  Its great to have an assortment of clips at your disposal.

Scrapbooking Embellishments
Those little card stock cut outs are amazing too.  Laminating them and then attaching a paper clip makes a little less bulky paper clip.  The best place to find these little guys in super unique collections are places like TJ Maxx, Tuesday Morning, and Marshall's!  Using a thicker lamination - like 5 mil - will make it stand up to being used but not too thick like a felt applique can be.

This whole planner thing has been a really creative journey for me.  I've gone from just plan to how many stickers do I really need?  Hope you found something in this list that can make your planning easier.

xoxo, Moe

Make it Monday // 5 Ways to Switch Your Planner Seasonally

If you've read my Planner Journey post, you'll know that I've taken the curvy road to get to the planner I'm in now.  If you've watched my most recent planner set up video, then you've also realized that I've changed my planner like 3 times this season!! My favorite planner is the the Filofax Original in Flouro Pink (though I think I'd like any original) but my current planner is the Webster's Pages Color Crush planner in Caramel.  This planner is perfect for the fall.  The orange color is amazingly fall like and I love the leather look of this planner.  My teal Color Crush looks nothing like this!

This past weekend I switched out my Halloween decor to to Fall/Thanksgiving.  I used to never be the one to decorate!  Who have I become?!?!  I love it!  Here's how to switch up your planner seasonally - featuring this Thanksgiving season!

Paper clips

Using this DIY, you can create some fun paper clips from die cuts and felt shapes.  No need to hand assemble these things!  Pick up pre-made felt appliques or scrapbooking embellishments to use as toppers for your paper clips.  My favorite adhesive is the E6000 - it's super strong and sticks to the back of laminated embellishments like the fox and squirrel paper clips above. 

Seasonal Paper Packs & Journaling Cards

When these paper packs are half off at the craft store, I like to pick them up.  Not only can you make dividers from these types of paper but they are great to use as decor pieces.  Placing two coordinating papers together creates a great background in any pockets you may have in your planner.

The journaling cards I used in this little set up are from last year's Thanksgiving pocket journaling cards printables.  Adding a coordinating journaling card to create some layering is a great way to add texture to your set up.  Attaching the 3x4 cards to your dashboard or dividers gives a hint of seasonal spirit and they are super easy to switch out with the different holidays if you use washi tape.

Seasonal Washi Tape

I looovvee me some washi tape.  Washi tape with designs in different colors can translate well across seasons.  This gold washi would be great for fall or for the Christmas season.  Orange is great all across the fall board and you could even use it in the summer.  Green for Christmas is also great for St. Patty's day.  While it's fun to get washi for specific holidays, you'll get more use out of your washi collection if you add a variety of colored patterns, not just themes.

Seasonal Notes Pages

I've share this tutorial before for making monogramed notes pages and also for making Halloween themed notes pages - but the basic gist is the same.  If you use a patterned background or some of the overlays offered by my favorite mini design machine, PicMonkey, you'll be able to create notes pages on a sheet by sheet basis.  No need to pick up the Dollar Spot (or even more expensive!) notepads if you won't really use all the pages!

Seasonal Stickers

If you're addicted to stickers, you may know that with handmade stickers there is often a few week turn around with all the amazing ladies making them in their home offices.  So, if you're either late to the game or looking for an instant fix printable stickers are the answer!  I've added a fall themed printable set to the shop here.

I can't wait to fill my planner with so many fall themed things in the month of November!

How do you switch up your planner for the seasons?  Are you a pretty planner or more functional?  Is decor even important to you?

xoxo, Moe