• My Faves

    My Passion Planner Hacks + Referral Link

    The Recovering Pessimist | My Passion Planner Hacks + Referral Code | www.therecoveringpessimist.me | #amwriting #recoveringpessimist #optimisticpessimist #PassionPlanner #PashFamWhen I brought my 2020 Jan-Dec Passion Planner last year, I wanted to personalize the functionality of my planner. I wanted to incorporate things I saved on my #BUJO Pinterest board in addition to browsing Etsy for inspiration.

    Here are a few Passion Planner hacks that I created for 2020:

    Item #1: Make monthly tabs with washi tape

    I had a lot of black and white patterned washi tape rolls lying around. I loved the look of flushed tabs and cut pieces of washi tape to make my own monthly tabs.

    I also used the washi tape to mark off miscellaneous pages in the back of the planner.

    Item #2: DIY reading list with Google Docs

    The reading list is a table with columns for the date I finished the book, the name of the book, author name, and a 1-5 rating scale (1-awful and 5-fantastic). I taped the chart to a blank page in the back of my planner.

    Item #3: DIY bill payment tracker with Google Docs

    This is another table that has the name of the bill and the beginning balance at the top. There are columns for the date of payment, payment amount, and the ending balance after each payment. Keeping track of the payments keeps me motivated.

    Item #4: Yearly memories tracker

    When I write my end of year post, I often struggled to remember what I did. This year, I created a 2-page memory tracker that’s broken down by month. Throughout the year, I jot down my accomplishments, memories, etc. that I don’t want to forget. It feels good to look at the tracker from time to time.

    If you’re interested in purchasing a Passion Planner, feel free to use my referral link. Welcome to the #PashFam!

    Happy planning,

    Joy

  • Blogging,  The Complexities of Life

    I Brought A Day Designer!!

    Before I begin this post, I would like to thank my awesome friend Amber over at Climb Out of The Cubicle. Not only is she awesome, but she inspired this post. 

    This isn’t exactly news breaking information for most, but it is for me. With 2015 just over the horizon, I realized that in order for me to carry out my goals, organization is imperative. Here’s how the purchase of my Day Designer happened.

    Back Story

    Currently, I use an academic planner to organize my blog. It’s so ineffective. In September, I started checking brick and mortar stores for 2015 planners. Many of the planners I saw were hideous (e.g., too many colors, poorly designed, etc).

    After buying and returning several 2015 planners, I realized that what I needed wasn’t sold in stores. Here’s where Amber comes into play.

    I remember explaining my frustration to her and she suggested that I consider getting a Day Designer. I went to the website and impressed by how beautiful and functional the planner was. I was ready to purchase, but I couldn’t get past…

    …The Price 

    I’m a frugal girl. I had to come to terms with paying $59 for the planner (via the Etsy store). Then I realized shipping was going to cost me $13 (I’m in Richmond, VA) and I refusedto proceed with purchasing. After spending a few hours researching online retailers, I finally found the planner for $60 and free shipping at The Grommet. The planner arrived within 3 business days from PA.

    Behold the Awesomeness!

    This slideshow requires JavaScript.

    A few observations about the Day Designer:

    • The planners are sophisticated cute. The cover (regardless of the design), provides just enough color. The pink ribbon doubles as a bookmark.
    • Worksheets are included in the front of the planner to help organize your core, which assists with focusing on your purpose and vision.
    • Each tabbed month is attached to a notes page, which provides plenty of writing space on both sides.
    • Monthly calendars are dated, however, holidays are not noted. A monthly to-do list is on the left and a space at the top of the calendar is available for you to list your goals for the month.
    • Each day has its own page, with the exception of weekends, which share one page. Daily and weekend schedules are listed from 5-9. The schedules don’t indicate if this is a.m. or p.m., so this omission works perfectly for those who work from night to day.
    • I love that at the end of the day, I can list what I’m grateful for. Perfect way to end each day.

    Conclusion

    This is an investment. If you’re looking for something that allows you to organize your life AND keep you focused on your ultimate goals, the Day Designer is worth considering. You can test it out by downloading a free daily planner page.

    Now, back to planning 2015 while I chat with Amber:)

    MsWalton