Three Things...

1. The 100 Day Project begins February 23rd - hurrah! Once again, I'm joining in on the fun. The only thing is that I currently have not clue what my project will be. Last year I focused on writing by blogging every day and succeeded. This year I want to do something a bit more arty - use my paint supplies, sketchbooks, art books, etc.. I could just art journal every day - whether that be collaging or painting. I'm not great at either, but that could be the fun of it, right? Let me know if you have any suggestions.

2. Planners. Yes, I'm still talking about planners. Ugh. Mainly because I got swept up in all the planner craziness - buying way too many planners, stressing over the paper quality, trying all sorts of configurations, using different stickers, etc.. And now I am over it. I just want simple. So I went to TJ Max and bought a $7 planner. I am going to use that one planner for all the basics, along with book blogging and my 100 Day project progress. The only other planner I will be using is for finances. I already feel better. I am disappointed that I did get caught up in the planner frenzy and spent way too much money that I didn't have on planners that I did not like - ack! Lessons learned - always go back to basics and keep it simple. 

3. Decluttering. I was watching YouTube and they were talking about people buying things, because they think they should have those types of things in their home and life. Kind of like buying something for the life you want to have. It reminded me of my cousin - when I have a pile of books to donate, he chooses which ones he wants - not to read them, but to put on his shelves so he looks well-read. That's like me buying tons of art supplies and art books, because I want to be artistic, but I'm not. I haven't even used my watercolors or read the art books. Ugh. So, they were saying that those are the types of things to declutter, because they are just negative reminders of things we bought but never used. I'm going to apply that idea to my declutter - Is this something I will use right now, or is this something I think I should be using? Like, is this book something I would normally read, or did I buy it because everyone is talking about it? I mentioned that last one, because I sometimes buy the popular read and typically wind up disappointed by it - so I need to stop buying those books. 

And now, I'm off to tackle some of my to-dos. Wishing you a lovely Thursday. Happy reading!

My Friday Five

1.  Mental health. Depression and anxiety overwhelmed me the last few months of last year, which is why I barely posted. I felt really disconnected for awhile and didn't enjoy the holiday season like I usually do. Fortunately, towards the end of December my mood shifted and I was able to have a bit of fun - time with family, chatting with old friends, baking sweet treats, wrapping gifts, and admiring the Christmas tree. The fog lifted and I could delight in the holiday merriment. And now, I'm feeling better. It's a new year and my frame of mind is set to tackle all the things I didn't get to last year, along with a host of new things for this new year. 

2. Declutter. Yeah, every time I mentioned decluttering I really did try to declutter. Except, mentally, I just couldn't. I would see the piles of things getting ready to topple over and felt overwhelmed. So, I would just avoid it. My mind couldn't handle dealing with any of it. Fortunately, I am in a better place mentally and I have actually started to declutter. Like, I've already filled three bags with journals and journal covers. Yeah, that's how many I had. And, I'm not even done yet. Yikes! 

3. Overspending. So, when I get depressed I tend to make purchases of things that I believe will get me out of my funk. Of course these things don't help. How could they? I have to help myself get out of the rut, not a notebook or fancy fountain pen. Seeing all the things I bought while depressed just makes me sad and I am getting rid of it all. I have to. I also have to be more mindful of my sending. I don't have the funds and I don't have the space, so no more!

4.  Books. I need to pick a book and just tuck right in. Which one to pick? Hmm...

5. Planners. Why, oh why, did I think I needed ten planners? Where did I get the idea that every little thing had to have a separate planner? Too much YouTube planning videos? I'm in the middle of trying to figure out how many planners I actually use/need. I'm thinking 4, but in reality 2 should work. I could consolidate my general, gratitude, book blogging into 1 planner and use the 2nd planner for finances (that one has to be separate) - what do you think? How many planners do you use? Or do you not use a planner? Yikes!

And now, I'm off to tackle some more decluttering. Wish me luck! 

My Friday Five...

1. The 100 Day Project. So far, so good. My plan for the project was to write a blog post a day and I've actually written the blog posts. I'm shocked with myself, but proud, too. I've written posts for both of my blogs and it has felt great. I'm really hoping that this project will get me hooked on writing posts, so that I can be more present with my blogs. Fingers crossed! In the off chance that I do not complete the 100 days of blog posts, I also have these small watercolor cards that I could paint on for the project. So, kind of like a back up idea for the project. Sounds pessimistic, but if I'm honest that was my initial idea for the project, but I only just received the cards and well, writing was my other top idea, so....blog posts it is. 

2. Books. I find myself reading more, which I am really enjoying. Normally I grab the remote and get lost in a reality TV show (Housewives, Summer House) or an old favorite TV show (The West Wing, Sopranos, Lost), but lately I have been reaching for my current read. And, I am loving it. I feel like I have fallen back in love with reading. Here's to hoping it sticks!

3. My bookshelves. I have been shopping my own stash when it comes to which book to read next. Don't get me wrong, I am still buying new books and downloading some onto my kindle - I can't help it! However, I have also been grabbing books off of my own bookshelves. It's how I wound up reading, A Bookshop In Berlin, and chose One Of Us for my current read. I also like that it reminds me of all the wonderful titles sitting on my shelves waiting to be read. And, it goes to show that I do have good taste when it comes to books. LOL!

4. Planners. I bought way too many planners (again) for the new year. And lo and behold we are in the year and I am barely using my planners. I don't know why I always feel the need to have one planner for each thing that I can think of that will need a planner - what is wrong with me? I think it's my excuse for trying out all the different planners everyone is talking about. Anyhow, I am honestly only using a few of the ones I bought: a6 Hobonichi Hon (One Piece edition) for my gratitude, Smythson Weekly in Forest green for my general planning (everyday stuff, appointments, etc.), weeks Hobonichi (One Piece edition) for my dad's medical stuff, TN weekly for bills/budget, and a Mark & Fold weekly for my book blogs. Okay, so that is quite a few. Plus, I am using some of the ones I bought for random things just so I'm using them. In reality, I probably only need three total: gratitude, finances, general. Next year I am planning on sticking with just three total. At some point I will get to one only. 

5. No spend on stationery. Well, that has been a fail. I didn't want to buy anything new in the stationery category in 2024, because I wanted to use up my stuff. I planned on only buying books. Except, I have broken the no spend already. I bought a new Hobonichi cover - a5 Tragen. I've also purchased pens, markers, stickers, and some other things. Ugh! I really need to stop. So, I am going to do just that starting now. Wish me luck!

And now, I'm off to pick up a magazine to read. I have a pile sitting nearby that I want to get through. Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Happy reading!

My Friday Five

1.  These Precious Days by Ann Patchett. I am LOVING this book of essays. Of course, I always seem to LOVE Patchett's writing, so I'm not really surprised by how much I am enjoying dipping in and out of this lovely tome. 

2.  TV shows. Hallmark was on 24/7 during the holiday seasons and now I am trying to figure out what to watch next.  I've started re-watching The Office and I am watching the new seasons of Real Housewives - Miami and OC. However, I am itching to get obsessed with a new-to-me TV show. Hmm...what to watch.

3. Music.  Yesterday I listened to The Lumineers all day long and today I have The Beatles on. I seem to be craving my favorite bands and wanting to listen to them constantly.  By the way I watched the new documentary on The Beatles called, The Beatles: Get Back. It was so good! I just loved watching them create music and work together. Of course there was drama, which I was captivated by. It was such a fun documentary to watch.  I loved their rooftop concert - excellent! 

4. Planners. What to use? So many choices. I tend to use several, which is the problem. I use one for my book blog, one for finances, one for general appointments, and one for gratitude. I was even thinking of starting one this year for social media and another for creative projects. However, I feel like that seems excessive. LOL! I think my addiction to planners stems from my addiction to journals and all things stationery. Hmm...

5.  Cookies. I am a cookie monster. Or at least it feels that way. I blame the holiday season for this addiction. I am currently noshing on Chesapeake cookies from Pepperidge Farms and these wafer cookies from some store brand I found at Aldi. They are all soooo delicious!

And now, I'm off to read some more Patchett. Hope you are having a great first week of the new year. Happy reading!!

My Friday Five...

1.  Books.  My TBR pile has grown exponentially. I can't seem to stop buying books. I am addicted and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I just love discovering new-to-me authors, or collecting new editions of my favorite reads. The only problem is where to put them all. Talk about bookish worries. By the by, here are some of my new reads:

2. TV.  It's all about the Housewives lately. I need silly and ridiculous TV to distract me from the ugliness happening all around. So, Beverly Hills and New York City to the rescue. 

3. Planners.  I have fallen down the planner rabbit hole on IG and Youtube. Paper and Cloth, Filofax, Hobonichi, Midori, and The Happy Planner. So many choices...ack! I love the variety, but I'm having a hard time choosing what will work for me next year. #distractions

4.  Music.  Stevie Wonder's greatest hits are on repeat lately. I am just in that kind of mood, where only old school music will soothe my frazzled mind. 

5.  Anxiety. Yep, my anxiety is back and in full force. Depression is nearby and pays the occasional visit. I'm working hard to not let either one dominate my life. It's not easy, but I am having more 'good' days lately. 'Good' meaning no panic attacks, or anxiety-riddled thoughts on repeat in my brain.  There's just so much to worry about and stress out over lately, that life just seems harder than usual. I'm sure we all feel that way. How can we not, right? I try to dig deep and remind myself that I can do hard things - of course, I have to remind myself over and over, but whatever works, right?

And now, I'm off to watch more planner videos and figure out how I want to change the setup in my office. Hope you all have a great weekend! Happy reading!!

Three Things...

1.  Journals/Planners.  I love to journal and I do like a good planner. Writing down all the feels in my journal has always been one of my favorite things to do.  Except, I recently found myself falling down the rabbit hole of YouTube videos about journaling and planning. Yikes! Those videos showed all the things that I thought I needed- journal covers, paper ephemera, stickers, washi tape, watercolors, etc.  So, I made a few purchases here and there. And, I tried to join in on the fun by decorating my planners and journals. Except, the more I joined in on the fun, the less I wanted to actually journal. Ack! I had lost my journaling mojo. The horror! Well, it felt that way to me. Especially, as I've always been one to write in a journal - whether it be about what was going in my life or a poem I was working on.  I would always find something to write.  And, I loved that feeling of wanting to write in my journal. So, I've decided to go back to the basics. A journal and a pen. That's it. I will use the journal covers I bought - how could I not, right? They are pretty cool. And, I might add a sticker or a piece of washi once in a blue moon, but I'm not going to pressure myself to "pretty" everything up. That's just not me. I'd rather have a pretty journal/notebook and fill it with writing instead of paper ephemera and stickers. Of course, this now means that I want to cull my stationery supplies. I've been watching YouTube videos about stationery minimalism and definitely want to give that a try - its basically, keeping the items you truly love and using those (using what you have, instead of buying more).  Wish me luck!

2.  Books.  My reading has been rather decent lately. I was mowing through the Maisie Dobbs series (again), but decided to stop and pick up a book or two from my TBR pile on my nightstand. So, I'm currently reading:

What about you? Which books are you getting lost in? Or do you have an recommendations for me?

3.  TV/Music.  TV is consisting of Hallmark Christmas movies (and a few Lifetime ones), along with some of my favorite holiday films - Christmas with the Kranks, Love Actually, and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.  And, I'm still watching Housewives - OC, NJ, and Dallas. Last night was OC and it was a doozy. The women are in Key West and they are getting drunk, screaming at each other, and eating cake. All in all, its definitely a fun season to watch.

Music is Christmas music and it is so much fun to sing along to. Joy to the World and Hark the Herald Angels Sing - LOVE!!  Also, did you hear about the Alanis Morissette tour? OMG! Garbage and Liz Phair, too! Talk about an awesome tour!! I feel like I'd be listening to my high school/college soundtrack live - how can I resist?

And now, I'm off to read some more of Cleo Wade's book, Heart Talk. Hope you are having a groovy week. Happy reading!!

Three Things...

1.  Hurricane Dorian.  What a nightmare! Looking at the footage of the Bahamas reminds me of when we got hit by Hurricane Andrew, because that is how it looked down here in South FL.  Honestly, I hate even thinking about that time. Hurricane season is the absolute worst.

2.  Books.  I needed my books this past week. What with Hurricane Dorian looming large at the time, I couldn't help but reach for something to get lost in. Unfortunately, I chose the wrong book to read.

A woman gets a note on her car telling her that her husband is cheating on her. The note rattles her and she becomes suspicious of her husband.  They go on a date to clear the air and find their way back to each other.  Upon returning home from a disastrous date - suffice it to say, one date is not going to fix your broken marriage - they find the babysitter gone and their little girl sound asleep upstairs. Confused and upset that the babysitter would leave their daughter home alone, they start searching the house for her and even drive into town.  However, she is not where to be found.  And that is when the nightmare begins. 

Okay, so the book sounded really good. I even liked it at first, but then it started to go nowhere real fast.  So, while I did wind up finishing it, I wasn't the least surprised with what happened to the babysitter or the big reveal at the end. Definitely a "miss" for me.

Although, if I'm honest, I'm just glad I finally finished a whole book all the way through. Lately, my reading has been rather nil, so I was just happy to finally be reading. Of course, I wish it has been under happier circumstances - stress-reading because of a looming hurricane is not fun.

3.  Planners. Yes, I'm still thinking of what to use for 2020.  Seems everyone is excited about figuring out their planning situations that I couldn't help but get caught up in all the excitement. So, I ordered a Traveler's Company weekly planner for my financial stuff - I love that setup and it seems to work for me. I also ordered a Hobonichi cover that I really loved for my A5 notebooks, along with the Steiff edition of the A6 Hobonichi planner - I think I'll be using that for my gratitude journal next year. I really like writing down 5 things each day that I'm grateful for and this planner works perfectly for that. I'm going to use my Murakami diary for book blogging/reading/writing.  And I am considering using one of my old planners with the rings for my general planner - appointments/birthdays/trips, etc.  It seems like a lot of planners, but it works for me. I like to keep everything separate. Oh, and I will use a blank notebook for jotting down to-do lists. What about you? Do you use planners? What do you recommend?



Hope you are having a great week! Happy reading!!

Three Things...

1.  Okay, so I've been seeing posts about the concept of low spending. As someone who is addicted to purchasing books, journal covers, and notebooks...hmm...well, I thought I should consider the idea. But, truthfully, is it even possible? Isn't "low spend" just another phrase for "budget".  I mean, right? Or, am I not getting it? One person I saw still spent several hundred dollars and admitted to spending more than he had planned. It seems to me that as soon as you say "low spend" or "no spend" that you are going to spend. Its like a bad diet. I will not eat cookies and then I binge on cookies because I felt sad about something. I know one is emotional, but isn't the other one, too? Anyhow, I digress. My point is that "low spend" seems to be people still spending money. So, I think I will pass on this idea of "low spend".  

2.  Planners. What to choose? 2020 is not here yet, but everyone seems to be freaking out over what planners to use next year. And, I'm one of them. Ack! Especially, since Hobonichi released their lineup of new covers - oh, my! I want so many! I'm just not so sure I want to use a Hobonichi planner next year. I already own several undated ring planners that I should be using...except I sort of fell out of love with that style. I've been using Midori and Traveler's Company this year. And a weeks from Hobonichi. I wanted to try a variety to see what would stick. I've come to the realization that I like having different planners for different things. I have the Traveler's Company for bills/budget, the Midori for appointments, birthdays, etc.  And, I have the Hobonichi weeks for book blogging and a Hobonichi cousin for my gratitude journal. Oh, and I have a huge FLOW calendar on my wall. Yikes! I would like to consolidate some of the planners - the book blogging and general one. But, then again, I like what I like. And, I like the different planners for different things. Hmm...what about you? What you do you use? Do you even use a planner? Or are you like my sister and you just keep everything scheduled on your phone? What do you recommend?

3.  Books.  I just finished reading:

I have to say that I really enjoyed them both. the Badass book is basically a bunch of self-empowerment ideas/statements that you already know, but that its good to be reminded of.  Like, you have what you need to become the person you want to be. Or, the reactions you have to situations are your feelings about that situation, but its not the truth about the situation.  And, other people's negative energy/thoughts are theirs not yours.  So, I jotted these things down and found myself feeling energized.  As for the Artistic Voice book, I read that one in the hopes of getting inspired to write more. I'm not an artist with paint or photography, but I write. That's my creative outlet. And I do enjoy art, so I figured this would be an interesting read. And, it was. I liked reading about the different artists and how they discovered their artistic voice.  I like the advice of creating as much work as you can and even its not any good, you keep on creating. Throw it out and just create more. Its the fact that you keep showing up and creating that is everything. That is what gets you to find your artistic voice. Or at least, its one of the things. Its all a process in the end, right?

And now, I want something in the fiction genre to read. Not sure what though. I am still waiting for my copy of the new Yoko Ogawa - hurry up! I chose book depository and forgot that even though its free shipping it does take forever to get the books. Ack! So, what to read...hmm...any suggestions for me? I was thinking of Little Women, because I just saw the  trailer for the new film version of it. However, I tend to read that one during winter time. Well, let me know if you have any recommendations.

I'm off to read my new copy of O and Vogue - Taylor Swift is on the cover of Vogue and O has Oprah and Gayle. Should be fun. Hope you have a great day!! Happy reading!!