The Intelligent Blonde

Hello lovebugs!

{The glasses I mentioned in yesterday's post.

 You can't see them but there are some super cute polka dots on the inside of the frames}

Today you are in for a treat.
A guest post!
Awww, yeahhhh.

My life has been a tad bit crazy lately.
Actually, incredibly crazy. I am just about losin' my mind.
Due to all this craziness, I decided we could all use a little change of pace.
And Ms. Alana from Life & Times of the Intelligent Blonde was sweet enough to tell us all about how she manages her buys, busy schedule.
Something I need to work on these days.
Take it away, my dear.

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Time Management 101

Hey y'all, Alana here, from Life & Times of the Intelligent Blonde!

Today, y'all are gonna "learn" (I'm clever, I know) about how how I manage my time.  

I hate to be bored and thrive under pressure, so I tend to take on a little too much.  

I've done this for as long as I can remember.

Between my foster kids (appointments, daycare drop-offs/pick-ups, visits, and events), work, MBA schoolwork, church events, blogging, and any other random things I get volunteered for, my life is very chaotic.  

I've tried many, many time management methods over the years, and have finally discovered a system that works for me.  The arc customizable notebook is an efficient and cost effective way to stay organized.  (for the record, I have not been paid to advertise for them--I just really love this product haha)

Let's take a look at my notebook, shall we...

This notebook gives me the ability to keep everything I need in one place!

Above all else (whether you choose to utilize a planner or not),

MY BIGGEST TIP IS TO USE TO-DO LISTS!

I'd recommend writing down EVERYTHING you need to do, even if it's something that you consider to be mundane.  I typically write my to-do lists on a weekly basis because that's how my MBA classes are set up; however, when I'm super busy, I write to-do lists for each day.  

This allows me to better manage my time because I can see everything that needs to be done & can plan when to do each task.  

Plus, when I can check something off my list, I feel accomplished : )

If you don't like using a planner, you can always do what I did in college/still do when I feel super overwhelmed, write the to-do list on the top of your hand with a fine point Sharpie.

This way you can't possibly lose it, it won't easily wash off, and you will see it all the time.  

I must tell you, though, this method can get a little messy...

 I hope you guys will start using to to-do lists (if you don't already), because I swear by them!

Until next time, 

The Intelligent Blonde

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She is just the sweetest. 

Go show her some love.

And notice her super cute layout.
And I honestly could not agree more! 

It's why I never go anywhere without mine.
Plus, mine covered in sail boats.
Although lately, my Lilly's been lacking a few things.
I just keep forgetting to write all my stuff down.
Then I forget to do my stuff.
It's not good.
So hello Lilly, goodbye chaos!

For next year, I've got my sights set on an Erin Condren Life Planner.
 They're a little pricey.. But so, so cute.
And clearly cuteness is where my priorities lie when it comes to planners. 

Later friends.