Blog Organization for the Unorganized Gal

I have never been the most organized person. I do have some sort of organization skills in my blood, but I am definitely not the person who has a place for every single thing. It's just not me- never has been. I would like for that to change some day, but I don't see it in the foreseeable future! There are certain areas where I am pretty put together- our calendar on our fridge is always full with appointments, dinner for the week, Ella's specials for the day at school (music, art, etc). My blog is another area where I feel I am pretty organized too!

It hasn't always been like that though! It took me a good year to get myself organized and start a real "editorial calendar" for myself. When I started, I would typically choose what I wanted to write about, type it up, then hit publish. Sometimes I would post in the morning, sometimes in the afternoon. There was never a rhyme or reason as to my blogging or posting.

Eventually, I realized I needed to come up with some sort of organization. I knew it would relieve some stress and I think a more organized blog is a little more evident to readers. Now keep in mind-these are tips for someone like myself who is usually not super, super organized!

Get a separate planner for your blog. I had one, giant planner that I was using for my blog and for my personal life. It may not sound like a big deal at all, but it was hard to keep organized. I ended up getting a separate planner made from May Designs, specifically to keep track of my editorial calendar and my daily blog "to-do" list. I still use my larger, Martha Stewart planner for my every day life-work related things, doctor appointment, family events, etc.

Plan your week. Up until a few weeks ago, I just planned for the week ahead. I read Jill's post about planning an editorial calendar, and that encouraged me to plan out my whole month. Sounds daunting, and it is sometimes, but it makes this so much easier. Keep in mind though nothing needs to be etched in stone (unless you are doing a brand sponsored post). You will see in my calendar things are crossed out, arrows are drawn and things are shifted around. I am also not specific on my outfit posts. There is no way I can commit to an outfit that far in advance! You crazy??? Really though, if planning a month seems to be too much, start out with a week, then two, then three, etc. 

Color Code. This is also a great idea from Jill. I originally was not color coding my editorial calendar. I gave it a try and I love it. Outfit posts are pink, Susquehanna Style posts are orange, green is sponsored posts, etc. Makes things a whole heck of a lot easier. 

Be flexible. The world will not forget you if you take a couple of days off. It's ok. Really, it is. I know- easier said than done. Things happen, stuff comes up, and your calendar or posts get pushed back or not done. It's fine. Cross shit out, move things around and you're good to go. This mentality is especially good for someone like myself who is not the most organized!

Get inspiration. This is not in any particular order, obviously, but get inspiration for your posts. This might help you plan out your whole month. I get my inspiration from magazines, tv, the internet, every day life. Magazines are a great source though....I am pretty terrible at getting rid of them too. I like to reference back to them sometimes when I am particularly stumped for post ideas. 

Have a place to store post ideas. Whether it's in your phone, or a designated section in your planner, jot down your ideas when they come to you! If you are like me, you will forget if it's not written down! 

Everyone's definition of being organized is different, but something as simple as getting a planner for your blog is so helpful. I have already downsized my everyday planner for next year (sorry Martha Stewart but I just can't carry around a HUGE planner anymore) and purchased my blog planner as well, both May Designs. (If you can't tell I enjoy May Designs!) I love them because you can customize them, and they are small enough to toss in your purse! 

(yes, I color coordinated them on purpose because I usually have both planners on me all the time. So of course I wanted them to match!)

Large Planner: Martha Stewart (Discbound)

Small Planner: May Designs, Rose Teal Print

Pencil Case: c/o Blair Ritchey

Moral of the story? It's not that hard to get yourself organized, especially if you are someone like me who is organized half of the time, and organized chaos the other half of the time. 

1. Get a planner for your blog. 

2. Get inspiration.

3. Plan the month (or week or two)

4. Color code. 

What are some tips you follow to keep yourself and your blog organized? 

Muted Colors

I feel like my wardrobe has been so bleh lately. Not a lot of color, not a ton of prints. Just sort of there. But I guess that's what is working the best for me lately, what has been the easiest, and what has been my go-to.

I think we've all known by now how much I love my basic utility jackets. I have been purchasing them (and the vest) from Old Navy now for the last couple of years and have definitely gotten my wear out of them. Now that the temps are cooling down a bit, I've found that I am gravitating towards it a lot more and sort of planning my outfits around it-dresses, jeans, leggings, you name it. I would even go as far to say I wear it just about every day. Some days I wear it as an accessory to my outfit and don't take it off- it completes my outfit. Other's I toss it on over my outfit as I am heading out the door to stay a little warmer!

Outfit Details

Jacket: Old Navy /// Dress: Old Navy /// Booties: Sole Society /// Necklace: Kohls (in store) /// Sunglasses: Target /// Bracelts: Stella and Dot (old), Elizabeth & West (in store) 

Hope you all had a great weekend! 

Pore No More

One thing that I have been pretty lucky with over the years is my skin. I really never experienced bad acne or any other huge skin problems. Every once in a while I will get a zit, but other than the occasional nuisance, I have been lucky with good skin. I know I should take better care of it (and I have been getting better over the last few months, for sure!)

When I saw the new Neutrogena Pore Refining line, I knew it was something that probably would not be super beneficial for me, as I don't typically have problems with super large, visible pores, even with aging-yes, I think about aging even though I am 32!

My husband on the other hand, he could use something like their Pore Refining line. He also has good skin, but his pores, particularly on his nose, are pretty visible. When I had said it was something I probably wouldn't use he offered to give the #porenomore challenge a try. Yes, let it be known that my husband offered to test out the line and report back to me (and you all) how well it worked! He took it for a spin for about two weeks, and actually really enjoyed it!

For someone who just uses bar soap to wash his face, this was a huge improvement. He was pretty dedicated to using it too, which says a lot- he gets up for work every day no later than 4:30 and still managed to use the regime every day.

He has been using the Exfoliating Cleanser, Daily Cleanser, Toner and Moisturizer!

Here is his honest, to the point breakdown of everything:

~its definitely a process (for a guy...I'm used to just the facewash)

~I can feel a difference when I rub my skin

~my skin is smoother

~I can really feel the exfoliator working- I feel like it's doing it's job

~I will probably keep doing it

Not really elaborate answers, but he is a dude so I wouldn't expect much more! I personally noticed a difference in his nose area, where his pores have always seemed to be the largest! Everything smells really good too!! 

Here is a specific breakdown of the Pore Refining line- it explains it a lot better than I would be able to!

You don't necessarily have to use every single product every day- you can use whichever you want based on your skin needs. What is nice though, particularly with the exfoliator, is that it is gentle enough to use every day- most you really can't! 

These products are currently available in your grocery or drug stores! Give the #porenomore challenge a try for yourself...you'll love it! 

This post was sponsored by Neutrogena, but all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. 

Free to Live

Right now, there are 21 million people enslaved around the globe. 

My friend Tabitha (of Violet & Burke) came to me a few weeks ago to drop off some more inventory at my store, and started to tell me that her inventory may slow down a bit this fall. I immediately said "you're pregnant!!!" Nope. She was moving to Ethiopia. I'm sorry, what was that?? Not expecting to hear that, and standing there crying (who wants their friend to tell them they are moving to another country?) she explained to me the what's, the why's and the how's, and I felt a little better...

Here is a bit of her story: 

"Over the course of four years, God continued to speak to Tabitha and her husband Ben about His destiny for them, eventually making it clear that His people were hurting around the globe and it was time to do something about it. 

In June of 2014, they finally sold their house and waited for God to show them the next step. In the beginning of July 2014, Tabitha discovered an organization that was working to free women and girls from the sex trade in Ethiopia. When Tabitha read their vision for a farm on which women would be able to work with their hands, heal their hearts and grow food for their community, she knew this was the open door to their calling. As she sat at the computer praising God in her heart, she casually asked Ben what he thought about going to Ethiopia for a few months. At first, he said no way, but by the end of the day his spirit was in agreement and they knew then that the only thing more terrifying than stepping into the unknown was staying comfortable and doing nothing. And it was in that moment that Freedom Gate was born." (you can read her blog post here)

Do Justice.

Love Kindness.

Walk Humbly. 

Micah 6:8

Pretty amazing, right? Through their non profit organization Freedom Gate (and their partner Fields of Hope), Tabitha, Ben and their two children will be heading to Ethiopia this fall to do mission work and help free women and girls from the sex trade. They will help Fields of Hope build a whole farm by building a housing structure for the women, preparing the land for farming, and teaching women how to raise animals and produce in order to support themselves and their community. They plan on staying for six months or so- long enough to establish the farm and teach the women the different trades. (Tabitha is also taking her sewing machine in the hopes of teaching the women how to sew, so fingers crossed Violet & Burke will still be up and running)

How can you help?

The talented Ken Bruggeman designed these amazing shirts exclusively for Freedom Gate that are available for pre order. They were also printed locally here in York, PA by ArtC Creative. 100% of the profit will go directly to the Freedom Gate movement and help to bring freedom to those in oppression around the world. 

Photo credit: Ken Bruggeman Photography

Graphic tee's are so popular right now, so why not be in style and contribute to an awesome organization and cause? Just think- if you purchase a shirt, you are helping put a stop to the sex trade in Ethiopia, you are helping women and girls be free, support their family, learn a trade, better their lives. Sounds pretty amazing, right? 

You can pre order these unisex, American Apparel tee shirts online in either adult sizes or children's sizes. There are also super cute totes as well. Those of you in the York area can order them in my store (Elizabeth & WestL 15 N Beaver St) as well!

Consider ordering a shirt, or at least donating. Every little bit helps stop the cycle of poverty and prostitution these poor women in Ethiopia are in. I can't even begin to imagine moving to another country, nor do I feel as though I am called to do so (which is why Tabitha and her family are so awesome) but I do feel compelled to do all I can here to contribute-spreading the word and donating as much as possible!

Read their story, spread it, wear it, donate if you can! You can't help but admire someone who puts others before themselves. 

Leopard is a Neutral

Well that's no surprise at all, is it? Over the last few years I feel as though it has become more and more of a neutral- as simple as black, or a pair of jeans, right? Whether or not you are tossing on a leopard dress, sporting a leopard belt, or a cute pair of heels, it can be coordinated with just about everything!

I originally purchased a pair of leopard print sneakers (for a super low price of $12, because I just couldn't stomach paying $100 for them). Fast forward, the lining is coming out and the bottom of my feet are sticky with whatever glue they used to hold the lining in-that happens every time I wear them! Sooooo needless to say I was super excited when I saw that Target had them in store (these are cute too!)! I found them just as I was about to bite the bullet and dish out the $100...thank goodness I didn't!

As much as I love to pair leopard with other prints, I opted for something a little understated and comfortable! It was perfect for running around on my day off to doctor appointments, errands, and a little behind the scenes work at my store!

Outfit Details

Jacket: Old Navy /// Shirt: Target /// Jeans: American Eagle /// Shoes: Target /// Purse: Target /// Bracelets: Elizabeth & West (in store) /// Watch: Target /// Necklace: Brin and Bell