When Joseph and I sold our 1,700 square foot home and moved into a 300 square foot RV, I faced a significant organizational challenge—how could I maximize this tiny space in a big way?

I wanted our cabinets and drawers to be pretty AND functional, and so I spent countless hours driving to and from retail stores with bags of possible storage solutions stuffed in the backseat. Meanwhile, I also waited anxiously by the mailbox of my brother-in-law's house (where we hung out for a time as we renovated our RV!) for Amazon packages to arrive with even more possibilities.

Then I spent countless hours arranging and rearranging our cabinets!

It wasn't unusual for Joseph to find the kitchen torn apart at midnight whenever I was struck by a brilliant idea I had to try right then and there instead of waiting until morning. 

During that time, I returned quite a few home organization products that didn't work the way I wanted them to and fell in deep deep love with the items that did. I can't wait to share my favorites with you today so you can use these pretty solutions to maximize the space in your cabinets.

Even better, they're all available on Amazon!

12 Genius Cabinet Organization Products

Click on the images below to be taken straight to the product. Or scroll down throughout the rest of the post to see photos of how I use them!

Acrylic Adhesive Organizer Bin

Rubbermaid Food Storage Containers

Adjustable Pan Rack

Wire Shelf Rack

Lid Organizer

Clear Storage Bin

Expandable Utensil Tray

Acrylic Stackable Drawers

Vanity Storage Canisters

Makeup Organizer

Collapsable Canvas Bin

Y-Weave Baskets

1. Acrylic Adhesive Organizer Bin

Attach an adhesive bin to the inside of any cabinet door and voila! Instant space saver! Since RV's offer limited storage options, I had to get creative and use every flat, I mean, vertical surface available.

I installed a larger bin inside my under-sink cabinet door to corral plastic grocery bags. But you can easily add a grouping of smaller sizes to hold pens, spices, tea bags, etc.

2. Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry Containers

The extremely narrow dimensions of our RV pantry combined with the deep shelves made cooking a chore (more than it usually is, anyway!).

While Joseph installed slide-out drawers to help, I hunted for pantry containers that would be big enough to hold flour, sugar, etc, but not so big that they didn't fit. This was a tall order!

After three in-store returns of products that didn't work, I finally discovered these Rubbermaid Brilliance containers were the perfect fit and kept ingredients fresh. Then I borrowed my friend Lauren's Silhouette machine to make fancy labels!

3. Pan Rack

Right above the pantry was another deep and narrow cabinet that became a natural holding place for muffin pans, cookie sheets, and cooling racks. Adding a pan rack made each of those items much easier to access.

I found an aqua-colored rack at Tuesday Morning on sale, but this Amazon version works just as well. (It was just too wide for my cabinet. See, I told you mine are narrow!)

4. Wire Shelf Racks

The key to cabinet organization is creating extra shelves in those precious few tall cabinets! Grab a couple of these wire racks. They're extremely affordable and make the most of wasted space above items that are on the shorter side.

I have one on each shelf in my kitchen cabinets, plus I use them in the cabinets above my desk too!

5. Lid Organizer

I don't know about you, but I have serious trouble matching the right lids to each storage container! If you have a lot of cabinet space, you could just keep each lid with the actual container, but if you don't (like I don't!) then a lid organizer is your best alternative to keep your cabinet neat and tidy.

My containers have narrow lids, so they fit neatly in a graduated acrylic organizer like this one (the one I'm using doesn't seem to be sold anymore). If you have square or rounded lids, this 3-compartment organizer bin will solve your cabinet organization woes!

6. Spice Organizer

With a quick Amazon search for cabinet organization, you'll find loads of spice organizers in all sorts of designs—from adhesive racks to graduated shelving to turntables! I opted for a simpler approach and just used a clear bin I could easily pull in and out of the cabinet.

These stainless steel spice jars made organizing my spices a fun and easy project. Even though they were less than $3.00 each, I had enough 20% off Bed Bath and Beyond coupons to pay even less!

Psst… I love these bins so much, I used different sizes to hold our medicine, coffee mugs, and Tervis cups. (Lest you think this is overkill, the movement of the RV would send everything tumbling inside if they weren't inside these bins!)

7. Expandable Utensil Tray

No drawer is sufficiently organized without dividers! I highly recommend using an expandable utensil tray because they adjust to fit any drawer width. As you might have already noticed, I have a thing for acrylic organizers. 😉

8. Acrylic Stackable Drawers

Now seems like the perfect time to transition into bathroom cabinet organization. Because I first used these stackable drawers under my kitchen sink in our previous home, but now they serve as our first aid kit underneath our bathroom sink.

I keep bandages and ointments in the top drawer, and essential oils fill up the bottom one.

9. Storage Canisters for Bathroom Vanity

To corral Q-tips and cotton balls, you can't go wrong with these adorable storage canisters. The moment I saw them, they were in my Amazon cart within seconds! I love the rose gold design, but there are plenty of other options depending on your bathroom color scheme.

10. Acrylic Makeup Organizer

Before these makeup organizers, I threw all my makeup in a bag. But as my collection grew, finding certain items and doing my makeup took twice as long!

Now I use a combo of a mini three-drawer organizer and an open 6-slot organizer (here's a similar set). It's even easier to do my makeup now that I've seriously decluttered my makeup collection!

11. Canvas Bins for Open Cabinets

It can be hard to find just the right decorative bin for an open cabinet. You want it to be pretty, right? This canvas bin (set of two) comes in three different sizes. I ordered the Khaki color and worried it would be too dark, but it ended up being the perfect hue!

12. Y-Weave Baskets

For interior cabinets, I can't get enough of Y-Weave baskets. The plastic is easy to clean, and the lower profile fits perfectly in smaller spaces. Plus, because they're not totally see-through, you don't need things to be as tidy on the inside. 😉

Bonus: Contact Paper

For an added touch to your newly organized cabinets (and drawers!), line the bottom with a pretty contact paper pattern. (I love this style from Lowe's)!

Even though most of your cabinets will be behind closed doors, keeping the insides tidy allows you to find what you need quickly and easily.

Plus, there's nothing more satisfying than opening a cabinet door to see everything inside neatly organized, unless it's achieving that Pinterest-pretty look with inexpensive organizing products!

What cabinets in your home could use a little organizing TLC?

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

The post 12 of the Best Cabinet Organizing Products from Amazon appeared first on Kalyn Brooke.

         

Comments

• I always use some plastic storage boxes to keep my little stuff. by Eleen

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Every August, it never fails to tempt me. 

The Target office supplies aisle blooms with new planners that seem to magically appear overnight, and I'm magnetically attracted to them ALL. Even though I'm long past school age, I'm can't help but flip through them to ooh and aww over the pretty designs!

Don't worry, I don't see myself giving up bullet journaling anytime soon (I believe it is the best customizable planner out there!).

But whenever I feel the tug of a fresh planner calling to me, I know there's something about my current planning system that's probably not working anymore. 

Maybe you feel the same tug. 

Maybe you're desperate to try something new because the planner you had such high hopes for in January just isn't cutting it. 

But before you ditch your planner entirely, let's take some time to figure out WHY you've fallen out of love so you can get back to organizing your life like a boss.

Reason #1. Not taking your planner with you…EVERYWHERE.

How many ideas and to-do's flash through your mind while running errands, waiting in the car rider line, or eating lunch with a friend? 

If you're anything like me, WAY too many. 

Your planner needs to be there to capture these brilliant brainstorms in the moment (or at least very soon after)! Just face it: Your brain is not a fail-proof storage solution. This is why we use planners in the first place—as our second brain—and your planner will not serve you if it's sitting on your desk at home like some museum artifact that you don't dare mess up.

Trust me, this recovering perfectionist gets it!

And you don't want to end up like this meme.

Related: How to Organize an Effective Brain Dump

This is why I always advocate that the best customizable planner is a portable planner.

Size matters. For instance, some planners like the original Day Designer break down a day per page, but it's so big that your shoulder hurts from lugging it around and it's sticking halfway out of your purse.

Some great portable planners that maximize space are:

• Bullet journaling in an A5 Leuchtturm Notebook or TUL Disc-bound system
• Erin Condron Petite Planners
• Day Designer Mini Daily Planners

Looking for more planner options? Check out the Best Alternatives to Pricey Planners.

If I still can't convince you to take your planner everywhere (can't blame a girl for trying!), then at least stash a small notebook in your purse or car to jot down notes while you're out (or religiously use a note-taking app).

But you must then implement a routine to transfer those notes over to your planner at least once a week. Otherwise, it just becomes another info-holding spot that you'll easily forget about. And you don't want those brilliant ideas to go to waste!

Which leads me to the next reason your planner might not be working for you…

Reason #2. You don't have a planning routine.

There's no way to get around it: You need a planning routine in order to use your planner to its fullest potential. If you're too busy to plan, you're too busy!

Because if you're not in your planner on a regular basis, you can't really expect your planner to work for you. So I recommend you create three specific routines:

• Nightly planning routine (5 min.) – create your next day's to-do list, update your habit tracker, etc.
• Weekly planning routine (15-20 min.) – print your planning printables, set up the next week's layout in your bullet journal / fill in your schedule from GCal, etc.
• Monthly planning routine (30-60 min.) – set goals for the next month, fill in your monthly calendar, etc.

Overwhelmed? If you're new to this, start with the nightly routine and slowly work your way up to incorporating the others until they become habits.

Now, you may not need to use all of these routines forever, but try it for a while until your routines becomes so much of a habit that you don't really think about what you need to do anymore…you just do it. Then evaluate what works and what doesn't.

Pro Tip: Anytime I'm working on a new routine, I flesh it out in my bullet journal and reference that page until it's cemented in my brain. That way I won't forget anything!

Reason #3. You and your planner don't think alike.

From hour-by-hour layouts to open-ended boxes, you'll find dozens (if not at least a hundred) different customizable planners on the market featuring various designs.

That's because our brains organize and process information differently. We all have unique schedules to plan, individualized goals to track, and customized areas of your life that may or may not be relevant to the pre-designed sections a planner offers you.

This is exactly why I'm such a big proponent of bullet journaling (again, I think it's the best customizable planner out there, hands-down!).

This system is the closest you're going to get to one-size-fits-all. (I believe this so much that wrote an entire book about it!)

Bottom Line: If your planner doesn't think like you do, then you'll fight against it every day.

I've written an entire post about how to pick the perfect planner, but in short, jot down all the things you don't like about your planner using these questions to jumpstart your thoughts:

• Does the layout feel too rigid or not rigid enough?
• Is the design too cluttered…or uninspiring?
• Do you not have enough room to write?

When in doubt, simpler is better. The fewer sections in your planner you have to maintain, the easier you'll be able to manage it long-term.

The most important part (don't skip this!) of your search for the best customizable planner

Your planner (or any planning tool for that matter) will never solve your organization problems if you don't put time and effort into using it.

When standing in that Target aisle holding the perfect pretty planner, we infuse into it our high expectations that this tool we try next just might magically unlock the ultimate level of productivity in our lives. Surely now we'll never struggle with motivation or forgetfulness again!

Not exactly.

Yes, pretty planners can motivate you along the way. There's nothing I love more than a carefully placed motivational “Get it Done” sticker on my bullet journal page. But the choice to sit down and do the work is ultimately up to you.

The planner will help you get there, but it's YOU who holds the power to make your life more organized because of it.

And I believe 100% in you!

Let's chat about planners:

What planner do you currently have and what do you love/not love about it?

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

The post The Top 3 Reasons Your Planner Isn’t Working For You (And How to Fix it) appeared first on Kalyn Brooke.

         

Comments

• I too ordered the starter kit for $17 but lost the post. by Stacy Joy
• Hi Deanne, Joseph is reaching out to you via email! by Kalyn Brooke
• Hi Dana, I'm so glad that you've found a system that works ... by Kalyn Brooke
• I tried bullet journaling and loved it, but I was easily ... by Dana
• I received an offer through fb for the starter pack at $17. I ... by Deanne

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My dear friend, Rachelle, and I share a mutual love for efficiency. She edits all sorts of KB content (and she also has three historical fiction novels to her name!), and today she is sharing her meal plan rotation system with you.  You are going to lose your mind over her brilliant ideas for turning meal planning into less of a chore. Please give Rachelle a warm welcome!

***

I am a planner to my core, but I struggled with meal planning for almost three years.

It wasn't that I wasn't trying; it was that we were trying so many things! My husband's dietary restrictions meant we were constantly experimenting with elimination diets in order to pinpoint which foods triggered him.

(I don't know if you've ever tried an elimination diet like Whole30, but it's so hard!)

Finally, we've settled on what to cook that nourishes us both—a mostly paleo-ish diet with no uncooked vegetables and little to no flour or sugar.

(Though I've quite the sweet tooth, so we definitely indulge every once in a while in the baked goods I adore! #moderation)

My breakthrough moment

Once we finally figured out what he could eat without getting sick afterward, I did what I'd been wanting to do for years: I ditched the weekly meal planning for a monthly meal plan rotation instead! No more starting from scratch every week.

Which means I'm never asking, What's for dinner?

If you dislike that question, too, I'd encourage you to stop meal planning every week as well. Instead, try reusing your family favorites on a rotation. It took me less than half an hour to set up my monthly meal planner template, so let me walk you through the process. (Or keep reading for a secret tip on how to skip the set-up entirely!)

And if you're worried about getting bored, don't worry! I build in opportunities to try new recipes! Here's how to get started:

1. Make a list of your family's favorite dishes.

Whip out a sheet of paper (or take notes in your phone) and write down a list of dinner ideas. Include those meals your kids are always asking for, the go-to recipes you don't even have to read anymore, and don't be afraid to list “take-out” or “pizza!”

Aim for listing at least 20 different dinner ideas, and you're set! That's a different meal for each weeknight in a month, with room to repeat your very favorites.

I took it one step further and grouped our top 20 favorite meals into categories by theme (Italian, Asian, Mexican, American, etc.). This step helped me avoid monotony within any one week's meal plan. Because if left up to me, we'd have chicken every night for a week. I'd never notice, but my husband would get bored!

2. Decide on your nightly themes (optional)

You can survive without this step, but I find that having a theme structure helps me tremendously!

Using the categorized menu you just created, assign each to a night of the week.

For example, the themes in my house are:

• Mondays – chicken
• Tuesdays – Italian (Wks 1 & 3) or roast (Wks 2 & 4)
• Wednesdays – American or Mexican
• Thursdays – marinated fish or chicken
• Fridays – wild card (new recipe or appetizer!)
• Saturdays – chili or rotisserie chicken
• Sundays – Asian

Pro Tip: When you're deciding on nightly themes, think about the rhythm of your week.

For example, since Mondays are, well, Mondays, I always make a simple chicken meal that doesn't require much thought. Tuesdays are a packed day for me, too, so I often plan a crockpot meal. But Wednesdays I have more time, so I'll make tacos or burgers and prep whatever meat marinade we're having on Thursday. Fridays are my work-from-home day and we like to have friends over, so I often try a new recipe!

As for the weekend, on Saturdays we make brunch together and I also grocery-shop (I faithfully use Walmart grocery pick-up!) so we enjoy rotisserie chicken I've bought that day or chili in the crockpot I prep in the morning as we enjoy brunch.

Whatever your week looks like, plan your menu around your busy schedule and you're much more likely to stick to it!

Related: How to Streamline Your Grocery Shopping So You Don't Hate It

3. Plug your themes and dishes into your meal plan

Here's where it gets fun!

I use a Google spreadsheet for my monthly meal planner template, and I've labeled the different tabs Week One, Week Two, Week Three, and Week Four so I can easily toggle between them when I make changes (more about that in a minute!).

Once a month, I print out each tab and stick all four on the fridge so I can easily see what's for dinner and grocery-shop.

But you don't have to label each night! Even though I enjoy having the stability of the nightly themes, you can take a more freestyle approach and simply list the meals within the weeks. This gives you the flexibility to make tacos on Monday if you're really craving them, instead of waiting for Taco Tuesday.

Secret Tip: Skip the set-up

Not interested in spending half an hour creating this monthly meal plan rotation from scratch? Girl, I hear you. Here's the way to bypass all that:

1. Simply meal plan as you normally would once a week, but…
2. Save those meal plans

Instead of wiping clean the dry-erase board or tearing off the perforated sheet on your fridge menu pad, save those menus! Take a picture or stack somewhere you can find them in four weeks and then simply plop them into your spreadsheet easy-peasy.

Bonus: Plan Everything!

If you haven't already guessed I'm a planner on hyperdrive, this may convince you:

One way I eliminate decision fatigue is by planning every single meal: breakfasts, lunches, and even snacks, too!

I often deviate from the plan. So why do I do it? Because I find that just having something planned for breakfast eliminates fifteen minutes of fridge-staring as I try to decide what I want.

If I'm not in the mood for what's in the meal plan, having it staring at me from the printed sheet is enough to prompt me to think, Yeah I don't want that. I want this.

Plus, I eat healthier when I plan before I'm hungry.

The Question at the Back of Your Mind

You may be wondering, Do I stick to my monthly meal plan religiously?

Of course not!

We regularly have people over for dinner and I modify based on their preferences. We change it up based on what produce is in season, and whenever I find a new recipe we just love, I add it into the meal plan (usually by removing a duplicate, although eventually I hope to work up to 6 weeks' worth of menus!).

And of course we definitely don't stick to this during the holidays, but having a plan eliminates that age-old question what's for dinner?

Which makes it all worth it to me.

Don't forget to make your own copy of the monthly meal planner template right here!

Rachelle Rea Cobb signed her first book contract right after college for a trilogy of historical romance novels. In addition to historical fiction, she has also written Write Well, a short writing guide designed to teach the structure of good writing. She loves working with other writers as a freelance editor, working on her fixer-upper first home with her husband (who shares the same first name as the fictional hero in her first three books!). Rachelle is a huge fan of chai and lemonade (though definitely not together). Visit her online at her blog here.

Let's chat about meal planning:

Do you prefer a thoroughly planned menu or a more freestyle approach?

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

The post The Meal Plan Rotation Hack that will Save You Time appeared first on Kalyn Brooke.

        

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I love experimenting with different beauty products.

I have a good reason! I'm always on the search for that one thing I can latch onto for life (like my foundation). 

There's just one problem. Or dozens of them…depending on how you look at my bathroom medicine cabinet!

An overwhelming amount of beauty clutter. 

From Sephora samples to unused Bath & Body Works gift sets (because no one really knows what to buy women at the office Christmas party!), I had three packed plastic bins underneath my bathroom cabinet, two stuffed baskets inside my closet, plus the aforementioned overflowing medicine cabinet.

And….whenever I ran out of, say, mascara, I'd forget what I already had in stock and run out to buy a new one, thus perpetuating a growing problem. 

Does any of this sound eerily familiar? 

Then you are going to love my guilt-free process to declutter makeup, skin care, and more; tossing what's expired, and what you just don't love.

Watch the video, or scroll down to read the cliff notes.

1. Remove everything!

The first thing you’ll want to do when you start to declutter makeup is gather all your products (yes, all of them, even the ones you know you want to keep) and spread them out in a large space.

As you go through this process, remember: This is not an exercise in frugality.

I'm all about saving money, but runny and discolored ten-year old lotions need to go. I want you to focus on keeping products that are still good and are what you will actually use!

Related: Luxury Beauty Products Worth the Splurge

2. Sort and toss

First, toss all EXPIRED products.

If the beauty product smells bad or the texture has changed, definitely toss. 

There's also a secret symbol on the bottom of most products that will tell you when they've gone bad. 

For example, 12M means the product will expire 12 months after opening.

There are also “general rules” about when a product will expire.

For instance,

• Most nail polishes expire after two years.
• Mascaras should be replaced every three months.
• Lip gloss should be tossed after one year and so on.

It's hard to remember all the expiration dates of everything (especially if they don't have that handy symbol!), so make sure you download my Beauty Expiration Chart to print and hang behind your vanity mirror. 

I also find it helpful to write the expiration date on a label and stick it on the actual product.

Next step in how to declutter makeup: get rid of all the colors you don’t like or don't look good on you.

I got rid of black and gold nail polishes (I don't know why I bought them in the first place; I'm more a pastel person). I also tossed all purple eyeshadow hues because I prefer warmer colors like pink and brown.

Tossing expired products is one thing, but it can be hard to trash products that are perfectly good! I know how you feel! Just remember that rather than hang onto colors you don't love, you are making room for the ones you do.

While you're at it, toss formulas you don't love or products that don't work as they claim.

If a lip gloss dries out your lips, toss it. If a concealer looks cakey under your eyes, toss it. Don't keep something you hate just because can't bear the thought of not fully using it up.

Related:3 Essential Steps to Winter-Proof Your Skin

3. Organize what's left

Once you've finished adding to your TOSS pile (mine is below!), sort what's left into baskets and bins that are easily accessible.

I have:

• ONE nail polish bin (down from two!)
• A basket of everyday essentials (these Target baskets are my fave)
• A basket filled with extra lotion and skin care products that are not expired yet.
• A bin of extra makeup supplies.

Although I still have some “extra” bins and baskets, it's so much easier now to find what I need, when I need it. Plus, it made organizing inside the RV a breeze! (Yes, downsizing was of the reasons why I needed to declutter makeup and beauty products!)

I hope you are inspired to declutter your makeup and other beauty products this week and post a before and after picture on social media. Don't forget to add the hashtag #DeclutterWithKB so I can see!

When was the last time you sat down to declutter makeup & other beauty products?

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

The post All the Best Tips to Declutter Your Beauty Stash appeared first on Kalyn Brooke.

        

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As we prepared to downsize into full-time RV living, I said goodbye to three significant, sentimental items from my life:

1. Seven boxes of books
2. Our cute little VW Golf (we traded it in for a truck to tow our new-to-us Fifth Wheel)
3. My wedding dress

I cried when I said goodbye to two out of the three. 

You might be surprised to know the one thing I didn't cry over was … my wedding dress!

When I took to Instagram stories and told the world I was finally letting go of it, I received a barrage of messages from those who had done it already and applauded my decision … as well as those who thought I was nuts for giving my dress away.

If you're shocked at my decision and fall into the second camp, here's my question for you…

What's the Point of Keeping it?

Everyone I talk to who hasn't (yet!) donated their wedding dress says one of the following things to me:

• But there are so many memories attached to it!
• I couldn't imagine anyone else wearing my dress
• I want to wear it again … someday … to renew my vows
• My daughter might want it for her wedding
• If I get rid of my wedding dress, my marriage would be doomed (yes, someone actually told me that!)

My response is always the same: think about the purpose of your wedding dress.

Didn't it serve its purpose on your wedding day? Does it serve any actual purpose now? Or are you attaching memories to a thing you're not actively using or enjoying?

And no, the once-a-year decluttering of your closet, when you fondly fawn over the dress in the very back, doesn't count.

Because even if your wedding dress has been carefully preserved and sealed in a box, but never pulled out, worn again, or enjoyed, is it really that important to you? <— Tweet that

How I Decided to Donate My Wedding Dress

I asked myself the same questions and came to this conclusion:

I am not going to wear my wedding dress ever again (if Joseph and I renew our vows, I want a new dress!). If I ever have a daughter, she is not going to want to wear it either and I would want her to choose her own dress!

So I'm literally just moving it around from place to place.

For 11 years, my dress hung in the back of five different guest room closets. When it came to us downsizing into the RV, I decided I wasn't going to let it hang in our storage unit while we traveled.

It was time to let it go.

I have some advice for you if you decide to do the same thing.

Where to Donate a Wedding Dress:

Just so we're clear, I don't want you to think I don't care about my dress at all. I loved my dress and felt like a princess on my wedding day. So I wanted to donate it somewhere special.

Keep in mind that most organizations require your dress be professionally cleaned. Some places also have a limit on hold old your dress can be (so if you donate your dress for a good cause, do it sooner rather than later!).

Here are all the places I found where you can donate your wedding dress.

• Brides Across America – takes dresses that are 5 years old or less.
• PreownedWeddingDresses.com
• Brides for a Cause – 2013 or newer
• FairyTale Brides
• The Bridal Garden
• The Bride's Project – 5 years old or less
• Brides Against Breast Cancer – 2 years old or less
• Adorned in Grace – 5 years old or less
• Wish Upon a Wedding – 3 years old or less

Remember, your donation is tax-deductible!

I really wanted to give my dress to a bride with breast cancer so she didn't have to worry about paying for a dress in addition to her medical bills. But my dress was considered too old even though I was married in 2007.

If you find yourself in the same boat, you can:

• Donate your wedding dress to a charity that makes Angel Gowns (gowns for infants who have passed away at or soon after birth)
• Make it into a christening gown. There are plenty of Etsy shops who offer this service, or you can try it yourself using a tutorial.
• With either of those options, you can also keep a scrap for yourself and turn it into a pretty necklace via Etsy

Because I couldn't donate my dress to one of the above organizations, I decided to hand mine over to Goodwill. It would still be decently priced and available to someone who might not be able to afford a more expensive dress (although I only paid $150 on clearance for mine!)

I went back a week later to find it already gone! My home felt lighter and my heart exploded with all the warm fuzzies knowing that my dress went to a bride in need.

It hardly crosses my mind anymore.

Is it Time to Donate Your Wedding Dress?

I don't deny that there are a lot of emotions surrounding the decision to declutter your wedding dress. And I don't want you to think I have a cold heart and am telling you that you must get rid of it.

That's not my intention.

Instead, I want you to just think about it's purpose.

A guiding principle for me has always been to be intentional about the items I possess and live by my priorities. If your wedding dress is a priority item for you, then don't feel guilty about keeping it.

But if it's not worth storing in the back of a closet never to be seen in the light of day until you move to a new location, then don't feel guilty about giving it away either.

It's just a dress. 

Your marriage is much more important!

Let's chat about wedding dresses:

Have you given yours away yet? What did you do with it?

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

The post How to Declutter Your Wedding Dress (With No Regrets!) appeared first on Kalyn Brooke.

         

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• We are right before our wedding and my wife-to-be found her ... by Frex
• By: Friday Favorites June 2019 ~ Life Currently & What I'm Loving This Month by Friday Favorites June 2019 ~ Life Currently & What I'm Loving This Month

 

 

I tend to resist budgeting apps and software (especially after my EveryDollar experience) because I'm a bit of an Excel nerd and a control freak. I have this intense need to account for every penny and I literally can't sleep at night otherwise!

Needless to say, I'm a budgeting spreadsheet convert and have been for at least 15 years now (ever since my mom taught me how to budget!).

But so many people recommend YNAB (You Need a Budget) that I knew I had to try it! Just so I could say my spreadsheet was better. 😂

Confession: It wasn't love at first sight.

(I know, that's not how you expected this You Need a Budget review to go, right?)

It actually took me a couple weeks to totally understand the system because I was trying to jam my years of one budgeting mindset into the YNAB software, instead of letting the app work for me.

But once I stopped micromanaging everything and pretended I was a new user who had never budgeted before, it suddenly made perfect sense.

Game-changer.

And the best part is that YNAB allows Joseph to team up with me in managing our finances—and with very little maintenance for either of us! Shared budget app for the win!

Now I'm 10 months into using it and I can't recommend it enough. Truly! I've said goodbye to my spreadsheet for good, which (even with its spiffy formulas and all) only made me work harder, not smarter.

If you want to get your spouse excited about budgeting and turn managing your finances into less of a chore, YNAB might be exactly what you need to shake things up in the best way possible.

Let's dive into how it works!

The Best Shared Budget App: YNAB

What it is: You Need a Budget is an online budgeting software accessible from both your desktop and via an app on your mobile device (and your spouse's!). You can easily connect your bank accounts and credit cards, and the software will import your transactions automatically.

Cost: An annual subscription rings in at $84/year. But don't click away just yet! While this sounds a little pricey (it made me hesitate, too), YNAB is less expensive than the pro version of EveryDollar…and WAY better than even the free Mint!

Think of it like this: At around $7/month, YNAB costs less than a monthly Netflix subscription. So for the same price you shell out each month to be able to sit on the couch binge-watching the latest series (no judgment here!), you can take charge of your money and put your earnings toward things and experiences that you truly value.

Convinced already?

Try YNAB free for 34 days.

How to Set Up Your YNAB Account

When you sign into YNAB for the first time, it's easy to get overwhelmed with all the options! But don't stress. The following three-step process will get you and your spouse up and running in under 30 minutes.

Step 1:

Create/edit budget categories according to the structure that works for you. You can have both main categories and sub-categories based on how detailed you want to organize everything. Yay!

I have mine sorted into:

• Monthly Bills (expenses that come due every month, like utilities and our self-pay Health Insurance)
• Living Expenses (Groceries, Pet Care, Eating Out, Gas, etc)
• Sinking Funds (Savings like Fun Stuff, Home Maintenance, etc.)
• Quarterly & Annual Expenses (subscriptions and memberships, etc.)

Pro Tip: I always recommend you start with as few categories to maintain as possible. Otherwise, you can get lost in the details and focus more on the setup versus maintaining the actual budget. You can always add more categories later if needed.

Plus, there's a “Stuff You Forgot to Budget For” category that comes in handy too. 😉

Step 2:

Connect your bank accounts and credit cards (it might take a couple of days for all transactions to import). Every dollar in your bank account should be automatically added to the “To Be Budgeted” Category. You'll distribute this money to all of your budget categories until you are left with $0.00 to assign.

This is one of the things I love most about YNAB. You don't budget based on what you expect to receive; you budget with the money you have…right now. This structure forces you to be realistic and gives you a real-time look at your finances.

Lost? If you're not sure how to create a budget, what categories to use, or how much money to assign to each category, bookmark my Budgeting 101 series for an in-depth overview.

Step 3:

As you spend money, each transaction will import into YNAB automatically based on the account you use to pay for it: Checking Account, Credit Card, etc.

Again, this usually takes a day or two, but if you or your spouse want to stay on top of everything in real time, you can track expenses as you spend by adding them into YNAB yourself. The software will then catch the “duplicates” by syncing your bank account transactions to the one you added; all you have to do is approve it.

You can even split a transaction among multiple categories if you want!

Here's an example of the account register for my Chase Credit Card:

Going forward, any time you receive income—from your paycheck, birthday money, or odd jobs here and there—you'll add it to the “To Be Budgeted” portion of your budget and deposit the money into any category you want.

Weekly and Monthly Maintenance

With everything being so automated inside a shared budget app, it's easy to just “set it and forget it.” But you still have to stay on top of everything to be successful financially, which means checking in on a regular basis.

Thankfully, YNAB makes the process much less time-consuming!

Every Week:

Choose a day of the week to update YNAB. I do this every Friday. I'll approve transactions that have come in, assign other transactions if needed, and distribute any deposits we've made into our account.

Every Month:

When you transition to a new month, there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Categories that still have money in them roll over to the next month. You can zero out those categories and start over or let them build. I usually zero out my Living Expenses and transfer that money into savings (which inspires me to spend less in those areas!). But we let our Sinking Funds build over time.

2. Categories where you've overspent turn one of two colors: Orange OR Red.

Bottom line: You must take care of all negative accounts before transitioning to a new month. But the best part is you can cover any overspending with a click of a button: the Inflow button.

3. Lastly, reconcile your accounts every so often to make sure you're not missing a transaction anywhere. While YNAB does a great job at importing everything, sometimes there is human error too (like if you add a transaction to a wrong account…ahem).

Pros & Cons:

As with everything, there are always pros and cons to consider.

Pros of You Need a Budget:

• • Assigning categories is FUN (no math, no manual transaction tracking and no searching for $.10 because of a calculation error!)
  • Accessible anywhere with the mobile app
  • Allows you to treat your credit card like cash
  • Automates budgeting so you (and your spouse!) always know where you are financially

Cons of You Need a Budget:

• • Sometimes the bank and credit cards will disconnect and you need to reconnect them.
  • Transactions can take 2-3 days to process (so if you're on a really strict budget, put it in right away and then transaction duplication will turn on).
  • The cost. It may seem cliche to say it pays for itself, and the truth is, it may not if you're already a seasoned budgeter. But it's super convenient! And if you and your spouse are brand new to budgeting, the ease of learning to use YNAB means you won't ever have to try another budgeting tool.

With You Need a Budget, I not only know where every penny is going, but instead of dreading the day when I need to update my spreadsheet with weekly purchases, I actually look forward to opening up the app and assigning all the transactions that come in…automatically. 

It's one of my favorite things now. I never EVER miss a transaction!

Joseph is especially grateful, because there were always a few receipts of his missing from our Receipt Jar. Now he just has to tell me what he spent the money on or he can enter it in himself. This makes YNAB the perfect shared budget app between couples.

Another perk?

You'll be more conscious about your spending. Overspent categories turn red or orange (ick!), but when you see green (aka positive balances!) while scrolling through the app, it will inspire you to come in under budget every time.

I especially love transferring that extra money elsewhere, (like our Rize Savings Account) to fund our financial goals.

One last reminder: To make YNAB work, you must get rid of all other budgeting mindsets and approach this method with an open mind. But once you start, I promise you'll be hooked! YNAB has the potential to change the way you view your finances forever. 

And who knows? You might just find you become a budgeting nerd like me. 🤓

Try YNAB for free for 34 days!

Let's chat about budgeting apps:

Have you ever tried a budgeting app before? Do you have any questions about how YNAB works or anything I need to clarify further to help you make the best decision for your finances?

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

The post The Budgeting App That Will Make Managing Your Money Crazy Simple appeared first on Kalyn Brooke.

         

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• Thank you for sharing your opinions on YNAB and EveryDollar. I ... by Rhonda
• Hi Cheryl, You can use YNAB to track a debt, but otherwise ... by Kalyn Brooke
• Where do you put things like loans, house and car payments, ... by Cheryl Lynn
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• Plus 2 more...

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This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

With summer just around the corner comes the promise of fresh produce—especially my favorite fruit of all: strawberries! I like to wait until they're at least 2/$5 in the store, but I can sometimes snag them for 3/$5 if it's an especially good sale while they're in season.

From this lovely strawberry tart to my freezer staple of strawberry jam, I'll take my strawberries in just about anything.

Including these mouthwatering, pillow-soft strawberries and cream muffins!

Make these easy strawberry muffins whenever fresh strawberries are in season or to use up the remaining almost-too-far-gone strawberries in your fridge. Then freeze for an easy breakfast or snack—or arrange on a pretty plate for a sweet Mother's Day brunch.

When you're looking for comfort food, but don't want anything too heavy, these easy strawberry muffins will quickly become your go-to recipe!

Oh, and from one cookie dough lover to another, this batter is incredibly addicting. 😉

How to Make Easy Strawberry Muffins

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees, and line muffin tin with liners (or spray). Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 2: In a mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy (about 2 minutes).

Step 3: Beat in eggs, cream, and vanilla (or 1/2 tsp almond extract).

Step 4: Stir in flour mixture just until moistened. Fold in cut strawberries.

Pro Tip: Cut the berries into small pieces beforehand so they evenly disperse in the batter.

Step 5: Scoop into prepared muffin tin until 3/4 full.

Step 6: Bake until light brown (22-26 min). Let cool in tin on a wire rack for 10 minutes then transfer muffins to rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long!).

Strawberry & Cream Muffins

---

• Prep Time: 10 min.
• Cook Time: 22-26 min.
• Total Time: 35 min.
• Yield: 12+

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

3/4 cup whipping cream

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup finely chopped strawberries

---

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees, and line muffin tin with liners (or spray).

Step 2: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: In a mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy (about 2 minutes). Beat in eggs, cream, and vanilla (or 1/2 tsp almond extract).

Step 4: Stir in flour mixture just until moistened. Fold in cut strawberries (cut small so they evenly disperse!).

Step 5: Scoop into prepared muffin tin until 3/4 full. Bake until light brown (22-26 min). Let cool in tin on a wire rack for 10 minutes then transfer muffins to rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long!).

---

What is your favorite food to make with strawberries?

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

The post How to Make Perfect Strawberry & Cream Muffins appeared first on Kalyn Brooke.

        

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Late last year, I settled on a weekly layout in my bullet journal that I drew over and over again because it worked SO well. Normally, I don't continue the same layout for more than a few months, because I get bored, life changes, etc.

But this one checked all my productivity boxes—especially my favorite hack, time-blocking!

That's when it hit me: if I was using the same layout all the time, then there was no reason to keep creating it from scratch.

I could use a bullet journal printable instead.

I found that not only did creating these printables allow me to focus exclusively on my schedule and what I needed to accomplish that week, I also saved at least 5-10 minutes drawing the structure for it. Yay for shortcuts!

New to bullet journaling? Read Bullet Journaling 101: Everything You Need to Know to catch up.

But a bullet journal printable does more than just save you time.

It will also:

• Give you a chance to try creative layouts—ones you don't have to come up with (or recreate) yourself!
• Allow you to customize your planner and easily switch things up when you get bored.
• Keep your bullet journal looking fab, even if you can't draw a straight line!

If you've resisted hopping on (or staying on!) the bullet journaling train because you've been concerned about the time it takes to set up OR you don't feel creative enough to come up with your own layouts, bullet journal printables are about to revolutionize your planning life.

Here's how to use them based on the type of notebook you have so they fit perfectly on any page!

1. In a Bound Notebook

A bullet journal printable is easier to insert into a three-ring or disc-bound notebook, but they totally work in a bound notebook too.

There are three ways to add a printable to a bound notebook:

• Print the layout on sticker paper and trim to fit. Then all you have to do is peel and stick the printable onto the page! I love using Avery Shipping Labels for half size sheets.
• Print on regular printer paper and adhere to the page with a pretty strip of washi tape or a tape runner.
• Print on regular printer paper, place behind the page you want to use, and trace. This is for anyone who wants structure but doesn't want to add extra pages to their notebook.

2. In a Disc-Bound Notebook

A disc-bound notebook features a front and back cover that are connected by metal or plastic discs. This allows you to fold the notebook back on itself as well as easily add or take out various pages.

If you use this bullet journaling system, I recommend you purchase a pack of 32lb paper for extra stability. This paper is thicker than regular printer paper, but not as thick or unwieldy as card stock.

Print your printable onto this paper and trim based on the size notebook you have. Then you'll need to punch it with this special hole punch and it's ready to insert!

3. In a 3-Ring Binder

A 3-ring binder is very similar to a disc-bound notebook. You can't fold it back on itself, but you can easily add and take away printables as well as rearrange what goes inside.

Plus, there are so many cute options to choose from!

1. Black & White | 2. Nicole | 3. Floral  | 4. Geometric | 5. Marble

Print your printable onto the same thick paper I mentioned above and trim (if needed) to fit inside your binder. While I prefer the half size mini binders, you can certainly use a full letter size for extra room to write.

Where to find bullet journal printables

Once you begin searching, you can find bullet journal printables all over the Internet—some are free on Pinterest (but it takes a lot time to find specific layouts!) while others are offered for individual purchase on Etsy.

But the easiest and most affordable way to find them is inside the newly launched Brainbook Printable Library.

This digital library is an online membership that features dozens of unique printables specifically designed (and sized!) for your bullet journal. Each section is meticulously organized—you'll find layouts by month, week, and day, as well as various lists and collections sorted by topic.

To get access, you can opt for a Quarterly, Annual, or Lifetime Membership. With new printables added every Tuesday, you'll never run out of layouts to try!

Plus, I have filmed several helpful tutorial videos that will show you exactly how to download these printables, adjust your printer settings for the clearest print, and print double-sided to save space.

Learn more about The Brainbook Printable Library HERE.

The ultimate planning system just got better

I still believe bullet journaling is the absolute best planning system out there—the only system that will work for everyone in every stage of life because it's so flexible!

It doesn't matter whether you are in a creative rut or short on time, you can still maintain a bullet journal. Printables open up the door to hundreds of possibilities so you can build your own customized planner without all the effort.

Best of all, you don't have to create them yourself!

Visit The Brainbook Printable Library to learn more. You're going to love it!

Have you ever used a bullet journal printable before?

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

The post How to Cut Your Bullet Journaling Time in Half (With Printables!) appeared first on Kalyn Brooke.

         

Comments

• I hope it works for you! by Kalyn Brooke
• Kristen, I really appreciate your last sentence. The bullet ... by Kalyn Brooke
• I get this 100%! I love being creative with my journals – ... by Kalyn Brooke
• I'm so excited to try this! One more reason I'm glad I switched ... by Gill
• You are amazing, Kalyn! I LOVE my bullet journal and have never ... by Kristen @ Joyfully Thriving
• You hit the nail on the head! I love the concept of bullet ... by MomofTwoPreciousGirls

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As I brought down the last of the cardboard boxes, a friend who was helping us move from NY to FL read the label written in black Sharpie.

“More craft supplies?!” she said. “You have more hobbies than anyone I've ever seen!”

She's not wrong. 

We had already packed up my cake decorating supplies, knitting needles and yarn, flower arranging tools, and multiple scrapbook and card-making paraphernalia, and now I was holding a small box of fabric and sewing notions.

I may have a problem, but the even bigger problem?

My craft supply collection had almost no organization … and it stayed that way for years after that move from NY to FL! In fact, everything lived (or should I say, was stuffed!) inside my office closet in our new home—forgotten while I focused on building this blog.

Although, if I'm being really honest, my inaction was also rooted in perfectionism. I was so overwhelmed with the mess, I didn't know how to go from what looked like the Hobby Lobby clearance center to a Pinterest-perfect image.

So I didn't do anything.

But last year, I really wanted to rediscover my creative self again and I couldn't do that without some semblance of organization. I still wanted everything to look neat and tidy (who doesn't?!), but the difference was in the way I approached it—creating a craft closet that would work for me, not just for a pretty picture.

But first, I had to deal with this …

Ugh, this photo makes want to run away and ignore everything again!

But thankfully, I didn't procrastinate for another three years. Once I took my first step, everything else fell into place.

I'm going to share my step-by-step plan with you here just in case you want to accomplish your own craft supply revamp (whether it's a closet, corner or cart!) and want to do it without being overwhelmed.

Because yes, it is possible!

1. Determine Why You Need Craft Closet Organization

The first thing I did was ask myself, “What do I want this craft closet to contain?” and “How will I use it?”

In other words, I cast a vision and determined the purpose for my craft closet.

Since this closet was fairly big, I had other plans for it too—like adding a gift-giving station and making sure my beast of a printer would fit inside and didn't detract from my newly decorated home office!

When undertaking a similar project of your own, you may also want to think about which items you want to be most accessible. This will come into play a little later, but it helps to have an idea of what supplies you'll reach for first.

2. Declutter All the Things

Ahh, you knew this was coming, didn't you?

Before we organize, we have to get rid of what doesn't belong and what you don't need. Otherwise, we're just organizing clutter. So pretty please don't skip this step.

Just think of how good it will feel to finally have extra space for the supplies you love and use on a regular basis!

Pro Tip: Do a quick once-over with a trash bag in one hand and a donate box nearby. Painless!

After removing what I knew right away wouldn't be staying, I combed through my supplies more carefully, not necessarily giving it the “spark joy” test, but asking myself if this item truly had a purpose, when did I last use it, do I even like it, etc.

I got rid of so much junk this way and it helped to keep my long-term vision from Step 1 in mind.

3. Make a list of categories and research ideas

With all the supplies you have left, compile like things together and write down a list of all categories and types of supplies. Then research organization ideas for each one of them.

My categories were:

• Scrapbook Paper
• Stamps and Ink Pads
• Stickers
• Sewing Supplies
• Knitting Yarn and Needles
• Fake Flowers
• Cross-Stitch Books and Supplies
• Gift Giving Supplies
• Photo Props
• Odds and Ends

I created a secret craft closet organization Pinterest board to keep track of all my ideas in one place. I shared a lot of my findings in a curated blog post called Genius Ways to Organize Your Craft Supplies, so that should help you with some of the legwork!

And while I didn't use every idea I came across, it helped my brain jumpstart the creative process.

4. Map out a detailed plan

Next, it's time to dig into the nitty gritty of HOW best to organize everything according to function and design.

For instance, it made sense to store things I don't need access to as easily on the top shelf of the closet—like knitting, flower arranging supplies, and cross-stitch books. Bins and baskets worked well for corralling these lesser-used things.

I also wanted to see all my stamps in one glance, rather than thrown in a box like they were before. So I organized them in a drawer inside a shallow container that guaranteed visibility.

I went over this process with each of my supplies and quickly realized a track organization system would fit my needs perfectly. With a track system, you can move shelves in and out of slots, adjust heights as needed, and swap out shelves for drawers and vice versa.

I used the Elfa system from The Container Store and I couldn't be happier! (Although I love how Abby used this Ikea Algot system!)

But first, I sketched out everything on graph paper, just so I could see how it would look without committing to anything permanent. Then, once I had everything drawn out (and color coded!), I took this sketch to The Container Store to order everything I needed.

Overwhelmed by this stage of organizing craft supplies? Don't worry; it's not mandatory. And even though I had put in this prep, I still had to …

5. Arrange and Rearrange

While I was hopeful that I would get everything perfect on the first try, the truth is, I spent a few weeks arranging and rearranging my setup.

Which makes sense, really. You have to actually use the space to know what will work best! For this reason, I held off on purchasing most of my craft storage containers until I was positive *this* was the final setup (and even then I kept my receipts for a few weeks, just in case!).

I would encourage you to do the same. You don't want to waste money buying craft storage containers you don't actually need and can't return.

shop this post:

And now…the Final Reveal!

I've been teasing you with little glimpses of the closet here and there and now it's time to share the whole space. Eek!

What do you think?

Nothing makes me happier than a closet dedicated to fuel the creative spirt, especially when it's filled with supplies I actually like and plan to use!

Stick around and I'll give you a deeper look into how everything is organized.

• On the tippy top shelf (you almost can't see it!) I stored extra wicker baskets as well as boxes of other supplies I didn't need to access all that much. My yarn and knitting needles are neatly contained inside one of the white and black polka dot bags.

• Right below, I used some fun ribbon organizers (I had no idea they made these!) as well as some clear bins to store bows, tiny gift boxes, and tissue paper.

• On that same shelf, I lined up my old scrapbooks and stored my favorite magazines inside three file boxes. Don't you just love that teal color? It's my fave.

• The utility board holds various glue alternatives, as well as tape, scissors and Sharpie markers. Then of course, I had to get something to organize all my washi tape rolls! This CraftStack box turned out to be just the thing.

• Moving right onto the drawers, the top one holds all my punches, more sticky tape, and buttons, separated by inexpensive drawer organizers.

• The second drawer holds all my stamps and ink pads.

• The third drawer holds my fabric stash and other sewing supplies.

• The next two drawers hold all my scrapbook paper, card making supplies, and stickers, as well as cards I've already made organized by occasion.

• And of course, my trusty label maker has it's own prominent spot!

• The last drawer holds quite a few miscellany items. Basically anything that I didn't have a spot for elsewhere!

• Moving onto the shelves just to the left of the drawers, I pulled my Silhouette out from it's box so I would use it more often…and I did!

• On the bottom shelf (and underneath), I stored all my printer paper and fully sized card stock, as well as more photo boxes. Someday I'll organize them into photo albums.

I don't have any detailed photos of my Gift Wrapping station, but that's because I wrote a whole blog post about that section of my closet. You can check it out HERE.

After all was said and done, I was so pleased with the results. It was SO much easier to find things I needed, and I found myself motivated to be creative! I was pulling out supplies to use them more often because I could easily see where things were.

Of course, the only downside is a few months later, we decided to list our house in order to travel in an RV year round. 🤦‍♀️

BUT…

Even though we didn't take all of my craft supplies with us, the track system allows us to set up and rearrange everything to fit whatever space we have in the future, so I'm really glad we invested in that! It's all about what works for you in the season you're in!

Let's Chat:

Do you have a craft closet or corner? What is your favorite hobby that requires craft supplies…or are you a hoarder like me?

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

The post How to Create the Craft Closet Of Your Dreams appeared first on Kalyn Brooke.

        

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Sometimes, when a task requires intense focus or effort, I procrastinate.

I intentionally distract myself by checking my favorite social media accounts, reading a click-bait article, or starting a new project that wasn't on my to-do list for that day instead of tackling the “hard things” that will help me accomplish my quarterly goals.

Often because I'm so overwhelmed, I don't know where to start!

Tell me I'm not the only one?

Enter the Pomodoro method: where you set a timer for 25 min. and work on a specific task before taking a 5 min. break.

I'll be honest—I wasn't sure this productivity technique would work for me. I was anxious about failing, i.e. not completing the assigned task within the allotted time.

Ever taken a timed test and had the pencil in your hand slip on your sweaty palms? That's the mental picture I had of the Pomodoro method.

I couldn't have been more wrong

I finally convinced myself to try it by reassuring myself that if the timer ended, I wouldn't earn a failing grade. I could just reset the timer for however much more time I needed.

To my surprise, it worked.

[click_to_tweet tweet=”For some reason, something as simple as setting a timer tricks your brain into hyperdrive. – @KalynBrookeCo #productivityhack #pomodoromethod #PomoDoneApp” quote=”For some reason, something as simple as setting a timer tricks your brain into hyperdrive.”]

Not only do I have the motivation to start, I'm intensely focused and don't want to be doing anything except the task at hand! It's almost like I've game-ified my to-do list.

Related: What To Do When Your Planner Isn't Working for You

And as an added benefit, the sense of urgency helps me finish my list faster than ever before. So for the first time in a long time, I actually have some free time to relax in the evenings!

Sounds amazing, right?

Let's take a deeper look inside the Pomodoro Method so you can maximize its distraction-fighting benefits too.

What is the Pomodoro Method?

The Pomodoro method gets its name from a tomato-shaped timer (first used by Francesco Cirillo to track his college work).

The system is simple:

1. Choose a task to complete
2. Set a timer for 25 minutes.
3. Work on that task (and only that task!) until the timer dings.
4. Take a short five minute break (You've just completed your first Pomodoro!)
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4.
6. After every four Pomodoros, take a longer break (20-30 minutes).

By working in short sprints, you force your brain to focus. But by giving yourself consistent breaks, you regularly recharge, which renews you to go again!

How Can You Use the Pomodoro Method?

Although you can harness the Pomodoro method to tackle your to-do list or inbox in order to have a more productive day, you can also make use of the timer trick to clean your house or reach your personal goals. Here are just a few examples:

• Do the dishes
• Make a plan for tomorrow
• Complete a short workout
• Switch out the laundry
• Read more!
• Write a chapter of the next Great American Novel
• etc.

Pro Tip: You can absolutely set the timer for shorter or longer than 25 min. If I know something is going to take more effort, I'll set the timer for 50 min. and take a longer break (between 10-20 min.).

How to Stick with It

Maybe you're thinking: This technique sounds easy enough. All I have to do is set a timer, work until it goes off, and then take a break!

However, it's SO easy to get off track. Multiple times I've said to myself, “I don't need a Pomodoro for that.” And before I know it, I haven't set a timer in days and wonder why I'm suddenly struggling with my old habits.

These three tips keep you focused so you can be successful with the Pomodoro Method long-term.

1. Use the best Pomodoro App

A phone timer is simple enough, but if you want to get fancy, I recommend the best Pomodoro app I've found: PomoDone. With this Chrome extension, you can connect it to other productivity tools you use—Todoist, Trello, Evernote, etc.—and track your time for each task or project.

At the end of the day, you can see a time log of all the Pomodoros you completed and for what. I especially like the minimalist countdown feature at the bottom of my screen. See, I'm even using the Pomodoro Method to write this blog post!

Want to see what other Pomodoro apps are available? Here's a list of other Pomodoro Apps to try.

2. Track Pomodoros in a planner

In addition to the PomoDone App, I also have a personal goal of 6 Pomodoros a day and draw circles in my bullet journal to help me remember to complete them. This way, I complete more tasks in less than 3 hours of work… as opposed to eight hours sitting in front of my computer procrastinating!

While this isn't necessary, I also like to color code my Pomodoro circles depending on what type of task I'm working on—writing, home/personal, administrative tasks, etc. I find it so interesting to see how many Pomodoros it takes to do a specific task, and it helps me estimate my time better when planning out my week!

If you don't currently bullet journal and want a Pomodoro-focused planner, the Productivity Planner features daily pages with Pomodoro tracking for each task.

3. Have a plan for interruptions

Working in 25 min. uninterrupted increments sounds great, but what if you struggle with outside interruptions all day?

I have some hacks for that.

First, I put my phone on Do Not Disturb. Not being distracted by the ding of a text message helps a ton!

Second, if I really need a period of deep, focused work, like if I'm writing or working on a project that requires intense concentration, I will lock myself in another room with strict instructions not to be interrupted until I'm done. Or I'll head to the library (especially since it's harder to have separate “rooms” in the RV!).

But if an interruption happens (and it most likely will!,) I simply press pause on the timer, take care of whatever needs tending to, and go back to finish what I started.

What happens when you stay focused

By using the Pomodoro method,

• I'm more successful in saying no to distractions.
• I know exactly where my time is going because I'm much more intentional about it.
• I work faster and more efficiently
• I avoid burnout because I'm taking frequent breaks
• I make REAL progress towards my big dreams and goals.

The timer might sound restricting at first (that's what I thought too!), but in the end, it offers you freedom. Freedom to stop working when the clock stops ticking and time to enjoy the rest of your life.

Let's chat about the Pomodoro Method:

Have you ever tried setting a timer? How did you like it?

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

The post The Pomodoro Technique: How to Do More in Less Time appeared first on Kalyn Brooke.

         

Comments

• Oh! A ticking timer would drive me crazy. The pomodone app is ... by Kalyn Brooke
• I tried this sort of half-heartedly and should probably try ... by Holly

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