Have you ever wanted to add snow flakes to your pictures?
With all the snowy weather around the country recently, I thought it would be fun to add a little snow fall to my pictures.
I found the most fun site that allows you to upload your photo - and then add a filter that makes it look like it is snowing. These photos were taken after it had stopped snowing - so it was fun to add snow flakes! (And, it was so easy - just upload a photo, click the filter, and download the updated photo - that simple!)
I typically do not post on Monday's but getting more organized and productive is one area I really want to work on in 2017, so I knew I wanted to participate in this blog hop with my friends at The Blended Blog, so I could share my thoughts and also see what great things they had to say. If you are stopping by from Deena's blog - hello and welcome!
At the end of my post, be sure to "hop" over to Whitney's blog to read more about her suggestions.
So, here are my five recommendations on how to become more organized and productive...
1. MAKE A LIST
In order to be more organized and productive, it is important to make a list; however, I rarely make a list of what I need to accomplish, which I am going to work on changing this year. I have found that when I make a list, I am far more productive at getting those things done. Someone once suggested that when making a list - prioritize the items by easiest to most difficult (or ones that can be done quickly to ones that are a longer duration.) Start with items you can get done quickly - because you won't get hung up on those tasks that take longer - leading to procrastination or feeling like you didn't accomplish anything.
Also, along the lines of making a list and getting things done, I was recently reminded of the phrase - "Paralysis by analysis" - sometimes we can spend so much time over-thinking and trying to make the perfect move that we don't get anything done at all!
2. SET GOALS
Along with making a list, are setting goals. I am going to try to organize my list by daily, weekly, and monthly goals. Then, at the end of the day, I can look at what I accomplished and get ready for what is next. Then, evaluate at the end of each week and month. Without setting daily goals, it is easy to let things slip and before you know it an entire month (or year) has gone by and not as much as could was accomplished.
3. SET REWARDS
I once had a life coach recommend setting up rewards for each task or goal I accomplished. If I didn't get it done, then I didn't get the reward. We do this with kids, but as an adult, I think it is a great idea. She said that if I accomplished something off my list, I could reward myself with going shopping or buying something, or something as simple as watching my favorite TV program. I am really going to try to instill this mind-set this year!
4. LIMIT SOCIAL MEDIA
Along with rewards is the importance of setting boundaries. It is easy for me to get sucked into looking at Instagram, Snapchat, and blogs - for endless hours. My goal this year is to spend less time on social media - and also set aside a dedicated time to look at them. I plan to set a specific time each day - along with a time limit. Also, my goal is to totally detach from everything on the weekend - to give myself a break.
5. CREATE SPACES
Lastly, for 2017, I want to work on creating dedicated spaces for important papers, documents or things I need to handle. Also, since I have started working on my own clothing line, I have boxes of yarn samples, fabrics, material, etc. - and right now everything is in boxes on my floor - which is driving me a little nuts. I want to come up with some shelving (like these which are only $19), filing cabinet, and possibly a new desk (20% off this week) that has more room for filing away papers. Also, since our kitchen remodel, my normal area for important papers has gotten shuffled around - and I have been loosing (or misplacing) more things than usual.
I cannot get over how identical that Chloe bag is - and it is made with real leather - for a fraction of the cost. It also comes in different colors. Also, how fun are those loafer booties with the chain detail - and they are 50% off!
4. These booties are 60% and come in 3 different colors. They are under $60 - would be perfect all year-round.
5. This leopard cross body bag is 50% off and only $25! (Also, found here on sale.) It looks like an exact dupe to the J. Crew one that costs much more.
Nordstrom
had great after Christmas sales, but now the deals are even better.
These are some of my top picks that are an even better deal now. Although, this is one boot that I love that is not on sale just yet - but I keep watching for it to be marked down to the perfect price.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"If it's both terrifying and amazing then you should definitely pursue it."
I saw this quote last fall on Instagram - and I thought it was so true.
