Hello April

I'm not sure how it's April already, but I sure am glad it is. Only one more month of school left! Unfortunately Kyle will be away for training during the month of May, but I also have my Washington, DC trip that month. But back to this month. I imagine it will go by very quickly; there's a couple presentations mid-month, and wrapping up a couple projects for the semester. And then, I will be half way through grad school! Hooray!

- From the desk of Mrs. M

Erin Condren Planner 2

I recently acquired my second Erin Condren planner. I had my first one for about four months before it was stolen, and when the new year came around I decided I had to get a new one. Let's face it, it's hard to go back to any old planner after experiencing the level of organization that comes with an EC planner. You can see my first post on the planner here, and this time I decided to give you a quick look at how I use it, as a grad student/wife/dedicated planner. It's pretty simple.

The planner has three sections labeled "morning," "day" and "night." I use the morning section to record the happenings of the day- class times, meetings, appointments, etc. I use the middle section to list assignments due that day, or on the weekends I write my To Do list here. The bottom section I use to write what's for dinner each week day, keep track of workouts, reminders, and any other info for the day.

I don't really color code things, though I have a large variety of colors to use and will select things to stand out when needed. I generally use black or blue pen. The first time around I didn't use too many of the stickers that come with the planner, but I've already been using them more (I just have to use a regular ultra fine point Sharpie to write on them as opposed to other pens). I also use washi tape when the occasion calls for it! :) Such as marking multi-day events.

Anyway, that's all there is to it!

- From the desk of Mrs. M

Sunday Social: In My Bag

It's my birthday, and I've been half doing birthday things (movies, out for breakfast), and half taking care of the possibly abandoned and definitely neglected dogs next door, with a side of headache and stress, so it's has been quite the day. I'll post more about the pups and birthday later, but I found this Sunday Social linkup from Meghan, and it's really just what I need today. A carefree post about purses! :) 

Favorite handbag you've ever owned:
Hmm, I'm not sure! I really like the one I was using before my current one. I like bigger bags that fit over the shoulder (I don't understand carrying bags in your hand or around your forearm. not comfortable and I like having my hands free.). I also really grew to like the one from H&M that I got and used while in Finland (I didn't have room to bring it back with me). 


Dream handbag you lust over:
The one I got today for my birthday! I've been wanting it for months, for the start of grad school in August. It's the Kelly Moore Libby bag. (thanks husband!)

Daily essentials in your purse or work bag
iphone. wallet. chapstick. pen. notepad/paper. keys. tissues. 


What's in your purse(with pictures):
Today:

1. bag from spotted moth

2. Keys (yep that's a lego man keychain that has light up feet!)

3. wallet from urban outfitters

4. glasses

5. Marimekko notebook

6. tissues (just noticed they match my planner)

7. Kindle fire

8. Erin Condren planner

9. bag with: a couple chapsticks, lip gloss, lotion, medicine, bobby pins, hair tie, hand sanitizer, tide pen, mint strips

10. iphone 

also not pictured: pens!

For grad school: I haven't started yet, so this is really planning ahead; I'll probably do another post once school gets started!

1. notbooks, folders, papers, etc

2. bag with: a couple chapsticks, lip gloss, lotion, medicine, bobby pins, hair tie, hand sanitizer, tide pen, mint strips

3. keys

4. Erin Condren planner

5. Kindle Fire

6. Marimekko notepad and post-its

7. lots and lots of pens

8. wallet

9. water bottle

10. more matching tissues

11. iphone

12. glasses

also probably: a snack or lunch box, more school supplies, 5 hour energy

 One reason I love this bag is because of the movable organization on the inside. No more fumbling around looking for everything!

I hope everyone had a good weekend!


-Mrs. M

My Favorite New Planner

Hooray, my Erin Condren planner arrived! I thought this was the perfect time to order one, to start in August along with grad school beginning!  I definitely have always preferred a paper planner; I love writing things down, using colors, making little notes and seeing everything laid out in front of me (not on a computer screen). I love the amount of organization that this planner promotes, and it has some really great features. Picture time!

 nice packaging and bubble wrap

 Taa-dah! 

 You can customize the design and text.

laminated tabs

 Huxley came to inspect. 

 first thing I put on my planner! A sticker from our wedding, to mark our anniversary :) 

 lots o' stickers

 gift labels, and a pouch and pocket for holding things (already put in some stamps)

I recently got some new pens too (plus my favorite pen lately- a free pen from Baylor) 

I have to copy Sar with this and say my planner is my favorite new possession/obsession. And here's the rest of my favorites for the 15 Day Challenge! (psst- check out my summer favorites post from yesterday, too!)

Song: Possibly, probably, Will You be There by Michael Jackson. Yes, the Free Willy song. No other song moves me (physically and emotionally...I have to dance and sometimes cry) more than this song. We played it at the wedding (at my request) and everyone loved it; I was surprised- surely that song would clear the dance floor of all but me and my two friends who also love the song, and my wee cousin who danced to everything (Queen of the Dance Floor, that one), and abruptly bring the party to a depressing end, but no! 

Quote: I'm not sure what my favorite favorite quote is, but I recently saw this one and I quite like it. Also, love Amy Poehler. 

Food: Always- cucumber. Lately- whole wheat toast with avocado, salt, pepper and cucumber. It is reminiscent of Finland. The bread is different and I don't think I ever had avocado in Finland, but I try. 

Vacation Spot: Finland! Though I wouldn't mind going somewhere tropical, either. Also, New Zealand.

Photo: We've only seen a preview of the wedding photos so far, and I'm sure one of those will end up my favorites, but for now, this picture of the kitties when they were brand new, napping on my desk chair, so tiny.

Movie: Jurassic Park. Runner Up: Away We Go

TV Show: Of all time, Arrested Development. Other great ones: Dexter (just watched all of season 6 on itunes in like a day), The West Wing, Parks & Rec, The Office.

via

Outdoor Activity: Kayaking, for sure!

Thing about the Future: Little ones. Someday! 

Have a great weekend, everyone!
Oh, and sidenote, I'm putting together an Olympic themed giveaway to hopefully have up in time for the Opening Ceremonies on July 27th! Stay tuned for more info! :)

-Mrs. M