One of the first things I do after Christmas is to get my new planner ready for the new year.  I have been purchasing the same planner from Target for the last couple of years but thought this year I wanted to personalize one a little bit so I picked up an expensive plain one from Walmart.


I always use a big 8.5 x 11 week a glance planner because I am a writer and note taker and this size gives me plenty of space to do both.



I picked this pretty teal blue color because I new I had some new Pink Paislee paper that I was itching to tear into.


And I mean that literally...


I started off by deciding what paper I wanted where and then started tearing and placing them jigsaw puzzle style until I was satisfied with the result.


Then I just started modge podging it down in reverse order.  (I always take a picture with my camera phone for reference at this stage.)


Once it was all down and dried a bit I started adding paint and stamps and doodling...


Then I finished the right side edges off with a couple of rows of washi tape.


I love the idea of having a single word to inspire you throughout the year and had already decided mine would be "home"...as in stay home more and get stuff done...home comes first...love your home, etc.  but then as always happens, I started reading other peoples words and was having second thoughts about mine.


That's when it hit me to make a list of all the words and phrases that I want to live by in 2014 and put them on the cover of my planner.  You'll notice that I left just enough room on the bottom to add another word or two if I am inspired to do so.


I varied the fonts and mixed up the placement and I really like how it turned out.  I used another layer of modge podge to adhere the words down and finish it off.

Now all I have to do is put all the important dates inside and write my list of one year and five year goals on the back cover.  I love starting the new year off organized, even if it doesn't last as long as I wish it would.  What about you?  Do you have a day planner for the new year?  Will you write down any hopes and dreams?  I'd love to hear them.  I'll share mine tomorrow as well as my list that I started 2013 off with.

xo, Patty

btw...If you'd like a copy of my words and phrases just let me know and I'd be happy to email you one.

I am on the last leg of operation wrap things up and stay at home more.  It feels so good to be nearing the final stretch.  I am so looking forward to finding the simple life I imagined when I retired last year.


One of the last commitments I have left is to my favorite local craft store. I will be teaching my last card making class there this weekend and have been busy designing, prepping and putting together kits the last couple of days.  My dining room table (which is were I go when I can't find room on my actual craft table to work) is covered in all manner of paper loveliness. 


Teaching has been such a great experience and I have learned things about my giftedness that I know will be used again someday.


I have happily agreed to continue doing a little design work for the store but the pace will be less hectic and putting together one sample is certainly less time consuming than turning that design into 20 precut kits twice a month.  It will still allow me the opportunity to play with pretty papers, lace and ribbons, something that is needed to satisfy my creative soul.


The year and half since my retirement has taught me much about myself, both good and bad.  But as trying and exasperating as it has been, I wouldn't trade it for the world.  If I have learned anything it's that it is okay not to have anything planned and it's not necessary to be busy all the time.  Time spent reading a book or talking with a friend is more important than being busy just for busies sake.


Living a simpler life means different things to different people, for me it about availability and balance something that's been missing for a while now.  Time at home, with the people I love sounds like exactly where I'm meant to be.

xo, Patty