Protect Yourself when Shopping for a Traveler's Notebook Cover

I belong to twelve different Traveler Notebook related Facebook groups and run an additional one.  Recently there has been a rash of consumers of fauxdori covers being scammed and taken advantage of.  Many of these victims were new users of the traveler notebook. There are probably hundreds of fauxdori vendors on Etsy, and the internet in general, selling their wares.  There is a much smaller number of craftsmen and craftswomen who create 'artisanal' covers - reputable dealers who provide prompt communication, clear ordering instructions, and have a proven track record of sales and satisfied customers. So what do you do if you are new to the world of TN's and are overwhelmed by the choices of vendors?  There are a few things you can do ahead of time to lessen the chance that you will be disappointed in the end.

1.  Join Facebook groups related to the TN world.  Often consumers first become aware of an active scam on there when someone posts their negative experience...and others then validate they had the same experience.  The largest groups are: Traveler's Notebook Forum, Lady Falcon's Traveler's Notebooks, Midori Traveler's Notebook Resources, and the newest addition - Planner Swap Feedback - specifically created to provide a space for buyers to provide feedback on various vendors.   My group is Inserts, Inserts, Inserts - however it doesn't specifically provide scam info regarding vendors of covers.  Note that all these groups are closed groups so you must join in order to see posts and information.

2.  If you are going to buy a cover off Etsy check these things:  How new is the shop?  Is there information about the shop owner?  How many buyer reviews are there and are they positive?  How new are the buyer reviews?  Have you asked on the various Facebook groups if anyone has dealt with the vendor you are interested in?  When planning your cover, is the shop owner responsive and communicative?  What is the refund policy?  (Custom covers are not normally refunded if you are dissatisfied - especially if you pre-approved the design).

3.  Always pay through PayPal or a credit card as there are dispute processes if you feel something shady is going on or you are being scammed.  Your purchase is protected with these payment methods.

Covers cost anywhere between $20 and up....the upper end being well over $100.  Covers are an investment that those of us in the TN world hope will be well made and stand up to years of service.  TN fans become emotionally attached to their covers.  It pays to take the time to do your research, study and understand what you want, what you are going to use it for, what kind of wear and tear it will get, what material you want it made of, and what size it will be.  The more front end research you do before investing, the happier you will be when that new cover is finally in your hands.

Show Me how to do THAT!

The world of traveler’s notebooks looks pretty cut and dry at face value – a chunk of leather with holes and elastic, some little booklets and more elastic.  Not so fast.  The love of traveler’s notebooks is complicated when you really dig your heels in.  It isn’t because that chunk of leather is complicated, it is because of the nature of the TN – you can make it anything you want, you can tailor it to your own life, hobbies, dreams, health needs, school, work, family – literally the TN can hold your life in your hands. Once you start grasping the full potential of the TN that is when the fun really begins.  So how do you do that…make it your own?   One way is to see how others have done it before you.  With the advent of YouTube, there are hundreds, no thousands of how-to videos regarding aspects of TN supplies and design.  That in itself is a problem because do you really want to sit down and watch a thousand videos on how to make a folder or particular booklet?  Luckily we have Jennifer Faber, who has done the hard work for you!  She has compiled all those videos from various YouTube channels for your viewing pleasure!  You can subscribe to her channel and get the best instructional videos for making your TN your own.  You can also just occasionally visit her channel if you don't have a YouTube account and don't want to subscribe.

Not only does her channel have instructional videos but also videos from some of the industry’s most creative artists.  If you want to make your own clear folder, refill, restring your cover, creative challenges for your planner, get ideas on an art booklet, see setups for different size TN’s, comparisons of leathers and so much more.  If you are trying to learn a new skill or see how others do something check out her channel right here.

Next week, I’ll review the many Facebook groups out there – which are a wealth of inspiration and creativity as well.

What to put in your Art Journal/Insert when You aren't "Artistic"

I don’t have a lot of artistic talent when it comes to paint, pen, colored pencils.  I still use them and draw.  What is in my head is never transformed to paper adequately.  However, I have kept what I call an art and inspiration journal for over thirty years.  How do I do that when I don’t have that kind of flare?  I’ve broadened my definition of what is ‘art’ and find inspiration in just about everything. But first, why bother keeping an art/inspiration journal/insert?  Alan Alda said, “The creative is the place where no one else has ever been. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discover is yourself.”  I completely agree with him.  I don’t care how ‘uncreative’ someone thinks they are, everyone can create art, create a personal, unique statement of their perception of the world around them.  Frankly, some of the best stuff comes out of people who always thought they were ‘talentless’ in that regard.  I also believe that being creative every day opens new avenues, trains of thought, opportunities because you allow your mind to go where it normally doesn’t. Additionally, an integral part of creativity is not being afraid to fail.  There is NO such thing as failure when you are creative.  Who is to say your language of creativity is right or wrong?  Now let’s take a look at supplies.

The most popular kinds of supplies for an art journal are stickers, clip art, stencils, washi, project life components, etc.  If you want an extraordinary art journal/insert in your TN, look beyond the common place supplies.  It will take a little bit of extra work but it is totally worth it.  I’m going to list some of the components I’ve used in the past and still use today.  To start, you need base pages.  You can buy blank inserts (there are zillions out there, check out my past posts here and here for resources).  You can also use things like magazine pages, old wall calendars, even book pages.  Remember, your base pages do not need to be white, blank, and pristine, they can already have content on them that you just use as a jumping off point, inspiration…Also, the pages of your insert don’t need to match.  You can have a mixture of different base pages – let your imagination go wild in combining papers – magazine pages, construction paper, an old menu, old greeting cards, calendar pages, wrapping paper, scrap booking paper…If you want to make your own, figure out your TN size, decide how many pages you want in your insert, cut it down, staple or sew it together – and I always recommend a stiffer cover for the insert to protect the insides.  Now let’s look at ideas for supplies to build on those pages.

1. Paper ephemera - when I say paper ephemera I mean ‘old’. My daughters and I have always loved going to antique malls.  One of my favorite things to look for is old papers.  I love any kind of old papers – greeting cards, post cards, old documents, pictures (you would be amazed at how many old photos just seem to be tossed away), old pattern books, children’s books, old magazines and the great thing is most of these kinds of things are very inexpensive because there isn’t much value in them.  I don’t recommend chopping up the first Superman comic book…lol.   Be prepared to sift through stacks of stuff to find what catches your eye.  The search is worth it.
2. Nature – leaves, flowers, grasses, pressed in to pages. You don’t need to get caught up in making it professional.  Here are some tips for pressing what you find.  Once your findings are pressed and sufficiently dried you can either glue or tape them in your insert.  I use wide, clear packing tape, I just like the way the shiny tape has the effect of a little window on my little piece of natural art.
3. Wrappers – yes, I said wrappers/food boxes etc. If you really look beyond the thing and search for inspiration in the commonplace, you can find art in anything.  Think about things you use every day…what about that Starbucks paper cup?  That brown Snickers wrapper, soup label, gum wrapper, that expensive chocolate wrapper, wine bottle labels…I think all these pieces of ‘garbage’ can be transformed.  They can make a very personal statement about your day, what you were doing/thinking while sipping the coffee etc.  You don’t have to limit yourself to food wrappers, branch out, look at everything as a potential source of inspiration for your journal.
4. Old maps – obviously I don’t mean the ancient Strabo maps. Old National Geographic maps, maps you come across on vacations – pieces of these can make great base pages but also can be components for a page if cut in to a shape.
5. Google images – I use these all the time. I love google images.  I might be doing a beach theme page and want a vintage crab or vintage beach girl.  A simple search will pop up thousands of images.  If I click on the image I want once, then right click, I can save just the image and then print it out any size I want or need.  (No, I am not addressing copyright laws here because I am not espousing use others images for commercial use, only for your private viewing in your insert.)
6. Ticket stubs, parking stubs, even receipts – all of these can be little reminders/statements of your day, your life. I believe life is made up of all these little tiny moments and how lovely a thought it is to have a record of them.  Did you go to the beach, pay to park, and pick a little wildflower?  Combine them on a page and talk about your visit.
7. Magazine images – I do not buy very many magazines. I can count on one hand the number I have bought in the last six months.  The ones I do buy have to do with scrapbooking or paper crafting.  They have great images in them that always find their way on to my pages…
8. Single sheet wrapping paper – I love World Market and they sell the best single sheet wrapping paper that is usually made of really great paper. The paper is usually very graphically stunning and not expensive.  I think the most I’ve paid for a sheet is $5.99 and the sheets are fairly large.  University book stores often also sell them as well as some crafting stores such as Ben Franklin.
9. Old family photos – color Xerox favorite photos and use them in your insert, you can shrink/enlarge to fit your pages appropriately.

This is by no means an exhaustive list.  Keep your eyes open during the day for potential content for you journal.  Keep an envelope or folder with you to put things in.  Jot little notes on the back of items if you are worried you won't remember why you saved it.  I’m sure you noticed I haven’t addressed pens, adhesives, stickers, washi etc.  This wasn’t the place for that conversation.  I wanted to help you think outside the box for content inspiration.  These suggestions will help you focus on the ‘reason’ for that page you are putting together.  There are no rules for an art journal/insert, follow your longings, experiences, dreams and put them down on paper.  Creating little vignettes of your days is what this is all about and everything you use in the course of your day is potential inspiration for content.

Again, do not be afraid to just jump in and put your page together.  You cannot fail, you can’t make it wrong.  What is in your heart and soul, put on to paper, is never able to fail.  It will be beautiful, symphonic and even epic because it will be a snapshot of your life.

Hacked my old Franklin Covey and turned it in to a TN - FCTN

Sitting in the back seat of my car for months was my old Franklin Covey planner.  It was a personal size that I purchased many years ago.  It was still in immaculate shape with yummy black soft leather, lots of pockets, two pen loops, a back zipper pocket.................and rings.  I'm not a ring girl anymore, absolutely addicted to the TN model. I happened to be looking at my Instagram feed the other day and @3littlesmiles showed a picture of her ringed planner she hacked and turned in to a TN.  It was a eureka moment and I thought I could do it with the old FC.  I ran down to my car and got it out.  I had forgotten that the ring assembly on this particular planner slid out, no need to remove the rivets or screws.

Then I took my super sharp pair of little scissors and after figuring out where I wanted holes for the strands I poked four holes at the top and four at the bottom, then a hole at either end two inches from the edge (for elastics).  It took a little experimenting to strand four holes.  I did it that way to have more room to put inserts in since the planner is about 13" width open.  I'm glad I did that, I'm using almost all the strands with the exception of the knot strand.  Below are pictures of the finished product full.  I took blank inserts and blank books I had and made them fit in the planner and took some clear sleeves I had from a half size ring binder I had and converted them into clear pockets for stickers etc.  If you are thinking about hacking your ringed planner and the rings are riveted in, check out this video which will show you how to remove them if they aren't set with screws

When You want to easily move Pages around in your TN

I am always looking for easier, quicker, more efficient ways to do things.  I wanted a way to occasionally move a running list around in my TN.  In my previous post I talked about this hack briefly but I thought I would take a minute and expand on it. I've taken the large 6 x 8 post it pads and trimmed them to the size of my TN.  (See picture of untrimmed red pad and trimmed blue pad).  For example I have lists for an upcoming training I am doing (pictured) and I will be referring to these lists a lot in the next few weeks.  These lists are from a spreadsheet and I've printed them and cut them down and glued them on to the post its.  As training gets closer I'll move them to my calendar pages.  For now they are living in my work insert.  I made sure to buy the super sticky notes so I know they will stay (which they do).  Just another way to my my TN more user friendly.  

Necessity is the Mother of Invention ~ 21 Hacks for your TN

I think we all agree with the title to this post.  One of the wonderful things about necessity is that it forces us to look at things from a different perspective as to solve a problem or create something we need that doesn't already exist.  That is where this list comes in – hacks.  Many of these hacks you probably already know if you are an old buffalo in the TN world but maybe some of you are new and these will help you hack your TN.   I pieced together, from my own ideas to many wonderful blogs out there, a selection that may make your planner world happier place.

1. Double up your elastics for a tighter closure on your TN.  Need more elastics?  Check out this shop on Etsy. There are dozens of other shops and many TN shops also sell it.
2. Cover a binder clip with washi, add leather and create a movable pen clip that can be a placeholder as well. I use one of mine to hold my place in my weekly calendar.
3. Cut the large post-its tablet in to a TN size pad. I used an exacto knife and straight edge and made sure I purchased the super sticky notes.  Now you have movable pages in your TN.
4. Fold a clear document sleeve in half for a clear pocket.
5. Loop leather or cord through top strand elastic for a place marker, tie the ends with charms.
6. Always check your favorite planner/supply shops and see if they have blogs or Instagram accounts.  Often they will have specials and giveaways that they will only advertise on them but not on their shop site.  Don't have an Instagram account?  It is very easy to set one up here.
7. Use graph paper to make inserts, cut to size and use card stock for cover to make it more durable.
8. Don’t have graph paper? Go to incompetech.com/graphpaper and print your own for free.
9. Use templates and file folders to make TN folders. I like double stick tape as my adhesive.
10. Cut file folders to use as covers for inserts, they are durable and come in a zillion designs.
11. Make an ArtDori with Peerless watercolor sheets, water brush pens and watercolor paper.
12. Take #10 size envelopes, cut various lengths and stack, using double stick tape for adhesive. Trim the base envelope to 8.5".  You have instant storage.  Use double stick tape to stick to the back inside of an insert.
13. Use washi tape to section off Hobo style insert pages.
14. Use a passport wallet for portable supply storage. Want a cute, inexpensive way to carry supplies?  Check out Forever 21’s makeup bags and brush wallets.
15. Color code pages by edging them with different color washi’s.
16. Try using a bullet or symbol system in your TN for your calendar, notes, to-do list. Linked is Ray Blake's FREEBIE!
17. Put a note in the beginning of your book that you will give a reward if your TN is found and the way you would want someone to contact you if they found it.
18. Create a mindmap when you need to brainstorm. They are fun to do, beautiful and function and functional.
19. Create and keep a list of abbreviations in an insert that are specific to your family, life and work. Soon you will have your own shorthand.
20. Use a binder clip as a pen holder this way.  Take off the wire parts to make it more streamline.
21. Need tear-out sheets for some reason? Get a rotary perforator like this to make tear-out pages.  You can perforate the pages on the long edge, then in smaller sections horizontally.

If you have your own hacks...please share them in comments for everyone!

Not My Circus, Not My Monkeys....

Since becoming a serious "journaler" I've also become a serious collector of stickers, paper, any kind of ephemera that adds to my paper expressions.  Recently on one of my Facebook groups I am a member of, an Etsy shop owner, Victoria Werth offered a free download to a couple members who would show her work after downloading the journal cards.  I think it is important to promote each other and encourage each other in our passions so I requested a download.  Much to my happy surprise she had a set of digital journal cards with one of my favorite phrases on it!  The set I requested was the circus theme - pictured below, in two colors of card stock and with one card in my TN.  Her shop, Victoria Plans, has Disney, wedding, spring, 'no spend', different holidays, Harry Potter journal cards and a weekly insert.  Victoria can also be followed on Instagram at @victoriaplans. My fondness for digital downloads really boils down to being able to take papers, images, etc and use them over and over again.  While it's always fun to go in to the craft store and buy paper, when I find ones I love in a digital format at a great price, I will use them over and over in a variety of ways.  I am compiling a list of my favorite 'paid' digital download sites.  Keep watching for it....

30 Free Printables Resources for Your Planner plus 1

Who doesn't like the word free?  The community of planner lovers is a very generous and creative crowd, and because of this, there are plenty of free printables out there for every kind of planner.  I've compiled a list of 29 sites for printables - calendars, various inserts/pages, stickers - you name it.  Not all of these have TN specific printables but not everyone shares the love of elastics, some folks are hardcore ring fans and there are plenty of printables for ring planners too.  Have fun checking them all out! Jessicaswift,  LIttlehouseonthecircle,  Adayinthelifeandmind,                           Creativideeworkshop,  Cleanmama,

Mylifeallinoneplace - LOTS of fantastic freebies,   Morganlefaestrinkets - LOTS of amazing freebies,   Teamconfetti, Happiescrappie, Fabnfree

Daydesigner.....Try it….then buy it…,  Mswenduhh - LOTS of freebies and instructions on making your own printables,

Ipigtails - stickers,  Worldlabels - stickers,  Kaylaaimee - stickers,  Alphamom - stickers,  Homemadekraft - stickers,

Meinlilapark - stickers,  Repositionable sticker paper (for sale on Amazon),  Clever idea to make your own colored stickers without a printer….,

Breakitdawns,  Onceuponadragonfly,  Misstina,  Donnayoung,  Iheartplanners,  Scatteredsquirrel,  Graph paper,

Homemadekraft,  Thesecretowl,  Diyplanner,  Generatedpaper

28 MORE Uses for your Traveler's Notebook

1. Keep track of all your planner supplies – washi samples on a page, stamp ink colors, catalog the pens you own etc
2. Your relationship – things to work on, dates to go on
3. New foods and restaurants you want to try, recipes for those new foods or tips on how to prepare them
4. Warranty information on electronic, household items
5. Your favorite sports team playing schedule, players info, fantasy league info
6. Calligraphy, writing practice
7. Couponing/sales at your favorite stores - also include hours of operation
8. Start a genealogy/family tree insert
9. Keep track of your knitting needles/crochet hooks – sizes, lengths…
10. Sketch new quilt blocks
11. List of favorite websites/etsy shops - what you order from them, what you want, discount codes
12. Are you a geocacher? Use an insert just for that
13. Are you a LARPER? Into cosplay?  Inserts for both of those to keep track of meet-ups, costumes, roles...
14. Keep a diary of antiquing sites, what you gotten, what you are looking for
15. Do you collect DVD’s/Blue Rays? My son-in-law does and you can easily keep a hard copy record so you don’t repeat a buy
16. Use Peerless Watercolor sheets and waterbrush pens to make a custom palette and make an insert with watercolor paper to have a to-go art kit
17. If you are a collector of any kind, use different inserts to catalog different collections
18. Catalog yarn, embroidery floss, fabric – quantities, colors, brands
19. Do you read the bible? Favorite scriptures that help you
20. Do you invent things? Keep track of those projects
21. Christmas lists – ongoing, bought, inspiration, wrapping paper stock, cards to send to who
22. Lists of medications and dosages for each family member
23. A list of things you own that you want to upcycle, donate, sell
24. Plan and start a podcast of something you are really good at and enjoy doing
25. Plan and start a planner club with friends
26. Like to write and know lots about a lot of things?  Use an insert to plan and become a Wikipedia editor
27. Create a list of weekly/monthly challenges for yourself and keep track of the ones you complete
28. Create custom inserts and set up a shop on Etsy and SELL them for $$$$!

Free Templates from an Amazing TN Artist!

Does everyone know about Morgan Le Fae's Trinkets template dropbox?  She has a huge variety of templates that fit a wide range of planners - both TN and ringed.  She has one for 'tangle' samples that is very clever and useful.  It is a free template for an insert with 'zentangle' type samples you can do...it is AWESOME! In fact, all of the templates in her dropbox are free. I currently am using three of the inserts from the dropbox, a bullet journal called Random Quotes, the tangle insert, and the 365 Every Day Matters insert.  Check them out.  If you like creating your own inserts it is worth while to check out her blog.  She also has a Facebook group She doesn't know I'm posting this...her dropbox is such a generous and amazing resource I thought I would share in case you don't know about it....the picture is from her site.....

What are Your Core Values? Everyone should know what they are!

Core Values are the infrastructure to who we are as humans—the brick and mortar of our characters and personality.  Think of your core values as the framing on a house, the framing holds the house up and keeps it solid and together.  We all have many values we hold highly but some are so important they guide and dictate the very steps we take every day. Core Values motivate our conscious and unconscious actions.  Identifying your core values can help clarify your dreams, fears, goals , and what you value most in life.  In order to strengthen resiliency in life one must know what his or her core values are. Core values are not:

-Competencies

-Strategies

-Norms

-Operating Practices

Core values should be in practice every day.  Core values connect you with the outer-world; help you pick and choose relationships to invest your time and emotions in.  Core values help you manage your finances, relationships,  and daily life. Think of core values as the tracks on a railway that keep your life in line with your beliefs.  Core values require no justification, as they are ‘part of who you are’.

If you are curious as to what your core values are you can download the list of core values here.  After you have the list, circle 12 values you hold most dear.  Now cross out 3 of them, after you do that, cross out another 3.  Are you mad at me yet?  You need to cross out another 3.  The resulting 3 core values you have remaining are probably your core values you hold most dear.  Take a look closely at the remaining 3 values.  Do they align with your family life, your interpersonal life with a partner, your professional life and conduct?  Record your core values in your TN and write something about each one and how you have seen common threads in your life where your core values played out.  Be proud of the effort you have taken to identify them and know that they are your 'silent partners' in life, guiding you as you move through each moment of your day.

Are They going to add the Word Syndrome after Your Name?

Excess stress, burnout, overworking, suffering for others at work is NOT heroic, it is self-destructive. Martyring yourself can be tied in to that feeling that you never do enough, give enough, try enough or are enough so you must do more.

You may be trying to save your corner of the world, take responsibility for others failings, feel no one can do ‘it’ as well as you.  Your self-worth is tied to your accomplishments, few people know who you really are or what you really want.

Few, if any, ever know when you are truly hurt or profoundly upset.  Do not re-create your own personal tragedy every day.  Do not see this self-martyring as a badge of honor but as abusive and damaging.  You do not want a syndrome named after you.  Once you let go of this drive to over-do, you will accomplish much more meaningful things in your life.

Spend some time writing in your TN about whether you are wearing your stress, etc. as a badge of honor, or your self esteem is tied in to over-doing it to give meaning to your life.  Contemplate what the drive is behind over-doing it and if, everything that you are doing is truly feeding your heart and soul.  Start keeping things on your to-do list that are purpose, heart driven and give you soul satisfaction instead.

Review of the FabDori from BlissBagBoutique

I recently created a new resource list and included BlissBagBoutique in the list because she-Julia Schnee - makes these amazing TN accessories pouch with exacting construction.  Pictured is a green one with yellow trim.  These fit a standard Dori. Well, Julia, appreciative of the shout out, sent me one of her lovely FabDoris.  I have three leather Dori's currently and was excited to get it and see how a cloth Dori measures up. I have to say I am very impressed.  Aside from the meticulous and beautiful construction, the FabDori is light as a feather.  My leather Dori's do get heavy when crammed full.  The one she sent me had two strands and I easily put four inserts in it with no over-hang and it is still light.  The pen loop is stretchy elastic and fit my fat Cocoiro Letter Pen.  This is the Dori I will carry in my purse every day because it is so light, so adorable and colorful and so sturdy.  I am keeping my grocery list, household lists and an insert for my family stuff.  Another thing that I REALLY love is that somehow, Julia has gotten the elastic around the Dori SUPER sturdy and secure, way more secure than my three others...haven't quite figured that one out but I LOVE it and if I over-filled it, everything will still stay super secure.  If you are on the fence about a cloth Dori, teeter over to BlissBagBoutique on Etsy.  The standard is a mere $24, a steal for the beautiful handcrafting and fun design.  The Bliss Brand Julia is creating is really lovely and I hope you will check out all of her products.  She also has a bag in her shop called the "Sew Together Bag" that has three interior zip pockets which would be ideal for planner supplies.  There is only one left in the shop right now!  Below is her intro from her shop: 

"Welcome to Bliss! I make colorful bags, pouches and wallets. I love to find the most colorful and modern cotton fabrics to create a piece of art that anyone would love to carry with them everyday. My bags and accessories will get you noticed and make you smile every time you carry them!  Follow me on instagram (jschnee23) for sneak peeks at new fabrics and bags I am working on!"

What do You say to Yourself You would Never let Anyone else to Say to You?

I often encounter people in the course of my work who tell me “I am my own worst enemy”. It is so easy for us to believe the worst about ourselves, to put ourselves down, to litter our days’ thoughts with negative self talk.  Somewhere in our past we’ve been delivered the message that to say positive, uplifting things about ourselves is to be stuck up, arrogant, self involved, and egotistical. Of course there is a balance when it comes to being self-centered.  I would like to take back that phrase and remove the negativity associated with it.  When we hear ‘self-centered’ we think of someone vain or arrogant, who thinks they are better than everyone else.  I would like to use the phrase to mean that someone is balanced in his or her life, knows their place in the world, what their passionate work should be and is able to stay in the here-and-now to live life to the fullest.

I think the actual dynamic that is taking place when we put ourselves down is threefold.  First, we can make a negative statement with the hope ‘it won’t get worse than this’, second, if we say it out loud, someone will disagree, say something positive about us to contradict the negative thing we said, and third, we can stay comfortable in self-doubt and keep ourselves from stepping out of our comfort zone.  What are some negative self-talk statements you make?  Take some time to write them in your TN and then contradict them with positive statements.  Work on switching the negatives to the positives!  It will take time and consistency for it to become a habit but it can.

The Next Giveaway is coming soon!!!!

Yep, our next giveaway is only a week away.  I told you it would be a very unusual Traveler Notebook cover...one that no shrinking violet wants to carry.  I previously showed you ONE side of it...the pattern but I didn't tell you that the cover will be reversible.  The other side of the cover will be sea foam aqua with a little pearlized sheen to it.  All you will need to do to reverse it is take the strands and elastics off and restring them.  Additionally at both ends of the strand there will be a small vintage bone button to accent where the strands attach.  It will be a real beauty.  The cover will be double elastic with a charm attached to one of the elastics.  All you need to do to enter the giveaway is follow my blog AND my Instagram - yes it is that easy.  I hope you all are as excited for this giveaway as I am!!!

84 More Resources...blogs, pinterest, stickers, supplies plus 5

I've compiled a new list of resources for you all....I'm all about connecting everyone with just what they need...or want...or don't know they want but discover they do :-D....it's ok if you call me an enabler... We will start with blogs about planning...top of the list of course is Morgan Le Faes Trinkets and here are a few more: Burgess Taylor, JenniferLynnFaber - brand new, exciting things coming here,   Baum Kuchen, Pen Paper Ink Letter, My Life All in One Place, Pen Addict, Zencraft, A Bowl full of Lemons, Goulet Pens, The Well Appointed Desk, Hollis Finds, KenRen Stationary, Amy Tangerine, Seaweed Kisses, and JetPens.

I find endless inspiration with Pinterest boards (and often new products I haven't heard of...) here are some stand-out boards I like: Waters March, MCD4JC, Crasmussen7, MoniqueVMB, Gtote.  There are hundreds more...just do a search.

On to pens and pencils (I'm so addicted).  I have to put JetPens first...it will always make every list I create because it is the ultimate supplier to me.  Here are some more that you may not have seen.... The Online Pen Company, Moleskine - especially if you like square pens and pencils...lol, Cult Pens - shipping is spendy if you are not in Britain or Europe but they have things I can’t find anywhere else…., Poppin - not really name brands, but everything is based on color coordinating…cute, lots of office supplies also…also color coordinated, Pencils - this is a Japanese store, I haven’t bought anything from them, however, I have always loved the Japanese aesthetic when it comes to office supplies.  If I see something on there I like, I can often search for it on Amazon and find a seller to get it from. Andreys Pencils - some great finds, Dollar General - I put them on here because if you are trying to get your kids interested in writing or journaling you could set them up in front of this site and let them pick their own supplies for cheap…to get them started…. Pendemonium, Dalys Pen Shop, Von Graf - this has been called by many, the perfect pencil, I have lusted over this pencil set for 25 years…someday….someday I’ll own it.

Stickers are something every planner fan needs...yes - needs....lol.  Here we go:  yep this is just a general search on ebay for planner stickers (no, I'm not getting lazy in my resources but there are great finds on here), Mochithings, Redbubble, ACherryonTop, MissWenduhh, and StickersGalore.

Paper is everywhere...easy to find, but here are some good suppliers I like..ACherryonTop - made the list twice..., AllScrapbookingSteals, BluemoonScrapbooking - I love this store, Createforless - good buys...for less...

Next some resources for general office supplies.... Fallindesign, Modcloth, Squareknott, Thinkgeek, Gadgetsandgear, SeeJaneWork - I've been a huge fan for years, WorldMarket, AtaGlance - they must have a new design team...some very trendy, cute products these days and great prices, Twohandspaperie.

Planner supplies abound, I've previously listed many.  This is always my favorite part of a resource list...I've tried to curate some new shop finds, hopefully you'll like some of these:  TheJournalShop, MyMaido, Pikwachan - LOVE, ShiningStarBoutique, ArasPaperCreations, Shabbychickcrafts, TheHouseofFourShop, MailboxHappiness, Bypaperflower, Italiacraft - If you are an Erin Condren fan, they have the Cadillac of covers for it….17 internal pockets, shop located in Italy, shipping is a little steep, Plannercrush, Jessescraftroom, Stickewicketdesigns, Blissbagboutique - nice planner pouches and developing quite a brand, Pocketfulofsparkles, Peoniespaperie - I love the baby heart clips, SunshineNellie - she makes cute journaling band bags for supplies - unique, AlexiaClaire, Sweetmilkshoppe, SuckUK - CUTE tiny sticky notes, HandWorkDIY, AtelierDays, WigglyPickle, LaurieClaire, KandeezKupcakez, PoeticSoupDesigns, AllenTape, MakeAJournal, Glitteryjem, Paperpluscloth,  ZigZakka, CuteTape, ParksidePaper - some cute stickies...  This product will turn any piece of paper in to a sticky note...I always have a tube with me.

These resources really have nothing to do with planners but...I just had to share.  Unique candy from PapaBubble - ALL handmade and delicious.  If you want a candy that people will talk about and want, this is is.  Delicious and adorable. Want signs you love what you do?  Read this article.  SteamCream has reached cult status...seriously good stuff for your skin. Magicpug has these adorable magic potion printable labels for Halloween (I know, totally random...lol),  This adorable and inspirational paperweight.

A Hint for the Next Giveaway....

This is the leather for the cover I am giving away.  Now for those of you who prefer your covers very stiff, this probably isn't something you will like as the leather is supple and soft - still it is 1.8mm thick so it isn't glove leather...I told you it wouldn't be for the faint of heart.... :-)  The cover will be a regular size, quad strand, double strap.....

What do You say to Yourself You would Never let Anyone else to Say to You? (Negative Self Talk)

I often encounter people in the course of my work who tell me “I am my own worst enemy” and I believe it. It is so easy for us to believe the worst about ourselves, to put ourselves down, to litter our days’ thoughts with negative self talk.  Somewhere in our past we’ve been delivered the message that to say positive, uplifting things about ourselves is to be stuck up, arrogant, self involved, and egotistical. Of course there is a balance when it comes to being self-centered.  I would like to take back that phrase and remove the negativity associated with it.  When we hear ‘self-centered’ we think of someone vain or arrogant, who thinks they are better than everyone else.  I would like to use the phrase to mean that someone is balanced in his or her life, knows their place in the world, what their passionate work should be and is able to stay in the here-and-now to live life to the fullest.

I think the actual dynamic that is taking place when we put ourselves down is threefold.  First, we can make a negative statement with the hope ‘it won’t get worse than this’, second, if we say it out loud, someone will disagree, say something positive about us to contradict the negative thing we said, and third, we can stay comfortable in self-doubt and keep ourselves from stepping out of our comfort zone.

Take some quiet time and, in your notebook, list some negative things you say about yourself that would hurt you deeply if someone else you love said to you.  Now go back and think on these things, think on why it would hurt if someone who loves you said these things to you.  Now remember, your first duty in life is to love and cherish yourself as the sacred, miracle you are.  Why would you allow yourself to hurt your psyche by saying these things to yourself?  Go back to your notebook, re-write those negative statements in to positive ones and re-read them every day remembering you wouldn't let anyone else say those things to you so you won't anymore either.

Our Next Giveaway!

I am very excited about our next giveaway.  We are getting close to another folllower milestone and I am close to a milestone in my career.  The blog is growing by leaps and bounds and I am getting read to launch a class on Self-Care that I have been developing for quite a while.  In honor of those two things the giveaway has to be good!  Up for grabs for one lucky follower is a faux-dori, regular with extra room, four strands, double strap, in genuine leather.  This isn't just any faux-dori, this one isn't for the faint of heart because the leather has a beautiful pattern on it that will bring attention to it....I'm not going to say more - yet....how do you get in on the drawing?  Simply be a follower of my blog AND my Instagram - yep that easy!  Links to my Instagram on the right.  Thank you to all of my followers for being a part of my blog.  The deadline for entry is April 20th.  The Dori shown is not the prize, it just illustrates a typical regular faux-dori with extra room.

The Reset Girl has an AMAZING Challenge

If you 'travel' in the planner world you know who The Reset Girl is.  If you don't know who she is check out her YouTube channel called "The Reset Girl" or her Instagram account called @TheResetGirl or her shop...you guessed it... theresetgirlshop.com.  She started a challenge for the month of April called #Listersgottalist and it has grown HUGE. Everyone doing the challenge is having so much fun.  It is not too late to get in on it.  I've posted here my first two lists.  Day one was "Why I love being a Planner Girl" and day two "My Favorite Songs of All Time".  If you want the challenge sheet and more info on it head on over to the website for it - here.  By the time the challenge is over I will have an insert that will go to my collection of writings, journals, etc that I will leave for my kids and grandkids when I am gone, helping them to know who I was just a little more..priceless information.  Thank you Cori AKA The Reset Girl for the challenge.  You are inspiration to many.....