Guest Post | Plan on It: Ashley's Organization

You guys! I am over the moon to have Ashley from One Fine Day here sharing her planner and organizational tips. We started out as Instagram friends and then I saw her blog...omg! I love her design aesthetic and she makes the most lovely, colorful posts. I've been thinking for a while now about featuring different creatives & how they stay organized, and I immediately knew I wanted to reach out to Ashley first. I am always so curious what other people's planners look like and what cute office supplies they're using. (Anyone else?! Please tell me I'm not the only one who thinks that way!) 

So honored to have Ashley here today giving us a peek into her planner and the tools she uses to stay organized!

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My sister said she always remembered the definition of Type-A because she associated it with Type-Ashley — that's me! When she told me this a few years ago, I beamed! I like to think I'm a list maker and organizing extraordinaire. In all honesty, I just have an affinity for paper and office supplies, and I suppose this is just another excuse to buy more of it! Because I take lots of pride in finding a great notepad or pen, the search for the perfect planner was a feat I didn't take lightly. It's taken me a few years to find THE one, and I'm so excited to share the details with you. Here's a glance at my favorite way to stay organized, along with a few fun accessories that help get the job done in style!

Russell + Hazel Mini Binder: Earlier this year, I bought my first Russell + Hazel binder and I'm obsessed. Depending on your needs, you can customize it with various inserts and file folders. I ended up choosing the monthly and weekly calendar options along with the address pages. Since I went this route, my planner also doubles as an address book. I like that you can pick and choose your own options to make the planner the most user-friendly to you and your needs.

Washi Tape: I'm a Washi Tape fanatic, so I'm always looking for different ways to use it. I was browsing Pinterest and saw someone incorporate it into their planner to color code the week's events. GENIUS! As soon as I got my binder, I loaded up on lots of colorful rolls and it's worked wonders. Not to mention, it's a cute way to stay on top of your schedule! I color code my week by appointments, blog posts, birthdays and holidays, etc.

Task Clips: This is a great way to prioritize tasks and section off your binder into specific categories.

Oops! Pencil Eraser: It's always good to have one of these handy. Go on and just pencil it in...

Mini Index Dividers: Because I wanted my binder to serve several purposes, I knew I'd need dividers to help section off the monthly calendars, weekly planners, addresses, and notes.

Tape Dispenser: Since I use Washi Tape regularly, I swapped the clear tape for colorful Washi instead. It's readily available on my desktop to be used for random tasks, but mostly for my planner.

Stick 'Em Up Notepads: I typically stick these in my planner with the day's to-do lists and reminders. List makers gonna list...

Ruler: A vibrant and handy tool to create charts and make lists.

LePen: I love these pens, especially for the purpose of writing in my planner. They don't smudge and they don't leave any marks on the pages underneath. SCORE!

Get It Done Notepad: As if I really need another notepad, this one has a quirky illustration that makes adding and crossing items off that pesky to-do list a lot more bearable. 

Work Hard & Be Kind Pencils: Because sometimes there are things you want to write down, but you're unsure of the date, time, etc. If I want to have the option to erase and move to a later date, I opt for a pencil instead. You might as well use something charming and it doubles as a darling desk accessory. 

***

How adorable is she?!

So happy we connected and that Ashley shared a bit of her office with us!

Thanks Ashley!

xx

If you're an organization junkie and you'd like to feature your planner and tips here on the blog, 

please do drop me a line! I LOVE getting a peek into other people's planners!

Essentials for my carry-on bag

Happy Monday my dears!

Following up from my last post about the perfect travel outfit, today I wanted to share the necessities I carry with me on the plane or within easy reach when I'm traveling by car.

I've been fortunate to do a lot of traveling in my life and I'd like to think that I've perfected the art of the carry-on bag. My daily handbag is usually overstuffed with way too many things because I believe you can never be too prepared. But, when I travel I'm pretty good about pairing down and only carry the absolute essentials. 

Bag | Make sure the bag itself is durable. I am loving these sailcloth duffel from J. McLaughlin. It's the perfect size and you can get it monogrammed. Love.

Pouches | One of my favorite essentials is clear, organizing pouches from Truffle! They keep loose items together and off the bottom of your bag. Use them for makeup like powder, mascara and lipgloss (it's important to have a few things with you just in case your luggage gets lost in transit) 

Beauty | Other essentials in the beauty department include: travel breath fresheners or toothbrushes, hand sanitizer and face wipes.

Jewelry | I also suggest keeping your jewelry with you in your carry-on, again just in case your bags get lost. 

Electronics | Of course, you'll need an iPad or some other electronic device to keep you occupied during all those hours of waiting in the airport or in the passengers seat of a car. Another technology essential is a spare battery backup. These are little devices that are charged in your computer and then carry with with you to charge your phone or other electronics. They come in lots of cute, fun patterns and are a true lifesaver when your batter is drained.

Water | An empty, reusable water bottle is also a great thing to keep with you. Just fill it up once you pass security and you'll save yourself from having to buy over-priced drinks! I love the ones with the built in filter. 

Accessories | If you're traveling by plane, definitely take a lightweight scarf and extra pair of socks in your bag. You'll be happy you did once the cold, stale plane air is blasting. And while you're at it, don't forget the neck pillow! There are so many cool variations, including ones that massage and others with built in headphones.

Hope this helps when you're packing for your next trip!

Any essential items you think I missed?

Can't wait to see you back here Wednesday for a super fun guest post!

I'm so excited!

xx

The Perfect Travel Outfit

Even though the official start of summer is a few weeks away, I think the summer travel season is in full effect. When I was in the airport going to NYC last month, I noticed that way too many people wear pajamas. That's not ok. Like did they take a shower and then put them back on?! Let's all take the extra step to get dressed before we head on holiday! ;) 

I'm all about comfort though, so I've put together the perfect travel outfit. Whether you're heading to the airport or sitting in the car on a long road trip, you won't sacrifice style or comfort in this. (Stay tuned, I'll be back later this week, for more travel essentials including what to put in your carry-on bag!)

When I was putting this post together, I was planning on a trip to the Dominican Republic for my cousin's wedding, but as I mentioned last week, I had to cancel because of The Blo Bar's upcoming opening! (hashtag bittersweet) But I do have a trip planned to LA at the end of the summer to visit one of my most favorite girlfriends who will be back in the States from Israel. She completely gets me, like the sister I never had. Sometimes I really think we're the same person. Can't wait to soak up sun and palm trees with her.

Now tell me, where are you going this summer?

Happy Weekend!

True confession time: I don't know if that's Mary Kate or Ashley. #oops

And whichever one she is, she didn't explicitly wish you a happy weekend, 

but I just inferred that she would want to.

Haha!

So sorry, for my lack of consistency and general absence on the blog lately. Things are busy when you're trying to open Stillwater Oklahoma's most luxurious blow dry bar ;) Seriously though, it's a lot of work but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I will post pics of the interior once we're all set. I'm hoping for a soft opening in a few weeks. Thank you all so much for your support and words of encouragement over the past months. And I am still pretty active on Instagram + Twitter, so you can keep up with my shenanigans over there. 

The Blo Bar has been all-consuming lately, so I don't really have much else exciting to report. I have been obsessed with YouTube videos right before bed--everything from beauty reviews to organization tips. Been on a bit of an organization kick actually and trying to reset since the year is officially half way over [#crazy] 

I recently discovered Scandal on Netflix. Finished Season 1 in one night and now I can't find Season 2 anywhere. Help! Oh, and my cousin is getting married in the Dominican Republic in a few weeks, but I had to cancel my trip because of our upcoming opening. I was sad but also excited that we're finally almost ready. So those of you who are going on tropical beach vacations, please enjoy a little sun & sand for me too! The weather has been lovely here lately (you know, when there aren't tornadoes) so I can actually wear cute outfits. But another confession: I am dreading the actual hot summer temps. I have no idea what to wear. 

Alright my dears. Hope y'all have a fabulous weekend as always. 

I'll be back next week with some fun travel posts! 

x

NYC Recap | Pepperologie May 2013

Well friends, it took me a hot minute, but I finally had time to sit down to process + recap my incredible experience at Pepperologie. In case you missed it, a few weeks ago I booked a last minute trip to NYC to attend this fabulous workshop hosted by Ms. Style + Pepper herself, Jessie. Let me just take a moment to tell you about Jessie...she is awesome. [I mean that in that actual dictionary definition, not a teeny bopper kind of way] 

This was my first real blogger event/interaction and truth be told, I was nervous. The morning of the workshop, I took the elevator up, stepped out, the door swung open and there she stood. An adorable doll with the biggest smile and prettiest hair I've ever seen. Y'all she is so sweet. Jessie took the time to really speak and connect with all the participants and her passion for this project shined bright. It was really wonderful to spend the day with her and all the experts. I'm so happy I was able to attend Pepperologie, plus spend a couple extra days in NYC visiting my cousins and prancing around one of my favorite cities. 

Here's a quick description of Pepperologie [taken from their website] and then we'll get started with my review of the day.

Pepperologie is a social, hands-on workshop that features creative yet practical lessons on how to add flavor and spice to every part of your life. Attendees experience a robust day filled with experts teaching courses about what they know and love, in an interactive classroom full of women who all share one very common bond:  An appetite for becoming the best versions of themselves possible, and the desire to have fun learning how at the very same time.

[Photo by Sara]

***

Here we go!

I woke up early on a rainy Saturday morning in NYC but it was so worth it!

The day was broken up into 5 sessions. We had coffee and fruit, mingled then got started with the sessions. Oh and some of the sessions had their own DIY project. Loved it.  Here's my place setting and chair at the event. Rose, who is one of my favorite Twitter friends, was my partner -- both at the table and in crime ;)

Clean Eating by Amie Valpone of The Healthy Apple

This first session was really important for me because I've been on a quest to detox and eat well. I believe what happens on the inside affects what we look like on the outside. Amie started off by telling us her amazing story of healing. She literally healed her own body after years of being sick. You guys, I totally believe in this stuff. Amie gave us tons of information about healthy swaps for our kitchen and presented a beautiful parfait bar.

DIY: make your own parfait bar & make your own granola (decorated with adorable floral tape!)

[Photo by Sara]

Favorite tips: Flax seed should be ground to receive the most benefits. Chia seeds can be eaten whole. Out of eggs? 2 tablespoons chia seeds + 1 tablespoon water = 1 egg. What a great substitute! No Splenda! Use agave nectar only. 

Top Tweets: What put on your body [skincare + beauty] is just as important as what you eat. Lipstick has lead & gluten!

DIY Entertaining by Rebecca Gallop of A Daily Something

And speaking of sweethearts, Rebecca is one. She taught her session while 8 months pregnant with Baby Zoe! So fabulous. She created a gorgeous tabletop and really encouraged a mix of high and low products. She also gave some fabulous thrifting tips

[Photo From Rebecca's Instagram]

DIY: painted cork boards to be used as place mats, inspiration boards, coasters, or trivets

Favorite tips: Use a canvas drop cloth, found at a local hardware store, for just about anything! From tablecloth to napkins. 

Top Tweets: Be present. Make home place u love. Overlook imperfections & your guests won't even notice your green carpet

"Some of the deepest relationships are formed sitting around a shared table." Love your space, whatever it is

"You don't have to be Van Gogh to add that homemade touch"

Next was lunch. De-li-cious.

Style Capsule by Anna Cottrell of Tulip Louise

Man she is just the cutest thing ever. Another Southern transplant into the city, she is sweet and stylish: a killer combo. Anna styled clothes on Hilary Rushford and gave us some fabulous advice for dressing in all aspects of life. I also enjoyed our discussion on personal style and the affect it has on our daily life and attitude.

[Photo from Rose's Instagram]

Favorite tips: Wear palazzo pants with a long sleeveless vest (really want to try this!). Key pieces include dark skinny jeans, nude heels, pencil skirt in leather, button up in white and chambray, statement necklace and boyfriend jeans.

Top Tweets: Have a signature piece that you wear everyday

Black & white bold stripes + short suits are @tuliplouise 's favorite spring trends.

"It's all about the bootie"

A short bootie and a white Converse are so fresh!

According to @tuliplouise, the trends in sunnies: mirrored lens + colorful cateye

Summer Hair & Beauty tricks by Jessie of Style + Pepper

I already told y'all Jessie is beautiful and has lovely hair. It was so fun to hear some of her favorite tricks for beating the heat and still looking fabulous!

[Photo by Sara]

DIY: make your own sugar exfoliating scrub

Favorite Tips: Use baby powder instead of dry shampoo! Sleep in a bun. Use Moroccan oil on your ends before you sleep. Spornett brushes are comparable to Mason Pierson. Always moisturize before you self-tan. If you mess up the self-tanner, then cut a lemon in half, sprinkle with sea salt and use as a magic eraser.

Living Gracefully by Hilary Rushford of Dean Street Society

Not to pick favorites, but I was the most excited to hear Hilary speak. I've been following her for a while now and I just love what she does. [I also worked in personal developement (for attorneys) at a large corporation in Chicago so I have a passion to become the best version of themselves and Hilary's session really touched me.]

Hilary spoke about wanting to have it all in life and the way to truly find that. My most favorite thing she discussed was viewing our life in seasons. For example, right now my season is opening a new business. So I might have to say no to other obligations/people/things that do not fit in this season. That's ok because once this season is over, I will move into another one and get to experience all those things that I "missed out" on. That way, I actually have it all. Just not all at the same time. I get everything I want....in seasons. 

Another key concept was batching. This is from the book The 4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris. I think of batching sort of like an assembly line. Group together similar tasks to be completed at the same time. That leads to higher efficiency. 

This is all good and well but sometimes we wonder where to start? Hilary says we focus too much on goal setting. First, figure out how you want to feel and then set goals. That's the opposite of how we do it now. These feeling descriptors will also tell you where to begin with batching. Also, view your life like a path. See where everything lies in a domino effect. Work your way backwards. 

The final concept she discussed was balance. Finding the balance between hustle passionately and humbly be still. So that you're moving and creating opportunities but also allowing room for God to do His work. As Hilary says, you must create providence where you make space for the universe to move.

Questions to consider: What are the seasons you want to make space for in your life this year? How do you want to feel? What are some of the pieces in your domino effect? What might your life recipe be?

Favorite tips: See your path as watercolors not Sharpie lines. Be flexible. Imagine swirling colors. Have a picture for your life, but it's fluid. 

***

It was an action-packed, inspiring, invigorating day. Besides the wonderful presentations, I also got to meet some of my blogging buddies! Love it when virtual friends become IRL friends. It was a bit surreal to experience the personalities that I see on the screen come to life. So fun.

[Hallie]

[Patricia]

Everyone left with a goodie bag full of Bare Escentuals bronzer and lipgloss, Mason Jar tumblers, notebooks, hair products, coupons, samples, snacks and a full heart.

So grateful to be a part of it and especially to connect with so many fabulous women.

Bravo, Jessie

x

[Photo by Sara]

A couple other recaps of the session: Jessie + Rose

 Unless noted, all images are from my Instagram

Summer Beauty | The Side Pony

I have a somewhat irrational attachment to my hair. My long hair. I cut it short exactly once. My senior year in high school. It was shoulder-length and horrible. Never again. I love my hair and I love it long but I have so much of it that it can be rather cumbersome in the hot summer months. (Have I told y'all yet that I'm not a huge fan of summer?! That's a story for another day...) Anyway, I want my hair to look cute and relatively put together so my go-to hairstyle lately has been the side pony. Occasionally, I'll throw in a side braid too. I'm just loving this look! It is so easy and it's sure to keep me from going crazy all summer having to deal with all that hair. It feels equal parts bubbly teenager and sophisticated cool. 

Do you rock the side pony or braid?

All you long-haired girls, what's your favorite summer hairstyle to stay cool & chic?