5 Productivity Tips to start the month off right

From Pintest

Not many people I know are like me in that they feel the start of a new week (ahem Monday!) or even the 1st day of the month is like the 1st day of school.  It’s the feeling of fresh starts, dreaming big and new routines.  I also love reading about people’s organization methods and goal setting – so I thought I’d share to abundance of resources on Google and share tips for a productive month!

  1. Set up your monthly calendar:  Appointments, Celebrations, Get togethers, Extra Curriculars, Fitness classes, Classes etc.  Getting it out of your head and getting all down in your calendar just makes sense.  I use a combination of Goggle Calendar and my paper planner monthly view
  2. Set up goals for the month: whether it’s finishing a book, getting out 3 fitness classes/running x km or maybe it’s doing something you’ve never done before – working towards something helps get you out of your comfort zone and develop character.
  3. Set up a monthly to-do list:  I definitely think some of the activities on this list will be created from the monthly goals, but it may also include routine items (ie: run the washer clean cycle, sign up for swimming lessons) and bonus items (ie: artistic projects, going to the art gallery).  I personally love the bonus activities – it makes my soul smile
  4. Set a budget: Something is to be said about being mindful about spending.  Not just because mindless shopping and over spending is a waste of time and money.  But because it’s not good for our environment.  So whether it’s a “no spend month” or a cap on eating out, it’s definitely worth a try.
  5. Deep clean something!  I think it’s a good habit that I’m starting to implement whereby I clean something that has piled up.  Whether it’s a junk drawer, a basement closet or the baseboards.  Schedule it in and get it done!
From Pinterst
From Pinterest

What’s in my bag – Winter Edition

Winter is all about feeling cozy and nourished. And sometimes all of that needs to be carried around in an extra large shoulder bag! And ofcourse, come summer I have reduced my everyday go a tiny top handle ;) + a few cotton tote bags for my round year favs!

Sharing what I have in my bag during the winter months!

  1. Planner & Stationary: I love this vertical daily physical planner to keep with me always. I like to be able to jot down activities, plans or to-dos as needed
  2. Camera: Whether it’s my Instamax or my DSLR, I like to have a camera because I want to be ready when creativity strikes
  3. Water Bottle: Winter means dryness, so helping my prevent that from the inside out
  4. Jewellery: If it’s not on my hands/fingers, then I’ve got some stashed in my purse. Whether its an extra set of hoop earrings, rings and bracelets, I like to have options
  5. Literary Entertainment & Annotation tools: I once read a quote about never leaving the house without a book under your arm, I take that advice very seriously
  6. Change: Yes I’m a Woman in Tech (and usually pay with my phone/watch/digital wallet), but having some form of cash on me just makes sense (random coffees or treats for the kiddos)
  7. Hydrating potions: a few Sephora products because they are just that good (and required for the cooler months)
  8. Everyday Essentials: Nail polish, extra hand cream, claw clip and nail necessities.
  9. Handbag of choice: A little tattered but still loyal… my LongChamp has gone the distance!

How to make better to do lists!

Planner, Crystals, Productivity, Smart Goals, Work Smarter, Women in Tech, Lifestyle, Life Lately, Life Tips

To do lists are the micro levels of my big dreams.  Big dreams are astronomical, may take months or years to achieve them, require persistence and consistency.  Consistency is where our daily to do lists come in.

I do want to preface this post by saying the following:

  • we shouldn’t be slaves to our to do lists
  • to do lists don’t own us
  • to do lists are meant to serve us 

So if your daily to do list, post it or weekly planner spread is making you feel bad about yourself – throw it out, take a beat and start over again when you are ready!

We shouldn’t feel productivity debt (feeling like you always need to be doing something and rest is not deserved unless your to do list is completed) from not completing everything on our to do list & there is nothing you NEED to do to earn your existence.

But when you are ready to schedule the day you want to make it amazing – read on!

Side note: I’m writing this as I was feeling overwhelm trying to use notion.  Notion is meant to be a tool to keep your life organized but there was too much scope creep in their product – for me at least.  The idea that it might also need to look aesthetic, link to a Spotify playlist and my Pinterest mood board was a little too much.  So I realized I need to step back and figured others might need to too.

So how do we make our to do lists work for us?

  1. Figure out your big dreams, goals, priorities and projects.   But also think about the habits you want to build and routines you want to have.
  2. Pick a medium that works for you.  Could be paper or digital, simple or complex.  You’ll also want to choose a template: Is it just 1 sticky note for the day, or multiple colour coded ones, is it a weekly spread planner or an hour-by-hour list of tasks.  This can obviously change but it’s a great idea to try something out.
  3. Fill your list with your daily living + tasks that will help you got to your big goals.  Example are meetings, but also your workouts (goal: to focus on fitness).  It could be having lunch with someone and blocking 2 hours in the morning for writing (goal: to write a book).  
  4. Pick something to fail at.  Not everything has to be checked off and not everything has to be done well.  So knowing what can be moved to another day vs a non-negotiable will help you stay intentional and not feel like you aren’t moving forward.

Remember – it’s all about getting to outcomes (not getting things done).  Your to do list should be on your side helping you build intentional habits and keep you 1 step closer to your goals!

Planner, Crystals, Productivity, Smart Goals, Work Smarter, Women in Tech, Lifestyle, Life Lately, Life Tips

Blogmas | Books I read in 2022

I’m one of the people that has a stack of books to be read. I’m constantly updating my good reads “to read” shelf. But I’m happy to report that this year I made a HUGE dent in my reading goals.

Links to books (all are Chapters Indigo, but you could check amazon or any local book retailer)

Little Fires Everywhere | The Time Machine | How Women Rise | Last Girl Ghosted | The Culture Code | Such a Quiet Place | Malibu Rising | BigLaw | It Ends with Us | The School of Good Mothers | Verity | The Four Agreements

Here are some numbers

  • 8 new/modern fiction books read
  • 1 classic fiction book
  • 3 non fiction/self development books
  • 8 (all) fiction books with strong female characters

What went well

  • I was able to read fiction books fast
  • I need to balance all the fiction with some non fiction, spiritual & self development
  • Following BookTok & Bookstagram

What didn’t go well

  • Reading slumps came on quickly if I tried to read more than self dev book in succession
  • Tried to push myself to finish a book I was no longer interested in

Fav fiction book read this year

  • Verity (hands down)

Fav non fiction book read this year

  • The Four Agreements

Blogmas | Gift guide for your daughters

Sharing some of the gifts ideas for daughters. These work perfect for kids ages 5-8 and include STEM/STEAM & skill building! Hopefully this provides some ideas or you can click directly on the link to purchase on Amazon.ca!

  1. Dot Lego bracelet making kits: Cute little way to design braclets using lego dots. Perfect way to keep kids entertained as a starter to legos for kids who don’t really like them
  2. Build a robot with Remote Control: funny enough, building a robot like this was my university capstone project, now I’m buying them for my kids christmas presents! Great for the kid who wants to try their hand at building and controlling a robot.
  3. Puffy sticker book: My kiddo loved another version of this book, it’s like playing dolls with thousands of possible outfits and activities.
  4. Dance gear: of any gear to support their extra curriculars: dance shoes, personalized sparring pads, high bar.
  5. Geodes kit: Awesome gift for the kid who’s into rocks and crystals. Adult help required, but you can actually crack the rocks to reveal the magnificent geodes.
  6. Viral Tiktok Bedazzler: no explaination necessary – will be a popular choice for the kids and their moms alike lol!
  7. Gimp: When kids are into making braclets, this is a great way for them to practice fine motor skills and following directions. This kit comes with key chain rings so can also be used to create gifts for grandparents or for school backpack zippers.
  8. Lego friends: A step up from Dots but not as complex as a start wars set with 1000 pieces. Kids can follow the instructions and make the kit in 45 min or less. Then endless hours of fun!

Want more? Follow my Blogmas 2022 journey here!

My go-to healthy pancakes

So easy, yummy-hit the spot pancakes. I got you! These pancakes 3 ingredient (minus optional toppings) pancakes are refined sugar & gluten free – incredibly simple to make and you probably don’t even need to go to the grocery store!

Pancakes, Gluten Free, Healthy, Good Food, UGC, Ikea dishes, Window, Natural Light, Food Photography

I never liked making pancakes from scratch, the flour would be all over my counter and the batter was always clumping. The beauty of this recipe, any high speed blender does all the work!

What you need:

  • 2 spotted bananas
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup of quick oats

Instructions

  1. Put all ingredients in a high-speed blender, blend until smooth
  2. Heat a griddle or flat pan and greese with avocado spray or butter
  3. Turn down heat on pan
  4. Immediately, using an ice cream scoop, scoop 1 laddle full of batter and shape with back of spoon
  5. Cook each side for 3-5 min (golden brown)
  6. Let cool on a paper towel lined plate
  7. Enjoy warm, with berries, whip cream, Nutella or pure maple syrup. The choices are ENDLESS!

Pancakes, Gluten Free, Healthy, Good Food, UGC, Ikea dishes, Window, Natural Light, Food Photography, Christmas Morning Breakfast
Pancakes, Gluten Free, Healthy, Good Food, UGC, Ikea dishes, Window, Natural Light, Food Photography, Easy cooking

Want more? Follow my Blogmas 2022 journey here!