Tag: Planners

What I’ve been loving…..

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It’s been a while since I put pen to paper but with the summer days now firmly behind us, I’m in Fresh Start mode. And that seamlessly moves me onto my first love of recent months….

  • Reset Girl – Camp Reset 2018 – I took part in Camp Reset 2018. I took a different approach to last year where I went at my own pace and was quite selective on what challenges I complete – being a full time business woman as well as a Mummy, I needed to ensure that I used my time valuably. But that is the best thing about Camp Reset 2018 – you can be involved in all of it or some of it whilst still benefiting from it. The community is fantastic and this year was organised so well ensuring the Facebook feed was dedicated to each theme making it easy to keep on top of updates. There is talk of a Winter Camp Reset – I would highly recommend
  • Reset Girl – Fresh Start collection – with Camp Reset now coming to an end, the Reset Girl team have produced the most incredible collections of digital products to celebrate newness and starting over. I have always said that my version of January and New Year is September – it was ingrained in me from school that September signalled a new year and a new pencil case of course. And this collection brings all those feels together
  • Journaling – I started a Travellers Notebook for documenting Little PB’s 2nd year and I’m now a convert to journaling. A great opportunity to use all the goodies I hoard into a collection of memories that I hope Little PB will enjoy browsing when he is older
  • Day Designer/Reset Girl mash up! – I’ve been decorating my daily pages with Reset Girl digital ephemera. Using an old Reset Girl YouTube video for inspiration, I’m certainly using my DD more frequently
  • Felicity Jane – I ordered my first stash of craft goodies and I was so impressed with the quality. I’ve ordered again from the Lola collection – I particularly love that you don’t need to commit to the subscription box and can purchase individual items once the box has been launched

Please click on the links for more information and I hope you enjoy these beautiful products as much as I do

x PB x

Crafty Catch-Up – July 2017

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After stepping out of my comfort zone for the first Crafty Catch Up in February 2017, it was  a given that I was going to rugby tackle anyone I needed to for a ticket for the July 2017 catch up.

Taking a beautifully scenic journey through the Kent countryside, I arrived in Lydd and entered a room full of smiles and happiness. Rachel and Emily (the organisers) had done a fantastic job in setting up stalls and tables for the attendees.

I had the pleasure of being on Table 1 with a brilliant bunch of planner girls – Charlotte, Lynsey, Joey, Anna & Stephanie. Balloons, gold foiling, bunting, the most adorable cake & sweet stand and a safe place to plan, craft & create….what could be better?

It was so wonderful to be able to browse some planner shops – when the whole of the Planner world is online, its great to be able to see products in real life…..although this did mean that there were some indulgent purchases.

A new addition to the day was a set of craft classes which added a great dynamic. We had a TN insert class and TN pocket folder class by CraftyAliCat, hand lettering by SoJoey and a memory keeping book class by BitsOfStationery. It was also wonderful to just sit with my fellow planner girls and plan our week and have a giggle (there were plenty of those).

The goody bags were handed out by Rachel and the room was filled by ooohs and aahs of excitement, apart from me, who in my unique style, chose to wait until 2 days later…..the contents are incredible – I loved everything!

The raffle was disappointing…..but only because I didn’t win the Love From Poppy TN and it was very clear that the winner (LauraLizzy) was very VERY excited about it!! I did win something even with my impeccable timing for sharing my frustration that my name had yet to be called out.

What I have come to realise is that planner friends do truly make the best type of friends – their acceptance of your enjoyment in anything creative is so heartwarming and they have an ability to make you smile by the smallest of gestures.

The day came to an end all too quickly but that was certainly made easier with the announcement for the next catch up at the end of the year.

So, I’ll be seeing you all on 2nd December…..hopefully…..

Check out my Instagram for all the pics – @pineapplebuttonco

x PB x

I’m off to Camp Reset

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When Cori Spieker, The Reset Girl, first shared the plan to hold a Camp Reset, I was instantly disappointed that I couldn’t join in as it was obviously a meet up on the West coast of the US. I was very much mistaken and when I learnt that it was actually an online challenge, my heart started racing that little bit faster.

In Cori’s own words, “…My intention is to encourage and inspire you to take those baby steps in resetting your life. During July, we will focus on:

Self-Care Planning: Making self-care a HABIT in your life.

Healthy Sips & Snacks: Making what you choose to put into your body a more mindful and self-caring practice. Get

Moving: Making intentional movement a part of our day as a way to show our bodies the love.

Creativity Reset: Making creativity a way we express and care for ourselves daily.”

(https://www.theresetgirl.com/camp-reset/)

I signed up, not really knowing what I was committing to, and received a lovely welcome kit email with the most adorable set of printables to prepare for the start of Camp Reset on 1st July.

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I watched Cori’s YouTube video about prepping for the trip about 3 times and felt ready to grasp this challenge with both hands! I committed to scavenger hunting around my home for all my Camp Essentials and printed, cut and laminated all the beautiful Camp accessories. I even made a start in setting up my Self-Care Planner.

I felt ready and focused for the Week 1 challenge…..

1st July around 10pm……I had recieved the week 1 challenge email and with excitement started to print it all off…..but it just didn’t look as bright and engaging as all the other set ups I had seen in the Facebook group. The pictures wouldn’t print properly and I became disheartened. I was on the verge of giving up. I hadn’t really started so what was I going to loose.

With a UK Camp Reset Facebook page set up to support those across the water, I checked in and shared my disappointment and frustration and, like so many people I’ve met in the planner world, someone offered to send me some bits so I could make a start on my planner.

It was this act of kindness that made me realise something…..Camp Reset isn’t just a challenge for July but is a retreat to help us  find a way to be a better version of ourselves. Giving us the tools and resources to recognise and remember those special parts of our day, not forgetting that those closest to us are the most important aspect of anything we do. It didn’t matter that I wouldn’t achieve a badge if I didn’t complete the planner on time – what mattered was the steps I was taking to reflect on who I am and who I want to be.

With a new level of positivity and determination, I got to work……I made some commitments to myself and my family and it’s with the support of those I see every day, as well as the online community I’m proud to be a part of, that I know we will strive to be our best.

That being said, I do love my new planner set up and will share my creative process in a blog soon.

x PB x

 

Why I love multiple planners!

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When I first entered the world of planning, I found it hard to understand how it was possible to use more than 1 planner at a time. How could it be that you invest in a beautiful leather ring bound planner and then justify the need to add to that collection? Why would you not worship every part of that planner and that planner alone?

Oh, how naive this slightly younger version of myself was….almost 3 years on into my love (and mild addiction) into all things Planner related, I use 4 planners on a daily basis! Yep, F O U R. And I use them all with equal determination and purpose.

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So, let’s start with my Kate Spade ballerina pink zipped personal size. A purchase from the US, this beauty is where I store lists, lists and more lists….what books I want to read, ideas for Christmas and birthday presents (for myself obviously!), holiday planning, packing lists, shopping lists and anything else that I think should be or look like a list. With decorative pockets and a couple of creative dashboards made by moi, it’s what makes me smile every day.

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Next is my bubblegum pink Kikki K in A5. A pre loved purchase but in perfect condition. This was the first planner setup I saw on YouTube whilst watching Paper & Glam and I loved it ever since. I use this predominantly as a notebook for work so it has minimal decoration on the pockets and no fancy dividers or dashboard. I keep a Prima Planner pencil case and wipe clean notes page at the front, perfect for on the go. I also use the My Pretty Week tuck tabs to section off the different parts of the planner – so useful and adaptable! By using a planner as a notebook, it also means I can transfer into other planners should the desire take me.

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A planner collection would not be complete without an Erin Condren. I will do a full review on the new planner soon but I essentially use this as my everyday to do list and reminders. It also gives me an excuse to use pretty stickers!!

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Finally, my bargain of the year…Ban.do floral planner which I use to plan my blogs. This has minimal decoration as I don’t use it every day but I pimp it up by creating fun notes pages using my selection of post it notes.

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I think I have finally found Planner Peace. How long it lasts, I’m not sure. Particularly as I am eyeing up a Foxy Fix TN currently…..

How many planners do you use everyday? What planner item can’t you live without?

Back in business…

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I’m pretty certain that I speak for most new mummies out there that planning every small detail in the anticipation of your little bundles appearance to this world is fun and exciting!

It’s fun and exciting to put your focus into deciding whether to have a hospital bag AND a labour bag……what colour to paint the nursery……what the new arrivals first outfit will be…..who will look after the dog when the waters break……

And the key to why it’s fun and exciting is because we have oodles of time and (for the most part until we are doing an impression of a weeble) we have the energy.

1 year later….

I can honestly say that along with not knowing a love like I have for our little human, I have never known tiredness and a lack of energy like I have had over this past year. The learning curve is intense, the sleepless nights feel relentless (even though there really weren’t that bad!) and no amount of coffee could put that sparkle back in my eye. But, I’ve loved every minute. Well, almost…..

Parts of what made me ME became hidden in this last year….which made me feel resentful…. which I then regretted for feeling that way! Vicious bloody circle!

But after a very relaxing holiday and an opportunity to reflect, I’ve decided that this  can change.

Being able to balance a full time job and being a mummy means that it’s equally important to invest time to myself and my old life and the main area I want to focus on is right here. You’re reading it.

Pineapple & Button Co is back in business. I’ll be writing more blogs, I’ll be creative with P&B Co products and will share photos of beautiful places and even more beautiful planners.

However, I can’t ignore that my new accessory is now a changing bag, so I will be writing a series on Baby Travels sharing our experiences of holidays and day trips and how they can be baby and family friendly, even if at first they don’t seem it!

As a mummy attempting to be creative and stylish, I hope you enjoy what’s to come as much as I’ll enjoy writing it!

Better late than never….

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As you will all know by now, I am an avid fan of The Planner Society Kits. My regular monthly happy mail and it has yet to disappoint.

When the February kit landed on my doorstop, I knew exactly how I intended to use it but I had to be patient…..I shall explain!

I have decided that I am a 1-planner-at-a-time girl. I’ve tried multiple planners but I just forget to use the other one or I end up getting confused in an over-organised sort of way.

I have been using my large ice-blue perforated Kikki-K as an every day planner – work and home to-do lists, appointment tracking and general notes.

However, having just stopped work to have my first baby (!!), I knew I wouldn’t need the space of a large Kikki-K for my every day use. I therefore purchased the medium ice-blue perforated in the Kikki-K sale to use for the next 9-12 months.

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So…that’s the background, now onto the creative part!

I managed to hunt down a set of personal sized Kate Spade inserts from a seller in the UK. If any of you get the opportunity to purchase a set, I highly recommend it – the paper quality is fantastic and I love the addition of the polka dots!

The blue and blush pink of the papers and accessories were made for this planner! Creating 3 dividers for Calendar, To-Do and Notes using the We R Memory Keepers Tab maker, I added some of the gorgeous ephemera from the kit to decorate the dividers. Putting through my laminator ensures that they last.

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The inside pockets were a challenge as I’m used to the size in my large Kikki-K. However, the size of pockets is perfect for sticker storage of the PS Kit stickers – great for on-the-go! The addition of a couple of the page flag sheets and some more ephemera and bows converted into paperclips adds some definition to the pockets.

I am a huge lover of my Polaroid Zip printer that Father Christmas bought me – it’s super handy, super cute and adds a personal flair to my planner. So, I dedicated a space in the front section to my favourite photo.

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I also created a simple page marker and laminated card to hold the adorable note pad – both of these are removable so I can transfer from week to week easily.

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I am so happy with the final result and pleased that my patience paid off……

Hope this inspires!

x PB x

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The Planner Society – January

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I have been receiving The Planner Society Box for the past three months, and each month has not disappointed.

I thought I would share an unboxing/review of the contents for all of you who are still a little unsure.

It costs $37 a month which includes shipping to the UK. So, based on the current exchange rate, it would work out to be £25 a month. I have also been fortunate to avoid custom charges every month so, in total, I honestly believe the contents outweighs the cost.

Each box is carefully designed and pulled together to ensure you can use every last item in all your planning creations.

Carefully opening the brown paper bag, you are greeted with a desirable collection of planning goodies that anyone #plannergirl would swoon at.

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The double sided paper is always a favourite part of the box – the creator, Christy Tomlinson, beautifully creates these by hand and it is that touch of the unique which makes this box feel special. I only wish the paper cam in double quantities so you don’t have to choose just one design!

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With complimenting washi tape, you have a great base to embellish your planner without much hard work!

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The box always contains a mixture of die cuts, embellishments, stickers and planning stamps which continue the theme of the paper. This month, the mustard yellow, pink, blue and grey are just magic and certainly add a warmth to these dull winter days.

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A selection of planning stickers are adorable and versatile. I particularly love the floral additions but this month…..typewriters……need I say more!

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The addition of 4 journal cards and small notepad, again unique to Planner Society girls always add a flourish to any planner pocket.

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Some added extras this month is this gorgeous journaling notebook which is a great size for any fauxdori and a beautiful gem pen which would complete any Planner Society planner!20160202_101351961_iOSI highly recommend that anyone looking to embrace their creative planning side invests in subscribing to this box – it is truly the only planner box I need on a monthly basis to enhance my planner addiction!

You can subscribe following the link below:

http://christytomlinson.typepad.com/christytomlinson/2015/03/new-planner-society-kit-sign-up-debut.html

x PB x

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Plan with me! #beforethetodolists

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After sharing my set up in my ice blue Kikki-K Condren, I was asked by many of you how I plan on a weekly basis.

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So, here is a plan with me for this week.

I certainly love the ability to be creative with my planner, however, my inability to make decisions easily means that once I have found a method of decorating that I like, I stick with it for a while until my creative flair inspires me otherwise.

On a Sunday evening, I sit with my We R Memory Keepers storage bag, The Planner Society kit, The Reset Girl stickers and a bunch of other goodies and decorate for the coming week.

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I only actively use this planner Monday-Friday for my work and home to do lists. So, the first step I take is to cover up Saturday and Sunday with some gorgeous paper. I am in love with the notepad from The Planner Society December kit and with a little bit of washi and some stickers, it makes perfect use of the weekend columns I don’t need. This notepaper is ideal for jotting down ideas for blogs, shopping list or general to-do’s. Adding a gumball sticker from The Reset Girl with some inspirational stickers completes this half of the week. If I fancy, I may had a Erin Condren box sticker depending on how busy the week is.

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Moving back to the first half of the week, I repeat a similar process with the craft paper, adding a piece to the lined column and embellishing with The Planner Society to-do pad and stickers. Who doesn’t adore the girls in The Planner Society kit from December?!

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With a choice sticker for the thankful thought, that is pretty much it for the week as every blank inch is full by Friday 5pm!

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Finally, using these “too cute to handle” cards and wooden embellishments from The Planner Society Kit, I created an extra large page marker. It adds to the decoration as well as being practical!

I’ll probably change up my decorating routine in February – use the hashtag #beforethetodolists on Instagram to shower me with inspiration! I love looking at all your planner layouts and decorating.

x PB x

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How I am planning in 2016

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With the addition of a beautiful ice-blue Kikki-K to my planner collection, 2016 had to be the year for planning, planning and more planning.

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From all the inspirational Facebook groups and Instagram accounts I follow, I finally have achieved planner peace – it is only right I give back to this amazing community of people and share!

As you will know from previous posts, I was using an Erin Condren for my day to day planning.

However, I was beginning to get frustrated with the spiral bound system – the spiral was starting to wear and it didn’t have the professional feel that I am aim for when using the planner for work. Furthermore, I love adding my creative flair to planning and I felt the EC was quite restrictive for this purpose.

So, the only possible solution was adding the EC to the Kikki-K. Many hours of YouTube watching were conducted to ensure I didn’t end up with a ruined EC and an empty planner. I would highly recommend watching Paper & Glam’s YouTube tutorial as research before you attempt it!

I decided to not include the monthly tabs in the EC as I prefer a cleaner line when closing the planner and the tabs do bend and get in the way if you don’t punch into the boxes. I use a page marker so I can easily go to the current week.

I should make it clear that this planner is used for my Monday-Friday planning. I don’t use this planner for my weekend plans as I am still a fan of diary sharing with Mr PB on our iPhones, therefore, I don’t tend to do a lot of forward planning in the months ahead making the lack of tabs easier to justify!

Taking you through each section of the planner:

Front pockets – I love the layout of Kikki-K pockets. As well as being practical, they allow a beautiful creative set up. My front pockets store spare washi on a hand-made laminated washi card as well as plenty of goodies from The Planner Society – page flags, a to-do list and paperclips – a mixture of hand made and sent in the kit. I intend to do an unboxing of The Planner Society kit but, for anyone interested, it is worth every penny!

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I added this adorable picture frame from selection of scrapbook embellishments and using a portable polaroid printer, I change up the picture depending on the week or month. A fun way to update your planner and add a personal touch!

Dashboard – I don’t tend to use a dashboard as it’s intended but more of an extension to my creativity and having a set-up that brings a smile to my face when I open the planner. Using cardstock, a bow and Planner girl tag from The Planner Society kit as well as some additional embellishments, I simply laminate and then hole punch.

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I love the combination of front pockets and dashboard….

The first section of the planner is my notes section. Adapting dividers purchased from My Pretty Week, I store work notes under the relevant month making them easy to refer to. I use paper from Paperchase and mix it up between yellow and white lined paper.

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The EC section is pretty much intact apart from the tabbed sections – I love the gold foil vellum and the layout of the EC works well for my never-ending work and home to-do lists.

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The pen is a recent Kikki-K purchase and is complimented by the gold EC band that, although serves no purpose, looks stunning against the ice-blue.

I will be sharing my weekly planning in my next post, so look out for that!

Thank you for all your inspiration – I hope this inspires you too

x PB x

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Kikki-K Haul – Singapore

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My recent trip to Malaysia and Singapore could not have been complete without a trip to Kikki-K!

Full to the brim with crisp ice blue and warm coral and peach planners, it made making decisions very difficult. However, I did eventually leave with a small bag full and here is what I purchased.

Of course, the main star of the show had to be the ice blue perforated ring bound planner. I know there has been lots of chat in the Facebook groups I follow about the perforation and whether it is completely practical, however, having seen all the planners up close and personal, I felt that this design was the most unique and looked less like your ordinary ring bound planners. I have certainly received plenty of comments and oohs and aahs…..

I was slightly disappointed to not have the zipped pocket inside the planner but there is certainly plenty of space to either be practical or creative!

Along with the planner, I purchased 2 sticker books- one for the festive season and another original Kikki-K book full to the brim of beautiful gold foil and colourful stickers.

A set of post it notes could not be missed off the list complimenting the blue planner, an adorable mechanical pencil in the style of a tradition pencil and a cute little wooden Christmas tree completed the shopping spree!

Next stop….Kikki-K in London!

x PB x

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