Reconstructing my Reflections Ringed Binder

After switching to a Stalogy and realizing it would become my main method of planning, I wondered what to do with my binders.  I like to use what I have and prefer them to not become a decoration on a shelf.  I have a couple of Reflections binders that I really like, despite the fact that they are not very expensive.  As a matter of fact, the low cost gave me the courage to try a little "surgery" on them.

Again, after viewing some YouTube videos, I decided to remove the rings.  I raided my son's toolbox and with minimal effort was able to pull them off.  With the first binder, I cut a slit in the stitching, eased out the metal plate, and glued the slit shut.  This worked fine and I liked how flexible the cover was.

With the second binder, which was my favorite, I decided to not cut the stitching and instead popped off the screw posts.  This left the metal plate inside, but this was not a deal-breaker. I can also live with the post holes but again decided to try something different that I had seen on Daksina's YouTube video.

As shown in the top picture, I laminated a piece of patterned paper and inserted it in the back pocket and the front side pocket - pretty and it covered the holes.  I poked two holes in the laminated paper, top, and bottom and slid in some elastic string, which is where my reference notebook resides.

In the future, I would like to play with adding more strings to see what it would be like to have two Stalogys in one cover with maybe a couple of inserts.  I also know that I can buy a B6 Traveler's Notebook and do the same thing - so that may happen also?

Do you like changing around your planner...doing new things?

 

Using a Reference Book With My Stalogy

Yesterday I impatiently waiting for the first of the month to start my new Stalogy, and now half the month is gone.  Incredible.

I continue to enjoy using a Stalogy for all my planning.  I was a rings girl for so long and never imagined I would switch.  For now, it feels like I would never go back, but honestly, you never know about me!

There were several reasons I  could never imagine myself in a bound book, but in time, solutions to those reasons have presented themself.

In every ringed planner I used, I always had A-Z tabs in the back.  I had it chocked full of useful information.  I didn't know how that would work with a bound planner, because I did NOT want to rewrite that information in every book I used.  I viewed several YouTube videos before I found the solution in what I call my "Reference Notebook".  

It makes sense, Traveler's Notebooks have individual inserts (notebooks) for different categories, including reference or information books.  That was exactly what I needed.  After filling in all the lists I use from Month to Month, such as medications, master shopping list, wish lists, etc., I put the notebook on a string in my de-ringed planner (post on that coming soon).

 I was surprised to discover that the closer I got to 50, my usually very good memory was giving me a hard time!  My reference book helps with that a lot.  It includes the usual contact information and passwords, but also the makeup shade and hair color I use, as well as what size clipper guards the stylist use when she cuts my boy's hair.  OK, the 18 and 20 now, and drive themselves to get haircuts - they also tell the stylist how they want their hair cut, but this is how I USED to do it!  <grin>

How do you use a reference notebook?  Have a different method?  Tell me all about it!

What is Your Planning Style?

It used to be that you were labeled either a "functional" planner or a "decorative" planner, and while I am definitely a functional planner, do I have to be only one or the other?

Since I began using a Stalogy notebook for my planner, I have a full page (5x7) available to use every morning and I definitely want to get the most out of it I can.  I do find myself attracted to the colorful Washi tape and stickers, but I can't quite convince myself to use it ahead of the current day - what if I need that room for something else?

Something that has worked for me recently is to use those things after the day is done.  What that usually means is that every morning I am decorating yesterday's page. If there is a lot of space available, I might put down a larger sticker.  Only a little space?  Maybe I will put a line Washi tape and the end of the page.  I don't feel the need to have the page all covered up, so sometimes I will leave the whitespace.  I've also been known to add a Bible verse at the end of the day, include the weather...whatever creative mood I might be feeling.

For me, I have to have a bit of order on my page, which includes having all the errands and tasks grouped together so that my eye knows where to go every time I look at my page.  That is why decorating after the fact really works for me.

Unmotivated and Procrastinating? Try My Top 7!

I do not wake up feeling energetic and productive, neither am I raring to get the day started.  I wish I was that way, but I'm not.  Left unchecked, I've been known to go all day, flitting here and there, without getting anything accomplished.

That's where My Top 7 list comes in.  For me, it's 7, but you might have a Top 5 list or even a Top 10 (but I don't recommend that)!  We all have days where we feel overwhelmed and don't know where to begin - that's what this list helps me do.

What's on my Top 7?

1. meds & shot
2. devotions
3. make bed
4. swish & swipe bathroom
5. start laundry
6. dishwasher (load/unload or start)
7. drink water

I put "top 7" in my planner as a task to remind myself that I want to start there, and I also track the tasks on a tracker that I printed on a 3x3 sticky note.  This has done wonders for my productivity, and my household runs smoother when I am consistent.

In short, make a list of your starters.  Decide how you will be accountable (planner entry, tracker).  Start there first every day.

If you're interested in a tracker you can print on sticky notes, stop by my Instagram page.  You will find a link in the bio that will lead you to the printable.

Do you do anything similar to this to help when you're unmotivated?