Even when I tell myself it's going to be okay once settled and is always crazy in the beginning when there is no routine yet, I still get overwhelmed! Hello, school! I feel so unorganized right now, but that always happens with "syllabus week". You see everything that will be due, expectations the teacher has (which always end up not being the case and things change so much), but I need a was to get everything neatly organized. I confess, I have a nice, fancy planner, but I don't really use it. I only write the title of my blog posts on each day's box in the weekly sections and that's it. I know some people go all out and really get in to those planners, but I don't and I'm thinking I should. September is a crazy month already and I have so many deadlines with the blog, work, and now school. I really need to nail down a better "planner" strategy. Any tips? How do you use your planner? Do you have more than one? I don't want any online planning though, I need to physically write things down. I do have an on-going list on a large rip-off notepad that I keep on my desk with "to-dos" for the week, which can help, but I want a more permanent place where I can see long term dates, etc. Help!
So hopefully this weekend I can get things a little more organized now that classes have started and I have a little bit better of an idea of what to expect. But blogging, work, and school, along with my own sanity...it's an adjustment. Bare with me this next month as I try to navigate it all! Let's all take a collective deep breath in....and release! Happy Friday and 1st weekend of September! xoxo
Monday: Blue Cornmeal Baked Onion Rings
Tuesday: What To Avoid With A Tree Nut Allergy
Wednesday: Curry Mac & Cheese
Thursday: The Little Things To Bring With You To College
Blog Posts and Links I loved this week:
Life, Mind, Body, Spirit:
Now THIS is real!
+ Just Because You Believe It Doesn't Make It True: How Beliefs Shape Our Reality
Our personal beliefs don't mean those things are fact.
+ 3 Small Discipline Habits You Can Train
Get yourself to get things done!
+ 7 Ways To Face Down Your Fear Of Failure And Come Out Stronger On The Other Side
Cause failure has nothing on you!
+ Under Pressure: I Quit My Job, Blew Up My Life & Then Revolted
You can change your normal!
+ An Apology To Those I've Hurt While Depressed
Another very powerful post!
+ 10 Truths To Remember When Things Go Wrong
Mama Strength sent me this one!
+ This Is All You Need To Know: You Are Awesome
A little cheer up from the lovely Kris Carr!
+ 5 Totally Doable Ways To Clear Your Mind
Fantastic ideas!
+ Why Are We Surprised When Leaders Fall
I'm so glad Ally is back to posting on her blog...everything she has to say is worth the read!
+ How To Be A Positive Role Model For Your Child
You have the power to set them up for success and some happiness!
+ 10 Rules I Live By To Face Whatever The World Brings
So good!
+ 7 Ways To Protect Yourself From Other People's Negative Energy
Fitness:
+ The Obsessive Fear Of Weight Gain During Injury
I hear this a lot from athletes if they are injured. It's a huge shock to the fitness mindset.
I can't stress #1 enough to everyone!
+ Creating Habits You Can, And Want, To Keep
That's the key. Then things just happen and it's "easy".
+ 8 Ways I Stay Active & Healthy Being Injured
You don't have to become a couch potato and puddle of self-pity!
+ 6 Reasons You're Not Seeing Good Workout Results
Couldn't agree more!
Food:
+ The Truth About Gluten-Free Oats
Amazing audiocast with the lovely Jules Shepard and GF Harvest (best oat company!)
+ The Ultimate Sandwich Guide - 50 Mouthwatering Veggie & Vegan Lunches
Sandwiches = lunch life!
I get the point, but...
These would be good to browse with a nice cup (or 5) or joe in your hands this weekend!
+ How To Chop Any Herb (Without Bruising Them)
Read and learn, kids!
+ Why I Chose A Vitamix Blender Over A Blentec
I own every brand of blender, except the Vitamix...and I hate them all 😛
+ 8 Impostor Foods That Aren't What They Say They Are
Your "Just Mayo" isn't mayo....obviously.
+ Why I Don't Follow The Paleo Diet
Spot on! 100%, yes!
Health:
+ The New York Times Makes A Big, Bad Mistake
The response to this article on the big, bad gluten.
+ Depression. What It Really Looks Like
Very powerful.
+ A Science-Baked Reason To Reach For That 4th Cup Of Coffee
Guys! This is lovely!
It starts with US! Be the change!
+ How To Avoid Gas And Bloating
Great tips!
+ What It's Really Like Having Celiac Disease
Couldn't have said ti better myself 🙂
Don't be fooled by these silly "myths"!
+ 75 Reasons To Love Celiac Disease
Well you know how I feel about it! <3
Blogging, Social Media, Tech & Photography:
+ 7 Tips On How To Write A Dynamic Personal Essay
These are wonderful tips for writing anything as well!
+ My Trouble With Social Media
Spot on!
+ Stock Photography Business Q&A
You may be able to make some extra cash with that DSLR 😉
+ 30 Days Of Writing Prompts For September
My monthly favorite!
Love some of these! Great read though!
+ Tips For Outdoor Photography: Golden Hour Magic!
Yes! The 2 times for those golden hours!
You know you love hashtags 😉
+ Tips For Growing Your Instagram Following + Taking Better Pictures
Wowza! Tons of tips! Best post I've scanned on the subject of the 'gram 😉
Other:
Holy! Have you seen this? Prepare for major procrastination!
+ Charts That Show The Immensity Of The US Defense Budget
I like to geek-out on government.
+ 200 Power Verbs To Use On Your Resume
I like these! Just to use in conversation too!
Favorite Pins:
(Follow me on Pinterest – RebeccaGF666)
Harvest Cake with Zucchini, Beetroot, Carrot, & Apple. You could easily use all oat flour and make this GF too. It's just so produce-luscious
Quick Veggie Curry. Because sometimes we need curry in a hurry!
Cinnamon Spice Spaghetti Squash Cake. Omg, squash cake!!!! (Use some oat flour here too!)
Vegan Waffles with Grapefruit. Wait...not ordinary waffles...but white BEAN waffles!
Pineapple Mojito. These will get the party started!
Chai-Spiced Apple Sweet Potato Soup with Apple Chips. Can you think of a better way to welcome Fall!?
Herbed Wild Rice & Toasted Pecan Stuffed Portobellos. This has me craving stuffed portobellos! Haven't made mine in so long!
A few things I loved about my week or am grateful for:
+ Trying to feel grateful for moving on-wards with a new school year!
+ Coffee. I have never been more grateful for coffee.
So tell me:
+ How do you stay on top of dates and deadlines? How to you make you're to-do list? Help!!!
+ What were your favorite (or at least, least hated) year of school? 2nd and 4th grade were good and so was freshman year of high school!
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Jennifer Stewart
Love getting organized. Sometimes it is hard to stay that way. I think I need to get rid of my kids for a while:)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahahaha 😉
Bianca @ ElephantasticVegan
When I was in school I had a notebook for all my tasks (homework, what to bring where etc.) and a separate calender to mark deadlines and events. I would have forgotton everything without those two, but I was one of the best organized people in our class. Others always asked me what we had for homework or when a test was. Hahaha. Now, I use a to-do-app (todoist) and a google calender to stay organized. But I totally get that you want to keep it non-digital. I just appreciate having all my important events etc. on my notebook & ipad & phone wherever I am.
I just bought a new blender and am really happy so far. My old one was a cheap one and really weak.. but with this new one (Omniblend) I hope to be able to make creamy cashew cheese (I haven't tried it yet, but the hazelnut milk turned out great so far).
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I give the allusion that I'm the most organized, but I don't FEEL that way! Haha!
Since I don't drink smoothies, I have no need for a blender really. A food processor can do as much and more than a blender so that's what I need and I LOVE mine!
Tina Peterson
Mmm - several of these recipes look so good. I may have to try the apple chips &dip w my kiddos for our Tot school time. Yum yum!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It looks like such a fun snack!
Sacha
Loved all the recipes everything looks so yummy and well balanced.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Cause real food is delicious!
Brittany
That harvest cake!! OH MY goodness. Writing things down something helps me stay ahead, but I've never been a big planner user so I don't know if that really works for me or not. Multitasking has its place, but I work better when I focus on one bigger task at a time!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I know right!?
Yes! One thing at a time!!!
chrysta @ noshed
As always hon awesome round up of articles!! Ive been a reading machine. Plus gorgeous amazing recipe round up!!! Thank you so much for including mine. Totally makes my day! <3
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Of course dear! I hope you had a lovely weekend!
Farrah
hehehe, I feel ya! I was always taking way too many classes for my own good in college, so the first week, although technically the most chill since it was the only one without tests/quizzes, was always somewhat stressful too! 😛 I kept a planner where I'd write down all the stuff I needed to get done each day for school-related stuff. I was technically blogging back then, but it was essentially my online journal, so I never needed a planner for it now. My blog planner now is basically a notebook of to-do lists/posts! 😛
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I'm pretty sure bloggers are the ultimate list makers and planners!
Kristen @ The Endless Meal
Loving these links, as always! That harvest cake looks incredible, btw. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It does! It's so packed with all the goodness!
Kristy @ Southern In Law
Hope you had a restful weekend so you're ready to tackle another busy week! Xx
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks dear! You too!
jules
Thanks so much for including my Gluten Free Voice Podcast with Seaton Smith from Gluten Free Oats. I think it's an important interview for anyone wondering about the safety of gluten free oats and also those who want to know the difference between "gluten free" oats.
I love your Friday Finishers - don't know how you find the time. Looks like it took all week to put it together! 😉
~jules
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I loved that interview so much Jules! Thanks for doing it! Very much needed in the community right now! xoxo
tess
i have been feeling super unorganized lately. im trying to start two businesses at same time. yikes!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That'll cause some stress!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors
I wish I had a strategy for staying organized. I literally have 6-7 notebooks where i write ideas, jot down recipes etc, I'm a hot mess! But I'm the same, everything needs to be on paper. I am terrible with online stuff, I just can't find a flow online. Those fig cookies - I'm in heaven. Checking out so many of your links, I hope you feel more organized and better set for next week! Enjoy school, it's such a fun time!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Writing things out is sooo much better! I keep a few lists online in Google drive and stuff for the blog, but not my school work or personal to-dos!
Thanks Sam! xoxo
Megan @ Skinny Fitlaicious
Thanks sweetie for sharing my post! I think it's important to stay active when you're injured or ill. Now I have a thousand links to read because they all look really good!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha! Reading posts is a good "productive thing" to add to the list of staying active 😉 At least your mind will!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
Good point! Lol!
Jill
thanks so much for linking to my post about Beliefs! I'm so glad it resonated with you! And I hope you can destreess a little this weekend and school calms down a bit for you 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Jill!
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen
I have also been loving all the coffee this week (month?) good luck getting organized!! You will do great!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, It's been a coffee YEAR! Thanks dear! Good luck with your studying!!!
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats
the food, oh my the food, I want it all! Paper to-do list for me. And a closed door, no noise, no distractions (well that doesn't happen anymore ever, but it's the best way for me to get things done). Good luck friend, hope you get lots done this weekend.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I think sitting down this weekend with that planner I have and actually use it, get organized...with some good food...I think I can feel better! 😉
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit
I gotta admit I have absolutely no organization system for deadlines :/ I'm a fairly OCD person, but I've never gotten into the calendar or planner habit, so I just have a million things floating around in my head and somehow I make it through...so don't follow my advice! Syllabus week (aptly named) makes it seem like an insurmountable mountain of work, so I think that's why I do better just taking it week by week. And also reminding myself that it always feels this way at the start and I always make it through 🙂
And this weeks pins are looking so fall-filled, I need to step up my fall baking pronto! But I don't want it to be fall yet 🙁
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, that's exactly what I do! Everyone thinks I'm so organized and stuff, but I'm not...somehow I get through, but it is all just in my head!
I know...I just need to breath! Teachers have all these expectation for the year and they NEVER have enough time or whatever to get all it done and things fall of the list so quickly!
Think I should post something pumpkin next week? 😉
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit
Do it!! Get your gourd on 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Bahahaha! 😉
Alexandra @ Made to Glow
Love your weekly collections! Happy Friday, Rebecca! Have a wonderful weekend.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Alex, you too!
Annmarie
Totally checking out that hashtags for food bloggers post! 😉 Happy Friday!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I wish the limit wasn't 30 😛
Alex
What helped me a lot is getting that big poster like wall planner. Other than that, I have the same running to do list you have. What I did when I worked as a secretary: I had a slightly bigger then DIN A4 "book" with one section per number from 1 - 31 and there you could place stuff/papers in that had to be done by that date. All in one place and you still could be as extensive as you wanted for each project. Of course, that still requires you actually looking at the darn thing.
Off to read some links now 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I've been thinking of getting a big poster/wall calendar thing for above my desk!
Haha, I will check that out too! I'm open to anything right now!
Alex
Here, I googled it in German, so you can check out what I mean: https://www.google.it/search?newwindow=1&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=643&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=Pultordner&oq=Pultordner&gs_l=img.3
It's quite useful because you can put everything for one day together, and just make a habit of checking ahead what's coming up.
Haha the more I talk about it, the more I want one for myself 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thank you! Looking interesting!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
I totally remember that feeling of seeing all the work ahead and feeling overwhelmed and disorganized! And then it all comes together, at least most of the time anyway 🙂 I'm starving and want all of these recipes you pinned now!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I just need a way to consolidate it all in one place to actually see!