Blogging Tips: Organisation

Organisation is one of those things that is crucial for me to get through my day. I have tried so many different ways of planning out my blog posts, and this way is definitely the best for me. I've been using this type of planner for a couple of years, and recently bought this beautiful "dark cherry" colour from kikki.K. 

I use different sections to plan; 

"Calendar" / "To Do" / "Post Ideas" / "Notes" / "Inspiration" / "Projects"

I love that this is a perpetual calendar - I usually plan a month ahead at a time. There's certain posts that go live every week so I fill those in first, then refer to my "Post Ideas" tab to fill in the blanks. 

I write everything in pencil, and then when it's scheduled to go live, I write it in pen - this allows me a bit of freedom to move things around without it getting messy with white-out. 

I create a to-do list table, that allows for me to check off when I have taken and edited the photos for each post, when it's written and then when it's scheduled to go live. I usually plan in my day-planner when I am going to take a whole bunch of photos at once; then another day for editing, and then a day to write and schedule. I find by breaking all the tasks up I don't experience "bloggers block" as often. Blogging can take up hours, so breaking up the tasks also makes it all a bit more manageable. 

In my 'Post Ideas' tab, I keep a couple of lists - one is my 'review list', where I keep track of products I've either been sent or that I've bought that I want/need to review. 

I also keep a more general 'Post Ideas' tab, where I scribble possible future posts - I try to brainstorm here regularly so that I never run out of ideas. 

Sometimes I get inspired from other blogs, pinterest, magazines etc, and I keep track of this in the 'Inspiration' tab - this way, if I do run a post or build an idea I can easily head here and refer back to it

When I'm planning giveaways, or collaborating with other bloggers / instagrammers, I keep track of this in the 'Projects' tab. 

So that's how I plan my blog posts - I usually plan a couple of times a month to try keep on top of everything. Do you plan your blog posts? What do you use? 

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OOTD: Le Breton

We spent two full days in Canberra - four days if you include the days we travelled there and back. I'm a notorious over-packer, so I really tried to consolidate my sartorial options for the trip. A pair of shorts, some jeans, a singlet and a long sleeve shirt. Add to that the t-shirt and leggings I travelled in, and that's a pretty fair mix of clothing for warm and cooler weather. So when I learned that we would be going out to lunch, (to a vineyard, no less!) I panicked - I did not bring appropriate clothing for this kind of a trip. It would have been nice if J had mentioned it to me before we left that we would be going someplace fancy....men.

Long sleeve top is the Navy Le Breton from Popbasic (use this link to get $15 off your order*)
Shorts are from Valleygirl.
Shoes are leather sandals from 'Human Premium'
Bag is kikki.K

I was pretty happy wrangling this outfit together with my limited clothing options. What do you think?

(Disclaimer: Offer does not expire, but can only be used once per person. Although I am not affiliated with Popbasic, I will get $15 store credit if you use that link. But you also get $15, so that's a pretty fair deal for sharing the love! This is a referral program for everyone! So if you sign up, you get your own link to also share with your friends too!)

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My Week in Pictures #48

I took an unexpected and unplanned hiatus from the blog last week.
Uni is starting to get crazy...

I've even taken to completing assignments in the back room while on my lunch break at work.


Speaking of work, I had my last official days at Kikki as a manager over the weekend. I'm now back to being a casual which is nice, because not having a single day off was starting to get me down.

Politically, the past week has been a bit of a mindf-ck. Mr Abbott reintroduced dames and knights into Australia and apparently we all now have the right to be bigots. Hooray! (obvious facetiousness) I engaged in one too many twitter debates over the topic this past week. You cannot change people's minds when they do not want them changed.

Speaking of Kikki K, I'm obsessed with this 3pk of fashion notebooks we have in at the moment. They are just so pretty! 

I also did a bit of shopping in my lunch break last week, and I can't wait to share what I got! 

Is anyone else a bit over the stormy, rainy weather we've had lately? I think I need to pick up some little ankle booties to wear to work for the rain! 

I also got this really cute surprise present from one of the girls at work! There was the cutest mug inside, and what a sweetie - she had added in a little tea selection for me! Adorable, and so thoughtful!

We buy the Entertainment book every year, and it came with a coupon for Grilled! So J and I had a cute lunch date there in the city. Best thing? We only paid for one meal! 

One of our favourite lazy-night dinners is this semi-homemade pizzas. We buy the base from Woolies (which is just a standard cheese pizza) then we add our own meat and salad on top. Super tasty, and really quick to make. 

And my latest pole accomplishment!  I love this move because it's pure strength. I even shocked myself getting this one because it's one I've wanted for so long, but it has continued to elude me. I don't know what it was, but something clicked and bam those hips came off the floor. Successful cup grip shoulder-mount!!

What did you get up to in the past week?



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NOTW: Mint Green with Gold Detailing

About a month and a half ago I picked up this new time planner from kikki K. I am so particular with my stationery, and especially my diaries. I thought long and hard before buying this one because it is refillable, so the point is to use it year after year. Would I get bored of the mint colour? So it's been less than two months, so I can't say with any certainty I won't get sick of it ever, but I love it more now than I did when I bought it. 

It's such a bright, happy colour. Seeing it peeping out of my black handbag and my uni packpack just makes me so happy. It's bright, it's cheerful, it's easy to find. I especially love the gold detailing on it. 

So this week when I was thinking of trying some new nail 'art', I decided to draw inspiration from the colours I love so much:

Sure, painting your nails to match your day planner is only slightly dorky... 

But I've had so many compliments while wearing it, that I don't really care. My best girlfriend laughed incredibly hard when I told her I did it to match my diary. She then called me a loser.

Only a little bit harsh, Meg.

The gold spots on each nail is a slightly different design. I love the index finger, and am thinking of trying my whole hand with that design. 

This is a super easy 'artwork'...I just used two contrasting colours and a large dotting tool. 

Colours used:

- Covergirl Outlast Stay Brilliant in Mint Mojito 

- Revlon in Golden Charm

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Disclaimer: Whilst I paid for every product in this post, the time planner was bought at work, with my staff discount. I am receiving no remuneration or compensation for this post. In fact, I doubt my employers even know I write a blog. For further details, please check out my disclaimer. 

6 Great Father's Day Gift Ideas!

Father's Day is coming up FAST...have you got your gift organised yet?
I've got some ideas below...you may either outright steal them (I won't tell, I promise!) or use them to get your own creative juices flowing!

father's day gift ideas by michaelaarghh 

one
How about an ipod, or other musical player? Dads usually have a bit of a reputation for not being too tech-savvy. Ipods are so easy to use, ANYONE can operate them...I'm not even joking when I say that if my dad can, anyone's dad can. (My dad based the decision on which laptop to buy based on which one had the biggest keys for him...bless!)

two
Comic strip books are also a great idea! Zits is a great one for any parent...if you're not acquainted with it, basically it's about living with a teenager...as narrated by a teenager. Another reason why comic strips are so great, is because they're quick, require not much reading and are funny! Or you could make your own, by cutting out your dad's favourites from the paper and sticking them into a book...get really personal and add your own annotations!

three
Tool kits are a pretty standard dad's day gift...this one is a bit different though...it's a mini, all-in-one. Although it's technically a bike tool, it has a number of allen keys, and both types of screw-drivers, making it perfect for basic fixing-up around the house

four
If your dad's a suit, how about some gorgeous new stationery for him? This A4 leather compendium from kikki.K is currently on sale... and will give dad the perfect place to jot down meeting notes, and keep all those loose papers.

five
How about a bottle of his favourite expensive alcohol? I think the trick with this one though, is that you need to then volunteer to come around and have a glass with him. Although gifts are great, and everyone loves getting them, I think the most important thing that all parents want is to spend more time with their kids. ESPECIALLY as their kids get older and move out and get their own lives...

six
This is the adult version of the DIY gift you would give as a child! I found this one on pinterest, and it's been doing the rounds lately. Basically, use a sharpie to draw, write, decorate a plain ceramic mug, bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 220C (pop the mug in while the oven is still cold) and voila! Cool, personal gift!
Check out this blog post for awesome tips and instructions!

What are you getting Dad for father's day??



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Give-away: 3 year blogging anniversary!

It is so crazy that just over three years ago, I decided to start a blog. I had no idea what to do with my blog, or the direction it would take; in fact I'd only just started reading other people's blogs myself. I was totally naive as to the extent of the blogging community and how big a part blogs play in the online world. 

I've come a long way, and I thought I'd share a few goodies to thank you guys...my readers! 

The prize:

- kikki.K Make up case (shown above) 

- MOR: Hand and Body Wash in Honey Nectar

- Revlon Lip Butter: In 020 Brown Sugar

- Australis Nail Colour: in Rose Tattoo

-Rimmel Apocalips: Lip Lacquer in 201 Solstice

- Model Rock Lashes: in Fabulous Friday

- DUO eyelash glue 

(all products were bought by myself and are unopened and unused)

To Enter:

1. Follow this blog through GFC (link in the sidebar on the right)

2. Leave me a comment below stating either:

a) If you own a blog: what have you loved the most about blogging?

b) If you don't own a blog: what is your favourite part about reading other people's blogs?

In your comment, also tell me: what is your favourite post of mine, from the last 3 years (lots to choose from!)

It's that easy!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rules and Legalities:

1. You must be over the age of 16 to enter. If you are under this age, you must have your parent's consent to enter. 

2. This is a game of skill (hence the answering of the question)

3. If you do not comply with the rules on entering, your entry will be deemed as invalid. 

4. The competition will end on the 30th August, 2013. The winner will be decided and notified, and given 24 hours to respond. If there is no response, a new winner will be decided and will also have 24 hours to respond. 

5. The prize will be mailed out, using regular Australian Post within a week of the winner responding. If the winner would like registered post or tracking, they agree to pay the costs of this. 

6. This giveaway is open internationally. 

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