In today’s video I am showing you how I clean my car and keep it organized. This is one of the essential habits I like to perform on a regular basis. Stay tuned to the end to see some of my car essentials as well!
In my Youtube video about How to Get a Fresh Start, I explained that one of the ways I like to motivate myself to start fresh is by purchasing a few new accessories for my home office. Nothing motivates me to work like office supplies and decor, and I’ve been eyeing some lovely items that would fit right into my office space. Since you are also equally obsessed with stationery, I thought I’d share these items with you in this months installment of Office Oasis to give you some ideas of some items you may be missing that you could purchase to reward yourself for making a fresh start this fall! Be sure to check out my video here when your done with this post if you haven’t seen it. I give some great tips on how to make the most of the last few months of the year and provide you some actionable steps you can take immediately once the video is over. Enjoy!
1. Chic Happens Notebook: I really love the Kate Spade journals and this pretty light blue number has actually already made it’s way into my home office. It’s currently acting as a bit of decor in my new shelving unit, but I have plans to use it as an entrepreneurship journal as well.
2. Top of the Line Pen Set: If you know anything about me, you probably know I’m obsessed with stripes, so when I saw this pen set, I had to have it. Again, these guys are currently at home on my desk, and I have to admit, they are almost too pretty to use, but I am committed to putting them to work.
3. Telegram Notepad: I admit, I have way to many notepads! This one is just darling though and the perfect size for jotting down notes and thoughts. I am currently using a large jotter style notepad on my desk or else I would totally purchase this one.
4. Crown Point Frame: It took me a white to realize that these beautiful silver frames were actually from Kate Spade, but I guess I really should have known! I plan to upgrade a few frames in my house to this lovely flourish style because I find them to be very elegant and in line with my overall home decor.
5. Start Something New Scented Candle: Hello! Stripes + turquoise + my motto for fall = this exact candle! This is such an adorable addition to any desk or home office space, and I do already own the black striped version of this candle, but the more the merrier, right?
Last month in this series I gave you all the original concept I had for my new home office! Now that we have moved and we are in the space, I have been piecing together my office bit by bit and I wanted to share with you all the new direction I’m going in with my office decor. Although not much has really changed stylistically with the new pieces I’ve chosen, now that I am in the new place I have a better sense of the types of furniture would work best in the room. I do already have my desk and credenza, and this weekend I’m heading back over to IKEA to check out options for pendant lighting and simple shelving. Here’s where I’m at so far with my office concept!
1. Spacious Credenza: I knew I was going to need a lot of storage in my office and when I found this lovely credenza from IKEA, I knew it was meant for me! It was a complicated piece of furniture to put together (thanks dad for the help!) but now that it’s in place, I love it and it really does give me most of the storage I need for my office plus additional counter space for photography and displaying my favorite office knick knacks!
2. Tufted Swivel Office Chair: I am still on the hunt for the perfect office chair! I really love the idea of a tufted swivel office chair, but this gorgeous choice from PB Teen may not be my winner. Unfortunately, the back support isn’t exactly what I’d like it to be, so I may have to find one elsewhere or go back to my original concept of a more traditional and modern looking office chair!
3. Flowery Pendant Lamp: Unforuntaly, the office in my new apartment doesn’t have a built in light in the ceiling so I am going to use a pendant light to brighten up my space! I love this lotus inspired Knappa light from IKEA. It’s been a favorite of mine for years and I’m actually very excited that I finally have a need for one in my life!
4. High Gloss X Leg Desk: The last desk I was eyeing was a similar style as this Pangea modern office desk that I eventually settled on. Once I saw the high gloss finish and the chrome legs, I knew I found the desk for me and I’m currently loving and using this beauty!
5. Metal Frame Shelves: Like I said, I need a little bit more storage for my new office, so I am on the hunt for some simple metal frame shelves to store just a few other bits and pieces from my office!. I think this IKEA option may be the right style for the right price!
Well, what you do think of how my new office space is coming together? I can’t wait to show you the final result once I have the room in order and can film a room tour! Let me know in the comments what your favorite piece of office furniture is, because I would love to know your thoughts on how to style my room!
Let’s be honest, loving and playing with planners isn’t always the most affordable hobby! Luckily, there are a number of free or low cost planner supplies that you can DIY or print yourself at home to help keep your planner organized and beautiful at the same time. I love planner printables because once you have a file, you can use it over and over again, saving you tons of money on repeat purchases, which are especially helpful if you love to decorate with stickers or washi!
So now we’re getting to some serious money saving techniques! Stickers are one of those simple planner decoration items that seem innocuous but end up costing us hundreds of dollars on repeat purchases! If you love using stickers to decorate for their simplicity, but hate waiting for Etsy orders to arrive and stress out over running out of a cute set, I have a solution for you: print your own! I have a whole DIY on how to make your own printable stickers! I love stickers because they can be decoration, inspiration or add extra organization. Check out this free printable sticker set I made if you want to give printable stickers a try or feel free to browse my collection of printable designs that you buy once and can print hundreds of times over! It’s like having a never ending supply of stickers!
Step 5: Wrangle your tasks with printable PDFs
At the end of the day, using your planner isn’t just a hobby, but also a method of organizing your life, tasks and priorities! Never forget that when you strip away the stickers, washi and colorful inks, your planner is just a simple tool that you can choose to use however you see fit. If task management is a priority in your planner, you have plenty of options for organizing the information that matters to you. Plan your projects, build a meal plan and manage your social media all with printable inserts and yes, stickers! Of course, I have another great freebie for you to break down and organize your planner that is an editable PDF that you can use to create custom labels and task items for your planner! Enjoy!
Which of these steps to personalization do you enjoy most? Let me know in the comments!
Are you currently looking for a new planner system but aren’t sure where to begin? Perhaps you are overwhelmed with all the options or are looking for a planner that is discontinued and have no clue how to begin tracking it down? If this sounds like you, then you are in luck because I have assembled this planner resource guide to give you one place to review the most popular planner systems so that you can choose what works best for you!
6 Ring Binder Systems
I happen to be a big fan of 6 ring binder systems because of the beautiful variety of binders available and the fact that these planner systems are reusable year after year. These aren’t cheap planners that you buy for a year or 17 months and then toss out, these are durable planners that often last years when well maintained. Here are the top brands that I see most often, this is by no means an exhaustive list, but these brands are pretty popular and I have experience with many of them.
Currently, the discbound system is my preferred planning method. I like that it combines the personalization of a reusable binder system with the physical flexibility of a spiral or coil bound planner system. Unfortunately, there are only currently a few manufacturers that I know of for this system, but as I have seen them grow in popularity, I have hopes that more will crop up eventually!
Coil bound planner systems are also a very popular option in the planner world. They are one of the spiral bound options, however, they are distinctly known for their heavy metal coil that is extremely strong and durable. Now, these planners are not reusable, which is important to keep in mind, and many coil bound systems can run you the same price as a reusable binder, but many folks rely on this style of planner and find it worth the money!
Like coil bound planners, wire bound planner systems are also not a reusable option because they are spiral bound, however, these planners are slightly different from coil bound planners because their binding is a cinch style wire, instead of the heavy duty coil. Generally speaking, these planners are less expensive because of the lower cost binding method used, but that isn’t the rule!
As the name suggests, these planner systems are bound like books! Again, they are another non-reusable option, but generally speaking these planner systems are much more compact, which gives them a certain advantage! For years I actually used a Moleskine squared notebook with a modified bullet journal system as my planner, and that is actually the system my husband uses to organize himself at work as well. So this is a serious option for those of us who prefer simplicity.
Traveler’s notebooks are a planner system type that I have very little experience with, however, they are incredibly popular in the planning and crafting world! These notebook based systems are based on a unique binding of a reusable cover with a string band system that holds a variety of small cahier style bound notebooks together within the cover. In part this is a reusable system because you can use one cover over and over again, and in part this is a non-reusable system because the bound notebooks inside tend to be smaller notebooks and are easily filled up and need to be replaced depending on the frequency of their use.
Fauxdori ( Fauxdori is a term used to describe the many non official Midori notebook covers available. Many small businesses online manufacture the covers and even the refill notebooks for this type of system, and because of this, the range of colors, materials and sizes for these systems vary greatly. Because of the simplicity of this style of planner, many people also enjoy creating their own covers by following easy DIYs like this one!)
Planner Accessories and Refills
If you purchase a reusable style planner from a manufacturer, for the most part your planner will either come with a selection of inserts to get you started or you will have the option to select your inserts from the manufacturer. However, there are a number of resources and shops online that sell an even greater variety of refills and other accessories comparable with many planner systems. Here are the online sites I recommend to look for refills and accessories for your planner!
Unfortunately, when it comes to finding and buying your perfect planner online, it’s not always as simple as going to the manufacturers website and selecting your model! Many binder style planners are actually out of production and a little tricker to find. If you have your heart set on a planner and it’s discontinued, don’t worry, because there are places you can go to search for used planners for sale!
Facebook Groups (Many planner related groups on Facebook allow for the swap and sale of planners. In addition, you can search for dedicated Planner For Sale groups if you are looking for a specific planner.)
I don’t think I’ve mentioned this to you yet, but in the next week or so, my husband and I will be moving into a new apartment! With the new move comes some exciting changes, namely centered around my office. I decided that with this move, I wanted to upgrade all of my office furniture! Luckily for me, I don’t have a huge office to refurnish, but since I am in the process of designing and shopping around for items, I thought I would share with you all the concept I am working on. Hopefully this gives you a little behind the scenes peek into my process (which I may very well document further) and provide some inspiration in case you too are in the middle of an office redesign!
1. Modular bookcase: I happen to be a big fan of modular bookcases. I currently have a large one in my office, but I think I would like to downsize to something a bit lighter and perhaps more feminine. I like the look of this bookcase, but I am seriously thinking of turning it on its side and making it a consul so I can put my printer on top and use the surface as extra desk space.
2. Campaign desk: I really love the look of a campaign desk, I think they are clean, yet classic! I have been searching around for a great, inexpensive option and was pleased to see they sell these at Target. I’m not sure I am 100% in love with the black, I was hoping to get a white desk with this move, but this is the generally direction I am going in with my desk look.
3. Modern swivel office chair: I love the chair I currently have in my office, but it’s old, the seat is broken and it doesn’t have casters or a swivel. I’ve been thinking that with my new office I may want to upgrade to a more formal office chair, but of course one with a chic vibe!
4. Tufted settee: For a while now, I have had a small convertible sofa bed in my office that doubled as sleeping space for guests, however, I think I want to get rid of the basic sofa and replace it with a lovelier option. I am always enamored with tufted settees and I really think having one in my office would be a better use of space than the hardly used sofa bed!
5. Antique style bust: I actually already own a few antique style busts for my apartment, but I want to find a way to use the one in my office more prominently. Perhaps I’ll display it on the cabinet, or perhaps I’ll get a stand to keep it on, but I do love classical decor like this and I think making a bust the focal point of the artwork in my office may bring a whole new mood to the room!
I hope you’ve enjoyed getting a behind the scenes peek into the style and design of my new office. I’d love to know what you thought of this post and of course, if you have any suggestions for furniture that you think I’d love, please let me know! I could use all the help I can get!
Are you ready to take your office on the road with you this summer? I know that working outside or at least on the go, tops my list of ways to enjoy the warmer months. If you have been following me on social media, you already know that I am currently on my way to Aruba for a summer beach vacation . Yes, in a few short hours from now, I will have my feet planted firmly in the sand, cocktail in hand and laptop by my side. Of course, there is no better way for a #BLOGBOSS to work when traveling, especially since this one happens to be a solopreneur and needs to make sure the lights stay on, even when I am on holiday. So, for this installment of Office Oasis, I want to share with you some great options for taking your work with you. That may mean getting some work done during your summer vacation or it may mean checking your email by the pool, but either way, if you need to work while you are out and about this summer, these accessories will help you get it all done in style when you are out of office!
1. Water Resistant Speaker: If you are working by the beach or by the pool and want to keep your productivity playlist going, this is the perfect option for you. Portable speakers are awesome, but this one actually helps protect your tech from water, while keeping those jams on shuffle!
2. Smartphone Charger: Well my iPhone may have gotten bigger, but I can’t say I’m getting that much more battery life from the thing. Since I count on my phone for nearly everything, it’s important to keep a portable charger in my bag. Great for those early mornings and late nights!
3. Hardshell Laptop Case: I love keeping my Macbook Air in a hardshell type case when I am traveling to protect it from any extra bumps or bruises it may encounter on the road. This Moroccan inspired quatrefoil print case screams summertime especially in this lovely pool hue, but it comes in other fun colors as well!
4. Neutral Summer Carry All: I love a neutral bag for summer and this Kahki colored structured tote from Rebecca Minkoff is the perfect carry all for your laptop, accessories, makeup bag and even a file or two. Although you may be conducting business at the beach, there is no reason that you need to look like it and a tote like this is the perfect blend of work and play!
5. Adorable Summer Inspired Tech Accessories:Since you will be out and about this summer, you’ll certainly want to keep an eye on your steps. I love this double wrap bracelet designed by Tory Burch for the Fitbit Flex. It comes in a few perfect-for-summer colors and makes a great accessory!
I hope you make the most of your summer travels by taking advantage of any out of office work arrangements you can make and creating your own on the go office. I hope these items gave you some tips and things to think about while you are working and playing this summer! I’d love to see your summer office setup, whether that’s in an actual office or out and about. Please tag me in your photos on Instagram with the hashtag #strangeandcharmed so I can like them!
I feel like May is such a wonderful month for working and office supplies. The weather is much nicer (at least in the Northeast US where I live) and you can wear much more fun and colorful outfits to work, so why not bring a little bit of that whimsy into the office? After all summer vacation is right around the corner and while you are dreaming of tropical beaches and fruity cocktails you mine as well be surrounded with the colors and accoutrements to liven your imagination!
1. Brightly colored note pads: Notepads are probably one of the easiest elements of your office space to switch out seasonally, so why not grab a pack of brightly accented papers? Of course, I love these aqua framed pads from Ben’s Garden with the cute quote at the top!
2. Mix & Match Pens: I just ordered myself a set of these adorable pens from Snow & Graham and I can’t wait for them to arrive. I love how retro they look but fun at the same time with their quirky yet inspirational quotes! There really isn’t much to say about pens, except of course, that you can never have too many!
3. Ringly: Ever since I received my Ringly last month, I have been obsessed! In case you aren’t familiar, the Ringly is a wearable tech ring for women that looks like a lovely cocktail ring but actually pairs via Bluetooth to your phone to alert you of calls, texts, emails and other various alerts that you control! Cool, right?
4. See-thru Zip Folios: I really love see-thru office supplies (hence my love for acrylic organizers) and this set of three neon pink zip folios from Poppin are amazing for the start of summer! These are a great way to store items and papers that you want to corral, giving you a great portable solution for tossing them into your briefcase! That or you can just leave them on your desk because they are seriously that pretty!
5. Retro Telephone: I don’t know about you, but this phone looks like it’s straight out of Mad Men and I love it! This rotary style desk phone gives such an elegant feel to any desk space. I could just imagine a magazine editor or a fashion designer leaning back in their chair chatting on this lovely throwback. Serious, serious desk envy!
I hope these tips gave you some great inspiration for your office decor! I’d love to know what challenges or issues you may be facing in your own personal office space that I may be able to address for you or provide you some guidance on for future installments of this series. Feel free to let me know in the comments below and of course, I’d love to see your office spaces, so make sure to tag me in your Instagram photos @MissTrenchcoat!
Last month, you told me that you really liked this Office Oasis feature and that you wanted me to continue with it and so I shall! Some of my favorite items in my office are cute little desk accessories and stylish stationery items, so for April, I have selected some functional pieces that do double duty. From a coordinating stationery box to the hottest pair of headphones a #girlboss could own, I’ve got your needs covered!
1. Stylish Headphones: The Frends Layla headphones are probably the most iconic feminine pair of cans on the market. They are available in a few different color choices, however, I love the white on rose gold look the best! Nothing is more feminine and sophisticated to keep a #girlboss focused on her work!
2. Fashionable Note Pads: I personally own, use and love this Garance Dore set of note pads from Rifle Paper Co! After using these you will never want to go back to a plain steno pad again!
3.See Through Storage: I get asked all the time about the acrylic storage container that sits on my desk and organizes most of my small office supplies and this is the one that I use! I love the look of the multiple drawers and particularly the sculptural effect of the drawer handles. It’s so reasonably priced, there is no reason to say no!
4. Chic Stationery: I think we can all agree that Kate Spade makes some of the chicest office supplies out there, but let’s be honest, owning her entire collection is going to cost you. That’s why I love this Whistle While You Work Tackle Box filled with a variety of Kate Spade office goodies, for a very reasonable price.
5. Catch All Dish: I always have a variety of little knick-knacks on my desk and to make sure they don’t go rolling all over the place, I like to keep them in this cute little Jonathan Adler Porcelain Zebra Dish! On a daily basis you will find anything from perfume and makeup items, rings and jewelry or even paperclips corralled in this lovely little dish. It’s definitely a must have for my desk!
So those are this month’s office picks. I hope you find something that you like as well as need in the selection above. Nothing makes me happier than when I can find a new office organization item that doubles as wonderful decor and of course, helps me boost my productivity! Let me know in the comments which items you loved the most and of course leave me recommendations for other products you think I should feature in future posts!
You know I love me some gorgeous office decor that is both functional and inspirational! So I decided to start this little series where I highlight 5 ways you can turn your office from drab to FAB without spending a ton of money! Seriously, how awesome is this series going to be?!? I’m so excited to share my favorite office trends from DIYs you can do on the cheap to beautiful and functional office supplies that will add personality to your desk!
1. Laptop Riser: Not only is a laptop riser an ergonomic way to reduce eye and neck strain while you are working, it also helps free up valuable space on your desk. I am frequently asked about where I purchased my laptop riser, it’s the Ghost Stand by Twelve South and you can get a great deal on yours here.
2. DIY Desk Blotter: I love the way my desk looks with this added element of color and interest in the form of a super easy and inexpensive desk blotter. I actually have a video about how to make one, along with a few other awesome DIY office products that you will definitely want to check out for some great office inspo!
3. Colorful storage boxes: I love this set of three nesting boxes from Kate Spade! They are an easy and inexpensive way to hide office clutter or organize and store files, paperwork, or your stationery collection! It’s funny how a simple thing like a pretty box can totally hide a complete mess of items, and actually look so polished and posh!
4. Smartphone Dock: I love having a dedicated spot to keep my iPhone, and this Jonathan Adler rotary style dock is my absolute fave! You can actually use this dock with a variety of phones because it has a nice wide area for your phone to sit in and an opening in the center where you can attach any charging cable. It’s like a totally functional piece of desk art!
5. Wall Art: I absolutely love the look of a gallery wall, especially on a blank wall of an office. It’s a great way to add special moments, images and inspirational quotes to your work space that keep you motivated and on task! You can check out my gallery wall here, and if you are looking for some inexpensive options for art, make sure to check out my shop for printable wall art that you can use all over your home!
I hope you enjoyed these ideas and this first installment of Office Oasis! Let me know in the comments if this is something you would like me to continue on a regular basis, because I don’t know about you, but I could write about office supplies all day every day! If you use any of these tips currently or get any inspiration from this post, I’d love to see a picture of what you come up with! Upload your pic to Instagram and use the hashtag #StrangeandCharmed and make sure to tag me, @MissTrenchcoat so I can like and comment on your pics!
