customizable planner

Happy Hump Day! 

And with that I am happy to announce that I have found the new planner/notebook for me! 

I have mentioned on my previous post that I am on the lookout for a new notebook to replace my old one. With it having the option to refill pages and to customize it. Initially my search lead me to Levenger website. But it is pretty steep for my budget. On that same day though, I have found out that what I am looking for is available at Staples (duh) -- the M by Staples™ Arc Notebook System. I went and bought the notebook and have finally started using it today. 

It is the same system as the more expensive one -- discbound. It's like a personal binding machine where you can insert whatever type of document, as long as it is punched. Versatile because pages can be swapped in and out easily.

However, ARC still don't have that much refills available. So far I have only seen the regular lined refills and the graph refills here in Canada. I'm not sure if there are more options in the US. Unlike the Levenger, there are several options on the refills -- address pages, unlined pages, calendars, colored, etc. And there are other colors too for the discs. You can check out the website to see what I mean.

But I don't think I need those special refills (just yet). And if I do, I can order it from Levenger because I believe it can be adapted to ARC. Besides, I can make my own refill if I want to. That is if I am willing to invest on the $43 puncher.

But with that puncher, one can really customize the notebook. There are lots of seller on etsy catering to ARC/Levenger system. I believe Martha Stewart has her version too. 

I have high hopes that this new notebook system will work for me. So long for now, Moleskine. 

planner

Are you one of those people who still need pen and paper to jot things down? Or do you rely mostly on your phone? Well, I belong to the former. I have this notebook that acts as a planner-organizer-diary-everything-list personal management tool (aside from the phone).

We've been together for 3 years now. They say that a planner/organizer is not a one size fits all thing. That's why we have a bajillion kinds of planners: Daily, weekly, monthly, plain, artsy, businesslike, colorful, you just have to find what works for you. Mine's just a simple lined notebook. No dates or calendars or fancy schmansy features. But it's what works for me.

It houses our budget:

A list of anything and everything:

Recipes:

Occasional art attack: 

Some work stuff:

Travel Planning: 

Sewing notes:

Appointments: 

Party planning: 

Kid #1's drawing book:

Computation / scratch paper: 

Address book: 

The reasons why I love it:

1. Nice enough for me. The paper, the cover, the lines. 
2. Just the right size at 8.5 in. x 5.5 in. And I can still slip a bunch of papers, receipts, cards in between the pages. 
3. It is not heavy. It usually fits my purse (unless I'm using a super duper small purse) and I can lug it everywhere. 
4. It doesn't restrict me to write a day's note/thoughts in a single page or tiny single square within a page. 
5. I don't intend to and I don't have the need to write anything and everything for every single day so it is good that it doesn't have a date printed per page. 

But .... I am on the last 20 pages or so ... 

I know I will need a replacement soon. And I have to say that while it works for me, it has one major drawback:

It doesn't have refills. That means I have to buy another notebook again. Which is just fine. But my issue is what's gonna happen to my existing lists? My important notes? My recipes? My address book (although those were in my phone address book too).

Sure I can rip them off but where would I put them on the new notebook/planner/organizer?

I have to find something else.

Just the beginning of this year, I tried this same brand's weekly planner. But I didn't work for me. It's now Kid #1 notebook (for whatever purpose it may serve him) and he feels fancy using it as his notebook/drawing book/scratch paper. As for me, I went back to my old trusted notebook. I have tried Franklin Covey's planner eons ago and I found it too cumbersome and heavy!

So I am in the market looking for a notebook/planner that will work for me. And my requirements are:

1. To be able to have refills. 
2. To have sections (for addresses, notes, recipes, etc.) 
3. Undated - so traditional planners will not work. I want to have the freedom of not having specific dates per page (and I think it's cost efficient too). As I have said, I don't have anything to write for every single day. 
4. Leather cover/binder. 
5. Thick enough lined paper. 
6. Still the same size 8.5 in x 5.5 in. 
7. And hopefully, light enough to be brought every day. 
8. Price? 

This new notebook is going to serve the same purposes I've listed above. And it is not just for personal use, it will serve the entire family's needs as well as work's (long term -- when I return back to work). I don't think I can handle multiple organizer/planner.

I've searched a few and I already have my eye on a specific brand. It is quite expensive so I wanted to somehow make sure that this is what I really needed and wanted. As usual, I will update once I have purchased it. What about you? What is your personal management tool?

how do i nest?

I remember during the early part of my pregnancy, I nested immediately by cleaning and clearing out our pantry. Suddenly I had the urge to throw everything out and have an immaculately bare pantry. People at the house didn't know yet that I am expecting by then.

Then it stopped. By the 7th month, I have the urge to nest again. I nested by trying to organize everything in our house. I am always searching for storage boxes and storage bags and containers so that everything will be in its proper place even pins and tacks.

I am perusing the Pinterest for inspiration for (shared) nursery and for kids' room (for Kid #1) and just pinning like crazy and planning everything in my head what are the to-do's (and to-buy's?) to make the house ready for the coming wee one.

By the time I have to execute those plans, I am too tired. So in reality, I haven't really done anything yet. Haha. And that, my friends, is how I nest.

I am no Martha Stewart and don't expect me to come up with a Pinterest worthy room make over. But in the spirit of sharing a before and after case, this is how the master bedroom looks right now. We are still co-rooming with Kid #1. When he moves out, we will be co-rooming with Kid #2. The bed will just be replaced with a crib but on the other side of the bed.

And here's Kid #1 room right now. Used to be an in-law suite, so that is why there is a bed. Still a longggggg way to go.

Honestly, getting the house ready is stressing me out. That and Kid #1's halloween costume. I am hoping everything will at least be liveable before the wee one arrives.

I have already started last night on organizing our things. I started with my shoes. I bought this shoe organizer and threw away all the boxes that are occupying too much space. Will post pics some other time.

Happy Hump Day!

baby stuff: bathing and skin care

You know, sometimes, I get tired of looking into baby stuff? Spending time researching the best products to use, reading all about it, comparing products, debating with myself how far should go ... ? It's exhausting. Though, it's a good thing to know about these and that there are LOTS of sources to be familiar with these health stuff,  I know I can't be a full blast dedicated organic earth friendly person. And I am okay with that. I'll just have to do with what I can do.

One of the baby stuff that recently dived into is the area of skin care. They say the skin is the largest organ so we should be very cautious on what we put on our skin. Well, I think I have been for quite some time. But not really what you call "strictly" into it. I buy products that I believe is less toxic than the others. But I haven't reached the point of researching each ingredient in it or calling the company/manufacturer to really inquire about their ingredients/sources.

There are lots of option for toxic free and baby safe skin care (even for adults), one just have to google. My work friend is teasing me the other day, why don't I just use the regular store bought baby products. Anyway, I won't be able to sustain to keep on using those toxic free products on the baby. I jokingly told her,  I will use the regular products on to the new baby maybe after a year. Maybe by then his young body can handle the toxins. She told me, why not introduce it right away so he can adjust easily? I just smiled.

There are websites that I found credible and those are ones that I constantly consult with, they are in my Useful Links page. I read about their recommendations and ratings. And I would like to believe that they know what they are talking about.

After all that reading and deciding which products to use, the next hurdle is to see if those are available in Canada.

You see, my poor assumption before, is that, Canada and US are like sister countries. And since (almost) everything is available in US, I assume that it is also readily available in Canada. Right? Well, no. Some companies do not have a Canadian store and do not ship products in Canada. But as they say, seek and you shall find. I found Canadian retailers that offer those products that I would like to try. I just compare prices and shipping fees to see which is cheaper.

And below are those products. I got all of them from Well.ca. I got the photos of the products from their respective websites. You can click on the photo and it will redirect you their specific website, if you want more information.

Shampoo and Body Wash

Baby Lotion 

Diaper Cream

Sunscsreen

(will be used on Kid #1, too) 

I also bought sample/travel size of these ones. So that I can see and try why they have good recommendations too. 

Shampoo and Body Wash 

Body Cream

Natural Soap

I am hoping I can do my own review on these products. I have tried "organic" products before (remember, A'kin?), And if I remember it right, they are not really like the regular products that I am accustomed of using. Like they are not that bubbly or soapy as I expected it to be. So, we'll see. But don't expect my reviews to be "scientific". My review will surely be superficial and just in comparison with the regular store products, you know. 

HBD

I thought the purpose of our staycation was for my birthday. The hotel is nice. It was one of the newly built ones. 

Here's how I imagined our staycation would be: just the 3 (4?) of us hanging out ...

Kid #1 enjoyed the pool. 

With the surprise shower, he got to enjoy the pool with a friend.

He's so proud with his hand stand. 

While on my actual birthday, J and I got to have an "us" time.

I know sushi and raw are a no-no for preggers but ... i just can't resist it. 

I just so love this beef... 

At home, I insisted on having another birthday cake ... 

My "Celebration"

Kid #1 pointing to his gift to me (aside from the DIY card he gave earlier) 

Oh, how I miss this ... 

Here's to more years of surprises! Happy birthday to us, 'Nay! Cheers!

surprise

As mentioned in my previous post, I have never had a surprise anything before. I am too nosy to be surprised, I guess. But this time, J and our friends at work were able to throw a surprise baby shower for me! Honestly, I didn't have any clue. 

J told me and Kid #1 that we will be having a staycation at a local hotel the next day. That is just fine. Nothing unusual since we have already talked about that several times given how Kid #1 loves staying at hotels. 

So we went to the hotel, with me hoping that I can just lounge and do nothing but eat and sleep. Just as we've stepped in to the room, I told J that I will change into my jammies and officially start the staycation. He told me not to and to just have some pictures taken first. Ok, fine. Whatever. Then somebody knocked on the door and J asked me to open it. My wild guess is that it's a surprise delivery (purse? jewelry? hehehe). But still, I told J I am too lazy and heavy to get off the bed to open the door, can't you just open the door yourself? 

So there, entered our work friends. Greeting me with all smiles while holding the balloons and stuff -- the food, decors and gifts!!!! Awwww...... Just scroll below for some of the pictures. 

I had the sapin-sapin saved for me. Hehe.  They had the cake custom-made . 

These are our well-meaning friends. Honestly, I've met a some of them, I guess, twice? They have more interactions with J. But still they care enough to throw a party for me. 

With the guys

I didn't even have my brows and lipstick on! 

So thankful for these people. For the effort, time and money spent. I wasn't expecting anything, really. Though it is customary here to throw showers, I did not expect to have one for me because, I was not really into those. I know what it takes to have something like that. Even I, I've barely participated to showers. But having experienced people getting out of their way to make you feel special, well, it really made me feel special.

So, thank you. THANK YOU. You made my heart swell.

life happened

No, I am not abandoning this blog again. Hehehe I'm still here, it's just that life happens and I can not post it right away.

I will post the details in the coming days, just letting you know that we went to a corn maze and I had a surprise baby shower. How cool is that! I have never had a surprise anything before. So, that's new :)

That's all for now, Happy Hump Day!