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Wildflowers and Marbles

Beauty in the Ordinary

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A Talk, A Giveaway, and My New Shop

A Talk, A Giveaway, and My New Shop

August 6, 2020

I’m speaking again! This time, I’m going LIVE on August 6 at 4:30 pm EST and my talk is: Truth, Goodness, and Beauty: A Morning Basket for All Ages Register here. The talks will be free and recorded (if you miss the live) will be available through August 10, but you can sign up for the VIP pass and have… Read More

Filed Under: Home Education, Morning Basket, Planning, Shop Jen Mackintosh

Homeschooling 101 – Common Questions & Answers

Homeschooling 101 – Common Questions & Answers

August 3, 2020

Any Homeschooling 101 series involves sharing about the basics and some steps to get you started, but there are always questions! You’ve got the concept, but you’ve also got questions! Over the last 20 years, I’ve heard some of the same questions many, many times. They are the questions you ask sincerely and you’re looking for reassurance that homeschooling works,… Read More

Filed Under: Home Education, Homeschool Series Tagged With: crisis homeschooling, early learning, homeschooling, low budget homeschooling, standardized tests, toddlers

Homeschooling 101 – A Guide To Homeschool Methods

Homeschooling 101 – A Guide To Homeschool Methods

July 28, 2020

What’s Your Homeschool Method? In considering homeschooling, knowing the different methods – and there a few of them – is an essential first step before choosing books and curriculum. Some of these methods come with curriculum that will need to be considered carefully as part of your family budget, and others will require more of an investment of time. I… Read More

Filed Under: Home Education, Homeschool Series Tagged With: homeschool printable, homeschooling, how to homeschool, simple homeschooling

Homeschooling 101 – A Simple Beginning

Homeschooling 101 – A Simple Beginning

July 15, 2020

If you could peek into my inbox right now you’d see a plethora of inquiries about homeschooling – both particulars and general requests. I value the connection and personal communication I’m able to share with those of you that write me, but at the time of this writing, I have so many emails and requests that there is no hope… Read More

Filed Under: Home Education Tagged With: homeschool printable, homeschooling, how to homeschool, simple homeschooling

A Brief History of Education

A Brief History of Education

July 1, 2020

One of my objectives this summer is to explore education starting with a wide, panoramic view, and walking down to the fine detail of the application of education with a view toward supporting those of you that may be new to, or veterans of, homeschooling. I’ve shared and written on the topic of home education here for many years. What… Read More

Filed Under: Charlotte Mason, Classical Education, Home Education, Homeschool Series, Montessori, Rebuilding Culture Tagged With: homeschool 101, homeschooling

The Catholic Homeschool Conference (online) – My Talk and A Giveaway

The Catholic Homeschool Conference (online) – My Talk and A Giveaway

June 16, 2020

If my email inbox is any indication, a lot of you are considering homeschooling. And, with information in hand, an enormous number of you are stepping forward! Homeschooling is booming! Many of you had a trial run with Covid 19’s help and found you enjoyed homeschooling and the extra push has given you confidence to step forward. Some of you… Read More

Filed Under: Blogging, Giveaway, Home Education, Planning Tagged With: Conference, conference speaker, homechooling, homeschool conference

Anna Vance Paper Co Homeschool Planner | Review

Anna Vance Paper Co Homeschool Planner | Review

June 15, 2020

Summer is a time I love to review products for you – it’s a time to share so you can consider what might be the best tool for you – your life, your season, your family. I’m eager to write on some of the topics you’ve requested! But before I do, I have an exciting review to share with you!… Read More

Filed Under: Charlotte Mason, CM Teaching, Home Education, Lesson Plans, Planning Tagged With: charlotte mason, charlotte mason homeschool, charlotte mason homeschool planner, Homeschool planner, homeschooling, Lesson Planner

Erin Condren Teacher Planner – 2020|2021 Review

Erin Condren Teacher Planner – 2020|2021 Review

April 9, 2020

Here we are, wrapping up a school year and anticipating the next year. Except this year ends with the strangest educational arrangement – and one I never thought I’d see – every single parent is now a home educator. In my letter to reluctant homeschooling parents, I shared a crash course in homeschooling, dis-spelled a few myths, and gave you… Read More

Filed Under: Home Education, Lesson Plans, Planning Tagged With: Erin Condren, erin condren lesson planner, Erin Condren Teacher Lesson Planner, Erin Condren Teacher Planner, Homeschool lesson planner, Homeschool planner, Lesson Planner

Educational Resources and Printables for Lesson Planning

Educational Resources and Printables for Lesson Planning

March 15, 2020

Here we go. Where the rubber meets the road. I’ve heard from so many of you after my post sharing ideas and tips for bringing kids home from school and doing *school at home* on Friday, and I hear you. You’re overwhelmed, nervous, and trying to wrap your head around a lot in a very short time. I’m so glad… Read More

Filed Under: Home Education, Lesson Plans Tagged With: Homeschool planning, Lesson Planner, printable

An Open Letter to Parents Thrust Into Homeschooling Because of Coronavirus/Covid 19

An Open Letter to Parents Thrust Into Homeschooling Because of Coronavirus/Covid 19

March 13, 2020

The events and news of the day is startling. Words and phrases like Coronavirus, Covid 19, pandemic, incubation, social distancing and self quarantine dominate the vernacular. And it’s beginning to intrude in all of our everyday lives and routines in very significant ways. For those of us with children, it’s causing a big shift in our “normal.” I’ll leave the… Read More

Filed Under: Home Education Tagged With: coronavirus, covid 19, homeschooling

Lost in Homeschooling? Apply the Philosophy of Wonder

Lost in Homeschooling? Apply the Philosophy of Wonder

January 8, 2020

Life as a homeschooler isn’t what I imagined it would be all those years ago. I suppose it takes a few years and enough failures to be humble enough to see the simplest lessons. If I were younger and reading my own words today, I’d still be filled with all the hope and joy of youth, and also the sometimes… Read More

Filed Under: Charlotte Mason, Classical Education, Home Education Tagged With: educational philosophy, good books, great books, home education, Homeschool, homeschool burnout, homeschooling, philosophy of education, wonder

Weekly Meetings: A Tool For Homeschool Success

Weekly Meetings: A Tool For Homeschool Success

November 4, 2019

Once upon a time there was a peaceful homeschool. The children were cheerful and loved their reading and their work. They completed assignments with ease and initiative and still had plenty of time to identify and sketch every form of flora and fauna in the backyard. Mother happily worked from task to task and child to child each day, dressed… Read More

Filed Under: Home Education Tagged With: Homeschool, weekly meeting

How I Plan For Homeschooling

How I Plan For Homeschooling

May 20, 2019

featuring: the Erin Condren Teacher Planner I enjoy reviewing some of my favorite planner systems around this time of year! But I feel like reviewing a fresh new planner, while hopefully inspiring, can’t show you all of the potential and the usefulness I’ve found in its pages. And in showing you, it is NOT my hope that you’ll feel as… Read More

Filed Under: Charlotte Mason, Classical Education, Home Education, Lesson Plans, Planning Tagged With: Erin Condren, Erin Condren Teacher Lesson Planner, Erin Condren Teacher Planner, Homeschool, Homeschool lesson planner, Homeschool planner, Homeschool planning, Teacher planner

Erin Condren Teacher Planner 2019/2020 | A Review

Erin Condren Teacher Planner 2019/2020 | A Review

May 18, 2019

Here we are, at the end of another school year, and smack in the middle of a month of new planner launches. As we’re wrapping up a year, we’re also starting to consider what comes next! I have always loved the possibility in a fresh new school year! Almost as much as I love a bouquet of fresh pencils and… Read More

Filed Under: Home Education, Planning Tagged With: Erin Condren, Erin Condren Teacher Lesson Planner, Erin Condren Teacher Planner, Homeschool lesson planner, Homeschool planner, Homeschool planning, Lesson Planner

The Simplified Teacher Planner | A Review

The Simplified Teacher Planner | A Review

April 29, 2019

In the world of lesson planning, I must admit – I am particular. Having been a home educator for 18 years has taught me to appreciate a few key elements of lesson planners and lesson planning in general. After all, with 5 kids, I’ve taught Kindergarten 5 times, 12th grade twice now, and all the grades in between for a… Read More

Filed Under: Home Education, Lesson Plans, Planning Tagged With: simplified planner, Simplified Teacher Planner, Teacher planner

Dear Homeschooling Mom: February Is a Time To Refresh

Dear Homeschooling Mom: February Is a Time To Refresh

February 13, 2019

February is here. Any homeschooler knows what that means. Burnout season. I choose to view it differently, and after 18 years of homeschooling, this February time of reflection has come to be one of the most important times of our year for considering some of our habits, routines and spaces anew – and refreshing! By February, here’s what is usually… Read More

Filed Under: Charlotte Mason, Classical Education, Home Education, Planning

Simple Machines Physics Lesson Plans & Printable | Updated

Simple Machines Physics Lesson Plans & Printable | Updated

February 9, 2019

Several years ago I wrote a set of Physics based lesson plans for middle school students based on a course I built for my son (at the time he was 10 – he’s now 18 and about to graduate!) – if you’d like to wander down memory lane you can read that post here. Then, three years ago, I updated… Read More

Filed Under: Books, Charlotte Mason, Classical Education, Home Education, Sciences

2019 Planner Lineup – Tools That Leverage My Day

2019 Planner Lineup – Tools That Leverage My Day

January 14, 2019

Look around – on desks and counters and tables across the world there are beautiful, shiny, new planners – all full of the potential and possibility of a blank canvas. The days we anticipate, goals we hope to accomplish, lists waiting to be listed, the season we live, responsibilities and duties folded in with fun and relaxation – it all… Read More

Filed Under: Blogging, Home, Home Education, Lesson Plans, Organization, Planning Tagged With: Erin Condren, planner, simplified planner, The Catholic Daily Planner, The Content Planner

2018: A Year In Review

2018: A Year In Review

December 29, 2018

Can you believe another year has flown by? It seems I was just here…just sitting down to consider 2018 – our goals, plans, hopes, and prayers. And now, I’m sitting down to consider 2019. So many wonderful things happened in 2018 – so many blessings to be thankful for. I find (and maybe you do, too) that the faster and… Read More

Filed Under: Blogging, Charlotte Mason, High School, Home, Home Education, Planning Tagged With: Erin Condren

Summer Projects and What’s Coming Up

Summer Projects and What’s Coming Up

August 10, 2018

Summer is winding down and I’ve been busy wrapping up summer projects here and there and preparing for our 17th year of home education! Wow! Where does the time go? With my last post, which many of you receive by email, it was evident that my blog had been hacked. I apologize for the nonsense that came with my post!… Read More

Filed Under: Blogging, Home, Home Education, Planning, Small and Ordinary Notes

Erin Condren Teacher Planner 2018 – Video & Walk Through

Erin Condren Teacher Planner 2018 – Video & Walk Through

July 3, 2018

Setting up the Erin Condren Teacher Planner is always a joy for me! I love seeing the pages in front of me and imagining how I can use them and how they will serve us in the coming year. A planner is simply a tool. Some planners are better tools than others, but they all function as a lever to… Read More

Filed Under: Home Education, Lesson Plans, Planning

Erin Condren 2018-2019 Teacher Lesson Planner Review – Brand New Layout

Erin Condren 2018-2019 Teacher Lesson Planner Review – Brand New Layout

May 24, 2018

As another school year wraps up I like to sit back, reflect on what worked over the year, what didn’t, and take a look at my plans with an eye toward the coming year. After 17 years of home educating, I’m more convinced than ever that you better bring the right tools to this game! I loved my Erin Condren Teacher Planner… Read More

Filed Under: Home Education, Lesson Plans, Planning Tagged With: Erin Condren

Join me and let’s REFRESH – planning!

Join me and let’s REFRESH – planning!

February 15, 2018

Conference season really kicks into swing this summer, but many of us could use a little shot in the arm and friendly encouragement right about….now! In February. For home educators, February is historically a season fraught with second-guessing, perhaps a slump in motivation, or even an impulsive desire to change every single book and curriculum that was on the schedule… Read More

Filed Under: Home Education, Planning

Erin Condren Teacher Planner as Homeschool Planner – Video Walk Through

Erin Condren Teacher Planner as Homeschool Planner – Video Walk Through

July 19, 2017

Friends, I promised a video detailing how I set up my Erin Condren Teacher Lesson Planner to use in our homeschool – and here it is! Before we start, it might help to remember that I’m planning for an 11th grader, 7th grader, 4th grader and preschooler in this planner.  We are Charlotte Mason educators using Classical principles – so… Read More

Filed Under: Home Education, Lesson Plans, Planning Tagged With: Erin Condren

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Well hello! My name is Jennifer Mackintosh and I’ve been collecting wildflowers & marbles and sharing here about all the ordinary things that make life joyful since 2007. You’ll find a little bit of everything here – planning, organizing and decorating ideas, Charlotte Mason & Classical home education ideas, lots of books, our Catholic faith, and a peek at a few of the corners of our life. I’m so glad you’re here!

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Catch up with me – snapshots of ordinary days

It’s Friday morning - the end of a work and scho It’s Friday morning - the end of a work and school week. Can I get an, “Amen?” 🙌🏻 Who’s joining me for coffee and #mothersmorningbasket before the day gets away?
Some homeschool weeks - if I’m being attentive l Some homeschool weeks - if I’m being attentive like I should be - I have to keep my eyes on my own work and off of social media or other distractions. And then I need to prioritize rest to be ready for the next day. This is one of those weeks.

All 3 of my school age kiddos are transitioning in some way. I’ve been here before. Big skills, big effort, big stretching.

As home educators, we’re here for the planning, the assignments, the execution and assessment, but - friendly reminder - your child is a person. A person with a mind, and a soul. And he’s capable of an extraordinary education! At touchstones along the way that child will signal that he needs help transitioning and making the next step. After all some next steps can be really scary! He might be ready to read, or on the cusp of stepping into algebra, or ready to step up a sports skill, or ready to stretch away from you toward adult independence. All of those are BIG transitions and require courageous “next steps.”

Each child reacts to “next steps” in very different ways. Some charge forward without thinking...others are petrified and paralyzed. Some act out...others withdraw. I’ve experienced a spectrum of responses with my five kids. And we, their parent educators, act as cheering section, personal manager, ring master, confidant, and strong shoulder - sometimes all at once. But we must be attentive and act. We have to be the person that supports, encourages, cheers, prays for, slows down, makes eye contact, and extends a helping hand. We have to be present and attentive. And that’s where I am right now!

I had a minute to come up for air today and I thought I’d take a minute to encourage you in case you’re in a similar place! 🙂 We get these kids for a relatively short time (ask me how I know!!). If you’re in the trenches and life is full and you’re trying to help multiple kids stretch - I’m right there with you, cheering you on! You’ve got this! Take time to guard your rest! (You can’t give from an empty well!) And “let us work wholeheartedly for our children.” (St John Bosco)
Though my goals are many and my days are full, my Though my goals are many and my days are full, my vision for 2021 is distilled and simple!

I have never created a vision board before! But this year, I was inspired by Chevonne at @thiswellplannedlife when she shared her vision board that she assembled on a magnetic board; so I did the same. Mine is still in progress - I’m missing a couple of elements that complete my vision for 2021, but I thought I’d share what I have for now!

“Create in me a clean heart, O Lord,” (Ps 51:10) is the verse that chose me this year. And it is my prayer for 2021.

“Work wholeheartedly” is an excerpt from a quote about education from St. John Bosco that I read years ago, and it defines my purpose as one who works with my whole heart for my children’s education.

The Cardinal Mindszenty quote on motherhood is from @justloveprints Etsy store, and it is at the heart and the center of my vision board because it is the heart of me. It is my primary focus, my life’s work, my story, my joy, and the source of my greatest lessons. Without my husband I would not be a mother so I definitely consider this print as representing my vision for my marriage as well!

The cardstock print of the work surface is from @peachpom - I thought it was a beautiful way to show that my vision for my work, my writing, my content - all I do in my extra time is to be focused on the good.

And then I have a few words that are meaningful to me - “create” and “inspire.” Made in the Image of God we are made to create. Being creative brings me great joy as does sharing that creativity through inspiring and encouraging others.

And then, I love the reminder (from @poiandhun) to enjoy the little things. If you know me at all, you know how foundational the philosophy and posture of wonder is to me! Wonder is the ability to see with a child’s eyes, to see the small without distraction. And to do so is to “enjoy the little things.”

There are many ways to vision board - a magnetic board, digital, paper. I love that mine frames my work spaces as a reminder and focus!

Since I’m new to this, I’d love to know if you vision board - what do you use? What are some things that comprise your 2021 vision? ❤️
I don’t know about you, but I love simple soluti I don’t know about you, but I love simple solutions! I need a weekly view of the appointments and events I’m juggling - it keeps me sane. Even in the midst of Covid I’ve still got 2 kids in braces, regular check ups for the six of us, birthdays, anniversaries, and all the regular appointments that still happen!

I use daily inserts in my planner (from @8lotus.co - check my profile for a coupon/link) and I love the space they give me for my days! But I needed something for my weekly view! 

I found this sticky notepad on Amazon and it’s perfect! I jot down  my weekly essentials (those things that are pegged to a specific time) and sticky this to my monitor! Perfect for regular viewing and checking in while details go in my planner! I was worried the sticky would be...less than...but it’s fantastic! I have used these for a couple of weeks and I can apply, remove, add events, apply again, remove again - and it continues to stick with no corner lifting! Very impressed!

In case you’re looking for something like this to help you with a simple weekly overview, I found this on amazon. There are a few different styles available, and if you search “sticky weekly planner” you’ll find vertical variations of this. The link to this sticky notepad is in my amazon favorites if you want to check them out!

If you use a daily planner, do you keep a weekly view somewhere? What do you use?
National clean your desk day was this past Monday. National clean your desk day was this past Monday...but I waited to share my clean desk with my new corner riser for my monitor! There are so many rectangular monitor risers, but my desk real estate is small and my monitor is tucked in the corner. I found the perfect corner shape riser that fits my small space perfectly and is very sturdy! I put the link to it in my Amazon favorites if you’re interested!  Bonus...it was only $20.

My desk never stays clean for long - it’s a working desk! But I hope this morning you’re enjoying a clean desk or table with a warm cuppa wherever you are! ☕️

#nationalcleanyourdeskday
In my current Mothers Morning Basket. 🧺 What’ In my current Mothers Morning Basket. 🧺 What’s in yours?

#mothersmorningbasket
Perhaps THE best way to refresh your weary homesch Perhaps THE best way to refresh your weary homeschool, your kids, and your own tired spirit is to go outside.

Yet, I understand that in recommending this it may leave some without direction, or at least in want of a workable idea in going forward.

So I want to recommend the book, “Play the Forest School Way.” And I also want to suggest that you allow your children to collect some of the nature treasures found (except for those found in national parks, etc, where specifically prohibited).

“Nature offers us a sanctuary, a place where we can find peace and wonder.”

Aristotle wisely observed that wisdom begins in wonder. You’ll find wonder outdoors amongst the bugs, butterflies, weeds, and wildflowers! Go play in it!

#homeschool #charlottemason #charlottemasonhomeschool #charlottemasonhomeschooling
I like to be totally honest with y’all! If somet I like to be totally honest with y’all! If something doesn’t work, I’ll say so. And if something is working well, I want to shout it from the rooftops! Today, I’m shouting from the rooftops!!

This year I’m using @8lotus.co daily inserts in my planner and I LOVVVVVVVE them! The paper is heavenly, but the layout is a perfect mix of functional and simplicity! (Coupon and link in my profile if you’re interested) My appointments, time blocking, and to do lists - all on one page!

Last year, I struggled a bit with integrating my goals into daily action steps and not...just...well, having them get lost in a day. One of the measures I put in place to counter that was disc punching my @makse.life goals and putting them right into my planner! ✅ Win!! (See Makse story highlights for more) I have found that once I’ve worked out my weekly action steps in my Makse goal setting, I spread them out in my priority box on my daily view! Y’all!!!! This is such a little thing that has made such a positive impact. My most important daily goals are separate from my regular tasks. I know what is most important in moving me forward. And...I do always leave a “catch up” day for my weekly goals...because...life!

Anyway, I’m just stunned what a difference this has made not only in productivity, but overall vision! It’s a huge win!

How do you separate your daily action steps out from your regular planning? If you’ve ever set them aside like this has it made a difference for you?
would you like to see more? Catch up with Jen on Instagram

Shop Cloth + Paper Inserts and Planners – use code JEN10 for 10% off your order

First Erin Condren order? Click below and you’ll receive a $10 coupon!

Click Below to receive a $10 coupon to Simplified

This is what you’re enjoying

Useful and Free Resource: Customize Your Copywork
Makselife Goal and Weekly Planner - 2021 Review
The Catholic Daily Planner - A Review
My Desk - In a Bag
MakseLife | Integrated Weekly & Goal Planner System
A Talk, A Giveaway, and My New Shop
The Morning Basket Plans & Printables - 2015
Create In Me - Word of the Year - free printable
The Morning Basket: A Place for the Good, True & Beautiful
Middle School Lesson Plans

Favorite Things

Catch up with me on Instagram

It’s Friday morning - the end of a work and scho It’s Friday morning - the end of a work and school week. Can I get an, “Amen?” 🙌🏻 Who’s joining me for coffee and #mothersmorningbasket before the day gets away?
Some homeschool weeks - if I’m being attentive l Some homeschool weeks - if I’m being attentive like I should be - I have to keep my eyes on my own work and off of social media or other distractions. And then I need to prioritize rest to be ready for the next day. This is one of those weeks.

All 3 of my school age kiddos are transitioning in some way. I’ve been here before. Big skills, big effort, big stretching.

As home educators, we’re here for the planning, the assignments, the execution and assessment, but - friendly reminder - your child is a person. A person with a mind, and a soul. And he’s capable of an extraordinary education! At touchstones along the way that child will signal that he needs help transitioning and making the next step. After all some next steps can be really scary! He might be ready to read, or on the cusp of stepping into algebra, or ready to step up a sports skill, or ready to stretch away from you toward adult independence. All of those are BIG transitions and require courageous “next steps.”

Each child reacts to “next steps” in very different ways. Some charge forward without thinking...others are petrified and paralyzed. Some act out...others withdraw. I’ve experienced a spectrum of responses with my five kids. And we, their parent educators, act as cheering section, personal manager, ring master, confidant, and strong shoulder - sometimes all at once. But we must be attentive and act. We have to be the person that supports, encourages, cheers, prays for, slows down, makes eye contact, and extends a helping hand. We have to be present and attentive. And that’s where I am right now!

I had a minute to come up for air today and I thought I’d take a minute to encourage you in case you’re in a similar place! 🙂 We get these kids for a relatively short time (ask me how I know!!). If you’re in the trenches and life is full and you’re trying to help multiple kids stretch - I’m right there with you, cheering you on! You’ve got this! Take time to guard your rest! (You can’t give from an empty well!) And “let us work wholeheartedly for our children.” (St John Bosco)
Though my goals are many and my days are full, my Though my goals are many and my days are full, my vision for 2021 is distilled and simple!

I have never created a vision board before! But this year, I was inspired by Chevonne at @thiswellplannedlife when she shared her vision board that she assembled on a magnetic board; so I did the same. Mine is still in progress - I’m missing a couple of elements that complete my vision for 2021, but I thought I’d share what I have for now!

“Create in me a clean heart, O Lord,” (Ps 51:10) is the verse that chose me this year. And it is my prayer for 2021.

“Work wholeheartedly” is an excerpt from a quote about education from St. John Bosco that I read years ago, and it defines my purpose as one who works with my whole heart for my children’s education.

The Cardinal Mindszenty quote on motherhood is from @justloveprints Etsy store, and it is at the heart and the center of my vision board because it is the heart of me. It is my primary focus, my life’s work, my story, my joy, and the source of my greatest lessons. Without my husband I would not be a mother so I definitely consider this print as representing my vision for my marriage as well!

The cardstock print of the work surface is from @peachpom - I thought it was a beautiful way to show that my vision for my work, my writing, my content - all I do in my extra time is to be focused on the good.

And then I have a few words that are meaningful to me - “create” and “inspire.” Made in the Image of God we are made to create. Being creative brings me great joy as does sharing that creativity through inspiring and encouraging others.

And then, I love the reminder (from @poiandhun) to enjoy the little things. If you know me at all, you know how foundational the philosophy and posture of wonder is to me! Wonder is the ability to see with a child’s eyes, to see the small without distraction. And to do so is to “enjoy the little things.”

There are many ways to vision board - a magnetic board, digital, paper. I love that mine frames my work spaces as a reminder and focus!

Since I’m new to this, I’d love to know if you vision board - what do you use? What are some things that comprise your 2021 vision? ❤️
I don’t know about you, but I love simple soluti I don’t know about you, but I love simple solutions! I need a weekly view of the appointments and events I’m juggling - it keeps me sane. Even in the midst of Covid I’ve still got 2 kids in braces, regular check ups for the six of us, birthdays, anniversaries, and all the regular appointments that still happen!

I use daily inserts in my planner (from @8lotus.co - check my profile for a coupon/link) and I love the space they give me for my days! But I needed something for my weekly view! 

I found this sticky notepad on Amazon and it’s perfect! I jot down  my weekly essentials (those things that are pegged to a specific time) and sticky this to my monitor! Perfect for regular viewing and checking in while details go in my planner! I was worried the sticky would be...less than...but it’s fantastic! I have used these for a couple of weeks and I can apply, remove, add events, apply again, remove again - and it continues to stick with no corner lifting! Very impressed!

In case you’re looking for something like this to help you with a simple weekly overview, I found this on amazon. There are a few different styles available, and if you search “sticky weekly planner” you’ll find vertical variations of this. The link to this sticky notepad is in my amazon favorites if you want to check them out!

If you use a daily planner, do you keep a weekly view somewhere? What do you use?
National clean your desk day was this past Monday. National clean your desk day was this past Monday...but I waited to share my clean desk with my new corner riser for my monitor! There are so many rectangular monitor risers, but my desk real estate is small and my monitor is tucked in the corner. I found the perfect corner shape riser that fits my small space perfectly and is very sturdy! I put the link to it in my Amazon favorites if you’re interested!  Bonus...it was only $20.

My desk never stays clean for long - it’s a working desk! But I hope this morning you’re enjoying a clean desk or table with a warm cuppa wherever you are! ☕️

#nationalcleanyourdeskday
In my current Mothers Morning Basket. 🧺 What’ In my current Mothers Morning Basket. 🧺 What’s in yours?

#mothersmorningbasket
Perhaps THE best way to refresh your weary homesch Perhaps THE best way to refresh your weary homeschool, your kids, and your own tired spirit is to go outside.

Yet, I understand that in recommending this it may leave some without direction, or at least in want of a workable idea in going forward.

So I want to recommend the book, “Play the Forest School Way.” And I also want to suggest that you allow your children to collect some of the nature treasures found (except for those found in national parks, etc, where specifically prohibited).

“Nature offers us a sanctuary, a place where we can find peace and wonder.”

Aristotle wisely observed that wisdom begins in wonder. You’ll find wonder outdoors amongst the bugs, butterflies, weeds, and wildflowers! Go play in it!

#homeschool #charlottemason #charlottemasonhomeschool #charlottemasonhomeschooling
I like to be totally honest with y’all! If somet I like to be totally honest with y’all! If something doesn’t work, I’ll say so. And if something is working well, I want to shout it from the rooftops! Today, I’m shouting from the rooftops!!

This year I’m using @8lotus.co daily inserts in my planner and I LOVVVVVVVE them! The paper is heavenly, but the layout is a perfect mix of functional and simplicity! (Coupon and link in my profile if you’re interested) My appointments, time blocking, and to do lists - all on one page!

Last year, I struggled a bit with integrating my goals into daily action steps and not...just...well, having them get lost in a day. One of the measures I put in place to counter that was disc punching my @makse.life goals and putting them right into my planner! ✅ Win!! (See Makse story highlights for more) I have found that once I’ve worked out my weekly action steps in my Makse goal setting, I spread them out in my priority box on my daily view! Y’all!!!! This is such a little thing that has made such a positive impact. My most important daily goals are separate from my regular tasks. I know what is most important in moving me forward. And...I do always leave a “catch up” day for my weekly goals...because...life!

Anyway, I’m just stunned what a difference this has made not only in productivity, but overall vision! It’s a huge win!

How do you separate your daily action steps out from your regular planning? If you’ve ever set them aside like this has it made a difference for you?
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