2016 Planners for Intentional Living

August 31, 2015

There is a quiet pleasure in sitting down with my planner every Sunday evening to plan for the upcoming week. It's a sacred tradition I've held for years. It started with a sheet of paper in elementary school that I used to write my "to-do" list (Lord only knows what I was planning at that age) and homework. And I've not veered from that since. I've dabbled with using online planners and I sometimes use apps, but I'm a paper and pen girl. Lucky for me, gorgeously designed planners are a pretty big deal and there are way more options than ever before. I have a strong preference for planners for that add more than just the standard daily/weekly layout, but that also offer space for lifestyle elements. So without further preface, I'd like to share with you, in no particular order, my list of what I call intentional living planners for 2016. 


2016 Planners:
  • This is the planner I used for 2015 and many of you are probably familiar with it. The Day Designer flagship planner comes in a daily format and possibly a weekly. Its hardcover is beautifully designed with clean and feminine patterns. The layout has a schedule section that goes from 5am-9pm, most important tasks, a to-do list, quote, gratitude, notes, and a few extras. This planner was created for the creative entrepreneur and I would also recommend this planner for the woman who is balancing a lot a different projects with days that look different from the next. 
  • Order: September 16th 
  • Designed with the happiest and most "joy-bringing" colors, Emily Ley's planners are also in a daily format, but there will also be a weekly option. The daily layout has a 6am-9pm schedule, a to-do, quote, dinner, and notes. It's simple, clean, bright, and beautiful. This is great for individuals with a long daily to-do list, but of course you can still make it yours even if you don't have a busy list. The size is also smaller than their previous versions which is perfect for the tote. 
  • Order: September 9th
  • Ashley offers three versions of her planners, a daily, weekly, and monthly. So you can truly select a layout that suits your needs. The daily layout goes from 7am-7pm and offers space for to-dos and notes. The daily version is a 6-months planner (January- June 2016), this makes it more portable and less thick than a 12-months planner, but the dates is definitely something to keep in mind. I think the monthly version would be perfect for blog/business planning or any projects you may have. The monthly layout would be great in addition to a primary planner.  
  • Pre-order: September 1st
  • This planner packs a lot in its daily and weekly versions. Along with the same sections as the previous planners, Corie Clark offers a section for prayer and praise, water intake, and 15-minutes reflection prompt. There's also a monthly section for budgeting, chores, and goals. 
  • Order: Now on sale and follow her Instagram for more information. 
  • With its geometric design and gorgeous thick paper Tonya's weekly planner are great for those with a more fixed schedule. It has a great monthly goal and mission section to keep you on track and on top of your goals. 
  • Order: September 
  • A dateless mindful planner with a simple and clean design. With 100 days is a perfect supplement to use to keep track goals in a more mindful way. You ca certainly use it as your primary planner if you're looking for something small, beautiful, and portable. Update: There is now a new daily and dated Jan-Dec 2016 spiral-bound version of this planner. 
  • Order: Anytime (Pre-order dated version October 1st-15th)
  • The 2016 version of Lorna Jane's Move Nourish Believe brand planner has not yet been released, but it is one that I have my eye on for the upcoming year. Although the weekly layout is standard it does offer nice watercolor details, seasonal recipes, exercise recommendation, and inspiration that make this planner a perfect fitness/wellness companion. I would definitely use this as my wellness tracker/journal. 
  • Order: TBA
  • More of a journal than a planner, but I came across this last year and have had it on my list since. This journal is designed to help you keep all of your prayers, quiet time, Bible study, and special moments with God all in one place. It's the only companion you'll need during those moments. 
  • Order: TBA this Fall 
  • This was the planner I used for parts of 2013 and 2014 and I loved it. Kimberly's offers a weekly layout with section for appointments, todos, and projects. There's also a daily and weekly checklist to help you stay mindful and well, those are my favorite sections. It's dateless so you can start anytime and there's ton a blank pages to create a collage, vision board, whatever you want. 
  • Order: TBA this Fall

Honorable Mentions:
Although these planners only come in a standard weekly layout, but were too beautiful not to add to this list. 


Etsy Printables:  
Instant download and print planners that are seriously affordable and perfect as inserts. 



I hope you've found a planner for your 2016 dreams and schemes on this list. If not, I'll be sharing how to select the best planner for you on Wednesday's post; stop then and also get a free printable checklist.  

If I'm missing a planner you think should be on this list, please feel free to leave the name below. As always, thank you for stopping by. 


Bisous,

Marie 

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Weekly Notes No.20

August 28, 2015
www.thestylisgrace.com


The end of summer brings a level of coolness as things begin to slow down with the beginning of the autumn season. Personally, August was the fastest month for me and I'm very grateful for that, much too hot for my liking. I'm thrilled about the fall season and what awaits. I just started a new job, bit the bullet and started my Etsy shop, and finally learned to swim (never too late). This was a very interesting summer. It will certainly get its own chapter in my book. I'm looking forward to putting a big bow on the end of this season by swimming with the fishes near a small reef and here on the blog. I'm officially starting the Weekly Notes as a newsletter beginning next week! I've been wanting to do this and finally got myself organized enough to do it. This will be the last Weekly Notes here on the blog and you will now be able to receive it directly in your inbox. There are a few additions that I'm sure you're going to love and the popular sections will still be there as well. Just sign-up below. And let me know what you think once you've gotten it. 

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What I'm Loving:
  • Swimming! What a freedom. 
  • Jump starting a new business. Just did it! 
  • My fall sweaters list 
Book Recommendation:
Weekend Reading:
Weekend Plans: 
  • Plan for September
  • Re-vamp my planning & organization
  • Catch up on some podcast
  • Say goodbye to summer

I hope you take in this final summer weekend to rest and be at peace. I'll see you on Monday!

Bisous,

Marie 
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Wholesome Eating on a Budget

August 26, 2015

Enjoying gorgeous whole foods should be an essential part of curating a life you love. It's very much possible to eat nutrient-dense meals even if you don't have an abundance of resources (time and money).  Part of creating a balanced life is eating a balanced diet. I don't prescribe to any labels, instead I approach eating with a perspective of nourishing my body with the best. Naturally, many of us have restrictions due to religion, allergies, or physical intolerance. Taking those into consideration it is easy to develop a meal system that nurtures your body and saves you money.  

Knowledge: 
One essential tenet of creating a meal plan that's both healthy and affordable is knowledge. But educating yourself on what a proper diet should be is not an easy task. There's not only too much information, but also a lot of misinformation and a lot of fads. In the late 80s and throughout the 90s is was all about fat-free everything and now a lot of research studies associate that misinformation to the our current obesity epidemic. My personal recommendation is Michael Pollan's book. This is one of the best books I've come across over my years of earning a degree in health and wellness. The book is both enlightening and relieving. After reading his book I highly recommend doing your own independent research. I know your schedule is already full, but not making time for this could mean paying for it later. 

Make Your Food List:
With knowledge in hand make a list of food that would appear on your ideal nutrient dense diet. Steer clear of adding things that your body is intolerant or allergic towards. This might be one of the hardest things to do and there will be days, depending on your physical reaction, that you might want to sacrifice your body to indulge your taste buds. Just don't give in too often. And if you're not sure why you're bloated, have constant headaches or what's causing a negative impact on your body try the elimination method. That's removing one item from your diet that have on a normal basis for a period of time, say a month, and observe how your body reacts. You can get a deeper understanding from the Whole30 page. 

Look for Savings: 
With an idea of what meals you'd like to make, grab some money saving tools that can save you some major bucks at the market. My favorites is Food, a free app for iOS and Android, that allows you to meal plan and see local sales from your popular grocers. It even tells you what items from your list are on sale. Another great tool is the site Supercook where you can list the items you have in your pantry (or will have) and it generate a recipe. All Recipes also has this feature. You can save even more by buying locally grown and buying in-season. And don't count out growing your own small herbs garden. 

Shop:
With your list and saving deals in hand head to the store or better yet a local farmer's market (search here). Look for deals, but try not to stray from your list. Great tip is to stay on the outer edge on the supermarket where all the fresh produce are typically kept. Buy non-perishables in bulk; and buy frozen meat, especially fish. Just make sure you're getting quality. 




Meal Planning:
Lastly, make your meals for the week. I usually keep my breakfast and lunch standard for a whole week and get creative with dinner. I do this on Sundays to give me enough time make some things in advance. Here's a bit some inspiration and click here to download the meal planning printable above for free. Breakfast doesn't usually take me more than 15 mins to make so I just prepare ingredients if I have to. Lunch is prepared on Sundays or the night before, so is dinner. I rarely come home with enough energy to cook. There will be some variations depending on your job. Eating lunch out with co-workers is a great way to socialize, but keep this to once a week or better every other week. 


Eating wholesome foods shouldn't be a complicated or costly venture. Instead it should be something to relish for it's energy and health boosting outcome. Prepping and planning your meals in advance will definitely make this easier. And don't forget to keep healthy snacks around the house and in your office. Any other suggestions? I'd love to read them.


Happy Healthy Eating,

Marie 
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Guest Post: How to Get Through the Unknown

August 24, 2015

It is with a happy heart and a big smile that I introduce my first guest post and my best friend, Regine Darius. Regine and I have known each other for seven years! Wow, I didn't think it was that long ago since we met in the cafeteria during our first week as college freshmen. We've shared so many awesome moments and I can't imagine life without her. We've also had our fair share of bumpy moments, but those have really strengthen our relationship. Regine is a writer (currently working on her first novel [insert scream]) and she also has a personal blog, My Story Matters. Today she's sharing the challenge of faith in the midst of uncertainty. Thank you for writing, Regine. And thank you for reading. 

 -Marie 
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I did not expect to be here again. One chapter closing while not knowing where the next chapter will open up to. The last time this happened was when I was a freshman in college. I was at the brink of losing my scholarship and it was likely that I would have to drop out of school. That summer when the committee was reviewing my appeal, I was holding on to a verse my friend sent me:

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

And He did, I graduated from college debt-free. But it was not easy because I didn't know that during the summer after my freshman year. In that moment, I was stressed, I was worried. I was freaked out and I wasn't sure how everything was going to work out. I didn't know that the scholarship committee would give me another chance and that I would raise my GPA the next semester. I didn't know but all I did know was that God had a hope and a future for me, although when I tried to envision it, I saw nothing but blackness. I didn't know back then.

And here I am again, fresh out of my Master's program, not sure where I'm going. I want to be a novelist but to write a best-seller takes time and time is money, which I need to survive until that happens. So naturally the question of what am I supposed to do in the meantime pops up, followed by which jobs should I be pursing in order to pay the bills.

These questions flood my mind and I get overwhelmed and I get worried but my perspective isn't as dismal as before. Yea, I don't know what my future holds exactly and I wish a crystal ball would help me see it but I have something better, I have someone better: I have God.

Lamentations 3:24 (NIV)
I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will hope in Him."

Another word for portion is future and when plugged into the verse above, I get so excited because it means that the Lord is my future!

Although I can't see the exact job I'll get or when my book gets published, I still know my future because I know my God.

Why would I worry when God plans to give me hope and a future?
Why would I be scared when God is good and faithful?
Why would I be overwhelmed when God says that He will always be the one to sustain me?
Why would I stress when God says that He will provide for all my needs and then some because He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than I could ever ask or imagine?

I might not have all the details but I do have God.

God + nothing = everything

A few weeks ago, on the highway, I passed a freight truck that said, "Know More, Worry Less" on its side. At first I shrugged it off because the statement seemed oxymoronic.

But now, now it doesn't sound so crazy.

Instead of looking around to try to figure out my future, I need to lift up my perspective. I need to see God because once you know the God who holds your life, who knows your future, who guides all your steps, worry doesn't crowd your vision anymore.

You know who goes before you and you know that He's always good. And if He's your future then there's really nothing to worry about.

Whatever you're facing today, whatever questions are crowding your mind always remember that God is the answer. There's nothing you don't know if you truly know God.

Regine Darius
Author at My Story Matters 


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Weekly Notes No.19

August 21, 2015

This week I was really good about winding down my day at an appropriate time. This gift has allowed me to read Sarah Ban Breathnach's Simple Abundance, a daily devotion on living a simple and abundant life.  It was during one of those nights, August 18th, that I came across these words,

 "How can we live richer, deeper, and more passionately if we aren't willing to invest in ourselves?" 


Now I don't know what it is that you need to invest in to live your authentic life, maybe it's shifting your paradigm or your operating perspective, maybe it learning a new skill, or fine-tuning your craft, I don't know what it is, but you do. And if you're reading this blog you're definitely someone who cares about curating an authentic life. Life isn't going to pause to allow us to get it together. No matter what we do life is going to happen, why not make sure it happens while we live richer, deeper, and more passionately. It ain't easy. But it's possible and it starts by being honest and intentional about everything you do. This weekend take a moment to reflect on how you're living  your life and if it is aligned with the woman you were created to be. 

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Gratitude: 
What I'm Loving:
  • My new job! Ahh, so grateful. 
  • These mini notepads from the Target dollar section. 
  • My wishlist of flats for the fall! 

Book Recommendation:
  • A Paris Apartment
    • I've only just started Michelle Gable's novel about the complexities of relationships, but I have so much hope for this book and it's set in the always stylish and sophisticated Paris.  
Weekend Reading:
Weekend Plans:
  • Finish reading A Paris Apartment
  • Call an old friend
  • Trip planning for the Fall 

I hope this weekend brings you rest, peace, and enlightenment. Share some of your plans below. 


Until Monday, 

Marie 

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