My [Faire] Lady: Tips and Tricks for Navigating a Renaissance Faire

I went to my first Renaissance Faire this year, crossing a pretty important item off my bucket list. To the surprise of absolutely no one, I had the BEST time. So much so that I plan to be back at the Tennessee Renaissance Festival next year.

My elf ears!

Oh, hi!

First turkey leg.

So, having been to a Ren Fest now, I want to share what I learned/some advice for you guys if you plan on attending a renaissance festival in the future.

1. BRING WATER.

Or, if your state's festival does not allow full water bottles, bring empty ones that you can store easily (I like this roll-up one from Amazon). Otherwise, water is available for purchase at the festival. If the festival you're attending is in the summer, water is crucial. Staying hydrated is a great idea anyway, but if it's brutally hot and humid, you'll need the hydration if you plan to stay at the festival awhile.

2. Plan ahead.

Buy tickets in advance. Look at your festival's schedule online and pick out the events and shows you want to see. Want to watch a joust? Make sure you get there early for good seats. In general, if you go earlier with pre-purchased tickets and a game plan, you'll be good to go, and you should be able to do and see all the stuff you want.

3. Bring bug spray.

As someone who has a really, REALLY bad phobia of wasps, this would have been helpful had I remembered to bring some. Same goes for mosquitos or other pests; if this is a concern for your festival location, please put some on prior heading to the festival.

4. Costumes are encouraged, but you can go as minimal as you want.

To my surprise, there weren't as many costumed attendees. Nor were there as many flower crowns as I expected (I only saw three, including my own). I'd recommend a flower crown or a piece you've picked up from a festival previously (i.e. elf ears, a crown/diadem/circlet, etc.) and "civillian" clothes to start with. I got my flower crown here, and it was the BEST. You'll still feel plenty immersed in the medieval fun and action (a friendly pirate called my turkey leg a "leg of squaw" and my friend's stroller for her baby daughter "the smallest pirate ship [he'd] ever seen"). You can always add to your outfit when you're there. I did; I got some elf ears made of gold wire and tiny white metal flowers to match my crown.

5. Get that turkey leg.

Turkey legs are a Renaissance Faire staple. If you want to eat some kind of meat there, I'd recommend this over chicken salad or a Caesar wrap. I mean, it's a Renaissance festival; gotta be immersed in another time, right?

Have you ever attended a Renaissance Festival before? Let me know down in the comments!

Disclaimer: Links in this post are Affiliate Links, which means that I will gain a small commission if you buy any of the items I've mentioned through the links I've placed in this post. Clicking, browsing, and buying come at no extra cost through the links. All opinions are my own, and they are unbiased. If you do use the links, thank you!

Be Present.

There was one day I was at church for morning worship service when I was next to someone who was on their phone the entire time. It’s become commonplace - in a way - to see phones at church, but I hadn’t seen someone be on their phone for nearly a whole service. Out of sheer curiosity, when this person put down their phone, I decided to count the seconds before they pulled it out again. 

Fifteen seconds. 

Fifteen seconds was the longest amount of time this member - yes, member, since they took communion with me - didn’t have their phone out.

Needless to say, a pet peeve of mine flared up a bit that day. I realize that I’m preaching to myself a bit; it’s easy to wander to the tiny screen if I see a notification, and it's easy to pass time scrolling through feeds and timelines. But there’s something to be said if you can’t give but fifteen seconds to God, let alone people around you, your dinner conversation partner, a concert, a wedding, or anything that involves you engaging with another person.

Recently, I took a trip with my Mom to Northern California. There, we hardly had cell service, let alone a TV with standard cable. While the latter isn't a huge deal for me - I tend to lurk YouTube instead - sometimes, a lack of cell service leaves me disconnected.

Little did I know that disconnecting was exactly what I needed to do.

Mom and I found an adorable pub near our VRBO cottage, and we decided to swing by for dinner before getting groceries for the next day. When we pulled up to the tudor-style inn, there was a whiteboard sign right out front declaring that the WiFi was out. Mom and I just shrugged, walked in, ordered our tea and dinner, and headed into the dining room.

The dining room was very dimly lit to the point where one of the waiters actually came in and lit candles and the fireplace. If we'd had wifi and cell service, we wouldn't have noticed the fact that the same waiter would sing along to various random pop songs, nor would we have noticed the charm of the place. In fact, that's why I don't have any pictures of the pub to show you; we were too busy enjoying the atmosphere and company.

That pub reminded me of something that day: sometimes, I need to put down my phone in order to really enjoy my life and the amazing things around me. As a writer, I'm inspired by experiences and things around me, so this really rings true ihn my creative work. Also, side note, if I hadn't put down my phone and quit filming at the Bastille concert I went to, I would have totally missed Dan Smith, their lead singer, looking right at me from a couple feet away.

Sometimes, in the midst of our crazy-busy lives, we've got to put our devices down and actually stop and smell the figurative roses. Who knows? We might have a story to tell from it.

This was the view at Muir Beach Lookout, near where we were staying. Isn't it amazing?

27 Things You Didn't Know About Me

Well, hi!

If you're new here, hi, my name is Savannah. I turned 27 back in October. I started this blog back when I was 22. Good gracious.

I wanted to share some fun facts about me with you. Granted, I've done this before - twice, actually - but I feel like I could share some new things/insights that will be fun to look back on in the future (goodness, it was fun looking back on my old fun fact posts over the past couple of years).

So...here are 27 things you didn't know about me. :)

1. I have been a baptized/born-again Christian for 13 years as of January 12. I feel like I have grown every single one of those thirteen years and counting.
2. Along those lines, I have never read the whole Bible in a year before. This year, I'm changing that.
3. I'm a stationery nerd; specifically, notepads and planners. I get my love of stationery and planners from my mom, and we've gone to several planner conventions together!
4. Also, I'm a pen nerd. Brightly-colored pens, highlighters, and color coding are my jam.
5. I have dyed my hair before. In fact, it's been three colors at once: blonde with the underside being blue with pink shadow roots. Now, I'm in this phase where the bottom half of my hair is a blonde ombre situation from the bleach.
6. I've been called even more similar-sounding names to Savannah in recent months: Cheyenne, Shannon, and Cindy, to name a few.
7. I like to think I'm crazy-good at racing games, be they arcade or console/computer.
8. My favorite books of the Bible are Esther, Romans, and Hebrews.
9. I have written two novels (and counting, especially with this year's NaNoWriMo and Camp NaNoWriMo months!)
10. I have also self-published some short stories! Click here to check them out.
11. I edit on a freelance basis in addition to my day job, so I actually self-edit my own work and do my own cover designs for my self-published work. I have also worked as a self-publishing consultant on a memoir.
12. I have never seen "The Wizard of Oz."
13. I have never been to a Renaissance fair.
14. I have some new additions to my travel bucket list: Seoul, Egypt, and Australia (Melbourne or Sydney).
15. I am a chorizo fiend. If there's a chorizo burrito or some kind of chorizo I can get on a Mexican dish or taco, I'm there.
16. I'm also a spicy food fiend. Hot chicken, Indian spices, and any sriracha or chipotle majesty I can get my hands on are always a treat.
17. If I could characterize my personal style, it's vintage silhouettes meets band t-shirts. One day, I'm wearing a blouse and suspenders to work, and the next, I'm rocking my Bastille tour merch.
18. Rose gold is my favorite metal; after that, I gravitate towards gold...and glitter, of course.
19. I have named both of my female dogs I've had over the years. I chose Azalea's name for the flowers at my grandparents' beach house, and I named Magnolia because my second novel's main character has the same name.
20. My friends say I need to be fed and watered every two hours...and they're right. If I don't eat for a while - especially protein - I get really shaky and feel a little more anxious.
21. Lemonade and other citrus foods give me the hiccups. No clue why.
22. I'm also partially allergic to artificial flavoring! It just makes me cough a little bit, nothing too serious.
23. I gravitate towards patterns and kitschy details when it comes to clothes, accessories, and jewelry. I.E. you'll find me wearing dinosaurs and unicorns a LOT.
24. Reading, literature, and storytelling have always been a comfort and a childhood mainstay for me. Of course, I love C.S. Lewis, but I also love Neil Gaiman's work.
25. I'm an optimist almost to a fault.
26. I find joy in the tiniest details.
27. If there's one thing that I've learned in my 27 years of life, it's that there's no shame in being yourself, exactly who God created you to be, and that normal is just a setting on a washing machine.

I Have Three Labradoodles

Boy howdy, do I have an update for you guys.

Last year, we had to say goodbye my dog Azalea. About six months before that, we said goodbye to her brother, Harvey. They were the best miniature schnauzers in the whole wide world. I grew up with them. They were the childhood puppies I had that I got to share my younger adventures with. It was hard to talk about their passing, let alone blog about it, but we were thankful for the 15 years we got to spend with those fur babies.

Fast-forward to the Fall of 2018. My family decided that it was time to open our home to two more fur babies.

So, on October 27th, we welcomed Atticus and Thoreau, our new chocolate Australian labradoodles.

Baby Atticus

 Baby Reau

Now, these are the first "big" dogs I've ever grown up with. But they are the most loving, precious, spunky fur baby siblings a girl can have. They've lit up my life in so many ways.

Hey, Sav, you may be asking me, Your post title clearly states that you have THREE labradoodles. Not two. Where's this third puppy?

Here's the part where we fast-forward quickly to the next month, November. Originally, my family wanted a boy and a girl, similar to Harv and Zae. The breeder we adopted Atticus and Thoreau from did not have a girl available, so Mom mentioned that if one of the girls became available, we'd be up to take her in. But the possibility was far from our minds, since all the little girl puppies had been reserved.

...until we got a text from our breeder saying, "Do y'all still want a little girl?"

They had one last girl puppy left because the owner who had originally reserved her couldn't take her in because of landlord restrictions. So, we enthusiastically said yes, and we took her in.

This is Magnolia, my little fur sister.

She was a little timid at first, but over time, she grew to love and feel more comfortable as part of our family. She is still a little shyer than her brothers when it comes to meeting brand-new people, but that's okay. I guess she's like me in that she's a little introvert.

How are they now?

Atticus, Lola, and Reau are four-and-a-half months old, and they still entertain/surprise/delight us to this day (of course!). Having labradoodles in the house has been a fun adventure every single day. The other day, Lola discovered how to jump on all the beds. Atticus is still leaping into my arms, a tradition since he was the tiniest puppy. And Thoreau still has this fascination with the microwave, especially when Dad makes bacon.

They are the best things to come into my life in a long time, and I am so beyond thankful for them.

Atticus, Thoreau, Magnolia...I love you guys. <3

Kingdom Hearts 3 | Disney, Kindness, Friendship, and Good Memories

image credit

Back on January 29, Kingdom Hearts 3, the long-awaited sequel and trilogy-ender to the Kingdom Hearts game franchise, launched to Playstation 4 and XBOX One. Needless to say, as a longtime fan of this series, I was super excited, and I preordered it the moment I could.

Kingdom Hearts is a crossover between Final Fantasy, a long-running fantasy series, and Disney. Players traverse various Disney worlds (settings from various movies such as Alice in Wonderland, Toy Story, Frozen, and SO many more) as a happy-go-lucky hero named Sora and his sidekicks Donald and Goofy (yes, the Disney duck and dog). The story gets convoluted quickly due to alternate universes, merging timelines, time travel, and a massive cast of characters who somehow mesh perfectly with the Disney universes they inhabit, but it's worth the ride for sure.

When I launched Kingdom Hearts 3, I'm 99% sure that I squealed "THAT'S SO CUTE!!" at the screen at least ten times in the first 30 minutes. The game itself is so light-hearted and fun. I mean, what game lets you attack enemies with classic Disney rides? I got to blast away some of the monsters with Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, and I got to smash a Greek Rock Titan with the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad train. As a Disney park fanatic as well, this was exciting.  Also, there's a portion of the game where you traverse Arendelle, the kingdom in the movie Frozen, and there's sing-along portions in that level. This little Disney nerd was happy.

I played this game growing up, and to say this game is a long time coming is an understatement. The first game came out in 2002. I was ten years old. The second game came out in 2004. I was thirteen then. I even remember asking my mom if we could go to Gamestop to pick up Kingdom Hearts 2 the day it came out. I remember loving all of those characters and exploring the Disney worlds even back then. I would make up my own characters that fit into the universe as well.

Little did I know that those games actually influenced parts of my life, like my writing and my overall love of bright and colorful things, as well as great storytelling.

Now, I'm 27. I'm an adult. I've experienced a lot in the past 13 years in the real world. I graduated college. I experienced heartbreak. I have a job. And still, I experience so much joy picking up a Kingdom Hearts game and picking up a keyblade, even after all this time. I'm still working on beating this game, but I can tell you that I've learned that there's no reason to apologize for being who you are, even though it may come across as childish or too weird for some. Kindness and encouragement always wins, no matter what form it takes, Disney magic included.

I guess there's something to be said about a game that brings so much happiness, and about a game whose story aims to emphasize the importance of kindness, friendship, and staying true to yourself, even when the world around you goes dark.

[Savannah] in Wonderland is FIVE.

Five.
Years.
Of.
This.
Blog.

Talk about things that grow with you.

On January 7, 2019, my blog turned five years old. FIVE. I remember the day I created this little internet space: I created a blog while we were in Disneyworld on my dad's birthday. I even did some graphic design, too. The very first color scheme I had was pink and blue. The blog has gone through quite a bit of style changes since then, but I'm always happy to try new things with this blog's layout.

For some fun, here are some of the header/logo of the past:

Peach (2017)

Neon pink and Holo (Early 2018)

Teal and Holo (Late 2018)

Teal, Holo, & Ombre (Present Day!)

These days, I'm rocking the blue and teal ombre with holographic glitter (because I'm Savannah and that's what I do). The colors are based on my favorite combination of hair colors I've ever had: the blue and teal ombre underlights I got last year. After wearing them in my hair for a few months, I grew to love this color scheme, so I figured I'd transition those colors from my hair to my corner of the internet.

My hair is fully blonde again, but I'm so glad I went on such a fun hair color adventure in 2018.

I wanted to write a quick little update to let you know that A) I'm still here, and 2) I've been super busy. But I mainly wanted to let y'all know that I'm still here.

This blog has seen me through SO much of my life, from college to writing my second novel (Oh, yeah, I partook in NaNoWriMo again...and won!) And I intend to keep this blog around, so don't you worry...plenty more adventures are coming. :)

Happy 2019! See you soon! And stay awesome.

February Favorites | 2018

February came and went. What in the world?

I’ve been in a different state, I tried some new stuff (and loved it), and got some cool stuff done writing-wise.

It was an awesome month. Here’s what I loved in February!

Writing

This February, I began revising the novel I wrote for NaNoWriMo last year. So far, I’ve added at least a thousand words and counting. 

The revision process is complicated. I’m at a point where I’m actually adding more words than I’m taking away - and next month, that may change. That’s okay. I just want to revise in such a way that I come out with a product that I’m 100% happy with.

Beauty

This was the month that I decided to completely overhaul my skincare routine. (Read: start a skincare routine.)

Normally, my “routine” is use various cleansers and hope for the best. I have combination skin, so some parts will still be dry, while my T-Zone (nose, cheeks, chin, forehead) will get the breakouts. After doing research, scouring Pinterest, and watching various beauty gurus on Youtube, I found a routine that I think works.

Morning and night, I apply micellar water cleanser all over my face with a cotton pad. Then, I do the same thing with witch hazel/alcohol-free toner. Finally, I add moisturizer, and call it good. In the shower, I use a micellar gel cleanser, and I’ll exfoliate my face once a week.

This cleared my skin up, y’all. I learned that good products will not mess your skin up, and the best part is that those products do not have to be expensive. All the products I got were at Target, and each was under ten bucks, at least.

I wanted to do something to take care of my skin, and this was the best thing I could have done to do so.

Gaming

Nothing much has changed on the gaming front, but I have been playing a lot more Skyrim Special Edition lately.

I’ve modded the game so that I can play as characters with candy-colored hair, which is the best. But even better is the “Alternate Start: Life Another Life” mod I installed that skips the opening sequence of the game in lieu of having you pick who your character is. You can be a wealthy property owner, or you can start the game by escaping a sinking ship, or anything else in between. This mod allows me to pick who my character is and add a cool backstory that I can elaborate on in my own way, and I can just start the main quest whenever I choose, and if I choose. As a writer who loves character development, this is nothing short of awesome.

Travel

This month, Mom and I took a trip to Palm Springs, California. It was SO much fun!

If you want to read detailed posts on that trip, check out my post on Salvation Mountain here, and my up-to-date guide on Palm Springs here.

What have you been loving this month?

Four Years of [S]iW

Happy 4th Birthday to my blog! :D

Seriously, I can't believe this blog has been around for four years as of yesterday. I have documented so much of my life onto this little space, starting with my last semester of college.

Also, do you like the new colors and logo? I did a little bit of rebranding, and now the blog has a fresh coat of (holographic and neon pink) paint.

So, on to brass tacks - what can you expect out of [Savannah] in Wonderland this year?

Me.

Just me.

And my passions.

What do I mean by that? Well, to be honest, I burnt myself out on blogging a little bit last year. I became so wrapped up in adsense, potential blog growth, and other things like that to the point that I lost why I started this blog in the first place: to share my passions: faith, writing, and everything else important to me in my life, along with every adventure in between. I became so caught up in appearances and being "on top of things" that it just became a chore and a job more than a hobby I love.

So what else can you expect from [Savannah] in Wonderland in 2018?

• So. Much. Adventure. I can't wait to share this year's travels with you! I will be going to a couple of planner events, and I'll be doing some other traveling, too. I also want to share some more packing tips (i.e. how to pack light, especially in the winter.)
• Writing. I haven't really filled y'all in on the author side of my life since I created a separate author website, but this year, I'm planning on condensing both those sites here. [S]iW was always meant to be my one and only internet space. :) So, I'll be filling you guys in on my writing process, revising the novel I wrote last year, what I do as a writer and freelance editor, and more!
• Faith. I've missed faith blogging, and I've had a lot on my mind lately. So, get ready for posts on that, too! I want to share some insights with you I've learned recently and over the years.
• The little things. I love sharing Friday Fives, my favorite bands, and my favorite things with y'all. I hope to share even more of that with you, too.

I can't promise a set schedule all the time, because I am pretty busy these days. But I can promise you this: [Savannah] in Wonderland is going to have an amazing, bright - literally - and exciting 2018!

26 Things You Didn't Know About Me

I’m turning 26 in two days.

I know, I can’t believe it either. I’m well into my mid-twenties now, but I don’t necessarily feel any different. But all I know is that I’m really thankful for the past 25 years; for all the adventures, highs, and lows. I know without a shadow of a doubt that God has worked through all these years, and He will continue to do so in my life.

Today, I thought I’d do a post that I’ve done a variation on before, but I thought it would be fitting given the occasion. Here are 26 things you didn’t know about me.

1. I was named after the city in Georgia, and I did not visit that city until my freshman year of high school.
2. As a child, I was frequently called “Samantha” and “Susannah” because Savannah was actually not as popular in the 90s as it is now.
3. I did not actively start drinking sweet tea and coffee until high school. Now, they’re a staple in my life, daily or otherwise.
4. I was originally going to be named “Summers Elizabeth” instead of “Savannah Kate”, but the name changed two weeks before I was born after my mom read the sequel to “Gone With the Wind."
5. I collect Spirit Jerseys.
6. I've collected dresses from different places I’ve traveled.
7. My lucky number is always my age. This year, it will change from 25 to 26.
8. I have been blonde my entire life; my hair has just gotten darker over the years.
9. I have never actually dyed my hair before.
10. Bunnies have always been my favorite animal because my mom read me (and decorated my nursery to be inspired by) Peter Rabbit books as a child.
11. Speaking of books, I read voraciously as a kid, and could speak the whole alphabet at 18 months. I was born to know and love words early on.
12. My favorite international food is Japanese, followed by Mexican, Indian, Thai, and Italian.
13. The only “sport” I was ever involved in was dance.
14. My desire to visit London came from the remake of “The Parent Trap.” Now, it’s one of my all-time favorite cities ever.
15. The two places I’ve always wanted to go to (but haven’t visited) are Tokyo and Barcelona.
16. Two of the most mind-blowing concert/Broadway musical events of my life both involve British guys named Dan: the first was when I saw Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) in “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” in New York, the second was when I was within two yards of Dan Smith from Bastille at one point during their concert.
17. Speaking of Harry Potter, I once stood in line at Waterstones’, a popular UK bookstore chain, with my parents super late at night for the midnight release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. In Glasgow, Scotland. Meaning, I got to own a copy about 6 hours before US readers.
18. My favorite color has always been some shade of blue.
19. I’ve always loved gaming on some level or another, all the way back from playing on my parents’ NES.
20. My favorite Disney movie has always been Beauty and the Beast.
21. My all-time favorite movie in general is Legally Blonde (followed closely by Pacific Rim).
22. My favorite genre of movie is probably action/adventure.
23. My favorite book always has been (and always will be) The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.
24. I can cross my toes.
25. I’ve loved to draw for as long as I can remember, from doodles and anime/manga-inspired characters to full-blown comics for both high school and college.
26. I have been a Christian (a baptized believer) for 11, going on 12 years, and I’m so grateful and thankful for that.

Friday Five | 9/8/17

Before we start, I’m going to leave this thought here: I turn 26 in one month from today. 

Happy Friday Five, everybody! :)

Barista Parlor, Once Again

I love their specialty coffee. I really really do. The coffee I had this week had notes of blackberry and grape jam.

Also, I tried their breakfast burrito (featuring sriracha sour cream!). It was pretty great.

“…Ready For It?”

Speaking of pretty great things, I love Taylor Swift’s newest song!

Organizing!

I have been on a mission to clean out my closet. It’s been going really really well! This organization kick was something I’ve needed, and it’s been a lot of fun.

I’ve wanted to color-code my clothes in my closet for awhile now, and the fact that I can do that now (and have done it) makes me giddy.

My current goals. (Insert heart-eyes emoji here.) Photo credit here.

NaNoWriMo Prep

I’m fully aware it’s not October yet (Preptober for all you National Novel Writing Month regulars), but I’ve been preparing for writing a novel this November still.

One way I’ve been doing that is reading Chris Baty’s book No Plot? No Problem!: A Low-stress, High-velocity Guide to Writing a Novel in 30 Days. Chris Baty is the founder and creator of NaNoWriMo. My mom gave me this book as a surprise gift, and already, it’s helped me so much with the coming months of preparing for this huge (and really really exciting!) project. 

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (and gaming in general, really)

Finally, a gaming favorite! Gaming isn’t as massive of a hobby of mine as it used to be, but when I do play video games, I love it.

I finally picked up the latest Legend of Zelda title for the Wii U, and so far, I love it! Now, I’m not too far (I just made it past the first dungeon), but I’m really into the various smaller mechanics of the game (like cooking and the ability to use magnet magic to solve puzzles).

Also, I’m a firm believer in playing video games to help your writing. As such, story-based games with crazy-massive sprawling worlds like The Legend of Zelda (and also Xenoblade Chronicles X) have been my jam lately.

What have been your favorite things this week?

Bullet Journal Setup

-

I’ve started dabbling in bullet journaling again.

Reason why I say again is that I have in fact tried full-time bullet journaling before. However, I figured out that while bullet journaling isn’t for me full-time (I can’t scrap having a calendar to plan future events), I still really love the system and wanted to use it somewhere.

Quick intro before we go further: the Bullet Journal system was created by Ryder Carroll. It’s meant to simplify any lists, events, collections, whatever you want in one organized space. If you want more info on how the bullet journal system works and how it got started, check out the official website here.

Now, this is still in the very early stages, but I am so, so excited and happy with the way these pages and spreads are turning out, and I’m loving using this system already. I can definitely tell a difference in how productive I’ve been. Listing has worked really well for me in the past, so why not take it a step further?

Supplies

Before we get into how I use my bullet journal, I figured it would be a good idea to tell y’all what I actually use to bullet journal (yes, I consider bullet journal both a noun and a verb).

• Lime green Leuchtturm 1917 square grid notebook
• Copic Atyou Spica Glitter Pens
• Sharpie Pens, Black
• Zebra Mildliners

So, how do I use my bullet journal?

Index

I use a Leuchtturm 1917 grid notebook. I’ve dabbled with the dotted notebooks before, and I think either that style or this one works just fine.

That being said, I love the way that the Leuchtturm is laid out. I take full advantage of the Contents page and have been using it to create, well, a table of contents. This is a traditional bullet journaling element that I’ve stuck to.

The one thing that I've changed slightly is that I have the months color-coded and highlighted so I can find them easier.

Key

One thing that I embellished a bit is the key page. I copied the key from the Bullet Journal app, and so far, it’s working well for me.

Trackers/Collections

Now, we’re getting into the fun stuff. I’ve created collections and trackers: one collection for blog posts (which I don’t have pictured because spoilers), and trackers for the books I’ve read this year and what movies I’ve watched on Netflix.

Other trackers/collections I have not pictured here: travel in 2017 (still working on that one, and it has future stuff that I'm waiting to share here) and Monthly Favorites (which I used to write my August Favorites last month!).

Daily Log

Finally, here’s my Daily Log…so far.

“Hey, Sav? Where’s your Monthly or Future Log?” you may be asking me. Here’s the thing about the way I’m bullet journaling right now: I am using this in tandem with my Erin Condren planner. As such, I really don’t need a future or monthly log right now. Now, that could change, but this is what’s working for me at the moment.

As far as functionality goes, I LOVE this. I transfer my to-do lists from my Erin Condren planner to my bullet journal as I see fit, and I've been finding that I've been accomplishing so much more with it. Here's hoping that this continues! If so, I'll update you guys.

Have you ever tried bullet journaling? Let’s talk in the comments! :)

The Art of the To-Do List

One of my very first posts in my first year of blogging was on to-do lists. I still adore the to-do list; while it’s definitely not a new idea to stay on top of life and stay organized, there’s something to be said about making (and keeping) a to-do list on a daily or weekly basis. Keeping lists, at least for me, is crucial since I work from home.

Now, I definitely feel like there are different methods to keeping lists. In today’s post, I want to share some methods I’ve discovered with you, and you can modify them for your needs as you see fit. I’m going to also rank them from simple to more elaborate.

Good ol’ Notepads

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? The notepad is a good way to keep daily lists running, especially since you normally toss a sheet of notepaper (and by notepaper, in this case, I mean tear-off pads and sticky notes) once it’s done.

Plus, there are some cute notepads out there.

Like this one.

So, in short, notepads are good for:

• Short-term, day-by-day tasks
• Grocery/shopping lists
• Quick reminders and notes (stick them to your mirror or nightstand)

A Dedicated To-Do List Notebook

I consider this a step up from the traditional notepad in that you wouldn’t tear out these pages. Instead, you would keep track of your lists in a dedicated space.

When I was in middle school, we were actually required to keep one of these for homework. I actually wound up keeping this method through my college years, just because it was awesome having a list specifically for these tasks. For college, what I would do is go to the library, outline what I would do, and then highlight each task as I got it done. It kept me productive during my dedicated study sessions.

This one I bought for my last year of college was from May Designs.

I guess the 2013 me never got around to Labs 5B and 7B that day, ha!

The to-do list notebook is good for:

• Student things (homework, tasks, meetings, etc.)
• Keeping track of what you did during a given week

Within Your Agenda or Planner

Like to keep everything condensed in one spot? The planner method is for you.

I currently keep to-do lists in my Erin Condren planner. I use the vertical layout and dedicate one box to to-do lists. And it’s been a wonderful thing to see what I’ve needed to do not only during a given day, but within the context of a week.

Also, you can use this method in weekly and hourly layouts, too. It’s all up to you.

So, use the planner method for:

• Keeping both calendar events and to-do list items in the same place
• Keeping track of items throughout a week
• Making lists of things to get done during your week without assigning them to a specific day (Erin Condren planners have a sidebar that’s great for this, but other planners have space for this, too…shop around and see what you like.)

Bullet Journal!

Do you like to get creative? Say hello to your new little friend: the Bullet Journal.

The Bullet Journal, a system created by Ryder Carroll, pretty much turns your calendar and to-do list items into a huge listing system, and it’s a phenomenal tool for tons of people. A quick search on Pinterest for bullet journaling has some of the most beautiful artwork and layouts I’ve ever seen.

I’ve dabbled in this system before, and while it’s not the best system for me to use as my only planner (since it’s tricky to plan ahead with it), I will say that it’s amazing for keeping lists and tracking habits, as well as itemizing collections and things you want to do. Plus, I recommend using the bullet journal system if you’re a writer (for more info, check out my post here).

Bullet journaling would be a great fit for you for:

• Simplifying your planning and list systems into one notebook
• Keeping track of habits and things you want to see and do (especially on a monthly basis)
• If you love being creative with your listing, planning, and tracking (especially if you love the idea of a blank canvas to do it all in)

How do you keep to-do lists? Let’s talk about it! :)

Friday Five | 8/11/17

I’m kind of playing catch-up this week (since I didn’t feel like I had enough to constitute a Friday Five last week), but I have quite a bit to share with you guys!

The Little Mermaid

The girls and I went and saw a production of “The Little Mermaid” on stage at TPAC last week. It was so, so cute! I am a little biased towards the movie (I did grow up on Disney, after all), but it was still a lot of fun.

Jamba Juice Acai Bowls

I briefly mentioned these when I talked about Pure Barre, but after that workout…peanut butter, yogurt, and strawberries in an acai bowl never tasted so good. (I ordered a Chunky Strawberry bowl, for the curious.)

Haircut!

I got my hair cut this week! Nothing too crazy, but it was definitely time to take at least an inch and a half off for the rest of this summer.

Orange Julius

Post-haircut, I picked up some Dairy Queen and Orange Julius for my mom and I on the way home. Nothing truly beats an orange creamsicle-flavored beverage (or at least something frozen and orange). If I can’t get a Frozen Orange at the Varsity, this works (as well as the Orange Dream Machine from Jamba Juice).

What all have you been doing or loving this week? 

I Tried Pure Barre.

It’s been a good while since I’ve worked out.

I used to do Zumba a ton in college, but ever since they quit offering it (and I graduated a few years ago), I’ve been kinda off the workout bandwagon. 

So when my friend Kinsey invited me to a Pure Barre class with her this week, I was intrigued. I decided to go for it.

Would I recommend it? Well, yes…but it depends on your experience. I would definitely try to go to a “foundations” or some kind of beginner class first. While it was good to get thrown into the midst of it, so to speak, I would have liked to learn some of the techniques they use beforehand. That way, you know what kind of intensity is ahead.

And, y’all, it’s intense.

This is a full-body workout with trace elements of yoga and other exercise programs. Plus, weights, exercise balls, stretching tubes, and mats are involved (for some of the yoga bits). And it is very fast-paced, too…kind of like Zumba, where you follow the teacher without stopping, but with more intensity and no dancing. 

Plus, when it’s your first class, they work with you to make sure you at least know basic terminology before you get started. As such, it’s important to get there early. (Also, as there is a lot of floor exercising, I’d recommend leggings. Plus, they ask you to wear socks during the class, so make sure you have those.)

Afterwards, Kinsey and I went out for Jamba Juice. Because, why not?

If you want to try Barre for yourself, I’d recommend signing up for the free trial using their app. Then, that way, you have a full week to try the class out. Plus, I recommend going with a friend, too. (That's a good idea for any fitness class, just so it doesn't feel as intimidating.)

Will I be going back? Maybe someday. As I'm typing this, I'm pretty sore, so I may wait on going until later. But am I glad I tried it? Yes. :)

Have you ever tried Pure Barre or similar? What did you think of it?

What I'm Looking Forward To This Fall

I’m aware that it’s August, and not even close to Fall yet…especially since August is quite possibly one of the hottest months of the year in my home state of Tennessee.

But I’ve been thinking about Fall a lot. Not just because my birthday is almost 2 months away, but because I just love what Fall brings.

What does it bring?

1.Beanies. And sweaters, and scarves, and bundling up in general.

Ever since college, I’ve loved “Fall” clothes. Extra accessories - especially functional ones - can really pull an outfit together. Plus, given the cooler weather coming later (which will probably be closer to late October/November), it’ll help having those layers.

In the meantime, I’ll just rock utility jackets when it gets to the sixties.

2.Family gatherings.

I’ve always loved family gatherings, but now that I’m older, I truly appreciate them so much more. I mostly appreciate two things: getting to actually see family members I don’t see so often, and the little traditions we have (like various recipes and singing on the phone as a family to members for their birthdays).

3.Pumpkin Spice Lattes

Y’all know me well enough by now to know that seasonal drinks are my jam. Pumpkin Spice Lattes are absolutely no exception.

4.Boots!

I was actually just thinking about this the other day, but I love boots. Boots are the very best in the Fall, not only for the style aspect, but also for layering. And, when it gets to be winter, a little tread on your boots goes a long way.

5.Holidays

This kind of ties in with family gatherings, but I love Fall holidays, too. Halloween and Thanksgiving are the very best. Also, with holidays come festivals. My hometown puts on a wonderful Pumpkinfest that’s a ton of fun. Not to mention that there's a Trunk or Treat we do every year at my church. :)

My girls and I were the Queen of Hearts, Alice, and the Cheshire Cat last year to pass out candy for the kids. :)

What are you looking forward to this Fall?

My Erin Condren Life Planner Setup | Summer 2017

I've been using planners for a long, long time. I get it from my mom. :)

I'm no stranger to Erin Condren, either. Literally. I've heard her speak twice now (once at Geaux Wild in New Orleans, the second time at GO Wild in Nashville), and I've used her planners before. I keep coming back to these planners because of the layout and how easily it fits in with my life (more on that in a minute).

So, how do I use it?

Tools I Use

These days, I'm using colorful Sharpie art pens to write in events and things. I use stickers from The Glam Planner (YouTube beauty guru followers will be familiar with shop owner Elle Fowler, AKA AllThatGlitters21), and I use a variety of washi tape to mark off longer spans of time (like a river trip I went on recently).

Color Key

I've been using this color key for years...at least since college.  I was inspired by this video by - surprise! - Elle Fowler/AllThatGlitters21.

• Pink - work
• Orange - social
• Green - travel
• Turquoise - blogging
• Royal blue - dates
• Purple - misc. items
• Black - to-do list items
• Red - appointments/urgent

The Layout

My actual planning is very simple. I use my color key to write events (often putting them in clouds, pictured above), and then punctuate them with whatever "icon" stickers I have. I love these from Glam Planner because I can't get over how cute the anime-style characters are, and it's not too overwhelming on the page whenever I consult my planner on a day-to-day basis.

I also categorize my days. The Erin Condren vertical layout is separated into three boxes per day. The top box is To-Do (or important holidays, like birthdays and anniversaries), the middle box is work, the bottom box is social.

And that's pretty much it! Like I said, simple, but I love it. It fits my life the way I need it to. Do you use a particular planner? Let's talk in the comments! :)