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January Blog Series Intro

12/30/2014

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Good afternoon planners,
     We want to thank Aubrey Eastway for a great Simplified Holiday December blog series. If you missed that series be sure to check it out below.  I am so excited to announce that Createyou86 has a brand new series starting January 1, 2015 featuring @heartdreenie.lifestyle on Instagram. Be sure to check out her page each week along with Createyou86 for different perspectives in the new year.  We will also be hosting a January Photochallenge.  We hope you participate in our challenge.  Feel free to repost the challenge photo below on social media, and ask your friends to participate in the challenge as well.  If you do choose to post pictures be sure to tag @Createyou86 @heartdreenie.lifestyle and #CY86JANCOLLAB so that we can leave you a like or a comment on your post.

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#7 Remember the Teaching

12/25/2014

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Merry Christmas Eve Planners,
         While the reason for the season is the birth of Jesus, we all still need to be thankful for all that we receive during this joyous season.  We all have something to be thankful for weather it be health, family, friends, or other special occasions that have occurred this year.  Attached to this article are free printables for things you might be thankful for this simplified holiday season.  A fun activity might be to print cards for everyone coming to your holiday dinner.  Have pens and printables available at the door, and ask that everyone fill out their card, and come dinner time everyone at the table can read what they are thankful for out loud.  This activity would make your dinner a little bit more personal. 
Another way to show gratefulness is to volunteer some time this holiday season to the local library, soup kitchen, or shelter.  By volunteering your time you will help make someone else's holiday who doesn't have much, much more fulfilling.  Giving for the holiday season is much more important than receiving,  I feel like everyone should embrace this, and simplify this holiday season.  We hope you enjoyed this collaboration between Createyou86, and Aubrey Eastway.  If you did be sure to leave some comments below, and again we hope you have a simplified holiday season, and a happy healthy new year!
thankfultags.pdf
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#6 Savoring the Holiday Spirit

12/22/2014

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Good Afternoon Planners,
       Many times we mistake the reason for the holiday season with the hustle, bustle, endless repetitive television ads, cooking, baking, music, lights, and parties for what the real reason for the season is.  Besides the birth of Jesus the holiday season is about giving, and cherishing the time we have to spend with our families.  There are so many ways to make the holiday season more memorable while keeping it simple.  Here are my top 5:

  • While lounging or reading light some scented candles, put on some low holiday music, and relax.
  • Big name cable providers have holiday music channels with no commercials (usually in the higher numbered channels).  They also provide a free Yule log which can create a calm background for entertaining or just a relaxing day (find this on demand or again in the higher channels).
  • Have a holiday movie night.
  • Go caroling in your neighborhood (check Google for lyrics).
  • Read holiday stories, and make a normal Tuesday night a simple holiday night by adding popcorn, and PJ's


FOR THE KIDS:

5 Holiday Movies
_________________
A Christmas Story
Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
Home Alone 1 & 2
The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
A Charlie Brown Christmas

5 Holiday Books
_______________
The Polar Express
Miracle on 34th Street
Gingerbread Friends
The Christmas Story from the Bible
The Night Before Christmas


I hope that these ideas help to simplify your holiday celebrating, and helps you to remember the reason for the season.


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Back to Basics (Writing, do people still do that?)

12/19/2014

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Good morning planners, 
        In keeping with simple this holiday season, and in the future as well i have decided to go back to the basics, and write out my blog posts ahead of time.  This may seem old fashioned, but personally i am able to get my thoughts out more fluidly on paper.  Don't get me wrong i can type quite fast, but i like taking my time to find the right words ahead of time, and when i go to type out my post i am free to change words around as i see fit.  
        My new setup is simple.  I purchased a bunch of three subject notebooks from Walmart for back to school for $0.25 a piece.  At the time i was taking iTunes U classes, but have stopped for now so the notebook is a bit scraggly, and eccentrically decorated to cover up rips, tears and things like that.  I removed the three dividers that came with the notebook, and have used Redi-Tag Divider Notes for my dividers, and to reinforce my tabs i used packing tape (sorry for the glare on the pictures.)  My dividers are titled:

  • Normal posts
  • Holiday posts
  • Collab posts
  • Other ideas

The other day i was out, and about working on blog posts, and i was writing my blog post ahead of time in my notebook.  A person actually walked up to me and said "Your writing?  Do people still do that?"  Now in that persons defense i am sure they were joking, but in a way i was slightly offended, and i thought "Of course people still write things down at least those of us who are not completely, and utterly obsessed with technology, and still appreciate hand written things like note cards instead of a thank you e-mail."  Maybe its the planner in me, but i feel like the little things in planning my blog posts are what make my blog more personal.  I'm not caught flying by the seat of my pants struggling to find a topic, and throwing together a blog post hoping it is relatable, that people will want to read it and that i haven't included any spelling errors.  I really put my heart, and soul into these blogs.  This new throwback system is helping to bring back the basics into the New Year for Createyou86.  We would love to know how you do your blog planning.  Are you using an app, free printables or bringing back the basics with notebooks?




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#5 Christmas Card Bonanza

12/17/2014

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Good morning planners,
For the fifth part of our Simplified Holiday series I would love to talk a little bit about holiday cards.
          What is one of the most dreaded parts of the holiday season?  Holiday Cards!  What starts off as a nice way to say happy holidays to your friends, and family can quickly turn into two hundred cards with a picture of the entire family in matching gingham because the baby threw up all over your perfect first outfit, the lighting outside isn't right, and the twins won't stop giving each other bunny ears every time the flash goes off, and you want everyone to think your family has it all together this year.
   

STOP.........WAIT.......

Then comes having to choose weather you want digital cards, an e-mail type card, a printed card from a card making website, or the old-school written note.  Do you go with the cheapest cards so that you can send out a ton of them, or do you go with the most expensive so that you only have to send cards to a select few?  How many people do you actually NEED to send cards to? 

Here are a few ways to simplify holiday card giving this year:

1. If you use your phone or camera be sure that it is set to HDR mode for the best photos.
2.If you decide on digital cards, have a photographer or your phone ready, and be sure to plan your picture day so that you are not hurried or stressed due to time constraints.
3. If you decide on digital cards be sure to order before the cutoff date in December to guarantee that you will receive your cards with enough time to envelope, stamp, and send them out.
4.Matchey-matchey is NEVER cute, but planning a common theme will look great.
5. For a more traditional card choose your design wisely, and stay classy!
6. Know your audience (Names, and weather they are still alive.)
7. Be clear about what response you would like to receive - If you don't mean it don't say it (Like asking for people to visit.  They might really expect to make future plans.)
8.If you choose to do an e-mail card be sure to include a current family photo.
9.  You can go crazy with eccentric holiday cheer by Elfing yourself or Grinching yourself (
Elfyourself.com which is on the Staples website)
10.Don't send 200 cards if you don't need to.  Narrow down who will make the cut, and make your cards as personal as possible!


Wishing you a simplified holiday





 



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#4 Great Gift Giving, The Where, and How!

12/15/2014

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Every year each person vies for the best gifts from the most popular stores, and the pile under the tree grows higher and higher each year.  At least in our family that is what happened until a few years back when my dad lost his job.  This caused my parents to curb their holiday spending in a big way.  We always had tons of presents under our tree, and frankly it tended to be quantity over quality.  That year the family decided that we were all going to get each other one present each.  That way we ended up with four quality presents over tons of presents, most of which would be returned for gift-cards later.  This took a lot of stress off of my parents, and made Christmas shopping, or creating more personal.  
            When our parents purchased too much we would end up returning presents for gift-cards to use later in the year when we found something that we truly wanted.  The conclusion that the family has come to is that during the holiday season: Less is definitely more!  Some great handmade or homemade gifts can really hit the spot.  Below is a free printable for gift tags.

            Some great places to find original gifts are Etsy, and Pinterest.  Etsy features mostly original handmade goods, and Pinterest has infinite handmade ideas for people of all ages, and you can also find products that are for sale.  Something that shoppers might not realize about Pinterest is that when you pin a product that has a price associated with it through another website, you will receive an email telling you if your chosen product reduces in price.  This can be a great use during the holidays.  Etsy can be a bit pricey unless you know exactly what you are looking for.  However, there are coupon codes all the time during the holidays (Check Instagram stores).  If you are looking for handmade ideas Pinterest has tons of free printables, and DIY's, and the Michael's App has new coupons every week which can go to great use for handmade goods.  Another great affordable place to purchase gifts is through Instagram.  There are many shops, most of who take Paypal, and have sales several times throughout the season.  There are also tons of giveaways to win (you might be able to win a great gift, and spend nothing!)  Instagram has anything from baby shoes, to adult clothing, to books, and stationary supplies.  Instagram may also be an affordable route to check out.
              The year that we all decided less was more was a great Christmas.  We all got quality gifts, and didn't have to spend a fortune.  I can't recall any returned gifts that year either.  
             Small Business Saturday (The Saturday after Thanksgiving) is a great way to help local businesses build their clientele, and there are guaranteed to be some great sales.  There are many shops featured on Instagram, and throughout your community.  Good Luck finding your simplified gifts this year, and be sure to let us know where you find some great deals this years holiday season. #CY86HOLIDAY 

Wishing you a simplified holiday season,


Check out Aubrey's Blog for her version of  Gift Giving 101 this holiday season.   
 

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holiday_gift_tag1.pdf
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File Type: pdf
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Planners_and_Tiaras DIY Ephemera

12/12/2014

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Good Morning Planners,
       Hello. My name is Tiara and I am going to tell you all about DIY ephemera. A little about me. I am the owner of the Instagram account @planners_and_tiaras. I love decorating my planner with any and everything I can find. I also love my Smash Book.  If you want to see more of my style or like what you see here, please head over to my Instagram account to check out some pics, or just Direct Message me, and say hello!  Let me know a few of your favorite things. Now, onto the good stuff.

Everyone loves ephemera. From page flags to banners or stickers and everything in between. We have all been apart of the madness to run and try to find the latest and greatest ephemera, but while those are beautiful, we either cannot find them or we want something more unique. That's why I prefer to make my own. It offers greater options for creativity and customization. Here are few of my favorite hacks to get the perfect ephemera to match your unique personality.

You will need:
Scissors
Glue (glue stick or tape runner)
Paper (old newspaper, magazines, craft paper)
Pencil
Ruler (anything with a flat straight edge will do)
Craft Knife
Optional: paper punch ( makes it easier and more uniform but you can also do it by hand, which for me is the fun part)
YOUR IMAGINATION

The fun thing about this, is that anything and everything you imagine can be turned into ephemera for your planner, scrap book, or other various paper crafting projects. To follow is series of pictures, and some ideas for your crafting.
*One tip. If you have any shapes of pre-made ephemera that you love, save one and trace it. That way you can create it on any type of paper. I prefer the Target dollar spot stationery and I use it to create a general shape and go from there.  Otherwise create any and every shape you like.



If you enjoyed this post be sure to check out Tiara at @Planners_and_Tiaras on Instagram for more great photos.


Have a planned day,
Createyou86
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#3 Making Your Lists

12/11/2014

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Good morning planners,
The holiday season all starts with a list doesn't it?  Food lists, guest lists, gift lists, and more.  Now is the time to make your lists.  BELOW IS A FREE PRINTABLE that i created to simplify your holiday season this year. 
      I would like to reiterate from my previous post that if the dollars don't add up, you cannot buy it.  Please don't care about anyone else s budget, but your own.  Going over your budget will only put you in the hole come January.  Remember that for the holiday season small, and simple can be better than huge, and expensive gifts.  In the end it is the thought that counts  If you are looking for some non-toy alternatives check out my post below for some great ideas!
      For the first couple of years my fiance, and i will buy a combined present.  Something for the both of us so that we can keep saving money.  This present will have to be affordable, and sensible.  I keep a running wishlist throughout the year so that we have a few ideas to pick from.  Don't stress if you find that everyone you wanted to buy for this holiday season just doesn't make the cut (Your mothers, sisters, best friends, daughters DOG!?)  Keeping to your budget is the most important thing.  Another reason to not feel bad is that everyone has a birthday which can be celebrated with just as much verve as Christmas, so be sure to save your money for those very special gifts this holiday season.  
         You may be a giver, and that is a great quality to possess, but giving yourself a gift giving limit will simplify your holiday season.  Take some time to consider each person on your list, and what each person would really like or need.  It is a good idea to keep a running wishlist for friends, and family throughout the year as well.  When you go to the store and see something someone else might enjoy receiving you can add it to the list so that come the holiday season you aren't stressing out over finding a present for everyone.  Sometime in the next 24 hours look at your list, and decide who you will shop for, what you will buy for each person, and the exact price. (Amazon is a great place to see is you are getting the best price.  Amazon will always price match the lowest possible price, and if the price goes down on a product that is still being advertised at a higher price  you will know that the price that it should be is on Amazon.)  Next, pick a day or two that you can get most if not all of your shopping done without feeling hurried.  Not being hurried will majorly relieve some holiday stress.  Again, don't feel guilty for cutting down your list if need be.  The most important thing is staying within your budget.

******On this free printable i have included many rows to list POTENTIAL gift giving this holiday season.  However, on my budgeting printable from my previous post which i will also include at the bottom of this post i have LIMITED the rows to help cut down your giving list.  I hope this helps this holiday season.


Be sure to check out Aubrey Eastway's take on Making Lists here.  This is a 3 week collaboration so be sure to keep checking back for more great printables, and planning info.

Have a planned day,
Createyou86

holidaybudget.pdf
File Size: 471 kb
File Type: pdf
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christmaslistblog.pdf
File Size: 396 kb
File Type: pdf
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Thinking Outside of the Toy Box!

12/10/2014

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11 Creative, Non-Toy Christmas Gifts for Kids, and 21 Non-Toy Stocking Stuffers

Each and every holiday season the hottest new toys hit the shelves, and there is a mad dash to check off children's Christmas lists.  How many new toys do children really need.  Chances are you go to the dollar store, and your child asks for a toy, and you say "Sure it's only a dollar".  These purchases can add up to overflowing toy boxes with toys that are rarely played with.  If you are one of those parents that are tired of spending hard earned money on toys that are used seldom, and forgotten easily, keep in mind that toys are only the tip of the iceburg when it comes to gift giving during the holidays.  This year try thinking outside of the toy box.  There are so many creative, non-toy gifts that will be sure to shock, and amaze children of all ages this holiday season.  Here are my top eleven:
1. A membership
2. An Experience
3. A Subscription
4. Tickets
5. Lessons
6. A Coupon Book
7. A Homemade Gift Basket
8. A Shopping Spree
9. A Bedroom Makeover
10. A Pet
11. A Gift That Gives Back

Here are some great ideas for non-toy stocking stuffers.  All products may not be age appropriate so please use parental discretion when purchasing!

Card games like UNO or Go Fish
Gift cards, or certificates
Art supplies
Craft Kits
Candy, and gum
Homemade treats
Packets of flavored hot chocolate
A plastic snow globe
Puzzle books (The Dollar Tree has a great assortment of these types of books)
Makeup
Small articles of clothing giftwrapped (Underwear, T-Shirts, socks)
Jewelry (giftwrapped)
Bubble bath
Travel size products (shampoo, etc: Target, The Dollar store, and most grocery stores have these sections, and are very affordable)
Stickers
A new toothbrush
Band Aids featuring a favorite character (for younger children)
Nail polish
CD of childrens songs, or a mixtape CD for older children
Magazine








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ONLINE STORE NOW OPEN!

12/9/2014

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Check out our brand new Fauxdori Store on our "Sales" page, or click the link in this post.
FAUXDORI STORE.  There is a great holiday discount code for the month of December enter 40HOLIDAY at checkout. We would love to know what you think! FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $15.00
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The "B" Word

12/8/2014

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#2 
Good Morning Planners,
I don't mean to spoil the season with the dreaded "B" word.  Yup, you guessed it BUDGET!  For the holidays it is imperative to have a budget so that come the new year you are not drowning in debt.  To begin i would: 
  1. Balance all Bank accounts.
  2. Decide how many people you NEED to shop for.
  3. Find Gift prices before going shopping.
  4. Withdraw the total price from your account IN CASH!

Now i say withdraw IN CASH, because using cash instead of credit will prevent you from impulse buying when you go to the mall or other physical stores.  However, it does make online shopping a little bit more difficult.  When you run out of cash your holiday spending is done!  
         When shopping for gifts online look for coupon codes, and be sure to deduct the price of your online purchase from your cash, and redeposit it into your bank account.  Now we all know how crazy Black Friday is, but regardless you can find some amazing deals.  Here are a list of great days to save on your holiday budget. 


  • Black Friday (In stores, and online)
  • Small Business Saturday - The Saturday after Thanksgiving.  (In stores, and online)
  • Cyber Monday - Monday after Thanksgiving (Online only)
  • You may even consider Day after Christmas shopping at seriously discounted prices, and save the presents until next year.

Be sure to watch out for shipping, because on bigger items shipping can cost more than the item itself, and that can seriously drain your holiday budget quickly.  Ground shipping may take a few more days, but for many purchases it is either free or the least expensive method. If you order early there should be no doubt that your gift will arrive before Christmas.  In addition, most shipping during the holidays is guaranteed before a certain cut off date.  Ordering early is your best bet. 

            AND NOW FOR THE GOOD PART............ I have included A FREE PRINTABLE BELOW to begin simplifying your holiday season.  This printable contains only the bare bones of budgeting,  to keep your list clean, and concise. Be sure to check out Aubrey Eastway's take on budgeting on her blog 528squarefeet.  Be sure to leave some comments, and let me know how you like this printable, and this blog post!


Also check out our December Fauxdori Instagram Sale, and our Holiday Photochallenge!


We would love to see how you are using your printable be sure to tag us #cy86holiday @Createyou86

Wishing you a simplified holiday season,
Createyou86



holidaybudget.pdf
File Size: 471 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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Craftier By B Interview

12/3/2014

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What is your stores name?
My store's name is Craftier By B. I sell exclusively on Instagram at the moment. (@craftierbyb)
What are some things that you do well?
I'd like to think that I crochet well. Specifically I think the items I make best are items to keep your head warm!
Why become a crafter?
I have always been a crafter. I felt the need to document it to connect with other people who enjoy the same things that I do.
What is the focus of your craft?
The main focus of crocheting for me is connecting with other crafters and crochet lovers. 
What are some things that you or your craft offer the crafting and planning community?
I offer crocheting patterns and advice or help.  I love helping people out whether they're stuck on a pattern or just need some color inspiration. 
How do you think you best respond to the needs of the community?
I believe I add an extra level of inspiration which is one of my main goals. 
Where would you like to see yourself or your blog/craft more?
I would like to start an Etsy shop eventually, however, as a full time mom and college students it's on the back burner for a little while. 
What do you like best about your blog/craft?
I love that it has no limitations of creativity and that people are always pushing the boundaries.
Why did you choose the crafting and planner community to contribute to?
I
chose this community because crocheting and planning are two things that I love and that help me through life. The people I've connected with through this community are a big reason I stay doing this, it's a whole support system.

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Createyou86 December Photochallenge!

12/3/2014

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Welcome planners to another December,
            With December being such a festive time of year we here at Createyou86 thought it would be the perfect time to post a new Photochallenge. We hope you all enjoy this challenge, and we can't wait to see your photos. In order for us to see your photos please tag us @createyou86 and #CY86holiday

Have a planned day,
Createyou86
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When I Start Holiday Planning

12/2/2014

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#1
It's that time of the year again, the holidays. it may seem a little crazy, but I do not start any Christmas planning until after December First.  I need to give my brain, and body some downtime between Thanksgiving and Christmas.   I understand,   you probably think someone who is so dedicated to organization would power right through the holiday season with no problem, but even we strategic weekly planners, and to-do list makers need time to enjoy the holiday season to help refresh our minds so that we can get some great simple holiday ideas together. 
         My fiancé and I (The other half of Createyou86) @mrphenomenal83 on Instagram this year have choosen to create a bucket list of original activities, and being that we are living in California it will definitely be interesting for the things that we could normally do in a snowy state.  Aside from our own activities we also volunteer at our local church helping to get the holiday program together there as well. All year long we are dedicated to helping others, and especially the holidays when the smallest gesture can make the biggest difference.   below is a photo of our winter bucket list. feel free to use any of our ideas, and be sure to tag us in any photos this holiday season.

Have a Planned Day,

#CY86holiday
@createyou86
@mrphenomenal83

Check out  Aubrey's Blog This is a holiday collaboration. Be sure to let us know what you think of these posts!

Aubrey's Blog
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