Emily Ley http://emilyleyblog.com Joy, Simplicity and What Matters Most Fri, 23 Feb 2018 16:31:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.25 113782611 Weekly Top Ten: Vol. 96 http://emilyleyblog.com/2018/02/weekly-top-ten-vol-96/ Fri, 23 Feb 2018 16:31:05 +0000 http://emilyleyblog.com/?p=10433

Happy Friday, friends! Here are ten things that are bringing us a little bit of joy this week:

  1. Simplified Retreat: Our whole team works remotely, and this weekend is the first time EVER we’ll all be in the same place! Follow along with us on IG for lots of behind the scenes of #TeamSimplified!
  2. Our NEW Name: Yesterday was a BIG day over here. For all of the details on our new name change to Simplified, head to our most recent post.
  3. Kate’s 3-Minute Make-up Routine: The best make-up routine for when you just don’t have time!
  4. Emily’s Favorite Backpack: Simple, classic, and so practical!
  5. The Cutest Pineapple Tee: This t-shirt is perfect for running errands or chasing little ones around at the park. So cute!
  6. Dry Erase Collection: Have you shopped our new Dry Erase collection yet? We’ll be restocking the sold out products soon, but there’s still to get one of the others before they’re gone!
  7. Classic Gold Necklace: This necklace is so simple and classic, and it goes with everything. Under $40!
  8. The Softest Cardigan: Warning: this is on sale, but still a little bit of a splurge! The quality and versatility of it make it worth the hefty price tag. We’ve never felt a softer sweater!
  9. Our New Team Member: We are SO excited and honored to announce our newest team member, Jessa! Head on over to our IG stories to see more fun facts about her.
  10. Our February Playlist: Don’t forget to listen along to our February playlist! You can sign up for our newsletter to receive a new playlist in your inbox each month.
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2018 Simplicity Challenge http://emilyleyblog.com/2018/02/2018-simplicity-challenge/ Tue, 06 Feb 2018 17:04:48 +0000 http://emilyleyblog.com/?p=10428

The process of simplifying your life is a BIG one. It’s so freeing and exciting and it’s HARD WORK. Our 31 Day Simplicity Challenge features one step for each day that can be completed in 15 minutes or less. Physical clutter = mental clutter, so both of those areas are addressed throughout the challenge. At the end of the challenge, you’ll be able to breathe easier knowing that you’ve completed the process of purging, decluttering, and organizing your life to make margin for what matters! For daily encouragement and extra tips on the process of simplifying, join our Simplified Planner Community Group. To sign up for our newsletter and receive a FREE printable e-book of the challenge, click here.

No. 1 of 31: Walk your home with a trash bag or five. Be ruthless. Papers. Receipts. Tags. Empty bottles. Go.

No. 2 of 31Go through your kitchen drawers. Do you have three carrot peelers? Two ice cream scoops? You only need one.

No. 3 of 31Clean out your fridge, pantry, and spice cabinet. Check expiration dates and throw things away. Make a list of restock needs as you go.

No. 4 of 31Simplify your phone. Delete old contacts and unused apps. Refresh your wallpaper and lock screen.

No. 5 of 31Organize the Notes app on your iPhone to hold lists of all kinds (books to read, hashtags you use, or other information you often need to retrieve).

No. 6 of 31Use the Reminders app on your iPhone to set alerts for routines or habits you’re trying to create (IE: take vitamins, put phone away, go for a walk).

No. 7 of 31: Consider reading as a brain break. Make a list of 10 books you’d like to read this year.

No. 8 of 31Walk your house with a donate bag. Schedule a pick-up or drop it off as soon as the bag is full.

No. 9 of 31Start the habit of throwing a small load of laundry in every morning.

No. 10 of 31Set a recurring alarm (or use the Bedtime feature on iPhones) for every weekday. If you’re letting your kids wake you, set it for one hour earlier.

No. 11 of 31Go put gas in your car today. While you’re there, clean out your car. Throw trash away.

No. 12 of 31Buy a few birthday cards (and small gift cards). Keep them on hand for birthdays that pop up that you’re not prepared for.

No. 13 of 31Put your number on the Do Not Call list. Visit donotcall.gov or call 1.888.382.1222.

No. 14 of 31Do something with all those precious photos and videos on your phone. Print. Back up. Store.

No. 15 of 31Consider the amount of INFORMATION coming at you all day. What can you turn off to quiet your mind? Turn off the television. Perhaps (gasp!) take a break from social media.

No. 16 of 31Identify “pain points” in your day (IE: kids getting shoes on in the morning). Alleviate these (IE: put a basket for shoes near the front door for easy access).

No. 17 of 31Dump out your purse. Throw away trash. Create a little bag of essentials. Make your bag work for you.

No. 18 of 31Ruthlessly clean out your closet. Goodbye clothes that “will fit one day.” Goodbye clothes that “don’t fit quite right but I paid too much for them.”

No. 19 of 31Clean out your medicine cabinet. Trash anything expired. Restock essentials.

No. 20 of 31Detox your social media feeds. Follow inspirational accounts. Unfollow anyone draining. Are there platforms you can quit?

No. 21 of 31Go through your credit card and / or bank statements. Identify any “subscriptions” you forgot you had and don’t need and turn them off.

No. 22 of 31Clean off your desk and wipe it down (and your keyboard). Ditch clutter. Keep only the essentials including your computer.

No. 23 of 31: Clear the clutter on your computer. Delete unused files and organize important ones. Empty the trash. Refresh your desktop wallpaper.

No. 24 of 31Take inventory of the mail coming to your mailbox. Visit directmail.com to remove your name from lists.

No. 25 of 31Make a list of ten go-to meals. Tape it to the fridge for simple meal planning.

No. 26 of 31Schedule a vacation or stay-cation for some time this year. 

No. 27 of 31Organize your inbox. Search the word “unsubscribe” and remove yourself from non-essential lists. Try Unroll.me.

No. 28 of 31Using a large piece of paper or poster board, make a list of all your commitments. Which ones can you say “not now” to?

No. 29 of 31Create your own weekly prep-list with tasks that make you feel prepared for the week ahead.

No. 30 of 31Make a list of household items you use frequently. Stock up on these. Pay attention to BOGO sales.

No. 31 of 31Rest. Schedule 30 minutes alone once a week. You give away what you put in. Take care of yourself.

 

 

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Simplifying Travel http://emilyleyblog.com/2018/01/asl-book-tour-thoughts-from-the-road/ Sun, 14 Jan 2018 16:39:14 +0000 http://emilyleyblog.com/?p=10416 Hi friends!

My goodness. What an incredible few days it’s been. I’ve been able to meet and hug so many new (and old!) friends in Lexington, Nashville, Atlanta, Charlotte, Birmingham and, tomorrow, Dallas. It’s blown me away, really… and your sweet words and encouragement have meant so much to me.

Traveling is NOT something I’m good at… if I’m being honest. I LOVE the signings, but the in-between… the airports, the rental cars, the hotels, the flight delays… I’m a home-body. :) And proud of it! Haha! If I could invite you all to my house, I would. That would be fun!! In fact, one day, maybe we’ll plan a conference of sorts and have everyone come visit.

I started planning for this whirlwind 8-day, 6-city, 7-signings trip months ago. I wanted to make it as easy as possible and I wanted to really take care of myself this time so I didn’t get home burned out. I’ve learned, over the last few years, that I’m an extroverted introvert. Meaning… I LOVE making new friends…. I love being in big groups and connecting with people. And then when that’s over, I crave solitude. Quiet, alone time. Luckily, my husband knows / loves this and is the same way. He works in sales. (Hmm… I wonder if a lot of “extroverts” are this way)?

Well, here are just a few things I’ve learned along the way regarding this trip. Some are tactical, some are not but maybe they’ll help some of you:

1. Plan for EXTRA down time. Don’t overpack your schedule. I planned one night out with my dear friends Christopher and Gabe in Atlanta and that’s it. It was so much fun. I’ve known Christopher for 10 years and was thrilled to (finally!) meet Gabe in person. But the rest of my trip, I left the margin in my schedule alone for catching up on The Crown on Netflix, listening to some good audio books (didn’t pack “actual” books since I didn’t have much space in my carry-on), finding amazing coffee shops (like this one), and sleeping. I slept 14 hours last night. Not even kidding. Plan for more-than-usual down time to take care of yourself while traveling. I don’t know why – maybe its the change in routine – but traveling takes lots of extra energy. Thanks to the Westin Nashville for the amazing spa experience… what a treat during this trip!!

2. If you’re flying a lot, TRY not to check a bag. I’ve had this Samsonite carry-on for as long as I can remember. It’s been all over the place and held up so well. Though I think the zipper may give out soon thanks to how tightly I packed it this go-’round. Checking a bag adds like a zillion annoying hours to travel frustration time. Just don’t do it. Here’s a list of what I packed in my carry-on:

  • 2 pairs of jeans for events (soft, skinny jeans that basically feel like leggings).
  • 2 pairs of leggings for travel (these are my fave and perfect for traveling, though NOT perfect for cold weather).
  • A few tops for travel that go with the leggings
  • A few tops that can be mix-matched for events to go with the jeans
  • 2 pairs of shoes: these booties for events, these sneakers for traveling. And then I had these boots that got shipped home bc they’re just too bulky for quick travel – though adorable.
  • Socks and unmentionables to make it through the trip, duh.
  • A hang-up toiletries bag with more than I needed (meaning, I packed things I probably don’t normally travel with – for a little more comfort: hand-cream, face-masks, etc).
  • Bare minimum makeup in this bag set my team gave me for Christmas. I LOVE THIS BAG. It’s super high quality and it sits “open” perfectly so you don’t have to dump your makeup out on a hotel counter (germ-a-phobe).
  • Hair straightener (Didn’t pack a blow dryer since hotels have one. I really miss mine).
  • A big jacket (I wore this on the plane to save carry-on space; got mine on SUPER black friday sale).
  • A backpack (<- if you follow me on Instagram, you’re probably tired of hearing about how much I love this bag… BUT I LOVE THIS BAG. It was a gift from my husband for Christmas and I’m obsessed. It’s so high quality, so perfect – with a zillion pockets – and just so cute). I didn’t pack a purse. I slipped a clutch into the bag for anywhere I’d need to carry an actual purse, which has basically been nowhere. It has a laptop pocket too, which is awesome. In my backpack, I’ve packed: my laptop, laptop charger (in a side pocket), my phone / apple watch chargers (in the other side pocket), a phone charger block-thing (you know? the thing that charges your phone without being plugged in), my wallet, my big scarf, a few snacks [RX bars and such], and an empty, reusable to-go coffee cup), some Emergen-c gummies to help my immune system a bit while traveling and hugging so many people).
  • I packed everything in these packing cubes (thanks for the rec, Jess!)

Now, things I did not pack:

  • a purse (have my backpack with a small clutch inside)
  • a hair dryer (hotels have them)
  • a ton of clothes (pack capsule-ish and take pics of every outfit so you only pack what you need)

3. Use something to keep all travel details together. I LOVE TripIt <- there is a free version and a pro version. I use the pro version bc I have to travel a lot for work. It allows you to forward any hotel / rental car / flight into to an email address and it automatically updates your travel itinerary. They alert me if anything is delayed, auto-text me when I get to an airport to tell me which gate I have to run to (haha), and just hold everything in one place. I have the app on my phone and I love it.

4. Delta Sky Club. If you travel a lot, take my advice here… the American Express Platinum Card is everything. (This is not at all sponsored, I just seriously love this card). We have one for the business and one personally. We love it because a) it has GREAT perks and b) AMEX gives you a great analysis of your spending at the end of every year. It costs $550 per year, BUT the benefits basically pay for it. AND, if you are active duty military, AMEX will waive the fee!! So, we put E V E R Y thing on our AMEX and pay it off at the end of every month. We try and keep as much as possible on this card bc keeping everything in one place helps see / track your overall spending. Plus, knowing we’re going to have to pay it off at the end of the month helps us remember to watch it like a hawk. Now, there are a zillion perks, but here are some of my faves: $200 airline credit (yearly), $200 Uber credit (yearly), Clear / Pre-Check credit (every few years). 10 Go-go inflight internet passes (yearly). And my favorite benefit: access to a TON of airport lounges, including Delta Sky Club. The DSC is my home-away-from-home when traveling. They’re usually uncrowded, have nice / clean bathrooms, a place to charge #allthethings, big comfy chairs, and complimentary breakfast / lunch / coffee / bar / etc. Honestly, I basically will go straight to the airport to eat breakfast or lunch here. And they have so many healthy options. I’ve seriously saved so much money with this benefit. And when you’re traveling with kids, it’s the best. It’s just a place to rest in otherwise insane airports and I’m really grateful for it after 8 days traveling. :) Here is a referral link if you’re interested. OH, someone just told me AMEX also gives you Global Access so that when you’re returning from international flights, you skip those HUGE lines!

5. Get TSA Pre-check or Clear. Waiting in lines is the worst. With AMEX reimbursing our fees for this, it was a no-brainer.

6. Leave a little happy at home. Leaving my kiddos is the hardest thing ever — and not something I take lightly at all. I don’t do it much anymore, so when I do, I make sure to leave things as buttoned up at home as possible. I married super dad, so that’s a win, haha. And, thankfully, Nana came down to stand in and take care of everyone. I also continued a tradition I started when Brady was an itty bitty baby. Whenever I travel, I leave little happies at home to put a smile on their faces everyday. I went to Party City before I left and got little prizes – their candy is 15 for $1.00 and their little prizes are $0.25. Yes, they’ll get thrown away or lost or whatever, but for a minute, they absolutely love it – and that’s worth it. I put them in little bags (also available at Party City) with numbers on them counting down until I come back.

I’m so excited for Dallas tomorrow! I’ve been to Dallas before, but only for a hot minute. Can’t wait to visit the Barnes & Noble there!! Thank you so much for all your love and support of A Simplified Life. The movement toward simple and meaningful in a world that often feels so busy and chaotic is so much bigger than me. I’m so proud to be part of it and so grateful for all your kind words and for all your encouraging stories. Let’s keep it going!! We’re halfway through our Simplicity Challenge. If you’ve missed any, you can download a free copy of the ENTIRE challenge here!

See you soon, Texas! And to my babies – TWO MORE DAYS!!

xo,

Emily

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Simplifying 2018, Part 4: Your Heart http://emilyleyblog.com/2017/12/simplifying-2018-part-4-your-heart/ Sun, 31 Dec 2017 14:00:58 +0000 http://emilyleyblog.com/?p=10319

I saved this topic for last, on purpose. Getting your heart in the right place before embarking on a new year is so key. I love using my Power Sheets for digging in to how the current year has gone and what my hopes and dreams for the new year actually are. I feel really focused after digging into its pages. Primarily, I like to look back at the year that has just passed and identify what worked and what didn’t work. For me, 2017 was a much slower, calmer year than 2016. I spent much of 2016 frazzled, anxious, and just trying to keep up. But embarking on 2017, I committed myself to a major overhaul. I was tired of living a life that felt like it was on fire. I wanted my kids to see happy mommy. I wanted them to see the version of me that has time to sit and play—but more than that, I wanted them to see the version that genuinely has the brain space to be interested in the Lego creation they’re building. I knew that meant I needed to learn to rest and I needed to learn to embrace margin. I also needed to simplify our lives. And thus, the journey of writing A Simplified Life began. It was that commitment—that sincere, gut-wrenching craving for something MORE and LESS—that brought me to this day, now in late 2017. And oh my heart, do I not regret it. I don’t regret that moment when I said, “everything may fall apart, but there are worse things.” I don’t regret the hard work of saying NO. I don’t regret the pain of letting people down. I don’t regret the bravery I had to muster up to step into a gym and learn to build outer and inner strength. I made a lot of hard choices, and I found myself with four very grateful people in front of me—Bryan, Brady, Tyler, and Caroline. And life was never the same.

I don’t have a quick three tips for you on this front. Because simplifying your heart, getting a clear focus on what you want, and doing the hard work is anything but simple. But my best advice is to write. Begin writing down the way you feel.

Last year, I felt anxious. Tired. Frustrated by everything. I felt overwhelmed, overworked, and overcommitted. Things that should be fun didn’t feel fun. I was on the fast train and I wanted off.

Have a good cry if you need to at this point. I know I did. Then begin by writing out the life you want to have.

Last year, I wrote, “I want a life that is lived in real time. I want a home that feels calm and welcoming. I want my kids to love being here and love being with me. I want to look and feel strong and healthy. I want to have the brain space and margin in my life to really, truly savor this precious, precious season. I want to be ME again.”

And so it begins. Set your sites on something higher than where you are. And put one foot in front of the other. What will you say YES to this year? And what will you say no to? Commit and be ready to overhaul a few parts of your life. Your home, your schedule, your routines, and even your heart. 

If you haven’t read A Simplified Life: Tactical Tools for Intentional Living, I hope you’ll give it a try. It’s the story of my journey from fast, frazzled living to slow, intentional life. Throughout the ten chapters, we dig into simplifying ten key areas of life we all find overwhelming. Reading is one of my favorite brain breaks. I identified that as one way I would care for myself this year back in January 2017. And I read 30 (!!) books this year. Some were physical books, but many were Audible books (I listened to them in the car, on road trips, while falling asleep, even in headphones while drying my hair, which takes forever). Here are my favorites:

MY 10 FAVORITE BOOKS I READ THIS YEAR 

  1. Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne and Lisa Ross
  2. The Lifegiving Home by Sally and Sarah Clarkson
  3. No Drama Discipline by Daniel Siegel
  4. The Wellness Project by Phoebe Lapine
  5. What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
  6. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
  7. Rising Strong by Brene Brown
  8. Of Mess & Moxie by Jen Hatmaker
  9. Cultivate by Lara Casey
  10. Present over Perfect by Shauna Niequist

Check out Part 1 (Simplifying your Home), and Part 2 (Simplifying your Schedule), and Part 3 (Simplifying your Routines) of our Simplifying 2018 series. And, if you haven’t picked up your Simplified Planner yet, now’s the time! Orders over $100 get FREE domestic shipping until January 2! Get yours before they’re gone! AND my new book, A Simplified Life, is available here! Looking for more inspiration this week? I had a blast on Jen Hatmaker’s podcast this week as well as Jesus Calling!

Also, check out our new FREE Community Group! This has been on my heart for a LONG time. The process of simplifying your life is a BIG one. It’s so freeing and exciting and it’s HARD WORK. But it’s best done in community. With friends who can cheer you on, hold you accountable, and give you ideas. Friends you can ooh and ahh over before and after pictures with! Friends who can remind you it’s worth it to keep going when the clutter seems like too much (both physically and mentally). I’m THRILLED to announce we’ve just opened a FREE Simplified Life Community Group on Facebook (I know, not everyone is on FB – but its the easiest, *simplest* place to host such a thing – so get on FB even if just to join us). I’ll be there too and just can’t wait to get to know you all better. Hop in before we start our Simplicity Challenge January 1 and introduce yourself! Join here.

GIVEAWAY

Win one of 40 (!!!) prize packs, including special-edition “Joy + Simplicity” pencils and an EL notepad! Giveaway winners will be contacted on Monday, January 2. Open to U.S. Residents only (sorry, International friends!). 

 

 

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Brady’s Target Debut http://emilyleyblog.com/2017/12/bradys-target-debut/ Sat, 30 Dec 2017 17:06:11 +0000 http://emilyleyblog.com/?p=10390 If you’ve followed me on Instagram for some time, you’ve seen #BMakesAVideo. My oldest, Brady, is almost seven (HOLD ME) and he LOVES making videos. I tell you what… watching his confidence makes me SO PROUD! He came up with every word of this… on the spot… and I about fell over with each word. I just can’t even handle it. He’s the sweetest, kindest, funniest kid and I was THRILLED he got to star in this video at Target!! Yes!! If you go to your local Target, you’ll see THIS GUY on the big screens in the book / electronics section! The video playing in Target doesn’t feature the blooper real below (time limits), so you HAVE to watch this version. I literally cried and laughed my whole way through the filming of this thing. Thank you for this awesome treasure Indie Atlantic Films! Go pick up your copy of A Simplified Life: Tactical Tools for Intentional Living at your Target today! And if you spot Brady, you HAVE to send me a note on Instagram!!

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Simplifying 2018, Part 3: Your Routines http://emilyleyblog.com/2017/12/simplifying-2018-part-3-your-routines/ Sat, 30 Dec 2017 14:00:23 +0000 http://emilyleyblog.com/?p=10317

This is one of my most favorite topics to talk about when it comes to simplifying life. Creating routines that work is vital to ensuring your life, home, and family run smoothly. And, as a mama to a now nearly seven-year-old (hold me) and nearly three-year-old twins (hold me x 2), I really see how my children benefit from the cadence of morning routines, bedtime routines, and weekend routines. Before we dive in, remember this: Routines MUST BE FLEXIBLE. Sometimes you’re going to want to throw rhythm to the wind and do something completely different. That’s okay! Sometimes someone is going to get sick (ahem, OR GRUMPY) or the car isn’t going to start or the oven isn’t going to turn on. That’s okay too! Create loose routines wrapped in grace and the rest will fall into place.

  1. Identify the pain points in your day. Is your morning always frazzled? Is getting dinner on the table always difficult? Wherever you feel your frustration rising and your anxiety bubbling up … those are the parts of your day that need to be addressed. For instance, for whatever reason, getting my kids out the door in the morning (the twins in particular) is like trying to move a mountain. I realized, though, that there were two pain points: 1) getting them dressed and 2) getting them from the kitchen to the car. Getting them dressed was hard because I’d bring them downstairs, put their clothes on them in the living room, put their shoes on them on the couch, and then we’d eat breakfast. I realized that ROOM was the problem—and that I was trying to dress two toddlers at the same time. They had so much space to run away from me, to play, and to be distracted.
  2. Find a way to make that part of your day run smoother. The solution is often super simple! Now, I take their shoes and socks upstairs (we keep them in baskets by the front door). I’ve laid their clothes out the night before, so that part’s easy. I go to Tyler’s room first and get him fully dressed. Clothes. Shoes. Hair done. Everything. Then, we go and wake Caroline (girlfriend loves her beauty sleep). And I get her dressed in her room while Tyler plays in there. Clothes. Shoes. Hair done. Everything. Then we go downstairs and have breakfast. If I’m feeling super organized, I’ve set their breakfast out before I’ve gone upstairs, but that’s a rare occurance. ☺ Next, to get them to the car—I realized it was their backpacks that were causing a fuss. They wanted to put them on, buckle the front strap, and mess with them before walking twenty feet to the car. So now, before I go upstairs, I walk the backpacks to the car and put them in the front seat. They don’t even miss them! ☺ And our mornings run SO much smoother with these little tweaks!
  3. Implement fun, simple traditions to give your week a cadence. Pizza on Fridays. Cinnamon rolls on Saturdays. Church and then football on Sundays. These are just a few things my family looks forward to. And, not to mention, they make my life a little easier (especially the pizza and cinnamon rolls part)! These are my absolute favorites (store bought and so delicious!)

When it comes to my own personal routines, one of the routines I really simplified this year was my own “getting ready” routine. In Chapter 2 of A Simplified Life—we talk about creating your own signature style and how much this helps the time it takes you to get dressed every morning. I edited my closet in a big way after doing this and ended up with more favorites and much less clutter distracting me from those pieces I already owned! So, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite wardrobe staples with you! Some are super affordable and some are investment pieces. But, quality over quantity is my new rule for my closet.

MY 10 FAVORITE WARDROBE STAPLES

  1. Soft skinny jeans (my faves have been discontinued, but these are great too!)
  2. V-neck, loose tees (size up so they’re not tight)
  3. Popovers
  4. T-shirt dresses
  5. Gold stud earrings
  6. Bombas socks (literally the best)
  7. Leggings for the gym (or every day)!
  8. Tank tops for chasing kiddos or working out
  9. My Apple Watch (version 2)– a gift a few Christmases ago that I wear everyday. I love using it to track my workouts and to be notified of calls or texts (that way I don’t have to have my phone on me at all times).
  10. Rothys shoes. I loved Tieks for a while, but these are super soft (and you can throw them in the washing machine)!

Check out Part 1 (Simplifying your Home) and Part 2 (Simplifying your Schedule) of our Simplifying 2018 series, and check back tomorrow for Part 4 (Simplifying your Heart) and lots of fun giveaways, discounts, tips and more as we head into the new year. And, if you haven’t picked up your Simplified Planner yet, now’s the time! Orders over $100 get FREE domestic shipping until January 2! Get yours before they’re gone! AND my new book, A Simplified Life, is available here! Looking for more inspiration this week? I had a blast on Jen Hatmaker’s podcast this week as well as Jesus Calling!

Also, check out our new FREE Community Group! This has been on my heart for a LONG time. The process of simplifying your life is a BIG one. It’s so freeing and exciting and it’s HARD WORK. But it’s best done in community. With friends who can cheer you on, hold you accountable, and give you ideas. Friends you can ooh and ahh over before and after pictures with! Friends who can remind you it’s worth it to keep going when the clutter seems like too much (both physically and mentally). I’m THRILLED to announce we’ve just opened a FREE Simplified Life Community Group on Facebook (I know, not everyone is on FB – but its the easiest, *simplest* place to host such a thing – so get on FB even if just to join us). I’ll be there too and just can’t wait to get to know you all better. Hop in before we start our Simplicity Challenge January 1 and introduce yourself! Join here.

GIVEAWAY

Win one of 40 (!!!) prize packs, including special-edition “Joy + Simplicity” pencils and an EL notepad! Giveaway winners will be contacted on Monday, January 2. Open to U.S. Residents only (sorry, International friends!). 

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Simplifying 2018, Part 2: Your Schedule http://emilyleyblog.com/2017/12/simplifying-2018-part-2-your-schedule/ Fri, 29 Dec 2017 13:00:35 +0000 http://emilyleyblog.com/?p=10315

Does anyone else feel like 2017 was jam-packed?! I know I did. Granted, it felt so much calmer than 2016, but it was still very full. This took a lot of planning and organization on my part, to make #allthethings happen without stressing everyone out (myself included). If you’re like me, though, you’re hoping to a) simplify your schedule for 2018, and b) really get a handle on that simplified schedule (that may still be very busy). Here are three quick tips for kicking off 2018 on the right foot with a schedule and plan that feel great to you.

  1. Take inventory of your commitments. Get a piece of poster board (not a paper, trust me—poster boards are awesome for seeing the BIG picture) and a pen. Begin writing all the commitments you have that show up as regular appointments on your calendar: school, church, volunteering, children’s extracurricular activities, work, work, work (you get the picture).
  2. Ruthlessly edit these. Decide what MUST stay. Highlight or underline those. Make decisions about what’s left. Do your children NEED to be involved in 3 extracurricular activities? Does your son even WANT to play four sports, or is there a favorite emerging? Is that volunteer commitment a “great thing for another season” and potentially a “not right now” for this season? Make yourself and your family a priority and say no where you can.
  3. Create margin. Don’t get uncomfortable with the empty planner pages or the afternoons with no “places to be.” You may be tempted to fill them. Don’t fall victim to this. Let it be and let the good stuff of life seep into those moments. Maybe you’ll be freed up to make dinner for your family now. Maybe you’ll have time to exercise now. Maybe you’ll simply have time to get the laundry folded and put away now. Margin = room to breathe.

Once you have your edited schedule in front of you, consider the way your appointments are grouped together. For instance, I work five short days a week while my kiddos are at school (I try not to work outside of their school hours since they’re home with me at that point). I started grouping all my weekly calls, meetings, etc. on Tuesdays and Thursdays only—leaving Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays open for my “creative time.” Uninterrupted time for me to design and write. These days are so valuable since they’re not being chopped up. I bet, if you look at your schedule, you can find ways to group things together so that you’re left with a better overall organization of it all. Maybe instead of a jam-packed Monday afternoon with three kids going three different directions, you could spread those out across Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday? One commitment each day and room to breathe around each.

I’ve shared a few times on our Facebook Lives about how I manage my own busy schedule as a working mom. My team is all remote, so we keep everything in iCal. I put all my appointments there as well. On Sundays, I sit down with my Simplified Planner and transfer my appointments into my daily edition. From that point, I’m working out of my Simplified Planner. I love that time on Sundays because it’s a focused time for me to go over what’s coming up, see if I need to do anything to prepare, and connect with my husband on his schedule also.

MY 10 FAVORITE IPHONE & SIMPLIFIED PLANNER HACKS:

  1. iPhone: Use the Notes app to keep track of lists and important information. Type three applicable emojis, then go down the next line, and type your list title. Then begin your list. Your notes app will be beautifully organized!
  2. iPhone: Use the Notes app to track packages you’re monitoring (especially great during the holidays). I know there are apps out there to track this, but they all feel a little less than simple to me. I just copy + paste my tracking URLs for important packages into a note for easy access.
  3. iPhone: Color code your apps (love this idea from The Home Edit) into individual folders. When I search for an app, I’m actually looking for its color, not its name or symbol, so this works great! I have 8 folders for my apps on my second page and keep only my most-used apps on my first page of my iPhone.
  4. iPhone: Use a really simple wallpaper so that your apps stand out and your iPhone screen is visually calming. Search google for “free gradient iPhone wallpapers” and you’ll find a ton!
  5. Simplified Planner: Use a paper clip to clip invitations or coupons to certain days.
  6. Simplified Planner: Write things (like grocery lists) that may need to be transferred from day to day on a Post-It and stick onto your planner page.
  7. Simplified Planner: On the “to-do” section of your Daily Simplified Planner, write personal tasks from the top down and then write work tasks from the bottom up so that you have a visual delineation between the two lists.
  8. Simplified Planner: Color code your planner using Pilot pens! We LOVE the Pilot V5 pens and all the fun color options they have! You could color code for each person in your family or color code work/personal as well.
  9. Simplified Planner: Store stamped stationery in the front pocket of your planner so its easily accessible for thank you notes.
  10. Simplified Planner: Keep a monthly bucket list on the notes column of your monthly spread. Keep 3-5 things you’d like to get done (or experience!) this month here so you’re reminded daily of your goals.

Check out Part 1 (Simplifying your Home) of our Simplifying 2018 series and check back tomorrow for Part 3 (Simplifying your Routines) and lots of fun giveaways, discounts, tips and more as we head into the new year. And, if you haven’t picked up your Simplified Planner yet, now’s the time! Orders over $100 get FREE domestic shipping until January 2! Get yours before they’re gone! AND my new book, A Simplified Life, is available here! Looking for more inspiration this week? I had a blast on Jen Hatmaker’s podcast this week as well as Jesus Calling!

Also, check out our new FREE Community Group! This has been on my heart for a LONG time. The process of simplifying your life is a BIG one. It’s so freeing and exciting and it’s HARD WORK. But it’s best done in community. With friends who can cheer you on, hold you accountable, and give you ideas. Friends you can ooh and ahh over before and after pictures with! Friends who can remind you it’s worth it to keep going when the clutter seems like too much (both physically and mentally). I’m THRILLED to announce we’ve just opened a FREE Simplified Life Community Group on Facebook (I know, not everyone is on FB – but its the easiest, *simplest* place to host such a thing – so get on FB even if just to join us). I’ll be there too and just can’t wait to get to know you all better. Hop in before we start our Simplicity Challenge January 1 and introduce yourself! Join here.

GIVEAWAY

Win one of 40 (!!!) prize packs, including special-edition “Joy + Simplicity” pencils and an EL notepad! Giveaway winners will be contacted on Monday, January 2. Open to U.S. Residents only. 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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Simplifying 2018, Part 1: Your Home http://emilyleyblog.com/2017/12/simplifying-2018-part-1-your-home/ Thu, 28 Dec 2017 14:00:11 +0000 http://emilyleyblog.com/?p=10313

I’ve spent the last year of my life immersed in this topic. Decluttering, simplifying, cleaning out the old, the extra, the necessary and making way for the good, the best, the favorite … giving it room to shine and sing in your life. I’ve written about this time and time again—even wrote a book on the topic. But I’ve also lived it. If you’re in the process of simplifying your life right now, know that I’ve lived that journey too. It’s hard. It’s life changing. Almost to the point that it’s hard to put into words what committing yourself to a simpler life will do. Let’s get a few things straight before we dive in this week.

Simple does not equal small. Simple does not equal mundane. Simple does not equal boring. Simple does not equal SETTLING.

Simple is rich and beautiful. Simple is easy. Simple is refreshing.

A simplified life has an ease about it, even when life throws curveballs. A simplified life is one lived with intention, purpose, and love. A simplified life is rooted in routine, rhythm, and tradition. A simplified life has a cadence about it that is both soothing and foundational. A simplified life provides a sturdy foundation upon which ambition, creativity, and adventure are built.

YES. Just yes.

I want that for myself and I want that for my children. Give me the calmness and comfort of a home and family built on things that are steadfast and true—on faith, on love, and on character. Why am I after a simplified life? Because the rest of this world feels really complicated. And sometimes unexplainable. And if I can control (to some extent) what happens inside the four walls of my home, then step aside. I have work to do, and I am all in. I want every room in my home, every space in my house, every cabinet, every closet, every bed and bathroom to feel lived in, welcoming, and lovely. I don’t mean lovely in the sense of “decorate with allthethings,” but lovely in the sense of colors and patterns that make me smile, photographs and artwork that evoke a memory or a feeling, and the clarity and inspiration that comes with all of that.

YES. Just yes.

So I don’t organize to make our home perfect or photo-worthy. Rather, I organize, simplify, declutter, and have committed myself to this lifestyle because it matters. It matters in eternal, important, enormous, everlasting ways. Thank you for joining me on this journey this year. A Simplified Life hit the Amazon Charts (#3 of All Books), the USA Today Bestsellers List, and the Washington Post Bestsellers List. That blew my mind, of course. But what touched my heart so much were all the notes, messages, texts, and emails I received from so many of you who worked through that book and literally changed your lives. You dug in and did the hard work and are reaping rewards left and right. Thank you for sharing those stories with me.

As we embark on this four-day adventure in simplifying our lives, I want you to know two things: 1) You are in charge. You get to decide what you say yes to and what you say no to. 2) Laugh. As 2018 is just days away, I have a feeling there will be times we just need to LAUGH. There will be good times and hard times ahead. Celebrate the good times with ice cream sundaes and dance parties. And when the hard times come, give yourself permission to watch Anchorman. Or eat a cheeseburger (with A LOT OF FRIES). Or take a nap. Like, a long nap if you want. My dad always says we can’t take life too seriously, and I totally agree. Let’s have some fun next year, okay?

Nervous about decluttering your home? Start with this: Go get some trash bags. You probably have plenty. Start with a general sweep of your home. Pick up all the trash. Napkins. Tags. Old papers. Envelopes. Junk mail. Wrappers. TRASH. Pick it up. Throw it out. Next, make a general sweep of your home and grab things to give away. BE. RUTHLESS. These two exercises will give you a boost of confidence and a taste of the fresh start to come when you really dig into your home.

YOU deserve a home that is simple, clean, organized, and lovely. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a tiny home or a big home, an apartment or a farmhouse, have six cats and twelve children or live solo. YOUR home should be a place of rest and respite—an escape from the outside world. Let’s do this.

MY 10 FAVORITE PIECES OF DECOR IN OUR HOME

in no particular order

  1. My Lindsay Letters canvas. I have this family rules one, this Christmas one, and this one (that is technically a Christmas one but I’m leaving it up all year). It’s big. Makes a statement and is so gorgeous and unique feeling.
  2. Ginger jars. I love how traditional and fresh these are. I was eyeing these expensive ones from Williams Sonoma but wasn’t about to spend that much. So, I found some at Home Goods from $9.99 to $24.99. Jackpot.
  3. Navy gingham pillows from Caitlin Wilson. They’re so cute and they hold up well with little messy kiddos.
  4. Boxwoods and topiaries. I just love them. I get most of these from Home Goods, but some of them are actually real plants. I just spray them with water every few months and they’re good.
  5. Wreaths from Mud Pie. I don’t have a lot of front porch decor, but I swap these out every holiday and they’re so cute and festive.
  6. Pineapples. Not only are they our brand’s icon, they’re the symbol for southern hospitality. That’s something I want our home to exude. Here are a few recent favorites: 1 and 2.
  7. Family yearbooks from Artifact Uprising. Okay, so these aren’t technically decor pieces, but they’re so special to me and they just look so pretty all lined up in a row.
  8. Brady’s bronzed baby shoes. Be still my heart. So meaningful and pretty. I got them done here, I believe.
  9. Kids artwork cork boards framed by Framebridge. I took three 24 x 36 cork boards (one for each child) and covered them in linen (adhered with spray glue). Then I sent them to Framebridge and had them framed with their Mandalay frames (without glass). They’re some of my favorite pieces in our home. We put the kiddos’ artwork, certificates, and sometimes photos up on them to display.
  10. This mirror from Target. I just think it’s such a good price for how gorgeous this mirror is!

Check back tomorrow for Part 2 of our Simplifying 2018 series and lots of fun giveaways, discounts, tips and more as we head into the new year. And, if you haven’t picked up your Simplified Planner yet, now’s the time! Orders over $100 get FREE domestic shipping until January 2! Get yours before they’re gone! AND my new book, A Simplified Life, is available here! Looking for more inspiration this week? I had a blast on Jen Hatmaker’s podcast this week as well as Jesus Calling!

Also, check out our new FREE Community Group! This has been on my heart for a LONG time. The process of simplifying your life is a BIG one. It’s so freeing and exciting and it’s HARD WORK. But it’s best done in community. With friends who can cheer you on, hold you accountable, and give you ideas. Friends you can ooh and ahh over before and after pictures with! Friends who can remind you it’s worth it to keep going when the clutter seems like too much (both physically and mentally). I’m THRILLED to announce we’ve just opened a FREE Simplified Life Community Group on Facebook (I know, not everyone is on FB – but its the easiest, *simplest* place to host such a thing – so get on FB even if just to join us). I’ll be there too and just can’t wait to get to know you all better. Hop in before we start our Simplicity Challenge January 1 and introduce yourself! Join here.

GIVEAWAY

Win one of 40 (!!!) prize packs, including special-edition “Joy + Simplicity” pencils  and an EL notepad!

Giveaway winners will be contacted on Monday, January 2. Open to U.S. Residents only. 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SaveSave

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Weekly Top Ten: Vol 95 http://emilyleyblog.com/2017/12/weekly-top-ten-vol-95/ Fri, 15 Dec 2017 19:51:44 +0000 http://emilyleyblog.com/?p=10334

Happy Friday! Here are ten things that brought us a little bit of joy this week:

  1. Framebridge’s Gold Mandalay Frame: A print framed from Framebridge (or a gift card to their site!) makes the perfect gift this holiday season. We love how this framed artwork turned out for our 2017 holiday photoshoot!
  2. Felt Garland: Megan was the absolute we sweetest to work with, and we couldn’t be happier with how this Happy Stripe garland turned out!
  3. Watercolor Art: One of our very favorite pieces from this photoshoot! Jessa took our beloved pineapple, added some holly and spruce, and created the prettiest holiday painting.
  4. Peppermint White Chocolate Cookies: A festive cookie to help you celebrate your holiday traditions this year! We can’t wait to give these a try!
  5. Silhouette Ornament Giveaway: Enter to win one of our favorite ornaments on the tree this year! Head to Emily’s post for all of the details.
  6. Mimira Mug: Pretty, classic, and the perfect addition to any kitchen! Pair with your favorite hot cocoa mix for a fun gift idea!
  7. A Simplified Life: A must-read for a fresh start in 2018! Pick one up for your girlfriends this Christmas (and don’t forget to gift yourself a copy, too!).
  8. Pearl Drop Earrings: We love these festive earrings for holiday parties! Take 40% off today with code TIME2GIVE.
  9. Simplified Planners for 2018: It’s not too late to get your Simplified Planner in time for January 1! Happy Stripe Dailies are officially sold out, but all other cover options are still available on our site.
  10. Our Spotify Playlist: Don’t forget to listen along to our favorite Christmas tunes!

 

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Holiday Gift Guide 2017: Stocking Stuffers http://emilyleyblog.com/2017/12/holiday-gift-guide-2017-stocking-stuffers/ Thu, 14 Dec 2017 18:00:02 +0000 http://emilyleyblog.com/?p=10329

Moroccanoil Travel Set // Custom Silhouette Ornament // Beauty Blender Holiday Set // Sugarfina Bento Box // Gold Mini Roll // Pilot G2 Pen Set // Gold Tassel Necklace // Herbivore Clay Mask

Christmas Day is right around the corner! By now, you probably have most of your large gifts taken care of, but it’s time to start thinking about all of the little stocking stuffers and extra gifts for the special people who help you do life throughout the year— friends, neighbors, babysitters, teachers, and so many others that we couldn’t do life without.

Today, we’ve gathered up some of our very favorite, thoughtful gifts that all of your friends would be thrilled to find under their tree this year. We love the Pilot G2 pens for a fun, creative, and practical gift that anyone can use all year long (tie them up with a bow and one of our to-do notepads for the overachiever!), and Le Papier’s Silhouette Ornament is the perfect sentimental gift for a special neighbor or friend. Click through the links above to see all of our favorite gifts for the people in your village this year!

P.S. We’re giving away one of our very favorite ornaments to one lucky winner! Click here to enter to win one of Le Papier’s Silhouette Ornaments for your family this year! Giveaway ends tomorrow, 12/15/17, at midnight EST.

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