Hi there! I'm starting a brand new series of questions and reader requests here at A Beautiful Mess. I have an FAQ page, but some questions deserve a much more in-depth response! Today I'm jumping into the topic of organization. Each time I post about organization methods I get more and more questions, so here's a little more detail about how I keep track of it all…
1. My Planning Notebook I carry a planning notebook pretty much everywhere. This book is a home for all my ideas for future blog posts. I recently shared some details behind my planning process. All of those ideas that were on my wall are now safely tucked away in this book on post-it notes. They're categorized by topic and as I use each idea I can pull it off the page and add it to the "done" page.
2. Pinterest I love using my Pinterest boards as a way to keep track of inspiration and pretty things. It's highly addictive, but so much fun! I keep boards that are practical and some that are totally just-for-fun!
3. Bloglovin' I use Bloglovin to keep track of all the blogs I follow. You can "like" posts as a way of archiving them. I do this when I don't have time to read a full article or when it's something I might consider featuring on my blog in the future! It's a great way to save your favorite blog content. 4. A Sketchbook Last, but not least, I carry an old fashioned sketchbook with me everywhere I go. I also keep one beside my bed becauase late night ideas are sometimes the best! If you don't keep a sketchbook, I suggest going out to get one today!
I hope these answers have been helpful. I'll be back with more reader questions in the near future! XO. elsie
107 Comments
Great tips. I’m new to pinterest and totally addicted. I go to bed at night thinking about re-decorating our house, cute outfits and recipes I want to try thanks to your blog and pinterest.
ohhh..that’s so sweet..your blog is my favourite blog ever..i learned so many things..Congratz for all you do, you make so many pretty things and of course you’re pretty .. the answers have been helpful. xoxox, Eva!
thanks for this post,im looking at taking my blog to the ‘next level’ and needed a way to get all my ideas on track.thank you!
This is great! Pinterest is amazing for these kinds of things. I am obsessed with Post-its and organization in general and you’ve just given me a whole new way to enjoy both. Thanks!
Michelle
neonrattail.blogspot.com
awww I’m like this at work with colourful post-its and little doodles. 🙂
OH One thing, what nail varnish do you use? I loooove that pale blue colour, and i saw you had the 2 nail varnish bottles in the last photo, but i cant see what it says on it 🙁
Thanks
x x x
Very inspiring 🙂
love that post! 🙂
Thanks for the tips about organizing for blogs! I just started one and I am already so disorganized! This was really helpful….Thank you!
Once again I’ve learned something really cool and useful by reading your blog! I’m just starting my own blog and it feels like I have tons of ideas that I don’t want lost or forgotten about. Thank you for sharing your way of organizing! I’m definitely going to create a planning notebook.
http://lovinglifeasmommy.blogspot.com/
This is such an awesome post! Good idea that your blog notebook is a binder so you can take out pages and move them around. It is so exciting to always get a glimpse into your planning world since you are such an incredibly creative person–but so super organized at the same time…perfect harmony to success.
XO
http://www.hourglass-fashion.blogspot.com
I really loved this post, organizing is the toughest part for me in my every day life. thanks a lot and have a great weekend 🙂
You have such an amazing website!
All those ideas, inspiring thoughts, beautiful pictures… I like it a lot!
Hmm that’s a bit wierd – I do all of those things myself! I also use Evernote to keep all my patterns, projects and to-do lists in one place. StumbleUpon is another good one for archiving sites, inspiration and projects.
I bought my first Moleskine notebook this week to jot down ideas when they appear in my brain as I’m always forgetting good ideas that I’ve had.
Love organisational posts!
Love the tips! I can personally vouch for the notebook and sketchbook– it’s great to be able to get ideas out of your head as soon as they appear! (Plus, helps keep idea overload at bay. ;))
It’s time for me to get a sketchbook..finally! 😀
The Bootlace
http://schnuersenkelrolltreppentod.blogspot.com
Oh I love this! What a cool idea.
http://thecharleygirl.com
xxoo
ooh it’s a great idea to have a planning book – this explains why your blog is so cool.. when you can write down your ideas no matter the time or the place, you can make awesome posts.. Congrats for this post, too =)
http://elvche.blogspot.com/
Well this was very helpfull, I am kinda organised but in a strange way. I have many notebooks for ideas, but when i need one of them i can’t not find it… Hmm maybe i am not so organised after all! 😀 Thanks for this Elsie!!
(Pls check my new blog guys: http://inwhirlofinspiration.blogspot.com )
Keeping a notebook of ideas has helped me feel so much more focused! I haven’t been using it as much lately, so now I’m feeling very inspired to start keeping more inspirations again~
Thanks for another inspiring post 🙂 I LOVE pinterest + keeping a sketchbook/journal too. These are my favorite kind of posts.
I want to eat this post. Maybe then I’ll be able to get slightly more organized.
Thank you.
Love these tips!
Love,
Stephanie May*
http://www.maydae.com
these are great tips! and it’s so true about keeping a notebook by your bed i get my best ideas at night
🙂
awesome tips, i’m obsessed with pinterest! i have a little sketch/idea notebook on my night stand too..always thinking before and i need to write it down so i can sleep!
♥
Krystle
http://dearwinsome.blogspot.com/
Great tips. I love using pinterest for inspiration.
http://www.houseofavandan.blogspot.com
Nice, I have a very similar notebook system, actually. I carry a planner/diary around that has a built in notebook so I jot ideas down on the run. If I don’t write stuff down I totally forget about it!
Its totally okay if I copy your post-it idea, right? 😉
I love how visual this method is!
xo
I always have a notebook with me too, with postits to separate the pages. I also make the pictures of what I’ll review on my blog in a file. That file is split in 2 folders “to do” and “done” – fairly easy.
Your posts give me so much energy for life and creativity! Thank you for being so inspiring (:
awesome tips
xo katrina
theyoungbridgetjones.blogspot.com
I love this!! Especially your organising notebook with post-its, such a great idea! I will have to try pinterest now too
Thank you for sharing this!!! I always wonder how you keep such a massive blog together on top of your business and personal life! I’m a SAHM and have big dreams of creating something stylish like this someday with more of a homemaking/parenting emphasis. I started out a notebook similar to yours this year, but it’s been an epic fail trying to keep up on my blog. After looking at your photos here, I think I might be able to jump back in without getting so overwhelmed! I can’t wait to take your blogging e-course! This place is my favorite!
Also, is there a reason you prefer bloglovin to google reader?
Elsie, I spent some time on your blog last night reading through all of the creative things you’ve posted and was thinking the same thing!!! Please keep posting your answers to reader questions, apparently we all have the same ones! You’re an inspiration! xo
I love these posts about tips and things, they are always so helpful! I love the idea of a blogging planning notebook and I might just have to give it a go!
omg! What an amazing idea for the blog planner absolutly using your method:) fancycuteness.blogspot.com
Elsie,
Love your blog. So excited as I just started my new lifestyle blog too. Love your planning process which will take mine to a new level. Thanks for the inspiration. Would love your thoughts on my new site: http://www.urbanchiqueness.com
Check it out, please! xox
Erika
I am completely obsessed with pinterest. It’s such an amazing resource when you’re in need of inspiration. I’m also trying to get into the habit of keeping a notebook, but I’m one of those people who hates to ruin a pretty notebook by actually writing in it! Must get better as it is really useful for organising my blog- I just need to remember to look at it when I’m writing my entries!
I already do the sketchbook and Pinterest stuff, but I definitely need to create a planning notebook/calendar to keep track of all my ideas. And word to keeping a sketchbook by the bed, I always find myself leaping out at odd hours to scribble something madly down before it leaps out of my head.
I really love this post, miss! I’m constantly striving to be more organized, as I can quickly become overwhelmed and giddy when new ideas and inspiration hit me. I’ve started writing down blogging ideas, as I often forget them mid-week!
I carry a journal with me as well – it’s so, so helpful!
I haven’t tried Pinterest yet and hadn’t thought about it until reading this.
Thanks for the suggestion.
i love seeing what peoples journals look like. its like peering into their private life a bit. so much fun 🙂 thank you for the tips, my notebooks NEVER look as organized!
http://seacreaturess.blogspot.com/
Oh thank you for posting this! I’m not a fantastic organizer so new tips are always welcome!
Brooke
thebebebirds.blogspot.com
This post was seriously awesome. I am a new blogger and was just struggling with figuring out how to organize everything. The blog notebook you carry everywhere is a fantastic idea. Thanks for all your help!
Wow, thanks so much I’m going to do this things (:
so cute
nice idea.. 🙂 http://lovesimplegreen.blogspot.com/
I just liked you in bloglovin’ 😉 Very good ideas, didn’t know anything about pinterest!
I keep a sketchbook by my bed too! My best ideas come to me as soon as I close my eyes. It means turning the light back on, which isn’t fun- but it’s worth it:)
Before, I used to try to remember- I even would trace the words out with my finger as a tactile memory trick, but when I woke up I never remembered and it drove me crazy!
Also, have you seen this tumblr?
http://thingsorganizedneatly.tumblr.com/
It’s just pictures of things neatly organized, but they are beautiful and fun to look at!
I had no idea Bloglovin’ could do that – thanks for the tip! You’ve put me to shame with your organisational tips!! Bon Dimanche 🙂
Emma xx
Oh yes! I swear by Bloglovin’! It is my favourite ever!
x
http://www.lostinthehaze.com
great tips!
Great tips, thanks!
http://www.PSbyDila.com
That was such a useful and inspirational post Elsie. So many people think you can either be super-organised or creative but that the two are mutually-exclusive. But I have both, so do you, and from these comments it looks like many others do too! I’ve been thinking about purchasing your blog lovin e-course and this post has just convinced me!
Very organized!! Good girl!
http://missbobino.blogspot.com
Fab inspiration. A few years ago i keep my diary like a little note book, keeping inspirational tidbits inside. I love looking back on it. Thanks for the thoughts. Off to start a new notebook…
http:nestenterprises.typepad.com
Like it seems a lot of people have already commented, these are my favourite types of posts! It’s so inspiring to see people’s different methods of organisation.
Maria xx
http://www.cheekypinktulip.blogspot.com
oh please Elsie show us a DIY of your planning book, it´s so beautifull colorfull and inspired, a big hug for you Elsie you made my day all most every time a take a look on your blog 🙂
these were very helpful. I appreciate a peek into your blog organizer. Post its are a great idea!
anna
Love it!!!!
I love the idea of keeping a sketchbook. God knows it has saved my life several times, being an architecture student and all. Inspiring post!
I’ve thought many times about pinterest, after read this post, I will log in for sure…so fun! thanks!:)
This is awesome! I use Pinterest and a sketchbook. Maybe I’ll have to give the others a try! Thanks!
Ahh soo handy! Thanks! I already have a moleskine notebook and i write much in my mobile phone 🙂 I have Pinterest but I use WeHeartit more I have to say haha!
Ps. I really love your blog!
This is really helpful! This is really beside the point but I love your handwriting and drawings! It would be so fun to take a peep inside your sketchbook.
Fang Ting
http://ftashion.blogspot.com
Thanks so much of sharing! Oh boy would I love to see more of that planning notebook – I love how organized you are! It’s awesome and so inspiring!!
My BLog: http://brightontheday.com
Twitter: @Brightonkeller
You can find BrightonTheDay on Facebook & Bloglovin as well!
The good old sketchbook. find it great and it has something nostalgic.. before the pc and digital age came around the corner.. thanks for sharing.
Amazing tips Elsie!!
Your notebook is so beautifully coloured and inspiring! I always feel so creative when i go on your blog! Thats the magic of it all!!
thanks elsie!
xxx
-S
http://www.messylittlemonsters.blogspot.com
I’m on my way to get a notebook to jot down all my ideas! Can’t wait to start spilling out new inspirations and thoughts!
xoxo, Jjanga
http://sayhelloandsmile.blogspot.com/
I have a question Elsie… how do you carry all of this stuff with you? Backpack? Large purse? Just curious as I like to carry lots of things with me and I’m constantly looking for ‘the perfect backpack purse’. If you have any ideas or recommendations I’d love to hear them. 🙂
As always, thanks for being such an inspiration! 🙂
AHHH!
I love Pinterest…
But I never thought about a binder.
I am so doing that.
Now.
Thanks for the awesome ideas.
Keep posting them.
Always.
Ky
http://www.thebirdssay.blogspot.com
These are great tips. I haven’t looked into Pinterest yet. Its popularity seems quite hidden. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing this!
I have just started a blog recently, and have used some of the methods you mentioned, but it would definitely be nice to keep all of my ideas more organized this way!
Your blog, store, and projects are such an inspiration. I look forward to your posts every day!
My blog is http://www.carolineincity.com
This is really a very helpful and inspiring post. 🙂 Thank you for sharing it with us. 🙂
xoxo
Ida
http://asplashofida.blogspot.com
I love seeing how others organise themselves – I try to keep as much as possible online/on my computer, but I still have to carry about a notebook to scribble blog stuff in!
Love this post
i am trying to do something with all my ideas and my so litte time
organitation is essencial!
http://www.mykitschworld.blogspot.com
Hi! Great tips! i’ve already started on your tip for a notebook. I was looking at your Pinterest and I had also heard about it from other blogs and it looks super fun/inspiring. But it says that there is a waiting list? Do you know if there is anyway to get through that faster? haha because I really want to get started!!
I love the name of your site. It’s perfect. Even your organization is beautiful!
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Thanks for sharing that Bloglovin site again. I had remembered you talking about that a while back, but I couldn’t remember what it was called. I was recently looking for a good blog reader and I almost emailed you!
Thank you for sharing your process – its very inspiring!
thank you Elsie, this gave me loads and loads of inspiration…
Hi Elsie!!! I sometimes wonder if you really get to read all of this comments?! Either way, I continue to comment away.
Great ideas for organizing all of your ideas. I love pinterest as well and am now following you as “sarah jane.”
happy sunday!
Your little binder with post-its is a great idea! I’ve recently started writing ideas down for everything i do online and it’s paying off. I’ve also finally gotten ideas ahead of time because of this. Thanks for sharing and for all your inspiration!
Like Kelly, I’m also using Evernote to organize ideas and posts I like. One cool thing about evernote is how you can tag items (so you can group things together in a way that makes sense to you) and you can add your own comments to the items. I use google reader to read my blogs (you can also “star” or “like” posts, but the stars weren’t enough organization for me.
I’m also loving Pinterest as both a way to collect pretty pictures of things I like and how to share these with my followers.
This is great! I have always been a notebook person, but ever since taking your blog ecourse I have been ALL about notebooks and planning!
This is a fantastic well written article. Gave me an insight into what Framework to use. Thanks for sharing.
WOW THis post is brilliant i also use pinterest and bloglovin to keep my inspirations in one place, but need to get a sketchbook asap!
Very ver good post! I love the file you have for all your ideas. I use a wee moleskin book for ideas and lists of stores/sites of note!
Xxx
I want to see more of your notebook! I love all the ideas you’ve put forth, I find I get too caught up in Pinterest, and waste a lot of time! @___@;; I really love organizing in a “tactile” way, like in front of me, in a book! But I want to know what kind of tabs you use, how you separate your book and how detailed you get in your notes to what you’d like to do!
I love Pinterest, too, for home decorating, blogging – and humor! Check out some of the ridiculousness i’ve found on there. gotta love it!
http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6848058640098906133#editor/target=post;postID=4951582534580096229
Is your planning notebook actually a notebook or a 3-ring binder? I love the idea of having rings and dividers so just curious!
That’s such a great idea, I really LOVE your blog ideas book – its fab to see how other people organise their posts. I’m feeling inspired!
I wish I could keep track of my ideas with my own blog book but I fear my handbag will burst if I add anything else to it!!
Katie x
really love this blog ! i cant stop thinking what should i do next !! thanks ! 🙂
Loving that planning notebook!
I am totally new to blogging and I came across your site and I have fallen in lust with it… It has EVERYTHING a girl needs to know!
your blog folder looks amazing! I like the idea of using post-it notes so you can shift them.
looks like this is going to be another great series on your blog. 🙂
very inspiring, thanks for sharing.i seem to keep my ideas everywhere, so your ideas are really helpful!
xxxx
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This is such a great post. And I found it through Pinterest even though I’m a loyal follower. (I missed the original post in my news feed…I was busy having a baby back then!)
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http://www.five30three.com
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I just discovered your blog and keep browsing through in in EVERY free minute (or I make free minutes)!!! It’s great, I loooove it!
I love your ideas and your photos and ESPECIALLY your wedding, it looked AWESOME! (I don’t like traditional, old-fashioned weddings) You seem so happy.
Why I comment here and not on an current post (i hope you still read these): do you have a system how you fill up your journals? Or do you start writing about something and turn to the next toppic and write sometthing about the first topic on page 20 again? Do you refer inside your journal?
And about your blog: do you have something like a tag- or labelcloud? I browsed through like 250 pages and now I can’t find some of the posts in between (I made a lot of bookmarks though and hope to use the inspiration you gave me – although it’s a bit oberwhelming).
Great blog, I can’t believe, I never stumpled across it (I discovered it thanks to Naomi).
A very Inspiring post. I wanna try the sketch book. ^^
Great post ! 🙂
By the way, i need an advice : I have a lot of pictures and magazines in my bedroom that i find beautiful, and i don’t wanna throw them away, but i don’t have any idea concerning what i could do with them, how i could use them. They are too much to do a patchwork on my wall, so i was thinking about putting them in a folder, but i don’t know how to organize them, and i may not look at my folder very often if it’s always close so it would be kinda useless… Please, help me, i’m in a middle of an organization problem here !
That is a good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere.
Simple but very accurate information… Thank you for sharing this one.
A must read post!