Natasha Hopkins

Instant Pot IP-DUO60 7-in-1 Multi-Functional Pressure Cooker Review

April 29, 2016 By Natasha Hopkins Leave a Comment

The pressure cooker has fallen out of favor recently. Few people still use it or know what to do with it. This is mainly because traditional pressure cookers are quite labor intensive. You need to stay with them and monitor the progress of your dish as the day goes on. We don’t have time for things like that anymore.

In fact, we barely have time to cook anything from scratch anymore at all, as we’re all so busy with our jobs and other responsibilities. This has had a tremendous effect on our nation’s health, with obesity levels rising to epidemic proportions. But it seems that there is little we can do about it because there are only 24 hours in a day.

In comes the Instant Pot IP-DUO60 7-in-1 multi-functional pressure cooker. I came across this device and instantly believed I had found the answer to all my prayers. Let’s take a look at what makes this so great.

What Is the Instant Pot Multi-Functional Pressure Cooker?

As it says on the box, it is a 7-in-1 device. That means it is so much more than a pressure cooker. In fact, it is:

A pressure cooker
A rice cooker
A slow cooker
A steamer
A saute pan
A browning pan
A yogurt maker

The cooker comes with an easy to use control panel. It also has 14 microprocessor controlled programs. This means that you don’t need to know anything about cooking. You just pop the necessary ingredients in, set the program, and wait for a gourmet dish to materialize.

The programs that preset on the device are:

Fermented rice (Jiu Niang), which is a traditional dish
Pasteurize
Yogurt
Keep warm
Slow cook
Multigrain
Porridge
Rice
Steam
Saute
Poultry
Bean/chili
Meat/stew
Soup

You can create just about anything you could think about eating. It is flexible and you will see that your overall cooking time is also greatly reduced. Most importantly, it will enable you to cook healthy, wholesome meals for the whole family.

It also features:

Three temperatures for slow cooking and saute
An automatic keep warm, so your dish will never go to waste
Dual pressure

This electric pressure cooker has been designed to be safe as well, so you can easily leave it to cook while you go out and about your daily business. One of the things that stood out for me was the fact that it is so user-friendly. It comes with all the tools and accessories you need, including a stainless steel steam rack with handle and a stainless steel cooking pot.

Furthermore, it comes with an easy-to-follow manual and a recipe booklet, which is translated into English, French, Chinese, and Spanish. If you are not much of an experimenter in the kitchen, or if you’re not confident when it comes to cooking, then the recipe book is all you need. It has loads of different ideas for each element of the appliance, so you are guaranteed to be able to create something tasty and wonderful that will impress your family and your guests.

On a personal note, I also love the fact that your entire kitchen, or even home, will be infused with the smells of whatever you are cooking. It is guaranteed to get the taste buds going, and your family will love digging into your latest creation.

What I Liked about the Instant Pot

It is UL and ULC certified.
It has 10 different safety mechanisms, all proven to be effective.
It is an energy efficient device.
It is surprisingly compact. Plus, since it is seven devices in one, it takes up no space at all compared to what you would need if you had each of those seven devices individually.
The main parts of the cooker are all made of stainless steel, which makes it durable, dishwasher friendly, and looking great, as well.
It is a very highly reviewed item, with thousands of people that have used it and being happy with the results.

What I Didn’t Like about the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

There are very few things not to like about this product. In fact, when looking through the 7,625 reviews that the product has received on the Amazon marketplace, only 1% of people have left a one-star review. Their main complaint is that the device doesn’t work.

Unfortunately, manufacturer faults do happen, but Instant Pot is committed to excellent service and will always try to find a resolution to any problem.

My only other issue would be that the machine normally costs $234.95. However, it is currently available at a 51% discount. Also, if you were to buy all seven appliances individually, it would cost you a whole lot more than $234.95.

The Final Verdict

Our nation is facing an epidemic with people no longer having the time to cook healthy meals. The Instant Pot 7-in-1 multi-functional pressure cooker, in my opinion, is the answer to this. No longer do you have to worry about how you are going to get a healthy meal on the table, as the machine does most of it for you.

Each element of the appliance is beneficial for healthy, tasty cooking, and it helps to reduce overall cooking time, as well, so there is no excuse to eat microwave dinners anymore. Not just that, you don’t need to have any experience in the kitchen to use this product, as it comes with a very easy to understand manual (in four languages) and loads of gorgeous recipes for you to try. I wholeheartedly recommend this product to everyone.

The Instant Pot IP-DUO60 7-in-1 Multi-Functional Pressure Cooker was available at a 51% discount at the time of this writing, meaning it costs just $114.86, instead of the usual $234.95. It isn’t known, however, when the price will go back up, so make sure you get yours today.

Simple & Chic Spring Centerpiece Idea

April 20, 2016 By Natasha Hopkins Leave a Comment

When the spring season comes around like many of you, I become inspired to update and refresh my decor throughout my home. From my family room, as you saw in My Spring Coffee Table Decor post to my kitchen and many other areas, I am ready to start my spring decor projects. As a result, I ended up surfing my favorite online stores like Amazon, overstock, and Pier1 for ideas. Now, if I can’t find ideas there, then I usually will hop into my car and begin the search for the latest and greatest at my local home decor stores.

Shopping for new home decor items each season can be fun, but it can also burn through your budget quickly. To avoid putting a strain on your budget, you can quickly update your home decor by merely shopping your home first. That’s right! Shop what you have at home first. Just think about the beautiful serveware you have stored away for “special occasions” that could be used as a perfect centerpiece for your kitchen or dining room table.

Today I am going to share with you how I created a simple and chic spring centerpiece for my kitchen table utilizing my antique white dinnerware collection by Portugal. The pieces I decided to use are my Portugal serveware bowls from HomeGoods. I know that I can just fill them with food, but here’s what I chose to do to make them a beautiful centerpiece for my kitchen table.

My Supply List:

3 Placemats or Table Runner
3 10 inch serving bowls
3 Green boxwood Spheres
2-3 stems of faux flowers
Kitchen or Dining room table (Hahaha)

1. Placemat or Table Runner

The first thing I went looking for is a clean and neutral table runner to place on my table. The only problem was that I did not own a neutral table runner!! In addition to that, a purchase of a new table runner was not in the budget since I had other projects going on in my house, so I had to be creative with what I had. As a result, I decided to use my placemats!! Yes that’s right, placemats! I love the texture, color, and durability of them, so I decided to pull together 3 of them to create my table runner.

2. Add 10-inch Serving Bowls

I knew that I wanted to fill these bowls with some greenery, but I did not want to purchase anything new. So, I decided to look through my dinnerware collection by Portugal I bought from Home Goods during the holidays and found these beauties. Even though they are for serving food why not use them to house my greenery? They are neutral, simple and chic with the dotted pattern that adorns the edges of my favorite dinnerware, In love already!

3. Add Greenery For Instant Color

I found the green boxwood spheres from my local Hobby Lobby store for $9.99 each. However, I got them with my 40% off coupon that was in their weekly ad. So they were only $4.49 each, yahoo!! I added them to my bowls to create the feeling of bringing the outdoors inside. And what is spring without seeing landscapes turning green and flowers beginning to bloom? I had to have that feeling in my kitchen for sure.

4. A Touch of White Florals

I love the addition of the greenery, but I wanted to see tiny flowers peeking through. So, I decided to take the floral stems I purchase from hobby lobby and cut them into small little florets using my wire cutter. After that, I randomly placed them throughout my centerpieces to add interest. Otherwise, you can keep it plan. Be creative. The options are endless!!

5. Adorn Your Table With Your Creation

Once I completed my creation, I arranged them on my kitchen table, and I was good to go! I am so happy with how this simple and easy project turned out. This centerpiece will transition well throughout the spring and summer months. I can also switch it out with fall florals too when the time comes, but I am sure that I will mostly like haul something new for our home. It’s hard to keep a gal away from Hobby Lobby, Kirkland’s, and HomeGoods.

Creating this centerpiece was so simple, so I just had to share. I challenge you to look through your cabinets and bring out your beautiful pieces of china or dinnerware to create a centerpiece that fits your style. Until then, happy decorating and may your day sparkle and shine.

My Spring Coffee Table Decor

April 13, 2016 By Natasha Hopkins Leave a Comment

After creating our last post, “15 Stunning Coffee Table Decor Ideas”, I become instantly inspired to update and refresh our very own coffee table for spring. In our home our family room is the hub for our family and guests to visit, so with that in mind, I wanted to create a beautiful and yet functional statement. As you tour my coffee table, you will find elements that will generate a feeling of warmth, cheerfulness with color, and love. If you already follow me on Instagram (@chichomeaccents), you may have already seen a glimpse of my coffee table. However today, I will give you more details of my creation.

For starters, I love using table trays as a base to create warm and loving family vignettes. Inside this tray, I decided to fill it with candles for those nights I want to create a warm and ambient feeling in our family room. You know for those romantic moments or when I want a little peace. It makes a difference during a long day at work. In addition to our candles, I added a family photo of a fun time we had visiting the Willis Tower in Chicago. Lastly, I decided to green up the space with some faux green plants. You may say.. faux plants??? And I say YES faux plants! Why? Because I do not have a green thumb at all. Whether you have a green thumb or not adding green plants can create a sense of bringing the outdoors inside.

On the backside of my table tray, I decided to add a cute container that house candies for our family and guests that visit. So it’s not only a lovely filler of space, but a functional piece to store candy. I also like adding little quotable decor throughout my home. I sourced this cute quotable block from Hobby Lobby that says, “Home is where my people are” and it’s so true!! Whether you are family or a friend, you are considered my people. So be creative, quotables like these stir a feeling that I like to evoke to my guests and it’s how I feel.

I love displaying my favorite books of the moment on top of my faux book that I found from Hobby Lobby. The books that I am currently reading of Elements of Style, by Erin Gates and The Complete Book of Home organization, by Toni Hammersley. Did mention that so far both are a great read! Stay tuned for a review of both books!! Ok… Another reason why I like to place my favorite book on our coffee table because they serve as a great conversation piece when I have friends and family visit. They can get an idea of what my passion is for the moment.

I know that you remembered that I said a faux book, right? Well…A faux book can be used decoratively, but I love to use them as storage! These are a great way to hide the clutter of T.V. remotes, magazines or for my family card games. Just image the doorbell rings, and you have paperwork, magazines, and such cluttering the table. You can just gather them and tuck them away. Your guest will be like, how do you keep your house so clean?

Lastly, to add a cheerful burst of color, I decided to add my turquoise chalked vases. I love that the color of these vases coordinates with the color scheme of my toss pillows. And a beautiful vase is not complete without adding some flowers, right? Yes, these are faux flowers because the vases are decorative. However, there are times when I may switch the vase and flowers for a crystal vase with real flowers. It all depends on the mood and what I am feeling during a given week. So give yourself 1-2 seasonal options.

You may be asking where did you get your coffee table from? Just in case, I found this lovely a year ago at my local Hemisphere furniture store. Like I said I don’t have a defined decorating style, so this table was perfect. It has simple storage, ample enough to play family games and most importantly spacious enough for me to create fun vignettes that showcase my passion for my family, decor and our home. Thank you so much for stopping by, and I hope this inspires you to make your home sparkle and shine.

15 Stunning Coffee Table Decor Ideas For Spring

April 6, 2016 By Natasha Hopkins Leave a Comment

TL;DR - Here are some short cuts to help you get to ideas you want to read most! Click the link to be taken directly to that section.

Keep It Simple
Add Texture
Using Metallics
Rustic Themes
Table Trays - Organization
Table Trays For Soft Surfaces
Using Candles
Candles, Minimalist

Organic & Rustic
Antique White
Simple Art
Positioning
Using Containers
Tea Set
Catch-all Tray

Spring is here, and during this time of year, many people begin to refresh their living spaces with bright and colorful pieces of decor throughout the home. The most popular area that gets an update for spring is typically the living room. In that area, the piece of furniture that gets a spring refresh is the coffee table. This is the space where most families display their family photos, favorite flowers, candles and other pieces of decor that makes that homeowner happy. On the other hand, the coffee table can be a challenge for some people to style due to the size, scale, and function.

So, to help take out the mystery out of styling your coffee table, I want to share with you 15 stunning coffee table decor ideas that will inspire you to transform your living room into the space of your dreams. Whether your style is rustic, modern, traditional or eclectic, you will find a variety of ideas to get you started.

1. Keeping It Simple

If you have a coffee table that is long and narrow, keep it simple by using 3 simple pieces. In this photo, I love how they balanced the beautiful and modern coffee table by Safavieh with a simple orchid and stacking a storage box on top of a favorite book of the month. Storage boxes can be a great addition to your coffee table if it lacks storage for your TV remotes. What a great way to hide clutter especially when it’s time for your special guest to visit.

safavieh

2. Add Texture With Wicker Baskets

On this table, you will notice a grouping of 2 colorful vases at different heights. I love how they coordinated the color of the vases with the colors of the toss pillows on the sofa. In addition to that, you will see an element from the outdoors with the greenery placed on top of stacked books. What a great way to bring spring inside your home. Lastly, I love how everything is grouped with the beautiful wicker basket. This is an excellent play on texture within this room.

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3. Play with Metallic Decor

If your coffee table has a smaller surface area, don’t try to force on too many decor items on top of it. Overloading your table can make your space look cluttered and chaotic to your guests. Keep it light by simply adding beautiful and modern looking vases like the metallic vases in the photo below. The shiny surface adds interest to the room and balances out the gray tones on the sofa.

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4. Rustic Themed

I don’t know about you, but the rustic or farmhouse look has been trendy this season when it comes to furniture and home decor. I love the mixture of reclaimed wood and metal that you see in the coffee table below, and I love how they carried the rustic theme to the decor pieces you see on top of this gorgeous piece of furniture. From the chicken wired looking basket filled with decorative spheres to the organic look of the outdoor planter piece.

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5. Table Trays For Organization

Table trays are another excellent source for pulling together items you love into one place. Another reason why I like them is that they are easy to remove if you and your family are getting ready to play a fun board game together or you are in need of cleaning your coffee table. Instead of removing your beautiful vignette piece by piece you can just pick up the entire tray and you are done.

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6. Table Trays Used for a Solid Surface

Ottomans are another favorite centerpiece in living rooms. However, it can be challenging to decorate them due to the soft surface. In the photo, you see how the table tray is used as a solid surface for this homeowner to create a gorgeous tablescape. I enjoy the tall clear vase filled with beautiful flowers, the clear vases with candles for an intimate and warm feeling, and the use of the small pottery to create a beautiful site line for the eye. If you have an ottoman, don’t be afraid to bring it to life with decor pieces that make you happy.

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7. Adding Warmth with Candles

Another great way to add charm to your coffee table is dressing it up with candles at different heights. In the photo below, I love how they added candles inside the clear glass and nested them inside a simple a square-shaped tray. Just imagine when the candles are lit the ambiance it will create in your room. Another thing I noticed with this table is the added basket to the bottom. What a great addition that plays with the element of texture.

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8. Minimalist Look with Candles

Here is another simple table tray with just 3 candles. Very simple easy and clean look for this coffee table that is thin and modern. I also love the look of the leather-like storage basket with the added books inside. This again is another great way to clear up cluttered books off your coffee table and makes it guest ready when those unexpected friends drop by to visit your beautiful home.

amazon zinus-8

9. Organic and Rustic

This coffee table is very rustic and massive in this space. I like that the decor also has an outdoor feel with the addition of the antlers and the greenery. What a great way to complete the theme of a rustic log cabin feel in your home.

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10. Antique White Decor

Even though this coffee table is small in decor space, I love how they incorporated similar antique white decor pieces to create a clean, bright and shabby chic feel. From the antiqued looking picture frame to the lanterns filled with candles. All of the pieces are the perfect size for this space which allows room for additional decor pieces like the table tray that filled with crafts and a yummy relaxing treat of tea.

11. Simple Art For Decor

If you are not a fan of adding flowers, trays, and photos to your coffee table, then this look is for you. The coffee table decor is very simple, modern and streamlined with the use of 2 simple art pieces at different heights and pairing them with your favorite books. This look is very clean to the eye and easy to maintain.

amazomAH-11

12. Chose A Side To Decorate

Choose a side of the table to create a neutral vignette. In this photo, most of the decor items are pulled to the left. Leaving room for a family to eat together or play a hand of cards without having to remove all of your decor items of the table. Unless you are like my family and everything has to go because everyone gets super competitive and cards go flying, lol.

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13. Beautiful Containers That Sparkle

Adding decorative containers filled with candies will make a great treat for your family and friends. You can stack your sparkly containers on top of books for visual interest or group them. The options are endless when it comes to styling your coffee table.

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14. Tea Party For Two

Of course, a coffee table is always grand with a tall vase filled with your favorite flowers and candles, but how about making it a place for displaying your beautiful tea set. Whether your tea set is in use for actual drinking or not adding a beautiful table setting with your favorite drinkware can really glam up a space.

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15. Adding A Catch-All Tray

Adding a catch-all tray or trinket tray to your coffee table can create a sense of function in your family room. Sometimes you may come home from a long day at work and just want to sit back take off your watch, glasses, bracelets and other accessories and cozy up on your sofa and have a moment of zen. Your catch-all tray will be the perfect place to hold your items until you are ready to migrate to your bedroom for the evening.

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Overall, I hope that you found this post enjoyable and inspiring as you begin to decorate your home this spring. Remember, regardless of what your decorating style is you can create a beautiful tablescape that is unique to you. Just remember to add items that are most meaningful to you like family photos, green up your space with flowers & plants, and placement of decor at different heights to create a beautiful story about you and your family.

Next week, I can’t wait to share with you all how I decorated my family’s coffee table. I will share with you my coffee table and why I chose it and the items I used to style it. So stay tuned. Until then I wish you all a great and successful week and remember always to sparkle and shine.

10 Things to Know Before Visiting Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Market

March 24, 2016 By Natasha Hopkins Leave a Comment

If you ever wanted to know something new about me, then you will learn that I am a HUGE fan of HGTV’s Fixer Upper with Chip and Joanna Gaines. I have been watching their beautiful show since season 1 falling in love with their story, values, and passion for fixing up old homes into a place new families call home sweet home. I have been captivated by Chip’s eye on turning a home into a functional space through construction and by Joanna’s ability to elevate the new areas with her fantastic eye on design. I adore Joanna’s Farmhouse/Shabby Chic design with her mix of rustic textures that she places into her design concepts. I also love how much this couple’s business has flourished over the years from having the Magnolia market retail space on Bosque back in 2003 and reopening in May of 2014 to the present of growing into what it is today as the Magnolia Market at the Silos.

Since their grand opening of the Magnolia Market at the Silos back on October 30, 2015, I have made it my mission to visit this fantastic birth of love that Chip And Joanna share with their local community of Waco, TX and of course us Fixer Upper fans too! Not to mention I live in the ATX which is only 1.5 hours drive time. (I can’t believe it took me this long to visit, lol) So needless to say, I made it one of my family’s spring break destinations this 2016!!

Now, if the Magnolia Market at the Silos is on your to-do list for this spring then today I want to share with you 10 things you need to know before visiting this home decor haven in Waco, TX.

1. Best Time To Visit

As you can see in the photo, my family decided to visit during a peak time which was spring break. We visited the Magnolia Market on a Tuesday morning of spring break, and at that time it was about 9:45 am in the morning which means the store has not even opened yet. That’s right the line was wrapping around the silos! My poor hubby was afraid that we would be in line all morning that once the store opened at 10 am it only took 15 minutes to get inside. The store’s address is 601 Webster, Waco, Texas 76706 and the store hours are Sunday Closed, Monday-Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday-Saturday 9am-6pm. The best time to visit this store would be Monday-Wednesday around 3 pm that’s when the crowds die down, and you can shop with ease. Also, remember to avoid national holidays and school breaks because that’s when traffic peaks. I enjoy the rush, so I was prepared for the crowds.

2. Magnolia Attractions

As you see in the photos above the Magnolia Market is a lot to offer. Of course you will have an heck of a time visiting the retail space for tons of shopping which I will share below, but there is so much for the entire family to enjoy!! I was surprised to see an outdoor play area filled with corn whole sets, hula hoops and more. You can have a fun and engaging time with your family during the visit. In addition to that, I love how they relocated the Magnolia barn from the original location and incorporated it into the garden area of the retail space. There’s a wooden teepee to play under, children’s books for the kids to read, and flowerbeds filled with seasonal plants and flowers. Coming soon this spring will be a small garden shop for those that have a green thumb! Lastly, there are food trucks from Luna’s, Juice Bar, Common Ground coffee, Club Sandwich and more!

3. Fun & Welcoming Environment

This place was so inviting and interactive that if you lived in the local area, you could take the family out for food, folks, and fun on the regular. There are so many places to sit for outdoor entertainment. Did I forget to mention that there is also a stage for entertainment too! Just thinking, that this would be an excellent location for an outdoor wedding reception or big family celebration too!

4. Merchandise and Presentation

You will be in will be in HEAVEN! At least I was when I saw the way the merchandise in the Magnolia Market was displayed. I love how Joanna designed the retail space similar to the styling you see on the Fixer Upper Show. You will see long and beautiful rustic tables showcasing the beautiful decor pieces for your home. Additionally, you will see beautifully decorated vignettes throughout the store that inspires are a story for the season which is spring! You will be encouraged to begin DIY projects for your home instantly!!

5. Affordable Merchandise, but…

The merchandise is affordable, but at the same time, some items are priced up higher than your typical Hobby Lobby, Home Goods, and At-home retailers. For example, I was in love with this gorgeous wreath, but the wreath was $21. Not that money was an issue…I just know I can find something similar at my local craft store for less. So a word to the wise is come prepared with a focus and budget in mind because you will want to spend. Another option is visit there Magnolia Market online store to get an idea of what you want to purchase. Keep in mind that everything online is not available at the store.

6. Love Shopping Clearance items?

If you are a clearance shopper and like to shop for sale items, then there is a section for you at the Magnolia Market. There was a lot of clearance on seasonal items for the home such as Christmas items, thanksgiving wreaths and so much more! Take your time browsing for you may discover a hidden treasure for your home.

7. Special Place for Chip

Even though this store showcases Joanna design style, you will find a unique space for Chip. I call it the man’s corner filled with Chip’s favorites. I love that you see a bit of him within the store. All I can do is laugh because he brightens up my day with laughter almost every episode of the Fixer Upper. How about you?

source: Magnoliamarket.com

8. Magnolia House

If you can not get your Magnolia fix completed in one day, then you can stay overnight. That’s right overnight at their new Magnolia House B&B that just opened. I will be honest with you; they booked quickly!! So if you are looking to have the experience then I recommend that you begin planner for 2017. If you have not seen the episode during the holidays showcasing the creation of the beautiful B&B, then you should check your local cable provider and play the on-demand episode. It’s a beauty!! Otherwise, check the website for more details.

9. Other Attractions

I am pretty sure you will want to spend all of your time at the Magnolia Market, but if you are looking for more family fun to add on to your agenda then you are in luck. Just minutes away from this fantastic place you will find the Dr. Pepper museum. In addition to that if your children love the Zoo, then you will be in for a treat at the Waco Cameron Park Zoo.

10. Coming soon

If you have visited magnoliamarket.com, you will notice something coming soon. From the looks of the picture on the site, it looks like a bakery!! If you watch the fixer-upper, Joanna has a sweet tooth for cupcakes!! Me too! In addition to that, they are releasing their Magnolia Story in the form of a book.

I hope that this was helpful to you especially if you are dying to visit for yourself. For me, I am sure this will not be my last visit. My mom is ready to join me for the next trip, and I have a few friends that would like to go too!! Have you visited the Magnolia market yet? If so, what was your experience like? Please share by leaving a comment below. Until next time I hope that your day is filled with sparkle and shine.

My New 2016 Planner Set Up

March 15, 2016 By Natasha Hopkins Leave a Comment

You might be thinking…2016 planner set up now? It’s March 2016, why such a late start to planning? My philosophy is that it is never too late to get organized and be a better planner. When organized, you work to your fullest potential and having a personal assistant like a planner can help achieve that. Now, I personally always had some planner from my digital calendar in outlook or a simple handheld planner from places like OfficeMax. But after many years of learning more about myself and what motivates or get me excited to drive goals I decided to create a system that works for me.

I LOVE crafting! So I wanted to create a planner where I pull together fun colors and ideas into one place with stickers and quotes to get me excited each day. After getting inspired by tons of Instagram and Pinterest planner ideas, I decided it was time to treat myself to a planner that fits my style in 2016.

Back in February, I decided to order my very 1st Filofax Domino planner. I decided to order the gorgeous hot pink color that you see in the photo below. I love how smooth and durable this planner is. However, a transformation was in the making for this beauty. So let’s break down my planner set up!

Brand– I am using the Filofax Domino a5 Planner This planner has a vinyl exterior which makes it easy to clean and is also a great shield against water spills too. You may notice the cute tassel, right? I found that beauty at my local Michaels Arts and Crafts for $4.00? I think? But not over $5.00.

Size– All Filofax organizers features a six ring binder, 16 index, assorted notepaper, a ruler/page marker, to-do lists, a section for contacts and addresses and a 2016 weekly planner. The Domino measures 8.2 x 0.7 x 5.8 inches. It’s the perfect size for me because I like to write relatively large and it leaves room for me to add all of my inserts and stickers when I begin to plan out each week. In addition to that this planner fits perfectly in my tote that I carry with me on the go!

Inside-When you open up my planner you will see a pocket folder where I keep my Project life quote cards by becky higgins. Sometimes I need a quote or staying to boost me up for the month or the day. Sometimes finding a quote that inspires me will set the tone for the day for me and how I interact with people. You may notice on the very 1st page on the right I have a quote that says “Be the Change you wish to see in the World.” I adore this quote!!

Moving on, to the top of the folder I found some cute post-its by Fiddle stick sticky notes for $2.99 at Hobby Lobby. I always like to keep these handy for quick reminders throughout my week. At the bottom, I have some cute Clip rite solid clip tabs I found at OfficeMax for 3.29 that I decided to label with my p-touch machine and embellish with my Heidi Swapp clips for $3.50. I use these for call outs to essential tasks that need my attention.

Inserts– Even though this planner came with necessary inserts I wanted to have some colorful ones. As a result of my Etsy searches, I decided to download Madeincratadise’s beautiful predated 2-page monthly calendar for only $3.00. In addition to that, I also downloaded A5 2016 Vertical Week on 2 page printable hourly schedule with a Sunday start by Perfectly organized. I love this set up because I need to know what’s going on in my daily schedule. I tend to be a busy mom, wife, and businesswoman so having an hourly breakdown of my day works best for me.

Tabs– To keep things organized and fun I decided to create my labeled tabs. Since the color theme of my planner is pink, gold and white I decided to use the Be Bold Be Bright foiled sheets by The Paper Studio from my local hobby lobby. The paper came in a pack with 80 foiled sheets for only $19.99. You can trace the tabs inserts that came with the Filofax planner, cut them out and laminate the finished tab. How pretty!! Then to finish things off, I used my P-touch machine to label each tab! My sections are as follows:

Calendar: a Monthly overview
Schedule: Weekly view of what’s going on daily and by the hour.
Projects: Each tab includes a new project I have going on either for home or my blog. Did you know you can create projects in Microsoft Word and print them out using the A5 setting? S
Blog section: for ideas and overall performance
Social Media Section: for recording Stats
Supplies: for my ruler and a pocket for my washi tapes, my paper studio Celebrate life quote stickers and my 365 the happy planner stickers.

In the back section, I keep a notepad that I found at OfficeMax. I decided that it was too boring, so I decorated the top of the notepad with my super cool foiled paper in the pink with a gold heart pattern. In LOVE!! Lastly, this Filofax has a place to store my cute pink and gold bead pen that I crafted last month. If you did not see how I created this sparkly piece of joy, then click on “How to Create A Stylish Bead Pen.”

Overall, I had a great time creating a personalized planner set up for this has kept me organized in my home, life, and spirit. I hope that you found this helpful and inspire you to be a master planner of your life and future goals. Until next time I hope that your day is filled with sparkle and shine!!