Lifestyle

Plan With Me: My Erin Condren Planner

August 26, 2019 itsamandaburnett 5 Comments

As I’m writing this, it’s Sunday afternoon and every Sunday, I plan the week ahead in my Erin Condren planner. I was going to just dive in as normal today when I thought, “Wait, I should blog about how I do this!” Some of you may think this is boring (sorry!) but I know there are others who love watching “Plan with me’s” on YouTube. So I guess this post is my blogger’s version for you!

Fresh Start

There’s nothing more satisfying than turning the page to see a blank week that soon will be filled with plans, ideas, and lots of fun stickers!

1. Washi Tape!

The very first thing that I do when I start my new week, is put down my washi. It’s just strips of decorative tape (one on top, one on bottom) that really starts the whole spread off to a pretty start!

I honestly just slap the washi down, making sure it’s straight, then I remove any excess on the ends with my Xacto knife.

The Washi with the cute bows is one that I like to use on the top. It’s from an Etsy Shop called Cricket Paper Co and then the bottom washi is from a bundle that I got from Walmart. Unfortunately, I can’t find the brand name of it!

2. Work

The first thing I always have to get down before anything else is my work stickers! My worst nightmare is waking up late thinking I start work at 12 when I was supposed to be there at 9. Yikes! Thankfully, I’ve never done that and my planner will continue to make sure that stays true.

These work stickers are from the Happy Planner: Planner Basics sticker book!

3. Bills and Paydays

The next most important things are my bills and paydays, of course. A lot of my bills are automatic but it’s nice to have it down in your planner so you know when money will be coming out of your account. This is especially helpful when you’re on a crazy spending habit like I have lately!

Sorry, Manda your rents due soon. Put the fall candles down!

Again, the stickers you see here are from the Happy Planner: Planner Basics sticker book. Actually, the rest of the stickers you see on this post are from this sticker book!

4. Blog and Social Media

The part that takes up most of my time is my blog and social media planning because there’s a lot I have to think about. As you can see, Monday’s are busy. It’s the day when I publish a new blog post and with that comes sharing it and reading comments.

Although, I have to be realistic with myself and realize I’m probably not going to get all of that done in one day. Especially reading comments and reading fellow bloggers posts because that’s something we do every day! So, that’s why that arrow is placed through Tuesday and Wednesday.

5. The SideBar

When I first got my planner, I had no idea how to use the sidebar and I see many other people having the same problem. But I like to keep it simple and have a water tracker. I know this particular tracker is supposed to be for daily use (8 glasses) but I just black out one of the water droplets and then use the 7 to mark every day I drink enough water! This helps save these stickers so I don’t go through them too quickly.

The next thing I include is my “To Buy” list for the week. This gets added to throughout the week but it’s never very long anyway.

6. The Bottom Section

This is the next section I didn’t touch for the first couple of months because I wasn’t sure how to utilize it. Now I use it to mark the days I want to work out (M, W, F) and then dinner ideas in between!

7. Decorative Stickers!

Once I have all of my important plans down, it’s time to have some fun. I find any excessive amount of empty space and start placing some fun decorative stickers to make the rest of the spread cute and visually appealing. I also decided that on Thursday, my day off, I would have a movie night!

As you can see, I do leave quite a few boxes still untouched. This is because on Sunday I only know the bigger things I need to accomplish that week. The week is always unpredictable or I totally space on something that I need to accomplish and so I leave those spaces left for last-minute plans or appointments!

If you’d like to get yourself a Lifeplanner, you can get a $10 coupon with signup!

That’s It, For Now!

I hope you enjoyed seeing how I plan my week out! Planning has become an important part of my life and so I thought I would share this fun post. Let me know in the comments if you use a planner as well!

My Self Care Routine For Anxiety

August 15, 2019 itsamandaburnett 12 Comments

Just like so many people out there, I suffer from anxiety. When I was younger it was mostly just social anxiety. I hated anything that involved large groups or people I didn’t know. Thankfully, I’ve managed to tackle my social anxiety a lot better. Although lately, I find myself often getting some pretty sudden anxiety/panic attacks. When it first started happening about a couple years ago, it terrified me. Not being able to breathe, irrational thoughts, shaking, irritibility (sorry, mom.) It can be rough. At first, I thought I was just going crazy. Now, I’m able to recognize what’s happening and I have several steps I take to try to calm down.

Breathe. Stop whatever you’re doing and just focus on your breathing. Slow it down. Breathe in, breathe out.
Talk it out. I often feel so lonely and as if I have nobody. I’m lucky to have friends I can talk to when I’m feeling this way. They reassures me that this is not true and I’m doing great. Having somebody to calmly talk to you and reassure you when your feeling this way is so important.
Write it down. I do my best thinking when I write so I like to write down all of my thoughts going through my mind at that moment even if they’re irrational. For example, included in my list might be, “I have no friends.” to “I’m not successful.” I’ll come back later and make a note next to “I have no friends.” saying “Yes you do!” then list off the friends I have. Under “I’m not successful” I’ll write down everything I’ve achieved. This is very beneficial to look at when I’m feeling all of those negative emotions and it reminds me that my thoughts are just at an irrational state.
Read/Write Positive Affirmations. I have a list of positive affirmations that I wrote when I was feeling good. Reading this list when I’m in a negative head space really helps. Here’s a post of positive affirmations that includes a printable version!
Stay away from the coffee. Sometimes I will wake up with anxiety. It’s a horrible way to start the day but I know from past mistakes that I need to stay away from coffee or caffeine in general. The caffeine increases your heart rate making the panic worse.
Light a candle and run a bubble bath. This is probably my favorite thing to do when I’m dealing with anxiety because I love baths in general. I like to light a candle or two, run a bubble bath with some lavender essential oil, then turn off the lights. While I’m in the bath, I’ll practice on my breathing and watch the candle flame. Breathing in the lavender oil and focusing on the flame really helps me to relax.
Sleep. Even if it’s in the middle of the afternoon, I’ll go to sleep early. Naps are the best. I usually feel better and more like myself when I wake up.

These are all things I like to do in the comfort of my home. Right now I don’t take medication or attend therapy. I personally like to try a natural way around things before turning to medications. Although, everybody is different so please do what works best for you. There’s no shame in taking medications or going to see a professional. ♥

Remember, you’re never alone.

73 Things About Me – A Bloggers Version of Vogues 73 Questions

August 12, 2019 itsamandaburnett 11 Comments

Welcome back to my blog! Today I thought it would be fun to answer some questions so you can continue to get to know me better! The fun thing is this is basically a bloggers version of Vogues 73 questions. Love that! Also, these questions cover so many different topics from food, blogging, and relationships. Thank you to the amazing Sunset Desires for tagging me. When you’re done reading this post, go check out hers!

Ready to get to know me?

What is your Starbucks order?

It’s always a caramel frappe!

2. What does your workstation look like right now?

My desk is actually clean and not cluttered for once!

3. All-time favorite food?

Anything and everything pasta!

4. Favorite Author?

Rachel Hollis. Personal development books are my favorite.

5. What do you think of open relationships?

I personally would never be able to do it, but love who you wanna love!

6. Favorite video game?

Not much of a video game girl but does The Sims count?

7. Guilty pleasure treat?

A birthday cake…when it’s not my birthday? LOL

8. Favorite movie?

A Star Is Born.

9. Favorite book?

Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis.

10. Twitter or Instagram?

I’ve been really into Instagram lately!

11. Desktop or Laptop?

I haven’t owned a desktop in years so I have to say a laptop.

12. Best advice you’ve ever received?

Go ahead and fail. Just make sure you learn from it and try again.

13. What project are you currently working on?

I’m working on an ebook!

14. Favorite color?

Purple.

15. Did you get good grades in school?

I was never a straight-A student but I also didn’t fail!

16. Dream job?

This. I want to be a full-time blogger and keep having a positive impact on people.

17. Do you play any sports?

Nope! Not a sporty girl.

18. Do you have any degrees?

I graduated from college last summer and got my certificate in business.

19. Nationality?

American.

20. What’s your favorite kind of blog post to write?

This is hard but probably any post I’m giving advice or tips!

21. What do you like to collect?

I’m a pro at collecting makeup.

22. How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

Optimistic, patient, and caring.

23. If you were a rapper, what would your rapper name be?

I had to take a quiz to see, but I guess it would be Wild Velvet?

24. Who was the last person you DM’d?

One of my best friends.

25. What’s at the top of your wishlist right now?

I need a new Macbook!

26. Your Hogwarts house?

Hufflepuff

27. How many tattoos do you have, if any?

I have one! It’s a wrist tattoo that says “Believe”

28. What are you most grateful for today?

I’m very grateful that I’m alive today.

29. What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?

I received my first paid Instagram post! That was pretty exciting.

30. What’s the best thing that happened to you today?

Getting a cup of coffee.

31. The best thing ever?

Puppy cuddles, of course!

32. Your favorite season?

Spring. Give me the sunshine and the flowers, please!

33. Your favorite holiday?

Christmas!

34. What fictional character do you relate the most to?

Elle Woods.

35. Do you like surprises?

Yes!

36. What’s the biggest surprise you’ve received?

When I got a puppy for Christmas when I was seven!

37. What’s a surprise that has made you cry?

The puppy on Christmas. I’ll never forget that night.

39. The best surprise you’ve given someone?

I surprised one of my friends by showing up to their event!

40. Do you like muffins?

Yes! My favorite is blueberry.

41. Do you cook often?

I like cooking quick meals. Like, pasta!

42. What’s your favorite dessert?

Icecream or brownies. Or brownie icecream.

43. Is there a dessert you don’t like?

I really don’t think so!

44. Cake or pie?

Cake.

45. What’s your least favorite food?

Tofu.

46. Your favorite condiment?

BBQ Sauce!

47. It’s 4 am on a Saturday night, what would you be eating?

Popcorn because I’m most likely watching Netflix.

48. If you could teach a college class, what would it be called?

Something about having a positive mindset.

49. Best animated film?

Shrek.

50. What has a guy done or said to impress you?

Kept a promise.

51. The best thing to do on a first date?

Getting to know the other person.

52. The worst thing to do on a first date?

Talking about yourself the whole time. Yikes.

53. What’s the funniest pick-up line a guy could use?

Hey, tie your shoes! I don’t want you falling for anyone else. (So cheesy!)

54. Best comic book character?

I don’t read comic books. Sorry!

55. What are three things always in your bag?

Lip balm, gum, and snacks. The essentials.

56. Favorite drink?

Pepsi.

57. If you could be a historical character, who would it be?

Princess Diana

58. Kittens or puppies?

Puppies!

59. Favorite sushi roll?

The California Roll

60. What kind of lipstick do you wear?

I wear all types but liquid lipstick is my favorite right now!

61. What kind of foundation do you wear?

Preferably liquid and full coverage!

62. Blow-dry or air dry?

Air dry. I don’t like to use heat on my hair.

63. Who is your fashion icon?

Gigi Hadid

64. Favorite Disney Character?

Tinker Bell

65. What are you doing tomorrow?

Work, work, work!

66. Movie you had the hardest laugh?

Mean Girls

67. A movie that made you cry?

A Star Is Born. The tears!

68. If you could sing a duet with someone, who would it be?

Ariana Grande. Her vocals are insane!

69. If your life was a song, what would it be called?

Not A Quitter.

70. What’s your favorite animal?

Doggies!

71. The person you want to have coffee with?

My grandpa.

72. What’s a country you wish you could visit?

France. I really want to visit Paris!

73. Best way to relax?

A hot bubble bath with candles.

The End

Well, that was fun! Did you learn any new facts about me? Choose one of these questions you want to answer and share it with me in the comments. I want to learn more about you too!

5 Ways To Grow Your Instagram For Beginners

August 5, 2019 itsamandaburnett 48 Comments

How to grow your Instagram for beginners

Let me start by saying, I’m no Instagram expert. Just last year, I only had about 400 followers. Today, I have reached a little over 1k! Instagram is definitely one of the hardest social media platforms to figure out. If you’re finding it hard to grow and be discovered, I promise you that you’re not the only one!

I’ve come a long way in just a year. I’ve made many mistakes, learned from each one, and have finally reached my first major goal of 1k followers. You may be sitting there thinking, “Must be nice but I’ll never be able to accomplish that.” Although, I have 5 tips that are perfect for beginners to focus on. These tips got me to where I am now!

Create Quality Content

When people are on Instagram, they want to discover good content, right? I mean, think about what you like to see when you’re scrolling through Instagram. If an image is dark, hard to see, the main object is off-center or if the picture is too busy, the chances of the person scrolling quickly past are pretty high.

This being said, it’s important that your pictures are of high quality and visually appealing. Does that mean you need a fancy expensive camera and equipment? Absolutely not. Honestly, most of my pictures on Instagram are taken with my phone. It works pretty great if you ask me! So what are some key things that help create good pictures?

Natural light (If it’s a bit dark, turn up the brightness!)
A pop of color
Clarity
Focus on the main object

#Hashtags

Hashtags have been around for a while now and believe it or not, they are actually a powerful tool to growing your Instagram and getting discovered by new people. If you post about beauty as I do, anybody else who is interested in beauty can find your posts just by searching #beauty or #makeup. Although, you should always try to use new hashtags with each post. Try using the brands or product names that you’re posting about. You can also see how popular a hashtag is by typing it in. Did you know #beauty has been used 322M times?

I like to have a good length of a caption under my posts then at the bottom, I’ll leave about 5-10 hashtags that relate to what my post is about.

Another thing you’re able to do know is following hashtags! So for instance, if you follow #beauty, anybody who has a post with that hashtag will pop up on your feed! This is a great way to discover and interact with new accounts.

Tag Brands / Companies

I’ve been posting product pictures and reviews on Instagram for a while and I’m embarrassed to say, I only recently started utilizing this magic tool! When you post a picture of a product, you should tag the brand so it has a chance to be seen by them! I’ve done this quite a few times now and I’ve received likes by brands such as Butter London just because I’ve tagged them in a post with their eyeshadow palette!

Post Often

If people truly like your content, you don’t want to leave them hanging! I personally always check profiles that I love to see if they post anything new. When you post often, your loyal followers will keep engaging with your posts! I personally like trying to post every day, if not every other day.

Another tip is to utilize your Instagram stories! On days that I don’t feel like I have the best photo for my feed, I’ll post a nice quote or an engaging poll to my story. This way, I’m still being active!

Engage Daily

If you’re not one to post every day, you should at least hop on Instagram for a few minutes a day and leave lots of likes and comments to the people your following. Engaging lets people know you actually care about their content as well. I’ve had many instances where I was following somebody who wasn’t following me back but after liking and engaging with their posts often, they ended up following me back!

Even if somebody doesn’t follow you back, it’s still nice to leave love on a photo if you genuinely like it. Let’s be real, they’re in the same boat and are working hard to have their content seen just like you. At the end of the day, we’re all in this together.

Reflection Time!

After reading my five tips for you, how confident are you in yourself that you can practice these to reach your goal? No matter where you’re at with your Instagram game, don’t forget there are no limits to your potential. A year ago, I never thought I could ever reach 1K but here I am. I worked hard and with hard work comes results.

I hope this post helped anybody who’s working hard on growing their Instagram. As I keep growing and learning new things, I will happily make more posts in hopes to keep providing insight.