This Crazy Life...Michelle Underwood Designs

March Personal Planner set up! Why do I have 2 planners??

2017-03-08T15:13:00.000-06:00

Now, onto my Personal Planner.

Why do I have two planners??

CONFESSION--

I actually have 3, but I turned one into a wallet.

That is a post for another day, but I promise I will go through the details.

My A5 (details here, in case you missed it) is for everyday important things, my personal planner is my "Health tracker". Being diagnosed with the Alpha- Gal allergy (Read about it here), and now Hypothyroidism and Fibromyalgia I like to keep track of my daily health. I track my weight, my overall mood, my calorie intake, detailed food diary and also any exercise (hahahaha). I also note any new symptoms. I can bring this planner to my Doctor's visits and let him know exactly what happened and when. The Food diary is mostly to note anytime I have a reaction and I know not to eat that food again.

Ok, let's get started!

This planner is from a lovely Etsy shop NikkiKathryn .

I am so in love with this little planner! She even has options to monogram it! I am kicking myself for not getting it monogrammed. I mean, hello.... who am I here? I am the monogram queen.

Here's her website- Nikki Kathryn You can join her Planner Squad and get 15% off every order AND you get updates... and it makes you special, because you are part of a squad. Right?

Follow her on Instagram ---> HERE

I may have gotten a shout out on there... BLUSH!

Just look at her gold stamp on the pocket of the planner---

Alright! Onto some lovely pictures!

Let's flip through this planner...

Here's what you will see first--

Again with the pockets, right? I can't help it! I love stuffing my planners full! There's that Planner girl again! I love her! If you missed the post yesterday, I used a clip art kit- PLANNER GIRL from Printable Henry on Etsy. Ya'll, this kit is everything! It's hand painted. Seriously. I am in love. You have to check out her other work. I have a code for you to get 10% off---- USE MICHELLE10 .

If you are on the fence , let me just show you this--

Here's the link-- COFFEE BREAK

I kind of have a thing for coffee cups.... so I am imagining all the things I will do with these beauties! Stickers, Bookmarks, dashboards, PAPERCLIPS!

One more-- PINK GLAM SWOOOOON! Seriously. ALL.THE.THINGS.I.CAN.DO.WITH.THIS!

Alright.. back to the planner!

Planner girl again. Get used to seeing her. I kind of think she's all that. ;)

I used Websters Pages Personal planner inserts for this planner too! I loved the A5 so much I knew I had to have the Personal size too!

Monthly view--

Yup, Planner girl bookmark again. lol! I made little weight scales so that I can keep a weekly update on my weight. Just so you know, it's on a steady incline. This is where I make sure to note Dr. appts, medicine refills, etc.

Look at how the bun sticks up so I can find the monthly view quickly... I love it. Buns rule.

The feather tag was from the Target Dollar spot (now Bullseye Playground or something). I love these tags! I think they were meant to be gift tags, but I like to think out of the box. I scatter them throughout my planners with inspirational quotes, or Bible verses. Sometimes, flipping through my planner and reading these will give me the "pick me up" that I need.

Just like the A5 Websters Pages inserts, there is free space on the back of the month...so, I like to use this to journal or write lyrics or Bible verses. Love this divider!

Can't get enough of those Kate Spade pen clip art!

I used them as bookmarks in my personal journal too!

Layering is my favorite thing to do. I got this hand painted water color clip art from OCTOPUSARTIS

Florals are back in a big way, and I absolutely adore this shop's floral clip art sets. There's more than florals though, check it out. SO BEAUTIFUL!

This is pretty much how I set up my weekly pages. ( I have recently added another blank sticker to track my steps each day. Walking back and forth from the bathroom to the kitchen and to the den actually do add up! lol! That means I get lots of exercise!) Yes, I filled some of it out already, and you can see my actual weight and see that on Wednesday I slept all day. I literally slept 24 hours. My thyroid hates me and the fibromyalgia doesn't like me much either. Just keeping it real. It's hard to believe that this time last year I was 100 lbs and could not gain weight. Crazy.

Loving that Starbucks cup! I had to use it on my divider. See that polka dot tab sticking out? I used the notebook from the Planner girl kit again as a book mark and it sticks out far enough to mark where my Food Diary is.

I like to keep a few frequently used stickers in a clear pocket insert. It comes in handy and keeps me from having to go through my stickers to find them.

That pen is from Target Dollar spot too.

This is how I set up my Food Diary. I keep track of the calories on my phone.

I am gaining more than I am losing, but once I get back on track health wise I know the weight will come off. I try not to get too caught up in the numbers.

I keep track of my monthly weight and I keep my fitness plan in here to remind me that one day I might actually use it! lol.

Oh gosh, this Kate Spade planner clip art just gets me every time! I love it!

So adorable! I just had to use it on a divider!

Here's another instance where I used a tag to not only mark a certain page, but the inspirational quotes are so nice to see as I plan. The tag is from Target Dollar spot. lol. How many times can I say that in one post? Lots. Believe me.

AND, we are at the end! lol. I absolutely love that the back has a pocket as well as a zippered pouch! I always need places to tuck things away in my planners and this just makes me happy!

Don't forget to check out my A5 planner setup and flip through.

Coming up very soon will be a post on how I turned a planner into my wallet AND I LOVE IT!

March Planner set up! I save by designing my own planner kits!

2017-03-07T14:07:00.000-06:00

Planner Set up!

I am kinda new to the whole "decorate my planner" phenomenon.

I do things differently than most. Instead of decorating each week as it comes... I make enough stickers and papers to decorate the whole month so that I can go in and plan as I wish and not worry about having to set aside space every week to decorate. (Let's face it, there would be some pretty plain weeks! lol)

I have an A5 planner and a Personal planner that I use daily.

I like them to coordinate, so I use one kit for both planners.

That makes it so much easier! I like to create my monthly "planner kits". I try to keep the cost down by designing everything myself. I do purchase some clip art, but 90% or more of the kit is made by me. I print it out on sticker paper and save TONS of money. (I use A LOT of stickers!)

Here come the pictures! This is kind of a flip through.

I will try and list all the details and products used. If I miss something or you have any questions, just comment and I will get back to you!

First, here is my A5 Platinum Rose Color Crush planner by Websters Pages. I also use Websters Pages inserts. They work best for me! ;)

The tassel is a Breast cancer awareness key chain from Wal-mart.

As you can see, I like to decorate the front pocket of my planner too! It's so much fun.

I print out clip art and laminate it and stuff the pockets full. Since this planner stays home, I don't mind the clutter going on.

I used clip art from-

PRINTABLE HENRY

Planner girl clipart set

Planner Girl, Kate Spade planner, Kate Spade pens, Polka dot planner, starbucks tumbler

I have a coupon code for PRINTABLE HENRY- Use MICHELLE10 to get 10% your purchase!

OCTOPUS.ARTIS

watercolor floral elements

LOOKLOOKPRETTYPAPER

Cute Bostons Clipart

Kawaii faces

This is what I see when I first open my planner. It makes me happy!!

I am loving the Planner girl divider I made!

I always add Boston terriers to my planner kits because..... well, they are adorable!

I use this planner for just about everything! I use inserts for the Monthly and Weekly planning, but I use regular A5 paper for the Daily comings and goings that will just clutter up the monthly and weekly pages.

Next comes the monthly view.

Not everyone sets up their planner the same way, but this works best for me!

I had to use the planner girl again for the March monthly divider. She is just too fun! Check out that Kate Spade pen clipart. Isn't it adorable?

Alright, this is the monthly view. I used Planner girl again as a book mark so that I can easily flip back to my monthly spread. I will show better photos of the bookmark so that you can see how I laminated it and punched the holes to where I would not be punching holes in the Planner girl. I printed her out on regular computer paper, laminated her (I use scotch brand laminator, and also scotch brand laminating sheets.)

I use sticky notes during the first part of the month to mark dates that aren't set in stone yet. Once I know what's happening, I will write it down. I just hate writing things in my planner and then crossing them out.

About the paperclips-

I made the ribbon clip by watching a you tube tutorial. It did NOT turn out like it was supposed to, but I like it anyway, so I use it!

The Boston terrier clip was so simple. I googled "Boston terrier black and white clip art" and found this. I printed out two of them and glued them onto a paper clip, back to back. It's not too sturdy and it's final days are a comin'! Its hanging on by a prayer! lol

I found one that I adore ..but I am talking myself into spending the money to buy it. Ya'll, you know I am frugal, but I think this money would be well spent because I know I can't make one like this. -- BOSTON TERRIER PLANNER CLIP BY POSHPIECESBYMELISSA

Tell me this isn't the sweetest thing! If you go to her shop, check out her tassels!!!! THE TASSELS!!!! I am dying to get one of those too, but... ya know... trying to be frugal.

Next up we have the back of the March month page that is pretty much blank. I like to use this to journal something, or write song lyrics. Something that I can look back on and smile. I hate wasted space. That folder was super easy to make. I had a target folder that I didn't like, so I printed some of my kit out on sticker paper and recovered that ugly folder! I am frugal, I like to use what I have!

Here is the back side...

Love this divider! The clip art "She designed a life she loved" was in the Planner Girl kit from Printable Henry.

Ok, now we have the weekly pages. I do some decorating but leave space for writing...

Here's one that I started planning on. I like to keep track of the weather, "to do" list, "to buy" list, and just general things like what I am watching on Netflix or anything else that needs noting.

See the Starbucks cup I used as a page marker? I am loving it!!!

I also laminated some sticky notes that I place around my planner. You can write on it with a permanent sharpie ( I wrote something on there to show you... lol) and then you can wipe it off by writing over it with a dry erase pen, then erase it. Fun, isn't it!

Again with the starbucks cup! I love this divider too!

Onto the Daily pages!

I used the notebook clip art to mark where I am in the daily pages. So stinking cute! I laminated it, so I can write on the blank space!

This is the end of the Daily pages. I used the Kate Spade planner and pen clip art for the divider here!

That's pretty much all for my March set up in my A5 planner.

Here are some detailed pictures so that you can see how I laminated and then punched holes in the laminate so that I wouldn't ruin my pretty dividers or book marks... Once you put them in your planner you don't even notice all the laminate going on... it's clear and doesn't distract or cover up anything.

I will do a separate post for my personal planner. This one got way too long and picture heavy! Stay tuned for the Personal Planner flip through!!!

Golden Milk- Recipe and Free Download! Great for chronic inflamation and pain.

2017-01-22T12:30:00.000-06:00

Have you ever heard of Golden Milk?

I hadn't either until a couple months ago. It turns out that this little drink has become an essential part of my every day life.

I call Golden milk the magic nectar of life.

What's in it? Where can you get it? Why is it so good?

Well, you can make it yourself! Not only does it taste good, but it is SO VERY GOOD for your body. The magic ingredient in it is TURMERIC!

Some of you may know what turmeric is already, but if you don't... it's the spice that gives curry it's yellow color.

Turmeric may be the most effective nutritional supplement in existence! Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant.

I drink Golden milk as well as take Turmeric supplements every day. You can find the ground turmeric anywhere they sell spices. The supplements can be found just about anywhere.

What can Turmeric do for you?

Curcumin (found in turmeric) is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory compound. It helps with joint inflammation, helps with brain health and is linked with helping prevent Alzheimer's. It has also been said to be a powerful anti oxidant to help prevent cancer. It helps depression, anxiety, general pain... etc etc. Its a miracle spice. Seriously. It has helped so much with my pain. (fibromyalgia , Hypothyroidism, etc. )

Ok, enough with all that. I could bore you to death with all the benefits, or you can google it and check it out for yourself.

Now, on to the recipe! I made a 3.5 x 5 graphic that you can print out. You should be able to click on the image so that it's full size and print it out!

(disclaimer- Turmeric can stain)

I make this recipe with 6 to 8 cups of almond milk and adjust the ingredients accordingly.

I put it into a rubbermaid pitcher and keep it in my fridge. It's so easy to just grab the pitcher, pour a cup and warm up the milk in the microwave. It tastes better the next day.

This will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days without a problem!

Oh, and another disclaimer... the cinnamon and other spices like to sink to the bottom of your glass so just make sure you give it a stir with each sip. I use a straw and it works out just fine.

Now, you can make it a million different ways.

The Turmeric, raw honey and cinnamon are essentials for me,

but aside from that, feel free to tweek it as you like. I use vanilla almond milk. Full fat.

The fat helps your body absorb the turmeric.

Oh, and I know you are thinking, "Pepper!? Ugh, no." However, you NEED the pepper for your body to absorb the turmeric. You have to have it. You can not taste it, I promise. It's only a pinch.

It looks crazy when you make it, it's essentially the color of dark mustard, but it tastes soooo good!!

It tastes like sweet cinnamon milk with a bit of extra yummy.

I can't explain it. Do NOT knock it until you have tried it. The first time I made it, it took me 10 minutes to work up the nerve to taste it. One taste and I was hooked!

You can also add ginger to this. Also, some people like to make it a little spicy and add some cayenne pepper.

What has Turmeric done for me?

Without delving into the medical mysteries that exist in my body, I will try and streamline this for you. Short and not so sweet.

First, I have Alpha-Gal which is an allergy to red meat and any red meat by product. I am continuously having reactions to EVERYTHING. You may not realize it, but there are red meat by products hidden in lots and lots of ordinary, every day items. Trust me. Google it because I don't even have the time to list all the things I have to try and avoid.

Since I have been talking Turmeric, I have had no reactions. Since I was diagnosed, I have never gone more than one week without a reaction (swelling, itching, rash, etc.). Of course, I still have to be very careful around EVERYTHING... but I believe the anti-inflammatory properties of the Turmeric help.

Also, I was diagnosed a few months ago with Hypothyroidism. I had no idea what was going on with my body. I was sleeping all day, but still tired. I was in so much pain. Pain that I couldn't even describe to you. Nerve pain, joint pain, migraines, back pain, hip and leg pain... my skin hurt to touch... muscle pain. You name it! I was swelling anytime I was on my feet for more than a few minutes and I gained 40 lbs in less than a year. Yes... 40 lbs.

I am taking thyroid medicine, as well as medicine for nerve pain, and anxiety... but I still wasn't at a point to where I felt like I had a quality of life. I am only 39 years old. I am not ready to call it quits yet!!! It's so frustrating to be stuck in the house because I just couldn't get my body to cooperate with me and the no energy and pain was just too much. It wasn't worth leaving the house.

Fast forward a bit... My husband has a friend that also has Hypothyroidism. He told Danny to get me some Turmeric and it will change my life.

At that point we were willing to try ANYTHING. Like I said, I take the supplements, I drink the golden milk, and I try and sprinkle a little turmeric in the things that I eat.

The Turmeric (and also the meds prescribed by my Doctor-- always consult your doctor and continue the medicine you are taking.) are helping my body get stronger. My pain is nearly gone. YES, I only have pain if I over do it! I am slowly working my way into an exercise routine and just being a happier and healthier person. I promise you that if someone told me a few years ago that Turmeric could benefit me this much, I would have laughed.

I hope you enjoy this and enjoy the Recipe Printable. Feel free to share, just like to this post please!

(THIS IS NOT SPONSORED. lol. I really just want to spread the word. I didn't mention any brands for that reason. If I didn't believe that this would change your life, I would just keep it to myself!)