So today I’m going to show you how to make your own planner stickers in Canva, print them at home, and cut them with your Cricut. It’s simple, it’s customizable, and it lets you create exactly what works for your planner and your routines. Plus, I’m sharing the Canva template I designed so you can get started right away!

What You’ll Need

You only need a few basic tools:

• Canva (the free version works great)
• A Cricut machine
• Sticker paper
• A home printer
• My free Canva sticker template (download link in this post!)

Nothing fancy. Just simple tools you probably already have.

How To Make Planner Stickers in Canva

1. Open the Canva Template

Click the link in this post to open the free template I’m sharing. You’ll see two key pieces already set up for you:

• The Cricut print-then-cut dimension guideline.
  All your sticker elements must stay inside this boundary if you want them to print and cut correctly. Cricut is very particular about size limits, so this saves headaches.
• Parallel sizing lines at the outer edges.
  These lines stay intact when you export your sticker sheet as a PNG. When you upload the PNG into Cricut Design Space, those lines help you size the sheet precisely and quickly every single time.

Get the free template

Enter your email below to receive Canva template link delivered to your inbox.

2. Decide Which Stickers You Want To Make

Think about what you actually use in your planner each week:

• Monthly or weekly headers
• Notes labels
• Boxes and checklists
• Color-coding dots or icons
• Habit trackers
• Little decorative elements
• Dates for each day

Once you know what you want (which is sometimes the hardest part!), measure the space in your planner so your stickers fit neatly. Write down the dimensions for each element. I know measuring can feel tedious, but it’s the secret that makes everything look clean and custom. Measure twice and use a ruler that goes down to 1/16th of an inch. Also note, Canva will only resize the elements using inches, so don’t record your measurements in cm or mm.

3. Set Up Each Sticker Element in Canva

With your measurements ready, go to Elements in Canva and search “Grid.” Select the simple single-square grid.

Then:

• Click the grid
• Go to Position
• Type in your exact dimensions

This ensures each sticker fits your planner perfectly.

Now you can fill the grid with artwork—backgrounds, colors, shapes—and add your text. Enjoy customizing it to match your style.

4. Repeat for Every Sticker You Want

Build out each element one at a time, placing them neatly inside the Cricut boundary. It’s a little like putting together a puzzle piece by piece. You can be creative with how you use the space to maximize your sticker paper.

5. For Decorative Stickers, Add a White Outline

If you want to turn a graphic into a sticker:

• Click the graphic
• Choose Edit → Shadows → Outline
• Change the outline color to white
• Adjust the thickness until it looks right

I like changing the page background temporarily so I can see the outline clearly. Just change it back to white before you save.

6. Double-Check Your Layout

Before exporting:

• Make sure nothing crosses the Cricut boundary
• Make sure everything stays inside the parallel sizing lines

Once it all looks correct, you can delete the guideline boundary image.

7. Download Your Sticker Sheet

Very important step:

• Click Share → Download
• Choose PNG
• Check Transparent background

This is what ensures the Cricut cuts your stickers cleanly without adding a big unwanted block of white behind everything.

And that’s it for the Canva portion.

How To Cut Your Stickers in Cricut Design Space

1. Upload Your Sticker Sheet

Open Cricut Design Space and create a new project.
Choose Upload, add your PNG, and when prompted, select Flat Graphic. Save it and insert it onto the canvas.

2. Resize Using the Parallel Lines

Click your sticker sheet and, with proportions locked, change the width to 7.44 inches.

This is exactly why we kept those parallel lines—they guarantee your sheet is perfectly sized so the final stickers are accurate.

After resizing, you can go into Contours and turn off those two sizing lines so they don’t print.

3. Print Your Stickers

Click Make It and choose a material size of 8.5″ x 11″.

For printing:

• Check Use System Dialog
• Select the right paper settings for your sticker paper
• Print a test page on regular paper if you want to double check the layout

I always feel better testing first instead of wasting sticker paper.

4. Cut With the Correct Settings

Place your printed sheet on your mat.

Choose:

• Washi Paper for regular sticker paper (so it only cuts the top layer)
• Vinyl for clear or glossy sticker sheets

Then hit Go and let Cricut do the fun part.

If you don’t have a cutting machine, you can absolutely still make planner stickers in Canva and cut them by hand. It’s slower, but it works beautifully and still gives you total creative freedom.

Enjoy making something that brings a little color and joy into your routines!

And so many nights, I find myself staring into the fridge like it’s going to whisper an answer back. Dinner isn’t hard because cooking is hard. It’s hard because deciding what to make over and over again wears us out.

That’s where theme night meal planning comes in. It’s simple, it’s flexible, and it completely takes the decision fatigue out of dinner time.

What Is Theme Night Meal Planning?

Theme night meal planning just means assigning each night of the week a simple theme—like tacos, soups, or slow cooker meals—so you have a built-in routine for your dinners.

You’re not locking yourself into a specific recipe or being overly rigid. You’re just narrowing the choices, which makes planning (and grocery shopping) so much easier.

Here’s what it looks like at our house most weeks:

• Monday: Soup or Salad Night
• Tuesday: Taco or Mexican Night
• Wednesday: Try Something New
• Thursday: Crockpot Night
• Friday: Sandwich Night

I don’t stick to it perfectly, but having a plan like this gives me a guide to follow. It’s one less thing to think about, and honestly, that’s worth a lot by the time Thursday rolls around.

More Theme Night Ideas

You can tailor your themes to fit your family’s favorites or your schedule. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Meatless Monday – pasta, stir-fry, or a veggie-packed soup
• Taco Tuesday – tacos, fajitas, burrito bowls, or quesadillas
• World Wednesday – try something from another cuisine (Thai, Italian, Indian)
• Throwback Thursday – childhood favorites or freezer meals
• Family Favorites Friday – everyone takes a turn picking dinner
• Sheet Pan Saturday – minimal prep, minimal cleanup
• Slow Sunday – comfort food or a family dinner day

You can mix and match or rotate themes each season. I just think having a general idea is what keeps you from giving up and grabbing takeout.

Batch Prep Your Protein

One thing that makes theme night meal planning even easier is prepping your protein ahead of time.

On Sunday, I’ll cook a few pounds of chicken or ground beef to use throughout the week. Some goes into tacos, some gets added to soup, and the rest is ready for sandwiches or pasta. It’s such a small thing, but it saves a huge amount of time on busy nights.

Even if you don’t prep full meals, having the basics cooked and ready to go makes the rest of the week feel smoother.

Simple Ways to Keep Track of Meals

Once you’ve got your themes set, the next step is keeping everything organized so you can actually use your plan. Here are a few easy systems to try:

1. The Meal Planning Binder

This one’s for my fellow paper-planner people.

Make a binder with a section for each night of the week. At the front of each section, slide a printed list of all the meals that fit that theme into a sheet protector.

Each week, just grab a wet-erase pen and circle what you’re having. You can keep the printed recipes behind each list so everything’s together and ready to go.

It’s simple, visual, and oddly satisfying.

2. The Spreadsheet System

If you love having everything digital, make a quick spreadsheet with your theme nights across the top and your favorite meals listed underneath.

You can hyperlink each meal to its recipe online for easy access. It’s fast, organized, and easy to update as you add new meals to your rotation.

3. The Digital Option: Notion or Recipe Keeper

If you’re already using Notion, you can create a recipe database and tag each meal with its theme night. That way, you can sort by theme and plan your week in seconds.

Or, if you want something purpose-built, I really like Recipe Keeper. It’s a one-time purchase (no subscription!) and it stores recipes from anywhere—handwritten, websites, or screenshots. It also has a great meal planner feature where you can copy and paste multiple meals at once. The meal planner will also sync to your digital calendar!

If you plan out six weeks of meals you love, you can literally repeat the whole thing with one click.

Final Thoughts

I just think theme night meal planning makes dinner easier without making it boring. It gives you a rhythm to follow and keeps the whole week from feeling chaotic.

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel every Sunday. You just need a few good systems, a little prep, and a plan that works for your season of life.

So pick your themes, prep a little protein, and enjoy the calm of knowing what’s for dinner before the day even begins.

And in the middle of all that, I still want to look awake and put together enough to feel like myself before the day officially begins. I don’t need a full face of makeup, just something simple that makes me feel a little more confident when I catch my reflection in the mirror when I wash my hands.

That’s where my Seint everyday makeup routine comes in. It’s fast, it’s natural, and it fits into real life.

If you want to see it in action, you can watch my short everyday makeup video here on Instagram or catch a longer version on YouTube.

This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to try something I mention, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). I only share things I genuinely love and use in my own routine.

A good canvas makes all the difference

I always start with clean, moisturized skin. My favorite skincare is Oliveda. In the morning, I keep it pretty simple. Clean (sometimes even just with water and a washcloth), a serum, and then moisturizer. You can read all about my morning skincare routine here. If your makeup ever looks patchy, dry, or uneven, try focusing on your skincare. I have found that since I’ve stepped up my skincare routine, I don’t need as much makeup as I used to, even though I’m older.

Glowing skin is a result of proper skincare. It means you can wear less makeup and let skin shine through.

-Michael Coulombe

That quote really sums up what I’ve learned the last few years. That when your skin is healthy and glowing, you don’t need to hide it under layers of makeup, but there’s nothing wrong with a little bit of makeup for an extra boost of confidence.

Why I love my Seint everyday makeup routine

Once I’ve taken care of my skin, it’s time to start putting on my makeup. There are so many things I love about my Seint everyday makeup routine. First is that it is fast. I can do my daily makeup routine in about 2-3 minutes. Secondly, I love that it is a cream makeup. It practically melts into your skin so it looks like skin, not like a lot of other makeups.

I also love that it comes in metal tins that all go into a palette. So everything I need (except mascara) is in one palette. This makes it so easy to do my daily makeup routine because I just grab the one palette out of the drawer and I have it all. No more digging through a drawer, looking for what you need and wasting time.

My daily makeup routine step by step

A good base

Most foundations are one color that you spread all over your whole face. This can be really good for a perfectly flat base to start with, but the problem is that our faces aren’t naturally so flat and one dimensional. Then you have to layer on more to make it look like a real face and layer after layer creates a very non-natural look. And for the red carpet or other special occasions, that’s fine. But for me, on a daily basis, I want it to look like I’m not wearing any makeup. Just a more polished, less tired, slightly more youthful version of myself.

With Seint makeup, you strategically place different colors where they need to go so you can have a natural, three dimensional look and still only have 1 layer of makeup. This gives a very natural look so you can look like the best version of yourself.

It starts with the main highlight color. This is the color closest to your natural skin tone. My main highlight is a mix of Athens and Candlelit. I blend the two because one’s a bit too light and the other’s slightly too warm on its own, but that’s one of the beautiful things about Seint makeup. It’s the ability to really customize it to your face and get a perfect match.

Using the IIID brush, I tap the blend over my cheeks, forehead, and chin — just the areas that need evening out. I don’t try to cover every inch of my face, because I want my skin to still look like skin.

Most days, I skip the brightening highlight completely. If I’m feeling fancy (or slept less than usual), I’ll add a tiny bit under my eyes. But honestly? I usually don’t.

That’s the beauty of Seint’s cream foundation. It evens everything out without hiding what makes you you.

Add some shape and definition

Once my skin looks even, I bring back some warmth and shape with Olive Contour and Bella Bronzer. Contour is used to add a little bit of shape where the natural shadows of your face are. Bronzer is used to warm up the skin and make it look sun kissed.

I swipe Olive right under my cheekbones, along the top of my forehead, and a touch under my jawline. Then I blend upward — always up. It keeps my face looking lifted and softly defined.

Next, I dip into Bella with the Blush/Bronzer Brush and add a bit over my cheeks and nose. It gives that sun-kissed warmth that makes me look like I’ve been outside even though I’m stuck in an office without windows all day.

I never used contour before this Seint makeup routine since I thought it was just for people who were “really into makeup” or for makeup artists. But it is really simple and add so much dimension to your face. If you are new to contour, watch this super short tutorial.

A Little Color Goes a Long Way

As we age, the color in our lips and cheeks starts to fade. So adding in a little bit of color to these areas helps you look more alive and youthful. Seint makeup offers convenient lip+cheek tins that do double duty. My go-to Lip + Cheek is Renaissance. It’s that perfect rosy tone that works well with my deep autumn coloring.

I smile, tap a little right on the apples of my cheeks, and blend up toward my temples. Then I swipe the same color on my lips.

That tiny step makes me look instantly more awake and younger.

Finishing Touches

If I have time (or remember), I’ll grab my Perfector Sponge and press it lightly all over. It softens everything and helps the makeup melt right into my skin for that “I’m just naturally this glowy” look.

Then it’s a quick coat of mascara, maybe a little brow gel, and I’m done. I tend to only put on eyeshadow when I want to dress up a bit more.

Start to finish? About three minutes. Sometimes less if I’m racing the clock before someone yells “Mom, we’re going to be late!”

How I Keep It Simple

Everything I use fits in one palette: my highlights, contour, bronzer, blush, and even my lip color. No rummaging through drawers or digging in makeup bags. Just open, apply, and go.

It’s one of those little everyday systems that makes mornings feel smoother. And I like that I can refill individual tins instead of replacing a whole palette. Practical and pretty.

When I Want a Little Extra

If I have a few more minutes, I’ll add a brightening highlight under my eyes or a touch of shimmer on my eyelids. But it’s always using the same palette. That’s another thing I love about Seint. You can do more when you have time, or just the essentials when you don’t.

Either way, it is simple and easy.

Real Life, Simplified

This simple makeup routine for busy moms isn’t about perfection. It’s about feeling pulled together and confident in the middle of real life busy mornings.

Whether I’m running errands, heading to church, or going to work, these few minutes help me feel more like myself.

If you’ve never tried Seint before, I’d love to help you find your perfect shades.

You’ll get personalized recommendations for your skin tone so you can create your own quick, easy, and totally realistic makeup routine that fits your life.

I’ve tried a lot of planners over the years. Some looked beautiful but didn’t function well. Others were practical but not inspiring to use. Laurel Denise planners are the first that made everything click for me. The layouts, the paper quality, the little design details. All of it adds up to a planner that I love to use.

For 2026, I’m using a few different planners from the Laurel Denise lineup to fit every part of my life (home, work, family, and content creation). I also picked up a few of their accessories that make planning even more fun and organized. You can shop all of the Laurel Denise planners for 2026 and save 10% with my code ALLISON10 at checkout.

Before I get into my 2026 lineup, you may be wondering why I even use a paper planner (let alone multiple ones!) in a world where most things are digital. I shared all about why I love paper planners, and the science that backs up this decision, in this post on the importance of paper planners.

If you’d like a closer look at each cover and the accessories that come with them, you can watch my full unboxing video here.

The Kristy Planner (formerly the Vertical Week Book Bound)

If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know I love my Kristy planner. It’s my everyday, can’t live without it, sits right next to me all day planner. It’s the one that keeps my brain clear and my tasks organized. I take it back and forth from home to work, and it holds all my main appointments and daily to-dos.

The Kristy layout features vertical weekly spreads that let you easily see your whole week at a glance. It has 1.5 inch wide columns that fit a lot of standard planner stickers. Below the vertical columns, there is a large, wide open dot grid note space. One of the best things about the Kristy, is the lack of labels in the notes areas so you can use it however you want. The book-bound format is great because it’s sturdy but still lightweight.

I use the monthly pages to track appointments and big-picture goals, while the weekly layout keeps me focused on what’s most important each day. I always include my schedule, the kids’ activities, to-do’s and meal planning. Then the notes space has plenty of room to flex and meet the needs of that particular week. At just slightly bigger than a B5 sized planner, there is room to write lots of things even if you don’t have tiny handwriting.

The Rose Planner (formerly the 4-Column or Project Planner)

The Rose planner is my big-picture planning space. It’s the place where I map out projects, goals, and long-term tasks. I discovered this layout after watching Laurel Denise’s videos on Agile planning and Kanban-style organization, and it completely changed the way I work.

In my setup, each of the four columns is labeled To-Do, Doing, Done, and Reflection. This helps me visually track progress on multiple projects at once. I can easily see what I’ve accomplished and what still needs my attention.

Yet, that is just one way to use the Rose planner. The 4 columns are unlabeled, so you can use them however you like! Use them as weekly lists. Try tracking your health goals. Have a column for each member of your family. Divide the columns and have 8 boxes for each day of the week plus a notes section. The opportunities are endless! And if you add in the insert pages, you can have even more flexibility.

The larger calendar section on the left is something I’m thinking of using for my content calendar, since my Kristy already handles appointments and weekly scheduling. The monthly calendar in the Rose planner is the largest of monthly layouts that Laurel Denise offers, with the exception of the Carmen planner (which is strictly a monthly calendar). The Rose planner is just a great all around planner and a good choice for someone new to Laurel Denise.

The Jo Planner (formerly the Pop-Up Planner)

This one might be my favorite addition to my 2026 Laurel Denise planners—the Jo planner. I’m using it as our family command center. It sits on our kitchen table so everyone can see what’s going on.

Each week, I fill it in with meal plans, appointments, school activities, and my husband’s work schedule. The stand up layout makes it easy for everyone to know what’s coming up.

On the back side, there’s a large blank section that’s perfect for our weekly chore lists, our monthly scripture to memorize, and any other family reminders or notes. It’s the planner that keeps our whole household running smoothly.

The 2026 Laurel Denise Planner Patterns: A Pride and Prejudice Collection

This year’s 2026 Laurel Denise planners and accessories are inspired by Pride and Prejudice, and the whole collection is full of classic charm with a modern touch. Every pattern tells its own little story, and together they create the prettiest lineup yet.

There are 5 patterned covers and 4 solids. The patterns range from the bold yellows and oranges found in Bewitched, to more delicate florals in blues and mauves found in Lizzy’s Stroll, Lydia’s Folly, Pemberley Gardens and the pattern print of Bennet Sisters. A deep plumb, sage green, deep yellow, and light pink round out the solids.

Even the accessories carry the same coordinating color palette, making it easy to mix and match everything while still looking perfectly pulled together. Whether you like your planners bold and bright or calm and classic, the 2026 lineup makes it easy to find a look that feels like you.

Not every planner comes in every pattern, but each design is lovely in its own way. I chose Pemberley Gardens for my Rose planner and Lydia’s Folly for my Jo, but honestly, every single one is beautiful.

You can browse all of the Pride and Prejudice covers in the 2026 Laurel Denise collection here on their site, and don’t forget to use code ALLISON10 for 10% off.

Planner Accessories I’m Loving for 2026

Along with my planners, I picked up a few accessories that make using them even more enjoyable and functional.

Elastic Pencil Pouch: This attaches to the cover of my planner and holds my favorite pens right where I need them.

Pen Pouch: This one holds everything. I keep pens, scissors, sticker tweezers, correction tape, glue tape, sticky notes, a mini ruler inside, plus extra pens, highlighters, and pencils. It’s like my little planning toolkit.

Large Pouch: Perfect for carrying all my planning supplies together when I’m working away from my desk and to keep things together in my work bag.

Cupcake Stickers: I couldn’t resist these. They’re fun and perfect for quickly marking birthdays.

Why This Lineup Works for Me

I’ve learned that for me, no single planner fits every part of my life. My brain (and my schedule) need a mix of structure and flexibility, which is exactly what Laurel Denise planners offer.

Using the Kristy planner for daily tasks, the Rose planner for projects, and the Jo planner for family organization gives me a complete system that keeps everything in its place.

These planners help me balance work and home life without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, they make planning something I look forward to every week!

Of course, I think everyone should try one of the 2026 Laurel Denise planners, and if you’re ready to build your own lineup, you can shop all of the Laurel Denise planners for 2026 through my affiliate link here. And who knows, maybe one of these Laurel Denise planners will be your perfect match too!

I still have some of the paper planners I used in high school, back before keeping track of appointments on your Blackberry was even a thing. I used them to track assignments, volunteer activities, babysitting jobs: all the important things in the life of a 17-year-old. Looking back at the various planners I’ve used through the years, it’s fun to see how my life has changed, what my priorities have been, and where I’ve spent my time.

Yet I also love techy stuff—gadgets, new apps, Notion, Canva, and who doesn’t love a good spreadsheet? (Okay, I know a lot of people don’t love spreadsheets, but I do!) So why do I, and so many others, still cling to our paper planners vs digital planners in a world of apps and notifications?

It’s not just nostalgia that keeps me coming back to pen and paper. There’s actual science showing that using a paper planner has powerful advantages over going fully digital. So let’s talk about why paper planning still works in a digital world, what research says about writing things down, how to find the planner that fits you best, and how to combine paper and digital planning in a way that actually works.

Paper Planner vs Digital Planner

It’s easy to see why digital planners and calendar apps are so popular. They sync instantly, send reminders, and can be accessed from anywhere. I use Google Calendar myself, and I genuinely appreciate how convenient it is. But there’s something that still feels different when I sit down with my paper planner and pen in hand.

Paper slows things down in the best way. When you write an appointment, list, or goal, you pause long enough to think about it. It becomes intentional. Typing something into a phone feels quick and efficient, but writing it on paper feels meaningful. You can see the week at a glance, flip through past pages, and even spot patterns in how you spend your time.

There’s also a physical connection that digital just can’t duplicate. The feeling of crossing something off a list or checking a box on paper gives a tiny sense of accomplishment that tapping a screen never quite matches. And when you flip through an old planner, you’re reminded not just of what you did, but of who you were at that time. A digital archive can’t capture that same sense of reflection.

Digital tools definitely have their place, especially for syncing family schedules or keeping work organized. But for many of us, paper planning offers something the digital world can’t. It feels grounded. It feels personal. It feels real.

The Science Behind Writing Things Down

It turns out that our brains actually process handwritten information differently than typed information. Studies show that writing by hand activates areas of the brain connected to learning, memory, and creativity. When you physically form each letter, you engage more of your senses—movement, touch, and even visual recognition—all of which strengthen how that information is stored and recalled.

In one study, students who took handwritten notes remembered more and understood concepts better than those who typed them. Writing forces you to slow down and summarize ideas in your own words, which deepens comprehension and retention. The same principle applies when planning your week or setting goals. Writing something down tells your brain, “this matters.”

There’s also a simple emotional benefit. The act of crossing off a task releases a small amount of dopamine, which reinforces motivation. It’s a tiny reward loop that keeps you going, one checkmark at a time. No notification or emoji can quite replace that feeling of accomplishment.

The Simplicity Factor

Paper planning isn’t about rejecting technology; it’s about creating a pause. In a world full of pings, alerts, and constant noise, writing things down helps you think clearly. It gives your thoughts a place to land that isn’t competing with every other message on your phone.

There’s also beauty in the limitation. You can’t open ten tabs in a paper planner or scroll endlessly. You have to choose what matters most to write down, and that in itself builds clarity. When everything around you moves at lightning speed, paper gives you permission to slow down.

But planning isn’t only about function—it can also be a form of creativity. Even the most practical planners often find themselves adding a splash of personality with color-coordinated highlighters or fun stickers. Others turn their planners into full artistic expressions, creating detailed spreads with washi tape, pens, stamps, and paint. Whatever the style, that creative time matters. It’s both relaxing and rewarding to sit down and design a space that’s uniquely yours.

Having a creative outlet is proven to reduce stress and improve mental health. Whether it’s a five-minute highlight-coding session or an afternoon crafting a layout, that creative process can make planning feel more like self-care than a chore. It’s one more reason paper planners offer something the digital world never quite can.

Digital tools help you move faster. Paper helps you move with purpose and a little bit of beauty.

You Don’t Have to Choose One

The best part is that you don’t have to pick sides in the battle of paper planner vs digital planner! You can absolutely use both paper and digital tools together. I call it hybrid planning, and it’s my favorite way to stay both organized and flexible.

For example, I use Google Calendar for appointments, meetings, and anything time-bound. Then I use my paper planner for everything else—like routines, to-do lists, goal setting, and journaling. The digital side keeps everything in sync, but my paper planner is where I think, plan, and dream.

Hybrid planning gives you the best of both worlds. You get the efficiency of digital systems and the mindfulness of writing things down. If you’ve ever wished you could blend your favorite app with the beauty of pen and paper, you’ll love how this approach feels.

If you’d like to learn how to combine the two seamlessly, download my free Hybrid Planning System Workbook. It walks you step-by-step through how to create a system that fits your life—not the other way around.

Finding Your Perfect Paper Planner

Once you’ve decided to include paper in your planning routine, the next step is figuring out what type of planner fits you best. Do you like to see your week at a glance or plan one day at a time? Do you prefer horizontal layouts that give you space to write freely, or vertical columns that break your day into neat sections?

The best planner for you depends on how your brain naturally organizes information. Some people thrive on structured daily pages, while others find weekly or monthly overviews less overwhelming.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are two of my favorite videos that walk you through it:

Once you know your layout style, you’ll feel more confident using your planner in a way that truly works for you. And when you pair that with the steps in my Hybrid Planning System Workbook, you’ll have a system that keeps you both grounded and organized—no matter how busy life gets.

Conclusion

Even with all the incredible tech tools available today, there’s something timeless about planning on paper. It’s more than a to-do list or a schedule; it’s a moment of calm in the middle of a busy life. Writing things down helps you remember, reflect, and connect to what matters most.

Whether you use paper exclusively or mix it with digital tools, the goal isn’t perfection. The beauty of planning is that it evolves with you. If you’re ready to make your system work for you instead of against you, start with my Hybrid Planning System Workbook. You’ll learn how to build a planning routine that’s simple, flexible, and uniquely yours.

And stay tuned for next week where I talk about my current planner line up and what I’m going to be using for 2026!

Both count and both move me a step closer to my goals.

That’s the power of a mini habit. A small, doable version of the routines that matter the most.

A lot of habits are hard to keep up with because we expect too much of ourselves. We plan them when we are feeling our most ambitious and forget what happens on our days that we aren’t our best. So we all need routines and habits that can change and adapt to the reality of that day without falling apart.

But that’s where the Mini Habit Method comes in.

What is the Mini Habit Method?

The Mini Habit Method gives every routine two versions:

• The full version, for when you have energy and motivation.
• The mini version, for when you’re tired, short on time, or overwhelmed.

Both versions count towards consistency and habit building. You don’t lose progress by doing less. Your brain still recognizes that you are doing it and helps build that habit muscle memory

This is how habits become second nature.

Why it works

• It removes the all-or-nothing trap. A lot of us think that if we can’t do it perfectly, we shouldn’t do it at all. You end up quitting just because you can’t keep the streak going because real life got in the way. Mini habits remove this barrier.
• It keeps your momentum alive. Even tiny actions remind your brain, I still show up. You are keeping promises to yourself and your brain and body start to recognize that what you are doing is important.
• It lowers resistance. It’s easier to start when the task feels small and approachable.
• It builds confidence. Each checkmark strengthens your identity as a consistent person.

Consistency matters more than intensity.

How to set up your mini habits

To begin with, grab a notebook, planner, or sticky note and start brainstorming:

1. Choose the habit.

Pick something that really would like to establish as a routine but haven’t been able to stick with consistently.

2. Define your “full” version.

What does the ideal version of this habit or routine look like on a normal day when everything goes right?

3. Define your “mini” version.

Shrink it until it feels too small to skip. It should take one to five minutes. Make it so easy that even on a day when you got no sleep, have a head cold coming on, and are super busy, that you could squeeze it in.

4. Pick a cue.

Then link it to something you already do: “After I pour coffee…” or “After I brush my teeth…” Stacking habits into a routine that you are already consistent with will increase the chance that you remember to do them.

5. Track it.

Same checkmark for both full and mini. You did it either way. Don’t differentiate between which version you did that day. Just track that you did it and call it a success!

Real-life mini habit examples

Faith + Prayer

• Full: Read a chapter and write in your journal
• Mini: Read one verse and pray a short prayer of thanks

Skincare

• Full: Double cleanse, toner, serums, moisturizer, eye cream
• Mini: Rinse face with water and apply moisturizer

Movement

• Full: 30-minute walk or workout
• Mini: Stretch for 1 minute when you get up

Planning

• Full: Review calendar, set top three priorities, write today’s to-do list
• Mini: Jot one must-do task on a sticky note

Home reset

• Full: Tidy kitchen and sweep
• Mini: Load dishwasher and wipe sink

The “Never Miss Twice” rule

Another key to building consistent habits is the “Never miss twice rule.” Missing one day is normal. But missing two days starts a pattern and it becomes very hard to get back into the swing of things.

If you skip your habit yesterday, today is automatically a mini day. Don’t worry about yesterday, just show up and do the smallest version today. Then keep going and building from there. Remember it’s not about what happened in the past, it’s about the choice you are making today to show up for yourself.

Make it stick

• Keep it visible. Leave your list open in your planner or taped on your mirror.
• Bundle it with something you enjoy. Light a candle, play a song, or use your favorite mug.
• Review weekly. If your mini version feels too big, make it smaller.
• Reward completion. Mark it, smile at it, move on. Also, occasionally, reward yourself with a favorite treat for reaching a milestone number of completions. A walk on your favorite trail, an hour of window shopping, getting your nails done, buying coffee out. Additionally, you can keep a little reward bank to choose from.

You’ll be amazed how much consistency builds once perfection isn’t required.

Troubleshooting

“My mini habit still feels too big.”

Then cut it in half again. One minute is enough.

“I keep forgetting.”

Strengthen the cue. Tie it to something that already happens daily.

“I’m bored.”

Refresh your full version. A new devotional, playlist, or location can help.

“I travel or get sick.”

Create a travel-day or sick-day version ahead of time.

Keep Your Progress Visible

The best way to build consistency is to make it visible. So keep your mini habits front and center with this tracker so you can see the progress you’re making even on the busy days. Print it, fill it in, and let it remind you that showing up matters more than doing it all.

I used to resist using Google Calendar. How could anyone focus with all those bright colors shouting at you? I just wanted something calmer. A pretty Google Calendar with aesthetic colors that matched my mood. Once I figured out how to customize it with my own hex codes, it finally felt like me. But along the way, I learned a few important lessons and made some mistakes you’ll want to avoid if you’re setting up your own Google Calendar aesthetic colors.

And it’s not just about having a pretty Google calendar. When your colors are intentional and coordinated, they give you clarity in your busy schedule. An aesthetic Google Calendar makes it more fun and interesting to do your planning.

In this post, you will learn how to set up your Google Calendar aesthetic colors the right way. Then your calendar will feel both beautiful and practical for your busy, every-day life.

Mistake #1: Relying Only on Google’s Default Colors

Why the default palette doesn’t work

Google’s calendar comes with 24 default colors for calendars and 11 for events. That seems like quite a few, but when you look at them, they all match the Google brand: bold, bright, and colorful. I think for most people, they are just too bright and overwhelming. Plus using them can make a busy schedule feel very heavy and in your face.

You calendar is something you look at often, so it should feel joyful to you. Maybe bright colors make you happy, but the ones Google Calendar offers aren’t your favorites. Perhaps you want something more calming, seasonal, or matched to the rest of your planner tools. That’s where custom hex codes come in allowing you to choose the exact colors to make your calendar feel like you.

How to add custom hex codes for aesthetic Google Calendar colors

It’s not hard to add a custom hex code to your Google Calendar, you just have to know where to look. First start out by logging in to your calendar on a desktop. You cannot add a custom color using either the mobile app or a mobile browser.

• Once you are in your Google calendar, navigate to the calendar list on the left hand side
• Hover over the calendar name until the three dots appear on the right hand side
• Click the three dots and then the + button at the bottom of all the colors
• Type in the hex code of the color you want to use and click Save
• Repeat for all calendars

Of course, even the prettiest colors won’t help much if everything in your life is crammed onto one calendar. That brings us to the next mistake: not creating multiple calendars to keep things organized.

Mistake #2: Not Creating Multiple Calendars

Why one calendar for everything creates chaos

Having only one calendar in your Google calendar list is a big mistake. Many people do this because they think it is easier. You might try to keep it “organized” by color coding events, but you’re limited to just 11 event colors and it quickly becomes a jumbled mess.

Placing everything on one calendar also means that everything is always visible. You cannot filter it to see just what you need to focus on right now. Kid’s activities, work schedule, and routines are all mixed in together. Instead of your calendar helping simplify life, it makes it harder to navigate what is going on right now.

How to use multiple calendars for clarity and a prettier Google Calendar

The real power of Google Calendar comes when you create separate calendars for the different parts of your life. Think: work, family, routines, personal, or even a calendar for each child’s activities. Each one gets its own color from your aesthetic palette, which makes it so much easier to glance and know exactly what belongs where.

The best part? You can toggle calendars on and off. If you just want to see your work schedule, uncheck the others. If you’re planning the family weekend, hide everything but home and kids. This keeps your calendar flexible and makes your setup both functional and pretty.

• Open Google Calendar on your desktop
• On the left sidebar, find “Other calendars”
• Click the + sign next to it and choose “Create new calendar”
• Give it a name (for example: “Family,” “Work,” “Meals,” or your child’s name)
• Click Create calendar
• Once it’s created, assign it a custom hex color as described above
• Repeat as needed for each area of your life

Mistake #3: Picking Colors Without Cohesion

Why random colors make your calendar feel messy

With endless possibilities, it might be tempting to pick all your favorite colors and add them to your different categories. But too many random colors will make your calendar feel messy, cluttered, and distracting. It can even make you look more busy than you are! The goal of using Google Calendar aesthetic colors isn’t to use every color available, but to create a calm, cohesive look to help you focus.

How to build a cohesive palette for your Google Calendar aesthetic

You don’t have to limit yourself to only a few colors, especially if you have lots of calendars to manage. The key is to choose a style of palette that keeps everything looking like it belongs together. Here are a few approaches that work well:

• Monochromatic: Different shades of the same color family (like dusty rose, mauve, and deep plum).
• Analogous: Colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel (like sage, olive, and teal).
• Complementary: Colors that sit opposite on the color wheel (like navy with coral). Use one as a main shade and the other as an accent.
• Themed moods: Earthy neutrals for calm, soft pastels for cheerful, jewel tones for bold energy.

No matter which direction you go, try to make sure the colors feel related. Think of it like putting together an outfit: the pieces don’t have to match exactly, but they should look like they belong in the same closet.

Mistake #4: Never Updating Your Palette

Why updating your Google Calendar aesthetic colors matters

Even the best palette can start to feel stale after a while. When you see the same colors every single day, they eventually fade into the background and stop catching your attention. That’s when your calendar can start feeling more like a chore than a tool. Updating your Google Calendar aesthetic colors every so often keeps things fresh and motivating.

How to use seasonal palettes for a pretty Google Calendar year-round

An easy way to refresh your calendar is to change your palette with the seasons. Soft pastels work beautifully in spring, earthy neutrals feel cozy in the fall, bold jewel tones add energy in the winter, and cheerful brights make summer fun. I like to match my aesthetic Google calendar colors to my planner stickers for the month.

The key is to keep your categories consistent while swapping out the shades. For example, if your work calendar is always blue, you can update it from sky blue in summer to navy in winter. That way you still know what’s what at a glance, but your calendar feels new and inspiring.

This seasonal rhythm makes your calendar both functional and pretty, while also giving you something small to look forward to throughout the year.

Conclusion

Setting up Google Calendar aesthetic colors doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is to avoid the common mistakes, choose a palette you love, and keep it simple enough that it works in real life. A pretty Google Calendar should help you feel calm and organized, not distracted. If you want fresh ideas for color palettes, I’ll be sharing seasonal updates, so make sure to subscribe and you’ll always have new inspiration ready.

With the start of a new year, it always seems to be a time when people are re-evaluating routines and self care practices. One that often gets overlooked is your morning skincare routine. Not only is a morning skincare routine important for glowing skin, it can help set the tone for the whole day. It does this by setting a tone of self-care and confidence. Even if you are a busy mom juggling kids, work, and a business, a morning routine with Oliveda skincare can help transform your day.

With a few simple steps, your morning skincare routine can be something you look forward to each day as a little bit of self-care before you throw yourself into caring for everyone else.

Why have a morning skincare routine

If your mornings at home look anything like mine, it’s a cluster of trying to get all my morning tasks accomplished while making sure the kids are doing theirs (with some gentle-ok, lots of times frantic-encouragement from me). You may be thinking “Lady, I don’t have time to add in a morning skincare routine.” And I get it. Some days I’m so busy I wonder if I even remembered to brush my teeth.

But there are a couple of important reasons to add in skincare to your morning routine. One is that it will cause you to take even a minute or two to do something for yourself. And taking care of yourself allows you to take care of all the other numerous demands vying for your time and attention.

Secondly, one of the best ways to regulate your nervous system is to just slow down. Walk a little slower, chew your breakfast a little slower, just take a few slow, deep breaths. The morning rush is just that- a rush. And it can leave your nervous system amped up and you stressed out. So by slowing down to do a quick morning routine, it can help regulate your nervous system. This leaves you feeling calmer and gives a more peaceful start to your day.

Lastly, a good skincare routine will help you look your best. Whether you are a natural look type or want a full face of makeup, good skincare is the foundation to having you feel confident and beautiful. With an Oliveda skincare routine, you may reach less and less for your make up and when I do, the makeup looks that much better.

Step 1: Cleanse your face

Why clean your face in the morning? I hear a lot that women don’t clean their face in the morning because it’s not dirty. All you did was sleep, right? But even though you were just sleeping, your skin was hard at work- repairing and rejuvenating itself. This can lead to a build up of oils, sweat, and dead skin cells on the surface of your face.

Cleaning your face in the morning removes these impurities to ready your skin for the rest of your morning skincare routine. Not only will it clean your face, but it will help wake you up a bit and signal your body that it’s morning.

How to clean your face: It’s really quite simple! Use some warm (not hot) water and wipe your face with a clean cloth. I prefer these microfiber cloths and I use a fresh one each day. If you have more oily skin, or you used a retinol or AHA the night before, a cleanser can be used. However, most people can get away with just using water in the morning.

Oliveda’s unique waterless formulas protect your skin’s natural barrier while removing impurities. It’s the perfect way to start your day with a refreshing, clean feel. F38 Purifying Cleansing Gel smells so wonderful and gives a nice lather. For more mature skin, consider F71 Corrective Cleansing Gel. And if you have sensitive skin or rosacea (like me), choose 009 Dope Your Glow Deep Cleanser.

Pro Tip: If you are using cleanser, massage the it onto your skin in gentle, upward motions for about 30 seconds to boost circulation and wake up your complexion.

Step 2: Pamper your skin

Why use serums and elixirs? Strictly speaking, this is an optional step. HOWEVER, this is the step that will give you the most benefit. Serums and elixirs are concentrated, potent formulas. They soak deeply into the skin and address specific concerns like wrinkles, hydration, or uneven skin tone.

How to choose: With a lineup of 15 different serums and elixirs, there is an Oliveda skincare routine product specifically designed for your skin concern, no matter what it is. For personalized recommendations on which product would work best for your specific needs, take the OliveBrain quiz for custom results.

Pro Tip: Mix a few drops of both the serum and elixir in the palm of your and and rub together before applying. When they are mixed they form an emulsion that is better absorbed and the products will work synergistically together for better results. Then apply to slightly damp skin and pat gently to lock in the benefits.

Step 3: Lock in the moisture

Why should I moisturize? Using a moisturizer as the final step of your morning skincare routine ensures that your skin will stay hydrated all day long. It also seals in the serums and elixirs, allowing them to remain on you skin longer which increases their effectiveness. Even those with oily skin should moisturize, just use a lightweight one.

How to pick: There are quite a few moisturizers available. Pick one that is suited for your skin type, such as dry, oily, sensitive, or mature. I’d be happy to help you choose! If you are more of a go-it-yourself type gal, here is a chart that might help a bit.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to moisturize your lips with the fabulous F75 Lip Balm!

Bonus Step: No makeup makeup

The mornings can be hectic and you just want to make it out the door, but still look good in the process. Boost your confidence with the Olive Rose skin tint. Based on the same waterless principles as the skincare, think of the skin tint as a serum with just a bit of coverage. It’s perfect for everyday where when you want your skin to look polished but don’t want a full face of makeup. By giving you a dewy glow and evening out skin tone and imperfections, the skin tint provides the perfect no makeup look. Find out your perfect shade here.

The ripple effect of self care

It’s not selfish to take 5 minutes for yourself at the beginning of the day. Implementing a morning skincare routine helps you slow down so you start the day more calmly. It can leave you feeling more confident and refreshed which will pour over into all aspects of your life. This one act of self-care sets the tone for the whole day.

Morning Skincare Routine with Oliveda Recap

1. Wash your face: Start with a clean, fresh face to allow other products to do their jobs.
   • Shop cleansers
2. Serums & Elixirs: Support your skincare goals with targeted treatments.
   • Shop the most popular serum and elixir combo-Love Duo
3. Lock in moisture: Finish off with a moisturizer for your face and lips.
   • Shop moisturizers
4. Complete the look: Top it all off with the waterless no-makeup makeup that feels like skincare.
   • Shop skin tint

Your glow, your way

A morning skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated to do it’s job. Even just adding in a quick cleanse with water and some moisturizer will improve your skin. Or if you already have a morning skincare routine, you may be ready to add in a few extras to target specific goals. Whatever you are doing, consistency is key.

Oliveda has a unique waterless formula which means that the whole entire product is actively working to improve your skin. With their high-quality, organic products, you can get the glowing, healthy skin you desire, even while keeping it simple in the morning.

New year, new routines— this is one routine that’s definitely worth the effort!

PS- Want to boost your skincare routine to the next level? Consider Oliveda internal products!

Your skincare routine is missing this one thing!

Getting beautiful, glowing skin doesn’t have to be complicated. Skincare routines play an important part. But like most things health related, getting the results you want almost always starts from the inside. To have radiant, healthful skin, start by nourishing your skin from within. Oliveda’s internal beauty formulas make it easy (and tasty!) to take your routine to the next level with products that hydrate, protect, and revitalize— starting at the cellular level.

No matter how you like to drink your skincare, these products are the foundation of the waterless beauty movement. Whether you like to take yours in a single shot or as part of a tasty recipe, you will get the aid of powerful active ingredients that deliver hydration, antioxidants, and anti-aging benefits.

Let’s take a look at the must-have products and some recipes that will get you drinking your way to glowing skin.

I01- ORAC and Camu Camu

The first product ever created by Olive Tree People, this powerhouse of antioxidants is the cornerstone of any Oliveda skincare regimen. Antioxidants help prevent cell damage and can improve health. One way they do this is by boosting your immune system, allowing it to fight off germs better.

ORAC stands for oxygen radical absorbance capacity. Basically this measures how antioxidant a food is (higher score=higher levels of antioxidants). Everyone has heard to drink orange juice to help prevent illness. Orange juice’s ORAC score is around 2,000 for a serving. Camu camu fruit (found in I01) has an ORAC score of 52,000. On top of that, the olive leaf elixir in the I01 has a score of 45,000.

With such high antioxidant levels, I01 will reduce inflammation, defend against stress and the environment, and boost your immunity. Not only will this support your overall health, but it provides the perfect foundation for glowing, youthful skin.

I70 Hydroxytyrosol + Hyaluron- The Beauty Molecule

Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the joints, eyes, and skin. It has a unique quality of binding to and holding on to water molecules. This helps keep your skin moisturized and plump. As we age, our natural levels of hyaluron decrease. But we can replenish our natural stores through topical products and even better through supplements.

The Beauty Molecule contains both high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to make sure your body gets what it needs. As it works from within, you can see these visible effects:

• Tighter pores and firmer skin
• Smoother texture
• A natural, rosy glow
• Stronger, less brittle nails

It also contains hydroxytyrosol, a potent antioxidant from the olive leaf. This provides cellular protection and anti-inflammatory effects.

I66 Hydroxytyrosol + Collagen- The Beauty Fountain

If you haven’t ever tried a liquid collagen supplement, you need to right now! Collagen is a building block for the skin and it decreases as you age. Adding it back in will help maintain the structure and firmness of your skin. This will help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a more youthful look. The Beauty Fountain contains porcine collagen which is more easily used by the body than other types of collagen.

As a waterless product, the base of the Beauty Fountain is an olive leaf elixir, rich in hydroxytyrosol. The hydroxytyrosol fights inflammation. Not only will this improve the look of your skin, but it can improve your overall wellness. Hydroxytyrosol is more potent than Vitamins C and E in it’s antioxidant properties.

Delicious Recipes for Internal Skincare

Not sure about taking these straight up? That’s not a problem! Here are a few recipes (from super simple to super tasty) to have you drinking your skincare every day.

Holiday Mocktail

Wow your guests with festive mocktail. Or keep it just for yourself— it’s so good you may not want to share!

Ingredients:

• 5 oz apple cider
• 2 oz ginger beer
• 1 oz tonic water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 17.5 ml I66 Beauty Fountain
• 17.5 ml I70 Beauty Molecule
• 2 pipettes I01 ORAC and Camu Camu
• Optional apple slices for garnish

Mix all the ingredients, pour over ice in a pretty glass. Garnish and sip your way to glowing skin!

Oliveda Sunrise

Start your day with this easy, refreshing, radiance-boosting drink.

Ingredients:

• 4 oz organic orange juice
• 17.5 ml I66 Beauty Fountain
• 17.5 ml I70 Beauty Molecule
• 2 pipettes I01 ORAC and Camu Camu

Fill glass with nugget ice. Add Oliveda ingredients. Slowly pour OJ in for a pretty, layered drink.

Perfect Pick-Me-Up

Beat the winter blues with this delicious, skin-loving treat.

Ingredients:

• Coconut water
• Ocean Spray WhiteCran + Strawberry juice
• 17.5 ml I70 Beauty Molecule
• 2 pipettes I01 ORAC and Camu Camu

Mix, serve over ice, and feel uplifted with every sip as you dream of warm summer days.

Glow on the Go

Stay radiant even on busy days with this super simple recipe.

Ingredients:

• Your favorite Olipop flavor (I’ve been loving the Cranberry Fizz flavor this holiday season)
• Any Oliveda internal product

Simply mix and take on the go for a quick boost for your skin and health.

Takeaway

You may never have thought of drinking your skincare before. But internal skincare is a great way to nourish your skin, protect against aging, and enhance your natural glow. All this while supporting your overall health! With Oliveda’s innovative products and a little creativity, you can make skincare a delicious part of your day. Let me know which recipe or product you are most excited to try in the comments below!

Cheers!