whitney english day designer vs. erin condren life planner | #thebeautybalance

I’ve been diving right into this 31 Day Writing Challenge, where each blogger chooses a topic to write about for 31(ish) days. Because it’s right where God has me, I’ve chosen to share on Blending Beauty with Balance.
(#thebeautybalance, if you want to follow along…or better yet, join the conversation using the hashtag!)

It’ll be a fun and encouraging 31(ish) days where I’ll be sharing tips and tricks while digging deeper, finding purpose, and blending beauty with balance — all with a heart of intention. {all 31(ish) Days will be linked here}

 Whitney English Day Designer vs. Erin Condren Life Planner

Maybe you didn’t know, but I love being organized, and I seriously become overwhelmed with a giddiness when my life has a bit of a schedule and the chaos is somewhat managed.

I mean, I love it just as much as getting a good deal when shopping or finding the most amazing pigmented eyeshadows for my collection.
That’s how high up on the list organization is to me.

And whenever I find that I let that go just a bit, there is utter unrest within my soul.

That may sound dramatic.
And, you’re right…it is.
But it’s simply the dramatic truth.
{once a middle child….always a middle child.}

 

planners

~ Erin Condren Life Planner ~

This is why for years I have been getting the Erin Condren Classic Life Planner, and writing every little single thing down that could possibly find a space within it. And while, they are definitely on the pricier side of things ($50) when it comes to planners, I just kind of feel like you can’t put a price on that euphoric feeling of having your life in order.

Dramatic maybe.
But, again, I can’t help what is true.

And while for years the Erin Condren planner has worked amazingly for me, I found that recently I actually had more stuff in my brain plus more schedules to manage, and there didn’t seem to be nearly enough space for me to manage it all. (although I’m sure someone who is naturally gifted with scheduling could probably make it work… I just tend to need my hand held with this sort of thing.)

erincondren2

 

erincondren1

~ Whitney English Day Designer ~

Between two kids in two different schools, both of their activitites, Jimmy’s work meetings, my workouts and appointments, blog and YouTube schedules and events, work ideas, foster care planning, and other projects coming up in the future…I realized I had to really up my organizing game.

And so I decided to check out another planner I’ve been eyeing over the last year called the Whitney English Day Designer. It’s equally as pricey ($59), but with a whole different twist to the layout. This planner is more designed for the entrepreneur, with an entire front section decked out with worksheets for setting work, life and personal goals.

Okay, add that to my Happy Euphoric Feelings List…. setting goals and resolutions.
Oh my word. Just typing it gets me excited.

I also love how each day has an entire page complete with different sections for your days time schedule, to-do lists, meal planning, gratitude, and so much more.

In fact, I’ve been using this Daily Docket in the meantime to see if this type of planning works for me, and let me just tell you that I’ve been on fi-yah with knocking things off the list and staying on task.

Lists are just so amazing!!!
Lists and lipsticks and pigmented eyeshadows…and well, you get the picture.

 

whitneyenglish1

whitneyenglish2

whitneyenglish3

 

~ Whitney English vs. Erin Condren ~

And because I like to do A LOT of research before I spend any amount of money, and because I had trouble finding all the information I needed before I made my own decision, I thought I’d do a little post/video sharing all the details and differences between the two.

In the video below I’ll be going through each planner, showing you the differences and similarities and giving you a page by page tour of each. I also wanted to share here some closer shots of each planner so you could see up close and personal what you’ll be working with.

I really hope this all helps, and if you have any other questions make sure to leave a comment either here or on the video itself!

{Remember to subscribe to my YouTube channel as well, so you’ll always know when I post a new video!}

 

~ The Bottom Line ~

Ultimately, I love and adore each planner and I really don’t believe that one is better than the other.

Having both, I honestly think it truly just depends on how your brain works and what type of organizer you tend to be. And just as with what happened to me, even that could change over the years as you grow and change as well.

And that is why I love that we have options!

So without further adieu, here are two of yours!

xo,
Summer

SHARE THIS POSTShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestGoogle+Email to someone
It means so much that you are here! I know life gets busy though, so if you don't want to miss a thing, I invite you to subscribe to my blog through email!

how to straighten hair with minimal damage | #thebeautybalance

I’ve been diving right into this 31 Day Writing Challenge, where each blogger chooses a topic to write about for 31(ish) days. Because it’s right where God has me, I’ve chosen to share on Blending Beauty with Balance.
(#thebeautybalance, if you want to follow along…or better yet, join the conversation using the hashtag!)

It’ll be a fun and encouraging 31(ish) days where I’ll be sharing tips and tricks while digging deeper, finding purpose, and blending beauty with balance — all with a heart of intention. {all 31(ish) Days will be linked here}

Okay, I get that straightening your hair isn’t rocket science.
It’s not.

BUT! You guys, I have happened upon my HOLY GRAIL (which for those who may not know, means “the ultimate best ever”) flat iron in all the years I have ever been straightening my hair. And let me tell you, that is a lot of years. So, I think I had better tell you so you don’t have to waste the time (or money) that I have.

Also, not only do I finally have an incredible hot tool to share with you, but I thought I’d also share the best products I’ve discovered that will make all the difference in keeping the integrity of your hair while you’re busy applying all that heat.

Screen Shot 2014-10-14 at 6.31.45 PM

You want to look good yes, but you also want to keep your hair (I’d imagine). So, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page with doing everything we can, both in choosing our products and our tools, to not only look good…but keep our hair. And keep it healthy.

Balance, people.

Have we figured out yet it’s all about balance?

Okay, let’s get to why I love this flat iron and the products that have saved my hair.
And what better than to just show you how amazing it all truly is….

Enjoy, and I so hope your hair thanks me one day!

How to straighten hair …with minimal damage:

| Products Mentioned |

*IRRESISIBLE ME Extensions & Flat Iron (10% off through link)
*Agave Healing Oil & Shine Spray
*Acure Leave In Conditioner

+ DISCLAIMER +
FTC: This is not a sponsored video. While some products have been sent to me, I will always share my honest opinion of everything that I try and review on my channel. I will never accept payment in exchange for a positive review. Some links above may be affiliate.

While I LOVE beauty, health, and all things related, more than anything my heart and soul belongs to Jesus! This quote expresses exactly what I hope shines more than anything:
“Like Paul and every other believer, my life is no longer my own. The focus must not be on me, but on Christ. When someone hears from me publicly, I want it all to point to Him.”
{quote from John MacArthur}

xoxo, Summer

SHARE THIS POSTShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestGoogle+Email to someone
It means so much that you are here! I know life gets busy though, so if you don't want to miss a thing, I invite you to subscribe to my blog through email!

best of beauty. health. life | september 2014 | #thebeautybalance

I’ve been diving right into this 31 Day Writing Challenge, where each blogger chooses a topic to write about for 31(ish) days. Because it’s right where God has me, I’ve chosen to share on Blending Beauty with Balance.
(#thebeautybalance, if you want to follow along…or better yet, join the conversation using the hashtag!)

It’ll be a fun and encouraging 31(ish) days where I’ll be sharing tips and tricks while digging deeper, finding purpose, and blending beauty with balance — all with a heart of intention. {all 31(ish) Days will be linked here}

 

Best of Beauty. Life. Health.

At the end of every month both here and on my YouTube channel, I switch from sharing my top 5 weekly beauty favorites, to instead sharing all the things throughout my month that I truly loved the most. They are the things that I found I’ve excitedly texted my bff’s and sisters about, which are — of course — the things I’d want to share with all of you if we were having our own girls night out (or in!).

Beauty chat is fun, but from my experience real girl time always involves a random mix of what we’ve discovered and gone through, which is exactly why I try to find that same balance here and on my channel.

Screen Shot 2014-10-02 at 3.50.42 PM

This month I am extra excited because my BFF, Becky, is joining in on the fun…which for me is my most favorite thing of all for the month! Her friendship in my life is an absolute gift straight from the hands of Jesus, and it honestly doesn’t matter what we’re doing or what we’re talking about, there is just a total comfort and acceptance and always always laughter.

A balanced beautiful friendship. {I think I could really get carried away with this whole “beauty balance” thing! ha!}

I hope you guys enjoy this months video, and more importantly I hope you feel that we are right there with you just hanging out for girl time, bonding and sharing…Because it’s always so much more fun when you’re not alone!*

*except for when you’ve been around kids all day long…then being alone doesn’t sound so bad… Again. All about balance, my friends.

Monthly Favorites:
NYX Butter Lipgloss
Tarte Palette
Andalou Naturals Rosewater Mask
Larabars
Kayla Itsines – Bikini Body Challenge
The Core (book)
Robert Lustig
Blacklist (tv show)

What did you guys love most this last month???

I would so love to hear or see what you guys loved most this last month as well, so I invite you to either share by leaving a comment here or on YouTube OR you could always post a picture on any of your social media platforms using the tag #thebeautybalance!

 

+ DISCLAIMER +
FTC: This is not a sponsored video. While some products have been sent to me, I will always share my honest opinion of everything that I try and review on my channel. I will never accept payment in exchange for a positive review. Some links above may be affiliate.
________________

While I LOVE beauty, health, and all things related, more than anything my heart and soul belongs to Jesus! This quote expresses exactly what I hope shines more than anything:

“Like Paul and every other believer, my life is no longer my own. The focus must not be on me, but on Christ. When someone hears from me publicly, I want it all to point to Him.”

{quote from John MacArthur}

xoxo, Summer

SHARE THIS POSTShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestGoogle+Email to someone
It means so much that you are here! I know life gets busy though, so if you don't want to miss a thing, I invite you to subscribe to my blog through email!

blending beauty with balance | #thebeautybalance

The beauty balance really all started with this:

“Consistency breeds Credibility.”

This is one of those quotes that sits with me often and settles into my mind while I attempt to blend some balance throughout my life.

There is so much I want to do and so many things I long to be, and yet when I strive to take them all on at once I lose my balance and fall short in nearly every area.

There is no consistency, no credibility, no balance…which ultimately leaves behind a bitter taste of feeling unconnected.

Consistency.
Credibility.
Connectedness.

And it is these three C’s tumbling around in my mind that have led me to this 31 day writing challenge hosted by The Nester (who you will love).

It’s where God has me.
And it’s what God is laying on my heart to be and to share.

And so I’m committing to be present here and purposeful in my writing and content, prayerfully choosing to share for 31(ish) days on Blending Beauty with Balance.

Brushes for makeup on pink background

As I shared the other day, it’s true that I love beauty, style, and fashion…I mean, I just experience such a giddy joy in finding a fabulous shade of lipstick. And yet, even though that may be a lot of the content both here and on my YouTube channel, what brings an even greater joy to my soul, is living that beauty, and knowing that the beauty we delight in is truly a reflection of our Creator.

It’ll be a fun and encouraging 31 days….sharing tips and tricks, while digging deeper, finding purpose, and blending beauty with balance — all with a heart of intention.

I hope you’ll come back each day and join along in #thebeautybalance conversation, and I’ll be sure to link each post back to this page, so that there will be a landing spot for all of the 31(ish) posts.

And of course…to make it even easier to follow along, I encourage you to subscribe to my blog so you’ll never miss an update!

Day 2: The monthly beauty box balance | Beauty Box 5
Day 3: Best of Life. Health. Beauty | Girl Chat
Day 4: Saldana Fam Cam: My inner struggles with comparison
Day 5: The work at home, stay at home, mom balance
Day 6: Be still
Day 7: How to shop healthy on a budget
Day 8: Adorned from the inside out
Day 9: Top 5 Weekly Beauty Faves
Day 10: Saldana Fam Cam: Sprouts Grocery Haul & The Best Smoothie Ever
Day 11: Bulu Health & Weight Loss Box
Day 12: The Comparison Cure
Day 13: How to straighten hair with minimum damage
Day 14: Yay or Nay? Reviews on the products I’ve used up!
Day 15: Saldana Fam Cam: Healthy Grocery Hauls & a New Family Member
Day 16: Summer’s Lovin’: Top 5 Beauty Favorites of the Week
Day 17: Saldana Fam Cam: Whole Foods Haul, Kayla Itsines & Funny Yoga
Day 18: The Greatest Beauty Truths We Can Ever Know
Day 19: Erin Condren Life Planner vs. Whitney English Day Designer
Day 20: We Are His Poem, We Are His Masterpiece: A Pastors Perspective
Day 21: Makeup Totally Worth Buying

SHARE THIS POSTShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestGoogle+Email to someone
It means so much that you are here! I know life gets busy though, so if you don't want to miss a thing, I invite you to subscribe to my blog through email!

inspiring links: fitness, faith, parenting, family, food & beauty

P1010740

Where I’ve been and what I’ve been loving this week on the WWW!

FAITH/PARENTING:

After my “faith crisis” and especially after these last couple trips to the D.R., I can feel God in the works of changing me.  It’s as though He’s given me new eyes and a new heart.  And when I read this article on how to rescue our families, I was absolutely challenged and inspired.  In fact, I think all parents would be blessed in reading and following his advice.  How can we rescue the family? (John MacArthur a.k.a JMac as we call him in our house.)

~~~~~~~

PARENTING:

A friend sent this to me this week since we are both in the throws of sibling conflict.  Having tried every method and read every book, I was all about learning another way to find peace.  Take a read and let me know what you guys think. 3 Steps that Transform Sibling Conflict into Sibling Comaradare  (Psychology Today)

~~~~~~~

RELATIONSHIPS:

After a women’s bible study I attended last weekend, our associate pastor came through and handed us an envelope to give to our husbands.  It was a perfect match to everything we wives had just learned in Titus 2, and I may have encouraged Jimmy to read it every day if he could. =)  This is definitely a letter EVERY husband (or soon to be husband) should read, and I’m not even kidding you right now.  Print it out and hand it over to your man ASAP.  Dear Husband (Barabbas Road Church)

~~~~~~~

FITNESS:

Burn away fat cells with this simple trick…  I’m intrigued!  Especially with my anniversary trip only 4 weeks away….I gotta get vacation body ready!!!  If you’ve ever tried this method and have thoughts on it, I’d love to hear! (Dr. Mercola)

Speaking of getting vacation ready, I’ve been upping and intensifying my workouts this week and decided to add a bit to the end of my TAM Meta workouts.  I start with one of my new fave YouTube channels Blogilates:  This particular inner thigh workout KILLS, but oh my goodness, in SUCH a good way!!!  (YouTube)

And then when my thighs are dead, I finish up with some extra arm work.  This week I used Tracy’s Hampton Arms, which I’m pretty sure nobody can finish without resting their arms at least once.  If you can, I am in AWE!!! (YouTube)

~~~~~~~

FOOD!

We’ve been trying to pin and then ACTUALLY make the healthy meals we find this week to stop our bad problem with eating out.  This was by far my favorite meal of all AND the most easy to make! Grilled Chicken & Pineapple Quesadillas (The Girl Who Ate Everything)

~~~~~~~

BEAUTY:

Ipsy: Join me on Ipsy and subscribe to the Glam Bag! You get 4-5 beauty products every month delivered to your door, for just $10. (Michelle Phan curates the bags!)  Check out my Instagram pic to see what was in this months bag, which was worth well over the $10 I spent!  Score!!!

I’ve also been totally hooked on my Conscious Box Subscription as well.  Every month, the box gets better and better, and I discover new organic and natural products that I love.

~~~~~~~

Now it’s your turn!!!  Leave a comment letting us know what blogs, links, or videos YOU loved most this week!

xoxo

SHARE THIS POSTShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestGoogle+Email to someone
It means so much that you are here! I know life gets busy though, so if you don't want to miss a thing, I invite you to subscribe to my blog through email!

my latest and greatest favorite things

Finally!
My video of all my latest and greatest products.
I’m hoping that soon I’ll be able to make another one showing you my endless loves, the products that have stood the test of time, and still have a special place in my heart.
Sorry for the length….I swear I tried to make it short….but I’m on my old laptop which lacks editing tools and I wasn’t about to record all that again.
It’s all good stuff though, you’ll be fine.  =)
links to products:
Let me know if you guys try any of these and what you think!!!
© 2011 “Le Musings of Moi”
SHARE THIS POSTShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestGoogle+Email to someone
It means so much that you are here! I know life gets busy though, so if you don't want to miss a thing, I invite you to subscribe to my blog through email!

things i love….love, love, love

TO EAT…

Lovin Scoopful: What the Fudge Ice Cream

{Couldn’t find a picture, but trust me. This ice cream is amazing. Incredible. Delicious.  And 25% of the proceeds goes to help the Special Olympics!  The other 75% goes right to your bootie…but who’s looking?}
TO WORK OUT TO…

Beyonce: Single Ladies

Lady Gaga: Just Dance

TO BUY…

This headband for Chloe:

This art piece for the kids new playroom:

And of course, I can’t live without this one as well from Made by Girl:

Just Love Because…

The age of:

Seriously, I look forward to every day with Tay now.  He is so much fun, so sweet, and I’m in love.  Even more than before.
And finally….
YOU!
For voting for me.  Because I know you were just about to do that.  I mean, I only have 26 votes at the moment and over 300 readers.  Somehow the math isn’t adding up.  I’m just saying…
Plus, you know the winner gets a big ol gift certificate to Target.  I can do a pretty big giveaway on my blog with money like that.
Ya, so what….I’m not above bribery.  
© 2009 “Le Musings of Moi”
SHARE THIS POSTShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestGoogle+Email to someone
It means so much that you are here! I know life gets busy though, so if you don't want to miss a thing, I invite you to subscribe to my blog through email!

things i love: the iBoss!!

I found something I love, and I am so excited!
It’s called the iBoss, and I think every family that has kids (or husbands..he he) needs to have this in their home.
Or even, any company who wants to keep their employees accountable to their work time web surfing. About.com, Burger King, and Planned Parenthood are just a few of the top names that use the IBoss. As well as many churches and other non profit organizations.
After I watched that Oprah episode and saw just how scary it can be on the internet, especially for kids, I knew I wanted to do something that would protect my own as much as I could.
I only had to set it up on one computer and then it runs on every computer in the house or that comes into the house. Not to mention it protects our computers from bugs, spyware, virus’, and other bad stuff. It’s awesome, affordable, and makes you feel safe.
Benefits:
· Easily Control When and Where Your Children Surf
· Protect Your Children from Online Predators
· Monitor Your Children’s Online Activity
· Manage Time Spent Online
· Prevent Viruses & Spyware
· Share Your Internet with Multiple Computers (Wired & Wireless)
· One Device Protects and Manages All Your Computers
· Works with Mac, Windows, and Linux
· Absolutely No Software to Install
· Built-in Firewall Protects Against Online Threats
· Guard Your Children from Inappropriate Content/Set Different Settings for Different Kids
I highly recommend this as I’ve been using it for months now and love it! Go to www.iphantom.com and use the code Family Safe at checkout to get 10% off!
SHARE THIS POSTShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestGoogle+Email to someone
It means so much that you are here! I know life gets busy though, so if you don't want to miss a thing, I invite you to subscribe to my blog through email!

things i love: some cool websites

Okay, just wanted to pass along a few I’ve recently found and think I like…
freeshipping.org: I saw this one in one of my magazines today, and already it’s on my favorites list. This one will especially come in handy for the holidays!
Cozi Central: My new homepage! It’s awesome for so many reasons, but especially the shopping list page. You can set up the list and have it sent to your phone. OR, if you forget the list while at the store, there is a number to call and it will read the list to you. Genius!
Coupon Mom: This is the only website I know of that will tell you what’s on sale at your local stores, and you don’t have to pay for the info! It’s totally free. This is especially helpful if you clip coupons!
Fashion Junkee & AmiClubWear: Say you’re dying for the latest designer purse and you just can’t see yourself dishing out $1200 for it. This is when these websites will come in handy. They are absolutely my latest addiction, and I’ve been OBSESSED over the Marc Jacobs knockoff.
And last but not least, I had to share that at the end of every year, Amazondoes awesome deals on magazines. I just ordered Redbook for $3 for the entire year. They run the deals on lots of different ones, so go check it out. Click below and search for your favorite magazine!
Now go get to shopping…
© 2008 “Le Musings of Moi”
SHARE THIS POSTShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestGoogle+Email to someone
It means so much that you are here! I know life gets busy though, so if you don't want to miss a thing, I invite you to subscribe to my blog through email!

things i love: healthy times baby care

I have found yet another thing I love and need to share with everyone!
My son has pretty sensitive skin and is prone to little bumps on his arms and legs. So, ever since he was a baby I’ve had to try out different natural products to keep his skin smooth and soft. So far the only thing I’ve found is the Arbonne Baby Wash & Lotion. As great as it is, it’s actually pretty expensive, which has been the only downside.

But, just recently one of my friends told me about Healthy Times. We actually have a store down the street, so I headed over and bought the baby wash and lotion. For only $5, I figured it was worth trying out. We’ve been using it now for a few weeks, and I have to say I LOVE it!!! It smells sooo yummy that when he’s all cleaned up, I just want to snuggle him and breathe him in. But even better, his bumps are clearing up…and I’m not spending $30 like I was on Arbonne!
If you have babies or kids, sensitive or not, you need to try this out!!!
Enjoy!!!
© 2008 “Le Musings of Moi”
SHARE THIS POSTShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestGoogle+Email to someone
It means so much that you are here! I know life gets busy though, so if you don't want to miss a thing, I invite you to subscribe to my blog through email!