Thrifty Decor Chick PAR-TAY!

Prioritized To Do List for work

I have a confession to make...the first step is admitting, right?

I am an all out, full fledged, hardcore list-making JUNKIE.  But like seriously, is there some kind of group I can join?? :)

Since this week I'm focusing on WERQ (I mean work, but let's make it a LITTLE fun okaaaay?), I'm going to go into the evolution of my werq to do lists.  

I've had several strategies for organizing my time and tasks, but these two lists in particular worked (werq'd???) best.  This first one, I made and used for a few months, before my roles changed I got super crazy busy.

here's a free, editable printable of the document: FREE PRINTABLE

[this is just an example, as I don't use this system anymore. My current system will be featured tomorrow!]

As you can see, it's divided into three categories: Must Do, Other, and Little Things.

1) Must Do-pretty self explanatory.  Things I HAD to get done that day, projects due, meetings to attend. 

2) Other-things I should/could do, projects with approaching deadlines, tasks that aren't quite as important but it would be fantastic if I get to them.  This is also for things that wouldn't take a super long time.  

3) Little Things-Originally had this titled "menial tasks" and reconsidered.  But I mean...that's what is it. 
This category is for those little miscellaneous things that you do, that are never really "due" or "must do's"...but you need to do them at some point.  I would also include very short projects or tasks here, for if I ever found myself with and extra 5 minutes (yeah right!!) or for if I ever just needed to give my brain a break.  Sometimes, after getting bogged down with emails for 3 hours, I just need to take a break for a second-ya know? So I choose a tasks from this category and clear my mind.  It's a great tip!  

I also made this list very realistic.  Let's face it, none of us get everything we hope to done everyday.  So using this list, any project(s) I DIDN'T finish that day, I would highlight and move down to the next day's list.  

 As you can see, tasks can "jump" categories, so something that wasn't a priority on Monday may become one if it still isn't done by Wednesday! :)

I really liked this list for many reasons.  It really helped me manage my time and prioritize my tasks.  It also helped give me an idea of what my week has in store.  Limiting myself to 5 tasks in each category also helped me not get too bogged down in any one thing.  I also was able to keep these lists for meetings with my supervisor.   

I think my favorite tip is to have a list of "little things" that you can do when you need a break.  Things that do benefit your work but that you can squeeze in when you need a break :)

What tips do you have for tracking your tasks at work? Have you created any to do lists for work? I'd LOVE to see! Share below.  

& be sure to come back tomorrow to see the list I'm using now! :)

Thanks for stopping by <3 

-court    

Coming Attractions...

lol, gotta make yourself laugh with the titles right?? :)

Well hello there, happy Sunday!! 

I've had SUCH a wonderful weekend.  I love relaxing but I LOVE how productive I've been lately! I feel like I'm trying to get everything done before the cold really sets in.  

Winter is coming. 

I'm so excited to be taking this blog more seriously! I feel like I'm [FINALLY] getting settled in my job and my home and my LIFE.  Ever since I was catapulted into adulthood about a year ago, my life has been crazy, in a totally awesome way, but crazy all the same.  

This coming week, I'm going to be talking about work related projects.  As I said, I feel like I've finally settled into my job and I have SO much to share.  Things I'd do differently, what I've learned, how I organize my [unpredictable] schedule, how I organize my office, and much much more!          

If you'd like to hear more, subscribe and stay tuned!  Be sure to check out my Pinterest as well :)

How did you spend your weekend? I hope you have an AMAZING week :)

Thanks for stopping by! 

<3 court

this is Halloween, this is Halloween...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

I saw this super cute idea all over pinterest this year and I instantly knew I had to make them for Halloween!! They are SO incredibly easy to make, I love it!  This would make a great project to do with kids :)

I'm planning to stuff them with candy-umm duh it's Halloween!!

Here's what you'll need: 

empty and clean soup cans (watch out for sharp edges!) 

black paint and paint brush (optional)

white crepe paper (or gauze of some sort if you prefer!)

googly eyes

glue, or glue gun as I used

 First I painted my cans black.  You don't have to be terribly particular with this step, since it'll just be covered anyway.  It's just for a nice solid base :) 

see, TOTALLY not perfect.  

Then I measured the crepe paper around the can and tore a bunch of strips of it that length

(kids would totally dig this!)

                    

[NOT toilet paper, I promise!!]

Then I covered the top edge of the can, to cover the brim as shown:

easy peasy!

I just wrapped the strips of torn crepe paper around, layering them and adding as I liked.  Glue the eyes on and add one more layer of crepe paper over the top and....

 TA DA!

I love this project for SOOOOO many reasons! It's so so so simple but yet so adorably cute.  It would make a great crafternoon with kiddos! 

It totally doesn't have to be perfect because a) uhh...it's a mummy and b) it's gunna be stuffed with candy so no one will even care if it's perfect!

 [i love how they're all different!]

And lastly, HI! It cost me literally TWO DOLLARS.  Yup count 'em TWO buckaroos.  $1 for the crepe paper and $1 for the eyes at the dollar store.  I made 25 of these little dudes for 200 pennies, and I even have some leftover supplies for next year :)

WIN.    

What Halloween projects have you been up to? I love this holiday, I can't wait to see the trick-or-treaters tonight!! 

Thanks for stopping by!!! 

<3, court

Follow Me!

I would just LOOOOOVE it if you'd follow me on Pinterest :)  

Just Click Here :)

Here's my favorite pin of the week: 

Chevron Wall

Are you as pin-addicted as I am?!  

Have a great Halloween!!  Be sure to subscribe for my special Halloween post tomorrow :)

<3,

court

So you're going on a trip...

I hate living far from my family, but I'm lucky to live close enough for weekend trips.  Between my fiance's family and my own, traveling for work and seeing friends, we are gone quite a bit!

This may sound silly but I get a little nervous leaving our house and I like to just make sure everything is taken care of before we head out.  I made up this little list to help give me peace of mind while we're away.

As you can see, I have an upstairs page and downstairs page.  This way, I can take one and my fiance can take the other and we are done in half the time!  It takes maybe five minutes (if that!) to quickly go through the list before we are ready to hit the road, jack. 

I laminated my lists and keep them on a clip board in our living room.  We use a dry erase marker (which wipes clean off of laminated pages) to check things off and make any notes.  If you don't have a laminator, sheet protectors work just as well :) 

Knowing that everything is taken care of at home helps me relax and enjoy my trip :) Do you have any tips for traveling?  I'd love to hear 'em!

Thanks for visiting, 

<3 courtney

Holy Chevron Wall Batman...

Well hello there! Long time no see :)

Let's catch up with this little guy...

"But you're a renter!" you might exclaim.  That's right, I am.  That's not paint my friend, it's ELECTRICAL TAPE.  About 15 rolls of it to be exact.  It's holding up beautifully so far and don't worry Mr. Landlord-it comes off clean with a little heat from my blow dryer.   

 (excuse the glare! my apartment has terrible lighting)

 It's really one of my favorite projects so far! It's in our living room, the first room you enter in the house, and it just makes such an impact.  It's simple but modern and unique.  What a great way to spruce up other wise boring white walls, without paint!  

As with everything I do, it was a super inexpensive project.  I picked up the electrical tape at Menards in a 5 pack (on sale!).  And the process what actually very simple, just a little tedious.  Netflix helps :)  

Here's a night shot: 

And up close: 

 you can see the individual strips of tape this close up!

I just very carefully cut around the outlet:

And that's it!  I love it, I think it makes a great accent wall and I can see it being done so many different ways! Electrical tape comes in many different colors and I think a smaller wall or different pattern would be just so cool.  What a fun and temporary way to make your room POP. 

Have a great one!

-court