Productivity

The Ultimate Balance Tracker: 10 Steps to Assess and Realign Your Life

Feeling out of balance is a common struggle, but the good news is that achieving alignment doesn’t require a complete life overhaul. Often, small, intentional changes can help you feel more grounded and in control. Use this step-by-step checklist to assess where you’re at and make meaningful adjustments to realign your life with your priorities and goals.

Step 1: Define What Balance Means to You

Balance looks different for everyone. Start by reflecting on what a balanced life would feel like for you. Is it about spending more time with family? Prioritizing your health? Achieving work-life harmony? Write down your definition.

Step 2: Identify Your Key Priorities

What truly matters to you right now? Your priorities may include relationships, career, health, personal growth, or hobbies. List 3–5 areas that are most important to you.

Step 3: Reflect on Where You Feel Out of Balance

Take stock of your life and identify areas that feel neglected or overwhelming. Ask yourself:

  • Where am I overcommitted?
  • What areas have I been neglecting?
  • Where do I feel stretched too thin?

Write down these areas for a clearer picture of where adjustments are needed.

Step 4: Evaluate How You’re Spending Your Time

Track your time for a week to understand how you’re currently allocating it. Break it down into:

  • Obligatory time (work, household tasks).
  • Routine time (commuting, meal prep).
  • Discretionary time (hobbies, relaxation).

This helps pinpoint where time is being spent on low-priority activities.

Step 5: Redefine Success on Your Own Terms

Let go of societal standards and think about what success means to you. Use prompts like:

  • What would make me feel proud and fulfilled?
  • What have I been striving for that doesn’t truly matter to me?

Write a personal success statement to guide your decisions moving forward.

Step 6: Set Metrics to Track Balance

Choose specific, tangible metrics that align with your vision of balance. Examples include:

  • Hours of sleep.
  • Time spent with loved ones.
  • Number of workouts per week.
  • Hours unplugged from screens.
  • Self-care activities completed.

Write these down to track your progress.

Step 7: Make Small, Intentional Adjustments

Focus on one or two areas where you feel most out of balance and brainstorm small changes you can make. Examples:

  • Set work boundaries by logging off at a specific time.
  • Schedule a weekly date night or family activity.
  • Commit to 10 minutes of daily mindfulness.

Start small—small changes lead to big results.

Step 8: Schedule Regular Check-Ins

Consistency is key. Set a weekly or monthly check-in to review your metrics and reflect on your progress. Ask:

  • Am I spending my time on what matters most?
  • Are my adjustments helping me feel more balanced?
  • What else could I tweak?

Step 9: Celebrate Small Wins

Recognize and celebrate the progress you’re making, no matter how small. Acknowledging wins keeps you motivated and reinforces positive habits.

Step 10: Adjust and Realign as Needed

Life is dynamic, and so is balance. Periodically reassess your priorities and metrics to ensure they still align with your values and goals. Adjustments are part of the process—don’t be afraid to shift focus as needed.

Start Your Journey to Balance Today

This checklist is a powerful tool to help you assess and realign your life, but if you’re ready to go even deeper, join my free on-demand workshop, “How to Plan for a Balanced and Successful Life.” You’ll get access to a free workbook filled with exercises to guide you through these steps—and more!

Sign up now and take the next step toward balance and success!

Your balanced, fulfilling life is within reach—one intentional step at a time. Let’s make it happen!

xoxo,

10 Metrics to Track for a More Balanced and Successful Life

Achieving balance and success in life isn’t about doing it all—it’s about focusing on what truly matters to you. Tracking specific metrics can help you align your daily actions with your values and goals, making it easier to see progress and stay intentional. Here are 10 key metrics to help you create a more balanced, fulfilling life:

1. Hours of Sleep

Sleep is the foundation of physical and mental well-being. Tracking your nightly hours of sleep can reveal patterns and help you ensure you’re getting enough rest to function at your best.

How to track: Use a sleep app, fitness tracker, or simply jot down your sleep duration each morning in a journal.

2. Time Spent with Loved Ones

Strong relationships are vital for a fulfilling life. Whether it’s family dinners, coffee dates with friends, or phone calls with loved ones, tracking time spent nurturing these connections can help you prioritize what matters most.

How to track: Record quality time on a weekly planner or habit tracker.

3. Physical Activity

Staying active improves both physical and mental health. Whether you prefer walking, yoga, or hitting the gym, tracking your activity helps ensure it remains a consistent part of your routine.

How to track: Count steps, log workouts, or keep a weekly exercise checklist.

4. Time Dedicated to Personal Hobbies

Hobbies bring joy and creativity to life. If you’ve been neglecting your passions, start tracking the time you spend painting, gardening, reading, or any other activity that lights you up.

How to track: Set aside specific blocks of time in your calendar for hobbies and track how often you stick to them.

5. Meals Cooked at Home

Cooking at home not only supports your health but also saves money and fosters mindfulness around what you eat. Track how often you prepare meals to encourage healthier eating habits.

How to track: Use a planner to log your meals or keep a tally on your fridge.

6. Time Spent Unplugged

Disconnecting from screens is essential for mental clarity and presence. Track how often you step away from devices to fully engage with the moment, whether through outdoor time, meditation, or simply being with family.

How to track: Record unplugged hours each day or set a weekly goal to stay offline.

7. Work Hours Logged

Balancing work and life requires awareness of how much time you’re devoting to your job. Tracking your work hours helps identify opportunities to set boundaries and make space for other priorities.

How to track: Use time-tracking tools or manually log your work hours each day.

8. Acts of Self-Care

Self-care isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for staying balanced. Track activities like journaling, taking baths, or practicing mindfulness to ensure you’re caring for yourself regularly.

How to track: Create a daily self-care checklist and check off items as you go.

9. Time Spent on Personal Development

Investing in yourself through reading, learning new skills, or attending workshops keeps you growing and thriving. Track the hours you dedicate to personal development activities.

How to track: Keep a log of the books you’ve read, courses you’ve taken, or hours spent on skill-building.

10. Vacation or Time Off

Taking breaks is crucial for recharging and avoiding burnout. Tracking vacation days or time off helps ensure you’re prioritizing rest and relaxation.

How to track: Keep a record of planned and taken vacation days, even if it’s just a long weekend to unwind.

Take the Next Step Toward Balance

These metrics are a starting point for creating a more balanced and successful life. If you’re ready to dive deeper, join my free on-demand workshop, “How to Plan for a Balanced and Successful Life.” You’ll get access to a free workbook to guide you through these activities and help you correct the imbalances that are draining your time and energy.

Sign up now and start tracking your way to a life that feels fulfilling and aligned!

Your journey to balance begins with small, intentional steps—start tracking today!

xoxo,

How to Track if Your Life is In or Out of Balance

How to Track If Your Life Is In or Out of Balance

Have you ever felt like life is pulling you in a hundred different directions? Maybe you’re juggling work deadlines, family obligations, and personal goals, all while trying to find time for yourself. It’s an overwhelming cycle that often leaves us feeling unbalanced and unfulfilled. But here’s the good news: balance isn’t some elusive concept that only a lucky few achieve. It’s something you can actively pursue—and track—by paying attention to the right areas in your life.

The truth is, balance looks different for everyone, and it doesn’t mean dividing your time and energy equally across every area of your life. Instead, it’s about making small, intentional adjustments that help you feel more aligned with your values and goals.

In this blog post, we’re diving into a practical approach to tracking balance in your life. From getting clear on your desires to redefining success on your own terms, I’ll guide you through a series of exercises designed to help you create your own system for achieving balance. By the end, you’ll have the tools to not only identify areas that feel out of sync but also measure your progress toward living a life that truly feels fulfilling.

Let’s get started!

Getting Clear on Your Desires

Why Knowing What You Want Is Key to Balance

When life feels out of balance, it’s often because we’re pulled in directions that don’t align with our true desires. We chase goals that society deems important or get caught up in meeting other people’s expectations. But balance begins with clarity—knowing what you want and why it matters to you. Without that clarity, it’s like navigating a maze without a map.

Think of your desires as your internal compass. When you’re clear on what you truly want, it becomes easier to identify the areas of your life that need attention and to focus your energy where it will have the most impact.

The First Step: Define Your Vision for the Year Ahead

Before you can create balance, you need to know what you’re balancing for. Take a moment to reflect on this question: If you could achieve anything in 2025, what would it be?

This isn’t about what others think you should want or even what seems realistic. It’s about what feels meaningful and exciting to you. Whether it’s a career milestone, personal growth, stronger relationships, or better health, this is your chance to dream big.

Exercise:

  • Grab your favorite notebook or planner and write down everything that comes to mind when you think about what you want to achieve in the year ahead. Don’t hold back, and don’t overthink it—this is a space for uncensored honesty.
  • Ask yourself:
    • What have I always wanted to do but put off?
    • What would bring me the most joy or fulfillment?
    • If I didn’t care about what others thought, what would I pursue?

Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer. Your desires are uniquely yours, and acknowledging them is the first step toward a more balanced and intentional life.

Correcting the Imbalance

Recognizing Areas That Feel Out of Balance

Life doesn’t always feel like a perfectly aligned scale. Often, there are areas where we feel stretched too thin or parts of our lives that we neglect altogether. Identifying these imbalances is the first step toward regaining a sense of alignment.

Take a moment to reflect on where things feel “off” in your life. Maybe it’s the long hours you spend at work, leaving little time for your health or loved ones. Perhaps you’ve been so focused on meeting everyone else’s needs that you’ve neglected your own. These feelings are clues pointing you toward areas that need attention.

Common areas of imbalance:

  • Health: Feeling low energy, skipping meals, or neglecting exercise.
  • Relationships: Strained connections or not spending enough quality time with loved ones.
  • Work-life balance: Overworking or feeling unfulfilled in your career.
  • Personal time: Rarely having time for hobbies, rest, or self-care.

Making Small Adjustments for Big Impact

The good news is, finding balance doesn’t require a massive life overhaul. Often, small, intentional changes can make a significant difference in how balanced and fulfilled you feel.

Instead of striving to split your time and energy equally across every area of your life, focus on what matters most right now. Balance is dynamic—it shifts as your priorities change. The key is to identify small adjustments that can help you feel more aligned.

Exercise:

  1. Identify your imbalances:
    • Write down the areas of your life where you feel overwhelmed or neglected.
    • Ask yourself: What’s causing this feeling? Is it a lack of time, energy, or attention?
  2. Plan one or two adjustments:
    • For each area, think of a small, actionable step you can take to feel more balanced.
    • Examples:
      • If you’re overworked, set boundaries by logging off at a specific time each day.
      • If your relationships feel strained, schedule regular quality time with loved ones.
      • If your health is suffering, commit to a 10-minute daily walk or preparing one healthy meal per day.
  3. Track your progress:
    • Use a planner, journal, or app to track how consistently you’re implementing these adjustments.
    • Celebrate small wins, as these steps build momentum toward a more balanced life.

Balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. By identifying where you’re off track and making small, meaningful changes, you’ll start to feel more grounded and aligned with what truly matters. Let’s explore how redefining success can help you create a more fulfilling life in the next section.

Redefining Success in Your Life

Breaking Free from Society’s Definition of Success

How do you define success? For many of us, the answer is shaped by external expectations—climbing the corporate ladder, owning a bigger home, or accumulating wealth. But these measures of success don’t always align with what truly matters to us, and chasing them can leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled.

Redefining success starts with questioning these societal norms and deciding what’s meaningful to you. Success isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept—it’s deeply personal. By shifting your perspective, you can focus on what brings you joy, fulfillment, and purpose.

Learning from the 5 Regrets of the Dying

To help reframe your definition of success, let’s turn to a profound source of wisdom: the 5 Regrets of the Dying. These insights come from Bronnie Ware, a palliative care nurse who spent years speaking with people at the end of their lives. Here’s what they wished they’d done differently:

  1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
  2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.
  3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
  4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
  5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

These regrets are a powerful reminder that life is too short to live by someone else’s standards. Which of these regrets resonates most with you? Take a moment to reflect and consider how you might prioritize the things that matter most in your own life.

Crafting Your Personal Definition of Success

Now it’s time to redefine success on your own terms. Think about what truly makes you feel accomplished, happy, and fulfilled. Your definition might include aspects of personal growth, relationships, health, or creative pursuits—whatever feels meaningful to you.

Exercise:

  1. Write down your personal definition of success. Consider questions like:
    • What makes me feel proud of myself?
    • What brings me the most joy or fulfillment?
    • How do I want to spend my time and energy?
  2. Create a success statement:
    • Example: “Success for me means feeling healthy and energized, spending quality time with loved ones, and making a positive impact through my work.”

Using This New Definition to Guide Your Life

Once you’ve redefined success, let it guide your decisions and priorities. Ask yourself: Does this choice align with my personal definition of success? If the answer is no, it’s an opportunity to reassess and realign.

In the next section, we’ll explore how to make success measurable by identifying tangible metrics that reflect your new definition of a balanced, fulfilling life.

Making Success Measurable

The Importance of Tangible Metrics

Redefining success is a powerful step, but how do you know if you’re actually achieving it? That’s where measurable metrics come in. By identifying tangible ways to track success, you can see your progress and make adjustments as needed.

Metrics provide clarity and motivation, helping you align your actions with your personal definition of success. Without them, it’s easy to feel like you’re spinning your wheels, unsure if you’re moving closer to your goals.

Examples of Success Metrics

The metrics you choose should reflect what’s most meaningful to you. Here are some examples to inspire you:

  1. Health and Well-being:
    • Hours of sleep per night.
    • Steps taken or workouts completed each week.
    • Number of home-cooked meals.
  2. Relationships:
    • Hours spent with family or friends.
    • Weekly check-ins or calls with loved ones.
    • Dates or quality time with your partner.
  3. Personal Growth:
    • Books read or skills learned.
    • Hours dedicated to hobbies or creative pursuits.
    • Time spent journaling or reflecting.
  4. Work-Life Balance:
    • Vacation days taken.
    • Work hours per week.
    • Days spent fully unplugged from work.
  5. Happiness and Joy:
    • Number of fun activities or experiences.
    • Time spent outdoors or in nature.
    • Moments of gratitude recorded.

Exercise: Identify Your Key Metrics

Now it’s time to make success measurable in your own life. Follow these steps:

  1. Reflect on Your Success Statement:
    • Look back at the personal definition of success you created in the previous section.
    • What specific actions or habits would help you embody that vision?
  2. Brainstorm Meaningful Metrics:
    • Write down the metrics that resonate most with your definition of success.
    • Example: If success for you means building stronger relationships, your metric might be “weekly coffee dates with friends.”
  3. Choose 3–5 Metrics to Track:
    • Select the metrics that feel most important and realistic for your current life.
    • Be specific! For example:
      • “Exercise three times a week” instead of “be more active.”
      • “One unplugged family dinner per week” instead of “spend more time with family.”
  4. Track Your Progress:
    • Use a planner, journal, or app to record your metrics regularly.
    • Celebrate milestones and small wins to stay motivated.

The Power of Tracking Your Success

Measuring success isn’t about creating more pressure for yourself—it’s about celebrating your progress and staying aligned with what truly matters. By tracking your metrics, you’ll gain insight into what’s working and what might need adjustment. Over time, you’ll notice patterns that help you fine-tune your actions and continue moving toward a life of balance and fulfillment.

You’ve now explored how to track if your life is in or out of balance. From defining your desires to creating measurable metrics, you’re equipped with a personalized system for living in alignment with your values. The journey toward balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about intentional progress. Start small, stay consistent, and watch as your life transforms.

Bringing Balance and Success Into Focus

Finding balance in life isn’t about striving for perfection—it’s about making intentional choices that align with your values and desires. By taking the time to reflect on what you truly want, identifying areas of imbalance, redefining success on your own terms, and tracking meaningful metrics, you can create a life that feels more aligned and fulfilling.

Remember, balance is not static. It’s a dynamic process that shifts as your priorities and circumstances change. The key is to stay mindful and flexible, making small adjustments as needed to stay on track.

Now that you have a framework to assess and pursue balance, it’s time to take the first step. Grab a notebook, reflect on your desires, and start defining success in a way that feels meaningful to you. Every small action you take is a step toward creating the life you envision.

Living a balanced, intentional life isn’t just possible—it’s within your reach. Start today, and watch as even the smallest changes make a big difference. You deserve to live a life that feels true to you. Let’s make it happen!

Take the Next Step Toward Balance and Success

Ready to put these ideas into action? Join my free on-demand workshop, “How to Plan for a Balanced and Successful Life,” and get the tools you need to start creating meaningful change today.

In this workshop, you’ll:

  • Learn how to identify and correct imbalances that are draining your time and energy.
  • Discover practical strategies to align your life with your true priorities and goals.
  • Get access to a free workbook packed with exercises to guide you through these activities—and more!

This workshop is your opportunity to dive deeper into creating a system that works for you. Don’t let imbalance steal any more of your precious time and energy—start building the life you truly want.

Sign up now for free and download your workbook to get started!

Your balanced, successful life is waiting. Let’s make it happen!

xoxo,

10 Things You Must Include in Your Functional Planner

A functional planner is more than just a place to write down your tasks and appointments—it’s a system designed to help you stay productive, organized, and focused on your goals. If you want your planner to truly support your productivity, here are 10 essential elements you need to include:

1. A Brain Dump Section

Sometimes, the key to productivity is simply clearing your mind. A brain dump section gives you dedicated space to capture all your thoughts, tasks, and ideas in one place, so nothing gets forgotten. This helps reduce mental clutter and allows you to focus on what’s most important.

2. Task Prioritization System

Writing down tasks is a good start, but prioritizing them is essential. Include tools like the Eisenhower Matrix or prioritization inserts in your planner to sort tasks by urgency and importance. This ensures you’re focusing your energy on the right things at the right time.

3. Project Planning Pages

Big projects can feel overwhelming without proper organization. Include sections to break down projects into manageable steps, track progress, and organize resources. This makes tackling long-term goals much more achievable.

4. Yearly Overview and Goal Tracker

A yearly overview helps you see the big picture, while a goal tracker keeps your long-term objectives front and center. Use these tools to map out key milestones and monitor your progress throughout the year.

5. Monthly Calendar and Task List

A clear monthly calendar layout allows you to track important dates and deadlines. Pair this with a task list to get an at-a-glance view of your priorities for the month.

6. Weekly and Daily Agenda Spreads

Weekly and daily agenda spreads are the backbone of any planner. They provide space to plan your schedule, allocate time blocks, and manage your daily to-do lists effectively. These spreads ensure that you’re staying on track day by day.

7. Space for Brainstorming and Idea Development

Great ideas need space to grow. Include mind-mapping or brainstorming inserts to develop raw ideas into actionable plans. This section is perfect for pre-planning and creative problem-solving.

8. Routines and Habit Tracker

Consistency is the foundation of productivity. Add a section to establish and track daily and weekly routines. A habit tracker can also help you monitor your progress toward building positive, consistent habits.

9. Notes and Reference Pages

A well-organized planner includes space for additional information, meeting notes, or random ideas that pop up during the day. Keep everything in one place to avoid losing valuable information.

10. Vision Board or Inspiration Section

Staying motivated is easier when you can visualize your goals. Include a vision board or inspiration section in your planner to align your plans with your aspirations. This serves as a daily reminder of why you’re working toward your goals.

Why These Elements Matter

By including these 10 elements in your functional planner, you’re creating a system that supports every aspect of your productivity. From brainstorming and goal setting to daily scheduling and long-term tracking, these tools will help you prioritize, organize, and achieve your goals efficiently.

If you’re ready to take your planning to the next level, start incorporating these essential elements into your functional planner today. Your most productive self is waiting!

xoxo,

10 Productivity Problems That Can Be Solved with a Functional Planner

Do you ever feel like no matter how much you plan, you just can’t get ahead? Endless to-do lists, scattered ideas, and that overwhelming feeling of burnout—it’s not you; it’s your system! What if I told you there’s a way to solve these productivity problems once and for all with the right planner?

Most planners on the market aren’t designed to solve real productivity issues. They’re great for jotting down dates and tasks, but they leave out the tools and strategies you need to truly manage your time, tasks, and goals. That’s why today, we’re diving into 10 Productivity Problems That Can Be Solved with a Functional Planner. By the end of this post, you’ll understand how the right system can completely transform the way you plan and get things done.

Problem 1: Endless To-Do Lists

  • Issue: If you feel like you have a never-ending to-do list, you may struggle to organize or even start on your tasks. Often, people pick tasks they feel capable of doing but leave high-priority items incomplete. Over time, these neglected tasks can create bigger problems.
  • Typical Planners: Most planners encourage task listing but lack a framework for prioritization. While writing down everything you need to do is a good first step, it often results in overwhelming lists with no clear action plan.
  • Functional Planner Solution: A functional planner provides dedicated space to capture all your tasks and a method to prioritize them. The Charmed Life Master Planner includes Brain Dump Inserts with the Eisenhower Prioritization Matrix, helping you identify tasks that need immediate attention, those that can be scheduled, delegated, or deferred, and tasks that can be eliminated altogether.

Problem 2: Scattered Ideas and Lack of Focus

  • Issue: You have lots of ideas and projects floating in your mind, but they lack clarity or a clear path forward. This scattered thinking can make it hard to focus or take actionable steps.
  • Typical Planners: Most planners don’t offer tools to brainstorm or refine ideas. Without a space to work through raw concepts, you may lose track of creative thoughts or fail to develop them into actionable plans.
  • Functional Planner Solution: A functional planner includes dedicated Brainstorm Pages for mind mapping and refining ideas. The Charmed Life Master Planner ensures you have space to generate, organize, and turn your raw ideas into actionable strategies.

Problem 3: Poor Project Organization

  • Issue: Big projects feel overwhelming because you can’t see how the tasks fit together or where to start. Without clear organization, progress stalls, and deadlines loom.
  • Typical Planners: Standard planners don’t have sections to break down and track projects, making it hard to strategize and stay on top of all the moving parts.
  • Functional Planner Solution: The Charmed Life Master Planner includes a Project Planning Section with tools like the Yearly Project Matrix to distribute tasks across timelines, Project Tracker to monitor progress, and detailed Project Plans with Notes to clarify objectives and next steps.

Problem 4: Overload and Burnout

  • Issue: You feel overwhelmed trying to tackle too many tasks or goals at once. Without a plan to distribute your workload, it’s easy to burn out before making meaningful progress.
  • Typical Planners: Most planners don’t offer tools to spread out tasks and goals over time, leading to an “all-at-once” mindset that creates unnecessary stress.
  • Functional Planner Solution: A functional planner helps balance your workload with tools like the Yearly Project Matrix in the Charmed Life Master Planner, which allocates tasks across short-term, mid-term, and long-term timelines. This ensures steady progress without overloading yourself.

Problem 5: Lack of Routine

  • Issue: Without daily and weekly routines, it’s hard to establish consistency and maximize your time. You may find yourself reacting to tasks instead of proactively planning your day.
  • Typical Planners: Most planners don’t include sections for designing routines, leaving you to figure it out on your own.
  • Functional Planner Solution: The Charmed Life Master Planner includes a Routines Section to help you create daily and weekly schedules that align with your goals. These routines become the foundation for sustainable productivity.

Problem 6: Lack of Progress Tracking

  • Issue: Without a way to track your progress, you might feel like you’re spinning your wheels, unsure of how far you’ve come or how close you are to achieving your goals.
  • Typical Planners: Standard planners lack tools for monitoring milestones or visualizing progress, making it harder to stay motivated.
  • Functional Planner Solution: The Charmed Life Master Planner provides tools like the Yearly Tracker, Monthly Task Lists, and progress-oriented project inserts, giving you a clear view of where you stand and what’s next.

Problem 7: Disorganized Information

  • Issue: When notes, tasks, and ideas are scattered across multiple notebooks or apps, valuable information gets lost, and time is wasted searching for it.
  • Typical Planners: Most planners don’t provide comprehensive sections to keep everything in one place.
  • Functional Planner Solution: The Charmed Life Master Planner consolidates everything with Notes Pages, Brainstorm Inserts, and project tools, so you can keep all your information organized and accessible.

Problem 8: Inefficient Use of Time

  • Issue: You find yourself running out of time each day, unsure where it all went. Without a plan to allocate time wisely, it’s easy to waste valuable hours.
  • Typical Planners: Many planners focus only on daily or weekly schedules without tools to evaluate how you’re actually spending your time.
  • Functional Planner Solution: The Charmed Life Master Planner includes tools like Daily Agendas, Yearly Trackers, and Routines Pages to help you make the most of your 24 hours and align your time with your priorities.

Problem 9: Lack of Motivation and Goal Clarity

  • Issue: You lose momentum because your goals feel vague or disconnected from your day-to-day tasks. Without a clear vision, staying motivated is a challenge.
  • Typical Planners: Few planners include tools to help you define or connect with your goals meaningfully.
  • Functional Planner Solution: The Vision Board Section and Goal Planning Inserts in the Charmed Life Master Planner help you clarify your objectives and keep your vision front and center for daily motivation.

Problem 10: Feeling Disconnected from Progress

  • Issue: Without a process to reflect on your achievements, it’s hard to recognize the progress you’re making, leaving you feeling stuck or stagnant.
  • Typical Planners: Most planners don’t provide tools for reflection or progress review.
  • Functional Planner Solution: The Charmed Life Master Planner supports reflection with tools like Progress Trackers, Monthly Reviews, and space to celebrate milestones, helping you stay motivated and aware of your growth.

Ready to Transform Your Productivity?

If you’re ready to take your productivity to the next level and finally solve the problems holding you back, the Charmed Life Master Planner is here to help. It’s not just a planner—it’s a complete productivity system designed to prioritize your tasks, organize your projects, and balance your time so you can achieve your goals without the stress.

Whether you’re juggling work, personal life, or big dreams, this planner gives you the tools to stay on track and get more done.

Click the link to learn more and grab your Charmed Life Master Planner today. Let’s make this your most productive and successful year yet!

xoxo,

Does Using a Planner Really Make You More Productive? 

Does using a planner really make you more productive?

It’s a great question, and the short answer is yes. Yes, your planner can help you become more organized, more productive, and even get more done. But let’s be honest—for many people, this just isn’t happening. Why? Because it all comes down to the system your planner provides.

A planner is more than just a place to write down your to-do list or schedule appointments. At its best, a planner gives you a system or process to manage your time, tasks, and goals effectively. Unfortunately, most planners on the market don’t offer a great system—and that’s where the problem lies. Let’s break this down.

The Problem with Typical Planners

Think about the planners you’ll find at Target or your local office supply store. Most of them include:

  • A few mini calendar pages at the beginning for reference.
  • Monthly spreads with boxes big enough for reminders or appointments.
  • Weekly agenda pages where you can list a handful of tasks per day.
  • A few notes pages or maybe a contact list tucked in the back.

Sound familiar? Now ask yourself: what system or process is this type of planner encouraging you to follow when you use it?

From what I’ve seen—and I’ve researched and designed systems as a core part of my business—this type of planner guides you to take two main actions:

  1. Write down important dates on your calendar.
  2. List out your daily to-do list.

These are certainly useful steps, but they’re just the basics. A system like this leaves out solutions for crucial productivity challenges:

  • Prioritizing tasks: Without a way to decide what matters most, you’re stuck trying to tackle an endless to-do list with no plan.
  • Brainstorming raw ideas: There’s no space to develop ideas or refine solutions.
  • Organizing projects strategically: You’re left wondering which tasks belong together or how to approach bigger objectives.
  • Distributing goals over time: You may feel pressure to do everything all at once, leading to burnout.
  • Building routines: These planners don’t help you manage your time beyond the limits of a single day.

The result? A planner that solves a few basic problems but leaves much to be desired when it comes to supporting your productivity in a meaningful way.

Introducing the Charmed Life Master Planner

When I noticed these gaps, I knew there had to be a better way. That’s why, in 2014, I began developing the Charmed Life Master Planner. This isn’t just another planner—it’s the first Functional Planner, designed to bridge the gap between a typical planner and a fully supportive productivity system.

Unlike standard planners, the Charmed Life Master Planner is built around a three-phase system that turns ideas into actionable plans, helping you balance your time and workload while staying focused on your goals. With over a dozen unique inserts, this system was designed to make planning smarter, not harder.

Overview of the Three-Phase System

Phase 1: Capture Brilliant Ideas

The first phase helps you clear your mind, prioritize tasks, and organize raw ideas into plans. The tools include:

  • Brain Dump Inserts: Write down everything on your mind, then prioritize tasks by urgency and importance. This helps you cut down an overwhelming list into a manageable size.
  • Brainstorm Pages: Dedicated space for pre-planning and mind mapping, allowing you to refine ideas into actionable solutions.
  • Notes Pages: A convenient place to capture extra details and reference information, all within your planner.

Phase 2: Organize Your Work

Once you’ve captured your ideas, the next step is to organize and strategize your goals and projects. Tools include:

  • Yearly Project Matrix: Distribute your objectives across short-term, mid-term, and long-term timeframes so you’re working methodically throughout the year.
  • Project Tracker: Track all your projects and their statuses at a glance.
  • Project Plans with Notes: Clarify goals, outline resources, and create strategic action steps for each project.

Phase 3: Track and Allocate Your Time

In the final phase, you track your progress and manage your time effectively. Tools include:

  • Yearly Calendar, Tracker, and Overview: Plan your year with clarity and forward-plan key dates and milestones.
  • Monthly Calendars and Task Lists: Keep your schedule and tasks organized at a monthly level.
  • Weekly and Daily Agenda Spreads: Manage your time and stay focused on your priorities day by day.
  • Routines and Vision Board Pages: Build consistent routines and keep your goals front of mind for motivation.

Why This System Works

The Charmed Life Master Planner isn’t just about tracking tasks—it’s about creating a process that makes productivity achievable. Here’s what makes it different:

  • It prioritizes effectively: Helps you focus on what matters most.
  • It strategizes intentionally: Aligns your daily actions with long-term goals.
  • It balances workloads: Distributes tasks across time to prevent overwhelm.
  • It builds habits: Supports routines that create sustainable productivity.
  • It works smarter, not harder: Backed by research to ensure every feature serves a purpose.

Ready to Transform Your Productivity?

So, does using a planner really make you more productive? Yes—but only if it provides the right system. The Charmed Life Master Planner is your partner in achieving more with less stress, helping you turn your ideas into action and your goals into reality.

If you’re ready to use a planner that will finally improve your productivity, it begins here.

Or you can get the whole system as your free bonus with this option.

Start planning smarter today. Your most productive year is waiting!

xoxo,

Overcoming Productivity Guilt: 7 Ways to Let Go and Move Forward 

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It’s easy to feel guilty when your to-do list is longer than a novel, and you haven’t checked off every item. But here’s the truth: guilt is often more paralyzing than it is motivating. If you’re ready to ditch the shame of “not doing enough,” here are seven ways to overcome productivity guilt and start making real progress—without sacrificing your peace of mind.

  1. Recognize What “Enough” Means for You
    • Why it Helps: Productivity guilt often comes from comparing your accomplishments to an unrealistic standard—usually someone else’s or society’s.
    • Action Step: Define your personal “enough.” This might mean completing three major tasks a day, or dedicating a certain amount of focused time on projects. When you hit your personal benchmark, let yourself feel accomplished.
  2. Focus on Priority Tasks, Not Every Task
    • Why it Helps: The temptation to tackle every single item on your to-do list leaves you overwhelmed. Instead, target the tasks that are most aligned with your goals or values.
    • Action Step: Use methods like the Eisenhower Matrix or the 1-3-5 rule (1 big task, 3 medium tasks, 5 small tasks) to prioritize what truly matters and let the rest go guilt-free.
  3. Stop Counting the Wrong Metrics
    • Why it Helps: Productivity is about outcomes, not activity. Doing more tasks doesn’t always mean you’re moving forward.
    • Action Step: Track progress on important milestones or goals, rather than the number of tasks completed. This shift helps you see quality over quantity.
  4. Acknowledge the Work You Already Do
    • Why it Helps: When you dwell on what’s left undone, you ignore what you’ve achieved. This perpetuates the cycle of guilt and drains motivation.
    • Action Step: Try a nightly “win list” where you quickly jot down what you accomplished or overcame that day. Seeing real evidence of what you have done combats negative self-talk.
  5. Set Realistic Boundaries Around Your Time
    • Why it Helps: Overcommitting yourself creates a constant sense of failure. By underestimating the time tasks take, you set yourself up for stress.
    • Action Step: Be honest about how long projects realistically require, and leave buffer time between tasks to accommodate life’s unpredictability. This buffer reduces guilt when things don’t go exactly as planned.
  6. Give Yourself Permission to Delegate or Delay
    • Why it Helps: You may feel guilty if you can’t do everything on your own, but no one achieves productivity alone. Delegation and delay can free up your schedule to do what only you can do best.
    • Action Step: If a task isn’t essential to your unique skills or immediate goals, see if a family member, coworker, or automated system can handle it. Eliminating or delaying non-urgent tasks prevents overload.
  7. Reframe “Failures” as Growth
    • Why it Helps: When you inevitably miss a deadline or skip a workout, guilt can snowball into harsh self-criticism. But failure is simply feedback—it shows you what to adjust next time.
    • Action Step: The next time you stumble, ask yourself what lesson you can take from the experience. Maybe you planned too many tasks for the day or underestimated a project. Adjust for tomorrow, and move on with compassion.

Final Thoughts

Productivity guilt can become a relentless cycle—one that leaves you feeling you’re always behind or not enough. By prioritizing tasks that genuinely matter, tracking real progress, and embracing self-compassion, you’ll find yourself free to enjoy the wins (big and small) that come your way. Remember: your worth isn’t defined by the number of checked-off boxes but by the meaningful strides you take toward your goals—and the grace you show yourself along the way.

Try these steps out and watch your productivity guilt melt away. Because once you learn to let go of what doesn’t serve you, you open the door for what truly matters to flow in.

Ready to Take Your Productivity to the Next Level?
If you found these habits helpful and want to dive even deeper into creating a life that feels truly balanced, I invite you to join my upcoming How to Plan for a Balanced and Successful Life in 2025 workshop. In this live session, I’ll walk you through practical strategies for setting meaningful goals, aligning your daily habits with your bigger vision, and simplifying your planning routine to reduce overwhelm.

Click here to sign up and secure your spot. Let’s make 2025 the year you finally achieve both productivity and peace of mind!

xoxo,

8 Daily Habits to Feel More Productive and Less Stressed 

Feeling overwhelmed by your daily to-do list? You’re not alone. The pace of modern life can leave us juggling countless priorities—often at the expense of our health and peace of mind. Fortunately, by making a few simple changes and building small habits into your daily routine, you can regain a sense of calm and focus. Below are eight tried-and-true habits designed to help you stay productive without burning out.

1. Start Your Day with Intention

How often do you wake up and jump right into a flurry of tasks—checking emails, skimming social media, and gulping down coffee on the run? Instead, spend 5–10 minutes setting a clear intention for the day. Visualize how you want the day to go and jot down your top priorities. This simple practice grounds you in a positive mindset and gives you a roadmap for success.

Quick Tip: Choose a quiet spot (even if it’s just the kitchen table before the family wakes up), close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and think about one word that represents the energy you want to carry with you—like “calm” or “focused.”

2. Hydrate & Nourish Early

Your brain and body need fuel to function optimally, so start the day by giving them the basics. Drinking water first thing in the morning rehydrates you after hours without fluids. Follow up with a balanced breakfast—think protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats—to keep your energy stable and your mind sharp. Skipping meals or relying on caffeine alone can lead to energy crashes and make you more susceptible to stress.

Quick Tip: Keep a glass of water beside your bed and drink it as soon as you wake up. Then plan a quick, nutritious breakfast—overnight oats, a protein shake, or eggs and whole-grain toast are all efficient, energizing options.

3. Time-Block Your Key Tasks

If you’ve ever ended the day thinking, “Where did the time go?”, time-blocking might be your lifesaver. Break your day into dedicated segments for your most important tasks, whether that’s project work, answering emails, or personal errands. By focusing on just one task at a time, you reduce the mental clutter that comes from constant multitasking.

Quick Tip: Set alarms on your phone or calendar to signal the start and end of each time block. When the alarm rings, move on to the next segment—this helps keep you on schedule.

4. Take Movement Breaks

Sitting for extended periods can drain your energy and escalate stress. Your body thrives on movement, so integrate short bursts of activity—like stretching or a brief walk—every couple of hours. These mini-breaks promote better circulation, ease tension in your muscles, and re-energize your mind, helping you return to work refreshed.

Quick Tip: Try doing a quick set of squats, lunges, or a simple yoga pose during your break. Even a two-minute stretch can make a noticeable difference in how you feel.

5. Practice Mindful Check-Ins

Stress often creeps up on us when we’re not paying attention to our mental state. Pause every few hours to take a quick inventory: How is my energy level right now? Am I feeling stressed or anxious? If you’re feeling off, it’s a sign to take a brief break, grab some water, or just breathe deeply. These mindful moments help prevent overwhelm and keep you grounded.

Quick Tip: Set a reminder on your phone that says “Mindful Check-In.” When it goes off, close your eyes, inhale deeply for four counts, hold for two, then exhale for four. Repeat until you feel centered again.

6. Set Boundaries Around Digital Distractions

Smartphones, social media, and constant notifications can be productivity killers. Decide ahead of time when you’ll check email or scroll through social feeds, rather than letting them dictate your day. Turning off non-essential notifications and closing distracting tabs during work hours can have a profound impact on how efficiently (and peacefully) you operate.

Quick Tip: Schedule “communication windows” at specific times. Outside those windows, silence your phone or place it face-down so that you’re not tempted to respond to every buzz.

7. End Your Workday with a Shutdown Routine

Without a clear boundary between work and personal time, stress has a way of leaking into your evening. Spend the last 10–15 minutes of your workday wrapping up tasks, reviewing any unfinished business, and planning your top goals for tomorrow. That way, you’ll give your mind permission to unplug from work-mode when you’re done.

Quick Tip: Physically “closing the day” can be as simple as tidying up your desk, logging off your computer, and saying out loud, “Work is done for today.” This signals your brain that you’re transitioning out of work mode.

8. Wind Down & Reflect

Racing thoughts about tomorrow’s tasks can sabotage a good night’s sleep. Create a relaxing bedtime ritual—dim the lights, turn off screens at least 30 minutes before sleep, or read something that calms your mind. Taking a few minutes to journal about your day—what went well, what didn’t—can help you process events and release any lingering stress.

Quick Tip: End your journal entry with a brief gratitude list. Focusing on what you appreciate can shift your mindset to a more positive place, setting you up for better rest and a brighter morning ahead.

Putting It All Together

The key to a more productive, less stressful life lies in weaving small, consistent habits into your day. By starting each morning with intention, maintaining steady energy levels, limiting distractions, and finishing your day with a clear wrap-up, you build a strong foundation for long-term balance and success. These daily actions may seem minor on their own, but together they can create a powerful ripple effect that leaves you feeling more in control and less overwhelmed.

Remember: Productivity isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most—and doing it with clarity, calm, and intention. So, pick a few of these habits (or all eight!) and integrate them into your routine. Over time, you’ll notice a significant shift in both your output and your mental well-being.

Ready to Take Your Productivity to the Next Level?
If you found these habits helpful and want to dive even deeper into creating a life that feels truly balanced, I invite you to join my upcoming How to Plan for a Balanced and Successful Life in 2025 workshop. In this live session, I’ll walk you through practical strategies for setting meaningful goals, aligning your daily habits with your bigger vision, and simplifying your planning routine to reduce overwhelm.

Click here to sign up and secure your spot. Let’s make 2025 the year you finally achieve both productivity and peace of mind!

Which one of these habits feels most crucial for your current lifestyle? Share in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you plan to adopt these tips and make 2025 your most productive (and least stressed) year yet!

xoxo,

The Charmed Life Gift Guide: Everyday Luxuries for a Beautiful and Productive Life

It’s Holiday Gift Giving Time and if you are looking for some gift ideas for yourself or the other ladies in your life, you have come to the right place. I know gift giving is a challenge for some people, but I was born with the gift. My friends and family know that I am very anti-gift card and cash presents. If that’s more to your taste, awesome, but for me, I look at gift giving as an art and an opportunity to surprise and delight my loved ones by finding something amazing they didn’t even know they couldn’t live without! Throughout the year when I come across interesting items that remind me of someone close to me, I keep track of it. Sometimes, I don’t have one specific person in mind. Sometimes the person I’m buying for is myself. But I’ve been told many times over that I find great gifts and things most people just wouldn’t think to buy for themselves. So much so that people come to me looking for ideas for gifts to give their circle. And the best part is, my gifts are usually quite affordable. Of course, what is considered affordable varies person to person and budget to budget, but on this gift list you are going to find some great everyday luxuries that retail from $10-$200, most being under $50 with just a handful of items over $100. Each item on this list has been chosen with a specific woman in mind- the one who loves functionality and beauty, and appreciates any little way she can improve or upgrade her life.

1: Burga iPhone Cases

I recently upgraded to the iPhone 16 Pro Max from a very old iPhone 8 Plus, so I have been spending an unnecessary amount of time and energy thinking about and browsing iPhone cases. I know I might be in the minority here, but I like my phone to have a wardrobe of gorgeous case options for different scenarios. In researching cases for my new phone, I ended up back with a brand I have used in the past with my last iPhone and was subsequently one of my favorite cases. That brand is Burga. You have probably seen their cases on Instagram, they do lovely designs and a few varieties of protective case styles. Here is the thing, they are expensive, dare I say overpriced, especially when you consider they come from outside of the US- Lithuania I believe- and are not made from any significantly more expensive materials than most cases. In the past I’ve had issues with shipping. My most recent order arrived in a little less than two weeks which is good. But all that being said, the cases are elegant and I love them. Sure, you could find dupes of the patterns online for less, but I couldn’t find any cases that had similar patterns and had MagSafe compatibility. These cases are definitely one of those splurge treats, but also make an unexpectedly fun gift for a friend as long as you know her taste and pick a pattern she’ll love!

2: Veger Portable Wired Charger 

Newsflash, diamonds are no longer a girls best friend, in 2024 it’s portable chargers. They are lifesavers and I cannot leave home without one or two thanks to the variety of gadgets we now rely on to live and work. The first type of charger I think we all need to have is a portable wired charger- one with those built in wires and different port heads compatible with a variety of gadgets. I have been using and loving this Veger charger because it’s slim, has a nice sized battery for charging multiple items, and works with most of my gadgets. Yes, I bought the lilac purple version because it’s my favorite color.

3: Anker Portable MagSafe Charger

Now, the second type of charger I think we all need to have is a portable MagSafe Charger as long as you have a MagSafe compatible phone and case. Now that I have the iPhone 16 Pro Max, I can use this amazing feature. So, all I have to do is stick this Anker charger to the back of my phone, turn it on and viola, I can charge while on the go, while talking on the phone and I don’t have any wires or bulky charging apparatus’ to deal with.

4: Chic Wireless LED Touch Lamp

Whoever came up with these wireless LED touch control lamps is an absolute genius. I have never been one to gravitate to table lamps because they just seem so impractical. You have to make sure you have a plug for them in the vicinity of where you want the lamp, and if you don’t, you are either out of luck or need to use an ugly extension cord. On top of that, they just sort of permanently live where you put them, but what if you want to move it around? Or you only need a lamp in a specific place sometimes? Impractical. But these wireless lamps are fantastic. I own a few varieties of these lamps, but this is my favorite because it’s pretty tall compared to some other wireless lamps and a chic silhouette that manages to look both classic and modern at the same time. 

5: Caudalie Fig Oil

For the longest time, I did not understand why people used body oils until I discovered oils like this that came in a spray form. Regular bottles of oil that come with a pump or even no dispenser at all can get messy and make it hard for you to evenly distribute product on your skin. Spray oils are fantastic and easy to use and now I get why people use body oil. I’ve just recently started using this Caudalie oil because I love the brand and the smell was so delightfully herbaceously bougie. 

6: Pfefe Cryo Sticks

If you’ve been following me for a while you may know I don’t use fillers or botox (at least not yet- if ever). I prefer using manual tools for facial massage to lift, tighten and stimulate collagen production naturally. One of the newer tools in my routine are these Cryo Sticks. You keep them in the fridge and use them to de-puff your face and tighten your pores. Icing your face has become such a big thing in the last few years and it does really seem to make a difference in the short term to the quality of your skin. 

7: Cloud Trinket Dish

When it comes to home decor, one element I always feel like I don’t have enough of are trinket dishes. How often do you put little things down on the table or countertop and they get misplaced, knocked off or simply roll away and you can’t find them. Trinket dishes are necessary, but of course basic ones will not do, I need lovely little works of art like this cloud trinket dish. I love that it comes in silver and gold chrome finishes because I think those will stand out gorgeously. 

8: Deborah Pagani Large DP Hair Pin

I am not exaggerating when I say that these hair pins by Deborah Pagani have been the find of the decade for me. They are elegant but sturdy, and are the single hair accessory that I can use to hold my hair in place for the whole day without worry. Hair ties always fail me, but the DP Hair Pin does not! I credit these pins for how I got my hair to grow out so long so quickly, because once I switched away from using elastics on my hair, length just kept accumulating unchecked! They are just so safe and gentle on my hair and help me create an easy protective style for my locks.

9: Simple Modern Mug 50oz

While everyone else is busy fighting over Stanley tumblers, I am living in my bliss bubble with my Simple Modern 50oz mugs. Yes, I own a couple, but for good reason- they keep my water amazingly cold for what feels like forever, they are more spill proof than Stanley’s, and I can fill it up once and drink it all day and feel like I got all the hydration I needed. Okay, sometimes I drink two in a day. The only downside to the 50oz size is that it’s more for home than travel because it doesn’t fit into a cup holder. And that’s why I also have a 40oz tumbler for on the go, but I use my 50oz by far the most.

10: Sleep Headphones

Are you interested in getting the best sleep of your life? Trick question, of course you are, and that’s why you need a pair of sleep headphones. This option is one part sleep mask and one part bluetooth headphone. Put it on at night, connect it to your phone or tablet, and play some relaxing sleep music with delta waves from either Youtube or Spotify and you will have the best quality sleep. When I wear mine, I fall asleep quicker, I stay asleep longer, and I wake up less frequently.

11: Travel Jewelry Case

I’m ashamed to admit it, but until recently, I did not keep my jewelry organized in one central location. I had bits and pieces all over, usually kept in their original bulky boxes and I couldn’t see everything I owned in one place. So, I finally purchased one of these travel jewelry cases and I love it. What is great about this specific style, because there are many options you can buy, is that this size and shape is great for home use or travel. It fits a good amount of jewelry inside comfortably and it looks pretty discreet. 

12: Marshall Willen Portable Speaker

I actually own three Marshall Speakers. An Acton III, an Emberton II and this Willen. Some might think this is overkill, but each speaker serves a distinct purpose in my life. The Acton is a great non-portable home speaker that I can connect with my devices including my smart TV, but I mostly use it to listen to music that fills my house with a great quality sound. The Emberton is a portable model that I have used in the past as my office speaker to listen to music while I work, but right now I have it wirelessly connected to the smart TV in my bedroom and it acts as a soundbar which is great because you know how bad the sound is on most flat screen televisions. The speakers are normally in the back, which means the sound is pointing the wrong direction, and so you need something like a soundbar or sound system to get great front facing audio. My Emberton does the trick and can still serve other uses for me. But the Willen, this little guy is my portable little champ. I always travel with it. I take it to the beach, the pool, to other people’s homes. I’ve taken it to restaurants and used it while sitting out on their patio seating where you can barely hear the music playing from the interior of the restaurant (genius). Although the Emberton is another portable model, the Willen is more portable. It has a strap on the back which means you can attach it to things like a beach chair, or the strap of your bag. It’s awesome, I love it and it connects to your phone and you can take bluetooth calls through it as well. It’s also water and dust proof (so is the Emberton) so you don’t have to worry about it. Plus the battery life is solid, I think something like 15 hours. Charges with USB-C, it’s like essentially perfect. 

13: Chanel Baume Essentiel

What woman could say no to a luxury lip balm? I love the Baume Essentiel because it’s more than just Chanel’s normal lip balm. First it’s huge so you get a lot for the price and it lasts forever. Second its a multi use stick, so it can be lip balm, and a face highlight or a blush and even an eye shadow. I normally stick to the color Transparent and use it as my lip balm and a sheer but glowy highlight, but if you choose one of the colorful shades it can be a blush and shadow.

14: Chanel Nail Polish Ballerina

I am so glad that minimal clean looking nails are back in fashion. Technically, they never went out of fashion because they are classic, but with the rise of the quiet luxury aesthetic, neutral nails are back in. Nothing says quiet luxury, clean girl, neutral classic nails like Chanel’s Ballerina, the perfect wash of nude pink that gives you that your nails but better vibe.

15: Bala Workout Gear | The Power Ring & The Bala Beam

I am not a gym girlie. In the past when I had a gym membership, I used it for the unlimited tanning and massage beds. I much prefer home workouts. I don’t mean I want to build a home gym, instead I prefer to have a few key pieces of equipment at home that I can use to do a variety of exercises. In the past, this equipment was your standard run of the mill hand weights and kettle bell. I try to get them in a cute color so I don’t hate the sight of them, but the options are limited. That’s why when I found Bala I was in shock and awe. If you aren’t aware, Bala is a brand of workout equipment that is beautiful and functional at the same time. I have a few of their pieces, but the two I love the most and recommend are the Power Ring and the Beam. The Power Ring is a reimagined kettle bell that is so much more functional because you can use it with one hand or two, and because of the shape it sits and fits on various areas of your body during different workouts. I might put it around my neck and sit it on my shoulders to add weight while lunging. I might lay it on my abdomen while doing bridges. I can put my arm and leg through it so I’m not limited to holding it in my hand. It’s a very flexible and functional piece of workout gear. Next, the Bala Beam, this is essentially an EZ Bar, so I can use it as a dumbbell, one or two handed. Its ergonomic design means it also sits on my shoulders, hips or legs for different workouts in a circuit. The best part of these pieces are that you can just leave them out if you want almost like home decor, because they don’t look like what they are, they look like sculptural decor elements.

16: Hatch Sunrise Alarm Clock

I don’t use an alarm clock to wake up in the morning but if I did, it would be this one! These sunrise alarm clocks wake you up gently with both sound and light which really helps you manage your circadian rhythm. If you have a hard time waking up in the morning, or wake up startled by a fog horn of an alarm on your phone, you could definitely benefit from this sunrise alarm clock. I know you may already have something you use, and this might feel like an unnecessary purchase, but sleep is so important to your productivity and an alarm like this can really help you build more positive sleep and wake habits.

17: Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Braiser

My beloved Le Cruset Enameled Cast Iron Braiser is by far my most used piece of cookware. You can use it like a frying pan or like a dutch oven. Alas, Le Cruset is a heritage brand with a premium price tag, so my next best pick for you is from the brand Lodge. Still great quality cookware, similar shape and of most important it’s enameled cast iron (not the same as regular cast iron) so it’s easier to care for and retains heat beautifully. I fully believe that food cooks and tastes better when it’s prepared in enameled cast iron. 

18: Greater Goods Electric Gooseneck Kettle

I avoided purchasing an electric kettle for the longest time. It felt like an unnecessary kitchen gadget when I could boil or microwave water. But oh my goodness, an electric kettle really upgraded my life. You’d be surprised how often they come in handy. I use mine for tea, instant coffee, powdered drink mixes, making stock from bouillon, sterilizing, heating milk, and making hot compresses. I definitely get my use out of that kettle and I can’t wait to upgrade mine to this charming gooseneck version.

19: J.Crew Oversized Cashmere Wrap

When I think of luxury items, I don’t necessarily think of designer labels and high price tags. I think about what items would be a benefit to my life, that will be versatile and last me a long time. This Cashmere wrap definitely checks all the boxes for a fabulous luxury addition to your wardrobe. A wrap like this is a great wardrobe staple that will never go out of style, and bonus, it’s not just a wrap! You can use this as an oversized scarf or blanket, great for traveling or just getting cozy on the sofa. Cashmere is such a warm, luxurious fabric, and with proper care it’s long lasting, unlike many other wraps or blankets made from synthetic materials that feel fabulous on day one, but after use and cleaning become an itchy, shedding mess.

20: Dosey Pill Compact

As part of my productive, healthy lifestyle, I take vitamins and supplements! And using a pill organizer is a great way to keep on track of the habit and ensure you take your pills daily. Most pill organizers and pill planners as they are often called are basic and plastic. But this compact is chic and elevated. Great for travel or just leaving at home. I adore it and it’s not necessarily something you would think to pick up for yourself or give as a gift. 

I hope this Charmed Life Gift Guide has inspired you to add a little everyday luxury to your gift-giving this season! Whether you’re shopping for the beauty enthusiast, the productivity lover, or the woman who just enjoys a touch of elegance in her daily routine, these carefully chosen items are sure to make her feel seen, special, and pampered. Each item on this list was selected with the goal of blending beauty and functionality—gifts that are delightful, practical, and unique enough that she might not even know how much she needed them until now. So, as you wrap up your holiday shopping, remember that the best gifts come from the heart, with a little added charm.

Happy gifting!

xoxo,

Welcome to The Charmed School of Self-Mastery: Your Magical Guide to Productivity!

Have you ever wished you could attend a magical school where you learn the secrets of mastering time, focus, and productivity? Well, your invitation has arrived!

This October, I’m thrilled to invite you to The Charmed School of Self-Mastery—an enchanting, free five-part productivity challenge designed to help you become a master of your life. Each week, we’ll release a new video lesson inspired by the magical world we all know and love, paired with powerful productivity techniques to help you create your best life.

Whether you’re a busy professional, a planner lover, or simply someone looking for structure and support, The Charmed School of Self-Mastery is your magical opportunity to level up your productivity skills and transform your life.

How It Works

Each Wednesday in October, I’ll be sharing a new video on my YouTube channel at 12 noon. These lessons will cover essential productivity strategies, and you’ll earn magical items as you complete the weekly homework assignments.

What You’ll Get:

  • Access to a private page where you can watch the video replays
  • Downloadable worksheets to help you apply the lessons
  • A fun and magical experience where you collect virtual “magical items” for completing your homework
  • Exclusive productivity tips designed to help you create more time, focus, and momentum in your daily life

Let’s dive into the magical curriculum that awaits you at The Charmed School of Self-Mastery!

The Charmed School Curriculum

Week 1: Welcome to the Charmed School of Self-Mastery

In this introductory lesson, I’ll explain how the Charmed School works, what you can expect in the coming weeks, and how to get the most out of this magical experience. You’ll also receive your first magical item for completing the homework assignment: a Wand, symbolizing the power to make your dreams a reality.

  • Homework: Identify one goal you want to achieve this month.
  • Magical Item: The Wand (because wands help you create instant results).

Sign up and start collecting magical items today!

Week 2: Divination Class – How to Create Your Weekly Plan

In Week 2, we’ll focus on the art of planning your week to ensure you stay on top of your tasks and goals. Inspired by Divination, this lesson will teach you how to predict your week’s future and create a clear path to achieving your goals. You’ll learn my top tips for effective weekly planning, from time blocking to prioritizing tasks, so that you can confidently navigate your week with clarity and focus.

  • Homework: Use the worksheet to create your weekly plan.
  • Magical Item: The Crystal Ball (because planning helps you predict and create your future).

Sign up and collect your Crystal Ball!

Week 3: Charms Class – Time Management Techniques for a Magical Schedule

Time is one of our most valuable resources, and in this lesson, you’ll learn powerful time management techniques to help you make the most of it. In Charms class, I’ll teach you strategies to help you prioritize, manage your time, and ensure you’re working efficiently. If you’ve ever felt like you need more hours in the day, this lesson will help you reclaim your time!

  • Homework: Apply the time management techniques from the video to your schedule.
  • Magical Item: The Time Turner (because these techniques will help you create more time in your day).

Sign up and get your Time Turner!

Week 4: Transfiguration – Setting Boundaries and Avoiding Distractions

Are you easily distracted or interrupted when trying to focus on your work? In Transfiguration class, we’ll learn the art of setting boundaries with others and creating an environment that supports your productivity. Whether it’s dealing with constant interruptions or social media distractions, this lesson will teach you how to maintain focus and transform your workspace into a distraction-free zone.

  • Homework: Use the worksheet to identify your biggest distractions and set boundaries for the week ahead.
  • Magical Item: The Cloak of Invisibility (because it will help you stay hidden from distractions when you need to focus).

Sign up and grab your Cloak of Invisibility!

Week 5: Defense Against the Dark Arts – Mastering Your Mindset

In the final week, we’ll explore the magic of mindset work. Defense Against the Dark Arts class will teach you how to defend yourself against negative self-talk, limiting beliefs, and other mental obstacles that can hold you back from taking action. With a strong and positive mindset, you’ll learn how to build momentum and keep yourself motivated, even when things get tough.

  • Homework: Practice positive affirmations and journal about any mindset blocks you want to overcome.
  • Magical Item: The Patronus Charm (because a strong mindset is your shield against negativity).

Sign up and learn how to cast your Patronus Charm!

Join the Magical Productivity Experience!

This is more than just a challenge—it’s your opportunity to bring a little magic into your everyday life. If you’ve ever wanted to master productivity, time management, and mindset with a dash of enchantment, The Charmed School of Self-Mastery is for you!

Ready to join?

Enroll in the Charmed School today by [Clicking Here] to start collecting your magical items and transforming your life. Every Wednesday, a new lesson will unlock, and with each one, you’ll become more powerful in managing your time, energy, and goals.

Can’t wait for you to enroll for a magical and productive month!

xoxo,