On Organizing Inspiration

Hi there! I'm starting a brand new series of questions and reader requests here at A Beautiful Mess. I have an FAQ page, but some questions deserve a much more in-depth response! Today I'm jumping into the topic of organization. Each time I post about organization methods I get more and more questions, so here's a little more detail about how I keep track of it all... 

1. My Planning Notebook I carry a planning notebook pretty much everywhere. This book is a home for all my ideas for future blog posts. I recently shared some details behind my planning process. All of those ideas that were on my wall are now safely tucked away in this book on post-it notes. They're categorized by topic and as I use each idea I can pull it off the page and add it to the "done" page. 

2. Pinterest I love using my Pinterest boards as a way to keep track of inspiration and pretty things. It's highly addictive, but so much fun! I keep boards that are practical and some that are totally just-for-fun! 

3. Bloglovin' I use Bloglovin to keep track of all the blogs I follow. You can "like" posts as a way of archiving them. I do this when I don't have time to read a full article or when it's something I might consider featuring on my blog in the future! It's a great way to save your favorite blog content. 

4. A Sketchbook Last, but not least, I carry an old fashioned sketchbook with me everywhere I go. I also keep one beside my bed becauase late night ideas are sometimes the best! If you don't keep a sketchbook, I suggest going out to get one today!

I hope these answers have been helpful. I'll be back with more reader questions in the near future! XO. elsie 

Comments

[Ry Pepper]

I want to eat this post. Maybe then I'll be able to get slightly more organized.

Thank you.

[Stephanie May*]

Love these tips!

Love,
Stephanie May*

http://www.maydae.com

[lily sol]

these are great tips! and it's so true about keeping a notebook by your bed i get my best ideas at night
:)

[Krystle]

awesome tips, i'm obsessed with pinterest! i have a little sketch/idea notebook on my night stand too..always thinking before and i need to write it down so i can sleep!
♥
Krystle
http://dearwinsome.blogspot.com/

[Vanita]

Great tips. I love using pinterest for inspiration.
http://www.houseofavandan.blogspot.com

[Nat @ Dear Little House]

Nice, I have a very similar notebook system, actually. I carry a planner/diary around that has a built in notebook so I jot ideas down on the run. If I don't write stuff down I totally forget about it!

[Brittan]

Its totally okay if I copy your post-it idea, right? ;)

I love how visual this method is!

xo

[G.]

I always have a notebook with me too, with postits to separate the pages. I also make the pictures of what I'll review on my blog in a file. That file is split in 2 folders "to do" and "done" - fairly easy.

[Jessica]

Your posts give me so much energy for life and creativity! Thank you for being so inspiring (:

[Katrina]

awesome tips

xo katrina
theyoungbridgetjones.blogspot.com

[Lani]

I love this!! Especially your organising notebook with post-its, such a great idea! I will have to try pinterest now too

[Mac]

Thank you for sharing this!!! I always wonder how you keep such a massive blog together on top of your business and personal life! I'm a SAHM and have big dreams of creating something stylish like this someday with more of a homemaking/parenting emphasis. I started out a notebook similar to yours this year, but it's been an epic fail trying to keep up on my blog. After looking at your photos here, I think I might be able to jump back in without getting so overwhelmed! I can't wait to take your blogging e-course! This place is my favorite!

[Mac]

Also, is there a reason you prefer bloglovin to google reader?

[Jess]

Elsie, I spent some time on your blog last night reading through all of the creative things you've posted and was thinking the same thing!!! Please keep posting your answers to reader questions, apparently we all have the same ones! You're an inspiration! xo

[Louise, Raspberries In Winter]

I love these posts about tips and things, they are always so helpful! I love the idea of a blogging planning notebook and I might just have to give it a go!

[vanesa]

omg! What an amazing idea for the blog planner absolutly using your method:) fancycuteness.blogspot.com

[Erika Nolan]

Elsie,
Love your blog. So excited as I just started my new lifestyle blog too. Love your planning process which will take mine to a new level. Thanks for the inspiration. Would love your thoughts on my new site: http://www.urbanchiqueness.com

Check it out, please! xox
Erika

[Kat]

I am completely obsessed with pinterest. It's such an amazing resource when you're in need of inspiration. I'm also trying to get into the habit of keeping a notebook, but I'm one of those people who hates to ruin a pretty notebook by actually writing in it! Must get better as it is really useful for organising my blog- I just need to remember to look at it when I'm writing my entries!

[eat my shorts]

I already do the sketchbook and Pinterest stuff, but I definitely need to create a planning notebook/calendar to keep track of all my ideas. And word to keeping a sketchbook by the bed, I always find myself leaping out at odd hours to scribble something madly down before it leaps out of my head.

[Angie]

I really love this post, miss! I'm constantly striving to be more organized, as I can quickly become overwhelmed and giddy when new ideas and inspiration hit me. I've started writing down blogging ideas, as I often forget them mid-week!

I carry a journal with me as well - it's so, so helpful!