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The Turquoise Home

  • Home Decor
    • Home Tour
      • Living Room
      • Dining Room
      • Kitchen
      • Bathroom
      • Entry way
      • Kids Room
      • Master Bedroom
      • Office
    • Paint Colors
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    • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Tools & Tips
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  • Printables
  • Shop
    • Shop My Products
    • Shop My Instagram
    • Shop My Home
  • Gift Guides
    • Stocking Stuffer Ideas for the Whole Family {Ultimate Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide}
    • Host and Hostess Gift Ideas
    • Top Favorite Gifts for Her
    • Best Gifts for Elementary-Aged Girls
    • Best Gifts for Elementary-Aged Boys (ages 6-12)
    • Top 15 Kitchen Turquoise Gifts for the Cook
    • Gift Ideas for the Busy Mom
    • My Favorite Gifts to Give (… or get, wink!)
    • 15 Work-At-Home Mom Gift Ideas
    • The Best Gifts for the Farmhouse Decor Lover
    • Top Gifts for the Essential Oil Lover
    • Top 15 Gifts for the Beginner DIYer
    • Top 15 Gifts for the Inspirational Wall Art Lover
  • About
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By Laura 101 Comments | This post may contain affiliate links.

How to be an Efficient Blogger

Filed Under: Blogging, Office, Organization, Tools & Tips

Are you starting a blog? Check out How to Start a Blog: A Simple Step-by-Step Post

It’s kind of funny to me that I up and decided to write a post on how to blog efficiently, especially since I didn’t post but once last week. Ha! While I do get a lot of things done, other things usually are simultaneously slipping through the cracks. But, I have found some tools that are very helpful for me and I thought I’d share them with you!

How to Be an Efficient Blogger

Some of these can be applied to anyone who works from home and is trying to be productive!

Β 1. Have a designated office space.

For the first year of blogging, I mostly blogged from my couch. At one point I made my dining room my “office”, but it was too out in the middle of the house. I needed a room where I could close the door if needed. And I could walk away and keep my work in the room.

How to have an Office and Guest Room

It’s hard to work from home, but this set-up helps a ton. I find that I am so much more productive when I am in my designated space and not sitting in front of the TV.

How to Be an Efficient Blogger: The Day Designer

When we moved into this house 2 years ago, I started with my office in the guest room. And now it’s there again. The set-up works perfectly for my needs and I love having my desk look out the window. I’m hoping to makeover this room this year. The inspiration board is in the works! But until then, be sure to check out my Pinterest board for more office inspiration. πŸ™‚

Follow The Turquoise Home’s board Office on Pinterest.

2. Use a great planner. I have two.

How to Be an Efficient Blogger: Daily Planners

The Daily Designer by Whitney EnglishΒ – Even thought I don’t plan out each and every single hourly increment in my Daily Designer, I still use it to plan out my day. I’ve found that I get less overwhelmed by the to-do list in my head when I write it down. And I tend to remember to do the things I need to do when I’ve emptied out the extra contents and have allowed myself to think again. LOVE it!

{Note: the monthly tabs don’t come with The Day Designer. I bought them from Emily Ley’s shop** and applied them myself.}

How to Be an Efficient Blogger: The Day Designer

I adore the “daily gratitude” section, and where I can jot down what I plan for dinner. If nothing else, it just makes me think about it before 5 o’clock. And this helps me to remember to set out chicken to thaw or other ingredients that need to be prepped in advance.

Blogger Planner from Mama MissΒ – I love this second blogging planner because it helps me keep my social media management under control. Well, as under control as it can possibly be. As a blogger, social media can just be plain crazy. So, I love the “daily blog maintenance” page. It’s better than just trying to keep track of it all in my head. I also think having a schedule and plan will help me someday when I hire an assistant to do it all for me. πŸ™‚ I can just train her in my system and she can take over. Fingers-crossed!

How to Be an Efficient Blogger: Blogger Planner

When you click on the blogger planner link above, Melissa will tell you all about how to download the printable and get it bound at Staples. {She is a genius, and suggests adding a clear sheet over the daily maintenance page. That way you can check off every item each day and then wipe it clean for tomorrow!}Β I followed her instructions and for less than $15, I had a beautiful blog planner that I love!

3. Create office hours.

It was hard for me to set office hours when I blogged from the couch or the dining room. The lines were too blurred between home and work life. And for a while when this was just a hobby, that was OK, I guess. But now I must schedule my time behind the computer screen. Otherwise it has the potential to take over every hour of my day.

My normal weekly work schedule looks like this:
During preschool: 9:30-12:45 {two days a week}
Nap times: 2-5 {Don’t be jealous because I have a three-year-old who is the greatest napper ever!}
Night: 9-midnight {In the past I would frequently work until 3 in the morning, but I’ve decided that sleep and my health is more important than almost any blog post.}

Weekly total: 36.5 hours

Now, I don’t always work constantly during those times. I’ll get up and make lunch or dinner, or change out a load of laundry.

A lot of my time while Miss A is in preschool is spent shopping for projects or buying home decor items. It’s so much easier to accomplish while she’s not with me. πŸ™‚ I work on most of my projects and take photos of them during the nap time hours, since I have to be at home and the outdoor light is pretty good. And then I write and edit photos in the evening.

4. Have pretty organization.

I know pretty may seem trivial to some, but to me it is a necessity! If I’m going to stay organized, it’s going to need to be cute. Can I get an amen??

How to Be an Efficient Blogger: Pretty Organization

I need pops of color to keep me smiling and being productive. I fell in love with the See Jane Work line at Office Depot. They have so many pretty products, I kind of want them all!

Their decorative file folders are one of my favorite products. I keep a handful on my desk for every-day filing. In The Turquoise Home file, I’ll toss bank statements, receipts or contracts, just to keep them in one place. And about once a month I’ll go through and actually log them into the computer, scan them or even file in my larger file folder. It’s a great way to keep the piles off my desk or kitchen counter. I also have folders labeled “to pay,” “to file,” and “to do.”

The pretty floral pen cup holds my favorite pink poppin pens. {Say that ten times fast.} And their fabulous inbox trays keep me knowing what’s coming and what’s going.

Organizing is so much more fun when it’s pretty!

5. Bonus Tip

How to Be an Efficient Blogger: Grace not Perfection

And if you’re like me, then you need a little extra reminder that it’s not about perfection.** {P.S. It’s hard to take a picture of gold foil. Just in case you were wondering.}

Final Thoughts

I by no means have it all figured out. Like I said above, there’s always something falling through the cracks at any given moment, but these four tips are what helps me attempt to keep it all straight. There are days and weeks when I take a nap during Miss A’s nap time. Or I go meet a friend for coffee during preschool. That’s one thing I love about this job {that is so much fun and doesn’t feel like work}! I am my own boss and I make my own schedule. πŸ™‚

Do you have an tips for being an efficient blogger or telecommuter? Please share!!

Check out my step-by-step guide to starting a blogΒ …

How to Start a Blog: Step-by-Step Guide | TheTurquoiseHome.com

 

Don’t miss out on the behind-the-scenes fun!

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram

Β 
ClickΒ HEREΒ to see where I party every week. Along withΒ RemodelaholicΒ and Home Stories A to Z.

**The items from Emily LeyΒ are so cute. Find them in her shop:Β Notepads, Art Prints,Β SimplifiedΒ Planners and accessories.Β 

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Comments

  1. Margaret Anne @ Natural Chow says

    August 8, 2014 at 9:23 pm

    Ugh, this post is exactly what I needed! And yes, a cute office space is perfect for staying inspired and in the mood to change the world! Thanks for sharing this. Pinned! πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  2. Pia says

    July 30, 2014 at 9:24 am

    This post is so timely as I recently shared my own home office inspiration. Once I get back to school in September I need to set aside some blocks of time for blogging and social media each day.

    Reply
  3. Stacy says

    July 22, 2014 at 8:28 am

    I really enjoyed this! I am still struggling with the time thing since I work full time. I am working through the organization thing too. I’ve bought/made three planners and none of them totally suited my needs. Recently I have designed an index card system that is working well for me so far but we will see how it goes over the long term.

    Stacy

    Reply
    • Laura says

      July 24, 2014 at 10:42 am

      Whatever works! It’s hard to work full-time and blog!!

      Reply
  4. Elizabeth says

    June 19, 2014 at 7:21 pm

    Pretty…A Must! =D
    Really great management ideas! Thanks so much for sharing

    Reply
  5. Lila says

    May 24, 2014 at 10:36 pm

    Great tips. And I love pretty organizing!

    Reply
  6. Kayley says

    May 24, 2014 at 1:55 am

    This is exactly what I needed (I’m a new blogger, haha)! And I love that it’s all so pretty! Thank you!

    Reply
  7. Christine @ Ciao Veggie says

    May 9, 2014 at 12:56 pm

    This is a great post! I am really impressed with how you run your blog. You are doing full time hours, but you set it up to fit in with your family. It’s really inspiring!

    I found this advice super helpful because I am one of those people that flicks between browser tabs for ages not knowing where to start! I do random blogging hours- basically whenever mine and my husband’s working hours don’t overlap and I am at home by myself. This post has given me the idea to plan out some template task lists, for instance “weekday evening” (when I can write but not photograph) or “weekend morning” (when I can cook and take photos and capture prime Pinterest hours) and then refer to them when I find myself with a blogging slot. So, thank you!

    Reply
  8. Heather says

    April 21, 2014 at 1:11 am

    Thanks so much for the great tips on organizing, and for the link to purchase this cute planner. I can’t wait to get started!

    Reply
  9. Alexa @OhMeOhMom.com says

    March 24, 2014 at 7:25 pm

    I agree with you completely that it is so much better, basically a necessity to have your organization stuff cute and attractive. Love all of the color you use. Thank you for sharing your schedule. It is nice to see how you manage it in the “real world” and love that you included when you shop for supplies.

    Reply
  10. Amy R. says

    March 21, 2014 at 8:29 am

    Hi Laura! I am slowly trying to organize myself which is hard since I don’t have a dedicated space to blog (and no space to create one). Maybe when we move I’ll get my own office space πŸ™‚ I’m stopping to to thank you for sharing at last week’s Get Crafty Friday and to let you know that you’ve been featured this week! Have a happy Friday and a wonderful weekend!
    -Amy

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 1, 2014 at 11:10 pm

      Aww, thanks so much for the feature! I hope you get your designated crafting/work room soon! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  11. Summer says

    March 19, 2014 at 10:40 pm

    I love these tips, especially that there are only 4, not 54, and they seem manageable! Thanks for this post and the links to the planners!

    Reply
  12. Karli @ somethingsplendidblog says

    March 18, 2014 at 1:34 pm

    I have to agree with you…..making organization cute is one of my favorite things. Great post! Thanks!

    -Karli

    Reply
  13. Diane | An Extraordinary Day says

    March 17, 2014 at 2:11 pm

    Great tips!!! It really does make a difference when you set a schedule. I can totally get lost in time otherwise. πŸ˜‰ Glad to see that you are already planning on getting a VA. You’ll get there quickly the way you’re going. πŸ˜‰

    Thanks for sharing at Project Inspire{d}!!

    Reply
  14. Melissa says

    March 17, 2014 at 8:30 am

    THANK YOU so much Laura!!! I so appreciate the love & am so happy you love it so much πŸ™‚ So very grateful for your post & mentioning me xx

    Reply
  15. Kaya says

    March 16, 2014 at 5:35 pm

    Hi! I was wondering how you got Emily Ley’s tabs into the DD? I didn’t know she sold them! πŸ™‚ Thanks so much for sharing!!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 24, 2014 at 10:45 pm

      Hi Kaya, they are a heavy duty plastic with a super sticky side to them. So they just stuck right on the paper. BUT, unfortunately she doesn’t sell them anymore and doesn’t plan to again. A big bummer, I know. πŸ™ I’ll let you know if I see anything else like them around.

      Reply
  16. Angela Parker says

    March 16, 2014 at 7:15 am

    Great ideas! Thank you for sharing the blog planner too. I’m going to check that out. I love how organized you are about your schedule too.

    Reply
  17. Michele says

    March 15, 2014 at 8:25 pm

    I love your tips!! I have the Mama Miss planner and find it truly helpful. I need to check out Whitney’s too. It’s funny. I have a dedicated work space except it’s not pretty. I think I need pretty too!
    Michele

    Reply
  18. Stephanie says

    March 14, 2014 at 4:01 am

    Hi Lauren! I love this post and your heart behind it! I’ve featured it as one of my Favorite Finds this week on my newsletter!

    Reply
  19. Andrea Hancock says

    March 13, 2014 at 3:21 pm

    Your space is so inviting. Things can get out of whack pretty quickly but it’s so awesome you have a system that works for you but not expecting perfection! Bravo. Enjoyable read.

    Reply
  20. Whitney says

    March 13, 2014 at 10:12 am

    Holy Moly are you organized! Thanks so much for this post. I’m a newbie but I definitely struggle with keeping it all organized. A planner would work wonders for me! Otherwise, it’s so easy to get lost in the shuffle of life! Thanks again! πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 24, 2014 at 10:16 pm

      Ha! You’d be shocked at how truly unorganized I feel most of the time. But I do try!

      Reply
  21. Corey @ Tinysidekick says

    March 12, 2014 at 10:26 pm

    Thanks for this post Laura! I just recently came up with more of an office schedule for myself and it has helped me so much. I feel like a better mom and find myself really focused since I only have a set time to get stuff done. Thanks for these great tips!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 24, 2014 at 10:16 pm

      Yes! Guilt-free blogging – my favorite by-product of a schedule. Although sometimes I still have to work outside of the schedule. It’s less often than before!

      Reply
  22. Danielle @ Stickelberry says

    March 12, 2014 at 10:08 pm

    Great tips! And yes, cute organizational supplies are essential to our success πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 24, 2014 at 10:15 pm

      Couldn’t agree more, Danielle! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  23. Jelli says

    March 12, 2014 at 8:24 pm

    Great tips! I’m all about organization but somehow always wind up with posts to get written and deadlines that get missed. Thanks for the tips. Sharing!

    Reply
  24. Leisa @ Yeah That Girl says

    March 12, 2014 at 1:48 am

    Laura, I can relate with almost every one of your thoughts (minus preschool and naps, unless you count mine)!! Thanks for all the easy-to-incorporate pointers!!

    Reply
  25. Jamie says

    March 12, 2014 at 1:10 am

    Laura, this is amazing! Those blog planners are soooo beautiful! Thank you for this! I’m trying to make my office space over and these are such great ideas.
    Hugs,
    Jamie

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 12, 2014 at 8:16 pm

      Thanks, girl!

      Reply
  26. emily doughty says

    March 11, 2014 at 11:25 pm

    Great post for a newbie blogger like me! Sending β™₯ from #whimseywednesday

    Reply
  27. jessica matier (@AW2SL) says

    March 11, 2014 at 9:24 pm

    Great ideas, I’ve tried so many ways to stay on a schedule but that’s just not me. I like the printable with the social icons to see what you’ve shared. I do that for my link parties but nothing else. Great tips!

    Reply
  28. Nancy Mock says

    March 11, 2014 at 8:50 pm

    Great tips and beautiful planners! I found your blog through Ginger Snap Crafts and look forward to checking out more posts!

    Reply
  29. Korilynn says

    March 11, 2014 at 3:11 pm

    Oh my goodness you are so organized and I am jealous. I’m going to use you as inspiration though. I want my desk area to look like that.

    Reply
  30. Jennifer-Mommy LifeAfter Ph.D. says

    March 11, 2014 at 3:34 pm

    LOVE your space and I so need to get a planner so I can stay organized. Apparently keeping things floating in my head is a bad idea, LOL!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 12, 2014 at 6:07 pm

      Girl, I try to keep things floating in my head far too often. I feel a mental sigh of relief when I write it down. πŸ™‚

      Reply
  31. Cecile says

    March 11, 2014 at 12:34 pm

    Very good tips! thank you

    Reply
  32. Trine @ Creative Pink Butterfly says

    March 11, 2014 at 12:01 pm

    What a great post! I really have to get more efficient πŸ™‚ Pinning πŸ™‚

    Reply
  33. Gurvy Green says

    March 11, 2014 at 9:33 am

    Stopping by from Create Link Inspire and you have inspired me to get planning! I need a vital planner to start planning my blog posts, keeping track of them which will allow for me to manage my time — I will check out the Mama Miss’s planner. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  34. LydiaF says

    March 11, 2014 at 6:10 am

    The best tip to me is to keep regular hours. It’s too easy for a blog to over run your life otherwise.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 12, 2014 at 6:04 pm

      Yes, I soooo agree! Even with office hours, it still sometimes takes over when I have a big deadline or a big post. But most days I can keep it in check.

      Reply
  35. Renee @ CreativeMamaMessyHouse says

    March 11, 2014 at 1:22 am

    Right now I am trying to convert my dining room aka storage room into an office, although it will be more open than a traditional office, it is the only space in the house that will work. It will be much better to have my computer, craft materials, and a spot to work in one location instead of spread around the house like it is currently!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 12, 2014 at 6:03 pm

      Yes, one location is always better than spread around the house! πŸ™‚ And I say make your house work for you, however that looks!

      Reply
  36. Rach D says

    March 10, 2014 at 9:20 pm

    Found you on a link up πŸ™‚ Lots of great ideas! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 12, 2014 at 6:01 pm

      You’re welcome, Rach! Thanks for stopping by!!

      Reply
  37. AmieJo says

    March 10, 2014 at 8:38 pm

    Thanks for the great ideas. I can’t wait until I can find the time to spend on my blog like you have. Between my 3 year old, 10 month old and trying to finish moving into our house I can’t seem to get it together as much as I would like. I have the kids who sleep well at night but not so much during the day. The little one won’t sleep unless I hold her but this is the time I spend on the computer so that works out ok. I just don’t have the best time create the ideas. Anyways thanks for the ideas I will use them when I can.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 12, 2014 at 6:01 pm

      I’m sure it will get easier as things settle down from your move. I’ve thought many times that I wouldn’t be able to give as much time to the blog if I had two kids instead of just the one. I’d love another baby, but I know when that happens, the blog will slow down a lot, probably.

      Reply
  38. Michelle says

    March 10, 2014 at 6:20 pm

    Thanks for these great tips! I completely agree with working in a designated space. I generally write my posts on the living room couch in front of the tv and it takes me HOURS longer than it would if I were using my office! I also don’t know what I would do without my blogging planner. I need to be able to check things off!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 12, 2014 at 5:59 pm

      I agree – takes so much longer on the couch. And I’m apt to fall asleep while writing. πŸ™‚

      Reply
  39. leelee says

    March 10, 2014 at 10:04 am

    Thanks for all the great tips. I can definitely use a pretty little planner. I bought a little calender one..but it’s not so pretty. πŸ™‚ I have started to pick up cute organizing supplies…cuter is always better. Some days I feel like I’m all over the place with social media….I’m new so I’m still trying to wade through all this. Thanks for helping!
    Hello from Much ado about Monday!
    leelee @ paperbagstyling

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 12, 2014 at 5:51 pm

      Most days I feel all over the place with social media. But at least some days I’m organized thanks to this planner! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  40. [email protected] says

    March 10, 2014 at 8:17 am

    Thanks for sharing!. I have a 4 year old that still takes a 2-3 hr nap, so I can definitely get quite a bit done during that time. I totally agree with you on all the organization. Coming over from the linkup at C.R.A.F.T.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 12, 2014 at 5:49 pm

      Isn’t nap time fabulous? πŸ™‚

      Reply
  41. Deanna {sewmccool} says

    March 10, 2014 at 6:58 am

    Thanks so much for the inspiration. I desperately need to carve out an office space! Right now I’m doing what you’ve done…and not only has the dining room table resulted in some repetitive stress syndrome from me not tying with my arms properly aligned with my keyboard, it’s also too out in the open! πŸ™‚ Love your suggestions and I need to get to work on this. πŸ™‚

    Reply
  42. Kyleigh @ Petite Chouette says

    March 10, 2014 at 7:32 am

    You can have an AMEN TO ALL OF THESE TIPS. It’s so important to have a designated “work space” at least I find it is. If you’re on the couch or on the bed you’re more likely to end up trolling pinterest than getting in and out once having posted your blog post or whatever. Also, can I say? I’m in love with everything on your desk. Can I just shop your home? That will be a thing, thank you very much.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 12, 2014 at 5:49 pm

      Haha! Thanks Kyleigh! I have found it to be so true that I troll Pinterest and Facebook so much more from the couch. Hence being more efficient in my office. πŸ™‚ Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  43. Emily @ Two Purple Couches says

    March 9, 2014 at 8:30 pm

    These tips are AWESOME Laura! I love seeing how bloggers actually break down their work days. And I 100% agree on the designated work space; even for my day job, I get more done when I’m working in my office than when I’m sitting on the couch and distracted by the TV. I definitely need to check out the social media management sheet you mentioned!

    Reply
  44. Emily says

    March 9, 2014 at 7:52 pm

    You’ve hit the nail on the head! I definitely need it to be pretty to keep it organized. When I blogged before it was from my couch with a little one in my lap. I ended up feeling stressed, taking a break that lapsed into almost 2 years! So, when decided to start blogging again, I started over with more of a plan in place than last time and I can already tell I’m going to be much happier with it!

    Reply
  45. Courtney says

    March 9, 2014 at 8:22 pm

    I love, love, love, love all of these ideas! These small changes can make a huge impact when it comes to organizing your time. Thanks so much for sharing! My friends and I started a lifestyle link party called Be.You.Tiful where we focus on interior design, health, fashion, beauty, and things we find inspirational! You’d be the perfect person to link up to our party.

    Reply
  46. Michelle @ Esculent Dreams says

    March 9, 2014 at 8:15 pm

    Such wonderful tips, especially the part about office hours! I find that to be my greatest blogging challenge…. it’s so difficult to pry myself away from the computer screen sometimes. Thanks so much for sharing πŸ™‚

    Reply
  47. Michelle @ Moms Are Frugal says

    March 9, 2014 at 8:11 pm

    I really enjoyed your tips especially the one about setting your own hours. I blog when I can and that is not working so I am going to try to schedule it a little better. I don’t think I would stay up either to do a blog post until 3:00 am. Sleep is very important.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 12, 2014 at 5:43 pm

      You’re so right – sleep IS very important. I’ve been making it more of a priority and feel so much better!

      Reply
  48. Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says

    March 9, 2014 at 6:36 pm

    Great post! Thanks for sharing your routine. I’m glad to have found your blog!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 12, 2014 at 5:41 pm

      Thanks so much, Blair! I’m so glad you’re here!!

      Reply
  49. Selene Galindo says

    March 9, 2014 at 6:13 pm

    Awesome tips!! I especially like the one about having a designated work space! That has helped me tremendously!!
    Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
  50. Katie says

    March 9, 2014 at 4:21 pm

    Great suggestions and reminders, thanks! (Seen on Inspiration Monday.)

    Reply
  51. Emily @ My Love for Words says

    March 9, 2014 at 2:01 pm

    Great tips! I need to work on setting and keeping office hours. Blogging can definitely take over a lot of time if allowed.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 12, 2014 at 5:40 pm

      It can totally take over your life!

      Reply
  52. Sarah says

    March 9, 2014 at 10:38 am

    I need to act on some of your tips! I was doing great for a while, managing my blog and business from home during designated hours (preschool and nap time are my faves)…then the new baby came. I am pinning this to look back at in a couple months when hopefully I can be more efficient. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  53. Robin @ TheDesigNest says

    March 9, 2014 at 7:49 am

    You are right, pretty colors works for me too. If it looks clean & pretty, it makes me want to work in that space. I love that blog planner. I’m going to have to check that out. Thanks for your tips, it’s definitely something I need to work on. ;)s

    Reply
  54. Abbi says

    March 8, 2014 at 8:56 pm

    I love this! I can not wait until me and the sweetheart find our “nest” so I can finally create an actual work space! Its hard to feel like you’re getting anything accomplished when all your stuff is spread out everywhere.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 12, 2014 at 5:39 pm

      So true, Abbi! Good luck on finding your “nest!”

      Reply
  55. Katie N says

    March 8, 2014 at 6:53 am

    Thanks so much for this great post! I am a blogging newbie, and it’s nice to read about other people’s experiences. We saved up and bought a cutie desk at Target for my blogging endeavors, and it’s nice to have that designated spot. We are still working on formatting my blog (and it’s getting rather frustrating! Any tips would be appreciated! LOL) so I didn’t include my link here. However, I will make sure to follow you on social media! Your blog is adorable! πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 12, 2014 at 5:34 pm

      Thank you, Katie. You’re too sweet. I did my own formatting on the blog for about a year {or less} and then finally hired someone to do it for me. best money ever! I say hire it out! πŸ™‚ The girl who designed mine originally on blogger isn’t designing anymore, but there are tons out there who do.

      Reply
  56. Krista says

    March 7, 2014 at 9:56 pm

    Great tip about “office hours” Laura – I find this especially hard with also working outside the home… I’m glad to hear it’s not just me! I have moved my computer back to my craft room to help with this separation!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 12, 2014 at 5:32 pm

      Girl, I don’t even know how to have small kids, work outside the home AND blog?!? You amaze me!

      Reply
  57. Catherine Reed says

    March 7, 2014 at 8:39 pm

    I second Andera! Link for the notepad, please!! πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 12, 2014 at 5:30 pm

      Oh, I wish I could give it to you! It was from Emily Ley’s shop, but she doesn’t sell it anymore, unfortunately. πŸ™

      Reply
  58. Cathryne says

    March 6, 2014 at 9:51 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing this post! It is so exactly what I needed! I am going to try to implement most of these asap & the printable calendar is adorable. Will be getting that too! Thanks again!

    Reply
  59. Lauren @ The Thinking Closet says

    March 6, 2014 at 9:23 pm

    This is fabulous, Laura. And it’s neat hearing how other bloggers do it. I definitely need to work on having an office space. Right now, it’s the couch or living room floor and it quickly becomes a mess, both literally and in my head. I have a roll-top desk just waiting to be painted and claimed as my own. Might have to bump that DIY up sooner so I can be more efficient FAST! Thanks for the tips and tricks.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 12, 2014 at 5:28 pm

      Oh, I’ve always wanted a roll-top desk or a secretary desk! But for now, my old college Target desk will do. I truly find that I am more efficient in the office, sitting at the desk. So much less likely to browse on Pinterest or Facebook for hours at a time. πŸ™‚

      Reply
  60. Amy W says

    March 6, 2014 at 5:03 pm

    Great tips, thanks for sharing with us!

    Reply
  61. Laura @ the experimental home says

    March 6, 2014 at 4:54 pm

    I need to work on this. I have a bad habit of blogging in bed! That also means I need to clean up my office/craft room! Tha
    Baka for writing what I need to read.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 12, 2014 at 5:27 pm

      Hmm, yes, I’ve been a blogger in bed before. πŸ™‚ And sometimes I still do if I have to get up early and work on something. I’ll grab a cup of coffee and prop myself up on some pillows. But, I really am more productive in the office, I’ve found.

      Reply
  62. Heather {Woods of Bell Trees} says

    March 6, 2014 at 4:04 pm

    My dear this is just what I needed! My life is turning into a piece of messy ombre artwork and I need to draw some lines before the blog takes over. I was trying to get away with not buying a planner (Mr. Krabs anyone?) but I know I need one and I am going to look into these. Thank you for helping a gal put her life back on the tracks so I can move full steam ahead! πŸ˜€

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 12, 2014 at 5:26 pm

      Oh, I’m so glad this was helpful, Heather. I love the blogger planner if you wanted to start with something small. The daily planner is a little more expensive, but helps me keep my to do list in check {most of the time}. I still forget this from time-to-time. Like this week I totally missed a dinner. Oops!

      Reply
  63. Amber says

    March 6, 2014 at 2:15 pm

    I love these easy ideas! I’m super inefficient with my tiny blog but hoping to get better. πŸ™‚
    ~Amber

    Reply
  64. andrea says

    March 6, 2014 at 10:23 am

    where did you get your notepad with all the pretty post it flags? I’ve been looking for something like this for ages and I love yours!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 12, 2014 at 5:22 pm

      It was from Emily Ley’s shop, but she doesn’t sell it anymore, unfortunately. πŸ™

      Reply
  65. Kate from Plush Rugs says

    March 6, 2014 at 10:21 am

    I agree with you, its mandatory to have an office environment to keep the things on right track.

    Reply

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