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Evernote Update – Using a Table of Contents

I’ve been using Evernote, and taking it seriously, for over 2 years now. It’s my go-to app for note taking, long term projects, and goal setting. Quite honestly, it took me a while to figure out how to make it work for me but it’s now become a staple in my work flow.

If you’d like to see how I set up my Evernote account you can see my original post here. Everything from my original YouTube vid is still the same with the exception of 1 added detail – Table of Contents (I’ll start calling it TOC). I saw this idea on Evernote’s Youtube Channel and was intrigued.

I think this is most useful for an intermediate user. I started using it when I was having a tough time finding things in my notebooks because the notes started to accumulate. I knew I needed a system to find things quicker. So I created a Table of Contents for every active notebook I have. The main goal of the TOC is to have a go-to document with things to other notes within those notebooks. I’ve labeled each TOC “01 Table of Contents” so that it will always remain at the top so long as my notes are sorted by title.

Screenshot of my TOC

Within each TOC I use note links so that I can navigate to each note quickly. I’ll also organize the links into categories so It’s also easy for me to find within the TOC. I’ll prioritize the notes that need my attention this week. I’ll put other categories below that so that goals and projects aren’t out of sight, out of mind.

I’ve found that the TOC helps me keep my long term goals at the forefront of each week so I don’t get side tracked. The only thing is, I have to remember to open, organize, and look at the TOC every week. So I put a daily reminder in Todoist to open it up. I know it may seem redundant to some, but it’s the only way it works for me lol!

Do you have a workflow that works for you? I would love to hear how you have yours set up to improve my own!

xoxo,

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Tips for Travel Planning

Charlie and I are leaving for Washington DC next week! Though I’ve been to DC as a kid I barely remember a thing, and Charlie has never been. Traveling as adults is such a different thing for me, especially to places I’ve never been before. As a kid all I have to do is pack up my things and go! 
 
 
1. Transportation, sights, and the area. As an adult with no one responsible for my safety except me it requires some pre-planning lol! I have to do research to make sure I know how to get around, if a car rental is required, or if public transit is sufficient. Charlie and I have also found we have certain types of areas we like to stay when we travel. We’re not really touristy people, we’re not the type that like to take scheduled bus tours. We like to explore the city on our own, experience a place through its food scene, and do our own research before visiting monuments and sightsee.
 
2. Weather and packing. Something we do before a trip is monitor the weather wherever we’re going. That way we can make sure we packed the correct type of clothing for the trip. I tend to be an over-packer (surprise, surprise!) and Charlie prefers to travel as light as possible. As much as possible I try to keep my luggage limited to just a carry on so I don’t have the hassle of a checked bag. Either way it’s always good to bring some “just-in-case” items, you know, just in case. Even if it’s the dead of summer, at least bring a light sweater. If it’s winter bring something for warmer weather like a tank top or a t-shirt. You can always add the tank top as another layer in case it’s blistering cold!
 
3. Buy toiletries when you get there. Speaking of carry on, I always try to buy things like toiletries when I get to my destination. Especially if I’m only taking a carry on. That way I don’t have to worry about the 3 1 1 liquid rule. Once I get to my destination I usually go to a drug store or grocery store anyway, so might as well pick up simple necessities like tooth paste, sunscreen, shampoo, etc.
 
4. Distractions. Truth be told I’m not the best traveler. I get a stint of anxiety whenever we travel so I make sure I have a plethora of things to keep me distracted. I download games that don’t require and internet connection, I download tons of books and magazines, I have melatonin on hand so I can sleep at least part of the way, and I make sure I have at least 2 types of earbuds. I also try to work while I’m on the plane, that way I can get something done and be productive. Basically, anything I can do to keep my mind off being over 10,000 feet in the air I’ll do lol!
 
 
5. Create a general itinerary. Once I have wrapped my head around the basics of my travel destination I start to plan my trip in Evernote. I’ve done a YouTube video on this in the past and I’m telling you – it’s been a game changer. It just makes traveling and all the tiny little details a little more simple. I’m sure you can do something similar in any of your favorite note-taking apps or in your planner or notebook, but I love how Evernote doesn’t require me to have an internet connection (in case I’m traveling abroad), I can collaborate with Charlie or other travel buddies, and I can keep a carbon copy of all my confirmations in Evernote. The best thing is I don’t have to leave the app which is so useful when you’re trying to find confirmation numbers or little details on the spot.
 
I’m starting to get pretty excited to see a new place with my hubby! I’m so glad that Charlie and I travel well together. We’re interested in similar sights and attractions and our travel style is the same. We both like a balance of relaxation and exploring. I guess that lends well toward planning for travel since there’s not much planning to do lol! We both don’t like being pressured to be on a time table, be with a big group, and allow the location to just push us where the wind blows 🙂
 
xoxo,
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Blogging is its Own Artform

You know how they say, “A picture is worth a thousand words?” Though I love photography, I think the art or writing is definitely becoming a lost art. Words are extremely powerful. People underestimate its power. Have you ever heard the expression, “Speak it into existence.” It works, it’s powerful.
 
 
Our words have an effect, it’s just up to us to decide whether it’s good or bad. We can encourage someone or completely turn someone’s day around with kind words. And just as easily, we can tear someone down with hurtful words. 
 
We live in a day and age where photo and video reign. Newspapers are a thing of the past, every magazine is filled with more imagery than written content, heck, even blogs aren’t as popular as they used to be. Let’s call a spade, a spade. But I truly believe that words have this underlying power that people underestimate. I don’t know, maybe it’s because of when you read something there is no concrete visual which allows your mind to create that visual for you. Reading a fiction novel and picture the story as it unfolds in your head versus watching the the adapted screenplay is so much more interesting in my opinion. Just me? Okay.
 
In any case, whether it be for the reader or the writer I believe that writing still has a place in our visual world. Though that place may be growing smaller the art of writing can still hold its own.
 
xoxo,
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