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20 Ways to Use Your Weekly Note Page

Posted on by Jenna

Every planner has note pages somewhere and often we stare at that blank page and have no clue how we are going to use it. You may leave it blank. You may try something new every month. Or maybe you stick with what you’ve always done. But if you use an EC Daily Duo you now have a weekly note page. 

How the heck are you going to use that page?! 

Don’t worry… I got you! I’ve put together twenty, yes twenty, ways to use your new weekly note page! And if you don’t have a daily duo? You can still use these! You’ll just have to figure out where. Some would work well in your monthly notes pages, others in a separate notebook.

Many of these will have many ways you can set them up. Hopefully, this will give you some ideas to get started! The first 13 have mock spreads I made. Click through the gallery to view each one. 

  1. Goals – There are several ways you can set up a goals page for each week. You can create eight blocks and each block can be a goal category (fitness, family, work, etc). You can have either eight goal categories or you can do four categories on the left-hand side of the page and use the right to list action steps for each goal. You can also use seven of the boxes for Monday through Sunday with tasks you want to do each day. The eighth box can be a weekly review, weekly win, setbacks, inspiring quotes, or items to move to next week.
  2. Weekly overview – Many people miss having a weekly view in their daily planner. Now you can make your own! You can run your days of the week either across the top or down the left-hand side. Things you may want to include for each day: daily priority/top three, notes, shopping or errand list, dinner plans, and bills due. Making your own overview means you can customize each week (or day) as you need it!
  3. Meal planning – You can split the page in half. On the left-hand side, fill in your meals for the week and on the right, you can list any items you need from the store and prep work you need to do. I like to note when I need to take the meat out to defrost. 
  4. Budgeting – track your weekly spending and expenses. If you follow a budgeting method, like budget by paycheck, you can make the notes page your paycheck budget tracker. You can track your bills or business income and expenses. Or if you have a special occasion coming up, you can use the page to track your budget! Having a birthday party? Track what you’ve saved, what you’ve spent, and estimate what else you need to spend.
  5. Content planning – You can do your weekly post schedule with the days of the week down the side and the platform across the top. If you’d rather plan out a specific blog post or video you can create a checklist, brainstorm, and note sections.
  6. Habit trackers – You can easily make a checklist with your habits down the side and the seven days across the top or use stickers and stencils to keep track of all those daily habits in one spot!
  7. Cleaning checklist – If you have a weekly cleaning system you follow, create a checklist on your notes page! Divide the page up into seven days and add a little checklist of tasks for each day.
  8. Fitness tracker – Keep your weekly fitness goals and priorities in one spot. Compare your planned activities to your actual activity. Track your weekly water intake, mileage, and macros!
  9. Vacation planning – Have a big trip coming up? Use a weekly note page to keep track of all the important details like flight and hotel, places you want to go, and a list of what you still need to do.
  10. Project planning – Write out your work or school project with the due date, budget, objective, action plan, things to do, materials needed, notes, and key dates.
  11. A Currently… spread – keep track of everything you are currently doing.
  12. Home Improvement – Maybe you have a fixer-upper? Or you just have some things that need to get fixed around the house. This could also be used for a spring/fall deep cleaning. Make a spread with each area of your house and list out what needs to get done there.
Goals
Overview
Meal Plan
Budget
weekly note page ideas
Blog/Video
Content
Habit
Cleaning
Fitness
Travel
Project
Currently…
Home Improvement

The next set of ideas is fairly self-explanatory and I did not make sample spreads of these. You can use your imagination.

  1. Weekly wrap-up or memory keeping – write down how your week went, your wins, or fun memories.
  2. Brain dump – jot down what’s on your mind or things that don’t fit elsewhere in your planner.
  3. Event/Milestone/Celebration – Have a big event? Reach a big goal? Recognize it in your planner! Make a fun spread celebrating you.
  4. Master to-do list – write down all those tasks you need to do this week but don’t have a specific day it needs to be done. Think bujo style. You can mark them complete, in progress, or migrate to the next week.
  5. Shopping or errand list – have a lot of errands this weekend? Start your shopping list with everything you know you need and add throughout the week as other items come up.
  6.  Journaling – write one or two lines for each day.
  7. Gratitude – list three things each day that you are grateful for. Challenge yourself to not repeat something during the week!
  8. Order tracker – write down what you ordered, when, and from where then update with the date shipped and expected delivery date. You could also include what you paid and the tracking number.

Bonus idea: When we get to the busy holiday season, use your weekly note page to track holiday planning, decorating, and gift tracking! 

How do you plan to use your weekly note page? Drop it in the comments so we can get a few more ideas percolating! 

Love to plan? Join the Runs on Planning group to share your spreads and ideas on how to use your planner!

gluten-free travel

Tips for Making Celiac Disease a Little Less Stressful

Posted on by Jenna

Having a medical condition that requires a strict diet can be stressful. It makes normal everyday tasks, like grocery shopping or going out with friends, difficult. And traveling? That’s a whole ‘nother level of stressful!

Going grocery shopping can take longer when you have to be gluten free. You know you can trust certain brands but everything else? You need to read the labels, even if you previously were able to eat something because companies love to change ingredients, formulas, whatever. It can feel like an insurmountable task each week. And then you look at all the gluten free breads and realize you are paying over $7 for a loaf of bread that is as close to gluten as you’ve found. But you can’t just give up bread!

How can you reduce the stress of grocery shopping?

You can’t avoid it. Well, I suppose you could have your spouse/partner just do it all. Or do it all online if it helps but if you gotta go to the store, let’s figure out ways to ease the pain of grocery shopping!

Meal planning is a great way to know what you need to get at the store. Meal planning can be as simple or complex as you want it. A very simple meal plan is to decide on a meat and vegetable or another side for each night. For example, Monday you will have chicken rice bowls and you know that will last two days then on Tuesday you’ll make hamburgers and fries. You know you will need to have on hand chicken, rice, frozen vegetables, hamburger, buns, cheese, etc. If you can, make recipes or meals with similar ingredients. Want onion on your hamburgers? Use half for the rice bowls and the other half for burgers!

Then start a list. You did your meal plan, and checked what you already have so start with the meal plan ingredients you need. Then add your staples like milk, eggs, etc that you are low or out of. Having a list will help you remember what you need and keep that impulse buys down. Sometimes it’s even useful to write what items or flavors you have on hand already so you aren’t buying ham lunch meat when you already have ham at home.

Shop your ad and coupons. Most stores offer digital ads and coupons so check those before you leave the house. You can even make your list and meal plan for the week based on what is on sale or which coupon is the best. And don’t be afraid of store brands! Many of them are as good as the name brands at a lower price. Does your store have a free rewards or member program? Be sure to use that as they will often send you personalized coupons for items you buy a lot.

Don’t be afraid to grab frozen vegetables and fruit. Frozen vegetables make easy dinner sides and fruit can be tossed into a smoothie or thaw to eat. Plus, frozen doesn’t go bad as fast as fresh and it is as nutritionally good for you! Or maybe you prefer canned goods. It doesn’t always have to be fresh to be good for you.

So you got your groceries. Now your friend called and wants to grab a bite. What do you do?!?

First, don’t panic. It’s hard but with some research and talking to restaurants, you can find places to eat within your comfort level. The Find Me Gluten Free app is a great tool with many restaurants listed and reviews from users. Google can also help find places.

Start by reviewing their menu online. Do they have a separate gluten free menu? Do they indicate dishes on their regular menu that are or can be gluten free? Make notes of questions you may have about the dish. If you aren’t comfortable showing up and winging it give the restaurant a call. Talking to someone may help your comfort level. If the person answering the phone doesn’t know or isn’t sure don’t be afraid to ask for a manager. And if all else fails, skip this place and move on to the next!

As for traveling? Well, check out the post Gluten Free Travel.

How do you deal with the stress of eating while celiac? Drop your tips in the comments!

Be sure to head over to Facebook and “like” Runs on Espresso to see when new blog posts go up!

How to Pick Your Planner

Posted on by Jenna

How do you decide what planner is right for you? Picking your planner is a big deal because you are gonna be with it for a year!

The struggle is real. And with launch season upon us, it can be hard to figure out what you need. Or want. Which can be two very different things.

There are many planner brands and this guide will focus on Erin Condren’s Life Planner but the concept can be carried over to other planners. The sizes and layouts may be slightly different but you’ll know what to look at when launch time comes around. You’ll know what you want and not panic buy something you won’t use and love. 

Where do you start?

There are three main things to consider when picking your planner. 

  1. Layout – are you a weekly or daily person?
  2. Size – 7×9 or A5
    1. If you choose A5 do you want a coil or rings?

Let’s start with size because the size you want or need may change the layouts available. For example, Erin Condren does not offer a true vertical or hourly in an A5 but other companies do. 

Most 7×9 planners are on a coil and you can’t really add to your planner. The larger size is great if you need more room. It’s also perfect if you leave it on your desk or counter. It can get a little bulky to carry around. Although with the vegan leather folio, you almost want to show it off!

A5 can be on a coil or rings. With rings, you can add different inserts or get your own punch and add whatever you need. If you write large or have a lot to put in your planner, A5 may be too small for you. But if you want something to carry in your purse? The A5 coil would be perfect. A5 rings, depending on the folio you get, may also be a good size to carry around. Some rings folios can get quite bulky.

Ok, got your size figured out? Great!

Now, what do you need? Are you a weekly or daily planner? There are pros and cons to each. A weekly layout will allow you to see your entire week at a glance but you may not have room to fit everything you need in a day. A daily gives you plenty of space but you lack that weekly overview.

Weekly planners include vertical, horizontal, and hourly. With EC, the A5 does not come in hourly. New this year is the compact vertical. Other companies do have A5 hourly and vertical layouts. And if you get rings, you can grab all the different inserts to try!

Vertical

This is the EC flagship. Available in the 7×9 coil. Each day gets three boxes. You can organize them however you need. Examples would be morning, afternoon, evening or work, home, to do. If you have kids you could do kids, work, home. It’s very flexible and can be changed daily or weekly.

Compact Vertical 

The new kid on the block this year at EC for A5 fans. Each page is divided in fours and has what looks like 12 lines per section. Monday through Thursday is on one page and Friday through Sunday with a notes section on the other side. It looks a bit like a cross between vertical and horizontal. This would be great if you have a lot of tasks instead of meetings or appointments. It could also be a content planner. There are a lot of possibilities with this layout! You can also get to-do or hourly washi and personalize each day as you need!

picking your planner

Horizontal 

The traditional planner layout, at least in the US. Each day goes across the page. All horizontal layouts have lines across while some will include a blank box on one side of the day. Horizontal is great for memory keeping or tracking your fitness. 

Hourly

Another traditional layout. Perfect if you have a lot of appointments or meetings. It’s also great if you like blocking out your time. The biggest drawback is if your day doesn’t line up with the preset times. 

Daily

New this year in the EC daily duo is the note page after each Sunday. You wanted it and they listened! This page is great for weekly planning, list-making, brain dumping, or even memory keeping! Plus it keeps each day on the same side every week. Monday will always be on the left and Tuesday on the right. It does put Saturday and Sunday on different pages but you get a blank page next to Sunday every week.

If you are getting an EC this year, this handy chart will help you see what options are available in what size, layout, and design. It makes picking your planner a breeze!

picking your planner

What planner(s) are you getting come launch day (or later this year if you don’t need the July start)? Let me know in the comments! 

I plan to get the A5 Agenda Daily Duo for the July start. 

For a January start, I think the A5 coil compact vertical would be perfect for my work planner. And I’ll stick with the 7×9 vertical as my content planner. 

Using this guide you’ll have picked your planner before launch day. EC Insiders will have early access. Not an Insider? Sign up today with my referral link and you’ll receive $10 off your first purchase! I will receive Insider points if you order.

Photos from Erin Condren website.

running and stress

Running & Stress

Posted on by Jenna

Does running help reduce stress? The short answer? YES! 

The long answer? 

Running can help calm you. It can give you something to look forward to. Running can give you a break from whatever stressors you’re experiencing. It can be meditative and help clear your mind. Running gives you endorphins!

running and stress

It won’t cure your stress but it will definitely help your stress feel less severe. It is difficult to keep running during stressful times but it is important to turn to running instead of away. Per Runner’s World, having a routine before you get stressed is ideal. You will feel the effects of your run no matter when the stress happens. For those without a consistent routine, it only helps if the stress happens soon after running.

Plus, if you run outside you can have the added benefit of sunshine and soaking up that sweet vitamin D!

How do you get out the door for a run when work has been crazy busy, the kids want your attention, and the dog just got mud all over the living room carpet? First, take a deep breath and let it out. Repeat as needed. Then, schedule your runs! Actually, put time on your calendar, planner, whatever that says, “Go for a run” and treat it like any other important meeting. Make it a non-negotiable. 

I know, I know, it’s not always that easy but trust me, it does help. 

What about those days when you feel you just couldn’t possibly run? You’re tired and want to plop your butt in front of the tv instead. We’ve all been there. The easiest thing to do is put your running clothes on and head out the door for 15 minutes. If, after those 15 minutes, you still want to go home and watch tv? Go for it! 

More than likely you will keep going and finish your planned three miles. 

Of course, running isn’t the only exercise to help reduce stress. Get moving and your heart rate up and you’ll feel better! Sometimes just taking a walk in nature is all you need. Sometimes picking up heavy shit helps clear your head. Same rule applies here, just start and tell yourself you’ll do 15 minutes. I bet you go longer and finish your workout.

What is your favorite exercise to help reduce stress?

Want a free daily planning PDF to help schedule your workouts? Grab it .

What are a Photographer’s Responsibilities?

Posted on by Jenna

As a landscape (nature, wildlife) photographer, I feel we have a duty to do no harm to the land and animals we are capturing. We are here to help others see the beauty of the nature around us, not trample on it. I believe there is a set of photographer’s responsibilities.

But how do we make sure we aren’t damaging nature?

First, we should follow outdoor rule number one, take only photos and leave only footprints. This means to pack out what you pack in, even food scraps. It may be “natural” but still takes years to decompose and can be harmful to animals that may come across it. Always stay on established trails. Do not use social trails. Social trails may seem enticing, it’s a short cut and how much harm can I really do? In places throughout the southwest you think, it’s just sand but there’s an entire ecosystem in that sand. One that takes hundreds of years to make. One that is extremely delicate. 

We don’t stay on trails so we all only get the same shots. We stay on the trail to protect the smallest of lifeforms.

When headed out to a new to you area, do your research. Find out about local rules and what you can do to keep the area healthy. Google and Social Media have made this so much easier. Start with a google search. Confused? Reach out to local photographers or others that know the area and the rules. We can always reach out to the local park governing body and ask questions to make sure you don’t accidentally break the rules.

Taken on trail at Lake Pleasant.

Now this next one will probably ruffle some feathers… don’t do it for the ‘gram. Don’t get that photo off trail to show off on social media. Don’t post location data. For me, I’ll say the park but I won’t give the exact location or coordinates. I’ve usually spent time researching and trying to find something I haven’t seen plastered all over social media. Other can do the work too. I don’t omit it to make it hard on others.

I do it to protect the land. 

When posting your photos, educate your audience. I will often try to give some facts about the area (or animal). Sometimes that includes if it’s endangered or at risk. Be transparent. If you altered something significantly, tell them. I mostly do basic editing or cropping on my photos. I don’t usually remove items in post or replace skies but if I did? I’d let you know. 

Lastly, let’s get into some wildlife guidelines. These can get pretty controversial too but I definitely believe we need to protect the animals over getting the shot. Others may not agree but I would hope they consider the animals.

First, do not interact with wildlife. Study the animals you want to photograph and know their patterns and signs of stress. We should not be causing more stress to them.

Do not feed or bait wildlife. We need to keep them wild. Once they become used to humans and human food, they are endangered of being killed.

Choose legitimate sanctuaries and zoos if you photograph captive animals. Choose places that are there to help them, not display and make money off of them. Avoid game farms. 

Taken at Butterfly Pavillion at Desert Botanical Garden. A reputable nonprofit for the conservation & education about desert plants & butterflies

And again, be transparent. If you photograph captive animals, let your audience know. If you are in the wild and use a 600mm zoom lens? Tell them you use a telephoto lens and aren’t as close to that bear as you may seem.

What it all comes down to is keeping you, the land, and the wildlife safe. To protect. To save for future generations. 

What other guidelines do you believe we should follow? Drop them in the comments. 

Do you have any upcoming adventures? Grab an adventure checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything when you head out on the road!  

Cafe Noir – February 2022

Posted on by Jenna

Wow, I can’t believe it’s February already! This year is flying by. To start the month I was right on track for my annual goal. Let’s hope I can keep that up!

The Bullet Journal Method by Ruder Carroll 

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

I decided to read the original creator of the Bujo method to see what the hype was about. I did enjoy this book although a few times I felt he went on a little bit too much about the how.

It was well written and fairly organized. Although there were way too many hyperlinks in the ebook. I stopped clicking on them after the first few. I thought he explained the setup in a logical way and gave a solid reason behind why you do it this way. I liked the examples and wish there had been a few more. 

Compared to Down Journaling I read a while back (read that review here), I would say The Bullet Journal Method was much better at explaining and showing. If you are interested in bullet journaling, read this book.

Layla by Colleen Hoover

⭐⭐/5

Where to start on this one? I really liked the description and was hoping for a great genre smash of thriller and supernatural. It fell far short of expectations. It wasn’t the worst book and I almost DNF’d it. But I wanted to see how it would wrap up.  I finished it but I would not recommend this to anyone. 

It is told from Leeds point of view and Hoover wants us to like him. Desperately so. But he is insufferable. The writing itself is good. The potential was good. The execution was bad. The twist was obvious early on. I kept reading to make sure I was right. 

If you want a thriller and supernatural story read The Sundown Motel by Simone St. James instead.

The Girl in the Woods by Gregg Olsen

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Oh boy, another one in the Waterman and Stark series. I really love these women! They are great characters. 

A foot is found in the woods, but who does it belong to? That mystery is answered quickly when 16 yer old Darby is reported missing by her mom. Of course, Waterman and Stark are on the case. While working on this case, Ted Roberts, a 40-year-old man, dies under mysterious circumstances. Have no fear W&S are on this case too!

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I had a feeling the two cases would connect but I was kept guessing until the very end on the how. Olsen still does some sharp switches between scenes but it was less jarring in this one than in the first two books. Or maybe I am just used to it now.

I would recommend this to people who like thrillers and try to solve the mystery before the ending!

To Love Jason Thorn by

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Olive falls for her brothers bff Jason as a young girl. Eventually, he moves away and life goes on. Flash forward to Jason being a big deal action movie star with a trouble image. In the meantime, Olive is graduating college early (we’re never told how early – seems like a semester or a year) and her self published book is getting made into a movie. 

Cue the reunion. And the will they, won’t they. And the conflict. And the happily ever after.

The one thing that always annoys me in these types of books is the repeated use of some stupid nickname. In this book it was sweetheart. After a while I started to cringe as I read it. The other thing I didn’t like is there were a couple of plot points I didn’t feel like the author addressed when wrapping up. There is a second book in this series that focuses on Olive’s BFF Lucy so maybe they are covered in that book. 

Overall, this is not a bad book. Would I read it again? No. Would I recommend it? It would depend. Do you like cheesy romance novels with graphic sex scenes? Then yes. If not, skip this one. 

What book(s) did you read in February? What was your favorite?

Want to see see the booktok version of my monthly reads? Follow on TikTok!

January in Cafe Noir

Posted on by Jenna

I set another goal to read 52 books this year. I find I can usually read about a book a week, usually, I end up reading between 52 and 60. So I like to keep it simple with 52. Here are the books I read in January.

The Cold Vanish by Jon Billman 

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

I received a copy from Netgalley for free in exchange for my review. 

The Cold Vanish is a study in missing people but not just any missing people. It looks at those who go missing in National Parks and other wilderness areas.

The main focus of the book is Jacob Gray who went missing in Olympic National Park. In between the story of the search for Jacob the author covers other missing people. I enjoyed the format but it may be off putting to others as the main story does bounce around.

Billman does touch upon psychics and cryptids such as Bigfoot. He mentions them because they do come up in every missing person case but it’s clear he doesn’t think Bigfoot is kidnapping people. It seems it’s mentioned only to highlight how things can appear strange when a body is found months or years later in an area previously searched. 

Yes, it is strange but mother nature has a way of hiding things. Recently during a search for a missing hiker at the Grand Canyon another body was found of a man who went missing in 2015. His body was found at a popular point on the south rim. His clothes and the angle made it difficult to see. Strange? Yes but definitely not Bigfoot. 

Families often want an answer but unfortunately there isn’t always one. 

Being a trail runner and hiker, I understand how easy it is to get disoriented or lose a trail. How one could be out longer than expected and run out of food and water. To not be prepared for the elements. Living in Phoenix, I see the tourists that don’t get the summer heat and think they can hike at 10 am with a small water bottle. Even locals sometimes underestimate the power of nature.

The important thing about this book is it highlights the issues around wilderness search and rescue plus our law enforcement’s general attitude of adults who go missing. Yes, adults can choose to walk away from their lives but how many really do? 

The National Park Services has a list of missing persons on their website. The Park Predators podcast highlights true crime in National Parks. Some unsolved. Some involving missing people, including a park ranger. 

I have read many of Billman’s articles before. I have always enjoyed his writing. He writes beautiful passages but also presents the facts. He brings attention to missing persons cases, which to me is always a good thing. The more we are aware, the more we can change how things are handled and hopefully find more of the missing. He makes you care.

I would recommend this book to people who like true crime and have an avid interest in the outdoors. 

Photo Therapy Motivation and Wisdom: Discovering the Power of Pictures by Rick Sammon

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

A photo book without photos and guess what? It’s awesome! I really enjoyed this book. Each chapter is a look at how photography can be used as therapy and/or tips to improve your photography. At the end of each chapter is an assignment. Some involve photography, others are more internal work or thought provoking. 

I will admit I am a fan of Rick Sammon’s photography and teaching but I really do think this book is a great read for anyone interested in pushing their own photography skills.

Later by Stephen King

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Oh boy, how to write a review for this without giving anything away! There is so much I want to say but everything I write I keep erasing because it starts to give away the plot. 

A basic summary… our young protagonist can see and talk to ghosts. Hijinks ensue. Think Sixth Sense but not.

Sorry, I want to give you more but then I veer into spoiler territory! 

If you’re a King fan, definitely worth the read. It’s actually a short book so if you’ve been intimidated by the length of some of his other books, give this one a try.

Unf*ck Your Habitat: You’re Better Than Your Mess by Rachel Hoffman

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

I actually liked this book. Hoffman doesn’t really give me anything new but I enjoy her writing style. 

Basically, her method is 20/10. 20 minutes, 10 times a day. Or you can do 5/1. Or whatever you can do each day to get sh*t done.

Last month I read Marie Kondo’s book and hated the concept. You can read the review here. I much prefer Unf*ck Your Habitat. I totally get it won’t be for everyone one but it clicked for me. Maybe you’d prefer Marie Kondo. That’s cool. That’s why I love books! Everyone can find what works for them. 

Have you read any good books lately? Drop ‘em in the comments!

Are you following me on TikTok? No?! Well, head on over and give me a follow to see the fun booktoks I create each month!

Women Are Not Small Men

Posted on by Jenna

To quote Stacy Sims “women are not small men”. Sims has a Ph.D. in exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist. She wrote the book Roar, all about women and fitness. I read it a few years ago and it really resonated with me not only as an athlete but also as a photographer.

women
Lowepro 200 AW in the wild – Still quite large for my frame

Most of the world is built and tested on men. Then products for women are sized down. But really, we are different, not just smaller. We have different requirements. I used to use a Canon DSLR. I loved it, or so I thought I did. I thought I’d be with Canon forever. I mean, my very first (film) camera was a canon. Why would I ever leave them?

I wanted something smaller and lighter. The DSLR was bulky in my small hands. Carrying and shooting it for hours at a time was painful. I thought maybe a mirrorless would be better for my travel and landscape photography. They are supposed to be so much lighter so I started looking into them. At the time, there was no Canon mirrorless. 

I went and looked at Sony and Fuji. I held them. I played with the settings. I realized the Fuji was much lighter and smaller. It was easier for me to hold. I didn’t think I would be switching to Fuji, just supplementing my Canon.

I haven’t looked back since. 

Awesome, now I have this light camera that fits my hands. Now I need something to carry it in while hiking. Because we hike. Sometimes double-digit distances. I need something comfortable I can carry my camera and lenses in. A platty pod and a few small accessories. It also needs to hold a bladder for water because I live in the freaking desert. Oh, and maybe some food. Because again, we hike far and often eat lunch on our hikes. Is that too much to ask?

Apparently, it is.

I’ve tried several styles and sizes. I had to return one because I swear it was as tall as me (and I’m 5’6). That thing was HUGE. I finally settled on Lowepro 200 AW (this is the newer version of it). It’s still a bit large on me and gets quite heavy with very little gear in it. The straps also don’t *quite* fit my anatomy. I mean people have hips and boobs, it’s shocking. I know. 

And don’t get me started on camera straps. Again, I’ve tried a few. None of them seem to work around boobs and dig into my neck. I use a Joby ultrafit sling for women. Even though it is labeled as a woman’s strap. It’s the best that I have found so far. 

I know I am not the only woman that feels this way. I have heard from others that struggle with dslr weight and sizes or can’t find a bag or strap that works for them. Even when things are labeled for women, they don’t always work for us. I’d love to see some companies really work with women to design products that fit all women. 

I really don’t think that is too much to ask.

What products would you like to see made for women? Drop em in the comments!

Follow me on Instagram and YouTube to see our hiking and off-road adventures!

Links are Amazon Associate links and I will receive a small commission if you purchase through my link.

December in Cafe Noir

Posted on by Jenna

Whew, almost caught up with all my monthly reads! Here is December and hopefully I will get January out before February is over! (And then get February out at the start of March. Cuz then I’ll be back on track)

Dot Journaling by Rachel Wilkerson Miller

⭐⭐⭐/5

Dot Journaling is a very basic breakdown of starting a bujo. I had hoped the author would have some more advanced ideas but everything in this book is easily found online. The book is well written but the author gives her opinion on each spread. She likes them all, even if she doesn’t use them. I would have found it more believable if she was like, “I don’t like this but it may work for you”. I’d like real opinions, not everything is great!

Do a google search, look at some YouTube videos, and check out Pinterest instead.

Virgin River by Robyn Carr

⭐⭐⭐/5

I decided to read the book before watching the hit Netflix show. I really do enjoy reading before watching. I have heard the show is better than the book. I enjoyed the overall story so I’ll check out the show, not sure if I will continue reading the series though.

The story of a big-city girl who moves to a small town deals with a curmudgeon for a boss and falls in love with the boy next door is fine. Predictable but fine. Some of the writing was just not my taste. There was also one graphic passage I felt uncomfortable reading and didn’t think it added to the story. The author could have gotten the point across without going into such detail.

I can see why these books are popular, just not really my cup of tea.

The Clause in Christmas by Rachael Bloome

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Ok, now this? This is a Hallmark Christmas movie in book form and I AM HERE FOR IT. This was my favorite book I read this month. It was super cute and if you like those cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies, you need to read this book.

Cassie is down on her luck and not looking forward to the Christmas season. Her estranged grandmother has unexpectedly left Cassie her house in small-town Poppy Creek. Except there’s a catch. Cassie needs to complete the Christmas calendar. Along the way, she falls in love with loveable lawyer Luke and becomes close with many other residents of Poppy Creek. But will Cassie be able to finish the Christmas calendar in time?

Y’all. I am not kidding you. I loved this book and could not put it down. It is the first in a series and I keep waiting for the next book to make it to Prime Reading. 

Evidence of the Affair by Taylor Jenkins Reid
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Imagine one day opening the mail to find a letter from your wife’s lover’s wife. Carrie finds out her husband is having an affair. Instead of confronting him, she writes to her husband’s lovers husband. The two start a correspondence and a friendship develops along the way.

This book is interesting as it is presented as a series of letters between the characters. It is a short story and very easy to read. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to pretty much anyone.

Get Messy by Caylee Gray

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

I’ve been interested in starting an art journal for the last few months. I have watched some videos, looked at art journals on Instagram and Reddit, and when I saw Get Messy by Caylee Grey on Netgalley I knew I had to request it.

Luckily I was picked for a free copy. I started reading it almost immediately. Although I haven’t officially started an art journal, I have per Grey unofficially started as I have been doing something daily to inspire creativity and working on ideas on scraps of paper. 

Get Messy doesn’t present anything new but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Often I need to be reminded of the what, why, and how of art and creativity.

After going over supplies, she gets into the trails, spark, grow, and cultivate. Kinda like choose your own adventure but with art and creativity! Each trail offers several activities to help spark ideas and spreads in your art journal.

Her writing style is easy to read and feels like I’m talking with a friend. I also liked that there were several color photos to go along with each project. It really helps to have images to go along with the written instructions. Sometimes you read something and go huh? But having a photo to reference is extremely helpful

This would be a great book for those looking to start or very early in their art journal. Even though I’m a beginner, I don’t know that this would provide much help for those that are more advanced art journalers. I may reference it as I start my art journal but I don’t see using it much once I get further into the hobby.

The Ultra Mindset by Travis Macy

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

The Ultra Mindset is life lessons from a pro endurance athlete Travis Macy. The subtitle of the book is “an endurance champions 8 core principles for success in business, sports, and life”. And yes, all of the advice can apply to any area of your life. It’s not meant just for ultra athletes to read.

I liked the setup of the book, each chapter presented one of the principles. Macy gave examples of how it applied to his life and racing and then he showed how these principles could also apply to business or life, not just sports. At the end of each chapter, there are activities or questions for you to think about how you can apply the principle to your life.

The writing was great. Macy wrote really eloquently and I often felt like I was with him on his adventures. He made me want to keep reading. I was recommended this book by an ultra runner when I was debating if I was capable of completing an ultra. It is definitely a great read for ultra athletes but really anyone could benefit from reading The Ultra Mindset. 

The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

⭐⭐⭐/5

I thought I would finally see what all the hype was with this book. Let me preface this with… I do not agree with like 99% of Marie  Kondo’s philosophy on clutter/belongings. She seems to have a very what I call hippie-dippie trippy attitude. It’s cool, it’s just not for me.

Most of the book is Kondo repeating herself. It didn’t feel like being repetitive to instill the concept, more like trying to fill pages. 

Part of her philosophy is to discard books you haven’t read yet and if you find you want to read it later to rebuy the book when you are ready to read. This is just wasteful. I have more than her recommended 3-40 unread books and I will not be discarding any of them and rebuying them later. She also says not to stockpile because people enjoy seeing how long they can go without or finding substitutes. Nope, that does not sound like fun. I hate when I run out of something and have to make an extra trip to get more. 

She said to trash photos that are just random places. Nope. As someone who has taken “random places” photos my whole life, NOPE. I enjoy looking back at the places I’ve been and reliving memories of those times. She has other strange ideas such as putting your bookshelf and books in the closets so they aren’t visible. Or taking everything out of your purse each night and putting it away in a closet. You want me to forget something this is the easiest way to do so. Like my work badge stays in the same pocket of my work bag at all times or I will show up at work without my badge. 

I do agree that a messy house and too much stuff does affect your mental health. I think there are many ways to go about decluttering and Marie Kondo’s way isn’t for me. I would say if you are interested in decluttering to check it out. It may click in your brain. We all don’t think the same and that’s ok. 

Did you read any Christmas or holiday-themed books in December? Let me know in the comments so I can add to my list for this December.

Are you on TikTok? If so, be sure to follow me since I post some booktoks there!

Self-Care: Make an appointment with yourself

Posted on by Jenna

February is a great month to remind ourselves we need to practice self-care and love ourselves. I truly believe we can’t fully take care of others without taking care of ourselves first. Kind of like the airline reminder to put your oxygen mask on first before assisting others.

But what does self-care look like?

Well, it’s gonna be different for everyone. What I need is going to be different from what you need. And what we need may change over time, even from week to week. Self-care can be broken down into several categories and the areas you want to focus on will change.

What are the different categories? And what are some things you can do within each category?

  1. Physical – take care of your body. Ask yourself do you need more sleep? Water? Are you eating enough? 
  2. Social – take care of your relationships. Go to brunch with friends. Plan a date night.
  3. Mental – keep your mind engaged. Read a good book lately? Went to a museum? 
  4. Spiritual – not necessarily religious but finding deeper meaning. Attend church service. Take time to meditate.
  5. Emotional – take time to acknowledge and/or express your feelings. Write in a journal. Make your art.

What else can be considered self-care? 

Trying to get your spending under control? Take time to work on your budget. Maybe you want to relax a bit, put on a face mask, and lay in bed for 10-15 minutes. Maybe your clothes have taken over your bedroom and taking a few minutes each day to sort and organize is your self-care. 

And lastly, be sure to add these self-care items to your planner or bujo! You don’t want to forget to make time for yourself. Make a standing appointment to do something little each day. For example, I journal every night at 8 pm. It’s in my planner and on my Google calendar. Then on Sundays, I mark a slot for self-care. I usually do something like take the dog for a leisurely walk, yoga, or a facemask. Things I don’t always do during the week because I don’t always have the time. 

self-care

I realize there are many more things you can do for self-care. Let’s get a list going of everyone’s ideas! What self-care are you going to do this week? Drop it in the comments so we can all get new ways for taking care of ourselves! 

Join my Facebook Group, Runs on Planning. We can share more ideas on how to take care of ourselves!