New Years Resolutions & January 2023

What is it about a new calendar year that makes so many of us (re) evaluate our lives?  Call them resolutions, intentions, or goals, millions of people turn the pages in their agenda to a new year and ask themselves… what do I want from the year ahead? 

Do you? 

 

We have found varying degrees of how people approach this process but it tends to be extreme! There’s the busy Mom who indulged in food and wine throughout the holidays but on January 1^st went vegan and is (attempting) to no longer eat sugar or drink alcohol.  There’s the man who has listed 12 resolutions that include: getting fit and eating better, spending more time with his family, taking a boys trip in 2023, vacationing with his wife, working harder at the office, and enjoying dinner parties & time out with friends. 

 

What is problematic (and mostly obvious to all of us) is that these resolutions are not only unrealistic, but are unsustainable, too. How is one supposed to work harder at the office but also take a boys trip, vacation with his wife, and spend more time at home? 

 

Why must these resolutions be so radical? Sometimes, too, they feel like they are in direct competition with one another. 

 

We’ve heard experts say that the key to meaningful change is making gradual changes.  In 2023, we advise you to take some pressure off yourself.  You don’t have to be a completely different person or change too much of who you are!  We like the idea of getting 1% “better” every day.  What’s more is that you should define what “better” is to you!   1% “better” in whatever way you see fit will make meaningful change by the end of the year. 

 

Take some time to write out what “better” means to you and break out how you will get there. If “better” means working harder at the office, does that mean your shift your habits to less distractions on your phone, less frequent water cooler breaks, or something else? Being specific about how you will achieve your “better” is important. 

 

Don’t forget something else that is important. You are already great.  Don’t let the calendar tell you it’s time to make changes when change might not be required.  Practice gratitude by writing down all the things for which you are grateful.   When people go through this exercise, many are helped by realizing how great they already have it.  Focus on the positive and all that you have done throughout the previous year and all the days to come in 2023.  

 

One new product we love that might help you on this journey are these Gratitude Finder Journals.  Beautiful colors and tons of stickers will motivate you. But no worries – these are not dated so you can start and restart whenever you like!  Choosing the color palette that speaks to you has the power to make this exercise feel more special and more impactful than just a scrap piece of paper.  There are even 3 that are specifically faith-based.

 

Feeling a little preppy, check out this one:

 

We feel this one brings a sense of calm:

 

These are for the kids (or for the adults who like to think like kids!):

 

After spending the year filling up this journal, you will have a wonderful momento to remember all the great things that happened – which will hopefully inspire you further in the year to come.

 

Another tip for the New Year?  Get organized, as best as you can.  When life feels overwhelming and schedules are busy, having a strong organization system is key.  Sometimes you just need reminders! We have a great selection of memo pads and sheets.  We like these for jotting something down real fast.  This acrylic holder looks great on your desk, too! 

 

And these new Reminder Binders are awesome at helping you keep track of the day-to-day, week-to-week, month-to-month. And who doesn’t love all the colors and stickers! And for a limited time, get a free monthly desktop calendar with purchase!

 

Whatever your thoughts are, journaling and writing are great ways to get it out of your head. More Than Paper’s journals, notebooks, and notepads are here to help you with this process in January and all year long! 

 

Wishing you a Happy New Year from everyone at More Than Paper!  

All About Bags

If you are anything like us, you find a lot of satisfaction in being organized.  Having a dedicated spot for everything, especially when you are on-the-go, makes you feel in control and on top of your game. It doesn’t hurt to be organized AND stylish, too!  With these cute bags and totes, it’s never been easier, more affordable, or more stylish to be organized.  Here’s a roundup of our favorite bags at More Than Paper, plus our organizing tips and tricks! 

 

Makeup Storage 

We can’t get enough of these makeup bags by Quilted Koala. Choose from over 50 available icons and phrases, select the location and finish of your sentiment (including foils and glitters) and make it YOURS.  They are water resistant and have zipper closures, so they are functional to organize your makeup. 

 

Organizational Tip:  How many eye liners do you really need? At least every six months, make sure to carefully comb through your makeup and ditch anything that is expired. Moreover, if you haven’t used it in a few months, you can probably toss it, too.  Less is more and it will make it easier to find the things that you do use. 

 

Weekender Bag 

This affordable and roomy weekender bag is perfect for a business trip or an adventure with family and friends. With a top zip closure, inside zip pocket, and two standard size wallet pockets, organizing your weekend wardrobe is easy because there is a spot for everything.  Personalize the trim color and your monogram, initials, or name. 

 

Organizational Tip: Before you put anything in your weekender bag, lay everything out on your couch, bed, dining room table, etc. Start with what your plans are the first night, what you’ll need for the next day, and visualize each outfit that you will need for each occasion.  We tend to underestimate the need for comfy clothes and basics like T-shirts, so don’t forget those things! 

 

Boat Tote 

Whether you are going to the beach or on the boat, this large tote bag has a large capacity so you can fit towels, sunscreen, snacks, drinks & more wherever you go.  It’s sturdy canvas material holds up to being on the go often. The bag has a zip closure, so things aren’t falling out and an easy access front pocket, too! At $29.99 each, this bag is also extremely well priced compared to other boat totes!

 

Organizational Tip: Planning makes a perfect day on the boat or on the beach.  We like making a checklist.  Do you have the kids’ life jackets? Towels? Snacks? Drinks? Sunscreen? Bug spray? Toys? A bag to hold wet items? A checklist will come in handy. Also, try packing your boat tote the night before to save time and stress in the morning. 

Tennis Tote Bag

Tennis, anyone?  This tennis tote bag holds a racquet in the front zippered pocket and has plenty of room inside for water, a snack, sunscreen, sweat bands, and anything else you may need on the court. Choose your own embroidery color and between black or hot pink (navy will be restocked soon!) 

 

Organizational Tip: Zip lock bags are your friend! Inside your tennis tote, fill a zip lock bag with essentials like first aid, band aids, lip balm & personal items.  Fill another zip lock bag with snacks like Cliff Bars or nuts.  Storing like things in smaller bags inside your bigger bag can really help you in a pinch, especially when you are on the court and need it quick on a changeover! 

 

Garment Bags

Protect your dress or suit with these personalized canvas garment bags. You never knew you needed one of these until you actually needed one. Whether you are getting on the plane to go to a wedding or an unexpected business trip, you will need a way to keep your duds fresh, clean & unwrinkled. This one holds up to 2 garments and has zippered pocket compartments.

 

Organizational Tip: When not in use, this doesn’t have to go unused! Store your Sunday best or formal wear attire in this to keep it protected, all year long. 

 

 

Wherever you go, we know you will go there in style and well organized! 

Reminder Binder

Are you a list maker? Do you love organizational tools?   At More Than Paper we are very excited about the 2014-2015 Reminder Binder. So much more than a calendar, this Reminder Binder can be your one-stop organizational and planning tool. List makers and organization lovers rejoice in this all-in-one binder!

Did we mention we are having a flash, 50% OFF sale starting today through Monday? They are just $7.49 each. Where else can you get a 15 month planner for just $7.49?

This 17-month planner (August 2014- December 2015) has weekly and monthly calendars to keep track of all your appointments. But so much more than a calendar, you can create handy grocery lists, shopping lists, dinner menus, to-do lists, checklists and more with the bonus pages. You can also store your tickets, coupons, postage stamps, or greeting cards in the easy storage flap!  There are 100s of stickers and you'll also find a link to access digital downloads with even more planning and organizational tools.  It's pages and pages of great organizational goodness!

We love the super cute, whimsical design.

Take a peek inside! 

Here's a look at the digital content you get access to:

Reminder Binder makes a great gift for teachers, coaches, hostess, babysitters/nannies, and more! Even better, they are only $9.99 each! 

Head on over to More Than Paper to shop Reminder Binder now! 

College Packing Checklist

We went to college so this is based on experience.  Real life experience.  We’re here to tell you that there are things you need for college and there are things you really need for college.   Sure you need text books and a computer, but did you know that shower shoes are absolutely essential?  We found an amazing checklist to help you get organized for college and shopped More Than Paper for 8 things that just may make heading off to college even cooler.  If that's even possible. 

First the essentials and complete packing list. We found this on Pinterest via Bed, Bath & Beyond.  Share this with your friends! Pin it now. 

Now for those things that might make heading off to college even cooler, More Than Paper has you covered with 8 great college finds. 

#1:  A shower caddy.   Carting soap, shampoo, conditioner, a razor, shaving cream, and other shower products -- you’ll need a place to store everything.  This personalized shower caddy will let everyone know it’s yours and keep everything organized in one place. 

#2:  A computer case.   Your computer will go with you everywhere (minus the frat parties) so make sure you protect it – and in style.   The sleeves are made from neoprene rubber cushion for maximum protection and are available in dozens of styles, patterns and colors.   See them all here. 

#3:  A laundry bag.   Dorm rooms are small. Keep them organized as best as possible and messes to a minimum.   Put dirty laundry in a fashionable, personalized laundry bag like these ones. Who knows, it may make laundry time a bit more fun!  Or they may help strike up a conversation in the laundry room to meet a new friend.   

#4:  A bath wrap.   We remember getting ready for a Friday night with dorm friends.   All the girls packed in the bathroom, doing their hair and make-up and prepping for a fun night out, there was such excitement in the air!  Just about everyone was in a personalized bath wrap.  Available in several colors and font styles, choose the one that’s right for you! 

#5:  Cosmetic bag and toiletries case.   You’ll also need a place to stash make-up and toiletries that don’t go with you to the shower.  We love the quality of these waffle cases which are vinyl lined for easy clean up in case of spills.  

#7:  Dry Erase Board. As on the Bed, Bath & Beyond essentials packing list, you'll need a dry erase board. Put it on your dorm room so friends can leave messages if they stop by and you aren't there.  Or keep tasks organized at your desk!    We've added dozens of new ones, come check them out.




#8:  Desk Organizer.  Get your schedule organized with this desk blotter. Show your school spirit - most designs can be customized with your school colors, such as this "Collegiate" one below!



So what do you think?  We hope we covered the basics for college plus a few more things you may want to pick up.  College move in day will be here before we know it, soak up the last few weeks of the summer!