New Printable! Library Book Card Bookmarks

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This idea has been rolling around my head for awhile and it's finally time to set it free! 

Back story- I love graphic design and have been designing things since I was young; tearing pages out of magazines and pasting them back together to create new works of art, sometimes adding acrylic paint to them. Then, in college I pursued a degree in Graphic Design & Marketing. My brain is just powered to do design at this point. 

Sometimes I find the space to create something fun to share. But, it's not my full time job (that's Vice President at Michigan Insurance Group with a percentage of that being designing for small businesses.) so it all comes together a little slower than I hope but, when it finally does I feel lucky! Like, I did this, it finally happened. 

Here it is world. 

Bookmarks. My brain wants to say 'that's all,' but that's not all, not really. For me, and maybe you too, it's a nod to nostalgic library days as a kid, when checking out a book at the library meant waiting in line for the librarian with cool shaped glasses, hanging by decorate strands around her neck, to stamp the card with the due date on it. It's carefully remembering that due date so that you didn't get charged 10 cents or face the fact that you don't get to check out a new book on library day.

It's an actual bookmark instead of receipt or slip of paper. It's also a way to log your reading; if that's your thing. I noticed I read multiple books at once and books don't save your spot like Audible and Kindle so, I always need more bookmarks. I also enjoy logging my books. So, I combined the nostalgia of library book cards, a book log and bookmarks.  

Ideas

Because I'm an idea person here's a few ideas on how you can use your cards:

- Reading Log

- Gift to bookish friends

- Print them on the back of scrapbook paper

- Laminate them

- Use a date stamp to log your reading.

- I love writing with these pens on them.

There's so many possibilities.

Just remember this is a digital download and you print these yourself. You can find them in my Etsy Shop. If you'd like to order finished library bookmark cards just let me know! :)

I hope you enjoy these little cards. 

- Karlee

How I Prepare for a Week Up North Michigan

(This blog contains affiliate links in which I receive a small commission.)

U.P. here we come! Our highly anticipated Copper Harbor Trip is finally here. All though it seems like it took half a year (it actually did) to arrive it also took no time at all, especially the week before. With a full week of work, chores, a tween, pets, etc. it arrived very quickly. I slightly panicked before I realized (after a few years of camping trips) we've got this camping thing down. I wanted to share my best advice and things I do to prepare for a week in the Upper Peninsula.

Don't check the weather.
1. I mean go ahead and check the weather but, don't pack your suitcase based on the weather because it's never what the forecast shows. Weather in the U.P. changes often, too. Knowing this I pack for rain, 75 and sunny and for cold and windy days. I recommend you pack for a few seasons, too.

One of my favorite days of camping in Copper Harbor last year was a day it hit 80 degrees. I moved my camp chair and followed the sunshine for a few hours until all of a sudden a fog came in off of Lake Superior and dropped the temps to hoodie and sweatshirt weather. It was pretty cool. I'll never forget it.

I pack my suitcase in outfits and do so throughout the week. Never has last minute packing ever gone well. Most of the gear I pack is comfortable and suitable for hiking and bike riding.

Essentials

First, I must warn you, my essentials are not normal. But, hear me out. No one's are. Each person considers different things essential. The best way I figured out what my essentials are - I went without them, many times. My essentials that I definitely didn't skip out on this time are: hiking/water shoes, a razor, eye makeup remover, a hair towel, floss sticks, books, paper & pen, coloring book and markers. Like I said, essentials.

My husband's essentials look more like this: proper clothing that includes: moisture proof shell, clothing layers, proper footwear, and padded shorts, a mountain bike and beef jerky. 

Anyways, moving on...

Identify your essentials as the things you can't live without. If you'll feel like a wooly mammoth at the end of camping and be cranky, these are the items you deem essential. Because, no one likes a cranky wooly mammoth.

All About the Food

I am a list person, which helps when you're scatter brained and wondering what's left to pack before you walk out the door. My list is always two columns: one for food to buy and one for food to grab out of the fridge and cupboards. Make your list. Stick to your list.

Take what you can from your fridge. Dressing, condiments, milk, eggs. If you know your menu, (I have plenty of ideas for you for preparing a camping menu) then you know what you'll need out of your fridge.

We typically shop light the week before we go camping so there's not a lot of leftovers when we leave.

Take your staple foods, like beef jerky, and foods you enjoy cooking. I love fresh food and all though not all food sit well in a cooler (Tupperware = my best friend) there are ways to add in veggies in an easy way. Again, more on meal planning next time.

Last but not least, prepare for eating out at least one meal at the end of the week when you don't want to cook or wait for coals in a fire. 

Break Up The Drive
This year was the first year we broke up the drive with a visit to Munising Michigan and a stop at Canyon Falls. Breaking up the drive made all the difference. When you're traveling with kids this is also very helpful.

We stayed at Pictured Rocks Inn & Suites that had a pool, hot tub & sauna. There are also plenty of places to explore as well. Hello exercise! We burned off some energy, saw a waterfall, and shopped for souvenirs. All of which helped our moods after being in a car all day. Seeing new places is a bucket filler for me!

Prepare Yourself to Go with the Flow
This one is a hard one for me. I thrive on a schedule and structure so going with the flow is difficult for me. However, maybe that's a major reason why I love taking trips. It sets me right outside of my comfort zone.

When your schedule is open, the road is long and you have free time you get the power to choose. Choose what you make of it, choose your adventure.

Be Adventurous

Be ready for anything. That's when real adventure happens. Sometimes I live for comfort and cozy but going for a hike, bike ride, exploring to find a lake (you're not confident is even there) is when the real memories are made. 

If you want coffee and happen upon a coffee shop/gallery/bar with a collection of vintage radios and the barista offers you a raw coffee bean you just eat it and then enjoy your excellently flavored latte from in-house roasted beans. 

Plan to go with Friends

Probably one of my biggest pieces of advice (besides for the essentials part), plan your trip with friends. Especially friends that are adventurous and fun. Getting excited for the trip leading up to road trip day is exhilarating. Then you get to explore new places, eat together, drink together and just be wowed by your trip. 

Planning a trip with friends also brings new opportunities and ways of doing things you might not have thought of. Another way to make memories you'll never forget. 

So, just to recap, planning ahead is a big part of what makes our trips possible. Don't get me wrong, even with being prepared every trip is different. That's why hen you go into it with an adventurous, go with the flow mindset you're sure to have an awesome time! 

My Top 5 Favorite Things About Copper Harbor Michigan

Just after the beginning of July we took a trip to Copper Harbor, Michigan. It's a beautiful place my husband visits often, a place I've wanted to explore ever since he described it to me. Spoiler alert: I fell in love with this quiet little town on the lakeshore of Lake Superior. I decided to put together a list of all my favorite things about Copper Harbor so that if you need a new adventure you'll know right where to go.

Copper Harbor is at the way tippy top of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. They call it 'true north.' I imagine it's because in Michigan you can say you're going up north from many locations in Michigan but, that far north is truly north. 

My husband has traveled to Copper Harbor several years in a row on a guys mountain biking trip. This year, his 8th time going, (Didn't I say it's one of his favorite places?) he decided to bring us a long. In passed years he described it to me as, 'like a different world,' and 'like nothing you've ever seen before.' He wasn't kidding when he also said, 'you just have to see it for yourself.' After so many visits Ryan ended up being our own personal tour guide. He showed us all his favorite places and things, where to go and what was what. 

It turns out, he was right! And I'm so glad I finally got to experience Copper Harbor for myself. Here's my top 5 favorite things (believe me it was hard to narrow it down) about Copper Harbor:

The Views

Fog, the bay, Lake Superior, cliffs, waterfalls. I could go on but these were my favorite things about the views of Copper Harbor. I don't think I will ever forget the fog. The first day we arrived in town the fog was so thick coming off of Lake Superior it was like a wall along the winding road. After the trees it was just nothingness. 

Every day around noon the fog lifted, just as Ryan said it would, and we had sunny, 75 degree days. Watching the fog roll in from the lake was ominous but, so neat. Every time I witnessed it I had to pause to take in the entire scene. 

Growing up in West Michigan I've starred at Lake Michigan sunsets, storms, waves, lightning and calm waters on a very straight horizon. It's easy to spot boats and once in a great while you can almost see what looks like Wisconsin across the lake but, never do you see more land. Seeing land out in the lake is different and so beautiful.

Harbor House

With a beautiful view of an inlet of Lake Superior this white linen restaurant is the finest dining in Copper Harbor. You wouldn't guess such an establishment would be found here but that's the real charm of it. Fresh fish, risotto, a wine list a mile long, delightful salads on field greens and potatoes in several styles, make for an excellent meal. It's a must have.

Rocky Beaches

I grew up just a 6 minute walk from a sandy beach on Lake Michigan. I was lucky! There were plenty of outlets, small streams, piers and lakes not far from home but none of them gather stones like the beaches along Lake Superior. I could spend an entire day sitting rocks in search for unique stones and beach glass (the real fresh water treasure.)

History

I love little towns that preserve parts of history that shaped today. Copper Harbor is one place that has done a great job preserving history. It's also a place- the copper mines and Fort Wilkins that shaped Michigan history. Seeing just a small glimpse into the past always gives me perspective and appreciation for our ways of life. 

Nature

There's so many things I can say about experiencing nature in Copper Harbor. The fog, the wild flowers, the cliffs (OMG the cliffs), the waterfalls and tall tall trees, are so beautiful. Once you cross the Mackinaw Bridge into the Upper Peninsula the world just feels different. 

Being in a different place than the one you see every day tends to shift my mindset and perspective but being in a different place, surrounded by nature causes my worries and stress to fall away. Seeing that much beauty right in front of your eyes is amazing. 

Now you know why I (and my husband) love Copper Harbor Michigan and why he has returned again and again. It's truly a beautiful place to be. 

My Favorite Places to Shop For Books

Finding a really good book is always exciting. Finding a good deal on a really good book is even more exciting! I love saving money as much as a coupon shopper loves a BOGO deal. But, it's not always about getting a book cheaper than the big box store price. Sometimes it's about finding your favorite author's book in a bookstore or supporting a local book shop. I also love the feeling of supporting a mission such as Embrace Books and Little Free Libraries where sometimes, you give more books than you get. Instead, what you get in return is a sense of joy and happiness much like the feeling of finding a really good book.

I've compiled a list, in no specific order, of my favorite places to look for books, some of which are free or almost free, some online and some that are in West Michigan (shop local, y'all). Enjoy!

1. Little Free Libraries

I recently discovered that LFL has an app! Did you know that? Wherever you travel you can easily find a Little Free Library. How awesome! I have friends that take books on vacation, find a LFL and swap out the book. Then, your new-to-you book becomes a souvenir to bring back home or read while you vacay.

I love discovering the little free libraries because the entire thing is an adventure. Like finding a geocache! Each one is unique and you never know what's inside. The adventure is just as fun as finding something/a book worth keeping.

2. Local Bookstores

My favorite thing about local bookstores is imagining the heart and soul that the shop owner puts into their selections, the style, the cute bookish gifts. I love supporting local so supporting local and getting a book to read is a win win. 

The Bookman in Grand Haven, sits right next to Morning Star Cafe. On special mornings when we splurge on breakfast we'll swing into the Bookman with full bellies and coffee in hand to browse their books (and take a few home too.) 

Bookshelves at Book Mark in Ludington, MI

3. Embrace Books

If you follow my social media you might've seen me mention this non-profit before. I've not only had the opportunity to score free books but also I've volunteered here and got a behind the scenes, up close and center look at how the fabulous people and volunteers make it all happen. Embrace Books' mission is to get books into everyone's hands and ultimately that mission has helped improved literacy scores in Muskegon. It's so brilliant! It truly inspired me to do more and be better. 

4. Dollar Stores

Because Dollar Tree gets roll off products from Target you can find some pretty good books here. I recently picked up Under The Southern Sky by Kristy Woodson Harvey. There were several books of all different genres that looked equally as interesting. All for just $1.25!

5. Book Sales

Book sales are a unique experience in themselves. I attended one at a Grand Rapids library (they have 6, by the way) and browsed tables and tables of books. I was grateful to browse self help books, mystery and romance. They were nicely organized as well. The books were $2.00 to 5 cents. I always have an eye out for book sales because I love a gently used book!

6. Book Outlet Online

Whenever possible I choose to shop local but sometimes when you find a good deal you just have to hit the check out button, especially when books are $10 and under. My recent order was all books under $5 each. One of my neighbors introduced me to Book Outlet and every so often I hit 'Check Out' on a few good titles at a great price. Do I sound like an advertisement? Oops! One more thing: You can also earn rewards at Book Outlet and I'm a big fan of rewards programs. 

So, which way to shop is your favorite? Out of these 6 ways to shop for books which do you think you'll check out? Whether it's opening the door of a local bookstore or a Little Free Library enjoying reading a book is always the goal. 

Tips for a Very Booked Holiday Season

This blog may contain affiliate links to my Amazon Shop.

The hustle of the holidays is here. Christmas is everywhere! I love all the ribbons and sparkle, the shopping, decorating, surprises, and gift giving that goes along with the holidays but, sometimes all of that can pile up and make me feel rather heavy. One thing that comes with the Christmas holidays that I don't love is stress. Which got me thinking, what if there are a few things I can do through the holidays to lessen stress that would make for a much more enjoyable holiday? It doesn't have to be anything extravagant but rather just the opposite. I gathered my favorites ways to lessen stress to share with you. I think these things might come in handy during the holiday season.

1. Make time for yourself

What are a few of your favorite ways to relax, unwind and rejuvenate? A few of my favorites, and feel free to borrow them, are:

• Play (Christmas) music or my favorite playlist
• Turn on the Christmas lights and enjoy their twinkle.
• Write in my journal
• Read a book 
• Take a hot bath
• Watch a (Christmas) movie
• Light a candle of your favorite scent
• Take a nap
• Exercise

Schedule time in each day for doing just one thing you enjoy. It doesn't have to be several hours, even 15-20 minutes can reset your mind and help you get back to feeling like you. 

Have you heard of hygge? 

Hygge is a Danish tradition dating back to the 1800's all about embracing the cozy. By doing so you can create a feeling of contentment and well being. Grab your favorite soft blanket and curl up on the couch or add a scarf and warm hat to your wardrobe. There's plenty of resources out there about this tradition, including a few Hygge Books I've linked for you.

Make a list

You know I love lists! During the holidays they are a crucial! Whether you or shopping for gifts, cookie baking, Christmas brunch, etc. take a few moments to make a list. When you make a list it keeps you on track while shopping and saves time. All the brand new toys, clothes and things on shelves can be a distraction. You might end up over spending and purchasing without intention. Those sparkly things can get the best of you and your wallet so make a list ahead of your shopping trip.

If you don't have a set shopping list check out my Shopping & Gift List digital download in my Etsy shop!

Don't skimp on your health

I find prioritizing my health during the holidays makes for a more enjoyable day, weekend and month. Keep a stock of fruits and veggies, protein snacks for on the go. My family takes a multi-vitamin, but I add zinc during the cold season. The Vitamin-C packets you can add to water are also handy.

My other two health tips that can become a positive routine are drinking plenty of water and moving your body. 

A tip for next year

Gather gift ideas throughout the year. All of our handy dandy smart phones are very useful for jotting down notes when our loved ones, co-worker or friends mention something they want or wish they had. Then, you won't be rushing last minute to think of a perfect gift idea, you'll already have it!

I hope you find a few of these ideas helpful. Enjoy the rest of your cozy holiday season!

Cheers, Karlee

4 Tips for a Booked Back To School Schedule

This blog may contain affiliate links to my Amazon Shop.

Transitioning from Summer to a new school year is probably as busy as the weeks leading up to Christmas. Much preparing and planning goes into both. You can roll stress, anxiety and possibly some panicking into that too. However, there's a few things I've found, this year especially that have helped me get organized and I hope they can help you, too. 

Communicate with other Moms 

It's easy to feel isolated during this very busy time of year, but it's a sometimes a silly illusion that feelings of overwhelm force us into. Obviously, there are 1000's of parents sending their kids back to school, possibly even parents helping their kids make the transition to an intermediate School (like we are) or Middle or High School. You are not alone. 

So, reach out to another parent! I encourage you to take advantage of social media. The positive power of social media is that your post can quickly connect you with other people that are possibly feelings similar things. Post to social media your fear, your frustration, your question. Join a Facebook group for your kids school and start a conversation/thread about the best prices on that long list of school supplies, earbuds vs headphones, whether or not 5th graders get snacks anymore. 

Reach out to other parents. Feeling less alone has made me feel encouraged, less lost and more grounded in my confidence that I can do this transition!

Online Calendar Reminders

Have you read my blog on calendars? If not, go do that ASAP. 

If you have read it, go read it again. Calendars and alarms on your calendar events are LIFE. SAVERS. I don't make plans, schedule or appointments without them. As soon as I received our back to school packet I scheduled 4 reminders (and then posted about it to social media.) Every phone comes with a calendar app! Use it. 

Zebra Mildliners aka Coolest Highlighters Ever

If you have to keep a list and packets of paper for your student(s) you should have Zebra Mildliners. They're not only smooth and beautiful but they are two ended. And you can color code them or just make your lists pretty. Honestly, they just bring me joy as I read and revisit back to school notes. Plus, it's easy to see what still needs to be done and what you accomplished (pat yourself on the back).

Support System

My last tip for navigating back to school: ask for help. Ask your husband, sister, grandparents, roommate, your boss or co-worker when you need help. Maybe it's a favor that requires their time (and requires a thank you card after) or maybe it's just someone you trust to bounce ideas off. Can they shop for a backpack and lunch box? Can they babysit while you attend 2 of the 4 orientations? A little help goes a long way so don't make the mistake of assuming you don't have the help. Just ask!

I hope this list keeps your stress to a minimum. Know that I am rooting for you and hope you and your students have an awesome school year.

What tools, tips or tricks get you through this busy time of year? I'd love to share them!

How I Use Annotation Tabs While Reading

This blog may contain affiliate links to my Amazon Shop.

Good Morning, Lovelies!

I just finished annotating my first book ever! I'm so excited about finishing it and enjoyed the process entirely so, I felt the need to share my experience, resources and what I learned from the process. If it inspires you to dive deeper into your next book, great! 

Resources for Book Notations

I kept seeing readers and book-stagrams with beautiful tabs in their books and loved how it looked, but wanted to know more. I was curious what they were doing with the tabs. I learned that readers were annotating their favorite parts, memorable scenes and more. I instantly wanted to try it. Consider me influenced! Plus, the sticky tabs are just so cute! 

I ordered these sticky tabs on Amazon (without reading the title I ordered 1,400. Oops!) They came on plastic divider sheets that hook into a notebook. Side note: I'm still looking for a notebook that they'll work with so for now I store them in a pen case. 

Then, researched how, what, when, anything I could learn about notating a book. I found this blog to be the most helpful out of a handful of resources. It was a quick read and the FAQs were very helpful. The process was simpler than I expected.

What Worked For Me

If you've been following me for awhile, you know I love Pinterest so, naturally I logged on to Pinterest to find inspiration for the topics I wanted to notate. I found a lot of them but, what worked for me was choosing topics that fit the genre of my book. Some topics might be universal but some may not. I recommend choosing topics that go with the book genre, or you'll end up with unused colors if the topic doesn't fit the genre. 

Secondly, I set the topics for each colored tab and keep them inside the cover of the book. I've seen where readers write on the inside cover, but I can't bring myself to write in books. Instead I made a sheet with my topics and tabs on it and used washi tape (for easy removal, if desired) to add it into the front cover. I referenced it often through the book until I memorized my topic colors so having it right there with me was perfect. This worked really well.

 

Is Notating A Book Distracting?

At the beginning I was curious if notating a book would be distracting. A few of friends reached out and asked the same thing. I quickly learned that reading a few pages or a chapter and then returning to the chapter to notate worked for me. I opened this book with the intention of not being distracted by the process so I kept that in mind through the book. Once I got the hang of it I didn't find the process distracting at all. 

I do want to mention that there were a few times I was really into the book where notating left my mind and I would re-read the chapter to add tabs to my favorite parts. Getting lost in a good book is really fun so if you do the same there's no judgement here. I believe the process will unfold differently for each person.

What I Learned

One thing I learned from my first experience of notating with tabs is that I pay closer attention to the details, how the author builds a scene and characters. I found myself wondering more often if certain events or things hold significance. I enjoyed this deeper dive and got more out of the book. 

I meet with my book club on Sunday to discuss this book and I'm curious to see if my tabs will be helpful or hold meaning as we discuss it. I notated several romantic scenes, funny scenes and character developments that I hope come in handy during discussion.

If you'd like to try book tabs I recommend just enjoying the experience and make the experience your own. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions.

- Karlee

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