Moments Inked: Countdown Planning

Good morning, everyone! It's my turn to share what's happening in my Moments Inked planner these days and I thought it might be a fun opportunity to let you in on how I plan for the monthly Papertrey Ink countdowns.

This is a system that I've put into practice recently and I've learned that it really helps me brainstorm and stay off of the computer so much (which can be a major time waster for me).

When we receive the schedule for the countdowns I get to work. I start each month with a set of five full-sheet pages that I cut using the Divided Die. I stamp those pages with the lines in Journal Accessories on both sides so I have a nice, structured space to work with. Then, I label each page with a day of the countdown (Day 1, Day 2, etc).

I use the top label from the Posted stamp set to create title areas and then add "make" and "ideas" (both from the Blog Banners set) below. I use the "make" line to write down specific assignments and the "ideas" section to brainstorm how I might like to use the new sets. Sometimes that means I'm writing down techniques, sometimes that means I'm noting colors I'd like to use, and sometimes that means I'm thinking of previously released products that would pair nicely with the new items. I try not to be too critical of the ideas I include here. It is brainstorming, after all!

I don't stamp the next "title" until I've brainstormed my ideas for the first set to make sure that I don't run out of space in one area and have an abundance of space for another set. Having both sides stamped with lines gives me plenty of space for all of my notes.

I also write down pertinent deadlines, so I can be sure to have my bits and pieces where they belong on time. And I make notes of who is participating on which days so I can remember to link to them when I go to write my posts. I used to just check my online notes, but inevitably would end up getting distracted and find myself down an internet rabbit hole more often than not. Time is precious, especially during countdown week, and those are moments I can't afford to lose. These notes help me stay focused. Sean and I joke that I'm a little like a squirrel when it comes to focus. Anything to help me stay on task is a positive as far as I'm concerned.

Often, I start these pages before I even receive the new products for the month, so once my new stamps arrive I take a quick moment to decorate these pages with images from the sets. It's just a quick way to get acquainted with the new goodies and the added bonus is that it makes my planner pretty. Who doesn't love a pretty planner?!

After all the stamping is done I simply tuck the countdown inserts in with the daily pages of my planner.

So there you have it! Do you think brainstorming in your planner will help you hit the ground running when you get your new goodies each month?

Thank you so much for joining me today for this week's Moments Inked newsletter post. I hope you have a wonderful week! See you soon!

Recipe:
Stamps: Journal Accessories, Moments Inked: Posted, Moments Inked: Blog Banners, Fall Florals, Scribbled Sentiments, Quilted: Autumn, Pumpkin Patch, Brushed Off, Twig Wreath, Choose Joy, Halloween Pin Ups Kit, Petite Places Spook Manor - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Fresh Snow Linen - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Limeade Ice, Berry Sorbet, Orange Zest, Lemon Tart, Simply Chartreuse, Harvest Gold, Aqua Mist, Terra Cotta Tile, Canyon Clay, Summer Sunrise, Dark Chocolate, Scarlet Jewel, Fine Linen, Royal Velvet - Papertrey Ink
Other: Moments Inked: Divided Die - Papertrey Ink