Event Planning

Being organised can be challenging in everyday life. We put together a guide on how stationery can help to save your money.

So, you're off to college or university? Amazing! These are such exciting times, so you'll definitely need exciting new stationery to make it even better. But exactly what do you need? Here is our ultimate stationery checklist, with a few of our favourite Dotty products, too!

Sometimes living with your partner can be stressful enough! So how are you supposed to survive working at home with them? From their annoying taste in radio to their irritating customer service voice, we understand how frustrating it can be to work together! Here are our top tips to survive (and thrive!) when working at home with your partner

With the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19), this is a scary and confusing time for so many of us and can feel incredibly lonely. Whilst many of us are self-isolating with our partners or kids, it can still be a very unsettling and isolated time. We’ve prepared some tips to help you out. These are our top tips for not feeling isolated during self-isolation

Working from home with your kids can seem daunting. If you haven't been in this situation before, then it can be tricky to handle. But, it can (and will) be done successfully! Here are our top tips for working at home with kids

With many people suddenly working from home, they may be wondering how to create the perfect workspace. Here are our top tips

We know that working from home can be daunting. It's even harder than usual to have a work-life balance, when they're both happening in the same place! Don't panic! We are here to help you out with our top tips for working from home

Stay on track with an immediate view of your week

Make a note of important occasions

Keep on top of your weekend plans

Looking to get more organised? The idea of purchasing a pretty desk planner can be very appealing, but it's essential that you use it properly and avoid letting it sit under your laptop. We've compiled our top 5 tips on how to use a desk planner effectively, so you can avoid ever missing an important appointment again!

1. Plan the week ahead

This may seem obvious, but it's a good idea to sit down at the start of the week and plan your general tasks. Include things such as any appointments you may have, or any small jobs you need to carry out but which could be forgotten easily. That way you can estimate the busyness of each day and be prepared should anything else crop up into the schedule.

2. Use the daily planner

This is where you can add detail! Once you have planned for the week, you can include all your more minor and specific goals using each day on your desk planner. Featured Product: Sweet Sherbet Dreams - Desk Planner The biggest highlight of the daily section is how large the writing space is. If you love to plan ahead, then our desk planners offer plenty of room for you to include everything you may want to achieve that day. From writing down what outfit you want to wear to planning your workouts and meal options, it can mean that you really are prepared for the day ahead.

3. Be specific

When planning your day on the daily pages, it is important to include specific details. Instead of simply writing 'send emails,' you should write the details, such as 'send email to Jess to RSVP to her birthday party.' You'll not only be more likely to complete the task, but you'll also be able to predict how much time you will require to complete the task.

4. Only use one planner

Desk planners are great because they are so large, meaning there's space to keep track of all your tasks. Using more than one planner will confuse your schedule, and you're more likely to miss an appointment or not get a task done. Featured Product: Pinking Out Loud - Desk Planner Instead, optimise your desk planner by colour-coding for better separation, such as highlighting work tasks in pink and personal tasks in blue.

5. Have a regular planning session

It's very easy to have one very efficient day of planning, and then missing it for a couple of days. You should set a time each day to sit down at your desk planner to check and note down any additional tasks. This may be better to do at the start of the day so you can plan your time wisely. Featured Product: Be-Leaf In Yourself - Desk Planner So there you have it! Our top 5 tips to help you use your desk planner effectively. All that's left to do now is purchase your perfect one. Take a look at our colourful range.

A desk planner is a great way to get organised! This stationery can add style to your workplace and help you keep track of all your important jobs and appointments. But how do you get the most out of your stationery? Check out our helpful tips!

Choose a Desk Planner Style

The first step is our favourite! Finding a beautiful desk planner will make it so much more fun to use. A great design will motivate you to keep your planner in sight, which will make it easier to check up on your notes. Plus, who doesn't love a stylish and coordinated set of desk stationery? Featured Design: Sweet Sherbet Dreams

Have a Planning Session

Found your perfect planner? The next step is to start adding content. Schedule a regular planning session to map the week ahead onto your planner. Use this time to think about what you'll need to remember and write them onto the relevant day. Depending on the style of stationery you've bought, the planner may show one week or one month per page. So, think about how far ahead you want to plan during your session. We recommend taking each week at a time, however, in order to stop it becoming overwhelming!

Add Specific Reminders

When you're writing notes onto your planner, make sure to be specific. Your planner should remind you what you need to do, not leave you confused! While keeping your notes brief is a good idea, just don't make them too vague. For example, if you have a meeting with your boss at a certain time and place, don't just put 'meeting'. Jot down the essential information you need to remember. Featured Design: Pinking Out Loud

Keeping Updating

Keep adding to your planner throughout the week as new tasks and appointments come through. Or, if the details of an appointment have changed, update your planner with the new information. While your weekly planning session will help you focus on the week ahead, regular updates are a must-have for a flexible schedule.

Check Daily

Make it a routine to check your desk planner every day. Review the tasks ahead so you're up-to-date on what you need to do. Pick a time that works for you. For example, you might prefer to look at your planner in the morning while enjoying breakfast in a relaxed atmosphere.

Repeat!

If you have followed the steps above, you're on your way to becoming an organisation pro! Try to stick to your routine planning session and remember to keep checking and updating your planner. This will help you get the most out of your desk stationery. Featured Design: Got To Dash

With everyone communicating through social media and text messages, writing letters and cards has almost become a forgotten tradition. Sending greetings cards dates back hundreds of years, but it’s still super special and relevant today. Here are the reasons why we love writing cards (and why you should too!).

1) Loved ones will appreciate it

Featured product: Kraft Scattered Flowers - Personalised A6 Note Card No matter your age, receiving a card is always so exciting! Whether you’re sending a classic greetings card for a special occasion or just a note to say thanks for being there, a handwritten card is sure to make someone’s day. We think that writing a card is such a simple way to remind someone how much they mean to you.

2) It can be a special keepsake

Featured product: Ready to Write Thank You Cards - Bright Summer Flowers Whilst a text is forgotten about within minutes, a heartfelt message written with pen and paper is likely to be cherished forever by the ones you love. Cards and letters are perfect for capturing a moment in time and never letting it be forgotten.

3) Keep in touch

Lost touch with an old friend? Reach out with a special letter! This extra bit of effort really shows that you care. It’s sure to make them smile. Plus, you get the excitement of waiting for their reply in the post!

4) It's a great way to get creative

Featured product: Vintage Flowers - Thank You Notelet - Pack of 20 Writing a letter doesn’t have to be boring! Get creative by expressing your feelings in a unique way. Perhaps try writing a poem. A funny rhyming verse will go down a treat with friends and family, whilst a classic Shakespearean sonnet is super romantic for your partner. You could also add illustrations alongside your message to give it an extra special touch.

5) It's romantic

Who doesn’t love a bit of romance? We find that many couples like to give their significant other a special card to open on the morning of their wedding day. This is a great way to express your feelings, plus it makes a lovely keepsake. Love letters and romantic cards can also be passed down the generations so your children and grandchildren can look back fondly on your special memories. It also makes a beautiful tradition. Super sweet!

6) Practice your writing

Featured product: Sweet Sherbet Dreams - Notelet Writing Set So many modern jobs involve working at computers or away from a desk. This means writing has become a rare activity for lots of people. And even if you do write regularly, it can still be a struggle to write in a neat and presentable way! Greetings cards are not only a great way to express yourself, but they’re also ideal for practising your handwriting. Looking for a new hobby? Try out calligraphy! It makes your handwritten cards, letters, and invites just that little bit more special.

7) It's a great excuse for new stationery

Featured product: Got To Dash - Greetings Cards If you’re going to be writing cards, why not treat yourself to some new stationery? As stationery lovers, we find that we always need fancy new pens and paper! Sending cards makes the perfect excuse to splash out.

8) It can make you happy

We’ve talked about how you can make someone’s day by sending them a personal card. But writing notes can make you feel better, too. Taking some time out to sit down, relax, and focus on a creative activity can be a great way to unwind. Plus, knowing that you’re doing something special for someone else is very rewarding! Overall, we think there are so many different benefits to writing cards. No matter the occasion, sending cards is such a lovely thing to do, and a tradition that should be continued for later generations. Why not write a card today?