Arc customisable notebook

 One thing I always struggle with is organising my life. I write to do's about my to-do lists and have random notes jotted down everywhere. I guess you could say I have a bit of organised chaos. It often gets to the point I just ignore what's piling up hoping it will go away. However not anymore.

For the longest time I have wanted a filofax. I remember being in collage going to WHSmiths for some new pens and having a look at them. With there sleek leather exteriors and the options to customise what's inside; I couldn't afford it then and I cant afford them now. After all it is a lot of money for a fancy notebook. So when popping into staples a few days ago to actually see if a 'to-do' notebook existed I came across there Arc range. A budget friendly planner but still in same idea as a filofax.

After weighing up my options I landed up walking out with the basic a5 notebook, to-do pages and side index dividers. So hopefully now I will have no excuse not to keep myself in line. The price was above what you would pay for a notebook, but not extortionate.

The basic package is an a5 notebook costing £6.49 and is the cheapest available. With a plastic cover complete with thick 60 pages of lined paper I honestly would pay this again for another notebook if I needed too. Each page is double sided, and with being 100gsm paper ink is not visible from the other side. There is an option of a leather cover and lots of colours to choose from too. 

The 'to-do' pages come in a pack of 50 sheets for £2.80, also thick paper. This is fantastic value as the paper, verging on card, really does feel like its worth more than that. Each page comes with a handy tick box so its clear what still has to be done. 

I wasn't sure whether or not to get the side index dividers, but I'm glad I did. At £2.80 it was not a huge loss if I didn't like them. I'm finding that I'm using them more than I thought I would, and my folder is already becoming a neatly divided book with organised thoughts. These come with 5 in a pack, with random colours. You are able to get tabs that are seen from the top for the same cost.

Images From Staples.co.uk

The book is a little different from what I was used too. Each page is able to be slipped in and out of the book around plastic disks that make up spine. Unlike a ring binder, the spine in this is solid. This means that any poly pockets will not be able to fit, and if you already have a system in place everything will need to be converted. The pages can be a little tricky to add into the binder, with it being far easier to add in a small amount at a time. Once they're in however the pages glide nicely and stay secure.

I'm already noticing that with these two add-ons, that I will have to purchase the extender rings. The cover bows very slightly already with the standard disks. I wish there was something on the shelf at the time to help with putting together a perfect planner. Information like which size of disks are needed to hold so many pages would have been welcome information on how the planners work, plus saved a trip back to there shop. This has not put me off however and I look forward to adding further things into the binder such as a diary so everything will be in one place.

Some other options Include Diary, Zip Pockets and page flags.

Over all my note book cost £12.09 and its a price I would very happily pay again. I plan on very soon enlarging it to hold everything I need to keep my life, blogging, modelling and mum stuff together. It is avalible on there website or instore Staples.

How do you organise your thoughts? Let me know down below what you use.

Plus don't forget to subscribe so you wont miss out on any further organisation posts.

PS You can find out what I did next with my planner by clicking here. 

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A New Year Promise

It wont be long before we will be seeing in bells and a quick smooch to seal the new year. So iv been turning my mind to what I would like to accomplish next year. Of course most people have the goal of shedding the Christmas weight, and well iv been shedding it since June, so its not something that's really on my "To Do" list. 

Its really hard, when you sit down and think about it, what really makes you happy. Its all well and good buying pretty things but when it comes down to it these things only make you happy on the surface for a little while. What makes me happy? I don't think I really know. I love my partner, and I adore my little girl more than the world. Stepping outside that little bubble there isn't much else that makes up my life.

I'm very lucky to have a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, food in the cupboard and security in my life. I think we can all become somewhat comfortable and take for granted when the basic needs are met and its very easy to slip into a mundane existence. I know I have. 

So for this year I would like to turn around what makes me happy. Setting aside time to explore the world around me. A world outside of fear and the anxiety that grips me. I want to do silly little things like a picnic under the stars, go camping, see a band play.

I want to set this year right, and live life. I don't want to be held back by believing money is what makes me happy. After its all gone I want to be able to sit and know that when I close my eyes for the final time, memories of love, heartache, tears and sweat are with me. 

Here is to a living a 2016 and forever without fear.

Much Love,

Umber x

PS. What is your goal this year?

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User ability of a Fat Chick

I'm fat. I'm big boned, plus size, curvy, overweight and whole range of similar words that basic means I'm fat. Now to me fat is not a bad word, its simply a description that defines what my body is. I like to eat a bit to much chocolate, and I like to exercise. I'm relatively healthy for those who are concerned about my weight, I just like to indulge myself a little more often than I should and that's OK. 

  

I get offered work as a plus size model and I love to take a selfie. I'm not shy about how I look, why would I be? The world has so much different standards of beauty and hopefully I appeal to some. I want to take who I am further and help promote a body positivity that is not defined by your weight but rather how you feel inside. I post semi-nude images baring my flesh and all the jiggles I posses, because a body is not to be shamed.

So with that out the way today I'm writing about the user ability to not see past a fat chick in a picture.

I have a website for my modelling, I'm no designer so after finding out about a website called Peek User testing I jumped on the chance to see how my website looked to an outsider. 'Get a peek into the mind of your users.' it claims. To be honest I wish I didn't.

Its sad that in this day and age, after all the press and all the supposed body positive movements there is still those who put down somebody based on there weight.

It claims on its video that is is a service for ”finding and fixing the problems faced by your website visitors”. Well obviously me being fats a huge problem on a plus size website! 

 

 

Now I wont completely slate the website. I did find it OK on my blog, neither pointing out anything negative or positive about it. In fact the first time I used on on my modelling website I had a very helpful man state things in a 7 minute long video. This did actually help me improve the website, helping me see things that an outsider would see. Spurred on by his helpfulness I applied twice more to see what people thought about it. 
 

Greeted by a 1minute 32 video for the second attempt, which did nothing to test the user ability of the site but to sexulise my clothing, point out my breast side and also note that it was a site for overweight models. This review irked me as did not do anything but judge me based the images on the first page. 
 

It was the first video however which really took it further. I was also put down based on my appearance.

“It makes me feel like this is some sort of adult site or porn site”

“though one should always try to be healthy”

I have big boobs, I do pin-up, but in what way does this have ANYTHING to do with the user ability of the site. This is straight out judging based on my appearance.

My appearance may not be to everybody's taste, but when asked for an impartial view on it I'm named as an adult model. I have nothing against adult modelling, iv done some more risky shoots in my time, but these images have nothing to do with the ability to use a site. The fact my breasts automatically make something over sexulised is alarming. Without learning about me, who I fight to anti-discrimination with, what I believe. I'm simply named as a porn model. My weight again a judging factor on my website. 

 

I wonder if my images were all removed if I would still get the same remarks about user ability? I highly doubt it.

Much love,

Umber x

 

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Women for One

A while ago I was very lucky to be featured on a wonderful website "Women for One".

I had chosen to write about what I know and something I could stand behind. So i decided to write about what I know and well, as before, it is about modelling. Particularity plus modelling and my desire to stand and represent those who are to afraid to speak.

Im very proud to be able to stand up against bullying and discrimination with groups such as "Pin-Up's Against Bullying" and I highly recomend you checking out there work. 

I want to share with your an extract of the article on Woman for One, and the rest can be found clicking here.

"Think of all the amazing things that you have done in your life. Think of all those boundaries you have overcame. In fact the very first achievement you have done in your life was being born. Because you are fantastic, you are beautiful. You can be anything you set your mind to being. You need to believe in yourself and keep believing."

Please do check out there website and share the love and suport for all the members who take part in it. 

Love Umber x

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Meet the Cats

All day in my head iv been thinking "as soon as Evie goes to bed Ill make a blog post". The minute shes down on goes the laptop and im sitting down to write, but I dont know what about!
Do you ever feel there is just so much to say about everything your brains just like "Nope, Na, no"

So sitting here typing away watching the cat being mesmerised by the fish tank. So today im going to write about my lovely animals as they are the fluffiness that makes up my life.

My cats are more than just 'pets' they are bed warming, cuddle monster, claw scratching balls of amazing.

The main cat in my life is Cerberus. A huge fluffy ginger kitty who is so laid back I often poke him to make sure hes still alive.

We brought him into our home last December after his previous owner's daughter being allergic to him. It was love at first sight, and since then me and Cerbie have been inseparable. He has been a purrrfect welcome into the cat world and I have fought to make sure we kept him even tho there was some issues of wall paper scratching (my poor walls only 3 months decorated destroyed in a few days). I could never imagine my life without his fluffy softness and big cuddles.

After my partner made the decision for financial reasons to rehome my two cats Kronos and Nyx, Cerberus was lonely. He didn't stop wondering the hall looking for the other two kitties. After much persuasion I was finally let to adopted another kitty.

Kronos and Cerberus

I should say at this point Nyxie Pixie and Kronos are living with my Brother-In-Law-To-Be. I should never have adopted them both in the first place however my heart wept for them and SSPCA (Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) were called in after my visit to them. I would have forever been worried about Nyx who was a TINY cat, and I mean tiny to the point we worried about her and were constantly at the vets. She didn't eat, she didn't move, they were both covered in flees and matts. They both went to a very loving home and I still get to see them. 

The youngest of my cats is Ortherus who is 8/9 months old - also adopted. See a pattern here? Im completely for adopting all animals that can be. I could never buy a baby animal when there is so many amazing animals looking for a second chance.

Iv had this little man for a little over 2 months now. His mad half hours and running about in the middle of the night might not be a fantastic trait of him but the love he has for my daughter makes my heart melt. He acts like her little protector and is affectionately known as 'teddy' to her. They are adorable together. My daughter aside he is a wonderful cat companion to Cerberus and is really fitting into the family. He was re-homed to us as he was purchased along with his brother who didn't like Orthies clingie nature resulting in fights.

So here you go, here is some insite into the cats you will see on my instagram (@Umber_Phoenix) and in up and coming toutorials.

Do you have cats, or are you more of a dog person?

Much love,
Umber x

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Day 12 of Venoms

So its been about 12 days since I got my tongue done. I had the bars changed on Friday and since then its been pretty much smooth sailing apart from being still slightly tender.

Since my last tongue piercing update there has been tantrums and tears with the piercings. I was just about to take them out but knew it wouldn't last forever. I was getting hungry and sore and felt like my tongue was just getting worse but the minute the bars were changed there was an instant difference.

This is a really small update, but in all honesty theres not much more to tell about them.

I feel like im pretty much back to normal. I have to eat slower in case I chomp on the balls but other than that every things great.

If you want them go for it! Totally worth it.

Everything You've Ever Done

Something a little different to write about today. Im writing today about a book, but not just any book. A gripping story about exploring, memories and above all else love.

The author Amelia Whalen puts it best herself when she writes in her blog;

"Dave and I were real-life characters who blasted thought a life stranger than fiction"

From chapter one you are hooked in the tale of herself and husband Dave. From them getting engaged, to the tragedy of being diagnosed with Adrenoleukodystrophy and beyond.

It hit me on such a personal level, and whilst I personally have never faced ALD, I currently am facing a similar but very different tale. With my own father terminal with cancer these glimpses of her memoir were uplifting. Her faith throughout, not drowning in self pity but gathering strength to carry on. Her love never wavering. She is a beautful powerful woman to be admired. Seeing how strong she is to carry on and make the best out of a horrible situation. It gives me such hope for my own future. 

This memoir, I believe, will touch everyone in one way or another.

 Extracts of Amalia Whalen's 'Everything You've Ever Done'  can be found at www.everythingyouveeverdone.com 

You.

You can set your mind to anything you want. 

YOU control what YOU do.

 Be who you want to be.

 Do what you want to do.

 Live life to the fullest. 

Smash thoes goals you set. 

Dream the biggest dream.

 Live only for you.

Umber x

Day Two and the morning: Venom Piercing

Hey guys, This is a continuation from my last post all about my Venoms. If I could sum it up in one world it would be 'uncomfortable'. Yesterday I gave in and had bowls of icecream. even tho im kicking myself because of my diet.  Cold really does help. The more I talked the more it hurt. So I took to typing on my laptop for my fiance to see. I took to bed early just to sleep off some of the discomfort. I wouldn't say at all this is painful. Just the pressure feeling is irritating and the bottom bit of my mouth, whats that even called? So before going to bed I snapped this picture.

And woke up to this.

I cant stick my tongue out at all, and the swelling is using the full length of the bar.  Sore throat too. Just want to sleep off today. Ice water on tap and no speaking at all today. Today I would say there is an element of pain. Defiantly wouldn't put me off tho. Its so strange sticking my tongue out to you guys, oh well.

Until next time,

Umber x

Day one and the morning after: Venom Piercing

It only took me 5 years but today I got my Venom piercing.

I can remember asking my mum in Glasgow years ago after (about 6 years) as we were going to a create and craft thing in the SECC. Of course her answer was no, but Iv always had it in my mind to get one. So today, after humming and haying for a few years, was the day.

After registering at new Dr's, I made my way over to the amazing 'Tattoed Freak' where the lovely  Darrel works.  I honestly wouldn't go anywhere else for my stabby fun.I think it was about 2.30pm at this point. So sitting filling in an electronic consent form, waiting then out he pops with a customer he just pierced. It was my go.

I have to say this is all sounding rather dramatic, it really wasn't. He got me marked up, used a torch to look for veins then on with the task at hand.
I didn't even blink at the pain. It was so nonexistent I don't understand why people are so afraid of piercings. I had got my nipples done before my tongue and they were just as pain free. A strange sensation but definitely not painful. 

So out with the needles then in with the piercings bars, that's probably the worst bit of it, just the pressure on your tongue.
Drooling, he went onto piercing two.

Done. Two new shinnies.

I have this picture, a quick one I did after it to show a friend so excuse the blur:

So at night it was a case of smoothies, ice chips and ice water. Even tho I'm pretty much on a smoothie diet anyway the fact I couldn't eat proper crunchy and chewier food was the worst hurdle. Its like telling somebody not to press the red button. You just want it more.

So swirling mouth wash and popping ibuprofen (helps reduce swelling) I went away to bed.

Morning of Day Two:

So sitting typing this at 9am with the little one watching Zingzillas (The darkness was on it) eating ice chips. My tongue swollen and the bit under its tender. Having difficulty moving my tongue and there teeth imprints along its side.  No talking for me today, and might even cheat my diet with ice cream.

Here's a quick picture of it:

I'm going to be updating you all with its healing process. Always great to see other people's experiences with this sorts of things.

Untill later,
Much love,
Umber xxx