LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR PLANNERS & CRAFTERS
JOURNAL CAFE
ISSUE 1
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VOL 4
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OCTOBER 2019
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF It's been amazing! The planner community is truly one filled with some of the most genuinely kind people. Did you remember join the Journal Cafe Magazine group on Facebook? Remember to do that today and be sure to visit the Journal Cafe page to like it. Lastly, we now have an Instagram account as well. Yep, you guessed it. It's @journalcafemagazine. Follow us today! Thank you for subscribing!
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any other means without the written permission of the publisher. This magazine is a collection of articles and information developed for entertainment and educational purposes. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this publication, the contributors and publisher shall not have any liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the content contained in this publication. Published in the United States of America Sunshine Solutions Publishing 9912 Business Park Dr., Ste. 170 Sacramento, CA 95827
Copyright © 2019 Phillis Clements All Rights Reserved.
LOOK
October 2019 Issue 1 Volume 4
planning / journaling / crafting/ events / lifestyle
what's inside this issue
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crafting & planning oh my!
blog post - how to overcome planner envy
fall challenge
another look
plannercon party Houston
plannercon party Irvine fun
black girl powerhouse
capturing the stories of our lives
hello
what's next Journal Cafe | 3
As the magazine continues to grow and evolve, we have been fortunate to be able to create awareness about the many unique and wonderfully talented people who make up our community. With that in mind, we are now providing a way for you to share your insights, tips or introduce us to someone else in the marvelous world of planning, crafting and journaling.
IRTNOC
INTRODUCING...
ROTUB
JEAN DIGIACOMO
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This planner and blogger has written our first featured blog post - How to Overcome Planner Envy. She is a member of the PR Team for MP Designs Co. (@mpdesignsco) and a regular contributor to the Gilded Press Blog. We are excited to have her be a part of our Contributors team. If you are interested in becoming a member of the contributor team, send us a message at journalcafemagazine@gmail.com.
Lorenzo Bernal
Crafting & Planning Oh My! Meet Lorenzo Bernal, the dynamo behind The Crafty Male and panelist for PlannerCon 2020. You can find his great spreads, crafty pouches and sticker sheets on his website - www.thecraftymale.com and follow him on Instagram @thecraftymale. How did you start planning? I was planning in high school to stay on top of classes and homework, but I really got hooked after two coworkers shared about attending PlannerCon in 2017. I went out and bought an entire Happy Planner kit. What was your inspiration for The Crafty Male? I've been a crafter for a while. I knit, crochet, sew, scrapbook and paper crafts, and more. I'm a jack of all trades. LOL But I also saw there was a missing with the representation of males.
What are your top two crafting activities? Knitting and making stickers Who do you admire in the industry? Amy Tangerine & Nicole Rixon How do you feel about attending different planner conferences or events? Don't limit yourself. If you're only eating apples, you'll miss out on the fruit salad. What two tips you would like to share? You don't need to spend money to plan. You can use what you have around the house. Only buy what you need if you do spend money. Do what works for you. Don't strive for perfection. Keep your eyes on your own paper. You will frustrate yourself otherwise.
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Mariam Poppins Another Look
I've been following this amazing artist on Instagram for a while. I absolutely LOVE her style and creativity. How did you get into making stickers? I got into sticker making when people started requesting that I turn my art into stickers on Instagram. At first I was selling my art strictly digitally. When did you learn about the planner community? I learned about the planner community in 2016! My friend hipped me to bullet journaling! I’ve been down the rabbit hole ever since. What is your favorite thing about planning/crafting? The community! I’ve made so many awesome friends via this community and I've been to fun events and planner meetups. Who are two people in the planner community you admire? I admire hmmm....this is hard! I get a lot of inspiration from @AtHomewithQuita (planner goals!)....and Ashley from @Cloth_and_Paper. What planner conferences have you attended? I haven’t yet! I want to. Maybe in 2020. Be sure to check her out on Instagram @mariampoppins. Journal Cafe | 6
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PlannerCon Parties Irvine, CA September 13-14, 2019
Being in California for the third PlannerCon Party at Irvine was awesome! It was such a blast seeing everyone. I can truly say the PlannerCon community is like no other I've ever participated in. There is so much genuine camaraderie and pure desire to simply have a good time doing what we love. From the sponsored tables, to the hat parade, and of course all of the wonderful
@stickersters
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speakers that gave us so much to think about and fun activities to participate in. One of the most fun activities we did was create postcards with Maureen Vazquez of Pipsticks. She shared her latest sticker books with us and introduced us to some fabulous folks to follow on Instagram. One community she shared with us is called Postcrossing. Do you know about them? Oh my goodness, let me tell you about them. It's a really cool concept of meeting people from around the world through sending and receiving postcards. I love seeing postcards and stamps from other countries. Getting snail mail is still fun for me. Check them out!
One of my favorite people to see at a PlannerCon event is Amy Tangerine's mom Chiao Tan. She is the sweetest lady and a true supporter of her daughter. I can definitely see where Amy gets her openness and generosity. It's always great to see old friends and meet new folks too.
Planner conferences are a great way to get exposure to some of the larger players in the industry. It was great to see Ooly there and so much fun to use their wonderful pens in the workshop Amy Tangerine facilitated for the group. You can never have too many pens!
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JACQUELYN SMITHSON HOWARD Capturing the Stories of Our Lives This dynamic lady is a gifted poet, award winning author, a true journal enthusiast and powerhouse storyteller. Meet Jacquelyn Smithson Howard. I first met her at a networking event for the newly created Sacramento Women's Chamber of Commerce in 2013. We just happened to sit at the same table and began talking. We have become great friends; sisters really, ever since. Jacquelyn has been journaling for over 40 years. She has all of her journals. Her handwriting is impeccable. So, not only is she gifted at putting words together, but her words look great on paper too. Journal Cafe | 10
I'm so glad she allowed me to drag her with me to the first PlannerCon conference in 2017. She is also now a planner! In addition to being committed to the ritual of journaling, she creates amazing, custom storybooks for people. I had the wonderful experience of receiving one of her custom storybooks as a gift. It is one of my most treasured possessions. The love and care she uses to create these works of art is truly awe inspiring. You can find this journaling crafter on Facebook.
How to Overcome Planner Envy Last night I had a bit of a meltdown. This does not happen to me too often, but last night it certainly did. It is so silly to have a meltdown over something as inconsequential as planner envy, or envy of any sort, for that matter. Alas, my feelings are my feelings. I am blessed to be on an Influencer Team with women who are incredibly talented. That having been said, as I looked at their blogs, their IG stories and feeds, the number of people who respond to and support them on social media, and the overall stunning work they do, I began to have that feeling of being “less than.” My reaction may have been partially due to an (oh so thankfully) averted tragedy at my son’s college this week. I just don’t know. Nevertheless, there it was. Straight out of nowhere. The horrid green-eyed monster was rearing its ugly head.
by Jean DiGiacomo
(Well, maybe more than a little.) So, what the heck was going on? I have learned a wonderful technique to help me look at why I might be feeling the way that I am feeling. I can then address those issues, should I choose to.
The technique is called H-A-L-T. I am to ask myself if I am hungry, angry, lonely and/or tired? So, was I hungry? Nope. Was I angry? Yes. I was angry that others had not responded to me the way I wanted them to. Was I lonely? A bit. I miss my son, and my boyfriend has been working incredibly long hours. Was I tired? Well, glory be. Yes, I was tired. Now that I had identified what might be going on with me, it was time to act.
I found myself feeling envious. I was jealous, sad, and ultimately, felt like I was not good enough. I cried a little. Journal Cafe | 11
I chatted online with one of my team members (she provided great support), texted my son to say goodnight (it helped that he texted back), talked with my boyfriend (it was lovely that he was home), got into bed (I am so blessed to have a home and a bed), escaped into a book (I love to read), fell asleep (rejuvenating sleep is such a gift), and got a good night of rest (sighs contentedly). I awoke feeling much better. This morning, after prayer, I wrote my gratitude list and journaled about my feelings. The point is, I took action. It is okay for me to have a short little pity-party. I think we all need that sometimes. It is not okay for me to just accept it and sit in it for a long period of time. I do not like that I can still beat myself up this way. I do not like that I still tend to compare myself with others. I do not like that I sometimes feel not good enough, unaccepted, unsupported, and unadmired. (Talk about a self-centered attitude!) When I give it time and take some action, I ultimately end up in a better place, because here is what I know for sure. I am perfect just the way I am. I have talents. There are some things I do extremely well, and some, not so much. Just like everyone else in the world. Each of us is uniquely individual. When I accept who I am, just as I am, I am a much happier and content human being. Will I still try to improve my planning style, and strive to emulate those I admire? Yes, they inspire me! Journal Cafe | 12
Will I also continue to look at social media, and sometimes have that intense planner envy (or home envy, fashion envy, age envy, relationship envy-whatever)? I am going to go out on a limb here (ha-ha) and say, yes, it is likely I will. I am human. Experience has shown me, however, I can always come back to a place of contentment. A place of feeling good enough. In fact, a place of feeling more than good enough. A place of acceptance with who and what I am. I just need to take some action to get there. DO YOU EVER FEEL INTENSE PLANNER ENVY? OR INTENSE ENVY OVER ANYTHING YOU THINK SOMEONE ELSE HAS OR DOES? HOW DO YOU OVERCOME IT? WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR - SEND TO journalcafemagazine@gmail.com
Click the pic to go to the website In five days the fourth PlannerCon Party takes place in Houston, TX. I can't wait to see these amazing ladies again. There will also be some new vendors attending, like LeCow Traveler's Notebook Company (@lecow_tn). Did you see that the Little Craft Place is also going to be there? Yes, and the Little Craft Place is also doing a special tour for the VIP attendees! Be sure to meet Rebecca Hoot of Create with Rebecca. And, be ready for the silent auction!
Hopefully, you've been seeing the PlannerCon team introductions on Facebook. While everyone on the team does not attend all of the parties, we are definitely working together behind the scenes to ensure everyone has a great time. Get ready to have a blast with Teresa Collins Webber, Kayla Benda, Michelle Hill and Nicole Bartellano. Don't forget about the hat parade. So be sure to bring your hat! We just might have to try the Get Up Challenge! Journal Cafe | 13
Brenda Hampton
Black Girl Powerhouse I'm excited to introduce you to the dynamic trio of the Black Girl Powerhouse - founder Brenda Hampton and her daughters Monique Hampton and Monica Hampton. I learned of them from the Facebook group Black Girls Craft. I saw the cutest luggage cover (top right) and had to have it. I thought it would be great to find out a little more about them. Here's how it went. What is your favorite thing about crafting? Our favorite thing about crafting is having the skill to create items or images that resemble our consumers. We have fun bouncing ideas off each other, and a lot of thought goes into everything we produce. There are times when we’ve had to scrap our crafting projects, and also times when we’ve laughed at each other’s creations. The overall objective, though, is to keep trying because we just never know what we’ll come up with. Another favorite thing Journal Cafe | 14
about crafting is being able to engage with other crafters online. How did you get into creating digital images and products? We’re so blessed to have creative niches and being born with this gift truly helps. In an effort to raise funds for the Powerhouse Project, we decided to use our skills and open an online store last December. Once we started working together on our designs, we were quite surprised by some of the unique creations we came up with. Our customers seem to really appreciate them, and we love when they inquire about customization. Many times, it pushes us to see what else we can create. Who are 1-2 people in the planner/crafter community you admire? This is a tough one, because we’ve seen so many talented individuals in the crafter community. Black Girl Magic is alive and doing rather well! With that being said, one person who stands out to me is Sheilita Joseph, owner of Chocolate Puddin’ Noodle Soup.
Monique Hampton & Monica Hampton Black Girl Powerhouse, Continued I can tell a lot of work goes into her creations and her clothing catches my eyes every single time. Due to their affiliation with art, Monique and Monica are impressed by the works of Nicole Marie Gibson, founder of Nikkey Creative. Her paintings/ designs are EVERYTHING! What drove you to wanting to create the Black Girl Powerhouse facility in Missouri? Is that still a goal? The Black Girl Powerhouse Project was prompted by a dream that involved my deceased mother. In the dream, black women were celebrating like never before and the amazing palace we assembled in was the most exquisite place I’d ever seen. I shared details of the dream with my daughters and we started to develop a specific plan for the Black Girl Powerhouse. It is a five-year plan that consists of purchasing land and building a facility we can use to unite, motivate and empower women of color. We also included areas for shopping, seminars, entertainment, and something we all need,
which is pampering and relaxation. While finding and purchasing land seems to be our biggest obstacles, we’re still on track to build a new facility in Missouri, where we reside. The ultimate goal is to build multiple Powerhouses across the country. You can find the Black Girl Powerhouse on Facebook and visit their websites. www.bgphouse.com and www.blackgirlpowerhouse.com. You can also reach out to them by email at blackgirlpowerhouse@gmail.com
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since high school, but it wasn’t until this year when I was asked to join a Facebook planner group that my world changed, LOL! What is your favorite thing about planning? I love the creativity of it all! I have an eye for matching colors together and putting items together. That’s always my favorite part. Just to be in a zone, expressing my creativity. As well as all the people I get to meet in the planner community, it’s pretty awesome!
CHRISHIA BRACKETT Hello! Hello, to another new face in the planner community. Meet Chrishia Brackett. She has the cutest stickers, invitations, party decor and more. I learned about her on Facebook in the group Sistahs that Plan and on Instagram. You can follow her @chrishialatoydesigns. I had a chance to ask her a few questions and this is what I learned.
Who are two people in the planner community you admire? I’m still new to this planner community and finding brands that I’m glued to because there are so many. However, I’m truly inspired by so many. Seeing women really creating their own sticker shops is mind blowing, but currently I most admire Marquita, from @athomewithquita and @littlemissfancyplans
How did you get into making stickers? I have always had a love for planners and stickers, and it wasn’t until I was invited to a Facebook group that I wanted to start Making my own stickers! I’m a self taught graphic designer. So, when I started creating my clip art, I decided to turn them into stickers. That was the start of Chrishia Latoy Designs. When did you learn about the planner community? I have been using planners Journal Cafe | 17
1. Do a random act of kindness 2. Eat plant based only for 1 day 3. Sit outside and count clouds 4. Write a postcard to someone 5. Go to bed early 6. Take a bath 7. Have a cup of hot chocolate 8. Visit a library 9. Give yourself a facial 10. Have a game night 11. Meditate 12. Dance naked 13. Smile 14. Spend the day in your PJs 15. Enjoy a cup of tea 16. Turn your phone off for 2 hours 17. Forgive yourself for anything Journal Cafe | 18
FALL SELF-CARE CHALLENGE #fallselfcarechallenge Fall is my absolute favorite season of the year. For me it represents the transition to a time in my life for reflection, decluttering, gratitude, relaxation and rejuvenation. Of course I have to have some fun with this returning season and I thought I'd bring you all on the journey with me. So, with that in mind I thought a self-care challenge would be just the thing for us to do together. Challenges are a great way to achieve short term goals and celebrate the smallest successes. Often times we are too hard on ourselves and this is the season for us to give ourselves a pat on the back. You don't need to do everything on the challenge list, but I would like you to commit to at least 4 things. Be sure to share your results of the challenge in our Facebook group - Journal Cafe Magazine and use the hashtag #fallselfcarechallenge. If you have a fun idea for a gratitude challenge in November, send it to us at journalcafemagazine@gmail.com.
Want to be a contributer? Would you like to be a part of the team and contribute content for the magazine? Know of some amazing folks who plan, journal, craft or shop owners you'd like people to know about? Got a quick make and take project or spread idea? If you answered yes to any of these, send a message to journalcafemagazine@gmail.com.
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What's Coming Next
Upcoming events Planner spotlights Challenge ideas Subscription spotlights Guest contributors Shop spotlights
The Journal Cafe is a publication for the planning, journaling and crafting community. We strive to share information that is meaningful, educational and entertaining. The magazine will continue to evolve over time with input from readers and the team. Journal Cafe | 20