Let's chat: Jennifer Reyes
As some of you may know, I am part of the quickly growing community that has embraced the habit of keeping and decorating a paper planner (more like I'm giving it a BEAR HUG).
(images by @mypurplelylife)
Shortly after learning that decorating your paper planner was actually a thing (check out #planneraddict), I found Jennifer Reyes (AKA @mypurpleylife).
She is a serious plannergirl (that's another hashtag for you to check out, newbies) and has a blog and Youtube channel dedicated to the art of planner keeping.
As a novice, her advice was super helpful in starting to plan. Her blog is a serious treasure trove of resources, reviews, and advice all presented with a warm, approachable tone.
I had the chance to pick Jennifer's brain about her planner path and just what it's like to own 70 (that's right, 70!) planners. Jennifer, take it away....
Hi there. My name is Jennifer Reyes. I am a 31 year old wife and mother of two beautiful daughters.
Where do you live and work?
I was born and raised in Southern California! I currently work at a Children’s Hospital as a Respiratory Therapist.
Have you always been a creative person?
As a child, I always had a love for arts and crafts. I love stationery of all kinds - stickers, paper, pens and markers. I also kept many notebooks filled with doodling and journaling.
As I grew my own family, I started scrapbooking and making crafts. With many things going on with life, I knew I needed something to keep track of it all. I tried using digital calendars, but I could never figure out how to customize it the way I wanted to.
I thought, why not use all the stationery and paper crafting products I have and incorporate them into my planner. Thus, in 2012, I started my blog and YouTube channel, known as MyPurpleyLife.
What is the best thing about using a planner?
Using a planner has now become a reflection of our creative selves. The best thing about use a planner is that you have the ability to personalize and customize it to your needs.
I am taking that long list of to-dos and appointments and turned it into something motivational yet useful. This is what I have found to help me be more organized and still allow me to keep my creative juices flowing.
How many planners do you have?
The number of planners I have is ever changing because I work with many different companies and review many products. My collection has grown to over 70 of them.
But what would make someone want to have so many? I love the ability to have variety. There is plenty of variety when it comes to color, size, material type and styles. I have the ability to switch into another style when I feel the need for something different.
Right now, which is your fave?
My current favorites are my Personal sized Color Crush Planner, Traveler’s Notebook, and The Happy Planner.
How do you use stickers in your layouts?
I love using stickers to decorate my planner and make it more pleasing to the eye. It has helped me boost my spirits instead of looking at a chaotic week ahead. It makes using a planner fun!
Do you involve your daughters in the planning process?
My daughters are very involved with helping me plan. I love involving the entire family so that we are all on the same page. My kids love using their own planners. It teaches them to be responsible and accountable for their time. It also allows us to bond together and decorate our planners with washi tapes and stickers.
How do you treat yourself?
When I get to decorate in my planner, I’m treating myself by being creative with stickers, stamping, and using all my favorite stationery. Planning has also been a way for me to de-stress and relax.
What’s your favorite food?
Japanese Food and Chocolate (does that count?)
What are you reading?
The Power of I Am by Joel Osteen, The Complete Book of Home Organization by Toni Hammersley, and some magazines called Creative Spaces.
What are you listening to?
Adele, Tori Kelly, Jessie J, and whatever my kids are into.
What’s your biggest challenge in life right now?
It has to be remodeling my new house. I’m excited and anxious to move, but moving is always a difficult process.
If you could travel anywhere where would you go?
I would go to Hawaii. I miss my family there, the food, the beach, and did I mention the food?
What advice do you have for people wanting to be more creative?
Find inspiration and get knowledge from others. Learn what’s out there. Don’t just try to imitate. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s ok to make mistakes. Practice, practice, practice. You’ll get better with time. Set aside time to be creative, try to make it a part of your everyday life.
Thanks Jennifer! Your ability to keep it all together and make it LOOK SO GOOD at the same time is super impressive :)
If you're a new planner, good luck (there is LOTS of reading material out there!).
Be sure to sign up for our Pro Sticker Club (think planner bling) and join the Pipsticks planner community!
Mo xoxo
ps. Read our other inspiring interviews.
(images by @mypurplelylife)
Shortly after learning that decorating your paper planner was actually a thing (check out #planneraddict), I found Jennifer Reyes (AKA @mypurpleylife).
She is a serious plannergirl (that's another hashtag for you to check out, newbies) and has a blog and Youtube channel dedicated to the art of planner keeping.
As a novice, her advice was super helpful in starting to plan. Her blog is a serious treasure trove of resources, reviews, and advice all presented with a warm, approachable tone.
I had the chance to pick Jennifer's brain about her planner path and just what it's like to own 70 (that's right, 70!) planners. Jennifer, take it away....
My Purpley Life
Hi there. My name is Jennifer Reyes. I am a 31 year old wife and mother of two beautiful daughters.
Where do you live and work?
I was born and raised in Southern California! I currently work at a Children’s Hospital as a Respiratory Therapist.
Have you always been a creative person?
As a child, I always had a love for arts and crafts. I love stationery of all kinds - stickers, paper, pens and markers. I also kept many notebooks filled with doodling and journaling.
As I grew my own family, I started scrapbooking and making crafts. With many things going on with life, I knew I needed something to keep track of it all. I tried using digital calendars, but I could never figure out how to customize it the way I wanted to.
I thought, why not use all the stationery and paper crafting products I have and incorporate them into my planner. Thus, in 2012, I started my blog and YouTube channel, known as MyPurpleyLife.
What is the best thing about using a planner?
Using a planner has now become a reflection of our creative selves. The best thing about use a planner is that you have the ability to personalize and customize it to your needs.
I am taking that long list of to-dos and appointments and turned it into something motivational yet useful. This is what I have found to help me be more organized and still allow me to keep my creative juices flowing.
How many planners do you have?
The number of planners I have is ever changing because I work with many different companies and review many products. My collection has grown to over 70 of them.
But what would make someone want to have so many? I love the ability to have variety. There is plenty of variety when it comes to color, size, material type and styles. I have the ability to switch into another style when I feel the need for something different.
Right now, which is your fave?
My current favorites are my Personal sized Color Crush Planner, Traveler’s Notebook, and The Happy Planner.
How do you use stickers in your layouts?
I love using stickers to decorate my planner and make it more pleasing to the eye. It has helped me boost my spirits instead of looking at a chaotic week ahead. It makes using a planner fun!
Do you involve your daughters in the planning process?
My daughters are very involved with helping me plan. I love involving the entire family so that we are all on the same page. My kids love using their own planners. It teaches them to be responsible and accountable for their time. It also allows us to bond together and decorate our planners with washi tapes and stickers.
How do you treat yourself?
When I get to decorate in my planner, I’m treating myself by being creative with stickers, stamping, and using all my favorite stationery. Planning has also been a way for me to de-stress and relax.
What’s your favorite food?
Japanese Food and Chocolate (does that count?)
What are you reading?
The Power of I Am by Joel Osteen, The Complete Book of Home Organization by Toni Hammersley, and some magazines called Creative Spaces.
What are you listening to?
Adele, Tori Kelly, Jessie J, and whatever my kids are into.
What’s your biggest challenge in life right now?
It has to be remodeling my new house. I’m excited and anxious to move, but moving is always a difficult process.
If you could travel anywhere where would you go?
I would go to Hawaii. I miss my family there, the food, the beach, and did I mention the food?
What advice do you have for people wanting to be more creative?
Find inspiration and get knowledge from others. Learn what’s out there. Don’t just try to imitate. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s ok to make mistakes. Practice, practice, practice. You’ll get better with time. Set aside time to be creative, try to make it a part of your everyday life.
Thanks Jennifer! Your ability to keep it all together and make it LOOK SO GOOD at the same time is super impressive :)
If you're a new planner, good luck (there is LOTS of reading material out there!).
Be sure to sign up for our Pro Sticker Club (think planner bling) and join the Pipsticks planner community!
Mo xoxo
ps. Read our other inspiring interviews.
