Please click here for an important update about Streamlined by Steven's pay-what-you-can (including $0!) remote offerings during this challenging time. 

Thank you for everything you do to take care of others. We need one another even more than usual, these days.

Long time, no post, for the best of reasons: I've been busy with a fun and fascinating range of client projects!

So, if you're like many people, you have a Post-it/sticky note habit... which makes sense because they're just so handy. This is not judgment, but rather offering information so you can make the decisions that feel right for you.

Sticky notes:

• Usually cost you money, unless you get them for free from your job or a promo
• Definitely cost us trees
• Are frustrating when you can't find a specific note--or when it turns out the adhesive weakened and the note fell somewhere
• Also, did you know that sticky notes can damage your books and damage recycling equipment?!

If you want to save money, trees, and time spent on the floor searching for Post-its... you've come to the right place! 

Here are a few suggestions to reduce the eco-impact of sticky notes. These are roughly in order of increasing eco-friendliness:

• If you're buying stickies, get recycled ones that are also compatible with future recycling, like these (as always, no product endorsement implied: this is just an example).
• Use scrap paper for jotting notes or reminders
• Purchase a reusable, erasable board, ideally something glass instead of plastic
• Use a note-taking app on your phone: Apple also offers a proprietary Notes app, while Google has a Reminders function in Google Calendar. There are also many free options in app stores. 
  • Most of these programs are searchable and back up to the cloud, so you never have to worry about losing a specific note again!

NOTE: I have not been compensated by any of these apps. These are merely a few apps that I personally use & find helpful:

1. ​Frameshot (Apple & Android): Send photos from your phone as snail mail postcards--free!
   (Wondering how? Their business model is ad-supported: the postcard's front is the photo you chose; the back contains your typed message, plus an ad from one of their advertisers.
   If you're a little hesitant, try sending yourself a photo postcard before sending to others!)
   People LOVE receiving personalized snail mail these days: it's a bright spot amidst bills and junk mail. Pick out a silly selfie and make someone smile!
2. Pocket (Apple, Android, & desk/laptop): Save internet content to read later--even when you're offline. Pocket is especially good for subway commutes with spotty internet access. No Net connection? No problem.
   You can also share content right from Pocket. Did you read a beautiful essay, and think your best friend would love to read it, too? Skimmed something your mom would find interesting?
   Send to them via text, email, & more, along with an [optional] personalized note from you.
3. Workflowy (Apple, Android, & desk/laptop): Make & manipulate countless lists and sub-lists. You can (re) organize, collapse/expand, share with others, mark items as completed, and more.
   Among other things, I use WF for gift ideas when on the go. When I spot something that would make a great gift, I jot it down--and then when the person's birthday rolls around, I'm not scrambling for ideas at the last minute! See photo.
   This is especially handy for people who live in small spaces: in the interim months, I haven't had presents taking up precious apartment space!

One wonderful way to spread kindness is to honor loved ones' special events: birthdays, yes, but also relationship anniversaries, accomplishments, and days of mourning. 

We strengthen relationships when we join with others in their joys, and show up, fully present, in their times of sadness. #JoinInJoy #ShowUpForSadness

Many people have come to rely on Facebook, which automates reminders for birthdays and some other events: e.g., "It's been two years since you and X became friends on Facebook!"

However, Facebook has significant limitations when used as a calendar:

• Not everyone uses Facebook, and FB users don't always share their birthdays
• Facebook's interface is primarily set to remind you on the day of the event, which isn't much time to plan a card, gift, or experience (e.g., tickets for a play)
• Perhaps most importantly, Facebook doesn't include other important events: e.g., the day of your first date with your now-partner, or the day a close friend's mother passed away--when said friend would especially welcome a call from you

One solution is to create a custom Google calendar, specifically to plan for special events (which Streamlined can make quick work of, or you can do yourself!):

1. Free
2. Works whether or not you use Gmail for email, and even if your primary calendar is on paper
3. Events can auto-repeat as often and specifically as you'd like: e.g., annually, every 2rd Monday of the month, every 3 months on the 19th day of the month
4. Calendar can email you reminders, however far in advance of the event you'd like: e.g., send me emails 3 weeks and 1 week in advance
5. Search within your calendar for upcoming events, share it with others, or set it to "private," so only you can see the reminders
6. Import events from another e-calendar, or quickly enter them manually
7. Alphabetize and color-code the calendar, which is especially helpful if you also use other Google calendars
8. ... and more!

Do you have another calendar solution you use? What are its pros and cons? Comments welcome!