Favorite Resources and Tools for 2019

With the new year comes all sorts of new adventures, goals, and resolutions.

You know the list...Being more creative and finishing those projects. Getting engaged and then getting married. Having a baby (or another) and adjusting to life as a larger family. A new job or promotion that changes up your schedule. Working out more or eating better.

That got us to talking at the Museum today, and we thought, let's share our favorite resources and tools! The three of us that work full time here at the Museum have very different focuses (personally and professionally), so this blog is for EVERYONE! Enjoy!

Pinterest & Chop Saw

I couldn't choose just one favorite (I'm a rebel like that) - Pinterest is my source for inspiration, but the Chop Saw is my execution!

A tool that most people are aware of is a website full of inspiring ideas about whatever you are interested in - Pinterest! Whether I’m planning an art lesson or holiday craft, it is a great go-to to get me started. We serve a variety of ages and its great to get a wide variety of examples of whatever I’m looking for. There have been many Pinterest wins and Pinterest fails, but it’s always fun getting inspired and trying out something new.

A literal tool that has been a game changer for our Crafts Nights is my beloved chop (miter) saw. It is a simple electric saw that chops down on the wood with a lever handle. The one the Museum uses was purchased at Home Depot. It is the best saw for me and our craft projects because I feel safe and confident using it, which is very important. I make simple cuts for all my DIY wood projects. No lost fingers, yet!

- Anna, Education Director

LadyMarry Wedding Planner App

Currently, I am constantly immersed in the world of weddings as not only an event coordinator, but also planning my own wedding! With so many moving parts and things to do, it is beyond helpful to stay extremely organized. The LadyMarry Wedding Planner App (available on iOS and Android) is perfect for this. Along with the generic pre-set items to get you started, everything is completely customizable allowing you to tailor tasks, budgets, to-do lists, and more to align exactly with your personal event. In addition, the app provides tips, tricks, and blog posts to provide insight and keep you on track for what’s next. Worried about keeping your fiancé just as organized? You can add collaborators so everyone can stay on the same page! If you’re planning a wedding and want to keep organized on the go, you will fall in love with this app.

- Kaitlyn, Event Coordinator

To-Do List App

The one thing I'm grateful I implemented last year was a to-do list. I tried out a planner-style book, but found having a digital version was the way that worked for me. For about 6 months, I've been using Todoist (web, phone app, and desktop program). I've always had a great memory, but I'm a mom to a 2 year old boy, wife to a busy husband, and work full time. Add in getting groceries, hitting the gym, home projects, and seeing friends and family...and you know how easy it is to forget or drop things. But I've found that with the app, I can input anything in an moment because my phone is usually nearby. Set a task to be done for a specific day or just leave it in the inbox as a reminder. My life, personally and professionally, has changed for the better as I don't need to stress about forgetting things!

- Miranda, Executive Director

Note: None of the links are sponsored or revenue-generating. We just wanted to share what we use or where we got it with you!