• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • More About Make Life Marvelous
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Goodreads
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

Make Life Marvelous

An Ohio Lifestyle Blog

  • Lifestyle
  • Productivity
  • Wellness
  • Recipes
  • How I step-by-step Declutter My mind
  • Resources

The Latest

Shopping At Aldi For A Month Cover

Shopping at Aldi for a Month: What I Bought, Loved & Would Skip!

Let's Look Nostalgic Things I Miss From The 90s

Let’s Look: Nostalgic Things I Miss From The 90s

All The Things July 2026

All The Things | July 2026

Things Keeping Me Sane Right Now

June 24, 2020      41 Comments

*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. You can visit my disclosure policy and privacy policy for more details.
  

Things Keeping Me Sane - Featured

Are you struggling with this crazy, difficult, heavy time we are living in right now? To be honest, I am!

 

I can’t remember a time where there was this much heaviness happening all at once in the world, along with the months of quarantine due to the coronavirus. It has put me in a place where I’m actively avoiding the news for the most part. I still want to be educated and listening to the important things, but I can’t take the negativity, politics, and all of the evil happening. It’s invading my mindset and taking over.

 

Thankfully, there is still so much good in this world. Good news, good people, and good things.

 

I’ve found it difficult to stay consistent on my blog schedule lately, and have been pretty tough on myself. I’m trying to remind myself of that same self-care I’m always telling you about here on the blog, and to give yourselves grace. I think many have said it and I have to agree – now is not a normal time, and it’s okay to not pretend that things are normal or if you’re thrown off your usual schedule.

 

Regardless of this chaotic time, there are a few things keeping me sane right now and I can’t wait to share them with you! Be sure to let me know what has been keeping you sane lately!

 

My Planner

 

Some of you may remember my review of the Erin Condren LifePlanner that I wrote back in January.

 

Erin Condren LifePlanner

 

If not, go ahead and check it out right here!

 

I’m still using (and loving!) this planner. It helps me stay organized and I feel so productive when I’m writing out my to-do’s or appointments, and checking them off as I go. There are so many ways to personalize it, and bunches of stickers you can use to make your planner more efficient or just plain gorgeous!

 

My Blog

 

I know I mentioned that I haven’t been on a consistent schedule recently, but that certainly doesn’t mean that this blog isn’t helping me stay sane! There is so much behind-the-scenes work that I’ve been doing, fun new printables and designs I’ve been creating, and just reaching out to other bloggers and checking out their fantastic posts.

 

I love this blog and am so looking forward to the day that it’s my full time job. It brings a smile to my face, on the good days and the bad days.

 

 

When I’m replying back to your comments or writing a comment on another blog, a smile appears on my face without even thinking about it. That’s true joy, friends!

 

My Reading List

 

I’ve enjoyed reading more during quarantine. Isn’t it nice to mentally teleport to another place and get wrapped up in the characters and their stories?

 

I shared my review of a couple of personal development books I read earlier this year, in case you’re looking for books that are good for your soul!

 

If you’re looking for fiction, here are a couple of my favorite books I read last year:

Things Keeping Me SaneThings Keeping Me Sane

Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman | Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

 

I’m currently struggling to pick a book to read for July. Please let me know ALL of your suggestions! Once I read a few more, I’ll do another recap post. 🙂

 

Pin - Things Keeping Me Sane

 

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading a few of the things keeping me sane lately. I’m wishing you all the very best day, and can’t wait to read your comments!

 

 

Let’s Chat!

What is keeping you sane right now?
Have you had a difficult time lately?
What’s your favorite thing that happened this week?

  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X

Blog Posts You May Also Enjoy!

All The Things June 2026

All The Things | June 2026

Make the Most of the Fall Season

Make the Most of the Fall Season

Simple Ways to Cultivate a Fresh Start

Setting The Tone: How to Cultivate a Fresh Start

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jennifer says

    June 25, 2020 at 7:07 AM

    My blog and working out have been keeping me sane.

    Jennifer
    Effortlessly Sophisticated

    Reply
    • Make Life Marvelous says

      June 25, 2020 at 8:33 AM

      Love that, friend! I need to get back to working out soon.

      Reply
  2. Katie says

    June 25, 2020 at 12:35 PM

    My Erin Condren life planner has been keeping me organized and on track lately! It looks like we have the same one! Thanks for sharing your reading list! I’ve been looking for some new books to add to my list.

    Reply
    • Make Life Marvelous says

      June 25, 2020 at 1:17 PM

      That’s neat!! I really love this design. 🙂 I hope you’ll love some of these books, Katie!

      Reply
  3. Rach says

    June 25, 2020 at 2:11 PM

    I love Erin Condren planners! I have one and they are seriously the best!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

    Reply
    • Make Life Marvelous says

      June 25, 2020 at 6:23 PM

      I’m so happy you love your planner, too!

      Reply
  4. Elisa says

    June 26, 2020 at 5:18 AM

    Totally agree with you! My planner and blog keep me sane together with my piano and painting!
    xx Elisa
    http://www.francinesplaceblog.com | DIY & LIFESTYLE BLOG

    Reply
  5. Alie Mackin says

    June 26, 2020 at 2:41 PM

    Oh yes I know what you mean. Seriously. And I too am glad I have my blog and my YT channel to focus on, it helps with depression and anxiety for sure.

    Allie of
    http://www.allienyc.com

    Reply
  6. Simone says

    June 26, 2020 at 3:20 PM

    I’ve started a workout routine, baked and cooked a lot in the beginning of quarantine. Since mid May our life here in Switzerland got back to normal so unfortunately I have now less time to do all these things. I’m just happy though that all the shops and restaurants are open again.

    xx Simone
    Little Glittery Box

    Reply
  7. Zia says

    June 26, 2020 at 4:06 PM

    going on lots of family day trip adventures and Netflix have been keeping me happy! Try reading the My Brilliant Friend series. The TV show was so good I had to finish the story by reading the final two books! x ~Zia
    http://thehuntercollector.com

    Reply
  8. Radi says

    June 26, 2020 at 7:00 PM

    For me it’s pretty much the same. I would add listening to music…can’t live without it.

    http://www.fashionradi.com

    Reply
  9. Alexa Marsh says

    June 26, 2020 at 8:44 PM

    Your planner is so pretty! For book recommendations, I suggest reading Between Shades of Grey, by Ruta Sepetys. I just finished it a couple days ago, and it was such a great book!

    http://alexagmarsh.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  10. Demi says

    June 27, 2020 at 4:21 AM

    I love planners! They definitely keep me sane!

    Demi | https://demibang.com/

    Reply
  11. Eli says

    June 27, 2020 at 8:12 AM

    I need to plan better an be able to schedule everything. I know have time to do everything but sometimes I procastinate a bit… And also, I need to find some more time for my reading list!!
    xx

    Eli

    Curly Style

    Reply
  12. Mica says

    June 27, 2020 at 7:33 PM

    I’ve been trying to keep up with blogging too – after doing it for so many years it’s part of my regular routine and it’s nice to have one little bit of consistency, haha! It’s nice how things are getting back to normal now, although we still stay home more than usual.

    Hope that you are having a lovely weekend 🙂

    Reply
  13. Margot says

    June 28, 2020 at 8:57 AM

    Blogging and reading also help me a lot to evade from the reality and not stay bored at home 🙂
    xx
    Margot
    https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com

    Reply
  14. m says

    June 28, 2020 at 3:14 PM

    In the same way as you, I’ve been keeping my head full in order to avoid becoming stressed or sad. I’ve been working out along with Chloe Ting’s workouts and reading a lot! I’ve also started a brand new blog. Enjoy your summer ♡
    fleetinggyal.blogspot.com

    Reply
  15. Shaira says

    June 29, 2020 at 6:41 AM

    Same feels! My blog’s keeping me sane too as well as netflix!! I binge watch korean series to keep away my stress. 🙂

    xoxo,
    SHAIRA
    Blog: http://www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com

    Reply
  16. The Exclusive Beauty Diary says

    June 29, 2020 at 11:24 AM

    We share same thing that keep us sane. Blog and reading helps me so much during these times.

    New Post – https://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com/2020/06/la-mer-soft-fluid-long-wear-foundation.html

    Reply
  17. Laura says

    June 29, 2020 at 4:17 PM

    I stopped blogging around a year or two ago ago, but recently started blogging again – I think lockdown has re-ignighted my love for writing blog posts.

    Laura Thinks About
    Virtual Assistant

    Reply
  18. Itzel Najar says

    June 30, 2020 at 1:27 AM

    Thanks for sharing!!
    same situation here!!

    https://www.itzytrendy.com/2020/06/nude-dress-from-femme-luxe.html#comments

    Reply
  19. Sara says

    June 30, 2020 at 4:57 AM

    I like so much planners and for me it’s the same. Have a beautiful day!
    https://chicchedimamma.com/

    Reply
  20. Tiziana Olbrich says

    June 30, 2020 at 6:15 AM

    Oh Liane Moriarty is one of my favorite authors, but I liked her older books like “the husbands secret” the most 🙂

    Great post, have to pin it! <3

    have a great day,

    Tiziana
    http://www.tizianaolbrich.de

    Reply
  21. FASHION TALES says

    July 1, 2020 at 5:47 PM

    Between my blog and a few workshops that I have been doing, I am staying busy. Now that our offices are open things are slowly getting back in the swing of things but not to normal, I don’t think it will ever be the same globally. I love journaling and I keep a tight schedule since my work is focussed in different regions.

    Reply
  22. Emily Hein says

    July 2, 2020 at 7:31 AM

    I totally feel the same way. The world is such a crazy place right now and it’s a challenge to keep your mind in check. Staying positive is key! There are definitely so many good things to be grateful for! I highly recommend, The Nightingale. I know this book has been out for a while but I just read it and LOVED it.

    Reply
  23. Laura says

    July 3, 2020 at 12:42 PM

    I have been reading also more these past months and also working hard on my Instagram 🙂

    Laura
    https://www.beautywithlala.com/

    Reply
  24. Elegant Duchess says

    July 3, 2020 at 4:08 PM

    Working from home has been a blessing and I finally have a more time for myself and my family. I’m dreading going back to crazy normal with not enough hours in a day to get everything done.
    Blog is definitely a great way to keep sane. xx

    Elegant Duchess xx
    https://www.elegantduchess.com/

    Reply
  25. Caitlin | Beauty & Colour says

    July 4, 2020 at 5:59 PM

    I cannot get by without my planner haha xx

    Healthy Summer Bucket List Ideas | Vegan Fashion + Lifestyle Blog

    Reply
  26. Kinga says

    July 7, 2020 at 10:54 AM

    Happy July 🙂

    Reply
  27. Ashley says

    July 9, 2020 at 12:56 PM

    Staying sane is the goal right now- it’s easy to get overwhelmed with everything going on. I love your tips! For me, it’s staying organized, keeping my environment in order (aka my house!), and finding time and space for self-care.

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

    Reply
  28. Didier says

    July 13, 2020 at 9:57 AM

    It is definitely hard to wrap my head about the current situations at times but we just need to keep going. It will all get better eventually!

    -Didier
    http://www.didieryhc.com

    Reply
  29. Julia Rees says

    July 16, 2020 at 5:34 AM

    It’s so easy to get overwhelmed right now and these are great tips to stay sane!
    I’ve been working on a new business project, reading more and decluttering my house to stay sane!
    Julia x
    https://www.thevelvetrunway.com/

    Reply
  30. Gemma | Makeup Muddle says

    July 19, 2020 at 2:59 PM

    My blog has been helping with my sanity too! It’s always good to keep busy. I would love a planner, I think it would really help me to stay organised xo

    Makeup Muddle

    Reply
  31. Jules says

    July 22, 2020 at 9:51 AM

    My blog and reading help me a lot too!! 🙂

    Reply
  32. Kathrine Eldridge says

    July 22, 2020 at 5:40 PM

    Thanks for these ideas! I need some major self care right now. Might need to read for fun to break things up a bit.

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

    Reply
  33. Rach says

    July 23, 2020 at 9:27 AM

    I’ve been reading quite a bit! It’s definitely a great escape!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

    Reply
  34. Lovely says

    July 23, 2020 at 2:35 PM

    I know how you feel! Writing fashion blogs keep me sane!

    xoxo
    Lovely

    http://mynameislovely.com

    Reply
  35. Angelica says

    July 23, 2020 at 3:30 PM

    I definitely felt the same and sometimes still do. It is imporant to be easy on yourself and the joy of being productive comes more naturally.
    Also been loving reading. Interested in these finds..

    XX Angelica
    https://eraenvogue.com

    Reply
  36. BeautiliciousD says

    July 25, 2020 at 12:04 PM

    So inspiring, great post xx

    http://www.beautiliciousd.blogspot.com

    Reply
  37. Caitlin | Beauty & Colour says

    July 29, 2020 at 2:49 PM

    I need new stuff to add to my reading list too! xx

    How To Be More Mindful | Vegan Fashion + Lifestyle Blog

    Reply
    • Make Life Marvelous says

      July 30, 2020 at 1:55 PM

      I just picked out a few books over the past weekend and I’ll definitely share the reviews on the blog when I’m finished. I’m currently reading Big Summer by Jess Weiner.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

About Me

I'm Ashley, the one-woman village behind this little blog! Living in my thirties era and happily married to my soul mate. Forever missing our rescue cats that crossed the rainbow bridge, Draino and Pepper. I’m obsessed with grabbing iced coffee, watching court cases, check marking my to-do list, fresh air, cozy blankets, helping others, and saying ‘I love you’ before every goodbye.

I'm so happy you're here and can't wait to connect with you on all the marvelous things!

Featured Post: Outfit Ideas!

Pebble Beach Outfit Ideas - 1

Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe

Gooey Butter Cookies

Join the (Email) Club!

Top blog posts graphic

CHOCOLATE MAYONNAISE CAKE

CHOCOLATE COOL WHIP ICING

QUICK & EASY GOULASH

LAUNCH DATES FOR 2026 PLANNERS

GIFT GUIDE FOR GOAL GETTERS

WHAT TO WEAR IN MONTEREY

WHAT'S IN MY GROCERY CART

Looking for Something Special?

Amazon Affiliate Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

makelifemarvelous

Leave a ❤️ if you can relate! 💗 Ashley #MakeLif Leave a ❤️ if you can relate!

💗 Ashley
 
#MakeLifeMarvelous
 www.makelifemarvelous.com
Our new @aldiusa recently opened up, so I decided Our new @aldiusa recently opened up, so I decided to put it to the test! 🛒

After shopping there for a month, I’m sharing what I bought (with receipts!), things I loved, and what I’d skip next time around. ✨ Thanks @curlycraftymom for the idea! 
 
🎉 The full post is live on the blog! 🎉
 
Use my link in bio or hop over to this page for all the fun: https://www.makelifemarvelous.com/shopping-at-aldi-for-a-month-what-i-bought-loved-would-skip/
 
Do you shop at Aldi? I’d love to hear your favorite things! 

💗 Ashley
 
#MakeLifeMarvelous
 www.makelifemarvelous.com
Yes, iced coffee counts! 😉 Sometimes it’s the sma Yes, iced coffee counts! 😉

Sometimes it’s the smallest, simplest things that make us feel most grounded - and those things are worth remembering and incorporating! 

Maybe it’s a morning cup of coffee, spending time in your Bible, listening to your favorite podcast, stepping outside for some fresh air, a few quiet minutes going over your to-do list in your planner, or checking in with someone you love. 
 
Let your tiny anchors remind you to slow down and be present in your everyday life. It all goes by so quickly, sweet friends! 🩷
 
What’s one little thing that helps you feel grounded?

💗 Ashley
 
#MakeLifeMarvelous
 www.makelifemarvelous.com
#gifted I have some fun new organization goodies t #gifted I have some fun new organization goodies to share! 📦✨
 
Thank you SO much to @erincondren for sending me this amazing package to share with you!
 
Here’s a peek at what I unboxed:
 
🖇️ Cord Organizer Box
📝 Monitor Memo Board
✏️ Focused Dry Erase Markers
📒 Snap-in Pocket Dashboards
📓 Take Note 3-Subject Notebook
🗂️ Standup Organizer Caddy
📋 Repositioned Weekly Whiteboard & Notepad
🗓️ 2026–2027 Wall Calendar
 
As a planner + productivity girl, I’m always excited to find little things that make staying organized a bit easier. I’ll be sharing how I put these to good use super soon, sweet friends!
 
You can use my affiliate link in bio to shop all of these fun goodies, and happy to answer any questions you may have!
 
Which item would you be most excited to try? 👀✨
 
#ErinCondren #ECSquad #ECSummerWarehouseExclusives #PlannerCommunity
Today’s Reminder No. 3 ✨   The typical advice tell Today’s Reminder No. 3 ✨
 
The typical advice tells you to keep pushing no matter what you may be facing. While there is most certainly a time and place for that – the same goes for giving yourself space to relax and recharge, especially during busy, stressful seasons. 
 
Happy new week, sweet friends! 

💗 Ashley
 
#MakeLifeMarvelous
 www.makelifemarvelous.com
Just a few little summertime moments. ☀️ You can Just a few little summertime moments. ☀️
 
You can catch all the fun from July over on the blog with my All The Thing recap post at makelifemarvelous.com!
 
Hope you’re having a beautiful summer so far! 🌼
 
#lifestyleblogger #summermemories #cozylifestyle #simplejoys #intentionalliving

Copyright © 2026 · Make Life Marvelous · Wordpress Theme by TinselPop