prescribed by Sarah

I use asana to manage my business (+ personal life). It is much more than a to-do list. Organise and prioritise your tasks plus create streamlined systems, plan your projects, create templates, schedule + delegate as well as track your progress towards your goals.

I use Kit for e-mail marketing. With Kit you can tag & segment your subscribers, create automated workflows, analyse opt-in statistics, personalise emails really easily and much more.

I’ve built my own website using Squarespace, and I love it. It’s super easy to use, and I’ve been able to incorporate my blog and an exclusive members area in the one place. Squarespace also offers an email marketing solution, and calendar booking; but I’m currently with other providers for these additional services.

I run my own small business networking events at the Prince and Princess of Wales hospice in Glasgow. The events take place regularly, and are an initimate brunch of no more than 10 people. Email me to find out more.

I’ve been really enjoying the events hosted by Small Biz Big Chat. It’s a very inclusive group of female entrepreneurs and they meet monthly. At each event there’s either a guest speaker or an activity; I’ve been to chocolate tasting, wreath making and a mindfulness watercolour meditation.

My favourite author in the time management and productivity genre is American writer, Laura Vanderkam. I own at least 5 of her books, maybe 6 even, with a favourite being “168 Hours. You have more time than you think.”

I really enjoyed Oliver Burkeman’s book “4000 weeks. Time management for mortals” which I read a few years ago, and would recommend giving it a read. I would re-read this one, so you know it’s worthwhile picking up a copy.

“Time management from the inside out” by Julie Morgenstern is one I find myself returning to often. It was written in 2000, but is still very relevant today. There are lots of practical suggestions of things you can implement.

This timer from Minimal Desk Set-Ups is super sleek looking, and is ideal for those of us who need a bit of help to conquer distractions. The premise is that you set the timer for a block of focused work, e.g. 25 minutes, and then also set a time for a break before your next blog, e.g. 5 minutes. By having a timer that’s separate to your phone, means you’re less likely to end up doom-scrolling on social media!

The science would suggest that by standing to work, you can increase your focus and productivity. I love my standing desk from certified BCorp Wellworking.

I’ve loved Three Sisters Bake ever since I first stumbled into the online world with my first blog, some 12 years ago! I have their recipe book, frequented the cafe, attended their afternoon tea events and more. You can now send their cakes in the post, and they are delicious. I can highly recommend them.

I regularly use Bloom & Wild to send letterbox flowers to loved ones. Rather than sending a gift that may not be used, I like to send flowers or food. Bloom & Wild care about the environment, which is important to me. Their letterbox flowers are delivered in recyclable packaging, and the flowers are beautiful and last well too.

Protecting the environment is important to me, and so I try to be responsible when I’m choosing my cleaning products. I’ve been getting dishwasher tabs and laundry capsules from smol for a while now on subscription. Super easy to set-up and I don’t need to worry about running out. The packaging is fully recyclable too.

Another subscription service I use is Lily’s Kitchen, which is a B Corp providing pet food for cats and dogs. Evie, our cavachon dog, loves her Farmhouse Stew that we get, as well as the treats. I’ve now got the delivery frequency nailed, and so again it’s one less thing I need to think about.

When I can, I try to use a refill shop. I had been using an online one, but it’s sadly closed. Instead I’ve been using Locavore, where I fill up on shampoo, shower gel, fabric conditioner etc. as well as dry goods for the pantry. Locavore also do a veg box where they deliver organic veg across Scotland.

I stopped watching and reading the news a number of years ago, but recently I have subscribed to this email newsletter, The Know. They share the important stories, without jargon, and I look forward to reading their emails. Their mission is to help everyone start their day feeling informed and hopeful.

I’ve really been enjoying Stocked meals. They are delicious meals frozen into blocks, and you can choose how many blocks you reheat. 1 for a snack, or 3 for a meal. Add to rice, pasta or a wrap. Quick, easy + nutritious. Use my referral link to get £10 off your first delivery.

Food shopping and meal prep taking up too much time? I use this local company for healthy meals delivered to my door. I especially love their overnight oats, particularly the pistachio and white chocolate! Reheat the meals in 3 minutes in your microwave. Easy!

Part of my ritual for deep work is making myself a cup of tea, and even better if it can be in my favourite mug. I don’t actually swear all that often but find this mug so amusing and it always brings a smile to my face.

Working with Clare (Tingle & Glow) has improved my gut health considerably. I’ve got Crohn’s Disease, and I wanted to work with a nutritionist to improve my symptoms and hopefully prevent future flare-ups, but also improve my energy. Clare advised me on my diet as well as supplements I should be taking.

Marie-Claire Donnelly is the founder of Dream Magic Superfood Powders, and she is passionate about health, fitness and wellbeing. One teaspoon a day is enough to give you a dose of essential vitamins and minerals.

The Screen Zen app is very clever, and can be set to block a variety of apps at different days / times. I’ve found this to be super helpful to improve my focus during the working day. When you do try to get into a blocked app, it forces you to pause and be intentional about your next steps.

I’ve been taking Myota prebiotic gut health supplement for a few months now and feel great. Whether you want to support your gut microbiome, manage your blood sugar levels, boost immunity or find a new tasty (and healthy) drink - there's a blend for you!⁠ (Below is my referral link)

My ring tracks sleep, stress, heart health, fitness, and movement. I’m really enjoying the insights it gives me. Watching the trends shift over time keeps me motivated and reminds me how small daily choices add up.

I like having a scented space to work from, and have always loved essential oils from when I was a little girl. I think anchoring a scent to a way you want to feel is helpful; so for instance I don’t use the same oil(s) that I would at night-time for the times when I want to do focused work.