If you are brand new to digital planning, here is a 5 step beginner’s guide to digital planning.

Digital planners are a great way to organize your life and stay on top of important tasks. They allow you to create lists, set reminders, and capture notes with ease.

Digital planners can be used on any device, but iPads seem to be the preferred method. They feel the most like an original paper daily planner – except you can erase any mistakes you make, move items around easily, copy and paste tasks you repeat each week or day and you can block off times in many different colors without picking up different pens and highlighters!

Digital planning is awesome and here is your 5 Step Beginner’s Guide to Digital Planning.

Step 1
Download GoodNotes

The first step in digital planning is to download a note taking app. GoodNotes is available in the App Store and is free for the first 3 notebooks you create. This makes it perfect for getting started with a daily planner at no cost. And, GoodNotes was named Apple’s iPad App of the Year for 2022, which means it’s pretty dang good.

Here are some of the features I find the coolest – you can turn messy handwriting into any font you want, you can search your planner for any words or text you’ve written over the year, choose which layers to erase from a page, scan and import paper notes or documents. There is a whole lot more – which is why I’ll be doing tutorials to get you started, so be sure to follow me on social media.

Step 2
Download a Digital Planner

Next, you’ll need to download a digital planner. There are tons of digital planners out on the market but I created my own because I am often up working at wee hours of the morning and I needed a planner to show a full, 24-hour schedule. I also like to track my sleep (because I often don’t get enough) so I wanted to see a full day schedule for each day. (I don’t know why so many planners don’t have a full day and it drives me nuts!)

You can get my first quarter of 2023 digital planner for FREE here (January – March). I do ask for an email address so I can send you a notice once the next quarter becomes available to download.

Step 3
Import Planner into GoodNotes

Once you’ve downloaded a planner, open GoodNotes and click on the plus sign and click import. Then find the planner in your folder on your iPad to import.

Step 4
Time to Learn the Basics

Now it’s time to start learning the basics of planning in GoodNotes. It’s easy but it will take a little practice to get the feel for it. The hardest part is remembering that links to other pages don’t work in writing mode. And you can’t write or use the other tools while in reading mode.

I’ll be going over the basics in tutorial videos so be sure to follow along but this article outlines the toolbar and basics for you.

Step 5
Start Planning Your Day, Week and Year!

Now it’s time to start planning!

Plan your days, weeks and important dates and tasks throughout the year. Set an hourly timer for the first few weeks and write down what you’ve done that hour in your schedule. This will help you stay focused and on track. But most of all, have fun while planning.

SHOP LISA’S FAVORITES:

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified purchases.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified purchases.

Photo booths make weddings, parties, showers and get-togethers so much fun! If you don’t want to pay the expensive prices that Photo Booth companies charge, here’s an easy way to set up a DIY photo booth using your iPad or iPhone.

(Using an iPad is preferred because it will free up your iPhone for regular use during your event and has a bigger surface area for your guests to interact with).

Step 1
Design Your Photo Booth Space

Design your photo space around the theme of your event. There are lots of creative ways to design a photo area that won’t break the bank. You can create a backdrop using a printed backdrop, fabric shower curtain, a regular curtain, wrapping paper or other decorations.

I’ve found several themed shower curtains for weddings and holiday themes on Amazon and Wish for under $20. You can purchase a backdrop stand or tack the curtain to a wall. You can also incorporate furniture pieces, balloons, floral pieces, hay bales or anything that fits your style – just get creative with it!

SHOP LISAS’S FAVORITE Backdrop Stands

Then, be sure to set the backdrop up in a location that won’t block traffic flow for your event. Think of a corner or wall of unused space for the setup.

SHOP LISA’S FAVORITE BACKDROPS

Step 2
Setup the iPad/iPhone

Next, you’ll need a tripod to setup and attach an iPhone or iPad, with the front camera facing forward. Be sure to charge the device beforehand and you’ll want to setup “Guided Access” on the device so guests can open and take photos easily, without accidentally messing up the photo settings.

Then, open the camera app and flip the view to forward facing, as if you were about to take a selfie. Set the timer on the photo to 3 seconds. Make sure your backdrop is positioned correctly in the photo and take a few test shots. You then have the option to share the photos by text, AirDrop, social media, etc. I have a video above to show you how to access these options on your iPad or iPhone.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TripoDs

Paid Photo Booth App option

Of course, if you’d like a little fancier option, and don’t mind spending a few dollars (from $1 to $80) , there are some pretty cool photo booth apps out there for purchase. The pictures you see in this post were taken using the Pocketbooth Party photo booth app. I started with the .99 cent version (called Pocketbooth) and used it for a couple of holiday parties. It was a hit, a lot of fun and easy to use.

I do recommend the $1.99 version if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option. You can also AirPrint or share via text, email and social media right from the app. However, it only has a 3 and 4 pose option for the photo strips. And most social media platforms do not support that size photo, which will cut off portions of the photo strip when shared online. It also does not have a customizable skin to add a colored or themed border and event title and date. But, it’s definitely a great option for the price and is compatible with iPhones as well. Here’s the front screen your guests will use, settings inside the app and a preview of what the 4-pose strip looks like with the $1.99 version:

I eventually upgraded to the Pocketbooth Party photo app. I wanted more versatility in adding colored borders and event titles/dates. It also has an online gallery to share the photos. The Party version costs around $19.99. However, there are many different photo booth apps at varying price points available for download in the App Store. Depending on your budget and needs for your particular event, there’s sure to be one to suit you.

Step 3
Photo Booth Props

All great photo booths have plenty of fun photo props for guests to use in their photos. And you can get photo props from several different places – stores sell them online, there are free printable props online to download, print and cut. I have free, printable, Wedding-themed ones here and Thanksgiving-themed ones here and plan to add more for different events in the future. The Dollar Tree also has lots of fun items that guests like to use, such as glasses, feather boas and tiaras.

SHOP MY FAVORITE PROPS

Step 4
Photo Booth Directional Signs

If your event space is large and the photo booth is setup in a conspicuous space, you’ll want to have some directional signs pointing guests to the area. These can also be found online for free or to purchase. It is a good idea to also have a sign that tells your guests how to operate the photo booth – which button to click to take the photos, how to share the photos, how to print the photos, any hashtags associated with the event or a link to a website where the photos will be shared online.

SHOP LISA’S FAVORITE PHOTOBOOTH SIGNS

Step 5
Photo Booth Lighting

And last, but certainly not least, is making sure there is enough lighting. If your event is during the day and there is enough natural lighting or if it is in a well lit area, there may be enough lighting for your photos. However, if your event will be at night or in a dimly lit area, you may need to purchase some lighting. Most of us have heard of ring lights by now. And they really do make a difference. But they’re pretty pricey! I’ve used these lights instead and they’ve worked well. Remember to bring an extension cord and power strip for any equipment that needs to be plugged in for power!

SHOP LISA’S FAVORITE LIGHTING

And that’s all you’ll need to setup a DIY photo booth for your next event using your iPad or iPhone! It will surely make lasting memories you’ll cherish.

Supplies Needed List:

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Downloads include a Thanksgiving Word Find, True/False Thanksgiving Trivia, 15 photo props for a photobooth – and banners that say “Give Thanks”, “Friendsgiving” and “Thanksgiving”. Enter your email address at the bottom of this post for downloads.

1. Free Thanksgiving True or False Game – Printable

SHOP LISAS’S FAVORITE THANKSGIVING GAMES

As an Amazon associate, I may earn a small commission on eligible purchases.

2. Free Thanksgiving Word Find – Print

SHOP LISAS’S FAVORITE THANKSGIVING GAMES

3. Free Thanksgiving Banners – Print & Cut

Print and cut these fun banners and attach them to string, thread or yarn. Then use them to decorate around the house for Thanksgiving!

SHOP LISAS’S FAVORITE THANKSGIVING GAMES

4. Free Fun Thanksgiving Photo Props – Print & Cut

Taking photos make the best memories for any holiday and these photo props will get everyone involved in the fun! There’s something about photo props that bring out the kid in everyone and make them want to join in on the action! Just print and cut these on heavy paper and tape or glue a popsicle stick or wooden dowel to the back – and voilà.
Want to learn how to make a photobooth at home using your iPad or iPhone? If so, click here.

Learn how to make your own Photo Booth using your iPad or iPhone

SHOP LISAS’S FAVORITE THANKSGIVING PROPS

To download all of these Thanksgiving Freebies for Family Fun, enter your email below and press download and you’ll be brought to the download page.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Turkey Day is right around the corner! And you know what that means – lots of friend and family get togethers, good food and loads of laughter. One, great way to remember all of the wonderful holiday moments this year is by taking some photos of the fun. So, we’ve created 15 free, printable, Thanksgiving-themed photo props to help you get the party started!

Note: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission for items purchased from clicking a link in this post.

Supplies Needed:

• Printer
• 8 1/2 x 11” white, heavy weight paper
• Scissors
• Glue Gun or Tape
• Straws, Popsicle Sticks or Wooden Dowels
• Thanksgiving Backdrop or create one of your own with a curtain, pumpkins, hay bales and other fall decor!

Instructions:

Click the download button below (PDF reader required to print) for the Free, Printable Thanksgiving Photo Props. Print the photo props on 8 1/2 x 11” white, heavyweight paper. (I suggest 120 lb paper that can be purchased at Amazon, Hobby Lobby or Michael’s).

Next, cut the designs in the desired shape. Then hot glue (or tape) a straw, popsicle stick or wooden dowel to the back and you’re done. Now it’s time to gather everyone together and strike a pose for a Thanksgiving photo shoot that’s sure to be a memorable one!

Thanksgiving prop-PDF-ExportDownload

And be sure to check out this TUTORIAL on creating a DIY photo booth using your iPhone or iPad and a tripod!

All of the clip art in this post is free for personal use but we do own the copyright and have different requirements for commercial use. Please contact me to inquire about commercial use at lisaslifetips@gmail.com