Monday, January 9, 2017

Planners: Calling All Wanna Be Organizers Like Me

Planning

I love everything that has to do with being organized.
I guess that's the Type A in me. 
I used to buy a smaller planner at Target. 
Every January you would find me looking for their latest version.
Then, last year my aunt gave me the Living Well planner for Christmas. 
At that time I had just got engaged and was on the horizon of lots of wedding plans, moving and starting my own household.


I loved that gift so much!
There were a few downfalls to it. 
I wanted to keep some receipts in it, and there wasn't an envelope or pouch for them. 
In addition, the cover was more fragile, so I always left it on a basket on my desk at home. 
Overall, it was a very nice planner. 
I sat down at the beginning of every month and set it up just how I wanted it.
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This year came around and I debated a lot about buying a planner myself. 
I had heard great things about Erin Condren, but I wasn't sure that I wanted to pay that much for a planner. 
I watched the 12 Days of Christmas sales at Erin Condren, and I finally took the plunge on the last day with a little extra discount. 
I had been looking at the labels as well. 
We wanted to give our neighbors a homemade treat with the tags, but we didn't get around to making the treats and the tags didn't arrive before Christmas, so it was a no-go this year.
I justified my little discount along with using my Discover rewards on being able to add in a few extra items to my cart. 

The thing about this planner is that it was SO easy to create and personalize. 
I wish I could show you how many planners I had in my cart as I was shopping because I thought I was missing a step. 
It just seemed too easy. 
I decided to add a little personalization with my initials to a cute cover. 



Since I got two planners, I'm using this one for daily life. 
Doctors appointments, school meetings and regular life are inside it.

So far here's what I love about the Erin Condren Life Planner:

  • The cover is laminated, so it's not going to tear being pulled in and out of my bag.
  • They are so many add-ons you can get. I love the menu! It makes it so easy for me to jot down what we're going to eat for the week and see it right in my planner in case I forget while I'm at work. 
  • The tabs are laminated, so they won't tear either. 
My only downfall to it right now is that it's bulky. It takes up more room in my school bag, and I don't have space for more room when I have papers to grade, my school agenda, books and other important stuff to tote back and forth. 


This is the Living Well Planner. 
There is so much to it. 
I'm almost overwhelmed with it. 
If you are really looking for a whole life planner, this is the one for you. 


Monthly goals

 Goal Crushing

Monthly Expenses

Month at a Glance

Monthly Budget

 Weekly Plans


I'm using this planner for keeping track of finances and blogging.

Here's what I like about the Living Well Planner:
  • It has pages for goals at the beginning of each month. 
  • There's a little folder on the back of the front cover. I love throwing my receipts in there.
  • It has a section for finances and has a two-page spread for what you hope to spend and what you actually do.
I'm really interested in seeing which planner I like best at the end of 2017. 
Perhaps it might even work out great having 2, and I will get 2 again for 2018. 
Do you guys have a favorite planner? 
What are some must-haves for you in looking for a planner?



7 comments:

  1. Nice! I currently have 2 planners - 1 for daily life, 1 for blog stuff, 1 Word calendar where I do all of our meal planning, and then I also make sure to put all appointments/meetings in my phone calendar on top of the written planner to ensure I get to where I am going. I also love Flair pens to write in everything (my son likes to steal them, too!)

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    1. Flair pens are LIFE! I think it's a teacher thing! They go on mega sale at Sams pretty often!

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  2. Planners just make me happy. I could easily have 2! :)

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  3. Hi! I just stumbled on your blog :) I had an Erin Condren life planner in 2016 and loved it. I decited to try Emily Ley's simplified planner this year and it is wonderful too. Happy Planning!

    -Heather
    www.heatherhawkinsblog.com

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  4. I love love love my Erin Condren Planner! I love the design you chose. Can't wait to hear which you liked best at the end of the year!

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  5. Erin Condren planners are my favorite. It is bulky, so if often stays in the car or house. I'll be interested to see which you prefer at the end of the year.

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  6. I love that planner. Looks so pretty and something I need to add to my collection.

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