Organization :: Planner Love

1. With as busy as our modern lives are {is there a way to slow down?!}, I have been using a paper planner to keep my life organized. While I’ve been told before that a computer or app could take care of these tasks for me much more simply, I really love the paper aspect of it {I’m a paper products junkie!}, as well as the visual record I’ll have for years to come. Since I get a couple questions every time I post about my planner, I thought I’d share a little bit about what I use here, as a reference point. You can also find the pattern for the Flora supply case, shown with each size planner, here.

For everyday planning, I use an Erin Condren Life Planner {this is my referral link}. It’s about 7″ x 9″ and I keep track of schedules, appointments, important dates, to do lists, blog, meal plans, and pretty much everything else. I’ve also read rave reviews about Plum Paper and Inkwell Press, but I’ve been happy with my EC, so I don’t plan to change yet, but they look like great options as well! You can find the tutorial for the magnetic bookmark here.

As much as I love my spiral bound EC for planning, there’s just something special about a ring bound planner. The one pictured directly above {and center in the top photo} is a Color Crush Planner by Webster’s Pages. They aren’t leather, so that makes them an affordable option for starting to plan {sadly, they’re often sold out, I had to wait almost two months to get mine!}. I use this as a gratitude journal. I keep track of the things I’m thankful for each day on the calender section, and also funny kid quotes and other small mementos.

I use my medium Kikki.K planner {the version with the elastic is actually a bit smaller than the average personal planner – but it still fits the same inserts} as my on the go planner. I keep a monthly spread in it, with major appointments and deadlines, and then other lists that I need with me when I’m out. I don’t bring it with me everywhere, just when I may need that info {like to meetings or appointments, especially if I may have to schedule a follow-up} or when I might have extra time {like when my children are at lessons so I can write down ideas and lists}. You can find the tutorial for the zipper pencil pouch here.

I also use this A5 Kikki.K planner {pictured at the bottom of the top photo}. It’s my study and writing planner. I keep my Bible Study notes, book reading notes, and the like in it. I like the large pages for writing more, and I scrapbook in it less. I use it more like I would a regular 3-ring binder, but it’s so much cuter.

Over the weekend I also made this traveler’s notebook {Midori or fabric fauxdori}. This is a notebook cover that small notebooks are held in with elastic. There is really no end to the things it can be used for. I’m just getting started, so I made one to fit the pocket size Molskine notebooks I already had. You can find links, tutorials, and the details of how I made mine here.

I think that covers the planner info for today! If you have any questions, please let me know. Planning can be an overwhelming hobby, but I’ve really enjoyed adding it to my life, especially since it is something I can do quietly and that my little children love to participate in as well. The older two each have their own planner too, just for coloring and stickers, but it’s a fun thing we can do together, unlike sewing, as I do most of the actual sewing while they’re still so small.