(Left: Elise Joy’s Get to Work Book, Right: Erin Condren’s LifePlanner)
I have tried all sorts of planner systems and have always come back to pretty planners that I can write/doodle/sticker in to my heart’s delight. My only problem was that I would quickly become bored with each planner (mostly the cover) so after a few missed meetings due to me NOT paying attention to my iphone calendar or a cheap/boring paper planner, it was time to upgrade. Last school year, I loved the Erin Condren lifeplanner but quickly learned that I needed something else to balance my crazy work schedule. This school year, I am keeping TWO planners so that I can keep my life/family schedule separate from my daily “to-do’s” at work. Here is a bit about what I love about each of my planners (and links so you can pick one up yourself!):
Erin Condren’s LifePlanner
I love this planner for so many reasons. The vertical alignment and breakdown into 3 distinct parts of the day are perfect for my family’s MANY appointments throughout each week. You can customize your own stickers ($5 for an entire sheet) so that your own reoccurring events are always represented (see “Scott work” and “volleyball game” below). There is a ton of space in the back of each planner to take notes or write down gift ideas, etc. MY FAVORITE part of this planner is that the covers are interchangeable and thus, I can change it whenever my little brain/heart gets tired of the cover. Last year, I ordered three different covers and felt a little re-surge of falling in love with this planner when it showed up in the mail each time!
The only downside to this planner is a pretty high price point ($60-$80 per planner) but I say it is soooo worth it. If you would like $10 off your first purchase, you can use my referral link: https://www.erincondren.com/referral/invite/pattihoelzle1019.
Elise Joy’s Get to Work Book
I have finally found the planner that my “to-do” list loving heart has always longed for. A neutral color, crisp design, amazing extra pages to reflect on the previous month, PLUS well-designed tear-outs to pin up for each month make this planner an all-around GEM.
Although I am a sucker for almost anything that Elise designs and sells (I seriously wish there was a frequent buyer/punch card or something), but this is by far her best creation yet and I am hooked. Her instagram hashtag #gettoworkbook is one of my favorites to scroll though if you’re interested in some planner addict action.
Now you may be saying, that’s all great and fine Patti, but how does the rest of your family know what is going on???? And my very thoughtful reply is….I’m the boss, why do they need to know? we use a huge wall calendar (from Paper Source) located front and center in our dining room. Each month, I decorate and write out all of our events so that everyone knows when appointments are happening, family members are busy, Scott is working, etc. As you can see, when a family member is gone for an extended amount of time (Mama or kids in the summer usually), I use Washi tape to visually see that difference in our daily routines. Both the children and Scott appreciate being able to reference the calendar for future events on their own instead of needing to ask me each time.
Do you have a favorite planner? Leave me a link in the comments below! Happy planning everyone!