Why I Plan, Part 2
In my previous article I told you why I like to plan, I hope it made you think about how you can apply a planner to your life. And you don’t just track appointments and menu items. Some people use planners to track fitness/weight loss programs. Others use planners to track health regimes and doctor appointments especially when you have several people in your care. Can you imagine how nice it would be to give someone facing serious illness and treatments a pretty new planner to keep them on track? Believe me, with Tom's medical hiccups this year and taking that binder to the doctor appointments helps us out more than once. Also planners are perfect for class assignments and projects for students and even devotionals or Bible studies
Recently I joined an online Bible study at Proverbs 31 and started this little personal size planner for note taking. I love the small size and vivid color. This planner is by Recollections, Michael's own brand and I was able to use a coupon. Very affordable.
I used to think everything needed to be in one planner but have come to realize keeping some things separate has its advantages too. Blogger Stephanie Howell has five little girls and all have their own planner to keep track of doctor visits, play dates, activities and school functions. I think it’s a great idea to organize a big family.
With the coming of fall it’s a great time to think about starting a planner or like me setting up my new 2017 planner. Many planner manufacturers are putting new products on the market everyday. It might still be a bit early for the 2017 inserts (pages) but it won’t be long. Here is a list of popular and trendy planners.
Happy Planner by Me & My Big Ideas hit the market and made a big splash. They use the disc bound system by attaching notched pages on the ridges of plastic disc. They look a little odd but are surprisingly sturdy. I have one just for my classes and love it. They have a nice variety of styles and color and you can find them at Hobby Lobby and Michael’s. Don’t forget your coupon!
Webster’s Pages has a wonderful selection of planners including binder styles and Traveler’s Notebook style both in various sizes. Lots of yummy colors! Their website is full of Planners and ideas, you really should check them out!
Erin Condren is a biggie in the planner community. They use the coil system for their planner and fun whimsical designs are their featured look. They have a system of pop off covers to swap out for various seasons or whenever the whim for a new look is desired. Also they will personalize the covers for their planners, nice idea. They have a choice between horizontal or vertical columns for their pages.
Inkwell Press is known for their lovely planners in soft colors and a focus is on goal setting. Their paper is supposed to be a bit thicker. Which is nice but remember that translates into a heavier book. Something to think about.
Carpe Diem by Simple Stories is another popular planner. For the last year I’ve enjoyed my binder style planner with its whimsical polka-dot lining. This season Simple Stories asked The Reset Girl help in their new planner designs. And while I said I wouldn’t start a new planner, just buy refill pages I sorta fell for the new Ballerina with that retro pink shade that I just love.
Isn't she pretty, I just can't wait till January 1!
This by no means is a complete list of planners and planning styles. I just wanted to give you a brief list of the most affordable planners for those that are thinking of dipping their toes in the planner movement. Don’t be like me, I thought since I was just a business of one, without lots of meetings that planning wasn’t worth the effort. I was so wrong. My life runs more smoothly, I can check past events and I get to play with paper, stickers and tape for colorful fun. Yep, I’ve found my planner happiness. Maybe you should too!
Happy Planning,
Vicki Bridges, aka mizbizibee and planner girl!
