Organization :: Erin Condren Planners

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I showed my new planner a couple of posts ago, and have shown it on Instagram too, and have had a few requests to share more about it.  It is an Erin Condren Life Planner, and yes, we did pay $50 {+shipping!} for each of them, this is my moms:

clara planner

Now, I know $50 seems like a lot, it did to me at first too {I rationalize it that it costs about $5 a month, which I would spend on lattes if I lived near a Starbucks, so it is doable}.  In fact, I bought a less expensive planner at Target last year to see if I would use one, before splurging on a Life Planner.  I was successful for about six months, then we moved, had a baby, the holidays came, and life as I was used to it fell apart.  But, in an effort to get better organized, my mom and I decided to give the Life Planner a try.

How I Plan

This is a blank week and I filled in the things I have been writing in each section.  I know they say “morning”, “day”, and “night”, but, as a stay at home mom, I don’t really have that kind of schedule.  Instead I use the top portion for personal, the middle for Clover & Violet, and the bottom I’m trying to write something I’m thankful for every day.  I hope this will help me keep the focus on the blessings I have.  Oh yeah, and I decorate it with washi tape {I confess, I just bought ten rolls from The Sewing Post…}:

planner pages

I really enjoy decorating the pages, I find it motivates me to make a plan for the week and to keep referring to it every day.

Note Pages

The back has some lined and some blank note pages, I’m using these to keep track of my ongoing lists, primarily meal ideas and places we want to visit, since those are the things I usually keep record of on the fridge.

stickers

There are lots of quotes on the dividing pages, and in the back are a bunch of stickers, some labeled, some blank, to help organize and add color to your schedule.

pockets

There’s also a paper pocket and a vinyl pocket {I’ll admit, it has a press zipper but I really wish it was a slide!} to keep things in {it does not come with the  heart sticky pads or the butterfly stickers…I added those}.

Now, I’m not trying to sell you on buying one of these planners, but rather show you how I use mine, and if you’re looking for a way to stay organized, a planner is great!  In fact, check out these lists of great planners at varying price points: here and here.  If you do decide to splurge on an Erin Condren Life Planner, I have a referral link that will give you a $10 off coupon to use within 30 days of creating an account, and, for full disclosure, should you make a purchase, our account will also receive $10.  I will also do my best to write an update about the planning six months, how I feel about my planner then, and again at the end of the year, in case you’re like me and you’ll mull over buying an expensive planner for a year!

Do you use some sort of planning system to keep organized?  Have you found the perfect planner and want to share it with us?

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17 Comments

  1. I’m in the process of looking for a new house, but once we move, I want to get a planner with a budget also in it and try to get more organized that way.

  2. Lol. I used to try and plan my days….then I gave up. Now i highlight important events on my calendar, like due dates, and let the details fall where they may. I do go back and record what I have accomplished. It makes me feel much better about my lackadazical planning skills, and helps me realize the God fills each day with just enough.

    I could however, really get into those stickers and colored pens. I am an office supply junkie at heart.

  3. I just bought my first EC planner this year too. My thirty-one girl first introduced me to them.

    Bonus – It’s February and I’m still using mine — usually I don’t last more than three weeks!

    It’s nice to see others like them too — and had LENGTHY decision making times on whether or not to drop that much cash on a planner!

    =)

  4. Hi there,
    I used the link that you provided, but I did not get a $10 credit. I’ve got my order on hold in case there is a code that you can send me.
    Thanks for the referral. The planner looks awesome.

  5. I love the idea of a planner. I have a weekly meal planner, a calendar and a diary I use as a diary, shopping list and to budget. I do quite like my calendar and meal planner as it means everyone can see what is happening and what we are eating. I love the idea of decorating it using washi tape and might just have to decorate my diary pages now! Thanks for sharing your planner with us 🙂 .

  6. So, I was 100% delighted with this idea. I spent time drooling, then registering, then shopping, then designing my very own planner…only to find it would cost as much as the planner to have it shipped here. None for me 🙁

  7. Hi Jennie: Thank You for the beautiful gift.. I love it. It was very thoughtful and generous. Have a great day. Irene

  8. I love the style and color of your planner in the first picture at the top of this page! (white background and colorful paisley pattern) I can’t seem to find this color combo on the website though. Do you know if it is still available? Thanks

  9. I went to order my book and used the link you gave to receive a $10 savings and it never showed up so I backed out of the process of ordering the book.

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