Thank you for watching! Check out part 2 where I share my planner strategy and a look inside my planners ➡️ czcams.com/video/yUU0sJlBEhQ/video.html Have a great weekend! Love, Jennifer
i know Im asking the wrong place but does someone know of a way to get back into an instagram account..? I was dumb lost the account password. I would love any help you can give me.
@Kamdyn Avi Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site thru google and Im trying it out atm. Takes a while so I will get back to you later with my results.
Planning is a hobby as are lettering, drawing, coloring, painting, diamond painting, etc. I'm into all these things. My children are grown and I finally have time to do fun things for myself. 🌹🌹🌹
I disagree that planning is a hobby. I think you can make it one by going above and beyond with the creative side of it but I think planning is a practical way to get goals and tasks out of your subconscious and achieve your goals by having them in front of you. But that is just my personal perspective.
I use a simple spiral bound notebook for a planner, one page per week. I mostly plan my weekly menu, cleaning and crafting goals (I have a small quilting business), and my weekly goals for workouts. There’s plenty of room for extra notes or doodles and sometimes I jot down inspirational quotes or Bible verses, and things that need to be accomplished for the week. I have used washi tape to mark pages I want to remember. I love being able to look back over my menus to give me inspiration when I’m stuck, and other lists like “brain dumps” and Bible study ideas for reflection. My current notebook dates all the way back to April, 2018, and I’m very close to the last page. I think it’s very freeing because it’s just a notebook. No pressure to make it look pretty or neat.
Recent follower here. Love your channel! I love digital and written. I prefer an academic calendar. I started using it many many years ago with my photography business and though now retired, still feel I have to have it and use it. When in collage (70's & early 80's) I started the habit of having a weekly itinerary. All through my working careers I could not function without planning out my week. I always try to find the same type planner. It is simple, monthly tabs, month at a glance, week at a glance, notes, priorities, holidays etc. I tried getting into decorating them, like you, got overwhelmed with the stickers, etc. I've just settled for paper clips with ribbons tied to them. It works. :D I also love a digital calendar. My planner schedule will mirror it with more detail. I rarely take my planner out with me, but I do have my phone with with digital calendar me and that keeps me from double-booking and I set up reminders. My notes & ideas go into a composition notebook that is continuous. I also use it for my shopping lists, menu planning (i've tried menu planning on separate paper/form and it just seems like one more thing to keep up with), ideas, etc. I started a separate flylady notebook years ago and I still use that for cleaning. I have no idea how people without a written planner stay organized. It is a habit I started with when I was young and always worked for me. I hope that you have a wonderful rest of the week and weekend!
I’m a housewife with no children and Do to Covid all of my plans got canceled one after the other. It got so I didn’t need a planner at all. It was about August that I gave up and threw the planner away. That was 2020. Not a bad year , I just simply didn’t need to use a planner. If anything did arise on my schedule I simply remembered it, as there were so few things to remember ,I never forgot. Perhaps 2021 will be different but for right now I see no need for me in my situation to get a planner, however I always enjoy any video that you put out. I believe that I have all of your books. Jennifer you are an inspiration! Keep it up!
Thank you for watching! Do you use a planner? What is your strategy? Do you stay consistent with using it the whole year? Let us know in the comments. All of the planners mention are linked in the info box above. Love, Jennifer
I wish I were consistent -- yet hope springs eternal! Really enjoyed this and feel inspired to make another go of it in 2021. I have so many partially-used planners, of all sorts. A series would be great. Don't know why I never considered combining digital with manual. I think that might work really well for me...
I use three planners: One for personal planning (appointments, plans, goals, keeping track of exercise, etc.), one for work, and one for budgeting and finances. I am consistent with using my planners and I do like using a few stickers and washi tape. My planner decoration is not as extensive as I see online, but it a calming activity to decorate my planners as I use them.
Jennifer, What a beautiful planner. A black pen for appointments, red pen for over 55 family birthdays, and pink pen for weddings (4 so far in 2021) helps me see the each month at a glance clearly for cards & gifts to purchase or appointments to keep. My Zebra pens (and cords/chargers) have my washi tape on them which means don’t touch kids. 😉 Have a lovely day. Julie 🌷
I love that you reminded everyone that it is okay not to decorate a planner. I always felt like I was failing because I didn't have the time or motivation to plan, execute that plan, and decorate my planner with stickers. When I gave myself the freedom to just plan, it was freeing. I finally found the Clever Fox planner. It is wonderful to finally find my goldilocks planner.
I found a new use for my planner. I have stage 4 kidney cancer for the second time in my life. I am beginning to get stronger and able to do more. I'm learning that after doing an activity or treatment, I do better to plan rest days after it. I have little energy to do stuff away from home or socially. But I can now do something once in awhile because I plan rest and recovery time after the event. I let people know that if I begin to tire I will leave early. Everyone has been very supportive when I do this. It has changed my mental outlook completely. I have also found the planning community in the you tube. I am refining and choosing what works for me. Last summer I was so sick that as I began to do I found I had lost nearly all executive function in life. Using my planner is aiding me to get that back. Thank you for your tips they are helping me.
I've started using a binder for my planner. My "control journal" as said by The Fly Lady. I find it so much easier to be able to take out and insert pages and have everything sectioned off. I will say...it isn't great to carry around but I mostly keep home routines and appts in it so I don't really need to take it anywhere. I have my food section, budget (which...why lol...I'm terrible at it), cleaning, and a section for things I think are cool. This is the first planner I've stayed with for an extended period of time. I'm always looking for the perfect planner.......so I just built my own!
Oh yes I'm the same. I tried those pre-bound planners and I got more disorganized. I love binders. I love how creative I can be by combining copies of forms and artwork from many different sources into one place. I can combine copies of different art styles like country cottage, William Morris, Victorian, art deco, animals, outer space, or just different fonts all in one book and I don't have to deal with stickers either.
My mom lives in a different state & was recently diagnosed w/ stage 4 lung cancer. I'm her health care advocate and as such I'm at all of her appts via phone. I bought a planner specifically for that purpose. On the monthly page I put a check-mark indicating something is happening that day & on the daily page I write the event & my notes & thoughts. I know that in the future I'll look back at this planner as a record of time with my mom and it will be a precious memory.
@@TheDailyConnoisseur thank you. It's very hard but I'm fortunate that we both have very strong Faith and know Peace and Glory are on the horizon & we'll be reunited in a better place ❤
I have been using a bullet journal for about 7 years now for day to day and project planning. I keep mine very simple and undecorated. I use the Moleskine calendar app to keep track of appointments because it’s aesthetically beautiful. I found myself not using my google calendar or other apps because they were so ugly I hated even looking at them! I’ve been in my own brain enough to know that if it’s not pretty I don’t enjoy using it!
I use to buy expensive planners and then I started bullet journaling until it became too tedious. This year I found the Day Designer from Walmart and it's actually quite pretty and functional. I only spent around $8 and it has monthly calendars, weekly vertical spreads and about 60 extra pages for lists, notes, categories, etc. I also use my digital planner for big events and reminder alarms.
You can also use your planner to _record_ your days! I use a bullet journal type format, been doing it steady since 2016/17. If the kids say something funny? It goes in the planner. If we have a really great day? What was so great about it goes in the planner! It gives an additional reason to use it, making it more significant during your day, and makes it worth saving and reviewing later. You just need a space for that stuff in the format of the planner! Just a thought I wanted to add, I love these tips and agree that having a planner that you know works for you makes the day easier to organize and thus get through! Thanks Jennifer!
I keep a minimal planner: Appointments, birthdays, church activities and holiday planning. I like to recognize birthdays with fun stickers and colored pens, but other than that, I just use a black pen.
Blessings and thank you for the video, I am in much need a way to planned our homeschool life that we started this month. Your experience in homeschooling and learning about Charlotte Mason through your videos were the final inspiration for me to take the big step. I love planners and had a day designer when they run it in their Etsy Shop around 2015, they selled a kind of Design your Life, for diving in your goals and purpose of life, I revisited mine several times every year! I found the Start Planner, and found that had so much areas to cover of life, even a vision board page :) Living in Chile, turned out so much trouble to order this amazing planners, that I change to a Bullet Journal kind of notebook and it is finally paradise for me. I keep it very simple, without embellishments, and used it for goals, review of the year, daily journal, schedule and poetry. Before I was having prayer books, drawing books, journals, planners and all my life was scattered through every kind of " special and beautiful" notebooks. Now I have everything in one place. It is like the home of my thoughts, plannes, dreams, creativity, finances :) the most exiting part it is that every single page is written, sort of feels that it is alive and a piece of legacy for my children to dive in the misterys of mama´s life. You are truly inspiring me, and very grateful. Keep up and the Cosmos will keep you up indeed. Hugs from Chile
decades ago I did a book study by Mrs Anne Ortland "Disciplines of the beautiful woman" My pastors wife and I did it together we were very busy young mums with appointments and meetings galore and we were both getting flack from our husbands about forgetting to book babysitters for the littles so they could take us out etc. Mrs. Ortlands' book changed my view on "spontaneity and a caviller attitude to things that would make my life easier, more organized and improve my attitude. I took her hints seriously and over the years evolved to a dedicated planner lady. I like mine to be pretty but not silly or frilly. I love a great pen (usually a fountain pen) I have monthly dividers and then a few in back for bible study notes and or books to read lists, or concert to listen to, clothes to purchase and clothes to update or discard. Suddenly life was smoother I was happier, my bills were noted days to be paid by and joy of joys money budgeted for them and the bill paid... my children were seldom late or (gasp), hardly ever missed an appointment again and big surprise bonus...my marriage improved as I made intentional notes to myself on special meals to make or things to remember for my husband ie; deliver and yes remember to pick up his suit from the dry cleaners...I think you get the idea ... I tried fill it in yourself planners Bullet Journal Planners but for a planner to work for me and it's use be efficient and honestly be well used ...it has to be: pen ready, easy read, logically laid out and pretty or feminine (if it must be expressed differently). I cannot imagine an old year ending now or an new year starting without a new planner. Thank you for your video on this dear to my heart subject.
Yes, please do a series on planning. As for picking a planner, it sure is a personal thing. For me, I want something where I can jot down goals, areas of growth I’d like to focus on in life(physical, mental,spiritual etc), meal planning and budgeting. As a 47 year old, I have fallen off in so many areas of my life, that I need something to bring it back to the basics, yet pack a punch.
I’d love to see more planning videos from you! I’m especially interested in how you plan your homemaking and work-at-home tasks throughout the week. I have a planner I love, but have had trouble figuring out how to plan my weeks without getting behind and overwhelmed. I’m looking forward to seeing more of your perspective!
My planner’s home is a cookbook holder. It’s always open on the current week And I always use pencil- especially in 2020 when plans and appointments are constantly changing. My family knows if it isn’t written in the book then it doesn’t happen.
I use a bullet journal style planner and I enjoy decorating it. I love that I can completely customize it. The extra minutes to set it up is a perfect little break in my day to be creative. I started out super simple in the beginning. I highly recommend it!
I just like to use a plain or dot grid notebook without any helpful pages already printed, such as monthly or weekly pages, with sections to write in. I prefer to do all that myself. I use it for a journal at the end of the day and write down whatever is on my mind. I also track various things I want to improve like sleep for example. It helps enormously. I like handwriting and fountain pens. It’s good not to have my whole life as it is now in apps on my phone.🙂
I asked for an Erin Condren planner for Christmas. I’m looking forward to it. I think I am the opposite of you and need vertical spreads instead of horizontal. I like the look of checking off lists. Would love more videos on this topic!
I had an Erin Condren planner for 2020 and also just recently got one for 2021. I also got my college age daughter one. I also love to check off lists.
I have 3 planners! One for homeschooling, work and finances. I will be getting a 4th one to plan out personal/fitness/hobbies. I take time at the end of the week to write a list of everything that needs to be done, then like a puzzle, I put it in the individual planners where they fit. I cannot live without my planners only because it gives me structure and I won’t forget to do essentials.
I love this idea! Reading this made me realize that the blank notebooks I’m using for some of those things just aren’t cutting it. Thanks for the inspiration! 👍🏼🙏🏼
I can't even tell you how many planners I have bought and stopped using in a short time. I finally figured out what works for me. I use a bullet journal but don't do any "spreads". I simply do a daily page with my tasks and goals separated in categories (health, dinner, home, work, self care). Appointments and activities with a specific time go in Google calendar on my phone. Like you, I don't get into all the decorative part of planning. If I want to do something creative/artsy I'll get out an adult coloring book or play the piano. My daughter, on the other hand, loves all the stickers and washi tape.
I also use a separate planner for homeschooling and personal use. The last two years I have been using Plum Paper Co which allows me to customize every aspect of my planner so it’s truly a beautiful representation of me. For 2021 I added monthly reflection pages, habit trackers, menu pages, and coloring pages. I would love to see a CZcams video on pens to buy to go with planners. I love office supplies!
I love using a pretty planner and picking out a new one every year. Have you considered designing a planner with daily tips from Madame Chic and your other books?
I’m a decorative planner (Washi, sticker kits, the works 🤪) . It’s a crafty/scrapbooking aesthetic for me. I really enjoy printing out the photos of my family and inserting them into my weekly spreads with my HP Sprocket. They have adhesive backing so easy to memory keep.
Hi Jennifer. I also use the Day Designer. I do use the vertical design. It helps me with time blocking. I was introduced to the Day Designer by Mrs. Shockley a couple of years ago and I can't imagine not using it. I plan much like you-big events with an alarm on my phone and the day to day plans in my Day Designer. I do store my planner on my night stand but I also carry it around for checking things off. Thanks Jennifer! And yes to more planning videos. 😊
Horizontal weekly here; the only decorative elements are a few colored pens. I got my first planner just 15 months ago because I literally had 30+ post-it’s on my desk with many duplicates. Having a planner has been transformative. Getting more done with less stress!
Hi Jennifer, some planners come with this already, but you could glue a small loop of elastic on the side of your planner for your pen, love your content x
I've always used a paper planner. I can't stay organized without it. I will still put appointments and other scheduling things on a digital calendar as I appreciate getting the reminders from that. But for most things, I need to see it written down. I can easily set aside whatever digital device has my calendar or a list, or I will get distracted by something else when I look at the device. I started bullet journaling a little over three years ago. I was in a stressful time, and I knew I needed a creative outlet that was easily portable. I've found it to be a good way to reduce stress, and I like the flexibility of designing my own layouts. I had to chuckle when you mentioned keeping supplies by your planner. Recently, I had to move some of my supplies away from my desk because it was too cluttered. I kept the things I use daily in my desk, and moved the rest to my craft supplies.
After much trial and error, I stumbled upon the combo: 1. Google calendar for appointments, events, locations, commitments, reminders, etc. What, when, where, who. 2. Weekly spread written calendar for home. I look at my digital calendar, make notes to see what blocks of time are open, and fill those with need-to-do's and get-to-do's. The written calendar stays home with me. The digital goes with me everywhere for updates and changes.
I use a daily planner in which I write my to-do-list for the day (work, laundry, appointments, ...) but also for meal planning. The planner isn’t very big so I have it always with me. On the phone I keep the grocery list. Thanks for the video! Love when you speak about the sticker culture!
Oh thank you so much! I used to have a beautiful leather planner that I loved in the 90’s and then have tried to use digital ever since then. I’m a list person and have a great app with 5,000 lists on it that I try to use as a planner. Thanks for giving me permission to use a paper planner and digital lol! I just ordered a leather planner like my old one and I’m so excited! Also thanks for reminded me I don’t need to do all the “fancy stuff”, which is not my thing. Super helpful!!
I do use two planners- one for the home and one for homeschooling. For the last several years, I have been using planners from Plum Paper. They are fantastic and customizable which is so handy (especially for homeschooling) to jot down the week’s memory verse, projects, etc. I have found that I’m not using my daily planner as much during quarantine since there are less activities going on. But this is inspiring. I’m very excited for this series! Thank you, Jennifer!
I was attempting the Bullet Journal because I could make my planner exactly how I wanted it because as you mentioned I too never kept on top of my journals. But the Bullet journal was too much work for me to draw and use the washy tape etc. But, then I just made it simple and I used the Tul notebook so I wouldn’t have to get a new journal every year. Then just last year I added the Simplified Planner that I just love. It is so simple and easy to use! I still use my Tul bullet journal for things that I can keep for years or at least for awhile, like my budget, or to keep track of when I last did something, or just to write down ideas etc. Thanks for this video series!
I use a digital for all appointments, this way if I'm at work I can add it to my paper planner later. I use an Erin Condren Vertical (the one with the 3 boxes). Box 1 is for appointments and events, box 2 is to dos and box 3 is for my goals. On Sunday I sit down with my digital and paper planners and transfer from the digital to the paper. The paper planner stays home on my desk in my bedroom. I check it every morning, afternoon and evening.
I am old-school and am still using a paper planner. But I prefer the daily planner and after I did my junk drawer decluttering my planner now has a home. I agree with you that it is easier to always know where your planner is. Living in Europe, we are still used to write a lot with fountain pens and so I use a refillable wood fountain pen.
I am a decorative planner.. I love it so much! It's very therapeutic for me and it makes for beautiful memory keepers. If you're a person that is very task driven and want to focus on getting things done, plain planning is probably best. haha :) I try to be very organized but in all honesty, I "plan" for memory.
I use the Archer & Olive planner. I used it this year for memory keeping, since I was at home most of the time. I didn’t have many appointments, so I printed my pictures to document my days, complete with stickers, colored markers and sometimes watercolor! It helped keep me sane. It is great “art therapy” for me, and on time to the appointments I could keep. I also wrote in quotes, Bible Verses, zone cleaning, tracked exercise, IF, and water goals.I would have been so disappointed if you discouraged stickers! Lol! 2021 I can add my Monthly Chic Assignments!
This is similar to what I do. I use my digital calendar for anything that needs a reminder like medical/dental appointments and client meetings (I am a birth doula.). I use a paper planner for everything else...business and personal. I also keep a bullet journal as a central location for all my notes. I have a homeschool binder for all homeschool planning.
This is always been information I’ve been looking for but nobody has put it out this way. A lot of people say I keep my planner in the drawer. But nobody has said it’s important to keep your planner in one spot with your supplies out in the open so you can use it. Ty
2020 is the first year I have successfully used a planner. It started when the stay-at-order was issued in March and I took my wall calendar down. I decided the look better and switched to a planner. I also use my phone for appointments with alarms. I use the planner for menu planning and daily activities.
Love this topic! I've kept a diary since 15. I use a blank, lined book Over time it has become a planner/bullet journal as well as my diary. I'd be lost without it!
I can’t live without my hourly appointment weekly planner since I have a large teaching studio. My everyday is planned and scheduled by the previous weekend by every 15 minutes increment. I use my phone note pad to add things when I couldn’t access my physical planner. I have used black covered simple appointment planner for years until last year, I found Erin Condren planner book. It’s much prettier and better quality. Almost finished year 2020, look forward to 2021 version.
I’ve loved using a paper planner since my adolescence. 📖 My current favorite is the weekly Simplified Planner by Emily Ley. Since my planners serve as memory books/journals as well, I don’t mind the higher price tag for a beautifully made planner. 🤍
I was the same and drove my parents mad until they kindly bought me a Filofax for Christmas. I have been an addicted, stationery-loving, organised type ever since. I live in Australia but buy the "Living Well Planner" from the US because I can start using it from any month of the year. That being said, I do enjoy finding out about other options. I agree with Jennifer that you need to understand what works best for you first.
I really love Plum Paper. They have customisable planners that you can choose a cover and customise that, along with the layout and inserts which you can choose to your preference as well. I've used the homeschool planner as well as their personal planner, and both I highly recommend. They have stickers too. :)
I've struggled for years to find a perfect planner and never really followed through with fully utilizing them because it didn't meet my needs. I found one last year that checked a lot of boxes, and I would have gotten it again for 2021, but I hated the cover options. This led me to discover Agendio (agendio.com) where you can design your own planner. For a price similar to what I paid for other planners I hardly used, I was able to create all of the features I wanted. I cannot recommend it enough. Also, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one out there who's not into the stickers or decorating one's planner.
I use my planner as a type of diary. I jot down thoughts and Scripture verses along the day and I strangely like to look back at old planners :) Always makes me think of Supreme Court Justice Kavenaugh who keeps a daily diary in his calendar and used that very thing in his hearings
I highly recommend using both a digital planner & paper one. I like to write things down as I am a visual learner. Also, for some reason I tend to retain information once I have written it down. I use the electronic planner for a carry with me at all times. If I need to reference something I will glance at my watch or phone and have a running to do list on it I can refer to. I do this because we own our business and I was a caregiver to my grandmother who since has passed.
Hah! Jennifer, that k you for addressing the fact that a planner doesn't need to be fancy and decorated. I have all of those supplies (fancy stickers, special paper, hilighters, clips)tucked away in the studio, but find I'm most comfortable with a plain pad of legal paper and a black pen. 😂 Your video has actually inspired me to try the filofax again, but without the bells and whistles. I think I became so overwhelmed by the additional options, I retreated to what's familiar.
I use both digital and paper. Google calendar that I share with my husband for special dates, appointments, etc. I use my paper planner for weekly and daily tasks and other To Dos. I love writing things down and the convenience of online. Looking forward to your planner series! If you are open to telling how you plan with your homeschool planner, I’d love to hear about it.
Hello Jennifer, A friend gifted me a very nice planner this summer (one of those 18-month ones), and so I felt obligated to use it. However, the more I’ve gotten into the weekly planning, I’ve found that it’s helping me keep track of my personal goals better than the lists all over my phone. I agree with your blended digital/non-digital planning approach, it works well for me too. Thank you for this video, Claudia
Hi Jennifer, So excited to see that you are using a Day Designer! I have been using one for a few years now and just purchased my new one for 2021. I use it DAILY! I look at my planner and check off everything each time and by the end of the day, I do a review to make sure that everything is done. If not then I move it to a different day. I can't live without my Day Designer. I even take it on vacations and use it for reservations, tickets, times, and restaurants. The format for the Day Designer is so easy to use and helps me see my week in advance. On Sundays, I sit down with a cup of tea and plan my whole week!
I love planning and planners! Great tips Jennifer. Over the years I have found Day Designer to be my favorite and often times, it’s hard to choose just one design🌹
I love the Day Designer! This is my first year using it. I usually use the Happy Planner. I saw your text and now lost my phone. I need to go find it! haha xx
I bought a big ole Happy Planner 4-5 years ago and all the stickers, tape, pens etc. I did love making it look so pretty while using it. That died off for me and I ended up not using the planners much. They are very big and cumbersome, too. I'd like to carry mine with me with extra pages for lists and plastic inserts to carry things in. The Happy Planner gave me that but my purse was never big enough. I've bought a different type of planner for 2021 that is wire bound, I love it but know I cannot get those extra pages added. It's always something!
I use a Japanese planner called Hobonichi. They come in a variety of sizes and formats. I like the Hobonichi techo Cousin in A5. It took my some time to finally settle on this planner. They are sold through Jetpens and Amazon and perhaps other places. They like that they use very nice Tomoe River paper. I use a fountain pen so the quality of paper is important to me.
I look forward to your planning mini series. I love using a planner! For 2021 I have an Erin Condren planner (second year in a row). I purchased a pen holder from the same company that attaches inside my planner cover to keep the pen safe. I also like to use nice pens with my planner! My planner has taken the place of our family calendar and I keep track of the whole family’s events. I keep track also of my own exercise and eating and finances, meal planning, goal setting. I sometimes will put appointments into my phone but I must transfer that information to my paper planning immediately when I get home so I don’t forget.
I print my own planner. I find I like the weekly dashboard planner but sometimes I have a detailed day so o just print those out when I need them, I am not consistent but I am trying.
Great video. I do the same; however, I am an extensive planner user. I have 4 going at one time. I have a homeschool planner, a weekly planner, a daily planner, and a journal planner. I do use stickers for 1 of my planners. My weekly one. I do this for the exact reason you mentioned. It relaxes me. I started using a daily planner because there wasn’t enough space in my vertical weekly planner to list everything I needed to do each day. Plus, I needed to schedule time slots to keep me in check with what I needed to be doing at a specific time. It honestly takes some of the stress away knowing that I have gaps in between to do something for myself, instead of cramming in thing after another into my day and never feeling like I get a break. I do use my calendar on my phone for appts and basically what you said. To note things when they come up that I can add to my planner later on. I don’t usually take my planners outside of the house. I complete my weekly planner on Sunday afternoon, and my daily planner each night before bed, as a brain dump of what I need to do the next day. It helps me sleep better. I do my homeschool planner the last weekend of the month and plan for the month ahead.
I do decorate my paper planner. I enjoy it, but need to balance decoration with space for items for my planner to function properly. I find that I use my planner more when it’s pretty 😀
That tip just blew my mind: To use both a paper planner and a digital. I was so afraid I’ll forget my kids appointments or school dates that I would only use my phone calendar but really also like writing things down. I’m going to try doing both now. Thank you!
YES, planning and be prepared is everything! I couldn´t agree more. Our meal prep list, which I make every Sunday, hangs on the fridge with grocery list (I go grocery shopping every Monday). Then we have a family monthly planner that hangs on the wall in the kitchen (kids appointments, doctor meetings, birthdays). And for cleaning, ideas, books that I want read, work in the garden, I have a regular notice book where I can write my checklists down. In my phone I have only big stuff like birthdays or school holidays.
Lol I’m new with planners and it’s true, I use it as a therapeutic Sunday evening week starter. And it’s been helping me keep up with planner. So I’m a cake decorator by trait but work wise I’m a case worker, very stressful weekly and the planner has helped me a bunch now can’t believe how I’m so late on it and my digital calendar I use much like you said more important appointments.
I have a mini planner, as I don't have many plans it's the right size for me. I do use washi tape and stickers that I buy at the dollar store or michaels or I make myself to decorate a little bit.
I found you through Robin at Faith and Flour. I love what you said about decorating planners. I’m not artistic. I like my planner to help me remember what I need to do during the day and to jot to do’s down during the day which Day Designer is perfect for.
I use both digital and paper. I also keep all my appointments in my phone and have a notetaking app I use when I'm away from my desk. I like using stickers and colored pens and "scraping" my planner but I am not a slave to that. I keep colored pens handy so if I don't have time to scrap I at least get some color involved. But when I'm really rushed I just use a pencil or black ink pen! I am pretty consistent with my planning, unless we are traveling. I would also be interested in a mini series on planner use.
Journaling and Planning is my hobby and I have tried many different kinds through the years. Currently use 2 planners but they are formatted for my needs. I use a Japanese planner, Hobonichi Weeks a very compact planner, it sits next to my computer and always goes with me. I also use a BUJO (Bullet Journal) I have to keep lots of medical notes and information for my husband. I use the BUJO as a way to find my notes and information because the format is set up the way that works for me. A big planner never worked for me and as a hobby i have tried many kinds and last year this combination worked and no longer looking for an ideal planning system as each person has to find what will work best for their needs. Thanks for sharing your ideas and suggestions on planning. I am alway open to new ideas.
I really love using my desk diary that has monthly and weekly layouts. I keep it on my vanity/writing desk and use it daily after I have “primped” for the day. Barnes and Noble does a literary desk diary that is very nicely done.
I use both a paper planner and “control journal”. My paper planner is for appointments, birthday and special day reminders, and serves as a diary (if something of note occurs, I will put it in my planner). At the end of the year I file the planner away with others from past years in a Rubbermaid container, which does not take up much room at all. My control journal is a very nice three ring binder, with notebook paper, dividers and plastic pockets. I divide by month, have two days per sheet of paper and use the pockets for allsorts. This is my “messy” planner, meaning I literally write EVERYTHING down I need to do and remember, add as I go, and cross out as I complete. I toss the pages as I use them. This system may sound complicated but it works for me 😀. Jennifer, thank you for your beautiful channel and for addressing the topic of planners🙏.
I would love a mini series, too 🥰 This is the first year I have been consistent with my planner - turns out I need a vertical, weekly layout and colored pens (pink for birthdays , green for appointments, Sundays marked with a blue marker etc.) to see everything at a glance! I never knew that would be important but after hearing you talk about how you prefer the horizontal layout, I realized it ☺️ I have been using the Elisabeth Clare Weekly Planner - I printed it myself as I don’t live in the USA. I love it and use it everyday (usually I couldn’t last a month 😂). I love that the Saturdays have normal size as I have as many to do’s (sometimes more) as on the other days of the week, and it has a space for meal planning. It is a Catholic planner so it has all the important holidays etc. I love this fact and initially bought it just for that reason, but of course for persons of other beliefs it might be a no-go ☺️ It is pretty without being overly decorated- although my planners start to look ugly the moment I write in them - I am definitely not a person who enjoys making her planner pretty, apparently 😬😂🙈 Also need to have it open all the time in a designated spot in the kitchen - not a great combo 😂🤷♀️
I have landed on a format that works. I would like to suggest a quick Google search for printable planner pages. I've found several free and a few inexpensive files that have me a good opportunity to try a layout. Great video Jennifer! I'd like to utilize my planner more rather than just the day to day.
Love all things planner!! I have used planners for decades starting with Franklin-Covey in the 80's. I recently swithched from a Plum Planner to the Planner Perfect system. I just have to write things down, keep lists, and mark things off. More planner videos would be great!
I use my planner as a brain dump. Everything that passes through my mind needs to go on a page so I won't forget it. Doing this relaxes me and also spurs me on to be more productive. If it is an multi-week project I write the list on a post-it to easily transfer it to the next week.
I just buy a pocket calendar from Walmart to keep in my purse and I write all appointments in that and also put them in my phone. I’m very low key and thrifty!
Dear Jennifer, Thank you for your videos, and I enjoyed this one in particular. I agree, it is sometimes easier to separate different life roles with your planner. I found a planner, the Hobonichi Techo, a Japanese planner that has an English version. It is small and compact, and fits into a purse easily, and has the most beautiful paper. I agree, the stickers are overwhelming, but I do enjoy seeing what others do! Kindly, ~Jaime Lyn
I've definitely lost my actual planning with stickers. now I just use them to highlight a special event and keep it much more simple. I love my filofax so I can get inserts that work best for me. I would love to see more planning videos on your channel X
I use my planner mainly for housekeeping tasks, appointments, meal planning, gifting, and exercise tracking. I put appointments in my phone with reminders a few days and hours out as well. And I ALWAYS use a mechanical pencil! 😉 I actually move the stickers into my hobby space and use them for card-making.
Thank you for watching! Check out part 2 where I share my planner strategy and a look inside my planners ➡️ czcams.com/video/yUU0sJlBEhQ/video.html Have a great weekend! Love, Jennifer
i know Im asking the wrong place but does someone know of a way to get back into an instagram account..?
I was dumb lost the account password. I would love any help you can give me.
@Konnor Jay Instablaster ;)
@Kamdyn Avi Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site thru google and Im trying it out atm.
Takes a while so I will get back to you later with my results.
@Kamdyn Avi It worked and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy!
Thank you so much, you saved my account!
@Konnor Jay happy to help :D
I would love to have a miniseries on planner use.
I second this!
Like a regular check-up? I agree!
PLEASE DO MINI SERIES ON PLANNER
Yes!
Yes!!
Yesssss !
Yes Please!
Planning is a hobby as are lettering, drawing, coloring, painting, diamond painting, etc. I'm into all these things. My children are grown and I finally have time to do fun things for myself. 🌹🌹🌹
You look so good to have adult children!
You go girl 👌
@@Zeerokool Oh, thank you! 🥰
I disagree that planning is a hobby. I think you can make it one by going above and beyond with the creative side of it but I think planning is a practical way to get goals and tasks out of your subconscious and achieve your goals by having them in front of you. But that is just my personal perspective.
I use a simple spiral bound notebook for a planner, one page per week. I mostly plan my weekly menu, cleaning and crafting goals (I have a small quilting business), and my weekly goals for workouts. There’s plenty of room for extra notes or doodles and sometimes I jot down inspirational quotes or Bible verses, and things that need to be accomplished for the week. I have used washi tape to mark pages I want to remember. I love being able to look back over my menus to give me inspiration when I’m stuck, and other lists like “brain dumps” and Bible study ideas for reflection. My current notebook dates all the way back to April, 2018, and I’m very close to the last page. I think it’s very freeing because it’s just a notebook. No pressure to make it look pretty or neat.
Recent follower here. Love your channel! I love digital and written. I prefer an academic calendar. I started using it many many years ago with my photography business and though now retired, still feel I have to have it and use it. When in collage (70's & early 80's) I started the habit of having a weekly itinerary. All through my working careers I could not function without planning out my week. I always try to find the same type planner. It is simple, monthly tabs, month at a glance, week at a glance, notes, priorities, holidays etc. I tried getting into decorating them, like you, got overwhelmed with the stickers, etc. I've just settled for paper clips with ribbons tied to them. It works. :D I also love a digital calendar. My planner schedule will mirror it with more detail. I rarely take my planner out with me, but I do have my phone with with digital calendar me and that keeps me from double-booking and I set up reminders. My notes & ideas go into a composition notebook that is continuous. I also use it for my shopping lists, menu planning (i've tried menu planning on separate paper/form and it just seems like one more thing to keep up with), ideas, etc. I started a separate flylady notebook years ago and I still use that for cleaning. I have no idea how people without a written planner stay organized. It is a habit I started with when I was young and always worked for me. I hope that you have a wonderful rest of the week and weekend!
I’m a housewife with no children and Do to Covid all of my plans got canceled one after the other. It got so I didn’t need a planner at all. It was about August that I gave up and threw the planner away. That was 2020. Not a bad year , I just simply didn’t need to use a planner. If anything did arise on my schedule I simply remembered it, as there were so few things to remember ,I never forgot. Perhaps 2021 will be different but for right now I see no need for me in my situation to get a planner, however I always enjoy any video that you put out. I believe that I have all of your books. Jennifer you are an inspiration! Keep it up!
Thank you for watching! Do you use a planner? What is your strategy? Do you stay consistent with using it the whole year? Let us know in the comments. All of the planners mention are linked in the info box above. Love, Jennifer
I love to use planner but I am never consistent.. would love series..
I wish I were consistent -- yet hope springs eternal! Really enjoyed this and feel inspired to make another go of it in 2021. I have so many partially-used planners, of all sorts. A series would be great.
Don't know why I never considered combining digital with manual. I think that might work really well for me...
I use three planners: One for personal planning (appointments, plans, goals, keeping track of exercise, etc.), one for work, and one for budgeting and finances. I am consistent with using my planners and I do like using a few stickers and washi tape. My planner decoration is not as extensive as I see online, but it a calming activity to decorate my planners as I use them.
Jennifer, What a beautiful planner. A black pen for appointments, red pen for over 55 family birthdays, and pink pen for weddings (4 so far in 2021) helps me see the each month at a glance clearly for cards & gifts to purchase or appointments to keep. My Zebra pens (and cords/chargers) have my washi tape on them which means don’t touch kids. 😉 Have a lovely day. Julie 🌷
Love the pen system!
Great idea with the washi tape, I need to try that with my husband! 😁
I love that you reminded everyone that it is okay not to decorate a planner. I always felt like I was failing because I didn't have the time or motivation to plan, execute that plan, and decorate my planner with stickers. When I gave myself the freedom to just plan, it was freeing. I finally found the Clever Fox planner. It is wonderful to finally find my goldilocks planner.
I found a new use for my planner. I have stage 4 kidney cancer for the second time in my life. I am beginning to get stronger and able to do more. I'm learning that after doing an activity or treatment, I do better to plan rest days after it. I have little energy to do stuff away from home or socially. But I can now do something once in awhile because I plan rest and recovery time after the event. I let people know that if I begin to tire I will leave early. Everyone has been very supportive when I do this. It has changed my mental outlook completely. I have also found the planning community in the you tube. I am refining and choosing what works for me. Last summer I was so sick that as I began to do I found I had lost nearly all executive function in life. Using my planner is aiding me to get that back. Thank you for your tips they are helping me.
How have you been, Anne? Praying for you and your family. 🤍
@claudiacruz4322 Thanks, I'm doing the best I can. It is at times difficult, but I'm currently getting stronger every day.
I love my daily planner. Your lighting is always just right and your music too, I know you said you’ve been learning and improving. It shows.
Thank you, Terri!
I've started using a binder for my planner. My "control journal" as said by The Fly Lady. I find it so much easier to be able to take out and insert pages and have everything sectioned off. I will say...it isn't great to carry around but I mostly keep home routines and appts in it so I don't really need to take it anywhere. I have my food section, budget (which...why lol...I'm terrible at it), cleaning, and a section for things I think are cool. This is the first planner I've stayed with for an extended period of time. I'm always looking for the perfect planner.......so I just built my own!
Oh yes I'm the same. I tried those pre-bound planners and I got more disorganized. I love binders. I love how creative I can be by combining copies of forms and artwork from many different sources into one place. I can combine copies of different art styles like country cottage, William Morris, Victorian, art deco, animals, outer space, or just different fonts all in one book and I don't have to deal with stickers either.
I usually wait until February, that way I get the one I like but with 50 or 75% off 😁😁
Plum Paper always has a Black Friday sale, so you can get a planner a couple months ahead of the new year! 😊
My mom lives in a different state & was recently diagnosed w/ stage 4 lung cancer. I'm her health care advocate and as such I'm at all of her appts via phone. I bought a planner specifically for that purpose. On the monthly page I put a check-mark indicating something is happening that day & on the daily page I write the event & my notes & thoughts. I know that in the future I'll look back at this planner as a record of time with my mom and it will be a precious memory.
I’m sorry about your mother’s diagnosis. Praying for you all!
@@TheDailyConnoisseur thank you. It's very hard but I'm fortunate that we both have very strong Faith and know Peace and Glory are on the horizon & we'll be reunited in a better place ❤
I have been using a bullet journal for about 7 years now for day to day and project planning. I keep mine very simple and undecorated. I use the Moleskine calendar app to keep track of appointments because it’s aesthetically beautiful. I found myself not using my google calendar or other apps because they were so ugly I hated even looking at them! I’ve been in my own brain enough to know that if it’s not pretty I don’t enjoy using it!
I use to buy expensive planners and then I started bullet journaling until it became too tedious. This year I found the Day Designer from Walmart and it's actually quite pretty and functional. I only spent around $8 and it has monthly calendars, weekly vertical spreads and about 60 extra pages for lists, notes, categories, etc. I also use my digital planner for big events and reminder alarms.
That's awesome!
Could you share the link of the day designer your found at Walmart? I only find open calendar there
I’d love to see more about your homeschool planner if you’re up for sharing! ☺️
Me too!
Me too!
Me too! ~Sara not Caleb
You can also use your planner to _record_ your days! I use a bullet journal type format, been doing it steady since 2016/17. If the kids say something funny? It goes in the planner. If we have a really great day? What was so great about it goes in the planner! It gives an additional reason to use it, making it more significant during your day, and makes it worth saving and reviewing later. You just need a space for that stuff in the format of the planner! Just a thought I wanted to add, I love these tips and agree that having a planner that you know works for you makes the day easier to organize and thus get through! Thanks Jennifer!
I wish I'd written down the cute things my children said and did! I thought that I'd never forget-but I did!
I keep a minimal planner: Appointments, birthdays, church activities and holiday planning. I like to recognize birthdays with fun stickers and colored pens, but other than that, I just use a black pen.
Blessings and thank you for the video, I am in much need a way to planned our homeschool life that we started this month. Your experience in homeschooling and learning about Charlotte Mason through your videos were the final inspiration for me to take the big step. I love planners and had a day designer when they run it in their Etsy Shop around 2015, they selled a kind of Design your Life, for diving in your goals and purpose of life, I revisited mine several times every year! I found the Start Planner, and found that had so much areas to cover of life, even a vision board page :) Living in Chile, turned out so much trouble to order this amazing planners, that I change to a Bullet Journal kind of notebook and it is finally paradise for me. I keep it very simple, without embellishments, and used it for goals, review of the year, daily journal, schedule and poetry. Before I was having prayer books, drawing books, journals, planners and all my life was scattered through every kind of " special and beautiful" notebooks. Now I have everything in one place. It is like the home of my thoughts, plannes, dreams, creativity, finances :) the most exiting part it is that every single page is written, sort of feels that it is alive and a piece of legacy for my children to dive in the misterys of mama´s life. You are truly inspiring me, and very grateful. Keep up and the Cosmos will keep you up indeed. Hugs from Chile
I didn't know that you were into planners; could you do more planner videos?
decades ago I did a book study by Mrs Anne Ortland "Disciplines of the beautiful woman" My pastors wife and I did it together we were very busy young mums with appointments and meetings galore and we were both getting flack from our husbands about forgetting to book babysitters for the littles so they could take us out etc. Mrs. Ortlands' book changed my view on "spontaneity and a caviller attitude to things that would make my life easier, more organized and improve my attitude. I took her hints seriously and over the years evolved to a dedicated planner lady. I like mine to be pretty but not silly or frilly. I love a great pen (usually a fountain pen) I have monthly dividers and then a few in back for bible study notes and or books to read lists, or concert to listen to, clothes to purchase and clothes to update or discard. Suddenly life was smoother I was happier, my bills were noted days to be paid by and joy of joys money budgeted for them and the bill paid... my children were seldom late or (gasp), hardly ever missed an appointment again and big surprise bonus...my marriage improved as I made intentional notes to myself on special meals to make or things to remember for my husband ie; deliver and yes remember to pick up his suit from the dry cleaners...I think you get the idea ... I tried fill it in yourself planners Bullet Journal Planners but for a planner to work for me and it's use be efficient and honestly be well used ...it has to be: pen ready, easy read, logically laid out and pretty or feminine (if it must be expressed differently). I cannot imagine an old year ending now or an new year starting without a new planner. Thank you for your video on this dear to my heart subject.
Yes, please do a series on planning. As for picking a planner, it sure is a personal thing. For me, I want something where I can jot down goals, areas of growth I’d like to focus on in life(physical, mental,spiritual etc), meal planning and budgeting. As a 47 year old, I have fallen off in so many areas of my life, that I need something to bring it back to the basics, yet pack a punch.
I’d love to see more planning videos from you! I’m especially interested in how you plan your homemaking and work-at-home tasks throughout the week. I have a planner I love, but have had trouble figuring out how to plan my weeks without getting behind and overwhelmed. I’m looking forward to seeing more of your perspective!
Great idea, Jennifer! I anticipate your viewers would enjoy more on this topic from you.
Well I would, I’m lost without mine 🙂
My current favourite is the Christian Planner , it’s a horizontal weekly set up .
I use it for homestead work / cleaning schedule and planning meals .
My planner’s home is a cookbook holder. It’s always open on the current week And I always use pencil- especially in 2020 when plans and appointments are constantly changing. My family knows if it isn’t written in the book then it doesn’t happen.
I use a bullet journal style planner and I enjoy decorating it. I love that I can completely customize it. The extra minutes to set it up is a perfect little break in my day to be creative. I started out super simple in the beginning. I highly recommend it!
I just like to use a plain or dot grid notebook without any helpful pages already printed, such as monthly or weekly pages, with sections to write in. I prefer to do all that myself. I use it for a journal at the end of the day and write down whatever is on my mind. I also track various things I want to improve like sleep for example. It helps enormously. I like handwriting and fountain pens. It’s good not to have my whole life as it is now in apps on my phone.🙂
I asked for an Erin Condren planner for Christmas. I’m looking forward to it. I think I am the opposite of you and need vertical spreads instead of horizontal. I like the look of checking off lists. Would love more videos on this topic!
Vertical planning gives me a more clear outlook of the week. It’s easier for me to visualize what’s coming up in the next few days.
Yes, agreed!
I had an Erin Condren planner for 2020 and also just recently got one for 2021. I also got my college age daughter one. I also love to check off lists.
I have 3 planners! One for homeschooling, work and finances. I will be getting a 4th one to plan out personal/fitness/hobbies. I take time at the end of the week to write a list of everything that needs to be done, then like a puzzle, I put it in the individual planners where they fit. I cannot live without my planners only because it gives me structure and I won’t forget to do essentials.
I love this idea! Reading this made me realize that the blank notebooks I’m using for some of those things just aren’t cutting it. Thanks for the inspiration! 👍🏼🙏🏼
I can't even tell you how many planners I have bought and stopped using in a short time. I finally figured out what works for me. I use a bullet journal but don't do any "spreads". I simply do a daily page with my tasks and goals separated in categories (health, dinner, home, work, self care). Appointments and activities with a specific time go in Google calendar on my phone. Like you, I don't get into all the decorative part of planning. If I want to do something creative/artsy I'll get out an adult coloring book or play the piano. My daughter, on the other hand, loves all the stickers and washi tape.
I also use a separate planner for homeschooling and personal use. The last two years I have been using Plum Paper Co which allows me to customize every aspect of my planner so it’s truly a beautiful representation of me. For 2021 I added monthly reflection pages, habit trackers, menu pages, and coloring pages. I would love to see a CZcams video on pens to buy to go with planners. I love office supplies!
I love using a pretty planner and picking out a new one every year. Have you considered designing a planner with daily tips from Madame Chic and your other books?
I would buy it! :)
I’m a decorative planner (Washi, sticker kits, the works 🤪) . It’s a crafty/scrapbooking aesthetic for me. I really enjoy printing out the photos of my family and inserting them into my weekly spreads with my HP Sprocket. They have adhesive backing so easy to memory keep.
Hi Jennifer. I also use the Day Designer. I do use the vertical design. It helps me with time blocking. I was introduced to the Day Designer by Mrs. Shockley a couple of years ago and I can't imagine not using it. I plan much like you-big events with an alarm on my phone and the day to day plans in my Day Designer. I do store my planner on my night stand but I also carry it around for checking things off. Thanks Jennifer! And yes to more planning videos. 😊
I love Mrs. Shockley! She has the best taste!
Horizontal weekly here; the only decorative elements are a few colored pens. I got my first planner just 15 months ago because I literally had 30+ post-it’s on my desk with many duplicates. Having a planner has been transformative. Getting more done with less stress!
Hi Jennifer, some planners come with this already, but you could glue a small loop of elastic on the side of your planner for your pen, love your content x
I've always used a paper planner. I can't stay organized without it. I will still put appointments and other scheduling things on a digital calendar as I appreciate getting the reminders from that. But for most things, I need to see it written down. I can easily set aside whatever digital device has my calendar or a list, or I will get distracted by something else when I look at the device. I started bullet journaling a little over three years ago. I was in a stressful time, and I knew I needed a creative outlet that was easily portable. I've found it to be a good way to reduce stress, and I like the flexibility of designing my own layouts. I had to chuckle when you mentioned keeping supplies by your planner. Recently, I had to move some of my supplies away from my desk because it was too cluttered. I kept the things I use daily in my desk, and moved the rest to my craft supplies.
After much trial and error, I stumbled upon the combo:
1. Google calendar for appointments, events, locations, commitments, reminders, etc. What, when, where, who.
2. Weekly spread written calendar for home. I look at my digital calendar, make notes to see what blocks of time are open, and fill those with need-to-do's and get-to-do's. The written calendar stays home with me. The digital goes with me everywhere for updates and changes.
I use a daily planner in which I write my to-do-list for the day (work, laundry, appointments, ...) but also for meal planning. The planner isn’t very big so I have it always with me. On the phone I keep the grocery list. Thanks for the video! Love when you speak about the sticker culture!
Oh thank you so much! I used to have a beautiful leather planner that I loved in the 90’s and then have tried to use digital ever since then. I’m a list person and have a great app with 5,000 lists on it that I try to use as a planner. Thanks for giving me permission to use a paper planner and digital lol! I just ordered a leather planner like my old one and I’m so excited! Also thanks for reminded me I don’t need to do all the “fancy stuff”, which is not my thing. Super helpful!!
I do use two planners- one for the home and one for homeschooling. For the last several years, I have been using planners from Plum Paper. They are fantastic and customizable which is so handy (especially for homeschooling) to jot down the week’s memory verse, projects, etc. I have found that I’m not using my daily planner as much during quarantine since there are less activities going on. But this is inspiring. I’m very excited for this series! Thank you, Jennifer!
I was attempting the Bullet Journal because I could make my planner exactly how I wanted it because as you mentioned I too never kept on top of my journals. But the Bullet journal was too much work for me to draw and use the washy tape etc. But, then I just made it simple and I used the Tul notebook so I wouldn’t have to get a new journal every year. Then just last year I added the Simplified Planner that I just love. It is so simple and easy to use! I still use my Tul bullet journal for things that I can keep for years or at least for awhile, like my budget, or to keep track of when I last did something, or just to write down ideas etc. Thanks for this video series!
I use a digital for all appointments, this way if I'm at work I can add it to my paper planner later. I use an Erin Condren Vertical (the one with the 3 boxes). Box 1 is for appointments and events, box 2 is to dos and box 3 is for my goals. On Sunday I sit down with my digital and paper planners and transfer from the digital to the paper. The paper planner stays home on my desk in my bedroom. I check it every morning, afternoon and evening.
I am old-school and am still using a paper planner. But I prefer the daily planner and after I did my junk drawer decluttering my planner now has a home. I agree with you that it is easier to always know where your planner is. Living in Europe, we are still used to write a lot with fountain pens and so I use a refillable wood fountain pen.
I am a decorative planner.. I love it so much! It's very therapeutic for me and it makes for beautiful memory keepers. If you're a person that is very task driven and want to focus on getting things done, plain planning is probably best. haha :) I try to be very organized but in all honesty, I "plan" for memory.
I use the Archer & Olive planner. I used it this year for memory keeping, since I was at home most of the time. I didn’t have many appointments, so I printed my pictures to document my days, complete with stickers, colored markers and sometimes watercolor! It helped keep me sane. It is great “art therapy” for me, and on time to the appointments I could keep. I also wrote in quotes, Bible Verses, zone cleaning, tracked exercise, IF, and water goals.I would have been so disappointed if you discouraged stickers! Lol! 2021 I can add my Monthly Chic Assignments!
I use a wall calendar for appointments, events, birthdays. For daily planning I use a bullet journal method
This is similar to what I do. I use my digital calendar for anything that needs a reminder like medical/dental appointments and client meetings (I am a birth doula.). I use a paper planner for everything else...business and personal. I also keep a bullet journal as a central location for all my notes. I have a homeschool binder for all homeschool planning.
This is always been information I’ve been looking for but nobody has put it out this way. A lot of people say I keep my planner in the drawer. But nobody has said it’s important to keep your planner in one spot with your supplies out in the open so you can use it. Ty
2020 is the first year I have successfully used a planner. It started when the stay-at-order was issued in March and I took my wall calendar down. I decided the look better and switched to a planner. I also use my phone for appointments with alarms. I use the planner for menu planning and daily activities.
Love this topic! I've kept a diary since 15. I use a blank, lined book Over time it has become a planner/bullet journal as well as my diary. I'd be lost without it!
I can’t live without my hourly appointment weekly planner since I have a large teaching studio. My everyday is planned and scheduled by the previous weekend by every 15 minutes increment. I use my phone note pad to add things when I couldn’t access my physical planner. I have used black covered simple appointment planner for years until last year, I found Erin Condren planner book. It’s much prettier and better quality. Almost finished year 2020, look forward to 2021 version.
I’ve loved using a paper planner since my adolescence. 📖 My current favorite is the weekly Simplified Planner by Emily Ley. Since my planners serve as memory books/journals as well, I don’t mind the higher price tag for a beautifully made planner. 🤍
I was the same and drove my parents mad until they kindly bought me a Filofax for Christmas. I have been an addicted, stationery-loving, organised type ever since. I live in Australia but buy the "Living Well Planner" from the US because I can start using it from any month of the year. That being said, I do enjoy finding out about other options. I agree with Jennifer that you need to understand what works best for you first.
Please do a series on how you use your paper and digital planners. I can't wrap my head around how to do both. Thanks!
I really love Plum Paper. They have customisable planners that you can choose a cover and customise that, along with the layout and inserts which you can choose to your preference as well. I've used the homeschool planner as well as their personal planner, and both I highly recommend. They have stickers too. :)
I've struggled for years to find a perfect planner and never really followed through with fully utilizing them because it didn't meet my needs. I found one last year that checked a lot of boxes, and I would have gotten it again for 2021, but I hated the cover options. This led me to discover Agendio (agendio.com) where you can design your own planner. For a price similar to what I paid for other planners I hardly used, I was able to create all of the features I wanted. I cannot recommend it enough.
Also, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one out there who's not into the stickers or decorating one's planner.
I use my planner as a type of diary. I jot down thoughts and Scripture verses along the day and I strangely like to look back at old planners :) Always makes me think of Supreme Court Justice Kavenaugh who keeps a daily diary in his calendar and used that very thing in his hearings
I highly recommend using both a digital planner & paper one. I like to write things down as I am a visual learner. Also, for some reason I tend to retain information once I have written it down. I use the electronic planner for a carry with me at all times. If I need to reference something I will glance at my watch or phone and have a running to do list on it I can refer to. I do this because we own our business and I was a caregiver to my grandmother who since has passed.
Hah! Jennifer, that k you for addressing the fact that a planner doesn't need to be fancy and decorated. I have all of those supplies (fancy stickers, special paper, hilighters, clips)tucked away in the studio, but find I'm most comfortable with a plain pad of legal paper and a black pen. 😂
Your video has actually inspired me to try the filofax again, but without the bells and whistles. I think I became so overwhelmed by the additional options, I retreated to what's familiar.
I use both digital and paper. Google calendar that I share with my husband for special dates, appointments, etc. I use my paper planner for weekly and daily tasks and other To Dos. I love writing things down and the convenience of online. Looking forward to your planner series! If you are open to telling how you plan with your homeschool planner, I’d love to hear about it.
Hello Jennifer,
A friend gifted me a very nice planner this summer (one of those 18-month ones), and so I felt obligated to use it. However, the more I’ve gotten into the weekly planning, I’ve found that it’s helping me keep track of my personal goals better than the lists all over my phone. I agree with your blended digital/non-digital planning approach, it works well for me too.
Thank you for this video,
Claudia
Yes please create more planning videos! I ordered a Day Designer and am keen to maximise the way I use it.
Hi Jennifer,
So excited to see that you are using a Day Designer! I have been using one for a few years now and just purchased my new one for 2021. I use it DAILY! I look at my planner and check off everything each time and by the end of the day, I do a review to make sure that everything is done. If not then I move it to a different day. I can't live without my Day Designer. I even take it on vacations and use it for reservations, tickets, times, and restaurants. The format for the Day Designer is so easy to use and helps me see my week in advance. On Sundays, I sit down with a cup of tea and plan my whole week!
I love planning and planners! Great tips Jennifer. Over the years I have found Day Designer to be my favorite and often times, it’s hard to choose just one design🌹
I love the Day Designer! This is my first year using it. I usually use the Happy Planner. I saw your text and now lost my phone. I need to go find it! haha xx
Yessss would love a planner video series! I like the Planner Pad because I have multiple professional and personal projects :)
I bought a big ole Happy Planner 4-5 years ago and all the stickers, tape, pens etc. I did love making it look so pretty while using it. That died off for me and I ended up not using the planners much. They are very big and cumbersome, too. I'd like to carry mine with me with extra pages for lists and plastic inserts to carry things in. The Happy Planner gave me that but my purse was never big enough. I've bought a different type of planner for 2021 that is wire bound, I love it but know I cannot get those extra pages added. It's always something!
Loving this new topic Jennifer, and a mini series would be so fantastic!
I use a Japanese planner called Hobonichi. They come in a variety of sizes and formats. I like the Hobonichi techo Cousin in A5. It took my some time to finally settle on this planner. They are sold through Jetpens and Amazon and perhaps other places. They like that they use very nice Tomoe River paper. I use a fountain pen so the quality of paper is important to me.
I look forward to your planning mini series. I love using a planner! For 2021 I have an Erin Condren planner (second year in a row). I purchased a pen holder from the same company that attaches inside my planner cover to keep the pen safe. I also like to use nice pens with my planner! My planner has taken the place of our family calendar and I keep track of the whole family’s events. I keep track also of my own exercise and eating and finances, meal planning, goal setting. I sometimes will put appointments into my phone but I must transfer that information to my paper planning immediately when I get home so I don’t forget.
I’d love to hear about your planning systems. 💕
I print my own planner. I find I like the weekly dashboard planner but sometimes I have a detailed day so o just print those out when I need them, I am not consistent but I am trying.
I would love to see the mini series on using the planner.
Great video. I do the same; however, I am an extensive planner user. I have 4 going at one time. I have a homeschool planner, a weekly planner, a daily planner, and a journal planner. I do use stickers for 1 of my planners. My weekly one. I do this for the exact reason you mentioned. It relaxes me. I started using a daily planner because there wasn’t enough space in my vertical weekly planner to list everything I needed to do each day. Plus, I needed to schedule time slots to keep me in check with what I needed to be doing at a specific time. It honestly takes some of the stress away knowing that I have gaps in between to do something for myself, instead of cramming in thing after another into my day and never feeling like I get a break. I do use my calendar on my phone for appts and basically what you said. To note things when they come up that I can add to my planner later on. I don’t usually take my planners outside of the house. I complete my weekly planner on Sunday afternoon, and my daily planner each night before bed, as a brain dump of what I need to do the next day. It helps me sleep better. I do my homeschool planner the last weekend of the month and plan for the month ahead.
I do decorate my paper planner. I enjoy it, but need to balance decoration with space for items for my planner to function properly. I find that I use my planner more when it’s pretty 😀
That tip just blew my mind: To use both a paper planner and a digital. I was so afraid I’ll forget my kids appointments or school dates that I would only use my phone calendar but really also like writing things down. I’m going to try doing both now. Thank you!
YES, planning and be prepared is everything! I couldn´t agree more. Our meal prep list, which I make every Sunday, hangs on the fridge with grocery list (I go grocery shopping every Monday). Then we have a family monthly planner that hangs on the wall in the kitchen (kids appointments, doctor meetings, birthdays). And for cleaning, ideas, books that I want read, work in the garden, I have a regular notice book where I can write my checklists down. In my phone I have only big stuff like birthdays or school holidays.
I love that!
Perfect timing! I just started transferring things to my 2021 planner yesterday. I love the fresh start feeling I get from a new planner.
Lol I’m new with planners and it’s true, I use it as a therapeutic Sunday evening week starter. And it’s been helping me keep up with planner. So I’m a cake decorator by trait but work wise I’m a case worker, very stressful weekly and the planner has helped me a bunch now can’t believe how I’m so late on it and my digital calendar I use much like you said more important appointments.
I use a combo of a dotted notebook, Google calendar and the keep notes app.
I have a mini planner, as I don't have many plans it's the right size for me. I do use washi tape and stickers that I buy at the dollar store or michaels or I make myself to decorate a little bit.
I found you through Robin at Faith and Flour. I love what you said about decorating planners. I’m not artistic. I like my planner to help me remember what I need to do during the day and to jot to do’s down during the day which Day Designer is perfect for.
I use both digital and paper. I also keep all my appointments in my phone and have a notetaking app I use when I'm away from my desk. I like using stickers and colored pens and "scraping" my planner but I am not a slave to that. I keep colored pens handy so if I don't have time to scrap I at least get some color involved. But when I'm really rushed I just use a pencil or black ink pen! I am pretty consistent with my planning, unless we are traveling. I would also be interested in a mini series on planner use.
Journaling and Planning is my hobby and I have tried many different kinds through the years. Currently use 2 planners but they are formatted for my needs. I use a Japanese planner, Hobonichi Weeks a very compact planner, it sits next to my computer and always goes with me. I also use a BUJO (Bullet Journal) I have to keep lots of medical notes and information for my husband. I use the BUJO as a way to find my notes and information because the format is set up the way that works for me. A big planner never worked for me and as a hobby i have tried many kinds and last year this combination worked and no longer looking for an ideal planning system as each person has to find what will work best for their needs. Thanks for sharing your ideas and suggestions on planning. I am alway open to new ideas.
I really love using my desk diary that has monthly and weekly layouts. I keep it on my vanity/writing desk and use it daily after I have “primped” for the day. Barnes and Noble does a literary desk diary that is very nicely done.
I use both a paper planner and “control journal”. My paper planner is for appointments, birthday and special day reminders, and serves as a diary (if something of note occurs, I will put it in my planner). At the end of the year I file the planner away with others from past years in a Rubbermaid container, which does not take up much room at all. My control journal is a very nice three ring binder, with notebook paper, dividers and plastic pockets. I divide by month, have two days per sheet of paper and use the pockets for allsorts. This is my “messy” planner, meaning I literally write EVERYTHING down I need to do and remember, add as I go, and cross out as I complete. I toss the pages as I use them. This system may sound complicated but it works for me 😀. Jennifer, thank you for your beautiful channel and for addressing the topic of planners🙏.
I would love a mini series, too 🥰
This is the first year I have been consistent with my planner - turns out I need a vertical, weekly layout and colored pens (pink for birthdays , green for appointments, Sundays marked with a blue marker etc.) to see everything at a glance! I never knew that would be important but after hearing you talk about how you prefer the horizontal layout, I realized it ☺️
I have been using the Elisabeth Clare Weekly Planner - I printed it myself as I don’t live in the USA. I love it and use it everyday (usually I couldn’t last a month 😂). I love that the Saturdays have normal size as I have as many to do’s (sometimes more) as on the other days of the week, and it has a space for meal planning. It is a Catholic planner so it has all the important holidays etc. I love this fact and initially bought it just for that reason, but of course for persons of other beliefs it might be a no-go ☺️
It is pretty without being overly decorated- although my planners start to look ugly the moment I write in them - I am definitely not a person who enjoys making her planner pretty, apparently 😬😂🙈 Also need to have it open all the time in a designated spot in the kitchen - not a great combo 😂🤷♀️
I have landed on a format that works. I would like to suggest a quick Google search for printable planner pages. I've found several free and a few inexpensive files that have me a good opportunity to try a layout. Great video Jennifer! I'd like to utilize my planner more rather than just the day to day.
Love all things planner!! I have used planners for decades starting with Franklin-Covey in the 80's. I recently swithched from a Plum Planner to the Planner Perfect system. I just have to write things down, keep lists, and mark things off. More planner videos would be great!
I use my planner as a brain dump. Everything that passes through my mind needs to go on a page so I won't forget it. Doing this relaxes me and also spurs me on to be more productive. If it is an multi-week project I write the list on a post-it to easily transfer it to the next week.
I would love a planner series!
I just buy a pocket calendar from Walmart to keep in my purse and I write all appointments in that and also put them in my phone. I’m very low key and thrifty!
Dear Jennifer,
Thank you for your videos, and I enjoyed this one in particular. I agree, it is sometimes easier to separate different life roles with your planner. I found a planner, the Hobonichi Techo, a Japanese planner that has an English version. It is small and compact, and fits into a purse easily, and has the most beautiful paper. I agree, the stickers are overwhelming, but I do enjoy seeing what others do! Kindly, ~Jaime Lyn
I’d love to see more planning videos from you. I use my bullet journal every day. I enjoy the freedom to customize it.
I've definitely lost my actual planning with stickers. now I just use them to highlight a special event and keep it much more simple. I love my filofax so I can get inserts that work best for me.
I would love to see more planning videos on your channel X
Yes, I find joy placing stickers and wasi tape on my planner. It's my "me" time.🤭
I use my planner mainly for housekeeping tasks, appointments, meal planning, gifting, and exercise tracking. I put appointments in my phone with reminders a few days and hours out as well. And I ALWAYS use a mechanical pencil! 😉 I actually move the stickers into my hobby space and use them for card-making.
I look forward to more of your planner videos, Jennifer!Love your makeup and styling too. Beautiful as always!