I floated a question about pen and paper planners a few weeks ago and, while I certainly got some 'everything is on my phone' responses, it turns out that plenty of us DO still use 'hardcopy' planners (or some combination of digital and print).
I don't know why, but the idea of a paper planner gets me super excited (seriously). Physically crossing something off your list is so much more satisfying than clicking a little box on your phone-- even if you add it just to cross it out (Please. You're guilty. Every list-maker is.)
The planner is currently set up for an academic year. The designer/publishers are working on the next calendar year, but let's be honest-- if you have school-aged kids, you operate on a school year calendar! BONUS-- this would be awesome if you have a little planner-in-training at your house. They may not be able to use all the cool features (more on that in a moment), but it would be a great assignment book or social calendar.
It has taken me forever to post this review-- not because it's not great, but because it's summer and my life schedule changes drastically in the summer (see above school-year-lifestyle...). Also, there's so much to talk about here! There are a bunch of features that add to the organizational-awesomeness of this planner.
Let's run through some of them:
Cover design-- right now, you have 2 choices of cover design. I love me some damask, but something about the bright graphic cover really appealed to me! You can't go wrong with either.
Academic-year calendar-- I think this is cool, but if you prefer a calendar year set up, just move your reminder to buy a new planner up till July, and you'll be all set ;) But really, if you are in school, or have kids in school, I think you'll find it practical.
Stay-open spiral-- I'm not even sure this one was intentional, but I noticed it! Ya' know how sometimes spiral notebooks get hung-up on themselves and don't lie flat? This doesn't do that! It rotates smoothly, displaying whatever page you have it open to.
At-a-glance yearly calendars-- the full calendar year for each of the years within the school year (follow that?) are printed on the inside of the cover and back cover. You can check on what day a holiday falls, or reference any date without flipping pages.
Front and back pockets-- receipts, gift cards, notes, business cards, whatever-- tuck 'em in so they don't flutter out.
Address, Emergency Info, and Important Numbers-- I know, I know, it's in your phone. Hang on, let me count how many of you dropped/lost your phone in the past month. It'll take a while because IT'S A LOT! It doesn't hurt to have the most essential info jotted down in old fashioned form.
Family Medical Info-- honestly, I'd probably list my son's food allergies here, but not go as far as entering insurance info. Turns out paper is pretty easy to hack in to... ;)
At-a-glance Important Monthly Dates-- never miss an anniversary, birthday, or appointment again!
Picky Eaters-- this might be my favorite section. I hate that it needs to be in here, but it does. You can list likes, dislikes and meal ideas. Was a certain dinner a big hit? Highlight it, make it again, and hope that everyone likes it a second time ;)
Pet Safety-- because pets are family too
Food Safety-- refrigeration guides, lunchbox rules, and even when to toss leftovers
Then we get into the calendar. Each month has an at-a-glance calendar, a day-by-day calendar, and a notes section. The months are marked on the margin to make it easy to find 'today'.
A To Do List and Notes section round out this planner, to make it your bible of family affairs!
Sprinkled throughout are adorable-- and really useful!-- tips, tricks, and hacks. They really thought of everything!
Jealous yet? One of you can have one all to yourself! Let's make this quick since it starts with August...and August is almost over. Add your name to the FACEBOOK POST to enter. I will choose a winner at random!