Cool Things: Planners

I've had more eye-rolling and deep sighs from my kids today than I typically have in one week's time. Could it be that the reorganizational efforts from the after-Christmas carnage is taking its toll on all of us? While opening presents is all kinds of fun, sometimes the clean-up process doesn't excite them as much as it does me.

This year I'm determined to be organized. I will NOT let my life run me but I WILL be the maker of my own destiny. In order to do so, I'm looking into methods to help me stay on top of things. For today's "Cool Things" post, I wanted to share some ideas for planners that will both help me record my daily "to do list," as well as be pretty enough to motivate me to actually continue its use.

Here are some of my favorite finds:

credit: http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/

The girls at "eighteen25" created this beautiful cover to coordinate with the custom "blurb" weekly planner templates. Imagine making your own with photos significant to you! These planners can be customized with monthly or daily templates and measure 6x9" in size:

credit: http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/

Continue reading for additional ideas on beautiful planners!


If you prefer a handmade edition, then use your favorite patterned papers and embellishments to create your own. Monika Wright covered a chipboard album to create this monthly planner. We love that it features the "Springtime" collection:

credit: http://www.iloveitallwithmonikawright.com/

I love the idea of printing my own planner so I can customize it to fit my schedule and organizational needs. Crystal Wilkerson has designed just that--a custom printed planner. This super popular planner is now available in a 2012 version. Here's a peek at some of the inner pages, but be sure to check out the entire planner here:

If you love something premade, that's both beautiful and ready to use then you might like the gorgeous planners in a variety of sizes from "Greenroom." These beautiful planners could be easily dressed up with stickers or embellishments to make them even more personal. You can find these planners at your local Target store:

credit: http://www.greenroomeco.com/

Whether you create your own planner from scratch, alter a prepurchased book, or print your own, the accomplished feeling of having your act together with be completely rewarding. Already well on your way to being organized? We'd love to see how you're doing it! Please share your ideas with our readers and us within the comments below.