Hi everyone! I thought I'd try
something different and give you all an in depth look at my planner
and how I set it up and use it. I recently changed some things about
how I use my planner and I am very excited about that. I also took
the plunge and painted my gorgeous green leather classic binder PINK!
I love it! The color I chose happily almost exactly matches the pink
in my Rolodex Padfolio that I use for notes and brainstorming. It is
also the color in the logo of my DM business. I do use the Franklin
Covey System because it is a tried a true system that works for me.
While I do like my planner to look pretty, bottom line it has to work
for me. I found some great sources for functional stickers that I
love and I will link they below. Let's get started!
Painting my binder was a lot easier
than I expected. I chose Apple Barrel Matte Acrylic in Honeysuckle
Pink that I got at Walmart for under a dollar along with a pack of
sponge brushes. I wiped the binder off with a damp cloth before I
started but I didn't do any other prep because this is a well loved
binder. I was going for a distressed look so I was not concerned with
covering all the green. I did not use a sealer because I'd like for a
bit of the color to kind of rub off. I applied two coats, allowing it
to dry for an hour between coats. Brought it inside and let it sit
overnight. When I got up the next morning, I moved everything back
in, slid it in my backpack purse and went to run errands. Thinking
about painting your planner? Do it! You'll love it!
The dividers I use are actually a set
of covers that Alexis offered free on her blog Strange & Charmed.
I printed them out, trimmed them and slid them in page protectors. I
may laminate them at some point but right now, I'm like the idea of
sliding them out to change them whenever I want. I'm actually
thinking of doing a change out quarterly and am working on a set of
coloring pages to use. I did not put tabs in them and right now that
is working really well for me. I only have four sections in my binder
unless you count my A-Z section which I keep in my work section.
I carry my planner everywhere so I have
a zipper section and card holders in the front so that my loyalty
cards and gift cards are handy right in front of my calendar section.
Which brings me to my inserts! I use Franklin Covey Original 2ppd
inserts. I keep three monthlies and the current month of dailies in
there. I love the Blog Boss and the Editable Task & Label
Printable Sticker Sets I got from Strange & Charmed. That
editable task list is a lifesaver for me! I have a monthly one and a
weekly one set up. I love that I can change them or create new ones
whenever I want!
I use a fold out work board I made to
attach my errand/grocery list and a running Honey-do list. Clipped to
the inside I have a list of journaling questions and a running list
of blog ideas. I also clip coupons, directions, information for
install dates, etc clipped here. Basically any information I might
need quickly while running errands or just getting things done at
home. There are tons of tutorials online to make them and they are
really easy.
My other sections consist of a
Religious Section where I track scripture study, keep my Gratitude
List, and prayer request. A HomeKeeping Section where I keep my
cleaning calendar, menu planning, camper maintenance log, and Holiday
Planning. Then there is my work section where I keep a current scent
list, blog schedule, running to do list for work, and my A-Z section.
I also have a Swing Pad there.
That's it! Remember that what works for
me may not work for you. You should stick with a system for six
months before deciding it doesn't work for you. I hope this helps ….
Here is a link to the printables I mentioned
