I might be on my own here, but even with cell phones, apps, and all the other fancy-schmancy ways to communicate and organize our lives, I still have the desire to do things like doodle in a notebook, or send a card in the mail, or even write out my weekly grocery list. The same goes for using a daily planner, which I've continued to use and write my schedule in, despite the fact that my cell phone and computer have the ability to keep track of such things. Maybe it's the feeling of promise and the renewed sense of energy that comes with opening a fresh, clean planner at the beginning of the year, or maybe it's that I like being able to look back at old planners and see the things I was doing at different stages in my life, or maybe it's a little of both. Regardless, having a daily planner is something that, in my opinion, modern technology cannot trump, and it's one of the things I look forward to at the start of the new year. Since I'm still on the hunt for my 2013 planner I thought I'd round up a few cute ones that have caught my eye so far:
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| Things I always keep in my planner:
- Pen with a cap to hook on the binding or cover
- List of important phone numbers (doctors, pharmacy, neighbor, and a few "in case of emergency" places like alarm, gas, and water company)
- Immediate family member & a few friends' home addresses
- Sheet of postage stamps paper clipped on inside of front cover
- Any business cards I receive (I usually stash them in there and then transfer them to a drawer in my office every few months)
Some other fun ways to use a daily planner:
- Editorial calendar for your blog or website. Planning ahead for a week (or month's) worth of posts is the saving grace for me when it comes to blogging. Even if it's just an idea and you're not sure about the content, jot it down for a particular day and build the entire post later at your workspace.
- Food and/or health journal. Write down the things you ate throughout the day, what type of exercise you did, or how you felt in general that day. Even though my food allergies are under control, I still journal what I eat every day, this way if/when issues arise I can go back and look at the things that may have been the cause.
- Monthly budget. Track the days when bills are due, what payments will be received, and your monthly expenditures like weekly groceries, medications, and others. Yes, online banking or a spreadsheet can monitor all of this, but if you're on a mission to pay off debt, build your savings, or pay cash for that next vacation, than sitting down to see exactly where your money goes each month might be a great way to get on the right track. Even if it's just for a few months, you might be surprised at the things you're spending extra cash on. I'm a little (okay a lot) obsessive about our monthly budget, and having a planner for the first few years out of college strictly for budgeting has helped me to get on the right financial path.
What are your thoughts on using a daily planner? Do you keep one, or do you prefer using your cell phone or calendar apps?
40 comments:
I love the idea of using a planner to keep a monthly budget, I never thought about using one in that way. I have some apps on my phone to jot notes and keep a budget, but it's just not the same (or effective) as handwritten notes.
I am SO with you on this! There's something about electronic planners that just aren't satisfying to me.
I need a new one for this year and I'm loving the green striped one!
i love the idea of still using a traditional calendar/planner. writing things down helps me remember them and i find my smartphone to be too distracting with all the other apps, etc.
plus i love being able to buy a cute calendar!
-Lauren
http://ourprettypieces.blogspot.com/
I completely agree, even with all the technology I still LOVE the feeling I get when I am filling out my planner. And I love your idea of clipping stamps on the inside, genius!
I love having a paper planner. For some reason there are still certain things that I like to see written down in front of me, and dates and events are one of them. I love the idea of keeping a sheet of stamps in the front cover.
i was JUST looking for planners. this is the best post ever.
I do most of my scheduling on ical, but also like having a paper version. I still like writing my to-do list, grocery shopping and any other little notes the old-fashioned way too. Planner #1 is calling my name!
I'm the same way - I LOVE my daily planner. I have the Erin Condren Life Planner. I do have a lot of my meetings and such in my phone but that's only because my email calendar syncs the meeting invites. I still write them in my planner and I'm alllll about writing out a to do list, grocery list... Just all me old fashion. :)
I love the idea of using a planner and I always start off with good intentions but as the weeks pass I seem to rely more on my phone and less on my planner. I do love actually being able to write things down, it's probably why, like you, I still like to send and receive snail mail. There's something so sweet about it!
xo jen
I'm a pen and paper kind of girl and have to use a planner. I don't think I could ever switch over to using my phone. I have the large Lilly Pulitzer agenda and LOVE it!!
I'm obsessed with my Erin Condren life planner, but I've never thought about using it for budgeting and bill paying. I'm so glad you mentioned some tips, so I can get my new year started on the right foot!
xx - Danielle
missglamdan.com
Really cute options!
Happy New Year, lady! xx
I have a Lilly Pulitzer planner that I use for pretty much everything; editorial calendar, bills due, school assignments, etc. I got it in the print You Gotta Regatta and it's absolutely fabulous. I couldn't think of any other planner that I love more. The only thing about it is the fact that it goes from August 2012-August 2013. One day when I get out of school, I'm going to have to look for a planner that actually goes year round.
xo, Maria
I am with ya, I cannot wait to start my new 2013 planner!
I have #6 on your list! I, too, like to write down things, as it helps me remember them better!
xo,
Shay
Just got my bathroom a bit more organised.... http://shoptravelfood.blogspot.hu/2013/01/alabaster.html
I also have #6. It's a great small size and has enough room for appointments and lists and notes! And it's a fun bright pink!
You are absolutely not alone here. I use my daily planner everyday for work and school. Using one for your blog is a great idea too!
#8 is so cute - It looks paperback which I love!
♥ xoxo Cori
www.purecanesugarfashion.wordpress.com
I'm totally with you! My husband and I have so many gadgets but always turn out our trusty planners! I received a luxurious leather planner for Christmas and can't wait to fill it up. x
www.anythingeteverything.com
I love the idea of budgeting with pen and paper. I've tried (and failed) to keep track of my spending with excel and this sounds like it could actually hold me accountable!
- Kelsey @ Time Stand Still
My planner ran out last August and I didn't get a new one for a few days -- you'd be surprised how lost I was!! I love the idea of using it for an editorial calendar...i've done that with my blog for awhile now, and it's really helped me visually see my blog. :)
i love using a daily planner! sometimes i use my phone as well, but it's just so much better to have a daily planner where we can write things down. ;)
<3, Mimi
http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/
I totally agree! Does anyone have any recommendations for ones that are a little more sturdy? My problem with ones with a spiral binding is that after a couple months accompanying me everywhere, they inevitably fall apart or snag. I always pop into bookstores to look at their selection, but I haven't found any I love this year. Anyone have any other suggestions, other than the above?? Thanks!!
I'm really liking the idea of a budgeting calendar - I've never used a daily planner just because I never know how to use it (in terms of schoolwork - do I write it when it's assigned or when it's due... etc.), but I want to try harder to use one just because I feel I'll be so much more organized!
I use a paper planner as well (A large Lilly Pulitzer one) and I could never replace it with technology! The one thing I do though is put my events from my agenda into my iPhone calendar so I can quickly check my availability when making plans with friends and such!
Charlee Anne @ thepreppygraduate.com
I have the Erin Condren life planner and am obsessed with it. You can personalize it, add a notepad to the back, etc. It's on the bigger size for a planner, but I love it. A little pricey but well-worth it!
Oh, and all of the Erin Condren products are fabulous!!
I am the same way! I feel so much more organized. Husband always laughs at me wondering why year after year I carry a bulky calendar around with me. One of my favorite things to do toward the end of the year is go to Barnes & Noble to check out the different engagement calendars. I am drawn to ones with inspirational quotes and beautiful photos!
I also have an Erin Condren Life planner & am in love with it!!
I've always preferred to use a paper planner than rely on technology. It's just easier for me to scribble information down than open an app and awkwardly try to type out information. Plus I love to choose snazzy planners like the ones pictured here.
I need to do a better job of planning. At work I use lists, but otherwise I don't use planners or any other forms of organizational tools. I do you My Fitness Pal to track food. Does that count? haha :)
And speaking of, we need to plan a get together!
I am a paper planner addict, too. I am using a greenroom planner from Target this year and loving it. It has a monthly calendar, monthly list 2 page spread, and a weekly calendar with tons of writing space.
I love picking out my new planner every year! Thank you for these suggestions!
Really nice planners but since a few year by myself I´m notice completely electronic: in my iPad, my smartphone and at work I´m totally paperless.
The disadvantage is that my handwriting becomes daily more bad.
xxx
Rena
http://dressedwithsoul.blogspot.de/
I use a planner all the time, I have the Lilly Pulitzer 16 month book, so I am good until 2014! Have a great week, toodles!
what a great round up of cute planners!!! thanks for the links :)
I love my planner...I am beyond attached to it! I have one from Lilly Pulitzer and my life is in that thing!
I'm obsessed with daily planners! I use the August to August Calendar Organizer from Container Store but I'd love to know which of these you recommend that has room for all the detail you listed above (i.e. food journaling, Ed calendar)! Thanks! xoxo
I have to use a paper planner. Things get lost in the shuffle when I use my phone, even if it is synced to my office calendar.
You are definitely not alone! I am beyond obsessed with daily planners and still use one every single day to organize my to-do list and plans for the year! Love the planners you found, all so pretty!
I have to have a physical organizer where I can write with a pen; I ignore everything my phone tells me.
I've also started following the Fun Cheap or Free Queen for my monthly budgeting and it has already made a HUGE difference!
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