My Planner Set Up

December 16, 2015

My Planner Set Up

 

I’ve been a planner for practically my whole life. I’ve used some sort of planning system or calendar for years. I can even remember using one of those small plastic covered calendars with kittens on them, when I was just 9 years old. There’s  something about systematically organizing your entire life into one small binder that excites me. I love it! I’ve shared a few planner posts in the past and I even created the “Original” Planner Addicts Facebook Group. Planning is an important part of my life and I’m happy to share what I’ve learned along the way.

 

My Planner Set Up via A Bowl Full of Lemons

 

MY 2016 PLANNER

I have tried just about every type of planner brand and size there is, from the largest to the smallest & most expensive to the least expensive. I don’t discriminate. I love them all! I am a planner enthusiast. It’s a big hobby of mine, so I like to swap them out every now and again. Today I will be showing you what I’ve decided to use to begin 2016 and exactly how I use it on a daily basis.

 

My Planner Set Up via A Bowl Full of Lemons

 

Brand – I’m using a Franklin Covey Bella Leather Binder.

Size – I decided to go with a classic sized planner this year. I love this particular size because it gives me the room I need to write everything down that’s important to me. This size is considered the “classic” American size (the inserts are half of an 8.5×11 sheet of paper). It’s different from an A5 planner which is a little wider (inserts are half of an A4 sheet of paper).

Inserts – To fit my 7×9 planner, I’m using “Her Point of View” daily inserts by Franklin Covey and the Rainbow Planner & Budget Binder inserts for detailed planning and checklists. I like to keep 3 months of daily pages in my planner, however sometimes that doesn’t all fit. So if I have extra checklists and paper inside the planner, I have to take out a month. I simply add it back in when needed (after removing old pages). For privacy reasons, I am only sharing a blank daily layout.

 

My Planner Set Up via A Bowl Full of Lemons

 

Tabs – To keep things organized, I use labeled tabs.

  • Calendar (Monthly & Daily)
  • Franklin Covey Starter Kit tabs (Planner guide, values/mission, goals, finances, key information, addresses/phone)
  • Financial Budgeting Tabs (Monthly budget, expense tracker, yearly finances, bills, debt consolidation, accounts, investments, auto, home, business)
  • Numbered Tabs 1-5 (Household, bible study, blog, lists, menu planner)

 

My Planner Set Up via A Bowl Full of Lemons

 

My Planner Set Up via A Bowl Full of Lemons

 

My Planner Set Up via A Bowl Full of Lemons

 

Writing Tools – I use Papermate Flair Tropical pens to color code family activities, Sharpie retractible highlighters to cross out completed tasks, a Franklin Covey ballpoint pen, and a Twsbi Diamond 580 fountain pen. I use a Day-Timer zip pouch to keep them all together and easily accessible in my planner.

 

My Planner Set Up via A Bowl Full of Lemons

 

Accessories – I’m not much of a planner “decorator”. I’ve tried it and it really isn’t for me. I do add a few task stickers here and there but for the most part, you won’t see me decorating weekly layout pages. It was too time consuming and I simply don’t have the time to do it. The stickers I like to use are from Me & My Big Ideas and there are a few from Etsy that I enjoy. The goal of using my planner is to organize my schedule and become more efficient with my time and by simplifying the accessories, I’ve improved that tremendously.

 

My Planner Set Up via A Bowl Full of Lemons

 

Color Coding – I organize our schedules and tasks by color. I write the tasks in black pen then color a “dot” in front of each task (to represent the person or category). Once the date has passed, I will cross out the tasks with a highlighter. To keep track of what each color goes to, I labelled each pen and highlighter with the name of the category (using labeling tape).

 

My Planner Set Up via A Bowl Full of Lemons

 

Color coding categories –

  • A color for each family member
  • Brown = Pets
  • Dark Green = Finances
  • Orange = House
  • Purple = Blog
  • Yellow = Family

 

My Planner Set Up via A Bowl Full of Lemons

 

Highlighter categories –

  • Yellow = Completed
  • Pink = Cancelled
  • Green = Postponed
  • Blue = Rescheduled


My Planner Set Up via A Bowl Full of Lemons

 

Weekly & Monthly Planning – I plan out 2 months at a time, which means I go to the monthly layout and write in all of the upcoming appointments, games, etc. for the next 2 months.  Then every week (usually on Sunday), I will  transfer the weeks happenings from the monthly layout onto the daily pages (for that week).

 

My Planner Set Up via A Bowl Full of Lemons
 
Weekly Tasks – I use Franklin Covey weekly compass cards & progressive task lists (in a divider pouch) to keep track of my roles and tasks for the week. If you haven’t heard about Stephen R. Covey’s planning system or the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, I highly recommend you read the book. I am just getting into his system but so far, it’s been really helpful! Below is a photo of extra weekly compass cards. Each week, I tear one off, fill it out, and place it in the divider pouch (pictured above).

 

My Planner Set Up via A Bowl Full of Lemons

 

Menu Planning – To keep track of our menu, I typed out a list of 30 of our favorite family meals & 30 side dishes on my computer. I printed, hole punched and placed them in my planner (in front of the weekly menu planner).  I cut off the right side of both lists just enough to see the weekly dinner menu behind them. Each Sunday, I write out our menu and stick transparent Post-It flags in front of all the meals we’ll be eating. Once the dinner has been cooked, I remove the flag.

 

Menu Planning in a Planner  via A Bowl Full of Lemons

 

Financial Planning – I use my budget binder printables to keep track of my finances. To learn more about these inserts, visit here.

 

My Planner Set Up via A Bowl Full of Lemons

 

Seasonal Schedules – In the back of the planner, you’ll find practice, game, school, and dance schedules that we need to keep track of. I store them in sleeve protectors from Avery. Since I refer back to them for several months, the sleeve protectors keep the paper in perfect condition.

 

My Planner Set Up via A Bowl Full of Lemons

 

Printing – When shrinking a full size document (8.5×11″) to fit into a classic size planner, simply choose print and reduce the size to 65%. After it prints, trim the paper to 5.5×8.5″.

 

My Planner Set Up via A Bowl Full of Lemons

 

This planner set up is working great for me. My time management has improved and I am more on top of things! I hope you enjoyed this planning post and if you’d like to see more posts like this, comment below with any suggestions. Happy Planning!

 

Disclaimer: You may find Amazon affiliate links within this post. Thank you for your support to A Bowl Full of Lemons.

109 comments on “My Planner Set Up

  1. Kim Wood says:

    I have used the Covey system for YEARS and love it. I’m not nearly as creative as you, but if I follow the Covey system, I usually accomplish everything on my daily/weekly/monthly task lists despite all the fire-drills I encounter! I strongly recommend the book, too!

  2. Melissa says:

    I LOVE this! I currently use and Erin Condren and a Happy Planner, but I love the versatility of a ring bound planner.

  3. Crystal Andrews says:

    The menu planning insert is genius! I have been struggling with menu planning for ever and this is perfect. Thank you for sharing. I have an Erin Condren and Inkwell Press planners.

  4. Marsha says:

    I have always enjoyed your planner blogs, I am back to using my planner and I am feeling like I am accomplishing for much more.

  5. Kathy says:

    Thank you for your inspiration. I too love all of the supplies available to decorate your planner but realized that it can be all to time consuming. Your post is perfectly timed. I am going to gather my supplies and put together the new year during my holiday vacation. Just one question, do you keep a monthly calendar in a central place for the family to see?

  6. Mila says:

    Loved this post and I really loved your setup! Thank you for sharing!

  7. Gina says:

    Great post and beautiful photos!

  8. Amy says:

    I really like how you color-coordinate your task and the status of your task. I’m going to borrow that idea, and try to do that for next year. 😀

  9. Margaux Galloway says:

    I love your new planner set-up! So many good ideas for me to incorporate into my own. Thanks for sharing!

  10. Michele says:

    I feel the same way about decorating my planner. I use a planner for time management, and decorating my planner would be a distraction for me.
    I checked your Bible reading plan, and I believe that it would be great fit the new year. How long have you been using it?

  11. Preeti says:

    In one of your previous planner posts you mentioned that you were using the Midori Traveler’s Notebook. Did you use that for your planner needs?

  12. Jessica says:

    Hi,
    I was wondering what you do with the kids soccer schedule for the family. My husband will ask where the school schedule is and I’m trying to find a way for him to know where to find it.Thanks.

  13. Liz Hernandez-Nunez says:

    Wow, i really enjoyed this post and how thorough you are. I am trying to get my personal sized planner set up and this really got my creative juices flowing. Thanks so much for what you do.

  14. Claudia says:

    Great post! What made you switch from an A5 Filofax? And I’ve seen others complain about the tabs sticking out on the classic Bella — it doesn’t look like yours do. Thanks for sharing your system; there are some really good ideas here.

  15. Juliana says:

    Adoro seu blog. Beijos do Brasil!
    O love your blog. Kisses from Brasil!
    Ju

  16. Cassandra says:

    make your documents as 8.5″ x 11″ and then when you print, tell it “2 to a page”. Cut your paper in half. Viola. Saves time & paper.

  17. Tiffani says:

    Thank you for sharing this and including links!

  18. Gwen says:

    Thank you so much for sharing! I have always loved your planning posts and missed them greatly. Since joining your original planner addicts group, I feel that I keep chasing different planner “fads”. Thank you for showing a simple, elegant, and efficient system. It has made me realize I need to get back to basics!

  19. Nicolina says:

    I love that you have a legend with the month. I would probably put it in the compass bookmark so I didn’t have to keep writing it in.

  20. Jen C says:

    Oh, I’m in LOVE with that planner! I used to have a planner, but got away from it because I no longer needed it. Two kids later, school, sports, scouting, etc., I’m finding I’m having a hard time remembering things (also ADHD). I use a desk calendar at work and Cozi (which my husband won’t use) while my husband uses his work Outlook since he has a Blackberry he can bring home. Hubby sends things to my work Outlook (that I don’t use since I can’t access at home) so I have to copy to Cozi and my desk calendar. Trying to get everyone on the same page is difficult to say the least. So a planner I can carry to and from work may be the way to go. Cozi is good, but limited (using free version). It would be nice to have somewhere to put invitations, etc., other than the refrigerator door that I don’t pay any attention to. The Erin Condren planner looks good, except no place for a zippered pouch to hold pens (I would prefer colored pens like you use). The open pockets will have things falling out. I may have to bite the bullet and go big with a Covey Planner.

  21. Angela Smith says:

    Thank you for such a thorough post. I used to use FC, and still have a couple of pocket binders. I now use inkwell press inserts in a filofax. Work a for now.

  22. Reynaul says:

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE this post, thank you so much and yes please post more! I have used a Franklin Covey planner and planner pages for years, and I love it!!!! It really does make my life run so much more smoothly.

  23. Morgan says:

    I’m currently using an Erin Condren, but I do like the flexibility of a ring system. I’m loving the idea of different colors for each family member. Using that in 2016!

  24. KellyRae says:

    I’ve been using planners since 1983 – tried on various sizes and brands – but I always come back to the Franklin Covey bevy of products. And I too do not ‘decorate’ my pages, I use them as a tool to keep me organized and for reference. I absolutely ADORE your tip to actually label the pens/markers used in color coding (and to keep a little index of those codes as well). I am totally adopting that trick for my own. Thank you THANK YOU for sharing that tip.

  25. TidyMom says:

    This is great Toni!! I’ve never been a planner person, and I decided to give one a try (I purchased a EC planner few months ago, but it takes me all the way thru next year) when it arrived, I was overwhelmed with how to use it, so I googled some videos and was quickly disappointed to see how many people use them like they are scrapbooking! I don’t have time for that, and couldn’t find an efficient way to use it so I have not been doing much with it. You’re post is JUST what I was looking for!! I wish I had the Covey planner you have (I’m book marking that for next year) – but most of your system can be applied to what I have for now!. THANK YOU!!

    Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

    • Toni says:

      You’re welcome Cheryl! Im glad you got some inspiration from it. It can be very overwhelming to find what works for you so hopefully you find what you’re looking for and get the most out of your planner – time management and helpful planning! 🙂

  26. Traci Ahangarzadeh says:

    Thank you so much for this post. Hearing how you color code and transfer your monthly to weekly is really helpful. It goes along with how I think and it makes sense. I too like a little less decorated and you are right, it takes a lot of time. I do miss the original FB group but I truly understood and have great respect for your creativity and ides. I love this kind of post and would look forward to more like this. Thanks so much for the ideas and the printing info! Traci

  27. Leslie says:

    i LOVE how you labeled your highlighters!
    such an awesome idea.

    i use my planer more as my balance book / memory keeper but i should get more organized like you! love this!

  28. Heather C says:

    Thank you so much for this timely post. You always have great ideas. I love how you labeled your pens and color-coded the calendar. Also, the 30 family meals insert is brilliant! Your budget printables have been working for me for a while now. I hope you have a blessed Christmas season!

  29. Kyrie says:

    My favorite planner setup ever and this year-mine is so similar to this! I’m excited because I just finished a whirlwind year where I tried every planner out there, every insert (including my own), every filofax and size, as well as decorating. I decided to leave it all behind for something simple like this. LOVE your setup and thank you for sharing!!

  30. Donna says:

    Is there a hole punch made specifically for this binder size? If so, where do you get it? Thanks for all your great ideas! One day I will be as organized as you.

  31. Alison says:

    I want one now! Whic one would be good for a beginner?

  32. Katy says:

    Great post! I was curious what you do with your planner pages after you take them out of the binder and put in New months. Do you just put them in manilla envelopes to save or throw them out? I have a hard time throwing planner pages and books away! 🙂

  33. Vanessa says:

    Oh my, I LOVE how you use highlighters! I am going to be doing this! I have had such a problem with putting a line through events that are cancelled, etc. This idea is absolutely fabulous! Thank you for this post!

  34. Margie says:

    I have never color coded because I didn’t want to have to remember who was what color. Then I saw your pen labels. Total forehead slap moment. So easy.

    Never think you shouldn’t add the obvious in a blog post.

  35. This is great Toni! I’ve used Franklin planners for years! I tried an Erin Condren this year and have decided to go back to Franklin for 2016. This post has so many good ideas – thank you for sharing!

  36. Carla says:

    Wow! In my planner world, these pics are equivalent to the pics of skinny, toned bodies we stick on the fridge to “motivate” ourselves. Now that the only schedules I keep track of are my own, I’ve downsized to a FC Compact. I still fill up the 1 inch rings, but it’s more petite.

  37. Joann says:

    Is your 2016 Budget Binder the same as 2015? When I try to place my order it says I am ordering 2015.

  38. Michelle says:

    Do you know if using a Kikki K planner what you would shrink the paper to to fit?
    Thanks!! This is the best planner post!!

  39. Pattie says:

    I’ve used your planner this past year and it has really worked well. Are you making one for 2016? I’m so comfortable with it & am getting overwhelmed at the idea I may need to find a new system.

  40. Mai says:

    I love your ideas. I love how you label your pens and love your menu planning ideas. Thank you so much for sharing. Do you have any plans to update your printables for 2016?

    • Miss M says:

      Taylor, check out Planner Pads! Their “personal” page size, measuring 6 3/4″ x 8 1/2″, only work with their own binder, but you can get an introductory kit that includes a binder for a great price, under $50. I’ve used these for many years and decided to change to Franklin Covey’s 1 page-per-day classic in 2015, but I’m going back to Planner Pads in 2016 because it’s the absolute best set-up for me. The “funnel concept” works beautifully for me! They don’t have a lot of accessories which helps me stay on budget. I’ve been color-coding for years, and don’t use many stickers as I find them too distracting. I DO use Franklin’s 2-page-per-month in addition though, I just place them in the front of my binder, and I too transfer from monthly to weekly. My binders (from introductory offer) last me a few years of daily rugged use since I’m always on the go. I hope this helps!

  41. Taylor Erickson says:

    I LOVE all the suggestions, thank you so much for sharing! I have been wanting to organize my life for quite some time and this has been a huge boost! I was researching and found that many of the tools you used are very expensive… Are there any ways to get around those prices? I love the planner, but $140 is not something I can afford…

    Any advice would be great!

  42. Lucy says:

    This is BEAUTIFUL! My planner doesn’t look quite as beautiful as this!! I love that you’ve labelled your pens too. Thanks for the inspiration!
    Lucy xoxo
    http://lucyannblog.blogspot.co.uk

  43. CLARA says:

    The color of the planner is beautiful! Can’t wait to order mine. Just a question, the picture with finances and goal tabs, does that come with the planner or did you buy those inserts separately?

  44. D says:

    Hi! I’m totally going to try this. It’s been years since I have a physical planner and I do miss it. Question, do you have to cut the paper after printing? or do you always use a smaller sized paper? if so, is it fairly easy to print smaller size papers?

  45. D says:

    Also, where did you buy the colorful monthly divider tabs? Thanks!

  46. Cristina says:

    Great set up! I’ve been a FC planner for years…and as soon as I saw you’re binder, I went to site but unfortunately because they’ve sold out in Classic Arctic Blue they’ve discontinued it! 🙁 So unfortunate because this is my favorite color!

  47. Tara says:

    This is organization at its finest!

  48. Lindsay W says:

    I am not sure if this is a silly question – but when you make your own pages how do you get the special planner hole punches so you can put them in? or do you use sheet protectors?

  49. Kathy says:

    This is awesome information. I love planners. Too bad I didn’t have this information prior to purchasing my planner for 2016. I’m saving this information for next year.

  50. Amanda says:

    You are a genius! I wondered how I could shrink documents to fit into a planner. 65%…never would have figured that out on my own! Also, color coding is something I love to do but labeling the markers is definitely a grand idea! Love it! Going to become a subscriber to your blog post haste!

  51. Kristin says:

    Oh my goodness! I just had a planner moment! I never thought of labeling my Flair pens for each category…I’m in love! This is going to help me so much and it is such an easy thing to do. Thank you for the great idea!

  52. Niki says:

    Lovely! I don’t see a 2016 bundle for the Rainbow Planner in your printable shop. Will that be available soon or has it been discontinued? Thank you!

  53. Brenda says:

    I was so excited to see your post, Toni! Like several others have mentioned, I’ve tried other planners from time to time, but always come back to Franklin-Covey. I’ve used them for over 30 years now! I even attended a seminar back in the 1980’s and learned the principles behind the set up and how best to use the master list, daily list, etc. I never lose track of a tiny detail, break tasks down into daily to-do items, and people at work are always amazed that I meet deadlines and have things under control so effortlessly. Love the 3 rings (actually 6 rings) as it allows me to have sections for book clubs, charities, goals, seasonal lists, etc. I use the compact size and love it. Have read the Seven Habits book and it’s great! Thanks so much for your post!

  54. Kelly says:

    I love this new post!! Beautifully done and inspiring. Thanks!

  55. Meredith says:

    I wrote a blog post about my quest for a Filofax after reading your posts about them. Check it out! http://scrapstashstudio.blogspot.com/2015/12/a-thrifty-ish-american-girls-attempt-at.html I linked to your blog. Thanks for making me fall in love with getting organized! PS-I love your site.

  56. Jenny says:

    Will you be offering your planner for 2016?

  57. Oh my word — I just came across your blog and I’ve hit the organizational jackpot! WHOA! Be still my heart — don’t mind me as I browse through all your posts and take furious notes to implement accordingly! #1 on my NY resolution is TIME MANAGEMENT!! 🙂

  58. jana says:

    What great tips! Thanks for sharing your ideas. 🙂

  59. Nicole says:

    Envious and completely overwhelmed by this level of planner usage. I feel like it would take me months just to set it up and I would get completely lost in the details that I would lose the purpose of the planner and it would become time consuming and counter-productive. Any advice for a newbie to planners and someone, not completely unorganized, but certainly no where organized to this extent my any means???? I want to make 2016 a fresh start for so many aspects of my life and it has only been 14 hours in and I’m overwhelmed!!!!

  60. Connie says:

    Great post and so grateful to find out how to print items from 8.5×11 to fit smaller planner!!!!!!

  61. Toni,

    As ever, your planner set-up is simple and beautiful. Mine is, um, functional and messy. Lol. But I like to LOOK at yours better. 🙂

    Giftie Etcetera

  62. Katie says:

    Is it necessary to buy a new ring-bound planner every year? It seems like it’s a little bit pricey to do that. Since I am not accustomed to using a planner, I thought I would buy one on sale and see if I actually use it before I invest in a more expensive ring-bound planner.

  63. I’ve read a lot of planner posts lately, and tried to glean the very best of all of them. Yours is really well thought out, but real, and genuine.

    LABELING PENS IS THE MOST BRILLIANT THING EVER. Honestly, I wish you had patented that and were making zillions of dollars off it.

    Thanks for being inspiring and have a wonderful 2016!

  64. Jo says:

    Love it! I’ve been using color-coded pens & highlighters, but never thought about labeling them directly. Thanks for the inspiration!

  65. Juanita says:

    I really enjoyed reading your planner set up blog today. I started using a planner in October of last year and I am still trying to find my “planner peace” as they all say in the planner community. I pick up a lot of ideas from your set up and felt better about myself when you stated that you didn’t decorate that much, I still have problems decorating and have just about given up on it. Thank you for explaining the different in the size of paper between A5 and A4. Right now I am using a personal and A5 planner, I love the A5 the best. Again, really enjoyed your blog, I started following you on Instagram and plan to purchase your book.

  66. Darcy says:

    Your planner is beautiful and functional – both are important. Could you further explain the Weekly compass and progressive task lists? In my planner I tend to rewrite the same items that get moved to the next day over and over. Is this a way to eliminate that? I feel like I need that list in front of me each day, but hate to continually move things to the next day. Basically I am overbooking myself just to keep that list in front of me and it can be somewhat depressing.

  67. Jo says:

    Hi Toni

    I love your planner system and have recently purchased the same one. Quick question when adding extra pages whats your technique for stapling them so its neat? the Franklin Covey planner has 7 rings.

    Jo

  68. Robyn says:

    I’ve been trying (and failing) for years to use my google calendar and notes in my phone. I didn’t realize that people were still using planners and it’s as if your post gave me the permission that I didn’t realize I was seeking. I’m inspired by the way you have set up your planner and can’t wait to try the family meal planning method – I ordered everything last night – thank you thank you!!!

  69. Michelle says:

    I love your planner blog. I have used Franlkin planners for years. At the end of last year I ordered the Bella binder in pink. I like the binder except that the rings are a bit too large for me. I ordered an Erin Condrin planner for 2016, but the weekly view is not working for my business stuff. I think I’m going to have to switch back to Her Point of View daily pages, but what do I do with the Erin Condrin now?

  70. Lizl says:

    Thank you for showing your my point of view inserts, I ordered the compact size after seeing it here, and I love it.

  71. Pascha says:

    I love this post. Why didn’t I think to label my pens/markers??? Great idea! Thank you for sharing your set-up.

  72. Shannon says:

    As a very long-time lover of Planners I struggled once going back to the corporate world after kids with trying to keep all appointments in one place when with work, Outlook is the Must choice with lots of sales meetings Monday through Fridays, and it’s double-work to use a paper planner as well. I use Outlook for calendaring all personal family schedules as well and copy most over to my work calendar so everything is synched.
    I also use “Notes” on my phone so I always have everything with me: Grocery Lists, Costco, Books to Read, Various Journals, etc
    Anyone else with this similar corporate issue who perhaps uses a Planner for everything But the calendar? Or even with the calendar?
    I would LOVE to set back up again with a Franklin Covey system for all but the calendaring because i do love paper however find it’s a challenge to be ‘mobile’ with a planner 100%.
    I have transferred most of what I would use a planner for to my Mobile but don’t feel quite as organized in ALL areas.
    Anyone have a similar challenge and things that are working for you?
    Thanks

  73. Marylin says:

    I first saw your Filofax Budget Binder on a post from 2013. I loved that idea and started looking for the inserts and realized Filofax doesn’t carry a lot of them anymore. Then I saw this post. Does this mean you no long have a separate Budget Binder and only use your own inserts for your budget?

  74. Valerie says:

    I can’t find the mint binder. It only says plush or pink. I really love the mint and want one real bad. Haha do you know if they’ll have anymore soon in mint?

  75. Pam says:

    I’ve been using Franklin Covey since the late 1980’s. The company I worked for back then would send us to a seminar put on by FC to show you how to use it effectively. It has been such an integral part of my life. Like you, when I was very young, I would use the plastic calendars and have tried other calendars since then and this is by far my favorite!

  76. Marie fricks says:

    Wow that’s a amazing ideal how Much was all this.. I’m trying to keep one with every days things work Dr appointment

  77. Amy says:

    Where did you find the 1-5 numbered tabs?

  78. Meighan says:

    Loving your planner!! I’m too late ordering the Bella binder as it is discontinued.. ☹️ Any thoughts on where I could get something really similar? I’m having trouble tracking one down… The color is exactly what I’m looking for.

  79. Shannon says:

    Do you have a post anywhere with your favorite family meals and side dishes? I love that idea and am incorporating it in my planner. I STRUGGLE with the meal planning and always like to see what other busy families eat for dinner!

  80. Love this! I love my planner and I do like to decorate, it’s my me time every Sunday night to set up my planner for the following week!
    Labeling your coloured pens is bloody genius! I love it. Takes all the hassle out of colour coding

  81. Christy Ivanish says:

    I just came across your post today. I like the way your planner is set up. I like your idea of labeling your color-coded markers and highlighters. I’d have a terrible time keeping track otherwise. I especially like the set-up you use for menus. That’s and area I definitely need to improve in. Your method for meal planning was a head slap moment. It is so simple.
    Thank you for sharing all of your great ideas.

    I’ve been “planning” to put together a planner for over a year and have been searching for the printable pages I want to use.
    I have an ARC planner and punch. I’m starting with the 8.5 size. I may be changing to the A5 just because it seems a better size to take with me during the day. Christy

  82. Danielle says:

    I love your blog and pretty much everything you post. But the menu planning….that is so freaking simple and ingenious! You have helped me organize my life in so many ways. Thanks for this insight! :0)

  83. Margo Hursh Schlise says:

    I have been using the Franklin Covey Classic for 23 years. I love it. I was fortunate enough to receive classroom training on this planner back in 1993. It was time well spent. I like the fact you shared your color coding system, I will definitely begin using that process. A must have for me is the separately purchased, year at a glance page. I order it directly off of the Franklin Covey website. I was taught how valuable the monthly indexes can be if you get into the habit of writing down at least the highlights of a month. It makes for an easy way to reference back to something. I do keep more than three years back on my storage binders. It was recommended we keep seven years back. I love love love the well thought out and consistent Franklin Covey classic planner – 2-page per day set. Occasionally, the repetitive action of writing down tasks to carry them forward seems inefficient, but, trust me the repetition assists in reaching completion. Thank you for all of your insight on this planner.

  84. Kimberly says:

    Where did you find the robins egg blue Franklin Covey Bella & how long have you had it? I can only find a pink one online?

  85. Cheryl says:

    Hello Toni,

    I was blown away by your organizing and how well everything is put together. I use a personal planner (work) and a EC (home) at the moment. I have been trying to find a way to keep organize for work and home. Your post have given me so many ideas. I like your budget system but would like to carry it in my planner. Would you consider making it for a personal planner size? Thank you for sharing.

  86. Nefeli says:

    Wow!!! Your planner is AMAZING !You are so organized!! I loved this post. Thank you

  87. Noel says:

    I love this planner! I’m a planner junkue and can’t find one that meets all my needs. I was wondering how much it cost to put your planner together?

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