Game On

This was the paragraph that set me off on the quest to pick the perfect planner. Or better yet, it was the response I got from one of my subscriber tribe members, Jenny. She read this and responded  back that if I found anything, let her know. I took that as a personal challenge and answered her email with, Game On! For the last few weeks I have shopped online, thumbed through planners at stores, and finally found what I consider to be practically perfect. So, Jenny, here you go!

When I wrote the  Monday morning email, I was really thinking about a well-organized planner than offers what I want. And as you can see below, I’m picky. In fact, so picky that as I considered what I wanted, I made a list of what I DIDN’T want. Ruling out what I knew I didn’t want allowed me to narrow in on what I did want.

 

 

Five Rules to Pick the Perfect Planner

1. Spiral bound is not an option. Seriously, who remembers carrying around a spiral bound notebook in school? About halfway through a semester, the pages are tearing out and there is a ragged mess left behind. No thanks.

2. Bullet journals are not my friend. Do not expect me to draw my own pages and use stickers to keep it organized. First of all, my best art involves birds that are in the shape of a lazy, rounded letter “M.” Why would I want to stress myself out by trying to draw in a journal? I want organization, not a reminder I need art lessons. Stickers just don’t do it for me. I’m organizing, not crafting.

3. No obscenities on the front cover. This one I agonized over a little. I would actually like a journal that says something to the point like, “Get My Sh*t Together.” Really, that’s like two reminders in one. Here is my sh*t, and it’s together…for ONCE! But alas, this bad boy may be whipped out during a work meeting, and people can be judgy about obscenities on planners. So, sorry but no.

4. Maximum of 18 months, 12 would be even better.  It came to my attention that you can actually buy 3 year planners. I’m not committing to a 3 year relationship with ANYTHING. Really, I know I’ll get tired of you, dear planner, and I’ll want to break up at some point. Most likely about 18 months in and you’re done. Glad we can agree on that!

DEAL BREAKER ALERT:

5. It’s all about the PAGE LAYOUT. I might find the most adorable planner that meets options 1-4, but when I crack it open, I need to see some writing space! I want some list making space! I demand reminder space and to do space! Give me a calendar grid, by month and week if possible!

The Planner Reveal

After searching through big box stores and browsing online, I found my choice at T.J. Maxx. I opened just about every dang planner they had in stock, willing to compromise a tiny bit on 1-4 above, but absolutely not on number 5. The biggie. Page Layout. 

 

Eccolo is the brand, and this particular style is called a desk planner. Built tough like a hard cover book, not flimsy, and will stand up to daily use. The marbelized shades of blue shot through with gold on the cover is an absolute bonus. I’ve been crushing on blue and gold for quite some time. Here are the close ups!

 

 

But it’s good looking too!

 

 

 

 

BONUS BUYS

 

This started out as a quest for organization tools, and I think I found more than I bargained for. If you notice, accompanying the planner is a journal and a password keeper. The journal is just the right size to slip into a bag for trips, outings and writing on the go.  I also keep a notebook nearby to jot down interesting bits when reading. This is just the perfect size for that. Doesn’t hurt that it has a whole cover full of inspiration either. It’s also the Eccolo brand, so I’m impressed with them! The password keeper is another attempt at organizing, securing, writing down not SAVING passwords on my laptop. It’s stupid, dangerous, and I know better!

NEW PROBLEM

I have  the planner, I have the notebook and the password keeper. I’m about to get down to organizing business. This has led to one new problem. Maybe this is what it means to start small and work outward, but I’m eyeing a spare bedroom, considering how it would look as my new office space….I’ll get back to y’all on that!

Here’s a sampling of journals available through Amazon. I included a sample of several styles, even the ones that don’t fit my requirements. Because you’re entitled to make your own decision! You pick the perfect planner for you! This is an affiliate link, so be forewarned, I may make a few pennies if you buy one at no additional cost to you!

[