Planners, Planners, Planners oh my!

I admit it.  I love planners, stationary, school supplies and all things associated with them.  Ever since I began college, I have used some type of planner.  Typically I just got a cheap one - either from Wal-Mart, Target, a bookstore or such.  Then I was introduced to MomAgenda.  While I liked the format and idea of the planner, the hardcover didn't lay flat enough for me or seem to want to stay open.  
So I began using Day-runners, Day-timers and Franklin Covey binder types that I got at local stores.  These just didn't seem to fit our family needs.  After all I am the official "Keeper of the Calendar".  As I tell my children - if it is not on my calendar, it will not happen.  This way they make sure to tell me every time they want to do something.  Plus when they ask, I can easily check to see if there is already something going on.  

I am part of an Online Bible Study community by Proverbs 31 Ministries.  Before our most recent study began, we got into a discussion about planners.  Two different ones were mentioned:  The Erin Condren Life Planner and the Plum Paper planner.  I had to immediately attempt to find out all I could about these two planners.  I joined some Facebook groups to see what I could find out.  I also studied their webpages for information.

In my family there are 7 individuals:  my husband (with his Army schedule and such), myself (and all my Army and Church commitments), our three sons (ages 18, almost 16 and almost 14) and our daughter who just turned 12.  Plus my mother lives in our home.  So there is a lot of to keep up with.

so I want a planner that can handle all of that.  Plus I want it to help with my "to-do lists", errands we need to complete, and so forth.  It needs to have space to write in and places for me to make notes.

As I entered into this process, I assumed that a planner was meant for just that:  writing down plans, events, shopping lists and other such things.  I never realized it was an artistic and creative outlet.

Planners these days get personalized in all kinds of way.   Some use washi tape to add color, texture and dimension to their planners.  Stickers add a wonderful touch.  Many use scrapbooking ideas to give their planner that just so touch.  

Having the correct type of pen is an absolute must.  After all no one wants to have their pens bleed through other pages.  Also, there is a need for post-it notes, something called a dashboard, and more.  There is a whole wonderful world of opportunity to make these planners an amazing creative expression of who someone is; whom or what they love; and what is important to them.  It is completely phenomenal to me.

So in the coming weeks, I will be sharing more with you about: which one I decided on; how I am using it, and how I am decorating it. #blogboost