Planner Peek: Christen

I am really excited to bring you another planner in the Planner Peek series! Today we're taking  tour of Christen's Daytimer Family Plus Weekly/Monthly Planner! I don’t know about you, but I just LOVE being able to sneak a peek inside other people’s planners. I love to see how they use them, how they decorate them, what type of planner they use, etc. I have asked my readers to submit photos of their planners and to tell us a bit about how they use their planning system. (You can submit your planner by filling out this really short and easy form. If you’re selected, you’ll get a free copy of the digital Sweet Life Planner worth $35!) All of the Planner Peeks in this series have been so fun to see.

Christen received this planner as a present last Christmas. At that time she was a stay at home mom and didn't really need to plan much. I love the colorful Sharpies she has all lined up to write in her planner.  Bright colors really make a planner fun to use.

Christen says, “It wasn't until I returned to work, I came across your blog & really got inspired. For now, I am using a Daytimer Family Plus Weekly/Monthly Planner – includes Yearly Overview Reference Calendars 2013-2015; 2-pg. Monthly spread for each month; 2-pg. Weekly breakout w/ columns for each family member in between each month – equipped with multiple lists (to-do, errands, school/community, personal time, Dinner Menu, Notes); Medical Information; Caregiver Information; Frequently Called Numbers; School Information for up to four children; Back-to-School Checklist; Birthdays & Anniversaries; Gift List & Sizes; Websites; Grocery Lists; 10 full pages of lined blank pages for random notes/brain dump.”  Wow!  Christen packs a lot of things into her planner!

Every week, Christen schedules an appointment with herself to plan out her week. That is a great idea!  She usually blocks out at least 30-minutes of uninterrupted time every Saturday morning to accomplish this. On the last week of the month, Christen fills out the upcoming monthly overview with appointments, bills, church events, sports games, etc. I love the  color coding system Christen uses – each type of event has it's own pre-determined color. After the event is added to the calendar, she highlights it accordingly. Christen also tries to write down as many monthly goals that she has at that time. Once the monthly overview is completed, she moves on to the weekly spread. Christen fills in any events for that week, under the correct ‘person's column'. She also fills in any errands, important events, notes & meal ideas – in their designated area.

Christen says she is quite  new to this whole planning thing. She has spent her entire life just going with the flow, but, she has quickly  learned  that life is much easier when you have a plan & stick to it. As a mom of two little boys who works full-time, her life can get very busy – especially since her oldest has recently started Kindergarten. Christen is committed to sticking to her planning regimen so she can spend less time trying to figure out what she is  supposed to be doing & more time making memories with her boys!! I love Christen's attitude. You can find out more about Christen by checking out her blog.

Here is a composite look at Christen's jam-packed Daytimer.

For even more inspiration with your planner, check out all the Planner Peeks in this series.

Do you want your planner featured in this series AND have a chance to get the Sweet Life Planner worth $35 for free? Just click here to fill out the super short and easy form to have your planner considered for the series.

Leave a comment and let us know how you liked the planner peek and how it’s inspired you.