my life planner

My sister and I have both struggled for years with finding a store bought planner that we love and that really works for us. We may even be guilty of switching planners mid year out of frustration. But finding that perfect planner that really works for you is a must! Especially when, last year we had  lives  that involves two jobs, full time college classes, and student teaching or three kids (all under 7), full time college classes, and a house in the remodel process.  This year I've just got two jobs, one full time and one part time, online coaching classes, junior class sponsor (prom coordinator), and coaching middle school softball. So I decided I was going to make my own planner, I was fed up with lame store bought ones.
I came up with this:

My 2012 life planner. 

I put it in one of those durable binders from staples. I think it was around $6.00.

I made the cover in word, with one of my favorite fonts, smiley monster.

This is what it looks like when you open it up:

On the left is a clear pocket that holds my "perpetual to-do list", courtesy of the nest effect.

And a clear pocket, also from staples. There are usually unpaid bills here when I receive them. They are filed as soon as they are paid.

I decided on my categories {time management, goals, meal planning, and notes}

First is time management.

 The first page of each month is an appointment calendar, followed by a birthday calendar

I got these off a blog last year, but I have no idea where now, sorry.

 Next is a monthly calendar. There's not much that gets written on here, I mostly use it for reference.

Next are the weekly pages:

By the end of the week, these pages are filled with scribbles, lists and checkmarks.

  The next section is goals:

I have not used this section as much as I thought I would. I've found it too hard to keep things in different places. I think I will exclude this section from my next planner.

 Next is meal planning:

 This section gets used quite a bit, but not as much as it should.

On the back side of my meal plan is a grocery list for the week. If I have things planned, which does not always happen, then I can get the extra things I need for meals for the week. 

The last section of my planner is notes:

These pages are just blank for scratching down whatever I need to.

In the back is another folder, just for extra odds and ends.

But, alas, this planner has not been as wonderful as I expected it to be. [very sad face]

So I have pulled inspiration from all of the internet and am creating another! Hopefully new and improved! It will be available in our etsy shop as soon as it is finished!

I am feverishly trying to finish up the layout and Niki is hard at work on some beautiful covers.

Stay tuned for a sneak peak at our NEW AND IMPROVED LIFE PLANNER!