Just about every year, I give an update on how I plan, and what planner I'm using. Obviously, I haven't been very content with my choices, because I've changed it up almost every single year! From a cheap TJ Maxx find, to a Lilly Pulitzer planner, I've tried Erin Condren weekly and a Simplified daily and weekly!
Last year, I went with the Simplified (a brand I love) weekly addition. Honestly, it was the perfect planner. I LOVED it. However, in the 2020 version, they removed the [very important to me] meal planning box in the layout. At the risk of sounding dramatic, that was a complete no-go for me. That was a main reason that system worked for me and a huge part of what I plan each week.
[I feel like I need to interject that these planners are like $50, so I'm not about to *make it work*. I want it to be perfect for that amount of money.]
SO, I did some research and went with the Erin Condren Petite Planner system for this year. We are only a few days into the year so far, but I feel like I found my holy grail planner. It's exactly what I needed for a jumpstart of productivity and getting excited about planning my year.
A Few Things I LOVE:
The Flexibility is everything!
Each page has a bunch of blank sections, which means endless customization. Currently, and this may change, I am using the three main boxes for appointments, workouts and meal planning. There is also a bunch of blank space in the lower middle section, which I'm using for notes and bill reminders.
The best part is, you don't have to commit. If my life changes during the year, I can simply adapt these sections to what fits. I've seen so many variations of these boxes. Some are using them for Work, Personal and Family. Others are using it for journaling...the possibilities are endless. That's why I think this system is going to work for me long term. It can go with the flow.
The Quality!
The paper and other material quality are excellent! You get what you pay for here. I am also in love with my cover, which you can see above. It's the saphire blue, which is a gorgeous navy. (Totally outside my comfort zone, right?! LOL) I also chose to have it embossed with my initials in gold.
One Thing I'm Not Sure About:
The hexagon at the top. This is new to the layout this year, and it's got a lot of people baffled. I am personally using it for special occasions like anniversaries, or something unique about that day (like a new movie coming out, or the first day of fall...etc.)
Additionally the monthly calendar is the corner of that one box is kinda weird, but it's also not in my way either. I think they should have just put the calendar in the hexagon, but they didn't ask me.
How It Works:
The Petite planners come in quarters, so each year has 4 volumes. January-March in one, April-June in the next, July-September, and then October through December.
There is a monthly calendar followed by daily pages, with Saturday and Sunday sharing a page. I chose to add monthly marker tabs, and that is very helpful when finding the page I want. However, they do stick outside of the folio, so if you are going for a sleek look, that doesn't happen.
Each planner is secured by an elastic loop inside your cover. I personally love the flexibility here, because you can bring just what you need. I am personally using all 4 calendar volumes at once, but you could bring just the current month and fill the rest of your folder up with blank notebooks or the other planners EC has to offer. (Like budget planners, wellness logs or gratitude journals.)
Accessories I'm Loving:
If you are a pen person, listen up! My current favorite pen, hands down, is the Pilot Precise V5s. They are such a pleasure to write with. I'm using the Emily Ley set I bought with my planner last year, because I loved the colors. Although, the yellow is completely worthless.
The Erin Condren pencil pouch is a perfect size match for my planner, and fits right over it with it's elastic band. (If you are new to Erin Condren, you can use my link to sign up and get a $10 gift certificate which would make this pouch $2!)
[Don't forget to use Rakuten when you buy from Erin Condren for some cash back!]
Low key geeking out about Mildliners! Haven't heard of them? They are exactly what they sound like, a highlighter in a milder color. Such great quality and the colors are to die for. I am so excited that this blue color coordinates perfectly with the January blue. I also have to admit, it took me several uses before I realized they are dual tipped!
I legitimately feel more organized. It's not a cumbersome planning system, where you have to log endless details. It's helping me jot down the main and most important events and to-dos, and making me set better priorities.
I didn't write a post on my new year goals this year. Mainly because, my goals are the same as last year, and the year before. I just want to get better at what I'm already doing. I want to keep it simple and focused. My hope is that this planner can help me do that more efficiently!
Leave a comment below and tell me what planning system works for you! What do you like to write down in your planner/phone? What is an absolute must for you when you are looking to buy a new planner?
If you are interested in an Erin Condren planner (also highly recommend their coiled notebooks) this year, don't forget to sign up with my link and get a $10 gift certificate!
There are affiliate and referral links present!
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