It's no secret that I am a fanatic about prints and tangible memories, and it probably doesn't surprise you that my love for being able to hold something translates into my planners. Having a good, organized, paper planner is one of the best organizational tips I can give you. (And it totally comes down to preference - I've seen some pretty bomb planning on google calendars and iphones.) But for me, paper is the way to go. Picture this; 2012 and I am getting my very first smart phone (The iphone 4S) with Danny as we prep for marriage by opening up our own family plan. (aw, how cute?) I was SO excited to have an iphone and I instantly got to work setting up my calendar and putting in work schedules, color coding my to-do list, etc. Then flash forward a few weeks and something happens and I lose EVERYTHING. Thinking I must've done something wrong, I plop down for another hour and enter everything in again. This one lasted a few months, until one day I went to check my available days for a photoshoot and there. was. nothing. there. again. From that moment on I decided to stick to my paper planner and I haven't gone back since. Given that I've been planning my life on paper for a while now, I've tried out a planner or two. But for the past three years, I have found myself buying the same planner over and over again; The Day Designer. (I got mine from Target)

First off, this thing is a beast. (I got the 8x10 this year, but in past years I've boughten smaller sizes.) I love getting the hardback one, not only is it super sturdy and I don't have to worry about things bending or ripping in my bag, but it also doubles as a hard surface to write on (why I got the bigger size this year) When you open it up it's filled with places to write your goals, design your days, and plan routines. Another big selling point for me was the ruler bookmark, pocket page and stickers. 

I use my stickers on my "month view" page so that I can easily see what categories I have planned that month. For example; hearts are consultations + ordering appointments, stars are shoots, hexagon is doctor or vet and the rest are for big things/events. I love how the month view takes up two pages and has lined "day" boxes. Having the "Notes & To-Do" box on the side helps me write down goals that I want to get done sometime that month. 

It was also important to me, when choosing a planner, that it have a "week" view with space for planning each day. I use my week view to detail my days and meal plan for the week. I also write down any chores that I need to do outside of the norm and if we have small errands to run. 

I love this planner! So much so, that I don't even mind that it's from July '10 - June '20. I'll just buy the next one. It's such a cute staple to me not losing my head and there are so many styles and colors that it is so easy to find one "on brand' for me and my needs. I bought mine at Target, but I've also seen them on Amazon as well. Check them out and maybe give one a go? The best part is, they start in July so you don't have to wait until the new year to get organized!