My DIY Planner

Not to pat myself on the back but I have to admit that I absolutely love my new planner and you know what, I made it myself! Yes, I was so sick of buying overpriced planners that didn't fit my needs. During the last few months I pinned a number of photos and ideas for making your own planner but wasn't quite sure if I could do it. Then my intern showed me her homemade planner and I decided I definitely needed one.

I went to Target and bought a notebook. I wanted one that was medium-size (bigger for my large printing but small enough to fit in my purse). It also has a great clear envelope in the front for notes, coupons, etc. This one is spiral bound with perforated pages, which don't work very well because I'm always taping pages back in. My notebook for the planner I will have to start in May or June is bound, so it will work much better.

Then I went back and looked at all of those pins again. I designed a template for each page that fit my needs. I wanted space for my appointments, items I do every day, to-do list, preparation for the next day list, how many cups of water I drank, fitness routine, meal plan, goals/thankful for and blog post. Sometimes I don't fill everything in but it helps to have a clear view of my day and what needs done. It also helps me be better prepared for the next day. At first I made a stencil for this template but that was taking forever when I had to do about 30 pages, so I started free handing it. It's not perfect but its just for lists, so I let my perfection go for the moment.

I also made a calendar at the beginning of the month with a monthly to-do list. My Google calendar has everything listed but this one just includes everything outside of work. I highlighted events that were for Dennis, date nights and to-do items. 

I love my new planner! It helps me be more organized with my to-do list but also keep track of my fitness goals and meal plan, as well do some minor journaling with the three goals and thankful for section. So far, I've been using this method for almost two months and its been working great. I think every one should just make there own planner. It's so much more personal and cheaper!

Let me know if you want to see mine. Happy planning in 2015!