{Checking Out} and Tracking Books to Read...

I always love to have a reading list of books I want to read and usually have quite the stack.  I find that in the summer I read more often, probably because I have more time.  Although I think I'm more of a book collector than reader...LOL!  

The notes pages in the back of my Erin Condren planner are perfect for tracking what books I WANT to read and what books I actually end up reading!  I used this hexagon section to track books I want to read.  

I used one of the lined notes pages to adhere this cute printable.  Here I keep track of the books I actually read.  I should be through more of them by now with all my extra time but somehow I'm not!  Oh well, I have ALL summer!

Here are some free printables if you are interested in creating a similar page...option 1, option 2 & option 3!

With our current pandemic circumstances how do you get the books you want to read or any books at all?  I don't like to buy every book I read.  I usually utilize the local library.  I know most libraries are currently closed but our local library is going to offer curbside pickup very soon!  They also have digital downloads available from their online catalog. 

You can also check your town for little libraries.  These are stand alone structures that usually look like giant bird houses...lol!  The idea is to take a book when you need one, but also to leave a book when you can.  We have one in our subdivision.  Plus there are several more in the neighboring town.  Not all little libraries are registered but you can try searching for some in your area here.

Some other ideas to get books are borrow from friends via porch drop offs and/or check Google and Amazon for free downloads. I also love checking the Dollar Tree. If you are venturing out, they sometimes have great titles for only a buck!

What's currently on your to read list?

My planner style...

Last week brought the release of the new Erin Condren planners and the dilemma of what style to go with.  I am currently a vertical, colorful fan!  I have also been using the daily petite and loving it.  When I saw the new Daily Duo option, which is a spiral daily planner, I was intrigued.  I debated over whether to make the switch or not.  Ultimately I decided to stay with the vertical because I love having the weekly view.

So I decided to see if there was a way I could rework the use of my vertical planner to bring in some aspects I liked from the daily.  Previously I have been using my vertical boxes as (top) morning, (middle) afternoon, (bottom) evening.  

In my petite daily I had been using the three sections as appointments, to-do's and hobby.  I have really been liking the listing area.  I loved all the space to jot down things to do and ideas I have.  I just wanted to try and keep it all in one planner instead of two.

So I decided to try it out now instead of waiting for my new planner!  I put appointments at the top, to-do's in the middle and hobby at the bottom.  On the side, I'm writing things I need to do this week that don't have a specific day.  Then I can plug them in where I decide to do them.  I'm still keeping my dinner ideas at the bottom of each day, in the shaded area.  

So far I'm really loving this!  I basically fill in all my appointments at the beginning of the week, then can fill in my to do's and hobby items as I go.  I get to keep my weekly layout that I love, plus incorporate a daily style as well.  

I LOVE that these planners are so versatile.  What works for me, someone else might use in a totally different way.   For more planner inspiration join us over on our Simple Organized Erin Condren Planner Facebook Page!

Also, if you are in the market for a planner, you can SAVE $10 of your first Erin Condren purchase with our referral link.    

Helping you make planning simple!

Planner sidebars...{free printable}

The launch of new planners always brings so much excitement!  I love figuring out what design I'm going to get and what cover I like best.  I've been using two planners for awhile but want to try and get everything into one. I love adding some decorations to my planner but function is my main goal.

  

That's one reason why I created these planner sidebars.  I love trying to utilize my planner in the best way possible.  These sidebars help me keep track of lists, track habits and maximize space in my planner.  

My favorite way to use them are in the notes section of the monthly view.  I use washi tape across the top of the sidebar to adhere it in my planner.  I can use the list I've just attached, PLUS I am able to flip it up and still use the space underneath!

They also work perfectly in the lined section of the weekly layouts.  Here I've attached some habit trackers the same way as I mentioned above, with the washi.  I can track the things I'd like, then still write notes underneath.  

One final way I use these sidebars, is in the very back notes section.  They especially work great on the coloring pages if you aren't going to use those.  You can either use adhesive to tape the whole thing down, or use the washi method again!  You can even fit several on a page.  

If you'd like to utilize these sidebars in your planner, you can PRINT THEM HERE!  Join us over on our Simple Organized Erin Condren Planner Facebook Page, show us how you use these sidebars and get other planner inspiration!  

Also, if you are in the market for a planner, you can SAVE $10 of your first Erin Condren purchase with our referral link.    

Helping you make planning simple!

2018 planner

It's 2018...time to get yourself organized!  Who out there is a planner girl?!  I am, I am!!!  I am enjoying keeping myself and my family organized in an Erin Condren Life Planner.  People ask, "Why do you use a paper planner?  Especially when you have an electronic calendar on your phone!"  I do use my phone calendar because my husband and I can share events but I also keep a paper planner. 

Here are 3 reasons why I love planning...

I like writing things down.  Pen and paper is my jam!  I have loved pen, pencils and notebooks for as long as I can remember.  Having dates and events in my phone is nice but the act of writing them down helps me remember what I have going on each week.

I love the creative outlet is gives me.  I am a papercrafter but don't always have time to do it on a regular basis.  Writing in and decorating my planner gives me that creative outlet on a weekly basis.

I like being able to keep track of memories for my scrapbooking.  Writing down events, activities and family memories in my planner gives me something to reference when I get around to scrapbooking them.

Are you interested in ordering an Erin Condren Life Planner for yourself?  If so you can save $10 by clicking here!  Already have an Erin Condren Life Planner but need some accountability when it comes to using your planner to the fullest?  Join our Simple Organized Erin Condren Planner Group on Facebook.

Happy Planning!!!

NEW {Erin Condren} monthly notes pages...

I recently received my Erin Condren planner for 2017-18.  It goes from July '17 to June '18.  With July right around the corner I have been flipping through the nice thicker pages, getting ideas of how to use certain parts of my planner.  The notes pages at the beginning of each month were first on my list to determine a use for.  These pages are altered slightly from the notes pages in the previous year's planners.  

I went through a few of my older planners, watched some you tube videos and started making a list of possible ideas for these pages.  Here is what I came up with for July...

I started by writing the month in script at the top left.  Then I wrote my headers in the circles.  I chose to use monthly goals, birthdays, events, and blog/instagram posts.  Other ideas you could use might be...work, finances, projects, tasks, memories, thankful for.  You could also do some sort of "currently"...watching, listening, reading, loving, etc.  

Next I used my ruler, which comes with the planner, and drew some lines to separate the space under the circles.  These will become my columns to write in, one directly under each header.  I used a sticker from the designer sticker book at the bottom of the columns.  For the bottom box I decided it was the perfect place to write a bible verse that I could meditate on for the month.  

Please share what you do currently or are planning to use these pages in your planner for.  If you would like to see a video detailing the new planner and some of the accessories, check out my friend Jamie's walk through here.  Are you interested in ordering an Erin Condren Life Planner for yourself?  If so you can save $10 by clicking here!