Organizers, Day Planners and Diaries to Die For

Now that everyone has a smartphone or tablet, fewer people are using traditional organizers, day planners and diaries to stay focused  — or are they? Here’s the thing: Planners aren’t just for keeping track of your schedule. I use one to keep a daily to do list (my schedule stays synced on my phone and computer), but you can use one for almost anything, from planning your fitness routine to developing a weekly menu. And, there’s no reason to be boring about it – the planners you’ll find in this list are as creative as it gets. Between bold, inspiring covers and customizable content that balances practicality with originality, these planners offer something for everyone!

1. The Simplified Planner by Emily Ley

The Simplified Planner is my current favorite. This little book has everything a busy mom needs to stay on top of things. Every page has sections for your schedule, a daily to do list, dinner plans and notes. To top it off, these planners come with a few nice touches – the pretty cover designs, inspiring quotes on every page, gold wire binding and gold protective corners. They have loads of accessories you can add as well, such as page markers, stretchy bands, mini notebooks and sticker flags. The new planners are available Sept. 9.

I’m pretty fond of the Simplified Journal as well.

From the polka dot interior cover to the pale blue embossed cover that says, “I WILL HOLD MYSELF TO A STANDARD OF grace, NOT PERFECTION,” I want to carry this one with me daily.  On the right side of the page, it has areas to include the date, “how I feel,” thoughts, “this went well today,” “this was challenging today.” The left side is for your “brain dump.” I picked mine up at Paper Affair in Frisco.

2. Erin Condren LifePlanners

I have been eyeing the LifePlanners by Erin Condren for quite some time. What I like about these – aside from the fact that they’re full of color and personality – is that they’re completely customizable — both the inside and the cover. Add elastic bands, budget books, a wellness journal, a meal planner and all kinds of other accessories. You even get to choose your own covers (it can be a personal photo) and use coil clips so that you can add photos or other content. I am also pretty jazzed that ErinCondren.com also has lesson planners, which make great gifts for your children’s teachers. They also have wedding planners, invitations, call me cards, stationary and more. At least two of my friends swear by these and they are so cute sticking out of their totes.

The latest Erin Condren’s are available to order June 9th.

3. The Passion Planner

This one is your classic little black book, but with a twist. Outside, the Passion Planner has a soft, luxurious faux leather cover. Inside, you’ll find that this planner not only helps you organize your life, but it also provides you with plenty of inspiration. Each week, there is a “Good Things That Happened” section, which helps you stay positive and upbeat. There are also motivational quotes and a dual work and personal to do list section that helps you maintain that elusive work-life balance. I know a number of friends who just love these and I can see why. They come in a compact or full-size version, and they are currently on sale!

4. Kate Spade Agendas and Journals

Kate Spade has a full line of planners and notebooks that fit a variety of purposes. I personally use the black stripe agenda (also purchased from Paper Affair Frisco) as a daily to do list, but with weekly and monthly sections, it’s great for planning almost anything. What sets these planners apart are the super-chic hardbound covers. They’re durable, and with a variety of gorgeous colors and designs, you’re certain to find a planner or notebook that inspires you. And you find special quotes like, “have them in stitches,” inside that will give you a smile every time you flip through. Now available for August 2015 – Decebmer 2016.

5. Lily Pulitzer Agendas

I love the graphic look of the Lily Pulitzer Agendas. These planners come in several different prints, and each one is fun, bright and artistic. Inside, you’ll find more illustrations in the same style along with the monthly and weekly pages you’d expect.

These agendas also have one unique feature – a Palm Beach travel guide and a vacation planning section, which makes them ideal for scheduling your next vacation or your busy social schedule.

These are so dreamy, I want that resort feel every day. There’s not nearly enough Lilly in my life and clearly, the word about that is out.

Available for pre-order now, shipping June 12.

6. The Create Your Shining Year in Life and Business Workbook

I’m including this one because I personally use it, and have found it helpful to keeping on track with my yearly goals. The Create Your Shining Year workbook is truly unique. This product is not a daily planner, but a life planner instead. Rather than plotting out the things you need to do each day, this planner helps you develop goals for both your personal life and your business (you can download either one). It’s a large, colorful book, and the creator – Leonie Dawson – says that the women who use it are much more likely to achieve personal and professional success — and I do believe that keeping your goals in sight helps motivate you to achieve them.

7. UPDATE 7/30/2015: I recently learned about the SPARK NOTEBOOK. Its understated cover lays flat, but inside is packed with tools for yearly planning, goal setting, achievement trackers, inspiration and date-free calendar pages. This is a great working person’s planner. I love that it combines my stacks of books on my desk into one.

How do you keep yourself organized? Do you use a special planner that you love?