#aSIMPLEChristmas :: simplify your life with the emily ley simplified planner

With three busy children, keeping on top of our schedule is one thing that I can’t let slip.  I’ve tried different planners in the past–some didn’t leave me enough space to write all of our appointments whereas others seemed to overwhelm me with too many extra tasks.  I was looking for something simple, with just the things I’m going to need and use.  I was thrilled to find the Emily Ley Simplified Planner.  Actually “thrilled” is an understatement, I was giddy when I opened this planner.

Created by a busy mom, the Emily Ley Simplified Planner is set up perfectly for me.  With each day divided into hourly segments, I have enough room to jot down orthodontist appointments, lunch meetings, soccer practices and evening plans.   There are also three other sections on each day’s page:  to-do, notes and dinner plans.  I am a list maker.  In fact, at any given moment, there are at least three lists sitting on my counter.  I love being able to include these things in my daily planner.  Just having that “dinner” section will encourage me to plan out my dinners ahead of time.

One of my favorite features is the “weekly prep” area every Sunday.  This is a space where you can write down ways to help keep yourself organized that week.  Not only will you have your own ideas, but Emily has a short list of things you can do on Sundays (plan meals for the week ahead, tidy up for a clean slate on Monday, write tasks/appointments for the week and fill your “tank”.  Enjoy what matters most.)  Love everything about this!  A gentle nudge to keep me on track for the week.  And even bigger bonus, she gives super helpful tips in advance (i.e. Father’s Day is in just seven days!)

Not only is the Emily Ley planner super well-organized, but it’s also adorable.  My planner has a permanent spot on my kitchen counter.  Maybe you keep yours on your desk (one day I’ll get one of those!), in a briefcase or on your nightstand.  No matter where you keep it, it’s so nice to have a planner that you like to look at.  There are several options (and I love them all!), but the bright stripes make me happy.  Not only is the planner pretty, but the cover is durable and hard (it can take a beating in that briefcase).  It is wire bound, so it’s easy to turn the pages without creasing them.  And there are colorful tabs separating the months so you can quickly find the date you need.