UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed.
Congrats to: Jenny (jpage84@…) and Lyss (lyss.rose@…)
Over the last 3 years, I’ve talked A LOT about planners here on my blog. I LOVE paper planners and calendars!
Although there are a few things Dave and I do digitally via Apple’s iCalendar, we both definitely prefer paper planners so we can see many days and weeks at one time, quickly scratch a couple notes down on a specific day, and vigorously cross off our finished items each day.
For the past 3 years, I’ve used the same planner — and I loved how the inside of the planner was set up. Vertical columns for each day of the week, a full week at a glance, and plenty of blank space at the bottom of each day to jot my notes, make my to-do list, etc.
It was the best planner (for my needs) I had ever found — however, last year the company changed management, their customer service plummeted, and their 2013 planners were not available until well into 2013 (crazy I know). Luckily, I had an extra one from the year before (and the dates aren’t written in so I could make the 2012 version work for 2013) and a friend gave me one as a gift — so I am actually set for planners for a few months yet.
But since I like to be prepared (and since I know the “normal” time to shop for a planner is right about now) I decided to start looking for other planners that had the same set-up as mine. I kept coming up short with many of the different companies and brands I looked into.
And then, a few weeks ago, The Personal Planner company (here is their Facebook page) contacted me about reviewing their planners and doing a giveaway on my blog. They told me I would be able to customize my planner for my personal needs — but I’ll be honest, I was not super optimistic I would be able to implement all my “planner essentials”.
However, after spending 3 or 4 minutes quickly looking through some of the customizable options, I felt fairly confident I could make a planner EXACTLY how I wanted and needed. Plus, I got a little creative and designed my own cover and back (more on this below).
After about 15 minutes (seriously, it didn’t take long at all) I had a planner that looked and functioned almost exactly like my previous planner, and it had several extra bonuses the old planner didn’t have — like extra pages in the back, customizable tabs at the bottoms of each page, and really fun colors and designs to pick from.
I was sold and immediately told the folks at Personal Planner that I would love to promote their planners on my blog!
Here are just a FEW of the customizable options:
- Size / style of the planner
- Color, design, font style of the inside pages
- Front and back cover (you can even create and upload your own custom design like I did)
- Page layout and page design
- Owner information page
- 3 tabbed sections on the bottom of every page (there are so many different options to choose from)
- Various choices for extra pages in the back of the planner
- Optional addition of your our own personal dates (birthdays, anniversaries, school days off, vacations, etc)
- Optional addition of your own addresses so you can have a complete address book included in your planner
- and so much more!
The process is super quick and easy. With just a few clicks here and there, you can totally change the look and design of your planner.
Here’s a TINY sampling of the various sizes, styles, colors, and designs:
One of the things that most attracted me to the Personal Planner is that although there are TONS of awesome pre-designed covers you can choose from (and then customize as desired), you can also upload your own pictures or your own complete design for the front and the back cover.
So you literally can personalize this planner to look exactly like you want. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been able to do this with any other planner company I’ve worked with — and I’ve tried my fair share of planners over the years 🙂
When I set out to create my planner, I wanted something really unique, and since we have a new baby coming in March, I didn’t want to use a picture that would then be out-dated in just a couple months. So I opted for a quote instead — and I just LOVE how the design turned out 🙂
Here are digital pictures of the actual front and back designs.
Simple, but definitely not something I’ll mind looking at for the next year or so 🙂
The Giveaway:
Today, 2 lucky readers will win a Personal Planner. Winners can completely design their own planner.
How to Enter:
{required} Leave a comment on this post. What do you look for in a planner?
If you are reading this in your email or feed reader, please visit the actual blog post to enter. Email entries, Facebook comments, and Twitter messages will NOT be counted.
Prizes:
(2) Personal Planners as described above.
This giveaway ends at 10:00 pm on Thursday, 11/21/2013 and is open to ANYONE, 18 years or older. I will use And the Winner Is to select the winning comments at random. Winners will be notified by email and noted at the top of this post. Winners must respond within 48 hours of notification to claim their prize or I will choose a new winner. Please see my full disclosure policy and contact me with any questions you have. Good luck!
Elisabeth says
I have been on an organising and simplifying journey for just over a year now and what a difference it has made to the physical space at home. I now need to tackle the bits of paper, worn out and tattered note pads and books I currently use to make my lists and keep important information in. I always seem to be at the supermarket with the wrong bit of paper. I have never used a personal planner before but perhaps now is the time to start.
Andrea, I am an avid reader of your blog and a tryer of your recipes, thank you for all the inspiration.
Michelle J says
A planner needs to help me keep track of my children’s activities and my volunteering that I do. Also need to keep track of my daughters doctors appointments.
Jamie says
Like to have monthly and weekly sections.
Sara G says
Planners have to have a to do list area, also space for a running to buy list (we just renovated our house), and a finance section.
Daniele @ Domestic Serenity says
I like extra space to write notes and to-dos! Thanks for the chance to win…
Nicola says
I need something that fits for a family of 5. My youngest son has more Dr appointments than my other 2 kiddos put together. And I volunteer my time at school, PTA etc. I need something that I can write more than one activity in a day, and I really need extra space for notes. I would love to be able to menu plan in my planner too.
Gina, book dragon says
I’m so tired of purchased planners not fitting me that I usually make my own or go without.
I don’t have a 9-5 schedule so I need days to be complete … none of that early am then 8-5 then after work sections.
I like my week to start on Sunday – I’ve been known to miss stuff because of this.
I have church, blog, health, and family obligations as well as projects and chores.
I’ve been going without but due to a recent health scare, I really need a “when to breath” type planner again.
Michelle C. says
I look for a planner that is not too bulky and that is simple and easy to use. Having a cute one is a bonus 🙂
Carrie says
I like seeing the whole week at once and having room for a weekly goal/to do list. These planners seem really neat!
Danielle H says
I look for a monthly calendar page as well as spaces to write in daily.
Judy says
I am just starting out a new business that will kick off in January, 2014. I am getting all set up with Master plans, daily plans, to do lists etc and from the looks of it, this could be the answer to my prayers. I have been using my own made up planner for the past few years because I could not find one that did all I wanted it to do. This is the PERFECT solution. I really, really need this planner to get my business off to a GREAT start!!!!!
Hilary says
LOVE this idea!! I struggle to find the “perfect” paper planner – I am lost without making lists and having enough space to write them in, and yet still need to have the weekly and monthly views too. I use six different colors (one for each family member) to keep track of our activities – this sounds like a great find!! Thanks for the info!! 🙂
Dinah says
I like looking at a whole week at once.
Dawn Kaestner says
To be able to personalize what entries and colors I want if genious–I didn’t even know it existed until now:)
Roxanne says
I would be lost without a planner. I need plenty of space to write in and need not only a daily calender but weekly and monthly also.
Patti Goins says
I love paper planners! How fun to customize your own! Brilliant idea!
Jamie says
I have yet to find one that I really love. For me I must have I weekly glance with enough room for notes and the. Also a monthly view to look farther out.. With 2 toddlers and twins on the way I need a good planner for next year!
Jessica says
When looking for a planner I need one that has plenty of space to write and that also shows a weekly view 🙂 thanks!
Kiersten says
I only use paper planners too! Haven’t found one that I love yet, so this would be so great to try out! I like being able to see the week all at once but still have plenty of space for each day.
Janis S says
I like planners that already have the dates filled in and have enough space to write things for individual days. I also like seeing a whole week at a time.
Karen D. says
I always like a space to plan meals for the day.
Sarah says
If I’m going to use a planner, it needs to be pretty basic. I like the week at a glance with plenty of space to write. And lots of room for lists…I’m a list maker 🙂
JennyA says
What a lovely saying you picked for your planner…I like for my planner to have plenty of space to write. I also like tabbed dividers to easily turn to where I need.
Theresa M. says
I look for week and month at a glance pages and extra space for note/ things to remember, and a spot for notes to carry forward for the next year
Julie says
I look for plenty of room to write; I cannot stand planners with itty bitty boxes
I also like current designs; no watering cans with big floppy hats or tea pots for me, thanks. 🙂
I love how this offers the ability to personalize even the boxes and inner parts of the planner! This looks GREAT. I never win things — I hope I win this!
Kelli says
I look for functionality. I also want something cute and easy to take with me
gail l. says
tabbed dividers
Gloria says
Lots of writing space and a calendar.
Bridget says
I am currently using a spiral bound notebook where I write the date at the top of a page for the entire week. Down the page I have different sections:
Calls/emails that need to be done
To Do
Meetings (7 lines -one for each day of week) – list appointments
Dinners – list ~ 3 dinners and desserts for the week
This planner looks very useful and I feel I could easily adapt to this style. I’d be interested in trying one out myself.
Thanks for hosting the raffle and for all your blogs. Love them!
Erin says
Large spaces for notes.
Susan says
I look for week at a glance options, as well as month at a glance —
Extra pages for notes/lists are especially helpful
Marta says
wow, this is an object of my dreams!:)
Amy Schaffer says
I generally look for a planner that allows me to combine personal, school, church, and family calendars. I also like to include my menu. Thanks for hosting another great giveaway.
Kim says
I look for a lot of space to write & lines to write on
Kim says
I am a fairly organized person………………except for paperwork/calendar. I just do not seem to conquer this area. I am thinking this planner might be really helpful!
I love the idea of getting to customize fonts and styles, etc.
Rhonda H. says
I need monthly pages with plenty of room for writing, weekly pages for notes, and extra blank pages for jotting down, oh….lots of things!
Cami says
I love using paper planners to organize myself, my husband, and my four girls. I like to be able to see the whole month as well as individual days.
Debbie says
My planner has to have enough space for me to write legibily. And look so pretty!!!
Kristi V. says
I look for squares that are plenty big to write information that is needed. I would love to design my own planner. What fun!
Missy says
Ooooh! (read in a squealy voice) I still use paper planners, too – tried digital, could not adapt. I need to be able to touch and feel it, and put it in front of me while I look things up. Between work, kids, sports, and volunteering, I need space. That’s what I look for in a planner, I need plenty of space to enter all my activities. And I really like to be able to see the month at a glance, if I need to. Plus I like it to be pretty. I’m very excited about this planner.