Plum Paper Planner Review - 8 Months In

The Plum Paper Planner Review that I wrote earlier this year, continues to be one of the most viewed posts on my blog. I wrote the review right after I received the planner, so I decided it was time to give you an update now that I have been using it for 8 months.

I use this planner for everything! I am a list girl, so this layout is working really well for me.

I started out using mechanical pencils, but have recently ventured out and started using Sharpie Pens. They are working well so far. There is a little bit of bleed through, but I think I read that Plum Paper has started using a thicker paper, so this may not be the case for those with a "newer model".

I still use the bottom section for planning our meals each week.

The main thing I wanted to show you is the different ways that I am using the Note pages. If I order this planner again, I will order extra note pages if the option is still there.

In the front of the planner I keep a running list of "Projects" and "To Purchase". The "To Purchase" list is mostly for things around the house like furniture or larger items that I need to plan for.

I have started using the Monthly tabs for sticky notes. They have worked out really well for tracking weight and measurements, grocery lists, and just random things that I don't really need written in the planner, but like to have with my planner.

My favorite addition is my cleaning/household chore list. I sometimes change up our routine based on the time of year and our schedule. I like being able to refer to my list, but also having the flexibility to change it up when needed. Washi tape is my friend.

Is the planner worth the money? Yes, absolutely!

Will I order this planner again? This is a toss up. I still prefer this layout, but I have an Erin Condren credit, so I think I may get an Erin Condren Life Planner to try out. If I end up not liking the EC layout for my everyday planner I can use it as a blogging planner, and then order another one from Plum Paper to use everyday. I really like this planner, but I do like the idea of using the EC so that I can really figure out which one I like best. I have only used the Plum Paper one at this point.

How has the planner held up? I have been using the planner for a 8 months, and it still looks great. Mine stays on the counter/desk most days, so it hasn't been put through the test of being transported in a purse every day.

What kind of planner do you use?


*I was not paid or perked to write this review. All opinions are my own.





I will be linking this post to:

Plum Paper Designs Planner Review and Coupon Code

A few weeks ago I told you that I finally decided on a new planner for this year. I am a list maker, and wanted a planner that was spiral bound, had plenty of room to make all of my lists, had lines, and was stylish.

I spent a lot of time reading reviews, and finally settled on the Planner from Plum Paper Designs.

 I went with the cute turquoise chevron cover. I'm pretty sure that I will never tire of chevron. It also has a nice frosted cover for extra stability.

I think my favorite part is the colorful monthly tabs. They are laminated, so I feel like they will hold up well.

The monthly spread takes up two pages, so there is plenty of room to write. I'm also really happy about the list of Birthdays, Events, and Notes on the left side. Very useful.

Here is a look at the weekly view. I haven't had much going on this week, but in my old planner this would have filled up really fast. I use the weekly goal section for projects that I want to get accomplished throughout the week. I use the checklist section at the bottom of the page for meal planning and for my daily cleaning chore. The notes section is also nice to have. I may use it for planing my weekly blog post schedule. I still haven't mastered the actual planning of blog posts, but in the event that I do, I like that I have a nice place to write it down. I use the daily section for a running to do list of all of the things that I need to do on each specific day.
 

Here is a look at the monthly notes section. Lots of room to write and plan. It looks like I forgot to take a picture of the pocket in the back, but there is a pocket that is perfect for holding loose paper and/or receipts.

This is the first time that I have ever spent more than $10 for a planner, and I am happy to report that it was money well spent. I am really enjoying having a nice, organized place to write everything down.

I am very please with the quality, size, and layout. I write with a mechanical pencil and then cross everything off with a highlighter, so I can't really say how pens would work. The paper is a little bit thinner than I expected, but it is perfect for my needs and I am REALLY happy with it.

Make sure to check out Plum Paper Designs on Etsy. There are several types of planners to choose from and a nice selection of cover choices. There is also a Family Planner that has seven different sections that can be customized just for you.

Oh, and I have a coupon code for you! Use this code to receive 10% off of your purchase. The code is valid for 30 days from now.

* I was not paid or perked for this review. I looked up a coupon code before I made my purchase, and then asked for a coupon code of my own to share with you. I am happy with the planner and wanted to share. All opinions are my own.

A Meal Plan - May 1 and a Review

Meal Plan
Sunday - Mother's Day
Monday - sweet potato sausage skillet
Tuesday - week night date night

Wednesday - chicken lettuce wraps, rice (these are really good)
Thursday - chicken quesadillas, black beans
Friday - takeout
Saturday - grilled chicken, grilled veggies, and rice

A Review
 A couple of months ago CSN sent me a gift code so that I could purchase something from one of their many stores and review it. I put the gift code towards the purchase of a breakfast room table.

The table is perfect for our breakfast room. I chose the Laurel Square Pub Table in Dark Walnut based on the price point, size, and finish. We have been using the table for almost 2 months and are still enjoying it. Did I mention that this table is real wood? It is. Great price, great finish, real wood. It's a winner.

The table isn't very heavy, so it does move around a good bit when my 5 year old scoots himself up to the table, but he does the same thing with our dining table.

Have you made any table purchases lately?

*I was provided with a shopping code to use to purchase this item from CSN in exchange for a review of the item, but the opinions are my own. 

Euro Pro Shark - a CSN Stores review

Last month CSN contacted me about doing another product review. I have a list of things bookmarked on their website, but after moving I detoured from my list. When we moved and covered the bottom floor of our house in tile, things like "find the easiest way to mop these floors" became important. Enter CSN.

I decided to give the Euro Pro Shark mop a try. OH MY WORD! It is so easy, and fast, and my floors are clean! Really clean.

I had a nice mop before (that I still like and use to clean a spill), but I really like the shark. I like that I don't have to use any cleaning solution and that the floor is almost immediately dry. Major pluses in my book. If you have tile floors, this mop comes highly recommended from me. I was a little concerned about having to plug and replug the mop in to get from one side of the house to the other, but it hasn't been that big of a deal.

I was a little surprised that the mop arrived in just the original shark box, not a brown cardboard box, but it was in one piece, and arrived very quickly. 

*I was provided with a shopping code to use to purchase this item from CSN in exchange for a review of the item, but the opinions are my own. I was not compensated to tell you that I liked the mop, I really do like the mop.

We are officially moved in!

I am so happy to finally have all of our crap stuff moved to the new house. The new carpet is in upstairs. We are still working on the tile downstairs, but we are getting closer. We had to stop do to things like hook up the washer/dryer (only to find that they didn't use the proper stuff so the husband had to put in the correct outlets), install the new dishwasher (thanks daddy), and then move all of the furniture upstairs once the carpet was in. Let's just say the the last 5 days are one big blur.

I don't have any pics uploaded yet (hopefully soon), but I am already thinking about all of the things we want  to get in the near future for the new place. CSN has once again offered me another product to review. This is great timing for me! I get to shop their 200+ stores for just the right item.

First, I'm going to checkout the swing sets. 

We have a new yard and the boys are going to need something to play on.

Next, I'll check out the blinds. We have quite a few windows that need something new.

And finally, the mirrors. I have a spot that this might need to go.

I'll be sure and let you know what I actually end up getting to review. I may get distracted and end up with something completely different.

toys - a CSN Stores review

Can I just say that getting to review items for CSN has been a lot of fun for me. It is so fun to go through all of their 200+ stores and figure out what to get.

This time I decided to change it up a bit and not get something for my home/kitchen. I was browsing through different categories and decided to check out the toys. They have Legos. My son really likes Legos. I like Legos because he always plays with them AND I have a good way to store them. (I get aggravated when he gets toys that I don't have a good place to store)

I could have gotten any of the sets and he would have been happy, but went with the Toy Story The Great Train Chase  and Jessi's Roundup. Both sets have been a lot of fun and have provided many hours of play time for me and little man of the house. You just can't go wrong with Legos.

Items from CSN always ship fast (many items with free shipping) and they have excellent customer service. Be sure to check out CSN for some of the items on your kid's Christmas wish list.

(CSN sent these items to me to review, but I was not compensated to say that I liked them. I just happen to like them, and my 5 year old REALLY likes them.)

friday favs - nov 12, 2010

I am very excited to have the opportunity to do another product review for them coming up soon. They are such a great company, and have so much to choose from. Again, it will take me some time to narrow down my options.

Will I get a something else for my kitchen, a toy for Cade, or a barstool? hmmm....

Organizing Bin

@ iheart organizing

This is quite brilliant!

@ Positively Splendid

This is adorable. 

 Kid's Bathroom Gallery Wall

@ J & A and Co.

Happy Friday! What are your favs for the week?

new stuff in the kitchen - a CSN Stores review

I was recently given the opportunity to review an item(s) from CSN stores. My husband had recently shattered my fav casserole dish and I have been wanting to replace our old non-stick cookware, so I headed to cookware.

First up, the Pyrex 5 piece bakeware set in clear. I knew for sure that I wanted a casserole dish with a lid, but as I was looking through the pieces and sets I saw this one and realized that I could really use  a loaf pan and another 8x8 dish. Now I can make banana bread into a real loaf.

Bottom line, this is a great set for anyone that does any type of baking.

Next up, the Emerilware Pro-Clad 8" Frying Pan. Let me just say that I am REALLY enjoying this pan. It is the perfect size for a grilled cheese sandwich or a few eggs.

I have been wanting to replace all of our old non-stick pans with stainless so I thought that I would start with a small pan. The Pro-Clad heats up very fast, the handle stays cool, and it's a nice light weight. It is the exact opposite of my old pan, which is exactly what I wanted.

If you are looking for a pan to make the perfect grilled cheese in , this is the pan for you.

Thanks to CSN for the opportunity and the gift of product to review! Be sure you check them out for a variety of quality products. You will get great customer service, and find many products that ship for free.

It's Time for a CSN Review

I will soon be reviewing a wonderful product from CSN, AND... I'm just a TAD bit excited.

CSN is a such a great company with a ton of variety. They have everything from an ottoman coffee table, to shoes, to kitchen gadgets.  I have a few things in mind, but I'm going to spend some time narrowing down my choices. You will just have to wait and see what I come up with.

Have a great weekend!