Tips for Planning Your Week

For as long as I can remember I've been obsessed with staying organized. In high school and college I was always so excited to pick out my yearly agenda, and always tried to make it as neat and colorful as possible. To this day I hoard notebooks, planners, notepads, writing utensils - the list goes on and on. I love making to-do lists and being able to see my plans and appointments in writing. I've tried numerous times to utilize my iPhone calendar, but really nothing can compare to an actual handwritten list for me! 

1. Find a great planner // This is absolutely essential to me. I try to start each week by writing any existing appointments, trips, plans - anything that I'm expecting to do during the upcoming week. I color coordinate based to the category of each entry as well. Most recently, I've been attempting to plan my daily blog posts in my planner as well. I've tried a few different planners, and without a doubt the Erin Condren LifePlanner is my absolute favorite! You are able to customize the LifePlanner so that it's perfect for your needs. I've tried both the horizontal and vertical layouts, and plan to get the horizontal for 2017!

I also like to keep a smaller planner in my purse to use on the go. For a while I tried to carry my EC LifePlanner in my purse, but it's just a bit too bulky for that.

2. Plan weekly meals // I love to cook, but I've found that if I don't meal plan ahead of time I'll find any excuse to just grab take-out. Once Sawyer was born I went through a period of refusing to make dinner, but lately I've gotten into cooking again. I have a meal planner that I fill out each weekend and then post on the front of the fridge. I don't limit myself to what I write for each day, but having a menu that I can look at daily really helps.

Another thing that helps me to plan my meals is utilizing some great recipe subscriptions. I rotate between Plated, Hello Fresh and Blue Apron. I've found so many great recipes from these subscriptions that I never would have tried on my own.

3. Write daily to-do lists // I've always been obsessed with making lists, and honestly I'll find any excuse to make one. I currently have at least 10 unused list pads in random drawers because I need to be able to make a list at any moment. I make lists for everything - chores, groceries, ideas - I even try to keep a running list of all the makeup I own that is broken down into categories AND brand (I plan to show you guys my collection in the near future!).


These are just a few of the ways I am able to keep my life organized and set a schedule for myself. I'm always open to new ideas and ways of keeping myself on top of things.

What are some of your tips for planning and staying on top of your weekly priorities?