My Erin Condren Life Planner | Overview, Accessories & Giveaways!

Hello! Today's post is dedicated to all things planners! More specifically my Erin Condren Life Planner and how I use it, my favourite accessories to use with it and some fun planner related giveaways! I apologize for the length of the post... I get a little talkative about my love for my planner lol! ;)

So as I said above, my planner of of choice is the Erin Condren Life Planner. I love this thing... probably more than I should lol!! It has some really great features that makes it one of my favourite planners:
  • a full month calendar spread at the beginning of each month
  • a ton of room to write information and appointments during the week
  • fun, interchangeable covers 
  • heavy duty coil to keep it together
  • fun colours, quotes and overall design
There is so much more I love about it, but those are my top picks! I also have the new Erin Condren On-The-Go Notebook and I love that just as much! It's perfect to keep all kinds of notes and thoughts and it's the exact same size as the Life Planner so the interchangeable covers work with both! ;)

I explain in the detail below what the planner has, how I use it and some fun accessories, but I wanted to include some of that here for those that don't watch the video. ;)

This is what a typical week looks like inside my planner. I didn't want to share too much personal information, so this is actually a 'fake' week that I created in one of the July weeks that I didn't use.  I really wanted to show how I use it, so I thought this was the easiest way. ;)

So I guess the main thing about my planner is that I don't use it broken up into morning, day and night like it was intended. I got the idea from my friend Kristina awhile back to use each section for different things and I love this system! So in my planner, I use the morning section for work stuff, the day section for my personal blog/creative stuff and the night section for family stuff (appointments, soccer games, house things, etc...).

I usually take some time on Sunday to plan out my week and add in the information that I know for the upcoming week. I also add in additional details and stuff throughout the week. I use Papermate Flair pens as my main writing tool (I love the bright, fun colours and the way these write) but I also really like the Staedtler Pens.

I love to include stamps and stickers in my planner as well (it's a little more time consuming, but adding these little touches is fun for me and gives me some time to just relax and get a little creative with my to-do list lol!

My favourite stamps to use in my planner are from Studio L2E - they have stamps that are intended for planners! Some of my favourites are Plan It, List It, Work Plans and School Plans. I also love adding label stickers and image stickers in my planner. There are some great ones from Simple Stories (Labels, Icons, Words) and KaiserCraft that I really like! They are all matte and can be written on with pens and markers no problem!

I keep all of my accessories (stamps and stickers, post-it notes, highlighters, correction tape, pens, etc...) in a cute Orla Kiely cosmetic bag from Target (the design looks like it might have changed from mine) and I love this system. I can easily throw my planner/notebook and my essentials into my bag when I'm on the go!

Another fun thing I like to do with my planner is create custom inserts like this menu planner. My friend Wendy and I designed this simple planner and then I turned it into an insert for my planner. It's super easy to do!

I laminated it first with the Scotch 3M Thermal Laminator - this is an awesome machine and I officially want to laminate everything in sight lol! And it's reasonably priced for both the machine and the thermal pouches. I then cut it down to size and added coil holes that I punched with a 3/16" hole punch (I used the ruler that comes in the planner as a guide for my punch holes) and then cut little slits in the sides of each hole so I can snap it in and out of my planner.

An alternative option to creating your own coil holes are the use the new Coil Clips from Erin Condren to add your custom inserts into your planner. Since the inserts are laminated, I use dry erase markers on them and then I can reuse them over and over for each week!

I currently have two menu planners in my planner so I can work a week ahead in my planning. I love how much better planned meals are in my house simply by having this and actually using it.

Once you create one custom insert, the sky is the limit with what else you can add... shopping lists, housework checklists, workout schedules, etc... So many possibilities! ;)

You can see my planner in more detail in the video below:



So that's my planner and how I use it. I know it may seem crazy to some, to spend so much attention and and time on the planning process, but it is so fun and creatively addicting! Definitely makes me happy, even when I'm adding in those dreaded dentist appointments lol!!

Giveaways!

So to celebrate planners and all of us crazy planner enthusiasts, I have a few giveaways today!! Just leave a comment on this post by Friday August 22/14 telling me how you plan (or just say hi if you aren't a planner nerd like me lol!) and I'll pick three random winners to win the following prizes from me:

My Favourite Planner Accessories:


(giveaway includes: 1 pack of Papermate Flair Pens, 1 Studio L2E List It stamp set, 1 pack of Simple Stories DIY Icon stickers, I roll of Doodlebug Washi Tape, I pack of KaiserCraft Pocket Stickers, 2 packs of Post-It Notes, Assorted Avery re-positionable labels (colour and white) and a custom laminated menu planner)

A $25 Gift Certificate to Simon Says Stamp:

http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=629488&b=199868&m=24698&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Esimonsaysstamp%2Ecom%2F

A $25 Gift Certificate to ErinCondren.com:

https://www.erincondren.com/


Thanks for stopping by today and good luck!!
Please let me know if you have any questions about my planner or how I use it! ;)

If you're a first time shopper at Erin Condren and want to save $10 off your first order, you can use my referral link here!

Supplies


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107 comments:

  1. Oh dear. I saw Kristina's video lat night, now yours. I think I need one of these planners now! Thanks a lot! Haha

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  2. Oh goodness I LOVE planning too! I have a separate planner for work and one that stays in my purse for everyday life. I've loved seeing everyone's Erin Condren planners and haven't had the funds to invest in one yet. Thank you for the giveaway!

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  3. Stephanie! This post is brilliant and I love all of your accessories! I also plan on Sundays and use the post it note method to write everything I absolutely know before Sunday and then peel off and decorate on Sundays. I also use and love the papermate flair pens but I don't have much decorating stuff at this time that's why I love this giveaway! Thanks so much for all the insight and for doing this blog! (:

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  4. This is awesome . Thanks for ye chance to win.

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  5. Hi there Stephanie! I love that in the age of technology there is still room for pretty planners! I usually just use digital calendars to remind myself of things, but prefer the old fashion way. Love the choices from Erin Condren!

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  6. This is great! I would live to be a better planner. I've seriously been thinking of investing in one of these planners. Your video might be the push I need!!!! Thank you

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  7. Patiently awaiting the arrival of my ECLP, I've always had a weird obsession with pens, cute notebooks & other miscellaneous school supplies. It's comforting to learn that I'm not the only one :)

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  8. Thanks for the great video! I've never used an Erin Condren planner, but it looks fantastic!! So colorful and fun!

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  9. This is so generous of you. Inspiring post. Thanks so much for a chance to win!!!

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  10. Just when I had finally convinced myself that I don't need a new planner until January...this after watching Kristina's video. Arrggghhhhh. LOL. I have always been happiest when I get my new planner each year and I love when you look back a few years later at how crazy some weeks were. I love pens, paper, bright colors, and this would be an awesome prize.

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  11. This is awesome in more ways than one. I have been looking forward to this all week! THANK YOU!

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  12. I love using google calendar but there is just something about a paper planner that I will always love!

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  13. I've been trying to decide what ECLP to buy and I randomly found your post on IG. And so glad I did! I can't wait to buy and try out your favorite supplies! In case I don't win, would you be willing to make up and sell your meal planner? Thinking that would be a HUGE asset! Meal planning is a struggle of mine and something I'm trying to be better at with the start of this new school year for my kids!

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  14. I love my ECLP I can't wait to order for 2015 :) I agree love your menu planner page! I can't wait to order for 2015. Thank you for the chance!

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  15. i don't have the erin condren planner, but i have actually been using my planner, more or less, for a couple months now

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  16. Oh my goodness, I NEED an Erin Condren planner!! lol I've been watching their how to videos for a couple of hours now and drooling over all of the accessories & add ons!! Oh my goodness, this could really get me organized! :D

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  17. I don't plan at all. Maybe it's time to start. ;-)

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  18. I LOVE Erin Condren planners! I've been using them for the past couple years. LOVE how you decorate yours:)

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  19. I so want to plan after watching that video.. Hope I win and because I really want to start off soon :)

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  20. I'm more of a DIY planner nerd...simply because I'm cheap LOL! I have an oversize binder for work and a mini binder I lug around with me. Wishing on getting a "real" planner but love how my DIY one works for now. I always love watching reviews so thanks for the ideas too :)

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  21. A planner?! What's that?! ;-)

    I have such great intentions to get a planner and dedicate time to using it, but I just haven't found a system that works for me! And with appointments/second child due SO soon/life/running a household — I think it's finally time to invest in one!! LOVE THIS STEPH!!

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  22. This looks like a great planner and I love the accessories you have featured here. Thanks for the great tips on maximizing the use of a planner, too.

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  23. This looks awesome!!! I currently write plans on 3 different planners/calendars...and double book myself often. Getting it all in one place would be fabulous!!!

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  24. I love love LOVE this post! I am a huge planner!!! Thank you for inspiring me!

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  25. I loved reading your blog post and watching the video; I also have an erin condren planner but I loved the different tools you used for yours!!!

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  26. Love this! I've started planning with my StudioL2E stamps and I love them!

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  27. I love how you use your planner, Steph! Thanks for all the great tips and ideas!

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  28. I would love to win the gift card so I can get my own Erin Condren life planner

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  29. I have 2 planners in use at the moment - a personal sized for everyday and an a5 which I only use for school notes and school-related things. Also thinking of getting another a5 for a desk planner ;) OH! and i have a midori for journalling etc. Would love to win the giveaway! especially those papermate pens and stamps!

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  30. I am super obsessed with the life planner! Unfortunately I couldn't get one this year. 😩 thank you for the opportunity!

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  31. I've just started getting organized and I'm loving it! I still haven't found the right planner for me, but I do like what you and Kristina suggested about not using those sections for morning, night, and day. I may have to invest in an Erin Condren planner now!

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  32. Good idea to use the blocks for other topics rather than morning, day & night! Thanks for the chance to win!

    Dawn
    dmg314

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  33. I love planners too! I love how fun and colorful your weeks look! :)

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  34. I love the idea of a planner and it would make life so much easier. Would love the chance to get started on a planner with a gift card.. Exciting. Thanks

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  35. Hi! I have the same Erincollin planner, the same alternative cover and I use it in the same way: morning for work issues, afternoon for family appointments and night fir my scrap or penpals issues. Funny isn't it?

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  36. I love your Erin Condren Life Planner! :) This video makes me want to get one. I plan my life using Google Calendars, but I'd like to purchase an actual planner that I can hold. Thanks so much for sharing and for the chance to win.

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  37. Hi! This is such a fun planner you got there!
    I am also a little planner nerd. I like to write everything down, so I don't forget *G*
    I don't have a fancy planner, only a year calendar, that I can write in. And the first thing I do each morning is to take a look, at plan my day...

    Thanks for sharing your awesome planner, and thanks for the chance to win :)

    Take care!

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  38. This post made my morning! I am a total planner geek! Took my daughter to Staples a few weeks ago, not for her, but me to get a new school year planner! I was so excited but now I am even more excited to try something even better--thanks!!

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  39. I have gotten away from using a planner but seeing yours and Kristina's reminds me of how much fun the process is.

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  40. Love the bright colours and the amazing organization system you have! A fun way to stay creative each day!

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  41. Planners for me are like resolutions... by March I'm not really using it anymore.... but I love them and want to be better... ugh

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  42. Heard about these planners but to tell you the truth I am not very consistent with using my own. Although I must say yours looks fun to use!

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  43. You have to love a week highlighted with speech bubbles and wonderful colors! I live by a planner. (cathym53)

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  44. I want to be a planner nerd too!

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  45. Thanks so much for sharing all of your ideas with us, Stephanie! I really need to get moving on starting a planner! Thanks for the push!

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  46. i saw Kristinas video yesterday and yours today i am retired and have to decide if i need this....yes i do.

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  47. I too love my EC planner!!! Making it prettier is just the icing on the cKe every week!

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  48. Wow! I've been looking for a new planner...this could be it. Thanks for sharing

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  49. I'm not really a planner person, but I love that notebook! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  50. I use a small diary with a week to an opening from Kikki K. It's just big enough to write everything down in and nice and small to put in my handbag. I do think a bigger one to leave at home may be the way to go also.

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  51. Wow awesome ideas for planning. I just use a school calendar but may have to try one of these.
    Laurie B

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  52. I've heard so many things about these planners but I've never seen one. Thanks! And I love your tip about using the different sections. I think I need one of these now!

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  53. What an awesome video. I appreciate the detailed view into the planner as well as all your tips and favorite products. I love planning and was looking for a new one ... I think I've found it :).

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  54. I'm not much of a planner but I think I need to start after seeing this, it might make everyday life with a busy family seem a tad less stressful!

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  55. Love the idea of having planning every life and meals because sometimes life is crazy busy AND it would be nice to have things under control sometimes!!!

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  56. I've never been much a planner, but I recently got a new planner that I'm in love with. Been searching up ideas to get more organized through a planner the past week. Your planner is so cute and amazing. I will definitely be using your ideas for my new planner. I'm totally becoming a planner girl!

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  57. I loooove your custom inserts!!!!!!! I'm totally going to have to make some...I use the EC planner as well and love it!

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  58. I love my planner but it is very simple. I think a planner such as this Erin Condren planner would be the perfect tool for me to keep track of all of my family's activities! Can't wait to order my first one!

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  59. I'm a shocking planner. Perhaps that why things get forgotten and then I have to jam loads of things into a small period of time. Your planner looks like a lot of fun and I love the way you have made your own custom inserts.

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  60. I don't have an Erin Condren planner YET, but I want one so much!! I think I'll be treating myself to one soon. :)

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  61. I am pretty set on getting one of these planners. I feel these are just what I am looking for to get so much more organized and work on my time management as well as stress levels! I looked all over the place for a good planner but can't find one. I would have already bought the EC planner but.. being a broke college student I am unable to. Here's to hoping to win a giveaway and to getting a job lol ;)

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  62. Stay at home mom and just started working from home. I am super organized but trying to find the right planner sort of stresses me out.

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  63. Renee-- Thank you so much for this video and blog review of your LP! We've truly enjoyed hearing your thoughts on how you personally use the different layouts in a way that works for you. We love how you use stickers to keep everything super clean and simple! It's always fun to see how everyone takes time to perfect their own system! It helps us out so much when we hear such kind words about our brand! Your support is greatly appreciated and beneficial to our moral over here. We hope to see many more of your reviews in the future... and owe our success to loyal fans/customers like you! Thanks again for your video + blog post!
    P.S. just pinned to our Pinterest review board... www.pinterest.com/erincondren
    Enjoy!

    Thanks again!
    #ECLifePlanner14
    The Erin Condren Team

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  64. You inspired me so much I purchased a life planner today! I cannot wait to get it and get started using it. THANK YOU!

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  65. I use an app on my phone as my planner but I'm really bad at checking it every day. I think I would do better with a paper planner. The life planner looks amazing!

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  66. love it!!! inspirational!! wish i could use mine more like you do!! love the menu planner!!

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  67. thanks for the menu planner idea! And how you use the different sections!

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  68. I love you accessories! As a student I don't use the morning day night layout in my EC planner; instead, I use morning to put important due dates and events, day for homework assignments, and night for my daily to do lists!

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  69. I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my very 1st EC Planner!! Scheduled to arrive in a couple days! Thanks so much for all of the tips and ideas! Ready to get organized!

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  70. I had an Erin Condren planner last year & divided it up by having one section be before school schedule & test info, one be homework, and one be after school schedule. This year I am using a Plum Planner, so I have a section for each of my classes & I have two sections for my daily schedule. I love all your stickers & accessories!

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  71. Great review! After watching your review and tips, I've come to the conclusion that I "need" an EC LP! The hardest thing would be trying to decide which cover to get :)

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  72. I think we are both type A in the best way possible! I love the way you organized and utilize your planner! I love to color code and highlight in my planner but especially love using Washi tape and stickers! Thanks so much for sharing!!

    Carolyn M.

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  73. I love my Erin Condren! Great post

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  74. I have used a simple planner for years. However, this one you use is extra special!

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  75. I love my ec lp. I use it everyday for work as well as keeping up with my kids schedules

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  76. Ugh! I just posted a comment and it deleted.

    I wanted to tell you that I absolutely loved your video and all your favorite things! I am a huge planner nerd and Erin Condren lover. I sit for hours and watch YouTube videos to get ideas and see how other people use their planners.

    I use my EC life planner as both a planner and a journal. I am a grad student so I keep track of my homework, reading assignments, and internship schedule. I also keep track of my kids' appointments and happenings. I keep things about my husband in there too. He's currently deployed to Afghanistan so I note when I send him care packages and when we get to Skype with him or talk on the phone. My life planner is everything!

    Thanks again for sharing. This is one of my favorite videos!

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  77. LOVE EC life planners and your menu planner design! That's an awesome idea :)

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  78. I never knew what all the planner hype was about until now! How fun! Thanks for sharing a fantastic video. Your menu planner is genius. Having a menu planned out for the week saves lots of money, thanks for the tip!

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  79. Ok...I'm biting the bullet and ordering the teacher one! :)

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  80. Oh man! Great post and vid! Thanks for showing the notebook too... I never really thought I'd need a notebook AND a life planner... but I am totally convinced now that you gave us a sneak peek! Sorry if I missed this info, but what ink do you use with your L2E stamps? Those are next on my list! Tons of great ideas, I'm so itching for a new LP! As soon as I can figure out what cover I want, I'm taking the plunge! Thanks!!

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  81. Oh I forgot to add how I plan! I am trying to keep track of my finances and work schedule (I'm a teacher on call) so I made my own labels to mark down when I work full or half days, and for what teacher. I also use the little colorful avery dots - green on payday for both myself and my husband, orange for an upcoming bill, and blue for when the hubs works OT. I have just recently started using washi tape to decorate but I'm not very good at that yet, haha. Those papermate flairs and staedtler pens are my fave too, by the way!

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  82. I use my Erin Condren planner for everything, & I love your tips! Definitely have to try them out :) And I need to order my new EC planner soon!

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  83. I am a new planner nerd. I love your EC and the way you are using it. Your video is so inspiring! I just got a Filofax (had been using a DayTimer) and hope to get an EC soon. I am just starting out decorating my planner with washi tape and this kit would very helpful. What ink do you use for your stamps? That's something I would like to try?

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  84. Thank you fur the chance to win. Awesome giveaway!

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    1. Oops.. For.. Typing too fast. I should receive my first ECLP soon. Thank you for sharing!

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  85. Hi...I love your planner and how you have it accessorized! Thank you for giving a detailed list of the supplies you use. I am anxiously awaiting my very first Erin Condren planner and I am having a very difficulty time waiting! I am so excited. Thanks for the giveaway...it looks awsome

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  86. Hello! I greatly enjoy looking at your planner, and all of the cool tips and tricks I have learned from you are amazing! I would like to thank you for using your own time to post to about your planner! Personally, I use my life planner, for well, my life! I use it everything from planning homework and tests, to dance classes, and acting! I feel that its a great way to take a look at your entire week, month, and year at a time, and get a sense for what you have to do, and how long you have to do it! It really helps me with time management, and making sure I stay on task! Not only is it great for managing my time, but its a way to express yourself with washi tape, stickers, colored pens, and more! Winning this giveaway would be amazing, as for I would be able to help purchase a planner for January-December of next year, washi tape to decorate my planner, and use the great pens and stickers for my planner! Thank you so much for doing a giveaway!

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  87. Amazing Stephanie, first time purchasing a planner myself And I have been saving my pennies. Erin's planner has been on my wish list since Kristina Werner posted a video a few months back. I can't wait to get mine!!

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  88. I plan every day would love to win the goodie s

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  89. Just starting my planner journey...Thanks for the awesome giveaways :)

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  90. I'm new to EC but LOVE my planner! Color coding, doodles and to do lists have been keeping me organized!

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  91. I have an EC planner too! I need to get better at decorating it! I love it... Hoping to get a notebook next!

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  92. Your planner looks lovely! I as well love planning and cannot live without it. Just finished writing in my planner from the past year and can't wait to get started on a new one.

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  93. I just got my first Erin Condren planner last month-love it! This gift pack would be amazing to help me be more creative in my planner. Thanks!

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  94. First of all, I LOVE ME SOME SCHOOL SUPPLIES! Tom Hanks said it best in You've got mail... "I'd send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address..."

    I would use my life planner to organize my kids, home, hubby, creative juices and a dash of OCD.

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  95. I happened to stumble upon your video while researching planners. I have outgrown my iphone calendar and need something to keep my crazy life more organized! After seeing your post I think the Erin Condren Life Planner will be just the thing to do it! While I have never really been able to keep up with a regular day planner, I think this will be perfect for me since I love to scrapbook! It will be just like scrapbooking every day! In addition, I have to say I LOVE your menu planner and will totally be making one! Thanks for sharing!

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  96. Help! I can't decide whether to stick with my A5 Filofax system or jump ship to the Life Planner. Any advice ladies? x

    KristinaSuzannexo.blogspot.co.uk

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  97. I love your custom menu planner. Any interest in selling me one? I would be happy to pay pal you.

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  98. You have such great ideas! How can I get a copy of your menu planner?

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  99. Wonderful video! Do you sell the PDF file for the menu planner? If so, where can I purchase? Thank you!

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  100. Loved your post! It really helped me as a learned how to use my planner for the first time. I wrote a post about my experience with the planner and highlighted your post as a reference! http://www.thehometeamblog.com/getting-organized-first-erin-condren-planner/

    Blessings!
    Kim

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  101. my colleague was requiring form name earlier this week and was made aware of a document management site with a lot of sample forms . If you need My Life Planning Workbook as well , here's a my planning workbook

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  102. I have been searching for Erin Condren reviews and came across your site. Then I noticed that you have my same last name! What a surprise! Thanks for the great info. Happy planning!

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