Normally in August, I’m excited for Fall, the upcoming school year, and setting up my new planner. However, this pandemic year, our lives are topsy turvy, but at least I can keep the tradition of setting up of my new planner. I’ve been using the Blessed Is She planner since Day 1 when it first arrived. Years later, I’m still a fan, so much so, that I purchased both sizes because I’ve been known to change sizes during the year.

Originally, I planned to use the mini-sized version because I liked the portability of it. It’s the perfect size to throw in my tote bag and bring to appointments and meetings while my kids are at school. We were set to return to in-person learning, but at the last minute our state/county’s Covid numbers rose and distance learning was mandated for all schools until our numbers drop back down.

So I set aside the mini and am using the regular sized planner because it was a life saver during last year’s distance learning, but more of that later. First, I’ll show you the basics.

Although I don’t always have time to decorate my planner, it’s fun to start off with a stack of stickers and washi tape to get me motivated. I always decorate the inside cover with my lovelies because they are my inspiration to try and bring some order and harmony to our busy family life.

For my calendar, I like to color code my items. I have five goal categories so I use five basic colors to correspond.

Red (Daughter of God) is for spiritual activities such as Holy Hour, Confession, special Masses, Retreats, etc. Orange (Wife) are things like date nights. Green (Mom) are school events, violin classes, after school practice, play dates (remember when we used to have those??) etc. Blue is a combo of Homemaker and extended family – work on house projects, shopping/errand days, or activities with extended family members. Purple (Woman) is for me – work outside the home, girls night out, self- care, etc and for BIS (Blessed Is She) activities with other women.

There is a small key on the bottom of my calendar page. It may seem complicated, but I’ve been using the color code so long that it is now natural to me.

The weekly overview.

Here I have the week’s grocery items (to add to my master shopping list), meal plans, prayer intentions, and the week’s To Do’s. If I already know which day an item needs to be done, I’ll add the day of the week so it can be assigned to that day.

I divided the weekly notes page into three sections – brain dump, school info, and general notes. For the brain dump, I basically jot down all the things I need to work on at some point. If it is a definite item I have to do that week I write it in the “To Do” section. If it is more random or I need to get more info on it, it goes in the brain dump. Even if I don’t need to work on it that week, I need to write it down or I’ll forget. Since I sometimes need to reference these notes at a later date, I made it easier to find them by keeping track of where I wrote them.

In the larger note section in the back of the planner I assigned one page to be my Reference page. When I take notes on the weekly page that I will need to reference later, I add it to this page. It’s easier than thumbing through all the past pages trying to remember which week I had a conversation.

In the past, I have used the larger note section for various items such as a Memories page, book lists, and to write a favorite Scripture or short prayer. You could also use it to for lists such as Books to Read, Movies to Watch or track things like how much money you spend or when you go to Confession. The possibilities are endless.

Weekly Schedule View

The hourly schedule is normally where I keep track of where I need to go. However, now that I will be inside teaching kids and coordinating numerous Zoom classes, I’ll be using this section for that.

Normally, I’d use the same color code as my monthly calendar, but since I have to track all the kids classes, I use a separate color code system for this page. Each kid has their own color, with aqua being family items, and red is the things I need to do.

There are a lot of great planners out there, but what makes this planner unique is that it is a Catholic liturgical planner. It has prayers, how to pray the rosary, how to make a Holy Hour, holy days of obligations and reminders to start novenas.

Plus each month focuses on one of the names of God. For August it is God the Creator.

Each month starts with a journal page for prayer and reflection. The planner is more than an organizational tool, it’s also a source for spiritual growth to help us deepen our relationship with the Trinity. I can’t wait to dive in!

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Your Questions Answered

Whenever, I post photos of my planner of Instagram, I’ll often get the same questions. Here are the most common ones with my answers.

I have the mini-sized planner. Any tips for using it?

I love the mini! I haven’t set up the new one since I’m using the regular size for now. However, you can get tips from my previous post – How I Use My Blessed Is She 2018-2019 Mini Liturgical Planner. The planner looks a little different, but it has the same basic features.

What kind of pens do you use?

When I write in my planner, I MUST be able to erase. I used to use pencil until I found these awesome erasable pens a few years ago –  Pilot Frixion Ball Knock Retractable Gel Ink Pen, 0.5mm, 10 Colors Set. I have been using them ever since. There are various sizes available on Amazon and I have seen single colors at Staples.

(One note: It has been said that the ink of these pens disappear in extreme heat, but the ink will reappear if book is placed in the freezer. I have never had an issue, but I also don’t live in extreme heat.)

Where do you get the book marks/ stickers/ washi in you planner?

This is the Avery Spiral Slide-In Plastic Bookmark Divider that I use. It can be used full size with the regular planner. The end has to be cut off when used with the mini planner. They come in a pack of three, colored red, yellow, and aqua blue.

The stickers I have on the bookmark are: Be Not Afraid sticker is from Santa Clara Design and the Shine and Sacred Heart are from the Blessed Is She shop. (They “just” posted a new Immaculate Heart sticker that I’ll be ordering!)

You can find other great Catholic stickers from Zelie and Lou, Someday Saints, Santa Clara Design, Catholic Paper Goods, WithJoyfulHeart, LeanneBowenFineArt, Little Way Design Co, Beloved and Blessed, and Handcrafted by Isabela. Have another favorite Catholic sticker shop? Let me know!

I also attached a Tiny Saints Charm. I have many favorites so I’ll change them often.

Washi tape can be found at most stores that carry stationary, including Target. I usually wait until Michael’s puts them on sale or clearance or use one of their weekly coupons. You can also order cute washi on Amazon.

When do you find time to decorate and update your planner?

I like to set aside a little quiet time on Sunday to plan my week. I’ll either go to my favorite spot on the couch or on our deck outside. I’ll review the upcoming week, plan my meals, brain dump all the info in my head and organize it. There have been weeks when I’ve been too busy (or too lazy) to plan the week, but I always regret it since I forget things or am running to the store multiple times for items I forgot to put on the grocery list. It always helps in the long run when I take a little time to get things in order.

If I have time (and I’m in the mood) I’ll decorate my planner. If I don’t, I simply get the info down and don’t worry about it. The key is to use the planner. It can look like a work of art, but if it’s not being used and making my life easier, then what’s the point, right? Thankfully, this planner has been useful, uplifting, and fun!

If you have the Blessed Is She planner, are you using the regular or mini? What’s your favorite feature?

Happy planning!

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