Made in the USA + Concierge Must Haves: Franklin Covey Planner Pages

Continuing with the theme of getting organized this month, I wanted to share that I went back to using my old, trusty Franklin Covey planner after years of trying different ones. They stopped making the pages I liked, so that is when I switched, but just couldn't find what worked best for me. So this year I decided that I loved the size and pockets of my old planner, so I switched back. I have only been using it for just over a week now and LOVE it! This is perfect for helping keep track of clients in Houston and virtual, concierge tasks /personal assistant tasks that I need to complete and helps me stay organized professionally and personally. The great thing is the planner pages are made in the USA! What is your favorite type of planner?

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Concierge Must Have Item: Planner + Notepad

Concierge Must Have Item series has some and will have some pretty obvious things in it like this post. A must have for me is a paper planner, notebook, as well as, pens & pencils. I am a totally visual person and remember so much more if I write things down myself and can go back and look at it, make notes, cross things off, etc. I have to constantly write down notes from clients, notes from consultations, take notes at networking events and conferences, write down my schedule, blog ideas, etc. etc.

Don't get me wrong, I love electronic devices to keep track of things as well, but there is just something about pen and paper and writing things down yourself. I usually retain so much more that way and remember a lot more. Below are some of the brands that are my favorite and all of which I have talked about on here before.

• This year I tried out a new planner the Simplified Planner, which I like because I can write so much down on it, but don't know if it is the planner for me. 
• Le Pens are some of my favorite pens because they write so smooth. I very rarely like free pens and promotional item things, but I really like this Visit Houston pen I got when joing GHCVB, it writes so smooth as well. 
• Every since a client introduced me to Blackwing pencils years ago I have been obsessed and really prefer them over other pencils. 
• Russell + Hazel products have been a go to of mine for many year as I love their mini binders, all the inserts and products you can add to them.

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Planners/Calendars: Organizing your schedule

I wanted to give you a look into how I stay semi organized with my schedule. I have been using planners and calendars for years and years. I use 3 different paper ones, which is crazy I know! I tried to do digital calendars and maybe will again in the future, but paper is more my thing. I like seeing things and writing things down on paper. I have gone through several planners throughout the years.

 Franklin Covey used to make planner pages that I really like then they stopped. I would like to go back to that one day if they bring the pages back that I like and that fit in my planner binder I have. I do want to try the Simplified Planner one day too. 

• I use one planner for personal use. (the pink one above - Russell and Hazel) This one I use for personal things like birthdays, yoga schedule, events, etc.
• I use one planner for work use. (the blue and gold one above - Mead Cambridge Edition from Target) I use it for clients, work events, deadlines, etc. I really like this one I have for work this year because there is plenty of space to write and it is spiral. I thought it would be too big at first, but it has ended up working great so far. 
• I use the calendar pictured above for household things that I keep in my household binder (Sugar Paper for Target). I use this for keeping track of Rothko's meds (our dog), air filter changes, when I should dust, change sheets, etc. I don't always get things done that I put on the calendar, but it reminds me that I need to do it at some point soon. 
• Every year,  because I like it,  I get an Andy Warhol calendar to put on the wall in my office. This is great to take a quick glance at dates, especially when I am on the phone. 

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Organization: Paper Planners

January is Get Organized month everywhere and here is Houston all the stores have their organization items out in full effect. I know there are tons of people trying to get organized and get their life in order as new years resolutions. I know that I am booking clients here in Houston who are ready to get a fresh start on their organization. 

As I have said several times on here before I try to be as eco as possible, but my vice is paper (stationery, organizers, etc). I love paper products whether it be to make various things with them, that I can send them to people, etc. 

I am not against electronic calendar organizers. They just aren't as effective for me, as I am more a visual person and like to see it in front of me and make notes.

Below are several paper planner organizers that I use for various reasons. 

This organizer I use on a daily basis for clients, personal, etc. I use the Franklin Covey compact size. I love it. I have used this for years and years. It is small enough to fit into most of my purses and it stores various business cards, notes, etc.

This organizer is a new one from Sugar Paper that I found at Target for $5. It is one that I use in my home maintenance binder. I put things on it like when I need to change filters, house appointments, dog medication, etc.

This one is a Russell + Hazel calendar that use in conjunction with their mini binder. If you have read the blog for a while you know that I love Russell + Hazel products as they are eco and made in the USA. This one is for personal use

This is another mini calendar from Sugar Paper that I found at Target. This one I currently use to store important work dates. I honestly don't know specifically how I will end up using it, but it is very compact, thin and I was thinking I may take it to client meetings instead of the more bulky brown one. Plus, it is made on part recycled paper and soy ink.

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