5 Simple Planner Hacks to Make Your Day Easier

I love using my planners, but sometimes the way I use them can make the difference between sticking with it and letting it gather dust. Today I want to share some of my favorite planner hacks—little tweaks and tricks that don’t take much effort but can save time, keep things organized, and make planning more fun.

Hack 1: Sticky Notes for Flexibility

They’re probably my favorite planning accessory. One way I use them is instead of writing tasks directly on my planner pages, I use sticky notes for recurring or “maybe” tasks. This way I can move them from day to day without making my planner messy.

Hack 2: Color Code Everything

Assign different colors to different areas of your life—family, work, church, finances. A quick glance and you’ll instantly know where your time is going. For example, I use green to mark monthly bills or anything I might need to pay, and church-related things are always purple. 

Hack 3: Use Washi Tape for Quick Tabs

Washi tape makes great temporary tabs. Use a strip on the edge of pages you want to find quickly—for me, it’s my weekly bill &balance tracker and my "today" page on my weekly inserts.

Hack 4: Create a Planner Dashboard

Slip a laminated sheet or clear pocket folder at the front of your planner. Use it for sticky notes, important reminders, or even a mini vision board. I sometimes use the first divider in my planner, which is laminated, as my dashboard. I keep an “add to the grocery list” note there, as well as any quick, temporary information I need at my fingertips.

Hack 5: Build a “Planner Go Bag”

Keep a small pouch with your favorite pens, sticky notes, washi tape, and scissors. That way, your planner time can happen anywhere—at the kitchen table, the doctor’s office, or in the car. This is a hack I no longer use, but only because I’m not out and about as much as I was when the boys were growing up.

Bonus Hack: Never Skip Tasks

This is something I learned from Giftie. Anytime you write something in your planner that you need to do, add a checkbox or a circle.

○ Make chiro appointment for Chiro  
- Katie had her baby – it’s a boy!  
○ Send congratulations card  

Whenever you see a list, watch for the circle or checkbox—it’s a simple way to remind yourself to follow through.

These hacks are simple, but they make a huge difference in how I use my planner. They’ve helped me keep things flexible, colorful, and easy to manage. Planning should be enjoyable, not overwhelming, and these little tweaks keep me coming back to my planner day after day.

Do you have a favorite planner hack I didn’t mention? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear new ideas to try!

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Free Habit Tracker Printable: A Simple Step Toward Better Habits

We all have those little routines we want to stick with—drink more water, read our Bibles, stretch, take our meds on time—but sometimes life gets in the way. The simple act of writing things down and checking them off makes a world of difference.

That’s why I’m happy to share this free printable habit tracker with you today. It’s easy to use, flexible, and—can I let you in on a little secret?—it’s part of something new I’m working on for my Etsy shop. I won’t spill all the beans yet, but let’s just say this is your sneak peek.

What Exactly Is a Habit Tracker?

It's kind of like a cheerleader. Every day you do the habit, you mark it off. Over time, those little marks add up and show you just how far you’ve come.

Here are a few things you could track:

• Morning quiet time

• Drinking 8 glasses of water

• Gentle exercise or stretching

• Taking medications

• Writing in a gratitude journal

It doesn’t have to be complicated—you can make this page work for you.

A Secret Glimpse Behind the Scenes

Okay, here’s the fun part. This habit tracker isn’t just a one-and-done freebie. It’s actually the first piece of a whole new system I’m creating. I can’t give away too much yet (I don’t want to ruin the surprise!), but I promise you’ll love how everything fits together.

For now, just know this: this tracker is like the doorway into something bigger, and you get to try it first.

How to Use Your Free Habit Tracker

Here’s a super simple way to get started:

1. Download & Print – Pop it on plain paper, or resize it to fit your planner.

2. Pick a Few Habits – Don’t overdo it. Choose 3–5 things that really matter right now.

3. Mark Your Progress – Cross it off, color it in, or use your favorite pen. Make it fun!

4. Look Back Each Week – Notice where you did well, and where you might adjust.

5. Celebrate the Wins – Even if it’s just, “Hey, I drank more water this week than last!”

Grab Your Free Habit Tracker

Ready to give it a try? Click below and grab your Free Habit Tracker Printable today:

👉 [Download Free Habit Tracker]

What’s Coming Next

This freebie is just the beginning. I’ll be rolling out more tools and printables soon as part of a bigger project, and I don’t want you to miss it. Keep checking back here on the blog or join or Planner Fun Facebook group for the latest news and freebie notifications.

Print your habit tracker, start marking those boxes, and let your habits work for you. Remember, little steps add up to big change.

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Creative Ways to Use Sticky Notes in Your Bible and Planner

Why I Love Sticky Notes

Sticky notes have become one of my favorite tools for both Bible journaling and planning. They’re simple, flexible, and a great way to highlight verses, reminders, or quick thoughts. But here’s the truth: I don’t always print my designs on sticky note pads. Sometimes, I just print them on regular paper, trim them down, and use a little adhesive. It works beautifully and saves money too!

Why They Work for Bible Journaling and Bible Study

• They give you extra space to write without crowding what you've already written.
• You can move them around when you need to read what is underneath.
• They're good for notes you have on what you're reading, making a key verse or writing down what you are prompted to pray for.

I think they make your Bible journaling more interactive.  Instead of writing down everything directly in the margins (or what you can fit in the margins), you have room to layer ideas, references, and more.

Using Sticky Notes in My Planner

In my planneer, sticky notes are lifesavers.  I use them for:

• Quick reminders
• Temporary Appointments
• Notes that I want to move from on week to another
• Jot down your weekly planning routine to keep you on track

I often use a sticky note as a mini "grocery list" on the first page of my planner (usually the divider for my inbox).  Whenever anyone says, "We need more trash bags!"  - I write it down.

Printing Options: On Sticky Notes or Plain Paper

When I design sticky notes for Bible journaling and planning, I usually make them in 3 x 3 or 2 x 1.5 sizes. That means you can print them directly on sticky notes if you want. But here’s the secret: you don’t have to.

• Option 1: Print on Sticky Notes
  Use a template, line up your sticky notes, and print directly onto them. That's exactly what's included in the notes I sell on my Etsy Shop (template, design, printing instructions)  

• Option 2: Print on Regular Paper
  Just print, trim, and attach with a glue stick, washi tape, or any adhesive you like. This method is budget-friendly, and you don’t have to buy sticky notes in every color.

I often choose the second method. It’s simple, flexible, and works just as well.  I also like printing them on the back of decorative paper for a little extra flair.

Why This Matters

The point isn’t about “how” you print them—it’s about having tools that make your Bible and planner time more meaningful. Whether on a sticky note pad or trimmed paper, the goal is to create space for God’s Word and life’s priorities and I think sticky notes are perfect for this!

Sticky notes are one of those little things that make a big difference. They’re easy, versatile, and can be adapted to whatever system works best for you. The beauty is in the flexibility—you don’t have to use them one specific way.

Want to try it yourself? Check out my printable sticky notes in my Etsy shop. They’re simple, flexible, and designed to help you enjoy Bible journaling and planning more!

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How to Build Planner Routines: Daily, Weekly, Monthly, and Beyond

 Planners are more than just books filled with calendars and to lists.  They are very important tools designed to help you become more consistent, lowers your overwhelm, and most importantly to me, makes sure nothing slips through the cracks.  You don't have to have a perfect planner, but it is important to have a routine.  If you map out daily, weekly, monthly, and even quartly reviews (yearly?), it will help you stay on top of all the important details.

This next section includes some suggested planner reviews.  I asked ChatGPT to help me make a list, as well as gathered information from some of my favorite planners, and even my old planners.  If you have any items you think should be added, please feel free to add them in the comments.

Daily Planner Routines

The daily routine is the list that is the foundation of your planner.  Taking a few minutes every morning (or maybe evening works best for you) can completely change the direction or how you approach your day.  Here's what this list might include

• looking at today's schedule
• noting your top theree prioritities
• review your unfinished tasks from yesterday (reschedule if necessary)
• adding reminders or appointments

The number one trick is to keep your planner nearby and look at it at least once a day.  This habit will keep your mind clear and you won't have to worry if you're missing anything.

Weekly Planner Reviews

A weekly review is really like a reset button.  It doesn't take long but it saves hours of stress, again wondering if you forgot anyting.  It helps you get a look at the big pictures.  Here are some ideas:

• look at what you have accomplished
• note any tasks that slipped through
• plan meals, appointments, or projects for the coming week
• Set one or two goals (priorities) to focus on.

This helps you tie up any loose ends while making a plan for the week ahead.

Monthly Planner Reviews

This gives you a much bigger perspective as you're not focusing on today or next week.  It allows you to see a bird's eye view of what's going on.  With a monthjly review you can:

• reflect on the highlights of the month and any challenges you might have had
• record memories or milestones you don't want to forget
• check out upcoming birthdays and family events
• Adjust your goals or priorities, if you need to

This practice helps you connect the daily to-do's with your long term ideas.

Then there is the Beyond - Quarterly and Yearly

Quarterly reviews help you check your progress on bigger goals like finances or home projects.  I learned a practice from Brandy Michele Plans, who is no long online that I really like.  She listed6 or more priorities - things nearest and dearest to her heart like family, marriage, kids, getting out of debt, those kinds of things - and then wrote goals for each one like (making these up):

• family - Keep in touch with my extended family
• marriage - make time for my spouse
• finances - getting out of debt

Then she would write quarterly goals for each section and list 3 ways she could work on that priority:

• family

1. plan a family get together at Thanksgiving with cousins
2. write a newsy letter to my sister-in-lay
3. start a family group text

• marriage

1. plan a weekly date night
2. put down the phone when he talks to me
3. read a book on marriage

• finances

1. credit cards for real emergencies only
2. daily save leftover change in a jar
3. have a no spend day once a week

And she would continue this with every priority she had listed.  Every quarter she would review her goals and somehow track her progress.  I think she wrote new steps every quarter. It was very helpful to me.

How Planner Routines Help You Remember Everything

One of the best parts of using a planner is how it takes the pressure off your memory. Instead of trying to hold dozens of details in your head, you have a reliable place to capture them. The main thing is to write it down.

Here’s how it looks in everyday life: your husband asks you to buy something. If you can, take care of it immediately. If not, jot it down in your inbox page or capture sheet. The next time you sit with your planner, move it where it belongs:

• onto your daily to-do list,

• scheduled on a specific date, or

• placed on a “do next” list you review often.

This routine means you never lose track of requests, errands, or ideas. By writing everything down and looking at your planner daily, you train yourself to trust the system instead of relying only on memory.  You might have a random thought to do something in the winter that is 3 months away.  Go to your monthly page and write it down!

Open your planner today and schedule your next review. Whether it’s five minutes tonight or a 30-minute reset on Sunday, start building the habit now and see how much lighter life feels.

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Practical Mother of the Groom Sticky Notes

I learned first hand that planning a wedding involves countless details, and as the Mother of the Groom, your role comes with special responsibilities. From coordinating schedules to keeping track of important dates, there are times it can feel overwhelming. That’s why I created Mother of the Groom Sticky Notes (plus I just like having my own special notes)!

These practical sticky notes aren’t just helpful for planning—they also make a unique gift for any future mother-in-law. I certainly would have loved having them - I don't know why I didn't think of creating them 2 years ago when I was planning the rehearsal dinner and wedding shower.  If you want to stay on top of your to do list or give a special gift to the MOTG in your life, these notes fit the bill

Why the Mother of the Groom Needs Support

When all the planning begins, it is mostly centered around the bride and her family.  Howerver, the MOTG has her own share of to-do's, such as hosting the rehearsal dinner, helping with guests and being there for her son wherever she can on the big day.

Having a visual tool like sticky notes keeps everything front and centered.  Don't try to remember it all in your head, write it down and put it where you will see it. You can also use them in your Mother of the Groom Planner!

A Thoughtful Gift for the Future Mother-in-Law

If you’re the bride or groom looking for a heartfelt yet practical gift, these sticky notes are an excellent choice. They show appreciation but also give genuine help during the business of wedding preparations.

It’s a gift that says, “I see your role, and I value it.”

Here are some ideas for making the most of your sticky notes:

• Place them inside your wedding planner to flag high-priority tasks.

• Stick them on your calendar as quick reminders.

• Use them during family plannning meetings to track decisions..

Small steps like these reduce stress and help you feel in control during a season that can easily get overwhelming.

Ready to stay organized and stress-free during the wedding season? Visit my Etsy shop today and grab your Mother of the Groom Sticky Notes. They make the perfect tool—or thoughtful gift—to support one of the most important roles in the wedding celebration.

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How My Son’s Wedding Inspired My Mother of the Groom Planners

When my son proposed to his girlfriend in 2023, we were all so excited—but I’ll be honest, there was also a little bit of overwhelm. I wanted to do my best to fulfill my role as the mother of the groom, support him, his fiancée, and her family, and also prepare for such a big milestone in all our lives. The idea of getting to plan again was exciting, but I quickly realized there wasn’t much out there made specifically for the mother of the groom.

There seemed to be tons of wedding planning information for the bride and her mom, which of course makes sense, but it was important to me that I was thoroughly prepared and didn’t leave anything out. I began to wonder: what exactly are the mother of the groom’s responsibilities, and how could I keep them organized without feeling stressed?

Creating Something Just for Mothers of the Groom

Since I couldn’t find a planner or checklist designed for my role, I decided to create my own! I knew I needed space to jot down outfits, gift ideas, notes for special moments, rehearsal dinner details, and more. Having a complete wedding checklist gave me peace of mind and allowed me to enjoy the process instead of worrying about what I might be forgetting.

After I finished creating my own planner, I thought: If this helped me, surely other mothers of the groom who are planning weddings would find it helpful too.

The Decision to Open My Etsy Shop

That’s when I started getting the idea to share my love of planners and creating. I had been thinking about opening an Etsy shop for a while, but this was the nudge I needed. My son’s wedding gave me the push to move from dreaming to taking action.

I tend to design products that are practical, usually based on a need I’ve had personally or something I wish existed. That’s why I knew other moms would be interested in a Mother of the Groom Planner—because it was created from real-life wedding planning needs.

Introducing My Mother of the Groom Planners

Today, my Etsy shop includes planners and printables (digital and printable versions) made especially for mothers of the groom. These wedding planning tools are filled with helpful checklists, planning pages, and spaces to record memories. The digital planner even includes a guided keepsake journal, making it both a practical tool and a wedding keepsake.

Whether you’re looking for a wedding day checklist, a weekly wedding countdown, or a digital wedding planner to use on your tablet, I designed these products to be simple, useful, and easy to follow—because I’m a pretty simple person myself!

Looking Back – I’m Grateful!

As I look back, I’m so thankful I made that first move. What began as a way to stay organized during my son’s wedding has turned into a small business that keeps me busy and engaged now that my sons are grown and don’t need my constant guidance (and planning!).

It’s also a reminder that sometimes God takes our everyday needs and turns them into opportunities—not just for ourselves, but for others who are walking the same road.

A Note to Other Mothers of the Groom

If you’re reading this because your son is engaged—congratulations! Being the mother of the groom is such a special role, filled with many bittersweet and joyful moments. Whether you’re searching for mother of the groom duties, planning responsibilities, or just a practical tool to help you stay on track, my planners were designed with you in mind.

I’d love to invite you to visit my Etsy shop and see if one of my planners would be a help to you. And if you have your own tips about being the mother of the groom, I’d love to hear them too!

Products Available in My Shop

• Mother of the Groom “Beyond the Tuxedo” Printable Planner – available in half and letter sizes. View the printable planner
• Mother of the Groom “Beyond the Tuxedo” Digital Planner – to use on PCs and tablets with a note-taking app or any app that allows you to add text to a PDF. The index page is linked to all sections in the planner. View the digital planner
• Mother of the Groom Ultimate Wedding Day Checklist – printable 8-page PDF with everything you need to be prepared. View the checklist
• Mother of the Groom Weekly Wedding Countdown – 52 weeks of planning tasks to guide you step by step. View the weekly countdown

This way, whether you’re searching for a gift idea for the mother of the groom, a printable wedding planner, or a digital keepsake, you’ll find something designed to make your son’s wedding journey smoother and more joyful.

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A Throwback to My First Thanksgiving Planner

Today I spent quite a bit of time tracking down old files on Google Drive and Dropbox, since I lost everything from my computer earlier this year. It’s actually been fun looking back at things I created 10 years ago when I first started making planner inserts and printables.

When I came across my very first One Page Minimalist Thanksgiving Planner, it made me smile. My style has changed a lot over the past decade, but it was sweet to see where I began. Since Thanksgiving is coming up in a few months, I thought it would be fun to share it with you.

I believe it’s a half-size insert, meant to be printed on both sides of letter paper and then folded. If you decide to use it, please share—I’d love to see it! Maybe I’ll even whip up a new one.

👉 Download the Thanksgiving Planner here 

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