Getting Organized with Shoplet

Several months ago, I did a post on my 5 Tips for a More Organized Life. One of them was all about my love of paper planners. Thanks to Shoplet and their office supplies, it was like Christmas here last week when I opened a package containing a large desk pad calendar and a weekly/monthly planner.

The House of Doolittle Two-Color Monthly Desk Pad Calendar w/ Large Notes Section - $5.58

According to Shoplet, the desk pad calendar boasts these features:

• Deep blue and gray printing set off blue simulated leather binding for a rich look.
• Large section ruled for notes.
• Full-year reference calendar makes planning easier.
• It is made of 100% post-consumer recycled material
• The large 18 1/2 by 13 inch layout makes it perfect for organizing the whole family

I really love this product and it's ability to keep our whole family organized.  It is  lightweight and the lined boxes make it easy to keep track of everyone's schedules.  My husband especially likes that now he doesn't have to ask me or look in my planner to find out what we have planned for the week.  There is also a large notes section along the side to keep track of anything that we need to buy or plan for that month.  I love this feature for keeping track of birthday presents, sports equipment that we need, things for school projects, or just goals I want to accomplish around the house ("honey-do" list, anyone?)

The House of Doolittle Wirebound Weekly/Monthly Planner -  $18.67

This 8 1/2 x 11 inch planner is a great planner for any individual.  Made of 100% post-consumer paper it is an earth-friendly choice.  The cover is sturdy enough to withstand daily use.  This planner is larger than others I have used in the past and I like two-spread layout for the weekly and monthly calendars.  This offers more space for me to track our increasingly busy family schedule.  The monthly calendar also references four months in advance on the same page, which makes planning doctor and other important appointments easier.

The weekly calendar includes a daily schedule between 8am and 8pm with notes sections at the bottom of each day and the right column of each week.

I have to be honest, while this is a GREAT planner for the professional or single adult, as a mom, it would not be my first choice.  I prefer a planner with sections for each family member, room for grocery lists, and places for meal-planning.  In a pinch, this planner could be adapted for that by color-coding and attaching a small notepad with a paperclip.

If you're looking for a true "Mom Planner", I would highly recommend Amy Knapp's Family Organizer.  Otherwise, if you're a single mother, or have a smaller family, this one just might do the trick for you!