Basic planner decorating using washi tape (and a few stickers)

I have a fascination with planners. I remember the first DayTimer my mom bought me. I actually just got rid of it within the past year. It took a standard insert calendar, but the outside was a black and green canvas. I used it in high school and college – and for years after that. 

(This post includes affiliate links, which doesn’t cost you any extra, but I may make some income if you purchase a product.)

Eventually I needed something that worked better for me. And let’s be honest. I wanted something prettier. A few years ago, I turned to the Erin Condren Life Planner and I haven’t looked back. They can be on the pricier side, but I use mine for everything. I tend to buy it when I can get it on sale, or if I have some sort of credit. My current planner was purchased several months ago and I’m so excited for something brand new to decorate and plan my life in!

Right now, Erin Condren’s Friends & Family Event is happening and you can save 25% off their site – including the Life Planner! 

If you do a quick search on social media, you’ll find thousands of planner addicts – and pretty extensive decorations. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have a ton of time to bling out my planner – I have things to accomplish! 

I do have quite the washi tape stash, and recently I have taken a liking to having a few stickers in my planner. 

With my planner, I’m looking to track:

Work
Home schedules (such as my husband’s schedule, childcare, child pick-up)
Exercise
Food (dinners specifically)
Bills to pay
Budget
Life Appointments 

This is what a week in my planner looks like: 

This was last week. And I blurred out a few places because I had meetings that aren’t for the whole world to know about. 😉 

Next week was pretty, but blank when I photographed it. 

I’ve since added a car appointment and lunch date. 

I really like the note pages in the back of each month and at the back of the planner. I tend to use these during work or even for appointments I have with freelance clients. The Erin Condren Life Planners also come with some sample stickers, which got me excited to try stickers more frequently. My friend Mendie sent me some stickers to try, and I printed a sheet (and cut with my scrapbook paper cutter) to use. I used Avery Sticker Project Paper I purchased on Amazon. They fit the ECLP squares perfectly.

Here’s the thing. To plan well, you don’t have to bling out your planner. I know people who spend extensive time decorating – and the purpose is to organize your life. When I see certain stickers or colors or tape over my week, it makes me feel good. That’s all.  

• So. If you want an Erin Condren planner, and have never purchased one, feel free to use my link and get $10 off your first purchase. 
• I tend to use washi tape to decorate. It doesn’t always serve a purpose, but it’s pretty and I’ve established that I do love washi tape for every day use. Most of my washi tape came from Pick Your Plum. The site is amazing.
• I have two sets of pens I use. One set is the Paper Mate Ink Joy gel pen and the other is the Paper Mate Flair pens. 

**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. I may make a small commission IF you make a purchase.