In my ongoing search for the perfect paper planner, I was very excited to learn last spring that Laura of I’m an Organizing Junkie had a wonderful Canadian product available to give away. Although I wasn’t the lucky winner, I was so impressed with Laura’s review that I contacted the designer/publisher, Corrie Bitner, and asked if I could have a copy to review for Your Organizing Business.

Chaos... simplified Woman's Day Planner
Although Corri wasn’t able to send me a planner right away, she agreed to send me a 2011 version when they were available, and I eagerly awaited its arrival.

My first impression was that this planner will appeal mainly to creative types, with its handwriting-style fonts and nature-inspired cover image. Unlike planners which focus on productivity, the overall theme of Chaos… simplified is harmony and beauty.

For each month, there is not just a page or two, but an entire section, which includes:

  • Financial Outlook page for recording income, expenses, and comparing figures to budgeted amounts
  • Monthly plan, including goals for self, family, household, and financials, as well as “what’s happening” this month and next, “things on my mind”, and important dates to remember
  • Monthly calendar view, which lies open next to the weekly view, as shown above. This feature means you don’t have to flip back and forth between views, or copy events from your monthly calendar to your weekly schedule

Each monthly calendar includes a section for “scribbled thoughts n’ sketched dreams” and the weekly calendars have sections for “things to do” and “phone calls to make.”

There is also a divider with pockets to hold receipts, recipes, or other loose bits of paper. Instructions are provided to remove these dividers if you find your planner getting too bulky as the year progresses.

The rear cover includes a flap to tuck into the current page, so you can easily keep your place without a separate bookmark.

Additional sections allow you to record financial information, wish lists for books, movies, restaurants, and vacations, Christmas planning, important phone numbers, and other contacts.

I wouldn’t recommend this planner as a business tool, but it would be ideal for your clients who are busy home managers or stay-at-home moms.

To learn more about the Woman’s Day Planner as well as the Girls Day Planner for tweens and teens, visit the Chaos… simplified website.