Friday Felicities for October 31

Friday Felicities is a weekly reminder to pause and celebrate the good things—big or small—that make you happy. It started years ago as a fun meme by my sweet friend Nattie, who always encouraged us to count our blessings. Though Nattie has been in heaven since 2007, her joy still inspires me today.

If you’d like to join me, I’d love for you to share your own list of happy things on your blog, Facebook, or favorite social platform. Leave a comment with your link so I can stop by and visit—it would make me smile to see what’s bringing you joy. You can also share your Felicities in the Friday Felicities Facebook page, which is active again and ready to welcome your posts of gratitude and joy! Feel free to use the button below on your own blog or website.

Things That Make Me Happy

• Continuing to learn new things, or in this case, the new things I learned 10 years ago, LOL!
• Losing a little over 4 pounds this week after 2 weeks of nothing (29 lbs total for those of you keeping count)!
• Wearing jeans I haven't worn in 3 years.
• Cooler temps
• Having a family that loves me despite my quirks

Thanks for joining me for another Friday Felicities! I love seeing this little tradition continue to grow and sparkle with new joy each week. Here’s to a weekend full of happy moments and simple blessings.

Grab the Button!

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/FridayFelicities" target="_blank"> <img src="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/oab66eyp3bwmg6cnuvhco/Friday-Felicities-Black-Square.png?rlkey=1j95bwu5ki7yz5jtyk6f24hfp&raw=1" alt="Friday Felicities" style="width:200px;height:200px;border:0;" /> </a>

There's More >>

GTD-Inspired Sticky Notes Freebie: Capture Tasks Quickly and Stay Organized

 If you love the idea of getting everything out of your head and onto paper, today’s freebie is for you! These printable GTD-inspired sticky notes are designed to help you capture ideas, to-dos, and reminders quickly so you can stay focused and clear-minded.

These notes will print over the edge

These 3×3 sticky note templates fit standard sticky notes and make it easy to jot things down on the go. Print a sheet, stick your notes in place, and capture whatever pops into your mind — no more trying to remember later!

A Quick Word About GTD

Some of these notes are inspired by the popular Getting Things Done® method created by productivity expert David Allen. GTD encourages you to capture everything that’s on your mind, clarify what it means, and organize it in a way that works for you.

My printable set follows that same rhythm — simple, visual, and practical.

What’s Included in the Freebie

You’ll find several printable 3×3 sticky note layouts to match the GTD process:

• Inbox– Write down every idea, errand, or random thought before it slips away.

• Next Actions – Keep your focus on what’s actionable right now.

• Waiting On – Track items or people you’re waiting on so nothing falls through the cracks.

• Someday – Save space for ideas and dreams that can wait for another season.

• Weekly Tasks – A flexible page for anything that doesn’t fit neatly elsewhere.

• Wish List –  For when you're asked "What do you want for Christmas?"

Each note follows a clean, functional design that pairs beautifully with your existing Planner Fun inserts.

Where to Download

These sticky notes are available now on my Freebies Page.
You can download, print, and start using them right away — no signup required.

If you’re part of our Planner Fun Freebies Facebook Group, you may have spotted these a day early! I often drop new designs & exclusives in the group first as a thank-you for being part of our little planner community. It’s also a fun place to share photos and suggestions for future freebies.

How to Print and Use Them

1. Print the template sheet (with the sticky note boxes outlined).

2. Place your 3×3 sticky notes inside the boxes.

3. Run the sheet back through your printer to print the designs directly onto each note.

4. Store your finished notes in your planner or keep a stack by your desk to capture tasks as they come.

Tip: If your printer feeds pages from the rear tray, test one sheet first to see which way it pulls the paper through.

Your Turn

Visit the Freebies Page to grab your GTD-Inspired Sticky Notes today!

Then hop over to our Planner Fun Freebies Facebook Group to see what’s new, share ideas, and be the first to get next week’s design drop.

Let’s make planning simple, creative, and — most of all — fun!

There's More >>

How I Do a Weekly Review in my Planner

Why a Regular Review Matters

After years of trying different planner systems, I’ve learned that some sort of regular review is essential. Looking back over your day, week, or month helps you spot what still needs to be done—and what you meant to do but didn’t.

My Weekly and Monthly Review

I do my weekly review on Saturdays, and the first Saturday of each month doubles as my monthly review. Honestly, a quick weekly check often takes care of everything.

On that first Saturday, I do a brain dump. I write down everything I need to do, would like to do, or should do—no matter how far off it might be. Get it all out of your head and onto paper, then start processing it.

Processing the Brain Dump

You can handle your list item by item, or use a highlighter to mark what must be done in the coming week—appointments, calls, errands, and tasks. From there, transfer those items into your planner.

I usually use a week-on-two-pages layout because it gives me plenty of room to list tasks. If your days are busier, you might prefer daily pages instead.

Next, go back to the rest of your brain dump and highlight what you’d like to do in the next month using a different color. Some things go on a Next Actions list, and others get moved to a Someday list. Whether soon or later, everything finds a place. Once I’ve handled every item, I toss the list and start fresh.

My Review Routine

During my review, I check all my lists—trackers, calendars, projects, and anything else that’s important to me. It’s really just a series of quick check-ins to keep everything current and moving forward.

I also look back over the past week for unfinished tasks. I mark each task with an open circle (or box), so it’s easy to spot what’s still pending. Anything unfinished gets migrated to the next week or added to another list, like “Waiting On.”

A Quick Daily Check

Each day, I take a few minutes to glance over the previous day and see if there’s anything I missed that could be handled now. This small habit keeps things from piling up and helps me stay on track all week.

The Planner Inbox

In the front of my planner, I keep an inbox to capture things that pop into my head during the week but that I can’t deal with right away. I’ve used plain paper for this and also some nice inserts I’ve made or purchased.

The inbox works like a mini brain dump—a place to catch all those little thoughts and tasks as they come up. When it’s time for your weekly review, process those items the same way you handle your main brain dump. The important thing isn’t how it looks—it’s that you write it down!

Wrapping It Up

A review routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you make it a habit, it keeps your planner—and your mind—clear and focused. If you’d like some printable planner pages to help you set up your own system, visit my Etsy shop.or browse the free printables on my blog at PlannerFun.com. Start small, stay consistent, and enjoy the calm that comes with being prepared.

There's More >>

Don't Forget Our Freebies Page - [New Additions]

Freebies are added often, so be sure to check back regularly — you never know what new printable might show up next! We love sharing helpful planner pages, inserts, and creative tools to make organizing a little more fun and a lot more functional.

Current freebies include our 2026 Month-on-1-Page insert, available in both half letter and compact sizes — perfect for keeping your monthly overview simple and streamlined. But that’s just the beginning! More planner pages and inserts will be added soon, so stay tuned.

Have an idea for a printable you’d love to see? Don’t be shy! Head over to the comments section on our Freebies page and share your suggestions — include the type of freebie and the size you prefer (half letter, compact, pocket, etc.). Your ideas help shape what we design next, and we’re always excited to hear from you!

There's More >>

Rediscovering Your Why: Planning with Purpose in the Empty Nest Years

I raised two loud, rambunctious, healthy, wonderful boys. When I say the house gets quiet when the kids are grown and gone, I mean quiet!  You no longer have to plan dinners around ballgames or youth group meetings anymore. And while that’s nice, it can also leave you wondering, now what?

The empty nest years can feel a little strange at first, but they can also be such a sweet time to figure out what really matters to you now. Planning can actually help with that—not just keeping track of appointments, but planning your days with purpose. Yes, you still have purpose!

Planning isn’t just about time (I have plenty of that); it’s about making room for what matters most. When you know your “why,” your planner becomes a tool that helps you live on purpose instead of just reacting to the day.

Ask yourself:

• What makes me happy or gives me energy now?

• What kind of days do I want to have in this season?

• How can I use my time to serve, grow, or enjoy life the way God intended?

You can even jot those thoughts in the front of your planner or on a sticky note to keep them in sight.

Practical Ways to Plan with Purpose

Here are a few simple ways to get started:

1. Take a few minutes at the start of the week.
On Sunday evening or Monday morning, write a short thought or verse that sums up what you want the week to look like. Something like, “This week I’ll slow down and be grateful for quiet moments.” It sets your heart in the right place before things get moving.

2. Find a simple planning rhythm that works for you.
You don’t have to follow a big fancy system. Just try a few ideas:

• Pick your top three things each day.

• Block off time for what matters—like prayer, walking, errands, or even rest.

• If something takes less than two minutes, go ahead and do it.

The goal isn’t perfection; it’s peace. (Reminds me of my "Done, Not Perfect" House Cleaning Checklist!)

3. Pray while you plan.
Start your planning time by asking the Lord to guide your day. When you include Him in your plans, they have more meaning. Sometimes I like to write a verse on my daily page.

4. Don’t forget rest.
After years of busy family life, it’s easy to feel guilty resting. But rest is part of being productive. Go ahead and schedule downtime, hobbies, or even blank spaces. It all counts.

5. Add things that feed your heart.
Use your planner to plan projects that bring joy—organizing family photos, planting flowers, or writing down memories for your kids. It keeps your days purposeful and gives you something to look forward to, and helps you get things done, especially if your are a procrastinator as I can sometimes be!

Planning as a Way to Be Thankful

When you use your planner, you’re really counting blessings—your time, your health, your opportunities. Seeing your days on paper reminds you that each one is a gift. I like to add a little line at the bottom of my page: “Today I’m thankful for…” It changes your whole outlook.  Check out our "30 Days of Gratitude in November" freebie.

Living Out Your Why

Planning in this new season helps you stay focused on what’s important. It’s not about staying busy—it’s about staying intentional. Once you reconnect with your “why,” you’ll see that every day, even the quiet ones, can hold purpose and joy.

So grab your planner, pray over your week, write it down, and live it out—with purpose and peace.

If you enjoyed this post, visit my Etsy shop or check out the free printables at PlannerFun.com/freebies. Check out this article about simplifying your morning.

There's More >>

Friday Felicities for October 24

Friday Felicities is all about celebrating the things that make you happy. It was originally a meme started by my dear friend Nattie, who truly understood the importance of counting your blessings. Nattie has been a resident of heaven since 2007, and I miss her dearly.

If you’d like to join me, share your own list of happy things on your blog, Facebook, or any social media platform. Leave a comment with a link so I can stop by and visit.

Things that make me happy:

• Still love the "cha-ching" from Etsy! 
• Cooler fall temps; wish it would stay just like this.
• Phone calls and texts from my sons!
• My new "A-Z" tabs for my planner
• Learning new things that makes my creating process easier
• Walking and noticing increased stamina
• Pants that are getting too big (but can also be annoying LOL).

Image by Sara Muncy

There's More >>

10 Simple Ways to Keep Memories in Your Planner | Plus Freebie

Sometimes our planners end up being more than just a spot for to-do lists and appointments—they become a little window into our lives. Between those pages are moments worth remembering: milestones and answered prayers, fun family memories, and everyday things that might otherwise slip by. Setting aside a little space for memory-keeping in your planner is such a simple way to hold on to those moments as they happen. It might be a quick note, a short reflection, or even a photo you’ve tucked inside.

In this post, we’re going to look at some creative, easy ways to add memory-keeping to your everyday planning routine. You don’t need a fancy scrapbook or a pile of supplies to do it—just a few simple ideas that help you capture what matters most. And if you’d rather keep things digital, you can always snap photos and store them in Google Drive or another place online where your memories are safe and easy to find.

---

10 Simple Ways to Keep Memories in Your Planner

1. Weekly Reflections
I never really used reflections at the end of my week, as in “What worked this week?” but I do like the idea of doing a quick recap of the week—special moments, a funny conversation, or something I learned. This could take place in a notes section of your weekly pages or even on notepaper dedicated to this.

2. Tiny Photos
I have never done this because, quite honestly, I think I would get carried away—but wouldn’t it be great to have one of those small photo printers (like a 2x2 or wallet size) to put pictures in your planner? If you weren’t a perfectionist (not saying I am), you could print small photos on simple printer paper and add those. Hmmmm…

3. Gratitude Notes
We’ve all heard about the many benefits of being grateful—and it definitely improves your attitude! I’ve recorded gratitude in weekly calendar pages, daily pages, and even used notepaper numbered 1–31 to record one thing each day I was thankful for. It’s a great way to develop a heart of gratitude.

4. Answered Prayers & Blessings
Keep a running list of prayers that you’ve had answered and blessings that came unexpectedly. It’s a great reminder of God’s faithfulness over time.

5. Favorite Quotes & Sayings
Record funny things you overhear your family saying, quotes that encourage you, or even a Bible verse that means a lot to you at just the right time. I love going back and seeing the funny things my boys have said over the years. Here’s an example of something I heard my youngest say to my oldest: “Hey William, do you want to go outside and do weird things to our eyesight?” Can you even imagine what that was about?

6. Special Dates & Milestones
Mark birthdays, anniversaries, and achievements—not just to remember the date, but to jot a few words about how you celebrated. I even enjoy looking at the to-do lists and notes surrounding these times.

7. Keepsake Pockets
This is a good one that I recently read about and had never thought of before. I’ve certainly used little pockets in my planner, but they eventually get cleared and replaced. I like the idea of adding things like ticket stubs, receipts, or little mementos and actually keeping them. Maybe you could even take pictures of those too if you’re trying to reduce clutter.

8. Monthly Doodle Calendars
I did this a few times when I started planning. Each day I drew a little picture of something that reminded me of the day. Sometimes it was completely unrelated—like a cat on the day we went to the vet, a cross on church day, or a smiley face if it was a particularly happy day. I didn’t keep it up because I’m really not an artist, LOL!

9. Monthly Highlight Pages
Dedicate one page each month to your favorite moments. You can call it “This Month in My Life.” It reminds me a little of those five-year journals where you write just a line a day about what happened—it could literally be anything!

10. Color Codes or Stickers
Use stickers or highlighters to mark meaningful days. You could stick them in the corner of your page—a heart for family, a smiley face for funny moments, or a star for personal victories. It’s also an easy way to find particular events in your planner.

---

As you can see, memory-keeping doesn’t have to be time-consuming—it’s really all about pausing long enough to notice the blessings in the middle of the ordinary. Taking the time to do this not only helps you stay organized, but also captures the story of your life as it unfolds.

---

Free Printable

November is approaching quickly—a month known for gratitude. It’s the perfect time to be intentional about noticing God’s blessings. I’ve created a free “30 Days of Gratitude in November” printable that you can download and use all month long. Print it, tuck it into your planner, and take a few minutes each day to write what you’re thankful for.

👉 Click here to download your free 30 Days of Gratitude printable from PlannerFun.com!

There's More >>

Freebie Alert: Fall Themed Notepaper

Last week I added a few more freebies for you guys to check out. I have notepaper with fall themes in these sizes:  half letter, compact, and personal.  There are three designs in each side plus one page with just lines in case you want to print them back to back with the design in front.  Click on the "Freebies" tab above.

There's More >>

Friday Felicities: Things That Make You Happy

Friday Felicities is all about things that make you happy and was a meme started by my friend Nattie. She knew the value of counting your blessings. Nattie has been a resident of heaven since 2007. I miss her alot. If you would like to join me, list the things that make you happy on your blog, FB or other social media.  Comment here and I'll visit!

There's More >>

Something Different—The Plus Part of Planner Fun Plus

My 3½-Month Carnivore Diet Update: Weight Lost, Energy Gained, and So Many Non-Scale Victories!

Every now and then, I like to delve into the “Plus” part of Planner Fun Plus—the side that’s not about planners, stickers, or printables, but about real life. Today’s “Plus” is a little personal: it’s about my health journey over the past 3½ months on the Carnivore Diet. I’ve lost about 25 pounds so far, but the number on the scale isn’t even the best part. What’s really changed are the non-scale victories—and that’s what I want to talk about today.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you might know I’m diabetic and had a kidney transplant several years ago. I’ve always tried to be careful about what I eat, but after years of (very poorly) trying to follow a plant-based diet without results, I took my sister up on her challenge to just try it for 30 days.

There's More >>

Personal Size Moterm in Taupe

 I just purchased my second Moterm and I have to say, I really do like it.  My first was an A5 (half letter) size.  My favorite parts?  The soft leather, lots and lots of pockets and the large back pocket that runs the width of the open planner. Oh, the 30mm rings are awesome as well!

There's More >>

Join the Planner Fun Plus Tester Team!

Do you love using printables in your planner? Want to try new designs before anyone else — and help make them even better?

I’m inviting 10 serious planner lovers to be Planner Fun Plus Testers! You’ll get early access to upcoming inserts for free, in exchange for your honest feedback and (if you’re game) a few photos of your pages in action.

What I’m Looking For

• Someone who prints and uses inserts regularly
• Comfortable giving both compliments and constructive feedback
• Able to spot layout quirks, spacing issues, or typos
• Willing to share a photo or two of your inserts in your planner (optional but encouraged!)

I’m limiting this group to 10 testers who are genuinely interested and ready to help shape future Planner Fun Plus designs.

Ready to Apply?

If this sounds fun, I’d love for you to apply! Just click the link below and answer a few short questions.

Apply here to be a Planner Fun Plus Tester

Thank you so much for helping me make these inserts the best they can be — your input means the world to me! 

There's More >>

Bringing Back the Social Community That Blogs and Chats — One Printable at a Time! 💛

 Remember when the blogging world felt like a real community—when we chatted, shared ideas, and cheered each other on? I miss that!

That’s why I created the Planner Fun Freebies Group on Facebook. It’s my little corner for planner-loving friends who enjoy early access to new printables, exclusive designs, and good conversation.

All new freebies are shared there first—sometimes even before they make it to the blog!

I’ll be honest… this is my vision, but right now the group’s a bit quiet. I’d love your ideas to help spark more conversation and connection. What would make it fun and inspiring for you?

Come join us, share your thoughts, and help me bring back that friendly, creative planner community we all loved. 💛

👉 Join the group here: Planner Fun Freebies Facebook Group

There's More >>

Behind the Scenes: Learning Something New (Even After 10 Years)

 You’re truly never too old to learn something new!

I’ve been working on setting up my entire Planner Fun brand—blog, Etsy, social media, and everything in between. When I run into something I don’t know how to do, I usually ask ChatGPT. This week, I asked whether an object on a planner page should be centered exactly on the page or between the margins. ChatGPT gave me the answer and then casually mentioned, “Oh, by the way, you can just turn on mirror margins.”

Click For Larger View

Now, I’ve been using PagePlus for at least ten years—and the X9 version since it came out. It’s so old that there’s no longer any tech support! I had no idea there was such a thing as mirror margins. When I wanted something done, I’d just figure out a workaround—maybe not the correct or easiest way, but I made it work.

That got me thinking… there’s probably a lot about this program I still don’t know. I’ve made it my mission to learn something new about it every time I sit down to create. It’s almost comical how many easier ways there are to do the same things I’ve been doing for years!

It’s funny, really—when you do something long enough, you can convince yourself into thinking you already know everything about it. But every time I discover a new shortcut, tool, or feature, I feel that same little spark I had when I first started designing planner pages. It reminds me that creativity isn’t just about what you make—it’s also about how you keep learning along the way.

I don’t know if Planner Fun will ever “break out” and become a real income earner, but that’s my desire. I’m just thankful to have something meaningful to focus my time on (and yes, I know—the boys have been out of school for five years now!). I’m so grateful that what I’m doing is something I love: blogging, planners, blogging about planners, using planners, creating planners, and designing things for my blog and shop.

Created these the "hard" way!

So, here’s to learning new things, even in old programs, and finding (Planner) Fun in the process. Thanks for following along with my journey—it means more than you know. ❤️

What’s something new you’ve learned lately? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

There's More >>

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!

There's More >>