Oh My, Planner! (Review + a coupon code!)

Okay, here's a little something that you may not know about me. I LOVE planners. Like, a lot. I love to look through them and see how everything is set up, and how I would set up my days with them.

Last year, I bought my planner at Wal-Mart. It was $10. And pretty much a waste of the money I spent on it. I rarely use it, and it's so plain that I don't even like to look at it.

It's just boring. And ugly.

So when Mom started looking into getting a 2014 calendar from Erin Condren, I decided that I might just have to splurge and buy one, too. Until she showed me the price tag. It was like tag-shock. I couldn't believe how much they were - even though I knew they were good planners. I wasn't about to spend that kind-of money on something to just plan my life out with.

Well, then Mom introduced me to Plum Paper Designs.  Hellooooo, awesome-looking planners. Mom and I both purchased one a few days later, after perusing the different patterns, styles, etc.

I chose the regular planner - in the anchor-style.

 

This is what mine looks like - with the great personalization and awesome colors! I absolutely love the cover - both front and back.

The inside is very similar to Mom's Erin Condren Planner from last year - but I think it's set up even better!

There are laminated tabs for each month, so they're easy to find. I like all the different colors in the tabs, too. It makes it fun - and not so boring. 

Every month starts out with a "cover photo" like the one above. You could write notes here, but there's also lined pages for each month on the page after this one - picture is below.

Then, there's the monthly spread - with the whole month all together.

Of course, there's the boxes for each day, but along the left-hand side, there are three sections that are for birthdays, events and notes. 

  

Then each week is broken up separately by day. Each column is for a different day of the week. The different boxes are for morning, afternoon, evening, and checklist. I really like that there's a spot for each part of the day (I don't much like the ones that are set up by hours), and a checklist section. I think that it's very efficient. 

Excuse my foot . . .  didn't realize it was in my picture!

Behind all the calendars,  there is a full page called "My Contacts", which holds 14 different people's name, phone number, email and address. 

There is also a page for the Special Dates/Holidays in 2013, 2014, AND 2015. 

 

In the very back  there is a pocket to hold extra goodies that you want to keep safe in your calendar. I love the wording "for keeps". 

So, now that you've seen all about the planners, let's get down to the nitty gritty. Do I suggest this planner to you? 

And the answer is: HECK YES. The planner that I got was $30 (as opposed to $50), and I believe whole-heartedly that it was worth every penny that I spent on it. The cover is beautiful, the whole thing is spiral bound, it's a great size, and it has everything that I was looking for in a planner, without the hefty price tag. 

I recommend this planner to anyone that is looking for a life planner! Also, be sure to head over to my Mom's blog as well, as she has reviewed the Family Planner for all of you!

One last thing - head over to Plum Paper Designs and pick out your planner. Right now. Dooooo ittttt!  

ESPECIALLY SINCE I HAVE A COUPON CODE FOR YOU!

You can get 10% off your order by using the coupon code HEIDI10 at checkout!

Stealing the Preacher Review

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A cowboy who wants to be a preacher. An outlaw's daughter who wants to change his mind.

On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can't believe it when he's forced off the train by an outlaw and presented to the man's daughter as the preacher she requested for her birthday. He's determined to escape--which would be much easier if he could stop thinking about Joanna Robbins and her unexpected request.

For months, Joanna had prayed for a minister. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. But just when it seems her prayers have been answered, it turns out the parson is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett he ended up right where he was supposed to be?

With her signature blend of humor, history, and lively western romance, two-time RITA Award finalist and bestselling author Karen Witemeyer delivers a Texas love story sure to steal your heart.

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Karen Witemeyer is a bestselling historical romance author who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She holds a master's degree in psychology from Abilene Christian University and is a member of ACFW, RWA, and her local writers' guild. Stealing the Preacher is her fifth novel. Karen lives with her husband and three children in Abilene, Texas. Learn more at www.karenwitemeyer.com.

MY THOUGHTS:

 About a year ago, I read a book called  Short Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer. I loved it. When I ordered this book for review, I had no idea that it was by the same author - or that it was linked to Short Straw Bride. I started it right away and it hooked me from the very beginning! 

I loved how easy Karen's book are to read - she is a great storyteller, and the plot has all sorts of twists and turns that are unexpected. 

Stealing the Preacher is a great Christian romance that gets you hooked from the very first page. The characters are easy to relate to, and the wit that Karen uses in her books is so great. As a wannabe author, I always am impressed by people who can use wit in their stories like it's as easy as pie. 

I suggest this book to anyone who is in the mood for a Christian romance. It is NOT a sequel to Short Straw Bride, so you don't need to read it before you read this one. But I do suggest getting that one, too!