The Blogging Planner – Saved Me from Drowning #ACWGG

With my dad’s passing in August, I took on some huge responsibilities helping my mother.  There were a couple of times that I broke down just from the overload of everything, and for the most part, my blogging was not a priority.  Fortunately I have a wonderful support system.  I was able to get my mom’s things in order and got in a pattern of handling all that stuff.  And then there was my blogging……

Blogging in general can be overwhelming, but then add my situation into the mix, you’ll quickly see how it can all pile up and consume you in a matter of days.  We often share big things in our lives that we believe are God’s work and overlook the little things.  You see, I had been asking to review the planner for some time now, not having the chance.  And then a call for more reviewers popped up and I pleaded my case once again.  I believe that at that very time, God knew that I was drowning in my work and that He nudged something in Trisha or Linsey that made them pick me.  I really needed it, right then, and He knew it.

And with that sappy opening, here is my review of The Blogging Planner…..

First, the planner comes in two different sizes.  I asked for the desktop size because I work mostly from my desk and don’t travel as much as I once did.  If you are a traveler or work from different places in your house, then I suggest the travel size.

I’m an office hoarder so pens, paper, and staplers get me a little more than excited.  When The Blogging Planner arrived, I was giddy with the plastic ‘cover sheet’ to help protect the notebook itself.  I loved the ringed binder, which made it easy to work with.  And then I opened it.  Aside from the expected intros, I was more than thrilled with the page that is an overview of the planner, and the best way to use it.  I found this to be very helpful, even for a seasoned blogger such as myself.  After thumbing through the pages, I realized that I needed to make some enhancements.  The planner is basically laying out your week/month so to distinguish one from the other, I used dividers!   I would imagine this isn’t something they could have built in without additional costs and it’s much easier for me to add in dividers of choice, labeled of choice.

The main pages of each section include:

• Monthly Focus Page – Brainstorming.  What I love about this page, is that at the bottom, there’s a blogging tip.  Even if you’re seasoned, it serves as a refresher, and if you’re a noob, then it will be very helpful to you!
• Calendar – This is two pages, so when opened up and laid flat, you can see the whole calendar.  It has plenty of space for notes & extras.
• Monthly Focus Page (2) – This is where you’ll keep up with your expenses and income, and question your tactics; did they work, why, why not, what could you do, etc.
• Notes – A full page of lines, for you to fill in with notes, notes, notes.
• Weekly calendar – This shows the 7 days of the week, allowing you to fill in things where needed. I used this for personal things, in addition to blogging stuff.

Post Inspiration/To-Do List/Sponsored Posts/Giveaway Tracker – All on one page, this gives you sections to do jot down ideas, things you need to do, keep up with sponsored posts and giveaways.  I’ll admit that I need more space for sponsored posts, especially during the holidays.  This page and the weekly calendar is what you’ll see in every section for every week.  This allows you to focus on your blog weekly, with other brainstorming, reflections, etc for monthly at the beginning of the section.  At the end of each section is another Notes page. This is great to just give yourself a summary of highs and lows.  And then it starts over again.

At the very back, you’ll find notes, PR contact pages, and more.

Just like with anything in life, it’s always good to journal things, and your blogging is no different.  What I really love about this, aside from it getting me ALL organized, is that I can go back and reflect on things throughout the year.  I’ll be able to take all the positives and focus more on them for the next year.

I can honestly say, that during a time when I felt like work was drowning in work, The Blogging Planner saved me. What a great gift this would be for a fellow blogger. I highly recommend it.