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best planner for moms + tips on how to “bloom” in the new year
Still in disbelief as I type this BUT… 2023 is on the horizon! Another year sped by in the blink of an eye and I have a feeling things will keep speeding up, especially as I try my best to juggle home life, work life, playschool, primary school, family, friends and we’re still trying to get onto the “self-care” train too, right mamas? So how are we supposed to keep everything together? How do “other moms” make it look so easy? Here’s what I’ve learned over the past 10 years of motherhood… Invest in a good PLANNER (especially if you’re a tad disorganised by nature like I am). That’s why I’m sharing the best planner for moms!
I’ve bought many pretty planners… Fancy undated planners, that end up not being used because isn’t a planner suppose to be the one reminding me of the date and not the other way around? I tried going paper-free and having everything on my phone (but I’m really bad at keeping it charged at all times). I even did the arty journaling thing for a while but then I’d spend so much time creating pretty pages I’d forget to actually PLAN my month…
Then at the end of last year, Dear Diary gifted me one of their “Everything Planners” for 2022. Finally, a planner I actually used and will be using again in 2023.
So, why is this the best planner for moms?
Firstly, Dear Diary is mama-owned which means Karin knows exactly what a mom’s needs are and that’s why she was able to design the best planner for moms. Secondly, the “Everything Planner” really does cover EVERYTHING!
Year Features include:
- A double-page year-at-a-glance
- Birthday page
- A page for goals
- A page for travel dreams
- A page for your daily routine
- 3 habit tracker pages (one of which can be used as a menstrual cycle tracker)
- A car maintenance page
- A three-year overview
- Pages for extra notes at the back
- A double-page next year-at-a-glance
Monthly features include:
- A gorgeous themed cover page showcasing the watercolour works of Jo-Marie Barlow.
- A double-page month overview
- A budget page
- A hopes, goals & dreams page
- An end-of-month reflection page
Weekly features include:
- A week/meal planner page
- A lined page for lists and notes
Daily features:
- The day and date
- An inspirational quote just in case you’re in need of a little “pick-me-up”.
- A space to record special occasions or keep a gratitude journal
- A space for lists and notes
- A half-hour slot schedule perfect for time-blocking
- A water tracker
- An exercise planner
What else could a mama need?
Tips for using your planner
- Set aside time, either on the 1st or last day of the month, and complete your monthly overview. Add all the most important dates – don’t forget birthdays.
- Start your week on a Sunday with a quick planning session. Complete the weekly planner page (which can also be a meal planner) by referring back to the monthly layout. Also, add any additional appointments and important reminders that may have popped up.
- Next, use the list page, next to the weekly planner to write up your goals or “to-do” list for that specific week. Write down everything that’s important to you.
- Now you can prioritise and divide these tasks into days. Only focus on what needs to be done for the day and if you didn’t complete something, simply add it to the top of the next day’s list.
- Don’t be precious about your planner. USE it! Use highlighters, stickers, coloured pens… Make it your own.
- Extra features can be overwhelming. You don’t need to fill your entire planner. I’ll most likely never use a water tracker and I’m completely fine with it.
- Most importantly have discipline. Doing all the steps mentioned above will help you close the “open tabs” cluttering your brain and robbing you of all the true joy this busy season of parenting really holds.
Where to buy your own “everything Planner”
All planners are locally designed and made in South Africa. Visit the Dear Diary online store HERE for all your planning needs. You’ll find calendars, notepads, diaries, stickers and all kinds of stationery to help you get organised.
The “Everything Planner” diaries come in 2 sizes: A5 and A4. You can also choose between a variety of cover designs.
Now planning is only the start…
For the rest, you’ll need FAITH! Faith in abundance. We can plan as much as we like yet life will still find a way to throw that curveball… The secret is not to swing at every ball. Remember, you’ve got God in your team. He won’t let you fail.
A year ago I worked with another incredible local brand, Sea & Shore. Together we design the “Faith Range” inspired by Matthew 13:31-32.
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”
Beautifully crafted resin and sterling silver heirloom pendants that can be hung on a necklace or bracelet. Available individually or as a “mommy and me” set. You can even personalise your design by adding a single or multiple mustard seeds in a delicate, handmade, rectangular, circular or teardrop frame.
This piece wasn’t only designed with moms in mind but all women of faith, all women that have suffered and all women that carry hope in their hearts. Sometimes we need a tangible reminder to hold onto and remember the strength that resides within each of us.
May this pendant remind you of that and may our faith keep growing as God works beside us in the garden of our hearts.
We want to help YOU take on 2023!
This year Dear Diary, Sea & Shore, and I have come together to spoil one lucky lady with a beautiful giveaway… Win your own “2023 Everything Planner” + 1 single mustard seed teardrop-shaped “Faith” necklace + a YEAR of flowers! Yes, you will receive 1 surprise bouquet per month delivered to your door over a period of 12 months. (Starting January 2023 till December 2023.)
* Planner design choice is subject to availability. Flowers arrangements will be sent at random each month and flower types can’t be requested.
How to enter
Complete one of these steps OR both of them for more chances to win.
- Leave a comment HERE telling us what your favourite flowers are. Also, be sure you’re following Dear Diary and Sea & Shore on Instagram.
- Visit our Instagram page. Follow the instructions under this post.
COMPETITION RULES:
- Only entries via Instagram and comments left below will be considered.
- Instagram is in no way responsible or associated with this giveaway.
- The competition is only open to South African residents residing in South Africa.
- Winners must be 18+ years old.
- This competition closes on November 20, 2023.
- The winner will be picked at random and announced after the 20th of November 2023 via social media and on this blog post.
- This prize is not exchangeable or refundable.
- Please enter valid email and contact info. If we can not get hold of you within 48 hours a new winner will be picked.
- The greatest care will be taken when mailing your prize but neither Just a Mamma, Dear Diary or Sea & Shore accept any responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged goods.
Remember you can still download our FREE family planner HERE. It’s the perfect companion to your Dear Diary Everything Planner.
PHOTO CREDIT | Celeste van der Berg Photography
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I adore peonies, they are so different and ethereal and look gorgeous when I have the bucks to buy them
I love Proteas, Chrysanthemums and in season flowers.
Beautiful giveaways!
Fynbos are my favourite – so many options and mixes in stunning colours! Most stunning on CT mountains ?
My favourite flower is a sunflower
I absolutely love lisianthus. This is such an awesome competition to win for 2023
I love this idea!! what a wonderful gift to receive! the mustard seed to remind us of the strength God has placed within us, to pray to grow and weather the storms. flowers to bring beauty and joy to the dreariest of days and a planner to keep your life on track, taking anxiety and stress out of your days. I would say this mamma needs all of this in her life. Thank you for putting such a thoughtful prize together with such meaning!!
if we need to comment with our favorite flowers I love peonies, proteas, tulips , sunflowers, daliahs and and…. any other happy bright. all flowers are beautiful ?
Flowers is my love language, I love tulips.
I love Peonies and Roses. But really any flower makes me smile!
Tulips are my favourite, in fact I have some on my desk right now. Given to me by my son, so a double blessing x
Proteas have my heart! ♥️
I love a big King Protea… Reminds me of my wedding day ?
I absolutely love roses and cherry blossoms
Such a coll post ??
My favourite flowers are St Joseph lilies, orchids, and peonies.
I love Tulips and Roses so much. My mom’s favourite too.
Ek’s mal oor Krismisrose!
l love peonies and ranunculus ⚘️ ?
Each flower is beautiful in it’s season… I love peonies, but wildflowers blooming are also a favourite!
Love Sunflowers, they just make you happy 🙂
i just love ranunculus! I think they’re so stunning.
Hi, I absolutely love Ranunculus, Poenies, orchids and protea ?????
Peonies ?
i love blushing bride
My favourite flowers are tulips! Thank you for this wonderfull opportunity
I absolutely love roses and cherry blossoms
I really adore every flower I can imagine, thanks to my late grandmother, we love daisies, proteas,dahlias,geraniums,gladiolies,Multi colored roses,Heather,poplar,gardenias,camellias,bluebells,Cyprus,most important sunflowers..the list goes on I’m going to take a look at everything you have Thank you .
my favourite flowers are ranunculus
I love lillies
I love proteas and pincushions ?
my favourite flower has always been Proteas
This journal sounds amazing! I will definitely check it out.
I love sunflowers, daisies and roses ? all flowers are just gorgeous!
I love calla lily’s and cherry blossoms or just anything unusual ?
My favorite flower are poppies.
Al die blomme onder die son is my favourite! ???? Imagine ‘n hele jaar van blom-geskenke!
I love camelias, lisianthus , peonies , tulips.
I love camelias, lisianthus , peonies , tulips.
I love Proteas – Proudly South African and so beautiful ❤️??
I love flowers in general they bring so much joy! My favorite are daisy and proteas.
I love protease. they make my heart happy
Roses and Sweet Peas!!! They hold so many beautiful memories for me ❤️
My favourite flowers are proteas
I simply adore Tulips
My Favourites are the sunflower, it’s happy, bright and beautiful, kinda like my life. I love Carnations because it reminds me of my grandmother, she’s my guardian angel. Lastly I love Lillies because they bring about a sense of comfort and peace.
I love roses
My favorite flowers are Pink King Proteas and Blushing brides.
Tulips ? have to be my favourite, especially this time of year!
I just love Peonies, Dahlias, Blushing Brides & Orchids.
Mind you, anything that lightens up a room is beautiful?
Pink Gerberas.?. They are my favourite
These with roses were my wedding flowers and it was gorgeous.
I absolutely love roses of all colours!
My favorite flower is a St Joseph’s lily ?
I love this giveaway , the Faith necklace is beautiful and the Diary , just Wow!
I love all flowers , but in the past few years Sunflowers ?have grown to be my favourite, they’re so bold, stand tall , beautiful and cheery , something I strive to be.They always make me smile. My furchild and I share a similar liking to them and I call him my Sunshine boy .
This is such a stunning giveaway! I absolutely love tulips and peonies.
What a perfect competition to celebrate moms! There are a handful of flowers that have become favorites throughout my life due to the memories made with them with loved ones. Jasmyn for my Dad, Jennifer Rose’s for my Granny, Sunflowers for my childhood best friend and Daisies for my daughter.
? Sunflowers makes me so happy ?
Tulips ?
Peonies and Lily’s are my fav ? also LOVE tulips!
Ranonkels are my favourite ?
Definitely proteas! Love that you only need a few to make a wow arrangement!
I love Roses and the various shades of colours
I love Proteas and wild flowers ?
I love all protest. Hardy plants just like South Africans
I really love tulips ?
baby’s breath flowers ?
oh i just love a mixed bunch ?
l love peonies and ranunculus ⚘️ ?
SO hard to choose – but I’ve always loved an orchid ??
Proteas , peonies and Magnolias are definitely my favourite ❤️❤️
AmaIng giveaway as usual. This planner looks amazing! I definitely want to get one. My favorite are sunflowers ?
I love Barberton Daisies ❤️❤️❤️
I love proteas, all variants ?
SO hard to choose – but I have ALWAYS LOVED an orchid! ??
Peonies are hands down my absolute fave, but I have love for roses all year round ????✨
There are so many beautiful flowers in the world, it’s hard to choose just one favorite. But if I had to pick one, I would say my favorite flower is the rose. Roses are classic and elegant, and they come in so many different colors. I love the way they look in a bouquet, and I also enjoy the challenge of growing them in my garden.
Roses have been associated with love and romance for centuries, and I think that’s part of the appeal for me. I also find the fragrance of roses to be very intoxicating. When I smell a rose, it always makes me feel happy and romantic.
Well, my favourite flower is Sunflower. No flower can lift someone’s spirits quite like sunflowers.
They are bright and cheery, and as warm and inviting as the sweet summer sun.
I simply adore peonies, but proteas are a very close second ?
I absolutely love Proteas and Any fynbos! They feel so rustic and earthy and it just brightens up ones home!
I absolutely LOVE Ranunculus and Anemones!
I absolutely adore tulips.?
Following all pages on Instagram ✅
I love roses and baberton daisies. It’s so beautiful.
I love all flowers, each in it’s own way! Favourite Proteas, Peonies.
All flowers are beautiful but my favorite is a Lily.
Orchids are my favourite.
Diasies are my favourite! But love every flower
PEONIES AND MORE PEONIES???
Beautiful Protea family flowers are beautiful and Sunflowers just brightens ones day! wonderful giveaways.
Such a surprise that this give away is happening on my wedding anniversary. My wedding bouquet had my favorite flower as a middle piece, the beautiful Orchid. I absolutely adore an ORCHID.
Love and adore lillies & roses ?
Definitely Hydrangeas which symbolise gratitude, grace and beauty.
Daffodils and daisies ?
I love Sunflowers. My daughter loves flowers in the house though. I would love to be very planned, calm and organised and live with more faith next year. A brighter 2023.
Peonies Peonies Peonies all the way!! And a rose or two doesn’t hurt either 🙂
Hi there,
My favourite flower is any flower with babies breath in it. So roses with babies breath was my wedding flowers so I love them, happy memories. 🙂
Dit is die perfekte giveaway vir enige dame! My gunsteling blom sal die peonies wees. Maar wit rose bly maar altyd mooi, en natuurlik hydrangeas is so mooi en uniek.
I love Ranunculus
? Protea
I really love white roses and sunflowers ❤️
Proteas are my favourite flower. White, pink, pincushion! All of them are beautiful ❤️
I just LOVE orchids! Definitely my favourite flower ?
Kosmosse!!
Want ‘n KOSMOS kos mos niks!!!?
What a special giveaway? I love jasmine flowers, daffodils, barberton daisies, tiger lilies…… Happy flowers
Tulips ? ? ? ?
Proteas are my ultimate ? they were the inspiration to the setting of my engagement ring, the flowers I used for my wedding and my husband even planted beautiful proteas in my garden ❤️❤️
Rose’s
tulips
Chrysanthemums are my absolute favorite flowes
Just love all flowers! They bring so much joy and prettiness ??? peonies, tulips and daisies are some of my favourites!
Daisies, proteas and roses
I love roses because they last so long and smell beautiful!
?Rose’s are my favorite flower
This is so gorgeous, thank you for the opportunity to partake! My favourite flower is Hibiscus?
My favourites are definitely proteas! All kinds of proteas! ?
White roses are my fav! Beautiful, classy and simple ?
I adore so many flowers, carnations, jasmine, frangipani, poppy’s, lavender ????
I love sunflowers. It brings me so much joy and reminds me of the loved ones in my life who are my pride and joy!?
Love this!!
And love all flowers in general!!
But the Gerbera (aka Barberton Daisy) has a very special spot in my heart, as it reminds me of my mom and late gran x
I’ve always loved Sunflowers ? – such happy flowers ♥️
Dahlias are my favorite
My favourite flowers are lilies or lisianthus. (I love lilies so much my youngest’s name is Lily…. Partly the reason for her name.)
I love sunflowers ?. They bring light and joy and reminders of looking for the light.
Tulips, love how they open and dance.
I love Proteas, Peonies, Orchids, Sunflowers, Tulips, Fynbos and Roses