JULY, Y'ALL

It's July! How did we get here? Wasn't it just New Years Eve? When did this happen? How are we already halfway through the year? And I feel obligated to tell you that Hobby Lobby has Christmas decor READY TO GO. We've apparently skipped right over 6 major holidays.

Yesterday I went on a lamp hunt. I was on a mission for lamps for our bedroom. I went to HomeGoods, Hobby Lobby, and TJ Maxx. I struck out at all 3 places. I did, however, find this darling rug for my kitchen sink area and it was only $16.99 at HomeGoods so I felt pretty good about that.

In summary, I returned home from my shopping trip to 3 wonderful stores having only spent $16.99 plus tax. Is there some kind of medal someone should place around my neck? I mean.

So anyways, we are here in July and there are so many wonderful things happening this month. The 4th of July is upon us, so Grantley has a day off work. This month Ellie turns 3 which means there will be a fun birthday party and lots of family will be in town. We will also be going to see Grant's family in New Orleans (we haven't been in SO. LONG.) and I've got a few fun things planned on the week days in between.

As for today, we have a big fat nothing planned and I am very thankful for that. If you look at the rest of my calendar, it doesn't look quite the same as today. God gives us little breaks to keep us sane, I do believe.

Speaking of calendars, I'd like to take a moment to showcase my favorite planner! A lot of people use Erin Condren - and I do love all her stuff - but I always felt it a little too pricey for our budget. A few years ago, someone (I can't remember who!) directed me to Plum Paper and I have been in love ever since! This is my 3rd year in a row to use their planners and I've been absolutely thrilled with them. I just recently received my new one for this year and I love getting it all filled in and set up.

They have so many colors and fonts and looks to choose from, and you can of course choose one that includes a photo. I chose to keep it clean this year:

There is also lots of colorful tabs to keep things easy to find. I'm sure you're impressed with my excellent photography.

For the inside, each month has a full month spread that I use primarily. It's great for at-a-glance and for people like me that need to see the month as a whole.

Each month also has a week by week breakdown. You can choose from several different week layouts depending on how your brain best functions, and this year I've chosen this:

On the left side of the page I write to do lists for the week, meals, and random notes. On the right I get a little bit more detailed about my appointments, etc. 

Also included in the planner are pages of notes and pockets for receipts, invitations, and other things you need to keep. 

I paid about $35.00 for this planner, plus shipping. It takes a few weeks but it is so, so worth it. Get one before the school year starts! I know for someone that is such a technology lover like me, it may seem weird that I am still using a paper planner. I tried to convert to just my phone, but that just didn't work for me. I need to write things down to remember them! 

You can check out Plum Paper here or go directly to their Etsy shop here.

Also, this is not sponsored by Plum Paper or anything. Just love their planners and wanted to shout it from the rooftops. Or at least from the blog!

Happy July, and have a wonderful day!