With 39 nights of sleep until January, I wanted to get a head start on mapping 2023.
“Without leaps of imagination or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.” — Gloria Steinem
That task seems a bit laughable now, considering how unpredictable and mind-boggling 2022 turned out to be. But nevertheless, I persisted. After staring at a handful of planners in Barnes & Noble for what I know felt like an eternity to my toddler, I landed on Kate Spade’s 12-month planner.
Yes, I judged a book by its cover.
The hardcover has a cute watercolor picture of a Weimaraner wedged between books and a plant, which spoke to my inner bougie without leaning too far into pretense. No matter the store, item, or occasion, I always walk in wanting something bold and black and leave with something delicate and colorful. That tickles me.
Spiral binding is a non-negotiable for me.
Notebooks included. The funky little crease that happens with leather binding triggers my obsessive-compulsive gremlins, plus I like being able to lay the pages flat while I plan and ponder.
Write it down, darling.
I especially like that the weekly layout is a to-do list. With other planner brands, I’d always turn the blank lines of the weekly pages into a list anyway. Or, I’d use a checklist sticker to serve the same purpose. If you prefer more freedom with your weekly planning, this structured approach would probably irritate you. For me, it’s perfect.
I liked that the colorful sayings deviate from the typical live, laugh, love that I’m used to with other brands.
The pages are thick enough to prevent bleed-through, and the monthly tabs are laminated. That’s nice.
The included page of stickers is a nice touch, although I know I won’t use them much. I plan to use the pockets to hold untracked receipts or loose mail. I like the elastic band closure for protecting the pages while I travel.
Let the countdown begin!
I’m not ready for you yet, 2023, but I will be! I am excited about spending my first Christmas in Dallas and will share my adventures as I go.
