I love summer and the easy schedules that come with it. It seems everyone is more relaxed and ready to fit things into their schedules that they normally can’t (such as reading by the pool, decluttering projects, freezer cooking, etc).

So far, this summer for me has been very different. We are on baby watch right now as my twins are literally due any day now (I’m already 4cm dilated and just waiting for things to kick into gear at this point. And so, my summer has been spent counting contractions, ordering things for me and the babies, and stocking my freezer full of good food.

Pssst: I wanted to let you know real quick that my very favorite household planner is one sale right now. When you buy the new 2016 planner, you will get 2015’s planner for FREE – and you still have over 6 months left to use it. Order your copy here.

We’ve been in a period of limbo, not knowing when the twins will make their grand appearance and turn our schedule even more on its head.  I’m so excited to meet my boys but also a little jealous that I can’t use my summer the way I have in the past. So I’m already dreaming of next summer: making homemade Popsicles with the kids,  reading with the kids and by myself while they play, homemade ice cream and waffle shells, trips to the park to relax and play, etc.

But one thing I have learned throughout this summer so far, and from summers in the past, is that in order to truly have a relaxing summer and do the things we want to do as a family: I have to plan it. 

Now that might seem a little counter-intuitive. But the long-hot-lazy days of summer disappear in a flash if I don’t have a game plan. One long hot day melts into the next and before we know it, it’s August again and real schedules get back into full swing – and we wonder what we did all summer with all that time!

Intentionally Using My Summer

I want to be able to schedule in time for the things that really matter to us as a family and I know that if we are not intentional about this – the time just slips away.

And that’s why I am such a big proponent of using a planner – especially throughout the summer. I’m tempted to toss the planner during the summer months but I find that I’m less productive with the things I want to do and things that truly don’t matter in the long run (like watching tv) tend to take over.

So while I’m not a slave to my planner during the summer, I do use it as an essential tool for our family – in the summer and throughout the year!

The Homemaker’s Friend Daily Planner

Let me introduce you to my favorite planner for organizing our family: The Homemaker’s Friend Daily Planner. This small but essential planner fits right into my purse so I can take it with me on the go (a must since I can do my meal planning and grocery lists right in the planner) and has everything I need to stay on track during the summer (and throughout the year) without a bunch of bells and whistles that I don’t need.

I’ve been using the Homemaker’s Friend daily planner since 2013 and love the features it gives me. AND right now you can order the 2016 planner (which is super cute) and get the 2015 planner for FREE! You still have 6+ months to get great use out of the 2015 planner – and then jump right in with 2016 (while supplies last). Find out more about this BOGO deal HERE.

How I Use My Planner

I’m super picky about my planners and the sections that are inside and would never buy a planner without looking through it first. So last year I made a video for you going through the homemaker’s friend planner. Now this video is for the 2014 edition but the planner is basically the same for 2015 and 2016 but with different color schemes.

Making Lists & To-Do’s

I am a list maker – it helps me to free up really valuable brain space so I can focus on what’s really important: My family! And so one essential element in a planner is plenty of space to make lists and to dos. In the weekly format within my favorite planner, I have the space to make daily and weekly to do lists.

But this planner also comes with specific areas to write out to do lists, project lists, and even grocery lists. Plus, it has built in tabs so you can easily switch between the different sections. The planner is small enough too that I always have my different lists and projects with me in my purse! It’s perfect for this busy and often overwhelmed mama!

If you are looking for a new planner, then don’t forget to check out the Homemaker’s Friend Daily Planner and get the 2015 planner for FREE!! (Plus free shipping – what a deal!)

Do you use a weekly, daily, or monthly calendar?