Prepping for 2018 with my favourite way to get organised and a giveaway!
GETTING ORGANISED…
I must confess, I’m completely overwhelmed right now. I’m currently packing for a week in Malaysia with my daughter while attempting to cram a month of work into one week. That means 20 audits/edits, 3 photo shoots and all the behind the scenes shenanigans that comes with that and I haven’t really established my office in our new place. It has me feeling a bit left of centre and out of place.
I’m also waiting on mammogram results, thinking about my Christmas to do list, doing minor renovations on the home front and basically, doing my best to keep up with hubby and my three teen daughters at this crazily chaotic time of year. I’m craving white space. Breathing space, so I can think straight. I know I’m not alone in this regard, at this time of year. It’s the season to be overwhelmed and utterly exhausted it would seem.
With so much on the go and everyone in the house coming and going (& generally requiring mum’s taxi service), the one thing keeping me on track and helping me with the overwhelm is without a doubt my family planner. Followed very closely by my day to a page diary. I couldn’t live without them. Of course, the family planner only really works if everyone in the house is on board with it. I find it only takes one daughter not being able to get to an end of year party (because I can’t be in three places at once & if it’s not in the planner you miss out) for family to get on board.
HAVING A PLAN
Our current family planner has a spot for every member of the house, including the cat. You’d be surprised how bloody social our cat is at this time of year. I notice he is booked in to have his teeth whitened the same day we are having pest control in to tackle a few pesky spiders, so my arachnophobe hubby doesn’t burn the house down.
I always tend to get a bit anxious at this time of year when events and plans for the next year start rolling in and I haven’t sorted next year’s planners BUT thankfully not this year. Earlier in the year I popped over to Sydney for the Collins Debden Press Day hosted at the swanky Ivy Penthouse.
A glorious afternoon spent looking at their impressive line-up for 2018 as well as catching up with a couple of my favourite online Sydney people (waving to Fashionista in Suburbia, Kimba Likes, and Life through the Haze my trusty, take charge, plus one for the day). It was a great chance to discuss my plans and projects for the year ahead. In particular, my Something New Project launching next year.
And what a line-up Collins Debden have to help you get organised in style for 2018. Everything from the classics, you’ve come to know and trust to something new in the way of their impressive lifestyle diary. I know I had a hard time picking my favourites. In the end, there were two standouts that could easily help me be more organised and on top of things next year and more than a few gift ideas for Christmas.
MY TOP TWO FAVOURITE ORGANISERS FOR 2018
COLLINS – LIFESTYLE 2018
New to the Collins range, this is a uniquely holistic planner designed to help you achieve more. Featuring a number of helpful articles from goal setting to health tips and recipes, this diary aims to inspire and encourage a healthy lifestyle on a daily basis. Available in unique B5 week to an opening the wiro bound includes a clear PVC snap closure cover with pockets, monthly tabs and full colour graphics inside. The complete all-in-one planner can travel from the office, to the gym, to school, home and wherever your busy lifestyle takes you.
Absolutely packed with features, this would also make a wonderful gift for family and friends:
- Specialised planning pages: health, wellbeing, personal & professional goals, finances and more
- Recipes
- Meditation exercises and routines
- 3-year calendar
- Goal setting and yearly planning pages
- Public holidays and school terms (both Aus & NZ)
- International information (travel, travel, travel)
- Conversion and reference pages
COLLINS – HAMPTON
I’ve always been a day to a page kind of gal and the Hampton range from Collins with its luxurious padded cover, detailed stitching and gold page edging make this the perfect addition to my office desk. Not only does it look and feel luxe, the Hampton is packed with all the right features to keep me organised:
- Day to a page layout with ½ hourly appointments from 8am to 9pm
- Luxury padded cover
- Blind embossing
- Intricate gold foiling
- Gold page edging
- Staff holiday planner (which I’ll actually use for keeping on top of family events and birthdays)
- International information (to inspire me to travel more)
- 2018 and 2019 planners (no more panicking at the end of the year)
- Colour world maps (more travel inspiration)
- Ribbon marker
It’s the perfect diary to keep me organised, as well as record my Something New Project. The embossed “Nunquam non paratus” – for those who are ‘never unprepared’ on the front of the diary, seems rather fitting.
MORE, MORE, MORE…
While I’ve listed my top two diarys for 2018, the Collins Debden range really is extensive, with a number of new collections that have been added for the coming year. If you’ve stuck with the same diary year in year out, perhaps now might be the time to try something new?!
SOMETHING NEW PROJECT
For over five years now I’ve been partaking in a personal challenge, where basically I try One New Thing each week. A way to force me out of the mother and wife rut I found myself in and put myself first for a bit. Some weeks it’s as easy as trying a new food or restaurant. Other weeks I jump completely out of my comfort zone for my something new. Although, no jumping out of perfectly good planes at this stage but never say never.
My biggest regret with the challenge to date, is that I haven’t recorded all my efforts. I’m not necessarily meaning online either. More back to basics by way of a journal or diary like the Hampton. Something that I can pop on a shelf and look at my achievements for motivation and inspiration down the track.
In 2018 my One New Thing challenge turns into more of a project with a name change for starters. A project that really has me excited and feeling positive about the direction 2018 is already shaping up to take. More on our Something New Project, coming soon to AMC but for now it’s time to get yourself organised with our latest GIVEAWAY.
WIN WIN ….
Thanks to Collins Debden we are giving one lucky reader the chance to get themselves organised for 2018. To be in the running for this prize…
- Register your details by clicking the banner below.
- Visit collinsdebden.com.au and check out their current collection.
- Pick your favourite Collins Debden 2018 planner, diary or organiser.
- Comment below with a) the Collins Debden diary/planner or organiser of choice AND b) tell me about the last time you tried something new.
Game of skill. One winner. Australian residents only. Click on the giveaway banner to register for further terms and conditions.
MORE WAYS TO WIN…
Keep an eye out this coming month as we roll out more of our end of year gift guides and giveaways from December 5. There’s a little something for everyone as we share a few of our favourite things with you for Christmas. All going to plan our December Aussie Giveaway Club drops 3am tomorrow, just before I catch my flight to Malaysia.
Speaking of Malaysia, I’m planning on being completely social media free this trip. The only reason my phone is coming out, is to take photos or in an emergency. I honestly need to disconnect to reconnect and be in the moment. I’m hoping to return to the land of social media living, bright eyed and bushy tailed on December 5. Till then, I’m only available via snail mail or carrier pigeon and it had better be a real emergency.
Just a quick reminder that you can still comment as a guest, your post may need to be approved before it will show here. Rest assured we have all your comments and entries.
a) Debden DayPlanner – Personal Size PU Snap Closure Purple b) every week, my PT makes me attempt things I didn’t even realise I could do!
Great choice Mawghan. And well done on the PT work and challenging yourself. I’m impressed.
My vote goes to The Collins Lifestyle Diary with its inspirational quote!
I recently joined a local club, at first it I felt really overwhelmed, after going a couple of weeks I met new people and have gained wonderful new friends
It’s such a stylish way to keep organised Amanda. Thanks for entering.
Hope your mammogram results are 100% pass. I tried ICE SKATING on a moving rink (cruiseship) – once i fell . It was funny – havenot iceskated for many years.
My pick – The fresh Collins Lifestyle Diary is perfect for anyone looking to
become their better selves physically, mentally and spiritually.
Mammogram results clear. What a relief.
The Lifestyle Diary is going out to a few of my friends this year. It is such a great diary. Thanks for entering Trish.
Loving the Collins Lifestyle diary too.A few months ago I reluctantly signed up for HBF fitness classes. I was scared and overwhelmed but have enjoyed the sessions and feel so much better for it. Ive even dropped a few kilos too! In fact Ive just signed up for the next session starting in January!
Well done on the fitness side of things. I really need to do something myself and the new year is the perfect time.
I love the Debden Dayplanner Slim in Personal Sized in Teal, such a pretty colour and a good size for the handbag.
I’ve recently started watercolour – I’m not very good at it but I find it very relaxing.
I recently attended a watercolour class and looking forward to going back. I think I was a little too nervous the first class to relax.
You really need to mark the milestones too Rach and celebrate big and small victories throughout the year!
Id love the Debden Dayplanner in Personal Size in Purple, it looks like it has a page for everything and will fold up neatly to fit in my handbag
I usually base my diary selection around my handbag as well. Here’s to marking milestones in 2018. Would love for you to join me one week for Something New!
I like to live green AND see the week ahead at one glance. It’s the Debden Enviro Pocket – Week to An Opening for me!
I recently took over from my mother as the family Christmas cake and pudding maker… we’ll assess my skills in a couple of weeks!
Lifestyle diary. It sounds like just what I need to get the year off to a good start.
Great choice Kate. Thanks for entering.
I’m with you on the Hampton. Stylish and lots of space for all my appointments.
Agree, so much space for appointments and everything else. It’s the perfect diary for my Something New Project.
Slimline diary, any colour. Need something that can fit easily into my purse.
Thanks Cath, great choice.
Lifestyle diary.
Great choice Donna.
Designer diary in mulberry. Would match my office décor and my style perfectly.
Love that colour. Great choice Jenny, thanks for entering.
LIfestyle would suit my lifestyle.
Great choice Sally.
The Vanessa. It is my chosen diary every year. It fits all my appointments and is a great size for my desk and handbag.
I love the Vanessa too. Thanks for entering Emma.
The puzzle diary. Would love to start my day with a new puzzle.
Great choice Sharlene. I love the compact size of this particular diary.
The wedding planner. For my upcoming wedding planning.
Congratulations Alexandra. Hope the wedding planning and wedding go to plan!
Lifestyle diary. It’s quirky and jammed packed full of goodies for the year. Just like me.
Nice one Kira. Thanks for entering.
The urban. It’s the perfect size for me.
Thanks Simone. Great choice.
I would be happy with a mystery diary. I tend to stick to my online calendar on my phone but next year I commence part-time study and the phone isn’t going to cut it.
Good luck with the study. I finished my business diploma earlier in the year. It’s hard juggling work and study but so rewarding once done.
Lifestyle, you are so beautiful to me…
Thanks Amber. I have that song stuck in my head now.
Thanks to everyone that has entered, so far. We’ve had over 500 people register for this giveaway but only 300ish of those entries are valid. Please refer to terms and conditions and make sure you not only register but answer the question by leaving a comment to validate your entry. Entries now close 18/12 at 12pm (Perth time).
I like the size and style of the Vanessa but not so keen on the name. My ex girlfriend was Vanessa and I’m not sure my wife would appreciate me having her name on my everyday diary.
I’m sure we can find you something similar without the name.
I was sure I entered this one but can’t see my comment? Anyways, I would pick the lifestyle followed closely by any of the designer collection.
We are hoping to address the commenting, especially in terms of giveaways in the new year. Currently trialing a new app. Unfortunately, due to ongoing trolls, we have to have the majority of comments (especially guest ones) have to be approved first before they will appear here. Even that though is proving challenging, as it is time consuming approving so many posts. Rest assured though, we have all your comments/entries.
I’m wanting something not only stylish and decorative but practical in terms of tax records this year. Something I can keep on my office hutch for years to come. Any suggestions?
Great question Andrea. I will put my thinking cap on. IN the meantime, pop over to the Collins website and browse.
Dayplanner in Purple. I’m a creature of habit.
Thanks Heather.
Collins one day to a page. It’s my diary each year and I’m not about to change my ways.
I’m usually a creature of habit myself.
I’ve gone digitial but I wouldn’t mind putting my hand up for an A5 or A4 journal in blue or green.
I’m always nervous that I’ll either lose my phone or delete everything by mistake.
Debden Associate https://www.collinsdebden.com.au/diaries/business-diaries/debden-associate-slimline-week-to-opening-2018.html
Nice choice Barb, thanks for entering.
Debden Weekly Notebook Diary.
Thanks Trish. Great choice.
Lifestyle diary looks appealing.
It certainly does. Thanks Ingrid.
Collins A4 – 2 day to a page. It just works for me.
Great choice Oliva. Thanks so much for entering.
Lifestyle Diary in Gold
About three weeks ago I tried pilates and it was so much harder than I thought!
Lifestyle would be my pick for getting myself organised in 2018.
Lifestyle in gold. I recently signed up salsa dance lessons. On my own. Completely out of my comfort zone but having so much fun.
The Collins Belmont A5 on the Debden site is perfect. I am trying something new this week – a new job! Next year will be full of challenges and appointments so a new diary will be a must.