Best Laid Plans
Episodes
Deep Dive: Notebooks EP 83
28 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's an all-notebook deep dive episode! Sarah opens with a slew of ideas for uses of notebooks, and then transitions to a discussion of many of her fa...
Favorite Planning-Adjacent Podcasts + A Bit of Retail Therapy EP 82
21 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sarah shares 8 of her favorite podcasts centered around -- you guessed it -- planning! She also mentions two of her favorites to foll...
Getting Through Tough Times EP: 81
14 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode was inspired by a tough week on call Sarah had recently. She outlines 5 things she wished she had done to make life easier on herself --...
Q&A: Budget-Friendly Planners, Transitioning Between Planners, Handling Confidential Info, and More EP 80
07 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's an all Q&A ep! Questions include one about alternatives with similar layouts to Whitney English Week On One Page, planning with confidential info...
Mini Q&A + Planner Review: The ProAction Planner EP 79
31 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sarah opens with a Q&A section. One listener writes in about how to work in regular delegation of chores/household duties, and anothe...
Planning Your Passions & More with Laura Tremaine EP 78
24 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this fun conversational episode, Sarah interviews LA-based writer/podcaster/creative Laura Tremaine about her planning styles, preferences, and cha...
2022 So Far: Planner Confessions, Imperfections & What is Working EP 77
17 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sarah reveals some planner confessions (ie, what has NOT worked well for her thus far this year -- already!) as well as a discussion ...
Q&A: 2022 Pep Talk, Storing Stationery Items, Planning with your Partner, and More EP 76
10 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sarah opens this episode with a discussion of 2022 and how -- despite challenges -- she hopes we can look at the upcoming year with optimism, and stil...
Welcome 2022! Some Goals & Thoughts on Goals EP 75
03 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Season 4 of BLP! In this episode, Sarah discusses a few yearly goal setting tactics and tips, and then reviews her own goals list for 2022!...
2022 Planner Stack! EP 74
27 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Here it comes! In this episode, Sarah goes through each and every planner she hopes to make good use of in 2022. These include a surprise last minute ...
Two Journals for Gratitude and Reflection: Oprah Planner + JMB Living Quarterly EP: 73
20 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sarah reviews two books that cross over the space between planner and journal, including the JMB Living Quarterly Journal and the Opr...
Current Planning Obessions + Listener Tips & Questions EP 72
13 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode opens with a discussion of Sarah's current obsessions, including the Hobonichi Weeks as a wellness planner as well as the listmaking app ...
Trello Life Management & More with Anandi Raman Creath EP 71
06 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Sarah chats with fellow planning enthusiast Anandi Raman Creath! Anandi is a paper lover and loves the Passion Planner and Nuuna n...
Q&A: Wellness Planners, Planners for Kids' Activities, and a Few Gift Ideas EP 70
29 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episodes includes a Q&A segment, a fun gift-y product rec, and some musings on moving. In the Q&A, a listener write in asking for ideas for a ...
Few Planner Updates + Deep Thoughts on Instagram/Social Media EP 69
22 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Sarah opens with a few updates -- she discusses Hemlock & Oak as a non-Tomoe River Paper alternative to the Hobonichi Cousin Weekly Layout, plus the l...
Planner Review Episode: 2022 Sprouted and Curation Planners EP 68
15 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sarah takes a close look at two smaller/newer brands that you may not have seen yet. The first is Sprouted, a spiral-bound planner wi...
Reflection Season, Planner Pad Review, and an Etsy Find EP 67
08 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sarah discusses ways to make the most of the next 2 months (Quintile 5 = Reflection + Celebration season!). Then, she dives into a pl...
Planning Retreats: Personal, Work, Couples and More! EP 66
01 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sarah opens with a discussion of planning tips for Obligers, inspired by a listener comment. Then she moves to a discussion about pla...
Launching Her Own Stationery Shop with Karina from Honeypress! EP 65
25 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this fun interview episode, Sarah has a chat with Karina about the origin story and launch of her stationery shop, Honeypress! They also discuss so...
Fall Launch Updates + Q&A: Planner Sizes, Combining Different Areas, and Organizing Weekly Task Lists EP 64
18 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode opens with a discussion of fall launch updates from a few of Sarah's favorite brands, as well as a brief recap of what she is using now. ...
Finding Planner Peace via Todoist with Sarah Powers! EP 63
11 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Sarah Powers (@powersofmine on Insta, and cohost of the very popular podcast The Mom Hour) joins Sarah today to discuss her favorite planning tools. S...
Chat about All Things Planning-Adjacent with Gretchen Rubin EP 62
04 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sarah is thrilled to interview author, speaker, thought leader, and amazing podcast host Gretchen Rubin! They have a really fun conve...
Full Focus Mini-Review + Q&A: Work Planning EP 61
27 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sarah starts out answering a question about what kinds of planning tools she uses in her work day. Then, she provides a follow up rec...
Planner Matchmaking and Ink+Volt Mini-Review EP 60
20 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sarah addresses two listeners who wrote in requesting planner matchups! Monica wants a versatile A4 system with tons of features, and...
Daily Planning Love + Kitlife Daily + Page Productivity Planner Mini-Reviews EP 59
13 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode opens with all of the things Sarah loves about daily planning. Benefits as she lists them include motivation, accountability, record-keep...
All About Hobonichi! 2022 Releases, Covers, Tomoe River Paper, and More EP 58
06 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is all about Hobonichi Techo planners. Sarah discusses the various options (A5 Cousin, A6 Original, Avec, A6 English, Weeks, Weeks Mega -...
Q&A: Planner Matchmaking Requests, Gratitude, and Combining Work & Life EP: 57
30 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This Q&A episode is in part dedicated to planner matchmaking requests! Listeners wrote in asking for various layouts and combos, and Sarah does her be...
Q&A: Tips for returning from vacation, Thoughts on Planner Peace, and More EP 56
23 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this Q&A episode, Sarah discusses some listener tips for what to do to make returning from vacation feel more manageable. Then, there are questions...
Best Laid Plans + Amanda's Favorites! EP: 55
16 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Amanda from Amanda's Favorites is known for her amazing and in-depth YouTube planner reviews. Sarah was honored and excited to interview her for the s...
Back to School: Routines, Vintage Supplies, & More EP 54
09 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode is all about the back to school season! Sarah discusses routines to think about and other aspects of life to re-evaluate as we head in...
Welcome Back + &Studium Daily Planner Review EP 53
02 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to Season 3 of Best Laid Plans! Sarah returns from a monthlong hiatus full of ideas and planning energy. She provides an update on her cu...
Planning Your Year in Quartiles or Quintiles EP 52
26 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sarah does a deep dive into planning larger chunks of the year, whether are quarters or quintiles. She details the feelings and ritua...
Planning, Routines & Crowding out Bad Habits EP 51
19 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this Deep Dive episodes, Sarah shares details about her morning routine and how she goes about daily planning. She also muses on the idea of essent...
Getting Started with Planning EP 50
12 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode was inspired by a listener who wanted to hear about ideas for getting started with planning from scratch. While it is hard to be prescrip...
The Weekly Review EP 49
05 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode takes a deep dive into one of Sarah's favorite planning techniques: the Weekly Review. There are so many great ways to do a weekly revie...
Ask Me Anything - Your Q&A! EP 48
28 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For the season finale of BLP, Sarah put out a call to Instagram for questions for an "Ask Me Anything" format episode. Join in to hear Sarah's answers...
Midyear Goals Check-in (with my own goals as an example!) EP 47
21 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sarah discusses the merit of performing a mid-year goals check in. She recommends setting aside some time and going carefully through...
Planner Matchmaking with Laura Vanderkam EP 46
14 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sarah provides a planner matchmaking service for Laura Vanderkam! Laura is a time management expert who also happens to be Sarah's go...
Planning Your Summer! EP 45
07 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is all about planning your summer, with an in-depth discussion of the various things Sarah has spent time dreaming about for Summer 2021....
The Get to Work Book and Much More with Planner Creator Elise Cripe! EP 44
24 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
So many listeners recommended Elise Cripe a guest, and Sarah was thrilled to chat with her about her beautiful, professional, and functional planner: ...
Simplified Planner Review EP 43
17 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sarah provides an honest and candid review and walk-through the Simplified Daily Planner by Emily Ley. The Simplified line of planner...
Q&A - Long-range planning, less feminine planners, travel planning, and more! EP 42
10 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's another all Q&A episode, featuring your submitted write-in and audio questions! Question 1 opens with a question on "manly" planners for a 25 yea...
From Essentialism to Effortless with Author Greg McKeown EP 41
03 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode features author Greg McKeown, known for his work Essentialism and now introducing some powerful new ideas in his latest release Effortles...
Routines and More with Ashley Brown of Routine & Things! EP 40
26 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this fun conversational episode, Sarah welcomes Ashley Brown to the show. Ashley is a mother, nurse educator, podcaster, and routines expert! She h...
Midyear Planner Switchup and Review of the Erin Condren Softbound Weekly EP 39
19 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you have felt the pull to switch planners 3 or 4 months into 2021 -- well, just know that you are not alone! Due to a few factors, Sarah jumped out...
Q&A Episode: Filing miscellaneous information, tackling the important but non-urgent, tips for planners shopping online, and more! EP 38
12 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this Q&A episode, Sarah answers listener questions. The first asks about how to handle bits of information that you might need later-- but are unsu...
Digital Planning Hacks from Gmail to Tasks to Groceries with Kelsey Wharton EP: 37
05 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this fun interview episode, Sarah interviews Kelsey Wharton, a mother of 3 (ages 1-8!) and fellow podcaster -- she cohosts The Girl Next Door Podca...
Quintiles or Quarters: How to Consider Your Year in Seasons EP 36
29 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sarah does a deep dive into planning larger chunks of the year, whether are quarters or quintiles. She details the feelings and ritua...
Spring Reviews: Day Designer, Villa Beautiful Pens, and A Photo Sticker Printer! EP: 35
22 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode includes a deep dive review of the Day Designer, a monthly and daily planner with beautiful patterned covers and a distinctive layout....
Q&A Question: Your Voices & More! EP 34
15 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode features 3 listener audio questions, plus a couple of extra bonus questions at the end! Episode Sponsor Note: This episode is sponsored b...
Organizing Your Home, Your Paper, and Your Life with Organize365's Lisa Woodruff EP 33
08 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Long-time listeners will know Sarah has been a long term admirer of Organize 365 founder and CEO Lisa Woodruff for quite some time. In today's episode...
Organizing Your Financial Life EP 32
01 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is all about ways to organize your finances. Sarah discusses 4 essential parts of being intentional with finances, including tracking you...
Goal Setting, Handwriting, and More with Laken from Plan with Laken! EP 31
22 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Laken is a longtime member of the online planning community known for her openness, her positive encouragement, and her gorgeous and unique handwritin...
Mini Q&A and MakseLife Quarterly Goal Setting Notebook Review EP 30
15 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's a hybrid episode! In the first portion, Sarah answers listener questions on tasks vs to-dos, managing small recurrent tasks that threaten to ta...
Planning & Anticipation in Pandemic Times EP 29
08 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sarah takes a deep dives into the concept of planning and anticipation. This is much harder to come by in 2021, but still worth doing...
Daily Planning, Routines, and Crowding Out Bad Habits EP 28
01 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this Deep Dive episodes, Sarah shares details about her morning routine and how she goes about daily planning. She also muses on the idea of essent...
Layered Living Planner: Self-care, Goal setting, and More EP 27
25 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sarah takes a deep dive into the Layered Living Planner by HerSpace. Sarah shares her thoughts and excitement about this unique plann...
Q&A: Meal planning, Post-baby planning, Quarterly planning pages, "Doing it all", and More EP 26
18 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this Q&A episode, Sarah answers questions about meal planning, tracking multiple active cases at work, planning in the post-newborn period, how she...
Planner Chat with Meg & Myra from Planners & Wine! EP 25
11 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this very fun guest episode, Sarah interviews Meg and Myra, the cohosts of Planners & Wine -- yes, another podcast about planners! Their podcast is...
2021 Systems Overview EP: 24
04 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's a new year (AND a new quintile!), so welcome to a brand new season of Best Laid Plans! In this episode, Sarah gives an overview of all of the sys...
Year End Q&A EP: 23
28 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It's an all Q&A episode for the end of the year! Sarah answers your questions on goal setting, creating trackers for illnesses, managing big projects,...
Spaces Planner & Thoughts on Planner Size EP 22
21 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Still looking for a 2021 planner? In the last review-focused episode of the year, Sarah reviews the unique Spaces Planner! The Spaces is a weekly syst...
Tips for End of Year Goal Setting (even after a roller coaster of a year!) EP 21
14 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sarah shares her end of year goal setting process, as well as some of the things that felt a little more challenging in this usual ye...
Dot Journaling and More with Rachel Miller EP 20
07 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel Miller is an author, journalist, and her pieces are always creative and fun. She has written her own guide to dot journaling -- filled with art...
Rest EP: 19
30 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It's the season of a lot of activity, even during pandemic times. Rest often gets overlooked, but it deserves discussion, contemplation and most likel...
Time Block Planning and Much More with Cal Newport EP: 18
23 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Cal Newport is a computer science professor and writer about topics from technology to productivity to work culture, and he is also now the author of ...
Technique Spotlight: Monthly Review EP: 17
16 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 2 focused on the components of current weekly review process; this episode does the same for the monthly review. The Components: 1) Review Pri...
Planner Review: Wonderland 222 EP: 16
09 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Still in planner selection mode for 2021? The Wonderland 222 Planner and Notebook is worth a look, even if you think you've already figured out your p...
2 Reviews! MyWeek and Cultivate What Matters Powersheets Goal Planner EP 15
02 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We're deep into planner-buying season, so today's ep is a double review feature! The first product is the compact, versatile and lovely MyWeek. MyWeek...
Q&A - Planning Through Hectic Work Days, Pandemic Uncertainty and More EP: 14
26 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It's another Q&A episode! Today, Sarah addresses questions on planning through hectic work days when a lot of unpredictable tasks come up. She also an...
Planning with Inserts, Discs, Rings & More with Imani Michelle E13
19 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode features a brief update on screen time goals and the planning methods supporting habit change. Then comes our deep dive into the guest...
Amplify Planner Review + Q&A EP: 12
12 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this review episode, Sarah starts with some listener-submitted tips, and then dives deep into the Amplify Planner and a custom Papier dot grid jo...
Habits Deep Dive: Focus on Screen Time E11
05 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today's deep dive concept episode is all about tracking habits. Sarah goes into various ways people track habits in their planning systems, as well as...
Q&A Episode Plus a Surprise Cameo EP: 10
28 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It's another BLP Q&A Epsiode! In this episode, Sarah answers questions about her accessory notebook, workout and meal planning, keeping track of big p...
Favorite planning-related podcasts, books, and a look into favorite fall planner releases! EP 9
21 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This potpourri episode is filled with favorites related to planning! Sarah goes into her most influential/inspirational planning-related books as well...
Tatiana, Owner and Creator at The Stationery Muse! EP 8
14 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Tatiana is an inspiring young entrepreneur with amazing design sense and a giving, open spirit. She has a shop called The Stationery Muse that feature...
Product Reviews: Live Rich Planner & Jibun Techo Biz EP 7
07 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the first official product review episode! Today Sarah will be reviewing 2 very different products - the large and comprehensive ring-bound...
Planning Basics: Building Your System from the Ground Up! Ep 6
31 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This episode was inspired by a listener who wanted to hear about ideas for getting started with planning from scratch. While it is hard to be prescrip...
Planning and Productivity Q&A EP 5
24 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this all Q&A episode, Sarah addresses questions from listeners submitted through her blog & Instagram! Topics include: specific descriptions of pl...
Rocketbooks, Kanban, and More with Guest Planning Master Beth Cubbage EP: 4
17 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this very first guest episode, digital planning and organization master Beth Cubbage joins Sarah to discuss an array of hybrid methods, from the Ro...
Overview of Current Systems -- Hobonichi & Beyond EP: 3
10 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
To give you an idea of my typical planning toolbox, today's episode features a planner 'walk through' of the Hobonichi Techo Cousin planner system and...
Technique Spotlight on The Weekly Review EP: 2
03 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This episode takes a deep dive into one of Sarah's favorite planning techniques: the Weekly Review. There are so many great ways to do a weekly review...
Hello & A Planning Story . . . EP: 1
28 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hello and welcome to Best Laid Plans! Today's episode gives you a little bit of background about me (your host, Sarah Hart-Unger) and tells the story ...