I recently received my 2016 Moments Inked planner and I'm excited to share my thoughts about it with you! The first major change that I am absolutely ecstatic about is the choice of binding - the traditional coil as well as a brand new binder!
My very first thought I had about the new planner was this is truly what it looks like when beauty and functionality meet! A down to earth resource that I can customize to fit my needs...and satisfy the beauty and color loving side of me all at the same time!
The coil binding is smaller this year, measuring just 1 1/8". I find that it is also sturdier, made of solid metal construction. There are five brand new interchangeable covers to choose from as well. And at only $6 each, it's an inexpensive way to change things up! :-)
The new binder option was definitely a "Wow!" for me! It is so incredibly well done, full of little details that set it apart. There are four different, neutral toned colors to choose from. I chose the Stone Gray binder as I am completely smitten with gray right now! Ha!
Just look at those gold edges. Swoon! Not only are they gorgeous to look at, but they also make it more durable! I also think the debossed Moments Inked Logo is a really classy touch. I haven't fully decided which version I will use as I really do love them both! I have only used the coil binding planners before, but I think I'm going to give the binder a try...it's just SO pretty!
There is a pen holder and inner flap to hold loose photos/coupons/papers which I think will come in handy. I am also really impressed with the binder mechanism (not sure what else to call it). I have a serious pet peeve of the rings not snapping together properly or tightly enough so pages come loose as you turn them. I have opened and closed these rings over a dozen times so far and they are still very tightly shut! I love that!
I haven't had time to really write in my planner yet. In fact, I haven't written anything down in my old planner for the past week and a half either! My kids are on Christmas vacation still and we have all just enjoyed not being busy and doing whatever we feel like! Ha! That freedom is quickly coming to an end though so I thought I would prepare for next week when I get back to "planning" in earnest. I created my dashboard for January, choosing a pretty winter theme (we still have lots of snow and it still coming down as I write this).
I really liked the crisp look of white, so I started with a 4 1/4" x 7" piece of Fresh Snow Linen Cardstock. I chose a coupe of stamps from the Fab Flakes set to decorate the page (both stamping in Sweet Blush as well as embossing in white). The sentiment is from the Phrases and Praises set and is stamped in Raspberry Fizz. I took my colors from the January Color Palette (more on that below). For the final touch, I added the month (from the Monthly Moments Year Round 1 die set), die cut from the Luxe Gold Adhesive paper.
I don't always have a lot of time to decorate my planner as much as I would like, so I usually just add some quick decorations that are meaningful to me. This month, it's an adorable photo of my little guy truly experiencing snow for the first time! His grin/grimmace not only makes me giggle every time I see it, but sums up how I feel about the snow as well! Ha!
On the back of my dashboard, I added a stamped white post it note...ready to fill in with all of the little tasks that pop up during the week. Yes, you read that right...a white post it note! Holla!! I used the Moments Inked Listed, Moments Inked Posted, and some more images from the Fab Flakes stamp sets to decorate it.
When adding additional pages to my planner (other than my dashboard), I like to use vellum. I really can't give you a reason other than I love how it looks! Ha! I mounted my photo on some Patterned Vellum and added a die cut sentiment (using the Christmas Cheer die set).
And here's a photo of the White Post it Notes, because...well, they deserve their own photo! I mean, come on! White, customizable Post it Notes!! They come in both 3 x 3 and 3 x 6 sizes! Woot!
Now, here are some more of my favorite things about the planner (included in both coil and binder versions). First, would have to be the listing of the monthly colors! Located at the beginning of the planner, it's the perfect resource for those of us whole HAVE to match our colors! Ha!
I was happy to see that the "Dates to Remember" section is still included! It was one of the things that helped me to stay on track with birthdays last year! I plan on utilizing it even more in 2016.
Yes, the fabulous quotes are back! All new, and really timely...perfect for helping me to stay focused on what is truly important.
And just look at all that paper! Both lined and graph paper are included at the end of the planner. Not only that, but there is a lovely white linen notebook tucked into the inside back cover! And the best part...it is refillable! And at only $1 a pad, I won't be too intimidated to actually write on it! Hee!
If you haven't subscribed to the weekly Moments Inked newsletter yet, you can do so HERE. When subscribed, you will receive one email a week with fresh ideas to incorporate into your planner!
I hope you have enjoyed reading about my take on the new 2016 planner! I'm really looking forward to sharing more ideas I have and ways that I'm using my planner this coming year!
Don't forget to share your Moments Inked photos with us by tagging your photos with #momentsinked! If you are wanting inspiration, just search out #momentsinked.
Lizzie Jones and Lexi Daly are also posting today, so make sure to check their blogs out as well!
Thanks so much for joining me today!
Laurie
