First Impression: The Day Designer + Comparison to Erin Condren Life Planner

 

I received my Whitney English Day Designer in the mail yesterday!  That makes for a brighter Monday.  I'm comparing it to my 2014 Erin Condren Life Planner that I'm currently using (and have used for the past 3 years). 

Note: I ordered mine from a retailer since the cover I wanted was sold out on the Etsy Shop. 

First Impression:  It's big.  I knew it would be bigger than the LP.  The dimensions are listed on the website when you order, but it still looked big to me.  I primarily carry my planner day to day in a large laptop bag that I use for work so it's no big deal to me.  It also fits in my purse as shown below.



It's very sturdy.  I'm confident it will last for a year.  The pages feel a bit thinner than the LP pages, but my favorite pen, Pilot G2 does not bleed. 

I LOVE that this planner looks much more professional than the LP.  If color is your thing though, maybe stick to LP.  There is no color in the Day Designer aside from the hot pink inside cover.  The inside color depends on the cover you order.  For instance, I believe the gold and white stripe is aqua inside. 

I purchased the planner for the daily sheets.  It is one day per page (except for weekends that have a shared page).  Each day has a list that goes from 5am-9pm which is perfect for me!  I was also considering the Simplified Planner that is very similar, but that daily page only lists 7am-7pm.  I'm happy to have the extra time slots. 

Download and read more about the Day Designer daily page layout here!

I love the long to-do lists with 17 bullets.  I currently use one Maybook for my personal daily/weekly to-do lists, another Maybook for meal planning and a legal pad for my work to-do's...ridiculous!  This will hopefully cut down on all my extra notebooks and lists.  There is also a space for Daily Gratitude, Top Three to-do, Dinner, Don't Forget (I'm going to use this for birthday, anniversaries), Due, and Dollars. 

 

 

I like the laminated monthly tabs (a must), extra notes page each month, 2016 monthly lists at the end, and a pocket on the inside front cover. 

 

The Day Designer also comes with a velvet ribbon that they show you how to tie and use as a page marker.  My ribbon is already a little frayed at the bottom so I'm not sure how long it will last.  I'm not even sure I like it though since it adds a little bulk to the planner when used.  I may just use a cute paperclip to mark my current day. 

My only first impression complaint is that the inside front cover pocket seems a little flimsy.  I'm sure by the end of the year it will be ripped, but clear packing tape will do the trick if that happens!

The only thing you won't get from this planner (compared to the Life Planner) is the personalization.  There is nothing to personalize on this planner.  It this is a deal-breaker for you I have seen people add a sticky, vinyl monogram to the front cover.  The retailer I purchased from will do this for $8.00, but I wanted to see the planner in person before deciding if it even needed it.  I may have a friend, Ashley hint, hint... make me something small, but I'm still not sure if it even needs it. 

This planner is also less expensive than the Life Planner.  The Day Designer is $59 through the Etsy shop.  I paid $60 + shipping from the retailer I used.  Even with personalization, it would still be cheaper than a Life Planner.  Life Planners are $50-$75 depending on the type you choose, but that is before all of the add-ons.  By the time I added the stickers, pens, notepads etc. I was usually nearing the $100 mark!

With the purchase of a Day Designer you also are given a password to gain access to The Day Designer online community both on a private Facebook group and an online forum.  The groups for 2015 are not getting kicked off until October 1 so I don't have much to report on this yet.  I love the idea though of networking and getting tips from like-minded people.  Anyone who loves planners like me is an instant friend in my book!

Let me know if you have any questions!  I'm happy to help or take more pics for you. 

Weekend Recap

Happy National Coffee Day!  I drink way too much coffee everyday, but today I will celebrate my addiction. 

Hope you had a great weekend!  We sure did and are preparing for a busy week.  Is it just me or is October crazy!  We are so, so busy.  And no, I'm not glamorizing being busy.  It usually just stresses me out and causes me to get sick.  I think a busy October is the universe's world of preparing me for the hectic holiday season.

FRIDAY

Super exciting night in the Purifoy household!  After we put Jack to bed we watched some Dateline and Making the Team (after Jason fell asleep) and ate pizza.  I was also following not one, but TWO blogging conferences on Instagram going on just miles from me that I was so jealous not to be attending.  One was for the owners of the City Moms Network of Blogs (Houston Moms Blog).  I'm not an owner, just a contributor so I wasn't invited, although I think I should have been considering the national conference was in town this year at the Woodlands.

The second conference was Blog Elevated that was held in Galveston.  I'm mad at myself for not making it happen.  Since we had just gotten back from vacation, I didn't want to take another day off work so I opted out this year.  Next year I am there!!!

SATURDAY

My goal for Saturday was to decorate our house for Fall and Halloween.  Mission accomplished! 

After Jack's Little Gym class at 9am, we got to decorating!  Jason and I take this very seriously...maybe even more than Christmas.  Once we had spent the morning putting everything up, we took a trip to Target for a few finishing touches. 

 

 

 

SUNDAY

Although we intended to go to the church in the morning, I was up all night with a serious stomach ache so we were lazy.  Jason took care of Jack so I could rest a little.  He then had to run to this office to do a few things before a crazy Monday. 

Once he got home I was off to the Houston Moms Blog First Birthday Bash at Sky High Sports!  There was tons of food, crafts and giveaways and it was great to see everyone's kiddos and husbands.  Mine opted to stay home to watch the Texans game.  Intended silence. 

 

When I got home and we finished dinner and bedtime routine, I climbed into bed and finished That Night by Chevy Stevens.  Great book!  If you like Gone Girl and Gillian Flynn's other books, you will enjoy this one too. 

Looking forward to this week:

-  New fall TV!  I'm still excited that new fall shows are back.  Loving The Voice, Dancing with the Stars, Parenthood
-  Getting together with church friends for dinner
-  Figuring out Jack's Halloween costume before everything sells out - help!
-  Receiving my 2nd StitchFix and new planner in the mail
-  Lighting my new pumpkin candles every night
-  Announcing Scarf Swap partners a week from today!  Sign-up here if you haven't yet.  Friday is the deadline. 

Have a great week!

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I'm linking up Lisa and Bella for Weekend Recap

Biana and Meghan for Weekending

Meg for Mingle Monday

Moms's Guide to Subscription Boxes

I'm over at Houston Moms Blog today talking all about my experience with Subscription Boxes including:

Birchbox

Birchbox Men

Citrus Lane (use this link for 50% off your first box!)

Bluum Box (offer for 50% off your first box!)

Bark Box

Stitch Fix

Pop Sugar Must Have

 

 

The majority of the links above are affiliate links, therefore I may receive a discount if you use the link to signup.  You will get to do this too and it's like "Subscription Box Pay It Forward!"

Five on Friday: Scarves, Planners, Bears and Flying with a Toddler

ONE

We are back from our vacation in Estes Park, CO.  We had an amazing time!  I can't wait to recap the trip on the blog soon.  Right now I'm too busy playing catchup at work, laundry, oh and dealing with a flooded backyard that we came home to!  It's always something right?

...and let's be honest, I'm also playing catchup with my DVR! Hello new fall TV shows!



Jack LOVED his time in Colorado.  Favorite part?  Playing in the leaves.

TWO

If you follow me on Instagram, you saw me overgramming our trip using #purifoyfamtrip2014.  One of the exciting things I was showing pictures of  (besides the J. Crew vest overload) was our bear run-ins.  We felt lucky to see a bear on our first day driving through the national park.  Little did we know this was nothing compared to our bear encounters at the house later that week! 

Bear damage to the house!

THREE


There is no such thing as over-packing with a Toddler

The thing that I was most nervous about for our trip was Jack's first flying experience.  He did relatively well both flights, although the return flight tested us a little bit!  I'm working on a post for next week that talks more about what worked and didn't work for us.  Until then, checkout Annie's Post here with her tips from a recent Colorado trip.  Her tips were all used and helped us immensely!


FOUR

For months now (sad to admit) I've been struggling with what planner to purchase for 2015.  I know you're thinking I need to get a life. I like to over-analyze unimportant things like this.  It's what I do.  Just accept it and move forward. 

Anyway, I decided to leave Erin Condren (gasp) in order to try something new.  Although I LOVE my Erin Condren Life Planner and use it daily, I've also been carrying around a few Maybooks to use for lists and other needs.  I'm hoping by using a daily page planner I will be able to consolidate all my lists to one.  I had it narrowed down to The Simplified Planner and The Day Designer.  They are both amazing and very similar so it was a win-win. 

I ended up ordering the Day Designer this week and can't wait to receive it!  The same day I ordered the DD, my friend Sara ordered herself a Simplified Planner so we will be able to give you a great comparison post with lots of pictures soon!

TIP:  If you want a Day Designer, but the cover you wanted is sold-out on the Etsy page, you can still get your hands on one through a retailer who carries them.  I found Papaya Papers on Instagram.  They currently still have the black/white stripe and gold/white stripe in stock and will ship the very next day (you must call to order)!  These are the only two designs that retailers carry. 

I'll update you on my thoughts of the Day Designer as soon as I get my hands on it!

FIVE

Finally, I'm hosting a Scarf Swap!  I posted all of the details yesterday here and I hope you will join us!  The deadline to sign-up is next Friday, October 3.  Please share with your scarf-loving friends too!

 

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2014 Scarf Swap!!!

{Starting Top Left Going Clockwise: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 }

Is everyone familiar with a Scarf Swap???  Aside from the Pumpkin Spice Latte, it's the tell-tale way to know that fall is here!  I'll pair you up with someone at random and you will buy a scarf for each other. 

Why scarves?  They are the perfect accessory for cool{ish} temps to transition your wardrobe for fall...plus scarves are easy to swap since one size fits all! 

One of my favorite bloggers, Meredith of The Tichenor Family Blog started an annual scarf swap years ago that I loved participating in.  Unfortunately for us, Meredith put a pause on her blog for a while.  I know I miss her sweet blog big time :(  After a picture of last year's swap came up on my Timehop feed earlier this week, I reached out to her to see if she minded if I got it going again on The Perfect Catch! 

Lucky for us, she was more than happy for the tradition to continue.

You can read about my past swaps to get a better idea of what to expect here: 2011, 2012, and 2013. 

So here's how it works:

Step 1:  Leave a comment below with your name, email, blog link (if applicable) and any other social media handles you would like to share for your partner to get to know you with by Friday, October 3. 

 

Step 2:  Partners will be posted on this blog on Monday, October 6.

 

Step 3:  Reach out to your partner via email and follow their blog and social media accounts to get to know each other and get an idea for what type of scarf they might like or opt to totally surprise each other!  You have two weeks to shop for a scarf and send it their way.  If you don't hear from your partner by Thursday, October 9, please let me know via email so we can match you with someone else...I promise no one will be left behind!

 

Step 4:  Get the scarf in the mail to your partner by Sunday, October 19

 

Step 5:  Come back here to The Perfect Catch Blog on Tuesday, October 28 and link-up to reveal your new scarf and see what everyone else received...this is my favorite part!  Also join us on Instagram using #2014scarfswap.  This part is optional, but oh so fun!

 

 

 

Other notes:

• You do NOT need to be a blogger to participate.  You can get to know your partner via email, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. 
• Please write all of the dates down and make sure you can meet the deadlines before signing up.  You don't want to be that person who leaves your partner scarf-less!
• Follow me on Instagram and Twitter as @ChelseaPurifoy and my Facebook Page where I will be posting reminders about all of the deadlines!  I'll make it super easy for you. 
• Let me know if you have any questions!  You can also sign-up by emailing me if you don't want to leave your personal contact info in the comments section: chelsea {dot} purifoy {at} yahoo {dot} com
• To keep everything fair, please do not spend over $35...and don't feel like you have to spend that much either.  Checkout the links I have above for some of my scarf faves...many under $20!

If you need a little help getting your creative juices flowing, based on what I've been seeing from style bloggers and Instagram -  plaid and camo are both HUGE this year, animal print is always a favorite and you can never go wrong with a monogram!  Also, I just noticed that most Loft scarves are on sale for $25...within our price limit and no code necessary!  Gap and Old Navy have a lot on sale too and Nordstrom Juniors has so many cute options. 

I hope you all want to participate!  This will be so much fun and a great way to kickoff the fall season.  Please share with all of your friends who may want to participate too! {feel free to grab a button below and share}

Happy Swapping!


<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiy4GlQLU9EDqA2FYQl-pHp2RWmMe9ku62Jtj1224hFdCLTWRYo8HI8p8vlOSiW18GilDYIY6j1gkfxC5k2jUzFkEEbVf_nS7ea05EZKHKs-sglWt-dxcPIE8h3NhsEPTkEoPqR5VkhQ/s1600/2014ScarfSwap.jpg" height="150" width="150"/></a>

Ode to Animal Print

If you liked my poem about my slight obsession with my herringbone vest, checkout my tribute to all things leopard (yes, it's a neutral) over on Houston Moms Blog today. 

Taste of Tuesday: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Last week I had a huge craving for my mom's pumpkin chocolate chip cookies so Friday evening after putting Jack to bed, while watching Dateline, I whipped up a batch.  Even my husband likes these and he isn't really a pumpkin fan - gasp!

These taste like fall even if it doesn't feel like fall outside quite yet!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Butter (1 stick)
1 1/2 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Canned Pumpkin
1 Egg, Beaten
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 Cups Flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 - 6 oz. package of semi-sweet chocolate chips (or more)! 

Directions:

Mix first 5 ingredients.  Mix remaining ingredients except chocolate chips.  Add wet to dry, mix well.  Fold in chocolate chips.  Set oven to 350.  Bake approx. 15 minutes

I'm linking up today with Kate and Emily for Tuesday's Recipe Swap!

Five on Friday: Stitch Fix Review

My very first Stitch Fix box was delivered a few weeks ago and I wanted to share my experience with you. 

For those of you who aren't familiar with Stitch Fix, it is a styling service that sends you 5 pieces of clothing and/or accessories pulled specifically for you.  Once you receive the items you can try on, take pictures and see how they will work into your wardrobe - all in the comfort of your own home.  You have three days to decide to keep the items or send them back.  If you keep all five items you will receive 20% off the entire purchase.  If you send all 5 items back you lose your $20 stylist fee that would have been applied to your purchase.  Everyone fills out a style and fit questionnaire, but you can be as picky or open as you want in your communications to your stylist. 

I signed up out of curiosity!  A few of my friends had good experiences and I've read a handful of blogger reviews.  The great thing is you choose when you get your next one - next month or never.  You are not committed to anything.  I was also impressed with how easy it was to return the items.  You can literally just drop it in the mail.  They give you a return bag with label for all of it. 

I made a few notes to my stylist saying that I like pieces that can be dressed up or down - work or weekend.  I also requested no jewelry since I have that more than covered at home. 

I ended up only keeping one item, but I really loved everything I received and was surprised at how well most of it fit.  4 out of 5 ain't bad for this curvy girl!

Your box includes 5 Items, Styling cards with suggestions on how to wear each piece, personalized note from your stylist and a return bag with shipping label

So the FIVE items I received are below:

ONE - Joshua Colored Ankle Jean, $64 - SENT BACK

The first item I received was a cute pair of colored ankle jeans in cobalt blue.  Loved them, but unfortunately I could not even get them halfway up my fat curvy thighs to take a picture.  Needless to say for future boxes, I told them no pants unless it's a stretchy ponte knit or legging.  I need to just stick to my "curvy" fits at Loft. 

TWO - Tessa Chevron Print Sleeveless Blouse, $48 - KEPT

Dork Alert: I'm posing with my purse to see what it would look like when I'm on the go (anyone else do this) and I look like I'm about to do "the perfect cheer."  Fashion blogger I am not!

Although I don't think this top was worth the $48 price tag, it looked good, matched a ton of my jewelry and could be dressed up or down.  Plus I didn't want to lose my $20 styling fee.  I actually wore it the very next day that I received it and have worn it several more times since.  I pair it with a blazer for work, wear it by itself at home, but also plan to add a cardigan when it gets cooler so it's a good transition piece. 

THREE - Dorina Crew Neck Lace Panel Blouse, $48 - SENT BACK

This top was cute and fit pretty good, but was too summery for a late August purchase.  It was also a little sheer, but would be ruined with a camisole. 

FOUR - Colibri Abstract Print Sleeveless Top, $54 - SENT BACK

I really liked this top and it fit great, but once again, I wasn't interested in another sleeveless top this late in the summer.  I know that is ridiculous since Houston will be hot through Thanksgiving, but I still like to dress for the fall regardless of the temps.  If I would have received this in early summer, I probably would have kept. 

FIVE - Jaclynn 3/4 Sleeve Button-Up Cardigan, $38 - SENT BACK

I liked the idea of this fun pop of color for a cardi, but after looking through my closet I didn't have much to wear with it and the fit was just okay.  Loved the price, but just felt I could do better in terms of fit and looks.  I think longer sweaters look better to lengthen my short, curvy frame, rather than cutting my body in half. 

Final Thoughts - This is a really fun service.  I wouldn't rely on it for all of my wardrobe needs, but it is fun to discover new items or step out of your comfort zone.  I think the anticipation is the best part!  I have my second box arriving at the beginning of October and then plan to put a hold on it through the holidays so I can focus my spending on gifts for others.  Based on how this next box goes, we will see if I'm even interested in using this again next year.  If I do continue I will be sure and provide more details in my comments on what works for my body. 

If you want to give Stitch Fix a try, you can use my referral link here to sign-up. 
Note that I will receive a $25 credit if you sign-up.  Hopefully then someone will do the same for you...it's like subscription box karma!

Last, while I was trying on my Stitch Fix pieces I also made an outfit for this great kimono piece that my original stylist - Shelley (my mom) picked out for me a few weeks ago.  She is the best when it comes to dressing me and yes, I'm 31 and my mom still picks out clothes for me!

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Altuzarra for Target :: September 14

This Sunday Altuzzara for Target launches - I'm sure you've seen the commercials running all over TV lately {at least on NBC and Bravo}!  I'm not sure this will have the same widespread panic and chaos as other designer Target launches like Missoni and Phillip Lim have in the past, but I'm sure it will still have a fun buzz around it. 

 

I just scrolled the lookbook and there are a few pieces that I would love to see in person.  Overall, I think most of the pieces are a little on the sexy side for my day-to-day activities of work and home chasing a toddler, but I guess that is the whole point according to the advertising.  The clothes have a lot of high slits up the leg, low cuts and body clinging dresses and pencil skirts.  There is even a cute lingerie/mask look. 

The collection includes shoes and some great belts too. 

You can view the entire lookbook here and check the pieces I want to track down below!




Blazer in Python Print, $49.99



Trench Coat in Military Green/Black, $89.99

Keri Russell modeling the trench



Faux Fur Crop Jacket in Black, $69.99



Tee Shirt in Python Print, $17.99



Embroidered Blouse in Red, $44.99



Bow Blouse, $29.99

 

What pieces are you most excited about? 

Which best describes you:
a.)  I will be at Target, Starbucks in hand, first thing Sunday morning!!!
b.)  I plan to check it out next week
c.)  If I happen to be at Target I may browse the clothing section for this
d.)  Could care less!

Vest Obsessed

Fellow HMB Contributor Meagan and I have been in some serious discussion this week about our love for winter vests!  You guys know how much I love my herringbone one. 

There are a couple of new cute ones out there now I wanted to make you aware of:

Camo version {of the popular Herringbone vest}
This is my wishlist item.  It would look so great with black, gray, brown and chambray for the fall and winter.  And perfect for my upcoming Colorado trip...wink, wink!

Buffalo Blue version
If you liked last year's navy striped vest, this is a great alternative with the ever-popular buffalo check pattern.  On major sale right now, I have a feeling this one may sell out.  Sizing down is recommended.

Last year's navy version

Quilted Tweed
This vest from Old Navy also comes in brown and is so classic.  It will look good with so many tops already in your closest and will be in style for years.  You can score this one 30% off today only using code SAVEMORE

 

 

Any others I'm missing? 

Hope you are having a great Hump Day!

 

Legging Love

My friend Allison of Swish Productions is now selling these amazing leggings that I was lucky enough to model last week.  She is currently selling 3 different patterns - that Alli named after us!  And as you can see by all of our looks, you can wear these in so many fun ways.  It's amazing that they are one size fits all and yet still fit each of us so great - from a size 0 to a 10!

The leggings are $15/pair and can be purchased by commenting on the leggings picture of Swish Production's Facebook Page. 

I love that they looked great with any and all types of shoes and tops - flats, booties, tall boots and heels.  We did it all and best of all - so comfy!  Gotta love the stretch.