Managing Busy Days: My MUST-HAVE Day Planner!

Affiliate disclosure: after many years of using this planner on my own and LOVING it, I had the opportunity this year to receive my new planner free in exchange for an honest review, and if you purchase through my link, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support! 💗

I’ve been using The Homemaker’s Friend daily planner by Sue Hooley for probably 10 years now to help me manage my extra-large family of soon-to-be 16—I can hardly remember anymore when I DIDN’T use it, and I’ve recommended it to many other friends as well as now buying one each year for my young-adult and older-teen daughters.  It is designed with the perfect balance of structure and flexibility to make it very adaptable to any busy woman’s needs, especially those of us managing the ever-changing demands of a lively home.

I have always been uplifted by the Scripture verses and inspiring quotes sprinkled throughout, as well as the beautiful artwork, all centered around a specific theme each year.  Somehow, each year’s theme always seems to fit our family’s own journey for that period of time, and the little tips and pearls of wisdom Mama Sue adds to the beginning pages of each year’s edition are always insightful. 

It’s the perfect size, large enough to contain LOTS of information in multiple calendars (yearly, monthly, and weekly planning pages), and lots of additional space to plan out specific projects or keep notes on whatever topic, yet small enough to be easily portable and not in the way when kept close to wherever I’m working.  There are perforated shopping list papers in the back, but these little paper slips have proven useful to me for many other purposes besides that as well. 

It is very well-made, including a 2-pocket folder at the back, and in all these years, I’ve never had one of these fall apart on me despite the heavy wear-and-tear of referring to it multiple times a day and keeping it within arm’s reach almost constantly.  I never leave home without it and when I’ve needed to replace a worn-out purse through the years, I make sure it has a nice inside pocket just the right size to fit it.

I have used many other good planners through the years as well, and there are many good styles available depending on specific needs or tasks, but this has remained my “hub” for family activity and planning my days and is the ONE planner I would genuinely struggle to function without.  I look forward to the new one each year, eager to see what the latest theme will be, and the 2026 edition did not disappoint!

From The Homemaker's Friend website:

Stay organized, focused, and productive with our comprehensive daily planner designed to help you achieve your goals.

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and disorganized? Do you struggle to stay on top of your tasks and responsibilities? Our daily planner is here to help!

With our daily planner, you’ll be able to:

• Plan your week with ease and prioritize your tasks

• Stay organized and focused with our comprehensive layout

• Boost your productivity and efficiency

• Reduce stress and feel more in control

Key Features:

• Weekly template to plan your entire week, day by day

• Task list with space for notes and comments

• Tasks section and Projects and Events section to help organize bigger projects that do not neatly fit in a month or week layout.

• Space for reflection and review

• Inspirational quotes and scripture verses.

• Tear-out Shopping Lists.

Thumb tabs, perforated page-corners, and a magnetic bookmark makes the Planner easy to navigate.

Order now and take the first step towards a more organized, productive, and fulfilling life.

Size: 5.5”x8.5”