Thirty years ago, as a young homemaker with one toddler, I read Getting More Done in Less Time by Donna Otto. She encouraged women to use a daily planner—and called it “a friend for life.” I took her advice to heart and began my search for the perfect planner.
But I quickly discovered that most planners didn’t match the flow of my day. They were too rigid and idealistic. One day, I glanced at the page and saw, “Weed flower bed – 10:00 a.m.” But at 10:00, I was rocking a fussy little girl, not digging in the dirt. I didn’t need time slots—I needed something flexible and realistic.
So, I started creating my own planner pages—layouts that flexed with the daily changes of homemaking. Over the years, through six children, eleven moves, and many life transitions, those simple, hand-drawn pages slowly became what is now The Homemaker’s Friend Daily Planner.
Fast forward to 2025: our youngest is sixteen, two of our children are married, and we’re grandparents to two precious little boys. Four children still live at home, and life is full of movement, schedules, and surprise visits. Yet the planner continues to serve as our family’s anchor—a steady companion through the comings and goings of everyday life.
Why This Planner Still Works
The Homemaker’s Friend Daily Planner is designed for real life. It offers structure without pressure—just enough planning to help you stay on track, while giving you the freedom to shift and adapt.
My favorite section is the Weekly Planning layout. I jot down tasks like calls to return, bills to pay, or a card to send. I often assign some to specific days—for instance, Monday is laundry day. During longer chores, I use the in-between minutes to knock out those little tasks. A quick glance at my planner reminds me what’s waiting.
The Monthly Calendar is where I note church events, birthdays, school functions, appointments, and more. It helps me zoom out and prepare for what’s coming, while still focusing on the week ahead.
The Tasks List section becomes my go-to for seasonal goals—like summer gardening or holiday prep.
The Projects & Events section is ideal for more detailed planning, like baby showers or family gatherings, and the Information pages are perfect for temporary contact info—like addresses for card showers or phone numbers for orders.
And of course, the perforated Shopping Lists are always in use—whether for a weekly grocery trip or a special event.
Why It Still Matters
The busier I am, the more I rely on my planner. When life is full of people and priorities, a flexible system keeps me from dropping the ball. Yes, I veer off course when urgent things arise—but a written plan refreshes my memory and reminds me of what matters most.
This planner isn’t just paper and pages—it’s a companion that helps me live my calling with intention.
Thirty years later, I can say with confidence: It truly has become a friend for life.