It’s the time of year when we all start talking about how we can’t believe it’s this time of year.
The older I get, the more clichรฉd I become. It’s true though – where DID that year go?!
As we head into the last month of 2018, many of us have already started looking ahead to the year to come. It’s time to buy your planners, get a new calendar, and start jotting down those dates that are already being scheduled in.
I created this free printable 2019 calendar to get you on the right organising track for the new year. And of course, I made it pretty – because being organised doesn’t have to be boring – in fact it should be delightful!
I mean – those colours. I am in love!
This calendar could be spiral bound at the top edge, or it also looks super pretty displayed on a clipboard. To grab your free download, there is a button at the end of this post.
I also highly encourage you to get off on the right foot for 2019 by setting yourself up with a planner system that will help you achieve your goals. I created the Dreams by Design planner because I’d tried SO many other systems, and everything I used fell short.
I didn’t want a planner that was too complicated –ย over-designed, or with a rigid structure that didn’t fit my needs.
I also didn’t want a planner that was too simple – if all I wanted to do was jot down dates, I could use a calendar for that!
Instead, I dreamed about a planner that would help me break down my goals into small chunks and then facilitate consistent follow-through from a yearly level all the way down to monthly, weekly and daily. And I didn’t want it to just suit me – it had to work for all women, with all sorts of needs and lifestyles.
I realised I’d nailed my design brief when Melissa sent me this comment after purchasing Dreams by Design: “I love the multiple uses and how you can totally make it your own. It came to me during a really hard time in my life and I’m so happy it did.”
In fact, if you click over to the site you’ll see MANY more testimonials from women just like you, who tried the planner and found it absolutely life-changing. Think I must be exaggerating? Hear it from them in their own words!
I do hope you’ll take a look at the 2019 Dreams by Design planner. Just click the button below to see heaps more testimonials and a video that walks you through the pages so you can see exactly how it works.
Meanwhile, if you like the 2019 calendar I created for you, please support the blog by sharing! You can pin the image below or share this post to Facebook. I’m sure you have friends who would love a pretty freebie too.
Just click the button below to download your very own free printable 2019 calendar!
I hope you enjoy your printable! Until next time, wishing you a house full of sunshine!
Your an inspiration to all who need help with getting organized and freeing up our time and space… hang in there and just trust that you going back to work is only the best for YOUR family.
You are so kind, friend! So grateful that you took the time to comment! xo
I love the pretty calendar and the vision board printables!
Thank you!!!
I’m so glad you like them, Kathy! I really appreciate you saying so! Much love! xo
I absolutely love your posts and your ideas!Gives me inspiration to improve my life around me!
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much for saying so!! I am so happy to have you following along here! ๐
You attract what you believe you deserve and I love your work and I wish I would get much more newsletters, calendars and much more stuff from you
I’m so glad you like my content! I appreciate you saying so! ๐
Thanks for your work itโs awesome donโt stop unless it gets too stressful
You’re a sweetheart! Thanks love!! xo
Thank you for your honest email. I am a fan of all you do, sometimes we all need a reminder to acknowledge the people and things that bring some cheer in our life.
Soni I am so grateful for you! Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, I really appreciate it! And this is so true – it has been a good reminder for me as well! xo
Amen, completely agree!
Karen, I read your email and my heart broke for you. I signed up for your beautiful affirmation cards earlier this year, to help with my pregnancy and delivery, and I have to he honest that I’m not a blog reader. I have 3 little ones at home and I will usually open an email and read a few words becmfore I get side tracked and busy with mother duties. For some reason God led me to read your entire email tonight, and I want you to know that you’re content is great. I hope your blog revenue ends up a reflection of all the hard work you put into it! You’re content is great. If I had social media I would follow you, but i dont. I pray that you stay encouraged and know your worth. The amount of likes and shares isnt a reflection of who you are or what you deserve. People are busy, selfish, or lazy, please dont take it personally. I can only imagine the amount of work you’ve put into this blog, it shows, and I will pray that you succeed. More importantly I pray that you dont let how successful your blog is define you. You’re a daughter of a King, you’re worth more than rubies, you’re work is never done in vain. The most successful people have failed the most and gotten back up and kept trying for their goals. You can do it! I believe in you. P.s. I’ll make sure I read your blogs more often and share with my mom and mother in law (my only “friends” in this busy season lol). God bless you, I’ll be praying for you!
Oh Michelle!!! ๐ I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your beautiful beautiful words. Thank you!! I am in tears reading this! And thank you so much for the prayers! xo
Thank you so much Karen for everything you do. I love the calendar!!!!! Blessings
Thank you Angelica! I appreciate your sweet support! xo
Hi Karen,
I love your blog and hope that you can continue with it.
Thank you for the lovely free calendar. It’s just gorgeous!
Katie, you are a gem! Truly! Love you xo
Hi, I read lots of blogs (through email). I hardly go to the actual blog sites and I almost never comment or like something. I guess a lot of people do that. I like the content but if we aren’t doing the things you want to see, then I can see how that would be frustrating. I’m sure keeping up with a blog would take a lot of time, so you’ll need to do what’s best for you.
Thank you Crystal! I appreciate you taking the time to comment, especially as it’s not something you would usually do. ๐So glad to have you reading along!
I love your content, and I can tell you put in lots of work into what you share. But keep in mind who you are called to be and sit to down write out your personal mission in this life and how everything else fits that, including you, your family, and this blog. Keep your family first for sure!!!
Thanks for the free printable. ๐
Thank you lovely Amy!! Absolutely, that is a great reminder. Family always comes first. ๐
Deat Karen, I have been reading your blog for several years. At some point (we were renovating our new flat) I was interested in design tips and ideas, but mostly I loved that you have kids (three ar that time, then four), and that your blog is kind of real-life. English is not my native language and I live in a different, very different country, so I never comment. But I love your honesty and humour. And your style. Your “wallpaper” is on the first screen of my laptop. You are very talented. I will enjoy your stories about teaching as much as your decorating stories, if you go teaching.
Ohhh this is the sweetest comment ever! You just made my day! I’m so, so happy to have you following along. And by the way, your English is PERFECT. Please never feel like you can’t comment because English is not your first language! You are amazing!! xo
Thank you Karen for these printables. Thank you for your honest email. I felt sad to read that you were struggling with keeping the blog going. I started coming on, because I needed some school lunch ideas and came across your blog. You do a wonderful job and I am sorry I don’t “come over” often enough, but I love that you share all these beautiful and creative ideas for homemaking. I already follow you on Instagram, but have just joined you on Facebook and have “invited” a few friends who I know to be keen homemakers. I’ll make sure to read your blogs more often and share what I like. Love to you xxx
Thank you so much Min, you are so very kind!! I really appreciate you spreading the word to your friends! xo
Hi Karen!
I have read your blog for about a year ( yep! I finally found you!) and it has been an emotional roller coaster of a year. I too get started reading and have small fires that need to be put out constantly interrupting. I pledge to be better showing my appreciation for your hard work- you are amazing woman and an organizational inspiration! Keep your head up and know how much you are appreciated even by those whose reading apparatus goes to sleep faster than they can finish devouring each paragraph.
Thank you for all the wonderful content you have developed and the free calendar is over the top awesome!
๐
Oh I totally get that!! I have a toddler who likes my undivided attention, so yep, reading things in short snatches is often the only thing that works for me too. I understand! I’m just so glad to have you here reading along however and whenever you can. I really appreciate your encouragement, sweet lady! xo
Darling Karen,
You do have a voice dear friend, and it speaks life, love and so much hope into my heart. PLEASE keep your voice out there. You are a gifted designer and SO creative, but the most beautiful thing about you is the voice that comes from your heart. You may not know this but your honest, humble and articulate words have blessed my mothering (and never forget that your amazing support has been a crucial part of my adoption journey). The unconditional love you have for your children and your determination to bring some happiness into this world comes through in every blog. There’s a book in you my dear. Much love xxx
Sweet friend!! I love you so much. You have been such a constant and unwavering support to me. Can’t tell you how much you mean in my life. xo
I really appreciate all you do. But I am not on social media. So I can’t follow you there. Thank you for all your work, effort and dedication to every one of us who read your blog. I wish you happy holidays from the Netherlands and hope that your blog is still open in 2019.
Thank you so much lovely one, I am so happy to have you reading along all the way from the Netherlands! xo
Hi Karen,
I am one of those people that alway look on instagram and never like or comment even when I love something. I actually had no idea that instagram worked like that. That explains why I feel like I never see everyone that Iโm following latest posts. I will make more of an effort to take that half a second to like and comment. On another note, I love your content and blog, I suppose I donโt comment because being a Mum restricts my time, I barely have time to read my emails even though I want to. However, I now know that this is very important for a blog to stay afloat and for you not to feel like all this work you do is for nothing. Thankyou for your heartfelt post, sending you much love and encouragement so hopefully you can continue to do what you love.
Thank you so much Heidi for your incredibly sweet words!! I am so blessed by your encouragement! I have learned a lot too from peoples’ comments, I know now that it’s not a matter of people not liking what I do, just that people don’t necessarily understand how to help out or why it’s important. And I also totally get having no time!! I never want you to feel like you have to do anything if you don’t have the time right at that moment. I truly understand this! And I am really so very grateful for everyone who has made the effort to reach out and comment or message me today! I am feeling quite overwhelmed by all this kindness! You are lovely xo
Karen, I just read your e-mail and it made me really sad because your blog and content is on the highest level. I’ve been following you for a long time and what you do is been helping me since. I am a teacher too, who likes organizing so I enjoy every post you write. Please keep posting as much as you can, we all would appreciate that. I am following you on Instagram and Facebook since I’ve read your e-mail and I will be giving you likes on every picture/post, I promise. Every hard work pays off, I believe in that and you should too. Greetings from a small country – Croatia, in Europe ๐ Have an amazing day!
Thank you so much, Tena! How kind of you! I really appreciate you being a long time reader and I’m so glad that what I’ve written has helped you. Thank you for being here and for your sweet support!! xo
Everyone needs a little ray of sunshine. Don’t go, stay and play.
๐๐๐Love this!! ๐
Stick to it if you can. Come back later if that’s better for the fam. Regardless, your work is beautiful, worthwhile, and lovely. If we can all leave some lovely in this world, wouldn’t that be grand?
I always knew I loved you, friend! xo
Hello Karen,
I love your blog and never comment or ‘like’ things…so I’ll try to do more of that from now on. I think you do a super job and I love all the decorating posts. I’m currently studying to be a teacher so if you do find the time to blog when you’re back to teaching next year, I know I would love to read posts about that too. Take care and hang in there x
Thank you Lorin, I so appreciate that, lovely one! Wishing you all the best with your teaching studies too!! xo
I’ve just discovered through your lovely email that you are also on Instagram. I’ve followed you there – I am @travelcook_ffm. Thanks for your beautiful work, will try and appreciate it more visibly from now on!
Aww thank you so much for the follow! I so appreciate your support! xo
Thank you for the beautiful calendar and your honest and moving e-mail. I, like many of the other readers, don’t usually comment on the blogs that I follow and read. I love your ideas and the photos that you post, and I would miss your blog if you were to stop blogging. I usually read the blog during my lunch time at work. Unfortunately, I am not on any of the social media by choice. Good luck if you decide to go back to teaching, because I understand that we all have to do what is best for our family.
Thank you Vangie! I completely understand not being on social media and I’m just so happy to have you reading along and enjoying what I create. I appreciate your well wishes! xo
It’s too easy to get caught up in our own busy lives and forget to thank someone like you who puts so much effort into making things better. So from one Aussie to another, thank you for all the planners, ideas and effort you put in. I hope you can continue but if you decide to stop I wish you all the very best. You deserve it.
Thank you so much, Julie! I’m grateful to have you here! xo
This seems to be a common theme of bloggers lately. I definitely read less blogs than I did maybe 8years ago..I rarely comment because I don’t really want to be that involved. The algorithms are a killer on Instagram. I mostly follow real-life friends but even the ads etc get in the way of those. Please keep posting as much as you are getting a personal result from it. I don’t really understand the behind the scenes business as I am solely a consumer, but generally I feel (as with anything) you should do it for you first. No one will enjoy it if you are not. Your site is clean, your presentation is great and I love your pictures. I think you are doing a great job, but it has to be paying off for you.
Thank you Angela. Such good thoughts and all so true! I appreciate you reaching out to connect! xo
I really like it, thank you!
Thank you Helen, you are sweet to say so! xo
Karen, thanks for this material! Great! Iยดm already following you in IG. Today I start following in fb
Keep on! Love from Argentina
Roxana
Thank you Roxana! I love that you’re following all the way from Argentina! So very grateful to have you here! xo
I’m am so guilty of not connecting and showing appreciation to bloggers. In MY mind, I have always thought, ‘I follow, so I enjoy. The blogger doesn’t need to hear from me’. It wasn’t until I started doing business online, that I realized how valuable that connection is…that knowing someone is listening and better yet, sharing. I’m listening, Karen. I’m loving your beautiful blog. I’m sorry I haven’t said so before now.
Oh girl, I totally get that! Thank you SO much for being here and reading along. I am so glad you enjoy what I create – that really does mean the world to me! xo
Hi Karen,
Jessica here from Texas. I followed your blog post after downloading your calendar printables that I use for work. I liked the recent post with the marshmallow snowmen. I enjoy getting content in my inbox. I also follow on Twitter and now Instagram. Thank you for your honesty and bravery. It says something to do what you are truly passionate about. I hope that you can continue to do so!
Thank you so much Jessica!! I really hope so too – this is a heart passion of mine for sure! xo
Thank you for the calendar, all your beautiful printables and inspiring design ideas! I often marvel at the creativity, hard work and discipline you put into your work here. I hope you are blessed in all your work, both inside and outside the home. ๐
Thank you Kristen!! ๐ That means so much to me! xo
Karen, you are amazing! What you do is completely inspirational. I just want you to know that I am super amazed and grateful for the beautiful work you do. How blessed you are with such a talent. Thank you for sharing it with us. ๐
Oh thank you so, so much! What a very sweet thing to say! ๐
KAREN!! You beautiful soul!! Your content is absolutely stunning and I’m guilty of missing so much of it in the hustle of mom life. I’ve been patting myself on the back for spending less time online and choosing to be very selective of what I’m subscribed to. So yes, I also haven’t been reading all your posts (and I’m not on Instagram or I’d be an addict!) but I too felt prompted to read your last email. Yours is the kind of open honesty that makes us want to support you even more! We shouldn’t find our value in “likes,” but the real truth is… WE DO! Especially when you’ve done such time-intensive, professional work. You deserve to be BIG!! And so now I’ve committed to make sure I see your stuff and support you as much as I can. Which… by the way… I AM OBSESSED *OBSESSSSSSSSED* with your Dreams by Design planner! I haven’t seen it before, and I’ve been searching for the perfect goal planner, so this post is very timely! I just sent two emails to see what my printing cost will be. ๐ I’m sure I’ll share it with my Type-A friend!! She will love the attention to details as much as I do! You really did an amazing job designing that. Oh hey! I’m also curious where you found such a gorgeous notebook cover for your planner. I’m sorry to hear you’ve been discouraged lately, but *BIG HUG* I really hope you can continue doing what you love and sharing your creativity and inspiration with us! You ARE making a difference and I love what you’ve done on this blog!
Oh Jessica! Your sweet note means the world to me! Thank you for your kind words!! I totally understand the busyness of life and being selective about the time you spend online and I respect that completely. I do the same thing. And oh my goodness – I am SO glad you love the planner!!!! That just made my day! I got my notebook cover from Kikki K but unfortunately they don’t make that particularly one anymore. They only seem to have very masculine black and felt ones at the moment. If you search “A4 compendium” on Etsy you can usually find some cute ones though. Thank you again for all your support, you are such a blessing! xo
Dear Karen,
I really hope that all the other comments already showed you that all your work and passion for this blog is not in vain! You are doing such a professional and lovely job! Your blog is the only one I follow and it is worth it. If I was on Instagram or Facebook I would follow you there. Do not doubt your talents and the gifts that God gave you.
Lots of love from Germany!
Nora, you are such a sweetheart! Thank you so much!! I really appreciate those encouraging words. You made me smile today! So grateful to have you reading along all the way from Germany. ๐
I love your content a lot – it’s so inspiring and creative!!! Love it and I learn a lot from you!
One of the many things I learned from your blog and it amazes me how alike mothers are all around the world. However, I’m just not active on social media… But please know that I do read, watch and admire you and your skills, talent, and great personality! I comment now (and will do it more often) only because I want YOU to feel needed and loved cause you just absolutely deserve it! Big hug from across the globe, Lithuaniaโค
Oh thank you SO much Margarita! You’re so right – mothers everywhere share the same joys and struggles. I love having you following along all the way from Lithuania. That is so special! I so appreciate these kind words! xo
I am a very recent recipient of your e-mails, so I can’t speak to the content you used to put out or anything, but just a piece of practical thought for your click-through problem… Probably more people are reading your e-mails than it seems but because you are putting the WHOLE post in the e-mail, once the reading is over, very few people will go to the effort to click on a link, scroll down to the bottom of a completely different web page, and comment there about an e-mail that isn’t on the page where they are commenting. Here is my suggestion, from the perspective of a reader: In your e-mails, only post the first few paragraphs of your story, and at the bottom have a link to “read more here” that takes the readers to your post. Then at the bottom of the post have the comment box appear above any previous comments and have the comments appear in reverse chronological order starting with the most recent (think youtube comments format). That way, even if there is already a few comments, people will still see the “open door” to leave a comment right away, rather than having to walk around the corner into an alley to say “hi” (ie, scrolling all the way to the bottom). Hope that suggestion helps! You’re doing a great job and your efforts are not unnoticed ๐
Thanks Katherine! Love the feedback about the comments form. Very smart! I appreciate the tip and I’ll look into that for sure. ๐
As for the emails, that is interesting because I actually never put the whole post in my newsletter, just a paragraph intro and then a big button that says “click here to read the post.” However when you sign up, there IS a series of about four emails you receive which are a whole letter in themselves, so I guess that might be what you’re thinking of since you’re fairly new to subscribing. The aim with those is a little different, it’s more about relationship building than getting click throughs. When I send my regular newsletter though, the format is very much what you’ve described here, and for exactly the reasons you said. ๐ Love the savvy feedback and I appreciate your sweet good wishes as well! So glad to have you reading along! xo
Karen,
Iโm not sure how I came across your blog but I enjoy your โsunshinyโ posts and printables. Iโm not a mom, but I enjoy your content nonetheless. I thought you were in the U.S. in New England (Hamptons) until I read the back porch posts at youโre parents completely. I know for me, since Google did away with their blog app, my engagement on blogs has diminished dramatically. Itโs more time consuming to post a comment without that app than it used to be. I am inspired by you and others to try my hang again at blogging. Iโm excited to get your planner and have it printed for 2019.
Yay Rachelle! So great to have you reading along! I’m grateful for you and for your kind words. Thank you for taking the time to connect! xo
I confess Iโm guilty of scrolling past at times or not clicking links. Why? Because I plan to go back and do it later…and never seem to make it back. That is unfortunate for me as I know I miss out on a great deal of beautiful things. Your blog, work and vulnerability are beautiful. I appreciate the heart on your sleeve and your willingness to share. I also appreciate the education about how the blogging, clicking, etc connect to how it creates or takes away income for you. I hadnโt a clue. Regardless of whether you return to teaching or continue blogging, or both, you are creating and sharing things that are beneficial to many of us. Thanks for spreading sunshine!
Vanessa, that means so much to me!! Thank you, kind soul!! xo
From one teacher to another, hang in there. I read all your posts and appreciate your prints, unfortunately, I am so pressed for time that I do not take a few minutes to leave comments. Until now, I did not realize how important that is for your blog and … your income. Please keep sharing your insights, ideas and feeling and continue creating your wonderful downloads. You are appreciated!!!! And if you return to teaching, I can just imagine how awesome your boards will look ๐
That is such a sweet thing to say, Patty! I appreciate you! Fellow teachers unite! ๐
You are doing an amazing job inspiring others and providing great content. Keep it up!
Thank you lovely Danielle!! I so appreciate that! xo
I’m guilty of not responding, & I send my sincerest apologies!! Until today, I was only subscribed to emails. Emails which I enjoy and look forward to! Thanks for painfully baring your soul b/c without that communication, I never would have known the significance of my lacking response! Currently, I’m a homemaker, mother of 2, and have an Associate’s Degree in Teaching. Yes…I need you, Karen. Through your publishing & posting, you help me stay grounded. Sometimes, it takes a shining soul such as yourself, to keep others reminded that they are normal and the chaos of their household is normal, too. Keep writing, for it is your creative outlet and you wouldn’t be yourself without it! Blessings & Happy Holidays ๐
Oh Renee!! Thank you so much for this beautiful sincere note! I am so grateful to have you here reading along and so very happy to know that I’ve brought you some joy. Wishing you a blessed Christmas as well! xo
I have read your email and have been in your position. Please know that you and your work inspire me. Hang in there. Life sucks sometimes but things are always changing. You do what is best for you and your family. We will still be here .
Thanks for your sweet understanding, Shanna! I appreciate you! xo
Printing a copy for my desk at work!!!
Yay!! Hope it brings you a little smile at work my friend! xo
Love you Karen! ๐
Hope everything works out.
xxxoooxxx
Aww, thank you so much lovely Lorna! ๐
Karen, as your doting Mum, I rarely comment on your posts on-line. Because we see so much of each other, and I try to encourage you as much as possible in a personal way, I sometimes miss out on specific appreciation for all of your hard work.
Dad and I are aware that you have gifts that neither of us possess. Yes! We did bring home the right baby from the hospital all those years ago! We love and appreciate you constantly! Never forget that! Always remember that you are precious to God, and to us! May 2019 be a joyful and fulfilling year for you in all that you do.
Thank you mama bear! xo
I too agree with many posters! I subscribe but really never comment on blogs but I do think itโs sad when there is a good post but no comments!
I had no idea about all the blog stuff!! I donโt have instagram or Facebook but I would follow if I did. I think your blog is lovely, bright and cheerful! And your freebies are beautiful. I also am enjoying your FREE book! Wow. That must have been a labor of love to just give it away.
Keep up the good work, you have a cheery place on the web๐
From the USA
Thank you so much Rachel, you’re a sweetheart! So glad you’re enjoying the book!! Yay!! That makes my heart happy! ๐
hi, I just recently found you and your website by pinterest. Always looking for a more effective ways to organise ๐
Trying to figure things out and finding the time to read your posts ๐ I like the way you approach things. greetings from the netherlands
Thanks so much, Andrea! So great to have you reading along! My husband is from a Dutch family (hence my last name!) xo