Laurel Denise's 2011 vs 2012 Planner

Laurel Denise makes a beautiful and practical planner. I bought the 2011 planner and as long as she continues to make planners, it'll be the only one I buy and recommend to others.

I just received my 2012 planner today and I thought it would be fun to do a comparison. These are just my opinions and I'm sure not everyone will agree.

• Covers (Inside and Out)

2011- I can't remember (nor find) the description for the cover of this planner. I believe it was a "kraft" paper cover. Don't quote me! It kind of reminded me of "brown paper packages tied up with strings" (Sound of Music). I loved the plain brown cover, though I had issue with the corners because they started to bend slightly with age (and being tossed into my purse all the time). The logo was on the bottom right, which I enjoyed. The inside pocket was high which I liked. It tucked things in very well.

2012- I personally think that the cover is sturdier than the 2011. It also feels silkier than the 2011 cover and I feel like if I spill something on it I could just wipe it off (not sure if this is true, just saying). The logo is centred and you have the choice of I believe 5 colours (pink, blue, green, grey, yell0w) for the cover. The inside pocket is lower and has a lovely striped pattern on it! That being said, I don't mind that the pocket is lower.

• Front Page

2011- Though plain, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It had a place to write your name and contact details on the bottom right (if you were ever to lose it...the horror!). I think the space was nice if you are a doodler and wanted to "make it your own" or just to add stickers or decorate or perhaps tape a photo to it.

2012- The logo sits on it as well as a space to write your goals for each month of the year. I think it's clever and allows you to see how you've grown and changed and aspired. It still has space for your name and contact details.

• Calendar/Weekly View

2011/2012 - I love how this planner allows you to view the month and week at the same time as your notes for what you want to do this day and week. It's small, but I believe it gives you enough space to write what you want to.

Unfortunately, I do have one small issue with the weekly view. The calendar does not necessarily stop at that month. For example, Jan 2012 ends on the 31st. With the last week starting on the 30th. The 30th and 31st aren't in the Jan 2012 section, but are carried over to the Feb 2012 section. I'd prefer all of Jan to be in that section, with perhaps extra space to doodle or something. But once again, that is just my opinion.

I'd also like tabs put on each week, but I it's an easy fix (I use a clear post it tab to keep track of which week I'm on).

• Tabs for each month

2011- The tabs were bigger and square. I actually prefer the size of these tabs because they're slightly easier to grip, as well as see each month. They are not stamped on the back, as you can see.

2012- These tabs are shorter and round. I would prefer them to be taller. I like how they are rounded though. I DO like how the month is stamped on both sides of the tabs.

Overall, I'm a fan of these planners. They are cleverly thought out and executed. My hat is off to you, Laurel Denise!

Please forgive the photos. I am by no means a photographer. I hope I was able to illustrate the differences!