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2017 is just around the corner! I really like the start of the new year because it’s like a fresh start for everything. Of course you can start fresh any time you want, but the new year is also a time for new planners. There’s something really nice about writing in your new planner and creating goals for the new year. For 2017, I already have my new Erin Condren Life Planner ready to go; it’s beautiful and I can’t wait to use it. This year Michael’s Craft Store has come out with their new line of spiral bound planners from their brand, Recollections. I’ve heard a lot of good things about it, so I had to pick one up. I hope this first look/review helps you if making a decision to purchase the 2017 Recollections 12-month spiral planner.
2017 Recollections 12-Month Spiral Planner First Look
Outside the planner
They had a lot of these new spiral planners at my Michael’s — I picked up this black and white-striped cover with pink flower accents and gold-foiling flower detail and ‘2017’ centered near the top. The back cover has the same design without gold-foiling detail or the year. The covers are laminated and feel study; they are interchangeable but I didn’t see any sold separately. The pages are 7.5″ x 9.25″ (19cm x 23.4cm). My coil is gold and I got the vertical layout.
Inside the planner
According to the information card, this planner contains:
- monthly & weekly calendar pages (174 total pages)
- divider pages
- pocket folder
- zip pocket
- 384 stickers
Right inside the cover is a black and white pattern and the first page has a section for your personal information under, “This Life Belongs To:”
I really like the month view header which has a ombre color change under a really pretty script font that says the month. I also really like the font on the days of the week and the numbers; very crisp. Each of the numbers on the month view is on a little colored flag which I think is cute.
The weekly view is very clean and nice. I like the font again and the shaded sections for Goals for the week and the lined list section underneath. The pages feel thick and nice. I haven’t written anything yet, so I can’t say how they’ll behave with ink bleeding through. I usually don’t have any problems with any bleed through with my favorite Sharpie pens
The holidays printed on each specific day seem a little faint or pixilated, but that doesn’t really bother me. There are lined pages before the next month which is nice for mapping out your month or putting in your budget.
I was so impressed that there are so many stickers included! There are the basic stickers that say, “birthday” or “appointment”, but then some cute list stickers and to-do stickers and flags and icons/emojis. I love that they gave some variety especially with the price, but I don’t really care for the colors that much.
There’s a folder and a zipper pocket in the back which seem strong and good quality.
Pricing
This planner is priced at $30, but Michael’s always has coupons going around (don’t make a purchase without a coupon) and my planner was $15. What?! I feel like this planner is such a great value!
Review
I will be using this Recollections 12-Month Spiral Planner primarily for my blog next year since I already have a personal planner, but I can see this planner being a great option for anyone looking for a bright, fun planner. I love the colors and the fonts and the tons of stickers included, but you seriously can’t beat the price! Plus, Michael’s had tons of variety so you can just find the one you like and start planning today.
