Last fall, MAMBI released a new planning layout that most in the Happy Planner Community refer to as the “dashboard layout” or “supermom layout.” Like most other MAMBI planners, it is based on a 2 page per week spread. But unlike the other planners, it provides a weekly notes page along with just one weekly page.

Who else is a list maker or functional planner? This layout caught my eye as it reminded me of the weekly insert I had created and used for a year in an A5 binder (you can snag those inserts here). However, this planning layout has provided challenges for many users.

Challenges of the Dashboard Layout

First, what to do with that dang colored box in the top left corner? I loved the color theme for January 2019 and used the mint colored box to provide inspiration in decorating the spread. But, alas, not all planners were thrilled with the color.

Second, why the headings used on the boxes on the left page? The colored box is labeled “errands” and other boxes on that page are labeled “to buy”, “calls and emails,” “bills to pay,” and “focus.” Those labels feel constricting to many planners.

Third, what to do with all the “mom” sayings in the planner? Each week you will find a mom saying in the lower right corner of the notes page. Some planners love the colorful sayings, but others (who are not moms but love this layout) want to cover the sayings. Even if you purchased the 6 month dashboard extension pack (which is not mom themed), you find yourself looking at the same saying throughout all weeks of any given month.

Challenge Solutions and Inspiration

Planners can be very creative and I’ve seen several suggestions that address the challenges this planning layout can provide.

First, the colored box. You can use scrapbook paper or white sticker paper, cut to size, to cover the box. Some planners use MAMBI sticker books to make that box their own.

Second, and probably the easiest to solve, the headings. White out can be a planner’s best friend! And, again, MAMBI comes to the rescue with small sticker boxes that can cover the headings.

Third, the mom sayings. Scrapbook paper, sticker paper, and MAMBI stickers are often used to hide these sayings.

I belong to a Facebook group that has been my go-to on those weeks when I just want to throw my hands up in the air with frustration. The group Happy Planner Dashboard Layout Inspiration is the perfect place to visit for inspiration.

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Dashboard Sticker Kits

Etsy shop owners have long created weekly kits for multiple planners with Erin Condren and Happy Planner leading the pack. But for now those kits seem to be limited to the vertical and horizontal layouts. With the rumored upcoming release of 18 month dashboard planners, though, I am sure many Etsy shops will be jumping on the planning dashboard-style board!

I have been working on creating my own stickers for this layout and was especially pleased with how this #colorfebruary2019 week’s spread came out.

I thought I’d share a version of this week’s kit with you in case you have reached one of those “throw your hands up in the air” moments. The kit includes both a PDF and a Silhouette Cut File. If you download and use it, I’d love to see it! Just use the tag #itsagrandnewlife on either Instagram or Facebook so that I can ooh and aah over your planner 🙂

Dashboard BW 2