I like making lists, and find that I'm more apt to actually get things done if I map out my ideas, plans, and goals.
I don't plan my days out down to the minute, or stick to a rigid schedule, but if I want to make sure to get a special project done it helps if I plan ahead to do it on a certain day.
Enter the Happy Planner. I had heard a lot about Happy Planners. I saw the lovely spreads others were doing in them, and thought it would make a pretty keepsake type of thing to look back on, especially since my journaling has become sadly lacking.
The girls found some at a greatly discounted price, and so the three of us embarked on the Happy Planner journey.
I soon found that I don't really care for the planner. The little squares were much too small for me and my need for words. I stuck to it though, week by week preparing a pretty spread with only the tiniest amount of actual plans and highlights.
My actual planning took place elsewhere, and the happy part of the Happy Planner was feeling like more of a chore and not so happy to me.
I tried my best to like this planner, but have finally admitted defeat. I'll be returning to using only my binders and the loose leaf paper that I can write as much or as little as I want to. I can plan out my days complete with menus for our meals, books to read or request from the library, crafts I want to do, tasks I need to get done, phone calls to make, appointments, and any other little thing that I may want to add. There's room for it all.
I liked the washi tapes and stickers that came with the Happy Planner, I may even miss them just a little, but not enough to that I want to return to it.
To all the ladies who love their Happy Planners. I'm so happy for you! I wish I could be numbered among you.
I like plain paper too, it works for me. Wishing you a yours a wonderful new year.
ReplyDeletePlain paper offers so many options!
DeleteHope your new year is off to a lovely start.
I’m with you. I tried a fancy planner last year and it didn’t work for me at all. Not nearly enough room. I say, stick with what works for you. :-)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
Ahhh ... so you understand the struggle. The fancy planners are so pretty though!
DeleteI like the idea of a planner. Every year I try a different one. I end up using my notebooks. I like them pretty, and pay more for them because of that but it is still cheaper that the planners.
ReplyDeletePretty notebooks are the best!
DeleteI use notebooks also. I set up my planner the way I want it to be, not as planned out for me. Do whatever works for you I say.
ReplyDeleteI guess I have to design my own planner if I want it to be both functional and pretty.
DeleteI haven't found the time or patience yet to do that, so notebooks it is. They work great.
I have a planner that I use for my business but I need something for my life and can't seem to find any one that works. I have never tried a Happy Planner.
ReplyDeleteGlad you have one for your business. Life planners need so much more. At least mine does if I want to get everything in there.
DeleteI, too, prefer a ring binder of plain notebook paper!
ReplyDeleteI love how a ring binder provides so much more flexibility in your planning.
DeleteThere's nothing wrong with a notebook. You can always buy some colorful washi tape to pretty it up if you want to.
ReplyDeleteTrue!
DeleteI was never one for making lists at all, except in my head. But I think now it might do me good to make a physical list. I would prefer the notebook anyway...
ReplyDeleteLists and planners aren't for everyone, but they work for me.
DeleteI say find the book that you like, some good ink pens or markers, some stickers and make your own happy! You'll have more room to write and probably a lot more fun and less stress!
ReplyDeleteBut I love the concept! Some of my art blogger friends do really interesting and beautiful things.
I admire those beautiful things others create.
DeleteThanks for visiting me at Delight of the Heart. I would need bigger space to write in a planner too.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking the perfect planner may be out there somewhere, and I simply haven't found it yet.
DeleteThe planner is very pretty, but I agree I would need more space to write. Thanks for visiting my blog today.
ReplyDeleteMy Grandma would probably have said, "pretty is, a pretty does" to describe this planner. Pretty, but not practical for me.
DeleteI used to use a pretty planner, but it was only for appointments. I now do that on my phone. I have a pretty notebook for my planning and "to do" list, because, like you, I need space for my words!
ReplyDeleteThis one would work nicely for appointments. I'd have a lot of empty space though, because my life doesn't involve a lot of those.
DeleteI love making lists! And unlike you I think that planners like that actually would help me more, although I have yet to get one. Currently I use my phone or notebook paper.
ReplyDelete(Beautiful blog, by the way!)
I hope you get to have a planner like this someday! I really wish it would have worked out better for me.
DeleteMy husband uses a bullet journal which is not exactly like a happy planner but a blank book that you customize. I tried it but gave up after I took my blank book, divided it into months, labeled each month and each month into days, etc....I am sure you can see where this is going. LOL!
ReplyDeleteI don't have a Happy Planner but I do have a planner that makes me happy. :) I ordered it (and a very reduced price) from Dayspring. The squares for the month's calendar are a bit small, but directly following each calendar is a nice section with each day of the month listed and a nice amount of writing space to help me through my day.
ReplyDeleteI think people who have a lot of experience writing, journaling, planning, etc will find that planners aren't the best fit. You've got too much to write down and different areas to address. A bullet journal is better but honestly, it's pretty much the same thing you do with your binder and even better because you can switch the pages around. You can always make your binders pretty with the washi tape, stickers, even pretty paper you can slip into the sleeves and can change them out when you are ready for a change. I love your binder idea as the book also lays flat. oh! and you can get paper in different colors if you'd like to make it a bit more colorful on the inside. So many great ideas but I really love your binder idea.
ReplyDelete