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I use a discbound, mostly because I can change my layout on a monthly/weekly basis. My seasons seem to change regularly. I need to decorate but it needs to work for me more than anything, so I bought different formats, I print and change as I need while staying in my planner. Now, I am hooked on the color of discs and matching cover/dashboards.
You said out loud what I've been thinking without realizing it..."i want to be like them." Wow. That's powerful. Thank you!! Acknowledging this is going to help me be at peace with my current planner process & not keep wanting to be like awesome content creators.
It is powerful to say it out loud isn't it. I realize this about a lot of things in life. Instagram has really made the planner decisions more complicated....IMO! LOL. We can only take seeing so much and our lives, minds, hearts, and responsibilities aren't like the person we see on IG....in fact many times that spread was made just for IG;)
Love these tips! I’ve tried a new layout by buying inserts instead of a whole new planner and printing out samples from company websites, and I have always decided against buying the new planner. It’s amazing how you think something will solve all your planning problems, and then you discover that there’s a great reason why you’re using the planner you already have 💛
What a smart thing to do, Kim! And you’re right. Every time I buy and try a new layout that I’m sure will solve everything, I end going back to my tried and true planners.
I am in need of a new planner for 2025. I am thinking of Plum Paper, My Agenda or Passion Planner. I have a few months to try different things. I am currently in an EC LP but it is not working for my life right now.
This was an excellent video. You covered quite a bit, especially, what works for you now. After retiring from a government job and then closing my daycare and an empty nest, none of my previous planners worked for me. I tried a lovely Tudor planner for two years before i bit the Happy Planner bullet. My first, classic vertical was a nightmare. Within a month or so i passed on that and got the Classic mini dashboard. Success! I’m ending my second year of the larger classic and it serves me well. Some of the planners listed in the comment gave me a headache😂. You have to remember what not only works in your present life but how your brain processes the format. Thanks for the in-depth presentation.
Sterling Ink A5 common planner is my perfect planner. I also keep an B6 in my purse. But… I also love discs and being able to move things around. I use a HP for my teacher planner (which I love to be able to add my needed docs into my planner on the discs) and I also have a separate frankenplanned health/wellness and meal planner and notes section. I need paper that doesn’t bleed. I need dated- no extra work. I need neutral, not loud or distracting and I really need lots of writing space for journaling, note taking, habit tracking and goals sections. I hate bulky coils. I do decorate some with stickers but not crazy. But truly, commonplanner is my planner peace for my overall every day planner. It took me years to arrive. But I now stick to this combo every year and feel no need or desire to deviate.
I have relied less on the beauty factor of a planner as I get older now. I like the pages to be crisp, clean, neutral so I can put down whichever stickers whereever I want and not worry about the possibility of holiday stickers clashing with Spring Flowers for example. I know now, after years of trial and error, that I need flexibility, space, and low cost when it comes to planners and I can then personalize it myself when I have the inclination and time to do so. I am no artist and it's not perfect but it's mine and no one else has to see it besides me.
I agree with you , I love the hobonichi cousin as a journal only. I went back to a paper planner and stopped trying to use a hobonichi cousin as my main planner .
I like functional stickers. I understand making a planner pretty with stickers - but I can’t do that! I like stickers for appts, payday etc. I like using washi to block out vacations days or days off work.
This was great timing! My passion planner should arrive in a day or two because it is exactly what I need. After spending four years trying so many options based on features such as appearance and FOMO, I just need functionality. It was fun trying out everything though 😅
I tried the paper Passion Planner some years back but couldn’t really get on either it. I think I found it too constrictive as far as writing goes. Used the Legend Planner and Go Girl planner but ultimately fell out of love with using paper planners. I’ve decided to try digital planning. Found most digital planners too much and overwhelming so I’m now trying Passion Planner digital planner. I love how I can zoom in and out of the pages to write rather than squeeze my writing into a tiny space. Also the benefits of adding note tags to add additional into if I need to. Easier to customise too.
Still totally in love with my MomAgenda! I did recently pick up a Passion Planner to try because I loved the cover and was tempted. I ended up not liking all the black and it felt to busy for me. I have my MomAgenda already for next year so I will just stay there where I know I am fully content. I know what I like and how I plan yet still get caught up in the temptation to try things.
I love happy planner so I bought every layout on Etsy so whenever I want to switch it up I print whatever I want. As far as covers I buy happy planner notebooks when they’re on clearance & not only do I get a new cover but I also get pretty note paper 🤷🏼♀️. Works for my bank account
Thank you, Amanda! This is the first video of yours that I have ever seen. I subscribed very quickly. Your advice is wonderful and it comes at the perfect time. I am, indeed, looking for next year's planner. I'm even contemplating making my own. I love the planner brand I've been using for years, but for some reason, this year my planner has not worked for me. I'll probably watch this video more than once because of all of your great ideas! ❤
I absolutely love this video more than any other "planner" video I've watched over the years. I feel seen in this video. I'm a hairstylist, mom, and i have acrazy busy schedule with all the life things. I've loved all the pretty things...but I need super functional for my business. As much as I want to be a color, sticker, and all the other amazing products available for planning person, it took me buying a simple little A5 size hourly planner with pencil, pen and hilighter/google calendar combo, and that works for me. So thank you for helping me to be seen that simple is ok. ❤
Yay! It's so great when you know what works for you! I can't wait to see what her launch looks like too! I will be doing a video the day before launch;)
LOL!!! We all need to have a good laugh about that one! And that must mean EC is really doing something right....and yet they don't have the layout we need so they have more to work on;)
@AmandasFavorites yes. I love the daily duo, but I am one of the few who do not like the new changes. So, I'm using a filofax agenda with May Paper Co inserts. She's a small Australian company that is becoming quite popular. She ships worldwide.
Erin condren planners is pretty and works for me. I going to with daily duo this year. I had bought few different ones past few years and only end up using hers LifePlanners.
This is great! I start writing out my needs for the following year in July-for me: hardbound weekly and monthly with thick paper, separate daily list, weekly long list on weekly. Separate journal with journal paper. I did buy a simplified only for the cover that I pick up on a really hectic day😂. Love that you addressed the FOMO😊
Perfect timing with this video, Amanda! Good advice. One planner that comes to mind is Amplify. It's such a functional planner but the covers are not aesthetically pleasing. Tough decisions coming up with the planner season in full swing.
There's pretty as in, it looks good and possibly works well too. Then there's pretty for the sake of it, which often requires that YOU make it pretty, as if THAT is the goal of planning. I'm glad your recommendations are always on the pretty and functional side, Amanda!
Really good point that "pretty" can mean you are decorating every page. For me that is more like memory keeping- but I understand to many people that is their actual planning;) I wish I could be a decorative planner...but that's just not my life- nor personality right now.
It's so funny seeing this video because I'm thinking of going back into Passion Planner. I have a daily that isn't full yet. I'm going back to basics that I know work for me. I dislike tomoe river paper but I kept trying it because it's in the new trendy planners. I thought to myself what do I need, and I need to go back to what works. For 2025 it will be Passion Planner or Hemlock and Oak because heavier paper works, vertical and hourly work. I won't be buying anything else this year, I have dailies, and both H&O and Passion Planner have printables so I'll be using those for the rest of the year.
Thank you for this! I had a Hemlock and Oak that I bought because (1) it's Canadian (2) I like the simple design (3) I support their eco-friendly philosophy and a few other reasons that actually have nothing to do with whether or not it would work for me. It didn't because I don't like vertical or hourly. I just wanted to be someone who does! 😂 Luckily, it was undated so I gave it to my SIL, who likes it. Expensive lesson learned...or not. I've done similar things since.
Hi Amanda, I HAVE been watching - have just been so BUSY! I'm still using my made-up planner BUT I realized I missed memory planning with all the stickers and washi so I dug out the A5 Undated Common Planner I bought in two parts and started up with that for memory keeping again. These videos are GREAT btw, the last few weeks I have been watching, just have not had a chance to comment. LOVE this content! Also, I really like the fact that Better Help is sponsoring you. Although my generation is the "deal with it later" one, or whatever us borderline boomers are, I have seen what therapy can do for people, good for you! Thanks so much for these videos! ☺☺
Oh my goodness, YES!! I have been going crazy trying to find something that works for me for the season I am in right now. I have bought many "pretty planners", and I fell into the Laurel Denise Facebook group. I went whole-hog into that and FORCED myself to make it work. So unhappy. So unorganized. I watched so many videos of how others used it, and I just couldn't make it work. It's a beautiful planner, and I love it, but it isn't working for where I'm at right now. Bought a Happy Planner. Ugh. Bought some Amazon planners. Ugh. Tried Bullet Journaling. Ugh. Much money later, I had enough. I finally found something that works, and it was something very unexpected. Watching your videos has helped me soooo much! I appreciate all of your feedback, opinions, and tips.
Thank you for sharing this:) I am glad you finally landed on what works for you in your season:) I totally understand what you have described! That's the exact reason I made this video. xxx
I’ve been using Prayerful Planner quite a bit for the last couple of years. They have a daily & a weekly. Their layout is so versatile that I can use it differently day. Some days, it’s my Bible study, some days it scripture writing. Some days it’s brain dump, some days it’s a schedule. Some days is a combo of different things. She includes a card for how to prayerfully plan your day. Other attempts have been the Daily Grind which is excellent for goal setting & tracking but I find I’m not always in a goal setting season. So it’s a bit limiting for me.
There are several planners that include budget pages...and you can certainly journal on the planner pages...but not sure if that is enough journaling for you? Colibri is one I just shared on Instagram with a 15% off code too: AMANDASFAVORITES . Clever Fox has many planners with budget included too...and I have a whole playlist for them and discount code too:)
Plum Paper Co. in San Diego lets you design the planner/journal from the ground up; you can choose the layout, the types of pages (from budgets to meal planning to journal pages to coloring pages) as well as the cover and coil type.
I am so guilty of buying way more pretty planners than I could possibly use. That said I always go back to a coiled monthly planner with pages. It is really what I need and what works for me. I don’t need to hyper-plan each day. I only need an overview and a checklist that I make myself. I still occasionally try new planners but I always return to my coil monthly. I am loving plum paper with it customizations. This will be the first year I only use my coiled planner-no more Ashley Shelly although I love and support her monthly planners. I need to pare down. Love you Amanda and thanks for the videos they are so helpful!
That’s why I love the sampler pack with the last Erin Condren launch. She had us sample all 5 of her layouts and I found out one thing: I have a very difficult decision next time I buy an Erin Condren planner!! And I ordered the one she has now on her website to try those layouts again!! It was so much fun to do that🤣😁😫😩❤❤!!!
I enjoy the Prayerful Planner. As a retired person, I don't need time blocks and really like the daily page layouts. I use stickers on occasion but mostly use a couple of Mr. Pen highlighters each day. I had an Erin Condren planner and never used it. That was sad.
I went through the same process, I bought so many pretty planners that I wanted to love. Eventually I realized that, like you, I wanted to see my week on one spread, but I also wanted as much as I could in one planner, (meal planner, goal planner, budget planner & weekly journal) I’m not good at juggling multiple planners. I decided on the “She’s in Her Apron Planner” planner, it’s cute but I also add Cocoa Daisy stickers every month, plus I add Makse Life’s monthly goal pages to my planner and it works the best. I’m use it every single day, plus I realized I like my daily planner separate from my weekly planner so I can have my weekly open as I plan my day and use a A5 Erin Condren weekly for that.
Hey Holly:) I loved hearing about your system! What a great combination you have working for you:) I also like to see my weekly as I plan in my daily:)
Thank you so much for talking about this! I've had to really pivot my planning (and channel!) to reflect more realistic planning system for my life and budget. So much of planning is so personal and it needs to be functional above all else! Thanks so much😊
Your timing is perfect. I was just thinking this week that the layout I have used for years doesn't work now because I need a new section for my mom's care.and then I saw the daphnies diary planner for 2024 and thought oh I need that it is pretty. But it doest do what I want for my mom. The idea of a list is perfect! It will help me avoid the pretty trap as I search.
I am glad this came out at the right time to be helpful! Thanks for sharing your experience...you know what you need and I am sure you will make the best decision to help you manage your life and your Mom's care. xxx
Amanda, I love all your tips in this video. You always have such good ideas and how to use planners how to shop for planners and find the one that will fit our own personal need.❤
I tried an A5 rings daily (EC), thinking I would love the room. Hated it because I need a weekly and thought I needed a bigger size as well. Hated it but used the entire year. Last year, I tried strings, EC petite. Couldn't afford double so I scrunched it up for a week at a time. Wasn't about to draw lines in the whole thing so I just diviided it up into kinda horizontal day sections. Not enough space, not enough space on the A5 side bar. Discovered I did like the strings idea. If I could afford a separte insert for each 'category', that would be interesting and maybe workable. Haven't used a coil or teacher planner so I had an EC teacher I haven't tried yet. A B5 Stalogy I haven't tried yet because that means drawing lines, dating, all of it. Still have bits and pieces, I could HP frankenplan. Just ordered the large Passion Planner. Really need functional aspect without having to do lines and dates. Mine looks like yours except worse. I do wall to wall scribbling no matter which size apparently. I do very much love color but don't use stickers and absolutely figured out function is a non-negotiable. Have never switched horses mid stream but since the Passion starts July, this year may be the one to give it a go. Arrraaagggghhh! How could something seemingly so simple be so complicated? Good luck, everyone!:)
I can relate! I've been flip-flopping between Erin Condren and Passion Planner for years. I love the functionality of PP and the paper and more adult feel of the EC. I can't tell you how many times I've wished for a hybrid PP/EC which would be my ultimate planner!
Great video. Its exactly the problem I'm having right now. I used the hobonichi weeks and the a6 this year. The layout has been working great and its really pretty, in a different way than the elegant simplified that I used before but I like it. I thought I was going with the same setup for next year, and now I've seen the sterling ink release. And the pretty factor makes me question my choices. The layout is similar enough that it will be okay no matter what I choose, but I feel like the sterling ink might be better for me, with the size options of the planner and how clean it is, and I even think I would only need one planner for both weekly and daily. But I like the prettiness of the hobonichi and I'd miss it. There's not a lot of time left to choose.
I’ve tried most of EC. Now I use and love compact vertical. But back in the day I used Walmart /home depot ones. And they were good too. I do love the the upgrades and customizations of EC.
I switched after 8-10 years with EC to Agendio this year. I did mine in EC colors but have so much more function. I have my goal setting integrated in my planner and I am LOVING it. Agendio has incredible paper quality (you can actually choose between 3 different weights). I jokingly feel like people that say they like Hobonichi are lying to themselves.;) I can't commprehend being ok with that paper.
I haven't reviewed Agendio in years! Thanks for reminding me of what a great planner they offer. and I had to laugh at your Hobonichi comment! LOL! We are all so different!
Honestly, I do not get "the pretty factor." I don't care about the cover because I use a leather planner cover. I've been using the Hobonichi Cousin (switching to Hobonichi Day Free this year) specifically because it is so plain inside. I get to make it beautiful--I get to pick the washi, stickers, stamps, colors, etc. I absolutely need the correct paper though; I like thin paper (so I can carry my A5) and it can't have a lot of bleed-through (as I like pens, fountain pens, markers). I really like the vertical format, but I'm picking the Day Free so I can set up my own bujo-type weekly spreads with larger boxes. (I also do NOT understand switching planners during the calendar year. That would make me crazy--there's so much I do to re-set my planner each year.) There are plenty of planner communities where you don't need to have a specific planner or vibe to play. Since I like to support small shops this is a great option for me.
haha I've definitely been guilty of seeing a perfectly adequate planner and deciding against it because I wanted a planner that other planner people were using. Luckily I ended up with a horizontal Sterling Ink Common Planner that is the perfect layout for my brain, and is also pretty! But also, I would say, get creative with the planner content you're watching. Because like the vast majority of Common Planner users have vertical weeklies (for now, at least. We'll see if that changes now that she's offering horizontal layouts in all sizes.) But I've had a lot of fun and gotten a lot of inspiration with people's Hobonichi Weeks videos because it's basically the same layout. So if you're getting more of an obscure planner, maybe try to find popular planners that are similar and look for inspiration from those.
Great video, I don’t like coil planners, as I cannot move the pages around. I love discs planners half letter is my favorite. I use Janes agenda, since I can change the covers monthly for each season a well as the dash boards. I do carry a mini HP in my purse. For the first time in over 15 years I was considering sterling ink, but the ghosting would drive me insane. I do not like that type of paper. I will stick to my discs why change what what’s worked for so long.
I enjoy your videos. I tried almost every planner out there, but I keep coming back to Erin Condren. I love the layouts and colors, fonts and paper quality. I’m currently using the EC daily duo and the Laura Denise horizontal planner. I think I won’t be repurchasing the Laura Denise. The boxes are too small and I need more space. I know what I need and I’m going to continue to buy and Erin Condren planners. I’m a very functional person and I finally know what works for me.
So I found I needed a planner back in 2021. I tried Happy Planner and did like that but there were problems for me. I tried Hobonichi Cousin Avec 2022 and then the Cousin yearly last year. There was still something I was missing. It wasn't until I got into Wonderland222 all in one unstacked, that I found my niche. There are a couple of months blank, but that is cause I was very sick. I am on just now getting back into the planner
The prettiness is not what I’m falling for, but I’m still looking for an undated monthly + 2 pages per day daily planner with a lot of space without weekly’s.
I am not familiar with a lot of ring options. Maybe others will chime in here. But Franklin Covey seems like a good one to look at;) I used them years ago myself;)
@@Robin-px9rc thank you for the recommendation, I checked it out, there’s not enough space for me and I don’t use weekly overviews. I found a notebook with blank pages and personalised it so that I have an emotional connection to it, and so far it works great, I accomplished double the amount of relevant tasks and stick to my new habits. It’s only been five days, but that’s a better outcome than I had ever before.
ive spent 2 years wanting to love the hobonichi planner (A6 and then the cousin), and this video made me realize its really the traveler's notebook that im consistent with that i deeply enjoy (and need to go back to) but am distracted with "whats pretty" and trying to be the person who uses a hobonichi
There are beautiful travelers notebooks! Happy Scrappy sells beautiful Kawai inserts, and Planner Perfect sells designs that she hand paints and then scans. I’m sure there are others, and you could also make your own!
Great advice. I want to get down to one planner, except for a separate journal. My problem now is to figure out which size Passion Planner is best. After watching this video I will track the same information on a small and also medium planner in preparation for 2925. Thanks for your advice.
That's a great idea to test the sizes that way:) I also have a Passion Planner comparison video with all 3 sizes in it that might be helpful to see them all side by side;)
I know what I want. I have basic criteria. I want (NEED) a vertical, weekly planner. I want my weekly and monthly together. I don't like lots of other "guided" boxes, goal planning, trackers, or anything else. I ❤ stickers, no, I mean I REALLY love stickers. I want to be able to change my cover, I like spiral bound covers, and I don't want to have to date my planner. The EC vertical life planner is my perfect planner. I don't know how next year is going to go. I am trying the Happy Planner because ... Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice! But really, I don't know how I feel about disc bound planners. I want to frankenplan, so Maybe? We will see.
I just bought my first Planner Perfect order because I used all my passport and narrow TN inserts. So I’m trying Personal size. I love TN systems, so a bound book… I know not to get.
I saw one like the one you’re using at Walmart. Not sure what it was called. Went back and they’d sold out. The passion planner looks like the EC hourly kinda.
What causes me to pull the trigger and purchase that planner? 1) It is customizable. 2) It is dated. 3) Saturday and Sunday are given as much space as the weekdays. 4) There is an area for a weekly To Do list. 5) It is very customizable!!! I prefer functional but a little pretty is a happy benefit so long as it doesn’t get in the way of functionality.
I realize that I wouldn’t even notice if the planner is pretty or not when I am actually using it. I just ignore all the visual elements (unless they serve a certain function or are illustrating events of the day) and even find them distracting. The cover could be pretty, but for the inside it works better when it’s simple, clean and well structured. At least that’s the case for me.
Whats funny for me is that the planner that actually works for me and my life, comes from a company and an owner I don't like. Like I do not feel connected to their mission and I don't feel she's talking to me, but her planner is exactly what I need 😂
Well that means that you really are paying attention to what you need and what works for you in this season! Good for you;) I think we get confused thinking what planner we use we also have to love the owner and vibe with them.
I tend to like the disc/BIG happy planner using extended disc size. Mainly because I had a year subscription to Canva & was able to make my own planner sheets & really played around with pages that I liked or wanted to make my own & with a disc puncher, I can design whatever I want however I want or need it to be (& I was able to make as many different pages so I have a slew of different planning pages… & I was able to download my creations ~ for example… I don’t tend to meal plan like everyone else… I meal plan-ish. LOL 🤣 I take inventory of the perishables that I have on hand, look at the sales ads on what is on deep discount, add any regular needed items we tend to use & add those 2 things to the grocery list (ESPECIALLY produce & meat on sale … very good to be able to freeze things for later use 😂) & when I make our “meal plan” it’s more in the style of a menu at a restaurant & then it’s crossed off the list. BUT I ALSO HAVE… “picnic items” we can or need to use (we homeschool & have 2 different homeschool groups we attend weekly for outings) & “Ingredient/meal Preps” to do like thawing meat, cut up watermelon, process the meat for freezer, make pinto beans/refried beans (& I highlight the things I’ve done so I or anyone else can see at a glance it’s done), etc … “quick meals,” “sides,” & a “need to use up this week” box as well. I HATE the daily ones as we tend to have things pop up often & sometimes ~ often ~ we just have to go with the flow… & I can look back & see when we made refried beans if it’s still in the fridge… & can see what day I made them b/c usually I reverse plan when it comes to meals & scratching things out or having to use white out all the time drives me 🦇💩 crazy so I’ve learned to adapt in how I work it. Plus I can move my stuff around so that it flows better… that includes our budget that I can print off from pages or that I just draw on paper I have on hand (trying to use up some of the stuff I have on hand so my stash gets less crazy 😂). So I can use Pages (MacBook) or the downloaded files I have saved in my files of ALL the pages I made & just use the one I either want to try or seems like it makes the most sense in that season of life. It’s also why if I can buy the digital version of a planner, I will & save it to my files & just print whatever I need at that point in my life. & as we have a printer, if I decide I want to buy pretty paper that I can just hole punch myself, if I find a great deal on card stock or pretty papers from Michael’s whatever… it’s very versatile for me. Although, I’m also learning I can’t go too far ahead because some things I think “Oh! That would be awesome to use” & then realize that It just doesn’t fit the season I’m in. Washi & stickers are my crack, ngl… I have an embarrassing amount of both 😂😂 but these days, I tend to prefer for me to be the one to pretty it up for the most part.
Love hearing your systems and thoughts:) Thanks for watching and taking the time to chime in. I am glad you enjoy your stickers and washi! That's a healthy addiction IMO;)
Congrats on retirement! Target has a few good monthly only planners. If you want one with better paper here are a few I would look at: Ashley Shelly Monthly Notebook (launches September 5th), Erin Condren petite monthly, Sprouted Monthly, She Plans monthly, Laurel Denise sewn monthly or simple monthly launching September 4th, and a custom one is Planner Perfect monthly. Best of luck finding what you need! Also Erin Condren makes a coiled monthly only planner with more pages if you are looking for something with more room, Plum Paper also has that option:) I have discount codes for most of those companies in my video descriptions.
I got the Erin condren daily wish i would have got the vertical weekly just can’t justify getting another one. Also ec is not that great of a company to work with.
I just received those planners and shared them in an Instagram reel for now. I shared a pen test and talked about all the big details there. I will try to do a RUclips review in the new year;)
I agree...You can have the best of both if the planner you think is the "pretty" one functions well for you! And that has happened for me for many years too:) Thanks for watching and chiming in!
I go with Passion Planner every year. Color isn’t important to me. Functionality, paper quality, and room to write is my priority. However, it’s great there is something for everyone.
I wish Erin condren worked for me. It’s beautiful. But it just doesn’t have everything I need. I’m on my 4th year of She’s In Her Apron. The print isn’t as good/pretty but it has everything.
I am a homeschool mom of 8. I school 6 of the 8. I need a planner and lesson planner. Preferably all in one.. do you have any suggestions. Inhave used one, but it is so pricey. I am looking for something a little more budget friendly.
I would look at Plum Paper- you can customize so much and pick from many different layouts- if the teacher layout isn't best for you you can pick any other layouts that would work better. I have a 10% Off code with Plum Paper if you use this link: bit.ly/3Vg8wMZ That is just the first one that came to mind for you- best of luck finding the right fit;)
Passion Planner doesn't have a monthly only planner. Some great ones to look at are: Laurel Denise Sewn Monthly, Ashley Shelly Monthly Planner notebooks- launch Sept 6th- and I have a collab with her again;) Sprouted Planner, Simplified, Erin Condren, She Plans, and Amplify- all have monthly notebook planners. And most of those have been in a video on my channel. Good luck!
I go more minimalist. Just need a daily appt schedule and a medium size empty space at the bottom to note anything significant. No stickers, colors, tape, markers, nothing.
I make my own custom planners for my own personal use. All it takes is my time. No money. And no, they aren't for sale. Putting it up for sale is not worth it nowadays. The market is already so over-saturated with planners and digital planners that I don't even stand a chance on the market. (lol) My custom planner is tailored to my own personal life, so it's not that I can sell it anyways. :P
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Can you find the best digital planner or some that can be bought digitally
I use a discbound, mostly because I can change my layout on a monthly/weekly basis. My seasons seem to change regularly. I need to decorate but it needs to work for me more than anything, so I bought different formats, I print and change as I need while staying in my planner. Now, I am hooked on the color of discs and matching cover/dashboards.
Thanks for sharing your reasoning and how you make that work for you!
You said out loud what I've been thinking without realizing it..."i want to be like them." Wow. That's powerful. Thank you!! Acknowledging this is going to help me be at peace with my current planner process & not keep wanting to be like awesome content creators.
It is powerful to say it out loud isn't it. I realize this about a lot of things in life. Instagram has really made the planner decisions more complicated....IMO! LOL. We can only take seeing so much and our lives, minds, hearts, and responsibilities aren't like the person we see on IG....in fact many times that spread was made just for IG;)
Love these tips! I’ve tried a new layout by buying inserts instead of a whole new planner and printing out samples from company websites, and I have always decided against buying the new planner. It’s amazing how you think something will solve all your planning problems, and then you discover that there’s a great reason why you’re using the planner you already have 💛
Thanks for sharing your experience Kim:) Good tips and way to look at it;)
What a smart thing to do, Kim! And you’re right. Every time I buy and try a new layout that I’m sure will solve everything, I end going back to my tried and true planners.
I am in need of a new planner for 2025. I am thinking of Plum Paper, My Agenda or Passion Planner. I have a few months to try different things. I am currently in an EC LP but it is not working for my life right now.
@@robinjulch3766I just bought my first EC Life Planner & I like it so far. What has bothered you about it?
This was an excellent video. You covered quite a bit, especially, what works for you now. After retiring from a government job and then closing my daycare and an empty nest, none of my previous planners worked for me. I tried a lovely Tudor planner for two years before i bit the Happy Planner bullet. My first, classic vertical was a nightmare. Within a month or so i passed on that and got the Classic mini dashboard. Success! I’m ending my second year of the larger classic and it serves me well. Some of the planners listed in the comment gave me a headache😂. You have to remember what not only works in your present life but how your brain processes the format. Thanks for the in-depth presentation.
Thanks for sharing:) And yes- very good point we need the planner that works with our brain too- not just our life.
Sterling Ink A5 common planner is my perfect planner. I also keep an B6 in my purse. But… I also love discs and being able to move things around. I use a HP for my teacher planner (which I love to be able to add my needed docs into my planner on the discs) and I also have a separate frankenplanned health/wellness and meal planner and notes section. I need paper that doesn’t bleed. I need dated- no extra work. I need neutral, not loud or distracting and I really need lots of writing space for journaling, note taking, habit tracking and goals sections.
I hate bulky coils. I do decorate some with stickers but not crazy. But truly, commonplanner is my planner peace for my overall every day planner. It took me years to arrive. But I now stick to this combo every year and feel no need or desire to deviate.
That must feel so good! Thank you for sharing your journey and what you love and need in a planner right now;)
I have relied less on the beauty factor of a planner as I get older now. I like the pages to be crisp, clean, neutral so I can put down whichever stickers whereever I want and not worry about the possibility of holiday stickers clashing with Spring Flowers for example. I know now, after years of trial and error, that I need flexibility, space, and low cost when it comes to planners and I can then personalize it myself when I have the inclination and time to do so. I am no artist and it's not perfect but it's mine and no one else has to see it besides me.
Perfect Susanne! Doesn't that feel good!
I agree with you , I love the hobonichi cousin as a journal only. I went back to a paper planner and stopped trying to use a hobonichi cousin as my main planner .
I like functional stickers. I understand making a planner pretty with stickers - but I can’t do that! I like stickers for appts, payday etc. I like using washi to block out vacations days or days off work.
This was great timing! My passion planner should arrive in a day or two because it is exactly what I need. After spending four years trying so many options based on features such as appearance and FOMO, I just need functionality. It was fun trying out everything though 😅
Oh, yay! Enjoy that Passion Planner when it arrives;) And sometimes we just have a try out a few things on the way;)
I tried the paper Passion Planner some years back but couldn’t really get on either it. I think I found it too constrictive as far as writing goes. Used the Legend Planner and Go Girl planner but ultimately fell out of love with using paper planners. I’ve decided to try digital planning. Found most digital planners too much and overwhelming so I’m now trying Passion Planner digital planner. I love how I can zoom in and out of the pages to write rather than squeeze my writing into a tiny space. Also the benefits of adding note tags to add additional into if I need to. Easier to customise too.
This is so helpful! The planner season is always so tempting 👀
It is really hard to resist all the launches and amazing marketing!
Still totally in love with my MomAgenda! I did recently pick up a Passion Planner to try because I loved the cover and was tempted. I ended up not liking all the black and it felt to busy for me. I have my MomAgenda already for next year so I will just stay there where I know I am fully content. I know what I like and how I plan yet still get caught up in the temptation to try things.
MomAgenda is a great one! I enjoyed my time in it too- and wouldn't be surprised if I go back to it!
I love happy planner so I bought every layout on Etsy so whenever I want to switch it up I print whatever I want. As far as covers I buy happy planner notebooks when they’re on clearance & not only do I get a new cover but I also get pretty note paper 🤷🏼♀️. Works for my bank account
Same 😊
Love your system!
Thank you, Amanda! This is the first video of yours that I have ever seen. I subscribed very quickly. Your advice is wonderful and it comes at the perfect time. I am, indeed, looking for next year's planner. I'm even contemplating making my own. I love the planner brand I've been using for years, but for some reason, this year my planner has not worked for me. I'll probably watch this video more than once because of all of your great ideas! ❤
Welcome:) And thanks for letting me know this video resonated with you:)
I absolutely love this video more than any other "planner" video I've watched over the years. I feel seen in this video. I'm a hairstylist, mom, and i have acrazy busy schedule with all the life things. I've loved all the pretty things...but I need super functional for my business. As much as I want to be a color, sticker, and all the other amazing products available for planning person, it took me buying a simple little A5 size hourly planner with pencil, pen and hilighter/google calendar combo, and that works for me. So thank you for helping me to be seen that simple is ok. ❤
I’m so glad this video came at the right time for you-it makes me happy that you feel seen 😊
Better help is in hot water. I'd stay away. Legal and ethical complications.
I was so disappointed to see the BetterHelp ad. I thought everyone knew how shady they were, but I guess not. ☹️
❤ Laurel Denise is so different in the very best way… Cannot wait till launch day to purchase🎉🎉🎉
Yay! It's so great when you know what works for you! I can't wait to see what her launch looks like too! I will be doing a video the day before launch;)
“Do I love it more than Erin Condren? No.”😂 goodness that is me with every planner I have ever tried :)
And me.
LOL!!! We all need to have a good laugh about that one! And that must mean EC is really doing something right....and yet they don't have the layout we need so they have more to work on;)
@AmandasFavorites yes. I love the daily duo, but I am one of the few who do not like the new changes. So, I'm using a filofax agenda with May Paper Co inserts. She's a small Australian company that is becoming quite popular. She ships worldwide.
Erin condren planners is pretty and works for me. I going to with daily duo this year. I had bought few different ones past few years and only end up using hers LifePlanners.
EC is so pretty! And I am using the Daily Duo right now too:)
This is great! I start writing out my needs for the following year in July-for me: hardbound weekly and monthly with thick paper, separate daily list, weekly long list on weekly. Separate journal with journal paper. I did buy a simplified only for the cover that I pick up on a really hectic day😂.
Love that you addressed the FOMO😊
You are smart about it Wendy:) And well...hopefully the Simplified gets used and loved!
I loved listening to this! Thank you for sharing. Soo helpful!
Aw, I am glad it was helpful to even you Taylor! I think you are pretty good at this already;)
Perfect timing with this video, Amanda! Good advice. One planner that comes to mind is Amplify. It's such a functional planner but the covers are not aesthetically pleasing. Tough decisions coming up with the planner season in full swing.
So true! Good luck with the decisions!
There's pretty as in, it looks good and possibly works well too. Then there's pretty for the sake of it, which often requires that YOU make it pretty, as if THAT is the goal of planning. I'm glad your recommendations are always on the pretty and functional side, Amanda!
Really good point that "pretty" can mean you are decorating every page. For me that is more like memory keeping- but I understand to many people that is their actual planning;) I wish I could be a decorative planner...but that's just not my life- nor personality right now.
It's so funny seeing this video because I'm thinking of going back into Passion Planner. I have a daily that isn't full yet. I'm going back to basics that I know work for me. I dislike tomoe river paper but I kept trying it because it's in the new trendy planners. I thought to myself what do I need, and I need to go back to what works. For 2025 it will be Passion Planner or Hemlock and Oak because heavier paper works, vertical and hourly work. I won't be buying anything else this year, I have dailies, and both H&O and Passion Planner have printables so I'll be using those for the rest of the year.
Good for you for knowing what works for you and sticking to it!
Thank you for this! I had a Hemlock and Oak that I bought because (1) it's Canadian (2) I like the simple design (3) I support their eco-friendly philosophy and a few other reasons that actually have nothing to do with whether or not it would work for me. It didn't because I don't like vertical or hourly. I just wanted to be someone who does! 😂 Luckily, it was undated so I gave it to my SIL, who likes it. Expensive lesson learned...or not. I've done similar things since.
Thanks for sharing. I think we have all had experiences like that!
A true evergreen of a video with valuable information to be intentional with your future purchase. Thank you!!!
Wow! Thank you so much for that kind comment:) I am so happy this has been helpful!
Hi Amanda, I HAVE been watching - have just been so BUSY! I'm still using my made-up planner BUT I realized I missed memory planning with all the stickers and washi so I dug out the A5 Undated Common Planner I bought in two parts and started up with that for memory keeping again. These videos are GREAT btw, the last few weeks I have been watching, just have not had a chance to comment. LOVE this content! Also, I really like the fact that Better Help is sponsoring you. Although my generation is the "deal with it later" one, or whatever us borderline boomers are, I have seen what therapy can do for people, good for you! Thanks so much for these videos! ☺☺
Thank you Cie;) I completely understand about being busy! I am glad you are putting that Common Planner to a great use;) Have a good week friend;)
Oh my goodness, YES!! I have been going crazy trying to find something that works for me for the season I am in right now. I have bought many "pretty planners", and I fell into the Laurel Denise Facebook group. I went whole-hog into that and FORCED myself to make it work. So unhappy. So unorganized. I watched so many videos of how others used it, and I just couldn't make it work. It's a beautiful planner, and I love it, but it isn't working for where I'm at right now. Bought a Happy Planner. Ugh. Bought some Amazon planners. Ugh. Tried Bullet Journaling. Ugh. Much money later, I had enough. I finally found something that works, and it was something very unexpected. Watching your videos has helped me soooo much! I appreciate all of your feedback, opinions, and tips.
Thank you for sharing this:) I am glad you finally landed on what works for you in your season:) I totally understand what you have described! That's the exact reason I made this video. xxx
What do you use ?
@@chriswildfire an online planner called Arftul Agenda. It's a digital planner that links with my Google Calendar.
@@chriswildfire I use a planner called The Dailee. LOVE IT!
I’ve been using Prayerful Planner quite a bit for the last couple of years. They have a daily & a weekly. Their layout is so versatile that I can use it differently day. Some days, it’s my Bible study, some days it scripture writing. Some days it’s brain dump, some days it’s a schedule. Some days is a combo of different things. She includes a card for how to prayerfully plan your day. Other attempts have been the Daily Grind which is excellent for goal setting & tracking but I find I’m not always in a goal setting season. So it’s a bit limiting for me.
I haven’t heard of that planner before, thanks for sharing it with me!
I would love a planner, budget, journal combination all in one.
There are several planners that include budget pages...and you can certainly journal on the planner pages...but not sure if that is enough journaling for you? Colibri is one I just shared on Instagram with a 15% off code too: AMANDASFAVORITES . Clever Fox has many planners with budget included too...and I have a whole playlist for them and discount code too:)
Plum Paper Co. in San Diego lets you design the planner/journal from the ground up; you can choose the layout, the types of pages (from budgets to meal planning to journal pages to coloring pages) as well as the cover and coil type.
I am so guilty of buying way more pretty planners than I could possibly use. That said I always go back to a coiled monthly planner with pages. It is really what I need and what works for me. I don’t need to hyper-plan each day. I only need an overview and a checklist that I make myself. I still occasionally try new planners but I always return to my coil monthly. I am loving plum paper with it customizations. This will be the first year I only use my coiled planner-no more Ashley Shelly although I love and support her monthly planners. I need to pare down. Love you Amanda and thanks for the videos they are so helpful!
Plum Paper is such a great option, I loved hearing your thoughts behind choosing it!
That’s why I love the sampler pack with the last Erin Condren launch. She had us sample all 5 of her layouts and I found out one thing: I have a very difficult decision next time I buy an Erin Condren planner!! And I ordered the one she has now on her website to try those layouts again!! It was so much fun to do that🤣😁😫😩❤❤!!!
I think the sampler pack is so helpful and I wish they would sell them!
@@AmandasFavorites Yes I do too. It was a terrific idea! And she should’ve done it sooner!
I enjoy the Prayerful Planner. As a retired person, I don't need time blocks and really like the daily page layouts. I use stickers on occasion but mostly use a couple of Mr. Pen highlighters each day. I had an Erin Condren planner and never used it. That was sad.
I went through the same process, I bought so many pretty planners that I wanted to love. Eventually I realized that, like you, I wanted to see my week on one spread, but I also wanted as much as I could in one planner, (meal planner, goal planner, budget planner & weekly journal) I’m not good at juggling multiple planners. I decided on the “She’s in Her Apron Planner” planner, it’s cute but I also add Cocoa Daisy stickers every month, plus I add Makse Life’s monthly goal pages to my planner and it works the best. I’m use it every single day, plus I realized I like my daily planner separate from my weekly planner so I can have my weekly open as I plan my day and use a A5 Erin Condren weekly for that.
Hey Holly:) I loved hearing about your system! What a great combination you have working for you:) I also like to see my weekly as I plan in my daily:)
Thank you so much for talking about this! I've had to really pivot my planning (and channel!) to reflect more realistic planning system for my life and budget. So much of planning is so personal and it needs to be functional above all else! Thanks so much😊
I couldn't agree more!
Your timing is perfect. I was just thinking this week that the layout I have used for years doesn't work now because I need a new section for my mom's care.and then I saw the daphnies diary planner for 2024 and thought oh I need that it is pretty. But it doest do what I want for my mom. The idea of a list is perfect! It will help me avoid the pretty trap as I search.
I am glad this came out at the right time to be helpful! Thanks for sharing your experience...you know what you need and I am sure you will make the best decision to help you manage your life and your Mom's care. xxx
Amanda, I love all your tips in this video. You always have such good ideas and how to use planners how to shop for planners and find the one that will fit our own personal need.❤
Awwww:) Thanks Carol. You do too!
I tried an A5 rings daily (EC), thinking I would love the room. Hated it because I need a weekly and thought I needed a bigger size as well. Hated it but used the entire year. Last year, I tried strings, EC petite. Couldn't afford double so I scrunched it up for a week at a time. Wasn't about to draw lines in the whole thing so I just diviided it up into kinda horizontal day sections. Not enough space, not enough space on the A5 side bar. Discovered I did like the strings idea. If I could afford a separte insert for each 'category', that would be interesting and maybe workable. Haven't used a coil or teacher planner so I had an EC teacher I haven't tried yet. A B5 Stalogy I haven't tried yet because that means drawing lines, dating, all of it. Still have bits and pieces, I could HP frankenplan. Just ordered the large Passion Planner. Really need functional aspect without having to do lines and dates. Mine looks like yours except worse. I do wall to wall scribbling no matter which size apparently. I do very much love color but don't use stickers and absolutely figured out function is a non-negotiable. Have never switched horses mid stream but since the Passion starts July, this year may be the one to give it a go. Arrraaagggghhh! How could something seemingly so simple be so complicated? Good luck, everyone!:)
Seemingly simple! You had me laughing at that;) But in all seriousness I hope you find what's just right for you in the season you are in.
I can relate! I've been flip-flopping between Erin Condren and Passion Planner for years. I love the functionality of PP and the paper and more adult feel of the EC. I can't tell you how many times I've wished for a hybrid PP/EC which would be my ultimate planner!
Oh, man! yes! I've thought the same thing so many times!!!!
Great video. Its exactly the problem I'm having right now. I used the hobonichi weeks and the a6 this year. The layout has been working great and its really pretty, in a different way than the elegant simplified that I used before but I like it. I thought I was going with the same setup for next year, and now I've seen the sterling ink release. And the pretty factor makes me question my choices. The layout is similar enough that it will be okay no matter what I choose, but I feel like the sterling ink might be better for me, with the size options of the planner and how clean it is, and I even think I would only need one planner for both weekly and daily. But I like the prettiness of the hobonichi and I'd miss it. There's not a lot of time left to choose.
Oh, I understand this decision and why it is a hard one!
Have a plain black planner that my friend gave me 😅and I love it as it has everything 🎉
Oh, perfect! And a gift from a friend means even more:)
I’ve tried most of EC. Now I use and love compact vertical. But back in the day I used Walmart /home depot ones. And they were good too. I do love the the upgrades and customizations of EC.
Home Depot had a planner?
@@AmandasFavorites I don’t know I put that. I meant Office Depot. Wrong depot lol. Day something I used for years.
I switched after 8-10 years with EC to Agendio this year. I did mine in EC colors but have so much more function. I have my goal setting integrated in my planner and I am LOVING it. Agendio has incredible paper quality (you can actually choose between 3 different weights).
I jokingly feel like people that say they like Hobonichi are lying to themselves.;) I can't commprehend being ok with that paper.
I haven't reviewed Agendio in years! Thanks for reminding me of what a great planner they offer. and I had to laugh at your Hobonichi comment! LOL! We are all so different!
Honestly, I do not get "the pretty factor." I don't care about the cover because I use a leather planner cover. I've been using the Hobonichi Cousin (switching to Hobonichi Day Free this year) specifically because it is so plain inside. I get to make it beautiful--I get to pick the washi, stickers, stamps, colors, etc. I absolutely need the correct paper though; I like thin paper (so I can carry my A5) and it can't have a lot of bleed-through (as I like pens, fountain pens, markers). I really like the vertical format, but I'm picking the Day Free so I can set up my own bujo-type weekly spreads with larger boxes. (I also do NOT understand switching planners during the calendar year. That would make me crazy--there's so much I do to re-set my planner each year.) There are plenty of planner communities where you don't need to have a specific planner or vibe to play. Since I like to support small shops this is a great option for me.
Hey Elizabeth:) Thanks for sharing your perspective on this subject! Love all your thoughts;)
haha I've definitely been guilty of seeing a perfectly adequate planner and deciding against it because I wanted a planner that other planner people were using. Luckily I ended up with a horizontal Sterling Ink Common Planner that is the perfect layout for my brain, and is also pretty! But also, I would say, get creative with the planner content you're watching. Because like the vast majority of Common Planner users have vertical weeklies (for now, at least. We'll see if that changes now that she's offering horizontal layouts in all sizes.) But I've had a lot of fun and gotten a lot of inspiration with people's Hobonichi Weeks videos because it's basically the same layout. So if you're getting more of an obscure planner, maybe try to find popular planners that are similar and look for inspiration from those.
That is a wonderful tip! I love seeing all the creative ways people use the common planners;)
Great video, I don’t like coil planners, as I cannot move the pages around. I love discs planners half letter is my favorite. I use Janes agenda, since I can change the covers monthly for each season a well as the dash boards. I do carry a mini HP in my purse. For the first time in over 15 years I was considering sterling ink, but the ghosting would drive me insane. I do not like that type of paper. I will stick to my discs why change what what’s worked for so long.
You are right-if it's not broken....LOL! You know yourself and you know that you wouldn't like the thin paper;)
I enjoy your videos. I tried almost every planner out there, but I keep coming back to Erin Condren. I love the layouts and colors, fonts and paper quality. I’m currently using the EC daily duo and the Laura Denise horizontal planner. I think I won’t be repurchasing the Laura Denise. The boxes are too small and I need more space. I know what I need and I’m going to continue to buy and Erin Condren planners. I’m a very functional person and I finally know what works for me.
That is great that you know you love the EC and most important- it works!
So I found I needed a planner back in 2021. I tried Happy Planner and did like that but there were problems for me. I tried Hobonichi Cousin Avec 2022 and then the Cousin yearly last year. There was still something I was missing. It wasn't until I got into Wonderland222 all in one unstacked, that I found my niche. There are a couple of months blank, but that is cause I was very sick. I am on just now getting back into the planner
Thanks for sharing how well Wonderland 222 worked for you!
I found a PRETTY & Great layout planner it was expensive but it is great i purchased that in June
Well that is the best combo!
The prettiness is not what I’m falling for, but I’m still looking for an undated monthly + 2 pages per day daily planner with a lot of space without weekly’s.
Would you consider a Franklin covey with rings? They have several designs in various sizes.
@@BrendaJones492 rings is my go to, yes, and I need half letter or similar
I am not familiar with a lot of ring options. Maybe others will chime in here. But Franklin Covey seems like a good one to look at;) I used them years ago myself;)
Have you checked out the Full Focus?
@@Robin-px9rc thank you for the recommendation, I checked it out, there’s not enough space for me and I don’t use weekly overviews. I found a notebook with blank pages and personalised it so that I have an emotional connection to it, and so far it works great, I accomplished double the amount of relevant tasks and stick to my new habits. It’s only been five days, but that’s a better outcome than I had ever before.
ive spent 2 years wanting to love the hobonichi planner (A6 and then the cousin), and this video made me realize its really the traveler's notebook that im consistent with that i deeply enjoy (and need to go back to) but am distracted with "whats pretty" and trying to be the person who uses a hobonichi
I hear you! I am glad this helped you realize that;)
There are beautiful travelers notebooks! Happy Scrappy sells beautiful Kawai inserts, and Planner Perfect sells designs that she hand paints and then scans. I’m sure there are others, and you could also make your own!
Great advice. I want to get down to one planner, except for a separate journal. My problem now is to figure out which size Passion Planner is best. After watching this video I will track the same information on a small and also medium planner in preparation for 2925. Thanks for your advice.
That's a great idea to test the sizes that way:) I also have a Passion Planner comparison video with all 3 sizes in it that might be helpful to see them all side by side;)
Good advice
I know what I want. I have basic criteria. I want (NEED) a vertical, weekly planner. I want my weekly and monthly together. I don't like lots of other "guided" boxes, goal planning, trackers, or anything else. I ❤ stickers, no, I mean I REALLY love stickers. I want to be able to change my cover, I like spiral bound covers, and I don't want to have to date my planner. The EC vertical life planner is my perfect planner. I don't know how next year is going to go. I am trying the Happy Planner because ... Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice! But really, I don't know how I feel about disc bound planners. I want to frankenplan, so Maybe? We will see.
You made me laugh Kristie:) LOL! I hear ya on all those levels! Let's see what happens with the disc experiment of 2025!
I just bought my first Planner Perfect order because I used all my passport and narrow TN inserts. So I’m trying Personal size. I love TN systems, so a bound book… I know not to get.
I hope you enjoy that first Planner Perfect order! Her stuff is beautiful!
I saw one like the one you’re using at Walmart. Not sure what it was called. Went back and they’d sold out. The passion planner looks like the EC hourly kinda.
What causes me to pull the trigger and purchase that planner?
1) It is customizable.
2) It is dated.
3) Saturday and Sunday are given as much space as the weekdays.
4) There is an area for a weekly To Do list.
5) It is very customizable!!!
I prefer functional but a little pretty is a happy benefit so long as it doesn’t get in the way of functionality.
I love hearing your list!
This makes me want to pet my Hobonichi A5.
LOL! I understand. The Cousin is an amazing book!
I realize that I wouldn’t even notice if the planner is pretty or not when I am actually using it. I just ignore all the visual elements (unless they serve a certain function or are illustrating events of the day) and even find them distracting.
The cover could be pretty, but for the inside it works better when it’s simple, clean and well structured. At least that’s the case for me.
That is good to know about yourself!
Whats funny for me is that the planner that actually works for me and my life, comes from a company and an owner I don't like. Like I do not feel connected to their mission and I don't feel she's talking to me, but her planner is exactly what I need 😂
Well that means that you really are paying attention to what you need and what works for you in this season! Good for you;) I think we get confused thinking what planner we use we also have to love the owner and vibe with them.
I tend to like the disc/BIG happy planner using extended disc size. Mainly because I had a year subscription to Canva & was able to make my own planner sheets & really played around with pages that I liked or wanted to make my own & with a disc puncher, I can design whatever I want however I want or need it to be (& I was able to make as many different pages so I have a slew of different planning pages… & I was able to download my creations ~ for example… I don’t tend to meal plan like everyone else… I meal plan-ish. LOL 🤣 I take inventory of the perishables that I have on hand, look at the sales ads on what is on deep discount, add any regular needed items we tend to use & add those 2 things to the grocery list (ESPECIALLY produce & meat on sale … very good to be able to freeze things for later use 😂) & when I make our “meal plan” it’s more in the style of a menu at a restaurant & then it’s crossed off the list. BUT I ALSO HAVE… “picnic items” we can or need to use (we homeschool & have 2 different homeschool groups we attend weekly for outings) & “Ingredient/meal Preps” to do like thawing meat, cut up watermelon, process the meat for freezer, make pinto beans/refried beans (& I highlight the things I’ve done so I or anyone else can see at a glance it’s done), etc … “quick meals,” “sides,” & a “need to use up this week” box as well. I HATE the daily ones as we tend to have things pop up often & sometimes ~ often ~ we just have to go with the flow… & I can look back & see when we made refried beans if it’s still in the fridge… & can see what day I made them b/c usually I reverse plan when it comes to meals & scratching things out or having to use white out all the time drives me 🦇💩 crazy so I’ve learned to adapt in how I work it. Plus I can move my stuff around so that it flows better… that includes our budget that I can print off from pages or that I just draw on paper I have on hand (trying to use up some of the stuff I have on hand so my stash gets less crazy 😂). So I can use Pages (MacBook) or the downloaded files I have saved in my files of ALL the pages I made & just use the one I either want to try or seems like it makes the most sense in that season of life. It’s also why if I can buy the digital version of a planner, I will & save it to my files & just print whatever I need at that point in my life. & as we have a printer, if I decide I want to buy pretty paper that I can just hole punch myself, if I find a great deal on card stock or pretty papers from Michael’s whatever… it’s very versatile for me. Although, I’m also learning I can’t go too far ahead because some things I think “Oh! That would be awesome to use” & then realize that It just doesn’t fit the season I’m in. Washi & stickers are my crack, ngl… I have an embarrassing amount of both 😂😂 but these days, I tend to prefer for me to be the one to pretty it up for the most part.
Love hearing your systems and thoughts:) Thanks for watching and taking the time to chime in. I am glad you enjoy your stickers and washi! That's a healthy addiction IMO;)
If I see a wire-o coil, I won't look at that planner for a second. I need my planner to keep it together
I’m a retired teacher and work about two days a week. I just need a monthly planner. Suggestions? Thanks
Congrats on retirement! Target has a few good monthly only planners. If you want one with better paper here are a few I would look at: Ashley Shelly Monthly Notebook (launches September 5th), Erin Condren petite monthly, Sprouted Monthly, She Plans monthly, Laurel Denise sewn monthly or simple monthly launching September 4th, and a custom one is Planner Perfect monthly. Best of luck finding what you need! Also Erin Condren makes a coiled monthly only planner with more pages if you are looking for something with more room, Plum Paper also has that option:) I have discount codes for most of those companies in my video descriptions.
I got the Erin condren daily wish i would have got the vertical weekly just can’t justify getting another one. Also ec is not that great of a company to work with.
I love a vertical layout too - just started in a momAgenda and am loving it so far!
Thanks for sharing your experience and feelings. I am sorry the daily isn't working out like you need it to.
No spirals or rings for me. That’s an automatic no lol
I am looking for a planner that’s not on coil or spiral may I ask what planner you are using
I agree-the spirals get in my way, or at least I feel like they do!
yep, no more spirals for me either
Love my Moleskine Pocket Daily ❤
Oh, perfect!
Hi Amanda , would you be open to reviewing Colibri Paper Co planners? I’d love to see a review from you 😊
I just received those planners and shared them in an Instagram reel for now. I shared a pen test and talked about all the big details there.
I will try to do a RUclips review in the new year;)
@@AmandasFavorites that would be awesome. Thanks for replying!
Good thing Erin Condren is pretty and functional.
I agree...You can have the best of both if the planner you think is the "pretty" one functions well for you! And that has happened for me for many years too:) Thanks for watching and chiming in!
I go with Passion Planner every year. Color isn’t important to me. Functionality, paper quality, and room to write is my priority. However, it’s great there is something for everyone.
Great reasons to stick with passion planner:)
I wish Erin condren worked for me. It’s beautiful.
But it just doesn’t have everything I need.
I’m on my 4th year of She’s In Her Apron.
The print isn’t as good/pretty but it has everything.
I hear ya loud and clear;)
I only use Homemakers Friend Planner. I like supporting a sma!l business especially since its faith based .
I love the clean look of the large Clever Fox Pro. Pretty just doesn’t suit me. I like to personalize too much.
Love your reasoning:)
I am a homeschool mom of 8. I school 6 of the 8. I need a planner and lesson planner. Preferably all in one.. do you have any suggestions. Inhave used one, but it is so pricey. I am looking for something a little more budget friendly.
I would look at Plum Paper- you can customize so much and pick from many different layouts- if the teacher layout isn't best for you you can pick any other layouts that would work better. I have a 10% Off code with Plum Paper if you use this link: bit.ly/3Vg8wMZ That is just the first one that came to mind for you- best of luck finding the right fit;)
Does passion planner only have the monthly only with no weekly or daily layout? Do you or your viewers have any recommendations for me?
Passion Planner doesn't have a monthly only planner. Some great ones to look at are: Laurel Denise Sewn Monthly, Ashley Shelly Monthly Planner notebooks- launch Sept 6th- and I have a collab with her again;) Sprouted Planner, Simplified, Erin Condren, She Plans, and Amplify- all have monthly notebook planners. And most of those have been in a video on my channel. Good luck!
I go more minimalist. Just need a daily appt schedule and a medium size empty space at the bottom to note anything significant. No stickers, colors, tape, markers, nothing.
I love hearing what works for you!
Your voice sounds just like Julia Robert’s voice. You even have some of her features. Hmmm. 🤔 😅
Thank you, that’s such a compliment! 🫣
I make my own custom planners for my own personal use.
All it takes is my time. No money.
And no, they aren't for sale. Putting it up for sale is not worth it nowadays. The market is already so over-saturated with planners and digital planners that I don't even stand a chance on the market. (lol)
My custom planner is tailored to my own personal life, so it's not that I can sell it anyways. :P
I think if you have that talent you are smart to use it! I bet it feels amazing to tailor a planner to your life!