If you've been reading my blog for a while, you will probably have gathered that I have a dreadful memory, and that I am also quite chaotic in the general way I go about things. If you were being kind, you might call me a Free Spirit, but really I am a prize procrastinator, I leave everything till the last minute, I constantly forget things, I am scatterbrained, disorganised, forgetful. I go through periods where I try really hard to change my bad habits, try to pull myself together, organise myself, write lists, make plans, but I have never really found anything that worked for me long term.
Do you remember last Spring, I shared with you my 'Book of Days'? I managed to use this book successfully for about 5 months at the start of last year, and it really did help me to feel more organised. I used it as a diary/notebook hybrid, making notes and to-do-lists with daily, weekly and monthly reminders. It was very homespun - I made my own calendars and glued them in, stuck in post-it notes and scribbled my way through the pages with coloured pens. I found I really enjoyed doing it though, I used to look forward to sitting down at the start of each week and making little colourful lists to keep myself on track. I discovered the satisfaction of ticking things off a list too - oh yeah, feels good! I am in control, I can be organised, I can get things done!!
Sometime last Spring when I was in full organisational swing, I found myself searching online for stickers - I decided I'd like some colourful stickers to help me organise my lined notebook pages. I tried Amazon first but couldn't find anything other than coloured dots, so I hopped along to have a look on Etsy and suddenly a whole new and brightly coloured world opened up to me. Oh the stickers, pretty, beautiful, colourful stickers!!! But not only that, these stickers I found were functional too, designed for some such thing called a Life Planner. Intrigued, I went in search of more information and discovered that a Life Planner is a cross between a diary and a journal, something that can be functional but also an inspirational and creative way to record and remember pretty much anything and everything on a daily basis. There are many different types of planners made by different stationery companies, and many, many thousands of devoted Planner Addicts all over the world who use them and love them to distraction. There was one particular planner which kept cropping up and seemed to have a very large number of world wide fans, and that was the Erin Condren Life Planner.
Erin Condren is an American business specialising in personalised stationery products, although they are probably best know for their Life Planners. The planners are fun and quirky with bright colours and an almost irresistible charm - there is something about them which makes you feel like your life is incomplete without one. If you've got three and a half minutes to spare and you've not ever heard of this product, here is a cute video which will give you a good idea of what it's all about {Erin Condren 2015/16 LifePlanner}.
Now the first thing to point out is that these planners are not cheap, in fact when you first clock the $50 price tag it's more than a little bit alarming. Then when you add on some hefty shipping costs (Erin Condren manufactures all planners in the USA), this becomes an expensive investment for us British peeps. I spent over two months deliberating my purchase, and during those two months I ummed and ahhed, watched an awful lot of YouTube videos (the Erin Condren Planning community is HUGE on YouTube), chatted to other UK planner girls online and tried to decide whether to commit my British Pounds. In the end, I did the maths....an eighteen month planner costs roughly $75 if you include shipping, which is approximately £53. Divide this by 18 months = less than £3 a month. Am I worth £3 a month? Well obviously, I really do believe I am!!
It takes about two weeks for planners to be printed, shipped and delivered to the UK.
It's a little bit painful doing the waiting.
But eventually you get a fella from FedEx rock up at the front door, presenting you with a pretty box.......
....and oh the excitement as you open that blue tissue paper is rather hard to describe - it really is exciting you know!
As you can see from the above picture, when I ordered my Erin Condren Life Planner I chose the 'create your own design' option which allows you to upload your own photos for the covers. I bloomin LOVE that you can do this, it was a huge thrill to see my cover for the first time and feel overwhelmingly smitten with it.
I chose my colourblock cushion for the front cover....
....and my Granny Stripe blanket for the back cover.
I've put both these photos onto Flickr, so please feel free to download the high-res images if you wish to use them for yourself.
I was surprised how big (and heavy) my Life Planner was when it arrived - it somehow seemed more substantial in real life than it looked on my computer screen.
And because I chose the 18 month option (much better value for money, being only $5 more than the 12 month version), you can see it's quite a chunky number, probably about an inch thick I'd say.
I'm not going to bore you by showing you the entire planner from front to back - there is a tonne of this on YouTube if you want to go and search it out and see what exactly is inside one of these things. The above spread shows the page layout that appears at the beginning of each month.....
....and this is what a week looks like with the vertical layout.
As you can see, over the past year I've built up my own little collection of planner stickers, oh my word, these things are sooooo addictive. You have been warned, my friends. If you are used to shopping on Etsy, you will know that it's a truly global marketplace - you can order stickers from the other side of the world and as if by magic they will arrive on your doormat in about a weeks time.
However, my very best discovery last year was a wonderfully talented UK Etsy seller who had recently started up her own small business designing and selling planner stickers on Etsy. When I first found EllieBethDesigns in March last year, Rachel's business was only one month old. I immediately realised I had found a fellow colour-lover, and her designs really appealed to me. But more importantly than the array of rainbow colours, I found that her stickers are useful and I had high hopes that they would help me in my quest to be more organised.
The stickers that Rachel designs for EllieBethDesigns fall into two categories - there are functional stickers and decorative stickers. I love the functional ones and use them a lot in my weekly planning - the check lists and little boxes get the most use, with weekend banners, menu-planning and laundry reminders also used every week.
The decorative stickers are hard to resist mind you - Rachel designs new sheets every month, some of which co-ordinate with the monthly colours in the Erin Condren Planner, and some which are seasonal. There is something so nostalgic and pleasing about sticking stickers into a book, it transports you back to childhood days whilst being a perfectly acceptable hobby for a forty-something busy Mum. It's a huge amount of fun, this planning lark. You get to stick stickers and use coloured pens, what's not to love?!
These are the other stickers I use regularly in my planner - which makes me laugh actually 'cos you can clearly see what my days are made of - yarn, coffee, shopping and home, oh I know how to live! Rachel made the yarn stickers especially for me back last year when her business was still growing and she had time to work on custom orders. These days, EllieBethDesigns is a thriving business with one very busy Mum-of-two at the helm, and custom orders are a thing of the past. However - one of the things that I most love about Rachel is her true passion for using planners, and the time she has for the planning community in general. Last year she established a Facebook group which has become a lovely community of like-minded ladies who really enjoy sharing their planners. And I think that's one of the great things about owning and using an Erin Condren Life Planner - you get a creative hobby to indulge in, but you also become part of a worldwide club which feels rather nice to be a part of.
Oooooooooo what do we have here, are these more yarn stickers???
Yes, they are indeed (and I love love love them) - these crochet stickers are brand new and I couldn't be more delighted. I promise you I didn't beg for these really I didn't. Rachel is building up a small collection of hobby stickers (some super-cute Gardening ones have just been released this week), and I know these are going to get a lot of use in my planner.
I can't really show you too much of my planner pages cos there is a fair bit of personal stuff that I jot down, and these things I prefer to keep private. But you can see the above pages are set up ready for next week when the Little People go back to school and I go back properly to work in my studio. I usually make a general weekly to-do list in the side bar, then each day will have it's reminders, appointments and to-do's added in. I menu-plan at the start of the week and write those in for each day (this is soooo useful) and optimistically jot down some vague housework tasks in the hope I might feel inspired to actually do them.
I am what is known as a "functional planner" and usually end up with quite a bit of white space on my pages. I really need my planner to work for me, to help me remember things and organise my days, and on the whole it does a pretty good job. Others plan in a much more decorative way (with loads and loads and loads of stickers) and their planners become inspirational journals - there is a whole creative journalling community out there to tap into if that might be your thing.
The above planner belongs to my Little Lady, I asked her if I could show you and she said she didn't mind at all. I bought her this Personal Planner for Christmas after many months of her begging me, and in January she joined me as a little trainee Plannerette. She adores stationery, pens and stickers as much as I do (actually, I think she possibly loves them more) and it's become a precious shared hobby. Sunday 6pm is officially our planner-time, I even let her share my stickers, I know, I am so kind. We both really look forward to it, and I know that she uses her planner most days to help her keep a track of her homework and school assessments, proudly ticking things off as she completes them. It's a good habit, and I hope truly that she will adpot it for life and not end up a scatty airhead like her mother.
I have a serious crush on these pens you know, I've been using them constantly for over a year now and they are brilliant for using in my planner. The box that they come in has a bit that folds back so that you can make it stand up on the desk - I love little things like that, don't you?
You can find these pens - Staedtler Triplus Fineliners online {Amazon UK
I wonder how many of you use a Life Planner? I don't know anyone else in real life who does, which makes my online planner friends even more special cos they totally get the thrill of stickers and coloured pens. I am really, really enjoying the fun of weekly 'stickerating' but more importantly, using this planner is really helping me to feel less disorganised and a tad more on top of things.
Here are some links which might help/enable if you have an interest in planner and sticker type things :
EllieBethDesignsUK - hundreds of decorative and functional stickers. On the first Wednesday of every month (known as #WhatsNewWednesday), Rachel releases a whole heap of new designs. You can also find lots of her planner videos on YouTube.
EllieBethDesigns : Facebook group - this is a closed group so you will need to become a member. Here you will get news and previews of new releases, plus the opportunity to give feedback/suggestions to Rachel (she is soo good at listening to her customers), as well as lots of lovely general planner chatter from a super friendly group of ladies.
Erin Condren.com : if you are considering investing in a Life Planner, there is one release date a year which is always in June. You can choose an 18 month 2016/2017 planner which will start in July 2016, or you can go for a 12 month planner which won't actually start until January 2017. After the launch in June, planners can be ordered throughout the year.
Erin Condren : Facebook - news, blog updates, motivational quotes and creative ideas.
HAPPY LIFE PLANNING!!
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ps this is not a sponsored post, just me sharing my new hobby and my attempts to be more organised. Ever hopeful on the latter. x
amazing
Posted by: wisata murah 2021 | April 29, 2020 at 12:44 PM
wow, Just wanted to say that your daughter is a well-balanced young woman! She knows that her work has to get done but to give herself treats too. A very healthy way to live, long may that continue! Also her planner is awesome x
Posted by: drake | March 02, 2017 at 06:28 PM
I just got this planner the day after thanksgiving which is a huge discount day. I bought mine for $10. Now to get stickers and such!!!
Posted by: Melissa | January 09, 2017 at 05:50 PM
My niece is crazy about planning. She is studying and it helps her be organized.She also uses Erin Condren planners and she loves it. I am debating getting one because I don't know if I would use it. What do you think. Any words of wisdom for a non planner???
Love your blog Lucy and all your colorful blankets. I also love your yarn packs at the Wool warehouse and I have to tell you they are amazing, never had a problem on my orders. Have a great Christmas!!!!
Posted by: Patricia Ponte | November 25, 2016 at 04:33 PM
Oh my goodness, I just went through the exact same process as you did, but chose a Filofax Saffiano in A5 size. It's waiting for me at the post office and I'm picking it up tomorrow. I just wish I had discovered planners before my daughter was born so I could I have kept a record of her growing up.
Posted by: Audrey | November 24, 2016 at 10:38 PM
Nice idea, I like
Posted by: Harga Hp Murah Terbaru | September 19, 2016 at 05:25 AM
good jobs
Posted by: cara download youtube di android | July 16, 2016 at 04:20 AM
How funny - I've been following your blog for years and have also been a fan of EC for a couple of years, falling down the planner rabbit hole but never knowing anyone else who shared the planner love!
Posted by: Jo | May 21, 2016 at 04:50 PM
Hi Lucy, thank you for your wonderfully colourful inspiration (as well as getting me hooked on EBDUK!). I loved this post so much, I mentioned it in a recent blog post - http://www.liveconsciouslyconnected.com/10-ways-to-start-a-journal/ - the stickers are gorgeous!
Posted by: Laura | May 13, 2016 at 10:13 PM
I love your planner. Have you thought of using a zip Polaroid printer to print off some of your photos to go in it. That way it is both a planner and a journal and a great way to remember either way. The pictures have sticky backs so can go straight in. Keep doing exactly what you do and enjoy it all!
Posted by: Tracy | May 07, 2016 at 09:49 PM
I'm thinking about buying an Erin Condren planner as a gift for a friend (and maybe one for me too cos they look fabby!!!)and would like to get it soon - your planner seems to start April/May? but when I try the website it only gives me option of Jan-Dec 2016, am I doing something wrong? Also wondered if the customs was any issue, any additon to the standard shipping cost. I love your blog and use it as my 'go to' for any crochet tips. Although I did some as a child with my mum, I had forgotten a lot of it, it is so helpful for me picking it up again.Your coffee always looks delish!
Posted by: Andrea | May 03, 2016 at 10:06 PM
Living with ME/CFS means that I have to keep a pacing/symptom diary every day, at the start of the year I got a Busy B diary which is double page diary lay out each week one for pacing the other side of the page is used as a more converntial diary, it had pockets and I have sticker too but nothing as lovely as though, off to find me some more stickers me thinks
Clare xx
Posted by: Clare | April 23, 2016 at 09:11 PM
Oh Lucy, you have so much to answer for! :-) I've been using a family planner (first Organised Mum Life Books, then their family filofax insert) for years, but this year they stopped producing the filofax insert and the Life Book is too big to carry around in my handbag. So I had to make do with the only planner style insert I could find from DoDo. It's way too small and I've been battling with it since January! So your post was soooo tempting! Couldn't justify the price (or size) of the EC one and didn't really want to buy from overseas, but from following your trail to the FB pages I came across Toad Diaries - a UK company with a family planner style option for their totally customisable diaries. I was able to order a 6 month planner, enabling me to try it out, starting any date I liked and in the format that I wanted. Plus it was WAY cheaper than the EC one! It arrived today & I'm so excited. :-) Stickers are also on order from EllieBeth Designs.
Thanks for the inspiration to keep hunting for a planner that works for me. So glad I found a UK supplier to support and can't wait until Rachel gets back from her long weekend & ships my stickers.
Posted by: Corinna Mazzotta | April 16, 2016 at 01:24 PM
I'm about to start a new section of my job as a LYS worker, I'll be running the social media for the shop! One of the 18 month coming out in June would be awesome. Thanks for sharing! I bullet journal for my personal and blog planner but something a little more structured would be great for work.
Posted by: Sierra | April 14, 2016 at 04:19 PM
Lucy, still in need of notebooks? Then you might check out this one:
https://www.etsy.com/de/listing/265254627/alte-wohnwagen-a6-notebook-camping?ref=shop_home_active_11
;-)
Posted by: Tina | April 14, 2016 at 07:21 AM
Lucy your planner, stickers and pens are awesome. I have never used a life planner but I have a lot of journals that I really enjoy. I have one for different things i have to remember or keep track of. I even have a crochet journal.lol I will have to check into the stickers. I bet those will add a lot of enjoyment to my journals
Posted by: Robin Summers | April 13, 2016 at 11:31 PM
I had to laugh when I read about the life planner and how you described yourself. We must be twins! I'm so bad that I know a life planner won't help me. It's such a great idea but I would never remember to open it! Love your pics.
Posted by: Linda | April 13, 2016 at 02:33 PM
I bought a Filofax and tons of stickers last year, because I LOVE stationary and writing things down. I did find it too much of a pain though to carry around with me because it was so big...meaning that when I was out and about and had to make an appt or something, I never had it with me and had to guess my availability. How do you get around this? That was the biggest issue with moving back to a digital calendar, although my daily to-do lists are still written down.
Posted by: Amber Weinberg | April 13, 2016 at 07:45 AM
Ohhhh I d like a planner book like your...love love love!!!!Kisse
Posted by: gabriella adano | April 12, 2016 at 09:48 PM
I'm also always planning, but I do not have such a wonderful planner, I always write everything down into my notebook, and it looks like chaotic, but though I can find there what I want. I really appreciate such creative people. I like your planner very much!
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Posted by: Amily | April 12, 2016 at 11:49 AM
Your planner looks gorgeous Lucy! Especially the custom covers. And what good habits you are teaching your daughter. Lovely post as always.
Posted by: AnneR. | April 12, 2016 at 11:38 AM
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Posted by: Monse | April 12, 2016 at 08:01 AM
Hmmm... I have always planned - can't really avoid it and work has kinda driven me towards the electronic variety recently seeing as my calendar has to synch with so many of my colleagues. But... stickers - bright colourful beautiful stickers! Goodness me - even if I don't buy a planner I think I have to buy me some of those gorgeous stickers - I have a lovely Pip Studio diary that might just get some pretty stickers stuck in it next week!! *Sidles off to visit sticker site and spend pennies* Love O. xx
Posted by: Oran | April 11, 2016 at 11:02 PM
I had never heard of Erin Condren, but decided to try a teacher's planner after reading your post and looking them over online. I am so tired of ugly black teacher's books--I can't wait for my new EC planner to come, even though I'll have to wait until September to use it! Thank you for sharing about EC; I had never heard of the company, or even realized there was a world of PRETTY planners out there!
Posted by: MerMer | April 11, 2016 at 10:38 PM
Just wanted to say that your daughter is a well-balanced young woman! She knows that her work has to get done but to give herself treats too. A very healthy way to live, long may that continue! Also her planner is awesome x
Posted by: Jan McCann | April 11, 2016 at 08:40 PM