I first discovered planning in the spring of 2015 when a search for some stickers led me to a whole online community of people who quite honestly seemed to be completely planner crazy. It was like tumbling down the most gloriously colourful, fun-filled rabbit hole you could imagine, with a whole group of new online friends encouraging me to keep on tumbling. I found the enticing world of Erin Condren Life Planners and also the very lovely Rachel who was just starting her own business {EllieBethDesignsUK} designing and making planner stickers. It opened up a fabulous new hobby for me and I've been using Erin Condren Life Planners and EllieBeth stickers ever since. You can read more about the start of my planner journey (here)
As much as I've loved having and using a yearly EC planner, one of the things that didn't work so well for me was it's size. ECLP's are big hefty things, not really portable pop-in-your-bag objects at all. I also found that there wasn't quite enough space each week for me to make notes - I much prefer to make a weekly to-do list rather than a daily one, and there was only a narrow strip outside of the daily columns for me to do this. Combine that with the high cost of an ECLP ($55, plus $20 shipping, plus a rather unpleasantly large customs fee wacked on top) and for the first time in 3 years I didn't rush to order myself one for January 2019. It was odd starting the new year without a planner, and although I had intended to buy myself some sort of a diary I never got round to it and I really did begin to miss it. I've been making lists on scraps of paper, scribbling stuff on the family calendar and feeling rather chaotic without my weekly planning routine.
In early April I happened to read something about Personal Planner and decided to take another look. I already knew about Personal Planners as I bought one for Little Lady to use in 2016 alongside me and my Life Planner. They are smaller than EC planners in that they are a standard A5 size (well they come in 5 different sizes but the A5 is the classic size). The thing that persuaded me to try it was a brand new choice of layouts which I'll talk more about in a little bit.
Personal Planners are made in Sweden and mine took just over a week from ordering to landing in my hands here in the UK. There is a flat cost of £22.90 for a classic A5 size planner, and this includes FREE worldwide delivery which I think is brilliant.
I was soooooooooooooooo excited to unpack it and see what the cover looked like as I chose the custom option and uploaded one of my favourite hooky photos to create my front cover......... ↑↑↑
I love it so much!!!!
One of the great things about PP is that you can choose your starting month - they run for 12 months but you can begin with any month of the year. So mine is running from April 2019 - March 2020 and I'm really happy with that.
The cover of a PP is printed on thick glossy card, with an overlay of slightly opaque plastic to protect it. You can upload your own photo or choose from a range of designs or plain colours. There is an elastic closure to hold it all together and the whole thing feels beautifully neat and compact. I have to say I really like the size of it and already it feels like it'll be a good fit for me on a daily basis.
At the start of each month there is a calendar spread ↑↑ which I find super useful to give an overview of what's going on each month.
I write in birthdays, appointments, meetings and holidays - anything which has a fixed date. For me, this is a functional, practical calendar and I don't bother to prettify it or worry too much about how it looks. I just get the info in there so that I can see what's going on, and where I'm supposed to be!
Now shall we talk about the all important Page Layout? I think this is the thing which really determines whether a planner will work in the long term and it's a very personal choice. PP now has 8 different layouts to choose from, with three of them being new this year. It was these new layouts which combine a diary on one side with a blank/lined page opposite that really grabbed my attention......
.....see??? This ↑↑ just seemed perfect for me.
I have enough space in the diary side to put in birthdays, meetings, school stuff, appointments etc and the opposite side can then accommodate my rather sprawling weekly to-do lists and notes. You get to choose whether to keep the pages blank, or have lines, squares or dot grid.
Along the bottom, these are called "modules" and PP offers 20 options for these module spaces which include things like to-do lists, menu plan, quotes, notes, colouring, fitness etc. As you can see, I chose the meal planner, the weekly motivational quote and the little colouring option which I absolutely love!
At the end of each week when I sit down to think about my week ahead (usually Sunday afternoon or evening) I take a little time to indulge in some simple colouring therapy....it's just the nicest thing to do!
Planners are pretty personal things and I don't always feel comfortable about sharing them with anyone. I've bravely put this week up for you ↑↑ although I've blanked out a few names to keep privacy. You can see that I still like to use my stickers but I don't worry too much about the aesthetics of it to be honest. I just need to be able to see what's happening on each day of the week (the left side) and keep a track of what work and errands I need to do each week (the right side).
These pages are unbelievably good at keeping me grounded and helping me to focus on what needs doing. As I work by myself for the most part and my days are pretty fluid, I can so very easily become distracted and get behind with things - although I value the freedom of my days I don't like to feel too out of control or chaotic if I can help it.
Each Personal Planner comes with a fun sheet of stickers, although having been a planning girl for three years now, I have a fair sized collection of sticky things already. There is a section at the back of the planner ↑↑ which has 20 extra notes pages and you can choose to keep them plain or have them lined, dot grid etc. You can even choose colouring or Sudoku for these back pages if you so wish....it's all good fun!
I've got the same set of pens that I've had for maybe four years now and they are still completely brilliant. I adore them - the colours are gorgeous, they write beautifully and they have a very fine 0.3mm tip which is just perfect for those dinky little colouring in things. Priorities and all that......haha! You can find them on Amazon (here), I can highly recommend them.
Now we can't talk about planners without talking about stickers, the two things go hand in hand in the most beautiful way. I am mainly a functional planner so the stickers I use the most are colourful box type ones. The ones above are quarter boxes and I also like half boxes too which are twice the height so have more writing room. I also use some headers ("To Do" being the most used) and a few little round icons every so often (coffee cups and yarn balls mainly - the stuff that makes up my daily life!).
I confess though, it's blinkin' hard to resist the lure of the decorative stickers, and although I try and sit on my hands when Rachel releases her new collections, it's really difficult to stay away. Want to see my latest splurge????
Take a look at these beauts................
These are from a collection called "The Sea is Calling", aren't they beautiful?
The colours and shell/beach theme match delightfully with my Dune blanket colours, and it won't surprise you to know that Rachel is also a crocheter and we do email back and forth and chat about colours and design ideas etc. It's always a lovely surprise when we find ourselves in creative sync with each other!
Rachel gave me another lovely surprise this week when she told me that she's set up a special discount code especially for Attic24 readers, isn't that great? You can receive 10% off any EllieBethDesigns order, not just right now but each and every time you need a sticker fix in the future. There is no underlying reason for this other than the fact that Rachel is a super lovely person and values her online planner buddies. All you need to do is apply the code ATTIC24LOVE at the checkout, or click on the following rainbow link and the 10% discount will automatically be applied at the checkout for you......
So that's about all my planner and stickerish news wrapped up for now, I hope you've enjoyed peeking into my pages and seeing my efforts at keeping myself together. I always seem to have a lot of balls to juggle and using a planner definitely reduces the stress factor and helps to minimise the daily chaos to a certain extent. I will always be very forgetful and very much on the ditsy side, but I can't change that (and I wouldn't want to) - planning just helps keep me on track in so many little but important ways.
Over the years I've often read the phrase "finding Planner Peace" which refers to the way in which it takes time (often years) to find what works for each individual and what makes planning a personal success. There are dozens of planners out there to choose from, all different shapes, sizes, construction, layouts and functions and one size definitely does not fit all.
I'm so very happy with my Personal Planner - the size and layout, the choice of starting month, the price, the overall great quality and slightly quirky little design options makes it a winner for me. I think I may just have found Planner Peace with this one.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
ps just to reassure you this isn't a sponsored post....I bought my planner and stickers as an ordinary customer and they weren't gifted or sponsored.
pps if you are looking for some online planner buddies, I can really recommend the EllieBethDesigns Facebook group. It's super friendly and welcoming, whether you are already a planner addict or if you are looking for advice on how to get started, it's a lovely place to share and be inspired xx
nooooooo I mustn't nooooooooo! well maybe just a little look...………………………...
Posted by: Jacqui | November 29, 2019 at 07:23 PM
Like you i moved this year due to the first customs' charge last year...I bought an 18 month Kate Spade at £25 (we have now a KS shop in Glasgow)and it gives me the whole month to view as well as a week to view although it is quite bulky (although not as bulky as EC)...so we will see how it works.
Posted by: Denise | November 29, 2019 at 06:03 PM
Thank you Lucy for sharing. I ordered mine and it arrived yesterday. Beautiful and unique. Now I need to find more stickers.... Think this planner could be The One!! 😊😊💁🏻
Posted by: Jot | June 28, 2019 at 07:27 PM
Thank you for this post. I showed my daughter it, she is starting her final year at uni, in September. She had tried journalling and other planners but never got on with them. She is really pleased with the one she ordered, just what she wants. I decided after seeing her's to order myself on!! rather than buy a standard academic diary. Thank you.
Posted by: Sarah | May 28, 2019 at 09:41 AM
I am searching for very nice project and hope to make good friends.
Posted by: victoria mercure | May 21, 2019 at 01:49 AM
all very interesting
Posted by: victoria mercure | May 21, 2019 at 01:45 AM
You should check out another rabbit hole of MAKING your own planner and journal. There's a whole youtube world out there for that. check out the channels of Gayle Agostinelli or Nick The Booksmith. it is indeed a rabbit hole, a lovely wonderful enticing rabbit hole.
Posted by: Melissa | May 18, 2019 at 12:10 AM
Hi Luce,
I’m more of a random back-of-envelope kind of girl but I do love a Post-it!
Your planner looks gorgeous!
Hope all’s well,
Katie B xx
Posted by: Katie Burman | May 16, 2019 at 02:25 PM
Oh Lucy what have you started :-) I used to plan everything when my older three children were still at home but now they have grown and flown there doesn't seem to be the necessity so now I'm sat here trying to decide what I could use a planner for and whether I really do need to open that can of worms to go alongside my rather big obsession with note books.....
Mitzi
Posted by: Mitzi | May 16, 2019 at 12:37 PM
Thanks for the tip Lucy, I went to the website to have a look and ended up ordering myself one. Now to wait for it to be delivered to New Zealand!
Posted by: Rachel Mckelvie | May 16, 2019 at 09:15 AM
This does look good , and I have ordered one too, but sadly it costs £5 postage to Norway!!
Ps For the lady who wondered...there shouldn’t be any importation tax between Sweden and Uk as you are both in the EU (for now!)
Posted by: Gill | May 15, 2019 at 06:47 PM
Inspiring !
Posted by: Charlotte. | May 15, 2019 at 01:45 PM
Does anyone know if you pay customs from Sweden to the UK? Thank u on
Posted by: Marion Handsley | May 14, 2019 at 06:53 PM
This could just be the answer for me! Thanks for sharing Lucy.
Posted by: Julie Letton | May 14, 2019 at 09:57 AM
Oh my gosh. Talk about getting into trouble. No telling how much trouble until I start planning my planner and all the little extras. Thanks so much for the post. I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog.
Posted by: diane wilalrd | May 13, 2019 at 08:18 PM
I use my PP some time now and I still love it. You can create a birthday list, so it will be printed each year. That makes it perfect for me.
Posted by: FISCHER Astrid | May 13, 2019 at 06:10 PM
Lucy
Thank you so much for this post. I've just designed and ordered my June/June planner - yet another fab feature - choosing when to start your planner. Absolutely amazing price. Thanks so much for enabling xx
Posted by: Gill | May 13, 2019 at 12:44 PM
Hi Lucy, your planner looks fabulous! I also never find the right layout, and I've started bullet journaling last year. My layout still changes a lot, but I did find a few keepers. I use an Atoma A5 with dot grid. I very much like it that I can take out pages and add them too. Some weeks are very plain, just black writing. Others are very colourful, with drawings and handlettering. I love it that I can vary the space I use for each day. I'm hesitating to visit the facebook group you mentioned, might spend way to much time there... Jill xx
Posted by: Jill | May 13, 2019 at 10:35 AM
Thank you for sharing these! I've ordered mine straight away and told them to expect lots of orders from Attic24 crocheteers!
Posted by: Charlotte | May 12, 2019 at 06:04 PM
I love the ones that have the blank page opposite the week. Makes so much sense to me & so useful. I used to find that format as an Academic Diary in the Card Warehouse. Sadly they no longer seem to sell them & i’m Now struggling with a ‘normal’ diary.
Your squares are looking so enticing. Looking forward to seeing your dreamt bag :)
Wishing you & all a wonderful Sunday. The weather is glorious today.
Posted by: Lynn | May 12, 2019 at 08:50 AM
I've not found the ONE for myself yet, I have tried many ways through the years but, they all fall out of use after a time. Thanks for sharing! xxxxxxxxxxx
Posted by: Angela-southern USA | May 11, 2019 at 02:38 PM
I did Documented Life Planners for several years and still refer back to them with much pleasure. They kept all info on when and where for me, the kids, the animals, and news. Loved the weekly time spent making it pretty and preparing for the next week. It didn't take long and washi tape held cards I received, news clippings, school programs, just all the cute stuff you accumulate and hate to throw away but what to do with it? DLP it. Enjoy for years to come. Please don't stop this habit as you will never regret it unless you do stop, then you will be sorry. It will also be a fun look back when older or for you kids.
Posted by: Mary W | May 11, 2019 at 01:55 PM
I'm a diary person, paper, not on my phone. I'm quite fussy about layout so it's either a leuchturm weekly notebook or a castelli weekly diary and notebook . I can't even begin to comprehend journalling! I like simplicity.
Posted by: Su | May 11, 2019 at 11:53 AM
I'm a huge notebook fan, so I absolutely loved this post. I always buy a diary with a similar layout to your planner - seven days on the left and a blank lined page on the right, it's perfect for lists. I really like the artistic element to planners, I imagine sitting down to set out to-do things is very enjoyable which no doubt helps with focus and gettings things done. I am going to have a look at planners now... CJ xx
Posted by: CJ | May 11, 2019 at 09:50 AM
This certainly looks like the best planner I've seen so far. I love the look of it. I'm currently using Google calender which works well as a planner, but lacks the extras, principally being able to draw, only having one type face and the fact that my laptop doesn't fit in my handbag! I'm seriously tempted by this one! thank you for sharing the info.
Posted by: Marly | May 11, 2019 at 08:24 AM