Hello Friends!
Recently, I watched a bunch of "Planner Tag" videos on YouTube, and thought it would be a fun topic to start the new year with. I've compiled a list of 10 questions that I gathered from a few of the videos. If you would like to play along, I would love to see what the answers to your questions are. Please leave me a comment below so I can read your responses.
HERE. WE. GO...
1. WHEN DID YOU GET INTRODUCED TO THE PLANNER COMMUNITY?
I have always used a paper planner, from the small 2-year kind that you can find at the Dollar Tree, to larger, more elaborate ones just to keep track of work schedules, appointments, and special events. Nothing fancy. But it was in 2013 that I fell upon planner videos, in which decorating planners, namely Filofax, and other ring-bound planners started to pop up. I had already been a paper crafter, primarily a scrapbooker and card maker, so it was a natural transition into decorating planners. And, before you know it, I was was hooked and my previous hobbies took a backseat.
2. WHAT PLANNER ARE YOU CURRENTLY USING?
I am currently using an Erin Condren Academic Planner, but I just closed out 2019 with a Michael's Recollections planner. I find the two comparable in style, and easy to move between both if you are using more than one planner. For example, the layouts are similar and therefore most stickers work exactly the same in both types of planners. I typically use either an EC or Recollections planner each year.
3. DO YOU USE MORE THAN ONE PLANNER? IF SO, HOW MANY DO YOU USE AT ONCE?
I only use one planner at a time, but I do use a small notebook with daily to do lists, to buy lists, etc. And, I use that to move around the house with while completing tasks. I will also write my grocery lists in there, and use it as scrap paper. For example, when I need to jot down some information while on the phone or when I get a notification about an upcoming school event via text. I usually have my notebook handy that I will transfer that information from and into my planner when I sit down to formally "plan" in my planner.
4. WHAT IS YOUR LAYOUT PREFERENCE?
I gravitate towards vertical overall. I like to see the week lined up that way. But I'm currently using an Erin Condren Academic Planner, which is basically a horizontal orientation.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PEN TO WRITE IN YOUR PLANNER WITH?
My favorite pen to write with is the PaperMate InkJoy Gel pens 0.7 in black, and a close second behind that is the Pilot G2 0.7 in blue.
6. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLANNER SUPPLIES?
My number one favorite planner supplies are colored pens (particularly PaperMate Flair), followed by Mildliners by Zebra, functional stickers, that are mainly boxes with a pop of color (for example Colorful Boxes by The Happy Planner, and stickers by Krissyanne Designs), and sticky notes of all shapes and sizes (especially white Post-It notes).
7. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLANNER TOOLS?
My most used, and therefore favorite planner tools are a small hole punch (1/8") for making dashboards and interchangeable planner covers, a metal ruler for drawing lines, cutting washi tape, and obviously measuring. I also find necessary when it comes to any craft, are a pair of scissors. I love Cutter Bee by EK Success.
8. DO YOU PREFER STICKER KITS OR TO CREATE YOUR OWN SPREAD?
I love stickers, all stickers, functional, decorative... but I don't use very many in my planner. I like white space and too many stickers take away from the information I need to actually see in my planner. I've never used sticker kits outside of the weekly sets that have recently become available from Sweet Kawaii Design, Shine Sticker Studio, and Wonton In A Million at Michael's. I also use Mildliners a lot and washi on occasion. So I guess the answer is, I like to create my own spreads.
9. DO YOU PREFER A SPIRAL, DISC, RING BOUND, AND/OR TRAVELER'S NOTEBOOK STYLE OF PLANNER?
I'm currently using a spiral planner. As I mentioned I'm using an Erin Condren Academic Planner. I have never used a disc bound system, but I do have some Happy Planner notebooks, that I just got and haven't begun using. However, I am drawn to the flexibility of being able to move the page around, or remove them completely. I began my formal planner journey with a Filofax, which is a ring bound organizer, and I much liked the flexibility and the limitless add-ons that I could use inside my rings, such as workout trackers and supply lists. I've never used a traveler's notebook as a planner, so I can't say whether or not I have a preference. They don't appeal to me as planner, but I'm more inclined to work with them for their intended journaling purposes.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO PLAN (CLEANING, MEALS, SOCIAL, BUDGET, ETC)?
The main purpose of my planner is to keep on top of my appointments, school events, work schedules, special occasions, etc... and my favorite thing about planning these things is not only do I feel less anxious because I'm organized, but I also have an accurate record of not only the big moments in life, but the small, often looked over parts of life that we quickly forget unless they are written down. So my planner serves as a memory keeper as well, and as I previously mentioned, I started as a scrapbooker. So planning allows for that area of creativity that I sort of put on hold for some time. I might not have large, elaborate layouts from the park, the zoo, or a family vacation, but I do have a place where I can look back and remember what month or year something took place, when I otherwise might have forgotten.
If you feel like participating in the planner tag, please do and link to the post/video in the comments below.
I'll be seeing you.
-Theresa
