Planner Itch Relapse!

Way back in December, I wrote a blog post entitled 'Curing the Planner Itch' I am sorry to report that I appear to have had a relapse and am itching all over the place! I don’t know whether it’s the constantly changing times, the recent events in the planner community or simply the classic Libra indecisiveness but, just recently, I’ve found myself in quite the quandary. This calendar year alone, I have tried a Passion Planner, personal rings, A5 rings, Hobonichi Cousin, Hobonichi Weeks and I still haven’t found that elusive 'Planner Peace'. Let me talk you through it...

New planners on a budget!

Who doesn’t love a new planner? Silly question really! I have my regular daily and weekly planner but I have found myself in need of a health planner and I have wanted to set up a planner for my social media tasks for a while too.  June is great time to try something new especially if you don’t mind starting half way through a yearly planner - after all you can cover anything you want with stickers!! So I set myself a challenge….to find 2 planners from everyday sources that I could buy for less than £30 to complement my regular, expensive, yearly treat planner….

Lockdown Planners

In these uncertain times, many of us are house bound, helping teachers, caring for others in our community and some have left their beautiful planners on the side as there’s not much going on. Right? Well, you will be amazed how much actually happens if you enjoy each moment. In my new video I take you through 4 of my lockdown planners and how I use them on a daily basis. Keeping my planner with me, keeps my mind focused, my attitude positive and my heart grateful. 

Creative Packs and Planning

If you like getting creative like me, the EllieBeth Designs UK Creative Packs might be just the ticket to add a little extra creative goodness to your planner.

I am making a Pop-In Folder with Pockets and a Vellum Envelope to hold Die cuts journal cards, receipts etc.

So Many Ways With One Collection

Every month for 'What’s New Wednesday' Rachel brings us the most beautiful collections for our planners. In April we had the 'Honey' collection; bright bees, yellows, golds, and purples. I loved it so much I had to put it in all my planners. I thought I’d show you how I used it. 

It’s a Ring Thing!

This time last month, I watched Rachel’s ‘Planner Evaluation Session’ videos on YouTube, and looked on, enrapt, as she went through all her different planners and shared her pros and cons for each. It didn’t come as much of a surprise that Rachel ended up back in rings though, but what did come as a surprise was that I started hankering for set of rings of my own!

Planner challenge - Websters Pages

When I started planning I bought myself a personal ring Websters pages but it didn’t last long before I was hooked by travellers notebooks and my Erin Condren. So when Rachel sent me the Honey mini monthly collection I decided I would give them another try. 

Watercolour Layers (and some bumblebees)

By Creative Planning Team Member - Kylie AshbyI’ve been really getting into watercolour again just...

Trying something new! - Erin Condren Daily Duo

Those of you that have seen my planning over the last few years will know that I love 2 things - Erin Condren planners and the vertical layout. But EC have changed the game and this year they have released a long awaited daily planner. The Daily Duo is 2 books of 6 months each with daily pages. Mine arrive last week and although it doesn't start until July, like all seasoned planners I've re-dated and stickerated so I can dive in now! 

Playing with Planners – 8x10 Erin Condren Softbound

With everything that’s going on, I’m having a lot of fun trying different things out and most recently this has included an 8x10 softbound Erin Condren Life Planner. I tried the hardbound when it first came out and while it was a wonderful size, I wasn’t a big fan of the paper at the time. However having stroked Rachel’s at the end of last year, it's been on my wishlist.

The main thing I wanted to see was whether I could fit the vast majority of things into it whilst also having stickers! I have to say, so far, so good. I’m really excited to use it during May with a bit more confidence of how I want it to function for me.

Track It – Review It

Now that the end of April is approaching, and I am beginning to look forward to the start of May, it’s time to review both my life and my planning system.

Toward the end of every month, I like to look through my bullet journal and Passion Planner Pro and spend some time reviewing how things have gone – both in regard to how well my planning system has served my most recent needs and with regard to how well I am living. Let’s talk about my planning system review first.

My First Bullet Journal and EBDUK

I have been intrigued about Bullet Journaling for some time - the thought of starting with pretty much a blank page and creating your own setup sounded quite exciting, yet a little daunting.

I spent a lot of time watching YouTube videos about Bullet Journaling for Beginners, and was blown away by the different styles of Bullet Journaling.  The freedom it allowed was a real draw for me and I wanted to give it ago myself.  

So I decided to start my very first Bullet Journal this April and I wanted to incorporate EllieBeth Designs UK stickers into the mix.  Also having a monthly theme appealed to me, giving me the opportunity to draw and create at the same time.

I have been holding onto some of the stickers I had from the lovely Serendipity collection, including the Notes ‘Track it’ which I thought would be ideal.   As well as pulling from other sheets in the collection.

I decided on Classic Pooh Bear for my April Theme, and started by making a list of some of things I would like to include in my monthly setup.