For Miscellanaous Monday, I decided to tell you why I like and how I use my Happy Planner. I have used an EC for the last six plus years (long before they were super popular) and for December 2015 I decided to give the Happy Planner a try. So far, so good.
Happy Planner (Classic)
- So easy to personalize. I can literally make a new cover or dashboard, laminate it and install it within 15 minutes.
- I can move pages in/out easily.
- I can effortlessly add inserts or sections as needed.
- No rings or coils to get in my way when writing.
- If you needed larger rings or the mini rings you can easily change them to fir your need.
- The planner will fold over on its self.
- A disc bound paper punch is easy to find. Or you can use a regular hole punch and scissors to get the job done.
Size
- The overall size is 7.75 x 9.75 inches. This size easily fits into most standard size handbags and work totes. Not too big, not too small.
- The classic size has generous 2.5x1.5 size boxes.
Price
The price is fantastic. As an ex Franklin Covey user then an Eric Condren user I was not surprised to pay at least $50 for a planner each year. ßwhich really meant I would spend at least $200 and up (new binder, inserts, accessories, personalization, etc.). A Happy Planner without a coupon or discount code will set you back $25-30. The expansion packs are very inexpensive too
Covers
This fall MAMBI is coming out with “binders” for the Happy Planner. This gives you the best of both worlds (if you like a “binder” type cover for your planners). I have cut down one of my EC planners and had it punched to fit an A5 planner and I personally DID. NOT. LIKE. IT. AT. ALL.
How I Use My Happy Planner
Section 1 is used for my daily To-Dos. Specific things to do goes in the top squares.
Section 2 is used for my daily reminders – recycling & trash days, car wash, post office, etc.
Section 3 is used for a) meal planning b) exercise schedule c) book club schedule
My side bar is used for -
- To jot down quick shopping reminders (lightbulbs batteries, soap, etc.). When I use the last one of something I write it down while I am thinking about it. This also saves time from me having to walk around the house when I am making a grocery list to see what I am out of.
- I am in a few different book clubs and I use the bottom side bar area to keep track of the books I am currently reading that week.
I have just purchased a Happy Planner Horizontal.
Here are my initial thoughts.
Dislikes
- The boxes are just a tad short. Traditional size planner stickers will not fit unless you cut them down to fit.
- There is no side bar (obviously).
Likes
- The daily boxes are lined.
- The daily boxes have plenty of room to write.
- The daily boxes look large enough, that if you wanted, you could break them down into three sections (like the vertical three box layout).
For the week of July 25 – July 31 I am going to plan in both my vertical and horizontal to see what I prefer.
Do you use a Happy Planner? Vertical or Horizontal? What are your likes and dislikes? Have you found planner peace?
Until next time,
Blog Schedule for August - December 2016
Monday - Miscellaneous Monday Randomness at it's finest - Usually a review, book club thoughts, possible craft share
Tuesdsay - Tag Tuesday Share of tag(s) I have made for the week
Wednesday - Whatever Wednesday Something crafty, could be scrapbooking, flip books, pocket letters, ATC's, ICAD's... just whatever I am curently working on
Friday - Fun Friday Crafty video shares/tutorials/plan with me, etc
Saturday - Swap Saturday Share of current swaps, incoming & outgoing
