What comes to mind when someone says they use a planner or that they plan to buy one?

Many people think that a planner is just a notebook with grids and, well, you lay out your plans for the week/month. Add some doodles if you want and you're done! I didn't really give it much thought either. I started using planners when I was in high school but never took them seriously until college. I just kept a small pocket planner to balance studies, parties, and movie nights. Oh yeah, it was though lol

As an adult, I've always had yearly planners. It didn't mean I was updating them religiously. Back in the Philippines, I made sure I had the annual Starbucks planner - which apparently they do not offer here in the US. Back home (and I don't know if they still do it now), you buy so much drinks and have your punch card filled up and voila! Starbucks Limited Edition Planner.

I got a 2020 planner as a gift last Christmas and I've loved it so far. I was able to maintain it, but nothing fancy. Last week, I was buying some fabric in Joann's but of course, your store visit is not complete until you go to the clearance aisle. I was initially looking for stickers then I stumbled upon this 18th month planner. Looks neat. Not my style but hey it's on sale for $11 so maybe I'll go ahead and take it.

The Happy Planner.

That discovery led me to the paper crafts aisle and of course, I found the rest of the Happy Planners not on clearance but was on sale. Well, I found one that represents ME! I'm no longer that "girlfriends date night" kind of gal, which is what the clearance item was - things have changed and I'm more of let's work, travel, eat, and walk my dog with my husband person now. Amid all that - I'm a child at heart, not some sassy chic (although I know I can be). 

Alright, I'm doing my best to keep everything updated and so far - I'm on track!!

I'm gonna have more videos to come and more posts, of course!

I've spent a good chunk looking at puppies so my life is fulfilled! ​

But of course, I think time management is crucial and I actually am having fun creating content! That being said, I am also interested to know - what content would you like to see!? I would love it if you would let me know :) Please take the survey by clicking the button below.

Way before photography, one of the first things that I always loved to do is to draw. Unfortunately, my fingers are not the best in drawing unless it's manga/anime. Unlike my brother, I seem to not be so great at that. Surprisingly, I think I have a better skill in painting. I've been recently obsessed with the floral elements I get from DesignBundles so I thought, why not make my own?

I find water color painting to be a lot of fun and a great way to de-stress. Now that I'm working from home full time (and how I wish it stays that way forever), I can just start painting something if I was in the mood. I feel like working from home is more healthy and much productive for me.

I've been working on some images today and I wanted to go for a particular look and background. I have many resources, most if not all, I have paid for so I have the full versions and/or the licensing to use them. I've been looking around the backdrops and overlays that I already have but can't find one that feels right.

I did a free trial on this website so I poked around and saw what I needed there! The perfect overlay!! But to access it, it's $19/month. It doesn't really sound expensive, but I already have several subscriptions and I will probably just use it a few times. I've been contemplating. I can purchase the overlays for more than what the subscription is. It doesn't make sense then.

Just like most hobbies, art and photography resources can get pretty expensive. It's $19 and $10 and $30 here and there. It's like buying small items and you realize your $100 didn't get that far.

The real question is - is it worth it?

For me, I do think so! I've found so many uses for different resources from creating websites and editing images, to printing cards and enhancing artworks. The thing is - some post processing doesn't mean extreme changes. It can be minor details that make such difference.