Happy Planning with the Happy Planner

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.

It's a whole new world!

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). 

Stickers added - because never enough rainbows and unicorns.

Yeah, you guessed it! The rainbow on a lavender cover got me!

Then I flipped it open, there's a unicorn inside?? Okay I'm sold! I put down the other one on clearance and of course got the right one that definitely suits me.

Getting Started

I did say I've had planners - but I've never really decorated any of them except for a few marker and highlighter scribbles. This time, I want to make it as creative as can be! Of course I needed ideas and resources, what better way to find where to download stuff and have some inspiration other than Pinterest!

Since I just got started, I haven't printed much and have more to make this upcoming weekend. The 18-month planner I got starts in July. Since it's already August, I decided to transfer the details from my now old planner and practice with this month. 

Now I also get to use my stash of pens and stickers, and some new ones that I ordered because Happy Planner has themes and a bunch of sticker books that look amazing! I kinda feel bad using them because, as we all know, I hoard craft stuff. The feeling to replace them is eating me inside - hence more reasons to shop for stickers! I also just ordered some stickers from Online Labels because I'm having fun making my own and I sure will be making a tutorial on that!

My July page is done! Now onto the real deal, let me go ahead and actually get August started!

It's not as fun and creative and I hoped but I think it's not bad for a start. Definitely going to make August a lot more colorful!