Why I chose the Happy Planner over a Bullet Journal

I’ve had many, many different planners over the years. I think most planner obsessed people try several options before they finally find something that works best for them.

My most recent trial began when I noticed my daughter started pinning Bullet Journal ideas on Pinterest, I really thought that she was onto something! I even ran right out and bought one. I loved the idea of a blank slate that allowed me to make a planner/journal into exactly what I wanted functionally, as well as visually. I pinned tons of ideas on how to make the most of my journal too. But after a couple weeks I realized that it was taking me too much time to draw out and create the pages the way I wanted them to look and I just stopped.

This was supposed to help me be more productive and mindful and I ended up feeling like it was taking away from my productivity instead. While I’d really like to be able to customize my planner, I needed to find a more efficient way for me to plan out my days. I still drool over the beautiful designs that bullet journal users make though… Soooo creative!!!

I came across the 18 month Happy Planner in a local craft store. When I initially noticed the display I felt like a moth to a flame. I saw the planners and all of the accessories that can be purchased to make it your own….Planner people understand this feeling. It’s like being a kid in toy store. The isle sucks you in and nothing else around you matters anymore…  Admittedly, I was hesitant to even look at them because I could see that they were structured and I wasn’t sure if I could make that work with they way I wanted my planner to function. Fortunately, they had many layout options available and after spending a little time looking at the different styles, I found one that works really well for me. I was able to find one with structure, but still allowed me plenty of creative freedom. This is the one I chose and it’s the classic sized planner.

The pages inside are colorful, simple, and customizable, but what really sold me on the idea was the stickers packs! There are a TON of sticker options that will make your planner visually appealing, functional, beautiful and just plain fun!

I initially started off with the Gold Star Quotes and Watercolor packs. The quotes give me a weekly reminder that I can do anything I set my mind to and the Watercolor pack allows me to make my planner more colorful, fun, and unique every week.  When I realized how much I enjoyed the way they make my planner look, I purchased 2 more, Quotes and Rainbow. Like I said though, they have lots and lots of options…like, Food, Sports, Productivity, Pregnancy, Fitness, Student, Budgeting, Teacher, Faith and Colors!

They also have Paper, Dividers, Washi Tape and you can add extension packs like Fitness, and Budgeting. There is always the option of doodling around the edges too. You really can go crazy making it yours!

This is picture of a plain page in my planner. I had to go all the way into February to find one because I decorate several weeks at a time in advance.

These are the sticker packs I currently have:

So, if you already have a planner and aren’t happy with it or if you are looking to incorporate one into your life, I’d highly recommend this brand!

If you are interested in seeing some examples of my decorated pages, then head over here for the October preview. I’ll blog about my pages more in the future and also provide some ideas on how to make the most of the space!

Happy Planning to you!!