Is There a New Year’s Planner Curse?

[@VeganOrganizer]

If it's any help, the problem doesn't seem to be with Sanzen TRP in general but rather that there was a specific 'bad batch' of paper which ended up in some Hobonichis this year. It seems to have affected the five-year techos and the Cousins most dramatically but has also affected some of the other planners. They offered a replacement for the five-year techos which I took advantage of and the replacement is absolutely fine, which shows that they know there was a problem and have worked out how to fix it. I made a short about it on my channel if you want to see the difference. I know it doesn't help for this year's Weeks, but the fact that they were able to fix the problem in the five-year techos gives me hope that next year all the planners will be back to normal.

[@fagerdam]

I was so relieved when I made pen tests and all my 2025 books were fine 😅 I like the new paper more than the old one, it doesn’t smudge so much. But what I’ve seen of the bad batch looked - bad.

[@cutyourthumb13]

thank you so much for clearing this up, i've been very confused about hearing vastly different reports! (and i'm a huge fan of your videos, so it's lovely to see you around :)

[@samplans]

Of course I’d end up with some of the bad batch of paper. Thanks so much for the info!! I’m hoping this won’t happen again.

[@Pym1975]

@@samplansactually it’s across the board with other planner companies

[@1000000maniacs]

I think we’ll keep hearing more and more about the bleed through problem as users use more pages in the books. My cousin has good pages and bad pages mixed, so until this morning I thought I got lucky with a “good batch”. I’ve also tested a sterling ink planner and it was also a mix, only 1 of 8 pages I tested had no bleed through, I gave up on the book completely as I use mostly fountain pens for journaling.

[@lisakay0685]

I suggest changing your pen. You love everything about the Hobonichi weeks so try to work with that and find a new pen.

[@samplans]

Even though I’ve found a solution outside of the Weeks and I really struggled forever to find this pen combo, I will be trying pens and hopefully something else works.

[@simply_artzy]

I really like the Sterling Ink Planner. It's white paper, there is grid on the weekly pages, and it's very neutral.

[@joannemarkov]

I left Hobonichi for this and haven't looked back.

[@gerdameijering7442]

The paper is not what I am used to in Hobonichi. But I always use a ballpointpen, that is always good. Maybe that is something you could do.

[@abcsjuneau]

Switched from hobonichi weeks to the sterling ink planners. I do not regret it. I too liked the feel of the semi hard cover of the weeks but the SI is so good I can live with the softer cover. I like the white paper, grid, no quotes to take up page space, extra pages. I use ballpoint pen jetstream 5in1 .5.

[@samplans]

I DO like the idea of the grid being everywhere on the Sterling Ink planners. 😊

[@donnad5986]

Ok Sam, last night It was my turn, I was Freaking out.!!! I finally took out my Hononichi Weeks and started the pen test page, as I Always do. Results: I Won’t be able to use Most of my fountain pens & inks.! Freaking out.!!! The reason I have Always used Hobonichi is the paper, the way it brought out the different properties in the inks.! I have used the Weeks exclusively since 2018 and now I think my Hobonichi days are done! I know I can use just a regular pen, however that is not the same joy as a fountain pen, gliding across the page.! 😢

[@samplans]

I’m so sorry you got a crappy one too. 😩

[@solascripturamjc9681]

So hear ya!!

[@joannemarkov]

Sterling Ink has monthly and weekly notebooks in B6 you could use along with the Stalogy.

[@gratefulmama9073]

Love your honesty and transparency. Always a ROCKSTAR!

[@samplans]

Thank you so much!

[@AuntieAlexandra]

Oh, and 4. Perimenopause is abysmal BUT it does not create planner problems, just affects how we react to things like this (in my case, not well. Not well at all.)

[@ziggy2255]

It does for me as I feel edgy and can't settle. Like I'm looking for something. I can't explain but I get what Sam means.

[@AuntieAlexandra]

@ I just meant she’s not imagining it, the paper is a big let down.

[@ziggy2255]

@@AuntieAlexandra you are so right. It's so disappointing.

[@marybethrutledge351]

While using my hobo cousin in December for journal prompts, I thought it would look lovely with a pop of green to highlight the prompts with. I used a 408 zig clean color dot and once done the bleed through onto the next calendar was horrendous. Almost threw the planner out, but. I have decided to just embrace the imperfections. I've already done some major smudges in the daily pages.😂

[@annthering1963]

I am almost embarrassed to tell you. I had a big hobonichi purchase during launch. Started setting them up. I got so frustrated with them I tossed them on a shelf and purchased disc bound planners. I have had a weeks in my purse since 2017. So idk what happened. I can’t give advice. I am a planning disaster. So I’m going to pray for us both. 😂😂😂 good luck !

[@Chaos_and_Creativity]

Try sterling ink n2 size its the same thing!

[@witchywendywoo9553]

Discbound! Shudders 😅

[@thedivinefemme5285]

I can become unhappy with my planner in an instant, it feels like. I'll see something else on IG, or a YT video, that I wasn't even looking for and there I go...hoppity, hop, hop into the next thing. And often it's something I've used in the past and enjoyed. My problem is that I can make most planners work for me, equally well. I might have to change pens or covers or how I do things, but I can make it work. So I have too many options. I'm currently back in the Midori TN, because I had a DREAM about them and woke up and had to be in one, lol. Isn't that wild? It's been about a month now and I'm loving it so far.

[@ghostyplans]

I moved away from Tomoe River Paper because it’s just too finicky. I do love Travelers Company inserts and Planner Perfect books!

[@sheryl.sst1537]

The ring planner is beautiful and would be my choice.

[@samplans]

It was!

[@Danyel_Joy]

Have you looked at the kinbor weeks planners? They are hardbound and I've been living mine thus far.

[@katyagurina1492]

That's what I'm using this year and so far I'm really impressed!

[@NancysFanciesDesign]

I use a Dated Kinbor Weeks. However, the easiest thing would be to switch to a ballpoint pen.

[@pferris5400]

I’ve used a Cousin for 6 years consistently. Almost planner peace.This year I’m ready to throw it away. Can’t use fountain pens, highlighters and most gel pens. All are ones I’ve used in the past. So far the Uniball Jetstream is all that works well. I bought my first Weeks and have already cut it down to pocket size to use as note paper to throw away. Think I might be done with Hobonichi sadly. It’s not worth all the idiosyncrasies. Fountain pens are one of the reasons I kept trying to make it work. But now it’s a moot point.

[@VandaPankieiwch]

So feel you. Same thing with both the Weeks and the Cousin. Not only fountain pens are bleeding through but other pens as well. Very very disappointing :(

[@simple.flamingo]

So I would pick rings today, a weeks in the spring an a6 for summer and pocket for fall.. it’s just the way it went for me last year 😅

[@karenhendricks5196]

Have you seen Creffective paper Weeks planner. The layout is similar but the paper is thicker yet still fountain pen friendly, 4mm grid size.

[@yolandafernandez8799]

Im perimenopausal as well, cycle is unpredictable just like the hobonichi weeks, bleed through, ghosting (spotting) 😂. However I will embrace the imperfections because it currently matches my life. #Lifebook ❤

[@joannavaldez]

Hahahaha! That was such a great metaphor! Good luck with life. 😂

[@Karenm1969]

Go with the rings; that leather cover is sooo beautiful…it doesn’t want to sit on the shelf!

[@chrissysorrentino4551]

Have you thought about the Sterling Ink products? Still TRP, but white, with grid on both sides.

[@danitaielle]

I just want to let you know I love listening to you work through planner challenges. It feels like I'm listening to a friend. I just want you to know. I hope you find something that works for you, but I'll be here watching regardless.

[@00tlo00]

Yes! Oh my gosh, I also use the U-brands Catalina pen and I thought I was just being “extra” because I’ve seen so many videos and posts about the new paper! I can’t believe how much ghosting there is this year and tiny pin pricks of bleed through!

[@samplans]

I thought they were being extra too! But the little dots everywhere are driving me NUTS!

[@AmyLeblanc]

Stalogy has a monthly b6 slim booklet on jet pens also the undated monthly stickers as well

[@Ive_kept_an_agenda]

I just posted a video about menopause and planning. Menopause has completely changed everything!

[@andshereads]

I've used a common planner last year and liked it better so I'm using a common planner again this year.

[@Chaos_and_Creativity]

"Too long -- didnt read it" needs to be a sticker 😂 i laughed out loud

[@samplans]

It TOTALLY does!!

[@snicklesfritz8449]

Also with rings you could tear out the notes that you didn’t want to keep in your notes book. (You mentioned liking the ability to be able to tear out pages in your spiral bound).

[@artandmorebykeila]

From experience, make the switch now. I have tried many times to adapt to new planers and I always end up going back to what works for me. 😂

[@jjensen8509]

All these. Suggestions might confuse you even more but hopefully it makes you feel better knowing how much people care about you! I wanted to throw out 2 suggestions: maybe it’s your u-brand marker is the problem; go back to Sarasa or a maica ink pen? And I’d love for hear your opinion if you tried the day designer blue sky spiral (there are ACcESSORIES😂). Enjoy your videos and thank you for reading this

[@tuomi1154]

My planning system kinda fell apart, when I got the information that I won't fit in one of the uni courses that I had already time blocked in my hobonichi cousin for 9 weeks. Now I feel like those 9 weekly spreads are ruined with three out of seven week days covered in whiteout. Ugh.

[@Kim-dv1sq]

When I saw your instagram story this morning, I knew this video would pop up this weekend😂. I hope you find something you like very soon.

[@kolleenmoss2005]

This was very interesting for me. Helpful. I just got my new 2025 Hobonichi weeks and haven’t set it up yet. I did not realize the paper was different. So thank you for the heads up. Good luck. Please let us know what you end up with.

[@ziggy2255]

I'm preferring my Kinbor weeks paper. Whiter, smoother, no quote at the bottom (so slightly bigger daily boxes) . I got the snake skin one and it's hard cover. It's my health planner. I was battling washi curling my weeks pages yesterday. Urgh. I'm side eyeing my pocket rings with plus inserts ...

[@ButterflyHideLeatherworks]

My “perfect pen” for the hobonichi paper (new and old) is using a refillable rollerball pen (I use the Kakimori) filled with Platinum Carbon fountain pen ink. It’s deep dark black and dries pretty quickly and once it does, it’s totally waterproof/archival. Love it ❤

[@quince7]

PCB doesn't bleed through for you on the new TRP? I just emptied the Platinum Carbon Black out of my vanishing point w/ an EF nib, precisely because it is bleeding through so badly in my 2025 hobonichi cousin. Compared, e.g. to my 2nd VP in a F with Rohrer & Klingner Leipziger Swartz which only slightly ghosts. Maybe I have one of the bad batches...

[@ButterflyHideLeatherworks]

@ hmm yes I’ve heard of the bad batches! Maybe that’s it. Very strange! Sorry that’s happening ❤️😭

[@rebeccafrost7162]

I’m also struggling with the planner I want to use this year; and since I exclusively use a digital planner at work I have to find something that is functional that I will actually open for all the other to-do’s and things in my non-work life. The struggle is real!! I had intended on using a weeks but that ended up falling through - and now I’m glad it did.

[@Branchoutofthefire]

Totally understand, I purchased the cousin through jetpens and the bleed through and ghosting is horrible, I was extremely disappointed, we CANNOT just change pens lol ughh for me since it was expensive splurge I’m still using the cousin 😢

[@wendykluge5286]

The rings is gorgeous!

[@darkensys]

You have to check the Kinbor weeks, is a very nice replacement for the Hobo weeks. I bought one last year and other new this year (bamboo design). 🤓

[@night_owl365]

Yeah I have one as well. I couldn't afford hobonichi this year. It's nice.

[@Karelife]

I have follow you for years. I know you you will find 2025 planner peace like you always do. I went back to my camel TN ❤️ with a calendar and 2 inserts. Works very well for me.

[@katsmith8263]

0:00 no, there's KZbinrs planner curse😂😂: as soon as there is a new planner video, this planner doesn't work anymore

[@samplans]

Well that certainly hasn’t been the case for the last 8 months!! I’m not good with change, and apparently this paper change was enough of one.

[@sentarose]

I have moved away from all of the thin paper. Not just. TRP but any of the other thin paper. I'm using 40 page inserts for the most part.. and I have 6 Ring insert papers that I don't use inside the binder. I had to get away from all of the bulk and the lumps and bumps and the shadowing. I also needed fresh starts at a more regular basis. I did an unusual play interstate video on my channel if you want to take a look.

[@karenjensen3527]

This happened to me in January 2024 - this year (so far) I have planner peace 😊 My edc is a Sterling Ink N1 (traveler’s notebook size) and my main planner is a Roseylifeplanner a5 size.

[@HappymakingwithJen]

I can so relate to you. I was all set in my 2025 Hobonichi Weeks and then I switched to rings. That felt too bulky and cumbersome and so I have now purchased an Erin Condren folio and planner.

[@abbielynnjuett4031]

The B6. Divide the pages in half, write on half the page at a time. I did that and found it a game changer for me. I am writing and having fun.

[@samplans]

I’m sure I’ll play around with the Stalogy throughout the year!

[@margaretthompson6479]

I already dumped my Weeks for the same reason. I don’t like the paper. It’s so thin, but different thin than I’m used to. Like cheap thin. Also, I was secretly hoping you would choose rings. That cover is gorgeous! I’m honestly waffling between the 1000 page Allie Ryaz notebook (B6 with weeks size grid) and personal rings. You are not alone in your search for planner peace.

[@heather_bouvier]

I had the perfect pen for the old hobo weeks paper and found with the new paper I had to make a change! It made me super sad but I went on a new pen search vs a new planner search. The Muji 0.5 has been the best so far and what I am using for this month! Maybe you can do the same. I know this pen has worked for the old paper but clearly it’s not right for the new!!

[@samplans]

I think I’ve ended up with one of the bad batches. The pen and dot marker should not be bleeding through. I’ll use the Weeks, but don’t want to go on another pen search. That will stress me out more than moving to a different planner for my daily carry!

[@ziggy2255]

Maybe get another week's to try! 🙈​@@samplans

[@SarahBaileyArts]

OK. Hear me out. You looked for years to find the perfect pen for the old paper. Maybe you need to redo your pen search for the new paper. So change the pen instead of the book and do away with all the chaos. :)

[@samplans]

In theory, you are absolutely right. But the thought of going down that rabbit role with pens immediately gives me anxiety.

[@April-vr3gr]

Those were my thoughts too. I use the Muji .38 the ink is good for the new paper and the size works great for the Weeks.

[@thurst3224]

@@samplans...I just use a mechanical pencil. You can also get different colored lead refills.

[@witchywendywoo9553]

The Frixion is perfection on this new paper.

[@angiepayne6104]

Hi Sam, I am in the same boat as you with the new TRP, only with my Cousin. I am really upset and I don't know what to do. I have set up and decorated this planner, spent a bunch of money and time on it, and used it since it started, and am completely vested in it. However, the ghosting and bleed thru with my normal pens I use all the time with TRP is unreal. It makes it hard to read what I write on the next page because of it. If I were to start over, now is the time since it is still January. However, I want to stay in a bound A5, as similar to the Cousin as possible. Do you know of anything with better paper? Thank you! 😘

[@samplans]

I’m so sorry to hear that. I love Stalogy of course, and personally Moleskine tops my list, Midori. I don’t know of anything dated in that size aside from Hemlock and Oak, but that paper is a lot thicker than you are used to.

[@angiepayne6104]

@@samplans Hi Sam, Thank you. I impulsively ordered a Sterling Ink A5 full year common place bound book that is basically just like the Cousin. I ordered the merlot/reddish color with gilded edges. It is really pretty. It is dated, and I hope the paper is better. However, now I am cringing because it was 60 dollars and my money is so tight right now just to pay bills. I am kicking myself. ugh. What is wrong with me. lol Plus, I have used some of my best stickers in this Cousin I have now. I mean, I have even pre-decorated weeks in December with stickers I didn't want to forget about. Part of me now feels like I should have just dealt with the poor paper. lol Some how I am going to try and get those stickers transferred over, or even cut out pages and glue them into the new planner. I am not wasting them. haha Do you have any thoughts on my impulsive buy? =) How is your planning system working?

[@ButterflyHideLeatherworks]

It can be so tricky to find the right pen for the type of paper I’m using! Thanks for sharing Sam!

[@jenifermerrill]

I relate to you so very much when it comes to planner issues & decisions!!

[@ginamiller6754]

Have you tried turning the Stalogy into a weeks? I did that a few years ago & loved it. I did draw on the months & weeks which was tedious but I didn’t want to add paper.

[@samplans]

I think I’d cry if I tried to turn the pages into a weeks. 😅 I’d use it for notes though to keep my covers in play if I ever toss the Weeks forever…which I hope never happens.

[@rachvoulo]

I always get such bad anxiety from planner hopping which is hilarious because I planner hop due to an increase of anxiety and lack of control in other areas of my life. I forced myself to use a Mead Fat notebook for 3 months and see where I would be. I actually used it every single day for three months. That never ever happens. That pressure of messing it up just wasn’t there and it has even more pages than a stalogy. So it is what I am using now as my main planner/EDC. And I just carry a monthly planner in my purse to reference for appts and stuff. So far it’s really calming my brain and helping me just stop overthinking and write. I know you’ll find something that fits. But I also totally empathize the struggle of feeling in between and analyzing to point of just wanting to throw it all away. You’ve got this either way! 🙌🏻

[@Saturdays.Script]

My Sterling Ink planner with TRP is ghosting as much as your hobo weeks. It doesn't bother me, but I thought I would mention it in case you were considering it as an option in the future. Give the hobo weeks a chance. Im in perimenopause myself, and that shit is real....and makes a person whack!!! 😅❤

[@susanpilchard5417]

Look into the Twines and Paper weekbook. I used it last year and this year and enjoy it. Then there is the kinbor with a hard cover. Of course you know about sterling ink. I also love the papertess designs weekly, but I don't think you would like the layout. There is also Creffective paper, but I have not tried that one. Stalogy does now make a notebook with monthIies. I say try all the planners!😆

[@angelrosee73]

I''m in the T&P weekbook and LOVE IT! So great that it has both horiz & vertical layouts each week and so many numbered grid pages in the back - so far it's been so perfect, though I kinda wish it had a flexible hard cover like the Weeks - that's the only thing I would change.

[@thurst3224]

Sam...You said you like rings....have you considered taking your Hobinichi to office max (anywhere with a copy machine) and just make copies of all the pages you like on some paper you like? Hole punch the pages, and put them in your rings. Just an idea.

[@moniques.journal.corner]

I'm so glad i wasn't drinking something when it said it was like going back to an ex that's bad for you. 😅😅 unfortunately I can feel your pain. As I was trying to write in my weeks I was like why won't these pages lay down. They were just not cooperating like they used too. My uni one isn't bleeding, but man it feels really hard to control the pen all of a sudden. Stalogy has never let me down so I have set up an A6 TN with a half year, a monthly insert, and a reference insert. I drew my first week and it's not much work, but I am unsure if I'll want to keep drawing them. I'm tempted to check out the day designer and see if it will fit my system. I always see people using them in an A6 so maybe I'll have to run by target lol. We're all in this together.

[@Chaos_and_Creativity]

There are stencils you can get off Etsy that basically sets up your pages for you.. monthly, weekly and even dailies and trackers. Would maybe take 10 min each week.

[@lindseyb9267]

I’m in perimenopause too…it’s quite the ride 🤬😂😝🥰

[@AuntieAlexandra]

I’m in middle of the same dumpster fire time of life and it’s just pure misery!

[@waggermama]

❤ This may sound odd, but do you ever put a moratorium on changing certain things if you’re feeling ill? I ask bc I realised a while back that, for example, I can’t get my *hair cut if I’m rundown or on my period, bc it just goes wrong!!! * haircuts cause me a lot of anxiety around them being “just so”

[@marcyodell3373]

Oh, Sam 😂 bless it. Of course I love crazy Sam 😂 my issue is that for the last 2 weeks of Dec I was itching to start my 2025 planners. Now it’s 2025 and I’ve lost all motivation to use them at all 😂

[@mushroomglade]

It is hot here, it's a pity we can't share some heat with you. I am in Sydney Australia and today's temperature was 99 degrees (in F). I went for a walk at the beach with my Dad to enjoy the sea breeze but ended up with a headache. I can't imagine what living with snow would be like!

[@samplans]

Oh my! Think of me when you walk on the beach, I’ve only seen the ocean once! And can you wave some of that air up this way? Enjoy!

[@ziggy2255]

I watched again this morning. So, as the layout is the hardest thing to find that works for you, i think it's worth you playing with other pens. All your pondering relates to layouts. So unless you want to try the Kinbor weeks which is closest, you need to find another pen you like. Its worth a shot, as you have a stash and its not spending out immediately before you know what's making you feel wonky. Stick with the weeks until next Saturday. Try other pens and ride it out for a few days. Xx

[@jamielawlor9538]

Sounds like the pen you're using is the root of the issue. I'm a stationery/pen/paper lover too...is there not another pen in your stash that would not bleed and that you like?

[@samplans]

This pen has worked in the Weeks for the last 3 years. It’s the only pen I feel comfortable in with this kind of paper.

[@solascripturamjc9681]

Oh Sam, do I understand! I laughed because I've called myself The Princess-and-the pea, Lol!! I'm exactly same and will get derailed by the one thing and will have a visceral reaction to stuff and then my whole thing is messed up. Been that way for ever, but has definitely gotten worse in peri-menopause.....Feel for ya. 🌻

[@samplans]

🫶🏻

[@solascripturamjc9681]

@@samplans 💛

[@morganwentworth2041]

Listening while I do my weekly house clean, so I appreciate the video! My planner order hasn't shipped yet but I found the same one on Mercari so I have it to use for 2025 and I really like it. I've gotten really lucky with my main planner but my accessory book system is a mess

[@fiftyplusplans]

Maybe if you got smaller rings to swap out so that you aren't tempted to put more in it than you need? I looked on Amazon and found some from a brand called OEAYA copy the following and they should pop up - 1Pcs Metal A6 Notebook 20mm 6-Hole Ring Binder Mechanisms Replacement Kit for Binder Planners Loose Leaf Binding Spines Combs for Personal Organizers Planners,Silver.

[@Easypeasypumpkin]

i had the same issue, I'm just redating old books now rather than starting the purchase spiral, it so difficult when everything gets waylaid bc its not what's expected, its working for now but well see lol

[@Easypeasypumpkin]

also im pretty sure the kinbor weeks is hardcover!

[@andreahomer9434]

I'm so sorry you're feeling anxious, Sam. I've got three planners toying for my affections at the moment and I'm so confused and I'm struggling to settle into any of them. The only thing I have decided on is that I'm definitely not a vertical planner or a day per page planner. The Filofax company makes pre-printed inserts that are the same layout as the Hobonichi Weeks with the week on the left-hand side of the spread and notes on the right-hand side of the spread. Filofax paper is always pretty reliable, I find.

[@samplans]

Yes! I’ve used that layout before but this year they put those darn QR codes all over everything. ☹️ I hope you get settled soon!

[@lauracorsi3309]

I was thinking time to go back to rings now! I think rings could really work in this situation. As far as a Nee Year’s curse-there definitely is! 😂🎉

[@NonprofitAce]

My hobo cousin is NOT fountain pen friendly. Over half of my inks bleed horribly as do mildliners. As a first time hobo user i am very disappointed. 😢

[@donnad5986]

Ugh….I haven’t started in my 2025 Hobonichis yet, now i’m hesitant.!! Life has still been chaos, so I am finishing in my Weeks, my 2024. And thought tomorrow I would get out my new Hobonichi cousin and weeks. I use a Midori B6slim for my daily food journal and also wind up writing snippets of my day, which I love that size and the paper.! I also am taking out my Travelers Co books tomorrow, so praying something works for me.! The weather here in North East Pennsylvania has sucked as well, we have had Snow, High Winds and freezing temps since Thanksgiving.! Right now for ex: it is 19° however with the winds of 14-34 mph it feels like 6° I’m over winter already.!! Did u see Chic Sparrow came out with a Personal size grid notebook?

[@missfl0werstar]

If it's any consolation Sam, it's not just you. I had to put my Kobuta Weeks back in the drawer (to use maybe for work some day?) because of the paper. After going through a grief cycle with my Papertess planner for the same reasons, I am now only using a gel pen and some safe markers in that one. It makes me really sad because that was supposed to be my one and only book this year, but I did get a Purple Night Weeks just to have a backup. 🤷‍♀️ I knew that one was a good batch from the pen tests on YT. But it's such a bummer that the paper has so much variation this year and we have to rethink everything. The kinetic aspects of planning are crucial to me, that's how I get to remember ANYTHING. So if I have to mess around with what works for my brain, it throws everything off.

[@iheartmarie]

I thought it said a New Year's Planner Cruise 😂.

[@flogging_melly]

I'd go to that! 🤣

[@retrowtures3896]

Coerce, the word is COERCE but I didn’t resist haha JK. You certainly influenced me and now you’ve created a monster. I don’t see myself ever going back to bound books for planning. In fact up until yesterday that was the only thing I bought for… 2025 inserts. A monster so much so that I have plans for a few leathers (limited) in rings!!! So you know where my vote lies… SOJO rings! Woot! Tuning in for your next video.. plan with Sam a la rings!!!

[@samplans]

Limited leathers?! Well, I’m here for it! And for the record, I like this monster I’ve created in you!

[@retrowtures3896]

@ haha meee too. Not looking ba k for a very long time.

[@twebb0625]

I tried the Hobonichi Cousin and Sterling Ink last year and knew immediately that I could not stand the TRP. The ghosting was so bad (for me) that I ended up getting rid of both. I am also struggling with my 2025 planner and pens this year. 😕

[@notyourhoneypie]

There are Hobonichi dupes with hard covers 🤔 Although almost all of them (if not all) have 4 mm grid, which I hate. Also, I've given up on TRP and it's coated alternatives a long time ago. It's just not for me, I hate waitnig till my ink dries, I hate the smudging, etc. So... I just wish you to find your perfect planner. I am very picky, too, so I understand how stressful it can be.

[@samplans]

Thank you so much. 🧡

[@rachelbarnett3299]

Okay, few things, so Sudafed is the devil, try not to take it at night, even the night version is awful. It is essentially an upper and can give you palpitations and make your anxiety spike high. Also, I will state, I get the SAME way before my cycle starts, and it even remains a bit through my cycle and slightly after but it tapers. Granted im 34, not in perimenopause so I can’t fully relate as I can’t even imagine the stress of the hormone fluctuations. What I can say is, take a break away. Breathe a moment. Nothing will happen if you miss a few days/ entries while you sort your feelings. I would hold off rushing out to get something new. I would try a different pen. 🖊️ I know it’s frustrating, but I bet you can find a good fit. I had same issue happen for my weeks with some pens and it looked a mess, but I reminded myself, it was just one week that looked that way, planner is not ruined. A new pen would help! Okay, so I use the pilot super petite marker and it works so well! No bleed through, minimal ghosting. Seems similar to the pen/marker you’re using now. Also, try the zebra mild liners, they’re less aggressive than tombow. I’d say don’t give up on your weeks just yet. Give yourself a few days to see how hormones feel and decide when you feel your anxiety is lower. Anyway, from a fellow perfectionist, overreacter, planner and pen lover. Oh and PLG lover since 2017. Happy I found your channel. You’re doing great. It will be okay, I promise. Everything I’m hearing says you WANT to use your weeks, go with your gut.

[@CazSantiago]

As others have suggested, you may want to switch out the pen you use in your Hobo Weeks. Last year, I discovered the Uniball One Gel Pen in a 0.5mm. It's bold, dries quickly, and works beautifully in the Weeks. I'm also toying with the idea of using a fountain pen with extra-fine or fine nib instead to reduce the amount of plastics I'm putting into the landfills.

[@natalia-arena]

You could always buy a Ember cover for your stalogy!

[@samplans]

That’s very true!

[@karalozano5764]

Rings seems like it works really well for you functionally but will you miss the Stalogy for messy notes if you move into rings? It seems like you’ve really enjoyed having the sidekick whether it’s Stalogy or pen and gear. I really like the idea of the booklets in the front pocket of the Stalogy!

[@marylublankenship6398]

I got a cousin for this year. The paper is different and I found muji 0.5 has ghosting but no bleed through ghosting isn’t that bad either.

[@melissaandrews1603]

I’m using a dupe of the Hobonichi weeks that I got from Amazon. I, too, feel like I need more room on the daily pages. I’ll use it this year but I might get a page-a-day next year.

[@ModPlans]

The horrible hobonichi cousin paper experience happened to me at the start of 2024 for me, I had a stack of hobonichis and multiple weeks, didnt use one eventually :/

[@cet590]

I am seeing this "second wave of disappointment" with the Hobonichi weeks. People that have tested on the notes pages and thought their hobonichi weeks was "ok" now noticing that the dated pages have issues. Please email Hobonichi describing your experience. If more report on that they will have to remove this batch for good and change the paper asap. Hopefully for the April start.

[@malsbals]

I had a similar meltdown with my Weeks. It was just a few months ago. I even went so far as to get a Japanese fine nib fountain pen so that I’d have a pen that would work on the paper, but I ended up getting a Midori planner. Now I have 2 planners 😬

[@solascripturamjc9681]

Chaos for me. Um- I do the exact same things. Smelling, feeling, stressing, complaining, pining, lol. One thing- has anybody else commented on the volume being lower on your recent videos?

[@samplans]

We are in a weird club. 😅 And I didn’t notice a volume issue with this one, but I definitely did with today’s video and I ordered a new mic.

[@solascripturamjc9681]

@@samplans Yes, the Princess Pea club is a hard one to belong to at times, isn't it? lol! Looking forward to new mic so I can hear ya better. Yay! 🌷

[@wendykluge5286]

I’m using the weeks only for tracking this year after 9 years. Using a Nolty std size for weekly/monthly. Moleskine for daily

[@lauriesotro]

Have you considered Wonderland 222? They still have a batch of the original TRP and it’s in some of their books. Check out their website and descriptions, you’ll see. But I also agree a new pen may help you fall back in love with the weeks. 😊

[@LesaKenner]

I started out in a standard TN but already want to move out lol maybe I'll just give up and try something completely new like pocket rings lol I see how this year is going to roll haha

[@RRosing6744]

I wish I could be a ring planner girlie but the printing of inserts and trying to figure the size binder and EVERYTHING is VERY intimidating for me…my mom uses Franklin planner for YEARS but I’m not a fan of the sizes so…..HELP!?!

[@Wholelatteplans]

Wonderland 222 has original tomogawa TRP this year in their planners!! A6, b6, and a5 sizes 🤍

[@samplans]

I love those planners but vertical and I just can’t get along.

[@mackenzieledford8582]

I did that last year. I’ve tried everything as far as I know. So this year I went back to what worked best. And that’s an A5+ dingbats because that was the only time I was happy for a full year. I tried moleskine last year and the paper for 2024 was great…my 2025 paper was awful. So I gave up and spent 2 days before Christmas laying out the whole year in a dingbats. Because that’s what I needed. If Stalogy would make a full year planner, it would be perfect 😂

[@freebird7207]

God bless you.. can feel your pain 🥺

[@jennrecord2784]

Buy a 2024 weeks and redate it

[@redrockermom0630]

I used Moleskine pocket weekly last half of last year…. Thought mmm planner peace for me…. I can’t even get mine set up this year…. It doesn’t feel right!😭😭😭😭 the rings are getting my attention

[@TinyDogTraining]

Watching from Australia where it is definitely warm and forecast to hit 104 degrees today.

[@samplans]

104?! Can you blow some of that warm air this way? 🫶🏻

[@SusanGW]

Maybe use your pencil board?

[@hawkeyegirl2003]

How about try one more week in Weeks with a different pen? You’ve used other pens before and been happy. Maybe try one more week before jumping….or jump to rings and that’s cool too! Don’t sell anything for just a little bit though. 😊

[@hawkeyegirl2003]

I’m still liking my system. Planner is an N2 SI, but I know that grid is too small and the paper is likely the same that you’re struggling with. My Gratitude/Daily Scripture is in TN standard (N1) SI and waiting for an N1 notebook for the overflow/junk/other stuff.

[@lindaenglish4178]

Sam….I am as confused as you are! But I can not give up my weeks!