Q-4 PLANNER STACK + HOW I PLAN

[@ZayaPlans]

i love the little pumpkin washi

[@AmandasFavorites]

I know! It's sooo good:) Thanks for watching!

[@snoopi65]

I have used a paper planner and digital calendar for years now - but for Christmas I am asking for a simplified planner. Excited to dive deeper into the planner world - my busy life needs it! Amanda- I would love to see you create your own planner company! I am relatively new to your channel - found your channel a couple of weeks ago - thank you for your detailed analysis!!

[@AmandasFavorites]

Welcome:) Thanks for taking time to chime in and introduce yourself:) I think you will really enjoy Simplified Planner. The paper is amazing and it's beautiful! And of course I have a lot of ideas if I ever started a company...Never say never- right? But right now my focus is still on my kids;) Maybe when my youngest finishes High School;) Thanks for the vote of confidence. Have a good week!

[@snoopi65]

@@AmandasFavorites thanks Amanda!

[@themamaclub]

This video is making me want to get the momagenda I think it will work really well for me. Also waiting for you to design a planner someday!

[@AmandasFavorites]

Aw, yay! I hope it works well for you too:) And who knows...maybe someday...I have a lot of ideas!

[@baus7]

Yes, plz make a planner​@@AmandasFavorites

[@Holdenpartyof6]

I use the passion planner because I love the huge note section at the bottom. I cover up the black line with washi which changes the whole look of the page.

[@AmandasFavorites]

I agree that I love that section on the passion planner too. I wish both sides were blank like that at the bottom...and I have used washi in the Passion Planner to cover the big black line before too:) It does help a lot! Thanks for watching and sharing what you do!

[@kimfields1000]

Thanks for sharing what you are using to functionally plan!

[@AmandasFavorites]

Glad it was helpful!

[@noone3403]

Passion planner layout, with fewer pre-labelled boxes. Hardbound please come back! And less-harsh grey scale. Love hourly, hard cover, hard bound, full Sat & Sun, lined (not grid), soft grey scale (or equivalent) printing, note pages in back, some goal setting/reflections…. And if Im getting REALLY picky? Monday start on ~7x9 size… that fits in my tote bag…. Oh, and lets add a pen holder in there too!

[@AmandasFavorites]

Sounds like we agree on this new magical planner that I want and you want! maybe someday soon I can make a collab happen....;)

[@noone3403]

@@AmandasFavorites ill be the first in line!!

[@karenevans2157]

I always love your videos but keeping coming back to watch this one! I love how you spoke about your planning system and see how that was carried out through different layouts. Thank you!

[@AmandasFavorites]

Aw, thank you Karen:) I am so glad this video was helpful:)

[@kimikobuford]

Thanks for sharing❤

[@AmandasFavorites]

You are so welcome:)

[@readysetdemo]

During lockdown I switched from a vertical Erin to a monthly and make my own layout on the lined pages - sort of weekly/bullet journal hybrid. It works perfectly and is worth the set up time it takes - very interesting video 😊

[@AmandasFavorites]

I have heard of several others doing similar with the EC monthly;) I love it hearing that you make your own layouts there;)

[@horses6851]

I don't think I've seen anyone in the planner community mention it, but I stumbled upon Agendio a couple years ago and you can 100% customize your planner. I got a ring bound for my horse planner for 2023 and am getting A5 pages for my 2024 work planner as well as another ring bound for my 2024 horse planner. Definitely recommend checking it out, you could fully customize the lines (solid, dot or grid), the spacing, the size of the pages, the font, the colors, I could go on. Literally everything!

[@AmandasFavorites]

Hi! I have one video up of a daily planner from Agendio a few years ago:) And I did another review just on IG of their weekly planner. I think they have amazing options. Thanks for reminding me about them and shouting them out;)

[@hockeymomWA]

I love your stack videos and how you plan.

[@AmandasFavorites]

I appreciate that! I am so glad you find them helpful:) Thanks for watching:)

[@reneecase5324]

That’s helpful to know to use your link to explore a site not just for purchase. I never heard that before and thought only completed transactions mattered. Thank you!

[@AmandasFavorites]

Oh, good:) Thank you for watching and taking time to care about that:)

[@rhoadestraveled]

Love, love, love, the idea of a daily page! That makes so much sense! Thank you! Does the PP come in dot grid?

[@AmandasFavorites]

Planner Perfect does come in Dot grid- yes! It's a choice on the sub box too:)

[@nancynurse4552]

Dear, Dear Amanda - I am a die hard fan-friend!!! Happy to report that after oodles of years of watching your videos, I have become a Patreon member...finally...... I started dividing up my Erin Condren vertical in categories like you put in your MomAgenda several years ago. Likely this was not long after after EC took the morning afternoon evening labels off of the sections.I thought Happy Planner was going to accomplish something great with their dashboard layout except it is on the wrong side for me AND the disc bound system is more annoying than scratching a chalkboard to me.

[@AmandasFavorites]

Aw, thank you Nancy:) I love how you can make the EC vertical work you with the lists below the weekly! I need to try that again bc I miss EC colors and paper- but I do love having it book bound too. I understand about the Discs. I have learned they are not for me either- at least not right now;) Thanks for watching and welcome to Patreon! I hope you can attend a Zoom call soon so we can meet;)

[@Dreblueskies]

Love A5 for space but you are right wide feels very portable.

[@AmandasFavorites]

Yeah...I really like both those sizes from Planner Perfect...I can make either work;) I just have only one A5 leather because I was in Wide for so long before that.

[@SpaciousPlanning]

I love your more personal videos and hearing your opinions. I'm currently using an EC hourly. I'm changing to Sprouted hourly next year - mainly for more list space (love how flexible Sprouted is) I've also got the Sprouted daily for next year, which I'm really excited about. The things I'd maybe change are the cover material & coil size (I'd love to be able to put my EC covers on) And personally I could use larger timeslots. But they're manageable.

[@AmandasFavorites]

I love hearing you are trying out the new Sprouted hourly layout for 2024- it;s such a good one! Thanks for sharing what you would change too;) And knowing that you love my personal videos is very helpful!

[@suzyqfaves4736]

I discovered Becky Higgins notebooks through your videos and I love them! I am on my like 10th notebook bc I use them everyday.

[@AmandasFavorites]

Ahhh! I love knowing this:) They truly are so good and I use them all the time too!

[@deborah5578]

I’ve been using the daily grind planner. I love the paper does not bleed through. I also use hobonichi i carry with me for a weekly

[@AmandasFavorites]

Thanks for sharing that! Ive never reviewed a Daily Grind yet;)

[@charlottesfinds3043]

I have used the bound MomAgenda/MyAgenda for the past 3 years! It is a fantastic book. I love the lined columns, clean minimalist look, and all the months upfront. I am finding however that I currently want an hourly layout so I can time-block my days more easily and visually see the open pockets of time in my week.

[@AmandasFavorites]

Thanks for sharing what your needing Charlotte...you might want to try Sprouted hourly...it is similar and great for time blocking....or passion planner.

[@charlottesfinds3043]

@@AmandasFavorites yes I am so tempted by the sprouted hourly! 😍 I prefer it to passion planner since it has space for to do’s under each day, and not just the weekly list. I also recently started in personal rings and am loving the size and flexibility and having everything I need in one planner. Planner girl probs!

[@hollydianehackney2835]

Have you ever tried Yellow Paper House? They make a vertical 7x9 with lines and dotgrid. I always enjoy your updates! Right now im using a Sterling Ink Weeks sized notebook for my daily bullet journal along with an EC compact vertical.

[@AmandasFavorites]

Hey Holly:) Thank you for reminding me about Yellow paper House! I've looked at them in the past, but never reviewed them. I did see that layout...but it's on a coil...and for this system I really want it bound so I can see all my lists all week without flipping;) But thank you for reminding me about them! And thank you for sharing your planner stack right now! That system sounds minimal and portable! Love it:)

[@hollydianehackney2835]

@AmandasFavorites they do have TN style booklets with 80Ib paper too, so it might be worth checking out!

[@vickithurber7972]

Its always nice to see a fellow functional planner! I bought an 18month weekly EC when they launched and immediately was wanting to switch. Like you, I adore EC paper and colors, but something just wasn't working for me. I watched your review on the MomAgenda and even though I have never liked vertical weekly planners (lifelong horizontal user) I decided to try it. I am VERY happy with the switch for almost all the same reasons you are! My kids are all grown so I don't need to track their schedules anymore but the planner is so user friendly you can do what you want with those spaces. I use the left side to plan out dinners for the week and there is plenty of room for my big messy writing! I also use mild liner to make boxes around any appointments I have, plus it adds in some color which I enjoy. I use the bottom "kid" squares to write in birthdays, paydays and my favorite NHL team schedule ( GO CANES!! ) I would not of known about the MomAgenda planner if not for your review so thank you Amanda. I am actually content in this planner which says a lot as I am a constant planner hopper!!!

[@AmandasFavorites]

Wow Vicki! I love hearing how you use Momagenda and that you are so content in it also!!! I love hearing how you use each section:) Thank you for sharing with me.

[@vickiemendoza9252]

I always love hearing about your planning style and how you get the itch to switch. ☺ I 've never tried planner perfect but I know she has a new pocket planner coming soon and I'm intrigued because it would fit nicely in my purse.

[@AmandasFavorites]

I have seen the Planner Perfect Pocket Size Leather...I didn't know she had anything new in that size coming out...I think think it is a great purse size;)

[@tiffanyodean]

I enjoyed todays video. I’m actually considering going back to the Simplified Daily planner for work. I love how it has just what I need for daily use. Currently testing the Plum Paper Daily.

[@AmandasFavorites]

That's how I feel about the Simplified too--But I hear of so many loving and using Plum paper too:)

[@forkyfork]

I know you don't need yet another planner, but the Scribbles that Matter B5 Dot Cross checks a lot of your boxes. It has lots of open space, dot grid at the bottom, book bound, EC-sized. Right now they have undated but they are coming out with a dated one at the end of the month I believe. I tried to paste a link but I think it got marked as spam, so I'll let you google instead. Maybe you can work your Amanda magic and get a review copy!

[@AmandasFavorites]

Thank you for sharing that:) I had another person on IG tell me this too:) I went and looked at it...It does tick a lot of my Boxes...but I really prefer the lighter feel of Momagenda page with lighter print and light blue lines. But I am keeping it on my list for the future! Thank you!

[@vickiec181]

Wow, Mom Agenda layout is great! I've had similar thoughts with Passion Planner, the dark areas break up my list planning and are distracting. I am looking forward to hearing more about the changes to Hemlock & Oak.

[@AmandasFavorites]

Thanks Vickie...I haven't heard back on when they are sending the hemlock and oak...but I would like to see the size of the columns this year too:)

[@EricaKordes]

Do the planner perfect books fit in the EC petite folios?

[@AmandasFavorites]

A5 size Planner Perfect books are the same size as the EC Petite Folios;) Wide Planner perfect books will also fit...they are the same height just a little less wide than A5 Books. I hope that helps;)

[@CieisMe]

It's been awhile - whew - interesting discussion indeed - take a seat - this is going to take a minute 😂. What I'm using: Take A Note - I use the top of the page for weather and my tasks for the day to that very light Noon line. The rest is a journal entry for the day. I would much prefer the months to start on Sunday, the week to start Monday AND that the months come right before the month to start. I use Jibun Techo to time block so I know where I'm spending my time and what I can do to fix any issues. I gave up the Hobonichi Cousin since I started the Take A Note which I really do like with the exceptions above. I do miss the Hobo and I will watch your video on that when I get a moment! EC: I LOVE that paper in the spiral bound, however, I HATE that coil. It is just too hard to get around and I really don't like how thick the planner is with that coil, and I used to be a spiral bound gal until I met that coil!!! I love the colors and how each month changes even in the middle of the week, too. I also love that it has a Sunday start on the month, that the month is right BEFORE that month and that the week starts on a Monday. Even Passion Planner doesn't do that. If EC made the coiled planner with that Mohawk paper in a bound lay flat edition, I'd be the first buyer. I did get a Bella Grace planner after watching your video and my girlie took it. She also uses the EC academic planner for school - she has started grad school and my life has somewhat calmed down or at least I now have a routine to follow with her and SHE has calmed down, although she would disagree and say her anxiety is through the roof, but I disagree. BTW, I AM SO GLAD TO HEAR PIERCE IS HOME! YOU MUST BE SO HAPPY! I still love the Pentel EnerGel - violet color and I use it ALOT ,but I use my fountain pens for the journaling part so I'm good for now - when Pentel finally does the violet color in permanent ink then I'll use that, lol. I like your idea for orders and things to look up - I need something like that because I do all of my grocery shopping online and monthly Amazon Subscribe & Save. I'll have to figure out where to put that. I haven't figured out my daily list part yet - I jump around from those 4 x 6 sticky note pads to notebooks. I tried the daily page in the Hobo Cousin but that didn't work for me. Have you ever reviewed the Wonderland 222? It is a Hobo knock off but if I remember correctly it has sections at the top and bottom of the pages but I think the largest size is A5 🤔 And you are SO right about the set up - it is just the thing that I love to do every month but the actual keeping track and planning, can be difficult. Some days at the end I haven't written anything down and then I think, "I just want to get this done and go relax" so I end up scribbling everything on a sticky note and then deal with it the next day. I am intrigued by Planner Perfect and I will go look at it again - maybe I can just get a box of deco for now. I need to go watch your PP 101. ☺ Okay - this is all I can think of/remember from watching the vid - have a great week and as always, Thank you for all your hard work!

[@AmandasFavorites]

Hey Cie:) I loved hearing all your feedback/opinions! Take a note- love it for the way you are using it:) I hear ya on alllll the EC stuff. I do love my pentel energels;) And I am so glad life has calmed down a bit and your daughter is doing well in grad school...what an accomplishment already! Even if she does feel beat down...You said she is doing well..and Mama can tell these things;) And thank you about the Pierce excitement! I admit...even 2.5 weeks later and it hasn't worn off yet! LOL! I am blessed:) Have a wonderful week Cie:)

[@AmandasFavorites]

Hey Cie! I enjoyed this chat so much! Thank you for taking time to share;) I love take a note...and the way you are using it is wonderful! I hear ya on the EC;) And I am so glad your daughter is doing well in grad school- what an accomplishment already! And thank you for the Pierce excitement:) 2.5 weeks later and it hasn't worn off for me yet! Have a great week:)

[@vernabailey3671]

Mochi things planner M is exactly the layout you would like I think. It’s too small though. 100 gsm paper, but I think it’s like an A5 or similar to that size. I have it in my cart but I’m undecided. I have 2 Laurel Denise and I’m looking at 3 others. lol. It’s an issue. Papertess B6 is probably the closest to one I would use as it’s less structured. I don’t have as much going on as some do. Hemlock and Oak I got a blank to try the paper. But that would be a journal. Yeah…definitely an issue. 😂

[@AmandasFavorites]

Thanks for taking time to watch and share your thoughts;) I have looked at the Mochi and things...I really need 7x9 or an A5 Leuchtturm would work....but maybe someday when I am in a different season of life and less busy;) I enjoyed hearing your line up and what you have purchased;) Have fun with it all!

[@Joy2Plan]

I always look forward to your quarterly stacks and I watched through the end. ❤🤗 I really don’t have a perfect planner. I like to tweak any planner I use to implement the different systems I like, e.g., Bujo, Franklin Covey and GTD. In the past, I’ve drawn out all of my pages in a Stalogy, but now I just tweak my Weeks. I also like dailies so I divided my months in three Weeks (4m per book). TFS! ❤️🤗

[@AmandasFavorites]

I love hearing how you plan:) Thanks for sharing how you make a system work for you!

[@The_Planner_Diva]

Yea I’m one of the first

[@AmandasFavorites]

Yay! Thanks for watching!

[@susannek4546]

That was so fun to watch! Right now I am in my "I hate coils !" phase so I think I am going with bound books next time around. Which company remains to be seen though. I really hate writing out all of the months /days so I need to figure out how to get around that which would leave me happy with the way the planner looks./ eta...scratch that...just used your affiliate link and got the petite folio + 4 notebooks on the flash sale today. :)

[@AmandasFavorites]

Oh, yay for the flash sale! I hope you love those and they workout for you:) Thank you so much for using my link!

[@grainsmanesfarmequinemassa4409]

Are still keeping up with the Golden Coil Post-It Note gratitude project?

[@AmandasFavorites]

No I am not...I did share that I stopped that in a prior update video this year...only a few months in that. i tend to do that with memory keeping or gratitude...use it for 4-6 months and need a change. And I just don't force myself to keep going when it's not bringing me joy or serving me. I just don't see a reason to;) Thanks for asking!

[@AshleyCadaret]

Lol I was with you to the end because I am a functional planner with big handwriting as well! I don't even use washi though, lol. I've been using a spaces planner for all my lists for the week and then inkwell dailies each day. But always looking for the next great solution. :-P

[@AmandasFavorites]

Hey Ashley:) Nice to know there are more functional planners out there:) Thanks for taking time to share and chat:) I loved hearing what you are using right now;)

[@BestLaidPlansVideo]

loved watching this! So surprised about the EC --> MomAgenda swap but I 100% get it! I just received a Cloth & Paper system that has thrown my entire 2024 planner stack plan into question - ha!!! You just never know :) :) :)

[@AmandasFavorites]

LOL...right?! We just don't know! I never saw this switch coming for me! I love that you are going through a possible big change too!

[@chloejordan5515]

I am back in a simplified daily for the first time since 2018 now that weekends are stacked vertically. It's an almost perfect layout for me. My only complaint is that I get so much bleed/ghosting with my highlighters and dot markers and I really need color coordination to keep my brain engaged but the bleed through drives me nuts! I'm thinking about trying out the she plans - I ordered the sampler and liked the layouts and paper a lot but have never used discs before and I'm not sure I'll like it.

[@AmandasFavorites]

Hey Chloe, that's interesting that you have so much bleed through with Simplified...bc I think their new 80# paper is so good. I don't get that. But I also don't use dot markers. I do use highlighters. I think the sampler from She Plans is such a great way to test it out! Discs are so different. I always want to love them...but for my own personal planning it's just not what I prefer- however, so many LOVE them!