The Planner Companion Notebook

#planner #planning
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[@krystal37276]

I love that Seaweed Kisses started this trend with the notebooks- they are PERFECTION and I see so many using them in slightly different ways. So fun to see!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@sweetwaters6]

“Sometimes I’m a little extra”! I love that and it sums up many of us, including me!! 😊

[@samplans]

I’m just over here being real is all. 😅

[@kathyshaull3220]

I agree that a Stalogy is the perfect dump notebook. I love my half year Common Planner, but I don’t want my notes that I’ll need in the next 6 months or beyond stuck in the back of a planner. In my Stalogy, my first pages are the Index. There I make note of the page number of stuff I anticipate referencing after the book is full and I’ve moved on. Yes, that means I have to number the pages, but I only number the right hand side. (And I only do it 25 pages at a time and usually when I’m mulling over something.) So if a note is on the back of page 35, I call that page 35b.

[@anicame2]

I love the pen n gear paper from that little 4x6! I use mine similar. I write notes for what I need to do, remember, and things I will add into my other planners. I made a cover for it from leather I bought at michaels! I made a simple tn with stings and toss that baby in my bag. I love it! I’ve actually made a few different tns for it. Some I added pockets (leather glue works wonders) to some and sting bookmarks w beads as charms. I use it as a wallet many times! Love my little pen n gear 😊!

[@marachristian8726]

I generally don't carry my planner with me unless I am on a trip, but I always keep a tiny notebook in my purse to use just like you use yours! I have some lovely passport size and personal size leather notebook covers (Chic Sparrow and PLG), so I can make it "fancy"! I use the Field Notes or just a generic notebook that randomly finds its way into my house (Michael's bargain bin, dollar store jaunts.) I transfer the quotes, information, etc. into my planner at a later time, when I can make it "pretty."

[@samplans]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@JustScribble]

I use a small notebook too - carry it in my bag. Right now it’s a spiral that I absolutely adore - sometimes it’s just a little passport insert. It’s so great for random thoughts, quotes I find out and about, writing things down when I don’t have my planner with me - like tonight at my kiddos theater performance when two different people gave me dates for some future events. And I have a grid notebook I’m setting up as my new commonplace book. So all the things I want to get back to every year are in one place.

[@T2MARA]

I have borrowed (clears throat "stolen") Pen Gear ideas from your Instagram and several others on Instagram and I've been inspired to use the Pen Gear as my sole planner in 2024. I even purchased a cute little Coach agenda that it fits perfectly.

[@alicem1111]

Good for you Sam! I constantly want to tell people on KZbin - just use a notebook😂. A lot of times people get another dated planner when a notebook is really what’s needed. It’s not as easy to give up in a notebook. I also like that you’re using it free form. Use the pages as you need them- how you need them. I hope that it will help you not worry about it looking perfect. I have kept at least one notebook for scratching out ideas, lists, plans etc since I was a kid. It came before planners (middle school) and I couldn’t get on without one. Bonus - you can change sizes/brands as you fill them up which feels like a fresh start. Do you think you’ll still use the little spiral?

[@angiepayne6104]

I love your new system! I think this is a great answer for your needs! I really like the idea of having a separate notebook to write down random notes as needed and not worry about messing up your planner, or using up all the pages. I may try this idea. However, I would start with an A6 size for myself. I haven't used B6 size before and the bigger the notebook, the more is freaks me out. lol This was a fun video. I look forward to seeing more as you use your new system!

[@samplans]

I get it. A6 may have worked fine for me, but my heart wanted to go B6.

[@laurie2553]

This is a really good idea; I like the idea of one "Planner" and one free-form notebook. I may have to give this a try too! (And I have what I need so I won't buy anything) :)

[@traceysmith311]

I have always used a companion notebook with my planners for many of the same things you mentioned using yours for. I don't use anything fancy, just a 5X6 notebook...sometimes I find cute ones at Target but my current one is a plain-ish one I've decorated up with all sorts of cute stickers. It's part to do list, part journal, part long term planner or project planner or whatever I need it to be. It gets MESSY but that's okay!

[@samplans]

It’s funny, I love a messy notebook, but not a messy planner. I’m weird I guess!

[@teresas.5848]

Around September I started using a dated passport in a similar fashion. The dated part is to write down appointments or important events, because it's small and I can just toss it in my bag when I'm running around. I do similar, writing down lists and such. My Weeks is still my main personal planner.

[@samplans]

I have some passport inserts I may end up using as well at some point. You just never know. 😅

[@jjp.2382]

Super good points made! A companion notebook really changed my planning style (been using since April). I use it for quotes, lists, budgets etc. currently using a zequenz pocket in their signature red ❤

[@Grantplus2]

I love just a random small notebook. I had a big brain dump but i like to take it everywhere. I do like the scratch pad concept.

[@muddymomma369]

I use the hobo mega weeks for a planner but i have things dealing with family, health, automotive that i was having to repeatedly write down in my new hobo every year if i wanted that information on me at all times. I bought the set of 3 companion notebooks. Each book is a different color. Red is for family medical and such. Blue is my contacts and passwords. Brown is for books i own and want. All 3 books fit inside the cover with the hobo. I also marked off a number of the mega weeks so that i can continue to use this planner another full year. I still have plenty of room for other notes and lists in the back. I carry a "throwaway" notebook for groc lists and such..

[@tristantaylor9989]

I posted in the sterling ink Facebook group about needing covers for my planners and Jenika commented on my post. I’m so happy she did. So now I have 2 covers on the way to me and they were on sale. Yay. Wonderful video, as always. Thanks Sam

[@nojuliette6870]

How cool! I came up with the same idea last year. I use pocket size cover with moleskine cashier or field notes and I don’t care about decorating it, no stickers no washi just very practical for daily lists. But what you decided with Stalogy, I have been using for years Clairefontaine wire notebooks for “catch it all”. I used many and they are so difficult to throw away 😂

[@noeborn87]

Great idea! I noticed that when I retired, I didn’t need to carry around my regular planner. I started using a steno pad for writing down daily things, like you did with your little notebook. Then I decided to get a student daily planner during back to school shopping time. It’s worked out fine. For January, I’m going to use a hobonichi daily. I do like having monthly calendar pages in it. I still have my regular planner, but I keep it neater looking. 😉

[@michespapernook]

I have been wanting to watch this video - awesome insight on having a notebook companion. PS I love the stalogy paper - currently got an A5 for my faith journal vs using an insert in my TN. Love using a notebook

[@samplans]

It’s great paper!!

[@brennaanne7565]

I found your channel a few months ago and I am so glad I did!! Everything you post is so relatable! When I watch, it is as if it's me, talking to myself!! haha! I appreciate your "realness" and all your content. Thank you!! ♥

[@samplans]

Thank you so much! That means a lot!!

[@AllTheArtsy]

A planner companion notebook is a must! I wonder why it seems like few people use them (or show that they're using them). For me, my Hobonichi Cousin is the "special planner" where I want mostly just the highlights and "finished thoughts" as it were-- but I always have another notebook where I do the "processing" of the information before it lands neatly on my Cousin. A blank notebook is also useful for basic notetaking, messy journaling, for working out different layouts or even longer journaling when the space is not enough (the one thing I would change about the Cousin is removing the quotes that take up like 4cm of precious writing space).

[@AllTheArtsy]

also the kokuyo soft rings are lifechsnging. i used to hate spirals before i found it

[@loriannacarter5996]

I enjoyed this video so much! First I love stalogy notebooks! I clip a half year b6 stalogy onto the back of my bible so it is essentially one book and I take sermon notes in it. I adore the paper. I have struggled with my planner because I always feel like I need to have my calendar with me at all times. So I struggle between my A5 and using a smaller pocket size one that I like neither fit the bill completely on their own. This is genius. I never thought about using a companion notebook I could get an a6 stalogy and tip in some monthly pages so I have my calendar with me and use the blank pages for dailies and messy planning/ lists. But in a portable size. That would allow me to use my beloved A5 planner because it would be able to just stay at home all the time wouldn’t matter how big it was. This is such a genius solution. What I had been doing was tipping in a daily page to make scratch list and then just discarding it at the end of the day but that tends to be a lot of work and then I still have to take my planner with me. This may just be the solution and I happen to have an a6 stalogy sitting on the shelf unused.

[@mollyfender9816]

You DO give good advice! 😊

[@samplans]

*thank you* 🤓

[@CraftyConceptswithErin]

This is a great solution! I feel the same way about my planner and want it to be a keepsake.

[@samplans]

How we went from utility to keepsake. 😅 Even if we keep them, their usefulness should be the top priority. Hoping to be better in 2024.

[@JeremyWalla]

Very similar to my daily. I use a an A8 with a leather cover I made for my wallet and instant paper. I keep quotes, quick lists, shopping tracker, quick note paper items like I need to write a number or address down quick. I then use a Bullet Journal in a TN for my daily planner, weekly and daily pages and use it as a rapid log of things done and completed with some memory items and notes. This stays clean and pristine for archival and reference. I also use an A5 bullet Journal for a commonplace book to keep all my random thoughts writings and learning. I find having multiple places for different information is a good thing. It forces me to slow down and be intentional with what I am doing at that moment. I also find that by using an index and threading across all notebooks I can follow the breadcrumbs back through any past books if I am looking for something. Thanks for the share.

[@samplans]

That’s a great system!

[@weaver7249]

I have a large Pen and Gear and drag it all around the house. I write everything and anything - I do enjoy the paper quality and I also use my fountain pens - I'm not afraid of making mistakes. I always have a Hobonichi weeks (for daily planning and my Hobo Avec for daily journaling. I like this set up as well. I have additional notebooks; I just cannot give up this pen and Gear drag around notebook. Have a Merry Christmas and looking forward to your input in 2024.

[@tiffanyblue6894]

I use one of Pen+Gear little books too and have found not all of the pages are separated already and then when you do separate them it tears.

[@donnacanale6104]

I like the little notebooks from Dollar Tree.

[@kathrynowens3324]

You crack me up. Can I borrow the phrase dirty list? I have two hobonichi weeks I use. One is for dirty planning and the other is for the clean version. I totally get you!

[@samplans]

You may! I have two weeks and wanted to try to use one without worry. But I’m worried about it. 😂

[@swede_pea]

That is a perfect set-up!! I don't hav eanything like this but I like it - a lot! Thank you for the idea!

[@mariejihad7816]

Absolutely love the cat sticker on your stalogy!! Thank you for your videos

[@samplans]

Thanks! It’s from Stay at Home Club.

[@ziggy2255]

I’m still working through my options. Like you I will have a weeks. I have personal rings that houses trackers etc and a pocket moleskine daily that is intended for lists etc like your B6. I have pocket cahir notebooks I can add to it if I need longer lists or more note space. I do have a B6 notebook and cover too as I was considering using that instead. Let’s see how it pans out!

[@yolandafernandez8799]

You hit all the right points! I relate!! I have an A5 on the way. The wonderful thing is I don't have to fill it all in 1 year. 😊

[@samplans]

I almost went A5, but I’ve enjoyed B6 in the past, so I went with it. It’s an upgrade from pocket either way! Enjoy yours!

[@donnad5986]

I Love your videos and your ideas, Thank you for sharing.!! I have been trying to decide how to work my planners differently as even my Weeks and my Cousin are Both So chunky this year and I don’t like the bulk, I do have extra notebooks, including Stalogys, so ur idea is a great idea to me.!! Now to figure out how I need to use ur idea in a way I need.! Happy Holidays Sam.!! Have a Merry Christmas.!!

[@mkyred]

I'm using an out of date A6 Hobonichi for notes and thoughts. I'm using a Sterling Ink Weeks and doing minimal deco. Trying to stick to pen and marker.

[@janel34]

I’m doing something similar for next year in my TN. I’m using a monthly insert from sterling ink and a blank insert as a note/bullet journal. Also trying to use what I have and not buy more. 😖

[@samplans]

Good luck!

[@DianeShugart]

I also use the Stalogy for 'messy' planning -- it's the opposite of 'precious' (see Hobonichi) and I've no idea why either. I think because it's just a plain notebook, without layouts or special pages or covers, so I don't have to 'think' about how I use the space -- I just use it any old way.

[@RG-yf3uj]

OMG I too leave the first couple of pages blank for the same reasons. I thought I was the only one that did that & I was the dweeb😅 Love the leather cover. Will have to check her out when I have the funds.

[@samplans]

I’m also a dweeb, but you definitely aren’t the only one. 🤓

[@RG-yf3uj]

@@samplans 😄💙

[@marcyodell3373]

My plan for 2024 was to use a B6 Stalogy for daily journaling and for all the fun BuJo type trackers. But. It didn’t happen. 😢 maybe next year. lol

[@ritawilson8015]

I totally agree with this. Even in my personal rings I have monthly, weekly, and note pages for dailies/notes. For 2024 I purchased all the hobonichi. A6 hon, A6 day free, weeks, weeks mega, and A6 notebook. My idea was to use day free as monthly and weekly and yearly lists (yes have to draw out weekly speeds) but then I thought why? You have a weeks just use that and the hobo notebook. Then If the weeks doesn’t work out I could go with A6 day free, or even pers rings BUT all my notes would be transferable without rewriting. (I’m a gotta have the whole year with me person). Great minds think alike 😊

[@samplans]

Yes! And rings works great for that, but as you know, sometimes I’m just not in the mood. 😅

[@hobson2207]

I’m a little “extra” also. That, and I am left-handed. The struggles are real!

[@samplans]

Oh yeah, I’m sure that *is* a struggle. I know my mom struggles with gel pens specifically being left handed.

[@denisegarcia3200]

I know I have tickets for Aerosmith too! Lol

[@tiffb530]

I love a stalogy! Have you ever tried the A6 midori MD notebook? I love that one so much. But it has creamish paper ... You may not like that.

[@samplans]

I don’t think I’ve tried it, but I don’t generally use cream paper. Only the Weeks gets a pass. 😅

[@itsmichelebro777]

Hi Sam. What are your favorite Tombow colors to use in your hobonichi weeks?

[@samplans]

I use 992 and 947 most. I also sometimes reach for 026, 312, 126. ☺️

[@lkessler1]

I have gone back to an A5 Stalogy as my main planner and either a Moleskine daily or the same Pen and Gear notebook that you showed as my companion. Now I need to go sell my Sterling Ink N1 and my PaperTess Designs B6 😭😭😭

[@samplans]

What didn’t you like about the Paper Tess? That one has intrigued me! Enjoy your Stalogy!

[@lkessler1]

@@samplans I really like the PaperTess, I just don’t have a “need” for it, but the paper is like butter and the weeklies look like the Hobo Weeks. I’m considering keeping it and redating it for next year. I just hate to waste a perfectly good planner. 🤦‍♀️ I could use it as a health tracker… I just don’t know 🤷‍♀️😂

[@fishheads08]

What is the grid size of your B6? I was looking at them on Amazon but it seems like it is smaller grid size. I like the 5mm of the A6 Stalogy. Any ideas on how to find the 5mm for B6? I love the Stalogy books. I use my A6 alongside my Hobo Cousin!

[@samplans]

A6 and B6 are 5mm. A5 is 4mm, not sure why. It probably has to do with the grid placement, I assume.