How I’m Using My Happy Planner

I’m a paper planner girl. I’ve tried digital options (you can even find some of my posts about them if you search), but there’s something about being able to look at the full spread, write tasks in by hand, and really turn the pages that just works for me. I’ve always had what I consider a photographic memory, and for some reason that just works better when I can visualize words written on a page – not a tablet or screen.

This year I went with a big Happy Planner (affiliate link) and I couldn’t be happier – no pun intended. The price is truly unmatched. All of the other customizable options that I’ve used in the past are $60 or more, but a Happy Planner is around $25 and you get all of the same things. My favorite thing about this model is that it is designed so that you can add or move pages easily. I didn’t know how much I NEED this feature, it’s been so amazing to be able to add pages of notes, lists, and plans wherever I want them. I’ve got pages of goals for 2025, vacation plans, packing lists, and notes for special events right in my planner. It’s completely eliminated the need for an additional notebook, and I’ve really cut down on the notes that I keep on my phone because I have easy access to them in my planner.

Over the years my planners have become as much a scrapbook as a planner. I love to add stickers and make it a work of art. This year I’m even hoping to use it as a travel journal for a big trip that we’ve got coming up! I’ve also got plans to create a sleeve to keep all of my supplies in, and I’m hoping to up my scrapbook game with a mini photo printer.

The weekly spreads serve as my to-do list spaces, and room for all of the important events I need to remember. I love that each weekly spread is separated into three sections. I use these for different parts of the day – morning work lists, afternoon reminders and activities for my daughter, and evening dinner plans or night-time events. It’s really helped me to be able to look at chunks of time and manage these a little more efficiently.

I’ll be sharing my favorite planner products later this week. I’ve got a great list of items I already use and love, along with a wish list of tools that I’ve been eying lately!