Yesterday, I picked up the Happy Planner by Me And My Big Ideas from Hobby Lobby. They had a 40% off coupon available on their website, so I got it for a whopping $14.99!

After a week of using the Ban.do, I decided that I wanted to go with something bigger. Really, I bought stickers and they are too big for the small Ban.do...lol! I thought about getting the bigger Ban.do, but those tabs... I kept adding the Erin Condren Life Planner to my cart, but couldn't justify spending over $50 on a planner right now. I thought of so many reasons to get it, but I couldn't sell myself on it.

Why I Chose The Happy Planner

It was, honestly, a last minute decision! I looked at many different planners, but none were perfect. I didn't want to buy a bigger planner and not like it, so off to Joann's I went. They didn't have any, plus JJ got sick in the store. I made my way to Instagram and searched #thehappyplanner hashtag. Here I was falling in love with it.

I stumbled upon Hobby Lobby's website where I saw the 40% off coupon that expired the same day. So off I went. Hobby Lobby is like... planner/scrapbook dreamland! I couldn't decide on a cover at first, but I ultimately decided on the gold foil circles with the color date tabs.

❣ What I Like About It: The size! It's definitely big enough to fit my photos and stickers into. It has gold discs with cutout hearts, which can be replaced with larger discs. You can also add and remove pages, if needed. The version I have has laminated tabs, and it's very colorful! It has the two-page monthly view and weekly view, as well.

Each week has a section for notes, which I've been using for inspirational quotes. The paper quality is amazing! I haven't had any issues with my marker pens bleeding through! WIN!!! I was also able to write comfortably on pages with the cardboard stickers. Also, I love how I can fold it like a notebook for easier writing.

❣ What I'm Not Sure About: The vertical layout. I want to use the Happy Planner the same way I intended to use the Ban.do. In case you missed it... That was using the weekly view for short journal entries. The Happy Planner has each day separated into three sections: morning, afternoon, and evening. That makes it a bit hard when writing posts. Currently, I have some of them covered with washi tape. As I get more into having a planner/journal, I'm sure I will figure out some better alternatives. Last, but not least... It doesn't come with a band. That was a very easy fix, though. I bought an elastic hairband and superglued it on the back. Works perfectly!

Before I go

I can see the Happy Planner being the start of something great for me! I have another order from scrapbook.com coming tomorrow. Now I just need to find somewhere to get 2x2 photos printed.