This is great! All the washi tape and sticker overload just was not going to work for me. I was trying to think of simple ways to organize school, work, and home and this is fantastic. Thank you for sharing!!!
For sure, all the washi tape and stickers remind me more of a scrapbook than a planner. In my opinion, it's also super crowded and not indicative of organization at all.
I totally agree! You have showed how to truly use the EC planner to actually organize. Best video on the subject that I've seen (& believe me I've seen A LOT!) --- I wish I'd seen yours sooner. I appreciate you sharing your experience. Thanks!
Jennifer, You have no clue how much this video has helped me figure out just exactly what I need to totally customize my ECLP!! Thanks so much for sharing all these awesome suggestions and tools! I literally just bought everything you recommended. Thanks again!!!
OMG! I'll bet you didn't think that 2 years down the line you'd be helping some poor soul get her life together. LOL!! I've been studying these planning videos, and much as I appreciate many of the artsy kind, I finally found one that just aims to just get the job done. Thank you!
This is the best Erin Condren video I've seen! I'm not one for all the stickers and decorating, and this is such a great and detailed video on how to do Erin Condren practically and simply. I love your idea with the little Avery stickers, definitely going to have to try that. I have tried those Frixon pens before and LOVED them, I'm going to have to try those out again too! Thank you so much for making this video!
finallllyyyy a practical way to organize this planner. I do not have time to DECORATE my PLANNER. I get so lost and confused with the overly decorated ones. Thank you for this
I just spent the last three hours watching videos comparing EC LP's to other brands, looking for EC LP modifications, etc. Had I found your video first, I wouldn't have wasted any time with the others. This is the BEST video for people who actually need to USE the planner *functionally*. I love the camera and sound quality (some other videos are dizzying). I really WANTED to stick with EC but found it wasn't working for my needs to track clients, billable time, etc. I have no time for washi and cuteness. Your solutions are manageable and practical. Thank you!!!!! Can't wait to go check out what else you do.
I just wanted to let you know that you are SO FUCKING SMART!!! HA! YOU just changed my life & you did a GREAT JOB with this video!! It's PERFECT...just like this system that is SOOO Me! THANK YOU!! BLESSINGS!!!
This has been THE BEST planning video I have seen. I love how you really focus on how useful the planner really is. I love the cute videos too but I really just want to be organized and decorate in a minimal fashion! Thanks so much.
Jennifer- This is the BEST Video EVER.... 3 years later it is still helping people. Have you changed your planning or do you still use this same method??
I love how you share you life and what works for you. I can't say it enough but, you are a true gem ... we need more gems in the world, You certainly have my thumbs up.
Love how you use the planner! I'm not really into all of the extra stickers and deco other videos have so this is great! So glad I found this, thank you for these ideas!
I have watched a lot of planner videos (I just purchased the Happy Planner) and your video is great!!!!! It's practical, simple and you give great tips on a real "how-to" use your planner without all of the decorating and fluff. I like color for color coding purposes, but I also like the practicality on how to use it. I never thought coloring my own Avery labels!!!!! Just purchased a set and although I can't afford another set of markers (I'm more into highlighting), I just purchased a softer color set of Crayola markers. It's not scrapbook material, but I'm trying to make it work for now.
I've watched a TON of ECLP and have invested in 2 and haven't touched them. The newest one is coming out of the tissue paper today and fortunately I had also ordered all of the goodies. I need the same columns you do and wanted to cover up the breaks in the days and you just solved that issue for me and so many more. This is the best video on making the planner work that I've seen and thank you so very much! I was able to get the Stay Focused stamp set at Waffle Flower so nobody has to wait for SSS to get it back in stock.
Thank you so much for this video! I just got my first (two) EC planners and I was overwhelmed with, no offense, the artsy fartsy, sticker crazy videos. It's just not my scene. I need straight up and simple. Those erasable pens are GENIUS. I'll use a few stickers but your vid was THE MOST practical of all the ones I have watched. SUPER great ideas!!
Great vid! I have also been using the ECLP for over a year now, and I use the Frixion pens, markers, and highlighters, too. ***I've tried stamping in my planner but find that the ink bleeds through to the other side. Do you have that problem? If not, what ink/technique do you use?*** Thanks for sharing your ideas (gonna steal the Copic coloring one...I have those labels, too!).
This video is wonderful and incredibly helpful! Thanks for making it! I needed a simple way to organize my ECLP and was looking for a video that was not all about washi tape and stickers. Your video was just what I was looking for! :)
YES! I totally love this. I use planners for trying to stay organized & efficient and have tried lots of different methods. Your method is simple yet cute & easy. Thank you for this😀. Also...I'm about to try those Pilot Friction pens which means yet another set of fun colorful pens! 😣. But they seem awesome. Quick & easy yet fu. & cute is just what I want & need. Thanks again!
I watched this video probably 6-7 years ago, you introduced me to ECLP. I still rewatch it from time to time because your method is so clean and straightforward. Even planning can tend to get complicated and you break it down very well. Your overall presentation is always professional in a casual way.
This video was great! I will be receiving my first EC planner in May and I'm very excited! Having said that, I've been watching tons of EC planner videos. From decorating to ways to use them and I must say, this video is one of the best and most helpful ones I have seen! Thanks so much for sharing your tips and supplies you use. I love the erasable pens you showed. I also enjoyed your idea of splitting the sections of the week and dedicating them to different parts of your life as opposed to the morning, day and night format. Thanks again!
Thanks Jennifer, I may try this planner now. I've seen Erin Condren planners before via Organized Like Jen, etc but her system was so complicated! I am an organized person already and I like my planner to be very simple and efficient. I wanted to mention that I keep one of those zip-up poly envelopes in my car with all of my store coupons in it. I keep some small binder clips in it and clip them into quick categories (bed bath and beyond, craft stores, etc)
I love your set up. It's so calming... some of the other planner videos have so much going on, it gets really overwhelming! Thank you for sharing! Definitely subscribing! Will go out and get those things for my Erin condren.
Great video Jennifer! Very well made and I really appreciate all your tips! Over decorating your planner is definitely over rated lol I like how your tips are all simple and practical. I also like how you did an example of those erasable Frixion pens. Everyone always rants and raves about it but no one has done and example lol I'm going to buy some stamps and make my own headers now and grab some of those pen cuz of you. Thanks again!
Thank you so much for this indepth video on how you use your planner! I loved all of your tips - I am receiving mine soon and looking for additional inspiration so I absolutely appreciate all of the information that you gave. Thank you so much!
So many good tips! Thanks! Also, does that erasable pen smudge when you write with it?! I'm a leftie going into college and those pens look interesting but I can't be smudging my notes!
I have always struggled with a personal planner. I've tried various types and I was never successful. I have resorted to keeping appointments in my phone and that's it. I have a yellow legal pad and sticky notes all over my house. Thank you so much for showing how you organize this planner because it is a way that will actually work for me! I can relate to organizing my life into 3 sections. Thanks again for sharing this!
I really like the stamping on the labels! I have some stamps and I have trouble using them cause I would get upset if I messed up or smudged it. Where did you get the plastic thing you have the stamp on?
Jennifer, do you have suggestions for markers besides the Copic markers to make your removable stickers. I don't do a lot of art, so I don't really want to spend so much money on a set of markers. Thanks!
I know this is a old video. Do you still use the planner? I looked at the link. Could you please tell me which one you specifically use? I like the layout of yours. Thanks 😊
Thanks for sharing this. I prefer a paper planner to help keep my family more organized. I like your simplistic approach. The washi and stamps are cute, but that's more stuff to haul around. I need "on the go". Do you find this size easy to take with you or is it more a leave at home thing?
wow, i didnt thik that it will be so helpful for me! i also like calendars with lots of stickers and washi tape but it wasnt for me. i need to have clear what i should do without mess. thanks also for idea with little stickers for colour. simple cheap fun and so usefull! :*
Perfect tips for planning!! And I have all the supplies already! I was looking for an effective way to incorporate my blogging tasks into my planner so I didn't have to keep a separate notebook. The removable stickers are perfect 😉 Hope you are feeling better
Thank you for sharing! I love this video and you've inspired me to get back into my paper planner that I love so much, but have traded for my iCal that syncs with hubby's calendar. I still write daily to do's on note paper so I don't have to bombard his calendar with things that are not appointments. =)
I need this planner, i keep forgetting video ideas that are started on my computer and i already begain filming a different video cause i forgot to finish, I'm gonna go get a planner like this
whow - I searched for this video for days now because I wanted to thank you for the wonderful idea of colouring this white stickers - I tried that now and they are way better than those I can buy in stores in my little town! 😺
This is SO helpful. I'll be receiving my ECLP soon and I've been searching for a video that's less about making it pretty, and more about making it organized and, most importantly, efficient! I especially love the stamped stickers you use to change the morning/day/night split. I'm now planning on changing mine to work/personal/to-do. I can't wait to get started with your tips!
Hi! I too love simple/efficient planning so i find this very helpful. I love the decorated planners, but i keep my planner "clean", and your system seems to be perfect from my point of view. Thank you for sharing. :)
Thank you for your simplicity! I always feel pressured to decorate my planner and I end up spending more time doing that than decorating. Thank you for the encouragement to keep is simple!
great video! hope you shift that head ache, I've tried the decoration on my filofax... but I just don't have the time I love how you used the space! thanks for sharing ☺️
thank you so much to give us an alternative. I love this simple layout, i was feeling overwhelmed with all the other videos filled with stickers and Erin condren accessories. really love this video.
Great video! I've watched quite a few videos and most are showing how to decorate and not actually use. Gave me a lot of great ideas! Thanks for sharing!
I'm waiting for my first ever EC planner and I'm trying to find good tips. This video is by far the most practical and helpful. I want those stamps! Thank you!
Sorry another comment. As I was going through last year's EC, I did find that I had the Coil Clips too and I think they would be perfect to use taking the pocket folder and open folder from the back and add them to your current planner, as I will be doing, for a little extra space. Either way, thank you again for helping me get started as mine started in August 2014 and like I said, I'm just now opening it, and it will take me to the end of 2015. Best and practical video ever on these planners without too much fuss, pretty and functional :) Have a happy and happy planning!
Sorry to hear you're having a headache. Feel better soon! This video was totally helpful (and it was good, no worries!) - I might need a similar planner... Thanks for sharing!
this video is so helpful! i'm just getting started with paper planning, and I"m so confused and overwhelmed by all the stickers and washi tape so this simple approach is so appreciated! thank you!
I just went to buy the Frixion pens and the reviews stated that they tend to fade. Has anyone seen this as too big of an issue to purchase them again? Also does the ink last a satisfactory amount of time for you all? BEST VIDEO on the EC planner. Very practical.
+Millie Daze I haven't experienced the fading, but I have heard others say the same. The solution always seems to be placing your pages with the faded ink in the freezer for a bit and voila! Reappeared ink :) They erase using heat from friction, so this does make sense, but, like I said, I don't know for sure... I'll definitely purchase them again, and I'm dying to try the highlighters. Good Luck!
frixion pens are definitely temperature sensitive. one summer I left my own in my truck and the pen stopped working because of the heat. Also, I once left my planner in my truck during the winter and all of the mistakes I had erased came back. Nothing was readable because I wrote over the same spots.
Great calendar and tips. I am still and watching with a very bad sinus infection and my head is killing me. I hope yours didn't last long. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing this! I have a planner that has the 3 columns for each day and I have decided to use it like you show, and it has made my life much more organized and easier to see what is what! :)
This is one of the best videos on planning I have seen. I am a working mom of 3 and I needed something functional and cute. I ordered a plum paper planner but i will be incorporating some of your ideas thank you!
I love how you use your planner, you have inspired me to really use what I need (I try not to get carried away). I hope you continue doing more of these types of videos.
OH Jennifer....your video was SOOOO helpful!!! I tried the EC planner once...and I just couldn't seem to make it work. But then I saw your video and saw how simplistic (but FUN) you made it. So I tried it again! I just got my beautiful planner and just finished organizing it...colored round removable labels.....Work-ToDo-Personal sections.... (I used white-out label because the stam on b/o on SSS)....and those pens I LOVE THOSE PENS!!!! I love how they write and I love that you can erase them. I think this system is going to work really really well for me!!! I am very excited about it!!! THANKS for sharing your approach. You are AWESOME!!!!
Metal coil that is on your lefhand side, spirally metal thing that holds/binds all papers together. You just hook pen inside it. I'm not sure how to explain, english is not my first language. Just try to put pen inside it and it will make sence. Hope it helps :)
Oh my gosh! Thank you, this is perfect. I have been using the Erin Condren Life Planner for a couple years now (just ordered my 3rd!) and I have always loved it, but there was also always something missing, and I think the "Work, Family, To-Do" labeling is exactly the change I needed to make. I'm not a mom though so "Family" will have to be switched to school or something, but still... this is perfect! Also loved your sticker labeling and stamp modifications, definitely going to give that a try. Thanks again! P.S. Frixion pens are amazing, been using them for my Life Planner too! :p
Super cool planner, I don't use one, but if I did -- I LOVE your ideas. Headaches: Try taking an overload of vitamin C...like 3-4000mg. A friend suggested to me years ago, and it really does work...oh, and drink water! Hope you feel better today! :D
Jennifer, Really enjoyed this video. I have recently purchased a planner (not EC...too pricey at this time). I appreciated watching how you organize your week. I have found I'm not one who really wants to spend the time decorating each week with stickers, plus I think my ADD would be in overdrive trying to figure out who goes where when...I think the circles/rectangles are a great idea! Love coloring the white ones, I'll probably coordinate with my family planner & church activities. I am a pen fanatic! I cannot stand a poorly functioning/writing pen. So looking forward to finding the erasable pens (I remember the ones I used back in the...ehm 80's) and introducing them to my planning life! Thanks for a great video! ~Heather "Hedy" B
This has been perfect for me!! I have been trying to find a good way to schedule my school/work/personal life in my ECLP without all that washi tape and stickers! THANK YOU! :)
I have to say I absolutely LOVE this video! I'm a working mom of two and am constantly searching for a way to stay organized (I'm not a smart-phone calendar girl) and this was great. I tried to do the "decorative planning" thing and it didn't work for me and just left me frustrated. Your system is PERFECT. Would you want to do another, updated planner video? I just keep re-watching this one!
Hi Jennifer! I'm a longtime stamper/scrapbooker/planner who's new to Happy Planner. This EC video had so many great ideas! I do a few stickers, mostly on monthly spread, but want to be minimal and functional on the weekly ones. I have subscribed just from watching this one video and plan to watch lots of your other ones!
I'm so glad I found your channel! I am also one who can appreciate the pretty planning videos but I don't have the time, patience, nor, to be honest, the desire to do any of that. Plus, when it comes to my own planner I like the negative space. It helps my Virgo/OCD mind calm down and focus. I love colorful pens and that's as far as I've taken it. However, I just ordered my first ECLP (switching from Filofax and Inkwell Press...I couldn't pass up the deal!) and I'm loving the idea of it already being colorful! I do like your checklist stamp though and will probably purchase one of those. 😊
I had been on the fence about this planner and you pushed me over the edge with that stamp set! The ONE thing that bothered me the most about this planner were the "Morning/Day/Night" labels... And then you showed me those pens... ack! But of course the add-on that I wanted was a pack of Coil Clips... and they're sold out! :( Anyhow... thank you so much for taking the time to share. :) Happy New Year!
This. Was. Beautiful. I think all the fun "decorating my planner" videos are awesome, but honestly I would drive myself crazy trying to actually use a planner with so much stuff in it. Your planner is adorable and so practical and I love it so much! As soon as I started watching I thought, finally, someone who understands my brain! Thank you for catering to the "boring" EC users haha!
This has to be the best explained Erin Condren vlogs I've seen...and I have watched many! I really like the simplicity and effectiveness in regards to how you plan your life inside the planner. And I was inspired with you colouring the white circles and putting reminders on them. It makes things 'pop'. I found some repositionable white circle stickers for $1 at Dollarama here in Canada. Thank you for making this vlog!
Jennifer I wish you and Kristina were closer. I would love to meet you both. I look forward to ALL of your videos and blogs. Such talent!!! Thank you!!💞
Just watched your video and I just had to go buy the pens and that stamp set. You enabler! LOL. Awesome ideas. I will be looking for those labels next. Figure I can find them at the dollar store or WalMart. Thanks for sharing!
VERY helpful! Thank you for sharing a REAL planner video. I am starting school in a few weeks and this is excellent. Already have my Frixion on order. Thanks again!!!
Hi Jennifer, this is a great video -- how impressive even with a headache. Never would have guessed; you are such a professional. And very talented! I used to make my own planner each year, but found it took way too much time to make then take to the local office supply store to have it spiral bound. Until I saw your video I had never heard of Erin's Life Planner. I love the way you organized and customized it. Thank you so much for the inspiration. Definitely going to try this one! Thank you for sharing your videos!
I just love how you simplify everything you do! It's SO helpful. Thanks so much for doing this as I am working on a planner that I will like well enough to actually USE. No worries about your headache, the video was great! Thanks again Jennifer!
I love your review!! I love how clean and fuss free your planner looks without looking boring! I'm not a huge decorator and often get overwhelmed by other planner videos but yours was by far one of the best in terms of sharing what works for you. I also love Frixion pens and will definitely save up for a multi-pack! Thank you for a lovely video!
Hi Jenn, I would like to know if placing the labels (work, family, ) creates a buldge, making it uneven and harder to write notes beneath the headings? I would imagine that six months worth of labels would add significant dimension? But I love the idea of personalizing it!
I've been using Erin Condren calendars for the past couple of years. And once my girlfriends noticed my calendar, they all jumped on board and ordered them as well. Durable, fun, useful and personalized. Who could ask for more!
