Scribbles that Matter are my go to - they do a version that is part bullet journal with dotted pages but also weekly and monthly spreads that you can make work for you. Thick paper suitable for a real pen too! I changes to something else this year and have regrets…..
Sounds like you had an amazing time in England, Caroline! I'm looking forward to reading some of the books you recommended. I definitely turn to romance when I need to escape to a happier world (and still can), even though the good romances make me cry. I just need a book to devour.
Warning: Nerdy planner details below.
For 2025, I got the MiGoals(.com) planner for the second time. The first version I got several years ago had more blank unlined space in each weekly spread, and I was disappointed when there was just larger days. I like space to prioritize things I need to get down, without assigning them to a day. Like many planners, it has a monthly spread, and weekly spreads. Unlike many others, It has many pages in the beginning to help clarify and your goals for the year, and pages for short-term and long-term goals with steps, and quarterly review, as well as inspiring quotes. I don't use the planning pages very much, except some long-term goals and the "Rate Your Life" where you select a number for how satisfied you are in various areas (e.g., relationships, health, finances) and the beginning & end of the year. It's hardbound with two ribbons and mine is A5, so not the most portable.
This year I'm going to try minimalist/DIY. I already have a Laconic mostly-unused undated monthly calendar and undated gantt chart which I used for habit tracking/check-in. They are thin paperbound A5 notebooks, and the paper is sooo smooth so I'm thinking of adding a weekly calendar or non-calendar for notes and weekly schedules, or I could just use the blank pages in the back.
Of course, after a month or two, I may run for a planner with dates, as I did earlier this year (when I was only using a blank notebook).
And I may need to browse some of the other companies ...
It looks like all the recommended planners have similar space for goals and planning, so migoals is not so different. I guess it was the first time I actually ordered a planner rather than settle with whatever I could find in a store.
It sounds lovely! Once you know the format you like it’s so much easier to choose other options, if you want to try. I’m looking forward to having a peek at the migoals — thanks for the tip!
I've used the Hobonichi Weeks planner for the past 3 years. All I really do in a planner is right down appointments and a minimal to-do list. The funny thing is that even though the Weeks is small, I could do without the "100 dreams" and little extras in the back. They're sweet, but an even thinner planner would be my ideal.
It is a small one — really good option to carry with you. I can see not wanting the extras for that. Mine lives on my desk, so I can handle a few extra pages. 😍
When I first returned to paper planners, I tried some of the heftier ones with goals and lists and checkmark boxes for whether or not you had hydrated enough that day and decided: Nope. Then I tried out Mark+Fold after hearing about it on your podcast a few years ago and have never looked back. The Mark+Fold diary is exactly what I want - flexible and minimalist.
It was SO WORTH IT. I definitely recommend the experience. I learned a lot, the staff was lovely and it was so fun to spend time with other sewing nerds
Honestly, I can barely bring myself to read this post because I know it will tempt me into buying yet more planners. What is it about planners that draws me in every single year so that I always end up buying several? (Rhetorical question, obviously!)
They are such a strong temptation! I almost broke down and bought the Mark + Fold after all while writing this because they have a linen edition that is truly stunning this year. Eeeeeee
Scribbles that Matter are my go to - they do a version that is part bullet journal with dotted pages but also weekly and monthly spreads that you can make work for you. Thick paper suitable for a real pen too! I changes to something else this year and have regrets…..
Oh no! Planner regrets are a heartbreaker. Are you going back for 2026 or is that when you strayed?
I was going to go back to STM for my 2026 planner but now after reading the above I’ve just spent way too long on the Paper Republic website…. 🫣🫣😅
Paper Republic is total lushness.
Those look really useful and well-designed!
They are really good quality!
Sounds like you had an amazing time in England, Caroline! I'm looking forward to reading some of the books you recommended. I definitely turn to romance when I need to escape to a happier world (and still can), even though the good romances make me cry. I just need a book to devour.
Warning: Nerdy planner details below.
For 2025, I got the MiGoals(.com) planner for the second time. The first version I got several years ago had more blank unlined space in each weekly spread, and I was disappointed when there was just larger days. I like space to prioritize things I need to get down, without assigning them to a day. Like many planners, it has a monthly spread, and weekly spreads. Unlike many others, It has many pages in the beginning to help clarify and your goals for the year, and pages for short-term and long-term goals with steps, and quarterly review, as well as inspiring quotes. I don't use the planning pages very much, except some long-term goals and the "Rate Your Life" where you select a number for how satisfied you are in various areas (e.g., relationships, health, finances) and the beginning & end of the year. It's hardbound with two ribbons and mine is A5, so not the most portable.
This year I'm going to try minimalist/DIY. I already have a Laconic mostly-unused undated monthly calendar and undated gantt chart which I used for habit tracking/check-in. They are thin paperbound A5 notebooks, and the paper is sooo smooth so I'm thinking of adding a weekly calendar or non-calendar for notes and weekly schedules, or I could just use the blank pages in the back.
Of course, after a month or two, I may run for a planner with dates, as I did earlier this year (when I was only using a blank notebook).
And I may need to browse some of the other companies ...
It looks like all the recommended planners have similar space for goals and planning, so migoals is not so different. I guess it was the first time I actually ordered a planner rather than settle with whatever I could find in a store.
It sounds lovely! Once you know the format you like it’s so much easier to choose other options, if you want to try. I’m looking forward to having a peek at the migoals — thanks for the tip!
I've used the Hobonichi Weeks planner for the past 3 years. All I really do in a planner is right down appointments and a minimal to-do list. The funny thing is that even though the Weeks is small, I could do without the "100 dreams" and little extras in the back. They're sweet, but an even thinner planner would be my ideal.
It is a small one — really good option to carry with you. I can see not wanting the extras for that. Mine lives on my desk, so I can handle a few extra pages. 😍
When I first returned to paper planners, I tried some of the heftier ones with goals and lists and checkmark boxes for whether or not you had hydrated enough that day and decided: Nope. Then I tried out Mark+Fold after hearing about it on your podcast a few years ago and have never looked back. The Mark+Fold diary is exactly what I want - flexible and minimalist.
Such a dream, isn’t it?? I suspect I’ll go back to it for 2027. It’s so classy and simple.
Merchant and Mills! Ack - a dream course!! Every envious.
It was SO WORTH IT. I definitely recommend the experience. I learned a lot, the staff was lovely and it was so fun to spend time with other sewing nerds
Omg. The third book in my series will have to involve dressmaking…so I do “research” 🥳
YESSSSS
Honestly, I can barely bring myself to read this post because I know it will tempt me into buying yet more planners. What is it about planners that draws me in every single year so that I always end up buying several? (Rhetorical question, obviously!)
They are such a strong temptation! I almost broke down and bought the Mark + Fold after all while writing this because they have a linen edition that is truly stunning this year. Eeeeeee
A linen edition?!?! Please don’t tell me that! 😍
Oh yes with a beautiful TYPE ELEMENT. I am sitting on my hands as we speak. I feel your pain. 🤣