Cute paper clips really up anyone's planner design game. They can be pricey though for such small things but it's really the unique design and the effort it took to make them that you're paying for, so all's good. But I know I won't really be using them too much and only to add that little extra cuteness to my planners so I thought I'd try and make my own. And it's as easy as it looks.

of balloons and ferry rides on my happy planner for the week of april 17-23

I realize just now that I put the balloons upside down, haha! I intend to be very productive this week and I'm actually off to a great start. I was able to finish decorating this weekly spread on a Saturday night. That usually doesn't happen so that gave me a boost to the start of my week.

of a very pastel weekly spread for april 17-23 on my color crush planner

I always tend to go for light pinks and purples anytime I start decorating any planner I have. Purple was my utmost favorite color when I was in high school and then slowly transitioned to pink. How girly, amirite?

of my 7 money-saving tips for those starting planners

It is no secret to the planning community that designing weekly spreads and dashboards can cost quite a lot. It may not seem much when we're buying our planning supplies but when you look at the frequency of your visits to stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby and to Etsy shops, and how much you spend each time, they add up quite quickly. It is a very happy addiction!

When I first got into it, I easily spent a $100! I've been planning since summer of last year and I can't tell you how many times I've gone to Michaels to stock up on stickers and washi tapes.

But determined to not to spend that much again, I've learned these 7 money-saving tips that helped save me some dough, and still enjoy planning.

of the week of april 10-16 on my color crush planner

Love love this spread! Pinks and purples are always favorites of mine

of the color crush personal planner of my dreams

Webster's Pages Walnut Color Crush Personal Planner

When I started planning again, I've been blown away by how big of a world it has become! I've been a fan of planners and scrapbooking as a teenager so when I found out the many planning communities and creative planners out there, I was amazed and excited to get back to it! But of course, not before going through the phase of deciding which planners to actually use.

I started with The Happy Planner from Me and My Big Ideas and I love all of it - its format, the design, the stickers, the various free printables out there from generous creative minds - and I was content. But of course, not until I realized that it can grow bulky from the many stickers and photos I designed it with. I still love it of course, but now I want something smaller but still cute and customizable.

of my week on the pages of my color crush planner

Tea and planning time go hand in hand

of the happy planner essentials for the planner girl in me

Long before planners became a trend or cute and girly planners even existed, I remember getting my very first organizer (as planners were called then) and feeling so well-organized and put together in school. I loved the feel of that soft red and blue faux leather bound organizer, I treasured it and actually have it up to this day.  Though I treasured it, it frustrated me that it looked too formal inside. And so I actually measured the pages, designed and printed a set of weekly pages for it. I should've known then that seeing as a teenage girl like me enjoyed it, others would surely see the beauty there is in planning. I probably could've made myself a fortune!