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Stationary Lover Here!!

In a world that has become connected via the internet and a postal system that now stretches across the globe, we have access to places and objects that previous generations never had a chance to enjoy. and that also includes all the beautiful stationery the world has to offer.

Love # 1: Planners

I have been using analogy planners for an entire decade. After using them for so many years, you would think I would be tired of them by now. In fact, it has become just the opposite.

I have fallen in love all over again.

In a world that has become connected via the internet and a postal system that now stretches across the globe, we have access to places and objects that previous generations never had a chance to enjoy. And that also includes all the beautiful stationery the world has to offer. So it is only natural that I try different planners from all over the world. And there is so much I have so much to try! But I have found some favorites that have definitely become items that I repurchase every year.

Hobonichi Cousin

Sterling Ink was founded by a YouTuber in North America who enjoyed using Hobonichi products and decided to create their own line of planners, which are more professional and simpler than the Hobonichi design. The faux leather design is a great option if you're looking for a more professional-looking product that has many of the same features as Hobonichi, including

  • Tomeo River Paper, known for its fountain ink compatibility

  • Same layouts as Hobonichi planners

There are some additional benefits to using sterling ink planners compared to Hobonichi, which include

  • More notebook sizes, compared to the Hobonichi Line Up

  • More flexible layouts, for instance, booklets and undated planners.

Nonetheless, if you're looking for a more professional design that still meets our needs, the Sterling Ink line is a great option.

Image Courtesy of Sterling Ink

Sterling Ink

Image Provided by Hobonichi Website

Hobonichi is a Japanese stationery brand that provides several different planners, journals, and notebooks. I have personally used Hobonichi planners for a number of years. Hobonichi has several characteristics that distinguish it from its competitors.

A few features to note...

  • Fountain Pen-friendly paper

  • Different layout styles

  • Themed covers

  • High-quality construction

If you are someone who wants to try different options and styles and not jeopardize quality, this is definitely an option to consider.

I have a separate blog post on some of the products that I used from Hobonichi and my experience with the company. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this as an option.

I would highly recommend that you purchase from a third-party website to minimize shipping costs. Shipping directly from Japan is expensive, and to get free shipping, you do have to spend a minimum of $300. I do usually purchase with other people to avoid this, but many people don't have this option.

Travelers Company

Image Courtesy of Travelers Company USA

Travelers Company, which was previously under the brand Midori, is a stationery company also in Japan. Now an independent company, it produces a leather cover that works as a modular notebook system to add the notebooks of your choice.

If you're someone who wants a system that is highly customizable, portable, and has a classic touch, this most definitely is a product to consider.

Some of the items that Travelers Company provides

  • Brass accessories to give your cover a vintage vibe

  • Folders and wallet insert to add additional items

  • Notebooks with different layouts, including dots, grids, and lines

  • Planner inserts, such as weekly, monthly, and daily inserts

You can choose your combination of notebooks to fit your needs and change it as your life changes with you.

I personally have multiple of these covers that I use multiple times. I use it as a travel journal (just as advertised). I also use it as an everyday sketchbook. The beautiful material, variety of accessories, and ability to hold multiple notebooks allow me to maximize my everyday carry.