For the last year, I’ve been in a planner transition. It might have been the pandemic — or the lack of anything to plan — but my previous planning systems no longer worked for me. Or for some reason, felt right. When Erin Condren introduced her 2021-2022 collection the new A5 Lifeplanner Agenda caught my eye. It looked professional but still had the familiar Erin Condren inside pages that I was had grown accustomed to. It’s arrived and I thought I would give you a quick first impression of my new planner.
I have traditionally planned in a spiral-bound planner, which I have loved for years. But since I liked to plan in an 18-month planner the spiral seemed so large and became awkward as I moved through the year. So the 6-ring binder of the A5 Lifeplanner Agenda was very attractive so that I can add or subtract pages as needed. I also was drawn to the agenda itself. I love the envelope style and liked the idea of vegan leather. I chose the camel color but it also comes in blush, champagne, and mid-century circles. I’m anticipating heading back to the office soon, so the overall professional appearance was a big winner for me.
The inside page options come in daily or weekly. I chose weekly because that’s what I’m most used to in planning my days. I am intrigued with the daily pages and I could see myself experimenting with those down the road. If the inside pages were available individually (hint, hint. They are currently not.) I would purchase those as well and add them occasionally. There are three interior design options: mid-century circles, flora and just my Type Neutral. I like the professional look of Just My Type and I like my stickers and doodles to pop on the pages.
The size of the binder is a standard A5. I’ve read from other bloggers that most of their accessories from a FoxyFix, Kikki K. or FiloFax planner also work in the EC style. Bonus! The size in general is compact but I think large enough for my handwriting, which tends to be on the bigger side. The front of the binder contains three card-size pockets and one larger stitched pocket that I think I’ll use for page flags or sticky notes. To the left of the card pockets is a slot that could be used to hold a bookmark or pens. Under the entire panel is a pocket for holding papers and accessories.
The back of the agenda has a slot the full width of the panel. I added the Sea & Denim Focused Productivity Notepads Productivity pads from the EC Focused Collection. BTW – I love the EC Focused Collection. I have my eyes on a few pieces and accessories there. The whole collection really aligns with my simple and modern aesthetic and looks great in the office. The back of the agenda also has a two-sided pocket for additional storage and a sewn-in pen loop.
The weekly pages are only offered in a horizontal format. I personally like horizontal weekly planning, but I wouldn’t be surprised if EC offers a vertical option at some point. I know a lot of people really love vertical planning — especially hourly. I haven’t seen a lot of sticker options in the EC A5 horizontal format (I’m looking at you, PlannerKate!). I’m hoping that changes soon! I really like the additional space at the end of each week for weekly goals, to-dos or habit trackers.
Another thing I really liked with the inside pages is before each monthly spread there is a left lined page (perfect for my monthly goals) and a right page note boxes. I think I’ll use these for intentions, reminders and maybe even something motivational.
The two-page monthly spread features a monthly note column on the right. I’m not sure what I’ll use this for — but I’ll find something. I might use it for something purely decorative. The true test for me is whether the date squares are large enough for my writing. They seem to be slightly larger than the Petite Planner I’ve used in the past, so I am hopeful.
My initial thoughts are very positive and I can’t wait to get it set up for July! I’ll report back on how it’s going, but for now I think I might have achieved planner peace with the EC A5 Lifeplanner Agenda.
For more thoughts on this planner see my YouTube channel below!
Glasses are Caddis Miklos Progressive glasses in Raw Honey.
Glassybaby is Elephant.
