I really enjoy these videos! And the fact that you keep using the Midori B6 consistently haha. Big win that you managed to avoid the plotter purchase!! (Plus I didn't like them much in person.... The leathers were too stiff when brand new or looked too worn in when very used 🤔 They also have a very floppy type of leather. But they are aesthetically pleasing on camera!! After all, Midori, Plotter and Traveler's Company are under the same umbrella brand Designphill so the aesthetics are there! And big win that you stayed on your budget!! I always fail, I want to improve it! I also have the 2020 hobonichi A6!! But the glue in mine is still not visible 🤔 I had purchased it in late 2022. Maybe it has to do with the storage conditions. I do enjoy the simmer in the silver color!!! It's so beautiful!!
Thank you, I'm glad to hear you enjoy these 😊 Oh, you have had a Plotter? Or you just have seen them in person 😏 I can't promise I'm never getting a Plotter but for now the temptation is gone 😅 I'm so glad to hear, that your cover is fine. Maybe I just have to blame Amazon Japan for bad storing conditions... And also the conditions we have here in our home 😬 Don't know what would prevent yellowing...
Did you check your covers? 🫣 I hope your covers are fine, and mine are the exception 😬 Also the faux leather decorations at the end of the bookmarks of the Flower Lace cover are all ready crumbling 🥹 I just wish they would be made with a bit better quality - but what would the price be then. This is apparently what we get with that price point. And maybe you really just should buy new covers every year and archive the old ones with the techos 😅 I just wished for some more longevity for things that I'm buying and loving, because I want to keep using them...
@@Katiplans I definitely wondered if people where archiving their covers, because there shouldn't be a need to buy a new one every year... but yeah, the quality is not the same for all covers and also depends on your use and the conditions of where you live - like humidity, temperatures, etc. I checked my covers and they don't have any glue or discoloration. But my covers don't really go anywhere - on my desk or shelf... my oldest is only like 4 years though - not that old.
Well, I have heard some say on UA-cam that they do archive the cover with the used techo. That sounds great and very wasteful, and I don't have the funds nor the space to do that 😂 But I can understand that it would be a cool collection. And then you get to buy new covers every year. It's a win-win 😉 I'm glad to hear your covers are all well and healthy looking 😅
It’s always so interesting to hear your thoughts about what you bought and your spending habits. I appreciate how open you are…I’m not sure I can be so brave to face the whole truth of my spending right now. I have reflected on 2023 like you did though, even though I didn’t calculate precise numbers. Last year I bought two notebooks in January and then nothing until ‘planner season’ hit around October and then it was ‘Black Friday/sale season.’ I bought a lot of stationery then or my husband bought me a lot for Xmas, which I see as the same since it comes from the same pot of money. I think I will plan for my spending to follow this pattern again for 2024 and try to restrict spending knowing I will splurge later in the year. The toughest times for me are when I’m stressed about something, then I find myself browsing online to take my mind off it and become convinced a nice new pen or something will ‘take the edge off.’ Then it’s not such conscious spending and I can make purchases I regret. Your videos are such a great reminder to me of how to enjoy the hobby without that regret. Thanks for sharing ❤
Thank you for commenting 😘 Luckily I don't have that hobby of mindlessly scrolling, browsing and shopping when stressed, because I would be bankrupt. I have just decided that I'm not allowing it, because I feel like it's just a waste of time (and worst case - also money). I would suggest coming up with something else to take your mind elsewhere ❤️ Something that makes the situation better and doesn't cause new problems 😅 If something is on my mind, I like to write about it with pen on paper. That can bring up new solutions, or at least you can reach a new level of clarity. If my mind is just a blur, I like to go out for a walk and enjoy nature. Just breath and focus on what is around me. Or if I just want a escape from real-life problems, I enjoy some entertainment: reading a good book, listening to a fun podcast, watching a youtube video, or gaming. Self-care is always a good option 😘 And of course, sometimes shopping can be the solution - but to avoid repercussions you have to decide how much you can afford to take that medicine 😅
@@Katiplans Thanks for all the great ideas! I absolutely agree that finding something else to do is the way to go. And I hadn’t fallen into the scrolling habit for quite a while, but then things got a bit intense and, as they say, old habits die hard. Sometimes I just tidy/organise what I have and that is something that can take my mind of things and remind me of something that I had forgotten I had which can cheer me up. And putting pen to paper is of course a favourite 😉 recently I’ve also been focusing on getting enough sleep. It’s been lovely to see your videos again. They are also a favourite way to take my mind of things ❤️
@@daphnefaff Ooh, that's so sweet of you 🥰 Sadly it seems, that I may not be able to keep up with one video a week. I was hoping for things to settle down a bit, but then again new troubles arised. I'm shouting to the sky to please give us some slack. I'm now taking care of two family members and trying to somehow keep my own life running and make things happen, but it is so hard. Last 13 months have been rough since the first bad news and now the past four months have been even rougher with the second family member having serious health problems. And neither of them is ever getting better 😭 I so wished I had the energy and time to keep my channel running smoothly but I have reached my limits with how much I can do. I don't want to force the videos, because this is supposed to be a fun hobby. Just to say that I will be here when ever I can and your, and everyone else's who has been following along, support means the world to me right now ❤ Thank you 🙏🏻 P.S. Enough quality sleep is a game changer! Everyone should start with that and prioritize it. It helps with so many aspects of your life and health and I think people who have never even tried it, don't even know how it feels to be fully awake, aware and have a bright mind. P.P.S. Thanks, this was a good therapy session 😂❤ Now I'm ready to tackle life again 😅
@@Katiplans Sorry to hear that things have got tougher. It’s sounds like good plan to not pressure yourself with UA-cam. I have the same feeling. Whenever you’ve got time I’ll be here to watch! Whatever the case I’ll be thinking of you and sending good vibes of support and feel free to write to me any time you want some therapy like this, but apologies ahead of time if I’m slow to reply, because, you know, life.❤️
It’s interesting to see total for the year since months can vary. I find that I can do a month no spend but then just compensate the next month 😅 oof. This hobby is expensive but I guess depends what you compare with…
Well, it doesn't have to be expensive 😉 But it very easily can become that way 😅 I think everyone should know their own limits - how much they can spend without other life areas suffering and without getting in financial problems. That way you can keep your hobby and passion on the joy side and not add anxiety over money into the mix. That's why I started my stationery budget. I seem to have endless wants and needs, but sadly no endless money resources 😅
Thank you for sharing, so sorry to see the Hobonichi cover going all yellow at the seams... So when you order from Amazion Japan you dont have to pay VAT? I'm new-ish to shopping while in the EU thing, so feels safer to ask rather than order and then pay up. 😅
Short answer: I do pay VAT and I keep my orders under 150 euros, to keep everything going smoothly. Long answer: I do pay VAT when ordering from Amazon Japan, but it's pretty simple - at least for me in Finland it works nicely. But I don't know if it works the same way in every EU country. When I make my order and Amazon knows I'm in Finland it counts the prices with the Finnish VAT which is 24% so the prices go up at check out. Then we have a limit of 150 euros. So if I want that Amazon takes care of the VAT, my order (without shipping costs) has to be less than 150 euros. Otherwise I have to take care of the customs and I haven't dared to try that out yet, so usually I make sure that my order is under 150 euros. But my last order went a bit over, and that came through also just fine. So it can be items under 150 euros + shipping but with yen prices it's a bit hard sometimes, so that's why I usually aim to keep it under 150 euros, with shipping and all to be on the safe side. Sorry about the long explanation. It should be simple, but at least the explanations on the Finnish customs side is not so clear... and it's always scary if you have to take care of VAT and customs yourself. At least I find it a bit intimidating. I do hate the 150 euros limit, because my Hobonichi orders used to be 200-250 euros, but with the new VAT system I haven't made those anymore.
When I order from Greece from Amazon Japan (or any amazon) I didn't have to pay anything for customs, I think Amazon takes care of it because the limit in Greece is ridiculous, something like 26€ !! So I am sure I would have to pay customs with the orders I placed but I didn't!! Maybe Amazon has frequently asked questions that cover it? Just to be sure.
@iliana.m Hmm, I wonder customs or VAT... We also had before a system, that if you ordered with under 22 euros, you didn't have to pay customs or VAT/taxes. But then that limit was removed, and now the limit is 150euros. Now we always have to pay taxes, but under the 150euro limit the shop can take care of the taxes if they are registered in the IOSS-system. Over 150euros, we have to do the customs declaration ourselves, pay taxes and maybe also customs. But probably the system and limits are a bit different from country to country. Look @KateWillDo at the local customs website for instructions about local rules and limits. But at least we know that Amazon Japan is in the IOSS-system 😅
Haha, perfect cart - maybe that is a good thing to aim for - to save money 😂 It indeed is a very bad and deep rabbit hole! At the beginning I didn't even have my own login, I made my spouse to do the orders. But now I have my own account so it's way too easy... But - I only go there when I know what I want to get. Apparently I just can't say no to a new Japan planner that I want to try out and that seems perfect to my needs 😅
@@Sustainable.Motherhood It of course depends of your order. There doesn't seem to be any certain amount for shipping and handling, but I have paid for one smaller order 13 euros and for two bigger orders about 22 euros for shipping and handling. It also depends if the seller is the same for all products. Sometimes I have to leave things out that are from a different seller and not Amazon Japan, because the shipping get's then way too expensive because it will be delivered in separate packages from different locations. But that is what I usually see only at checkout - so I will then check that there is no unpleasant surprises I didn't realize while making the order. Playing around with the products to see what makes shipping more expensive and what brings it down. That way I find my sweet spot what I'm ready to pay. And I have chosen to pay in euros, so that I don't get any currency change surprises afterwards.
![Stationery confession [June 2024]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QKTzeLUo6GU/mqdefault.jpg)
![Stationery confession [June 2024]](/img/tr.png)
![Stationery confession [April & May 2024]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LmpbYJNvTKo/mqdefault.jpg)
I really enjoy these videos! And the fact that you keep using the Midori B6 consistently haha. Big win that you managed to avoid the plotter purchase!! (Plus I didn't like them much in person.... The leathers were too stiff when brand new or looked too worn in when very used 🤔 They also have a very floppy type of leather. But they are aesthetically pleasing on camera!! After all, Midori, Plotter and Traveler's Company are under the same umbrella brand Designphill so the aesthetics are there! And big win that you stayed on your budget!! I always fail, I want to improve it! I also have the 2020 hobonichi A6!! But the glue in mine is still not visible 🤔 I had purchased it in late 2022. Maybe it has to do with the storage conditions. I do enjoy the simmer in the silver color!!! It's so beautiful!!
Thank you, I'm glad to hear you enjoy these 😊
Oh, you have had a Plotter? Or you just have seen them in person 😏
I can't promise I'm never getting a Plotter but for now the temptation is gone 😅
I'm so glad to hear, that your cover is fine. Maybe I just have to blame Amazon Japan for bad storing conditions... And also the conditions we have here in our home 😬 Don't know what would prevent yellowing...
Interesting regarding the yellowing in hobonichi covers… I wanna go check mine now 😅
Did you check your covers? 🫣 I hope your covers are fine, and mine are the exception 😬
Also the faux leather decorations at the end of the bookmarks of the Flower Lace cover are all ready crumbling 🥹
I just wish they would be made with a bit better quality - but what would the price be then. This is apparently what we get with that price point. And maybe you really just should buy new covers every year and archive the old ones with the techos 😅 I just wished for some more longevity for things that I'm buying and loving, because I want to keep using them...
@@Katiplans I definitely wondered if people where archiving their covers, because there shouldn't be a need to buy a new one every year... but yeah, the quality is not the same for all covers and also depends on your use and the conditions of where you live - like humidity, temperatures, etc. I checked my covers and they don't have any glue or discoloration. But my covers don't really go anywhere - on my desk or shelf... my oldest is only like 4 years though - not that old.
Well, I have heard some say on UA-cam that they do archive the cover with the used techo. That sounds great and very wasteful, and I don't have the funds nor the space to do that 😂 But I can understand that it would be a cool collection. And then you get to buy new covers every year. It's a win-win 😉
I'm glad to hear your covers are all well and healthy looking 😅
It’s always so interesting to hear your thoughts about what you bought and your spending habits. I appreciate how open you are…I’m not sure I can be so brave to face the whole truth of my spending right now.
I have reflected on 2023 like you did though, even though I didn’t calculate precise numbers.
Last year I bought two notebooks in January and then nothing until ‘planner season’ hit around October and then it was ‘Black Friday/sale season.’ I bought a lot of stationery then or my husband bought me a lot for Xmas, which I see as the same since it comes from the same pot of money.
I think I will plan for my spending to follow this pattern again for 2024 and try to restrict spending knowing I will splurge later in the year. The toughest times for me are when I’m stressed about something, then I find myself browsing online to take my mind off it and become convinced a nice new pen or something will ‘take the edge off.’ Then it’s not such conscious spending and I can make purchases I regret. Your videos are such a great reminder to me of how to enjoy the hobby without that regret. Thanks for sharing ❤
Thank you for commenting 😘
Luckily I don't have that hobby of mindlessly scrolling, browsing and shopping when stressed, because I would be bankrupt. I have just decided that I'm not allowing it, because I feel like it's just a waste of time (and worst case - also money).
I would suggest coming up with something else to take your mind elsewhere ❤️ Something that makes the situation better and doesn't cause new problems 😅
If something is on my mind, I like to write about it with pen on paper. That can bring up new solutions, or at least you can reach a new level of clarity.
If my mind is just a blur, I like to go out for a walk and enjoy nature. Just breath and focus on what is around me.
Or if I just want a escape from real-life problems, I enjoy some entertainment: reading a good book, listening to a fun podcast, watching a youtube video, or gaming.
Self-care is always a good option 😘
And of course, sometimes shopping can be the solution - but to avoid repercussions you have to decide how much you can afford to take that medicine 😅
@@Katiplans Thanks for all the great ideas! I absolutely agree that finding something else to do is the way to go. And I hadn’t fallen into the scrolling habit for quite a while, but then things got a bit intense and, as they say, old habits die hard. Sometimes I just tidy/organise what I have and that is something that can take my mind of things and remind me of something that I had forgotten I had which can cheer me up. And putting pen to paper is of course a favourite 😉 recently I’ve also been focusing on getting enough sleep. It’s been lovely to see your videos again. They are also a favourite way to take my mind of things ❤️
@@daphnefaff Ooh, that's so sweet of you 🥰 Sadly it seems, that I may not be able to keep up with one video a week. I was hoping for things to settle down a bit, but then again new troubles arised. I'm shouting to the sky to please give us some slack. I'm now taking care of two family members and trying to somehow keep my own life running and make things happen, but it is so hard. Last 13 months have been rough since the first bad news and now the past four months have been even rougher with the second family member having serious health problems. And neither of them is ever getting better 😭
I so wished I had the energy and time to keep my channel running smoothly but I have reached my limits with how much I can do. I don't want to force the videos, because this is supposed to be a fun hobby.
Just to say that I will be here when ever I can and your, and everyone else's who has been following along, support means the world to me right now ❤ Thank you 🙏🏻
P.S. Enough quality sleep is a game changer! Everyone should start with that and prioritize it. It helps with so many aspects of your life and health and I think people who have never even tried it, don't even know how it feels to be fully awake, aware and have a bright mind.
P.P.S. Thanks, this was a good therapy session 😂❤ Now I'm ready to tackle life again 😅
@@Katiplans Sorry to hear that things have got tougher. It’s sounds like good plan to not pressure yourself with UA-cam. I have the same feeling. Whenever you’ve got time I’ll be here to watch! Whatever the case I’ll be thinking of you and sending good vibes of support and feel free to write to me any time you want some therapy like this, but apologies ahead of time if I’m slow to reply, because, you know, life.❤️
It’s interesting to see total for the year since months can vary. I find that I can do a month no spend but then just compensate the next month 😅 oof. This hobby is expensive but I guess depends what you compare with…
Well, it doesn't have to be expensive 😉 But it very easily can become that way 😅
I think everyone should know their own limits - how much they can spend without other life areas suffering and without getting in financial problems. That way you can keep your hobby and passion on the joy side and not add anxiety over money into the mix. That's why I started my stationery budget. I seem to have endless wants and needs, but sadly no endless money resources 😅
@@Katiplans Yup, I seem to have endless wants... so it's always a struggle!
Thank you for sharing, so sorry to see the Hobonichi cover going all yellow at the seams... So when you order from Amazion Japan you dont have to pay VAT? I'm new-ish to shopping while in the EU thing, so feels safer to ask rather than order and then pay up. 😅
Short answer: I do pay VAT and I keep my orders under 150 euros, to keep everything going smoothly.
Long answer: I do pay VAT when ordering from Amazon Japan, but it's pretty simple - at least for me in Finland it works nicely. But I don't know if it works the same way in every EU country.
When I make my order and Amazon knows I'm in Finland it counts the prices with the Finnish VAT which is 24% so the prices go up at check out.
Then we have a limit of 150 euros.
So if I want that Amazon takes care of the VAT, my order (without shipping costs) has to be less than 150 euros. Otherwise I have to take care of the customs and I haven't dared to try that out yet, so usually I make sure that my order is under 150 euros.
But my last order went a bit over, and that came through also just fine. So it can be items under 150 euros + shipping but with yen prices it's a bit hard sometimes, so that's why I usually aim to keep it under 150 euros, with shipping and all to be on the safe side.
Sorry about the long explanation. It should be simple, but at least the explanations on the Finnish customs side is not so clear... and it's always scary if you have to take care of VAT and customs yourself. At least I find it a bit intimidating.
I do hate the 150 euros limit, because my Hobonichi orders used to be 200-250 euros, but with the new VAT system I haven't made those anymore.
When I order from Greece from Amazon Japan (or any amazon) I didn't have to pay anything for customs, I think Amazon takes care of it because the limit in Greece is ridiculous, something like 26€ !! So I am sure I would have to pay customs with the orders I placed but I didn't!! Maybe Amazon has frequently asked questions that cover it? Just to be sure.
@iliana.m Hmm, I wonder customs or VAT... We also had before a system, that if you ordered with under 22 euros, you didn't have to pay customs or VAT/taxes. But then that limit was removed, and now the limit is 150euros. Now we always have to pay taxes, but under the 150euro limit the shop can take care of the taxes if they are registered in the IOSS-system. Over 150euros, we have to do the customs declaration ourselves, pay taxes and maybe also customs.
But probably the system and limits are a bit different from country to country. Look @KateWillDo at the local customs website for instructions about local rules and limits. But at least we know that Amazon Japan is in the IOSS-system 😅
@@Katiplans thank you for such a thorough response 💕
I’m so tempted by Amazon Japan but with shipping I always want to make the perfect cart and then it never happens! Hahah … I guess I’m saving money 😅
Haha, perfect cart - maybe that is a good thing to aim for - to save money 😂 It indeed is a very bad and deep rabbit hole!
At the beginning I didn't even have my own login, I made my spouse to do the orders. But now I have my own account so it's way too easy... But - I only go there when I know what I want to get. Apparently I just can't say no to a new Japan planner that I want to try out and that seems perfect to my needs 😅
@@Katiplans These are the reasons why I need to stay away!
I think I also need to stay away until 2025 planner season 😅
@Katiplans how much is shipping from Amazon Japan to Europe ?
@@Sustainable.Motherhood It of course depends of your order. There doesn't seem to be any certain amount for shipping and handling, but I have paid for one smaller order 13 euros and for two bigger orders about 22 euros for shipping and handling.
It also depends if the seller is the same for all products. Sometimes I have to leave things out that are from a different seller and not Amazon Japan, because the shipping get's then way too expensive because it will be delivered in separate packages from different locations.
But that is what I usually see only at checkout - so I will then check that there is no unpleasant surprises I didn't realize while making the order. Playing around with the products to see what makes shipping more expensive and what brings it down. That way I find my sweet spot what I'm ready to pay.
And I have chosen to pay in euros, so that I don't get any currency change surprises afterwards.