October Planner Setup in the Sterling Ink Common Planner
There’s something magical about a new month — that feeling of a clean page and a fresh start. For October, I decided to lean into cozy, golden tones and a gentle rhythm as I set up my Sterling Ink Common Planner using the deluxe subscription kit.
This month’s setup is all about creating a balance between structure and creativity, building a system that keeps me grounded while leaving space for inspiration to flow.
Building My October Palette
Each month, I start by building a palette that feels right for the season. This time, I wanted soft autumn hues — greens, yellows, pinks, and warm oranges that echo falling leaves and slow mornings.
My Tombow markers for October are: 228 (green), 772 (pink), 912 (orange), and 946 (yellow-orange). Together, they capture that quiet transition from summer to fall.
To tie it all together, I added washi tapes with a touch of fall foiling, picking up the deeper browns and reds I couldn’t match in ink. It’s not about perfection; it’s about creating something that feels like October — a visual rhythm of warmth and calm.
Monthly Overview: Where Beauty Meets Function
The monthly pages in my Sterling Ink planner are where structure meets creativity. This is where I map out my social media calendar and get a bird’s-eye view of the month ahead.
I always start with a washi strip across the top or bottom and then layer a few smaller stickers for balance. Empty pages can sometimes feel intimidating, but adding a little decoration makes it easier to dive in and get started.
For October, the goal is a layout that feels both pretty and practical — a space that inspires me to plan and stay consistent.
Weekly Pages: Keeping It Simple and Intentional
When it comes to my weekly spreads, less is often more. A single washi strip, a few decorative touches, and open space for tasks and notes — that’s all I need.
These pages serve as my work planner, where I list my daily priorities, jot quick reflections, and track what’s moving forward. At the end of each week, I like to pause and write a few lines about what worked and what didn’t.
Those quiet reflections are how I reconnect with my intentions — a reminder that progress isn’t about doing more, but about moving with purpose.
Daily Pages: A Gentle Space for Reflection
The daily pages are my favorite part of the Common Planner. They’ve become my space for journaling, prayer, and reflection.
I don’t pre-date them, because I’ve learned that flexibility helps me actually use them. Blank pages no longer frustrate me — they’re simply pauses in my story.
Right now, I’m in the middle of my 500-day journey — a personal project I started on my birthday to realign my life, find new dreams, and rebuild my rhythm. Each day, I mark my progress in the planner. Seeing that small number grow reminds me how every day, even the quiet ones, counts toward something meaningful.
Looking Ahead: A Planner That Grows With Me
As I look toward the year ahead, I’m excited to transition into the Sterling Ink Complete Planner with a vertical layout. My hope is to simplify my system — one planner for work, social media, and personal reflection.
Alongside my main planner, I use a Traveler’s Notebook as my everyday carry. It helps me stay off my phone and gives me a place to jot down ideas, to-dos, and inspiration wherever I am.
I’m also considering adding a five-year journal to my routine — a simple place to write one small memory or gratitude each day. Because when we slow down to notice the ordinary, life becomes extraordinary.
Closing Reflections
This Sterling Ink Common Planner setup feels like the perfect blend of calm and creativity. It’s a space where structure and softness coexist — where washi, ink, and intention meet.
For me, planning isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating pages that invite peace, reflection, and growth.
So here’s to an October filled with cozy palettes, intentional planning, and meaningful moments — one page at a time.
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