One Month On (Bullet Journaling Update)

At the beginning of July I wrote about Bullet Journaling and my plans to try it. From various comments, emails and tweets, I know I'm not the only one who did so (thanks for contacting/tagging me with your updates!). For those who missed the previous post, bullet journaling is essentially an analogue note-taking method which combines to-do lists, reminders and any other notes in one single place, entered daily and referenced in an index. You can read more about it on the official website. I've been using my Midori Traveler's Notebooks (or handmade variants known as 'fauxdoris') for some time to plan my blog posts and make pattern / design notes, so it wasn't a massive leap but there are a few things I've noted this month.
Bullet Journal update
- Having all tasks and lists in one place (personal, household, school, blog, design ideas etc) simply means there is less chance to forget to check - my phone/diary/calendar/list - and miss something. I've been known to make lists and forget to take them out/ look at them (in fact I'm a repeat-offender) so this method works really well for me.
- A blank notebook can be quite intimidating when you like things to be just so, and with a Midori notebook you can't really pull out the pages that didn't turn out as nice/neat as you might like. I had to let go of this idea pretty early on in the month. As a reminder, my front page reads "a done something is better than a perfect nothing"- in other words, just get on with it!
- I've learned that there aren't many 'mistakes' that can't be hidden by some stickers, washi tape or glue. In fact the spontaneously messy entries, complete with inconsistent penmanship, add to the journal. My new charm (from Baum Kuchen) reads "it is what it is". This relates as much to the book as to the life it is organising and documenting.
- I've started doodling with watercolours - mostly little design ideas, so they are not yet ready to share but I'm really enjoying it - I haven't used paints since my Art A-level. Plus the more ideas are noted, the more I seem to have.
- As well as the lists and reminders, some pages act as a scrapbook. When we go out we're keeping tickets and interesting things to stick in, and after getting some Instagram photos printed onto sticker paper (via Printed.com) I've added images too. I'm expecting a pocket photo printer to arrive from Korea in the next week or so, then it will be possible to print out the photos and journal immediately. It's great having a phone that can take loads of digital pics on the go, but even nicer "release" the moments into print. 
- Typically I write the list for the following day before going to sleep. It's a nice way of finishing the day and clearing my mind. After one month it's already become something of a habit, and it feels like a good one.- The children have started journalling. We're keeping their finished books in a special box to look back on.
Bullet Journaling update!
With the benefit of hindsight, there are a few things that I'll do differently in August. For starters, after using a whole refill in July, I've added another insert to act as a Commonplace Book - this will outlive the bullet journal and mean I don't have to carry any completed bullet journal inserts for reference, which I'm having to do now. Which brings me on to the contents of my Midori. 

The rest of this post is really aimed at those I fondly think of as the 'Detail Junkies' amongst you, because I often get emails asking for more information: 
image
Here's what I'm using - pictured from top to bottom:
- Midori Traveler's Notebook (MTN) - regular sized in brown. Mine is from UK stockist TJS but Baum Kuchen (USA) and Amazon also stock them. 
- MTN zip wallet  insert  No. 008 (not clearly visible from pic)
- No 002 (this is the completed book from July, for reference, and is stuffed full!) 
- Lightweight paper refill - No 013 (new Bullet Journal for August) 
- Blank notebook refill - No 003 (new Commonplace Insert)
- Monthly planner refill - No 017 (blog planner) 
- Waterproof UniPen size 03

There are various handmade versions of the notebook cover and inserts available, and I'm collating some of my favourite Etsy finds on this page - which includes washi tape, stickers, charms and all sorts. 

You might also like:
- Ray Blake's blog 'My life all in one place' which has loads of print outs, tips and a great video on how to make your own 'fauxdori'. He also makes them for others -  I have a Raydori which is the lovely green one in the pompom bookmark pic above. 
- *enabling alert* The MTN Resources facebook group has EVERYTHING you might ever want to know, but may be extremely bad for your wallet - it's where I found out about the pocket printer and lots of other things I didn't know I 'needed'! 

6 comments

  1. I really can't describe how much the Bullet Journal has changed my life after you posted that link in July. My mum and my boyfriend are doing it too! I'm struggling to find a notebook to use, using cheap exercise books at the moment. Going to go on a stationery hunting spree - I love your set-up but I don't think it would work for me :)

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    Replies
    1. If it is just a disposable bullet journal then cheap notebooks are fine! But you're creative, I'm sure you could make one to suit your needs :)

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  2. You provide many distractions!!! I have just spent half an hour looking at notebooks when I already have one! Look at these though: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/197041038/feelin-blue-travelers-notebook-customize?ref=related-1

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    Replies
    1. They do all sorts of gorgeous refills!!!! Would have to order a few to be worth the postage, but not too many to have to pay customs!!

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  3. Your journal is so much more colourful than mine. I definitely need to add more colour :)

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  4. I love the way not everything has to be online/on a pc and this is such a good example. There is nothing quite like turning pages. (wow that's quite deep!)
    I only meant to stop by and say "It is what it is" is my most used quote of all time, I must say it at least once a day, my kids will testify that I have been known to repeat myself. But like I tell them, it is what it is!

    ReplyDelete

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