By now you have probably heard of bullet journaling, since it is taking over Instagram. Bullet journaling basically means taking a blank journal and making it work for you to organize your life. Think of it as a super-charged planner, customized to whatever you need it to be. Keep pages for your goals, your budget, meal planner, daily calendar, blog schedule, to-do list… I can go ON and ON. Since there are so many options, many people are intimidated to even try it out. But I am here to help you get over that, since I think bullet journaling is basically the best thing ever.
I have been a planner girl my entire life. I have planners saved from middle school. Over my adulthood, my planner needs have expanded. In addition to my daily list of to-do’s, I was having a tough time finding a planner with enough room for all the notes I needed. So I bought a bigger planner. The year after that, I got an even bigger planner.
Last year, I had a large hardcover planner and two notebooks. It fit the bill, but lugging everything to and from work was getting to be a pain. I even bought a larger purse with a middle divider just to hold it all. I knew there had to be a better way.
I had been looking into bullet journaling for awhile, stalking sites like Boho Berry and Tiny Ray of Sunshine. I was hesitant to jump in since I am not crafty or artistic, and the layouts were so beautiful… I knew I would never be able to create something like what I saw on Instagram. But I was sick of having all my notes and lists in different places. I finally decided I don’t care what my bullet journal looks like. You won’t be seeing any beautiful bujo layouts on my instagram feed. 😉
Once I got over the fear of trying a bullet journal, it was time to get the supplies. I am going to share with you what I am using, since I did a ton of research on every possible journal, pen and accessory. So I am saving you some major time here. *I am using affiliate links, which means if you use one of my links to buy something I will get a small portion of the sale, but it doesn’t change the price or cost you anything extra! 🙂
Bullet Journal Supplies:
Leuchtturm1917 Notebook: Most bujo peeps either use this journal or a moleskin. After reading a ton of comparisons, I decided to go with the Leuchtturm1917 since I wanted already numbered pages. I was going to get lined, but decided on dotted at the last minute and I am so glad I did. I really wanted the berry color and Amazon was sold out at the time, so I ordered mine from The Goulet Pen Company. This is NOT sponsored, but I did want to give them a shout out since my journal was beautifully packaged and even included a hand-written note. Pretty awesome.
I love this notebook! There is a very slight bleed-through but it is not bothersome, especially since I use marker pens. It has two ribbon bookmarks, which is handy. I also like the elastic that holds the journal shut, since I toss it in my purse.
Pigma Micron Ink Pen Set: These pens are great, but a some are too thin for me. I don’t like super fine pens, so a few of these I won’t even be using.
Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pens: I probably could have gotten away with just getting these pens. I love the way they write and the colors are awesome.
Westcott Technical Drawing Template: This was an add-on item, so I figured why not? Now I use this handy dandy ruler thing all the time for my layouts. Mila likes to play with it, too. Double win.
Stickers: I love this sticker book, it is full of so many fun options. I am keeping my bullet journal pretty simple, but these stickers are a fun way to jazz things up. I got it at Michael’s using a 40% off coupon.
Layouts:
This was the most intimidating part. I kept reminding myself I was doing this to make my life easier, and it doesn’t matter what my bullet journal actually looks like. When it comes to layouts, do a quick google or instagram seach (#bulletjournal, #Bujo, #bujoaddict) to see what you like and would need. I jotted down pages I wanted to include and started from there.
I decided on a few starter pages: future log, yearly calendar, and a few pages related to my blog stuff. Then I created a January habit tracker page, spending page, and goals for the month. I created one week at a time, since I am still figuring out what kind of weekly layout works best for me. After the first week, I realized changes that would make it more user friendly for me. It is still a work in progress.
I also realized I needed more room for notes, so now I leave two pages between each week. (for notes, blog ideas, etc) Basically, when I find I need to change something… I do it. I haven’t figured out a monthly “set” layout or pages. I might just change it up every week, to work for what I need. That is what I LOVE about this method of planning.
Final Thoughts:
I am so happy I decided to jump in and try bullet journaling. I love having everything in need in ONE small notebook! (my purse is so much lighter!) I can’t wait to see how my planner changes and evolves as the year goes on. If you have been thinking about trying a bullet journal, DO IT! You won’t be sorry and your life will be so much more organized!
I have been waiting for this post! I actually put off buying my new planner for the year because you said you were going to write it. I think I might try this. Love it! Thanks!
You really should! I have everything all in once place now and in a way I just couldn’t have it with traditional planners that are out there. I hope you give it a try, I think you will like it 🙂
I really need to try something like this. I have been feeling very disorganized this year!
You would love this! It really helps you keep everything in one place especially if you have a ton of projects you are trying to stay on top on!
I’ve always been a planner girl too. Love all of the fun colors, markers, stickers you can use with bullet journaling to make it your own!
Yeah and even with all the fun stuff I bought, my pages are pretty boring since I mostly use black pen! ha! But I still love it!
Love this, I have kept a journal since like 11 years old.
xo,
Kris
http://www.withlovefromkris.com
Me too! But this is more like a planner, it is just called a bullet journal for some reason! ha!
I love this idea of bullet journaling. And you make it look so easy!
It is easy! And now I am way more organized!! You should try it!
I’ve been trying to bullet journal, but I’m so terrible at it. I’m going to try some of your tips so that I can get more use out of it!
I so need to start a bullet Journal. I bought a new planner for this year and I am not exactly thrilled with it. Your post came at the perfect time.
If you love paper planners, you will love this option! Once I got over the fear of making it look a certain way. 😉
I’m fascinated by bullet journaling. I keep saying I’m going to learn more and start. I need to make the time to do it.
It seems overwhelming, which is why I didnt try it myself sooner, but once you realize you really can keep it simple you will love it. I am so much more organized now!
I’ve been wanting to do a bullet journal for ages! Thanks for sharing, I’m sure this will come in handy!
Cydney x
It is really working out for me as far as planning and letting me have everything in one spot! 🙂
i just started doing this and it turned out so fun to read through so far! Great post!
What a great explanation of bullet journaling. This is a system that really helps me stay organized!
I cant believe I waited so long to give it a try!
Love this! Having a bullet journal makes you more organized and makes you rethink what should be done!
Yes! I get so much more done when I am on the ball planning-wise. 🙂
I really love the concept of the bullet journal! I’m not consistent with it – but when I do have one I feel much more organized.
I am an obsessive planner. I go through my next day plans the night before so I dont forget anything. Thanks for stopping by!
I need to get into bullet journaling! Sounds like a great habit and practice to get into xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/before-spring-flowers-bloom/
I love it, but I have always loved my paper planner too. So this is just a stepped up version for me! 🙂
I started a BuJo a while back and now I can’t find the journal I started with! 🙁
Alix | http://www.apintsizedlifeblog.com
Oh no!! Get a new one! I am loving it 🙂
Over so been wanting to give this a shot in my journal – maybe this is the encouragement I need!
I have a pretty sad looking bullet journal. 🙂 It’s functional, but I would love to make it pretty. Thanks for the resources and for sharing at Funtastic Friday!
I love this!! I have a stickerless unorganized bullet journal *womp womp* i really need some inspiration, do you create YouTube videos on this? I help people plan and create online courses and I’ve been trying to implement a journaling piece to my instruction!
I’ve been wanting to get into this for a while. I really have no need for a basic planner, but love making lists. I’ve been following The Reset Girl on YouTube and think you’d really like her. She is so inspiring! If you’re into bullet journaling,, you’ll love the way she decorates her planners and gives you an insight on what she does in her planners, journals.
Kate | The Organized Dream
Your post is fabulous bullet-journal inspiration. So many beautiful supplies. I have a host of colorful felt-tip Staedtler pens. I have a pink one on my desk right now. I’m also reminded of how much I loved my three Micron pens. Where are those little beauties? I need to search through my drawers and see if I find them!
I’m a complete planner addict, but I don’t know I haven’t started bullet journaling. I think I because I kind of incorporate this into my planner already. But I’m thinking I’m going to give it a try next year. You make it sound easy and fun!
I’ve really been missing a pen- and paper calendar and journal. Most appointment I put in my phone calendar but it’s just not the same as the real thing! I’m going to have to look at starting one for September!
Yes I cant do my personal calendar on my phone, I could never get used to it for some reason.
Oh, man. I’ve always been a planner girl, too, but I’m so hesitant about bullet journals! Seems like there is so much to them! I will look at your post again and see if I can join the crowd! 🙂
Great for beginners. I never understood bullet journaling.
I’ve always wanted to try bullet journaling. I’m definitely going to start.
Starting my bullet journal is on my list of things to do! I want to do it so bad.
I love it! I am still going strong with it halfway through the year! 🙂
I find the idea of bullet journaling fascinating. I so wish I had more time to really get involved with it because I know I would really enjoy it.
Bullet journaling is something I have never tried. Something always interested me. Now I finally know how to start
I really love the idea of bullet journalling but the perfectionist in me just wants to make it look pretty so I don’t actually end up doing a lot of planning in them… :O I like how simple your layout is though… Might try that out sometime 🙂
Love this post! I, too, am an organization addict! Life feels so chaotic without it. This one looks perfect! Thanks also for being real about it. I’m also not artistic and it can feel intimidating!
Hi Lauren
Great post ! Ii use the 365 Journsl from Michaels and have all the bells and whistles to make it pretty but no time .., I’m doing good to get the dates on the calendar ! Ha
Hope all is well !
Valerie
I love the idea of a bullet journal, but I am very hesitant to try one out just yet. I upgraded to a bigger planner this year and so far it seems to be fitting my needs. Plus it is already structured which is beneficial to my scatterbrained nature.
Now if I could only make it Pinterest pretty like everyone else’s. I can dream.
I used to journal so much when I was younger, I wish I had more time to get into it.
Kasey Ma
thestylewright.com
Been bullet journaling for almost a year now, and I find it really fun to have so much freedom. The only downside is that there’s more prepwork because you have to make all the pages yourself. So I set aside time in the weekend to tackle that so that it’s ready for at least the next week ahead:)
I’ve never heard of keeping a journal like this. VERY interesting! I do love learning about new way to stay organized!!!
I love seeing other people’s bullet journals but I don’t think I’m creative enough for my own! I still love to look at them. I have a regular planner and I need to check out those stickers!
Love how you laid it out!!! Starting simply is key… for me too!!
I absolutely love my Bujo! Have been using it for years and keeps me sane! Great tips here!
I have a notebook for blog ideas, but it’s not pretty or organized. I should put my scrapbooking stash to use and make it more fun.
I’ve been seeing so many people talk about bullet journaling recently, I”m so glad I came across your post explaining what it is!! I can’t wait to get started <3
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