What to put in a new notebook
Empty Notebook?: 30 Ideas to Fill Up Your Blank Journals and Notebooks
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I, Briana, come to you, my readers with a confession: I’m a filthy empty journal hoarder. I see a pretty journal or notebook and I buy it without question. What I’m exactly going to use it for…Who knows? If you’re like me and you have a bunch of empty notebooks or journals stashed around your house, you could use some ideas on how to fill them up. So dear readers, I present to you 30 things you can fill a notebook with.
*This post may contain affiliate and/or referral links. It doesn’t cost you anything extra to use the provided links to purchase any of the below products or services. Please check out my disclosure policy.*
1. Love Notes
When say, love notes, I don’t mean the ones from your partner (though you could definitely do that!). For me, love notes are anything that someone has written to you (or you can print it out) that says something about you that makes you feel good.
I have “love notes” from friends, family, coworkers, and random people that I’ve never actually met in person.
2. Favorite Quotes
Who wouldn’t love to write down their favorite quotes? These quotes can be from anything and everything…books, tv shows, your mom, your great uncle Ben. If it’s memorable and you love it…fill your notebook with it.
3. Book Reviews
If you’re an avid reader, you may want to keep reviews on the books that you’ve read. You could write things down like the genre of the book, similar authors, how the book made you feel, or any number of things. I actually have a specific journal for this that was given to me by a friend. If you’d like one of your own, you can purchase it here.
4. Write Down Your Dreams
I have pretty vivid dreams and most of the time I rarely write them down other than texting my partner about how weird they usually are. Many people believe that dreams are windows into your soul, your wants, and your fears.
If you’d like to be more in tune with yourself and do some self-discovery, why not write down some of your dreams?
5. Lists
Are you a Buzzfeed fanatic and love your listical content? Try making some of your own! Here a couple of ideas: a list of your favorite songs, a list of your favorite flowers, or a list of your favorite food.
6. Sketchbook
If you’re even more creatively inclined, use one of those blank journals as a sketchbook. Try going to a park and sketching what you see or combine some of the ideas on this list and sketch out your thoughts instead of writing them.
7. Gratitude Journal
I love this notebook idea. I’m all about gratitude journaling and I’ve been doing it consistently for almost a year. Since I’ve been gratitude journaling, I’ve been realizing all of the small (and big) things that I’m happy to have in my life like my cat, space for a home office, and an abundance of empty journals.
Click Here for a Free Printable with Journaling Prompts
8.
Life LessonsAlong with my gratitude journaling, I also journal about what I have learned every day. These can range from the profound to silly facts that I didn’t know before. Each day can teach us something. I try to spread my learnings forward on my Instagram and on my monthly Gratitude and Lessons post.
8. Travel Plans or Ideas
If you’re an avid traveler or you aspire to be one, write down your travel plans or ideas in one of your notebooks. This isn’t something that I’ve done for a while, but sometimes I do write down some of the places that I’d like to visit.
9. Scrapbook
This is a cute thing to do with a notebook if you like to collect things. As I mentioned in the first idea on this list, I like to collect love notes and put them into my journal. In this same journal, (my heartsong journal), I also put in other things like ticket stubs, pictures, and even an old bracelet.
10. Creative Writing
Channel your inner writer and try a bit of creative writing.
A lot of my creative writing (when I have the time for it), comes from dreams that I’ve had or prompts that I’ve found online.
11. Mental Health Tracker
Tracking your mental health can be incredibly helpful in finding the things that work for you. For example, you could track taking your medication, coping skills, and supportive people.
12. Bullet Journal
Bullet journaling is the newest trend in the journaling world. I haven’t personally tried this but many of my friends who have absolutely rave about it. To learn more about bullet journaling, you can grab the official Bullet Journal Method book. It will teach you absolutely everything you need to know to get started.
14. Mind Mapping
Mind mapping is a visual way of organizing your thoughts. Think of it as a hierarchical list but more visual. I’ve only mind mapped a few times, mostly during graduate school, but it can be a helpful framework if you’re more visually included.
15. Old Fashioned Diary
This is how I first started with my blank journals all the way back in middle school. I would write down the things that happened during the day and how I felt about them. There was A LOT of boy drama. If you’ve never tried an old fashioned diary style of journaling, definitely try it! It can be fun to look back and see what was happening in your life.
16. Vision Journal
Vision boarding is pretty popular. I’m in the process of creating my own vision board. But, if you have a blank notebook, why not turn that into a vision journal? You could separate the journal into sections that represent areas of your life and get to vision boarding er–journaling. This is one of my favorite notebook ideas.
17. Habit Tracker
Tracking your habits can be super helpful if you’re trying to build out new habits and get rid of old ones such as drinking more water, stopping smoking, or exercising.
18. Affirmations
In addition to your vision boarding journal, you could add affirmations to each section of that vision journal.
19. Budget or Debt Tracker
Many people have changed their financial lives by using a good old paper and pen budget or debt tracker. If you’re trying to get your financial life right, try a budget or debt tracker for a few months and see how it goes (and let me know about it!).
20. Journaling Prompts
Journaling prompts are an awesome way of filling up an empty notebook. If you’re interested in journaling prompts about friendship, self-discovery, or some general journaling prompts, I’ve got a bunch for you!
21. Recipes
If you love cooking and making your own recipes, turn that blank notebook into your very own recipe book. This is would be a particularly cute idea to fill a notebook with if you give it as a gift to someone that you love.
22. Hobby Journal
A hobby journal would be a great idea for you if you’re someone who has a hobby that may require you to take a lot of notes. Some hobbies that come to mind with this are gardening, collecting, or birdwatching.
23. Mini Paintings
I’m not a painter, but my sister is. If you’re inspired to paint, but don’t have any canvas, try using a blank notebook instead. You could also try out these colorsheets – I’ve never tried them but they look amazing.
24. General Planner
If you don’t want to buy a new yearly planner, convert an old notebook into a planner. This could work well with the bullet journaling idea that I mentioned previously (idea #12).
25. Movie Reviews
Along with being a big fan of reading, I’m also a huge fan of movies. If you’re like me, take a shot at writing down your thoughts on movies that you’ve written. Maybe you’ll even come up with some fun theories! (If you have any Marvel theories definitely slide into my Instagram DMs).
26. Notetaking for Courses
Learning and writing things down go hand in hand for me. I have notebooks for all of the different courses, programs, and classes that I’m currently taking.
Though, if courses are similar, I tend to group them into one notebook, like one notebook for all of my blogging courses.
27. Goal Setting
I’ve been tracking my goals in one of my many journals for all of 2019. I find it easier to do goal setting by the month and to focus on one goal at a time. When I complete the goal for the day, I check it off. At the end of the month, I write down what I’ve learned about myself and the goal (even if I didn’t complete it).
28. Meal Planning
Meal planning is definitely not my forte (maybe I should be journaling about it). However, for many people writing down meals and planning for them can be extremely helpful for budgeting, eating all the food that you currently have, and for your health.
Grab Your Free Journaling Prompts Printable
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29. Spirituality Journal
If you’re wanting to delve deeper into your spirituality, try writing it out. If you’d like some prompts to help you in this area, check out this post for a bunch of journaling prompts for self-discovery, including spirituality.
30. Event Planning
One of the best ways to keep things organized is to write them done. If you’re planning a big event like a birthday party or wedding, try writing down all of the things that you need to remember in a dedicated journal.
PIN ME!So there you have it. 30 things to fill a notebook with. The possibilities are literally endless. You can mix and match multiple ideas into one notebook or if you’re an overachiever, have one notebook for every idea. Which idea is your favorite? Are you part of the empty notebook club? Let me know in the comments!
Briana Hollis is a licensed social worker and self-care coach. She earned her Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University in 2014 and her Master of Education from Tiffin University in 2019.
She has spent the last 5 years working in crisis intervention. Her passion for serving others is the heart of this site. She started Learning To Be Free to assist others in bringing freedom to their lives.
Briana is also the author of The Self-Care Journal for Young Adults.
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50+ Ideas For Your Empty Notebooks And Blank Journals! – Archer and Olive
Hey! It’s Hayley here (@hayleyremdeart on Instagram), and today I want to give you as many ideas as possible for all those journals you’ve been hoarding. Don’t try to deny it, I can almost see those empty journals on your shelf over there and they need some love! I actually once read somewhere that buying journaling supplies and actually using them are two completely different hobbies, and I have to say I definitely agree. No matter how many notebooks I already have, when I see a pretty journal I can’t resist, and then I just never get around to using them! Lately I decided I wanted to start filling some of them up, so keep reading to find out all the ideas I’ve come up with.
Essentials For ALL These Ideas:
- Archer and Olive Journal – As always, it will be no surprise to you that this is my pick. The lovely and thick pages have no bleeding or ghosting, so you get a clean start for every project spread! Also, it means you can decorate the spread without worrying about it.
- Pencil – To carefully plan out your ideas so you can make sure your spread has everything you need.
- Fineliners – My favourites are the Unipin fineliners as they’re waterproof, affordable and have a strong nib.
- Decorative Touch (optional) - This could be anything from washi to acrylographs, or of course, nothing! I usually like to add a personal touch to my spreads so they’re more fun to use and look at!
Remember, you can now even use my affiliate code HAYLEY10 to save money at archerandolive.
com!! But anyway, lets jump straight into those ideas...
1 – Bullet Journaling
The best tool to keep organised!
2 – Reading Journal
Track all your books, reviews, pages read and more!
3 – Lettering Practise
Time to make it muscle memory!
4 – Diary
Daily journaling has so many benefits!
5 – Work Journal
It’s can be good to keep your work separate from your personal life!
6 – Health Journal
Track your physical and mental wellbeing!
7 – Memory Journal
Something so amazing to look back on in years to come.
8 – Junk Journal
Anything goes!
9 – Painting Journal
Watercolour, acrylic, gouache – have some fun painting in one place!
10 – Language Journal
A place to help you learn and keep track of your progress as you study a new language!
11 – Ideas Journal
Brainstorm new ideas in one place!
12 – Travel Journal
Keep track of your holidays and memories!
13 – Doodle Journal
Doodling can be so relaxing, why not give it a try!
14 – Book Notes
Writing your own book? Keep track of it in it’s own dedicated journal.
15 – Recipe Journal
Are you an avid cook or baker? Your recipes deserve their own place!
16 – Goal Planning
We can easily lose track of our goals if we don’t make note and track them!
17 – Inspirational Quotes
Make note and remember your favourite quotes. This can also pair as lettering practice too!
18 – Funny Moments
Write down those funny things that happen in life. I especially love people documenting the funny things their kids say!!
19 – Lists, List and Lists
We all need to make a good list – so why not have a journal dedicated to them?
20 – Movie and TV Shows
Track your consumption and rate them as you go!
21 – Finance Journal
Sometimes you need to write it out to see where you can save!
22 – Practice Journal
A journal that is meant to be messy so you can trial spreads going in other journals or practice a new skill!
23 – Dream Journal
Do you forget your dreams – make a journal to write them down so you can remember them!
24 – Knitting Journal
Keep track of patterns and projects.
25 – Small Business Journal
Keep track of finances, orders, product ideas and more!
26 – Social Media Journal
Do you work within social media? Keep track of engagement and content ideas in one place!
27 – Plein Air Notebook
Get outside and draw or paint some of the things you see along the way!
28 – Swatch Notebook
Do you have a large collection of art supplies? Swatch and compare them all in one journal!
29 – When Did I Last?
There’s always something we should be doing around the house. Easily track your cleaning, chores and more.
30 – Plant Journal
Track your collection and make sure you never under or over-water again!
31 – Astrology/Horoscope Journal
Keep track of moon phases, tarot readings and more.
32 – Wedding Planning
There is so much to plan for a wedding… I think it would definitely fill its own journal!!
33 – Spiritual Journaling
If you’re spiritual, have a place for your quote, prayers and more.
34 – Review Journal
Is there something you love to collect? Keep note and review each new item in its own place. For example, candles, paints or wine.
35 – Bucket Lists
Keep track of your goals and write down your experiences of achieving them!
36 – Scrapbooking Journal
Make gorgeous pages by sticking in all your favourite things into one place.
37 – Creative Writing Notebook
Perfect if you like to write short stories!
38 – Gratitude Journal
Make note each day of something you’re grateful for.
39 – Affirmation Notebook
Something rewarding to do each day – and lovely to look back on!
40 – Study Notes
Are you studying at school, university or taking a new course? Keep all your notes in one place.
41 – Pen Pal Notebook
Keep track of your pen pals, letters and addresses!
42 – Pregnancy Journal
Cravings? Symptoms? Feelings? Keep track of it all – it will be so amazing to look back on.
43 – Baby Journal
Following on from that, track your baby’s first years of life!
44 – Project Notebook
Are you working on something big right now? Plan it all out and keep on track!
45 – Self-Care Notebook
Self-care is so important. Keep ideas for what you can do to treat yourself!
46 – Things To Do
Do you feel like you’re wasting time because you don’t know what to do? Make lists of things to do when you’re bored, angry, sad etc.
47 – One Word/Sentence A Day
Make note of one thing every day!
48 – Event Planning
Always plan ahead for parties...
49 – Holiday Planning
... and holidays too!
50 – Music Notebook
Do you listen to a lot of music? Make note of your favourite bands, songs, playlists and more!
51 – Happiness Journal
Fill it with all things that make you happy what could be better!?
52 – Collection Journal
Keep track of your stickers, stamps, washi and more by putting a sample of each into its own journal.
53 – Favourites Notebook
Fill a journal with all your favourite things!
Phew! Well I hope I’ve given you some help and inspiration on how to fill those empty journals you’ve been hoarding. If I have, I would love to know, so tag me on Instagram (@hayleyremdeart) and use #hayleyremdeinspired to get the chance to get your creations featured in my stories!
Idea Pack: 25 Ways to Fill Your Notebook
Have you finally found the perfect notebook and want to use it, but when you open the first page, you find you don't know what to write about? No problem. Here are some tips to get you started if you're feeling creatively blocked.
1. Make a list. Wish list, dreams, to-do list, whatever.
2. Colorize the first page. Use pencils, paints, felt-tip pens and any other means at hand.
3. Write down your favorite quotes and sayings.
4. Draw or write down a real life story.
5. Make a mindmap.
6. Write someone a letter.
7. Fill the page with even geometric shapes using the special ruler.
8. Make a collage of newspaper or magazine clippings.
Photo — @ronnycakes
9. Write down 20 things you are grateful for.
10. Write a story about what will happen in your life in the coming year.
11. Make some different textures on the first page using whatever materials you have.
12. Go to a museum and sketch your favorite painting.
13. Go to any website or app like Flickr, Pinterest or Instagram, find a photo that inspires you and write down your thoughts about it.
14. Make pictures for your perfect day.
15. Create a page for what inspires you.
16. Try new techniques, like painting with tea.
Photo — @kerbyrosanes
17. Use pages to brainstorm ideas for your hobbies: sketch, sketch, write down ideas.
18. Use natural materials like petals or leaves to create a collage.
19. Create your portrait from magazine clippings.
20. Write down the first word that comes to mind. Fill in the rest of the page with visuals that are relevant to the word.
21. Tear out a page from your previous notebook and use it as the basis for the first page in your new one.
22. Write down your creative ideas and goals for the month or year ahead. Make it pretty.
23. Create a collage inspired by your best day.
24. Complete this first page somewhere outside of your home. Go specially to the street, to a cafe, to visit and do something there.
25. Just write or draw the first thing that comes to mind. The first page will be followed by the next.
Our selection of notebooks
| Notebook Egolibro (marsala) - old color 1000 UAH |
| Lined Moleskine Classic Notebook (Pocket, Black) 575 UAH |
| Notebook Zakrtka A5 (dotted, grey) 340 UAH |
| Fine's notebook "Garna ideya" 335 UAH |
Photo by @janethecrazy
Photo — @teachercandy
Photo — @susieloveslife
The power of paper notebooks / Habr
Cord
GTD *
Everything I see and hear can spark a new idea. I write it down right away and then often flip through old notebooks to find fresh ideas or to make sure I didn’t miss anything. I would advise all young people entering into life to have a notebook with them. This is a good habit and worth getting into.Richard Branson, creator of Virgin, billionaire
I carry a simple notebook with me everywhere. I write down everything there: ideas, thoughts, cash expenses, my actions during the day (timekeeping). I do not use any electronic gadgets or a mobile phone, although there are such opportunities.
And for 2 years now they have been with me, these simple notebooks. And only recently I thought: but, in fact, why do I need them? And it turned out that there are a number of important points provided by paper notebooks that make life much better and more productive.
Having singled out these moments for myself, I want to share them, perhaps it will be useful to someone.
Benefits of using
- Availability;
- Reliability;
- Convenience.
Disadvantages
- Difficult to make changes;
- High cost per unit of information;
- Slow search in the archive.
How do notebooks help me?
- Cache for the brain. As you know, you can keep no more than 7+-2 objects in your mind at the same time. Personally, I start having problems already with four simultaneous entities. Recording on paper, visualization, fixing data help to abstract from the details and see the whole picture; or, conversely, fixing the big picture on paper, you can work well with the details. Helps in everything - from planning tasks for a month to developing the architecture of a large application.
- Time management. I write a plan for the day in a notebook (a page in half, a plan on the left, a timing on the right).
A plan for a month is stored in a notebook at home, and so on. And then, there is an opinion that when you write on paper with your hand, you have a good effect on the subconscious. - Record of income / expenses. For the day - income, plan, expense.
- Recording thoughts. It is very useful when a thought, as they say, spins on the tongue, take it and write it on paper, turn it this way and that, and formulate it finally.
- Recording ideas. How many ideas I missed because I was distracted for a second - and that's it, I forgot. Now, grabbing the idea by the tail, I hold it, take out a notebook, write it down - and that's it, it's ready.
- Call recording. During negotiations, I take notes of the conversation. It helps a lot to sketch out a plan of action later, without much difficulty remembering the main points.
- Work records. You communicate with someone, and suddenly a need arises for you, or for a person, to draw / write - you take out a notebook, which is right there, and that's it - mutual understanding is found.
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