Blogging with your Bullet Journal
Back in June I decided to create a separate Bullet Journal that would be dedicated only for my blogging. I remember that I used to have second thoughts, of whether I will be able to have 2 bullet journals and manage to keep on top of them. Plus I didn't know whether I should have a daily spread on each one, or if I should have only one combining the two. Well, after having two bullet journals for almost 2 months now, I can show you how I made everything work for me. So, here's your chance to have a look into my blogging bullet journal ;)
I've chosen a Moleskine Dotted Notebook in black. It has 240 pages and it's dimensions are 13x21cm. I have a post comparing it to the Leuchtturm1917 here if you're interested. I am not overly artistic in this bullet journal but I try to keep it neat and functional.
My first spread is a 2016 Overview. It starts from June, since that's when I started using this bullet journal. Here I note down some important dates, like the days that I send my Newsletter, or any other days of the year that are interesting to mention on social media, or that could inspire me to create interesting posts or spreads about.
Then we move on to my Blog Stats. I like to keep track of my progress across my blog, newsletter and all social media. It helps me to be focused and motivates me to try harder.
The next spread has to do with any income I make through my blog. I use affiliation links in my posts for various products and sites. They provide me with some pocket money each month, that helps me pay any expenses for my blog. If you're interested in how I monetise my website, please let me know in the comments below, so that I can make a post about it. ;)
Then I created a basic weekly schedule for my blog. It helps me stay focused, but I don't necessarily follow it as it is every week. Things happen that might not allow me to have a set schedule all the time. However, I like to have a basic plan like this, so that I have a form of structure no matter what happens in my day. I still have it in pencil, since I'm not 100% sure about it yet... Keep moving things around ;)
The next page has to do with social media. The top part is my promotion schedule for each post. I tend to promote each post 5 times in different times and days. So, I've created a schedule in order to plan my promotion strategy. I tend to use Hootsuite and Buffer (for Instagram).
The bottom part is a table with all the social media sizes. It is very helpful when you are creating banners or post pictures that you want to promote on different social media, where each one has different post sizes.
Note: The table shown above is a bit out of date and I'm going to change it very soon! ;)
I've created a free printable with all the social media sizes for you to download, which is already added in the Free Resources Library.
Click here to join the Newsletter and get access to the Free Printable and the Resources Library.
Moving further, I've created a page with all the information regarding my blog. That includes a description of what my blog is all about - sort of like a mission statement - my style, the colours I use, my fonts and the picture sizes I use on my blog (post, sidebar, pages etc.).
I have a list of blog post ideas, where I list any posts that I'd like to do in the future. It's very helpful as well when you're out of ideas and don't know what to write about. I also have a brain dump list, with all the things that I'd like to do, regarding my blog when I get some free time.
I have a spread dedicated to Instagram. On one page I write any ideas that I'd like to create and post a picture about on IG. And on the other page, I have my Insta-Plan spread that I create each month. Here I like to write down what I post each day. Sometimes I use it to plan my uploads from before. But really, I like to see what I post each month. At the end of the month, I write down next to each post the number of likes it got. This way I can see which are my most popular posts, and what my followers like to see me create and post most.
I create a month at a glance spread for each month. It is dedicated to plan my posts and my newsletters. Usually I plan all the posts for the month at the end of the previous month. However, I write everything in pencil, because I tend to change my mind or move posts around. Once a post is actually uploaded, I note it down in pen.
Last but not least, I create a previous month analytics for the month that just ended, and then I have my monthly goals for the month that just started. In my monthly analytics I note down all my statistics, my 5 most popular posts for the month, most popular pics on Instagram and Pinterest and all the Projects/Tasks that I finished this month. In my monthly goals I set targets for my blog and all the social media, and then I set projects/tasks for each one as well.
I decided to have one weekly spread combined with my personal and my blog related to-dos. I find it's better to have everything in one place. I tend to change my weekly spread around, depending on what is more important for each week, so I don't have a standard set up. In the picture above, you can see one of my weekly spreads to get an idea. :)
So, there you have it. That's how I use my bullet journal for my blog. What other spreads do you create for yours? Do you prefer to have separate bullet journals - one for your personal life and one for your work, or not?
Bullet Journal: My August Set Up
August is almost here, and you know what that means? New Bullet Journal Set up! Even though I was away on holidays, I wanted to make sure I was ready for August, so I've created this set up since mid July! And finally I can share it with you ;)
I have changed some things around, and I'm trying out some new spreads for this month. But I still tried to keep it simple with the minimum page spreads.
August is almost here, and you know what that means? New Bullet Journal Set up! Even though I was away on holidays, I wanted to make sure I was ready for August, so I've created this set up since mid July! And finally I can share it with you ;)
I have changed some things around, and I'm trying out some new spreads for this month. But I still tried to keep it simple with the minimum page spreads.
I've decided to go back to my trusty calendar view of the month. I find that I like this spread better. I can see at a glance everything that's happening this month. And I really like my cherries ;)
The next thing I added is a new spread I'm trying out inspired by the lovely Ursala at @honeyrozes. It's a way to assess your life and plan your month. On the left-side page I rate 6 different areas of my life on a scale of 1-10: Relationships, Fun & Recreation, Health & Fitness, Spirituality, Work, and Creativity. Then in the 6 lists below I write down things I can do to improve those areas in my life. I really liked this idea. It keeps you focused and you take actual steps to improve those areas of your life.
On the next page, I added my general to-do list for the month. I also separated the month in weeks - like I did in July - but I chose a different way to portray them. (Check my July Set Uphere). In this section I will spread all the things related to this month from my to-do list, my birthday/nameday calendar, my calendex, as well as my brain dump, along this 4 week period.
The next spread is the August Highlights spread, that I started in the previous month. This layout was inspired by @my.life.in.a.bullet . I decided to have the days vertically on the two pages, so that all the days fit, and kept a colourful theme.
I also left space for the #doodlewithusinaugust challenge, but I haven't created a banner yet, because I want to incorporate it in the drawing later. Are you taking part in the challenge?
This is my bullet journal set up for August. I'm really pleased with the way it looks and what I've included for this month, and I can't wait to start writing on these pages!
What new did you add in your August's Set Up?
Instagram Challenge: #doodlewithusinaugust
Once again I'm excited to announce our Instagram Challenge for the month of August! It's the #doodlewithusinaugust Instagram Challenge created by me and Alexandra (from @alexandra_plans).
It's going to be 31 days of doodles that will hopefully get you to be creative and have fun! The theme of August's Prompts is 'Camping'.
As we did last month, all the doodles are part of one big comprehensive picture. Imagine each day to be one piece of the puzzle. So, at the end of the month you will have one big doodle picture! :)
If you decide to follow this way, you'll have to create a table with 5x6 + 1 boxes and you shouldn't add the days on the top. You can also make the boxes and dates in pencil, if you don't want the lines to obscure the end result. It's totally up to you.
Of course, if you prefer to draw the doodles in the traditional way, that's absolutely fine as well. The important thing is to have fun!
You can also download a free printout with the daily prompts here.
- Follow me (Christina) @christina77star and Alexandra @alexandra_plans over on Instagram.
- Download the prompts below.
- Draw something according to the day's prompt, take a photo of it, and share it with us on Instagram.
- Don't forget to add the hashtag #doodlewithusinaugust and spread the word.
- Everyone is welcome!
Travelling with your Bullet Journal
It's so exciting when you plan your holidays. And this time I had my trusty Bullet Journal to help me along! It's so practical, because you have everything in one place and you take it with you as well!
The first thing I did, was to create a packing list. And that's when I realised that I don't travel light! But we're a family of 4, so I guess this explains some things!
I tried to keep everything as organised as possible with labels. I also left some space on the left page just in case I've forgoten to include something, plus to write any things that need my attention before we leave (i.e. arrange for the plants to be watered, take the cat to the cattery, empty the fridge etc.)
I've also created a Packing List for a Summer Vacation Printable for anyone that's interested.
If you prefer not to write your packing list in your Bullet Journal, or if you prefer to have it on a piece of paper like that, then this list is for you ;)
I tried to include everything I could think of that someone might need for their summer holidays. But I also left space under each category so that you can add any missing items you wish to take with you. There is also a 'Before I Leave' space, as well as a space for Notes.
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I've also created an itinerary of our trip in my Bullet Journal, where I included all the interesting things I found about the area and that we'd like to do while we're there. That includes any nice Beaches, Boat Cruises and various Interesting Places that I know my kids would love.
I made a map of the area and noted down the relevant beaches as well. On the opposite page, I included the hotel information as well as the restaurants that would be nice to check out. I purposely left some space on the right part of the page, in order to add any stickers, memorabilia, or write interesting stuff about our trip.
We leave in less than 6 days and I'm so excited! As you can understand, things will be a bit more quiet than usual around the blog for the next two weeks. I've planned ahead 1-2 posts, but I will be mostly updating my Instagram account. I hope you understand. But when I'll be back, I have loads of ideas of new things I'd like to try and share with you!
Where will you go for your summer holidays?
Bullet Journal Habit Tracker Ideas
One of the most popular things with bullet journaling is trackers. You can track almost anything you want for any given space of time. You can use them to track from your daily activities and tasks, to your savings and weight loss.
But why do you need to use trackers?
- To track things that you want to encourage and motivate yourself to do on a more regular basis.
- To track how often you do things
- To keep an eye on your progress with various projects/tasks.
When I first started bullet journaling back in March, I followed Kara's example and created a page that was dedicated to all the things I wanted to track during my month.
One of the most popular things with bullet journaling is trackers. You can track almost anything you want for any given space of time. You can use them to track from your daily activities and tasks, to your savings and weight loss.
But why do you need to use trackers?
- To track things that you want to encourage and motivate yourself to do on a more regular basis.
- To track how often you do things
- To keep an eye on your progress with various projects/tasks.
When I first started bullet journaling back in March, I followed Kara's example and created a page that was dedicated to all the things I wanted to track during my month.
However, as you can see from the picture above, it didn't work for me. I kept on forgeting to go back to that page on a daily basis, in order to fill in the little squares. So, even though I was doing those things most of the days, I wasn't taking note of that.
Then I decided to move my tracker in my monthly spread, so that I see it more often and therefore remember to fill it in.
I have to admit that I did better than the first one, but still I kept on forgeting to fill it in!
So then I decided to narrow it down to 3 things that I really wanted to track. I believed that I was being overwhelmed with the amount of habits I wanted to track and therefore I wasn't motivated enough to actually keep track of them.
This way worked way better than the previous months! It just shows that if something doesn't work for you in the beginning, you might have to do some adjustments to it. ;)
Taking a look around in the social media there is so much inspiration from other bullet journalists. There's so many different ways that you can track down any number of things.
You can track down one habit for the whole year like ModernMissJournaling did with her spending or how TinyRayOfSunshine did with her running.
Or you can track lots of tasks for each month of the year like jen_plans
You can have one table to track lots of different habits, like BohoBerry.
Or you can have single tables to track each one, like spddmn and BreeeBerry
You can track your sleep patterns (breeeberry)
You can track your financial goals like honeyrozes
You can track the episodes you've watched from your favourite series like bujo_planner
You can track your water intake per day like idobelieveincommas
You can even track your moods like passioncarnets!
Even though I had a mixed relationship with habit trackers in the beginning, I now love their functionality and how they can motivate someone and keep them focused and on track. What do you track in your bullet journal?
>>If you want to see my favourite Resources that I use every day with my Bullet Journal, click here to find out what I love to use.
How to deal with Mistakes in your Bullet Journal
Imagine this. It's the beginning of the month and you are starting your new set up in your bullet journal. You've been planning for days what you'll include this time and how you are going to decorate it. You are so excited and can't wait to put your thoughts and ideas on paper. You spend all your afternoon creating and drawing. In the end you are so proud of your new set up, that you have to show it to your husband. And his reaction is: 'It looks amazing babe, but I think you got the month wrong!' ARRHHHH! Frustration beyond words!!!! That's exactly what happened to me while creating my July set up.
Imagine this. It's the beginning of the month and you are starting your new set up in your bullet journal. You've been planning for days what you'll include this time and how you are going to decorate it. You are so excited and can't wait to put your thoughts and ideas on paper. You spend all your afternoon creating and drawing. In the end you are so proud of your new set up, that you have to show it to your husband. And his reaction is: 'It looks amazing babe, but I think you got the month wrong!' ARRHHHH! Frustration beyond words!!!! That's exactly what happened to me while creating my July set up.
When you are bullet journaling, mistakes are bound to happen no matter how much you try to make everything perfect. And that's fine because you're only human. Me personaly, I've made all kinds of mistakes in my bujo - wrong date, wrong day, drew a line too big, typos (loads of them!), miscalculated the size of the table I wanted to draw - the list goes on and on!
So, how do you deal with those mistakes? Here are some of the ways I use that help me keep my sanity intact!
1. Try to correct the mistake (like specific letters or numbers) as subtly as possible.
This is for simple typo mistakes that you can quickly rectify by writing on top of them the correct letter/number, so that it doesn't show as much.
2. Oops! It's Tuesday!
Most of the times, when I make a mistake of a word (like writing the wrong day as shown above), I will just add an arrow and the correct word. I think this way, it looks cute and you get the desired effect without ruining the page or the desing.
3. Use the page for something else.
If you're lucky and quite inventive, then you can rectify your mistake by utilising the page for something else. For example, if you've created a table but you made a mistake with the dimensions and it doesn't work for what you were planning to do, then you can still use it to add for example quotes in the little boxes. That way you can still use the page and make it look good at the same time.
4. Correction Fluid
If nothing else works, good old Tipp-Ex comes to the rescue!!!
5. Cover them up!
There are lots of ways you can cover your mistake and make the page look nice and cute.
You can use washi tape. These little colourful tapes have saved loads of my pages in my journal. They add an instant splash of colour and cover up things pretty neatly.
Any type of stickers or mini post-it notes that can cover any mishaps that might have happened on your page. You can even print quotes or various designs (ie. mandala) on sticker paper and cover the whole page if you have to! I really like the ones by Kara on Etsy.
Apart though from covering up your mistakes, there are some ways that can help you to prevent them in the first place. You can use pencil instead of pen. I know some people might find this solution a bit over the top, but if you find that something as simple as that helps you, then why not?
Another solution is to pre-design everything in pencil and once you are satisfied with the result, then you can go over with a pen. It might take a bit more time than usual, but having an almost perfect page in the end, makes it worth it. I do this all the time, especially when it's a big and complicated spread.
You can use coloured pencils for your drawings instead of markers. I use them all the time in my bullet journal, and I really like that they give me the option to erase something that I don't like without ruining the design or the page.
You can also use those erasable pens and highlighters. They make your life so much easier! They come in various colours as well, so you can still create colourful spreads and lists. My favourite one is the Pilot Frixion Ball 0.7.
And lastly but not least, you need to learn to embrace your mistakes. They make your journal even more special, because they show you that you learn from them. Everything you create, right or wrong, is part of who you are and you should accept it. That way, even if you make any mistakes, they won't make your bullet journal journey any less enjoyable.
How do you deal with mistakes in your bullet journal? Please let me know in the comments below ;)
Bullet Journal: My July Set Up
July is here and I'm so excited cause this is the month that me and my family are going away for a few days! Oh, I can't wait! I really need some time off :) Since, this is my 'holiday' month, I'm keeping things very, very simple. I've created minimun spreads, and I'm planning to create only a few more during this month as well.
July is here and I'm so excited cause this is the month that me and my family are going away for a few days! Oh, I can't wait! I really need some time off :) Since, this is my 'holiday' month, I'm keeping things very, very simple. I've created minimun spreads, and I'm planning to create only a few more during this month as well.
I'm doing my month at a glance a bit differently this time. I created a small monthly view, where I highlight specific days, like birthdays and holidays etc. And at the bottom, I've created a to-do list, which is more like a brain dump type of space. Here I write everything that i need to do this month. There is no order - I just write down anything that comes to mind.
In the next page, I've separated the month in weeks. Here, I'll take the things that I've writen in my to-do list, and I'm going to allocate them in specific time frames in the four weeks. I also note down again birthdays and other special days that I want to remember, and I'm being more specific. I really like this spread. I got inspired by the amazing
for this one!
As you can see, there are no trackers, no goals or anything else like that. Just giving myself some time off.
I've also decided to skip the gratitude log for this month, and instead I'm going to have a monthly highlights spread where I'll write the best bits of each day. I got this idea from the lovely Christine
. I think it's an excellent idea, and I can't wait to fill this spread with special moments and memories from this month!
While I was creating my July set up, I had some music on and I was thoroughly enjoying myself creating. After I finished it, I felt so good about it, that I had to show my husband to get his opinion. His answer was: "It looks amazing babe, but I think you got the month wrong!" ARRHHH!!! Of course, I had to make a mistake - again!!!! Typical! Oh well, what can you do? I still think it looks great! For the font I used for the title I got inspired by the very talented
.
The last spread I added in this month's set up was of course the
#doodlewithusinjuly
Instagram challenge that me and
have created. I really enjoyed myself doodling away during June, and I couldn't wait to start with the July theme as well! If you'd like to take part, you can check
that has all the information you need. ;)
Even though it's pretty simple, I really like July's set up! Did you add anything new in your monthly set up? And how do you deal with the mistakes you make in your bullet journal?
INSTAGRAM CHALLENGE: #DOODLEWITHUSINJULY
Super excited to announce our Instagram Challenge for the month of June! It's the #doodlewithusinjuly Instagram Challenge created by me and Alexandra (from @alexandra_plans).
It's going to be 31 days of doodles that will hopefully get you to be creative and have fun! The theme of July's Prompts is 'At the Beach'.
As we did last month, all the doodles are part of one big comprehensive picture. Imagine each day to be one piece of the puzzle. So, at the end of the month you will have one big doodle picture! :)
If you decide to follow this way, you'll have to create a table with 5x6 + 1 boxes and you shouldn't add the days on the top. You can also make the boxes and dates in pencil, if you don't want the lines to obscure the end result. It's totally up to you.
Of course, if you prefer to draw the doodles in the traditional way, that's absolutely fine as well. The important thing is to have fun!
You can also download a free printout with the daily prompts here.
- Follow me (Christina) @christina77star and Alexandra @alexandra_plans over on Instagram.
- Download the prompts below.
- Draw something according to the day's prompt, take a photo of it, and share it with us on Instagram.
- Don't forget to add the hashtag #doodlewithusinjuly and spread the word.
- Everyone is welcome!
