Timeline Ideas for your Bullet Journal
I've mentioned before how important focus and time management is for me during my daily activities, and I've talked about all the techniques I'm using, in this post. Today I'd like to focus more on timelines (also known as time management bars), which is a great way for time management with your bullet journal.
I've mentioned before how important focus and time management is for me during my daily activities, and I've talked about all the techniques I'm using, in this post. Today I'd like to focus more on timelines (also known as time management bars), which is a great way for time management with your bullet journal.
A timeline is a graphical representation of a period of time, on which important events are marked. The way I do it, is to draw two horizontal lines above my day header and in between I write down all the hours, starting with 1am and finishing with 12am.
I can plan my day from the night before and set a specific time frame for each task that I distinguish through colour. I've created a colour coding system that works for me, and so now I know just by looking at it where I've allocated my time during the day.
Of course you can play around with the timeline and make it work for you. You can add less hours and make it smaller.
You can incorporate it in your daily header like the following examples:
You can also change it's shape (like I did into a clock), or you can separate the time boxes and make them bigger.
You can have one timeline vertically in your daily spread.
Or you can choose to separate the timeline into three columns to fit the desing of your page, like @bujotrain
You can incorporate it in your weekly spread like Camilla from @creative.pine.apple does.
You can separate the timeline into two lines: the first being an AM and the second a PM like @breeeberry.
You can choose a different design for your timeline, like the one from @honeyrozes
Similar designs like the above from Cristina @shilen.qc
From Camilla @creative.pine.apple
From Roz @rozmakesplans
and the Spiraldex like Camilla from @creative.pine.apple uses in her bullet journal.
Creative Journaling Course
Step by step video lessons that will help you set up and organise your life in your journal.
Do you use a timeline in your bullet journal? Which type of the above do you prefer?
Future Log for your Bullet Journal
For the past few months I've been using a new method for my future planning that - dare I say it - I prefer it from the Calendex method (shocking I know!!!). I saw it in Veronika's Instagram account and I knew straight away that I've finally found the perfect Future Log for me!!
It's a combination of Ryder Carroll's Future Log and Alastair's Method. Basically, you write down the monthly tables for the next 6 months on the top of the page. I started from July, since that's when I started using this technique, but of course you can start any time you want. Underneath the month tables, on each page you then create one long table. The first 3 columns are one for each month and are titled with the first letter of the month. That's where you write the date that refers to that spefic month for each event you want to note down. Then you create a column for the event/appointment with all the information, and another one for the exact time of the event. Lastly, you create a small column in the end, where you can tick off any events/appointments that have already taken place. Of course you can add any other columns that might help you with your future planning.
Once you've done that, you can then go ahead and add all your appointments/events to this table. Everytime you have a new event planed for the future, you can go straight to this page and add it with all the information needed. You can also create a colour code for each type of events, like I did, and mark them on the monthly tables on the top of the page. That way you can see straight away what you've got planned for the month. Genius!
What I really like about this method, is that everything is in one page. You don't have to go back and forth to different pages to see what's planned. And also you have 6 months at a time to plan ahead. Perfect!
Make sure you check out Veronika's Etsy Store where you can download this Future Log method. Also don't forget to check her website as well.
I'm so glad that I've found this future planning method, because it has really helped with the way I plan ahead. If you want more information on all the other methods you can use for your bullet journal, then you can check my post on future planning. Which method is your favourite?
Dutch Door Ideas for your Bullet Journal
I found out about the 'Dutch door' system for your bullet journal when I watched @Alexandra_Plans's video on YouTube. After that I just knew I had to try it out!
The 'Dutch door' system is a way of creating a weekly spread in your bullet journal, where part of the page remains stationary and the other part is normal and you can turn the pages as usual. This system can be applied horizontally or vertically. The difference is that with the horizontal you have to tear off part of the pages, while with the vertical way you just have to fold a page in half vertically and move it around as needed.
I found out about the 'Dutch door' system for your bullet journal when I watched @Alexandra_Plans's video on YouTube. After that I just knew I had to try it out!
The 'Dutch door' system is a way of creating a weekly spread in your bullet journal, where part of the page remains stationary and the other part is normal and you can turn the pages as usual. This system can be applied horizontally or vertically. The difference is that with the horizontal you have to tear off part of the pages, while with the vertical way you just have to fold a page in half vertically and move it around as needed.
I decided to try the horizontal way, because I believe it's gonna work better for me (and I was feeling very daring on that day!!!). The first thing you need to do is to plan ahead how you'll use the space on the pages and measure everything in detail, because once you've cut those pages there's no turning back!!!
When you're ready, cut with a pair of scissors horizontally the pages where you've marked them.
Then hold the cut pages and pull really carefully towards you. This can be a bit tricky and nerve racking but just be patient and carefull and you'll do it ;)
After that just go ahead and fill in the pages as you've plant from the beginning. You may also add some washi tape at the top of the pages you've cut. I decided to leave it as it is and here is the end result:
Dutch door ideas for your bullet journal - www.christina77star.net
To get even more inspired, here are some examples of the dutch door system by some amazing bullet journalists:
Cristina's design from @My.Life.In.A.Bullet is absolutely stunning!!! You just have to check her Instagram account out! You have to!!!
I'm in love with the polka dots and Marissa's layout!!! She has more 'dutch door' weekly spreads in her Instagram account @choosingbliss.
I love how Victoire from 'Vik's Studyblr' has used the space in the pages. Check her blog out for more inspiration.
If you are a busy mum, then the vertical dutch door system for your bullet journal is what you need. See how Evie and Sarah from www.evieandsarah.com make use of it! Simply genius!!!
Kimberly's layout looks great and I love the colours she's used!!! At her website 'Sublime Reflection' you can find some amazing inspiration for your bullet journal.
I just love Karen's style from @beastmode.bujo. Make sure you check her out.
For some of the above pictures I couldn't find the owner to give credit, so I just added the link I found the picture at. If this is one of your pictures, or you know who created these spreads please let me know in the comments below so that I can give them credit. ;)
>> Here are my favourite Resources that I use every day with my Bullet Journal.
Click to find out what I love to use.
I absolutely love the way it looks and the functionality of it and I'll be definitely using this technique again for sure! Have you tried the dutch door system? If you have make sure you share with us in the comments below ;)
Book Reviews: July 2016
I am starting a new post category in my blog, where once a month I'll review and talk about the books that I've read the previous month. I love reading books and since reading is such a big part of my life, I wanted to share with you my views and opinions of all the books that I read. :)
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During July, I managed to finish 4 books and marathon The Raven Cycle Series. I wanted to read The Raven Boys for a while, but I was a little intimidated by the hype that surrounds this series. However, since the 4th and last book ("The Raven King") came out in April, I decided to start reading it and see why everyone seems to be obsessed about it. I'll talk more about the first book of the series and I'll be a bit more vague about the other 3 books, so that I don't reveal any spoilers :)
On a cold night every spring, sixteen-year-old Blue and her psychic mother wait in a churchyard for the dead to arrive. Her mother is usually the one who sees the spirits of people who will die within the next twelve months, but this year, Blue herself sees the ghost of a boy named Gansey who's going to die within the coming year.
“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve, Blue. Either you’re his true love or you killed him.”
With those chilling words, Blue is caught up in a mystery she never expected, involving the privileged Raven Boys from Aglionby Academy. She must be carefull though, because Blue's always been told that she's destined to kill her true love with a kiss.
I have never read a book with an even close storyline. I was highly intrigued by this premise and I couldn't wait to start reading!
I'll start my review by saying that this is quite a unique and captivating series filled with lots of twists. Psychics. Ghosts. Spirits. Sleeping kings. Legends. Enchanted forests. And a cursed romance. What else could you ask for?
The Raven Boys is filled with intriguing characters. We have a lot of very distinguished and very unique personalities.
Blue is the main female character of the story, that lives with a family of psychic women. She’s a strong and eccentric character that wants to be different. She sounds weird and pixie-like, but I really liked her character and the part she plays in the story and in the boys' lives.
“She wasn’t interested in telling other people’s futures. She was interested in going out and finding her own.”
Needless to say, Richard Campbell Gansey III was my favorite. He is obsessed in finding the legendary sleeping Welsh King that has played such a big part in his life. I loved his inquisitive mind and commanding leadership. He acts like the leader of the group, but that has nothing to do with his money or his status. His friends follow him in his quest out of love and respect, which is mutual.
“My words are unerring tools of destruction, and I’ve come unequipped with the ability to disarm them.”
Ronan was by far the most mysterious of the boys, and remains so throughout the whole series. He sounds scary and intimidating, but that just shows even more how broken he really is. Book #2 "The Dream Thieves" shows more about him and his story, and all his scary and out of this world little secrets start to be revealed.
“You're looking for a god. Didn't you suspect that there was also a devil?”
Adam is such a lovable character. You connect with him straight away and can't help but feel for him and everything he's been through. I just wanted to jump in the book and give him a big hug! I also loved to see how he evolved and transformed as a character through the whole series.
Noah is the character that is always a bit in the background. But more about him are revealed as you get through the series, and you get to know his big secret that has affected everyone's lives.
I have to mention here the closeness that all the characters seem to share with one another. I loved the complicated relationship between these boys, from their good-natured jeers to their anxious concern for one another. And I think Blue was the missing piece!
Of course there are even more amazing characters that are introduced throughout the books and play a big part in the story. Each one is intriguing and different and I love how the author helps you to get to know them more and get close to them. The book is told from multiple point of views, which I found to be a quite interesting change to what I'm usually reading, and a necessary one given the many characters we get to know, particularly the raven boys.
The rest of the books feel like to be centered more to one character at a time, without taking anything away from the story or the other characters. That way you get to know them even more. In the "The Dream Thieves" we get to know more about Ronan, in the "Blue Lily, Lily Blue" we connect more with Blue's character, while in the last book Gansey seems to be more the center of attention.
I caught myself lots of times, while reading this series, wanting to actually be part of the story, to join Blue and the Raven Boys in their adventures! The first book definitely leaves you wanting to know more, and the rest of the books surely don't disappoint!
A strange and otherworldly, original and enthralling nonetheless series that you must read!!!
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?