Bullet Journal: My December Set Up in my Bullet Journal (+ video)
In today's post I’m going to show you how I've set up my bullet journal for December. December is a very busy month and I have to create lots of spreads. Today I’ll show you the basic monthly spreads and there’ll be another blog post with all the xmas spreads separately.
Make sure you scroll down to the bottom of the post, because there's also a video, where I'm showing you exactly how I've created each spread.
In today's post I’m going to show you how I've set up my bullet journal for December. December is a very busy month and I have to create lots of spreads. Today I’ll show you the basic monthly spreads and there’ll be another blog post with all the xmas spreads separately.
Make sure you scroll down to the bottom of the post, because there's also a video, where I'm showing you exactly how I've created each spread.
Since I had space, I thought to create a page to say goodbye to November and I continued the theme with the leaves that I started that month. For all the spreads, I’m using my Tombow markers as watercolours with my Pentel water brush.
When I'm using watercolours, I prefer to add the colour on the page first, before I go back and retrace the image with my black pen. But make sure to leave everything to dry well first, so that you can avoid smudges.
The next page is the first page of December. For the last 3 months I'm using a month from my Penguin Calendar as the first page of that month. You can print and use it as normal calendar, but what I like to do is to print it on a sticker paper, cut it to size and add it straight on the page. I like to use a ruler to make sure the sticker goes on straight and there are no bubbles..
You can find the 2018 Penguin Calendar in my Etsy shop.
The next page is my Month at a Glance. I decided to use the traditional monthly calendar grid for this month and I added a cute little snowman at the top of it. I've found that this layout works better for me.
I also have to sections at the side of the calendar that are for things I want to remember to do this month and next month.
Moving on to the next spread which is my November review and my December focus. I tend to do this at the end of almost every month, but since it’s the last months of the year, and they are the 2 busiest months as well, I want to reflect on what I’ve accomplished in November and also to focus on specific tasks for December.
The December focus page I separated it into 5 sections: one section with all the things I want to do this month, and then 1 section for each week, where I basically take all the things I want to do and I allocate them in one of the weeks of the month. That makes it easier to do tasks and I know exactly what I have to do each week.
For last month’s review I create sections for my big wins, what didn’t work and how I’ll improve.
Moving on to my Mood Tracker for December. I decided to make it a bit more fun, so I created a polar bear that seems to be having some issues with the xmas lights. I created 1 light for each day of the month that I’m going to be colouring depending on my mood.
I’ve created a FREE printable for you of this page. You can find it in the Resources Library, once you subscribe to my Newsletter.
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The next spread is my Sleep Log. I really enjoyed doing last month and I’m going to continue it this month as well. To tell you the truth, I’m surprised that I kept up with this tracker. Every time I’ve tried in the past to use a tracker, I always forgot to go back and fill it in. But with this one I did it. I’m doing a similar design with before with the little stars, but I chose pinks and purples this time for the colours.
I’ve also decided to start tracking my sleep from 9pm instead of 6pm, because clearly I’m not going to be getting any late afternoon naps any time soon. I also left some space next to the times to record exactly when I wake up and when I go to sleep. I’m not sure if I’ll keep up with that one, but I’ll give it a try.
And the in the last page I wanted to add a list with all the things I have to do before the holidays.
I wanted to make it a bit more interesting and so I made it look like a binder. I don’t know if that happens to you too, but when I draw and create things on my pages, then I want to go back to them and finish all the tasks. It’s a bit weird, but it works.
You can watch the video as well to see exactly how I've created each spread:
So, this is how my December looks in my bullet journal. Which spreads did you add in your December set up? Have you used a mood tracker or a sleep log before?
Instagram Challenge: #doodlewithusindecember2017
Once again I'm excited to announce our Instagram Challenge for the month of December! It's the #doodlewithusindecember2017 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 December's prompts is 'Christmas'. This theme is perfect for this time of the year and I seriously can't wait to start drawing!
Once again I'm excited to announce our Instagram Challenge for the month of December! It's the #doodlewithusindecember2017 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 December's prompts is 'Christmas'. This theme is perfect for this time of the year and I seriously can't wait to start drawing!
As we did before, 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.
If you want to join us then:
- 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 #doodlewithusindecember2017 and spread the word.
- Everyone is welcome!
We're excited to see what you'll share!
Thank you for joining in!
Bullet Journal Ideas: Weekly Spread (+video)
Today I’m going to show you how I’ve set up my weekly spread in my bullet journal.
I usually have a certain layout for my weeklies that I prefer. Like the one I had for the previous week. However, this week I wanted something different, so, I’ve decided to create a layout that looks like a notice board.
Today I’m going to show you how I’ve set up my weekly spread in my bullet journal.
I usually have a certain layout for my weeklies that I prefer. Like the one I had for the previous week.
However, this week I wanted something different, so, I’ve decided to create a layout that looks like a notice board.
I always like to plan and sketch my pages in pencil first. I am terrible with making mistakes and I usually count my boxes wrong which leads to tears usually and I have to redo the whole thing again. So, in order to keep my sanity, I always use pencil first.
I’ve decided to use my Tombow markers as watercolours for this spread. To do that I use a little plate and my trusty Pendel Water brush. You can always use a plastic surface if you prefer, to add the colour and then pick it up with the brush.
You can watch the video to see how exactly I created this spread. In the description you can also find all the supplies I used.
If you liked the video, let me know in the comments below. What other types of video would you like me to make?
30 Christmas Spread Ideas for your Bullet Journal
With Christmas just around the corner there are a million and one things that you need to organise and prepare. One of them being your bullet journal set up for December and all the Xmas spreads you might want to include in it.
I've been looking around the Internet for more inspiration and I thought I'll share with you some really nice spreads I've found by some very talented fellow bullet journalists. I've put them in categories, so that it's easier for you to find what you're looking for.
So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea) and let's get inspired.
With Christmas just around the corner there are a million and one things that you need to organise and prepare. One of them being your bullet journal set up for December and all the Xmas spreads you might want to include in it.
I've been looking around the Internet for more inspiration and I thought I'll share with you some really nice spreads I've found by some very talented fellow bullet journalists. I've put them in categories, so that it's easier for you to find what you're looking for.
So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea) and let's get inspired.
December Front Page
@bujo_czechgirl
@christina77star
Link
Monthly Set Up
@feebujo
@bujobaby
@that_journal
@my.life.in.a.bullet
@banjobaby83
@malwal94_bujo
Weekly Spreads
@paperandinkco.heidi
@stephsupgrade
@alexandra_plans
www.christina77star.net
Daily
@christina77star
@bujo_czechgirl
www.christina77star.net
@bonjournal_
@christina77star
@christina77star
Christmas Spreads
@kassy_ivy
@nosleepforyou
@the_sisters_bujo
@alexandra_plans
@kobieta_z_pasja
The Momtastic
@christina77star
@doodledaydarlings
Kerry Anne Pearson
So, I hope all these spreads have put you into the Christmas spirit and have inspired you to create your own in your bullet journal.
Do you create Christmas spreads? Which ones do you usually add in your December layout?
How I decorate the First Page of my Bullet Journals + Video
In the following video I’m going to show you the different ways I like to decorate the very first page of my bullet journal. I usually like to add a quote or a drawing that means something to me on the first page of the notebook. I think that it’s nice to see something inspiring every time you open your bullet journal.
In the following video I’m going to show you the different ways I like to decorate the very first page of my bullet journal. I usually like to add a quote or a drawing that means something to me on the first page of the notebook. I think that it’s nice to see something inspiring every time you open your bullet journal.
As you'll see in the video, I’ve been doing this with all my previous bullet journals creating drawing and quote pages.
For my 4th bullet journal I’ve decided to go with a quote that I found online and I really like it. It’s a quote by William Ernest Henley and it says:
“I’m the master of my fate, I’m the captain of my soul’
This video is part of my online course: Bullet Journal With Me.
I’m starting a new bullet journal for 2018 and in this course I take you along and show you step-by-step all the process of how I’m setting it up. With this course you have access to 17 Videos and 31 Printables, as well as lots of useful Resources.
For more information click here.
If you follow the link, you can also get a printable of the design I’m creating in this video, plus some of my other quotes and drawings I’ve created in my previous bullet journals.
I hope you’ve enjoy the video.
Scribbles That Matter Notebook Review
If you've been following me for a while, you'd know that I've been using Leuchtturm1917 notebooks for my bullet journaling from the very start. Back when I started, almost 2 years ago, there were not so many options of dotted notebooks available in the market. And the Leuchtturm1917 was by far the most popular one.
Through the years though, I've also used some other dotted notebooks: a Moleskine, a William & Hannah one, and a Jane's Agenda notebook. However, I've always chosen a Leuchtturm1917 for my main bullet journal. Until now.
If you've been following me for a while, you'd know that I've been using Leuchtturm1917 notebooks for my bullet journaling from the very start. Back when I started, almost 2 years ago, there were not so many options of dotted notebooks available in the market. And the Leuchtturm1917 was by far the most popular one.
Through the years though, I've also used some other dotted notebooks: a Moleskine, a William & Hannah one, and a Jane's Agenda notebook. However, I've always chosen a Leuchtturm1917 for my main bullet journal. Until now.
I've been wanting to try the Scribbles That Matter notebook for a while now. I kept on hearing lots of good reviews about it, and the front cover design of this notebook made me notice it straight away. When the new pastel colours were released, I knew I had to buy one. And since my 3rd bullet journal is almost finished, I decided to buy a Scribbles That Matter one for my 4th bullet journal.
I purchased mine through the German Amazon. I paid €17.99 (plus €8 for shipping).
It arrived perfectly packaged in a plastic box and wrapped up in a plastic wrap.
I've chosen the 'Iconic Version' of the notebook in A5 size, with dotted pages in the Lavender colour, and I have to say that I'm in love! The pictures just don't make it justice of how pretty the colour and the design of this notebook is..
The quality is amazing, the finish and the details of the design are exceptional. And as you can tell I'm very pleased with my purchase. There is an elastic band in purple colour to keep the notebook closed.
The cover of the notebook is very soft and smooth. It has lots of doodle designs that are engraved with a darker colour to make them stand out more. It's made out of vegan leather with FSC Certified paper.
The very first page has a section to write your name and the date that you started your bullet journal, which I really like.
The Scribbles That Matter have Key and Index pages implemented already in the notebook, which is really handy and makes things much easier and it looks more neat this way. More specifically it has 1 Key Page and 3 Index Pages which are enough for you to archive your entries.
The colour of the pages is ivory and it's very similar to the Leuchtturm1917 one, but slightly lighter. The feel of the paper is amazing. It's so smooth, that the pens just glide on it. Each page is 100 gsm, which is very good quality for a bullet journal. The dots on the page are 5mm apart (like the Leuchtturm1917), and they are in light grey colour.
The pages are numbered, and as I mentioned before this notebook has 201 pages, which is a bit less than the Leuchtturm1917 that has 249 pages.
At the back of the notebook you'll also find 2 Pen Test Pages, where you can try your pens to see if they ghost or bleed through the pages. So far all my pens work perfectly with this notebook and I've noticed minimum ghosting when I doodle and draw. It's certainly less that what I experienced with my Leuchtturm1917 notebook.
The last page has the doodles that you find on the cover page as well, which I think is adorable. Since I love doodling, for me this is so cool :)
At the back you also find the back pocket that again has those designs throughout, and at the sides it has a purple material. These details add to the quality of this notebook.
There are 2 bookmarks in two shades of purple.
And a pen holder at the side.
I'm very pleased and impressed with this notebook and I'm sure I'm going to re-purchase again in the future for sure. They have lots of colours to choose from and different styles as well if you're interested. If you don't like the doodles on the cover, they offer another style which they call the 'Pro Version' and it has a simple coloured cover page like the Leuchtturm1917.
What notebook are you using for your bullet journal? Have you used a Scribbles That Matter one before? What do you think of them?
If you'd like to see how I've set up my 4th bullet journal in my brand new Scribbles That Matter notebook, you can join me in my first e-Course. You can watch me as I'm setting up my new bullet journal page by page and set up yours along with me.
Bullet Journal With Me e-Course
Start the New Year with a blast and organise your life in your Bullet Journal.
How to Effectively plan your Week
When it comes to organising and planning your week, a lot of times it feels like the weeks fly by so quickly that you can’t help but ask yourself “Where did the time go?”.
I know. I’ve been there. Many times!
I used to constantly complain that ‘I don’t have enough time!’ and wish for more hours in the day.
Bullet journaling has helped me set up a process of effectively planning my week.
When it comes to organising and planning your week, a lot of times it feels like the weeks fly by so quickly that you can’t help but ask yourself “Where did the time go?”.
I know. I’ve been there. Many times!
I used to constantly complain that ‘I don’t have enough time!’ and wish for more hours in the day.
Bullet journaling has helped me set up a process of effectively planning my week. It’s a 6-Step process that I’ve followed religiously for the past year or so. This process helps me stay focused and finish most of the tasks and goals I set myself each week.
Before you start organising and planning your week, you should plan out how your Ideal Day looks like. This will show you how you spend your time during the day, and how many hours you have for each category of tasks. This is very important so that you don’t over plan your days.
So, for example, I know that I usually have 3 hours in the morning to work. This is the time that the kids are at school and I can focus more on my tasks. So, it’s my most productive time of the day and that helps me to plan it accordingly.
My 6-Step Weekly Planning Process:
1 | Create a schedule every Sunday for the upcoming week
Make a habit of planning your week on a Sunday. This helps you to know what needs to be done and be ready for the week ahead, instead of Monday coming and you be staring at your empty to-do list.
You should also make it something you look forward to. Put on your favourite relaxing music. Pour a cup of your favourite tea or coffee. Make this ‘your’ time.
2 | Set up your Weekly Spread
If you’re using a bullet journal, now it’s the time to get creative and set up your weekly log. You can use a layout you’ve used before and it works for you, or you can get inspired by searching online.
What I tend to do during the week is checking on Instagram how everyone else has set up their weeklies, and if I see something I like I take a picture. Then, when Sunday comes I don’t start searching all through the web for inspiration. I just check out the pictures I’ve taken during the week, and get inspired by them.
3 | Write the recurring tasks that take place on specific days
Start filling in your weekly spread by adding all the recurring tasks. For example, I know that every Thursday morning I do all my shopping and errants. Therefore, I know not to plan anything at that time. But I still make sure to note it down in my planner.
4 | Write all the events, appointments and meetings
Go through your future log and see if there’s any events or appointments scheduled for each day. Note them down on your weekly with all the details (time, place etc.)
5 | Make a list of all the things that need to get done within the week
On a different page start making a list with everything that you have to do in the week. This should include everything such as assignments, events, chores, projects and deadlines.
- I tend to add things in categories. Usually I have 4 categories: Work, Kids, Home and Me. I also colour code them in the same way I did in my Ideal Day plan.
- When it comes to projects and assignments, I like to break them down even further on my list into smaller steps. I also like to add the time that I think it will take me to finish each one.
- Also don’t forget to include in this list all the things that you didn’t finish last week.
6 | See how much time is left on each day
Go back in your weekly and see how much time is left on each day. Check your list you’ve created and then start adding tasks to each day. Checking your ideal day plan and the time you’ve allocated for each task really helps to plan each day effectively.
A few tips:
Everything takes longer than you think.
I’ve done this so many times in the past! I'd plan tasks that I thought it would take 1 hour to finish, only to find out that in reality it took me close to 2 hours! That’s why now I tend to add more time than I think to each task.
Do not fill in every second of every day.
Unexpected things will always come up, so make sure you give yourself windows of “buffer time”, to take care of last-minute things.
Know you won’t get it all done.
Even with great planning, I tend to be over ambitious and plan more things that I can handle. Be okay with not ticking off everything on your list, and transferring things to the next week if need.
Schedule the most important things early in the week.
Monday is by far my most productive day! I guess that I’m more focused and I seem to get more things done in the first two days of the week than the rest!
It’s also good to plan your most important tasks in the beginning of the week, so that no matter what comes up, these will most probably get done or you’ll at least have time to change things around.
How do you use planning to make the best use of your time? Let me know in the comments below.
Why I prefer Analog Planning
I have a thing for notebooks, planners and to-do lists. I like to collect them, write in them and keep them on my shelves. It makes me happy to keep all those memories in each notebook and be able to go through it any time I want.
Also, using pen and paper automatically sets my brain in a focused mode! I don't know why, but it does!
When I write things down, I put my head in order and it makes me more productive.
I have a thing for notebooks, planners and to-do lists. I like to collect them, write in them and keep them on my shelves. It makes me happy to keep all those memories in each notebook and be able to go through it any time I want.
Also, using pen and paper automatically sets my brain in a focused mode! I don't know why, but it does!
When I write things down, I put my head in order and it makes me more productive.
Don't get me wrong - I also like to use digital apps to manage my tasks and getting things done. However, I've always had a planner, and putting pen to paper keeps me focused and sane! :)
I've tried many planners over the years, but since 2016 I've discovered bullet journaling and my planning life has changed forever!
Why do I like analog planning:
No online distraction
I find that whenever I try to plan and organise things on my computer, I get distracted by a million other irrelevant things and it takes me quite some time to finish what I started! Does this happen to you too?
It helps you to be more creative
I love doodling and writing down quotes or phrases, that put me in the right frame of mind and motivate me for the rest of the day. I also love drawing from time to time, and having a notebook really helps me express myself whenever I fill like it.
Memories to keep
As I mentioned earlier, each notebook I keep means something to me. Each one has it's own purpose and is full of precious memories, that I can go through them any time I want.
Easier to manage tasks
I find it easier to manage tasks when I plan them on a piece of paper. I can see everything at a glance and I remember every little detail.
I function better with it!
My brain works better when I write things down. I don't know how to explain it - I seem to remember things better and I get into a more focused mode. :)
Even though we live in a digital age, putting pen to paper for me is the best way for daily planning and task management.
What are your thoughts? Share them with me in the comments below.
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