Midori Double Schedule 2023

 

It's time for the 2023 diary/journal releases.  

I used the same one from Midori for the last 2 years but I’ve changed my workflow recently so I decided it would be time to try something new. 

 I wanted something smaller, lighter and I didn't need a weekly layout anymore. 

The Midori double schedule seemed to fit those needs and it had an October start so I picked it up. 

The double schedule refers to a Monthly appointments layout and a Monthly To Do layout. 

The notebook is B6 sized, comes with a plastic cover (which is always appreciated) and has it's title in simple gold printing on the front.

I should mention that the title is on the plastic cover and not the notebook itself. 

Inside is a page explaining the suggested use for the to-do layout, which is the unique selling point of this notebook. 

Also, there is a ribbon bookmark, I like that this is a standard item in all planners/diaries. 

First up, we have the monthly appointments page layout. 

This has the month set out on 2 pages, it's meant to be an overview for your month, a quick way to see what's going on. Other than a title, it's a bit difficult to write descriptions or even time but I definitely appreciate being able to see everything happening in the month. 

After the monthly layout is the to do layout. 

It is also monthly set out in 2 pages but the month is set out on the top in a linear view. 

Above that are 2 lines with check boxes, these are your goals for the month. 

The linear month view is more suited to the Japanese language or similar languages where vertical writing can be used. It's a bit awkward to write english vertically but if you use abbreviations, it's definitely usable. 

Under each week is a column for to do items, this is my favourite part. 

I write constant lists, I use so many list apps and I need them to function. 

Separating the to do lists into weeks makes it easier for me to make sure things get done, planned, or scheduled.

The check boxes can be used in a bullet journal type situation, using symbols to mark items as in progress, done or to be moved to the following week. As a former bullet journal user, I took to this really quickly. 

My one gripe is that the spaces are a bit small which has meant I have had to write smaller and learn to use less information.  

Finally, there are 16 blank lined pages at the back for random note-taking, I've started using this feature more and more over the years because I don't like carrying too many notebooks. 

Midori even thought about how to separate the 2 layouts and there are notches in the pages so it's easier to flip between the monthly appointments and monthly to do pages.  

I really appreciate this feature although it might take me some time to get used to. 

As this is a notebook without a weekly layout, it is pretty thin, which makes carrying around in my bag pretty easy. 

I added a Leuchtturm1917 adhesive pen holder and it perfectly holds my pen. 

Together with my pen, the notebook weighs 137grams. Nice and light. 

Overall, I am extremely happy with this purchase, if you like bullet journalling but don't have time to set up the layouts every month or just need a basic monthly and to do list layout. This is a great notebook. 

Also, this uses Midori's classic creamy paper, which means less bleed and easy writing, the yellow paper is also easy on the eyes. 

If you're looking for a new journal/diary for 2023, definitely check this out! 

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2019 Bullet Journal Setup

It’s always nice to start the year with a fresh new notebook.

I’m using a bullet journal for the 3rd year in a row. That’s a bit of an accomplishment but it really is the best planner system I’ve found.

This year I decided to go with an Archer and Olive A5 dot grid notebook. I love how things like the pen loop and pocket are built in and that the paper is 160gsm, great for laying on colour/drawing and mixed media.

The first 2 pages are laid out as a grid spacing guide (that I’m working on) and my 2019 resolutions.

I decided that I would leave out all the suggested bullet journal pages in favour of ones that I do use.

I then followed that up with 12 spreads of monthly overviews. I used calendar stickers on one side and the other side I will be using for writing down birthdays, events and anything that I will need a quick reference for.

Of course, I need a spread for blogposts. I used film fusens and MT tape to mark out and plan them.

For the January layout, I went with the vertical overview and to do list on 2 pages. I’ve been doing that since I started bullet journaling and I’ve found it very effective so why change it if it’s not broken.

I continued with the vertical theme in the weekly layouts. At the bottom of each day is a spending tracker, I used to do it on a single page but felt that having a daily one made accounting for where my money is going easier to see at the end of the month.

Finally, at the end of each month, I use whatever leftover space is available, or if there isn’t any, I use a post it note, to write a list of things for next month. I transfer all that information to the vertical monthly overview when I set up that month’s pages.

So that was a very basic overview to my 2019 Bullet Journal. I’m adding pages as I go.

What essentials are in your bujo? I’d love to know! and if you haven’t started one yet it’s never too late!

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A5 Notebook Recommendations For Bullet Journalling

It’s that time of year! Diary/Journal buying, my favourite time of the year to be honest.
If you are not sure what a Bullet Journal is, please see this page.

1. Leuchtturm 1917 Bullet Journal

I’ve been using the Leuchtturm official bullet journal notebook as my bullet journal this year. You don’t really have to buy the official version, any of the other Leuchtturm dot grid notebooks would work, but if you’re a beginner, the official version makes navigating the system easy.

I like the Leuchtturm because of its hardcover, it also has a pocket in the back, and an elastic to hold the notebook closed when it’s in your bag. You can also pair it with a matching pen loop, which I’m a big fan of.

2. Midori MD Paper 

I started using a Bullet Journal in 2017 and that year I used a Midori A5 Blank page notebook. At the time, Midori did not do a dot grid notebook but they have recently released a limited edition range that includes dotgrid. If you can still find it, I would recommend dotgrid for Bujo.

MD paper is legendary, it’s really nice to write on and supports a wide range of writing media. My only complaint is that you will have to buy a cover because they are cream coloured soft covered notebooks. The good news is that Midori do sell a range of covers, or any standard A5 cover (Hobonichi cousin if you want extra pockets) will fit as well.

3. Filofax Clipbook

The Clipbook is one of my newer notebooks. I’m not using it for Bujo but I think it would be perfect for someone who prefers to add/remove pages.

You can also add in dividers/pockets and loose dot grid pages are easily available so that makes this system pretty flexible. It also comes in a variety of colours/materials.

However, my favourite thing about the clipbook is that opens flat comfortably, making it easy to write on all pages.

4. Muji Easy-Open Notebook with Recycled Paper 

Muji carries good quality notebooks for budget conscious bullet journal users. The paper may be recycled, but it’s very smooth and great for writing.

This is just one in a range of A5 dot grid notebooks so there are many choices, but I recommend this one because of the PP cover.

5. Transparent Clear Vinyl 6 Ring Binder 

The 6 ring format of this binder is similar to the Filofax Clipbook.

Plastic means your notes will be protected and transparent means you can customise it. Perfect for those who like to stamp their own personality on their notebooks.

Honorable Mention

Travelers Notebook

The TN, which is more of a slim A5 size is also one of the more popular options for Bullet Journalling. You can assign different notebooks to different things, making it quite a flexible system.

Have you picked a notebook for 2019? Share what it is with us in the comments! :)

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10 Planner/Bullet Journal Content Ideas

I’ve been bullet journaling for 18 months now and it’s been a great system. I used an MD notebook last year and whilst I got a lot of use out of it, I didn’t finish using the notebook when the year was up.

I’m using the leuchtturm1917 bullet journal notebook this year and I’ve found dot grid to be space efficient, hence I use a lot less pages than before.

In order to fully utilise it, I’ve inserted some fun, some useful content pages. I’ll share some of those ideas here:

1. Quotes: it’s kinda of cliche but I love song lyrices and I always want to remember them. You can also write down other quotes you come across or just facts.
2. Washi Tape/Pen Swatches: it’s always difficult to remember pen colours so having a reference is useful. Same with washi tape, with the added bonus of documenting what you have so you don’t buy something similar, hopefully.
3. Mood Tracker: Illustrated mood trackers are such a fun idea. It’s like mindfulness colouring in a way
4. Cleaning Schedule: I always need one of these. Other than a big overall list, I make a mini one every month.
5. Wishlist: whatever you have a wishlist for, put it in your bujo!  
6. Favourite Cafes etc: Everytime I come across a place I would like to visit, I put it in this list.
7. Things to do when you have time off: when life gets so busy, you need some ideas!
8. Patterns/Ideas: ideas for bujo in a bujo. It’s bujoception. Also great for noting down cute illustration ideas from pinterest/instagram.
9. Project list: I like to keep track of the many things I have going on at the same time. This is a good way to have that in a one page view.
10. Recipes/meal planning: admittedly I haven’t done this but I will in the future!  

Do you have other bujo ideas? Let me know in the comments!  

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Current Bullet Journal Kit (June 2018)

I would say that kit is not necessary for a Bullet Journal but if you're like me and at least half the Bullet Journal users out there that love to embellish their notebook with colour, you probably have a kit already or are thinking of putting together one. 

I change up some things in my kit from time to time and I don't bring it out all the time but I've found that this setup works for me the best. It's all about experimenting and most importantly, getting a start. 

The most difficult thing has been finding a pouch that fits my Towbow dual brush pens and where everything is accessible. It is technically a makeup pouch but I think it works pretty well. I also keep a variety of correction accessories, pencils, rulers and post it notes because you never know when you need those things. 

Finally, it's important to find pens that you love to use. I stick to a few brands and make sure I buy a wide range of colours. It seems like a lot but one way you can slimline your kit is to pick a colour scheme every month and only bring those few colours out with you together with a core kit, which for me is anything that isn't a coloured pen. 

Here's the list of my current favourites, if you have any questions, leave them down below! 

Pouch: Ardium
Notebook: Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal
Correction Tape: Pentel French Pop My Colour
Stencil Ruler: I can't remember where this is from but I'll update when I find out! 
Page Markers: Kamindo Fusen
Ruler: Midori Foldable Ruler
Post it note: Midori MD Paper sticky memo pad
Pencil: Pilot Colour Eno
Eraser: Pentel Clic Eraser Square
Lettering Pens: Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen
Brush Pens: Tombow Dual Brush Pens
Colour Pens: Zebra Sarasa Clip 
Metallic Pens: Pilot Juice

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Bullet Journal 2018 Setup

I can't believe I'm using the Bullet Journal for a second year in a row. I typically change diaries/layouts yearly but I started my Bujo in February last year and it's been an amazing system for organising/planning.

Last year, I used an A5 Midori blank notebook in a Hobonichi cousin cover and while I loved the paper and the extra pockets in the cover, I found it a bit heavy for daily use. This year, I bought the official Bullet Journal notebook from Leuchtturm1917. It's simpler and lighter and the dot grid paper soothes my tiny inner OCD personality. Obviously I couldn't leave it alone, so I added a Leuchtturm pen loop, patch stickers from Starbucks Singapore and the tab I use and change out monthly is from Semikolon. Also, I use a 3 colour pen from Pentel, blogpost on multi coloured pens coming soon. 

I kept a lot of the same original Bullet journal elements like the Future log, which I embellished with washi tape and Tombow brush markers. In my future log, I wrote down birthdays, travel plans, public holidays and major events. It really useful to have an overview of the year in 4 pages. 

I love looking at all the pretty Bullet journals people create on instagram and youtube. However, I neither have the time nor inclination to do that for my own daily planner so I've kept it to the basics. The vertical monthly page worked well for me so I've continued with that, having the entire month's to do list on the page next to it creates a nice dashboard of sorts, I tend to leave it on my desk with these 2 pages open so I can glance at them ever so often, it's a good way to keep on track and get stuff done. 

This is where I started to do something different from 2017. I added another page for additional things I want to track/plan. In January, I added a habit tracker, a standalone to do list for TN5C, my work trip, a list to track emails and replies and an expense tracker. 

Unfortunately, in February, I took out the habit tracker because I wasn't able to keep to it and I gave the expense tracker an entire page. 

What else do you track monthly? I'd love to know and maybe incorportate them into next month's layout, leave me a comment below! 

I've seen bullet journals where the daily log has been laid out week by week on 2 pages. I still prefer to create each day's entry the day before, it's now a part of my end of day ritual and it's a good way to empty the mind before heading to bed. 

Other than the standard Bujo items, I've laid out pages for travel planning, idea lists and more to do lists. It's been a great system to stay organised and it's all in one notebook. If you haven't tried it out, you should. 

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My Bullet Journal Setup

I started bullet journaling in February, I was keeping a notebook of sorts but I was craving something a bit more organised. I came across a video on bullet journaling and went to consult the website. 

For the bullet journal, I bought a Hobonichi cover and a MD paper A5 Notebook (best paper ever) and set it up as per the website. I know some people prefer to use a dot grid notebook but I love a blank page. 

The only thing I haven't used is the Index page, the Future log I don't use as much but the Monthly and Daily logs are my absolute go-to, I will have either of those pages open for most of the day. I found that having a sort of dashboard where I can see everything is great for productivity. My time management has improved slightly and I'm getting more things done. 

I'm still tweaking the journal to meet my needs; such as creating pages for travel, work, documenting the new stash of washi tape or pens. It's whatever you want it to be, which is what I love about it. 

Flip thru the gallery to see some of the accessories I use with the bullet journal. 

Any tips? I'd love to know, leave them down in the comments! 

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