Review: Style Bookmarker by Laconic

 

Planning tools are really important. 

These style bookmarkers by Laconic are really aesthetic. 

I picked up the to do list and planning/memo grid layout list. 

Each set comes with 24 sheets and each sheet is 50 x 157mm, perfect for notebooks A6 size and above. 

The top of the sheet folds down to form a page holder, hence the bookmark name. 

I like the off white paper of the bookmark, it will go well with notebooks such as Midori. 

The paper is thick and nice to write on easy on the eyes. 

You would think 24 sheets would be used up quickly but with all that space on each sheet, it actually takes a while to fill up. 

If you're looking for something that looks great and feels nice to write on, I recommend picking up these bookmarkers. 

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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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Deco Rush Renewal

 

There are so many choices of journal decoration out there. 

The Deco Rush by plus is one of our favourites, cute designs in a correction tape format. 

Plus recently released a renewal of the Deco rush, a simpler packaging with cute and versatile designs.

The new tapes are distinguishable by the off white cardboard packaging and new logo.

Inside, each tape dispenser is a block colour, again with the very aesthetic new logo and the tape design in a simple label. 

The renewal tapes are 6mm, which is between what previous tapes have been (anywhere from 4.5 to 10mm)

The size is perfect for planners, small enough to fit in between lines and small squares. 

I picked up 6 designs, which is all I could find as they appear to be really popular!

I like how they're all perfect for planners, coffee, car, cat, journalling and game controllers are definitely ones I will use a lot. 

Left: 10mm Petit Deco Rush, Right: Deco Rush renewal

The tape fits well in my Midori professional planner. 

I'm going to keep my eye out for other designs but since some are limited, it might be difficult. 

What are your thoughts on the Deco Rush renewal line? 

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2021 Planner: Midori Professional Weekly Vertical Diary (Slim A5)

 

We're in the tail end of 2020 and it's diary/planner buying time! 

I looked around for awhile before finally deciding on a Midori professional slim A5 diary. 

Here were my requirements when I was looking at planners: 

• Able to use it for work
• Good paper
• Easy to carry around
• Not too small
  
• Vertical weekly layout

For reference, my 2020 diary is the Hightide Nahe schedule book. 

Before I continue, I'd like to point out the planner does not come with the buckle pictured. 
However, it is also by Midori and I highly recommend it. 

It secures the notebook closure and is also a penholder. 

Midori Belt Seal Snap

The Midori planner has a nice soft touch matte cover that looks very sharp.

The notebook paper is Midori's signature off white paper, which is amazing quality paper.

It comes with the standard yearly, month pages, a small section for notes, to-dos and small sections of international holidays and Japan metro maps. 

What I really liked is the vertical layout fit nicely in the slim A5 size. 

As a bonus, the Travelers Notebook pencil board fits perfectly. 

My planner starts in December and I can't wait to start using it. 

There's something about starting a new notebook that is just so satisfying. 

If you'd in the market for a new planner, this is one you might want to look into too. 

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Jibun Techo 2019

  

I've been using the bullet journal for 2 years but I became busier and busier and thus, the format no longer worked for me. 

In April, I moved to a Kokuyo Jibun Techo, a rather popular planner system. 

I paired it with a Pentel Sliccies multi coloured pen. 

The version I bought was the Jibun Techo Biz with a planner that starts in April. 

The 2 cover choices were Red and Navy and there's a pocket on the front, which I've used to keep spare change and random things I've been given.

The front and back pockets are also great for storing cards, receipts and small sheets of stickers. 

I've also included another notebook for taking notes, also from the Jibun Techo range and a small A6 folder from Daiso. 

I found this pencil board at Tokyu hands from another brand. 

It matches the red cover well!  

There are yearly, monthly and weekly sections. 

I used the monthly overview as an expense tracker. 

The weekly section is vertical. I like that the layout has a to do list on one side, a time based planner, place to stick our TN5C printable. 

Overall, I'm really happy with the Jibun Techo. 

It's really easy to use and retains elements of customisation similar to the bullet journal. 

I also really like the compact size, perfect for slipping to a handbag for everyday or work. 

Do you use a Jibun Techo? Share your tips below. 

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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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Coharu Washi Tape Printer by Kingjim (Hiyori by Mizutama)

Kingjim makes a series of label printers that are geared towards more casual, girl, colorful users. Some of the printers are able to print on special ribbon and then there's the Hiyori, which was created with one of my favourite illustrators, Mizutama. 

What is it? 

It's a label printer with a twist! It not only prints labels, it can also print on special washi tape and there are hole punches in a variety of shapes to create diary/planner stickers. 

The entire Mizutama collection consists of the printer, label paper, hole punches and little folders with pockets to hold the labels/stickers.  Other items from the Coharu line can be used with this printer. 

One thing to note is that whilst the buttons are labelled in english, the system language is in Japanese. Nothing a little playing around won't solve, it's easy to get a hang once you spend a bit of time trying the various settings. Besides the usual settings like font, style, there are also Mizutama exclusive icons and preset greetings like happy birthday. 

The hole punch is an optional accessory, it's a handle and the punches are sold separately and interchangeable. It's easy to swap it out and easy to align the label to get the right punch. Great for making smaller stickers for monthly layouts or similar. 

The mini folder is a newer addition to the collection and is very useful. There are  3 pockets and will hold quite a variety of labels/stickers, perfect for travel. 

The Hiyori is one of most used tools, I do recommend it.

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Review: Hightide Square Weekly Diary

I was stumped for awhile when I was deciding what diary to buy for 2017. It's such a big decision and I had already bought a different book but I came across this square format diary by Hightide at an art supplies store and I was quite drawn to it. 

First things first, the layflat notebook paper is really nice and it comes with a plastic cover (always a good thing for a diary). It measures roughly 11cm by 12cm and weighs roughly 140g, which makes it very pocket/handbag friendly. Also included are 2 string bookmarks, a pen loop (fits the midori brass pen perfectly), a page marker and pockets in the front and back covers. 

The diary has a monthly layout, followed by weekly on 2 pages in a vertical format and at the back there are note/address pages. 
I'm not fond of the vertical layout usually but this one works. Instead of going by specific times, the layout is done up as morning/afternoon/evening which is good because I don't always have something going on and I like to fill in my own time. There's also lines at the bottom of each day for extra notes and the Saturday and Sunday columns are the same size as the weekday columns which makes sense as there's sometimes more to do on weekends. 

I adore everything about this diary, the size, the portability, the paper. The only downside is that it's such a unique size that I have cut things like stickers and notepaper down to fit it in but that's a price I'm willing to pay.

 

 

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