Last week, my oldest daughter Tatyiana and I were texting. She’s currently in NYC attending NYU as a student in the Tandon School of Engineering (bragging mom moment here). During the course of our conversations she told me this new method of organization that has really helped to keep her on track. She explained the art of the bullet journal, not only it is helping to keep her days, weeks and months in order, but it also an outlet for her creative side. That was all the prompting I needed! I ran over to Pinterest and immediately created a board, zipped to Amazon and placed an order then waited not so patiently for the arrival of my goodies.
Bullet Journaling has been around for quite a while, but this is a whole new world for me. To say that I dove into this headfirst is an understatement. It’s become my latest obsession! Bullet Journaling is so extremely versatile, it can be anything you want it to be: a monthly planner, your diary, daily tasks, to-do lists, sketchbook, trackers, etc..
So here at Bobbles and Baubles I will be introducing a new theme sharing my monthly set-ups for you. It will be a great to share new journal spreads, exchange ideas, etc.. I will also include some helpful tips, hints, ideas and how-to’s from time to time. And yes, in case you are wondering, blogging more is now on my monthly to-do list. I’ve kept my little blog dormant for far to long. So without further ado, here is my monthly set-up for September. Leave comments below or email me with your favorite spreads, ideas and tips. And if you are interesting in being a guest blogger, just drop me a line.
I started off with a dot grid journal. I wanted to be able to do full page layouts, so I purchased a notebook instead of an actual journal. It really depends on what you are looking for. I purchased this notebook on Amazon.com for $5, the pages are thick so colors don’t bleed through and the grid dots are light enough that they don’t interfere with your finished spread. You can purchase this exact one here
Every month I will start with a calendar and a section on goals, to-do lists, events, special dates, etc.
This next page is a variation of a mood tracker. I had so much fun making this one that I decided to incorporate a variation of it into every monthly set up. This month is a mandala. I left very faint pencil marks on this one since I will be coloring the circles depending on my mood
The next 2 pages are a way to track goals that I have set for myself this month. I never ever drink water. Really.. never. So this month, I want to make sure that I start. Hopefully having a visual tracker will help.
I have also set a reading goal of 50 books by the end of the year. I am currently up to 36. My bookshelf is another fun way to track it
Finally, I end my first month journal with a section for things I am grateful for as well as Quotes that usually stay with me… mostly from books or movies.
Join me next month for the October layout. It will be my youngest daughter’s 2nd birthday, and I already have a ton of ideas for the monthly spreads. I would love to hear from you all about your experiences with bullet journals, comment below or send me an email.
For those wondering, I purchased these Soucolor fine liners/markers and they are phenomenal, especially for the price (click picture):
Bobbles & Baubles 
That is beautiful. But it seems the time you take to set up each page would seem to be quite a lot…all of that artwork! Of course if you enjoy what you are doing, then I suppose it is worthwhile for you.
That would not work for me, as I am not an artist – and I think my youngest grandchildren in elementary school can draw far better than I!
I’ve tried setting up schedules, to-do lists, WIPs, etc….but just setting it all up and writing all that stuff seemed (for me!) to take too much time – time that I could instead spend hooking on a project – or sweeping the kitchen floor – or even folding that dryer full of towels that’s waiting for me! oh my! it just piles up and then taking time to write all my goals, etc. takes me time that I feel like I should be doing something more productive…I wish I were talented and organized as you are – but – I hope you see what I’m saying…I have enjoyed seeing what you’ve done, though. And am glad you shared with us…I am, I fear, a bit jealous of your talents! But also very happy that God has given you so much talent. Mine, I guess, are elsewhere…
Blessings to you and your family!
Thank you Carol! It does take a lot of work and creative energy, but only for about a day a month. The rest of the month just entails sticking to it. It seems like a lot of work, but it has been so relaxing for me. Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to write, I hope you come back often.
I’ll finally be able to make a proper bullet journal Thks lovely ideas
If you are on instagram, there is a huge bullet journal community that you can get lots of ideas from. I am on there as @bujo_style.