ninagobragh | Entries tagged with notebooks

Current Mood: geeky

I haven't talked too much about leuchtturm1917 journals here (probably because I'm waiting on an upcoming post), but they're pretty nice notebooks all-in-all. And if you're in post-secondary education, I thought it would be cool to mention that they have these new Thesis Journals out right now for long-term thesis projects -- Bachelor's, Master's, and perhaps PhD's:

Whether it’s an essay, empirical paper, bachelor’s or master’s thesis, or doctoral dissertation, the Thesis Journal supports students, doctoral candidates, and researchers through every crucial stage of academic writing. It helps to view the process as a learnable skill, approach it with structure, and eliminate unnecessary stress.

Very handy! It reminds me of the Moleskine Student Cahier journals, just a bit more focused.

Current Mood: mellow
Current Location: Vacation
Current Music: Big Poe - Tyler the Creator

I’ve been pretty loyal to A5-sized notebooks for most of my journaling and planning life. They’re compact, convenient, and fit nicely into my commuter bag. But recently, I decided to step a little outside my comfort zone and try something new: B5-size paper.

A couple of weeks ago, I bought a B5 binder with three notebooks from a cute little shop on Etsy (it’s actually my second time buying from them—I loved the first notebook cover so much, I had to get something else). I knew B5 was going to be bigger than A5, but I was still surprised when it arrived. These notebooks are big!

You can go to this post for a quick comparison about exact sizes, but this is my rule of thumb:

A5 paper is the classic go-to for general writing, journaling, and planning.
B5 paper is roughly one inch wider and about two-and-a-half inches taller (or 3cm and 4cm, if you’re using metric).
That might not sound like much on paper (pun intended), but in your hands, it’s a noticeable difference.

B5 feels less portable, to be honest. Unless you’ve got a larger bag or don’t mind carrying something that won’t quite fit into your every day carry, these aren’t your on-the-go kind of notebooks. They'd probably do better sitting on your desk. But there’s something really comforting about writing on larger paper. It feels more spacious, like there’s room to stretch your thoughts (or bad handwriting) out a little more. I can already imagine using this size for bigger writing projects—like essays, brainstorming sessions, or long-form journaling/blog posts.

I plan to do a proper write-up and review once I’ve broken them in. I’m already in love with the binder and the aesthetic, so fingers crossed the writing experience matches the vibe.

I've got a couple of pictures below of the notebooks: two of the B5 itself, and one of the B5 with the A5 for size comparison (again, both from the same shop).

Current Mood: pleased
Current Location: Work
Current Music: Don't Stop Me Now - Queen

Galen Leather has a lovely Comprehensive Guide to Notebook Sizes which is not only helpful, but contains this affirming nugget of wisdom:

I used to give myself a hard time about this. How many notebooks does one need? [...]

But then I realized that I find great joy in writing in many different sized notebooks. I love the hunt of finding new ones I “have to have” and I get immense pleasure from filling lots of pages. I don’t want to run out of paper, not in this lifetime (or in the next hundred years!) which given the state of the stacks right now, is insured.

I wish I could sew this on a pillow.

(As you know, I'm currently a A5 Girlie, but I'm exploring both B5 and B6 sized notebooks, too!)

Current Mood: ecstatic
Current Location: Schul

I finished a notebook this week!

It was my A5 lined Midori MD—one of my absolute favorite notebooks and easily one of the best brands out there for journaling. I’ve been using it for my Mishnah Yomi notes ever since I filled up my Grolier, so technically, this is notebook number two that I’ve finished this year. Not bad, right?

Why I Love Midori Notebooks
It all comes down to this: Midori MDs are simple. Minimalist. Just the right amount of structure and elegance without trying too hard. I’m partial to the lined version because of that subtle division line through the middle of the page. It makes it easy to start one series of notes on the top half and another on the bottom half. Which is perfect since those halves of my brain work independently.

I do add a little protection: I use a pink paper notebook cover to guard the delicate paper cover from tears and crinkles. It’s inexpensive, and totally worth it to keep these beautiful books in good shape when I jostle them around in my bag or shove them a bit too enthusiastically away for the day.

What’s Next
Right now, I’m studying a shorter tractate (iykyk), so I’ve switched to a smaller notebook: a Creator’s Friend dot grid. Remember my post about them? I popped over to their website recently, and wow—they’ve got some exciting new layouts! I’m now rethinking my stance on buying from them again:

A Weekly Dashboard notebook for weekly planning and tracking (yes, please).
A Fast Brain Planner aimed at students but honestly useful for anyone juggling a lot.
A Future Planner focused on long-term planning (and yes, it looks fantastic).

Honestly, I’m resisting the urge to hit “buy now” because USPS and I are not in a good place (long story, not blog-appropriate).

Planning Ahead
Once I’m done with Zevachim, I’ll need to pick a new notebook—and I’ve narrowed it down to two:

Moleskine Cahier Pro – I’ve got both the Large and the X-Large on my shelf. I’m unsure about the layout for Mishnah notes, but I could definitely make it work.
Another Midori A5 – Because let’s be honest: if it ain’t broke…

I’ve got a few weeks to decide, and that’s future-me’s problem. For now, I’m just going to bask in that very specific, very cozy joy that only comes from finishing a notebook. There’s nothing quite like it.

Current Mood: cheerful
Current Location: Home
Current Music: Silver Springs - Fleetwood Mac

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the Traveler’s Notebook system—and honestly, I'm really digging it. There's something satisfying about having separate notebooks and planners that all live together in one tidy little binder. After subscribing to r/Travelersnotebooks (highly recommend, by the way), I’ve been soaking in all the creative ways people use theirs.

But beyond the Traveler’s Company brand, there's a whole world of Traveler’s Notebook-style systems out there that I want to mention. Some are affordable, some are luxurious, and they come in all sorts of sizes, materials, and setups. While I haven’t purchased these (yet?), I’ve been doing plenty of stationery lurking and wanted to share some of the most interesting options I’ve come across.

Noteworthy Traveler’s Notebook Alternatives

Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter
If you love German design and have some serious cash to spend, the Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter might be your dream TN. The name literally translates to “bag companion,” which already makes me smile. Roterfaden uses metal clips to secure any inserts, rather than the usual elastic bands. This is pretty cool, actually -- I think it's unique and professional (though it will prevent me from cramming too many inserts, which is my problem, not theirs).

From the site description, it’s handmade in Germany with vegetable-tanned leather, a soft felt lining, and all the extras: slots, pockets, pen loops, even a sleeve for a small tablet. But the price? Around $155 on JetPens. It’s definitely in treat yourself territory, but it looks like the kind of notebook that would last a lifetime. It gives me the same vibe as anything from Paper Republic—gorgeous, functional, and priced like it knows it’s both.

Chic Sparrow
Chic Sparrow is a well-known name in the TN world, offering a wide range of leather covers at slightly more affordable prices. There’s a ton of variety in colors, closures (snaps, elastics, buttons), and sizes—including a Weeks-sized cover if you're TN-curious but not ready to fully leave your Hobonichi Weeks behind.

My current favorite is the “Number 10,” which has an adorable snap closure and compact profile. These feel more customizable and fashion-forward than utilitarian, which I like.

Lochby Field Journal
Lochby is like the TN’s outdoorsy cousin who hikes, camps, and probably knows how to build a fire from twigs and grit. Their Field Journal is made from rugged waxed canvas, with an aluminum buckle-style clasp and a carrying handle on the spine. That's a nice touch -- one I haven't seen on any other cover before.

It’s packed with sleeves, pockets, and a very utilitarian attitude. Someone in the reviews said it reminded them of a Five Star Trapper Keeper from middle school and yeah -- it does. This isn’t my style, but I can think of a few people (hi, Dad) who would absolutely love it.

Aura Estelle
Aura Estelle gives off major classy vibes. Their covers are designed for existing notebooks like Moleskines, Leuchtturms, and Midoris, as well as their own inserts. They even offer covers for ring planners.

Their designs are drop-dead gorgeous—chic and minimal or soft and luxurious, depending on the style. I’ve got my eye on a tweed cover that would be perfect for my Moleskine planner. If you're looking for a TN-adjacent cover that leans elegant, this is the one.

Best Budget-Friendly Option: September Leather

If you're after something that feels closest to the classic Traveler’s Company system (but doesn’t cost an arm and a leg) check out September Leather. They offer a wide range of sizes (passport, standard, A5, Field Notes, pocket) and their layouts are familiar and functional.

But I'm going to point to their all-in-one Traveler’s Pack as the stand-out product. If you've never owned a TN and have no idea how to get started, this is what I'd recommend. You'll get a cover, four elastics, inserts, and even a binder clip to get you started. But something to note -- this site is popular and their stock goes fast. If you see something you like, buy it now otherwise it'll be gone before you know it.

Final Thoughts

Though Traveler's Company is the genesis of the Traveler's Notebook system, it certainly doesn't have to be the gatekeeper. There are plenty of covers that fit your budget and style. I've found covers that are inexpensive (and, yes, cheap), and covers that cost hundreds of dollars. I've even seen posts in r/Travelersnotebooks about people making their own -- so if you're crafty, try making your own. Or, browse Etsy to find some indy-designed covers from some very talented creators (support small creators where you can)! There's something for everyone!

And remember: there’s no one “right” way to use a TN. Try mixing and match your inserts. Use a TN that's just your sketches or just your recipes. You don't have to travel, either -- or, your travels may be to the coffee shop to people watch and back. It's your notebook. Make it about you.

Current Mood: busy
Current Location: Home
Current Music: Radiohead - Paranoid Android

What a fun month! I actually posted a lot more than I anticipated, too. I thought about posting just once a week, and wound up having something to write about at least twice a week! But I had a lot I wanted to cover -- pencil comparisons, my commuter bag search, and my gardening journal reveal. I even had a less than stationery post about my Kindle Scribe, which just told me I wanted to write about more stationery-adjacent things in the near future (while still keeping this blog stationery-focused).

This month's roundup is short and sweet (and adorable):

Notebook Therapy – Stationery Shop: Stationery is therapy (at least to me!), so I'm all on board with this shop. And OMG are the products cute. I mean, look at this vegan leather Travel Notebook!
Zagg Pro Stylus -- I have this, tbh. This is what I use with my iPad Mini and I recommend it if you're not keen on spending a lot of money on the iPad Pencil. (It's not exclusively for iPads, but its an excellent replacement I'd say).
Stardew Valley Planner on Etsy  -- I almost - ALMOST! - clicked Buy Now when I saw this. I love Stardew Valley but my main complaint is how TEDIOUS it can be to remember EVERYTHING. This price isn't bad, but...we'll see. It's adorable, but I don't have a 6-ring A6 binder.
Uprise Notebooks -- Ok, this site is everything! It's a build your own notebook -- Traveler's style -- with numerous insert options. The sizes are large, too -- A5 or B5 -- and the prices are comparable to the Traveler's Company brand.
Hubman and Tubgirl Stationery -- I thought I'd end on the cutest note. This site almost hurts my teeth it's so sweet. It's a little too twee for my tastes but I definitely appreciate the aesthetic. Note -- this is a Canadian company, so us US folks are gonna have to wait on the shipping due to tariff issues (ugh,this country).

So that's the roundup for May! I'm looking forward to a really nice (and warm) June! Stay busy and happy planning!

Current Mood: pensive
Current Location: Work
Current Music: Electric Feel - MGMT

I’ve been spending a lot of time lately exploring the world of Traveler’s Notebooks. There’s something undeniably appealing about a leather-bound tome filled with my own choice of planners, journals, and other inserts. I love the idea of a refillable, customizable notebook system—something like a ringed binder but without all the bulk.

Like the Hobonichi Techo planners I’ve loved for years, Traveler’s Notebooks have their own deeply devoted fanbase. They’re also Japanese in origin and embrace a minimalist, practical ethos. The main line comes from The Traveler’s Company, but you can absolutely build your own system using other covers and inserts as long as they fit the dimensions.

Traveler’s Company Basics

Traveler’s Company leather binders come in two sizes: Standard (around 5” x 9”) and Passport (about 4” x 5”). The leather is soft, smooth, and designed to age with you—it picks up every mark and scuff like a well-loved suitcase.

Inside each cover are elastic bands that let you add up to three thin notebooks. These inserts come in nearly every configuration you could want: blank, lined, grid, dot grid, daily, weekly, monthly planners, sketchbooks, and even watercolor paper. There are also add-on accessories like pen loops, pockets, and binder clips to help you organize it all—and if you're like me, you’ll fall down the rabbit hole of picking out the perfect charm to attach to the closure band. (I actually haven't found one just yet, but give me time.)

My Traveler’s Notebook

I own the standard size Traveler’s Notebook. It was a gift—a beautiful, thoughtful one. It came with a single blank insert, which I eagerly filled up. Unfortunately, the binder sat empty for longer than I care to admit. But once I started browsing inserts online, I went on a mini shopping spree (especially when I saw how inexpensive the inserts were compared to the binders -- wow!). Now, it’s a very chunky binder packed with planners and pages just waiting for me to start using it.

Why? Because I’m seriously rethinking my Hobonichi Techo system for next year (but that’s a post for another time).

Make It Your Own

While the Traveler’s Company notebooks are lovely, they’re not the only option. If the sizes or prices don’t suit you, you can easily build a similar system with a faux-leather binder from Etsy. I’ve spotted gorgeous vegan leather options, and if you prefer A5 size, I recommend checking out the Laconic lineup. Their inserts are minimal, affordable, and beautifully designed—you can either keep the simplicity or customize them to your heart’s content.

(I also have a post about how I created my own with a MochiThings binder and a few notebooks, but be forewarned -- it didn't turn out well.)

The best part of any Traveler’s-style system is the customization. It can be as minimal or maximal as you want. Whether you’re sketching, planning, writing poetry, or tracking daily habits, it becomes a unique reflection of who you are. And that, to me, is the best kind of stationery.

Current Mood: indifferent
Current Location: Home
Current Music: Sunglasses at Night - Corey Hart

I struggled about whether I should write this post. Not because I don’t have thoughts (and I do have them) but because the Kindle Scribe isn’t technically a planner. It’s an e-reader, first and foremost. A high-end one, sure, complete with a stylus so you can write directly on your books, underline quotes, scribble notes in the margins, and generally live your best annotated-reading life. And I love that part.

But the Kindle Scribe also has notebooks. Quietly tucked away in the menu is a feature that lets you create notebooks of your own -- lined, gridded, blank, even preformatted pages like habit trackers and planners.

And I started this blog to talk about stationery, so I wondered -- does this count as stationery? Then I remembered, this is MY blog and I make the rules and I can change them however I want. So for all intents and purposes, the Kindle Scribe counts as stationery for now.

So while I’m not here to review the Scribe as a whole, I do want to talk about what it’s like trying to use it as a planner.

What the Kindle Scribe Offers for Planning

The Scribe comes with a few built-in notebook templates, and among them are three undated planners and a habit tracker. Each requires the stylus to fill in, and thankfully the pen-to-screen response is excellent—smooth, quick, and surprisingly satisfying. Also handy is the eraser which, after using so often on the Scribe makes me really angry that the iPad Pencil doesn't have that feature. Oh iPad Pencil -- why must I pay $100 and double tap??

Anyway, here’s what you get:

Monthly Planner

This is a standard monthly layout with room to jot in small appointments or events. At the bottom of the page are two lined sections. I used mine for monthly goals and reminders, but they’re open-ended enough to suit whatever you need.

Weekly Planner

This one reminded me a lot of the Hobonichi Weeks, with a horizontal weekly layout. Unlike the Hobonichi, though, the Scribe gives you plenty of space to write across the weekdays. That said, the weekend section is cramped, so if you have a busy Saturday-Sunday schedule, this may not be ideal.

Daily Planner

Your full day broken down by the hour, with full rows to block off time or write your to-dos. If you’re someone who thrives on time-blocking, this might feel familiar and easy to use.

Habit Tracker

This one’s a little more structured: a 31-day grid, where you write your habits across the top and mark them off each day. It’s simple, clean, and works well if you want a full month’s view on one page.

Checklist Notebook

If you don’t need a full planner but still want to jot down to-dos, the Checklist notebook is exactly what it sounds like. It's a cute, flexible little list-maker.

Would I Use It as My Planner?

Not really.

I appreciate what the Kindle Scribe notebooks offer, but they don’t fit how I plan. I’ve dabbled, sure, but here’s what I don’t love:

Slow page turning. It’s a digital notebook, not a paper planner. Flipping between pages isn’t snappy.
Navigation isn’t intuitive. You can create sections and titles, but it takes too many taps to move between notebooks and layouts.
Can’t see everything at once. No two-page layouts or visual overviews. It’s one page at a time, always.

So for day-to-day planning, the Scribe is a no-go for me. But I can see it working for something more book-adjacent: tracking a reading challenge, planning a book club, managing a reading list or review log. Something you already keep close to your e-reader.

Final Thoughts

The Kindle Scribe isn’t a replacement for my Hobonichi Cousin, my Weeks, or even a simple paper planner. But it is a great e-reader with some thoughtful, optional planner features. And if digital planning is more your style, or if you like having all your notes, books, and trackers in one device, it’s worth exploring.

Just don’t expect it to replace your stickers, washi tape, and lovingly inked daily layouts.

Current Mood: busy
Current Location: Home

Welcome to my first roundup post! April has been full of planner experiments, highlighter discoveries, and a search for the perfect reading journal. But I’ve also spent a bit of time window shopping (and actual shopping) and reading some great stationery content online.

Here are a few things that caught my eye this month—some I’m considering adding to my cart, and others I just enjoyed reading with a cup of coffee and a sticky note in hand.

What I’m Eyeing This Month

1. Zebra Mildliners: Wirecutter Review
We all know Mildliners are cute, but this deep dive from Wirecutter explores why they’re a favorite for note-takers, planners, and studyblr folks alike. It’s a great read if you’re still deciding whether or not to add another pastel multipack to your collection.

2. Uni Jetstream Lite Touch Pen in Forest Blue
This pen has quietly become a favorite—I now have it in eight colors, and I’m still looking to add more. Smooth, satisfying, and the forest blue body is especially gorgeous.

3. Leuchtturm Learning Journal
I haven’t talked much about Leuchtturm notebooks on the blog yet, but I plan to. This Learning Journal is designed for study and skill development, and I love the idea of having a dedicated notebook just for that.

4. Moleskine Film and TV Journal
Part of their Passion Journal line, this one caught my eye while I was still searching for a reading journal. I didn’t end up loving the reading one—but this Film and TV edition? Very tempting. It might be the next addition to my media tracking lineup.

5. Le Portfolio by Paper Republic
A luxury leather portfolio that I found while researching travel journals. I am absolutely agog at the price, but it’s beautiful and sleek and now lives rent-free in my stationery daydreams.

Stationery Reads I Loved

The Cramped – On the Virtues of the Notebook
This quiet little blog is a gem for analog writing lovers. Thoughtful posts, slow living energy, and a genuine appreciation for the humble notebook. Highly recommend if you want to slow down your scroll and reconnect with your tools.

JetPens – Study Tips: How to Highlight Effectively
An excellent guide on using highlighters beyond the basic yellow. Great if you're experimenting with Mildliners, Beetle Tips, or anything pastel and double-sided.

Galen Leather – Jibun Techo: The Japanese Planner System
I’ve seen the Jibun Techo mentioned alongside Hobonichi planners, but this article made it clear it’s a whole different planning universe. I’m not exploring it just yet—but it’s definitely on my radar for the future.

So Long, April

I'm going to explore a few different things in May while sticking to the stationery theme. This month has been fun and I'm excited to see what next month brings.

Stay busy, and happy planning!

Current Mood: mellow
Current Location: Home
Current Music: Illinois - Sufjan Stevens

Last week, I wrote about my search for the perfect reading journal. After mulling over the options I had found, I did something that probably won’t shock anyone who knows me: I went with none of them.

Nothing I originally shortlisted really ticked all of my boxes. I wanted something simple, small, flexible, and not too demanding—and while a few of those options came close, nothing hit the mark. So I did a little more digging, and that’s when I stumbled across something unexpected: the Field Notes Index Edition.

A Quick Primer on Field Notes

If you’re not familiar, Field Notes are small, pocket-sized notebooks, famous for their perforated pages, quarterly limited editions, and outdoorsy, functional vibe. They’re often marketed toward birdwatchers, hikers, and on-the-go notetakers (not that you need a tent and a compass to enjoy them).

Field Notes also offers subscriptions so you can get their latest editions automatically, and their notebooks are printed and assembled entirely in the USA with sustainable materials.

This isn’t my first experience with Field Notes; I once bought their gaming journals for a friend who DMs weekly. (And yes, I’m still very pleased with myself for that thoughtful little gift.) But it’s the first time I ever seriously considered buying Field Notes for myself. As I've said before, I’m an A5-size fan who prefers sturdy, non-perforated pages—so Field Notes' tiny, tearable style never quite clicked for me.

Until now.

Why the Index Edition Works for Me

Field Notes’ 2024 Index Edition offers two types of "index-style" notebooks:

A Ledger Book paired with a Date Book (both undated and super flexible)
A set of Log Books (which is what I chose)

The Ledger Book is great if you want to track anything involving lists and numbers—mileage, scores, expenses, workouts, whatever. It’s practical, but it wasn’t quite what I needed for reading.

The Log Book, on the other hand, was perfect. Each 56-page notebook is structured to help you log just about anything—books, movies, TV shows, food, wine, beer, trails hiked, concerts, albums, you name it.

The layout is clean and open-ended, offering just enough structure without feeling like homework. I use mine to track:

Title
Author
Source (eBook, print, or audiobook)
Dates read
Rating
Genre
A short summary
My personal notes and thoughts

There’s even a small index section at the front to keep track of entries, and a tiny pocket in the back for loose notes or ticket stubs. I'm not quite sure what I'd keep in the pocket yet, but it's useful to have and not need than to need and not have.

Final Thoughts

I’ve already filled in the books I’ve read so far this year, and I absolutely love how this journal is working for me.

There’s no pressure to write a lengthy review. I don’t have to comb through GoodReads or Amazon to gather metadata I don’t actually care about. I just pick up my Log Book, jot down my thoughts, and move on.

I really hope Field Notes keeps selling the Index Edition (or something like it) because these little books are so versatile. I could definitely see myself picking up another pack for tracking TV shows, movies, or even small creative projects.

For now, though, my Field Notes Log Book is the perfect low-key home for my growing book list—and that's all I needed.