ninagobragh | Entries tagged with notebooks

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.

Current Mood: thoughtful
Current Music: Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran

Lately, I’ve been leaving my iPad untouched at night and instead reaching for my Kindle Scribe—a quiet little shift that’s completely changed how I end my days. (The Kindle Scribe is also a notebook and planner, but that’s a post for another time.) Since making that switch, I’ve read almost six books in the last two months, which is more than I’ve read in a while, and I’m realizing that I really need a reading journal to track everything.

But I don’t want just any journal. I want something that fits how I read, what I value, and how I think about books.

Avoiding Tracking My Reading Online

I’ve tried GoodReads—and while it works for my author page, I really dislike using it as a reader. The community can be... intense. I’ve also used LibraryThing, which I actually enjoy for keeping a full catalog of my books and wishlists.

But when it comes to actually logging what I’ve read and how I felt? I’d rather keep that offline and to myself.

I don’t enjoy leaving harsh reviews, especially as someone who writes. Even if I didn’t love a book, I don’t want to hurt the author’s feelings—or worse, get into an online argument with internet strangers about it. That said, I do want to track things like my favorite scenes, notable quotes, and just a general impression of what I’ve read. And I want to do it on paper.

Reading Journal Requirements

I’m not trying to build a bullet journal from scratch or turn this into a second job. I just want something simple, low-pressure, and thoughtfully designed. Here’s what I’m keeping in mind as I browse:

Size: Preferably small and not overwhelmingly long. Ideally under 150 pages. A5 might even be too big for this one.
Layout: Space for title, author, format (print/ebook/audiobook), maybe start and end date, a rating, and a few notes. Genre would be a nice bonus.
Design: I don’t need reading lists, trackers, or giant challenge pages. Those just stress me out and make me feel like I’m falling behind.
Cost: I don’t want to spend more than $25 USD on this thing. I’ve got enough expensive stationery habits.

Possible Options So Far

Erin Condren Book Lovers Reading Log & Journal
Of course Erin Condren has a planner for readers. It’s big, it’s full of extras, and it’s the most expensive option I’ve seen. I’m not shocked—it’s on-brand. It looks nice, but it’s also large and a little overbuilt for what I need. I wish they made this in their Petite Planner format. Not ruling it out completely, but it feels like more planner than I’m looking for right now.

Clever Fox Reading Journal
Clever Fox comes through again. This one’s shorter, smaller, and cheaper, but feels like a lot of work. Each book entry asks for detailed ratings on things like characters, plot, writing, entertainment value, which is great if you want a comprehensive review log, but not so great if you're looking for something more casual. I already have a job; I don’t need my reading journal to give me homework.

Creator’s Friend Storylines Friend
I’ve used this one before for tracking TV shows, and it actually checks a lot of boxes. It’s compact, simple, and doesn’t ask too much of me. The Storylines Friends are multimedia, which means I can definitely use one for books—and I might! But as I mentioned previously, Creator’s Friend ships from Australia, and while I love their planners, the shipping takes a while. Still on the table, though.

Something from Etsy
Just because I don’t want to design a reading journal myself doesn’t mean I’m not open to supporting someone who has. There are a ton of creative, handmade options on Etsy. I might spend a little time browsing to see if someone’s already built exactly what I’m looking for: something small, thoughtful, and no-frills.

(Almost) Final Thoughts

I haven’t found the one yet, but I’m narrowing it down. I’m also not going digital—at least not for this. I can definitely see the benefits of using my Kindle Scribe for notes and highlights, but for now, I want something physical that I can flip through, scribble in, and return to over time.

Once I choose one, I'll definitely follow up with a post about it, and then another after I've used it for a while. I’ll also be back with my thoughts on the Scribe as both an e-reader and notebook!

Current Mood: curious
Current Location: Schul

Some notebooks are purely functional—simple covers, plain pages, nothing special beyond their utility. Paperblanks notebooks, however, are an experience.

Each one has a colorful, ornate, and artistic cover, making them feel like something out of a museum exhibit rather than just a stationery shop. The designs are detailed and unique, and the craftsmanship extends beyond aesthetics: their binder boards are made of recycled materials, their paper is sourced from recycled pulp, and everything is PVC-free.

They also come in various sizes and page counts, each with its own name. The one I own? The Grolier, which I use exclusively for Mishnah Yomi notes.

The Perfect Notebook for My Study Notes
I knew this was going to be the perfect journal the second I saw it. Why? Because there’s a Magen David on the cover. It was meant to be.

It’s small and compact, making it easy to carry around for daily study notes.
The paper quality is excellent, standing up to any pen—even the cursed Uni Jetstream 4&1.
The sturdy clasp keeps the book securely closed. It has never once flopped open in my bag or when I dropped it (I'm clumsy, sorry).
The ribbon bookmark is well sewn or glued into the spine, meaning no sad, detached ribbons halfway through use.
Like many notebooks, it has a pocket in the back cover for loose notes, but the overall construction just feels more refined than standard notebooks.

So far, I’m about three-quarters of the way through writing in this book, and I have a lot of thoughts—both good and bad.

What I Love About Paperblanks Notebooks
There’s a lot to appreciate about this notebook, and Paperblanks in general. The paper is smooth and strong, handling multiple types of pens beautifully. No matter what I’ve used—from gel pens to ballpoints—there’s no bleed-through or feathering, making it a reliable choice for my daily writing.

One of my favorite details is the corrugated spine, which makes the book incredibly comfortable to hold. It almost molds to my fingers when I grip it, providing just enough structure without feeling rigid. The cover design is equally impressive, giving the notebook a distinct, almost antique feel. Every time I open it, I get the sense that I’m writing in an ancient tome, like something that belongs in a historical library. That aesthetic alone makes the experience of using it feel a little more special.

Beyond its looks, the clasp is one of the best I’ve ever seen. It’s not just decorative; it’s actually functional, keeping the book securely shut. Unlike some notebooks where the covers start to pull apart or the closure wears down over time, this one has never once flopped open unexpectedly. Everything about the notebook—from the materials to the craftsmanship—feels high quality, and for something I use daily, that matters.

What I Struggle With
Even though I love this notebook, it’s not perfect. The size isn’t ideal for me. I typically prefer A5 notebooks, but this one is A6, which is just a little too small for my natural (ie, big) handwriting. While the compact size makes it easy to carry around, it’s not as comfortable for writing, especially for longer study sessions. I'm generally a printer, not a scrawler, so I wind up having to downsize for this book. I face the same issue with my Hobonichi Day-Free, which is why it's one of the least used of my Hobonichi collection.

Another challenge is the chunkiness. I love a notebook with a lot of pages, but the thickness creates an unexpected issue: my small hand hangs off the side of the book while writing. As a result, my handwriting starts to get messier and messier toward the bottom of the page during the first half of the book, and once I get further in, the problem reverses on the other side. This turns out to be a serious issue. My writing already looks kind of serial-killerish, but now I'm convinced someone is going to think I carve up rotisserie chickens and collect the bones for fun if they stumble on my notebooks (even this one, which is all about Talmudic law). I notice this issue every time I write in it.

Then there’s the price. Paperblanks notebooks are undeniably well-made, and I appreciate the ethical sourcing and beautiful designs. But for the size, they’re definitely on the expensive side. The quality makes it worth it, but for someone looking for a more affordable, everyday notebook, the price might be a deterrent.

Final Thoughts
Despite the size drawbacks, I love this notebook and have really enjoyed using it for Mishnah Yomi notes.

If I get another Paperblanks, I’ll definitely go for a larger size (A5) or maybe even try one of their cahier-style notebooks. The brand’s commitment to design, durability, and sustainability makes them worth it, even with the higher price point.

Current Mood: creative

Every now and then, I see an Instagram ad that piques my interest. That’s how I found Creator’s Friend Notebook Company. They are a small brand based in Australia that offers a range of purpose-driven notebooks designed to help you organize different aspects of your life. In a fun, personal touch, they don’t just sell notebooks—they sell “friends.”

Since I’m always on the lookout for unique, well-made A5 notebooks, I bought a few. The shipping took a while (Australia is far), but once my package arrived, I dove in.

My First Purchase: A Set of Three (Plus a Bonus)
For my first order, I purchased:

Gardening Friend: For tracking gardening projects
Storylines Friend: For organizing your media (TV show episodes, books, podcast episodes, etc)
Fast Brain Friend: A planner with a different daily planning format on each page (more on this in a second).

To store them, I also grabbed one of their folios. As a bonus, they sent me a free dot grid notebook, which was a nice surprise.

First Impressions
The quality of these notebooks immediately impressed me. They’re well-made, durable, and thoughtfully designed. The paper is strong, the covers are sturdy, and each one has a unique, guided format that makes it easy to jump in and use.

The Storylines and Gardening friends are pretty self-explanatory. I tracked my plants' planting and watering/food schedules and some episodes of a few TV shows I was watching. But I want to focus on the other notebooks because they're a little more open-concept than the other two. Here’s a quick rundown of how I used them:

Fast Brain Friend
This is a planner for people who get bored easily (how dare they read me so easily). Each page features a different layout or method of planning, which means no two days look the same. This was perfect for me because while I love rituals, I don’t necessarily like doing the exact same ritual every day. If you’re someone who likes variety but still wants structure, this is a brilliant concept.

Dot Grid Friend
I ended up using this one as my "in between" journal when I finished my last one but had to wait until January to start my Hobonichi Cousin. The paper quality was excellent, and it was nice to have something reliable in that transition period.

The Folio
While well-made and comfortable to hold, I had one big gripe with the folio: the elastic system is annoying. Instead of the usual two or three elastic bands like a Traveler’s Notebook, it has some elaborate wrapping trick to secure the notebooks in place. I found it frustrating to use, and honestly, I just wish they had gone with a simpler system.

Round Two: More “Friends” for My Collection
Despite my folio issues, I loved the notebooks themselves. Of course, I had to go back for more. My next order included:

Learning Friend: For tracking my German language studies
Writing Friend: A writer’s bible notebook
Cooking Friend: A recipe tracker
Rituals Friend: For, well… tracking rituals

All of these followed the same strong, practical format as my first order. If you’ve ever wanted to start a dedicated notebook for a specific purpose but weren’t sure how to set it up, these are great guided options.

The Most Useful Notebook is the One You Use the Most
Out of all the ones I tried, the Fast Brain Friend is the one I’d recommend most. It’s a fun, low-pressure planner that helps you experiment with different planning styles without committing to just one. If you’re curious about planners but don’t want to dive into a rigid system, this is a great way to start.

I also found the Storylines Friend surprisingly helpful for keeping track of TV show episodes. (If you’re someone who watches a ton of series and likes to take notes, this might be a fun one for you.) And when I needed the most help setting up a writer’s bible, the Writing Friend gave me a solid foundation to work with.

Final Thoughts
Overall, Creator’s Friend notebooks are fun, well-made, and genuinely useful. I love their guided approach, and I think they’re a fantastic option for anyone who likes structured but flexible notebooks.

However, I probably won’t order again—not because of the quality, but simply because shipping from Australia takes forever. If they were easier to get, I’d definitely keep them in my rotation. But if you don’t mind the wait, I absolutely recommend giving them a try.

Current Mood: enthralled
Current Location: Home

I’ve heard a lot of praise about Midori notebooks for a long time, but I've never actually picked one up. The reviews generally said the same things:

They lay flat
The paper is incredibly smooth and durable
They are budget-friendly (say, more so than Leuchtturms and Moleskines

I’ve used both of those brands plenty of times, so I wanted to see if Midori could live up to the hype.

Minimalism at Its Best

The beauty of Midori notebooks is the simplicity. The company even boasts that the first page is the cover: same paper, no frills, no endpaper under the cover. The entire design is meant to prioritize the comfort of writing, and the company absolutely delivers on that promise.

Midori offers a range of sizes, including A4, A5, A6, A7, and B6 slim, so there’s an option whether you prefer a large canvas for big ideas or something pocket-sized for quick notes. The notebooks also come in three formats—lined, blank, and grid—so you can choose the style that best suits your writing or sketching needs. Personally, I prefer lined, but it’s nice to have options.

Each notebook includes a single ribbon bookmark sewn into the spine, which adds a nice touch, though it is incredibly delicate (and I do mean delicate—more on that in a second). As a fun bonus, Midori also includes a small set of stickers: one labeled IDEA, one labeled DIARY, and a third with spaces for Volume, Start, Finish, and From the Library Of details. You can use them to organize your notebooks, or—like me—you can admire them briefly and then forget they exist.

My First Midori Notebook

Last fall, on a whim, I picked up an A6-sized Midori MD notebook from a bookstore in Ann Arbor. I have been working on this Tarot tracking project, and the size and format seemed perfect for what I needed.

I expected to like it, but didn't expect to immediately love it!

The notebook lays completely flat, just like advertised.
The paper is buttery smooth. My pen absolutely flew across the page.
The ribbon bookmark? Yeah, it’s delicate. I learned quickly not to tug on it too much or it will pop right off.

Here's one interesting detail: Midori’s lined paper has a thicker horizontal line in the middle of each page. This lets you split your pages if you want. I used it this way for a few weeks since I didn’t need a full page per day at first. Eventually, I switched to filling out full pages, but the dividing line never bothered me either way.

That Ultra-Minimalist Cover, Though

I love this minimalist notebook, but I also put my notebooks through a lot. After a couple of days, the edges of my Midori started fraying and curling. If you’re gentle with your notebooks, this might not be a problem. If you’re like me and toss them into bags, stack them under other books, and generally treat them like a well-loved paperback, you’re going to need a cover.

Luckily, Midori makes clear and paper covers, so I grabbed a pink paper cover for my A6. Problem solved!

I Already Bought Another One

I wound up filling my A6 pretty quickly and switched to my Hobonichi Weeks for tracking the Tarot project. But I loved the Midori notebook so much that I bought an A5 version with a matching cover for another project I have planned.

I’m also very tempted to pick up a B6 slim, but unfortunately, JetPens doesn’t have covers for that size. I may have to check Etsy, which is where I’ve sourced my Weeks covers before.

Final Thoughts: Believe the Hype

If you’re looking for a minimalist, no-fuss notebook with phenomenal paper quality, Midori MD notebooks are absolutely worth a try. They hold up well, they make writing feel effortless, and they’re a great alternative to pricier brands. Just be prepared to grab a cover if you’re even a little rough on your notebooks.

About

Nina

Ninagobragh.com

July 2025

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Navigation

Other Traveler’s Notebooks Beyond the Traveler’s Company
May Roundup: So Much Cute Stationery!
Exploring Traveler’s Notebooks
A Look at the Built-In Notebooks of the Kindle Scribe
April Roundup: Lists, Finds, and Temptations
My New Reading Journal: Field Notes Index Edition
On the Lookout for a Reading Journal
A Notebook That Feels Like an Ancient Tome
Trying Out the Creator’s Friend Notebook Company
Midori Notebooks: Believe the Hype

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My Stationery Life

Write Here, Write Now

Entries tagged with notebooks

Other Traveler’s Notebooks Beyond the Traveler’s Company

Best Budget-Friendly Option: September Leather

Final Thoughts

May Roundup: So Much Cute Stationery!

Exploring Traveler’s Notebooks

A Look at the Built-In Notebooks of the Kindle Scribe

April Roundup: Lists, Finds, and Temptations

My New Reading Journal: Field Notes Index Edition

On the Lookout for a Reading Journal

A Notebook That Feels Like an Ancient Tome

Trying Out the Creator’s Friend Notebook Company

Midori Notebooks: Believe the Hype