Reviewing the Leuchtturm 1917 Journal

Hi, I was asked what I wanted for Christmas and did the minimum research into a bullet journal worthy notebook that was A5 and had dotted pages. I came across the Leuchtturm 1917 which seems on watching a few YouTube videos to be one of the main bullet journal choices.

I opted for the black version partly because it was the cheapest and didn't want to waste money if I don't end up using it and because black looks stylish. I like the sleekness of the colour so I'm happy with my choice. The journal is hard back with a really soft waterproof feeling covering and is held shut by an elastic ribbon.

This is the perfect notebook to use as a bullet journal as it has preset index pages and all the pages are numbered (which makes life a lot easier). Extra features that I didn't know where even a part of this journal and which make it an instant repurchase are the double ribbon for page marking and the envelope pouch at the back of the journal for storing mementos and journal equipment. I can imagine once fully emerged in the way of the bullet journal one ribbon would not be enough and a stencil or ruler are pretty much required. It also came with some stickers so you can archive it once you're finished with it.

The little I have written in the book using a dark blue Stabilo point 88 pen hasn't bled through and while it is visible on the other side it's not distracting once other information is added. I really want to invest in some new pens to use in the journal and I feel a little silly for not foreseeing this issue (hence why I'm writing in blue, but I like it).

Overall I think this was a great investment and as long as I stick with actually using the journal worth every penny. Next year I think I'll pick one of the more adventurous colours like the yellow or lime green.

Let me know if you bullet journal and which journal you use?

 Sam

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My Christmas Plans | #BLOGMAS Day 23

Hi, How is it Christmas eve tomorrow? This month has flown and I think doing Blogmas has only made it go quicker. I'm super excited for the big day and today is my last day of work for a whole week! We're off out to celebrate with bowling and burgers, which should be a good laugh. Here are my plans for the Christmas period and things I'd like to do with my time off.

My Christmas Plans

Christmas Eve

• Donate my #ReverseAdvent box, I know I said I'd take it well in advance but times just run away with me. I'll definitely be doing this again next year.
• Do some last minuet shopping because I need more stocking fillers. I've bought the main gifts but I want something to bulk them up. I'll end up bulk buying Cadbury's selection boxes.
• Finally get round to doing my wrapping. Yes that's right I haven't even started to wrap my gifts yet and I'm so going to run out of paper or gift tags because I've left it to the last minuet.
• Visit grandparents to deliver gifts. Once I've actually bought and wrapped my gifts I need to deliver them, most people I'm seeing over the Christmas day/Boxing day time period.
• Meet up with friends for gift swaps and a catch up.

Christmas Day

• Have a lay in. While most people are jumping out of bed I'm going to be enjoying the fact I don't have to get up.
• Open presents, obviously! As a couple we haven't bought any presents which may seem weird but there's nothing we really wanted and we're saving for the house renovation.
• Go for a curry. Weird right? but that's what we're doing, I'm not even sure I'm going to be getting a proper Christmas dinner this year.
• Relax, the plan is to stick on a film and chill for the evening, hopefully with a good supply of mulled wine.

Boxing Day

• See my parents, for my second Christmas day. We plan to have party food and play games, doing the more traditional Christmas activities.
• Doing some sale shopping, Lush sale anyone? I'd like to see if there are any bargains to be had but I'm not set on spending money unless I find something really good.
• Catch up on the Christmas Day specials. As we are out Christmas day we'll miss them but this means I can watch them on my schedule. I'm looking forward to the Doctor Who episode.

The Rest Of December

• Go see all the films on my to watch list. I've got three films I really want to go see which are Moana, Passengers and Fantastic Beasts.
• Have a day out with my Sister, I have no idea what I wanna do put it will end up being shopping finished with a trip to the pub.
• Plan for the year ahead. I'd love to get ahead with blogging this year and after Blogmas I know I can do more if I just set my mind too it.

Do you have any shopping left to do?

Sam

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5 Ways To Stay Organised | #BLOGMAS Day 8

Hi, This is a busy time of year what with all the social gatherings and preparations for the big day, so organisation is key to staying on top of it all. I'm so bad at being organisied so I decided to have a think about ways I can improve and try to take a little pressure off myself, I've written this post with blogmas in mind but these are tips that are transitional across all Christmas preparations.

5 Ways To Stay Organised

Invest in a planner

I lose track of time really easily so having a visual reference for events and plans makes it so much easier to keep on track. I prefer a physical book so I can make notes on the go but a digital calendar would work just as well if that's more preferable. Who can say no to a good reason to buy pretty stationary?

Make Lists and Check Them

Relating back to the previous point, have a place to make notes and lists so you won't lose them. Once written make a point of checking them and ticking off what's done. You'll refresh your mind on outstanding jobs and feel good about all the checked off items.

Don't Procrastinate

Procrastination is me in one word but when you've decided to do something as big as blogmas it's your own worst enemy. Set goals and task to make sure you're motivated and have a plan of action to make the most of your time. Nothing quite beats the feeling of accomplishment once you've ticked off everything on a to do list.

Allocate Time for Jobs

With things like gift wrapping make time to sit down and get everything ready, stick on the Christmas playlist and enjoy the activity of gift wrapping (It's one of my favourite parts of Christmas). Time management is so important at this time of year, the big day will be here before we know it. So pour yourself some baileys and get the tunes playing.

Plan Ahead

Blogmas would not be happening if I hadn't planned ahead, the same applies for the festive season. I'm sure there are people still shopping on Christmas eve but planning ahead saves you the stress.

 

Do you have any organisation tips for the festive season?

Sam

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Christmas Shopping Survival Guide | #BLOGMAS Day 4

Hi, Every year I have good intentions of going on one shopping trip to get all of my Christmas list bought and put under the tree, only that never happens. The problem with the Christmas shopping spree is that you are one of many people trying to buy the same item in the same stores and well it can all get a bit over whelming. Have you been in Lush at Christmas time? my local store was practically queuing out the door (exaggeration but only because the staff had an genius system in place). My point is that hitting the shops can be rather stressful but I have some helpful tips to get us through our Christmas shopping.

Christmas Shopping Survival Guide

Plan Ahead
Don't leave the house until you have a rough idea of gift ideas for everyone on your Christmas list. Once you know where you want to shop. You can always browse for that one person who's difficult to buy for but you'll save time if you know which stores you need to visit.

Look For Vouchers
If possible save money, look for in store vouchers before you head out to the shops. Make note of online offers too, if you're organised and have time to order those heavier items make life easier and get them deliver.

Enlist Help
Drag the reluctant other half to carry the bags or join forces with an allied shopper to take the sting out of the day.

Dress Appropriately
I think this is obvious but you're going to be on your feet all day so make sure you're wearing shoes that look after your feet and wrap up warm, it's December it gets cold, brrrrr. 

Take Breaks
Don't be afraid to have a break and recharge, a warming cup of hot chocolate will give you the needed energy to continue.

Take Reusable Bags
Now that bags are chargeable in the UK it's a good idea to take some old bags or your trusty tote to the shops to save some pennies. It's also great for the environment so you can feel super about doing your bit by looking after the planet.

You Deserve a Treat Too
You're on a shopping trip spending money on all your nearest and dearest, don't forget about yourself. You could pick up a cheeky bath bomb or a festive nail varnish. 

Finish With a Meal
You deserve to treat yourself after all that hard work, so go grab some food, you'll need the energy to carry all those presents home.

Have Fun
It's Christmas! I love walking around looking at all the lights and decorations which just make everything look so much more magical and takes the darkness away from the winter. The best part about buying gifts is knowing you've got something special that the recipient will love.

 Have you got any tips to add?
Sam

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20 Festive Themed Goals | #Blogmas Day 2

Hi, I like lists and goals so I've put together a list of goals for the festive season. I don't like that Christmas is in the shops before Halloween these days it just seems strange and drawn out but now it's December I'm seriously in the festive spirit. I feel really uninspired for gift ideas but I'm off shopping tomorrow so hopefully I can get some inspiration and some gifts purchased. I'm looking forward to decorating my first Christmas tree in my own home and having free range as to how mad it can be, here are my goals for the month ahead.

Festive Themed Goals
1. Donate food to charity
2. Drink mulled wine
3. Make mince pies
4. Decorate my Christmas tree
5. Create a festive playlist
6. Have fairy lights everywhere
7. Get my Christmas shopping done
8. Make my own wrapping paper
9. Go to a Christmas market
10. Wear a Christmas jumper more than once
11. Bake something vegan as a present
12. Try something from the Christmas lush range
13. Read a festive book
14. Go on a day trip
15. Go for a wintry walk
16. Go ice skating
17. Do some themed crochet
18. Complete blogmas this year
19. Binge watch a new series
20. Make some DIY Christmas decorations

So there are my goals for the month ahead, writing this post has made me feel so Christmassy and I can't wait for my annual holiday from work for a bit of relaxation. My Christmas tree is sat patiently in the box to finally be put up, I want to get a few more decorations first. I'm looking forward to the fun of tree dressing, Christmas tunes and some baileys over ice. I plan to do lots of baking in the coming weeks, I have a special way of making mince pies which just beats all the shop bought ones.

Do you have any special plans for the month ahead?

Sam

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15 Things to do This Weekend

Hi, I'll be heading home from my mini break today, the first thing I'll do when I get home is have a shower, nothing better after a week of camping. I'm also thinking about the weekend ahead before I have to go back to work. Here are a few ideas of things to do this weekend to make the most of your time. Also it's national Pina Colada day so maybe a cocktail or two will be had on my return.

15 Things to do this weekend

1. Go for a picnic
2. Go for a walk
3. Play a board game
4. Read a book
5. Take a bath
6. Clean your makeup brushes
7. Change your bedding
8. Meal plan for the following week
9. Do some washing
10. Meet up with friends
11. Catch up on TV/series
12. Clean your car/house
13. Have a tidy up
14. Go shopping
15. Eat something super tasty

Hope some of these inspire you! have an amazing weekend.

Sam

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