The links below may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small compensation at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure policy here. 

Before I learned about travelers journals, I kept a bullet journal in a plain notebook. Everything I needed to remember was recorded in the notebook. While I used some of the organization methods I still use, there wasn’t a great way to separate notes and lists by category.

A travelers journal allows me to organize everything much better. Instead of one notebook with everything all together, I have separate notebooks for each category of information or notes that I want to record.

The great thing about a travelers journal, just like with a bullet journal, is the endless variation and customization that is possible. A student could make one to hold notes for each of their classes. An artist could keep different types of ideas and sketches and business figures separate. Or, anyone could simply have different notebooks for any facets of their life.

In my travelers journal, I have a notebook for home and family, one for homeschool and community, one for work, and a “commonplace” notebook. Keep reading to see travelers journal ideas and lots of picture examples of how I like to set up mine. 

Travelers Journal Ideas

How I Use A Traveler’s Journal to Organize My Life 

If you like this method for note-taking and organization and would like to make your own Travelers Journal, I have a simple sewing tutorial in my Etsy shop. You can also read more about recommended supplies and how to start your own in my other travelers journal post. 

I can’t reiterate enough how customizable a travelers journal is, especially if you make your own cover. Choose your favorite fabric, your favorite colors, notebook inserts that match your needs, and you have a system that you can use for years. (Replace notebooks as you need to). Oh, and keep your favorite pens in the back pocket!

In my travelers journal, I use the front pocket for papers I might need, receipts and current notes. I also have opted to use a regular calendar instead of writing out my own calendar pages in my notebooks. I find this easier to keep up with dates and see everything quickly.

After the calendar insert, I have 4 blank (unlined) A4 notebooks. I like to buy a bulk box of these because we use them for various things in our home and they’re handy to have on hand.

*NOTE: I print my printables at 60% to fit in my travelers journal. 

HOME & FAMILY NOTEBOOK

The first notebook in my travelers journal is my home and family notebook. I have lists and pages dedicated to birthdays, house project ideas, and other personal things I need to record/remember.

My most frequently used and helpful pages are my grocery list and meal plan, my seasonal meal menus, inventory checklists, to-do lists, and a page for my cleaning rhythm and seasonal reset questions.

My grocery list and meal plan are both laminated so I can reuse them over and over. Its really so helpful to be able to open up to these pages and highlight my shopping list and jot down a meal plan. (You can find these printables and more in my Etsy shop).

My to-do list page is simply two post-its– one labeled ASAP and the other labeled EVENTUALLY. I fill them out and then switch them out for fresh post-its as needed. It’s an easy way to keep this page helpful and long-lasting. (I keep post-its in the back of my notebooks).

This year, I’ve added a basic cleaning rhythm I got from Clean Mama, as well as my seasonal reset questions. They’re both really helpful in *attempting* to stay on top of keeping our home in order.

HOMESCHOOL & COMMUNITY

My second notebook is dedicated to homeschool and community (specifically our Wild & Free community). This notebook is PACKED with schedules, learning rhythms, curriculum guides, event planning, co-op plans and lists, and more.

One page that gets used the most is my laminated daily and weekly school rhythms. I love that I can open up to this page and check-off/highlight what we’ve done as we progress through the school day. Then, erase and start all over before the next day.

I also have dedicated planning pages to each of my classes I teach at co-op. It’s really so helpful to have these notes and plans with me whenever and wherever I go (but especially to co-op).

There’s a lot more, but I’ll also mention that I really like having long-term overviews and rhythms in my notebook for some of our specific curricula, like Bravewriter and Treehouse Schoolhouse Nature Studies. It’s nice to have them succinctly organized in my notebook.

WORK

I don’t have many pictures of my work notebook, but I generally use this notebook for tracking long-term plans, goals, and ideas for my business. I often print out important emails or docs to hold on to in my notebook as well.

(Pictured below is my planning page for the new Intermediate Nature Study for Treehouse Schoolhouse).

COMMONPLACE

The commonplace notebook is a special notebook to record and remember book quotes, poetry, and other generally beautiful and noteworthy ideas. I also have a collection of significant cards written by loved ones in the back of the notebook that I enjoy revisiting when I need the encouragement.

I hope this gives ideas on how to get started with a travelers journal if you are a pen and paper person like I am. Start with what’s most impactful and helpful and go from there!

Don’t forget you can find more tips in this post, and lots of resources and a travelers journal sewing pattern in my shop! 

Follow me on Instagram for more like this!

The post Travelers Journal Ideas– How I Use A Travelers Journal to Organize My Life appeared first on This Pilgrim Life.

The links below may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small compensation at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure policy here.

My last gift guide of the year is for subscription gift ideas– but these are not just ideas for Christmas. We have tried most of these subscriptions, and the others have been recommended to me personally and I’d love to give them a try too!

Subscriptions are great investments , not only because its very exciting to receive mail, but also because good subscriptions can provide quality resources, serve as learning supplements, and be wonderful ways to connect as a family. 

Check out the subscriptions in this list, both boxes and magazines, for both kids and adults. Be sure to save this post to refer back to next time you need a birthday gift idea, or if you’re in need of fun ways to brighten up the winter months, or have easy activities on hand to occupy kids at home.

Subscription Gift Ideas :: Boxes & Magazines

FOR KIDS

5 High-Quality Subscription Boxes

KIWI Crate :: (delivery still possible before Christmas) 

We subscribed to KIWI crates for my youngest two kids for all of 2021. Initially, I wanted something to do with my younger kids for some intentional time together since my older kids get more of my attention during school hours. However, the subscription gave us a lot more than that. My kids worked on following directions for each of the projects, my older kids were able to help them complete projects and read instructions (which turned out to be great practice in patience and helpfulness for my big kids too), and each box was themed and included a small book with information about the theme.

The projects are very fun and creative, all the necessary supplies are included, and for the most part, the end results can be enjoyed for months to come. I gave each child with a subscription a storage box just for their KIWI projects and materials so they could pull out past projects and use past supplies when they wanted.

KIWI has boxes for all ages, covering a variety of interests. There are builder boxes, art boxes, geography boxes, and more. Since my older kids always wanted boxes of their own, this year for our stockings, each of my five kids is getting a KIWI box geared towards their age and interest. (See my 2021 Stockings list to see which boxes I selected).

All in all, I highly recommend KIWI crate. We really enjoyed the projects, had great customer support when needed, and will likely revisit the subscription again… maybe this time with the Maker boxes!

MEL Science

This year for Christmas I am gifting a subscription to MEL Science to my oldest son.  I am very excited for him to have this opportunity to explore more science topics and perform more experiments, with the support of the subscription and all that it includes– 2 to 3 experiments a month, a VR headset and starter kit, VR lessons, and live lessons with professional teachers.

When I was shopping around for chemistry sets for my older boys, I found it difficult to find sets with quality gear and experiments that amounted to more than what we could do (and have done) with ingredients from the kitchen. The supplies and experiments that come with the MEL Science subscription, however, are not basic or low-quality. If your child is interested in science, or you want to foster that learning, this is a great option.

We are starting with the chemistry subscription, but there are other sciences covered too, like physics and even medicine.

You can save 50% on your first month’s set with the code THISPILGRIMLIFE50!

Little Passports :: (delivery still possible before Christmas)

These boxes are a great way to explore the world, and also our own country (the US for our family). I love that you can choose boxes according to your kids’ ages too.

Each box includes hands-on activities, stories, and souvenirs related to the country or area of the world you are currently “visiting”. 

When we revisit US geography next year, I want to come back and check out this subscription again!

Raddish Kids :: (delivery still possible before Christmas)

I am all about kids learning how to cook and becoming confident in the kitchen at a young age. It’s great for kids for so many reasons (confidence, learning skills, contributing to the family, quality time with parents, etc), but it’s also great for parents because it means you’ll have capable helpers before you know it.

If teaching your kids to cook seems daunting, or you have extra-eager sous chefs, OR you just want to make sure that time together in the kitchen is a regular, consistent habit, then a subscription box can be a great idea. 

Raddish Kids has boxes for all ages and culinary tastes. Each box comes with recipe cards, a kitchen tool, a kitchen craft, conversation starter cards and a patch to iron on their apron, skill lesson sheets, and a grocery list. They are so thorough!

You can sign up for a subscription that fits your family and needs and change it at any time. Investing in kids learning to cook is definitely a worthwhile investment!

Let’s Make Art

If you have creative kids who want to learn and grow in their art skills, plus would enjoy receiving a package in the mail just for them, then the Let’s Make Art kids subscription could be a great fit.

Each month’s box comes with the necessary supplies, four projects, and available online lessons.

Magazine Subscriptions

• The Weekly Jr :: news and current events without bias for kids
• Wildflowers Mag :: beautiful magazine for creative girls
• Scout Life :: outdoor magazine for boys
• National Geographic for Kids :: my kids love these magazines!
• LEGO magazine :: free magazine with LEGO ideas

FOR ADULTS

Subscription Boxes

Artza

I have received several Artza subscription boxes and have been blown away by each one. Each Artza box includes up to 9 handcrafted, artisanal items from Israel, along with personal stories about the real people who made them. (The cards with pictures and details about the craftsmen are some of my favorite parts!) 

If you’re looking for a gift that is both unique and high-quality, these subscription boxes 100% fit the bill. You could gift an entire box, or order one and divide it into gifts for you and others.

This month’s Christmas box included two beautiful wooden ornaments, 2 tasty snacks, 2 chocolate bars, handmade soap, artwork, and a coloring book to help you learn more about the Holy Land. 

Artza is still offering shipping before Christmas, but don’t wait too long! 

Let’s Make Art

One of my good friends subscribed to the Watercoloring subscription and really enjoyed it. All your materials are included, except paint brushes, and there is enough to do much more than the month’s specific projects.

If you (or someone you love) want to make time to be creative, investing in an art box like this one would be a great motivator to actually sit down and complete the projects!

Included in each Watercolor subscription box are 4 projects, materials needed, and video tutorials.

Bespoke Post 

This subscription box from Bespoke Post looks so amazing! I love that the boxes include a variety of items reflecting different interests, and appreciate that each is customizable. This box would be perfect for men interested in adventure, outdoors, travel, grooming care, etc.

You can still order and receive a box by Christmas! Check out all they have to offer here! 

Hello Fresh

Give the gift of fresh food delivered right to the door. For someone who wants to plan fewer meals, learn some new recipes, or make cooking fun again, a food related subscription box is a great idea!

Sign up to start 2022 with something fresh and fun.

Magazine Subscriptions

• Wild & Free :: monthly magazine with articles on mothering, homeschool, and seasonal handicraft ideas with beautiful pictures throughout. A subscription also included extra online resources.
• Commonplace Quarterly :: a gorgeous magazine with longer form articles related to motherhood and Charlotte Mason home education
• Magnolia Journal :: Seasonal tips, family, food, and more four times a year.
• The Drake :: fly fishing magazine my husband really enjoys. It’s thick and great quality!
• Cooks Illustrated :: these cooking magazines have some of the best tips, recipes, and information!

I hope this list has given some fresh ideas, not just for the holidays, but worthwhile investments throughout the whole year! Subscriptions make great birthday gifts too!

Check out my other gift guides on my GIFT GUIDE page. If you have a subscription that your family loves, please share in the comments! 

Sharing is caring! Don’t forget to pin and share. Thank you!

The post 19 Subscription Gift Ideas for All Ages appeared first on This Pilgrim Life.

The links below may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small compensation at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure policy here. 

My traveler’s journal is my never-leave-home-without planner. It is literally my brain on paper and I use it constantly to keep track of so many areas of my life. After keeping a bullet journal for years, I was so happy to discover traveler’s journals that would allow me to keep different “subjects” in separate notebooks… all in one planner. 

I have four notebooks in my traveler’s journal– one for HOME & FAMILY, one for HOMESCHOOL & COMMUNITY, one for WORK, and one for PERSONAL & COMMONPLACE. I also have switched to a two-year calendar in my traveler’s journal, rather than always writing the calendar pages in my notebooks myself. (Though some especially busy months, I will still create my own calendar pages).

After shopping around for traveler’s journals online, I decided to make my own cover for two reasons–

1. Most of the quality options I found were expensive or had a long wait to receive the product
2. I wanted my traveler’s journal to include pockets for little papers and pens

I made my first traveler’s journal cover 2 years ago and loooooved it. After 2 years of wear, however, it was time for a new cover, so I made a new one this past week to start the new year fresh and shiny.

You can find a full, printable tutorial to make your own traveler’s journal in my Etsy shop. Only basic sewing skills are needed and the cost of materials is small, especially if you can pull from a fabric stash.

Why a Traveler’s Journal?

1. It’s completely customizable. You can use it however you like, add whatever flair you like, embellish it with doodles or stickers or journaling supplies.
2. It’s refillable so can be used year after year. The great thing about a traveler’s journal is that when a notebook is full or irrelevant, you can simply take it out and slip a new one in. This is great if you like to have a fresh start at the new year too (I definitely do!)
3. It’s inexpensive. The cost of notebooks is small, and besides that all you really need is a pen. Making your own is very reasonable too.
4. It fits individual preferences & needs. You can add three notebooks or five. Make one dedicated to drawing comics or nature journaling. Make a gratitude or memory journal. Or, like I have promised my kids, use them in homeschool for narrations, spelling, math, timelines, etc.
5. It’s the perfect size to tuck in a bag and carry with you. My traveler’s journal comes with me everywhere. I love that it’s not full-size or fun-size. It fits in almost all of my purses/bags that I use on a regular basis.
6. It can be filled with blank, ruled, or printed notebooks. I prefer blank notebooks over ruled, but you can use either one. You can also purchase notebooks for traveler’s journals that are printed and ready to go. (I like Juniper Grove for these).
7. It’s perfect for people who want a little more organization/options for bullet journaling. Don’t want to put everything into one journal? That’s what the traveler’s journal is for. This helps not only to distinguish subjects between notebooks, but also means they will last longer.

DIY Traveler’s Journal

Recommended supplies for Traveler’s Journals ::

• Etsy Sewing Tutorial to make your own
• Moleskin cashier journals — lined
• Moleskin cashier journals — blank 
• Blank notebooks bulk
• Juniper Grove journal inserts (really great options here)
• Pilot G2 Gel Pen (Favorite pens!)
• washi tape
• Magnetic Bookmarks
• Post-It notes in all sizes
• Noted Post-Its (these are so helpful)
• Leather journal cover (I just figured I would add this one if you wanted to completely skip sewing and buy a cover. Ha!)

Filling the pages :: 

Putting the first marks on the pages can seem really overwhelming, so I have found that making a plan on loose paper or post-its helps me to figure out exactly what I want to use each notebook for, what specific pages I want in each notebook, and then of course, the order that they are included. 

After I get the page numbers in, I can use my notes to create a table of contents for each notebook.

In addition to writing in my own lists and charts and such, I also like to print off resources that I reference often at 50% and tape them into my notebooks. You can do this with any kind of checklist, printable, calendar, etc that you like to use. Here are some of my favorites that are available for free on my site: 

• Kitchen Essentials Checklist
• Freezer Inventory
• Seasonal Menus (Fall & Winter, Summer Lunch, Summer Dinner)
• Everyday Menus (Frugal Dinner Ideas, Adventure Day Menu, Lunch Tray Ideas)
• Best Kids’ Book Authors
• Treehouse Schoolhouse Nature Study Seasonal Calendars
• Reading Lists & Plans
• Seasonal Reset Questions

I hope this been helpful. Remember that even though there are some incredibly beautiful traveler’s journals and bullet journals online, ultimately the purpose is that your journal will add value to YOUR life. In other words, as long as it works for you and helps you, it doesn’t have to look any certain way.

Sharing is caring! Don’t forget to pin and share. Thank you!

The post DIY Traveler’s Journal & Tips appeared first on This Pilgrim Life.