Thursday, December 13, 2007

My Everything Books





I currently am using two spiral journals for what I refer to as my Everything Books. One is small enough that I can tuck it in my purse/diaper bag to take with me when I'm out and about. The other is larger and usually stays at home. These are just blank books that I've added pictures into to basically make them more fun to write in and use. I was inspired by Jewels' entries on her books.



I fill the books not only with beautiful pictures and collages, but with everything else I want to write down to remember. So, one page may be Scriptures I'm trying to memorize, the next may be my big, on-going To Do List. I have pages for Prayer Requests and pages of quotes I like. I've even started a page to list the books I'm reading. Some pages are just journaling, others are for planning events like the Christmas Tea, or Thanksgiving. I've got a Christmas section in the large book right now that has Advent Ideas, Wish Lists and Meal Planning.




The pictures may be just of images that catch my eye, or ideas for future craft projects. Some pages have one big picture, some collages, some no pictures, or just one little picture. Sometimes the pictures inspire me to journal on a specific topic, or give me just a quick chance to dream. I've even used the pictures to cover pages that looked too messy to me.



I'll put in post-its for the more mundane To Do Lists that will be completed in a day. I also put in photos, or a pressed flower. I've even had Pumpkin color in them so that I can keep those drawings as well. I've included little pictures from my neice, and may even throw in a sketch or two of my own. One really helpful thing is a list for Thank Yous that I need to write. I keep the list in one place and check them off as they are written. This was really helpful after Dumpling's birth!



The covers are collaged with all sorts of things. I included ribbon, buttons, and a vintage calling card on my little book. The larger book contains pictures from old Victoria magazines. It's helped to reduce the clutter of old magazines, as well as freed me in many ways.



I enjoy writing down my thoughts, but find that I am intimidated by a full blank sheet of paper. Lined paper drives me nuts as well. This way, there is already something there, I just get to fill in the blanks with my (random) thoughts. The pictures often make me smile and clear my thoughts.




It's also wonderful to use for taking notes on Bible studies, speakers, as well as having a place to keep Prayer Requests for family and friends. I can then go back and write down updates and other answers to prayer. Plus, I'm less likely to say I'll pray for someone and forget, since I have it written down.


I love my books. For a visual person like myself, it's wonderful! I like having all the little details of life in one place. This helps.

18 comments:

Joanne : The Simple Wife said...

Oooh...I'm so glad you showed us what's inside your Everything Books. I think I need some!

I love seeing all the little things you jot down, the lists you keep, the gorgeous pictures you've included.

Thanks for sharing!

Much, much love!
Joanne

Carina said...

Kimberly,

Your books are lovely! I too was inspired by Jewel's journals and created one much like yours that I use in much the same way! :)

Anonymous said...

What a lovely idea! I've always kept notebooks filled with lists, thoughts, goals, and plans, but it never occurred to me to fill it up with pictures, too. This is definitely an idea I'll borrow. Visiting your blog is always inspiring - I've been lurking for months now, and I'm always thrilled to see what you're up to!

--Kristen

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

I love your everything books. They are really usefull and so very pretty also. Blessings Mary

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing! They are beautiful!

I am thinking about this...

Susan (mama to eight from 26 to 5)

Davene said...

These are wonderful! And your handwriting is so pretty! :)

Anonymous said...

Thank you ladies for your sweet comments. Maybe next I'll post my Housekeeping Book with my not-so-routine-these-daze routines. :)
~Kimberly

Anonymous said...

absolute beauty and wisdom in the same volume. beautiful. i like that you have sections devoted to subject matter.

where did you find this type of notebook?

blessings ...

Anonymous said...

Kimberly,
Your Everyday Books are beautiful!! I hope you don't mind that I made reference to them and linked to your blog from mine.

~~Anne
www.backyardtreasures.wordpress.com

Andrea said...

How fun! I've been doing this for awhile, I just didn't know it had a name!! I use "composition" books, the kind that have a sewn binding, and just paste pictures on the cover, inside, lots of notes, whatever.

One cool thing is that I find that just by cutting it out and pasting in, I'm not as likely to think I need to *buy* and item, I just keep the picture for an idea.

Lisa said...

Kimberly,
Your Everything books are so, well awesome -- they are just awesome. I keep a small notebook in my purse, but I'm just not inspired by it. I also keep a binder with clippings from magazines for craft projects that I want to do for myself or with the kids. I think that I need to try your idea of the Everything Book for my planning and lists. I know I said it before, but these are just awesome. Thank you so much for sharing and thank you to JoAnne for leading me to this post. What a great idea.

Anonymous said...

I found your site during one of my visits to The Simple Wife.

I have been floundering about what to do with ALL these ideas and projects floating in my head! I always keep a small spiral notebook with me, but it isn't all that inspiring and have been considering upgrading to something different...your post has inspired me!

Thanks for sharing and please post your Housekeeping book! I have a "Control Journal" from Flylady that sounds like it might be similar. :)


So, do you put your grocery/errand list in your everything book, too?

Anonymous said...

I love your Everything book ideas. Can you tell me where you buy them or the brand? Have not been able to locate any that look like yours (as heavy duty)

thank you for such lovely posts!
Debi

Kimberly said...

I get my blanck books from a variety of places. I like the spiral bound blank scrapbooks or journals usually, but I do use a mini Moleskin book for my purse. I've bought the books at bookstores and Hobby Lobby. I've also just bought plain sketchbooks as well. I prefer the spiral bound books because they lay flat, something the Moleskins don't do. Just use what you can find and have fun!

Anonymous said...

This is a joy!!!!

I have several journals. One for projects I would love to do, one for pictures I would love to sketch, one for prayers, one for scriptures, one for cute things my children say.

But today, you have inspired me to stop trying to keep it all organized and just get it all into this beautfiul compilation of life.

Tonight is mom's night out and I intend to use it to decoupage and decorate the cover of my new Everything Books (one for the purse one for the home).

Thanks for the inspiration!

Kimberly said...

Hi Kimberly! I have to be honest I stumbled upon your blog cause we have the same name!I thought I would check out your blog. I love, love, love what I see. Your journals, I love that idea. Did you decorate the front of your journal or did you buy it that way? I am going to start one!

renee @ FIMBY said...

very nice Kimberly. I need a new journal soon and am inspired by your idea.

Evelien J said...

Those look great..I've been using Pinterest a lot to organize and gather ideas visually, then a different program for to-do's, another one for ideas that are not as visual..and it's all starting to create more 'mind' clutter than it was intended to get rid of.
I'm going to give this a try, great idea, thanks for sharing!

LinkWithin

Blog Widget by LinkWithin