Bullet Journaling with Toad Diaries

It’s that time of the year again when I’m on the look out for a new diary. I started writing a bullet journal in July so I was keen to combine both aspects in one book instead of having two.

What is a Bullet Journal? : 

The Bullet Journal is a fully customised organisation system and it’s trendy at the moment, plus it’s a great excuse for adults to indulge in an excessive amount of stationery and stickers. Although the kids already destroyed my gel pens. It can be your to-do list, a sketchbook, notebook and diary, usually it’s a collection of all of these.

diary bullet journal

I’ve really enjoyed the creativity that comes from bullet journaling and one of my favourite spreads has to be my monthly gratitude layout.  Everyday I write down something that made me happy, usually these a little wins for the children i.e. Awesome Learner, passing swimming level or winning football team or even productive day in the office, great wellness walk. I’m not going to lie though on those horrendous parenting days when everything seems to go wrong the only thing I’m grateful for is wine and bedtime, I’m not afraid to say I write that down! Writing down something positive in the evening can reduce stress and impacts your mood positively.

Designing a Diary based Bullet Journal : 

Diaries help us with organisation, time management and reduces stress. Being organised and having a rein over your productivity and time management is going to help with reducing stress levels. The Toad Diaries site is super easy to use. I really liked that you could start the diary from any point. As I already had a planner with 2 months to go I decided to start in January, but the option to start any month is really a plus point.  There is plenty of options when it comes how your month is laid out too. I opted for the one page week and a squared page opposite to do my #bujo designs on. But you can lay the week out over two pages, or even a page per day whichever takes your fancy. You can also start the week on any day, I think this feature is awesome for those of us who don’t work a normal Monday to Friday 9-5 week. I like a book with a spine and hard cover but if you prefer a spiral bound there’s an option for that too.

toad diary layout

Brainstormers sent the children a box of space goodies including The Original Glowstars Glow-in-the-Dark Stickers which make super bullet journaling stickers!  And as they come in a pack of 1000, there are enough to keep everyone happy. Each sticker pack also includes a bonus Zodiac Star Chart. As the cover design I went for is William Shakespeare’s “It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves” quote, then of course I added a few stars.

New Year New Diary! :

I have planned my first page already for 2018 with some of my goals, plans etc …. but also leaving space as I like the book to be organic, growing and developing over time. I plan to use the diary section as both my weekly schedule and to write my gratitude list. This way everything is together. I’ll use the squared page for doodles, goals and like a scrapbook with ticket stubs and photographs. (I’m really hoping Daddy Moo gets me a HP Sprocket for Christmas.)

toad diary

Word of the Year : 

I loved having a word of the year. Although I didn’t manage to “double” everything this year or hit all my goals I realised the main reason was that I didn’t take ACTION. Making that my word for 2018.  I’m going to build upon using my Teacherboard to plan my months but I’ll be taking far more action. Stop thinking start doing! The end of the diary is filled with notes pages which means I can still have spreads for books I’m reading or movies I want to watch and my #40before40 list too.

notes bullet journal

The diary is a little thinner than I had thought it would be, possibly due to having a week per page. It is very well made and of good quality. There is a small amount of ghosting but I’m sure once I fill all the pages in I won’t even notice. It’s also reasonably priced for a personalised diary coming in at around £12-£15 depending on size and style.

Save yourself 20% using JDReaders20% until 30th June 2018.





This is a review which complies with my Disclosure Post.

Found this useful wondering how you can show me your appreciation? Well, there are some ways you can say thanks and support my website: ➡

The Ultimate Guide to Content Marketing and Digital …

The Ultimate Guide to Content Marketing and Digital PR Book Review View Post

Home Office Health | Needlite Review

Home Office Health | Needlite Review View Post