Lucy Loves: Textures and Journals

January Lucy Loves: Textures and Journals

I love anything I can touch and feel. Textures, patterns…anything tangible is my love language! And if you ever visit me at my home in Birmingham, Alabama, you’ll see exactly what I mean. 

Blankets.

Curtains. 

Knick Knacks.

Tile. 

Wood. 

…the list goes on! 

Because in my world, getting to make contact with something - whether it be your favorite plushy pillow or the backsplash in your kitchen - enhances the experience of life. 

And this most certainly applies to what I’m sharing in this month’s Lucy Loves.

It’s the product that has held a special place in my heart ever since I was in high school.

It’s my favorite gift to give. 

It’s the thing I have a TON of, and I’ll never get enough. 

It’s something you’ll find in my purse or on my nightstand at any given time. 

You guessed it, friend. Today I am sharing all about my affection for JOURNALS. 

Picture this: You’re in a cute local shop, just browsing around as you explore a new town or the one you live in. Suddenly…there it is. Fresh, soft leather. Perfectly lined pages. A clasp made of a vintage piece of metal. 

*It’s love at first sight* 

And despite the fact that your collection of journals has been ever-increasing over the past few years, you just really need this one. I mean, you can’t pass it up. 

Sound familiar? Or is this just a story that Lucy here is living? 

This story might sound a little silly, but I love journals and notebooks for so many reasons. And I think reason #1 at the top of the list is this: you can never have too many. 

In fact, I have personally discovered that having several notebooks is actually a great way to be organized. I used to pressure myself to stick to one at a time, but now I have a variety of different notebooks that all serve different purposes.

I keep one on my nightstand for dreams. 

I keep one in my purse/bag for spontaneous ideas/thoughts. 

I keep one in every room of the house.

There’s one for dreams. 

There’s one for true journaling. An adult diary, if you will.

There’s one for prayers. 

There’s one for lists. 

There’s one for planning. 

There’s even a stack that I just LOVE and make for great gifts when I feel led to give something to a friend (or a stranger)!

And to be honest, this is just scratching the surface. 

But before we go any further (because you’re probably thinking I’m crazy right now), let’s talk a little bit about the science of putting pen to paper. We live in a digital world - but did you know that consistently writing things down can actually make you smarter? Not to mention, there are major stats backing the fact that when we make journaling/writing a part of our daily rhythm, we’re much more likely to lower stress and live a more peaceful life!

For example, a recent article from cnbc.com states that you become 42% more likely to achieve your goals and dreams, simply by writing them down on a daily basis.

I’ll take those odds! 

So in true Lucy Loves fashion, here are just a few of my absolute favorite notebooks, journals, and planners. Links are included for each one! 

• DAYDREAMER by THIMBLEPRESS. This one hits the top of the list for a reason. Not only do I love the big, sturdy nature and the joyful, inviting colors, but this “journal” is a hybrid of all things magical. It includes daily lists, inspirational art pages, and so much more. I love to dream and plan here!

• THE SIMPLIFIED PLANNER BY EMILY LEY. The second you click on that link, you’ll see the beautiful designs that this planner comes in. Combine that with a jumbo gold spiral, color-coded tabs and stickers, and all the page types you could ever need and well, I’ve got the warm fuzzies. 

• BRAINDUMP NOTEPAD by SIMPLE PURPOSEFUL LIVING. The practice of brain dumping has been revolutionary for me. Getting everything in my brain out onto paper is so healing! Coming in at less than $15, this brightly colored notepad is the perfect place to put the brain on paper. 

• LEATHER JOURNAL by CAGELESS BIRDS. These are so lovely…and handmade! The “blank page” version is my favorite to write in, draw in, and carry everywhere.

While these are all some of my favorites, even a plain spiral notebook is a great option. The key to finding great journals or notebooks is choosing what works best for you! What appeals to you? What makes you want to open it? What feels like a safe space for you? 

Pretty much anything with paper is a great option for me. Yes, I’ve even used a napkin before! 

Putting pen to paper to visualize something allows it to become etched into my brain, and that is where the power and peace lie. 

So what about you? 

Do you love journals as much as I do?

Are you picking up more writing and drawing habits in the new year? 

Remember, there is no “right” time to do it or “right” time to start. 

Let me know your favorite journals or any questions in the comments below!