2025 Planning Systems and Journaling: Geek out with Me
Generally speaking I have always been a one notebook or planner type of person. Since embarking motherhood I felt motivated to expand a little with the goal of capturing more moments via journaling and incorporating a home binder for our growing family needs. Although it looks like many notebooks to manage each has a unique purpose in my personal everyday life and home life. Read along for an overview of each planner or notebook and their role in this season of life.
New Moterm Covers Debut: Apricot Gang
I have been eyeing Moterm’s vegetable tanned leather notebooks for a couple years now. I was excited to finally have a reason to purchase one and add to my collection. I decided on covers for my Midori Codex and A6 Hobonichi both in the color Apricot. They are both in Moterm’s plus size (A5+ and A6+) which accommodate these two very thick notebooks flawlessly.
Below is a color comparison with my undyed Mansorah Atelier TN Bohéme cover and Van der Spek (VDS) Janet Leather Brown. These leather tones and textures are such a joy.
Bullet Journal: Midori Codex
This is my first year trying a bullet journal and despite the A5 size it pretty much goes everywhere with me. The cover took quite a beating the first half of 2025 and I tried to freshen it up with some yellow paint. My new A5+ Moterm cover came just in time for this notebook to hopefully survive the year with me! I provided an over of my bullet journal layout and experience so far in this post. I’m in love with Midori products and want to find a way to incorporate them into my current system throughout the next year.
A5 Home Ring Binder Project
Creating a home binder was something that finally opened up the opportunity to unload all the tasks that floated around in my head and ease and any overwhelm I may have feeling as we transitioned to a new home.
My home binder project has been a labor of love. In my previous work, I’ve enjoyed creating staff training manuals and documenting processes for onboarding new staff. A home binder felt like a fun way to incorporate something similar that hopefully offloads some of the mental labor that lives in my brain and occasionally comes to haunts me.
Although it’s a work in progress, I’m hopeful our home binder will be a good long-term solution for our whole household to have access to the same information. Here’s what I’ve drafted thus far and what I’m hoping to work on over the course of the next year or two:
Table of Contents
- Family: Schedules, Routines, Reference
- Daughter:
- Foods she likes
- Schedule ideas/routines
- Medical information: pediatrics, urgent/emergency care information, after hours support information
- Questions for pediatrician brain dump
- Pet Info:
- Vet/Pet Emergency numbers. Emergency evacuation supplies list. Vet questions brain dump.
- Schedules:
- Me and Husband’s personal time/hobby schedules or routine goals
- Daughter:
- Home Management
- Cleaning Routines Overview and Tracker. Chores list for whole family.
- Financial overview: monthly budget overview
- Previous Year Expenses Overview (23-25)
- Car Maintenance Tracker
- Shopping Wishlist Tracker
- Saving & Sinking Funds Goal Tracker
- Home Reno quotes, ideas, directory
- House purchase details
- Reference
- Transfer financial overview here?
- Yearly family goals
- Travel bucket list
- Passwords
- Inexpensive date night ideas and restaurants we want to try?
- Meal ideas we like: lunch & dinner menu. Favorite recipes printed.
Journals I’m Using:
My newest hobby or habit has become journaling. I found that Hobonichi’s 5-year journals best captured my needs and love that I can see different life stages all on one page over the span of 5 years. I’ve been mainly using the blank page on the right for photos or opportunities to write more.
Year 3 of Hobonichi 5-Year Journal (A5 size) for my daughter
These last 12 months have been challenging months as our whole family adjusts to a many new beginnings. From an exhausting pregnancy, toddler energy and curiosity growing before me, and moving into our new home, staying consistent with my daughter’s 5-year journal has been an uphill battle but also super rewarding to see the years filling up. I honestly can’t believe how we’re already filling in year 3 of her journal. I finally found a couple pockets of time this year to print and stick some photos that highlight our adventures or everyday moments for 2025. The little years are hard but full of so many beautiful moments- it’s been a lot to take in as we see our little one grow before us. Writing in her journal has been a labor of love. I’ve learned to be more gentle on myself and accept even a quick minute of journaling and including zero photos is perfectly okay.
Year 1 of personal Hobonichi 5-Year Journal (A6) for myself
A personal journal for me is a new venture. I wanted something to capture my own journey throughout my second pregnancy and growth. A6 felt like the right size for me. I’ve also considered writing one line a day or focus on gratitude or daily wins habit for my 5 year Hobonichi. I haven’t quite established solid routine but it’s been a great reflection tool and I love that it’s something for just me.
References
Home Binder Inspirations:
