Heidi

  • everyday journaling, journaling prompts

    Why Movie Nights Deserve a Page in Your Journal

    • Comments Off on Why Movie Nights Deserve a Page in Your Journal
    • by

    There’s something magical about a movie night — the lights dim, the popcorn pops, and for a little while, the rest of the world fades away. Whether you’re laughing through a beloved comedy, feeling inspired by a powerful documentary, or wiping away tears during a heartfelt drama, those movie moments have a way of staying with us long after the screen goes dark.

    But what if they didn’t have to fade at all? What if you could hold onto those feelings, those discoveries, those quiet revelations that surface when a story truly moves you?

    Journaling after watching a movie transforms a few hours of screen time into something more — a meaningful keepsake, a mirror reflecting what you felt, noticed, and loved along the way. It’s not about becoming a film critic; it’s about honoring the way stories touch your life. 🍿✨

    🎞️ More Than Just a Movie: A Snapshot of Your Life

    Every movie tells a story. The movies you watch become part of who you are. The cozy Friday night curled up on the couch. The unexpected conversation that lasted until midnight. The quote that made you pause and reach for your phone to write it down before you forgot.

    When you journal about movies, you’re not just recording plot points — you’re capturing moments in your own life:

    The emotions that surprised you. Maybe a seemingly simple scene brought unexpected tears, or a character’s courage sparked something in you that you’re still carrying days later.

    The themes that resonated deeply. Perhaps a story about second chances arrived exactly when you needed to hear it, or a film’s message about belonging helped you feel less alone.

    The shared experiences. The way your partner laughed at that one scene. Your friend’s gasp at the plot twist. The comfortable silence afterward when you were both too moved to speak right away.

    The patterns that emerge. Over time, your movie journal will show the types of stories you gravitate toward, the comfort you find in rewatching favorites during difficult times, and the way your tastes evolve and grow.

    These entries become breadcrumbs leading back to who you were in each moment, what mattered to you, what made you laugh or think or dream.

    🍿 Journaling Made Simple (and Joyful!)

    Movie journaling is for you. There’s no need to write the perfect review. Sometimes the most meaningful entries are the simplest ones — a few honest sentences, a feeling captured in a word or two.

    Try these creative approaches:

    💭 Quick Reflections
    Keep it beautifully simple with a single prompt: “What emotion stayed with you after the credits rolled?” or “What’s one line you don’t want to forget?” Sometimes one thoughtful sentence holds more meaning than pages of analysis.

    🎬 Mini Movie Log
    Create a quick snapshot: the title, the date you watched it, a simple rating (stars, popcorn kernels, whatever feels fun), and your favorite moment. To make this easy, print up rating cards from my Etsy set, Movie Journal Prompts and Scrapbook Set printable.

    📝 Feeling-Based Entries
    Instead of summarizing the plot, capture the feeling: “This movie made me want to call my sister” or “Left me thinking about what bravery really means” or simply “Pure joy.” These emotional snapshots often mean more than any plot summary ever could.

    The key is finding what feels natural and sustainable for you. This isn’t homework — it’s a gift you’re giving your future self.

    ✨ Make It a Cozy Ritual

    The real magic happens when journaling becomes part of your movie-night experience, not an afterthought you might get to someday (but probably won’t).

    Here’s how to weave it in naturally:

    Before the movie starts, set up your little ritual. Keep your journal or printable pages within arm’s reach — on the coffee table, tucked in the couch cushion, wherever feels natural. If you’re using prompts, choose one before you press play. It helps you watch with gentle intention, noticing what moves you.

    As the credits begin to roll — while you’re still wrapped in that movie feeling — reach for your pen. You don’t need to wait for the perfect words. Jot down the first thought that comes to mind. Your favorite scene. A character who reminded you of someone. The way the music made you feel. Let it be messy and immediate and real.

    Over time, something wonderful happens. You’ll have pages filled with color and memory, a heartfelt record of your cinematic adventures that’s uniquely yours. Flip back through it on a rainy afternoon and you won’t just remember the movies — you’ll remember the life that surrounded them.

    It’s not about being thorough or clever. It’s about noticing how stories move you, and giving yourself permission to slow down and reflect in a world that rarely encourages either.

    🎥 Your Journal Is Your Story

    Here’s what makes movie journaling truly special: every entry becomes a window into your own evolving story — your changing tastes, your shifting moods, your growing collection of memories.

    As you fill in your Table of Movie Moments or color in popcorn ratings, you’re documenting more than entertainment. You’re capturing the cozy Sunday afternoons and Friday night traditions. The films that got you through tough weeks. The unexpected discoveries that became new favorites. The ones you watched with people you love, and the ones you watched alone when you needed to feel something.

    Years from now, you might stumble across an entry from a difficult season and remember how that particular movie helped you through it. Or you’ll find a note from a perfect evening and be transported right back to that couch, that person, that version of yourself.

    Your movie journal becomes a love letter to your own life — proof that you noticed, that you felt deeply, that you took time to pay attention to the stories that shaped you.

    So grab a page, pour yourself some popcorn, and let your pen capture the magic. Your movie nights are already special — now they’ll be unforgettable. 🎬🍿

    💌 Ready to Start?

    Create your own movie journaling experience:
    🎞️ Movie Log Journal Set — printable pages, covers, and dot grids designed to fold into an instant keepsake.

    movie log journal set shown both opened and closed

    🍿 Movie Journal & Scrapbook Kit on Etsy — a collection of fortune-style prompts, genre titles, and decorative pages for deeper reflection.

    Together, they make journaling about the movies you watch both fun and meaningful — no drawing skills or fancy supplies required!

    What movie moment are you going to journal about first? I’d love to hear what you’re watching and what moves you. Drop a comment below, and happy journaling!

  • journaling prompts

    Journaling Prompts for Our Emotions

    • Comments Off on Journaling Prompts for Our Emotions
    • by

    Journal Prompts for Processing Emotions

    Even though I usually create whimsical and light-hearted prompts, sometimes we need to dive deeper and explore our feelings through writing. To get the most out of these prompts, start by identifying the emotion that best matches how you’re feeling. Use the list of 96 emotions (thank you Chat GPT!) to pinpoint exactly what you’re experiencing. Once you’ve located the word, reflect on it and consider how it resonates with you. You can use the corresponding prompt to either dive deeper into your current feelings or to reflect on a past emotional state and see how you processed that emotion. Our emotions, whether they lift us up or challenge us, are what make us human. By understanding them, we can learn more about ourselves, grow as individuals, and find some peace along the way. 

    I got the inspiration for these prompts from a big magnet on my fridge that shows 12 different emotions, each expressed by Mr. Potato Head. The emotions he shows are: silly, needy, sleepy, arrr… (Mr. Potato Head as a pirate with an eye patch), stressed, shy, confused, funny, cool, happy, brave, and bored. While I love picking which emotion matches my mood, I often find myself feeling something that doesn’t quite match one of those 12 emotions. That’s why I decided to create these journal prompts—to give us a much bigger list of emotions to choose from and to help us take the time to identify and express our feelings. 

    Grab your favorite journal, find a cozy spot, and let’s go on a journey to understand ourselves better.

     
     
    Uplifting Emotions Journal Prompts:
     

    Admiration:

        • Reflect on a person you deeply admire. What qualities do they possess that inspire you, and how have they influenced your life?

      Affection:

          • Describe a moment when you felt a strong sense of affection for someone. What triggered this feeling, and how did you express it?

        Amazement:

            • Think of a time when you were truly amazed by something or someone. What was the source of your amazement, and how did it change your perspective?

          Amusement:

              • Write about an experience that made you laugh or feel amused. What was it, and why do you think it had such a strong impact on your mood?

            Appreciation:

                • Describe something or someone you deeply appreciate. What specific aspects do you value, and how do you show your appreciation?

              Astonishment:

                  • Recall an event that left you astonished. What were the circumstances, and how did this experience broaden your understanding or awareness?

                Awe:

                    • Write about an awe-inspiring experience. What made it so powerful, and how did it affect your view of the world or your place in it?

                  Bliss:

                      • Reflect on a moment of pure bliss. What were you doing, and what factors contributed to this feeling of complete happiness?

                    Calmness:

                        • Think about a time when you felt a deep sense of calm. What environment or actions helped you achieve this state, and how did it benefit you?

                      Cheerfulness:

                          • Describe a situation where you felt particularly cheerful. What was happening, and how did your cheerfulness affect those around you?

                        Comfort:

                            • Write about a source of comfort in your life. Whether it’s a person, place, or activity, how does it provide you with solace and reassurance?

                          Compassion:

                              • Reflect on a time when you showed or received compassion. What was the situation, and what impact did this act of kindness have on you or others?

                            Confidence:

                                • Think of a moment when you felt incredibly confident. What were you doing, and what contributed to your sense of self-assurance?

                              Contentment:

                                  • Describe an experience where you felt truly content. What aspects of your life or surroundings brought about this feeling?

                                Curiosity:

                                    • Write about something that has sparked your curiosity recently. Why does it intrigue you, and how do you plan to explore this interest further?

                                  Delight:

                                      • Reflect on a delightful surprise you encountered. What was it, and why did it bring you such joy?

                                    Eagerness:

                                        • Think about a time when you felt eager and excited. What were you anticipating, and how did your eagerness shape your actions?

                                      Ecstasy:

                                          • Describe a moment of ecstasy you experienced. What were the circumstances, and how did this intense happiness affect you?

                                        Elation:

                                            • Write about a time when you felt elated. What was the cause of your elation, and how did you celebrate this feeling?

                                          Empathy:

                                              • Reflect on a situation where you felt deep empathy for someone. How did you connect with their emotions, and what impact did it have on you?

                                            Enthusiasm:

                                                • Think about something you are passionate about. How does your enthusiasm for this activity or topic manifest in your life?

                                              Excitement:

                                                  • Describe an exciting event or experience. What made it so thrilling, and how did it influence your emotions or actions?

                                                Exhilaration:

                                                    • Write about a time when you felt exhilarated. What were you doing, and how did this rush of excitement and energy affect you?

                                                  Faith:

                                                      • Reflect on a belief or trust that you hold deeply. How does your faith guide your decisions and actions?

                                                    Fascination:

                                                        • Think about something that has always fascinated you. What draws you to it, and how has this fascination influenced your life or thinking?

                                                      Fondness:

                                                          • Describe a person or memory that you hold with great fondness. What makes them or it special, and how do they impact your emotions?

                                                        Fulfillment:

                                                            • Write about a goal or achievement that brought you a sense of fulfillment. What steps did you take to reach it, and how did it feel to accomplish it?

                                                          Gladness:

                                                              • Reflect on a moment when you felt a deep sense of gladness. What was happening, and what contributed to this positive emotion?

                                                            Gratitude:

                                                                • Think about something or someone you are grateful for. How do you express your gratitude, and how does it affect your outlook on life?

                                                              Happiness:

                                                                  • Describe a time when you felt truly happy. What were the circumstances, and how did this happiness influence your actions or decisions?

                                                                Harmony:

                                                                    • Write about an experience where you felt in perfect harmony with yourself or others. What created this sense of balance, and how did it impact you?

                                                                  Hope:

                                                                      • Reflect on a hope or aspiration you hold. How does this hope motivate you, and what steps are you taking to achieve it?

                                                                    Inspiration:

                                                                        • Think about something or someone that inspires you. What qualities or actions of theirs do you find inspiring, and how does it affect your own behavior?

                                                                      Interest:

                                                                          • Describe a subject or activity that interests you deeply. How did you become interested in it, and how does it enrich your life?

                                                                        Joy:

                                                                            • Write about a joyful occasion in your life. What made it so joyous, and how did it leave a lasting impact on you?

                                                                          Jubilation:

                                                                              • Reflect on a time when you felt jubilant. What was the cause of your jubilation, and how did you celebrate it?

                                                                            Kindness:

                                                                                • Think about an act of kindness you have performed or received. What was the situation, and how did it affect your feelings and relationships?

                                                                              Love:

                                                                                  • Describe a person or thing you love deeply. How does this love manifest in your daily life, and how does it shape your actions?

                                                                                Optimism:

                                                                                    • Write about a situation where you felt optimistic. What gave you this sense of hope, and how did it influence your approach to the situation?

                                                                                  Peace:

                                                                                      • Reflect on a moment when you felt at peace. What factors contributed to this feeling, and how did it affect your overall well-being?

                                                                                    Pride:

                                                                                        • Think about an achievement or quality that makes you feel proud. What did you do to earn this pride, and how does it influence your self-esteem?

                                                                                      Radiance:

                                                                                          • Describe a time when you felt radiant. What were the circumstances, and how did this inner glow affect your interactions with others?

                                                                                        Reflectiveness:

                                                                                            • Write about a moment when you took time to deeply ponder a situation or idea. What prompted this reflection, and what conclusions did you draw?

                                                                                          Relief:

                                                                                              • Reflect on a time when you felt a deep sense of relief. What was the situation, and how did this relief change your perspective or actions?

                                                                                            Reverence:

                                                                                                • Think about an experience where you felt a deep sense of reverence. What inspired this feeling, and how did it affect your actions or beliefs?

                                                                                              Satisfaction:

                                                                                                  • Write about a task or goal you completed that brought you satisfaction. What made it fulfilling, and how did it impact your sense of accomplishment?

                                                                                                Security:

                                                                                                    • Reflect on a time when you felt secure and safe. What were the circumstances, and how did this sense of security influence your actions?

                                                                                                  Serenity:

                                                                                                      • Describe a serene moment in your life. What made it so peaceful, and how did it affect your overall sense of well-being?

                                                                                                    Sentimentality:

                                                                                                        • Think about an item or memory that you hold with great sentimentality. Why is it so special to you, and how does it make you feel when you think about it?

                                                                                                      Surprise:

                                                                                                          • Write about a surprise that had a significant impact on you. What were the details of the surprise, and how did it influence your outlook or decisions?

                                                                                                        Sympathy:

                                                                                                            • Reflect on a situation where you felt deep sympathy for someone. How did you express this sympathy, and what impact did it have on your relationship?

                                                                                                          Thrill:

                                                                                                              • Describe an exhilarating experience you had. What made it so thrilling, and how did it affect your emotions and behavior?

                                                                                                            Tranquility:

                                                                                                                • Think about a time when you felt completely tranquil. What contributed to this feeling of peace, and how did it benefit you?

                                                                                                              Trust:

                                                                                                                  • Write about someone you trust deeply. What has this person done to earn your trust, and how does this trust affect your relationship?

                                                                                                                Wonder:

                                                                                                                    • Reflect on a moment that filled you with wonder. What about this experience was so captivating, and how did it expand your sense of possibility?

                                                                                                                  Zest:

                                                                                                                      • Describe a situation where you felt full of zest and energy. What were you doing, and how did this enthusiasm impact your actions and interactions?
                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                    Challenging Emotions Journal Prompts:

                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                    Anger:

                                                                                                                        • Think about a time when you felt extremely angry. What was the situation, and how did you manage or express your anger?

                                                                                                                      Ambivalence:

                                                                                                                          • Describe a situation where you felt ambivalent. What were the conflicting feelings, and how did you eventually make a decision?

                                                                                                                        Annoyance:

                                                                                                                            • Write about something that frequently annoys you. Why does it bother you, and how do you typically handle this annoyance?

                                                                                                                          Anxiety:

                                                                                                                              • Reflect on a moment when you felt anxious. What triggered your anxiety, and what strategies did you use to cope with it?

                                                                                                                            Apathy:

                                                                                                                                • Think of a time when you felt indifferent or apathetic. What caused this lack of interest, and how did it affect your actions and decisions?

                                                                                                                              Bewilderment:

                                                                                                                                  • Describe an experience that left you feeling bewildered. What was confusing about it, and how did you eventually find clarity?

                                                                                                                                Bitterness:

                                                                                                                                    • Consider a situation that made you feel bitter. What were the circumstances, and how have you worked to move past those feelings?

                                                                                                                                  Confusion:

                                                                                                                                      • Write about a time when you were deeply confused. What was the source of your confusion, and how did you resolve it?

                                                                                                                                    Contempt:

                                                                                                                                        • Reflect on a moment when you felt contempt for someone or something. What led to this feeling, and how did you deal with it?

                                                                                                                                      Defeat:

                                                                                                                                          • Think about an experience where you felt defeated. What happened, and how did you find the strength to move forward?

                                                                                                                                        Depression:

                                                                                                                                            • Describe a period when you felt depressed. What were the contributing factors, and what steps did you take to address your depression?

                                                                                                                                          Despair:

                                                                                                                                              • Write about a time when you felt deep despair. What were the circumstances, and how did you find hope or support?

                                                                                                                                            Disappointment:

                                                                                                                                                • Consider an event that led to significant disappointment. What were your expectations, and how did you cope with the outcome?

                                                                                                                                              Disgust:

                                                                                                                                                  • Reflect on a situation that made you feel disgusted. What caused this reaction, and how did you deal with those feelings?

                                                                                                                                                Dismay:

                                                                                                                                                    • Think about a time when you felt dismayed. What caused this feeling, and what steps did you take to recover from it?

                                                                                                                                                  Distress:

                                                                                                                                                      • Write about an experience that caused you great distress. What were the circumstances, and how did you manage your emotional response?

                                                                                                                                                    Embarrassment:

                                                                                                                                                        • Recall a moment when you felt deeply embarrassed. What happened, and how did you handle the situation?

                                                                                                                                                      Envy:

                                                                                                                                                          • Reflect on a time when you felt envious of someone. What triggered your envy, and how did you work through these feelings?

                                                                                                                                                        Fear:

                                                                                                                                                            • Describe an instance where you felt intense fear. What was the situation, and how did you overcome or face this fear?

                                                                                                                                                          Frustration:

                                                                                                                                                              • Think about a situation that caused you great frustration. What were the contributing factors, and how did you address the issue?

                                                                                                                                                            Guilt:

                                                                                                                                                                • Write about a time when you felt guilty. What was the cause of your guilt, and how did you work to make amends or forgive yourself?

                                                                                                                                                              Helplessness:

                                                                                                                                                                  • Reflect on a moment when you felt helpless. What were the circumstances, and how did you find a way to regain control or seek help?

                                                                                                                                                                Hurt:

                                                                                                                                                                    • Describe an experience that left you feeling hurt. What caused this pain, and how did you heal or move forward?

                                                                                                                                                                  Insecurity:

                                                                                                                                                                      • Consider a time when you felt insecure. What were the triggers, and how did you work to build your confidence?

                                                                                                                                                                    Irritation:

                                                                                                                                                                        • Think about something that frequently irritates you. What is it, and how do you typically respond to this irritation?

                                                                                                                                                                      Jealousy:

                                                                                                                                                                          • Write about an experience where you felt jealous. What caused these feelings, and how did you address or manage them?

                                                                                                                                                                        Loneliness:

                                                                                                                                                                            • Reflect on a period when you felt lonely. What were the circumstances, and what steps did you take to connect with others or find comfort?

                                                                                                                                                                          Melancholy:

                                                                                                                                                                              • Describe a time when you felt a deep sense of melancholy. What were the underlying reasons, and how did you manage these feelings?

                                                                                                                                                                            Misery:

                                                                                                                                                                                • Think about an experience that made you feel miserable. What was the situation, and how did you find relief or support?

                                                                                                                                                                              Nostalgia:

                                                                                                                                                                                  • Write about a nostalgic memory from your past. What emotions does this memory evoke, and why is it significant to you?

                                                                                                                                                                                Paradox:

                                                                                                                                                                                    • Consider a paradox you’ve encountered in your life. How did you reconcile the conflicting aspects, and what insights did you gain?

                                                                                                                                                                                  Puzzlement:

                                                                                                                                                                                      • Reflect on a time when you felt completely puzzled by something or someone. What was the puzzle, and how did you eventually come to understand it?

                                                                                                                                                                                    Regret:

                                                                                                                                                                                        • Describe a situation where you felt regretful. What were the circumstances, and what did you learn from this experience?

                                                                                                                                                                                      Resentment:

                                                                                                                                                                                          • Write about a time when you felt resentful. What caused these feelings, and how did you work through them?

                                                                                                                                                                                        Sadness:

                                                                                                                                                                                            • Think about an event that caused you deep sadness. What were the circumstances, and how did you cope with this emotion?

                                                                                                                                                                                          Shame:

                                                                                                                                                                                              • Reflect on a moment when you felt ashamed. What led to this feeling, and how did you address or overcome it?

                                                                                                                                                                                            Sorrow:

                                                                                                                                                                                                • Describe a time when you experienced profound sorrow. What was the cause, and how did you find comfort or healing?

                                                                                                                                                                                              Stress:

                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Write about a stressful situation you faced. What were the stressors, and how did you manage or alleviate the stress?

                                                                                                                                                                                                Suspense:

                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Recall a situation filled with suspense. What were you anticipating, and how did the outcome match or differ from your expectations?

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Uncertainty:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Reflect on a time when you faced uncertainty. How did you cope with not knowing the outcome, and what did you learn from the experience?

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Unhappiness:

                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Think about a period when you felt unhappy. What were the contributing factors, and how did you work to improve your mood or situation?

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Vulnerability:

                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Write about a moment when you felt vulnerable. What made you feel this way, and how did you protect yourself or find strength?

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Worry:

                                                                                                                                                                                                            • Reflect on a situation that caused you significant worry. What were you concerned about, and how did you manage or address these concerns?

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Discomfort:

                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Think about a time when you felt uncomfortable. What caused this discomfort, and how did you handle the situation?

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Doubt:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Write about an instance where you felt doubt. What were you uncertain about, and how did you find clarity or confidence?

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Fright:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Describe a moment when you felt frightened. What scared you, and how did you confront or overcome this fear?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Hopelessness:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Reflect on a time when you felt hopeless. What led to this feeling, and how did you find hope or support?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Nervousness:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Think about an experience where you felt nervous. What was the situation, and how did you calm your nerves or build confidence?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Overwhelm:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Write about a time when you felt overwhelmed. What were the contributing factors, and how did you find a way to manage or reduce the overwhelm?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Panic:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Describe a situation where you felt panicked. What triggered your panic, and how did you regain control or calm yourself?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Remorse:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • Reflect on a moment when you felt remorseful. What did you regret, and how did you make amends or forgive yourself?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Shock:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Think about an event that shocked you. What were the circumstances, and how did you process and recover from the shock?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Tension:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Write about a time when you felt tension. What was causing this tension, and how did you work to alleviate it?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Unease:


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Reflect on a situation that made you feel uneasy. What contributed to this feeling, and how did you find a sense of calm or resolve?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I hope these journal prompts help you uncover and understand the full range of your emotions. Remember, every feeling you experience is valid and important. By taking the time to reflect and write, you’re giving yourself the gift of self-awareness and personal growth. Keep journaling, stay curious about your inner world, and embrace every part of your emotional journey. Happy writing!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                P.S.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Did you find any emotions that are not listed in this article? After finishing most of this article and creating my Journey through Emotions journal kit, there was one emotion I wished was listed…pissed and/or mad! I’m sure there are many more words for our emotions though. I would love to know what words you come up with that aren’t on this list. I just might create another page of words to add to this journal kit!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Check out this Journey through Emotions journal set by clicking on the above image!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • making journals, travel journaling

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Get your National Parks journal set up!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Comments Off on Get your National Parks journal set up!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • by

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Welcome National Parks fans to a new way of journaling and scrapbooking! One that is easy, quick, and best of all, FUN!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Not on my email list yet? Sign up below to get this FREE National Park journal which can also be a calendar to keep track of your adventures!


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Once you’re signed up, you can go to the library of free journals here. Check out the other free journals while you are there!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The code needed to access the free library is in your most recent email from me. The code does change from time to time.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This is what you will see when you have downloaded and opened up your National Parks journal calendar PDF.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                first set of "slides" of PDF

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This set has nine pages. Two cover choices, one patterned page, two journaling pages, three different calendar choices, and the instructions/terms page. (This set has since been updated to include a set of journal cards!)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Decide which cover (page one or two) you will use. Let me know in the comments which is your favorite one. I am enjoying the bird cover which I recently added to this set.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Using your laptop or desktop computer will give you more options for printing your pages. Below are the settings I use for my HP Envy Photo 7858 printer. Printers vary, but you should find similar settings on your printer. Here are the settings to consider:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                To print the cover and pattern pages, you can use the borderless print setting if your printer has that option.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I’ve had terrible luck with lines showing up on my printed pages. Until I finally figured out that I could use the color FINE setting! It does take longer to print out the pages, but it’s worth it not to have the dreaded lines! I only use this setting when the lines would be evident like they would be in the arrowhead image. (This color fine setting is not available when I print from my iPhone.)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Make sure the two-sided printing is NOT checked. (We need more control over how our pages are printed up. If this is not checked, the printing on the back will be upside down.)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Also, make sure that you indicate which page you want to print. In the case of the arrowhead cover, you would print page one. (Shown as from 1 to 1. Or you could click on the selected page from the images of the pages on the left, and click on selected page in sidebar.) If you would like the bird cover, you would print page two. Sometimes I forget to check this and end up printing the entire set at once.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I like to use the pattern page (page 3) to print on the backside of the cover.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Now for the inside pages, decide if you are making a journal or a calendar.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The example above is the dot grid journal page (page 4). You can print up as many pages as you want…I recommend up to 20 or so, depending on how thick the paper you use is. To find out what I use for paper and a stapler, click here. Keep in mind that each sheet of paper you use creates four pages.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I’m also curious if you prefer the dot grid or the lined journal pages. I like to mix mine up!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Be sure that you click on scale to fit/print entire image. Otherwise, some of the outer parts of the images may not get printed. Another reason to use your desktop or laptop as this setting is also not available on the iPhone.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Use the print entire image setting for all the journal and calendar pages.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Each of the three calendar types is designed to be printed on the front and back, so when you fold them it all works out. If you use the one with more space for each day of the week (pictured on the second image of this post), I print a journal page on the back of one of the calendar pages to use for the outer page (inside the cover). Of course, you can do this for the other two calendar styles so you have a “blank” page for the first and back pages of the folded calendar.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Now, you may not yet have a stapler that can reach far enough to staple together your journal or calendar. That is no reason not to go ahead and print up your pages…order that special booklet stapler and be all set when it arrives! I wrote up a blog post about this essential stapler which can be found here.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I would love to see your journal or calendar. Tag me @memorablejournals on Instagram so I can see yours! Wouldn’t this be wonderful to have with you next time you visit a National Park to keep track of the details of your adventures?! If you find that you enjoy this way of journaling, be sure to check out my other National Park journals here!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • making journals

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Downloading and Printing Your Journals

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Comments Off on Downloading and Printing Your Journals
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • by

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Congratulations, you have purchased a journal or signed up for a free one! Read on to find out how to use your download. In this post, the examples you will see are from my Winter Joy journal. When you get a journal, you will see your download links at the bottom of your purchase confirmation, like in the image below. Most Memorable Journals have more than one file per journal set. You will see three files with clickable blue links in the Winter Joy journal as pictured in the example below. One file consists of the cover and pattern pages. In the second file, you will find fun journaling pages. The last one is for journal cards for you to cut up.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                this is what you see at the bottom of the purchase confirmation page after purchase

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Now you are ready to download your journal! Once you click on the links, you should see your files wherever your downloads typically show up. The PDFs you downloaded look like what you will see below.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                images of three PDF files

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Now for the fun part, printing out your pages! I have written a detailed post about printer settings which you can find here. Your printer will likely be different from mine, but I will go over what settings to use to print out your journal successfully!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The four main things to remember are:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Be sure to indicate which page(s) in the PDF set you want to print. I often forget to do this and print all of the pages at once when I just wanted to print up one page. Typically, you will want to print your cover page on cardstock, so you will want to print just page 1, not all pages in the set all at once. Then put the printed cover page back in the printer to print the other side with any page of your choosing.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • You want to control what goes on the back of the pages you print, so always make sure the two-sided printing option is NOT checked.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • You may not need this setting for your printer, but for mine, I use the fine print setting to avoid those “lines” running through the paper. I only use this for designs where the lines would be obvious.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • If you have a borderless printer, check that setting only for patterns (repeating designs).

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Here’s a video that shows how I use my printer to print both sides of my Winter Joy cover. Printers do differ on whether it prints on the top or bottom (or left or right!) of the paper placed in the printer.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                [purchase_link id=”3029″ style=”button” color=”red” text=”Winter Joy journal”]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                If you would like to know more about printing up your Memorable Journals pages, here’s another post: How to Print Your Scrapbook Pages.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Here’s a post about the stapler I use: This Stapler Changed my Scrapbooking Life!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Once you staple your journal together, you are all set! Now gather your pens and your photos and fill up your journal!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • travel journaling

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Gifts for the USA National Parks Fan!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Comments Off on Gifts for the USA National Parks Fan!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • by

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There is no need to be stumped when looking for the perfect gift for someone who loves the National Parks! I have many of these items listed below and can vouch for them! Enjoy reading through this post with NO annoying flashing ads and check back again…I update this post when I make more discoveries that National Parks fans will appreciate! Comment below if I miss any of your favorites!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                MUGS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Mugs belong on all gift lists, in my opinion, as I love coffee and collect mugs. Deneen Pottery makes unique National Parks mugs. Below are links to help you find them. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This site page from Deneen Pottery will provide information on how you can purchase mugs from various parks in person or online. Here you will find parks organized by geography. You will not necessarily be able to find a Deneen mug for every National Park online. For example, Crater Lake didn’t have any mugs available online, but Sequoia had a choice of three mugs on their site, two of which are from Deneen. The availability could change, so check just in case. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Deneen Pottery also sells some National Parks mugs directly from their website, but National Park lovers usually snap them up! Check out their National Park mugs here to see what they have left. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another source for Deneen Pottery National Park mugs (along with other brands) is Western National Parks Association (WNPA). They have a good selection! Also, every year starting on December 1, WNPA also sells a limited-edition mug with the National Park Geek logo. Below, here’s a photo of my mug from 2020 pictured with my National Park journal available here.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                National Park Geek 2020 shown on mug along with a National Park journal from Memorable Journals

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                After trying the above links, you could always try eBay if you did not find a specific National Park mug. Some sellers jack up the prices, so beware. It is worth the effort to hunt down a Deneen Pottery National Park mug, but don’t pay a fortune for one! Do you own any National Park Deneen mugs? If so, I would love to know what one you have in the comments below!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I’m adding an update here with my latest online finds for National Park mugs from other companies. It’s amazing how many neat mugs there are out there. Obviously, there is a huge market for National Park items!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Look here for the neatest-looking mugs from Xplorer Maps. Scroll through and find that many (not all though) National Parks are represented.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Even more great National Park mugs can be found at McGovern and Co. Many are sold out, including the Crater Lake one that I was hoping to get. Look inside the mug! So cool!! I was able to sign up to be notified for when it’s available again though!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                ORNAMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I was looking at the mugs on the McGovern and Co. website, I came across their ornaments depicting some of the National Parks. Wow, what a neat gift this would be for your National Park fan! I don’t own one yet…once I do, I will happily add a photo of it here. I plan to purchase one or more for myself!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                NOTE CARDS / POSTCARDS / POSTERS / PRINTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Ranger Doug is on a mission to reproduce original National Park and Monument posters. Luckily, we can now easily have those beautiful reproductions on notecards, postcards, and posters. They are available in the shop on Ranger Doug’s site. Scroll through the whole page and click on the links there to see all the paper items available. I adore the gorgeous vintage images in my postcards pictured below. You can find this specific set here: HISTORIC WPA POSTCARDS – SET OF 16. I use these postcards to adorn the pages inside my National Parks journal.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                layout showing 16 National Park postcards from Ranger Doug's site

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                If you have any questions, Ranger Doug is a delightful person to correspond with! (Ranger Doug and his mission deserve a whole separate post, and I plan to write one in the future!)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Erin Vaughn’s artwork depicting the National Parks is stunning. Her Etsy shop has a variety of paper items. Prints of the National Parks are 8″ x 10″ (some are available in a larger size) are at this link. I have her set of 24 postcards which are 4″x6″, and I enjoy looking at the colorful and slightly whimsical images. Check out my set in the photo below.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                layout showing 24 National Park postcards by Erin Vaughn

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                GAMES

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The following two National Parks games listed here are produced by Underdog Games Store. What a fun name! Here’s the description the company posted about themselves on Amazon: “We are proud to be a small, independent business founded by two people’s mutual love of the national parks. We always donate a portion of all proceeds back to nonprofits making a difference around the world.”

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Trekking the National Parks: Trivia is a trivia game that anyone can play even if they don’t know much about the National Parks. Here is a sample question from the game: “Yellowstone National Park is the world’s first national park. It was established by Congress and signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant. In what year was Yellowstone established as a national park?” The person who provided the sample question went on to say, “Players would then guesstimate what year this happened, and whichever player is closest wins the point!” This game can be played in groups of 2 to 6 in about 20 minutes.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Trekking the National Parks: The Award-Winning Family Board Game has a more extended playtime. From reading the reviews, it sounds like this game takes some effort to figure out the rules and that 2 to 5 players can play it. The cards look gorgeous, and the map board layout makes for a great learning experience. All 63 parks are in this game! You can also purchase this game at America’s National Parks store.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The above two games are also available as a bundle on Amazon, saving ten bucks. (With the money you save, you can purchase an individual National Park journal here on my site. 🙂 I only have two specific park journals, Crater Lake and Joshua Tree, at the time of this writing, but many more are coming!)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It seems like a Monopoly game is made for every theme out there, and the National Parks is no exception. The National Parks Monopoly game updates quite often, so there are many versions out there. I purchased mine, pictured below, at a garage sale, and it is an old version. Here’s the newest version available at Amazon: Monopoly National Parks 2020 Edition. Truthfully I haven’t played any Monopoly games for a while, as my attention span seems to be decreasing with every passing year! How do you feel about playing Monopoly?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Corner of my old National Parks Monopoly showing the "properties" of Yellowstone and Yosemite

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                JIGSAW PUZZLES

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Jigsaw puzzles featuring the National Parks are plentiful. Here are some of my favorites:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Dowdle makes many National Park puzzles, most of which are 500 pieces. I have the National Parks one, showing a sampling of the different parks across a United States map. I am impressed with the beautiful images these puzzles have. The Redwoods National Park puzzle appeals to me as I love trees and would love to visit there. With all the trees and fir needles, this looks to be particularly challenging! Dowdle puzzles are of excellent quality. I appreciate that the pieces are not super small and that the edges are crisply cut, leaving little to no cardboard dust particles. While a Ziploc bag is enclosed, I find it easier to put the pieces straight into the box. The box itself is very durable, unlike the typical jigsaw puzzle box. An extra image of the puzzle is enclosed, making it easy to refer to while working on the puzzle.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Dowdle National Park puzzle shown with pieces out of box

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                If you are looking for an even more challenging jigsaw puzzle, Cavallini makes two neat National Park ones, each with 1,000 pieces. Here’s one with a United States map layout and one with “posters” of each park. Again the quality of the puzzles is excellent, judging from the photos and the reviews on Amazon. The posters puzzle can also be purchased at America’s National Parks site.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have not done my National Park puzzle yet. Have any of you completed one? I would enjoy hearing about your experiences in the comments below!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                BOOKS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are certainly many National Parks books to choose from. My favorite is the one titled Your Guide to the National Parks: The Complete Guide to All 59 National Parks. I am so glad I got this. The author has been to the parks and has taken the time to write up lots of neat and thoughtful information with great detail on each park. The hikes for each one are easy to find in chart format with difficulty ratings and short notes. This book is a neat reference tool that is not run-of-the-mill like so many other travel books out there.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The author’s biography on Amazon indicates just how fun his personality must be: “Michael Joseph Oswald (born June 18, 1980) is an award-winning American travel writer. In 2003 he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in electrical engineering. After four years working in a corporate environment, he escaped to a more adventurous lifestyle only to be mugged in Colombia, South America. Injuries sustained required surgery, and failure to follow doctor’s orders blessed him with a permanently prostrate pinkie. This unfortunate event resulted in prompt return home and pursuit of safer travel: kayaking, biking, and hiking across America’s National Parks. The fruit of these endeavors is Michael’s debut title: Your Guide to the National Parks. When Michael isn’t sleeping in his tent or converted bus, he lives and writes (typing with all nine functional fingers) at his parents’ hobby farm in northeastern Wisconsin with his best friends, Powder and Steel.”

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Pictured below is my copy of the book, along with my National Park journal.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The second and last book recommendation I have for now is a children’s book that looks delightful for all ages to enjoy! While looking through the illustrations in the book’s description, I was amazed at the beauty of the images and words. National Parks of the USA by Kate Siber is on my wish list! Update: I now have this WONDERFUL book and my expectations have been exceeded by far! First off, this book is much bigger than I expected. You can feel the textures of the words on the cover and the thick pages are of good quality. Learning about our National Parks is a delightful experience while going through this book for both grownups and children alike. The font used for the text is adorable but could potentially be a little harder to read for the young ones. If you have this book, I would love to hear your thoughts on it!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                BLANKETS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Rumpl currently has a selection of about five different National Park blankets. Some get sold out, but I’ve been told by someone from the Rumpl Team that new ones will be added. (Be on the lookout for Joshua Tree and Hawaii’s Volcanoes. Glacier will be re-released.) Update: These blankets are now available for a limited time and have an added whimsical touch. Check them out, and you’ll see what I mean! Rumpl’s National Park blankets are all the same size which is the one-person size. This size comes with a handy clip, allowing you to wear it like a cape. I have the Yosemite blanket and enjoy having it around my shoulders, knowing that it won’t fall off. While wearing my blanket like a cape, I can walk around (not having to hold it) without the blanket touching the floor. I’m 5′ 8″ and the blanket does almost touch the floor though! The blanket is very lightweight and easy to wash and keep clean. Recently I’ve discovered that this makes for a great lap blanket…with the attached clip end of the blanket keeping my bare feet warm while I am working at my desk from home. Thanks to the clip, the two corners of the blanket stay together so my feet stay covered!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                JOURNALS / SCRAPBOOKS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are others out there, but, of course, I am going to recommend the ones available in my shop! The National Parks scrapbook is excellent for keeping track of your adventures. You could also use this as a journal for recording everyday thoughts. The size makes it easy to take wherever you go and yet large enough to record many details. You could print as many copies as you need for yourself and gifts for your friends and family. You decide how many pages you want each journal or scrapbook to have. The pages are varied and fun! Included in this downloadable scrapbook are cards for each of the parks. Also, in addition to the 63 National Parks journal, there are journals for the individual parks. So far, I have two specific parks in the shop, and many more are coming. (If you have a request for a journal for a particular National Park, let me know, and I will work on one to put in the shop.) All are downloadable immediately after purchase for quick gifts! If you need some guidelines on printing PDFs, check out my blog post. Try out the quick and easy-to-make Memorable Journals format for free by signing up for my email list.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                National Park journal opened to checklist pages with 63 National Parks cards s out around it

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                ANY OTHER GIFT IDEAS?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Any of the above gifts are sure to please! Looking over this list makes me think of how they add to the cozy vibe of our winter days while planning for our next National Park adventure. Time to grab a mug of coffee and snuggle under your blanket while reading, working on your jigsaw puzzle, playing a game, or reliving your National Park memories. Be sure to add your suggestions for other National Park-related gifts below for the rest of us to see!