First Haul of the New Year!

This year, I promised myself to read more, so I dove into countless BookTok videos for inspiration and finally picked these books to kick off my journey. The plots intrigued me, and I couldn’t resist giving them a try. Currently, I’m reading Twisted Love—and wow, it’s steamy, gripping, and has me completely hooked! As someone who rarely reads and often loses interest quickly, this book has been a game-changer.

****💸 Price Range: $17.99, but some retailers are offering it for as low as $10.

I also picked up the Moleskine Art Collection Logbook for my journaling needs.

***💸 Price Range: $22.

While browsing the bookstore, I debated between the classic Moleskine, the expanded version, and the Leuchtturm1917.

Then I stumbled upon this gem: 160 pages, not too thick, and perfect for avoiding ink bleed-through thanks to its sturdy pages. I’ll share a full review once I’ve had the chance to start journaling!

Lastly I got the Stabilo point 88 markers and the Gelly Roll black pen so excited to use these on my new journal again Once I use them I will give them a better review.

#neida #journalingideas #Lemon8Diary #review #bookclub

2025/1/6 Edited to

... Read moreOkay, so let's really dive into this Moleskine Art Collection Logbook! When I mentioned debating between it and the Leuchtturm1917, it wasn't an easy choice. Both are highly respected brands, but what ultimately swayed me towards the Moleskine was its specific 'Art Collection' designation. I felt like it was designed with creativity in mind, not just pure writing. The paper weight felt slightly more substantial than some standard journals, which was a big plus for me. The page count at 160 pages felt just right – enough space for plenty of entries without being overwhelmingly thick, which can sometimes discourage me from even starting a new journal. One of my biggest concerns with any journal is ink bleed-through. There’s nothing more frustrating than a beautiful spread ruined by ink showing on the next page! So far, with my Gelly Roll black pen and even the Stabilo point 88 markers, I've been really impressed. The sturdy pages truly hold up. I've tested a few different pen types, and while there's a minimal ghosting with darker markers (which is common for many journals), there's absolutely no actual bleed-through, which is a huge win in my book. It feels like a reliable canvas waiting for my thoughts and sketches for 2025. This was a key factor in my decision, especially since I plan to incorporate more doodles and mixed media into my journaling this year. I’m planning to use this logbook not just for daily reflections, but also for little art challenges, mood tracking, and even quick bullet journal layouts. I love the idea of dedicating space to quick sketches or just practicing lettering. The smooth, off-white paper of the Moleskine lends itself beautifully to both writing and drawing, making it super versatile. It’s not stark white, which is easier on the eyes for extended journaling sessions. I also appreciate the classic Moleskine elastic closure and inner pocket – perfect for tucking away little mementos, stickers, or even a small ruler. Compared to the classic Moleskine notebooks, the Art Collection logbook definitely feels like an upgrade in terms of paper quality for creative uses. While the expanded versions offer more pages, I found this 160-page format more approachable for consistent use. For anyone looking for a high-quality journal that can handle a bit of everything, especially if you dabble in mixed media or just want a reliable go-to for your daily reflections, I genuinely think the Moleskine Art Collection Logbook is a strong contender. It's an investment, yes, but the quality speaks for itself. I'm excited to fill these pages with my new year's adventures and creative expressions, and I'll definitely be sharing updates on how it holds up throughout the year!