For my first week trialing using a bullet journal I wasn’t going to do the traditional bullet journal method with symbols etc. as I knew this wouldn’t work for my needs. After experimenting with so many different planner layouts, I’m not going to bother with a system that I know isn’t going to work for me. So I took the modified bullet journal approach i.e. creating my own spread using a dot grid journal.

The Leuchtturm come in dot grid, graph and lined versions (which I was tempted by). I opted for the traditional bullet journal dot grid pages as they look less ‘busy’ after drawing up spreads (especially compared to lined paper).

Before the Pen

I opted for my favorite style of weekly spread – days of the week on one page and list making space on the other page.

Blog post planning in the days of the week section. And list making space elsewhere.

Since I usually use a 7 x 9 ” (classic / medium planner size) or A4 paper, I knew I’d run out of room in an A5 notebook, so added 2 more pages to the spread – Notes / ideas / to do & a weekly review

I didn’t bother with any fancy patterns or lettering – just quick block / bubble writing.

After the Pen

Since I didn’t want the spread to be too boring in just black, I used the Frixion erasable pens to add some color.

The paper of the Leuchtturm feels different to the other bullet journal notebooks I’ve tried. When I erase the Frixion (which is an essential for keeping my spread neat) the pages get weathered (like water has been spilled on it). The paper also has bad indenting and ghosting of pens. For the price and how well the notebook is known among the planner community, I thought the paper would be better.

Supplies Used:

• Pilot Frixion Ball 0.7mm ball (the Frixion version with clear pen lids) and the erase on the lid, not the version with the eraser on the end of the pen which doesn’t come in as many colors.
• Poppin ruler
• Leuchtturm bullet journal notebook

Would I Use this notebook again?

Yes. Compared to other bullet journal notebooks it’s wider so avoids the need to use multiple lines for the same task.

More bullet journal

• 12 Planner Layout Ideas for Monthly Habit Tracking in Your Bullet Journal
• Tombow Brush Pen Testing in 8 Different Bullet Journals
• Bullet Journal Ideas: 26 Weekly Spread Layouts to Try

Planning tips

• How to clean your printer (prevent smudging, streaks and make the colors POP!) 
• 5 Planner supplies you should never skimp on
• 15 Productive Things You Can Do In 15 Minutes or Less 

Found this post helpful? Pin it!