• HOME
  • Planning
    • Planner Newbie
      • New to planning? Start here
    • Planning Tips & Inspiration
    • 52 Planning Systems in 52 Weeks
      • My weekly spreads
    • Planner Reviews
      • Horizontal Weekly
      • Horizontal 1 Page Weekly + Notes
      • Vertical Weekly
      • Hourly Planners
      • Categories Weekly
      • Daily Planners
      • Discbound Planners
      • Teacher Planners
      • Planner Roundups
      • Happy Planner (MAMBI)
      • Budget Planners
      • Undated Daily Planners
      • Undated Weekly
    • Planner Index
    • Planner Comparisons
    • Bullet Journal
      • Bullet Journal Reviews
      • Bullet Journal Spreads
      • Bullet Journal Tips
    • Planner pens
    • Highlighters
    • Planner Stickers
    • Digital Planning
    • Household Binder
    • Stationery Shopping
    • Rachael’s Favorites
    • Blogging & Online Business
  • Graphic Design
    • Photoshop Tutorials
    • Affinity Publisher
    • Microsoft Word
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Canva
    • Silhouette Studio
    • PicMonkey
  • SHOP
    • Shop at Etsy
    • Online Store
    • Graphic Design Resources
    • ECOURSES
    • Ebooks
      • 54 Mistakes Etsy Sellers Make (And How to Fix Them)
      • 1200 Blog Post Ideas
        • 1200 Blog Post Ideas (Exclusive Download Content)
      • 200 Blog Post Title Prompts (For Any Type of Blog)
        • 200 Blog Post Title Prompts (Exclusive Download Content)
    • Feedback & Testimonials
    • Planner Supplies (my sister’s shop!)
    • Shop my favorite planner supplies on Amazon
  • Learn
    • ECOURSES
      • Free Graphic Design Video Tutorials Library
      • Printables in Affinity Publisher
      • How to Make Planner Stickers
      • How to Make Printables in Photoshop
      • Printables in Microsoft Word
      • Printables in Microsoft Excel
      • Digital planners and notebooks in Microsoft PowerPoint
      • How to Make Labels in Photoshop
      • Make Patterns in Photoshop
      • Party Printables
      • How to Write Product Descriptions
    • Ebooks
      • 54 Mistakes Etsy Sellers Make (And How to Fix Them)
      • 200 Blog Post Title Prompts (For Any Type of Blog)
      • 1200 Blog Post Ideas
  • FREE
    • FREE Printables
    • Free Printables Library – Subscribers Login
  • Travel
    • Travel Planning
    • Europe
    • Australia & New Zealand
  • About
    • Browse All Posts
    • FAQ
      • What is a Printable? What happens when I purchase a printable from you?
      • Printing Tips
      • Printable Planner Stickers
      • Downloading Files
      • How to Open Zipped File Folders
      • What does EDITABLE mean?
      • Monogram Etiquette

All About Planners

Printable planners to organize your home, business and life!

July 2, 2020

Cloudberry Journal Review (Hybrid bullet journal notebook and planner)

Very rarely do I come across a notebook that is part planner / part bullet journal. Maybe there will be more coming out in the future but for now one option to consider if you’d like a hybrid is the Cloudberry Journal.

Quick facts

  • Size: 13 x 21cm (about 5.75″ wide x 8.25″ high)
  • Hardcover (choose between blue or green)
  • Sewn binding
  • 320 Dot grid pages (5mm dot grid)
  • 2 page Monthly calendar (starts on Monday)
  • 2 page weekly spread (starts on Monday)
  • Extra pages including movies to watch, books to read, quotes tracker, USA and world map, things to learn etc.
  • Pocket folder
  • 3 Ribbon bookmarks
  • Undated
  • 1 year duration

Price: $29 USD + free shipping to the USA (I purchased this during Black Friday sales and paid $24 USD). Shipping to international addresses is flat rate $33 USD.

Let’s take a closer look!

To enlarge the screen of the video, click the square icon in the bottom right hand corner of the video (it will say ‘full screen’ when you hover your mouse over the icon).

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more planner videos!

The Cover

The usual sturdy hardcover except there’s no black option!! 🙂

I don’t mind this green but aren’t a fan of the giant indented flower. Being very nit-picky here – I think small indented flowers over the entire cover would look better.

cloudberry journal dot grid planner review monthly spread key horizontal weekly monday start habit tracker minimalist pocket folder_01

For once a company that prints something on the spine so I can actually distinguish it between all the other notebooks I’m hoarding.

cloudberry journal dot grid planner review monthly spread key horizontal weekly monday start habit tracker minimalist pocket folder_29

Approx 1″ thick

cloudberry journal dot grid planner review monthly spread key horizontal weekly monday start habit tracker minimalist pocket folder_02

cloudberry journal dot grid planner review monthly spread key horizontal weekly monday start habit tracker minimalist pocket folder_03

I like that the pre-printed pages are also pre-printed in the table of contents. There are 320 pages in the notebook / planner so I do think a 3rd table of contents page would be needed by the time the book is filled.

cloudberry journal dot grid planner review monthly spread key horizontal weekly monday start habit tracker minimalist pocket folder_05

cloudberry journal dot grid planner review monthly spread key horizontal weekly monday start habit tracker minimalist pocket folder_04

cloudberry journal dot grid planner review monthly spread key horizontal weekly monday start habit tracker minimalist pocket folder_06

After the table of contents and the key are 5 blank dot grid pages for you to set up your own future log or use for whatever you like.

Monthly Calendar

The monthly calendar starts Monday which is consistent with the weekly spread.

cloudberry journal dot grid planner review monthly spread key horizontal weekly monday start habit tracker minimalist pocket folder_07

I think there are a few functionality flaws with this planner:

  • The page numbers sit within the dot grid rather than above it. So if you want your design to go right to the edge of the dot grid you’ll end up ruling through the page number and cannot read it
  • I prefer having the page numbers in the bottom corner of the page, being in the top corner is distracting and in the way if you want to write long headings
  • All of the pre-printed elements are offset 2 dots into the edge of the page which wastes space

cloudberry journal dot grid planner review monthly spread key horizontal weekly monday start habit tracker minimalist pocket folder_08

cloudberry journal dot grid planner review monthly spread key horizontal weekly monday start habit tracker minimalist pocket folder_10

All of the monthly calendars are logically clustered together at the front in one section, followed by the weekly planning pages:

Weekly Planning

cloudberry journal dot grid planner review monthly spread key horizontal weekly monday start habit tracker minimalist pocket folder_12

The design flaws continue from the monthly calendar into the weekly spread – the design is indented from the edges of the page wasting space.

cloudberry journal dot grid planner review monthly spread key horizontal weekly monday start habit tracker minimalist pocket folder_14

Otherwise I do like this weekly layout – the pre-printed habit tracker is great.

cloudberry journal dot grid planner review monthly spread key horizontal weekly monday start habit tracker minimalist pocket folder_15

There are 52 weekly planning spreads. There is the 2 page pre-printed weekly spread plus 2 blank dot grid pages for you to use however you like, before the next 2 page weekly spread starts.

Collections

At the back of the planner / notebook is the collection section – a mix of pre-printed and blank dot grid pages. This section has plenty of pages (about 1/4 of the notebook) in addition to all of those extra pages interspersed between the weekly spreads.

cloudberry journal dot grid planner review monthly spread key horizontal weekly monday start habit tracker minimalist pocket folder_17

cloudberry journal dot grid planner review monthly spread key horizontal weekly monday start habit tracker minimalist pocket folder_18

cloudberry journal dot grid planner review monthly spread key horizontal weekly monday start habit tracker minimalist pocket folder_20

cloudberry journal dot grid planner review monthly spread key horizontal weekly monday start habit tracker minimalist pocket folder_19

cloudberry journal dot grid planner review monthly spread key horizontal weekly monday start habit tracker minimalist pocket folder_22

cloudberry journal dot grid planner review monthly spread key horizontal weekly monday start habit tracker minimalist pocket folder_23

cloudberry journal dot grid planner review monthly spread key horizontal weekly monday start habit tracker minimalist pocket folder_25

Pre-printed text like this is fine, it’s a list I would use.. but there’s no need for the title to be in the middle of the page and offset so far from the top and sides that it wastes 1/4 of the page.

cloudberry journal dot grid planner review monthly spread key horizontal weekly monday start habit tracker minimalist pocket folder_26

After these pre-printed pages are more dot grid pages until the end of the notebook.

There are 320 pages in this notebook which is far more than most planners (or dot grid notebooks) include!

Most dot grid notebooks I’ve come across are 5mm including the dots. This one is a bit bigger – it’s 5mm between the dots (i.e. the spacing is slightly bigger than most dot grid notebooks).

cloudberry journal dot grid planner review monthly spread key horizontal weekly monday start habit tracker minimalist pocket folder_31

There is 1 pocket folder adhered to the inside of the back cover.

cloudberry journal dot grid planner review monthly spread key horizontal weekly monday start habit tracker minimalist pocket folder_28

Tabs

There are no tabs but there are the page dividers between each section and 1 ribbon bookmark.

Pen Testing

I didn’t bother doing a pen test as you can see in the photos, there a lot of ghosting of the pre-printed design on the back page so pens and highlighters are definitely going to show through.If you end up buying this notebook I’d use ballpoint pens. The paper does feel very smooth though so I expect it will feel very nice to write on.

Pros of the Planner

  • Divider pages between each section (monthly calendar, weekly planner etc.)
  • Undated – start planning anytime
  • 4 page weekly spread (if you count the 2 pre-printed pages + 2 blank pages)
  • Pocket folder
  • Dot grid is just over 5mm
  • Comes with 2 fineliner pens
  • One of the few hybrid bullet journal / planners I’ve come across
  • Plenty of extra pages (pre-printed and blank for you to choose your own)
  • $28 is a very good price for a 320 page planner and notebook
  • Smooth, ivory paper

Cons of the Planner

  • Expensive international shipping (flat rate $33 USD)
  • Only 1 ribbon bookmark
  • Paper is thin
  • The pages could be better thought out
    • The design on the weekly spread should go to the edge of the dot grid
    • Page numbers sit within the dot grid rather than below (and they’re at the top of the page not the bottom)
    • Monthly calendar has split boxes (and diagonally split)
    • Titles on the extras pages should be printed closer to the top / edge of the page (1 line of text instead of multiple)

Would I use this planner?

No. The design flaws in this planner irritate me – the pre-printed designs don’t maximise the page. I also don’t like the placement of the page numbers.

I can see the appeal of a hybrid notebook / planner and this one would be good if the layouts were better thought out. I do like that it has dot grid writing space which is much harder to find than lined or blank pages. However, for now I’m going to keep looking for other hybrid planners / notebooks.

More planner reviews:

  • Personal Planner Review (custom planner) 
  • Golden Coil Planner Review
  • Best planners for when you don’t have much to plan

Planning Tips:

  • My 7 favorite planner supplies for making lists
  • Tombow Brush Pen Testing in 8 Different Bullet Journals
  • How to color code your planner for school using pens 

Browse all posts

Found this post helpful? Pin it!

cloudberry journal hybrid bullet journal and monthly weekly planner pros and cons video flipthrough collections key index pre-printed dot grid numbered pages

 

You may also be interested in...

  • Busy Lifestyle Weekly Planner Review (Pros, Cons & Video Flipthrough)Busy Lifestyle Weekly Planner Review (Pros, Cons & Video Flipthrough)
  • TEDi Online Creative Diary Weekly Planner Review (planner from Germany!)TEDi Online Creative Diary Weekly Planner Review (planner from Germany!)
  • Recollections Guided Journal Review (hybrid bullet journal / planner)Recollections Guided Journal Review (hybrid bullet journal / planner)
  • Practical Paper Co. Custom Dot Grid Notebook Review (Pros, Cons & Pen Test)Practical Paper Co. Custom Dot Grid Notebook Review (Pros, Cons & Pen Test)
  • Mossery Planner Review (Pros, Cons and Video Walkthrough)Mossery Planner Review (Pros, Cons and Video Walkthrough)
  • 7 Reasons why I don’t use stitched notebooks for bullet journaling7 Reasons why I don’t use stitched notebooks for bullet journaling

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Posted In: Bullet Journal, Bullet Journal Reviews · Tagged: bullet journal planner, bullet journal weekly planner, bullet journaling planner, bullet planner, cloudberry journal, cloudberry planner, cloudberry weekly planner, weekly planner for bullet journal, weekly planner for bullet journaling

Welcome

Welcome to All About Planners! I’m Rachael, a 20-something Aussie addicted to graphic design and all things planning. On the blog you’ll find more than 1,000 posts about all things planning including planner reviews, tips, favorite supplies and some of my past weekly spreads.

Subscribe and join 60,000+ others on the quest to find planner peace!

Follow Me

  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Search

Subscribe

free printables library sign up all about planners blog image graphic subscribe

Shop At Etsy

The photos and content on this site are the property of All About Planners. They are not allowed to be used without permission from All About Planners.

Categories

Recent Posts

  • How I make my travel photobooks using Blurb (Detailed Tutorial and Review)
  • My 4th Plum Paper Planners Haul! (weekly and daily planners, financial planner, goals planner)
  • 10 Strategies for tackling your to do list
  • How I Planned a 6 week European Holiday (Plus download my detailed Itinerary)
  • Time and ToDo Planner Review (Unique weekly layout)

Disclaimer

All About Planners is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Popular Posts

  • 50 Tips for writing a better to do list that will make you more productive
  • 130+ functional ideas to use blank notes pages of your planner or an empty notebook
  • How I use Excel to organize all my travel plans (research, itinerary, hotel, tours, bookings, packing list etc.)
  • How I use Excel to Organize a Home Renovation (budget, spending, program, paint colors, contacts, quotes)
  • How I use Excel for organizing recipes, meal planning, food inventory and grocery lists

Printables

  • Learn How to Make Printables
  • How to Make Planner Stickers
  • Resources & Tools I Recommend

Follow Me

  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
Privacy

Copyright © 2022 All About Planners · Theme by 17th Avenue