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6 Benefits Of Using A Blank Recipe Journal

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Having a blank recipe journal to fill out can help you modify your habits, get organized, and simplify cooking.

A blank recipe journal that enables you to construct your own unique cookbook is known as a blank recipe diary. The headings for the ingredients, cooking directions, and note-taking area are typical features of blank recipe journal layouts. In some cases, you can rate the recipe. Accessing your favorite recipes is made easy and handy by keeping personal recipe journals. They vary from ordinary cookbooks in that you add your own favorite recipes to them rather than having a publisher prescribe them to you.

Note: Affiliate links may be used in this page. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you use my affiliate link. Full disclosure policy here.

The Problem With Traditional Cookbooks

On my bookshelves, I have a lot of cookbooks—in fact, my husband might say I had too many. However, finding the recipes I wanted to use always seemed like a chore when it came time to prepare my favorite dishes. I’ve had the impression that I’ve spent more time looking through cookbooks for a recipe than actually cooking the food at times.

That is, until I began preserving my best recipes in blank recipe journals after becoming wise. Cooking has become simpler and more enjoyable thanks to the ability to save recipes from several websites and cookbooks in one place. Many people are accustomed to utilizing recipe cards, but writing in the appropriate blank recipe journal can result in a far better experience. Premade books have many advantages over traditional recipe cards.

Although you could certainly use an ordinary notebook for this, DIY cookbooks come with recipe templates that make writing down the materials and instructions quite simple. The majority of them even have a table of contents, which makes it simple to discover the specific recipe you’re looking for!

The Reasons I’m Using Blank Recipe Journals:

Easily Manage Internet Recipes

I found some of my favorite recipes online. I’ve been able to simply add any of my favorite recipes from Pinterest, Facebook, or anywhere else on the internet since I started utilizing blank recipe notebooks. When I was cooking, I had to read a recipe from my phone, which was annoying. It has been quite helpful to have a recipe book that is empty to write in. I simply search my homemade cookbook for the desired dish, then I can start cooking!

Find Favorite Recipes with Ease

I usually have a blank recipe journal on hand so that I can quickly save new recipes that I enjoy.

I’ll evaluate a dish after I’ve made it and write any adjustments, alterations, or substitutes I made. I’ll eventually copy it to a personal recipe journal where I keep track of my favorites if my family and I enjoyed it enough. I always have a blank recipe book nearby my kitchen so I know precisely where to look for it when it’s time to prepare a favorite dish.

Plenty of Room for Your Recipes

I tried utilizing recipe cards, but they are simple to misplace or lose. They frequently didn’t have room to write down the complete recipe, as well, I found.
Because they are larger and can include recipes with more components and procedures, I find it easier to write in blank recipe books. I can write out the steps in whole sentences thanks to the larger font.

Consistently Get Good Results

I have more freedom when I use a blank recipe book, and I can make notes on what functions and what doesn’t. Have you ever discovered a recipe that was nearly perfect but required more salt, water, or maybe another ingredient? That information is simple to keep in a blank recipe diary so you can make your next try at perfecting it. Several of my recipes have been adapted for the Instant Pot. Making our favorite meals has become quicker and simpler thanks to the ability to read off the amount of water to use, the appropriate pressure setting, and cooking durations.

When I want to prepare the same dinner in a few months, I’ll know just where to look. A personal recipe diary with all of my children’ favorite recipes in the front will also be a great gift for them when they move out and into their own houses when they are older. The same recipes might be prepared for their offspring and grandchildren. This makes having a blank recipe journal worthwhile in my opinion and is invaluable.

Get More Out of Your Recipes

We all want to cook quickly and efficiently for the greatest outcomes, which is the premise behind a personal recipe journal. Most recipes, in my opinion, are a bit too ambiguous. They rarely provide sufficient information, and occasionally they omit to clarify all the subtleties needed in preparing a dish. You can duplicate a recipe in your own home, fill in the blanks in a recipe book, and create a dish that is absolutely exceptional.

Cook Healthful Meals

Being able to prepare delicious and wholesome meals has never been more crucial than in the era of frozen foods and fast food restaurants. A collection of recipes that are simple to find can significantly improve the diet of your family.

In order to start writing in your blank recipe diary, take out your pen, dust off your old cookbooks, and so on. Sooner or later, you could realize that compiling a collection of your favorite recipes was the best thing you’ve ever done for your family, your health, and yourself.

Top Benefits of Using Blank Recipe Journals:

  1. Save time by making your favorite recipes easy to find.
  2. Preserve family recipes for the next generation. 
  3. Create a cookbook that is uniquely yours.
  4. Easily retrieve internet recipes.
  5. Share your recipes with friends and family.
  6. Create your own unique recipes.
  7. Take notes on how you changed each recipe to make it better. 
  8. Pass on family recipes to the next generation.
  9. Avoid wasting money on overpriced cookbooks you will rarely use. 
  10. Make cooking fun again!

My own recipe journal are my favorite. They provide more information than only recipes, in contrast to conventional cookbooks. They serve as my personal repository for all of my favorite recipes that I’ve collected from friends, relatives, and various websites. I can keep track of the recipes I’ve modified for my family in one location. Finding the ideal blank recipe journal to keep your favorite recipes is something I strongly advise.

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30 Fun and Effective Ways to Use a Blank Notebook

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Many unused journals lying around? Avoid wasting them! A blank notebook can be used for practically anything, including bullet journaling, tracking journals, pregnancy journals, artistic journals, sport journals and more. Here are 30 creative and useful ways to use those extra blank or partially used notebooks!

One of the most thrilling experiences is receiving a brand-new blank notebook. So much potential and freedom exist! The sensation of opening the front cover and feeling the paper in your hands might be enticing. However, it can also be very frightening! Sometimes the first page’s emptiness can be daunting and give you the impression that you’ll undoubtedly spoil this lovely thing.

You could be enticed to store this lovely blank notebook (together with the other blank notebooks you’ve gathered) on your shelf. I am familiar with the particular aggravation that comes from having a sizable collection of unused journals.

Thankfully, I’ve discovered dozens of uses for gorgeous blank notebooks after several years of journal investigation. Grab your favorite pen and join us if you’re ready to be motivated to tackle your journal collection.

Note: Affiliate links may be used in this page. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you use my affiliate link. Full disclosure policy here.

Table of Contents

30 Ways to Use a Blank Notebook

Hobby Journal

Do you have a lot of hobbies? Then record all of your projects and purchases for your hobbies in a diary! Draw out preliminary plans for them, measure for tasks, and make a list of things you need or want to get later. So that you won’t forget important details, you will have a record of all the work you have done.

Lists of 100

I really love Kathleen Adams’s Journal to the Self’s List of 100 technique, which I adopted. See what insights you can uncover by keeping a journal specifically for this wonderful practice!

Dream diary

Are you curious about the significance of your dreams? Trying to master the art of lucid dreaming? A dream journal is then a must! Keep a journal next to your bed, and when you wake up, record your midnight exploits.

Sketchbook

A blank notebook that is completely blank and lacks any lines or grids would be ideal for a sketchbook. To doodle or scribble down your initial thoughts, you don’t need expensive paper.

Daily events

A blank notebook that is completely blank and lacks any lines or grids would be ideal for a sketchbook. To doodle or scribble down your initial thoughts, you don’t need expensive paper.

Lettering practice book

Are you into handwriting? Why not utilize one of your empty blank notebooks to practice as you are aware that practice is necessary for improvement? Get your blank notebook out and start practicing like crazy!

It’s not difficult to learn brush lettering, which is a wonderful ability. All you need is the correct learning tool. Check out my free email course to get started if you want to learn how to write letters.

Time tracker

A time tracker is an excellent tool if you work for yourself or just want to better manage your calendar. Simply jot down the time when you switch tasks in a notepad that you keep next to your desk so you can later assess how much time you spent on each work.

If you procrastinate, using this technique can be the best way to identify your weak points and make the necessary adjustments. Even though it’s quite simple to set up, time tracker stickers let you give it a little extra personality and fun.

Planning a wedding or party

Organizing a party may be exciting or stressful. Use one blank notebook solely for your planning to keep everything organized! This is especially helpful if you’re planning a wedding and are engaged. To avoid losing your mind, one journal can serve as the central repository for all color swatches, appointments, music playlists, registry information, and more.

Vision journal

Do you know what a vision board is? Think about doing that in a journal! Write forth your most irrational dream for your ideal life. Cut out images from magazines, put in your own portraits, and dream unrestrictedly. Don’t know where to begin with this enjoyable project? Try out this page one workout!

Health log

Keeping a health log may become your new favorite activity if you have any kind of physical or mental ailment. You may keep track of all your signs and symptoms, as well as your triggers, medications, and other pertinent information.

You can then more easily manage your circumstances and spot the larger patterns! Additionally, you can talk to your doctor about your health journal and have a better conversation about next measures.

Food journal

Give a new blank notebook to the topic of health because it’s so crucial to life! Keep a journal of everything you eat and drink (food journal), and make a permanent shopping list to bring with you when you go to the store. If you keep a food journal, you should also record your calorie intake. It’s the ideal way to keep an eye on your diet!

Gardening journal

An excellent tool for those with a green thumb is a gardening notebook. Keep a thorough inventory of all the plants in your house, on your patio, or in your food garden. Make a schedule so you’ll know exactly when to water your monstera or fertilize your string of pearls. A gardening notebook is a great option if you want to keep your green babies happy and healthy.

Memory book

To record significant events in your life, use a blank notebook, and add pictures or sketches. Record significant life events, vacations, and other priceless experiences in it like you would in a casual scrapbook. You can keep it for yourself or give it to someone you care about, like your kids.

Get an instant camera and make it a habit to take spontaneous pictures for your photo album. Use it as you want to be creative! Be sure to enjoy yourself and create some fantastic memories.

Habbit tracker

I’m a huge admirer of trackers and logs, as you can probably tell at this point. My habit tracker is my favorite of all the trackers! This one is currently in my watercolor planner, but it is readily transferrable to a separate journal. Simply check the box each day to indicate if you carried out your chosen behaviors (good or poor). Your regular routines and patterns will eventually show up, so you can work on whatever habit modifications you desire!

Mutual love note

This one is for all of you couples out there. Use a single journal that you maintain for love messages (maybe a classy leather journal like this). Send your sweetheart a letter in which you express your most sentimental thoughts. Your note will be there when he or she takes it up to pen their own personal message. Over time, you can amass some lovely memories and make a priceless memento to cherish for a long time.

Morning pages

Try writing Morning Pages if you’ve ever found it difficult to maintain a regular journal. The Morning Pages helped me establish a daily practice of journal writing after years of attempting to do so. I’ve now retained this habit for a few years.

Bullet journal

If I didn’t mention the bullet journal, I would be negligent. This planning and writing approach is great for getting started with organizing. Any old blank notebook you have hanging around is fine for it, and you can make it as flowery or as fun as you like. To get started, read my comprehensive bullet journal cheat sheet.

Spiritual journal

You may plan and keep track of every step of your spiritual development in a single journal. You name it: jot down your prayers, meditations, Tarot card spreads, hymns, and holiday plans. This is ideal for any blank notebook that you feel especially drawn to!

Affirmations

You can use affirmations as a powerful technique to help you have more positive thoughts and attitudes. And a great tool to help you create that habit is an affirmations journal!

Book/ TV show/ Restaurant lists

You could record all the things you’ve been meaning to try but keep forgetting in this journal. Obtain advice on a new restaurant to try? Do it in writing! Having a book recommended to you? Do it in writing!

So you may open this notebook and choose from among the options whether you’re looking for something to eat or a new book to read.

Recipe book

Try writing a recipe book if you want to step up your cooking! Consider it a journal of all the recipes you attempt, complete with your thoughts on each meal. Making a list of everything can help you improve your cooking abilities and become more mindful of your dietary choices.

By creating a recipe bank, you can also add recipes you want to try in the future!

Gratitude journal

I think we could all use a little more thankfulness in our lives. Start a gratitude log in a fresh journal to make it happen! It is really simple and beneficial for the soul to count your blessings.

Blog log

Own a blog? Plan ahead and keep a journal of your achievements! It’s a great way to keep yourself organized and on track. In fact, I wrote an entire essay on how to organize your blog using a pen and blank notebook.

Exercise journal

Whether you want to lose weight, add mass, or maintain a healthy body, an activity journal is a terrific way to do it. Write down your goals, inspiration, and exercises. Make a plan for your workouts and be sure to monitor your progress! It’s ideal if you’re taking part in a program like the Couch to 5k or training for a marathon.

Expenses tracker

Why not hire a financial adviser if you want to better manage your finances? Pay attention to your objectives, such as paying off your student loan debt, setting up an emergency fund, or saving money for a dream vacation. Keep a record of your monthly spending and observe how your spending habits change.

Six word story

It’s that easy. Each day, come up with a six-word tale. It’s a terrific workout for budding poets and authors to complete this entertaining Page Flutter challenge to get their creative juices flowing.

Bucket list

This is a wonderful chance for you to come up with all the spectacular and outrageous things you wish to do in life. They may be lavish, pricey, once-in-a-lifetime occasions, or they may be beloved and enjoyable seasonal activities.

I’ve created seasonal bucket lists for the summer and the fall, and they have only served to increase my appreciation for each!

Travel journal

I’m not sure about you, but every time I travel, I end up being so engrossed in the adventure that I forget to capture it in any way. This implies that I only remember the highlights of days full of deep discovery and enjoyment. In order to preserve all the charm of travel and to appreciate it for years to come, I wish to start a travel journal. You ought to start one if you enjoy traveling.

Unsent letters

Sometimes writing an Unsent Letter is the best course of action when you are upset or irritated with someone in your life. This method from Kathleen Adams’ book Journal to the Self is a potent approach to express your feelings and work through difficult emotions.

You can express all of your anguish, sadness, and pain. Then you can store it safely and secretly. Just be sure it’s hidden from curious eyes!

Nature journal

You could appreciate taking up the hobby of nature journaling if you enjoy taking walks in the outdoors.

You’ll be astounded at the amount of natural beauty you’ll see if you watch your local wildlife as the seasons change.

There are no restrictions on what you can do, even if this list only includes 30 fantastic journaling ideas. You have the flexibility to do whatever you want on the blank page. And don’t think you have to keep a notepad with only one function!

To meet your demands and ensure that you get the most satisfaction possible from your paper friend, mix and match whatever takes your fancy. Check out this article about perfection and overcoming the first obstacle to using a blank notebook if you are anxious about writing on that first frightening page. So grab a pen and jot down anything strikes you as appropriate. Now create something amazing outside!

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5 great benefits of Primary Composition Notebooks for Early Education

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To ensure that a child begins their education on the correct foot, a lot of time and care is needed. Children may find it challenging to understand everything expected of them in the classroom, and that’s understandable given their age. Therefore, it is the duty of their parents, guardians, and teachers who will assist them to ensure that they acquire, grasp, and comprehend academic subjects.

Numerous teaching strategies are intended to support young learners. Some of them consist of art, singing, and storytelling. But as education progresses, it becomes more difficult, and soon kids are being taught how to read and write. Pencils, notebooks, and other supplies are given to them so they can advance their education. For instance, using primary composition notebooks is essential to improving their written communication.

Here are some advantages they will experience if you provide them with the appropriate primary composition notebooks:

Note: Affiliate links may be used in this page. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you use my affiliate link. Full disclosure policy here.

Table of Contents

Children Learn How To Write:

Developing good handwriting is a skill many people struggle with even as they get older because writing is typically a difficult concept to grasp. This can be a result of inadequate training received when young and a lack of resources. However, when you give your kids a primary composition notebook, they’ll be eager to practice writing properly.

Their writing may initially appear to be nonsense, but it just takes time for them to get everything correct. They will develop a skill via repetition, and by the time they finish one notebook, their handwriting will be noticeably better.

Children Can Build Their Vocabulary:

The best method to learn something new, especially a language, is to become as familiar with the terminology as you can. By giving your child the appropriate learning resources, such as primary composition notebooks, you may assist them. Children can practice reading and writing down everything new they learn in the journals.

Additionally, you can always inspire them to get better by learning about synonyms and antonyms and writing about them. They can learn how to utilize the words in sentences as well. This will increase their vocabulary knowledge and speed up their language learning.

Children can express themselves

A child’s mind is developing, thus ideas and imaginations will never stop coming to them. They’ll soon need to use techniques like speaking to communicate their imagination. They might not always be able to verbally convey all of their thoughts, though. Unfortunately, some kids might find it difficult to communicate their sentiments in this way, which would restrict them.

Children have the opportunity to express themselves on paper by using a primary composition notebook. A youngster could use a primary composition notebook to paint a picture of something they have imagined, for instance. Children who learn to express themselves and give voice to their fantasies will benefit from this in the future by developing their self-confidence.

Children can acquire healthy competition

Healthy competition may always motivate people to improve without applying undue pressure that might lead to failure. There have been many instances of constructive rivalry for children, such as in sports. You can take one of these competitions on primary composition notebooks. Children may compete to see who can draw better, write first, or make better handwriting, for instance.

Their writing abilities can be honed through such little tournaments. Every time they compete with one another to accomplish something, they improve from the previous competition. Additionally, parents and teachers can always set goals for their pupils, ask them to achieve the goals, and then reward them. This aids in both motivating students and honing their abilities.

Children can develop organizational skills

Any person, regardless of age, needs to have outstanding organizational abilities. And it’s always best to teach your child these skills early on and make them second nature. When they are young, they can always begin with the little things, like their school bag, and develop the habit until it comes naturally.

Primary composition notebooks can be a huge asset in your child’s organizational development. First, you can ask them to properly arrange their notebooks on the desk or in the bag if they have two or more. They’ll stay organized and remember their books thanks to this. Second, you can teach them how to arrange their writing so that it is neat and flows well. Their education and future careers will benefit from this.

Even if it may seem difficult, teaching a child something is doable. Early on, you may improve their education and refine their talents using the appropriate tools. As can be seen, using a writing notebook can help students learn better.

Also keep in mind that the sooner kids become familiar with paper and a pen, the better. Allow your child to develop their writing skills, communicate their emotions, and imagine new worlds.

Our primary composition notebooks to discover

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11 amazing benefits of puzzles for all ages

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You can engage in puzzle-solving as a single or shared family activity. Crosswords, cryptograms, jigsaw puzzles, sudoku, or any other problem you enjoy solving has some great advantages.

There are benefits to puzzles for everyone, not just children or the elderly (including YOU). Find out more about the various advantages of solving puzzles.

Note: Affiliate links may be used in this page. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you use my affiliate link. Full disclosure policy here.

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Table of Contents

Children development

Children’s growth can be greatly aided by puzzles. Children will benefit from all the other factors stated here, but because they are still growing, they receive a little extra assistance.

Children who play with blocks, puzzles, and form games can develop their spatial skills faster than those who don’t. Children will be more prepared for math, science, and technology the stronger (and earlier) their spatial skills are developed.

Children who play with puzzles can also improve their organization, patience, and focus more quickly than kids who don’t. Children will gain from having these talents in every area of their lives.

Last but not least, children can improve their hand-eye coordination and fine motor abilities by completing physical puzzles. Putting a puzzle or block activity together involves utilizing the hands, especially the thumb and forefinger, to manage the pieces.

Make sure you choose a puzzle that is appropriate for the child. If it’s too simple, the kid will get bored and won’t be pushed. If it’s too difficult, the child will become discouraged and possibly give up. Make careful to up the complexity as the kid gets older (and gets better at puzzles)!

Delay, reduce or avoid diseas

It’s unlikely that solving puzzles will stop the onset of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other illnesses. However, they could delay the start and/or minimize the severity.

Although there is little but growing data on the health advantages of puzzles, recent studies show that:

  • Use of word puzzles is inversely correlated with cognitive function.
  • There is a close association between the frequency of number‐puzzle use and the level of cognitive performance.
  • Cognitive advancements carry on for five years after they begin.
  • The onset of accelerated memory deterioration was postponed by 2.54 years by crossword puzzles.

Increase vocabulary

There are numerous methods to utilize puzzles to expand or improve your vocabulary. You may learn new words and broaden your vocabulary while also finding fresh applications for words you already know by solving puzzles. In addition, solving puzzles can aid in language learning.

Lower stres and imprive mood

Puzzle solving can significantly improve your mood by increasing dopamine production in your brain. Dopamine is frequently emitted when your brain anticipates (or experiences) a reward, which is why it’s known as the “feel good” neurotransmitter.

Every time you get a tiny tingle of “got it,” dopamine is released. You will experience a small dopamine rush when performing a word search. Sudoku? whenever you enter a number. You’ll always feel dopamine after solving a puzzle.

You’ll feel calm (less stressed) and joyful thanks to all the dopamine released when solving problems (improve mood).

Brain exercises

Puzzles are a terrific method to exercise your brain, which needs workout just like your body does.

You may have heard that your brain has a left and a right side. Your thinking side, the left side of your brain, is where logic, reason, and analytics are used. Your creative side, which employs imagination, intuition, and insights, is on the right side of your brain.

Given that they all require (at least some) logic to solve, all riddles will work the left side. Some puzzles will also exercise your right brain (such as jigsaw puzzles).

Improve memory

Is it just me, or do the benefits of puzzles seem to be mostly cognitive in nature? Here’s another one: solving puzzles can help you remember things longer.

All puzzles will aid in short-term memory improvement. For instance, to remember what you’re looking for when completing a jigsaw puzzle, you’ll need your short-term memory (shape, size, color, etc). Word searches are another instance, in which you use your short-term memory to recall a few words and search for them.

Long-term memory can benefit greatly from some puzzles. Cryptic crossword puzzles are the best because they require you to apply your prior information, which is the ideal puzzle for improving your long-term memory.

Increase concentration and productivity

Puzzles demand focus, organization, and attention to detail. Spending some time (or more time) concentrating on a problem can improve your capacity to focus on other tasks.

You are more productive when you are concentrated. Take pleasure in a puzzle and benefit from it in other areas of your life.

Improve problem solving

Essentially, puzzles are merely unsolvable issues. Your ability to solve problems will get stronger the more you use it. Solving puzzles is a lot of work!

You must develop (and employ) hypotheses, follow and modify plans, identify and fix mistakes, and change your course if something isn’t working in order to solve puzzles. Strong problem-solving in puzzles and in life requires all of these!

Improve spatial reasoning

Your capacity to visualize objects in three dimensions and reach logical conclusions is referred to as spatial thinking (even with limited information). Spatial reasoning is crucial because it enables you to comprehend, work with, and alter data and objects. Your life can be made better in many ways by having superior spatial reasoning, like becoming a better driver and packing more effectively.

Because they frequently demand you to consider how objects (such puzzle pieces and words) fit into other objects, puzzles can aid in the improvement of your spatial reasoning. These abilities help you in many facets of your life!

Improve attention to details

You can develop your attention to detail by solving puzzles. Numerous facets of life can benefit from keen attention to detail (work, driving, etc).

Finding the right piece at the right place while putting together a jigsaw puzzle takes keen attention to detail. Another type of puzzle that you might search through to find the answers to is a word or number search puzzle.

Improve IQ

Who doesn’t want to know more? You will get wiser as a result of adding up some of the other advantages of puzzles mentioned above (better memory, vocabulary, problem-solving, reasoning, etc.).

The use of memory games and puzzles to slightly raise IQ levels is showing promising outcomes in research on memory problems.

What are you waiting for? There are a ton of advantages to solving puzzles now that you are aware of them. Start taking advantage of puzzles right away!

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Tips for smarter note-taking during your next meeting

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Many employees desire a paperless workplace. Eliminating paper allows you to reduce clutter while also saving trees, which is a win-win situation.

But using paper to take meeting notes may still be the best option. By highlighting connections between ideas and generating new ones, handwritten notes can even inspire creativity. They can help you capture ideas, learn new ideas, organize your thoughts, share information with colleagues, keep records for future use, keep track of your progress, and capture new ideas.

Unsure about how to wisely note-taking? Let’s examine the benefits of taking notes on paper, some of the most common note-taking techniques, successful note organization, and how to select the right notebook and writing implement for the task.

Note: Affiliate links may be used in this page. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you use my affiliate link. Full disclosure policy here.

Table of Contents

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The advantages of paper note-taking

Paper notes are still useful in a digital age for a number of reasons.

To begin with, writing notes down on paper (rather than typing more quickly on a computer or tablet) forces note-takers to summarize ideas rather than copy the speaker’s exact words. According to studies, this distillation results in deeper cognitive processing and a greater comprehension of what you just heard. Additionally, it can result in improved recall, particularly 24 or more hours following the meeting.

If you’re easily distracted, it’s also a good idea to give up the computer and switch to handwritten notes. On a laptop or desktop, it’s simple to become sidetracked. A casual glance at your preferred social networking platform or email can easily turn into endless scrolling or a pressing need to empty your inbox. You can prevent these interruptions by taking notes on paper, allowing you to focus more intently on meeting speakers.

Finally, taking notes on paper could improve how educational a meeting is. Writing down notes (rather than typing them) stimulated larger, more learning-focused brain regions and improved learning, according to a recent study.

Common note-taking method

For meetings, a variety of popular note-taking techniques are effective. Although each has benefits and drawbacks, they all let you take notes in a structured way.

The Outline Method

The most popular way to take notes is probably using an outline. Major points are positioned to the left of the page using this technique, and supporting or supplementary points are positioned farther to the right in indented bullet points.

You may rapidly identify the key points discussed and the connections between themes using the outline method. Aligning the material with the outline technique might be challenging in a meeting that moves quickly or is not well-organized.

The Sentence Method

The sentence method is most likely the easiest strategy for taking notes. With this approach, you merely record each fresh idea, piece of information, or discussion from the meeting on a distinct, numbered line.

For speedy writers in meetings with a lot of content when it is not immediately obvious how several points connect together, this strategy works best. It enables you to remember more information than you would if you simply jotted down everything in a long paragraph from the meeting.

The Cornell Method

To take, summarize, and arrange your notes, use the Cornell method. There is also a component for reviews. Professor of education at Cornell University Walter Pauk created the approach in the 1940s.

The note-taker divides the page into three portions according to the Cornell system.

  • The primary section is the section where you take notes, where you record important material discussed during the meeting, such as diagrams, examples, opinions, and so forth.
  • A review/self-test column is located in the margin to the left of the main section. Note any essential terms or succinct sentences that sum up the main section’s points in this section. To gauge your comprehension of what was spoken, you might also include review questions here. As quickly as possible after the meeting, fill in the margin.
  • Put a brief summary of your notes in the bottom area of the page. As soon as the meeting is concluded, this is likewise completed.

Although it requires some work, this approach has a number of benefits. To help you think critically and commit the meeting’s key themes to memory, challenge yourself to review and summarize your notes at least once.

Tips for note-taking

No matter which note-taking technique you like, your notes will be more useful if they contain a few crucial details. Here are some guidelines for what to write down from your meetings. If you want to make sure you always have the important details from each meeting, you might want to create a meeting notes template that addresses these topics.

Background details

Long after a meeting has concluded, basic information will make it simpler to review and organize notes. Include the following historical information.

  • On your paper, write the date in a visible, dependable location, like the top left or right corner.

This will come in handy when you need to retrieve your notes from this particular meeting a few weeks later.

  • Include a list of everyone who attended the meeting by name.

Once more, put this information in a logical, visible location, like the first few words of the article. You can use this information to see who attended the meeting and to refresh your recollection of who was given what duties. Make a note of who scheduled the meeting as well; you may give that individual a star next to their name or place them at the top of the list.

  • Give a succinct summary of the meeting’s goals.

Why were they all congregated in one place? What were you attempting to achieve? Once more, this should be prominently displayed at the top of the page.

Important information

Focus on the most crucial pieces of information that are brought up throughout the meeting once you have finished with the background material. The agenda for the meeting can be used as your outline if the group follows it. If there isn’t a documented agenda, you may probably infer it from the speaker’s presentation.

Include a few phrases describing the main ideas, conclusions, and judgments under each item on the agenda. Every word that was uttered does not have to be included (and shouldn’t be included).

Action items

People become more frustrated with meetings when they believe they accomplish nothing. Because of this, it’s crucial to leave a meeting with a list of action items, each of which should be allocated to one or more of the attendees.

Each action item should contain enough details and be detailed enough to aid in your understanding of the assignment and its intended purpose. Include a due date, the person responsible, and the best way to complete the action item (for instance, a letter draft by email to the director).

Summary of key takeaways

Review your notes after the meeting and include a rundown of the important topics discussed. This will make it easier for you to remember what was said at the meeting and to reflect on it. As soon as you can after the meeting, while the discussion is still fresh in your mind, do this.

Make sure the summary is understandable, succinct, and clear. When reading the summary, it should be possible to comprehend the crucial information from the meeting, even if you need to review the notes in a year or more.

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Tracking Journals

tracking-journals

A tracking journal is a fully customisable journal that may be used to record anything the user chooses. You may use your tracking journal to keep track of anything, from your sleeping patterns to your side gig responsibilities. You may also use a tracking journal to exercise your creativity because you can design each page as you see fit.

Tracking journals are a helpful addition to any bullet notebook. To “track” anything simply involves creating a daily-updated list. Typically, these lists are prepared on a monthly basis; however, there are also weekly trackers that may be included in your weekly overviews. There are innumerable options for what and, more importantly, how to track.

As is the case with tracking journal in general, there are no restrictions or limitations. Consider the kind of activities you would like to engage in more frequently or those that might improve your health (e.g., reading, going to bed earlier, exercising). You can also list habits you wish to eliminate (e.g., eating candy, spending money, consuming meat).

Importantly, your tracking journal should be tailored to your needs and assist you.

Note: Affiliate links may be used in this page. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you use my affiliate link. Full disclosure policy here.

Our tracking journals to discover

All are in paperback

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Password Tracker – Password Organizer with A-Z Alphabetical Tabs to Track Usernames and Passwords for Home or Office, Travel Size 5×7 inch

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WTF Is My Password Log Book: Password Tracker Organizer with A-Z Alphabetical Tabs to Track Usernames and Passwords for Home or Office, Travel Size 5×7 inch

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Username and Password Tracker: Password Organizer with A-Z Alphabetical Tabs to Track Usernames and Passwords for Home or Office, Travel Size 5×7 inch, more than 400 entries.

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Daily Medication & Blood Pressure Tracker Booklet: Personal Medicine Record Log Book

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Dream journals

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Essentially, when we dream, we are processing all the things that have happened to us that day or over a longer period of time in a symbolic and wholly personal way. It’s always beneficial to think back on our dreams because they act as a mirror of how we see the world. It may be doubly significant if you’re seeing a therapist.

Unfortunately, because dreams are sometimes lengthy and complex, we frequently forget them (though seconds to minutes short in real-time). Dream retention is influenced by our brain wave patterns, the time of the REM phase, the consistency of the dream’s logic, and other factors.

Journaling is a fantastic technique to keep your dream from fading into obscurity. It’s much more probable that you’ll remember more details if you keep your dream journal next to your bed and record your dreams as soon as you wake up. As you continue to record your dreams, you might find that your general dream memory improves.

If you’re unsure which form of diary to start with, keeping a dream journal can be a wonderful place to start.

BENEFITS OF DREAMJOURNALING

improved dream analysis and retention;

WHO’S IT BEST FOR?

those who may need to discuss their dreams during therapy sessions;

those who are interested in self-analysis and want to incorporate dream analysis into their introspective practice;

Note: Affiliate links may be used in this page. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you use my affiliate link. Full disclosure policy here.

Our dream journals to discover

All are in paperback.

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Dream Journal: a Notebook, a Journal or a Log to with Prompts to Record, Track and Interpret Your Dream. This is an Ideal Gift for Men and Women or in … such as Birthday, Christmas and Surprise

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9 Benefits of Picture Books for Young Children

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Children’s lives are filled with picture books, and most parents read to their children beginning at age 0. We all understand the benefits of reading to children for their learning and growth, but why are picture books particularly significant?

Note: Affiliate links may be used in this page. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you use my affiliate link. Full disclosure policy here.

Table of Contents

benefits-of-picture-books

Find out these following benefits of picture books for young children

1. Introduce reading to kids

For the most part because of the illustrations, picture books are typically the first books read to kids. Additionally, the stories are brief and simple to follow. An adult can teach a kid the value of reading by reading picture books to them.

2. Encourage dialogues

Both the book’s pictures and words serve as discussion starters and can inspire further activities like counting or learning colors. You can fully involve the child in the story’s events when you talk about them during or after it to help them develop their communication abilities. Intriguingly, studies have indicated that parents who talk to their kids more often have an edge in the classroom compared to parents who interact less.

3. Establish ties

If a youngster is meeting a new adult, being read to by an adult can help “break the ice” and foster a nice relationship between the reader and the listener.

4. Improve visual cognitive abilities

Children are better able to understand the words and associate them with a meaning thanks to the picture by making connections between the words and the images on the page.

5. Describe art

The graphics add more to the text than merely ornamentation. They improve the narrative and the feelings. A kid is encouraged by the context to return to various images again, spotting new details, interpreting character emotions and interactions, and possibly uncovering alternative subplots that can only be revealed in the images.

6. Improves children’s listening skills

They gain crucial listening skills by remaining silent while listening to a story (until requested).

7. Acquire new skills

When a child sees a narrative character doing something—building a tower, baking, dancing, or even just high fiving—they want to copy them and learn the new action or skill.

8. Introduce challenging ideas in a secure setting

Utilizing a tale to discuss unfamiliar or possibly upsetting subjects, like death, aids children in better processing and comprehending the information. Additionally, they can pose queries that are relevant to the story and, by extension, to themselves.

9. Increase vocabulary

Picture books frequently use invented, humorous, and lengthier words that a young child might not be able to read on their own. Children learn and expand their vocabulary through playing with language.

Our picture books to discover

mid-autumn-festival-series

This series of “Mid-Autumn Festival” includes 3 books in 3 different languages: English, French and Vietnamese.
This series is a great source of materials to learn English, French and Vietnamese as well as about Vietnamese culture.
The books are well designed to catch the attention of kids. They give kids the chance to learn new words about the festival, explore a folktale about the occasion and do some coloring work.
The book is suitable for kids from 3 to 12 years old.

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3 top benefits of journaling

journals

Journaling has been around for a while; it first appeared in ancient China when Ma Dubo recorded his travels to Mount Tai to make an emperor-related ritualistic offering. This gives us a better understanding of how journaling can be significant historically since it reveals the day-to-day realities of people in various time periods and regions of the world.

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journals

In the words of Nataly Goldberg: “It doesn’t matter if you’re journaling or using writing as a kind of meditation. The relationship you have with your intellect is what matters.”

This clarifies the second query we raised earlier: all kinds of personal journals are beneficial to you, provided you take the time to reflect on and explore within.

Science has something to say about the enormous benefits of journaling for our general well-being, not just the romanticized phrases of famous authors.

In a nutshell, research has shown that journaling can be very helpful for persons with any psychological diseases (ADHD, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, psychosis, PTSD, etc.), as keeping track of thoughts and conditions and possibly developing regular routines promote self-reflection.

Journaling, according to psychologist and researcher James Pennebaker, can boost our immune systems by serving as a stress-reduction technique. Pennebaker asserts that it lessens the negative effects of stimuli on our T-lymphocyte cells (a fancy name for white blood cells, or immune system cells). Additionally, research demonstrates that writing engages our left brain hemisphere, which is our analytical center, while also encouraging our right brain’s creative side to just feel.

You might be wondering why you shouldn’t just eat your beans and salad, go for a run, and stop journaling if it’s all about your health.

Here is a brief overview of the benefits of journaling that science can provide:

Mental health: Journaling can help you better understand yourself and let go of daily tension and confusion;
Clarification of the mind and emotions: due to our hectic schedules, we occasionally need to take a few minutes to sit down and write everything out;
Keeping a journal is a great way to reduce stress since it makes you feel more at ease and organized, which strengthens your immune system.

What do you think—is it simpler to solve problems in your head or on paper? You can use many journal formats to help you with a variety of life issues.

Perhaps you ought to be aware of the fact that many psychotherapists from various schools of thought use journaling with their patients. This sort of therapy is known as journal therapy. It’s unnecessary to explain why after what we’ve just said.

Check out our journals in each category to find one or more for you and your beloved ones!

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12 benefits of activity books for kids

benefits-of-activity-books

Let’s discover the most known benefits of activity books.

Note: Affiliate links may be used in this page. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you use my affiliate link. Full disclosure policy here.

An activity book is a particular kind of book that is typically written for children and includes interactive features including games, puzzles, quizzes, coloring pages, and other things that require writing or drawing in the actual book. The story of the book and other non-interactive components may or may not be loosely organized around the interactive components. Activity books may be produced for fun, education, or a combination of the two.

Even though books are great for igniting the imagination, kids need more than that. Children’s activity books are perfect for giving kids experiences other than reading, which is crucial to their future academic success.

Table of Contents

benefits-of-activity-books

These are 12 benefits of activity books

1. Enhance Concentration

Kids’ activity books, which offer basic yet amusing exercises to keep kids interested for long enough to assist lengthen the period for which they can focus on one thing, can help. Children find it difficult to sit still and concentrate at the best of times.

2. Excellent technique to recognize colors, shapes…

Activity books for kids are another excellent technique to help kids practice their color, shape, number, and letter awareness. Additionally, they can teach or review word construction as well as fundamental addition and subtraction.

3. Fine motor skills

Correctly holding pens, pencils, crayons, and scissors requires practice, which continues through the primary years. Completing book activities is one of the most enjoyable methods for youngsters to get that important practice; they help kids develop stronger hand and finger muscles and better pen control.

4. Hand-eye coordination

Activity books that instruct kids to use a specific method just in a certain region, such coloring in an image, can promote kids’ hand-eye coordination. One of the simplest instances of this is when kids learn to color inside the lines rather than scribbling aimlessly.

5. A feeling of accomplishment

It’s crucial for kids to feel joy and success when they finish an activity, like connecting the dots to create an image. Instilling confidence in children can help them face the difficulties of school, sport, and home in a positive way. When kids believe they can succeed, they are more likely to do so.

6. Having fun while learning

The most frequent complaint from kids is that their schooling is dull. Children learn without even realizing it by engaging in enjoyable activities that help them hone their skills without feeling under pressure.

7. Expression of Self

Activity books inspire kids to draw, write, think, and feel on paper and are participatory.

8. Spending time with the children

We can become so engrossed in the fast-paced digital world that we forget to take a seat and simply talk with our children. Using activity books with your child is a terrific way to interact with them.

9. A Little Bit of Everything

In the form of an activity book, you can find information on practically any subject, including simple art, arithmetic, reading, and writing abilities, etiquette and social skills, foreign languages, and more. You can buy them already made or make your own using worksheets that are available for free download.

10. Pass the Time (without technology)

Activities pages and basic markers, pencils, and pens provide hours of amusement. There is something calming and guilt-free about pulling up tried-and-true workbooks as a busy mom.

11. Reduced Screen Time

Children watch screens passively for 4 hours each day, according to studies. On days when the weather prevents them from venturing outside, that amount nearly doubles. When you encourage your child to open an activity book, they will not only be much more involved and focused than they would be if they spent the day staring at a lifeless screen, but they will also feel much more fulfilled. Additionally, students will develop the abilities necessary for success in both school and in life.

12. Increased Reading and Enhanced Comprehension Techniques

Reading need not be monotonous. In fact, by encouraging your kids to read with engaging activity books, you’ll be aiding in the development of both strong reading habits and attention abilities in them. Children can practice a variety of literacy and critical thinking skills while learning to read with the aid of activity books. As toddlers figure out the various stages to finish an activity, their comprehension skills inevitably advance.

Our activity books to discover

Coloring books

fun-easter-coloring-book-for-kids-ages-3-10

A Fun Easter Coloring Book, A Great gift of activity for kids from simple to complicate images of cute eggs, bunnies and chickens: For kids from 2 to 6 and includes 31 pages, colorable cover

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Spot the difference

spot-the-difference-activity-book

Spot the Difference Activity Book: A Large Print Search and Find Picture Puzzle Book – Fun Brain Games for Kids, Teens, Adults and Seniors

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Multi activities

Halloween Brain Workouts: Fun Memory Training Workbook

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animal-abc-alphabet-tracing-coloring-book

Animal ABC Alphabet Tracing & Coloring Book: Letter Tracing Book for Preschoolers Handwriting Practice for Kids Ages 3-5, 200 large size pages 8.5×11″

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Dot Sticker Art Coloring Book for kids ages 2+: Numbers, Shapes, Sea Animals

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Reading log books

reading-log-book-for-kids-reading-journal

My Daily Reading Log for Kids, a Reading Journal, a Gift for Young Reading Lovers, an Activity Book with 100 Logs, Size 8x10inch: Kids Reading Log & Journal

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Sudoku puzzles book for kids ages 4-7, very easy and easy levels

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Check out our articles about activity books!