Moleskine Expanded | Hitting the Halfway Mark!

I made it to the halfway point in my Moleskine Expanded notebook! I’ll show peeks of some spreads and what I think of the notebook overall. Thanks so much for watching ❤️.
__________________________
INSTAGRAM
I post additional journal related stuff on Instagram!
@sarahsjournals
/ sarahsjournals
__________________________
RELEVANT VIDEOS
Moleskine Expanded Notebook
• Moleskine Expanded Edi...
Journal Consolidation
• Journal Consolidation:...
2019 Journal/Planner Lineup
• 2019 Planner and Journ...
Changes in My 2019 Journal/Planner Lineup
• Check-In: 2019 Lineup ...
Traveler’s Notebook Slip Pocket Insert Tutorial
• Slip Pocket Insert Hac...
___________________________
LINKS TO PRODUCTS
Moleskine Expanded, Large, Softcover, Dot Grid {AFF}
amzn.to/2WSszkJ
1canoe2 free printable
1canoe2.com/collections/free-...
Malina Plans (Custome Name Vinyl Decal)
malinaplans.com/collections/v...
Patreon: Courtney Diaz
/ littleravenink
Patreon: Cecile Lu
/ cissyartcafe
Cissy’s Art Cafe
cissyartcafe.com
Little Raven Ink (Courtney Diaz)
www.etsy.com/shop/TheLittleRa...
___________________________
Links marked {AFF} are affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I make a small commission, but there is no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting my channel!

[@KaterinaGasset]

I absolutely LOVE how you let your children draw in your journal! What wonderful memories and keepsakes to hold on to!!! I love that.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Exactly! I’m so glad I decided to let my journal capture ALL the bits of my life😁

[@KaterinaGasset]

@@sarahmartinezjournals I used to write from top to bottom for years since I was 12 years old. I just discovered BJ in February. I always kept my business planner separate from my journal but after I found out about BJ, I thought my kids will just throw away all my business planners and my thoughts about running my company, etc, some valuable lessons. But if I could combine it all into one journal- that may just work! And I have loved it since I started doing all my life in the same journals.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

That’s amazing! And such a good point about having the kids care more about our journals if they’re filled with all the goodies.

[@goodluckcharm2008]

Great video! I have an expanded Molekine that I made a few entries in, and then got overwhelmed. Seeing the way you use your journal has inspired me to get back into it, using my scrapbook paper, ephemera, and huge washi collection. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I’m so glad you’ll be trying again! Definitely stick EVERYTHING in there 😜. It can take it!

[@amybud]

Thank you so much for doing this video! I know inserting the pictures of your journal pages was a pain, but I really loved seeing your page layouts!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you♥️♥️

[@moonlightcabin9395]

That is one chunky monkey! Nothing better than a journal stuffed full of memories and art! You're so close to finishing it :D

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

So chunky! I’ll be quite the accomplishment when it’s done 😁

[@christiannablackmore2109]

This speaks to me so much on so many levels! I’m trying to get back into journaling and I’m totally inspired after watching this. Thanks!

[@ruleofthree99]

this video speaks to me so much. and WOW, that hack is a true life-saver. last year my journal went from 1 inch to 6 inches thick with how much random stuff i added to it, so that is super helpful.

[@CazSantiago]

Great video Sarah! I LOVE to see your process. And you're totally right, showing the blurred pics provided a great perspective on your page layouts! A mind blowing moment for me was when you talked about changing journaling sizes! OMG, I so needed hear you say that to help with the "unicorn" size struggle! I love most sizes so why not change into another another when I'm done with my current journal. Right now, I'm in an A5 LT 1917. Next up Wide. Next after that, probably B6, then A6, then Narrow....eeeeek!!!!! Gracias!!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Oh this made me so happy!! It was a huge revelation for me to realize I don’t have to pick a permanent journaling size. Like you, the problem was I enjoy lots of sizes. And by the time I’m done journaling, I’ve been in the size long enough that I want a break from it. After being in this beast I feel like using an A6 or pocket with way less pages. 🤩

[@illepu]

So happy that you are enjoying your journal. As you know I use one book for everything and love it. I truly have "planner peace" because the size, paper, cover are immaterial to me. I can change out TN's, inserts, notebooks with alacrity because my system always works. One life. One book. The problem with the journal growing too large for one of my TNs only occurs with my 365 art journal; and I just cut off the first four months(it was practicall rond!).Of course that's the only 365 page journal I'm using. I use journals with fewer pages for my BuJo/Morning Pages/ diary/ memory keeper, etc., etc., book.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Such a wonderful system!! One life. One book. I love it. I’m excited to see how different notebooks cope with different amounts of bulk.

[@jenbell7041]

Evangeline ... What smaller (thinner?) notebooks do you use?

[@illepu]

@@jenbell7041 I don't use anything unusual. My Bullet Journal "Collections" always reside in Field Notes or FN size notebooks because they are mainly inventories; I really like finishing them fairly rapidly because they only have 48 pages.Ditto for Morning Pages (they're supposed to be tossed when finished). Currently I'm keeping my journal in an A6 Dingbats notebook. It has 96 sheets. In the past, I've used LT17, Moleskine, and Sigel which have about 90 pages. Also the Midori MD notebooks which have about 80 sheets. The FN and pocket size are great because of the numerous options one has.

[@jenbell7041]

Evangeline Brown thanks for the ideas!

[@Enthusiasticallydawn]

Magazine cutouts and quotes are my favorite and washi everything....Yes, my journal- journal is all the things, good, bad, ugly!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I’m so glad I’m learning to finally do it all🙌🏼

[@krissyleeplans]

Just started mine the other day, I don't even care how crappy the paper is. I flipping adore this notebook so far. I am even going old school nerd with the lined version and everything haha. My Tora Next is still on the way, can't wait to see what I think of it

[@karendale9926]

Great hack for the left side bump issue !! Thx👍

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Thank you!! I’m so glad I remembered it because it has really helped me want to complete this journal♥️

[@tattooedcat]

Epic video Sarah! Great job on all of the editing. I really appreciated the inserted pics. I got a feel for your pages and the blur was perfect. Thanks for talking us through your evolution. I love looking at how you build a page. It’s giving me some awesome ideas. So sorry to see you leatherless for the moment. It must be driving you bonkers. I’m glad you have other covers to stave off the withdrawal. 😹 And I look forward to seeing your new one! 🧡 Thanks for the hard work and for sharing this video! I really appreciate it. 🤩

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! I swear, you make it all worth it!♥️♥️♥️ And yeah, I need my leather fix😂

[@karoljimenez4757]

I love the way you journal! And it's awesome you are sticking with it ♥️

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Thank you so much!! I’m definitely picking a thinner notebook after this 😂

[@karoljimenez4757]

I would too.

[@MACoote108]

Oh I love this video Sarah! What a beautiful notebook! I know the moleskine Notebooks have a lot of problems but for some reason I love them 😍 and always go back to them. Great video as always 🤗

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Thank you so much, dear Martha! I’m more of a paper addict than a paper snob I guess 😆

[@RenskeAnimeFan]

i always go back to leuchtrum 1917. But I still want to try the moleskin

[@Higgler16]

Hey Sarah, I am also at the halfway point of my Moleskine Expanded notebook! It looks much like yours, & it has outgrown my Chic Sparrow cover. I ordered an A5 from Popov Leathers for it. I hope it holds this notebook's bulk 😀 Like you, I would definitely do it again. But maybe not right away. I would post a picture of my monster, but I can't figure out how to do it.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

That’s awesome! How fun that we’re doing it together. Dressing this beast is quite the chore!

[@elliescorner2019]

I love this video! I liked seeing the pictures of your layouts and hearing you describe how you use the journal; seeing your kids’ pages is so adorable. Can’t wait to see how the new cover fits! Also, I LOVE Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki. Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle are two of my all-time favourite movies. Howl’s Moving Castle is based on the Diana Wynne Jones novel which is I also found charming and wonderful 😊🔥🏰

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Thank you so much! Spirited Away is one of my daughter’s favorites right now. 😍 I still have to read Howls Moving Castle...it’s buried around here somewhere, haha.

[@laurajane1900]

Lovely journal! I,m trying to decide between a dated and undated journal for next year, how did you decide?

[@tlembro]

Just ordered this….waiting for it to come!

[@yarilynnrobles212]

Love how you described getting excited for a different size once you are done with that journal! Definitely doing that! Plus I feel less guilty for having different size notebooks😉😊

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Oh man, I used to be so caught up in trying to stay in the same size so I could have a perfect looking archive of journals😂. An idea that never really panned out! I’ve been so much more successful freeing myself of that. I hope you love it too!

[@yarilynnrobles212]

@@sarahmartinezjournals yup exactly!

[@BrandeHarris]

When you said you’d be posting pictures while talking, I couldn’t imagine. But I get it now and it makes the video so interesting. Great idea. Now I’m considering, reconsidering, a moleskine expanded. Nuts! The bump adjustment!! Brilliant. Now I gotta do it with my Stalogy. Wow so glad I found this video. Even though I’m a year late.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I’m so glad the video was helpful, Brande! Thank you for watching😀

[@kimberlycolon-moller3707]

Thank you!!!

[@funnygirlfashion]

I loved this video! I love seeing how others journal. Where did you get your studio Ghibli papers? Sorry if you mentioned it and I missed it. Thanks!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Thank you so much!! I got the papers from Barnes and noble. Mine had a little studio Ghibli display and the papers were buried in there😊

[@talksfromtheheart]

I'm proud of you...I quit my big one. I hang my head in shame.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Yeah but yours was INTENSE. And a true A5. No shame, my friend.

[@bookgoblingirl]

I love seeing how you use your journal! I was curious, what brand is your clickable pen?

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Thank you so much! I use a Uniball Signo RT1 in 0.5 😊

[@shannonphillips8704]

Love love love this! designs by planner perfect has extra wide ( for future reference) Where did you get the sticker on the front?

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Oh good to know! Thank you for the recommendation. The name decal on the front is from Malina Plans. I got the plain script in glossy black😊

[@kreynolds6173]

I love it! I'm sure you've already mentioned it but where did you get the matte vinyl sticker of your name on the front of your book?

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

It’s from Malina Plans! I have it linked in the description for you. I actually got the glossy version, although she offers a matte version too!

[@kreynolds6173]

@@sarahmartinezjournals Thank you!!

[@ssd1453]

Sarah where are the Pom Pom clips from? Also what font is the vinyl decal in black?

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

The pom clips were made by my friend Robin! She doesn't sell them but she has a tutorial here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYLNfKabirWWoZI. You can also find them for sale all over Etsy😊

[@lisabyard3378]

What size is your LeCow? Your video stated wide size or cahier size but I don’t know what the size is in his listings.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

So he doesn’t normally make this size (this was his first time!). I had it custom made. I sent him the measurements of my notebook. You can message him to request a special size!

[@cathycreates]

The fold over hack is great. Do you think I can do that with my Hobonichi Cousin which is developing a hump? I love it as it’s full of memories and I’m so proud of that, but I need to write !!!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I actually saw it done in a Hobonichi! It should work great😊

[@cathycreates]

Sarah Martinez Cool!! Thanks Sarah!

[@KM-nq7hz]

I love that you call it your omnijournal!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Haha, it’s big enough to hold everything that’s for sure!😄

[@wahinepaddler4]

My expanded fits my hippo noto notebook from Makers South..

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Oh that’s awesome to know, thank you!

[@justaplainmom4395]

How long did it take to fill up the whole journal? I have the hardback journal and I have been working on it since January and still not done!!!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

It took 4 months! I add a lot of decoration which helps to take up space😄

[@gailsbookishthings5191]

Great idea for using washi!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Thank you!! Gotta use it up somehow😄

[@cathycreates]

I really enjoyed that, thanks.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Thank you so much for watching♥️♥️

[@jenbell7041]

😍

[@kimberlycolon-moller3707]

Love your cover. Did you do that yourself? How did you get it to stay?

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Thank you, Kimberly! Are you referring to the name decal I have on the cover? If so, it’s a custom from Malina Plans. I have it linked in the description if you’re interested! I chose the plain script in glossy black. It’s a pretty tough decal, it has withstood a lot!

[@marshahostetler]

You do Washi tape I do watercolor I hate writing on a white page! LOL. But I use my B6 Tomoe River paper inserts I love it.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I’m hoping to get into watercolor once I get into TRP! It may start me down a path of no return😁

[@loiscassels8966]

I love CeeCee’s art cafe, especially her weather stickers. What does your blue bracelet support?

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Her stickers are the cutest! The bracelet supports Neuroimmune disorders (Transverse Myelitis in my child’s case). wearesrna.org ♥️

[@loiscassels8966]

Thank you. I have researched and made a donation towards research. Merry Christmas.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

That is so kind of you!! We appreciate it so much♥️. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@EverydayAwesomeTV]

Oh... the completed notebook is a beautiful thing! :-)

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I agree!!♥️

[@krystal37276]

What tier did you join for Courtney to receive the images? They are adorable!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I’m in the $10 tier. She gives so much for the cost!

[@cbonito5842]

Hi Love your set up. Will that fit in a chic Sparrow A5 folio

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I’m honestly not sure 😬. If I had to guess, I would say no. Without any bulk, I think the moleskine spine is still too thick to sit comfortably in the CS folio.

[@cbonito5842]

Sarah Martinez Thank you. You saved me from spending more money. Lol!!

[@karenc.8622]

SAY WHAT?! Four pages a day! You are superwoman and I love you sis!!! :)

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

But it’s not 4 pages of writing!😂 😘😘

[@karenc.8622]

@@sarahmartinezjournals LOL

[@Enthusiasticallydawn]

First ! lol...I am working but keeping company with planner pals! Watching now...XO

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Enthusiastically Dawn 😂😂

[@jessicacollins8049]

Wow 400 pages 2 months in and youre halfway through? I cant fill an 80 page tn insert in 2 months. Ive been in a b6 slim since april 16 and not even half way through it

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I used to take just as long in an 80 page insert! It just took time for me to figure out how to take up space 😊. If I have a lot to say, it’s mostly writing. If I don’t have a lot to say, it’s a lot of my kids’ drawings. Haha.

[@kellylovescoffee9419]

Hey Sarah, another great video and I so agree with you on the finished journal being the truly satisfying part! I bought an expanded moleskine but haven't taken the plunge yet to use it. I have a custom order in some other sizes with Maker's South as well. And will definitely be interested to see how your custom cover works for the chunky monkey! Which leather did you get or is it a surprise?😉I've been eyeing some of their new oil tans for my next purchase😍

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I hope you enjoy your moleskine when you get into it! It’s a long-term relationship for sure 😁. I got the natural Dublin leather from Makers south but I ADORE the English tan vintage horsefront which is next on my list! Don’t you love the videos he’s put up? Makes me want like 5 more!

[@kellylovescoffee9419]

@@sarahmartinezjournals Yes, the videos make me want to try them all! I got one in the english tan VHF and it's got the brightest pull-up! I also love the natural dublin, so I'm sure you'll be happy! I love the Horween pull-up leathers!

[@TheEnglishrose27]

@@sarahmartinezjournals what's this.. They do a tan moleskine? I've been looking for a tan colour one for ages.

[@TheEnglishrose27]

Is is oil tan moleskin you had your eye on?

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

@@TheEnglishrose27 they don’t have the English tan horsefront anymore. They sell out of leathers quickly so it’s best to check their website for available leathers! You can also email them to ask if they have other leathers not yet listed.

[@MoniqueBourgeois]

So cool...

[@rachel6ix]

Oh how I wish Chic Sparrow still offered the extra wide. That would solve your problem🤦🏾‍♀️ I got lucky and snagged a dark brown maverick in extra wide and it fits Midori MD and LT1917 A5 flush, so I know this moleskine would fit nicely. Nevertheless, can’t wait to see the custom order. I wish I could journal 4 pages everyday. I need to get a printer so I can be more than a words only journaler.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Oh man, the extra wide would have been a dream! And get that printer and print all the things!😂 I loved having my written journals but getting to flip more pages really keeps the momentum going.

[@GraceBye]

Love it and you are a journal writer yay me too so hard to find

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Thank you!! Writing is everything!♥️♥️

[@GraceBye]

@@sarahmartinezjournals yes so glad i found your videos i would LOVE to try ine of those books but Australia is so pricey for stuff

[@srivirao]

There is something about a stacked well loved moleskine.i LOVE your vids.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

You got that right! Thank you so much♥️♥️

[@mlsc8]

How did you add your name to the front?

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

It’s a vinyl decal from Malina Plans. I have it linked in the description😊

[@RenskeAnimeFan]

what journal are you going to use next?

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I haven’t decided yet! I’ll definitely do a video about it when I decide😊

[@lyndasmith593]

Very nice..well done.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Thank you so much, Lynda!♥️♥️

[@srivirao]

Where did u get those tabs

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

They’re from ArtJournalGirl on Etsy but she doesn’t make them anymore, unfortunately!

[@wahinepaddler4]

@@sarahmartinezjournals omg she stopped making it?? 😳 I guess I need to ration the pack that I have..

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

@Leona hopefully she’s going to release some new designs 🤞🏼. I’m rationing mine too😄

[@mrscobb82]

Thanks for sharing!! I love my sprocket for photos as well! It love how it adds to my journaling! Amazon has the best price for the pics for me.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Not gonna lie, I go on sprocket refill spending speed on amazon when they are half price😅

[@Joy2Plan]

Loved it and enjoyed listening to your thought process. 🤗✨❤️✨ Joy2plan

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Thank you so much, Sharon!!♥️

[@Enthusiasticallydawn]

Also I need a sticker with my name on it like on your cover???

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

It’s linked in the description! From Malina Plans. You need one!

[@Enthusiasticallydawn]

Two Words....Chic Sparrow EXTRA WIDE ( I have two) (No longer making!)

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Ugh, that would have been PERFECT!

[@jenbell7041]

They have used sale groups on Facebook...got the discontinued size I needed there and cheaper than new!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

@Jen If I didn’t have something on the way, I would totally check out the BST!

[@Enthusiasticallydawn]

@@jenbell7041 I got my Darcy Burgundy EW there as well!

[@mowthpeece1]

Thought this was gonna be a showing of the contents of the Moleskine, not just the cover. Oh, well..

[@RenskeAnimeFan]

i can never choose the perfect journal for me.... first world problems

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I totally understand. There’s no perfect journal for me, I enjoy using them all at different times!

[@nicola4789]

Your hands are making me dizzy but interesting video.