My New Favorite Thing

Okay before I start my rant, I have to just say that this isn't a sponsored post or any sort of plug for what I'm about to talk about. I'm just really, really, much too excited about a stack of papers for my own good.

 Somehow, our trip to Europe is less than two weeks away, and I still feel like I'm not prepared at all.

There are so many things I still need to get for the trip, like a camera bag, good sunscreen, and a dang pair of leggings. And until this weekend, a travel journal was at the top of my list.

I was really specific about what type of journal I wanted. I wanted it to be pretty, but still have all the essentials like spaces for addresses and maybe some handy additions like conversion charts or something.

I've had a lot of people tell me to keep a journal on our trip, or at least a list of places we ate and stayed. So for a month or so I've been searching for the perfect one.

And then I came across this little notebook at this weird store in the mall called Cotton On. 

It's almost like an H&M, except they have this whole little section of knick-knacks like nesting owl measuring cups and lots and lots of notebooks.

After doing some digging (literally), I found this perfect journal that I took one look at and knew I had to have.

It was a little out of my price range, but when I looked inside I knew it was worth it.

And here's why:

 I love the cover. I love that there's a strap to hold it close and the cute candy-canesque stripes on the side add a great touch. Plus, I just want to be that cute little girl on the cover. Or at least have that hair bow.

On the inside of the front cover is this fantastic little pouch to put souvenirs from our trips like business cards (to remember where we ate/stayed), brochures, maps, and other knick knacks. HANDY.

 It's a little tough to see in this picture, but inside the journal is a place to write down the contact info of people you meet along the way, and a CONVERSION CHART. ie measurements, mph --> kmh, and clothing sizes!

 

Most of the journal is comprised of Daily Notes, which I also think is organized in a great way. I love that you can circle how the weather was and write down the original plan, then there's lots of room to write down what happened throughout the day.

I also loved the space to write contact info for postcard sending (mine are already stamped and ready to be written when we get to Rome). 

 

Here's the kicker for this little journal of mine. In the back, they included a map of New York. Okay I know that sounds stupid, like why would I buy a journal just because it has a map of New York? Maybe it's because I've been extra homesick lately (9 months away from your home state is a little too long) or I just was really excited to be able to point my hometown out on a map. Regardless, I felt like it was meant to be.

 

I also loved the cleverness of having a packing list (always handy for those of us with Overpacking Disorder), also a place to put important information just in case something goes wrong.

 

A place to put where we stayed, for future travels!

And last but not least, I love these little details. Especially "Happy Travels" on the back page.

 

So I know it's weird to be this excited about something that really isn't that important, but I guess I'm okay with being weird. Basically the point I'm trying to get across is that keeping a journal, especially while traveling, is important! I hope someday our kids can look back on my journals and they'll be of some help to figuring out why their mom is so weird.

If you're planning on traveling somewhere this summer, I hope you write down your favorite memories so they're never forgotten!