5 Ways to Use Mini Notebooks to Their Fullest

A red and a grey mini notebook on a pillow.

Whether you receive one as a stocking stuffer, company gift, or just couldn’t resist picking up a pack of them, mini notebooks are a very popular style. They fit in your pocket, can go anywhere, and have a charming appearance. But, and be honest here, have you figured out how to actually use one yet? … Read more

If You’re Still Writing With a Wooden Pencil in 2026, Here’s What You’re Noticing that Few Others Are

The author holding his wooden pencil over a closed green notebook.

Recently, I’ve begun writing in a Leuchtturm1917 (review coming soon) in an attempt to fill it completely. It’s still early in the process, and I’ve already switched writing instruments once. My pen died so I moved on to a nearby pencil. After writing out several full pages with this pencil, I’ve discovered I’m not merely … Read more

How to Set Up Obsidian for Daily Journaling in 5 Minutes or Less (Minimal Effort Picture Guide)

Obsidian's installation page with a button that says "Download for Windows"

If you’ve ever been interested personal note-taking in the digital space or even just Googled “workflow” you’ve almost certainly been exposed to Obsidian and the idea of a second brain. Yet, the way people talk about these ideas starts to feel magical instead of realistic and they quickly look more complicated than useful. In reality, … Read more

This USDA-Inspired Activity Tracking System has Changed the Way I Look at Myself

A notebook in lab journal style showing a record of job applications for a young job seeker.

Do you ever look back at your life and wonder why you were such a lazy bum at that point? Does that point in your life include this week, yesterday, or this morning? You’re not alone, but a simple lab journaling method I started using years ago in my STEM career has absolutely straightened out … Read more