Category Archives: My Collection

Review: Iconic Essay Notebook

Here’s a notebook that gets a lot of points for style: the Iconic Essay Book. “Un Recueil D’Essais” means “collection of essays,” and this notebook suggests that you “write down every precious moment of your life”. The cover design looks like an old-fashioned book- various colors are available but the maroon color I chose seemed … Continue reading Review: Iconic Essay Notebook

Review: Ideal Notebook from Mexico

Let’s take a look at an adorable little notebook I bought at a store called Kiosk in NYC. The store unfortunately no longer exists– it was kind of a conceptual project more than a real business, I guess, almost more like an exhibit of various products from around the world. You can still see their … Continue reading Review: Ideal Notebook from Mexico

What I’m Using Now (January 2018)

Here’s the most recent update to my “using now” photo: My main daily notebook is still the squared pocket Moleskine. A pocket Moleskine sketchbook is also a daily carry. And I have added the Nolty 2018 diary to my daily carry as well– I was originally thinking I would keep it by my bedside to … Continue reading What I’m Using Now (January 2018)

World War I Soldier’s Diary

This is an antique notebook I found on eBay. These kinds of diaries seem to have been issued to soldiers during World War I & II, to encourage the recording of memories of the battles fought in, places seen, friendships made, etc. It also includes some handy French phrases. This notebook is completely blank– I … Continue reading World War I Soldier’s Diary

Review: Peninsula Notebook

I don’t usually feel compelled to buy every cheapo notebook I see but every now and then I do find something at the supermarket that seems worth a try– this Peninsula notebook was one. I’ve seen these at Giant and Stop & Shop supermarkets, and I believe I paid $5.99 or $6.99 for this pocket … Continue reading Review: Peninsula Notebook

Review: Shinola Notebook

Over the last couple of years, I’ve been seeing Shinola notebooks for sale in more and more places. Some stores have a big wooden display rack exclusively for this brand. Shinola is best known for their watches, but they also make bicycles and leather goods. They are also renowned for their commitment to helping revive … Continue reading Review: Shinola Notebook

An Interview with José Naranja, Creator of The Orange Manuscript

I’ve been seeing images of José Naranja‘s notebook pages on Pinterest for quite a while, but it is only since joining Instagram that I discovered the full depth of his amazing work. His notebook pages are incredibly detailed, with writing, drawing, and collage elements– it’s the kind of notebook art where you really wish you … Continue reading An Interview with José Naranja, Creator of The Orange Manuscript

2018 Nolty Diary from Japan

I don’t focus a lot on diaries and planners on this site, mainly because I haven’t used a paper planner myself for many years. But every once in a while, I see something that I have to have. I spotted this pocket size Nolty planner at the Kinokuniya bookstore in NYC, amongst a few other … Continue reading 2018 Nolty Diary from Japan