Chic Sparrow is a leather goods company that began as a small Etsy shop creating handcrafted journal covers—and has since grown into a beloved brand known for its beautiful lines of notebook covers and journaling accessories. While there are many notebook cover options on the market across a wide range of price points, Chic Sparrow sits comfortably on the higher end—and for good reason. Their covers are made from genuine, high-quality leather that only becomes more beautiful with time and use. I really love using these because they make journaling feel like a special ritual.

With Chic Sparrow, you can find a cover you love in the exact size and style that fits your journaling needs. Traditional traveler’s notebook covers feature elastic strings that allow you to insert multiple notebooks or planners at once and swap them out as needed—keeping your cover consistent while refreshing what’s inside. You can also choose from other options such as folios that hold the covers of your notebook in pockets. Personally, I’ve collected several of their covers over the years in B5, A5, Traveler’s Notebook, B6, and Weeks sizes, and each one feels like a piece of craftsmanship that grows more personal with every use. This post is a review of the covers themselves, but also a walkthrough of my notebook ecosystem of how I use different notebooks in different sizes to complement my own journaling routine.

You don’t have to be a journal or notebook lover to be obsessed with office supplies! There is nothing like a new planner, sticky note, or pen to make you feel organized and on top of everything. Sometimes it feels like a journey to find the perfect notebook or planner. You may weigh in your mind things like size, paper style, paperweight, pen loop or no pen loop, hardcover, softcover, and more…the easier part of loving office supplies is browsing through journal accessories that will speak to your inner office supply lover and planner lover. 

Because who doesn’t feel more on top of things when they have journaling supplies in stock?

This post is a mini-shopping guide roundup of all of my favorite office supplies to buy…after the perfect notebook is already in your hands. If you are still looking for the perfect notebook or the perfect journaling system at this point, start with this post: “Choose a Journaling System That Works For You” to get you started. These are items that make journaling or using a notebook just fun and allows you to be really creative. You will also see pictures of my journal or planner because I use items like these all the time.

While I am a classroom teacher and love all things office supplies, I also have many people in my life who love all things paper, office supply and feeling organized. You have to admit: There is nothing like a new planner or journal to make you feel on top of it and ready to take on the world. This post gathers some ideas about the person in your life who appreciates the same feelings you may have toward sticky notes, new pens, and stickers that can make your day better. Remember, this is a gift guide for other people, but you may find yourself clicking “add to cart” for yourself as well. My favorite thing about gifting office supplies is that the “treat yo’ self” factor does not have to be a big one. Sometimes a small pack of pencils can make my day better. Have fun spreading some holiday cheer with all things paper, writing, journaling, and organization!

I first tried a traveler’s notebook system in the fall of 2020, and this is how I stumbled upon the narrow size or traveler’s notebook size of roughly 4.5 x 8.25”. I grabbed the traditional Midori style notebook that had elastic bands on the inside to try out the system. I loved experimenting with inserts and different sizes of notebooks, but I was hoping to still get the same notebook feeling that I get with my other bullet journals. I liked the idea of life in one notebook. After searching high and low for a traveler’s size actual notebook (not an insert), I came across the Archer & Olive company and their traveler’s size notebook. Since finding this size notebook, I now have purchased 3 of these so far. This is by far my favorite size notebook. Why? I love the size of this. It is easy to carry, and it still lays flat when I am trying to write for a larger amount of time. The only reason why it does not become my main notebook is that I need to use my planner to feel organized. This post is a complete review of the Archer & Oliver Traveler’s Size Notebook.