If I hear the word “journal,” my thoughts instantly gravitate towards a few key historical figures, celebrity personalities, and friends. Apparently the artist Leonardo DaVinchi used to journal about his observations and new inventions in flawless mirror image cursive. As for celebrities – does a children’s cartoon count?

I remember a loveable Doug journaling about his latest mishaps and adolescent trials. I have many friends who pen their way through diaries and notepads. One friend uses his journal for recipes and accompanying backstories; another friend uses her diary to recall her best and worst dates; still another friend obsessively uses mini-notepads to help her remember everything from pithy quotes to lottery numbers.

It’s never too late (or too early) to perfect the personalized art of writing things down. Journaling is a therapeutic, creative, and highly personal exercise for all ages. There’s something satisfying about taking a pen to paper and scribbling out notes, thoughts, dreams, recipes, memos, cartoons, facts, or quotes. Writing things down helps solidify them in your mind, and likely improves analytical skill (for more on that check out this link).

Personal experience leads me to believe that successful journaling is the result of two things: loving the look and feel of the journal itself, and not stressing out about how often or how much to write. Sparkling Tiara can help with the first part. Treat yourself or someone special to a journal, diary, or mini-notepad. Stop by and check out our selection of small-fashion-statement mini notepads, which feature beloved figures like classy Audrey Hepburn or fun quotes such as “keep calm and carry on” (sounds like one for the busy mom or schoolteacher).

What a great gift idea to help your friends and family – young and old – keep track of memos, homework assignments, and thoughts. Remember, when you have the urge to write something down, you need to have a great place to write it!