Are you guys ready for this? I found the end-all-be-all subscription box for those who like to journal. Today I introduce, HOLLY JOURNALS! I don’t know about you, but I buy blank journals pretty much every time I see one, and when a subscription box includes one, I get all excited – probably a little too excited. I have at least 50 (unused) journals on my bookshelf. I do actually journal of course, but I have what you might call an ‘obsession’ for collecting them, too. I’m definitely NOT a minimalist when it comes to journaling. It’s kind of ridiculous, but I can think of a lot worse obsessions to have – you know, like box subscriptions. 😉
Holly Journals is $39.95 per month with FREE SHIPPING, and you have the option of skipping a month any time you wish. You can also purchase 3, 6 and 12 month prepaid subscriptions that take the monthly price down a bit. You can also gift it without an auto renew commitment. Here is a list of what each box includes as quoted by the website:
- Every box will have one 7.5 inch by 5.5 inch wire bound journal, with at least 50 pages (100 front and back) usually many more.
- Made with a wide variety of papers in all manor of sizes, shapes, colors and textures.
- At least one pen.
- A list of journal prompts and an embellishment pack filled with stickers, tags and other fun items to add to your journal pages.
- A special dangle with charms for a touch of bling.
- Plus a bonus gift in every box!
These are limited edition, custom, hand made journals that you are NOT going to find anywhere else.
I take pride in designing and creating a one-of-a-kind product for my clients.
You can read about owner and journal-maker Holly Rose, here. A super talented lady, that’s for sure!
I am not currently a Holly Journals affiliate, and I pay for my subscription. Please note that sometimes I receive boxes to review, but I *never* accept compensation in exchange for a positive review. All of my reviews are my honest personal opinions and contain my own photography (unless otherwise stated).
Holly Journals Review, December 2016
My package got to me pretty quick, and was double-bubble-wrapped. The website stated that each month the subscriber *should* receive their journal a few days before that month’s box so that they can get started journaling at the beginning of each month! That is awesome! As promised, I received my December journal on 11/28/16. It is now December 1st, so I need to get my butt in gear!
The box is very nice, embellished with pretty, glittery tape.
A lovely presentation, and I have to say that silver & blue colors for the holidays is just so much prettier to me than red & green! The theme this month is “Warm Winter Wishes”. Politically correct, but appropriate for the season no matter who you are.
I was greeted by a welcome card.
It reminded me to reflect on the past year – something that I’ve done in the past, and I agree it is a great thing to do! It’s funny how life’s turns and twists are never expected. Some good, some not so good, but always a surprise to me! I have stopped trying to predict my future cuz I’m wrong EVERY.SINGLE.TIME!
The journal itself is carefully wrapped in tissue paper and sealed with an inspirational sticker.
The journal! Themed for Winter or the holidays and just gorgeous in person. I’m going to overload you with photos of the inside pages because there is just so much work put into this! Once upon a time when I was married and domestic, I was into scrapbooking big time. My life has changed quite a bit since then, one could say, but there is still that girlie-girl inside of me. HOW-EVAH, I am now satisfied with having someone else create for me, and I’ll just write. 😉
The back of the journal. I’m liking that it is a plain brown because my journals get seriously dirty from setting them down on public surfaces like coffee shop tables, etc. Oh, be prepared for people to come up to you and “oooh & ahhh” over your journal if you take it out in public. Don’t let them touch it, though! This happens to me with my jewelry, too. I can’t tell you how many times someone has started a conversation with me because of my edgy bling. Funny story – recently a man started talking to me about my spikey earrings while I was in line at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and handed me his business card, and my boyfriend (who usually waits in the car) was all of sudden RIGHT next to me. HA! Gotta keep ’em on their toes…but I digress.
Every month you receive a new charm dangle thingee for your journal (or whatever else you want to do with it). I love it!
It clips on just like so…
SO FREAKING PRETTY! Who knew journaling could get so blingy?!? I would have never thought of this on my own.
Each box contains a list of writing prompts that can help you figure out what to write. I generally don’t have trouble with this, but I am finding that the prompts are fun and can get my writing going in a different direction; which can be good if I’m on a negative rant. I also found this blog that I love for journaling inspiration.
The prompt “My favorite way to get out of a bad mood” got me kind of chuckling. For me that would have to be: Beat the hell outta my punching bag, then have wine and cuddle with my pup. Works every time! It also helps prevent homicidal behavior.
This month had 3 pens! They promise at least one, so you really can’t complain here.
Three totally different pens: A black ink pen with some pretty crystals at the top to match the theme nicely, a white gel pen for writing on the dark pages (I figured that out all by myself!), and a pen that writes in thick silver. They all worked nicely and I will definitely use them all for a variety of things.
The embellishment pack was also a nice touch. I may use these in my journal, or I *may* use them in my planner! Either way, they are simple and fun. Even the paperclips match the blue/silver theme!
On to the bonus item(s)! This month had 4 bonus items, SCORE! One of them is pictured with the embellishments photo – the little peppermint sticks. Nummers! This necklace (with accompanying peppermint oil) is really unique; you put the oil inside on the piece of felt called the ‘diffuser pad’, then wear it and reap the benefits! Such a great idea! I’m surprised that out of the 100’s of boxes I have gotten that this is the first time I have received anything like this.
As quoted from draxe.com:
Peppermint essential oil gives a cooling sensation and has a calming effect on the body, which can relieve sore muscles when used topically. It also has antimicrobial properties so it can help freshen bad breath and soothe digestive issues. Peppermint is a hybrid species of spearmint and water mint (Mentha aquatica).
I just recently boarded the essential oils bandwagon, so I’m actually looking forward to trying all kinds of scents in this!
Instructions for the aromatherapy necklace is included in case you are dolt (like me) with these things.
A blue sparkly snowflake ornament! Instead of putting this on my tree, I have it hanging over my wet bar because I can’t get all the ornaments I already have on just one tree.
Apparently you can purchase a “Winter Princess Journal” as well, for the little beastie (I mean adorable little girl) in your life! You can even have the cover personalized! I would have KILLED for this as a kid.
The box included some gift option discounts that I’m passing onto my beloved readers – YOU! You’re welcome.
This is the box insert detailing all of the items in the box. I appreciate these because you can verify you received everything.
What an awesome box! I didn’t bother trying to come up with prices for each item because how can you possibly price-out a handmade journal?? I did feel, however, that I got my money’s worth and am very happy! I am going to continue this subscription and am looking forward to seeing what comes next!
So wadayya think of Holly Journals??
Leave a Comment