Wednesday Sponsor Giveaway : Get It Scrapped, Transparent Touches, & Blue Moon Scrapbooking

The best way for me to journal is to do it as soon after an event or memory as possible. This allows me to write the most vivid memories and remember everything that was said or done. The longer I wait, the more clutter the memory becomes. Keeping a journal handy has really helped with this!

I do my journaling last. I like some peace and quiet so I can concentrate & focus on the story and emotions that goes along with the subject. Sometimes, they come easy and the thoughts just flow but other times, it's not so I really leave and tackle the journaling part once everything is finished.

My favorite journaling is that one that includes emotion, I can definitely tell a difference between the stories I write to get them done and the ones I tell from the heart.

Take notes right after things happen, that way you won't forget when it's time to scrap.

I like to create two sets of journalling on some of my layouts. One for everyone to read, it might be point form and strictly informational (who, what, where, when) and then for layouts that have a more emotional or private story to tell, I create a hidden pocket behind a photo to hold my more private thoughts. I think it will be fun for my family to treasure hunt the journalling later in life once they realize it is there. Right now most of them look like decorative touches.

The best way for me to journal, especially on pages about my kids, is to write as if I am talking to them. It always seems easier to convey emotion that way nad the wrods just seem to spill on to the page. Also blogging has helped me journal more int he moment and then I can transfer that to a scrapbook page in the future.

lists or bullet points are the best for me. i always feel paralyzed when i feel like i have to come up with a 'great' story.

I tend to create my layout AROUND the journaling (how much space I need to say what I want to say) so my best tip is to journal FIRST on a piece of scratch paper so that you can plan for enough room (and I think it helps those who tend to say, "I'll journal it later" actually journal it. :)

This is my worst area when it comes to scrapbooking. I wish I had ideas to share but I don't. I do have to say I'm getting a lot of good ideas by reading the comments!

Like many others - I find my best journaling comes when "in the moment" I write a short note about the cute thing my kids said or something I observed. Later I can use my note to recall what I felt at that moment - making it so much more meaningful.

Thanks for the giveaway Ali...you are awesome!!
As for my best journaling tip, I would say to keep it real, write from your heart. If you don't have time to scrap a particular photo or photos, make sure you jot down some thoughts about the photo(s) because sometimes it is hard to remember particular facts at a later time.

I forget that anyone will ever read what I write, which helps me not guard my words and put my true feelings down.

I am trying to journal first and make the page second. I am also doing mini-journaling with CathyZ's class on Twitter. Trying to become more focused.

My best journaling tip... I'm learning it right now! I'm taking Cathy Zielske's "Everyone Can Write A Little" using Facebook or Twitter to journal bits and pieces of your life on a daily basis. I'm loving it!

My journaling tip: just write. don't try to edit yourself - just let the words flow. And sometimes I don't journal at all and just let the photos and title tell the story. (Though all my layouts get a date at the bottom.)

I keep a journal of daily happenings or special things my son did that day so when I am scrapbooking I can add these memories into my journaling.

Just write like you were telling a friend and begin. It can be overwhelming, self editing and finding the first words to start but think of and use the words that you use in everyday conversation and your pages will reflect you and truly tell your story.

I am a journalist so I tend to approach things the way I am used to. I like talking to people... find out what they think, remember, etc. I interviewed my 95 year old grandma learned some tidbits that will be a real treasures.

I love to keep a notebook with me. If something fun happens on a particular day or with a particular event, i'll write down my thoughts on it so I can use my notes later :)

My best tip is to be honest. If I had a bad day, hey, I had a bad day. While it is great to be positive, sometimes its nice to "vent" while journaling... it often helps me be more positive about the issue at hand (say work) the next time I get in that situation!