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I think having a notebook with you all the time and writing those sayings that your kids, husb or family say that are priceless. I guess with high tech now you can just use the notebook in your Iphone to do this. I usually just find a scrap paper and jot it down but you can miss place them and not have them when you need it.

My best writing/journaling tip is to JUST WRITE.
I tend to over "think" things. I write like I talk in fragmented sentences, (as my 9th grade teacher said).
But that is just "ME"

Try to crank out 100 words a day, even if it's goofy stuff like, "I can't think of anything to say, but I really want to practice my writing, so I'm blathering about nothing. How many words have I done so far? Let's see, 30. Only 70 more to go...."
The discipline of actually making yourself do that silliness every day gives you good journal fodder from time to time.
Thanks for hosting the giveaway, Ali!

I like to carry a small purse sized journal or notebook, with a cute decorative edge, and if I see something, or write something down that my 10 month old daughter does, I can tear the page out, and just attach it to the layout. Even if it has "disheveled" edges, it gives it the shabby chic look.

i keep a little book, nothing fancy, but in my drawer next to the computer. i date my page and start writing about the recent happenings around here. mostly of my kids. when i scrap later on i can go back and look up the date.
i must admitt journaling is my weakest point of scrapping. i really want to tell the story, but often find it hard to express or retell it.
i know for me it definitely helps if i jot down the feelings or happenings as soon as possible.
also, i 've learned and try to be more open and jot down things that i sometimes think as unimportant. it's those little things that i appreciate reading later.
thanks ali!
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I keep a small notebook by me at all times. I try to relate my journaling to the photo I took that day. This is a huge help when it comes to scrapbooking.

I simply write what pops into my head. Sometimes a word, sometimes a paragraph. I want my legacy to be remembered as "real". I also like to journal through lyrics. Music is such a big part of our life, sometimes a song tells the story perfectly!

I keep long sticky pads, 4X6 size and I jot down any kid quotes or what I really liked about what was going on. This works especially well if the picture I took is telling the story, it reminds me of why I took a photo a certain way or took a certain photo at all. I stick it in with the paper that I'm planning on using and leave myself a description of what photos I wanted to use. These go into a page protector in an album of future projects. That way if I don't scrap it for a few weeks (or months or years ) I know what I was thinking at the time.

I try to write on my blog every few days. If I am scrapbooking an event or a daily activity I check the blog to see if I blogged about it. Then I tweak it for the page journaling. I'm so glad I blog to remember all the different stories of our life.

My best journaling tip is to write when it is fresh in your head also, be as honest as you can your children will appreciate that one day. I've been scrapbooking my high school album and I can still remember exactly what happened although it was over 5 years ago. I am 2 years behind on my other scrapbooking. So journaling with a fresh memory is a goal.

I keep a travel journal when we travel, with a pocket page attached somewhere for anything from tickets to receipts and small brochures. Journal size varies depending on the type of trip - thicker for action packed/sight seeing trips or small for slow relaxing trips. Action packed journalling is often bullet points written while waiting for meals or just before bed.
When I'm ready to scrap that trip, most of my journalling is done for me. My family fills in their favorite memories as I scrap. And if I never get it scrapped the highlights are already recorded!

I think my best tip is one that I have a hard time following myself: don't worry about it having to be "perfect." Concentrate on the story you want to tell and why you are choosing to remember it. Go with the flow.

What works for me is keeping a word document and writing down my stories as soon as I can before I forget. Then when I make my layout I can quickly use my word document for all the details. It works now anyways!

I have a "smartphone" (the Google Android G1) and use one of the notes applications to jot down a couple of sentences each day that capture a couple of highlights (or challenges). Then when I'm in a scrapping mood, I can look at my electronic notes to jog my memory.

I have been writing journalling tidbits when I think of them and sending them to myself via email from work. It takes just a few minutes on my lunch break or whenever inspiration strikes. Then, when I actually have time to do a layout (i.e. 12:30am this morning), I just proof-read my journalling and stick it on my layout. The key for me is not to judge it and re-write it.

My biggest journal problem is dealing with the pictures that my children get from their teachers at various points thru the year. I've started sticking them in an envelope and write all the details/my children's comments on the front. That way, when I finally get around to scrapbooking their school year, I have all of the info I need.

a lot of my journaling comes from my blog. i write it as soon as i can, though i have neglected my blog lately, so that way i can remember it. i like to keep a little note pad or write on my calender to help with journaling also.

I sometimes want to keep things private as well. I use a lot of pockets and put tags inside them so they look decorative but can be really personal inside.

I like using my blog to help me remember details. For me, it's easier to blog right away and then I can look back when it's time to scrap

My tip for journaling is just to let go of your reservations and fears and actually DO IT! I hear so many people say "I don't journal b/c i don't know what to write" or "i'm not a good write" they fear what they write "doesn't sound good" but none of that will matter in the future when family and friends are looking at your scrapbooks and wishing they knew your thoughts or the story behind the picture was, but they may never know if people hesitate to journal. My tip is to just do it! Just journal and let go of those fears of how it sounds!