I’m so excited to share this exclusive first look at my October bullet journal pages with you! You’re getting early access to my spreads before anyone else, giving you a head start to make some of these ideas your own before the month officially begins. From cozy autumn vibes to a fun offline challenge, I’ve packed my October journal with creative inspiration that I think you’ll love.
As always, I’m keeping things low-skill and approachable, so no need for fancy art techniques—just a little time, some washi tape, and the desire to make the most of this magical season. Whether you’re planning a full month of Halloween fun or just looking for simple ways to get cozy and unplug, I hope these pages spark your creativity as we ease into fall.
A look ahead:
Setting (not-so) spooky intentions for fun with a Halloween-inspired section or spread
Amping up the cozy feel with an Autumn Vibes section
Taking on an offline challenge with three unique ideas to make it your own
Setting (not-so) spooky intentions for fun
I have a problem with play, in that I’m not very good at it. I’m serious. Somewhere between childhood and today, I got very adulty and frequently choose chores over fun. For this reason, a major function of my bullet journal is to inject more play into my daily life. And Halloween—when not drifting into overly dark territory—can be just the playfulness I need. For instance, each year I try to make a list of fun experiences to enjoy during the month, including:
Eating caramel apples like a kid
Making a ghoulish green stew (I have a very yummy curry recipe that looks creepy but is wonderfully nutrient-rich)
Watching a favorite seasonal movie or show
Reading a spooky mystery
Stargazing beside a backyard bonfire
Taking an evening walk through the woods
Carving pumpkins
Decorating the house in paper bats and faux cobwebs
This month I’ve carved out space for this list in my bullet journal to sketch out a few of these ideas. Whether you’re naturally playful or need an extra nudge like me, you’re invited to do the same.
Make it your own:
Option 1 - Full-Scale Fun: Devote a whole spread to a monthly calendar with a dedicated Halloween theme. Plan fun activities for the month and sketch or sticker them onto dates on your calendar. (See [timestamp] in my reveal video for an example of this.)
Option 2 - Spooky Scaled Down: Devote a whole or half page to a series of boxes. Plan fun activities and sketch, sticker or write in your ideas in the boxes. This is the version I’m doing this year.
Option 3 - Hallow-List: Devote a box or sidebar to a Halloween-inspired list of activities and check off the ones you complete. Embellish with stickers or a hand-drawn cobweb, bat or spider.
Amping Up the Cozy Feel with Autumn Vibes
I lean hard in cozy when October finally arrives. It’s like my entire system is wired to recognize the first chill in the air and immediately demand fuzzy socks, warm drinks, flickering candles, and nights under a blanket.
Alas, this perfectly crisp season is fleeting, which is why I use my pages to make sure I’m not just flying through the season, but intentionally sinking into it and savoring every chilly moment. For me, savoring looks like:
Drinking hot tea while watching the sunrise
Reading under a thick blanket on my office sofa
Taking long walks through the falling leaves in my neighborhood
Lighting a candle that smells like cinnamon and clove
Baking fresh bread or a homemade apple pie
Planning a day trip to the mountains where “crisp” rises to a whole new level
Hosting a couples-in soup night with a movie by (faux) firelight
This year, I’ve devoted space in my bullet journal specifically for these Autumn Vibes. I’ve designed a spread where I can jot down these cozy activities and check them off as I go. It’s all about embracing the season as fully as possible—and having a list helps me do that with intention.
Make it your own:
Option 1 - Full Cozy Mode: Dedicate an entire spread to an Autumn Vibes checklist. Fill it with seasonal activities, from sipping cider to cozying up by the fire. Sketch or sticker to capture the warmth of fall.
Option 2 - Cozy Corners: Keep it simple with a half-page spread for your favorite fall moments. Add a few boxes for specific cozy ideas and decorate with doodles of falling leaves or a steaming mug.
Option 3 - Autumn List: For a minimalist approach, add a small box in the corner of your weekly spread. Use it to jot down a few autumn must-dos, and check them off as you go. Add a splash of color with washi tape or a seasonal sticker.
No matter how you approach it, the key is to slow down and savor the season. Let your journal be a place to capture the coziness—and keep you grounded in those simple, everyday moments.
Taking on an Offline Challenge
Confession: I love the idea of being offline, but like many, my life requires more screen time than I’d like. Case in point: I’m on a screen right now, writing to you.
One of the things I love about a bullet journal is that it is decidedly analog. Yes, I could make lists and intentions on my phone, but I love the practice of engaging with a paper journal.
In this spirit, I’m challenging myself to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the present in October, and using my bullet journal to track it.
For me, this offline challenge isn’t just about avoiding screens—it’s about creating space for the things that truly make me feel grounded, like reading books, journaling (of course!), doing a puzzle, knitting (my favorite autumn hobby), walking outdoors, and more.
I’ve reserved a small space in October’s journal pages for a visual reminder of this intention, and to make notes about things that impact me as I go along. Because I’ve been practicing offline habits for several months (see my August post here), I’m not tracking this challenge in earnest. However, this is a really rich area to do so if inspired.
Make it your own:
Option 1 - Offline Habit Tracker: Use a simple habit tracker to log each day you successfully disconnect from screens. Whether it’s one hour or a full day, keep track by filling in a square or circle each time you complete your offline challenge.
Option 2 - Daily Log: Create a daily log to record how you spent your offline time. Note what activities you did, how you felt during and afterward, and any creative sparks or peaceful moments that came up as a result.
Option 3 - Analog Replacement Ideas List: Dedicate a space in your journal to brainstorm analog alternatives for your usual digital habits. For example, replace social media scrolling with journaling, or swap streaming TV for a jigsaw puzzle. Add to the list as new ideas come up, and refer to it when you’re tempted to go online.
The point isn’t to be rigid or extreme—it’s to find balance and make room for more meaningful, offline moments. By tracking it in your journal, you’ll not only see your progress, but also appreciate how good it feels to be present and disconnected.
It’s time to get set up for October
I hope you feel inspired to add some autumn vibes, seasonal playfulness, and offline moments to your own journal as you plan for October. As we wrap up September and look forward to the official kick-off of October, I can’t wait to dive into this new month with you.
Stay tuned for the next newsletter, where I’ll bring you the full October kick-off! Think of it as a newsletter version of your favorite October lifestyle magazine, but with a bullet journaling twist. We’ll bring these journal pages to life, complete with seasonal tips, ideas for intentional living, and creative ways to embrace the coziness and magic of the month.
Until then, enjoy this sneak peek and get ready for a beautiful, intentional October ahead! ✨🍁
Exclusive Preview: Cozy October Bullet Journal Spreads