Best memo & scratch pads according to redditors
We found 173 Reddit comments discussing the best memo & scratch pads. We ranked the 81 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 173 Reddit comments discussing the best memo & scratch pads. We ranked the 81 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
I'll interpret "guy stuff" as "EDC stuff".
Bonus item: This isn't under $30, but $45 wil buy you a Leatherman Skeletool, which is one of the most universally useful items I own.
Edit: "EDC" stands for Every Day Carry. To paraphrase the /r/EDC sidebar, EDC means the essentials that I carry a daily basis. Things that I either use every day, or want to have with me in case I might need them. Sorry for the confusion, /u/ForgottenEcho and /u/Sanctitas.
Waterproof notepad in the shower.
You know, I would encourage new adults to keep a little something that I like to call "The Captain's Log." It's not so much what it actually is, but what it's actually for. I originally got the idea a few years ago from the character known as "The Judge," from this book. My Captain's Log has so far led me to figure out calculations for racing yachts, inspired new insights into the nature of humanity (which no doubt came to me while I was at a strip club in Guam), and designed a theoretical hull of a blue water sailboat based on Fibonacci numbers (maybe impractical, but still satisfied my curiosity about relating math to yacht design).
So what is The Captain's Log? It's a small notebook that you keep in your backpack, your camera bag, or even your back pocket. You take it with you wherever you go, as long as it's appropriate. For example, here are some places to take it: work, classes, or commuting/traveling. Here are some places not to take it: first dates (or even second, depending on how the first one goes), work lunches, or out to bars when you plan on drinking to forget. Or maybe that last one would be good... I woke up one morning and I had written down, "Give $1 to every person who GETS IT." What did I mean? Did I give money to a lot of people? And what the hell happened that inspired me to write that down?
Anyway, the point is that you keep it to write down random notes and ideas you have, or to use it as a scratch pad. You might say, "Why not just use a Notes application on your phone? That way you're not being a weirdo carrying around a little diary in your pocket."
And I would say:
This then allows you to make some revelations about yourself. You get to see how your mind worked, and how it has developed over time. And you see things that you--at one point in time--thought were significant enough to write in your Captain's Log. It also helps keep your ego in check because it will remind you of problems you used to think were huge, but now no longer matter--and that will imply that the huge problems you have right now, really aren't that big of a deal. And hopefully that will improve your relationships with other people as well.
It also got me laid once. A girl stole it while at a Brewery and wrote a very alluring message on the next open page.
Here are some links to sample Captain's Logs:
http://amzn.com/B00GC5QTR0
http://amzn.com/B001UNTHQO
http://amzn.com/B00HLBN8NM
The good news is, they're all real cheap!
Agreeing with everyone else saying that you should call them and ask if they are okay passive aggressively.
Though if you do the voodoo idea Amazon has this. (I may have been waiting a long time to post this)
Good news then
clockwise from top left:
You should get her [this] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AS5I0ZS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_WKe3CbEX0FPR3)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003W09LTQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1418601654&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX200_QL40 and these! Aquanotes!
*Edit for forgotten links
Rhodia makes an a3 one. I don't know of any bigger.
I didn't... I think the mods did. So I'm going to sneak in and repost.
What are some of the staple gadgets and gizmos you have to maximize portability, versatility, durability, and price, time, and space efficiency?
Here's my list:
-Feiyue shoes. Crazy cheap, they take up no room, and they don't look out-of-place in most situations.
-Light My Fire titanium spork. This is the only eating utensil I ever use, and I take it everywhere.
-Pyrex 4-cup Bowl. As long as I'm just making food for me, this dish is the only one I need. It can withstand pretty much everything, and the microwave-friendly lid is awesome.
-Platypus roll-up water bottles. Carrying around an empty water bottle is really annoying. These guys hold lots of water, and only take up as much space as the volume of water they contain.
-Milk crates and heavy-duty Rubbermaid containers instead of furniture. The only thing you can really do with a chair is use it as a chair, and the only thing you can do with a chest of drawers is use it as a chest of drawers. Might as well combine the two -- and make them really light and portable to boot!
-Lifetime folding table. This is the closest thing I have to furniture.
-Coleman 4-in-1 Quickbed. It's a twin mattress, or two separate twin mattresses, or a king-size bed, it's comfortable as poo, and it folds up to nothing.
-Night Ize Gear Ties. I've used these for everything from coathangers to patching the handle on a neighbor's lawnmower to attaching the basket to my bike.
-MicroNet Microfiber Towel. Linen actually takes up a surprising amount of room. This guy works great, and folds away to nothing.
-Wellspring FlipNote. I've had my FlipNote for 5 years and it's been in my pocket every single day -- whether I was in South Africa, military combat training, business meetings, or going out with friends. It's an idea journal, an address book, a wallet, a writing surface, a pen... all kinds of stuff, and it's super-slim and super-durable.
-Bug-out bag. This isn't quite the one I have -- mine was about $60 and came with a CamelBak and tube inside -- but it's the right idea. When I was discharged from the military, I fit my entire life in this amazing backpack with room left over for the full CamelBak and hiked up and down the California coast for several days with no problems. The same backpack's still the only piece of luggage I use for travel, for class, for everything. It expands from normal backpack size to HUGE.
TL;DR If I can't pack everything I own into my tiny car in one hour, I have too much stuff.
(Edit: This list isn't everything I own, but it's the things that I figure would be useful to anyone.)
This picture took too long to take
And I still forgot my damn watch
Stuff list with links:
And the watch: Seiko SNZH53K1 (NATO strap)
Edit: The image quality isn't amazing because I took the photo on my iPhone SE
https://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Notes-Water-Proof-Note/dp/B01AS5I0ZS
rhodia dot grid pad
and pilot g2 0.38 pen
Perfect combo for any kinda sketching / brainstorming
This!
What's stopping you?
came here to link Rhodia A3 and see if anyone else had suggestions for anything bigger.
I'm a little surprised how poor a bunch of the watercolor papers I tried have managed fountain pen ink.
Will edit as I go
1. Her name is blue, she is blue, and she sings “blue’s clues,” so...
2. He’a wearing sunglasses, he also sings “In Summer.”
3) These are actually pretty good.
4) My brother is obsessed with these movies.
5) This is a very profound book. Made me feel a full breadth of emotion, and left me satisfied at the end.
6) this decorative fan
7) Your dog could be the pope!
8) I love potatoes. I love plushies. Obvious choice.
9) Jurassic Park is the film that made me fall in love with movies. It’s fun, emotional, and a testament to the ingenuity, curiosity, and perseverance of humanity. Also dinosaurs are in it.
10) After the zombies arrive, I’ll want safe drinking water. It’ll be important, and maybe hard to find occasionally.
11) A new laptop would make being a writer much easier. My current laptop is slow and doesn’t want to work half the time.
12) Lysol wipes are never a bad idea. Trust me.
13) Star Trek is my favorite everything.
14) How about an inspiring dress?
15) Why not both?
16) This stuff. I love it so much.
17) I loved this weird Barbie doll.
18) You know when you’re out in public, and you think of this great idea, but by the time you get home you forgot it and wish you’d written it down? Yeah. I hate that.
19) Here.
20) My dad used to own a pair of these.
Magnetized notepads on my refrigerator to remember to pick up light bulbs, tooth paste, replacement power cord for my iPad, etc. next time I'm in or near a particular store when out doing errands.
In the note field for the category (bottom right hand corner of the budget screen when you have clicked on a category) if it's a bigger item I'm planning to buy in the future.
Hey great thoughts, thanks! I'm also in [a TN system with a single notebook and a card insert and kraft folder](https://www.amazon.com/Travelers-Notebook-Refillable-Leather-Moleskine/dp/B075ZVKXW5/. Since I don't get free FN (jealous!), I'm thinking of using those Tomoe River notebooks with 96 pages in the TN passport size (linked in another reply in this thread) or just using two notebooks.
What's the model number of the Jinhao copy of a Safari? Also what green is that? It looks a little like Lierre Sauvage from J. Herbin. That's a great pen/ink combo.
The advice that was given to me by /u/GardenofWelcomeLies was to start with a dip pen, so I will pass along the same advice.
Overall, a dip pen and some sumi ink will run you cheaper than an automatic like the pilot parallel's.
edit: Here are the 3 things you can use to start your adventure: 1. Manuscript Student Set 2. Sumi ink - make sure it is NONwaterproof 3. Rhodia dot pad
What about Rhodia notebooks that are spiral-bound on the top instead of the left? They're less intrusive. https://www.amazon.com/Rhodia-Wirebound-Pad-8-25X11-75-Black/dp/B00BCH05ZU/
There are also Rhodias that fold on top instead: https://www.amazon.com/2-Pack-Rhodia-Black-Dot-12-5/dp/B01KG7X8V4
The folding mechanism is not bad (However, it is pretty necessary to rip the pages out after you use them in order to write on the back.)
I really like Rhodia. :P (especially dots)
Left to right:
Custom-made pocket organizer by KristopherK
Well obvious plug for /r/EDC
A few other things would be my pocket flashlight, nice cigar* lighter, Lamy Al-Star, swiss army classic, cheapy sunglasses, and I also stenciled a HL2 symbol on the back of my S3 commuter otterbox
Ok, so there are a ton of things you can get but it honestly depends on how much you're looking to spend and what your friend already has in regards to fountain pens. It also helps to know what things they'll be writing - someone who wants to write a handwritten letter to a pen pal will be looking for something different than a chainsmoking author who just needs to finish editing their latest draft before the deadline; who will be looking for something different than a professor who wants to write a syllabus and print out some tests.
Paper and pen, for the win.
I personally love a notebook like this one.
This waterproof notepad has been living on my wish list for a while now, as well, if you're needing to take notes in moist places :)
USD 17.50. Ships to Israel.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0036Z4R46/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1523724246&sr=8-12&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65
Generic red handkerchief
Laut iPhone 6s case
Zenni Optical glasses
Petzl Am'D spinball carabiner (old school and hard to find these days, found it here)
Gerber Shard
USB thumb drive
Captain Black little cigars
Dad's Mont Blanc Meisterstuck fountain pen from the 80s (like this one)
Generic money clip with Egyptian Pounds
Groomsman gift monogrammed Zippo Armor
Fenix e05
CRKT Heiho
Chap Stick
Field Notes
Not OP, but it looks like Field Notes Dot-Grid Memo Notebooks.
I've never tried them but they sell these shower notepads. Could work to write down thoughts, then have a reminder on your phone to check the shower pad once a week.
Check out r/notebooks.
I'm mostly a Rhodia loyalist, so I would go for something like this, but if you don't like Mead & Five Star prices, that's not much better.
if you have a smartphone, look into evernote or any other app based on to do lists, checklists, or calendars.
on another note, something like this with a simple little composition book or note pad will easily fit into your back pocket.
Nemosine Singularity. Bonus points if she does physics. If you want to spend more, this Waterman looks swirly and cool.
Grab this purple sampler.
What kind of subject does she teach? That way I know whether to recommend grid. Dot grid is another option that can work all the time.
Well you can still use the notebook, it seems high quality and smooth paper and i don't see any bleeding. If you make the width between 2 lines your x-height, it will work out. A set of 6 lines would then be your guidelines for 1 rule of text. Here is a diagram, based of the scribblers ratio and slant. So just count your lines and add in the remaining guidelines and you're set to go.
(And don't mind my crappy, drawn in letters, again i'm not doing pointed-pen calligraphy.)
If you do want to use other paper in the future then cheap options are Laser printer paper, Marker paper or a Rhodia pad.
These are also smooth surfaced, bleedproof options. You want smooth paper, because your nib is less likely to get snagged or dig in the paper and tear it. Bleedproof, because your ink will stay put and not run out & ruin fine hairlines.
Finally, your nib is also an important factor in writing pointed-pen calligraphy. Each nib is different, some are more flexible than others. Take your nib out off the holder and see if you can find a brandname and number; from what i can see i think it's a Brause Steno 361 (I could be wrong). Other options are A Nikko G, a Nikko G Zebra, Hunt 512, Hunt 101 and 103 (both flexible but very delicate), Brausse 66EF (it's smaller and more flexible) and so many others. Everyone has their own favorite nib, so experiment if you have the chance. And do clean your nib when your finished with writing, then they'll last much longer, otherwise they'll corrode and rust.
That's all i can say, and much of it was picked up here on the subreddit or plucked of the internet. Have Fun!
http://www.amazon.com/Aquanotes-Aqua-Notes-Waterproof-Notepad/dp/tech-data/B003W09LTQ
Here you go: https://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Notes-Water-Proof-Note/dp/B01AS5I0ZS
Like this but with holes for folders. I can't find any of decent quality anywhere! Maybe it doesn't exist. Thanks anyway
I find that a field notes (or other identical sized notebooks, I carry off brand ones because they're $2/piece rather than $7/piece) and a pen fit perfectly together in my back jeans pocket. As far as I can tell, the knock-offs are the EXACT same product with different labeling. I also reinforced the spine with a strip of gorilla tape because the spines tend to get worn out after you've carried the notebook for a month or two with no reinforcement.
This AquaNotes waterproof notepad is about as relevant as it gets to this post.
had one for years now.
I feel you. I got this and it works. Waterproof notepad!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AS5I0ZS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_v4.wzbQA95HXA
> monthly calendar on one page
I'm currently using a Field Notes Dot Grid, and I do squeeze the monthly calendar on a single page, splitting the dates into 2 columns. I use symbols for things like holidays, and only write in the important appointment for the day.
The key for the symbols takes 2-3 lines below the dates, and I'll have about 7 lines left for the tasks and goals I want to achieve for the month.
If you want to have more space for your monthly calendar, you can rotate the notebook 90 degs CW/CCW and you'll have 1 line per day.
Also, I love LAMYs!
notebooks that are stiched rather than stapled can be had for less that last longer
leather cover helps too
https://www.amazon.com/Travelers-Notebook-Refillable-Leather-Moleskine/dp/B071S4WWHT/
pick your color :: brown | black | dark brown
(notebook on this listing has staples - you want one with sewn binding as per separate item below)
https://www.amazon.com/Travel-Journal-Dotted-Pocket-Notebook/dp/B06X3TFKKS/
I bought it as a desk pad for jotting, scribbling, and doodles but I really like writing in that format tho.
Rhodia Staplebound Notepads - Dots 80 sheets - 16 1/2 x 12 1/2 in. - Black cover https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005IAZXWM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_VdcWDbP4W0E2F
I'm more of a musician but I agree with OP - I get my best ideas (entrepreneurial or otherwise) either in the shower or while falling asleep. I've read that these are two of the most common activities for getting ideas simply because you're experiencing some sensory loss and your brain compensates in other ways.
If you're getting awesome ideas in the shower, I'd recommend something like this to keep track with:
http://www.amazon.com/Aquanotes-Aqua-Notes-Waterproof-Notepad/dp/B003W09LTQ/ref=pd_sim_k_1/190-3421715-7885214
>"I'm sick of weed being the scapegoat for my problems"
It's easy to replace weed with ADHD in that sentance, so be careful what you wish for.
Regardless, in my experience, my memory just works different than others. I have problems remembering the day to day things, but I can easily remember a random 12 character password I've only heard twice, etc. I can recall totally random, obscure crap, but can't remember who I might've seen yesterday, etc. My point is, don't sell yourself short. I'm sure you DO have some memory skills, they are just different than what is expected, or what you are expecting from yourself.
My best recommendation for memory is to just write it down. I carry around a pocket notebook and write almost everything down, even if it is just mundane. Amazon Example Link
I don't even always need to refer back to it, but just the act of writing it helps commit it to memory. I am also a religious Evernote user. And I have something like 25 alarms on my phone throughout the day. Stuff that has worked to keep me on track. But of everything, I can't recommend carrying around a notebook enough.
Edit:Formatting.
I went through amazon it was just under 12 dollars
https://www.amazon.com/Travelers-Notebook-Refillable-Leather-Moleskine/dp/B075ZVKXW5/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=leather+notebook+passport&qid=1572443392&sr=8-5
For my physics and chemistry courses I swear by Rhodia No. 18 dot pads.
You can also get ones in blank, but these or the equivalent top wirebound ones are my go to, as they provide just enough of a guideline for keeping notes and figures straight, without being too obtrusive.
Yeah, you could use the regular staplebound pads or the wirebound notebooks.
I realized that if you pull the dot grid sheets out of an A5 pad, their size will be less than A5. As I’m picky as hell, I got the A5+ 193439c notebook so that the detached paper size is exactly A5. Also, they are micro perforated, which helps. Note that the dots are bluish though, not sure why they do not use the subtle grey of their notepads.
They have A4+ staplebound pads as well.
Hey, thanks for the offer! So generous! :)
I briefly went down that rabbit hole, but ended up buying this cover+ field notes. Either way, don't stress... it'll be great.
First of all, it's great that you even recognize this. Trust me, over time your proportions will improve. This is why I recommend ABS.
But in the meantime, you might find that using graph paper or even better, dot grid paper helps with your proportions. Here are some free templates you can just print out.
Do the boxes that contain your mockup closely match the scale of the device screen you are designing for? If you're having trouble with that, you can also use sketch pads with the actual screen already templated out for you like these. I don't personally use them because I need to design for various screen sizes at a time, but it is very helpful if you know you only need to design for one specific device.
There are also some UI stencils for iPhone that you might also find handy.
Happy sketching!
Especially if you get a good flip top notebook (example https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005IAZXUO/ ) it's really the best way to go.
Before you ask any questions you can just skim through the list of the ones you've already asked.
By putting things you were told unprompted in the 'answers' column, you can really easily review them before each shift by skimming your notebook, because they will have blank spaces in the 'questions' column indicating where they are.
If you do it right you will almost never have to be told anything twice. You'll also have a killer resource for any new employees.
Not exactly what you asked for, but I've had this on my Amazon WL forever
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003W09LTQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1417395442&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX200_QL40
Pimp my cube is actually a "kit" or as amazon calls it, a book supplement...
No matter what decorations you get for those stylish fabricy walls, you're gonna need this to hang it up with.
These are a handy passive-aggressive way to tell a fellow cube dweller to fuck off... politely that is. Or, take it one step further and get this Fill in the blanks and hang your current hatred on the wall for some sweeeeeeet satisfaction.
This little gem looks like a great addition while still being functional. Holding supplies and toilet humor? Count me in.
A desk calendar made of lego like objects? SWEET.
this should come in hand if you're like most of us and have sticky notes EVERYWHERE. What would be more peaceful than turning them into little cranes?
For the days when you don't have a spoon... these would be a great addition
I recommend this to keep spirits up
https://www.amazon.com/Memorandum-Green-Bound-7530-00-243-9366-12-pack/dp/B0053C5IHU
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Aquanotes-Waterproof-Notepad-Sheet-Mountable/dp/B01AS5I0ZS Might be helpful?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rhodia-Head-Stapled-No19-210x318mm/dp/B005IAZXUO there u go
I’ve been pretty happy with this leather notepad cover: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075ZVKXW5/
Currently have a Tactile Turn bolt action titanium pen (using G2 refills), but any pen with a strong clip will be able to sit well inside the leather cover, which is nice and thick.
+1 for Rhodia. I also EDC one of these boys in one of the little covers on the same page, and they work just as well with my fountain pen as a Rhodia book. Paper's not quite as smooth, but still perfectly acceptable.
Oh hi Mark
I would so suggest taking a small trip with some friends. Three out of my five years in college my friends and I went up to my parent's mountain house in NC and snowboarded. We had so much fun and we drove and split the costs on gas plus the place was free to stay. So it made it affordable for all of us to go. Those were literally some of the best times of my life. :) Make tons of memories while you still have the chance in school :).
[My item] (http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B003W09LTQ/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_img?_encoding=UTF8&colid=26SWLD702LW5B&coliid=I3T8QP6IY8SC88&psc=1) I always get really great thoughts and ideas in the shower with no where to write them down.
It's Rhodia dot matrix paper, which is a bit different from just printing out the dots on a piece of printer paper. It's heavier paper, for one, and it bleeds a lot less for really wet-writing pens. I'm not sure if Rhodia makes a proper spiral notebook with that ruling or not, but they do make what are basically legal pads for it.
I wish there were more companies that offered the dot grid ruling, because it's really useful. I have a bunch of little ultra-ruggedized Field Notes Expedition Notebooks that I keep in a shirt pocket with a Space Pen at all times, especially when I'm in the field, and the dot grid is great because you can use it as normal note paper and then switch over to using it to make really legible tables or graphs without it looking like all clusterfucky with the lines everywhere. Plus, that particular notebook is effectively indestructible. Pretty much the only way you're going to lose it is if you set it on fire.
Thats awesome news!
I really want these field notes notebooks because i've never had these before and they seem very popular amongst people on here.
Thanks for the contest!
-Basic safety glasses
-FourSevens Mini ML-X
-Rite in the Rain Notebook
-Basic wallet
-Spyderco Kiwi3
-Leatherman Wave
-Victorinox Classic
-Nexus 4
-Eklind folding allen keys
-Snap-On 3/8" wrench
-Ti Click Classic pen
-Chris Reeve Sebenza 25
Today I'm trying to get a chunk out of my 10,000 word creative writing assignment done.
This would certainly be amazingly helpful, since my last one broke and I don't get paid for another few weeks.
This notebook is so beautiful and awesome.
Who needs revision?!
Waterproof Notepad.
Rhodia Dotpad <-- amazon link.
There's actually a waterproof pad of paper you can get that suction cups onto the bathroom wall. Y'know, for the really profound stuff you don't want to forget.... so you can submit it to r/showerthoughts later. :D
Edit: Added link. You're welcome.
I'm still working out a system of my own, but it right now involves
Edge Eyewear TSK216 Kazbek Polarized Safety Glasses
iPhone 5s w/ Otterbox Case
Coast FX312 Rapid Response
Saddleback Leather Credit Card Wallet
MaxiFlex Endurance Gloves (gloves for office people to pretend they are protected)
Nite-Ize S-Biner
Silicon Power J80 Flash Drive
Truck Keys
Handkerchief
Uni-ball Jetstream RT Fine Point
Black Sharpie
[Coast HP2 Flashlight] (https://www.amazon.com/Coast-Universal-Focusing-Lumen-Penlight/dp/B008QV4E1Q)
Orange Highlighter
Rite in the Rain Memo Book
Stanley FatMax Auto-Lock 25' Tape
This is the equivalent: http://www.amazon.com/Rhodia-Webnotebook-Black/dp/B0036Z4R46/ref=pd_sim_b_2?ie=UTF8&amp;refRID=1F4BBZAD9R1X4DEJGQ0M
Rhodia paper is far superior to Moleskine, as others have said. If you are in the US, you will find better selection fron Goulet, at least for Rhodia: http://www.gouletpens.com/Rhodia_Webnotebooks_s/54.htm
As an aside, I have found that moving to a 3.5x5.5 midori traveler clone setup, using Banditapple notebooks, has completely surpassed my experience with Moleskine-style books. If that style interests you, I would highly recommend it. Gives you the "my notebook" on a more permanent, refillable basis. There are lots of examples, but the basic idea is: http://imgur.com/a/3ti5u
In any event, hope that helps....
Whew, that was quite the task. Thanks for the contest!!!
I skimmed this article... not worth the read as it seems to be a bunch of fluff and common sense. For those of you like me, who get some creative ideas in the shower, this, or something similar may be a solid investment.
https://www.amazon.com/Memorandum-Green-Bound-7530-00-243-9366-12-pack/dp/B0053C5IHU
Put one of these in your pocket. Write down everything you need to remember, even stuff you think you couldn't possibly forget. Not only will it (hopefully) prevent things like this from happening in the future, you'll simply look more squared-away. Sometimes appearances are almost as important as actions.
Well, I am still a newbie, but here's some advice just from what I have tried. Please correct me if I'm wrong! Also, I do broad-nib stuff, so if you're doing pointed things I can only repeat what I've read here.
I'm just assuming that you don't have any local art stores that are more convenient than ordering online, but if you can go somewhere local, I recommend just going there and feeling up some paper. Look for something with at least 100g/m^2 (it should say on the front, around where it says how many sheets and the size of the paper). Things marked for wet media are good, just feel it with your fingers for how smooth it is. I know "sizing" is important, but I have no idea how to actually look for that. Also, for beginning practice rather than finished pieces, just looking for smooth stuff seems to work fine so far for me.
This canson sketchbook is what I've been using predominantly, because I already had it. It is not meant to hold a ton of ink, so it warps when I use watercolors, but for calligraphy it's worked well so far. It's in a spiral binding of course, sorry. I like the portability for practice. :]
If you check my comment history, my 'word of the day' posts for Kafkaesque and Bhakti were on this paper. It holds well and I can see guidelines through the paper if they're in pen, which is nice! It isn't super smooth though, so I don't know how well it would work for pointed nibs. The 5.5x8.5 is kind of small for large nibs (wouldn't recommend larger than 2mm because you wouldn't get many letters in).
I've also used watercolor paper. The brand I have (Artist's Loft 'watercolor pad' 140lb/ 300g/m2) is really nice, but I don't see it on amazon. Other watercolor papers should work fine, as long as they're smooth and whatnot. I hesitate to recommend any in particular just because I don't know how the paper feels.
Watercolor paper is more expensive, however, this pad is 24 sheets, 22x30cm, for I think it was $10-15, as opposed to that sketch pad which is ~$10 for 100 (smaller) pages in the store. All the large pads like this that I have used have paper that comes out of the binding easily (even when you don't want it to, like just flipping it open to the next page, oftentimes), so this might be as closer to loose leaf as you may get.
A lot of people have mentioned using Rhodia paper before for practice, but I've never used it personally.
Even if you can't find anything perfect, I recommend getting something decent but cheap and just getting started. :] 80g isn't too bad of a weight, and a lot of people even practice on lined notebook paper in a pinch. Printer paper does tend to feather for sure though, unless you write really quickly, which doesn't gel with calligraphy you're one of the super crazy good people in this sub who churn out magic in 20 seconds. ;]
Edits: clarification on numbers.
I have this and it’s been fine.
I just ordered a bound Rhodia notebook last night (so it isn't here yet), but looking at the non-bound ones probably similar to OP's they were around $10 on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Rhodia-Black-Dot-Pad-12-5/dp/B005IAZXUO/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1488125279&amp;sr=8-4&amp;keywords=rhodia
The issue isn't that I'm unmotivated, the issue is that I don't have Aqua Notes and I'm unmotivated.
In-shower notepad. Saved my life. All my best ideas happen in the long hot showers I take. https://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Notes-Water-Proof-Note/dp/B01AS5I0ZS
&#x200B;
Also, Try to develop a 1 page "vision board" with all your current thoughts/ affirmations that have benefited you. Everyday, if you have a brilliant thought, you can tell yourself does it fit on my 1-page "vision board", if no, then it's easier to forget about it. It's all about minimizing, filtering. Not about making more lists. Make those lists potent. Keep your mind on a one page Vision board, and it will help center your thoughts.
Rhodia is an awesome brand. Here are two that I've personally used for my Design and Analysis class!
https://www.amazon.com/Rhodia-Graph-Reverse-Standard-Notebook/dp/B001DC5NWY/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1502290136&amp;sr=815&amp;keywords=grid+lined+notebook
https://www.amazon.com/Rhodia-Notepads-Graph-Black-11-7/dp/B002A8OWBS/ref=pd_sim_229_2?_encoding=UTF8&amp;pd_rd_i=B002A8OWBS&amp;pd_rd_r=37FB9SDQBF20ZMEJD238&amp;pd_rd_w=akPUC&amp;pd_rd_wg=HcUst&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=37FB9SDQBF20ZMEJD238
It isn't that cheap, but my favorite is the spiral bound, 8.25 x 11.75, Rhodia dot pads. I love the dot pads, and the spiral bound is great for doodling, testing inks or nibs, or whatever else you might want to do, especially since it lays flat. I like this size because it's nice and big, and you don't feel cramped, especially since it's top bound.
Here's a link
Great advice! I particularly love writing down all my prayers in the form of poetry and I also love long showers so I found a way to combine the two with these lol
https://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Notes-Water-Proof-Note/dp/B01AS5I0ZS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1482047153&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=shower+notes
I like the small, simple, and very flat Field Notes books. They are inexpensive, durable enough, and small enough. I began my BuJo-ing with them and would buy again. I am a lefty also and appreciate the thin, flat, small format.
Aqua Notes
Best thing I've ever gotten on Amazon.
don't know if this one is any good or anything, but how cool is this? https://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Notes-Water-Proof-Note/dp/B01AS5I0ZS
I use a leather cover for it, and clip a pen to the side.
I also carry it in my front pocket with the pen, and it's thin enough to not be a bother.
Afraid not. My girlfriend got it for me for Christmas, knowing her, she ordered it off Amazon. Doing some looking, I think it's this one in the dark brown color.
one of these little babies
hopefully this works THIS The item listed is not under $5 but if I win, pick one within range as a surprise :)
Most Used App: IMDB
Account Balance $17.82
:P
Thanks for the contest!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00BCH03Z2/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1#immersive-view_1464701620464
/u/wintergone thanks for using the term A6, that alone reminded me that I could take a standard sheet of paper and refold it to get an idea of size - it is weird how are brains work. And from there try out some weekly and monthly spreads. I'm fine with barebones - frankly about all my brain can handle these days :)
I ordered these 3.5 x 5.5 Memo Book - I'll see how it goes.
Here you go: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BCH05ZU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
Changed my life when I hit higher level courses :)
Might i suggest this over murder?
Music yes. But movie scores and other such songs without words. Words are too distracting. I type it on gmail's drive, that way I don't have to worry about saving it and am less likely to lose something. No totem, though I do need something to fiddle with when I think, though often it's just my necklace or bracelet if I'm wearing one. I plan to an extent, but sometimes characters have their own minds and things don't go exactly to plan. I like to keep notebooks with me when I'm in that zone since I will often think of lines or plots while driving or at work. Sadly, I don't have anything writing related that is ten bucks or under. Closest I have is this notebook.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01ENVVLTK/ref=mp_s_a_1_4_s_it
I had a good experience purchasing these notebooks for exactly that purpose.
This waterproof notepad.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003W09LTQ/?tag=093-20
this might help.