{giveaway} jot, snap and share with ecojotCONNECT

ecojotCONNECTapp-ecojot journal

Amazing things happen when we write our thoughts and ideas on paper. It can be therapeutic. Ideas flow {and we can actually remember them}. Special moments and monumental milestones are jotted down and cherished. Feelings are shared.

Well, the classic and irreplaceable act of writing on paper is rising to meet technology with ecojotCONNECT, Ecojot’s free app that allows you to share your written thoughts, words and sketches with your friends, family and co-workers.

Think on paper. Share it with technology. We like it.

EcojotCONNECT is the brainchild of Ecojot founders, the brother and sister duo Mark and Carolyn Gavin, who established Ecojot in 2007. The idea behind it was to keep people writing, while being innovative in today’s ever-changing and technology-dependent society.

So, here’s the basic rundown. You jot down notes, ideas and sketches, then with the app, you position the phone over the ecojotCONNECT custom coded sheet of paper, and you snap your image. Then, you can enhance, edit and share via Evernote, e-mail and your favorite social media channels.

Yes, you have to use ecojot app ready notebooks, but if your going to jot down notes, why not write them in a beautifully designed and eco-friendly product? The app ready notebooks and sketch pads range from $9-$17 and are sold at ecojot. You can download the simple and user-friendly app for iPhone 5 here and Android here.

DreamBig-journal-ecojot journal

EcojotCONNECT launched in spring 2014, and in the very near future, ecojotCONNECT is launching a new and improved version 2.

Users will not only be able to digitize and enhance their handwritten notes, then organize them into custom folders, but users also will be impressed with:

  • faster scanning capability
  • higher quality images {say goodbye to yellow-toned camera phone photos}
  • better editing tools and fun clip art
  • searchable tags
  • enhanced viewing options
  • ability to save and share up to 6 paged PDF files.

Plus, there will be a larger selection of app ready notebooks and sketch pads to purchase with the whimsical designs they are known for.

the best is yet to come journal-ecojot-journal-black journal with gold foil writing

Yay for you because Ecojot is giving one lucky j. sorelle reader a $30 gift card to shop from their amazing selection of journals,  sketchbooks, children’s sketchbooks, gift wrap, planners and note cards. Use the Rafflecopter link below to enter. The giveaway will end January 28, 2014. Good luck.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: This giveaway is open to residents around the world. We did not receive compensation for the published material in this post. No purchase required to enter this giveaway. Entries will be verified. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and will be emailed via the email address used to enter the contest. New winner(s) will be chosen if original winner(s) has not responded within 48 hours of email notification. This giveaway is not administered, sponsored, endorsed by, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest, Instagram or any other social media outlet. 

{images via Ecojot}

Unique Gift’s with Inspiring Quotes for Everyone On Your List

Oh my goodness – where does the time go? I can’t believe we are hours away from ringing in the year 2014. Sorry we have been MIA. Between the holidays, our family and friends – we took time away from the computer. And, to be honest, it was fantastic and much needed!

We hope you had a wonderful holiday season, filled with love and laughter! The hustle and bustle of Christmas was somewhat overwhelming this year, but we finally took a breath to sit and enjoy the magic of Christmas day. Now our houses took like a toy store exploded, and we are trying to find new homes for all the wonderful gifts we received.

As I sit and reflect on this year, I am so grateful. So, I took some time to find some of the quotes that either inspired me this year…or they are already inspiring me for next year. And, the good news is that quotes can come in all shapes and forms, to remind us everyday of the strength that lies within us, and the beauty that’s all around us.

Kiss Your Life, Sugarboo Designs via Layla Grace

Do More Journal, Ecojot
they have fabulous products…check out their site here


She believe she could Tote bag
, Miss Harry


Believe Typographic Print
, Rach Illustrates

Porcelain Ornament, mb art studios

Downloadable Cards, Enjoy It by Elisa Blaha


What would you attempt Paperweight
, Uncommon Goods

Kiss Slowly Tray, Ben’s Garden via Nordstrom

{images via Layla GraceecojotMiss Harry, Rach Illustrates, mb art studio, Uncommon GoodsEnjoy It by Elisa BlahaNordstrom}

DIY Gratitude Journal

The list of things and people I am grateful for is quite lengthy. I have lived a very blessed life with ample opportunities and good, wonderful people by my side. Most days I remain very optimistic and grateful for all that I have been given, but I have bad days too, and forget to take the time to think about all that is good in my life. One way to really focus on the positive instead of the negative is to start a gratitude journal. It’s simple – find something you are appreciative or grateful for everyday – just one thing, and soon you will begin to feel a shift in your thinking. You will develop a new perspective on life, and begin to find more joy and the beauty in all things and people around you.

So, on this holiday of Thanksgiving, where we take the time {hopefully} to sit and reflect on what and who we are grateful for, spread the gift of gratitude to your friends and family.

A gratitude journal would make for a lovely hostess gift, and if you’re hosting, it is a great place card or favor. You can buy beautiful journals, or if you want to keep things simple and on budget, buy a small hardbound book or journal. Wrap it old-school style {the way you use to cover your school books} with Kraft paper, add a library card due date ‘gratitude’ label with the date of this year’s Thanksgiving and sign your name at the bottom. It really is the gift that keeps on giving. Even if you don’t have the means to buy a gratitude journal for others this year, make it a point to start one for yourself.

If you forgot how to cover a book, here’s a few tips that may ‘spark’ a memory from your school days…

Cut Kraft paper as large as the book, plus an additional 2 inches on the top, bottom and 3-4 inches on the side. Place book on the paper, and fold the top and bottom of the Kraft paper, so it is equally aligned with the top and bottom of the book.

Place the book on top of the folds, open the book and push the cover the book through the Kraft paper sleeve openings on the side. 
Repeat with the back of the book.

Using Word or Illustrator, create a gratitude journal label, print and tape to the cover of the book…or you can even use a sharpie to write ‘gratitude journal’ on the cover.
Tie a bow with twine and voila.

{images via Tutto Bella}