I’ve been a digital artist and merch designer for years, but when I first held the Maia Knight Intentional Living Journal, I felt something different. The cover texture, the weight of the pages, the thoughtful layout - it wasn’t just another notebook. It felt like a tool designed for real life. As a mom of two and a creator, I’ve tested dozens of planners, but this one promised to help me live with intention, not just check boxes. So let’s dive into this Maia Knight journal review and see if it delivers.
First Impressions: Unboxing the Intentional Living Journal
The journal arrived in a sturdy cardboard mailer with no plastic wrapping - a nice eco-friendly touch. The cover is a soft, matte finish with a minimal design: the title “Intentional Living” in a subtle embossed foil. I chose the blush pink color, and it’s exactly as pictured. The size is slightly larger than a standard paperback, about 7.5 x 5.5 inches, making it easy to toss in a diaper bag or tote without taking up too much space.
Inside, the first thing I noticed was the thick, 140-gsm paper. That’s heavier than most journals - typical planners use 80 or 90 gsm. The pages have a slight cream tint, which is easier on the eyes than bright white. The binding is lay-flat, meaning the book stays open without cracking the spine. For someone like me who multitasks during nap time, that’s a big deal.
What’s in the box?
- One Intentional Living Journal with 192 pages
- A ribbon bookmark (attached to the spine)
- A small sticker sheet with weekly themes (e.g., “Gratitude,” “Rest,” “Connection”)
- No pen or pouch - but I prefer to use my own tools anyway
Design and Quality: Paper, Binding, and Cover Material
Let’s talk paper quality. I tested five different pens: a fine-tip ballpoint, a gel pen, a fountain pen, a mildliner highlighter, and a sharpie. The 140-gsm paper handled everything except the Sharpie - it bled through slightly to the other side. The gel and fountain pens ghosted just a tiny bit, but nothing that made the back side unusable. For a mom who might use whatever pen is lying around, this paper is solid.
The cover is a thick 1.5mm board with a linen-like texture. It’s durable enough to survive being shoved in a bag with snacks and toys. The corners are rounded, which prevents peeling. The binding uses a lay-flat spiral mechanism inside a cloth spine - so it opens fully flat, but the spiral isn’t exposed. This means no snagging on clothes or kid fingers.
How it compares to other popular journals
| Feature | Maia Knight Journal | Standard Moleskine | Erin Condren LifePlanner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper weight | 140 gsm | 70 gsm | 100 gsm |
| Page count | 192 | 192 | 144 (undated) |
| Binding | Lay-flat cloth spine | Stitched, doesn’t lay flat | Spiral bound |
| Dimensions | 7.5 x 5.5 in | 5 x 8.25 in | 8.5 x 5.75 in |
| Price | $32 | $24 | $60+ |
I was surprised that this journal costs $32 - it’s more than a notebook but less than a full planner. The paper quality alone justifies the price if you use fountain pens or markers.
Prompts and Layout: How It Guides Your Daily Intentions
The journal is undated, so you can start anytime - perfect for the mom who loses a week in the chaos. It’s divided into three sections:
Monthly Intentions (first 6 pages)
Each month has a spread: a left page for “This Month’s Focus Points” and a right page for “What I’ll Let Go Of.” The “let go” section is my favorite - it encourages releasing perfectionism, guilt, or unrealistic expectations. As a working mom, that’s exactly what I need.
Weekly Spreads (the bulk of the journal)
Each week gets two pages:
- Left page: A space for “Top 3 Priorities,” “Meal Plan,” “To-Do List,” and a “Gratitude Box.”
- Right page: A lined section for “Notes & Reflections” with a prompt at the bottom like “What went well this week?” or “What lesson helped me grow?”
The prompts rotate every 4 weeks, so you don’t get bored. The layout is spacious without being overwhelming - I can actually fit my handwriting in the boxes.
Daily Prompt Cards (16 tear-out cards in back)
This was unexpected. The last 16 pages are perforated cards with single prompts like “Write about a moment today that made you smile” or “What one thing can you do for yourself tomorrow?” I tear one out each morning and tape it to my mirror. It’s a small ritual that centers my day.
What’s missing?
- No habit trackers (I download a free printable for that)
- No stickers for planning (just the themed ones)
- No weekly layout for time blocking (it’s more intention-focused than strictly productivity)
For me, those omissions are fine because the journal is meant for reflection, not hyper-scheduling. But if you need a full calendar, this isn’t it.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It for Busy Moms?
I’ve been using this journal for six weeks, and here’s my honest take: it’s worth $32 if you value structure for reflection over structure for tasks. The paper quality is excellent, the prompts encourage genuine self-awareness, and the undated format means no guilt if you skip a week. I’ve found myself looking forward to my Sunday evening intention-setting session.
However, it’s not for everyone. If you need a daily timed schedule or a place to track water intake, you’ll need to supplement. Also, the cover shows smudges easily - I recommend handling it with clean hands.
Key Takeaways
- The 140-gsm paper is fountain pen friendly and durable.
- Undated format reduces stress - pick up where you left off.
- Prompts rotate to prevent repetition and encourage growth.
- At $32, it’s a solid value for a quality reflective journal.
- Best suited for moms who want intentional living, not hyper-planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is the Maia Knight Intentional Living Journal?
The journal measures 7.5 x 5.5 inches (A5 size), making it easy to carry in a purse or diaper bag.
How many pages does it have?
It contains 192 pages, including 16 tear-out daily prompt cards at the back.
Is the journal dated or undated?
Undated - you can start any day and skip days without wasted pages.
Does it include habit trackers?
No, it focuses on monthly and weekly intentions, gratitude, and reflection. You can easily add your own tracker on the notes pages.
Can I use markers or fountain pens without bleeding?
The 140-gsm paper handles most pens well. Fountain pens may ghost slightly but not bleed. Avoid heavy markers or Sharpies, which will show through.
