Discover Clarity, Purpose, and Creativity Through Journaling and Essential Oils

Are you looking to:
  • Create more clarity and focus in your life with journaling?
  • Use essential oils to reduce stress and increase creativity?
  • Find your unique journaling style to reflect your personal journey?
  • Build a meaningful self-care routine with wellness tools that work for you?

Let’s work together to start answering those questions. 

You’ll reap a list of benefits from our not-so-ordinary journaling techniques while relaxing your mind, reducing your stress, increasing your memory, and stimulating new ideas to help you move forward.  




Imagine this… 

A quiet evening at home, a few glasses of wine, and your favorite notebook in hand. 

As we reflected on our past year, the process of journaling opened up new possibilities for the year ahead—and that’s when we truly discovered how journaling combined with essential oils can unlock new levels of clarity, focus, and creativity.

This is what we’ve been teaching ever since: how to blend the transformative power of journaling with essential oils to create a balanced, purposeful life—just as we did. And we promise you’ll be amazed by the results.


This unique one-page journal will introduce you to our not-so-ordinary journal shapes, folds, and methods of journaling 

  • Planning out an exciting and fulfilling life beyond your career.
  • Filling your free time with mind, body, and soul-enriching experiences.
  • Finding creative outlets and adventures.
  • Getting more productive during your day.
  • Sparking new-found creativity!
  • Download your FREE one-page Journal from our Resource Page 

Meet Allen & Lisa, co-founders of Bound to Journal
How it all started:

In the fall of 2010, after a 15-hour first date and a few phone conversations, we knew we'd be sharing the second half of our lives together. 

Both of us had been leading busy, demanding careers, juggling full-time jobs, multiple side gigs, and continuing our education. Life was exciting but grueling. We found ourselves craving something simpler and more meaningful—more time outdoors, self-care, and time for reflection. Though we lived several states apart and didn’t know each other existed, we were both on the same path, seeking a healthier, more balanced life.

Had it not been for the internet and a well-timed keystroke, we may never have met. Today, we focus on living intentionally—embracing the small steps that lead to the life we envision. 

Each day, we celebrate the possibilities that come from a place of hope, gratitude, and creativity. And we know journaling, essential oils, and nature can help you do the same.

Bound to Journal and Redsage™ LLC are the products of our journey.



With over 80 years of combined experience in education, book arts, visual and cultural arts, and business management, we've had the privilege of working with thousands of students and customers, helping them develop creative skills while fostering both personal and professional growth.

Over the years, we’ve managed businesses, developed innovative educational programs, and shared our passion for journaling and aromatherapy in ways that truly resonate. By combining our deep knowledge of wellness, creative techniques, and mindfulness, we've crafted a unique approach that integrates journaling, essential oils, and mindfulness practices to help you find clarity, purpose, creative style, and joy in every aspect of your life.







Meet Allen

I like a good grilled burger. I’m a career service manager, fly-fisherman at heart (slowly converting to fishing from a boat), greenhorn inflatable kayaker, hobby bicyclist, lover of mountain streams and lakes, power tool enthusiast, amateur photographer, owner of a ridiculous amount of CDs, fishing books and magazines, t-shirts, and underwear.  

Our hands fit perfectly together. Every day with Lisa brought healing to my heart and mind, which meant clarity and newness of life. When we started our journey together, the first gift I gave her was a journal, so we could capture the moments of our new story.


A Little More About Us

A good sign: The first gift Allen gave Lisa was a journal—a simple, yet meaningful gesture that reflected his understanding of the power of reflection and self-expression. Little did we know at the time, this thoughtful gift would not only become a cherished keepsake but also a symbol of the journey we would embark on together. For us, journaling has always been more than just a way to write down thoughts—it's a tool for discovery, growth, and capturing the essence of life’s most precious moments. This gift set the tone for a life filled with creativity, mindfulness, and shared adventures, reminding us daily of the importance of pausing, reflecting, and embracing the beauty of the present.

Just for fun, we took the South Dakota Park Challenge, visiting and recording all 67 parks in one year, in the state Park Passport journal.  We also use a National Park Passport to journal our visits and new adventures. For us, journaling isn’t just about writing—it’s about capturing life’s moments, whether it’s a park visit or an everyday experience.


We travel everywhere with our inflatable kayaks, fishing poles, and journals, always ready for an opportunity to explore new waters. Whether we're paddling down a quiet stream or capturing the beauty of a secluded spot in our journals, nature is where we find inspiration, clarity, and creativity. It's our way of reconnecting with ourselves and the world around us—an integral part of our journey, both personal and professional.