31 August 2012

ALL STARS GUEST POST - Filofax Pro & Con's from Thoughts & Exploration


Hello everyone, here is a lovely blog post from Deborah from Thoughts & Exploration, I hope you enjoy it!!! I am so excited for this post, AND I WANT HER OSTRICH... PLEASE

I'm very happy to be a guest writer, as part of the Philofaxy All Stars Tour, on Imy's wonderful blog! Thank you, Imy! I've been following Imy's blog for quite a while now and love to read her posts and watch her YouTube videos. So I'm honored to be featured here!

Imy asked me to write about my Filofax collection and discuss why I purchased each one, the pros and cons of each, and if I had any buyer's remorse. After avoiding the counting exercise for months and months, I finally did an official count of how many FFs I actually have: 12. They are:

IMG_1671


              • Classic in Personal and A5
              • Malden in Personal
              • Finsbury in Personal
              • Aston in A5
              • Kendal in Personal and Pocket
              • Amazona in Personal
              • Holborn in Personal
              • Deco in Personal (x2)
              • Ostrich in Personal






As you can see, my favorite size is the Personal (9 out of 12). The two A5s are used for work, although I'm going to start using one of them as my home Filo. In this post I only show a picture of the front of each. Pictures of the insides can be found all over the internet. I didn't want this post to get too picture heavy.

IMG_1675


The Classics. These were my first two Filofaxes. Those were the days…I was just learning about Filofax and decided to give them a try. I had no obsession for FFs in particular, although I've always had a love for planners. Little did I know that with these first two, I was sowing the seeds for a Filofax obsession. Ah well, those were the days. I bought the black Personal with the intent to use it as my personal organizer that I'd carry around in my purse. I did just that for a couple of months and had/have no regrets about this purchase. The black A5 was a gift from my wonderful husband. He bought it for me days before his infantry unit was deployed to Iraq. I wanted an A5 for work and the Classic was a gift that let me think of him all day long while I was at work. I have a very strong sentimental attachment to this A5 Classic and will NEVER get rid of it. It is going to become my home fax.

Personal

Pros
- beautiful Italian leather, nice feel to the leather, a long zippered pocket, nice ring size, classic/streamlined professional look, doesn't scratch easily, structured

Cons - doesn't lay flat, simple layout (6 CC pockets, 3 larger pockets), small pen loop

A5


Pros
- same beautiful Italian leather, looks professional, 6 cc slots and two slightly larger slots and 3 long pockets (incl. a zippered pocket), slot for a writing pad, 2 pen loops, doesn't scratch easily, nice ring size, lays almost completely flat, structured, was a sentimental gift from my husband before he left for Iraq

Cons - small/tight pen loops

IMG_1674


The Malden. I purchased a crimson Personal and a grey Pocket because there was so much chatter on Philofaxy about the Maldens. I simply had to try them out. I had no special purpose for the Personal one…it would just become another personal in-purse Filo that I could switch to. I have recently sold the Pocket that was originally purchased to be my wallet. No regrets with the crimson Personal but the grey Pocket just didn't completely work for me. I found that I never really used it as a planner. At one point I took out the planning pages and just had lined paper in it to jot notes down but the rings were so large (for a pocket being used as a wallet, in my opinion) I ended up not doing that either.

Pocket (recently sold)

Pros
- nice color grey, lovely little brushed metal popper with "Filofax" written on it, nice small zippered pocket for change, long & large outside back pocket for paper currency

Cons - 1 small pen loop, not enough pockets for CCs and receipts and for odd bits of papers & notes I tend to collect during the day, the ring size just doesn't seem to work for me and I end up not using the ring feature at all

Personal

Pros - beautiful color and leather, nice brushed metal popper, all of the same pros as the pocket (minus the long outside back pocket), nice amount of pockets (4 dedicated CC slots, 3 long pockets, zippered pocket, 1 slot pocket for a note pad), nice ring size, lays flat

Cons - only 1 pen loop that is not elasticized

IMG_1676


The Finsbury. I bought this aqua Personal-sized one simply because I was reading that the color was discontinued and because I'd read on Philofaxy that quite a few people have Finsburys. Why not give it a try? I have never used this one. I've had it for months! And once I decided to give it a try, I noticed that when turning pages the bottom ring snags the paper a little bit. I know this is fixable but I haven't done anything to fix it. The rings don't look bad but there is a very slight misalignment with a couple of the rings. And really, I just couldn't bring myself to move into it because I like all of my other ones better. So it is brand new and I am more than happy to sell it to someone who will appreciate and use it. {hint hint :-) Let me know if you are interested. I'm happy to send pics to whomever is interested}.

Pros - gorgeous color, nice texture, has a zippered pocket

Cons - stiff leather, doesn't lay flat, simple layout (6 CC slots and 2 larger pockets), slight misalignment on some of the rings

IMG_1681



The Aston. This black A5 binder is wonderful. I bought it from Adspot specifically for the purpose of switching it off and on with the A5 Classic as my work binder. No regrets at all!

Pros - pretty yet simple outside design, nice soft leather, looks professional, great ring size, plenty of pockets for my work use (3 large pockets - incl one zipped, slot for a notepad, 3 dedicated CC slots, 3 other slots that can be used for biz cards, etc), structured yet still malleable, elasticized pen loop

Cons - only one pen loop

IMG_1679


The Kendals. I bought these because I saw a YouTube video by Josh LaPorte and instantly fell in love. Plus, I believe that these are discontinued so I had to snatch up not only a brown Pocket but also a brown Personal. I'm embarrassed to say that I've never, ever used either of these. Still, I will one day…and yes, I'll give the Pocket one a try just because it is so beautiful.

Pocket

Pros - beautiful leather, zippered pocket for coins, outside back pocket for receipts and/or cash, elasticized pen loop, small ring size (good for me since I just can't seem to make use of the rings in the pockets when used as a wallet)

Cons - only one pen loop, only 3 CC slots, overall not enough pockets/slots to be ideal, doesn't lay flat

Personal

Pros - oh so beautiful leather, 2 elasticized pen loops, nice outside pocket on the back

Cons - same as the Pocket's cons

IMG_1683


The Amazona. I love this Personal black binder! This is one that I'll never sell or give away. I bought this one to try out as my personal in-purse organizer and really love it. I had a really hard time moving out of this one because of all of the pros. No regrets here!!! Even with the cons…I still love this binder. This was the longest used one before I purchased and moved into my current one, the Ostrich.

Pros - gorgeous croc embossed leather, has a nice patent leather sheen to it, looks sophisticated, feels great to hold, two pen loops, nice ring size, pretty pretty pretty, zippered pocket, pretty pretty pretty

Cons - pen loops not elasticized, overall could use more pockets (one zippered and one "pocket flap" and only five CC slots)

IMG_1680


The Holborn. Another one of my favorites. I purchased this black Personal binder after hearing about all of the pockets. I'm a sucker for pockets and slots. This planner doesn't disappoint! No regrets with this purchase. I was using this one right before I bought my Ostrich binder and was really enjoying the Holborn.

Pros - pockets pockets pockets, really lovely soft leather, easy to make lay flat, zippered pocket, elasticized pen loop, nice ring size, nice looking binder

Cons - none!

IMG_1678


The Decos. I first bought the ruby Personal Deco to, again, have another option for switching my personal organizer…you don't wear the same pair of shoes with every outfit, right?? And I love all things deco so it was a given that I'd eventually buy this. After buying the ruby I decided to buy the ivory one when someone on Adspot decided to sell hers. No regrets with either purchase.

Pros - really distinct leather design…pretty, fabulous closure mechanism - unlike any other Filo, nice contrasting of materials used on the inside, zippered pocket, elasticized pen loop, "accordion" pocket in the back, classic, lays flat

Cons - only one pen loop, would like a couple of more pockets…I'm a pocket gal

IMG_1677


The Ostrich. This is my current Filofax and I'm not planning on moving out of this beauty any time soon. I adore this one because it's so luxurious and different and classic. It is unique and a pleasure to use every day. I've done a review of my Personal Ostrich in buttercup here and I did a post of my set-up on my blog, Thoughts & Exploration. Regrets? HECK NO! Since purchasing the ostrich I have had no desire to purchase another Filofax.

Pros - amazing ostrich full-quill leather, lovely color, unique, luxurious, plenty of pockets - very similar to the Holborn, zippered pocket, fabulous texture…it's great to hold and touch, very soft, lays flat

Cons - only one non-elasticized pen loop

All-in-all, I'm really happy with all of the binders in my collection. I think that some time in the very distant future I may move out of my ostrich to try out the Kendal since the Kendals are the only ones that I want to keep that have never been used. I can certainly see myself parting with the aqua Finsbury and maybe even the personal Classic (if anyone is interested!) but the others will stay under my care for a bit longer.

I hope you found this post interesting and useful (in case you are thinking of purchasing one of these models). Any questions? Fire away!

Thanks again, Imy, for featuring me on your blog!! It was a fun post to write!

Thank you ever so much Deborah, but PLEASE may I have your Ostrich as a form of payment…. Joking, but I WOULD LOVE AN OSTRICH, I think that is about all that I would take me out of my regency at the moment, as I feel the Regency is the POOR mans Ostrich as it is a similar pattern!

I have really enjoyed seeing your point of view with regards to each different Filofax!!!!

Thank you for this post I have very much enjoyed it!!!

30 August 2012

Diary Issues - Two Pages Per Day V Two Days Per Page

As you all know a few weeks ago I was going to try a "calling of the dog" experiment with Two Days to a Page, Week to View and finally Dodo Pad Week on one Page with Notes, and I said I would give weekly updates.... FAIL

I didn't give weekly updates as in that time I decided I wanted to try Flavia Day Timer Two Pages Per Day so I bought a set off a fellow Philofaxer, and tried it out, I used it for about 4 days over the long bank holiday weekend and the whole time I thought I WISH I WAS IN MY Two Days to a Page Diary, so that was just showing to me it would never work! If all you can do is think about something else and it feels as if you are cheating then it is pointless trying to make it work!

HEre is a photo comparison, I haven't photographed the whole week as that would be a bit mad!

Untitled

It is a beautiful layout but maybe just tooooooo much room! Also I couldn't even see a day or two ahead which was really annoying me, but now I can!

Untitled

Untitled

As you can see I do not write anywhere near enough, I even tried to make lists on the spare page but it just was not working for me, I will keep them and maybe come back to them in a few weeks or months you never know!!! Just like the other diary formats.

My only wish is that I could hold a whole year of diary inserts, I could if I had nothing else in my Filofax, but I don't want to move up to a Personal as the rings annoy me and are far too big, I think just having a whole year's worth of month to view would be good but I only have from August as I have lost the rest!

I have made one small improvement on my Filofax though, I wanted these post it notes that Tracy posted on Instagram, they were so cute had M - S post it note that was layed out like this:

M _____________________

T _____________________
W _____________________
T _____________________
F _____________________
S _____________________
S _____________________

With lines etc, and I thought oh that would be perfect for blog post planning, so I made a page using my computer and my idea is that I will write in my Frixion and then rub it out when it is finished with! Now how genius is that... here is the page...

Untitled

BTW I do have all my pages I have made saved on my computer so if you ever wanted something let me know!!! (I cant host files as I have no idea how too!!!) 

But I have loads and loads of templates all set on one single Personal sized page so you can easily print it out on one sheet, it is an idea, just comment below or email me at filofaximy@live.com and I will send them to you!

HAVE A NICE THURSDAY!

signature1

29 August 2012

What's in my Car - All Stars Guest Post - Alistair from All Things Gay


I am very lucky to today have Alistair from All Things Gay as part of the Philofaxy All Stars, and we have decided to swap posts on our Cars, What's in our cars to be exact! So look out on his blog for my post!

A

What’s in my Car

Hi everyone! Its Alistair here from allthingsgay123.blogspot.co.uk. Let me first of all say what a pleasure it is to be writing on Imy’s blog as part of the philofaxy all stars tour! This post it going to be about what’s in my car. I am the proud owner of a silver Renault Clio as seen above and here’s what's inside.

Here are my keys to get into my car. They are fairly minimalist to say the least! But I think they look quite cool. Ones the car key the other is for my house and the charm is a skull featured in my haul post a while ago.

K

The first thing everyone notices when they get in my car is the floor mats!

B

Hanging from my mirror I've got a jelly belly air freshener and another cheapy air freshener.

C

In a little slot next to my clock I keep some STRAWBERRY TIC TACS! They are AMAZING.

E

In the little cubby hole down here I keep a Carex hand sanitizer, a bag full of change for parking and a tub from extra chewing gum with Werthers originals in.

[F

Above this on my air vents I have a little stand for my blackberry.

G

In a concealed pocket near my gear stick I keep an I trip and its remote. This plugs into my iPod and make the songs play on the radio.

H

In the back pockets of the two front seats I keep a first aid kit (god forbid id need to use it!!) and a car manual.

I

J

The boot of my car and the passenger side cupboard contain really boring car stuff so I didn’t bother with a picture as this post is long enough already! But I have a tyre pump, more air fresheners, a Tesco bag and wheel locks.

Thanks for reading everyone!

Thank you Alistair for guest staring on my blog it has been a pleasure to see what is inside your car, and wow, your car looks so much cleaner and tidier than mine!


signature1

27 August 2012

Filofax, Stationery and Sticker Videos

I got a little busy today using my iphone whilst I tidied up my room and organised my desk and made some videos!!!

Enjoy!!!




I will start on my guest posts tomorrow for All Stars, as I am feeling better and motivated again!


signature1

22 August 2012

How do I know what Washi Tape I already own??...

I was rushing to work this morning and took this photo, my Filofax and Paperchase planner in motion.... yes I am carrying two, I must of looked so organised apart from the fact I am near enough RUNNING to work.


Untitled

The other night I was wondering How do I know what Washi Tape I already own?? And I came up with this answer...

Untitled


Untitled

Stick bits in your Filofax and you will never be left not knowing AGAIN!!!! Just a tiny tip from Imysworld...

signature1

21 August 2012

RAINBOW FILOFAX PAPER


Hello

People have been asking where I have bought my Rainbow Filofax Paper from...

Well I thought I would let you all know!!

Untitled

(Yes I created this magical rainbow picture) 

Untitled

This is the product image 

Well the person I bought them from is on Etsy and she is called KiddyQualia so go and check her out..



Untitled

Untitled

It is very reasonably priced!!! She also makes the pages 4inch wide so you can have more room to write but I don't need the extra room so if I want them normal size I trim a bit off the edge, but that is just personal preference, I am glad I have the choice!

I love this paper, it is lovely thickness it feels good quality, it is just beautiful and it prints so well in toner printers as you can print double sided and it dose not jam the printer like Filofax paper and it adds colour to your diary!!!

What more could a girl want? or boy?
signature1

17 August 2012

Filofax Competiton

Hello Everyone!!!

Today I am having a competition, I have 3 coming up in total, I have completely failed at having giveaways really!!!


For this all you need to do is…

  1. Look at the three pictures below, they are of Filofaxes in films.
  2. Work out which films they are from.
  3. Email me at filofaximy@live.com to let me know what the answers are.

You have until Monday 17 September!

The Prize is the lovely Filofax featured in the picture below, a Domino Personal sized Filofax in Ultra Violet I believe?!

532614_10151746710438357_1941147078_n


Here are the Films I need the names of…

Number 1:

1


Number 2:

2


Number 3:

3


Email me your answers by Monday 17 September to filofaximy@live.com

Any questions ask them below!!!

This competition is open world wide!!!

I will respond to let you know if you have the 3 answers correct and if you don’t I will give you 3 attempts at getting them all correct!

Winners will be announced on Friday 21 September 2012 at 12:00 on my blog! I will pick the name out of a hat or something! 

GOOD LUCK!!!

16 August 2012

Why I prefer my Filofax over my Smart Phone...

I have a lovely Apple iPhone 4S and a absolutely drop dead gorgeous Filofax!

BUT even though this is the technology age I prefer to use paper and pen over a electronic device and here is why....

It never looses battery and is ALWAYS on

Untitled

Untitled

My Filofax always sits pretty in my bag or on my desk at work, I never have to charge it, I never have to worry that I wont be able to use it where there is no signal etc... but my iPhone I have to charge once a night and sometimes during the day as well, so i always have it on charge in my car or at work, it drives me mad, and as I live in the country side there is NEVER a signal!

The diary on my iPhone is RUBBISH

Untitled

Untitled

And Siri has no idea, I tried to tell her to schedule in to remind me to send a birthday card to my friend, this is what she came up with (Siri is Australia and a woman for me)

Untitled

Filofaxes are so much more reliable and customisable!!!

Untitled

Untitled

And you can make your own pages!!! You never have to be stuck to a set layout of an app and use it how it wants you to use it, you can make it work the way you want, and not conform to a boring white and black theme..

Untitled

FILOFAXES NEED TO RULE THE WORLD!


signature1