Filofax Paper Planner Vs. Smartphone

Image by marijana1 from Pixabay 

Smartphone Vs. Planner

They call them 'Smartphones' for a reason, although personally, I'm not entirely sure what the reason is. Mine isn't very smart, and I will tell you why. When it comes to your smartphone versus your planner, which one is going to take first place for you?

When I purchased my very first 'smartphone' last year, on my very first pay monthly contract deal, I have to admit I was besotted.

I abandoned my Pocket Guildford Filofax and my Moleskine for an online calendar syncing system and took full advantage of every note-taking app I could download for free.

Even my laptop became a bit redundant when I discovered a screenwriting app, a 'quickoffice' app, and various blogging and social networking apps.

Image by William Iven from Pixabay 

It was bliss and most of my spare time was spent squinting at the mini-screen - On the bus, in bed, and on the loo. But this is not where my story ends.

The Cons Of Using My Smartphone As My Planner

I soon found that my battery was just not up to the job.  What happened to those good old Nokia phones that used to last about a week before they needed re-charging?  My new 'smartphone'  dies at the most inconvenient of times, and I can barely get through a day. 

So to rectify the problem I got into the habit of having the phone permanently on charge whenever I was at home so that at least I would know that when I was out it would be fine.  But effectively this only made the problem worse.

Then a few months ago the worst thing imaginable happened. The socket where my charger lead fits into my phone became loose.  First, a little wiggle sufficed to do the trick, then a good shove tended to kick-start the charging process.

But of course, I'd have to keep an eye on it because it would randomly stop charging which I found to be jolly inconvenient. Suddenly I was waking up in the morning to find it was actually the afternoon.

My so-called 'smartphone', which had cockily replaced my alarm clock too, had conked out in the middle of the night because it had stopped charging two minutes after I had drifted off to sleep!  I don't know about you, but I don't think this is very smart.

In a short space of time, the situation became so ridiculous that I was balancing the phone upright and on its side; sometimes upsidedown, wedged in a groove between a stack of books, with an elastic band wrapped around the phone to keep the connection intact.

Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay 

It was at this point that I had had enough. I mean I was about to lose my rag. Actually, I was about to give in and purchase a new 'smartphone' when my aunt suggested an external charger for the battery.

So I ordered a charger on eBay that sticks in the wall and I have to take the battery out of the phone and slot it into the charger every time it needs charging.  For this reason, I now have two batteries so that one can be charging while I am using my phone.  But each barely lasts a day, and the MOST annoying thing is that my nails break now on a daily basis as I try to pry the phone open to swap the batteries over.  The whole thing is completely bonkers.

What's worse is that when I purchased the smartphone I didn't automatically become a 'smart-owner' of the 'smartphone'. I was mislead into paying insurance I didn't ask for.  I discovered this earlier today in fact when for some reason I was analysing my bank statement.   £7.99 a month since this time last year - Ouch!

So here I have been, struggling with all the flaws of my decrepit piece of 'advanced technology' for a good three or four months, and the fact is that I have insurance that I didn't even know about, and could have simply had the thing replaced.  Apparently a month or so free insurance comes automatically with phones when you purchase the contract, but the loophole is that you have to remember to cancel it after the free period if you don't want to pay for it!

Filofax Fanciers may be relieved to know that I am back to using Filofax planners. They are SO much better than 'smartphone' calendar apps.  And here's why...

Digital Planner Vs. Paper Planner

I thought it would be fun to place digital planners and paper planners side-by-side in a "real-life situation" challenge to see which one tallies up the most points. I have divided up the sections and scored each one out of 5, with 5 being "the best".

Image by Łukasz Cwojdziński from Pixabay

These are of course my own opinions and a bit of fun! I would love to hear your thoughts though if you would like to share them in the comments below, please feel free :)

HEALTH

Staring at a Filofax for hours gives you nothing but pleasure...
Staring at a 'Smartphone' for hours gives you a headache!

SCORE:

Filofax 5/5

'Smartphone' 0/5

PORTABILITY

My 'Smartphone' fits pretty much anywhere - In my pocket, in my handbag, and even in my Filofax, but the battery-life means that functionally using it on the go can often be short-lived if I don't have my charger with me. And the charger takes up more space in the bag.

My Filofax takes up space in my bag too and can be heavy depending on what size I have chosen to use, but at least all of my information is constantly accessible.

SCORE:

Filofax 3/5

'Smartphone' 3/5

MULTI-FUNCTIONALITY 

My 'Smartphone does pretty much everything, all I have to do is download an app, and put up with touch-screen typing which can be annoying.

My Filofax can be specifically designed and organised according to my needs as well.  My A5 Filofax works as a portable office-desk which is great for commuting, and my Pocket Filofax can double up as a wallet, and also slot my phone in, so it's almost like a clutch bag!

SCORE:

Filofax 5/5

'Smartphone' 4/5

ATTRACTIVENESS

My 'Smartphone is discrete and formal but can be jazzed up with clip-on covers, gel covers, sleeves, and holders.  My Filofax - well I don't think I need to say that I am in love and fancy it to pieces. Enough said.

SCORE:

Filofax 4/5

'Smartphone' 5/5

TOTALS:  

FILOFAX 17/20

SMARTPHONE' 12/20


Well, there we have it. Filofax is a clear winner. What do you think?


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Filofax Vlog: The Arrival of My A5 Aqua Chameleon Filofax

My First Filofax Vlog

Just as I promised, I have filmed a Filofax Unboxing Video for you all to enjoy. Yes, this is me. Little Miss. Filofancy living, breathing and speaking... How very weird.  Do I really look like this?  Do I really sound like this?  Is that beautiful new A5 Chameleon Filofax in aqua really mine... All forty-five pounds worth of it?  Yes, yes, and YES!


I was half asleep. I vaguely heard the doorbell go, and I vaguely heard my landlady answering it.  I could have been dreaming, perhaps I was mid-dream at the time, but as soon as I heard the postman say "Package for Miss. Zara Mohammed" I knew exactly what it was, and suddenly I was awake.

I leaped out of bed, still in my clothes from the night before, such is the life of a single girl in her twenties, and I ran to meet my destiny planner.

My landlady had it in her hands, and I looked at her anxiously.

"Er, I think that's mine?" I said tentatively.

She looked back at me suspiciously, I saw her note my unkempt hair and yesterday's outfit. Then she placed my precious package on the side-table and walked past me, "Rent's due lady."

I cringed, grabbed my brand new Filofax, and sped back into my bedsit to release my excited tension. Might have to increase my overdraft just a little bit more to cover the rent and keep my dear landlady happy.

I hope you enjoy the vlog! Don't forget to leave your thoughts in the comments below :)


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My First Filofax: The Pocket Guildford, My Filofax Wallet

My First Filofax

I was fifteen. A girl in my class had one, she was a girl I respected and I wanted to be respected too. So I purchased my first planner... A Pocket Guildford Filofax.

Introducing the pocket Guildford, my very first Filofax. Little did I know, I was a Filofax addict in the making, and that this would later become my very awesome pocket Filofax wallet.

I chose black because I figured it was a serious colour and I wanted people to think I was important. I had no idea how expensive Filofaxes could be, but I struck lucky because there was a sale on in Rymans. The little pocket Guildford sat on the shelf looking up at me with its 50% off sticker.  I could almost hear it whispering “please take me home with you.”

The next week at school I felt pretty confident. And guess what? Suddenly the girl in my class who I admired so much had something to talk to me about! We became firm Filofax friends and sat next to each other in all of the classes from that day forth. 

At the time I had no idea that there was such a thing as "Filofax addiction". In fact, I don't even think there was an online planner community, let alone Filofax Facebook groups. Did Facebook even exist back then? Probably not.

I have used my pocket Guildford on and off over the years, but it is only recently that I discovered my obsession and have been overtaken by the fatal Filofax addiction that has been biding its sweet time. I am now a fully grown adult and I can afford to pay for my Filofax fascination. And pay I will. 

How I Use My Pocket Filofax As A Wallet

Looking at my pocket Guildford I can hardly believe it is older than a decade.  The black leather is a tad scuffed here and there but I think that just adds to the flavour. I love how soft it feels, snugly sitting in my hand. 

It is the perfect size for taking out and about with me, which is why I have decided to start using my pocket Filofax as a wallet. Or more to the point, as my handbag Filofax. Everyone has to have a handbag Filofax! If you don’t then I suggest you think about acquiring one. Any excuse just to add to your Filofax collection.

How To Use Your Pocket Filofax As A Wallet

I have developed a system so that my Personal-sized Filofax doesn’t feel too left out. 

Basically, I don’t keep diary inserts in my pocket Guildford. It contains only lined paper, clear top-opening envelopes for pictures or loose notes, and a card-holder insert. This way I can use it on a daily basis as a notebook, mainly when I am out and about. 

Any notes I make during the day can later be copied into my personal-sized Filofax in the evening, which is what I use as my main diary. I always write and transfer a daily plan-of-action or to-do list which I keep at the front of my pocket Guildford and refer to it throughout the day when I am out. 

Some people might think it rather odd to have more than one diary and then transfer notes between them all, but I just think it's common sense. Besides, Filofaxes are collector's items, so if you are a true Filofax addict, you want to have more than one, and an excuse for using them all.

The wonderful thing about the pocket Guildford is that it has a zipped section in the back cover, which is great for loose coins, making it the perfect pocket Filofax wallet.

This system is working like magic for me at the moment because my personal-sized organiser became too bulky and heavy to carry around with me – don’t you just hate it when that happens? 

I do love the way a stuffed planner looks though! Before now, I found that the pocket Guildford’s rings were too small for it to be my main organiser, which was a shame because I really like the look of a stuffed Filofax.

But now I can happily use the pocket Filofax as my daily notebook/wallet. It even fits my smartphone in the back pocket quite nicely, and also my little silver cardholder that homes my business cards. Always useful to have those with me!

Pocket Filofax Vs. Personal Filofax

The Pocket-sized planners really are the perfect size for carrying around with you. They are even compact and lightweight when they are quite stuffed, and they still fit perfectly into your hand.

I also like the fact that the rings are smaller in the pocket size because this stops me from keeping things that I don't really need in the planner. When you have limited space it forces you to take a more minimalist approach to use your Filofax, at least, this is what I am finding.

I am looking forward to taking my pocket Guildford out with me to evening networking and social events as it is small enough to fit comfortably in the palm of my hand while I hold my glass of wine in the other. Whoever thinks Filofaxes are for geeks have obviously never heard of the term ‘geek is chic!’

I also keep my passport tucked into the back of my Pocket Guildford because whenever I am out in the evening I always get asked for ID. Such are the drawbacks of having a youthful face.

I had to get a bit creative to stop everything from falling out though, so I slipped a black elastic hairband around the Filofax which holds the passport nicely in place by the spine. I love this idea because the band is stretchy and can also act as a wrist strap on the outside, which will be great for the times when I am holding my glass of wine in one hand, and then the waiter swims by with a tray of tasty nibbles!

(Looking back on this post now, I can see that I was way ahead of my time, adapting my Filofax planner into a traveler's notebook system with the elastic band!)

What I Don’t Love About the Pocket Filofax

I'm not sure that there is anything I don't love about my pocket Filofax. If I were using it as my main planner then the small rings would be a problem, and I would probably be annoyed that tabbed divider inserts take up precious ring space. But I would find a way around it.

I currently use my clear top-opening envelope inserts to divide my paper from my contacts. I also use discrete silver page slides from Waterstones to mark important notes hidden away in the middle, for easy reference.

Waterstones have a great selection of bookmarks that work well in planners - Click here to check them out!



Well, that's all from me for now. My new A5 Chameleon Filofax should be arriving tomorrow morning, so as you can imagine I am jolly excited.  Tune in tomorrow to share my joy :)  I will be posting a little video, so you'll get to meet me face-to-face.

By for now...


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Have you read about... My Dream Planner?

The other day I got a wonderful surprise. I paid a sneaky visit to the Filofax website (as I do at least once every time I am online) and to my delight, I discovered that the Filofax planner I have had my eye on for months... The beautiful planner that started the obsession but was way too expensive to even consider... The Filofax Chameleon in Aqua A5... Was ON SALE. Read More

My Dream Planner: The A5 Aqua Chameleon Filofax

Filofax Chameleon Aqua (A5)

The Dream Filofax Planner

We all have a dream planner, and the A5 Aqua Chameleon Filofax is mine. In fact, this may be the start of a Filofax addiction...

The other day I got a wonderful surprise. I paid a sneaky visit to the Filofax Website (as I do at least once every time I am online) and to my delight, I discovered that the Filofax planner I have had my eye on for months... The beautiful planner that started the obsession but was way too expensive to even consider... The Filofax Chameleon in Aqua A5... Was ON SALE.

But not just On Sale... it had a 50% discount! It was a miracle that I simply couldn't ignore. No, it must have been fate.

So without even thinking about it - because I knew that any amount of thought would result in something very silly called rationality and lead to me never owning such a thing of beauty - I logged into my bank account, increased my overdraft by fifty quid, and made the purchase. Very bad Zara, very bad.

But I don't care. I don't care. I will admit to it, I must be a Filofax addict. I just have to have it.  And now I do.  Well not quite - it still has to arrive in the post.  But at least it is on its way.  I'm so ridiculously happy, I almost feel bad about it, almost.

The Lowdown On Filofax Addiction

It makes no sense how a sane adult can develop such a strange addictive obsession with these extortionate little personal organisers and paper inserts. I just don't understand it.  All I know is that I am one of these crazy people now, well and truly.

How do I know this?  Well, aside from the fact that I have just spent fifty quid that technically isn't mine on a piece of stationery, I do often find myself on Ebay browsing through the lists and hoping to spot a bargain, when suddenly I'll realise that a couple of hours have gone by. Hours I tell you.

I once spent two entire hours in Paperchase deciding on paper inserts, and other bits and pieces for my personal-sized planner when really I should have been in the library studying.  It was an unexpected detour, what can I say?  It's not like I planned it.

The Birth Of Filofancy My New Filofax Blog

Anyway, I think that my recent purchase is a sign to get serious.  So I have created this Filofax blog. Yes a BLOG all about Filofaxes, and paper inserts, and pens, and page-keepers, stickers, and notebooks.

The beauty of it is that I have happily discovered that I am not alone. There are so many Filofax bloggers, I'm talking about lots of ordinary people writing blogs dedicated to their Filofax addiction.

Do you know what this means? It means I am not crazy. Or maybe I am.  Maybe we all are.

My New Filofax Collection

I can't wait to get my gorgeous A5 Chameleon Filofax. Mine will not be black though, it will be glorious aqua blue, and I will be posting lots of pics and a video when it arrives. Watch this space fellow Filofax and stationery junkies, watch this space.

And just in case you are curious, this is not my first Filofax. Goodness me, no. I also own a rather dinky Pocket Guildford Filofax, and a personal-sized burgundy vintage Filofax that doesn't appear to have a name. I will, of course, be writing all about them in future posts, so make sure you subscribe to my blog so that you don't miss them.

Please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below, it would be lovely to meet you!

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"I was fifteen. A girl in my class had one, she was a girl I respected. I wanted to be respected too... So I purchased my first Filofax." Read More... My First Filofax: The Pocket Guildford Filofax Wallet