My Midori Traveler's Notebook setup

Reconnecting with my Midori Traveler's Notebook...

Unless you use it every single day, keeping a journal can feel like a chore. 

There are many reasons and excuses to lose touch with keeping a journal. Mine was sharing a flat for the first time with my boyfriend, and finding that all the personal time I had when I was single, spent alone and reflecting about life and myself, wasn't there anymore. 

But when you normally keep a journal, and suddenly you find that you aren't making the time for it anymore because your life has changed in some way, it's a little bit like not making time to be "you". 

It's important to keep doing the things that help you to define who you are, otherwise you might risk losing yourself somewhere along the way.

So I decided to stop filling in short journal entries with sparse detail what was going on in my life, that did nothing to express how I felt about things or help to work out any of my inner turmoil, and I began to write proper reflections again.




Changes to my TN setup


I currently have my personal thoughts journal in the front, with a tea cup and saucer taped to the cover, because I love to sit down with a cup of tea and reflect on everything. 

Behind that insert is my diary which I use as a weekly/monthly schedule, planner and record for freelance work. 

I use the Midori Traveler's Notebook insert with the lightweight paper for both of these, and draw up my own diary design, similar to what you find in the Moleskine week on one page and lined on the other. 

I tab each month at the side with a craft sticker from Paperchase, cut and folded over. And for each month I draw up a calendar on one page so that I can see the month at a glance for planning.

Then go on to record my freelance work in the week-on-one-pages, and I use the opposite blank page in each double spread to write down my work-related thoughts for the week.






In the back of my Midori Traveler's Notebook I have two notebook refills, which are red school text books trimmed down to size. 

I covered them with lined paper and lots of celotape, because I like the way it looks and feels. 

One of them is specifically for dog training notes, and the other is a free notebook for when I need to jot something down.

The Filofax Faces Challenge

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Introducing the lovely blue Pennybridge zipped Filofax... and my handsome boyfriend!


About the Filofax Faces Challenge

 
I was invited by Filofax to take part in a Filofax Bloggers' Challenge. 

I received a brand new Filofax from the new spring collection to photograph and enter as part of the online Filofax Facebook 'Like' contest. 

The pictures with the most likes will win 6 organisers for the photographer, and two runners up will receive 3 to give away on their blogs.


My interpretation of the challenge

 
I decided to use the opportunity to allow my boyfriend to bond with my new Pennybridge Filofax on a Filofax Photo-walk around the local area. 

He has never quite understood my fascination with these organisers, and so I hoped that taking part in my creative project would soften his judgments, as we both love photography. 

I figured that as the Pennybridge we were using was blue and not too feminine, that he wouldn't be overly resistant to join in. 

Much to my delight he even coordinated his clothes for the shoot. Result!
 




We wandered around on the streets looking for interesting ways in which to shoot my boyfriend with the Pennybridge Filofax. 

We found a rather attractive red front door with peeling paint, so I sat him down in front of it.




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We also found some wonderfully broken down wooden fencing, with even more peeling paint. So I got him to stand in front of that too!







And another wall with, yes, more peeling paint..




Verdict: Is my boyfriend a converted Filofax fan?


Not really, no. But at least now I have a nice little collection of pictures in which I have both a Filofax and a handsome man to ogle!

So if you like my pictures, the more likes they get, the more chance I have of winning FREE Filofaxes to give away on my blog :) Just thought I'd put this out there! 

So click on the following links to support Filofancy and help me win those free Filofaxes for a blog giveaway...



Thanks for all of your support - and thank you to my wonderful and supportive boyfriend for modelling!


See you in the next post!

Showing off my new combined Filofax and TN planner setup (video)

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How I'm combining my new slimline Filofax with my Midori Traveler's Notebook.



If you're struggling to choose between a Filofax or ring-bound planner and a Traveler's Notebook keep reading to find out how I combine the two systems by using a slimline Filofax ...


What I use my Traveler's Notebook for


My main use of my Midori Traveler's Notebook is a journal. It is essentially a brain dump of all the things I have going on in my head.

Sometimes I journal about my thoughts, feelings and experiences in a deep and reflective way, but a lot of the time I just write about mundane things like what I did today and who annoyed me.

My journal is like my best friend, only better. I go to it for non-judgmental consolation. It helps me to organise my thoughts, understand myself better and live a happier and more productive life. 

Because Traveler's Notebook covers can carry more than one notebook, I also have notebooks in there to jot down creative ideas for stories, characters, scenes and creative projects, because I'm a writer. I like to make lists and doodle too.


Why I swapped my Filofax for a TN


When I discovered the Midori Traveler's Notebook I abandoned all of my Filofaxes because I felt that my attention was too divided, and that my Filofaxes were preventing me from bonding with my gorgeous new leather TN notebook. 

The main appeal of the Midori for me is that it is a very personal possession which will grow with me, gaining more and more personality as I handle leather, acquiring all the wonderful nicks and marks that make TNs  so unique.

I wanted to use my Midori exclusively, so I sold most of my Filofaxes and designed a weekly planner in one of the Midori Notebook Refills instead. This was a mistake by the way – NEVER sell all of your Filofaxes, you WILL regret it eventually. Just store them away somewhere safe.

After a while I found that whilst bound notebooks are perfect for journaling, sketching, scrapbooking and jotting things down due to the chronological nature and subsequently more 'permanent' vibe, I really missed the 'organisational' aspect of having rings and being able to move things around as I planned my weekly schedule and daily tasks.

The problem I faced was that I didn't necessarily want to carry my Midori Traveler's Notebook AND a bulky Filofax - if you are a lover of the Filofax you'll know exactly how bulky and cumbersome they tend to get! 

I needed a Filofax that was discrete enough to complement my TN and create a perfect and complete portable system.


How I solved my problem by combining a slimline Filofax with a TN


The main problem was that while I wanted the use of a Filofax 'ring-bound' system for my everyday planning, I didn't want to start using a Filofax that would end up stuffed and take over from my TN. 

I was lucky enough to find the perfect solution on Ebay ...

I discovered (and won the bid, so it was obviously meant to be) the slimmest and most discrete Filofax I have ever seen in my life. 

It is an old vintage Filofax so it doesn't have the model name or type embossed on it, but it does have the 'f' symbol embossed on the side and 'Filofax, Made in England, Real Calf' printed in gold inside the back cover. So it's definitely a Filofax!

It is really good quality, durable black grainy leather with a slight sheen, and the rings are SO dinky because it's a 'slimline' – about 1 cm.

It sits perfectly on top of my Midori Traveler's Notebook and I have bound them together with a large clip that also acts as a pen holder. 


Why this Filofax/TN setup is so great

 
I love the flexibility and organisational aspect of being able to use the ring-bound system of the Filofax planner to move inserts around when I am doing my daily, weekly and monthly planning.

I also love the fixed chronology and sense of permanency I get from the TN with bound notebooks for journalling, doodling, sketching etc. 

I had toyed with the idea of trying to find a way to attach rings to the inside of the Midori, and I know that this has been done with Filofax Flex notebook binders, but I couldn't bring myself to go that far. I knew that I needed a Filofax that I would be happy carrying alongside my Midori, and this slimline fits the bill perfectly.


What is it like to have tiny rings in a Filofax?


Normally I would definitely NOT be able to deal with having such tiny rings in a Filofax, especially if I were using the Filofax as my main organiser – I like to really stuff them! So you may be wondering how I am dealing with such tiny rings. 

The truth is that they force me to use the Filofax specifically for what I intended – a day-to-day planner for the here-and-now. The small rings encourage me not to carry around a load of inserts that I'm not really using on a daily basis. 

I used to carry a whole year's worth of diary planning inserts, plus extra paper, and it just wasn't necessary. It actually made me feel less productive because my Filofax became less focused and less organised. As a result I felt increasingly overwhelmed.

Now I reserve my Midori TN for all of the creative stuff, and I use the FF ring-bound system purely for planning. 

I really do love the tiny rings. Because the appeal of the slimline Filofax is its portability and slim profile there is no desire to stuff it. When there is too much paper in there it starts to become more difficult and less enjoyable to physically use, so you have no choice but to take a few sheets out so that the pages can move more freely again.  

This is a good reminder of when it's time to declutter. I regularly re-evaluate what I really need, taking out inserts that are no longer useful. 

This minimal set-up is helping me to stay more focused and I have a much clearer idea of what I need to do next, which means I don't feel as stressed. 

I design my own inserts and only draw up a month or two at a time. I intend to remove and archive the months as I go.

I have to say there is something very satisfying about minimalism, and only using what you need.




I hope that you have enjoyed reading about my new Filofax and TN combined setup, and that it has inspired you to think about how you use your own planning and journaling tools.

As always, please head down to the comments section and leave your thoughts, I love to read and respond to all comments!

Intrigued by what it looks like to use these two beauties together? Watch my video where I show you my secret trick to help them both together.



See you in the next post!


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What do you use your Midori Traveler's Notebook for?

Feel free to pin or share this image with a link back to the blog, thanks.


If you are anything like me, then you probably get great pleasure out of finding out how other people use their Midori Traveler's Notebooks. So I have decided to share with you a few ideas...


The GREAT thing about Midori Traveler's Notebooks...


...is that you can refill them with notebook refills that are cheap to buy and easy to make yourself. 

If you make your own you can make your notebook refills with any number of pages to suit your individual needs. The less pages you decide to have in each notebook refill, the more refills you can fit into your TN and the quicker you can get through each notebook – which personally I find quite satisfying :) 

It's also convenient if you're still getting used to your Midori TN, and you're still not entirely sure how you want to use it. You can try out different refill designs for a short time without feeling anxious about waste.


TN refill ideas


There must be an infinite number of ways you can use your TN refills. 

You can get so many ideas just by browsing other people's blogs, chatting to other Midori Traveler's Notebook users on Facebook, or just thinking about your personal interests and looking at stationery online. 

Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing ...


Dream journal 


If you're a vivid dreamer, recording your dreams might be a fun way of looking into your subconscious and working through desires and fears.

If you keep your Midori, Traveler's Notebook by your bedside, when you wake up first thing in the morning you'll be able to quickly recall details of your dreams and record them. 

This can assist a very interesting and personal journey. You should try it! 

It might also help you to develop an emotional connection or relationship with your journal, which is what all of us Midori fans strive to do through personalisation.


Doodle book 


If you like to let your pen wander aimlessly across the backs of envelopes when you are on the phone, maybe you should consider keeping a doodle book. 

Who knows, each page could turn into wonderful abstract pieces of art!

Doodling is also a wonderful mindful exercise that can help you to unwind.


Brainstorming pad 


Everybody has a preferred way of taking notes to remind themselves of ideas for shopping lists, blog posts and other things. 

Why not try brainstorming as a free and visual way of generating ideas? 

Dedicate a notebook refill to your brainstorming– it'll encourage you to use this open form of note-taking and reap the rewards. 

The best thing about brainstorms is that it is easy to add onto your ideas any time, linking ideas together and seeing where you end up!

TIP: Use your notebook horizontally for more space!


Stamp or sticker collection


People who like to collect things things might enjoy dedicating a TN notebook refill to collecting, say stamps, stickers, receipts, lists ... it's up to you!


Recipes ideas 


How about a notebook dedicated to yummy recipes? 

It can accompany you to the supermarket when you go, and then you can take it out to make space for something else when you know you won't be doing any shopping!

What inventive ways do you use your Midori Traveler's Notebook refills? Tell me in the comments below ...


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How to develop a planner routine using to do lists and be more productive


To-do lists from Paperchase


Did you know that tasks become much easier to complete when you do them on a daily basis? This is because they become habits. Find out how to develop a planner routine using to do lists and be more productive ...

To do lists can end up being your worst enemy if you don't use them in a productive and sensible way. How many times have you written a list and then completely ignored or forgotten about the list? I do this ALL the time!

In this post we're going to look at ways to use to do lists in your planner in a more productive way.


Create daily habits to make tasks easier and get things done


I read an inspiring post on Linkedin about how much easier it is to complete tasks when you incorporate them into your daily routine so that they become a daily habit. 

It goes for all sorts of things in your life, like:

  • writing a post for your blog
  • establishing an exercise routine
  • cleaning your kitchen sink before bed

When you do something everyday, it becomes second nature. 

The task becomes SO familiar that you can even do it without thinking. It becomes part of your everyday life, rather than something you have to plan, remember or find the time to fit it in.

A planner routine can help you pay attention to your to do lists on a regular basis. 


Why to do lists fail


I am a to do list addict. I can't help it. I just LOVE making pointless lists. They are pointless because I make them and then never look at them again.

It got to the point where creating to do lists was actually stressing me out. They were bringing attention to all of the things I knew I was never going to get done!

It didn't help that my lists were long and rambling, full of unnecessary tasks that were completely unrelated to each other, and just causing chaos in my head. 

I was basically creating a lot of pressure and expectation, and I was left feeling overwhelmed knowing that I had lists and lists of unfinished business.

Something had to change.


How to make lists work for you


If you're like me and you love making lists but you'd also like to reduce the stress you are causing yourself and find a way to turn your lists into a useful habit, you have to come up with a planner routine to make sure that you're paying attention to your to do lists.


1. Separate your hobby lists from your immediate goals


'Hobby lists' are those lists you make just for the sake of it. They are called brain-dump lists, and the purpose of them is to just get everything out of your head and onto paper.

Hobby lists could be:

  • books you want to read
  • films you want to watch
  • things you want to buy
  • things you want to do
  • places you want to go
  • projects you want to start

It's fine to make pointless lists, as long as you separate the important tasks on them, and don't put any pressure on yourself to achieve everything on your hobby lists. 

Look at them as a way to clear your mind so that you can stop thinking about all of the things you dream of doing, and work out which of them are achievable.

Good practice is to go back through hobby lists and pick out anything that is actionable right now. 

If you spot an achievable goal, then this could be something you break down into a short to do list of tasks that can be filtered into your day, week or month.


2. Group your to do lists


For some people it's helpful to group to do lists. This way it's easier to focus your mind on one area of your life at a time.

Here are some category ideas for your lists:

  • Work goals/tasks lists
  • Project lists
  • Home goal/tasks lists
  • Shopping lists
  • Wish lists
  • Bucket lists
  • Fun lists
  • Don't forget lists


3. Recognise the difference between a goal and a task


A common mistake is to have a list full of long term goals. This kind of list is never going to get ticked off! If you have a list that looks something like this, you'll drive yourself insane ...

  • lose weight
  • get rich
  • get rid of junk
  • eat healthy
  • quit smoking

The problem with this to do list is that these are all long term goals that need their own lists of short-term tasks or actions. Without actionable tasks, you're not going to achieve anything – they help you to work out HOW you're going to achieve the long term goal.

For example, let's say you want to lose weight by eating healthy. Your to do list might look like this:

  • research healthy recipes
  • make a meal plan
  • create a shopping list
  • do a food shop
  • complete meal prep
  • track weight in a daily tracker


4. Establish a planner routine


It's very easy to make a list, file it away in your planner and forget it's there. But lists are only useful if you refer to them regularly, so you have to create a habit.

It's up to you what your planner routine looks like, but the most important things are:

  1. Keep it simple and achievable
  2. Be consistent
  3. Enjoy the process

My planner routine is quite simple. Once a week I transfer goals and tasks from a master to do list over to a sticky note list that lives on my weekly spreads. Then I move tasks from there into my days throughout the week and tick them off when they are done. That's it! 

I hope these tips and insights will help you to be more productive with your to do lists and come up with your own planner routine. 

Let me know in the comments what your personal experiences are with making lists in your planner!


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I Found a New Zipper Pocket Insert for my Midori Traveler's Notebook!



Who needs the original Midori Traveler's Notebook zipper pocket refill when you can just go to your favourite stationery store and find exciting alternatives?

I think I must have just got lucky though. I was browsing the sale section in the flagship Paperchase store in London the other day, and I came across these fabulous traveler's notebooks with plastic zipper pocket covers. I think I paid something like £3 – can you believe it? Maybe I should go back and get more! Who wants one?


What's so great about them?


Well, they fit in my Midori Traveler's Notebook for starters!

They're not a perfect fit, but it definitely works. The zipper pocket bit is slightly wider than the rest of the notebook so it sticks out the side of my Midori slightly. 

But that doesn't bother me, especially when I put the insert into the middle of my Midori so that it doesn't interfere with my pen loop which is stuck to the inside of the back leather cover.




The front inside-left has two long full-length slots and a cool card slot that flips out to the side. 

I suppose now that I think about it, you could actually use it like a page marker to mark where you are at in the notebook!




The back-right has the full length zipper pocket (see picture with ruler below), and on the inside it has various card slots and sticky label slots, plus one full-length slot which I have shown with my ruler again further down.







The whole plastic cover can be used by itself or you can use it like a notebook cover protector. 

Unfortunately the Midori Traveler's Notebook refills are ever so slightly too long height-wise to slip into the cover without the card warping, but only by about a millimetre, so you could just trim the refill cover and then it would slip in easily. 

In all honesty though, you don't need to slip the refill covers into the actual plastic because the notebook is held in place with the Midori elastics anyway.

The cover is a clear and shiny plastic, which means it is fairly sturdy and not floppy. It has a cloud pattern printed on it which I think is rather cute. This means that the colour or design on your refill notebook cover will show through. 

The notebook it comes with has mint green vertical stripes and then coloured stripes going across horizontally with an aeroplane design to show it is intended as a travel journal.






Here is a picture of my beloved brown Midori Traveler's Notebook with the new zipper pocket notebook inserted. 

You can see it does show a little bit at the side, but if you like your Midori stuffed and groaning with goodies then you probably won't mind things sticking out.






I'm currently using the inside front slots to house my favourite stickers for quick and easy access, and I will probably use the zipper pocket at the back to store loose bits of paper, receipts... you know, that sort of thing :)







See you in the next post!





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