tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78153472715468752492024-03-14T08:09:45.868+00:00Filofancy | Life On Paper | Zara M.A blog sharing my passion for Filofax planners and Midori Traveler's Notebooks. Welcome all lovers of personal organisers, journals, notebooks, scrapbooks and sketchbooks – let's geek out!Zara M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06920122502855683774noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815347271546875249.post-43443283574030438872023-04-01T17:09:00.022+00:002023-04-01T17:28:56.297+00:00How to use a 'brain dump' or 'master' to-do list in your planner routine<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNPsamZI7EE_1Rc_X6sV9ixAJxATw7f9S7-rNCdZcvyagbIu9-YrnYz36H_5FfySKKa2sNz9HEjOUIAG6EZmDwLOIyyNEHX4EWAfyx4TBFm-0js6qFXUiQhmAnV91oh3CnZDOeCeJnqS_Yz1BoZPFOrOr28CproFKEZSXkPwc4zhqi2rgGkuXC9bW/s1905/20230401_150401.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1905" data-original-width="1905" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNPsamZI7EE_1Rc_X6sV9ixAJxATw7f9S7-rNCdZcvyagbIu9-YrnYz36H_5FfySKKa2sNz9HEjOUIAG6EZmDwLOIyyNEHX4EWAfyx4TBFm-0js6qFXUiQhmAnV91oh3CnZDOeCeJnqS_Yz1BoZPFOrOr28CproFKEZSXkPwc4zhqi2rgGkuXC9bW/w640-h640/20230401_150401.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A new blog I discovered called <a href="https://plannerfun.com/your-daily-planner-routine-needs-a-brain-dump/" target="_blank">Planner Fun</a> posted about including a 'brain dump' in your planner routine, and I thought – <i>I have one of those, let's talk about how I use mine!</i></span></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you to our good friends at the <a href="https://philofaxy.blogspot.com/2023/04/web-finds-saturday-1-april-2023.html" target="_blank">Philofaxy blog</a> for sharing my last blog post, and introducing me to the Planner Fun blog via their popular 'Web Finds' post.</p><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I talked a little in my last post – <a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2023/03/5-habits-for-highly-over-ambitious-planners-and-drea.html" target="_blank">5 Habits for highly over-ambitious planners (and dreamers)</a> – about how I want to practice more effective goal planning in my Filofax in order to better track achievements.</p><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In this post I want to dive deeper into how I use a 'master to-do list' as my 'brain dump', and how you can use one to help clear your mind of all the noise, and focus in on the important things so you can plan more effectively.</p><br /><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">What is a brain dump and why do you need one?</h2><div><br /></div><div>Over time our brains get cluttered up with a backlog of information. With so many different thoughts, feelings and things to remember it can feel overwhelming if you let it all build up. </div><div><br /></div><div>Plus, when you're experiencing this kind of brain-overload it can feel impossible to prioritise, and soon everything starts to get on top of you.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is where a brain dump comes in.</div><div><br /></div><div>The act of 'dumping' the content of your internal mind onto an external source means you're essentially freeing up space so that you can begin to sort through it all and work things out.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">The benefits of using a brain dump</h2><div><br /></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Clear your mind of clutter</b> – by freeing up mental space you'll reduce stress.</li><li><b>Increase productivity</b> – Getting your ideas out of your head and onto paper will help you focus on what's most important.</li><li><b>Improve organisation</b> – A brain dump is the first step to being more organised, because once everything is externalised, you can go back and group similar ideas together in categories. This will help you to prioritise things.</li><li><b>Enhance your creativity</b> – There's a good reason people like to start off with a brainstorming session... there are no restraints or limitations, which can lead to new and innovative ideas.</li><li><b>Make better decisions</b> – When you can see all of your options you're able to weigh up the pros and cons of each one. This means you can make more informed and confident decisions.</li></ol><div><br /></div></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">How to brain dump</h2><div><br /></div><div>People have various methods of 'brain-dumping', in which they regurgitate all of the internal noise and put it somewhere else. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">A board</h3><div><br /></div><div>I used to use an enormous whiteboard to jot stuff down when it occurred to me. It was great for when I wasn't sure if something was important enough to go in my diary or onto a to-do list, but I knew I didn't want to forget about it.</div><div><br /></div><div>It really helped me to get the stuff out of my brain and onto something BIG that I could see more clearly and process the information over time. </div><div><br /></div><div>I also loved that I could just wipe the board clean periodically after taking what I needed from it. It was like giving myself a fresh start.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you like the idea of having a large brain-dump, you might also consider using ... </div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>a cork board</li><li>a wall dedicated to post-it notes </li><li>or a blackboard.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">People</h3><div><br /></div><div>I have used various members of my family in the past to verbally brain-dump on. I think we all do this naturally to some extent.</div><div><br /></div><div>Offloading to other people has the added benefit of receiving immediate feedback, but also the limitation of not giving yourself the space to process your own thoughts.</div><div><br /></div><div>Talking things through with friends is definitely a good way to get all of your feelings out and receive some validation or advice. But just make sure that you take the time to process the information independently too.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Journals</h3><div><br /></div><div>A very effective form of brain-dumping is the use of personal journals. Spilling out onto the page without limitations can be a wonderful release of stress, tension, confusion, excitement or any other feeling or emotion.</div><div><br /></div><div>The best thing about a journal is that nobody else gets to read it, so you can genuinely dump everything out without holding back. This is going to free up so much space in your head.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's really important to use your journal as a place for self-reflection too though, as this will help you to minimise rumination on anything negative and focus instead on finding productive solutions to problems or things that have happened.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Have a 'master' to-do list in your planner</h3><div><br /></div><div>For anyone who loves lists, having a 'master' to-do list in your planner will help scratch that itch! There is something very satisfying about writing things down in a list. Some of us even enjoy doing it when the lists don't have a functional purpose.</div><div><br /></div><div>A 'master' to-do list (according to me) is something in-between though. You can jot down anything and everything that comes to mind, but not have to worry about whether or not you ever get to the end of the list and complete all of your tasks. The point of this type of brain dump is for it to be never-ending.</div><div><br /></div><div>The way I avoid feeling overwhelmed by having a never-ending to-do list, however, is to use mine in a systematic way – which I'm going to share with you next.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">How I use a 'master' to-do list as a functional brain dump</h2><div><br /></div><div>My 'master' to-do list is located towards the front on my planner to make me more likely to use it. I also have a handy tab so that it's easy to get to.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is a simple lined sheet titled: <i>do all the things </i>(I have a few sheets set up ready to go as I anticipate the list will get longer and longer)</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>I draw one vertical line down the page on one side so there are two columns – one to write the task and the other to mark whether or not I did it.</div><div><br /></div><div>To use the to-do list I write my tasks continuously down the page as they come to me. I can then refer back to the list (usually on Sundays), assessing what to take from it to transfer over to my current weekly to-do list, which is a sticky note I bought from Muji and goes on my clear 'Today' page marker insert. </div><div><br /></div><div>I like these list-style sticky notes because they are also designed to be tabs ...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjguBtP_l2lqOog7XQ-L1JQIdv_spgz6QDt1qKmSVxtYhXYJLfIDcFqMCO0Jo4qGCJyNo2RWDVxBpqhi-Au8-fMPI5Jfep2ra3UV-VR8bq70POFL0M21oGc6mpmzsEb6FrSd03GcHNhNXvFiPwFSlHgqe4y6ZEwewnyWC9z-MiiIQ6lszNxxLN-Crj/s1668/20230327_162340.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1668" data-original-width="1668" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjguBtP_l2lqOog7XQ-L1JQIdv_spgz6QDt1qKmSVxtYhXYJLfIDcFqMCO0Jo4qGCJyNo2RWDVxBpqhi-Au8-fMPI5Jfep2ra3UV-VR8bq70POFL0M21oGc6mpmzsEb6FrSd03GcHNhNXvFiPwFSlHgqe4y6ZEwewnyWC9z-MiiIQ6lszNxxLN-Crj/w640-h640/20230327_162340.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Once I have transferred a task out from my 'master' to-do list into my weekly one I simply tick it off. I also highlight the whole row so that it's easier to skim through the list and see the things that haven't been ticked off yet.</div><div><br /></div><div>If, while going through my 'master' to-do list I notice there is a task that I never seem to get round to, and I decide it's not important or relevant anymore, I tick it off with a cross instead of a tick, and I also highlight the whole line.</div><div><br /></div><div>So when I come to browse through my 'master' to-do list on Sundays, it doesn't matter how many pages long it is, because it's easy to see which tasks still need attention as the rows aren't highlighted.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once a whole page has been completed, I highlight the vertical column of ticks and crosses. This makes it easier for my brain to pass over that page when seeking new tasks to add to my weekly to-do lists. You might choose to remove the whole sheet instead, but I don't, because I like to use the front and back of the paper,</div><div><br /></div><div>If you're looking for a smart daily to-do list insert for your Filofax or other planner <a href="https://tidd.ly/3JZ2YRv" target="_blank">Crossbow Planner Co on Etsy</a> has some lovely minimalist designs ...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://tidd.ly/3JZ2YRv" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="417" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVUn7a_vJydiikc8MSi7i5i7fwoCHTNoHqGo6x0S2LdfG-W9IcIMxZjTQ62JLOQor7RnnECN2YAQi4y7nk0q05Sai0fKHN-1PThIqNH-zY1PMNDKbc75oYo5LLxnJVFjWCm6AQ3qYhHsc9RgzFlvBkdqArZbv1i2NKRc6SYdqLT6VVhXijCBfq8f-/w590-h640/Screenshot%202023-04-01%20at%2018.22.05.png" width="590" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tidd.ly/3JZ2YRv" target="_blank">Etsy | Crossbow Planner Co</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">What kinds of things to add to your brain dump</h2><div><br /></div><div>This is very individual, but if you're starting out with this idea and feel a bit blocked, here are some prompts to get you started ...</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Everyday domestic tasks</b> – like doing laundry or hoovering</li><li><b>Bigger home tasks</b> – like washing bed linen or defrosting the freezer</li><li><b>Personal tasks</b> – like deep conditioning your hair or waxing your legs</li><li><b>New personal goals</b> – like establishing a new exercise routine or diet</li><li><b>New recipes you want to cook</b> – including shopping for ingredients</li><li><b>Things you want to add to your planner </b>– like when you get ideas from your fave YouTubers</li><li><b>Work related stuff </b>– like new business ideas or projects</li><li><b>New hobbies</b> – like things you need to buy or research</li><li><b>Kids/pets</b> – like remembering to trim nails, do dog training or plan packed-lunches</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I hope this has been fun and useful to read. I'm trying to write and publish one post a week so subscribe to the blog and feel free to leave a comment if you have any ideas for a future post!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; margin: 0px; position: relative;">Loved it and want more?</h2><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="font-size: 17.6px;"><br /></div><div><span style="color: #b8b8b8;"><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2023/03/5-habits-for-highly-over-ambitious-planners-and-drea.html" target="_blank">5 Habits for over-ambitious planners (and dreamers)</a></span></div><div><span style="color: #b8b8b8;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #b8b8b8;"><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2023/01/alternative-creative-uses-for-your-spare-filofax-planners.html" target="_blank">What to do with an extra planner: 15 alternative uses for your Filofax</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/p/contents.html" target="_blank">Contents page: Explore all of my blog posts in one place!</a></div><div style="font-size: 17.6px;"><br /></div></div></div>Zara M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06920122502855683774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815347271546875249.post-69640604544086985862023-03-27T15:49:00.003+00:002023-04-01T17:14:11.648+00:005 Habits for highly over-ambitious planners (and dreamers)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3TpUkEfIUQPz0zSbLXCGqVfa6dqNQC0YDs55tDSdTGYCsh6l50V9ocvShZv-lWEdoJaO_NO-ZjyU3OtYw3o2supLWTmlVwwic0x7n_C5Rf14A73xHQI5To5DaHiT9ZEiCtuY8FOahqXxQVeilgoS__stZ9ZyMl7g2uwr9yvi0wKfIB_cxead8oP1f/s1668/20230327_162340.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1668" data-original-width="1668" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3TpUkEfIUQPz0zSbLXCGqVfa6dqNQC0YDs55tDSdTGYCsh6l50V9ocvShZv-lWEdoJaO_NO-ZjyU3OtYw3o2supLWTmlVwwic0x7n_C5Rf14A73xHQI5To5DaHiT9ZEiCtuY8FOahqXxQVeilgoS__stZ9ZyMl7g2uwr9yvi0wKfIB_cxead8oP1f/w640-h640/20230327_162340.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">I thoroughly enjoyed reading <a href="https://www.strangecharmed.com/2023/10-habits-of-highly-ambitious-women/" target="_blank">'10 Habits of Highly Ambitious Women'</a> by Strange and Charmed last week, courtesy of the <a href="https://philofaxy.blogspot.com/2023/03/web-finds-saturday-25-march-2023.html" target="_blank">Philofaxy blog</a>. But after reading it I realised, with much dismay, that I may actually be a highly <i>un</i>-ambitious woman, and that something must be done about it immediately.</span></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Checklist for highly ambitious women</h2><div><br /></div><div>Here's how I scored alongside the post's checklist ...</div><div><br /></div><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b>They set clear goals</b> – I set <i>many</i> goals, which, as I suspected, is a highly counterproductive practice.</li><li><b>They take action</b> – You're speaking with the QUEEN of procrastination here.</li><li><b>They are lifelong learners</b> – I love random facts and spend hours researching rubbish – doesn't help that I have the memory of a goldfish.</li><li><b>They manage their time wisely</b> – What time?</li><li><b>They surround themselves with positive influences</b> – Well, my dog motivates me to leave the house once a day for her wee, and my cat is very 'inspiring' when he wails the house down at dinner time – <i>does that count?</i></li><li><b>They embrace failure</b> – Erm, nope, don't like failure <i>at</i> all.</li><li><b>They practice self care</b> – There's a more accurate word for my idea of self care... that would be... self indulgence.<i> (Gimme all the cake!!)</i></li><li><b>They build strong relationships</b> – Not terribly keen on most people, so nurturing relationships are <b>not at the top of my to-do list.</b></li><li><b>They are resilient </b>– I've become very comfortable with giving up and going back to bed.</li><li><b>They give back</b> – I wholeheartedly attempt to give back to the world, but honestly, most of the time I can't be assed.</li></ol><div><br /></div><div>So there you have it, my list of failures. And as no. 6 says – I am not a fan of failure, so we must fix this.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">What my results mean</h2><div><br /></div><div>I've analysed myself and come to the conclusion that, rather than being a highly ambitious women, I am, in fact, an over-ambitious planner and dreamer – which basically means I revel in writing long to-do lists and dream about high-flying achievements that are way beyond my reach (becoming a millionaire and owning a unicorn)</div><div><b><br /></b></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">5 new planner habits towards being a highly successful woman</h2><div><br /></div><div>In an attempt to bring myself back down to reality (and an excuse to write a blog post on planners) here is my plan of action ...</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. Set 3 goals a week (and 3 tasks per day)</h3><div>Everyone has a <i>master</i> to-do list – right? I think it's an essential brain-dump and I literally dump everything in it because it helps me to relax. But a master to-do list that is pages long, isn't helpful – it's frightening.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, each week I will be setting myself three goals:</div><div><br /></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>A work goal</li><li>A home goal</li><li>A personal goal</li></ol><div><br /></div></div><div>Goals are always clear and measurable;</div><div><br /></div><div>So, a <b>work goal</b> might be something like – Create and execute a content plan for the week for my new website. </div><div><br /></div><div>A <b>home goal </b>might be something like – Eat healthy and save money this week by doing some home cooking with pantry ingredients and meal prepping for the week. </div><div><br /></div><div>A <b>personal goal</b> might be something like – lose 1-2lb on the scale this week through exercise.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then, I'll split the goals up into easily seven achievable tasks, and set three tasks per day, one for each goal.</div><div><br /></div><div>For example:</div><div><br /></div><div>(Work)</div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Conduct keyword research</li><li>Create content plan for the week</li><li>Write and publish one blog post for the next 5 days.</li></ol><div><br /></div>(Home)</div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Create meal plan</li><li>Cook dishes and do meal prep for the week</li><li>Eat healthy for the next 5 days, no spending.</li></ol><div><br /></div><div>(Personal)</div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Hula-hoop to one song every time you go to the kitchen to make tea (do this everyday)</li></ol><div><br /></div>As you can see, the tasks hold me accountable, and by completing them all I will be able to reach my goals for the week! Boss girl in the making – that's 1 and 2 on the checklist for ambitious women done.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. Create a tracker for consuming video tutorials/talks</h3><div><br /></div><div>Quite often when I've finished my day job, I simply don't have the brain capacity to do any more work, let alone learning ... <i>or so I think! </i></div><div><br /></div><div>I have actually found that watching or listening to Youtube videos and Ted Talks in the bath are an easy and relaxing way to take in some extra information on a variety of different topics relating to career and business development.</div><div><br /></div><div>This means that I'll be able to use my time effectively in the evenings without feeling like I'm overdoing it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Other times where similar multitasking can take place are when I'm ...</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>on the loo</li><li>washing the dishes</li><li>walking the dog</li></ul><div><br /></div><div>That's 3, 4 and 5 on the checklist done.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. Add self-reflection through journaling into my planning routine</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>This is something I used to do a lot more, but since getting back in touch with my mother, I've found a verbal outlet for all my problems. The main issue with this is that talking everything through with my mother on the phone doesn't really allow for efficient self-reflection and my mother's feedback isn't always reliable<i> (sorry mum!)</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>In order to fully recognise and embrace my failures, I must stop seeking validation from my doting mother, and instead be more honest with myself by writing down my private thoughts and reflections in a journal.</div><div><br /></div><div>Journaling is an important self care tool. And with more space in my relationship with my mother due to me not being so self-absorbed, I'll be able to focus more on creating and enjoying meaningful conversation too.</div><div><br /></div><div>So that's 6, 7 and 8 sorted.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">4. Record challenges faced at the end of each week</h3><div><br /></div><div>As part of my new planning routine, I'll be reflecting at the end of my week on what challenges I faced in achieving my tasks and goals.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully this will enable me to recognise my weaknesses so that I can create better goals and plan tasks more effectively – therefore, making me more resilient and able to overcome obstacles.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's 9 in the bag... just one more to go.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">5 Post more helpful content on my blog</h3><div><br /></div><div>Highly ambitious women 'give back'. I do genuinely love sharing my ideas and I always hope to entertain and inspire when I write a blog post. However, I'm not very good at being consistent.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I am going to attempt to commit to writing and publishing one post a week on the Filofancy blog.</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoyed reading this post and want to hold me accountable? Leave me a comment and tell me what you'd like to read about next week!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><p></p><h2 style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; margin: 0px; position: relative;">Loved it and want more?</h2><div><div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><br /></div><div><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2023/01/alternative-creative-uses-for-your-spare-filofax-planners.html" target="_blank">What to do with an extra planner:15 alternative uses for your Filofax</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2020/04/journaling-tips-for-filofax-ring-planner-users.html" target="_blank">Journaling tips for Filofax and ring planner users</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/p/contents.html" target="_blank">Contents page: Explore all of my blog posts in one place!</a></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"></div></div>Zara M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06920122502855683774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815347271546875249.post-66197279537422903952023-01-13T07:00:00.007+00:002023-03-07T23:10:10.704+00:00What to do with an extra planner: 15 alternative uses for your Filofax<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" dir="rtl" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELm_c8ZEFqXd_7mz2AtLVILKNcHN1iJw3LCviDdEvBqMs9Sm8uHdP79HdQjUoqFR_OTulV8-OLt1v0AjhWUT521Uq0OKHn40kMIklTdiRIo7Nne51KsgIzA7qXG-xffoitaudFAJIS1KO5EREFmfQ5sahiUPzyWR_BH1yYjfdGAP3zd9WyKszUOFc/s2342/20230108_120031.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ideas for spare Filofax planners" border="0" data-original-height="2342" data-original-width="2342" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELm_c8ZEFqXd_7mz2AtLVILKNcHN1iJw3LCviDdEvBqMs9Sm8uHdP79HdQjUoqFR_OTulV8-OLt1v0AjhWUT521Uq0OKHn40kMIklTdiRIo7Nne51KsgIzA7qXG-xffoitaudFAJIS1KO5EREFmfQ5sahiUPzyWR_BH1yYjfdGAP3zd9WyKszUOFc/w640-h640/20230108_120031.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Nobody in the planner community has just one planner – most of us have at least two. If you're wondering what to do with an extra planner (or several) check out my ideas for alternative uses and put that spare Filofax to good use!</span></p><p><br /></p><p>I used to have SO many <a href="https://tidd.ly/3k33Nz9" target="_blank">Filofax</a> planners. Regrettably, I sold quite a few of them many years ago when I decided I was going to be a one-planner girl – HA! Who was I kidding?<i> </i></p><p><span>I'd probably have close to 20 by now. Instead, I have 7, all of which are currently in use, aside from my <a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2012/03/filofax-vlog-arrival-a5-aqua-chameleon-filofax.html" target="_blank">A5 Chameleon</a> that's currently boxed, and two of my least favourite personals that I use as storage binders for old diary inserts – but I count that as a use.</span></p><p>I've been thinking of ways I can put my A5 Chameleon to use though, and it inspired this blog post. So here are 15 ideas for alternative Filofax uses to inspire you to pull a few of your old or extra planners off the shelf and enjoy them this year.</p><p><br /></p><p><b style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">1.</span> Recipe binder</b></p><p><br /></p><p>I think this is a great use for a spare Filofax or any other ring-bound planners you have lying around – regardless of whether you're a kitchen Goddess/God or a hopeless wannabe Master Chef contestant.</p><p>If you know your way around the kitchen cupboard then you'll need a gorgeous binder to store and collect all of your foodie wisdom to pass down to your little ones when they go off to Uni or have a family of their own.</p><p>If you're more like me – single at nearly 40, still learning that you can't just chuck all the spices into the pot each time and expect your dishes to be distinguishable, and frequently engaging in weekend culinary 'experiments' that leave you feeling relieved you only have to one mouth to cater for (your own!) – well, <i>you'll</i> need a gorgeous binder to store all of your takeaway flyers!</p><p>Jokes aside, collecting your favourite recipes, taking notes when watching your favourite cooking shows, and tearing up Waitrose food magazines to make yummy dividers and other inserts is a fab idea for a new 2023 hobby if you're looking for one.</p><p>Check out <a href="https://tidd.ly/3IZHzqz" target="_blank">Crossbow Planner Co on Etsy</a> for lovely minimalist recipe binder refills to get you started.</p><p>I might do this myself this year. My trusty A5 Chameleon Filofax needs a job! </p><p>(If you're new here, you might like to know that my A5 Chameleon was the Filofax that instigated the birth of the Filofancy blog, so <a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-dream-planner-a5-aqua-chameleon-filofax.html" target="_blank">have a read of my very first post</a> if you're interested.)</p><p><b style="font-size: 24px;"><br /></b></p><p><b style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">2.</span> Junk journal</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Never heard of a junk journal? The clue is in the name. Basically, a junk journal is a handmade book of recycled and found materials and ephemera – and I think a Filofax/ring binder is the perfect starting point!</p><p>Why keep one?<i> </i>Well, it's a rather charming way to keep a record of your everyday life. </p><p>A junk journal is different from an ordinary journal. The emphasis is not necessarily on writing down your thoughts and musings, but instead on compiling a book full of bits and bobs relating to your everyday experiences and interactions.</p><p>Over time it becomes a tactile book of memories, filled with old ticket stubs, receipts, menus, letters, sketches, magazine cuttings, recipes, pieces of ribbon and gift wrap, and so much more. It'll be a pleasure to look back on in years to come – a bit like a time capsule.</p><p>There's loads of inspiration to be found on Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube. People are so creative and their junk journals can be real works of art. </p><p>The great thing about using your Filofax or ring binder planner as a junk journal is that you can punch holes in <i>everything</i> and just pop it all in, or use hole-punched paper envelopes... what fun!</p><p>Get yourself an <a href="https://tidd.ly/3YnShNz" target="_blank">official Filofax hole punch</a>, it'll make junk journaling easy peasy.</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: 24px;"><b><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">3.</span> Scrapbook</b></span></p><p><br /></p><p>A scrapbook is similar to a junk journal, but you don't have to fill it with things that are significant to your life. You can just fill it with, well, whatever you like.</p><p>It's a blank canvas for your fun and creativity – set the kid inside you free!</p><p><b>Here are some ideas to get you started:</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Experiment with colour, stamps, paints, stickers and magazine cuttings</li><li>Create themed pages on your favourite things – cats, food, heart-throbs (you're never too old to have a heart-throb, in my opinion)</li><li>Fill it with vision boards to manifest your dreams –<i> </i>I hear this is powerful stuff!</li><li>Use it to keep your toddler's drawings safe – how cute!</li><li>Start a postage stamp collection, or how about a sticker collection?</li></ul><div><br /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 24px;"><b><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">4.</span> Sketchbook</b></span></p><p><br /></p><p>Learn how to draw this year and keep your sketches together with an A4 or A5 Filofax so you can track your progress. </p><p>The great thing about using a binder as a sketchbook is that you can add any kind of paper you want, from pastel paper to watercolour paper.</p><p>Alternatively, if you're already a bit of an artist, you can use a Filofax as a portfolio to store and proudly show off your masterpieces.</p><p>Store your favourite pieces in these <a href="https://tidd.ly/3ZPsOhc" target="_blank">Filofax plastic pockets</a> for extra protection!</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: 24px;"><b><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">5.</span> Art Journal</b></span></p><p><br /></p><p>You'd be forgiven for thinking that an art journal is the same as a journal, a junk journal, a scrapbook or a sketchbook - ah my naive friends, you have so much to learn and discover!</p><p>An art journal is a hybrid of a sketchbook and a journal. If you're arty and creative you can use it to express how you feel through drawing, painting and collaging. </p><p>Art journals often have beautiful pages that are crafted to combine art with inspirational quotes, thoughts and journal entries. </p><p>Using a Filofax to store art journal pages may take the pressure off starting an art journal because you don't have to be afraid of ruining your sketchbook with a badly designed page – if you don't like how something turned out, you can just take it out! </p><p>You can also move things around if the chronology isn't important to you.</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: 24px;"><b><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">6.</span> Grimoire</b></span></p><p><span><br /></span></p><p><span>A Grimoire is kind of like a witch's book of spells, but you don't have to be a witch to be inspired by this creative idea. </span>You can use a spare Filofax or planner to bind all of your witchy things.</p><p><span><b>Here are some ideas for your Grimoire:</b></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Herbal tea recipes</li><li>Healing soup recipes</li><li>Favourite essential oil combos</li><li>Healing herb recipes<br /></li><li>List of herbs and spices</li><li>Natural medicine</li><li>Tarot card spreads</li><li>Divination readings</li><li>Houseplant care notes</li><li>Spells or manifestations</li><li>Affirmations</li><li>Phases of the moon</li><li>Horoscope info</li><li>Pressed leaves and flowers</li><li>Dream journal</li><li>Record of the seasons</li><li>Meanings of colours and numbers</li><li>Poetry</li><li>Feng Shui notes</li><li>Crystal properties</li><li>Notes on Auras/chakras</li><li>Favourite witchy books</li><li>Mystical decor</li></ul><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes it's just nice to have it all in one place, you know?</div><div><br /></div><div>If you're a green witch and in the market for a new planner, inserts or accessories, you might like the <a href="https://tidd.ly/3F6dVyO" target="_blank">Filofax Garden Collection</a>, I think it's rather lovely and would make a pretty Grimoire.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 24px;"><b><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">7.</span> Bible study file </b></span></p><p><br /></p><p>I'm not a religious person myself, but if I was, I think I'd want to use a Filofax to store all my bible study notes. A personal planner is a similar size to a bible, so I think they'd go well together. </p><p>Alternatively, for a bit more space, and if you don't fancy lugging a heavy A5 planner with you, the A5 clipbooks or reusable notebooks are a great inexpensive alternative, and you may have one knocking around that you don't use. </p><p>They're better than ordinary notebooks because you can personalise them with dividers and different inserts according to your needs – not to mention offering the ability to rearrange pages and take them out without having to try and cleanly rip a page out of a bound notebook (and usually losing another page on the opposite end as a result!)</p><p><br /></p><div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">8.</span> Project organiser</h2><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>A separate Filofax or planner is a must if you're taking on a new project.</div><div><br /></div><div>It might be your goal to minimise everything in your home this year – in which case you'll need a place to put all your lists – lists of things to keep, sell, donate, and recycle; not to mention sections for different rooms... you get the idea.</div><div><br /></div><div>How about a wedding planner? A course project? A new business idea?</div><div><br /></div><div>Your project for the new year might even be <i>yourself</i> – a new fitness routine, eating habits and other goals. You'll need trackers and lists for sure. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think sometimes it's nice to have a separate place to plan a single project or area of your life, in order to clear your mind from distractions and be able to focus on one thing.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">9.</span> Wedding guestbook</h2><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Why not use a spare planner as a guest book? It'll be a lovely memory to treasure long after the event, with so many beautiful heartwarming messages from your friends and loved ones. </div><div><br /></div><div>You'll also get to design your own inserts – that's always fun.</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>How about teaming it up with a polaroid camera so that people can take selfies of themselves and stick them into the guestbook on their message page? It'll make your memories all the more special.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">10.</span> P<b>hotography project (365-days/52 weeks)</b></h2><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>You could use a spare planner to keep a record or a daily or weekly photography project! It's nice to have a new hobby, and photography is such a great way to record your memories. </div><div><br /></div><div>You don't need a fancy camera either. Smartphones take great photos these days, and they're convenient because you'll always have your phone with you! Plus, editing apps/filters are free if you want to get really creative.</div><div><br /></div><div>Try taking a photo a day, and then print them off using your home printer at the end of the week and trim them down to size to fill a week-on-two page diary spread. </div><div><br /></div><div>You could create a visual journal of places you've been to or things you've seen. You might want to record memories of your kids or pets in everyday life. Or even a visual record of how much your houseplant babies have grown throughout the year – in which case <a href="https://tidd.ly/3JlGlrl" target="_blank">Filofax's Garden collection week-on-two-pages</a> insert would be perfect!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h2><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">11.</span> Poetry Portfolio</h2></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>If you've got a knack for rhymes and enjoy expressing yourself through poetry, why not use an extra Filofax as a portfolio to keep all your poems together?</div><div><br /></div><div>I really love this idea because there's less commitment than using a bound notebook to write your poems down in. </div><div><br /></div><div>I used to write poetry in a cheap spiral-bound notebook. The one thing that used to drive me absolutely nuts was how messy my pages would get after I had scribbled down ideas, crossed sections out and tried to change lines a million times until they sounded just right (because I'm a perfectionist).</div><div><br /></div><div>By the time I had finished my poems, you couldn't really read them, and I'd have to write them out again. My solution at the time was to use a pencil so I could use a rubber to make changes more easily. </div><div><br /></div><div>With a ring-binder system like a Filofax though, you wouldn't have to rip pages out if you wanted to remove all your 'workings'. Instead, you could have a tabbed section for drafting, and then tabbed sections for your finished pieces – all organised into topics!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://tidd.ly/41QBDZL" target="_blank">Browse Filofax dividers</a> – they're so cute.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h2><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">12.</span> A paragraph-a-day journal</h2></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>If you've always wanted to keep a journal but have been intimidated by the thought of having to write pages and pages of your thoughts, doing a paragraph a day can ease you into it until you feel like you have more to say.</div><div><br /></div><div>You can buy similar journals like this <a href="https://amzn.to/3ZOlgLC" target="_blank">five-year one-line-a-day journal</a>, but personally, I like the flexibility of a ring-bound system where you get to choose how much space you need to write your thoughts.</div><div><br /></div><div>Alternatively, if you like the idea of restricting yourself to just one paragraph of journaling a day then you can use a <a href="https://tidd.ly/3L7HELF" target="_blank">week-on-two-pages diary insert like these from Filofax</a> and fill each day in with your reflections.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h2><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">13.</span> Finance and expenses manager</h2></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Something I've been seeing more and more during the cost of living crisis is people using a separate Filofax to keep track of spending. Having a dedicated planner to manage your money is a great way to focus on setting financial goals.</div><div><br /></div><div>In fact, even Filofax has latched onto this trend encouraging us to 'Gain control over your finances with our budgeting essentials.'</div><div><br /></div><div>They have a lovely collection of <a href="https://tidd.ly/3ZqCBKA" target="_blank">zipped personal Filofax planners</a> that look just like wallets and are perfect for a project like this.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Filofax products to help you keep an eye on your savings:</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://tidd.ly/3mCFc5u" target="_blank">Calculators</a> – love that you can put them in the rings (so convenient!)</li><li><a href="https://tidd.ly/3ZJZDMi" target="_blank">Zip closure envelopes</a> – for creating a cash envelope system</li><li><a href="https://tidd.ly/3ZRDI65" target="_blank">Refills</a> – for tracking finances, expenses, meal plans and more!</li></ul><div><a href="https://tidd.ly/3Zw7XQ4" target="_blank">Browse the full Budget savvy planner collection by Filofax.</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h2><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">14.</span> Mood Diary</h2></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Anyone who struggles with a mental health problem like anxiety depression or bipolar disorder probably knows the value of keeping track of moods. But anyone can benefit from tracking how you feel on a day-to-day basis.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you're wondering what sections you could include in your planner, there are plenty of everyday things that are related to mood. </div><div><br /></div><div>The idea of tracking various things that could affect your mood is that you'll more easily be able to look back and spot patterns. This could help you to make adjustments to help improve how you're feeling.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Here are some ideas of things you can track in your mood diary:</b></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Sleep</b> – track what time you go to bed, what time you wake up and what your quality of sleep was like.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Exercise</b> – track how many steps you walked, if you did a workout or practiced some yoga.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Food</b> – it can be interesting to look back and see changes in your diet. You can look out for increases in sugar, caffeine and alcohol. You can also look out for any periods of time you ate more or less than usual. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Give yourself a daily mood score</b> – come up with a system to score yourself on how you're feeling, for example, on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Self-care</b> – it's so easy to forget to make time for ourselves. Keeping track of the things we do to relax and feel good can remind us to do more of those things. Self-care looks different for everyone, for example, reading a book, taking a bath, painting your nails, walking the dog or making homemade soup.</li></ul><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div><h2><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">15.</span> Editorial Calendar</h2></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>With so many of us feeling inspired to start our own online businesses or develop a social media presence, using a spare planner specifically as an editorial calendar can help you to keep on top of your projects, even the ones you just do for fun.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>An editorial calendar is great for:</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>a blog</li><li>a social media account</li><li>a YouTube channel</li><li>an Etsy Shop</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div><b>You can create sections in your planner for:</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>brainstorming ideas</li><li>lists of links/contacts</li><li>keyword research for SEO</li><li>posting schedules</li><li>a content planner</li><li>your year-to-view - <a href="https://tidd.ly/3YsKWw0" target="_blank">Get the Filofax undated yearly pull-out insert </a>(you get 5!)</li><li>marketing campaigns</li></ul></div><div><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Source Sans Pro"; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.18px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></p></div><a href="https://tidd.ly/3Zw7XQ4" target="_blank"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for reading! Find any of these ideas inspiring? Got any of your own? Leave your thoughts in the comments below – I love to read them, and I try to reply to every single one.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><h2 style="font-size: 22px; margin: 0px; position: relative;">Loved it and want more?</h2><div style="font-size: 17.6px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 17.6px;"><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2022/12/things-i-learned-about-planner-peace.html" target="_blank">Things I've learnt about 'Planner Peace'</a></div><div style="font-size: 17.6px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 17.6px;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif"><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2020/04/journaling-tips-for-filofax-ring-planner-users.html" target="_blank">Journaling tips for Filofax and ring planner users</a></span></div><div style="font-size: 17.6px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 17.6px;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif"><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/p/contents.html" target="_blank">Contents page: Explore all of my blog posts in one place!</a></span><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><div></div></ul></div><div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Times;"><div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">If you're thinking of making any Filofax purchases, please use my affiliate links as I might get a nice little bit of revenue (no extra cost to you) which goes towards helping to support the Filofancy blog – <a href="https://tidd.ly/3k33Nz9" target="_blank">Browse the Filofax website now!</a></span></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815347271546875249.post-3052735727510567642023-01-03T07:00:00.001+00:002023-01-03T07:00:00.190+00:00Review: Filofax Norfolk (Personal Sage)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rnpZrDbL0tfrxZXz41OmzqSYkVjJ9YkCyHEe-aN18WAcgHg60_SX-LRtmb9a8D_HDicSph3KOePemVWddt4YfgY1n-gIZ4ripoKlwACrqVJ2tQJbTEFBm18k7v1c_a0Zy4AQuIgC5i0Zs0wQeqEUDD-6ANU4_hB0Xc3X1LHXgH_bZsO6hTi-iY2V/s1682/20230101_134332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1682" data-original-width="1682" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rnpZrDbL0tfrxZXz41OmzqSYkVjJ9YkCyHEe-aN18WAcgHg60_SX-LRtmb9a8D_HDicSph3KOePemVWddt4YfgY1n-gIZ4ripoKlwACrqVJ2tQJbTEFBm18k7v1c_a0Zy4AQuIgC5i0Zs0wQeqEUDD-6ANU4_hB0Xc3X1LHXgH_bZsO6hTi-iY2V/w640-h640/20230101_134332.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Would it be weird if I described the personal-sized Filofax Norfolk in 'sage' as being... <i>cosy? </i> I look at it and immediately my mind goes to cosy knitted jumpers, cups of tea and snuggling up on the sofa with my dog and my cat. It feels like I <i>might</i> have found my planner soulmate.</span></p><p><br /></p><p>If you read the post about my Port-fuelled <a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2022/12/ive-ordered-norfolk-filofax.html" target="_blank">Christmas Day impulse purchase</a> of this planner, you'll know that I wasn't <i>planning</i> on getting one...</p><p>...Sure, I'd lusted after the collection, done my research and checked my bank balance several times to see if an extra hundred quid had miraculously found its way into my account (it hadn't) – <i>but</i> I had made a firm decision that I wasn't going to do it. </p><p>Well, I did it. Clearly.</p><p>To be honest I was nervous. What if I didn't even like it? What if it was a ghastly green brick? What if it arrived faulty like the <a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2021/08/a-review-of-the-original-personal-organiser-in-charcoal-filofax-centennial-collection.html" target="_blank">birthday-gift-to-myself Centennial Filofax</a> did? What if, God <i>forbid</i>, it felt like a waste of money?!</p><p>I've never felt like any Filofax I've ever bought was a waste of money because I've been so absolutely in love with them all. But I'm older, and so much more cynical now. This purchase could literally ruin 2023 for me!</p><p>Okay, I'm being melodramatic, and as we all know, it has all turned out fine. Aside from the fact that the inserts I purchased from Filofax on the 18th Dec, still haven't arrived, and I wanted them for the 1st of January... <i>goddammit</i>.</p><p>Let's get into the review!</p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Design inspiration and vibe </h2><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://tidd.ly/3QdiX12" target="_blank">Filofax</a> on their blog says, 'Norfolk is a rural county in the East of England, known for its community spirit and easy-going way of life.' </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This Filofax definitely has a countryside vibe. It feels down-to-earth, friendly, warm and welcoming, like a good novel in front of a fireplace with a blueberry muffin!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><div><h2>Leather and structure</h2></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I love the cushioned matt leather and how comfortable it feels to hold. The leather feels soft and flexible, but there is plenty of structure to the planner with a slight bit of padding – it's definitely not floppy, but it's not stiff either. It feels very well made. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The strap is lovely and wide, which makes opening and closing the planner feel very satisfying. It's also nice and long so the planner doesn't feel tight when stuffed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">You can see in the pic below how much space the strap allows, it's not tight, and because it's also quite stiff it allows the planner to hold it's shape when closed even when it's not full.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZZSGXB4_HbXAVdbfbYQf_UhRAwP-qoV9msOD1RnNpDg2QdaePYqFOIL9kems-CjleOONKqTqDApl7EZ92cea76nSUPXhowc9C3ujire2MkJw_4VOAZuU-KhIaRjyLcbAUij4jY8TNkP_iwCRjea0llH7jCYLcsbf75NXqSuheS_hqQNhKtLteei9/s3024/20230101_134405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZZSGXB4_HbXAVdbfbYQf_UhRAwP-qoV9msOD1RnNpDg2QdaePYqFOIL9kems-CjleOONKqTqDApl7EZ92cea76nSUPXhowc9C3ujire2MkJw_4VOAZuU-KhIaRjyLcbAUij4jY8TNkP_iwCRjea0llH7jCYLcsbf75NXqSuheS_hqQNhKtLteei9/w640-h640/20230101_134405.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div><h2>The planner rings</h2></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Bringing me to the rings... they are a generous 30mm in the personal size, which is wonderful! </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I've noted that the larger rings don't cause the paper inserts or the dividers to be pushed outside the edge of the planner, even though the width of the planner is the same as my Originals...</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">...You can see in the picture further down how the inserts will stop at the edge of the planner from the centre of the rings, which is where the inserts will be pushed out the furthest.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It just means that there's no outer margin of leather like in the others. Of course, this may mean that the inserts are slightly less protected, but this doesn't bother me as I'll be using it at home anyway.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I thought I'd miss the gold rings that I fell head-over-heels for when I bought my Centennial, but actually, the silver ones go really nicely with the cool sage, and I don't think gold would have looked right.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">They do seem more flexible than my Centennial rings though, and I have to press down on both of the end buttons together to work the mechanism and open them, whereas with my Centennial I can just press down on one end. This doesn't feel like an inconvenience though, and really it's how we should be operating them for a longer life.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22LIGL85iNtdWdGQy5eyLdiqc_Jghl5nwS-WgE_34bVeMfdKSgFKlyF0-Hkmnkwg2oR8p-wBIuflKf2vihk9umFF2wkQUyhjmuVHzSdhVQscbGovqqu-Zdu2AymknH9-I6aD5UvVerPjzEp-kkxqmdhVhp28URfZ9IS54BAtbZojiYP_q6oiqmtqr/s2496/20230101_134604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2496" data-original-width="2496" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22LIGL85iNtdWdGQy5eyLdiqc_Jghl5nwS-WgE_34bVeMfdKSgFKlyF0-Hkmnkwg2oR8p-wBIuflKf2vihk9umFF2wkQUyhjmuVHzSdhVQscbGovqqu-Zdu2AymknH9-I6aD5UvVerPjzEp-kkxqmdhVhp28URfZ9IS54BAtbZojiYP_q6oiqmtqr/w640-h640/20230101_134604.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h2>Design features </h2><div style="text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Because the leather is so soft, I suspect that over time the card slots may become looser as the leather stretches depending on what you use them for. I don't see that as being a problem for me though, as I'll probably be using them to home sticky notes and bits and bobs. Plus, once the Filofax is closed, nothing will be falling out.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The inside zip pocket isn't gusseted, but it does feel pretty generous. I have nothing really to say about the other inside pockets, they seem fine for extra stickers etc.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm not sure what I'll be using the full-length back pocket for. It has a very structured feel rather than floppy. I think this will be good to protect paper or letters and stop them from crumpling or creasing in the pocket. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I don't think I'd want to put anything in the back pocket that would cause lumps and bumps for fear of denting the perfectly flat front and back covers as the leather is so beautifully soft – but that's probably just me being precious because it's brand new.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzNWPd5RDdZqJprnLEz5LSrWirDMGaLzTG9KKgp84QxX1GFwZlP0gEqu3G9sADVFWDXZiHJCaP3HmVLnGca6Oem5VhRsQXhb-iptu07yJAJpb-bJ2dqnK69dIiRuBe62rcXVSr3CjOHjp1uthe147RjwT2VwzMQC3zX1Fn5s3uw_VKBRfGqn2fB8P/s1924/20230101_134809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1924" data-original-width="1924" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzNWPd5RDdZqJprnLEz5LSrWirDMGaLzTG9KKgp84QxX1GFwZlP0gEqu3G9sADVFWDXZiHJCaP3HmVLnGca6Oem5VhRsQXhb-iptu07yJAJpb-bJ2dqnK69dIiRuBe62rcXVSr3CjOHjp1uthe147RjwT2VwzMQC3zX1Fn5s3uw_VKBRfGqn2fB8P/w640-h640/20230101_134809.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I've watched some videos and in one it was noted that the positioning of the pen loop on the pocket size planner was not well thought-out at all as it makes the pen sit behind the inserts. It also interfered with the lady's divider tabs because the loop is pointed inward instead of out. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">On the personal size Norfolk, the issue is similar but not as pronounced. The pen does get in the way of inserts as it sits behind them, and more so if you use thicker pens. You can see in the picture below what I mean...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">...however, keep in mind that when the rings are full some of the inserts to the front and back will lie further in as the rings curve, and this does allow for a pen to sit more comfortably without leaving a gaping gap at the back, especially if you're using a thinner pen like mine.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I use a thin, discrete mechanical pencil, so it's not a problem for me. I've also tried my Filofax pen from the Centennial collection and the issue seemed very slight. This might annoy some people though.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JcvuWN-Mv4T_pVaCboeLjYnanywVXp73dHT5GVqcQOH7xSMiC_c5g9p6fcJ3jqLFhWeGn4-6HKGOwvudBD0aZfiz9bdmBjuaUjiF3WwHfkKVJpG_T7gUDrP1yK5U7Zpahr4rW089pcxMC8C_BeFW1P3cEN_acFvkByGd8zqm0WGFnnW5tVSM-MG2/s1818/20230101_134837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1818" data-original-width="1818" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JcvuWN-Mv4T_pVaCboeLjYnanywVXp73dHT5GVqcQOH7xSMiC_c5g9p6fcJ3jqLFhWeGn4-6HKGOwvudBD0aZfiz9bdmBjuaUjiF3WwHfkKVJpG_T7gUDrP1yK5U7Zpahr4rW089pcxMC8C_BeFW1P3cEN_acFvkByGd8zqm0WGFnnW5tVSM-MG2/w640-h640/20230101_134837.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Considering that there is so much space inside the strap when the planner is closed, I do think that Filofax could have designed the pen loop so that it faced outward. But instead, they chose aesthetic over function as they clearly wanted to have the little strip of leather to cover the elastic of the pen loop. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I think that many people will appreciate the fully elasticated pen loop that enables us to insert fatter pens – however, with the pen having to sit behind the paper in the planner, fatter pens may get in the way, so it's a bit of a contradiction.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">You'd think by now that Filofax would have the functionality of their planners down to a T. However, I think this might actually be my only gripe about the Filofax Norfolk, and it's more on the behalf of those of you who may find this feature-flop annoying. Personally, I'm not affected by it because of my choice of pen – and I do actually really like how neat it looks with the leather flap covering the elastic.</span></p><p><span face="Montserrat, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4f; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h2>'Flatability' and weight</h2></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As my Filofax is brand new it doesn't lay completely flat like the Originals do, but I think in time that it might. It certainly lays flat enough to please most 'flatability' seekers. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Once you have filled the pockets on the right it'll also add the bit of weight it needs to lie flat, and as you trun pages, they will contribute to flatability too.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26T-6Q3wYKZcdMGVCSnwB0_MKYrODYlf679KCluKO11HONvTMEvDYVm_lFETBKtFuX25anuIcz7-4RMM2QXkZEzFQfnSp3WWDa3QM-Rwu26tpf0w1aueR2leFocEQX-BcSQJSRPd5UR2moL24ssMWQxmrZwkmyTThQT_ZaGfGEgVzv1fZv06ZilG1/s4032/20230101_134915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1730" data-original-width="4032" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26T-6Q3wYKZcdMGVCSnwB0_MKYrODYlf679KCluKO11HONvTMEvDYVm_lFETBKtFuX25anuIcz7-4RMM2QXkZEzFQfnSp3WWDa3QM-Rwu26tpf0w1aueR2leFocEQX-BcSQJSRPd5UR2moL24ssMWQxmrZwkmyTThQT_ZaGfGEgVzv1fZv06ZilG1/w640-h274/20230101_134915.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Considering that this is a chunky monkey, I don't feel like it's overly heavy. Obviously, that could change depending on what you decide to put in it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It is slightly bigger than other personal-sized Filofaxes because of the larger rings, but it still feels and looks pretty compact to me. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><h2>Final thoughts</h2><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm very, very happy with my purchase, and I'm sure that I'll be talking about it lots more as I discover different things I like or dislike. With it being one of the more expensive collections, I definitely think the Norfolks are worth the money. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">They are made of beautiful quality real leather in lovely muted and natural tones that I think will appeal to many people, and they have lots of useful features for an all-round everyday planner.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm very happy with my choice of colour, but I like them all! The sage is earthy and homely. The lavender is very delicate and pretty for spring, the almond is warm and perfect for autumn, and the taupe is a lovely neutral option.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm also 100% happy with the personal size. I think the A5 would have been overkill for my needs, and I may have found the pen loop thing irritating in the pocket size.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>If you're thinking of making any Filofax purchases, please use my affiliate links as I might get a nice little bit of revenue (no extra cost to you) which goes towards helping to support the Filofancy blog </i>– <a href="https://tidd.ly/3qVE0aK" target="_blank">Browse the Filofax website now!</a></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>As always, thank you so much for reading my blog, I hope that you enjoyed it :) I absolutely love reading and replying to your comments, so please feel free to put your penny's worth below, because we all have different ideas and experiences with planners, which is what makes our community so interesting!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><h2 style="font-size: 22px; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: left;">Loved it and want more?</h2><div><br /></div><div><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2022/12/things-i-learned-about-planner-peace.html" target="_blank">3 Things I've learned about 'planner peace' in 2022</a></li><li style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2021/03/how-to-make-handmade-stickers-at-home.html" target="_blank">How to make handmade stickers at home without a printer</a></li><li style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif"><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/p/contents.html" target="_blank">Contents page: Explore all of my blog posts in one place!</a></span></li></ul></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815347271546875249.post-70493486997710756942022-12-31T21:16:00.003+00:002022-12-31T21:16:29.186+00:003 things I learned about 'planner peace' in 2022 ...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4QyBV23eJPZ073Q-DaaZ2I5STVMYgKBiMUdD7WdyONpT6tPG91jf5LwVnSUPAJeypM9fuQ4GorpUMCLNRZvXwdaF3CHehPV-pJEWCCCIvwigGMQo8GGfa2gexTHx6vdpKbJtfpIkKaAc8kSBob35WyzcgO6qY9uMFQA_prgZ0wPCCS8H0tFBAUYK/s2357/20221231_205635.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2357" data-original-width="2357" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4QyBV23eJPZ073Q-DaaZ2I5STVMYgKBiMUdD7WdyONpT6tPG91jf5LwVnSUPAJeypM9fuQ4GorpUMCLNRZvXwdaF3CHehPV-pJEWCCCIvwigGMQo8GGfa2gexTHx6vdpKbJtfpIkKaAc8kSBob35WyzcgO6qY9uMFQA_prgZ0wPCCS8H0tFBAUYK/w640-h640/20221231_205635.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The elusive quest for 'planner peace' plagues so many of us in the Filofax and planner community. It's a bizarre phenomenon, born from the dark belly of commercialism and social media influencers, and fed by an insatiable desire to see our lives perfectly presented in between the pages of printed vellum.</span></span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't know about you, but I for one have really struggled on my quest to find 'planner peace'. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've poured so much energy (let's not talk about money) into trying to <i>force</i> various planners and planner systems to – <i>work for me, to look good, or to feel right</i> – that I've often completely lost sight of the point.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I sometimes wonder if the big question I should be asking myself is not whether my planner looks, feels or works 'right' – but do I actually even need one to begin with? And if I do, what do I <i>specifically</i> need it for?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've been taking some time to think about what I've learned about 'planner peace' in 2022 so that I can have a great functional relationship with my planner this year. I thought that I'd share my personal insights with you. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Maybe I can help shed some light on why you've struggled with 'planner peace'?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">1. Less is more when you're trying to achieve 'planner peace'</h2><p>The main reason I've failed at building great functional relationships with my Filofaxes as planners over the years was that I've always ended up feeling totally overwhelmed and lost inside of them...</p><p>...which is ironic, seeing as these are products meant to help us find our way through all of the chaos.</p><p>There are many things about Filofax planners that contribute to my internal struggle:</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Firstly, there are the dividers...</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>How many sections do I need? </li><li>What should they be? </li><li>Will I even <i>use</i> all the sections? </li><li>I want more sections but I can't think what for!</li><li>What if I write on the tabs and then change my mind?</li><li>I'm only using two tabs, should I take the others out?</li><li>What's the point in having a Filofax planner without all the tabs though???</li><li>Should I just get a notebook?</li></ul><div><br /></div><p></p><p><b>Then it's the size of the planner...</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The A5 will give me loads of space to plan an awesome life...</li><li>I don't have an awesome life though, and the A5 is far too big for it!</li><li>The personal size still has great potential for stuffability, we'll try that...</li><li>Oh dear, my life still isn't full enough to stuff even a personal Filofax!</li><li>I know! I'll try a Slimline...</li><li>Oh FFS – now there's not enough space.</li></ul><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Dare I talk about inserts...?</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Week on one page?</li><li>Week on two pages?</li><li>Do I need a monthly? </li><li>Do I need tabs for each month?</li><li>Why can I never keep up with my trackers?</li><li>Why am I spending so much money on inserts?</li><li>Maybe I should make all my own inserts?</li><li>What kind of printer should I get?</li><li>Maybe I should open an Etsy shop?</li><li>Maybe I need a bigger planner for my new business?</li><li>Argh!</li></ul></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>I've come to realise that less is more...</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I started 2022 off in <a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2021/08/a-review-of-the-original-personal-organiser-in-charcoal-filofax-centennial-collection.html" target="_blank">my personal-sized charcoal Centennial</a>, which I was obsessed with! You can see all the gorgeous pics on the <a href="https://instagram.com/filofancy" target="_blank">Filofancy Instagram account</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>6-months in I felt overwhelmed as I wasn't using it how I imagined. In fact, I only used <i>one</i> section - the diary section. The rest was just fluff, and VERY distracting.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I got rid of ALL the fluff (well, I stored it all in one of my pretty Filofax boxes for later use), and I switched to my black vintage slimline Filofax containing just three months' worth of the Filofax week-on-two-page diary inserts and some note paper. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was great. I loved how minimal and compact it was. Zero decoration, zero distraction – <i>and</i> it fitted beautifully into my tiny handbag, which meant I could take my planner with me <i>everywhere</i>. </div><div><br /></div><div>I did miss having a whole year's worth of diary to hand. But the whole year simply didn't fit the cute but tiny rings, and so I had to make the sacrifice. This was true functionality at its finest.</div><div><br /></div><div>The problem was that I was stuck with my idea of a Filofax being stuffed with a billion cool sections for all areas of my life because of what I see on Instagram and YouTube. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've had to come to terms with the fact that the truth is my planner is never going to look like someone else's planner – because – my life and other people's lives look different.</div><div><br /></div><div>I needed to listen to my own personal needs, and they were saying – <i>less is more Zara!</i> </div><div><br /></div><div>And it was true, for me at least, and certainly for that time in my life.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">2. A planner system will grow when the time is right</h2><p></p><p>Towards the end of this year, I was beginning to feel like I needed more than my slimline could offer. So I moved back into my personal Centennial and it felt much more comfortable.</p><p>This was because my life was beginning to expand and I needed more space to express myself, and you know... <i>plan</i>! Soon my planner was beginning to look pleasingly stuffed. </p><p>It felt good, not because the planner itself was beginning to resemble what I thought a planner should look like, but because I was actually <i>using</i> it, and it was really helping me to organise myself and get my head straight instead of confusing me – which is the whole point of having a planner.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I also noticed that I went from being minimal and functional to add back a few choice decorative inserts that I had previously removed because they had been too distracting. </p><p style="text-align: left;">My planner was now <i>naturally</i> becoming an expression of my identity – <i>as well</i> as a tool to assist me in my life, rather than a <i>pre-designed-to-within-an-inch-of-its-life</i> useless disaster that was really upsetting and stressing me out! (Why are we doing this to ourselves ladies?)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Basically what was happening was that my planner was growing and developing alongside my needs.</p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">3. Change is good</h2><div><br /></div><div>I've always struggled with my sense of identity. It's something that's linked to my struggles with mental health. For some reason I always find myself trying to attach my identity to external things, from career and business ideas, to relationships, and even to the things I own – like my planners.</div><div><br /></div><div>In order to try and achieve some consistency, it has always felt stupidly important to me to find a planner that kind of defines who I am or reflects my sense of self. I had to 'bond' with it in some way, and it had to feel like it was part of me, or an extension of me, or a symbol of who I am as a person. Which is obviously bonkers.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've come to realise and accept that as we grow, so do our needs, interests and preferences. I don't have to stick to the same planner to feel like I'm being true to myself. I'm not betraying myself or my planner. <i>It's just a planner Zara,</i> and it's totally okay to try something new. </div><div><br /></div><div>So for 2023, I'm giving myself a fresh start with a brand-new Filofax planner – because it feels right, and I wanted to treat myself to a prezzy as my Christmas was so disppointing...</div><div><br /></div><div>...Okay, I'll admit it was an impulse purchase and <a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2022/12/ive-ordered-norfolk-filofax.html" target="_blank">you can read more about how that happened here!</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Regardless, my new Filofax and I are going to work on our relationship and grow together, because I have great plans for 2023, and a great planner is going to make things MUCH more fun.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Thank you SO much for reading my blog, I hope that you enjoyed it :) I absolutely love reading and replying to your comments, so please feel free to put your penny's worth below, because we all have different ideas and experiences with planners, which is what makes our community so interesting!</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Loved it and want more?</h2><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2020/04/minimalist-planner-tips.html" target="_blank">Minimalist planner tips</a></li><li><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2016/07/filofax-midori-travelers-notebook.html" target="_blank">Why I left the online "Planner Addict" Community (and why I came back!)</a></span></li><li><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/p/contents.html" target="_blank">Contents Page: Explore all of my blog posts in one place!</a></li></ul></div><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815347271546875249.post-8615917214108730722022-12-27T19:04:00.003+00:002022-12-27T19:04:42.076+00:00I've ordered the Norfolk Filofax...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzgliW9IIofqDNZNldnP-DzwXooDcFB5qLTQk3Cu7qNEa3eWc4oU7rTc07sV_8AENtBBn3gxBrfMV3VFXUKy2bEXLL2HzyrY0B9O08JTiJ74ITQulcMT5fx1wNAN5DMTMZ_P6aT9gb4h_iTu2-kkLmL6WcE_mafjl_wiwuP9wRisjILumgn5jMf1C/s671/imageedit_1_5404486563.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="671" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzgliW9IIofqDNZNldnP-DzwXooDcFB5qLTQk3Cu7qNEa3eWc4oU7rTc07sV_8AENtBBn3gxBrfMV3VFXUKy2bEXLL2HzyrY0B9O08JTiJ74ITQulcMT5fx1wNAN5DMTMZ_P6aT9gb4h_iTu2-kkLmL6WcE_mafjl_wiwuP9wRisjILumgn5jMf1C/w640-h448/imageedit_1_5404486563.png" width="640" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-large; font-weight: 400;">A planner for me has to either be super slim for portability or super fat for stuffability. I don't like the in-betweens, they seem like missed opportunities... with 30mm rings, the personal-size Norfolk Filofax was just too tempting!</span></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">Impulse shopping at its finest</h3><p>Admittedly, this was a bit of an impulse buy. What can I say, it was Christmas day, not to mention it's been the first time I'd spent Christmas alone, so I needed a pick-me-up. </p><p>I've been eyeing this collection up since it hit the Filofax website. I've spent a few weeks ogling pics on Instagram, and I've watched every single video that's out right now on YouTube – standard – <i>But</i> I had decided that I <i>wasn't</i> going to invest as it doesn't have gold rings.</p><p>I've been completely spoilt by gold rings since buying the <a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2021/08/happy-100-year-anniversary-filofax.html" target="_blank">Centennial Original</a> (personal size in charcoal) for my birthday in 2021. I honestly thought I'd never be able to purchase another planner again unless it had the same gold rings – which is weird for me because I'm not really a gold person.</p><p>However... Christmas day came, and I thought I was going to be okay...</p><p>It turned out to be a terrible day though, because seriously, what's the point in Christmas when you're nearly 40, childless (if you don't count your furbabies) and you're spending it by yourself? The only thing I could think of to make the day feel better was to blow a hundred quid on something pretty. It was a terribly delightful moment of weakness. So far I have no regrets.</p><p>Besides, a brand new planner will be like a brand new start to the new year – right? It made perfect sense at the time, I was under the influence of a bottle of Port.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">My choice...</h3><div><br /></div><div>I've gone for the personal size in 'sage', which seems to be the favourite in the planner community from what I've seen online. I might have been persuaded to go for the lavender if it was spring or the almond if it was autumn. The lavender in particular is playing on my mind... Who knows, if they're still around come spring or autumn, my collection may expand – I'll probably need cheering up again mid-Feb.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm a crazy plant lady though, so 'sage' just made sense as an all-year-rounder. It looks like a pretty shade of green from what I can tell online, although I'm nervous to see if I'll like it in person. What I'm hoping for is a calming, muted colour with nature vibes to go with my current inserts, accessories and witchy-earth-girl personality.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've always got on best with personal-sized planners. I like the fact that you can get the 'economy' pack of plain paper refills, which don't seem to be available in the other sizes. I also like that the personal size doesn't take up your entire desk when opened up like the A5, and I don't need the portability of the pocket anymore as I work from home.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>(I have 2 A5 Filofaxes - My <a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-dream-planner-a5-aqua-chameleon-filofax.html" target="_blank">Aqua Chameleon,</a> the original love of my life, and The <a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2020/04/filofax-planner-a5-ebony-classic-croc.html" target="_blank">Classic Croc</a>, my dirty kinky affair! I'm currently using my Classic Croc to house important documents, but my poor Chameleon is boxed. I must come up with a new use for it for 2023 – <b>if you have any ideas, leave them in the comments!)</b></i></div><div><br /></div><div>The MAIN thing that convinced me to buy my new Norfolk planner though (aside from the bottle of Port and all the misery) was the opportunity to have 30mm rings in a personal-size planner. A planner for me has to either be super slim for portability or super fat for stuffability. I don't like the in-betweens, they seem like missed opportunities.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm also looking forward to finding out if all the extra pockets will be useful for me. I've been using my Centennial Original, and my pet peeve about the Originals is the useless (in my opinion) interior design...</div><div><br /></div><div>I think the jot-pad slots at the back of the Originals are pointless, especially as they don't even sell replacements on the Filofax website. I also find the elastic band on the inside of the front cover to be a pointless feature as I've never found a legitimate use for it. Okay, rant over.</div><div><br /></div><div>What I do like about the originals though is the <i>flatability</i>, the retro design and stitching, and the simple 'single piece of leather' design. Let's face it – they're just very cool. <b><i>I'd be very interested to know your opinions on the Originals, so feel free to comment below!</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>You can watch my earlier rants on the Original Filofax – <a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2015/04/filofancy-rant-filofax-original-patent.html" target="_blank">PART 1</a> and <a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2015/04/follow-up-video-filofax-original.html" target="_blank">PART 2</a>.</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Back to The Norfolk...</h3><div>I'll have a lot more to say about the Norfolk Filofax when I actually receive it. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can expect a full Filofancy review...</div><div><br /></div><div>(I've noticed I get more and more critical of Filofax purchases the older I get – in the early Filofancy days I was totally in love with <i>all</i> of them, and I gave orgasmic reviews, but the griping has increased over the years. I guess I just know what I want now, and boy, are my expectations high!)</div><div><br /></div><div>In the meantime, feel free to enjoy some other Filofax reviews...</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2021/08/a-review-of-the-original-personal-organiser-in-charcoal-filofax-centennial-collection.html" target="_blank">The Centennial Collection</a></li><li><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2021/02/do-i-like-filofax-garden-collection.html" target="_blank">The Garden Collection</a></li><li><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2020/04/filofax-planner-a5-ebony-classic-croc.html" target="_blank">Classic Croc Filofax</a></li></ul><div><br /></div><div>For earlier posts, check out my <a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/p/contents.html" target="_blank">Contents Page</a> and go exploring!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Let me know in the comments if there is anything in particular that you're interested in seeing on the blog, as I want to start posting more content, and it would be great to know what you want to see. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>I'm also REALLY keen to hear from anyone who has purchased anything from the current Norfolk collection, or who is thinking about it, so please share your thoughts... And subscribe to the Filofancy blog to get notified of when I publish the review of my new Norfolk Filofax! Find me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/filofancy/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/Filofancylifeonpaper" target="_blank">Youtube</a>.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPA6Mnkd1Y9Owq-ZfNov9PZFiL4pZYSSXtDPOjnsv-KDWX7q2FD9BHFIW00hA8JZiI_2f2Uc1dxdY5l4fNGrQX0Z6fa2hKNWKad2-iWMR2m4eRKrYZ-Cry3OFWGEViA7XhvwpEDG_xOBQY7vu4-16e3cBrNZuRJ-65uDc7Sjt_SoGzQL1wYhe_3ed/s1744/Zara%20M.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1744" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPA6Mnkd1Y9Owq-ZfNov9PZFiL4pZYSSXtDPOjnsv-KDWX7q2FD9BHFIW00hA8JZiI_2f2Uc1dxdY5l4fNGrQX0Z6fa2hKNWKad2-iWMR2m4eRKrYZ-Cry3OFWGEViA7XhvwpEDG_xOBQY7vu4-16e3cBrNZuRJ-65uDc7Sjt_SoGzQL1wYhe_3ed/w184-h103/Zara%20M.png" width="184" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="post-header" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-4827627480849039595" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 648px;"><div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815347271546875249.post-222415055750933652022-03-18T08:00:00.002+00:002022-03-18T08:00:00.190+00:00It's Filofancy's 10th Anniversary Today!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7u8R_Z27xbYwWNdqdxnXp61-xXWaqU6RkKNBoK0mdjtJFATPK6bcaqNfv7GZ6Bap_ppJNPZVhYq1E0dmijrunYofMeNXH2jQGbf1T7nDpQu_DPQFi1GAOD-chobodJOkBMBljdqiR9Z4d7YtP7216Pts87-Ff36T3raPFHLJG19PXmUfur8pDUh0N=s1613" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1613" data-original-width="1612" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7u8R_Z27xbYwWNdqdxnXp61-xXWaqU6RkKNBoK0mdjtJFATPK6bcaqNfv7GZ6Bap_ppJNPZVhYq1E0dmijrunYofMeNXH2jQGbf1T7nDpQu_DPQFi1GAOD-chobodJOkBMBljdqiR9Z4d7YtP7216Pts87-Ff36T3raPFHLJG19PXmUfur8pDUh0N=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">I thought it would be fun to celebrate Filofancy's 10th Anniversary by exploring the blog to rediscover some of my really old posts.</span></p><p><br /></p><p>The very first post I published on this blog was all the way back in 2012. I can't believe it was exactly 10 years ago today. </p><p>I have come and gone over the years in terms of actually writing and publishing content, but the blog has always remained online, and it has been lovely to see a steady flow of visitors still discovering the blog and enjoying my posts.</p><p>I have a great contents page that makes it easy to browse through my older posts, but I wanted to pull out a few of my favourites and talk about them today. So here are 4 Filofancy posts from the past...</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2012/03/filofax-vlog-arrival-a5-aqua-chameleon-filofax.html" target="_blank">Filofax Vlog: The Arrival of My A5 Aqua Chameleon Filofax</a></h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGQb1dce0-KoGvIS4Tb0CoCHIDRW0ZoNXUYxv7Pkm3gv7blyiGJ5mIVHXAOs_I70d-xkJxtO5oNMifJHw_M_XK3OckCpTarNjUHRxfTLQ3LKqPy4btQ-nlV9DBhKlaVqT3jK91DxHFPSdkXQ_CP13OS94msh13mYta9ZKcQowuocS1UeaIx10sS0IR=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGQb1dce0-KoGvIS4Tb0CoCHIDRW0ZoNXUYxv7Pkm3gv7blyiGJ5mIVHXAOs_I70d-xkJxtO5oNMifJHw_M_XK3OckCpTarNjUHRxfTLQ3LKqPy4btQ-nlV9DBhKlaVqT3jK91DxHFPSdkXQ_CP13OS94msh13mYta9ZKcQowuocS1UeaIx10sS0IR=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This post always makes me giggle! It is short and sweet and describes the arrival in the post of the Filofax that triggered my planner obsession and inspired the creation of the Filofancy blog. </div><div><br /></div><div>It also has a link in it to my very first Filofax vlog on Youtube - which is highly embarrassing, but also rather lovely to look back on. I'm so young and silly. My enthusiasm is refreshing. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you are interested, <a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2012/03/filofax-vlog-arrival-a5-aqua-chameleon-filofax.html" target="_blank">head over to the post</a>, but don't forget to come back to finish reading this one! (All of the links in this post will open in a new window, so it's easy for you to return.)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2012/06/how-to-create-a-unique-dashboard-for-your-filofax.html" target="_blank">How to Create a Unique Dashboard for your Filofax - The Filofancy Way!</a></h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg--ckHjxPrrzrGjBA47kMfVpuJ3Aeo2eYo2S7yYjJikpxU4HKDES2HfHqhJTVQCasYFX2hjfsCiWY1JWtBLAlAttyMkCMEHRK-Jvg4ZwDZLtRovftQUpWizuvwmfXRO4U73xKp4AfC_DmBWBVemVf7DcbmHO9_bK79XuCz-3u-HUYccI-9aeHKQuTl=s3314" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2002" data-original-width="3314" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg--ckHjxPrrzrGjBA47kMfVpuJ3Aeo2eYo2S7yYjJikpxU4HKDES2HfHqhJTVQCasYFX2hjfsCiWY1JWtBLAlAttyMkCMEHRK-Jvg4ZwDZLtRovftQUpWizuvwmfXRO4U73xKp4AfC_DmBWBVemVf7DcbmHO9_bK79XuCz-3u-HUYccI-9aeHKQuTl=w640-h386" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Don't you just love how grainy and vintage my photos look from old blog posts? Camera phones were nothing in comparison to what they are now. </div><div><br /></div><div>I love this old post, along with many of the other "creative ideas" posts that are peppered throughout the blog. Back in the day dashboards were considered a new idea, and I really did think that my "Filofancy" dashboard idea was truly innovative. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's a bit embarrassing how this outdated post is actually one of the most viewed posts on the blog. My attempts at SEO must be on target for this post. </div><div><br /></div><div>Head back in time to <a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2012/06/how-to-create-a-unique-dashboard-for-your-filofax.html" target="_blank">read more about my so-called <i>creative-genius</i>!</a> Just remember... we're talking a whole decade ago... so be kind in the comments...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2012/08/aston-filofax-holborn-zipped-filofax-first-impressions.html" target="_blank">Aston Filofax and Holborn Zipped - First Impressions</a></h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjybKi9z44BHPpdubER1uvb1fCM9gF49TfcanmVmg3MgqlXV_NHzG6t2BBxNRyZ_OwGsuoBXDMrvL8IlgEdTstTaetT5eKyXkNKV5jAYPhEv-9f56KOM8K31kru9iQi_txDF-h8wXisGOhfisCf-_5zpub72n4h5vUMmjTqTMrUdUT21lREXKq32vZQ=s800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="566" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjybKi9z44BHPpdubER1uvb1fCM9gF49TfcanmVmg3MgqlXV_NHzG6t2BBxNRyZ_OwGsuoBXDMrvL8IlgEdTstTaetT5eKyXkNKV5jAYPhEv-9f56KOM8K31kru9iQi_txDF-h8wXisGOhfisCf-_5zpub72n4h5vUMmjTqTMrUdUT21lREXKq32vZQ=w452-h640" width="452" /></a></div>The story of how I fell in love with a Filofax while standing in the middle of Paperchase is actually kind of hilarious, and 100% true. Sometimes I wonder if people reading my blog must think I exaggerate my feelings for Filofax planners, but the fact remains, I just tell it how it is. <div><br /></div><div><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2012/08/aston-filofax-holborn-zipped-filofax-first-impressions.html" target="_blank">You can read my little love story here</a>, its a tiny bit cringy, but I remember it like it was yesterday, and it always makes me smile. Comment while you are over there if you have a Filofax Love story to tell!<div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-time-i-bought-my-sister-filofax-and.html" target="_blank">The Time I Bought My Sister A Filofax... And KEPT It!</a></h3></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGh4g1yBbY4QIn-onu_dyMuoK96sNneKwUYfKt902jdnU1KzJeJplD24KYKX1nsRG4rwsLlPv8bUclgC4UV5vOw6P-CZnFUKN72LWZCgeKwWSkERC88kQsrRpLXcTPg4kr7ryol1sqzq_1UySMpaJS5ZEzA_dDg5TIooSJfZkMz-1akU_ogEOlGG9U=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGh4g1yBbY4QIn-onu_dyMuoK96sNneKwUYfKt902jdnU1KzJeJplD24KYKX1nsRG4rwsLlPv8bUclgC4UV5vOw6P-CZnFUKN72LWZCgeKwWSkERC88kQsrRpLXcTPg4kr7ryol1sqzq_1UySMpaJS5ZEzA_dDg5TIooSJfZkMz-1akU_ogEOlGG9U=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Perhaps one of the most bonkers things I have done since becoming obsessed with Filofaxes was when I bought a Filofax for my sister, fell in love and ended up keeping it, and then had to purchase the exact same one to give to her! </div><div><br /></div><div>This is a funny blog post describing that experience, with a link to a charming little video I made, in which I waffle on about how I have fallen for the Filofax and how much I really didn't want to give it to my sister. But for some reason, I decided to edit it so that you can't hear me talking, and the footage is sped up and dubbed with a quirky tune. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's still fun to watch though, especially now that you know what I'm actually talking about behind the music! <a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-time-i-bought-my-sister-filofax-and.html" target="_blank">Click here for the blog post</a> - It's worth it just to see how gorgeous the Filofax is.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">Looking To The Future...</h3><div><br /></div><div>Well, we have had a good look into Filofancy's past, but about the future of the blog? Will we still be here in ten years time to celebrate another decade of writing about planners, journals, and stationery? Will I have my act together by then and be posting more regular and more relevant content? Or will Filofancy remain a little historical archive of memory-lane posts? </div><div><br /></div><div>Only time will tell... but if you subscribe to my blog for notifications of new posts you can continue to follow the Filofancy journey. </div><div><br /></div><div>Keep scrolling down to sign up blog notifications via email...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div id="mc_embed_signup"><form action="https://blogspot.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=1c29aa47f5df543c7754a0775&id=1ecdc0cee7" class="validate" id="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" method="post" name="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" novalidate="" target="_blank"><div id="mc_embed_signup_scroll">
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<!--End mc_embed_signup--></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815347271546875249.post-54867468928814478852021-09-12T16:38:00.004+00:002022-02-16T21:58:26.018+00:00Did You Know Filofancy Is On Instagram?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/filofancy/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ggr1Y7ia8Kc/YT4m86lSiXI/AAAAAAAAJP8/raNB7uvPYl8hgSsSkPO1cuo0UhPDOnYTgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1631463150870813-2.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So excited to celebrate Filofancy's first humble milestone on Instagram... We've finally got to 100 Followers!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's true, Filofancy has been on Instagram for <i>ages... </i>but the account had been left sad and neglected for some time. I decided to change that. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Recently I have been taking a more consistent and thoughtful approach to posting content on Instagram and engaging with other accounts, and it looks like it is paying off. It was very satisfying to see the number "100" appear at the top of my Instagram account this weekend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiepVwMipa2CRlnAUVsfr_mWWBW9TUfN1okRJkGTxBjnIK-HmJc-uxvlq9reQLejHSZ4SWIlnyRtDcvYugwu2xb9NLALKR9DPGkLjc6HECYhjVoU4-QFnmSNRrus31XDRTL7cufOhRtRVZdu10sIwHQnSte3tHxKhXEGNIpxALUqLYjCs6khMrYR5N9=s960" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiepVwMipa2CRlnAUVsfr_mWWBW9TUfN1okRJkGTxBjnIK-HmJc-uxvlq9reQLejHSZ4SWIlnyRtDcvYugwu2xb9NLALKR9DPGkLjc6HECYhjVoU4-QFnmSNRrus31XDRTL7cufOhRtRVZdu10sIwHQnSte3tHxKhXEGNIpxALUqLYjCs6khMrYR5N9=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To celebrate reaching my first 100 followers, I thought I would share a blog post showing some of my recent Instagrams posts, hoping to entice you to head over to Instagram and follow me too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/filofancy/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kiVfasVEgb0/YT4m_4yrIPI/AAAAAAAAJQE/E2GzdOerUv4jXuDq8QZrwhz4TgyoAkrUACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1631463163178402-0.png" width="640" />
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</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am very much enjoying the houseplants theme that is emerging in my new planner. I absolutely love plants... perhaps even as much as I love planners. So it makes sense to merge the two and helps to make me feel more at home in my new planner, which I am still getting used to.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am trying to think of a section that I can add to my planner that is dedicated to my houseplants. If you have any ideas let me know in the comments!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/filofancy/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RsxDXi5XON0/YT4m-C8YKpI/AAAAAAAAJQA/zBCqI5maiBMdZIXBPjp7HA7TuHqcRm70ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1631463157737028-1.png" width="640" />
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</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My pets (especially my cat Figpig) like to photobomb my planner pics. Often I don't notice that there is an animal limb or nose in the photo until I come to edit them, so I am learning to integrate my pets into the content instead of reshooting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Above you can see my naughty cat's paws. He was told off for walking all over my planner whilst I was trying to photograph it, and he clearly resorted to ruining my pic with his paws. But it actually turned out quite cute so I didn't crop them out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am attempting to develop a bit of Instagram aesthetic by utilising attractive props that have nothing to do with planning whatsoever. Then later I attempt to link it in to make it sound like including the prop was totally intentional. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The shot at the top of this blog post of my planners stacked on a dish, for example, is very cute, but also quite random. So I clumsily attempted to connect the concept of a "platter of planners" to the fact that it was posted on Sunday when I should have been enjoying a Sunday roast or platter of chicken, but of course, being a crazy planner girl, I am enjoying a platter of planners (geddit?) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I guess there is a reason that I have not been hired in any creative marketing kind of role. My ideas are a bit far-fetched.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/filofancy/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FrV2lxf7ao8/YT4m7IfiJEI/AAAAAAAAJP4/TmPsVGhyn3Yi3wEt-piUbzeuh2wDyH9GgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1631463145757295-3.png" width="640" />
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</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope you head over to enjoy a daily dose of planner pics from me. I will be posting all sorts, from decorated planners to functional inserts, so you can get plenty of ideas for your own planner. I'm am even trying to get my head around Instagram Stories, Reels, and TV... Who knew social media was so complicated? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let me know in the comments what you like to see on your favourite Instagram accounts so that I can create more content that you will love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am also interested to know what your favourite planner content platforms are? Are you into the good old fashioned blog content? Do you enjoy watching planner flips and set-up videos on Youtube? Do you need a daily dose of #plannerlove on Instagram? Are you a "Facebook Groups" kinda person? Or are you super trendy (and young) and it's all about TikTok? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the moment Filofancy is purely a blog and Instagram account, with a very dormant Youtube account! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><b><i>Thanks for reading and commenting... feel free to share this post if you enjoyed it x</i></b></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><i>If you are thinking of purchasing any Filofax products and you have enjoyed reading my blog, <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2457&awinaffid=138467&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fuk.filofax.com%2F%3Fcm_mmc%3DAwin-_-%21%21%21id%21%21%21-_-DEEPLINK-_-PAGE" style="color: #b8b8b8; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">click here to be taken to the Filofax website</a>, and I will receive a lovely bit of revenue (at no extra cost to you) on any purchases that you make. Your support is always appreciated! </i></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><i>Thank you, Zara M. | Filofancy, Life On Paper</i></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><i>Images & Illustrations by Zara M.</i></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815347271546875249.post-1620605519879254872021-09-03T18:07:00.001+00:002021-09-03T18:07:48.860+00:00Rings Vs. Strings - Can't Choose Between A Filofax And A Traveler's Notebook?<p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mi1yFXgovhA/YTI7UR48q3I/AAAAAAAAJOw/RtsdcFe9V9cqeB-57fLaIL8VG0VKaiz7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210902_182251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mi1yFXgovhA/YTI7UR48q3I/AAAAAAAAJOw/RtsdcFe9V9cqeB-57fLaIL8VG0VKaiz7wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/20210902_182251.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Do you end up feeling frustrated because you can't seem to decide between a Filofax style ring binder, a Traveler's Notebook style cover, or a single bound notebook for your everyday planning system? Keep reading to find out how I aim to enjoy the best of both worlds in my new setup.</span></p><p><br /></p><p>If you have followed my blog over the years you may already know that I have a love-hate relationship with Filofax ring planners. I have a fatal fascination for the ring planner system, but I have never been able to feel at home in one. </p><p>Then I discovered the Midori Traveler's Notebook, all the way back when it was still called a "Midori", and I realised that I had discovered "planner peace". I happily settled into the lush leather notebook cover for all of my planning and journaling needs.</p><p>But every now and then I find myself tempted by new Filofax colours and designs, the allure of the coveted highly organised and attractive tabbed system, and the freedom to add and remove pages without making the planner look like a scrapbook.</p><p>I have always swiftly ended up moving straight back into my trusted Midori after a detour back into the ring planner realm. But here I find myself once more, with a brand new Filofax, many good intentions, and fear in my heart that I have yet again spent a fortune on a beautiful planner that I am never going to use.</p><p>I have decided to try something out though, in order for me to be able to enjoy the best of both worlds. Before we get into exactly what I am doing, why, and how, let's take a look at the pros and cons of the Filofax Vs. the Traveler's Notebook Vs. a single bound notebook.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Appeal Of A Bound Notebook</h3><p>I have always found comfort in a bound notebook style diary or planner because of the straightforward chronological and permanent nature of using a bound notebook. </p><p>This probably stems from my Uni days when I used a simple black Moleskine Diary with the week on one page and a blank side on the other. </p><p>The great thing about Moleskine I found was that it was smart, easy to fit in my bag amongst a tonne of other Uni stuff, and it did the job I needed it to do, which was to record assignments and deadlines, and provide plenty of space for doodling when I was bored during lectures!</p><p>I think there is also a kind of satisfaction that can be gained from working one's way through a bound notebook from start to finish throughout the year, whether it is in the form of a predated daily, weekly or monthly diary, or a more free-flowing bullet-journal-style planner.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Charm Of A Traveler's Notebook</h3><p>When I first acquired a Midori Traveler's Notebook it spoke to "the writer" in me because of its romantic <i>old leather journal </i>vibe. I fell in love with the leather cover and the fact that it was totally okay to get it scuffed up and worn in. It felt like a very personal belonging of mine that was going to grow with me as I used it, and for this reason, it was extremely easy to get attached to.</p><p>The fact that I could add as many notebooks as I needed meant that I could keep my planner and journal separate, but also keep them together in the same leather cover so that they felt like one. The notebook refill that I used as my main planner mimicked the design of the Moleskine that I was used to, and there was still space for other inserts I wanted to try out, like a sketchbook. It was, in my opinion, perfect.</p><p>The thing I have enjoyed most about journaling and planning in my Traveler's Notebook over the years is that I feel like I can be myself in it. I can be messy because I am not concerned about it looking perfect. I can express my creativity and allow it to gradually acquire a "lived-in" look and feel. Plus all of my notebook refills are the same size which has made storing them much easier and aesthetically pleasing. </p><p>Each time I move into a new notebook refill, it gives me the opportunity to put a fresh spin on my setup with a new cover design too, which is fun and makes it feel like I have a brand new journal. Here are some of my old journal notebooks.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1Cg-7y8jZw/YTJGFXPHK-I/AAAAAAAAJPA/M0hcyZulkjMehVNJMKIIB5B0Jcacz3nCACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210903_165654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="2048" height="336" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1Cg-7y8jZw/YTJGFXPHK-I/AAAAAAAAJPA/M0hcyZulkjMehVNJMKIIB5B0Jcacz3nCACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h336/20210903_165654.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Allure Of A Ring Planner</h3><p>I feel like a ring planner is always going to look and feel more professional somehow than a Traveler's Notebook. When you take a Filofax out of your bag as opposed to a leather journal, it just looks like you mean business, even if your Filofax is bright pink with fluffy charms. I think it has something to do with it essentially being a binder. Binders are filing systems, and filing systems reflect organisation and order, with everything in its place and easy to reference.</p><p>I'm not a naturally orderly person, I am very creative, visual, and a bit scatter-brained. I tend to flow organically and make up my own order amidst the beautiful chaos. This has meant that whenever I have moved into a Filofax I have felt intimidated by the tabbed dividers. After using a Filofax for a little while I have ended up only using one or two sections for fear that I will lose or forget where I have put my information if I dare to file it away into the relevant section. This has led to a lack of connection and a general feeling of being a "lodger" in the Filofax, only taking up a small amount of space inside of it. </p><p>I also have an obsession with getting each page to look perfect, whether I am creating a table, a list, or even just freeflow writing, I feel like it must be beautifully presented and coherent, like a school project. This makes the Filofax feel very unnatural for me to use because I tend to prefer to scribble and sketch and tape things in. For some reason, in a bound notebook, I am not concerned with things looking orderly, and I don't take a considered approach to my planning at all.</p><p>Here is an example of what a page in my planner looks like when I use my Traveler's Notebook. It is a kind of freeflow bullet-journal-esque method that may randomly change on the next page to something more structured or less structured depending on how I am feeling that day.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8516OQZ1VRI/YTJSaysPTsI/AAAAAAAAJPI/_8xYx8dOCs4jwnLEn8pd0ryCu4M1zwlBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210903_174953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8516OQZ1VRI/YTJSaysPTsI/AAAAAAAAJPI/_8xYx8dOCs4jwnLEn8pd0ryCu4M1zwlBwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20210903_174953.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Why It Is Time For Me To Try Out A Filofax Again</h3><p>The problem I have found with the system I have naturally developed is that because I have essentially merged my journal and my planner together I have also unintentionally merged the two, once separate, activities together. </p><p>My planner has become less and less like a planner where I create goals, break them down into tasks, and plan ahead, and it has become more like a journal where I record things I have done afterwards, and reflect on life as I go. </p><p>Sadly, as a result, I am actually using my journal less because it feels repetitive to reflect upon things in a long-form journal manner when I have already brain-dumped using mini-reflections and journal snippets amidst the pages of my planner.</p><p>So I have two options. Either I do away with the main journal and just keep a micro-journal incorporated into my weekly and monthly planner spreads, or I make a conscious effort to separate the two by introducing a separate planner and using it more efficiently.</p><p>I have decided to do the latter because I feel that proper journaling is important as a therapeutic tool for self-reflection, sorting and working through my thoughts and feelings, and maintaining good mental health. I also feel that proper planning is necessary because it gives us the opportunity to break down what we want to achieve and create a clear plan of action so that we can more effectively record our progress in different areas of our lives.</p><p>I struggle a lot in life with feeling a bit lost, disorganised and unsure of what I have achieved, so I think that addressing my journal and planner confusion may help me to create more clarity where I need it. </p><p>So here are the products that I intend to use;</p><p>My Midori Traveler's Notebook leather cover with a single notebook insert to use as a journal (I have mercilessly ripped a Moleskine cahier down to size) will be used to write down all of my personal thoughts, talk about things I have been doing, explore feelings, and record memories. I can be as creative as I want, which means being able to fully express myself with artwork, stamps and stickers, doodles, sticking things to pages etc. but equally not feel pressured to do anything more than just write down whatever I need to get out of my head.</p><p>My new Original Filofax (charcoal personal size) from The Centennial Collection will strictly be used for breaking down goals, planning ahead, recording dates, tracking personal and professional progress, keeping tabs on my health, storing useful information, and generally everything you would expect to find in a personal planner when it is being used effectively.</p><p>Being a creative person I know that I will only respond to and enjoy using my planner if I find it attractive so there will be plenty of decorative keepsakes to give it that journal-vibe, but these are basically included in order to help me feel connected to the Filofax, and I may pair it down if I find it too distracting.</p><p>Here is a sneak peek inside my Filofax and TN. I've got a pretty Autumn theme which helps to make them both feel like they are connected even though they are separate and have different functions.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zPkb8kbM68Q/YTI7U5EzfgI/AAAAAAAAJO0/HiKopOo0zgscZ_uN-LAR8rtLOX4h2AptwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210902_184856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zPkb8kbM68Q/YTI7U5EzfgI/AAAAAAAAJO0/HiKopOo0zgscZ_uN-LAR8rtLOX4h2AptwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/20210902_184856.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At some point, I want to record a video flip through and do a blog write-up of my full setup, but I will wait until I am more settled into my new system. In the meantime, if you are interested in seeing more of the inside of my Filofax and TN you can follow me on Instagram <a href="http://instagram.com/filofancy" target="_blank">@filofancy</a> where I'll be sharing snapshots of everyday usage.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm using the Centennial Keyring that Filofax sent me to hold all of my planner charms. Last Christmas my sister went crazy a bought me a whole box full of the cutest little planner charms. Far too many for me to use all at once, but swapping the charms is a nice way to refresh the feeling of my planner when I fancy a change. I've gone for some plant leaves and this little dragonfly because they look really vibrant and pretty against the dark charcoal leather and the gold matches the gold details on the Filofax.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Centennial Collection by Filofax is a limited edition collection, so if you would like to own one of these planners to celebrate the 100 Year Anniversary of Filofax <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2457&awinaffid=138467&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fuk.filofax.com%2Fcollections%2Fcentennial.html%3Fcm_mmc%3DAwin-_-%21%21%21id%21%21%21-_-DEEPLINK-_-PAGE" target="_blank">head over to the website now</a> to see what is remaining!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8g8_D10BgU/YTI7S9rhNgI/AAAAAAAAJOs/Y-BeHkdGAOQiRIMpoD0vzCWShNKwqXpAACLcBGAsYHQ/s1582/20210902_182208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1582" data-original-width="1576" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8g8_D10BgU/YTI7S9rhNgI/AAAAAAAAJOs/Y-BeHkdGAOQiRIMpoD0vzCWShNKwqXpAACLcBGAsYHQ/w638-h640/20210902_182208.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>So tell me, have you found planner peace? What is your favourite system for planning? Do you like to journal separately or incorporate your reflections into your daily planner? I'd love to hear about your thoughts and methods, so please take the time to leave a comment under the blog post.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">What To Read Next...</h3><p>Have you checked out the contents page in my blog menu? I have lots more interesting content for you to browse through, so why not take a look after you have left your comment? <a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/p/contents.html" target="_blank">Here is a direct link to the contents page!</a></p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>Thanks for reading and commenting... feel free to share this post if you enjoyed it x</i></b></p><p><i>If you are thinking of purchasing any Filofax products and you have enjoyed reading my blog, <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2457&awinaffid=138467&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fuk.filofax.com%2F%3Fcm_mmc%3DAwin-_-%21%21%21id%21%21%21-_-DEEPLINK-_-PAGE" target="_blank">click here to be taken to the Filofax website</a>, and I will receive a lovely bit of revenue (at no extra cost to you) on any purchases that you make. Your support is always appreciated! </i></p><p><i>Thank you, Zara M. | Filofancy, Life On Paper</i></p><p><i>Images & Illustrations by Zara M.</i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815347271546875249.post-56106479036814611522021-08-20T13:17:00.000+00:002021-08-20T13:17:17.054+00:00A Review Of The Original Personal Organiser In Charcoal | Filofax Centennial Collection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_5O0Llh2CDE/YR6mnQdMObI/AAAAAAAAJNs/PqS5GlUd_O8XKaVtvbHceAtpdQoGeUdWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210819_194337.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1591" data-original-width="2048" height="498" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_5O0Llh2CDE/YR6mnQdMObI/AAAAAAAAJNs/PqS5GlUd_O8XKaVtvbHceAtpdQoGeUdWQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h498/20210819_194337.png" width="640" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm so glad I don't work in retail anymore. You know how there is always that one customer who is appalled by everything, rants and raves, insists on speaking with a manager, but ends up leaving all smiles and full of praise after being sucked up to and given a gift bag full of consolation goodies for the so-called trauma the store has put them through? Well, I feel like that customer might have been me this week...</span></h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">A Lovely Experience With Filofax UK Online Customer Services</h3><div><br /></div><p>I would just like to say that Filofax offers an awesome online customer service experience here in the UK, I can't criticise it in any way. </p><p>The lady dealing with my complaints has been extremely professional and efficient, despite my initial email being charged with perhaps a little more emotion than was necessary - I don't take disappointment well, and I did feel a bit like a child who had received her toys from Santa without batteries. Essentially I was resentful that I'd have to send my birthday present back.</p><p>The customer service lady offered me suitable solutions though, kept me updated every step of the way, and within two days I had my replacement Filofax and a 20% discount refunded to my Paypal account for the inconvenience of having to return the faulty one. </p><p>I have also been assured that a matching charcoal keyring from the Centennial Collection is on its way to me as further compensation, which I appreciated. Small gestures can be surprisingly effective in helping to heal wounded expectations and repair the brand-customer relationship. So thank you very much for that experience to the lady from Filofax.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Disappointed By A Faulty Centennial Filofax</h3><p><br /></p><p>Having commended Filofax for its customer service doesn't change the fact that I had to contact them in the first place though. </p><p>If you have read <a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2021/08/happy-100-year-anniversary-filofax.html" target="_blank">my previous blog post</a> you will know that I shared my initial impressions of The Centennial Collection, which were quite critical. I was confused by the design choices made for The Centennial Collection, and I felt that as a celebration of Filofax's 100 Year Anniversary, the collection fell short of my personal expectations. So as you can imagine, it was all the more disappointing when I purchased the limited edition Filofax for my birthday, it arrived, and I had to send it straight back because it was faulty.</p><p>I was nervous as soon as the parcel came to my door because of the choice of packaging. The sad-looking "padded" brown envelope (it was a little flat) had come unstuck and was open at one end. Inside the envelope, the corner of the black outer box had been crushed slightly due to the lack of padding. Luckily this hadn't affected the hard presentation box inside, and the Filofax itself was still well protected. </p><p>I think that the choice of packaging was flippant, especially for an expensive limited edition product, and I certainly wouldn't have been happy if the presentation box had arrived damaged, even if only a little, because I intend to keep and use the presentation box. Who doesn't love a decent box? (The replacement Filofax was sent in a proper brown cardboard box packaging with much more protection, so that was good).</p><p>Needless to say, my fears were not over. My Filofax, edition #454 was indeed faulty. I couldn't believe it. And what's worse was that the main feature, that had attracted me to begin with, and led to my purchase of the Filofax, was the very thing that was faulty. Can you guess what it was? Yes, the beautiful gold rings, every single one of them, had gaps! I could stick my fingernail through the gaps. </p><p>I felt pretty let down. I knew, obviously, that I would readily be issued a replacement if I contacted the customer service team, but that wasn't the point. This was my birthday present, it was a <i>limited edition</i> Filofax, and its <i>main feature</i> is the gold rings. <i>How could this have happened?</i> Am I naive to think that there is a dedicated team at Filofax that conducts quality checks before popping the finished product into the box? Or is it all machines, robots, and conveyor belts these days?</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKIWni2ecy4/YR6E0cPOsVI/AAAAAAAAJNM/dqmm4kyAZJATw9-VnByxWUoqGJ7TVAlAACLcBGAsYHQ/s1564/20210817_122226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKIWni2ecy4/YR6E0cPOsVI/AAAAAAAAJNM/dqmm4kyAZJATw9-VnByxWUoqGJ7TVAlAACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/20210817_122226.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>To top it off there was a further fault. I noticed that the strap was attached to the back of the Filofax at a slight angle. This meant that when I closed the Filofax it seemed to me like the top was closed a bit tighter than the bottom, resulting in some flaring of the cover and a sense of the planner being uneven when closed. </p><p>I did take a picture, but I'm not 100% convinced that I wasn't being totally paranoid or crazy. After seeing the glaring gaps in the rings I may have inspected the rest of the Filofax to within an inch of its life. Maybe I wouldn't have noticed the wonky strap if it hadn't have been for the faulty rings.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vlDoMbia9Ho/YR6Hz5qJkjI/AAAAAAAAJNU/tnXfT11e0WYONP_m1Ngr8dtyRhCeXwAGACLcBGAsYHQ/s1564/20210817_121915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vlDoMbia9Ho/YR6Hz5qJkjI/AAAAAAAAJNU/tnXfT11e0WYONP_m1Ngr8dtyRhCeXwAGACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/20210817_121915.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Despite all of the drama, I am now very happy though. Well, I am happy as I can be after my week of Filofax ranting. I should be careful, I'll get a name for myself as <i>Filofancy The Furious</i>! Is it bad that I was annoyed when my replacement Filofax arrived without the complimentary keyring? It's not like I am particularly excited by the keyring. I didn't purchase one after all. But after being offered the free gift, I jolly well <i>want</i> it now. Free gifts do funny things to people. Be patient Zara, It's coming.</p><p>I have the replacement Filofax in my possession and it appears to be in perfect condition. So now I can get on with my review...</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">My Updated Thoughts On The Centennial Filofax</h3><div><br /></div><div>As promised, now that I have held the Filofax in my hands, thoroughly inspected it from all angles, posed with it in the mirror, and introduced it to my other Filofaxes, here are my updated thoughts on the Centennial Filofax...</div><div><br /></div><div>Putting my thoughts about the collection as a whole and its significance (<i>or lack of</i>) as a celebration of Filofax's 100 Year Anniversary aside, I do actually rather like it. I mean, it doesn't rock my world, but I do like it. I'm glad I chose the charcoal, personal-sized option. The colour is very smart, and the bigger rings make it feel more substantial, yet strangely compact at the same time. If anyone can explain that contradiction to me I'd be grateful, it's a bit weird, but it is what it is. It is very pleasing to hold in the hand, and it lays completely flat on the table when opened up.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was initially concerned that the "golden" stitching would make the Filofax look garish, or that the contrast of gold thread against the darker charcoal leather would cause any unevenness in the stitching to be more noticeable. I can honestly say that I don't have a problem with the stitching at all. The stitching isn't perfect, but it doesn't bother me as much as thought it might. The colour is completely inoffensive. In fact, I don't even know if I'd describe it as "gold". It's a golden-yellow shade that I find complements the charcoal well. I was also worried that the charcoal might be either too dark or too blue, but it is a lovely shade of grey that I think sets off the gold popper on the strap beautifully. I feel like it's kind of an unusual shade of grey actually. It has a dusky vibe to it that I like a lot.</div><div><br /></div><div>This isn't a Filofax that I look at and think WOW, I love it so much, I could never part with it. I think it would have to be made of a particularly lovely leather for me to fall head over heels in love. It will be interested to see how it ages. The Charcoal Original definitely suits my current mood and style though, which is why I think I was attracted to it at this moment in time. I'm glad I have it. I like the fact that its simplicity means that I have the choice to glam it up with accessories if I'm feeling special, or keep things cool and neutral, letting the charcoal and gold accents speak for themselves. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think that this is the kind of planner that serves as a bit of a blank canvas for you to put your own spin on it. I have had a strong feeling that it's going to work well with the colours and themes I'm into at the moment. In my flat I have a very large window with grey curtains and many hanging plants, I find the combination of grey and green to be very calming. So I am looking forward to filling the Filofax up with elements of nature. The gold rings are really going to help bring it all together. I am excited to show you what I have come up with. Let me know if you would like to see a video.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Pros And Cons Of The Centennial Filofax</h3><div><br /></div><div>I do have one or two criticisms now that I have seen and handled the Filofax in person. Despite the bigger rings, the strap on the personal size is the same length as the personal-sized Originals with smaller rings. I guess this means that even though there is more capacity for inserts with the 30mm rings, the more you put into this Filofax the tighter it is going to be to close because the strap length may not be long enough to accommodate it. This will especially be the case if the pen loop is used. I don't know to what extent this is going to be a problem for me, or whether it is a problem at all until I have been using the Filofax for a while.</div><div><br /></div><div>The other criticism I have is that the elastic pen loop on the personal-sized Centennial is actually quite a bit wider than on the normal Original. You can see from the picture below that it is 5mm wider, which makes it jut out from the side of the planner a bit, and because the stitching of the pen loop hasn't moved along, the wider pen loop will be looser and won't be suitable for slimmer pens without clips as they will slip out too easily. Although you might be able to squeeze two slimmer pens or pencils into the loop instead, but I imagine that is going to start causing problems when closeing the organiser.</div><div><br /></div><div>The reason it has been designed this way is to accommodate for the wider rings pushing the paper inserts further out towards the edge of the Filofax, making less space for a pen to fit when the Filofax is closed. I think they should have moved the stitching along though so that the size of the pen loop stayed the same. The benefit of having a smaller elastic pen loop is that it can hold slim pens or pencils, and also stretch for thicker pens.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have purchased The matching Centennial Pen. It fits and stays put in the loop due to the fact that it has a tight clip that grips onto the elastic. I guess we will just have to be more mindful of what kind of pen we want to live in the Filofax if any.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UpY80Xb1jVY/YR6X1MYzldI/AAAAAAAAJNc/8eF9RZv2DyEAkf12FsJM0I9igIPhL_sGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1564/20210817_122449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UpY80Xb1jVY/YR6X1MYzldI/AAAAAAAAJNc/8eF9RZv2DyEAkf12FsJM0I9igIPhL_sGwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/20210817_122449.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>The main functional pro that I could think of about the Centennial Filofax is that it comes with minimal planner inserts, which are such an improvement, in my opinion. I have always hated the blue font on the Filofax inserts. The minimal inserts are really lovely and simple, like a blank canvas. Alas, it doesn't start until 2022, so I have to wait 4 months before I can use them. In case you haven't already noticed, I'm not a very patient person. I do prefer to design and draw out my own insert layouts though, so I may not even end up using the 2022 minimal diary.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also quite like the fact that they have provided some plain white card dividers that can be easily customised or left plain. They are great to use as a template too, for anyone who wants to make their own dividers. I have a feeling that the tabs, despite being nice and slim, may get in the way of a pen if the pen loop is used, and because these dividers are cardboard, despite them being fairly sturdy, the tabs are likely to get bent or damaged. It will be interesting to see how long they hold up.</div><div><br /></div><div>The ruler matches my Filofax because I have the charcoal planner. I think it is the same colour ruler for all three coloured Filofaxes. There is a very soft and flexible clear top-loading envelope, and of course, the jot pad at the back. The pen is a black rollerball pen. It writes very smoothly and doesn't bleed through the Filofax economy pack of paper, which is great because that is what I like to use in my Filofax. It's a nice weight. I only bought the pen because I wanted to celebrate my birthday with a matching gift set, otherwise, I wouldn't have bothered as I don't find it that attractive in itself. It's nice to have it though, as it is engraved on the gold pen hook with<i> Filofax 100 Years, </i>and it does look smart in the matching Filofax.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh yes, and I almost forgot about the free tote. It's quite a small bag but very well made. Some cloth totes are flimsy but this one is made of a thick canvas material that holds its shape well. The straps are fairly short but they fit over the shoulder nicely. I am finding that because it is black it picks up pet hairs easily. I'm not sure if I will use it outside often, but I am sure I will find a use for it inside the home, maybe in my wardrobe to keep my socks together.</div><div><br /></div><div>*Update - I have now also received the Charoal Mini Filofax Keyring. Its rather cute, and I am actually really enjoying having the full set of matching Filofax, pen, and keyring! It's a fun novelty item that I wouldn't have normally bought for myself, so I am pleased to be given the opportunity to own one, with it being a free gift from Filofax for having to return the other organiser.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Would I Recommend The Centennial Collection?</h3><div><br /></div><div>I think that if you like the look of this collection then go for it, treat yourself. You already know what to expect from The Originals and it's not every day that Filofax releases a planner with gold rings. The Centennial Collection is not going to appeal to everyone of course, but I think that a lot of people are going to enjoy it because it was, in Filofax's words, "designed with today's users in mind". </div><div><br /></div><div>I just hope that other people don't have to experience the disappointment of having to return a faulty planner, because, for a limited edition, I just don't think that's acceptable. I would have liked to know what will happen to my poor #454 but I wasn't given any further information. There are only 750 of these being made so what happens to a limited edition when it is faulty? Does it get repaired and resold? Will it be saved until all the excitement is over and then resold at a discounted price? I now own #701 and the fate of #454 will remain unknown. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't really have anything else to say about The Centennial Filofax, so I am going to wrap this post up. I will be back soon to show you how I have set my goodies up. In the meantime, let me know your thoughts on The Centennial Collection in the comments. Did you purchase something from the collection for yourself? If not, what would you have preferred to see in the collection? Has anyone else had any problems with their limited edition Filofax? Has anyone received a unique number?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="background-color: white;"><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><b><i>Thanks for reading and commenting... feel free to share this post if you enjoyed it x</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><i>If you are thinking of purchasing any Filofax products and you have enjoyed reading my blog, <a href="https://tidd.ly/3qVE0aK" target="_blank">click here to be taken to the Filofax website</a>, and I will receive a lovely bit of revenue (at no extra cost to you) on any purchases that you make. Your support is always appreciated! </i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><i>Thank you, Zara M. | Filofancy, Life On Paper</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><i>Images & Illustrations by Zara M.</i></span></div></div></div><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815347271546875249.post-1075351004328041872021-08-17T13:57:00.004+00:002021-08-17T13:57:37.961+00:00Happy 100 Year Anniversary Filofax!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XjpxOOq2nk8/YRrawqH6pMI/AAAAAAAAJMo/00Fuoii6_c4ahvLWzvfOGlmUw6wjIcajwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210816_223514.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XjpxOOq2nk8/YRrawqH6pMI/AAAAAAAAJMo/00Fuoii6_c4ahvLWzvfOGlmUw6wjIcajwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/20210816_223514.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Filofax's 100 Year Anniversary... I can't believe that Filofax is a century-old!</span></div><br style="text-align: left;" /><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;">I have indeed placed an order for a personal-sized Filofax from the new Centennial Collection in the colour <i>charcoal</i>, along with the matching pen. I couldn't resist. But... and I feel a bit bad for saying this, is it just me, or was anyone else a little underwhelmed by The Centennial Collection? </p><p style="text-align: left;">I love Filofax, and the collection itself is very pretty... but to mark <i>100 years</i>? I couldn't help but feel a bit confused at how Filofax has chosen to commemorate the brand's 100 Year Anniversary. For such a significant milestone, I'm afraid to say, The Centennial Collection fell short of my expectations.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I'll tell you why, despite my criticisms, I decided to purchase the Filofax, but I want to focus primarily, in this post, on my thoughts about the collection as a whole. These are of course just my own thoughts, feelings and ideas, and I'd love to hear yours in the comments section below. Maybe for you, it was love at first sight? </p><p style="text-align: left;">So let's have a closer look at it, shall we?</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Filofax's Centennial Collection In A Nutshell</h3><p style="text-align: left;">Essentially the Centennial Collection consists of <i>The Original</i> Filofax design in three new colours, with gold trimmings, matching pens, matching mini Filofax keyrings, a set of minimalist inserts, and stickers.</p><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://tidd.ly/3sjnbbw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sG1iddggWeg/YRbUbnqJfII/AAAAAAAAJMY/UE0NH_uFccIp9qCvGk1sPTZmUs4aOJ_cQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/20210813_212059.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Filofax has played it safe by sticking to a simple and muted colour palette with the two pastel shades of "powder blue" and "blush", offering the "Charcoal" as a darker option, although still a soft<i> </i>and neutral one.</p><p>The design is exactly the same as <i>The Original </i>aside from the fact that it has been glammed up with gold stitching, a gold snap fastener, and slightly wider gold rings in the personal and A5 sizes.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">My First Impressions Of The Centennial Collection By Filofax</h3><p>When I first saw The Centennial Collection by Filofax my initial thought was - <i>Oh, not another "Original". </i></p><p>The Filofax Originals are very beautiful, and the wide variety of colours are enticing, but I have always had mixed feelings about the structural design of the inside covers. I have never been able to get my head or heart around the inner elastic strap (although many people seem to like this), the position of the pen hoop, or the backless side-inserted card slots. I have also never been a fan of the jot pad that Filofax tucks away at the back of the Originals, particularly because they don't seem to offer refills on the website, which I find very strange. </p><p>Many years ago I bought matching patent Fuchsia Original Filofaxes in both personal-size and A5. I was enamoured by the fantastic colour and fun shiny leather, but sadly I ended up reselling both of them in the end. I published two videos on the Filofancy Youtube channel at the time of purchasing, many years ago now, in which I ranted about the inside design, and then followed up with some of the solutions to my rants after feeling bad about whinging for a whole video! You can watch the first one <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMXpAulU6mI&t=43s" target="_blank">here</a>, and the second one <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPQKClNrJp0&t=10s" target="_blank">here</a>. They're a bit embarrassing. I then posted a hopeful setup video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8cMAl3GcJM&t=386s" target="_blank">here</a> before giving up completely and selling it on Ebay. I had to be true to myself in the end, and at the time The Original Filofax in patent fuchsia just wasn't for me.</p><p>I have managed to resist purchasing the "Original" again since then, despite the release of many attractive colours. So to see that Filofax has essentially recycled the design once more, with a few aesthetic upgrades, to be frank, was disappointing. I think this was more the case because I had expected something really special and unique to commemorate the Filofax 100 Year Anniversary. 100 years is a big deal, right?</p><p>Saying all of this, every time I look at pictures of The Centennial Collection, I warm to it more and more. I can't help but wonder though, if this is just because I have been brainwashed into thinking that anything in a muted or pastel colour, or with a minimalist feminine design is on-trend, highly desirable, and representative of the young, successful female I long to be? Filofax certainly knows their main customer, and I feel that perhaps The Centennial Collection has been designed solely with "her" in mind. Indeed, when introducing the collection on their social media platforms the announcement states; </p><blockquote><p>"The wait is over! Celebrate our 100-year anniversary with the Filofax Centennial Collection, a limited-edition capsule designed to pay homage to our rich brand history with today's users in mind."⠀</p></blockquote><p>The fact that Filofax chose <i>The Original</i> as a representation of 100 years of both tradition and innovative design left me considering the direction we might see the brand continue to evolve in over the next decade. I am concerned that the brand's original customer is being marginalised with the majority of their marketing now being directed towards the younger and more "stylish" or fashionable female consumer, as is clear to see when browsing through the website.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Why I Found Filofax's Centennial Collection Disappointing</h3><p>I can't help but wonder if Filofax must have excess "Original" <i>blanks </i>that they need to keep putting a new spin on in order to shift the overstock. This was my feeling when they seemed to randomly come out with the <i>new</i> "Planner Queen" editions, which I felt were unnecessary, and The Centennial Collection feels no different.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KCIL7aPKUSI/YRrktVrcYPI/AAAAAAAAJM4/AMsomPzR9M0XvG7MmDWkOhT3esB1fkWiACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210816_231903.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1653" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KCIL7aPKUSI/YRrktVrcYPI/AAAAAAAAJM4/AMsomPzR9M0XvG7MmDWkOhT3esB1fkWiACLcBGAsYHQ/w516-h640/20210816_231903.png" width="516" /></a></div><p>To be fair, the colour palette of The Centennial Collection is pretty, minimal and coherent. I do like it. There is nothing overtly offensive about it unless you are anti-pastel/anti-gold. The gold rings, popper, and stitching save the planners from being considered<i> entirely</i> too bland for a celebratory collection. For an occasion as significant as the 100th Anniversary, I just wish that there was more to it.</p><p>I thought that more attention could have been paid to the presentation/packaging and accessories to set the collection apart from the rest of the Originals, although the representatives of the brand didn't think so when they wrote <i>this</i> in one of their Instagram posts;</p><p></p><blockquote>"We can't get enough of the Centennial Collection! Its packaging is as irresistible as the collection itself (...) Every organiser from the Filofax Centennial Collection has been carefully designed and it will arrive at your doorstep inside a deluxe black box with gold details."⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀</blockquote><p></p><p>The packaging of the planners consists of a plainly designed black box with barely-there gold-foil dots printed over it and the brand name and the "100 Years" logo printed in an understated manner in the centre of the box cover. Inside there is white paper, again printed in an understated manner with the gold dots, brand name, and the "100 Years" logo, and it is sealed over the planner with a gold circular sticker that says "Celebrating 100 Years". </p><p>The presentation as a whole is simple, smart, and classy in an understated way. Alas, in context with the 100 Years Anniversary I am sad to say that for me it was unremarkable. For Filofax's 75th Anniversary they released a Special Edition boxed ‘Grace Scurr’ Filofax. The presentation box was made of wood, I believe with a blue velvet interior, and the planner was presented opened up fully and held in with a blue ribbon. </p><p>In my opinion, something similar for the 100 Year Anniversary would have been a collector's piece to treasure. But instead, Filofax has decided not to market their Centennial Collection towards their collectors. Instead of designing a beautiful keepsake box, they are instead offering a free cloth tote when you make your purchase on the Filofax website. This struck me as a bit random, although, upon reflection, I suppose you could say it's a planet-friendly option, who doesn't love a cute reusable cloth tote? </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Are Other People Disappointed In Filofax's Centennial Collection?</h3><div><br /></div><div>Obviously, there are going to be loads of positive reviews and people who have fallen head over heels in love with the Centennial Collection, because it has indeed been designed to please the majority of today's modern consumers in the planner community. </div><div><br /></div><div>Alas, I feel like Filofax have really offered nothing <i>new</i> for collectors, or people who appreciate the history and tradition of the brand, to appreciate in this limited edition collection. Everything that is included in the collection feels like recycled ideas and gimmicks, from the design and vibe of the planner itself to the pens, stickers and keyrings. I feel that there should be at least <i>something</i> special and unique that stands out and makes the collection feel more like a limited edition and a proper celebration of 100 years of Filofax, and I am not the only one who thinks this.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have been observing some of the responses to The Centennial Collection online, and it is clear that there are people who feel that Filofax has excluded its loyal older followers (in terms of time and not necessarily age), and many of its male customers, by creating a Centennial Collection that appeals to the "current customer", who may less likely be a customer who nurtures an appreciation or even awareness of the brand's history. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is such a shame as it is the loyal, older, traditional users and collectors who are genuinely interested in celebrating Filofax's 100 Year Anniversary, and not just interested in buying into the current trend. I am worried that this choice could signify the demise of the brand's historical and sentimental importance. Has Filofax become just another high street, disposable-fashion <i>chameleon</i> brand? What are your thoughts on this? Have you felt <i>excluded from the party</i>? Has it affected how you feel about your own loyalty to the brand moving forward?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-er3ww_fsmzM/YRrpNWXoNFI/AAAAAAAAJNA/v8yN9j4OPG4mVPiCkb2ZSBsm9KjjHJHFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210816_233839.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2018" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-er3ww_fsmzM/YRrpNWXoNFI/AAAAAAAAJNA/v8yN9j4OPG4mVPiCkb2ZSBsm9KjjHJHFgCLcBGAsYHQ/w630-h640/20210816_233839.png" width="630" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>There has also been some concern about the quality of the planners, with people noticing inconsistencies in the stitching from photographs and questioning whether the choice of thread is causing the problem. I am looking forward to receiving my Filofax so that I can tell you what I think. If anybody else has purchased a Filofax from the collection and has already received it, please let us know in the comments what you think about the quality of the stitching and gold thread!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Why I Decided To Purchase a Filofax From The Centennial Collection</h3><div><br /></div><div>I am feeling nervous about having spent more than £100 on a Filofax and matching pen, considering that I am not in love with them yet. Normally I wouldn't have even considered purchasing a Filofax that I hadn't been drooling over for weeks online. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am concerned that the interior structural design is going to bother me again. They haven't redesigned the interior layout after all, so I am curious to see if I have changed my mind about it. I am worried that I won't like the gold stitching and that the contrast of the gold against the dark charcoal leather may emphasise any inconsistencies and make the stitching appear uneven. It has also crossed my mind that Filofax may not have taken into consideration that the wider rings may need a long strap to fasten the planner together comfortably when it is full. I won't know until I see it in person.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://tidd.ly/3sjnbbw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GM6mnb8Eiug/YRaNw6459KI/AAAAAAAAJMQ/88U7Vawh49EZ_5QQ-MowJshkxsmYZ3drACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/20210813_160030.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Despite my fears, there were a few things that influenced me to throw caution to the wind and part with my money...</div><div><br /></div><div>Firstly, it's the <i>100th Anniversary</i> of Filofax! That fact has definitely given me rose-coloured glasses and I have found myself swimming in a pool of sentimentality. I think I just kind of wanted to be <i>involved. </i>I have always had a soft spot for the Filofax brand, even though I have struggled over the years to find "planner peace", and I have gone through many short-lived phases of being actively involved with the online Filofax and planner community. Sure I could just do a write-up on my blog to mark the occasion, but I wanted a little bit more; a collector's item to put on my shelf, even if I don't end up using it as my everyday planner, and even if it doesn't really live up to my expectations of a stunning collector's item.</div><div><br /></div><div>The second factor to influence me is a big one... in a few weeks time, it will be my birthday! I have been on the lookout for something special to treat myself to, and the thought of having a brand new limited edition matching Filofax and pen pushed me towards the edge. I will be turning 38, and I'm not thrilled about it, so I guess you could say that my weakness got the better of me. It's all about the guilty pleasures these days. I am heading in the direction of my forties...<i> have I basically been the victim of an expert marketing strategy that has sold me a product that will make me feel like the person I want to be... that young, successful female? </i>Oh, dear.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ad4cQaafO0/YRrgTelb11I/AAAAAAAAJMw/qDTDoWM3n0EdfFADhPIWBgfYVQDSHvNNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210816_225911.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ad4cQaafO0/YRrgTelb11I/AAAAAAAAJMw/qDTDoWM3n0EdfFADhPIWBgfYVQDSHvNNgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/20210816_225911.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>But I'll be honest, the deciding factor for me going ahead and purchasing a Filofax that I'm not one hundred per cent sure I'm going to even <i>like,</i> was that Filofax states they offer "zero-hassle returns". So if I am not excited enough by the planner when it is in my hands, or any of my doubts have not been resolved, I can very easily return my order and receive a full refund. I definitely wouldn't have made the purchase otherwise, it would be far too expensive a mistake. If I do end up returning it, I might consider swapping it for something else. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Things I Do Like About The Centennial Collection</h3><div><br /></div>I have talked a lot about my reservations about The Centennial Collection, and my thoughts about this collection as a marker of 100 years have been quite critical, which I am feeling a bit guilty about that, because I like to be an advocate of the brand. But this is my personal blog and I also like to be honest. I do like the collection itself, as I have already expressed, and most of my complaints are related to it not living up to my expectations as a collection designed for Filofax's 100 Year Anniversary. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope to be pleased with my Filofax and the matching pen when I get them. Sometimes you don't know whether you are truly going to like something until it is in front of you, right? I don't know if you remember the time, many years ago now when I was strolling around Paperchase and I stumbled upon a gem of a Filofax planner - <a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2012/08/aston-filofax-holborn-zipped-filofax-first-impressions.html" target="_blank">The Chocolate Aston</a>. Here is an extract from the blog post to jog your memory (or you can read the full post via the link above);</div><div><blockquote>"<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">I picked up this ordinary looking Aston Filofax and was immediately taken aback. It felt... </span><i style="background-color: white;">right</i><span style="background-color: white;">. Suddenly the rich dark chocolate colour was just so... </span><i style="background-color: white;">me (...) </i></span>It fitted into my palm so comfortably that I had to have a private moment with the Aston right then and there, whilst standing in the middle of Paperchase, with the Security Guard overlooking suspiciously, as my eyes rolled back and my fingers fondled the merchandise."</blockquote><p>I don't know whether I am going to fall in love with a Filofax until I meet it face to face. True love often catches me off-guard. I am hoping that my experience of the Centennial Filofax will be a positive one once I have held it in my hands.</p><p>I quite liked all of the colour options, and I was tempted to go for one of the other colours, but I have been burned before by the temptation to "go girly" when I bought my first Filofax Original in patent Fuchsia. It was a stunning pink and I loved it to bits, but it never felt like me. I need things to be simple and not too distracting when it comes to my planner, otherwise, I end up spending hours trying to "style" the thing so that it feels right, rather than actually using it. I tend to be attracted to all things grey. There is something neutral, cool, and calming about different shades of grey. I just hope that this shade of grey isn't too blue.</p><p>I was also tempted to go for the pocket-size planner as I haven't had one for many years. The only pocket-size I have ever owned was <a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-first-filofax-pocket-guildford-filofax-wallet.html" target="_blank">my Pocket Guildford</a> - here is a small extract from my very early post about it;</p><p></p><blockquote>"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."</blockquote><p>I like to design and draw out my own inserts though and I use the economy packets of plain white paper that Filofax makes for the personal size, so I decided against the pocket and I went for the personal size instead. If I were to have a pocket planner I'd probably want to use it as a wallet so it would need to have more card slots, a zipped section for coins, and a long back pocket for notes, which my old Guildford had. It was the perfect wallet Filofax, why did I sell it? Has anyone else desperately wished they hadn't sold old Filofaxes? I had a beautiful wine coloured Holborn zipped personal Filofax that you just can't find now, I check Ebay all the time.</p><p>The thing I probably like most about the Centennial planners is the gold rings. If they didn't have gold rings I think I'd have gone for a plain matt black Original Filofax instead. Actually, if I decide to return my Centennial that will be one of the Filofaxes I consider swapping it for. I know it seems boring, but I love black. It's classic. The black Original has black stitching too, which I think I might prefer. I'll have to see the gold stitching in person to be sure.</p><p>Until my birthday present arrives though, we'll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, to round up this post, I have come up with some improvements I think could have been made to the Centennial Collection to help it stand out from the rest of the Originals and be more of a special edition! Obviously I am no product designer and my ideas are just humble ideas that appeal to me personally. So keep reading, let me know what you think, and if you have any suggestions of your own, share them in the comments at the end of the post.</p><p> </p><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">5 Ideas To Make The Centennial Collection More Unique</h3><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Pattern Debossed Leather</b> - I think that a patch or single panel of leather, probably on the corner or inside of the planner, that has been debossed with some kind of pattern, could have helped to elevate the design and make this edition of The Original feel more like a statement collection, marking the occasion with an extra bit of indulgence.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>A Protective Cloth Pouch</b> - A simple, but thoughtfully designed pouch or dust bag might have been appreciated by anyone who, like me, had considered purchasing one of the pale colours, but instead decided to settle for the darker one for fear of the leather being more easily marked. I know it comes with the free cloth tote, but a fitted pouch would have served this purpose well.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>An Enamelled Pin Badge Or Planner Charm</b> - Instead of offering more keyrings, a different kind of keepsake would have been more exciting. Pin badges are fun and it would have been the perfect opportunity to design something cute that people could wear or even pin to their free cloth tote to acknowledge the Filofax 100 Year Anniversary. Planner charms have also been really popular for some time now. I don't think we really needed another mini Filofax keyring, did we? They don't sell post-it refills for them either.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Inside Covers Redesign</b> - It wouldn't have had to be a radical difference, but I think it would have been more interesting to see one or two alterations in the structural layout design of the inside covers, just enough to make us feel like we aren't simply purchasing another "Original". Personally, I'd prefer top-loading card slots, more than just two, and with backing inside so that I can use the pockets to store things other than cards without them disappearing into the large pocket behind. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Unique Collector's Presentation Keepsake Box</b> - I am the sort of person that will keep and reuse a beautiful presentation box, and I love it when products I buy come with really beautiful packaging, especially when it is to mark a special occasion or edition. I also think that a decent presentation box is essential in conveying the significance of a product such as an anniversary edition. It also makes the shopping experience all the more enjoyable and memorable. </li></ul><div><br /></div></div></div><div>Well, that's all from me for now. If after I receive my charcoal Centennial Filofax I decide to keep it I will be back with some updates and you can find out if any of my opinions have changed. I might even shoot a little video showing my setup, so let me know if you'd like to see that. I haven't done a video in a really long time and I'm much more nervous and self-conscious about being on camera now that I am older, but it might be fun to do.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Thanks for reading and commenting... feel free to share this post if you enjoyed it x</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><i>If you are thinking of purchasing any Filofax products and you have enjoyed reading my blog, you can click on any of the images in this post to be taken straight to the Filofax website, and I will receive a lovely bit of revenue (at no extra cost to you) on any purchases that you make. Your support is always appreciated! </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Thank you, Zara M. | Filofancy, Life On Paper</i></div><div><i>Product images courtesy of the Filofax website, and illustrated by Zara M.</i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815347271546875249.post-9226532616348407682021-03-01T14:30:00.004+00:002021-05-12T13:11:58.127+00:00How To Make Handmade Stickers At Home<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ZaraMCreates" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Watercolour Butterfly Stickers - for your journal or planner" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XgW1DqE1gzw/YDfT94C9atI/AAAAAAAAI7o/hXqWGpkXJbs1b0ZWI3HunSVt4VIoVXcXQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/20210225_163952.jpg" title="Watercolour Butterfly Stickers - for your journal or planner" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Handmade Sketchy Watercolour Stickers</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have you ever found yourself searching online for the perfect stickers but not been able to find quite what you are looking for? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm an arty person, I love to draw and paint, and what I really wanted to find were some beautiful sketchy watercolour stickers to brighten up my Midori Traveller's Notebook journal and Filofax planner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I couldn't find anything that spoke to me and so I decided to make my own!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Alas, I don't have a printer or a cutting machine, which are basic requirements for sticker making and extremely expensive, but I wasn't going to let that stop me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I googled ways to make homemade stickers without the use of technology and I came up with an ingenious method, which I am going to share with you below.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ZaraMCreates" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Face Planner Stickers - for journaling or mood tracking" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4hCaMSqDCyo/YDfVQt1OVpI/AAAAAAAAI8I/DPlb5HREO3UdmSo-b485wsWfezAMMVyaACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/20210225_164120.jpg" title="face Planner Stickers - for journalling or mood tracking" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">How To Make Your Own Planner Stickers Without A Printer </h3><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Firstly you have to design your stickers. </div><p></p><p>Not everyone is an artist though so keep it simple, and if you really do suck when it comes to drawing or painting, just flip through a magazine, you are sure to find some fun designs to cut out for your stickers!</p><p>I experimented with some watercolour paintings of butterflies and nature-themed doodles, some sketchy crow drawings, handwritten quotes, inspirational words, and some fun expressive face characters so that I can show what mood I'm in.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ZaraMCreates" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Crow Journal Stickers - for scrapbooks and junk journals" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XE1TdgB8S4U/YDfWLAnI1mI/AAAAAAAAI8Q/C76BpNnO1Z4yVievss9xnx-QV29D-pzKwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/20210225_164029.jpg" title="Crow Journal Stickers - for scrapbooks and junk journals" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Homemade Sticker Supplies (No Printer Or Cutting Machine) </h3><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Next, you will want to make sure you have the following supplies to make your stickers:</div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Baking Paper</li><li>Clear Packing Tape (I went for extra wide)</li><li>Scissors</li></ul><div><br /></div><div>Yep, that's it! Keep reading, because this is where the real magic begins...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="Watercolour Humming Bird Stickers - journal, planner, junk journal, scrapbook" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Watercolour Humming Bird Stickers - journal, planner, junk journal, scrapbook" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NyCFXaM7lDM/YDfW0xEpkkI/AAAAAAAAI8Y/qu_R2ixrIXMnHMLuvJD4hcSumcgNLe_IQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/20210225_164227.jpg" title="Watercolour Humming Bird Stickers - journal, planner, junk journal, scrapbook" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Method | Making Journal Stickers At Home</h3><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Step 1:</b> Lay your baking paper out on a flat, hard surface, like a table (obviously)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Step 2:</b> Cover it in tape, sticky side down</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Step 3: </b>Cut your sticker designs out and lay them face-up on top</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Step 4:</b> Use tape over the top of your designs to stick them down</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Step 5: </b>Smooth out any air bubbles</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Step 6: </b>Carefully cut around each design leaving a border so that your sticker doesn't fall apart</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Step 7: </b>Now you have beautiful homemade stickers with a peelable backing (the baking paper!)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="Planner Stickers for Mood Tracker" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Planner Stickers for Mood Tracker" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-05gZ_ESS-hA/YDfX9Q0NB9I/AAAAAAAAI8g/pS3-Ft6ZuSs3FB9DN6uNYojp5h5OR37cQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/20210225_164146.jpg" title="Planner Stickers for Mood Tracker" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I was so impressed with the outcome that I ended up making far too many. I won't have to buy any stickers for a long time now!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>A Few Tips:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>If you use thin paper your stickers will be more flexible and less likely to unstick if your pages bend</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>If you use thicker paper (like cartridge paper) your stickers will feel and look more premium</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Less textured paper will look better underneath the clear tape</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Make sure you use high-quality tape so that it is nice and sticky</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Only use your own designs if you intend to sell your stickers like me</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Don't expect to make any profit - the time it takes to design, make and cut them all out will depress you if you have to do it over and over and over again. Unless you are crazy like me. If you want to start a sticker business I'd suggest getting a printer and cutting machine and design your stickers digitally</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Get your kids involved! This makes the perfect rainy day project :)</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div>P.S. If you have kids you might be interested in my other blog post where I share an inspiring flip through of a <a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2020/05/kids-filofax-style-planner-flip-through.html" target="_blank">fun little planner</a> I put together for my 12-year-old niece... </div><div><br /></div><div>So there you have it. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have had SO much fun making my own stickers. I hope that you have fun too!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Thanks for reading and commenting... feel free to share this post if you enjoyed it x</i></b></div><p></p><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815347271546875249.post-769964028721553092021-02-25T16:15:00.012+00:002021-02-25T16:37:41.949+00:00Do I Like The Filofax Garden Collection?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://tidd.ly/3qVE0aK" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Filofax The Garden Collection" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRzFk6csSM8/YDecyBvJ-BI/AAAAAAAAI7E/xOMJcYh4XfEm7hUE0RWr2yr_wizMRPuRwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/20210225_124434.jpg" title="Do I Like The Filofax Garden Collection?" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It has to be said, I really am a "Crazy Plant Lady". I live in a one-room studio flat in London and I have more than 50 houseplants. No exaggeration. In fact, the two things I am looking forward to most are the end of lockdown and the growing season, so that I can go to my favourite garden centres and buy more plants. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Actually, my plant obsession is far worse than my <a href="https://tidd.ly/3qVE0aK" target="_blank">Filofax</a> obsession. I know, it's blasphemous to say that on here. What am I doing running a planner blog? I should be writing about monstera deliciosas, fertilizer, and terracotta vs. plastic pots.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can imagine my delight when I first laid my eyes on <a href="https://tidd.ly/3qVE0aK" target="_blank">The Garden Collection by Filofax</a>. I WANT! ...was my first instinct, which I suspect was the brand's main aim when designing this attractive collection. I resisted the indulgence though, because I have learned over the years that I am a one-planner girl, and despite trying a few out, pretty planners aren't really my thing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">However... that doesn't mean I don't want to gush about this new collection, because it <i>is</i> gorgeous. I have lots to say about it, so keep reading.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Filofax Garden Planners With Inverted Designs!</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://tidd.ly/3qVE0aK" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Filofax Garden Collection Planners" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1n_Jc5ziveo/YDeuAj5xAlI/AAAAAAAAI7M/xDCey9sldDAh1vbvAdapeEjqe2XDB67uACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/20210225_140142.jpg" title="Filofax Garden Collection Planners" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>I really like the fact that Filofax is offering two versions of this planner with almost inverted designs. I can see that many planner people today love variety, and it is common to swap in and out of planners to suit the mood or season like we do with clothes!</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't do this myself (with clothes or planners) because I'm boring and I get sentimental about the planner and system that works best for me. The customers of today though don't seem to be precious about sticking to a single identity, and Filofax has been cashing in on this fact for a while now. They come out with a variety of fun designs sporadically that are not only seasonal but also very affordable, making it even easier for planner addicts to satisfy their addictions and grow their collections. Hats off to Filofax!</div><div><br /></div><div>I think that the inverted designs that Filofax has gone for in this collection are great. My favourite is the dark green one because it feels more "planty" to me and the pink interior is a pretty contrast. The alternative design has a lovely spring feel to it, which I think will appeal to lots of you as the weather continues to get milder and the sun begins to shine. Which is your favourite and why? Tell me in the comments below!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Filofax Are Now Doing More Themed Accessories!</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://tidd.ly/3qVE0aK" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Filofax Garden Collection Accessories" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bloY5QDDnSM/YDe2u8-kcCI/AAAAAAAAI7U/JChmT4XoddMyS9m9FC76A3Zoq_ZHjqMFwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/20210225_143837.jpg" title="Filofax Garden Collection Accessories" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>This might be the thing I like most about the new collections that Filofax is bringing out at the moment. In fact, I am surprised that Filofax hasn't latched onto this sooner... Stickers, washi tape, sticky notes, matching pens, cute dividers, and stencils... and the zipped pen case is spot on! This is what the planner world today is really about - It is what's inside of our planners and how we use them that counts the most. You guys want functional planner supplies that are as attractive as your actual planner. <i>Am I right? </i></div><div><br /></div><div>I remember a time when the online planner community made a shift from being just functional to also being decorative and a means of self-expression and creativity. Suddenly I was seeing decorated planner spreads, featuring heavily with stickers and washi tape. I have noticed that the trend is edging towards minimalist and more coordinated designs now. The collections that Filofax are coming out with appeal to our need to be more organised in a visual way due to the chaotic nature of our lives, whilst still enjoying some creativity and self-expression.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have had to embrace a new way of doing and thinking about things due to all of the restrictions of pandemic life. There has been a stronger focus on the home with new work-from-home set-ups, online businesses and homeschooling during lockdowns. For many of us having a planner system that we <i>want</i> to use makes us feel positive and less overwhelmed as we can see what needs to be done without too much distraction. All of this is becoming more and more important.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">My Conclusion</h3><div><br /></div><div>I hope that Filofax continue to build on their accessories and planning supplies. You can see how much the brand's identity is changing with many of their new products becoming more and more accessible to people due to the variety of designs and products, not to mention the lower prices. Filofax seems to be maintaining the quality of their products too which is great.</div><div><br /></div><div>It has been nice to see them targeting a much younger audience, particularly those still in education, with the notebook ranges and customizable clipbooks. I just hope that those of us who prefer a more traditional and classic look and approach to planning, and especially men who enjoy using planners, don't get left behind. The look and feel of the Filofax website these days are certainly leaning far more towards the younger and feminine side, that's for sure.</div><div><br /></div><div>Will I be treating myself to anything from The Garden Collection? Well, I might be tempted to make a few naughty purchases when I get some money through, I'm pretty broke at the moment. The garden-themed zipped pen case insert was what I was most attracted to. The washi tapes and pen are cute too. <i><b>Filofax, if you are reading this, feel free to get in touch to send freebies for reviewing - I use an A5 Filofax planner!</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div>And the last word for my readers - Don't forget to comment below if you enjoyed reading this, and share your own impressions of The Garden Collection and similar collections that have followed. Would you like to read a post on those? Let me know what your ideas are on what my next post should be about!</div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://tidd.ly/3qVE0aK" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Filofax Garden Collection Shop Now" border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="616" height="290" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pjkZsa5ul-o/YDfLi4rDidI/AAAAAAAAI7c/RAE0lE2SakMXmn6lDtZZ6GY3KXgyvw7IACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h290/WK06_New_Garden_BLB.jpg" title="Filofax Garden Collection Shop Now" width="640" /></a></div><div><i><br /></i></div>If you are thinking of purchasing any Filofax products and you have enjoyed reading my blog, you can click on any of the images in this post to be taken straight to the <a href="https://tidd.ly/3qVE0aK" target="_blank">Filofax website</a>, and I will receive a lovely bit of revenue (at no extra cost to you) on any purchases that you make. Your support is always appreciated! Thank you, Zara M. | Filofancy, Life On Paper</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Product images courtesy of Filofax.<br /><b><br /></b></i></div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815347271546875249.post-28781274358308748912020-05-03T20:33:00.000+00:002020-08-22T15:10:38.295+00:00Kids Filofax Style Planner Flip-Through<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>A Purple Themed Filofax Style Planner For Kids</i></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What better way to treat a younger member of the family than with the gift of a Filofax style planner and lots of goodies? In this post we'll look at this pretty planner I bought for my niece, and also explore why scrapbooking and journaling can help children to express how they are feeling in healthy ways during the coronavirus lockdown.</b></span></div>
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I consider my niece to still be a kid, but the fact that her new favourite colour is purple instead of pink suggests that she may be edging into teenhood. She is 12 years old, but still quite young at heart and in mind. Aside from the colour purple, she is also obsessed with cats. So I thought I would treat her to a little lockdown gift, as she has been struggling a little with the isolation.</div>
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<i>Oh, who am I kidding, this was a total indulgence in my own Filofax addiction. It was a blatant excuse for a guilt-free planner haul, and yes I experienced weeks of joy ordering purple and cat-themed goodies to fill this adorable lilac planner. Honestly, this project had nothing to do with my niece, we all know the truth, but let's not tell her that, eh? Ahem! Now that I have got that off my chest, let's carry on with the post, shall we?</i></div>
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A Fun Filofax For Kids (Who Remembers <a href="https://amzn.to/3feEBih" target="_blank">The Funfax</a>?)</h3>
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When I was putting together this little thing of beauty, I had no idea how my niece would use it. I'm not sure what a 12-year-old would need a planner for, especially during a pandemic lockdown when she has no school and no life. So my only plan of action was to fill it with cuteness.</div>
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<i><a href="https://amzn.to/3feEBih" target="_blank">Who remembers Funfaxes? </a>When I was about my niece's age, maybe a little younger, I can't remember, there were these things that resembled Filofaxes, but they were for kids. I always wanted one, but I never had the pleasure of owning a Funfax. Did you? If you are old enough to remember them, leave a comment under this post!</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZtxA0FQuoc/Xq8ciqAbZaI/AAAAAAAAIwg/o_f9GokDTVQ15v7QSk9dACFCPY-_5Bp4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200503_154435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kids Cat Themed Filofax Planner Haul" border="0" data-original-height="984" data-original-width="984" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZtxA0FQuoc/Xq8ciqAbZaI/AAAAAAAAIwg/o_f9GokDTVQ15v7QSk9dACFCPY-_5Bp4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200503_154435.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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Conveniently, my niece's new favourite colour - purple - isn't difficult to work with. Firstly, I found this bargain Filofax style planner on eBay for under a tenner, brand new, and such a beautiful lilac colour, it was spot on! When it arrived I was very pleased with the quality too, the rings are nice and firm and the material felt like leather, even though it wasn't.</div>
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Initially, I thought it was pocket-sized because the eBay description was a little misleading, so I got a bit of a surprise when it arrived in the post. I had already ordered pocket-sized inserts too, so that was a waste. But after seeing the personal size I decided that she would enjoy the extra space, and it was still small enough not to feel overwhelming for her.</div>
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Planner Set Up For Kids</h3>
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I purchased lilac Filofax paper inserts to match the planner and went for the blank paper because I know that my niece loves to draw. I also got some fun purple pompom paperclips for a "tween" vibe, and a big pink bow with a rose gold clip for a bit of girly class and style.</div>
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My next mission was to fill the planner with cute cats in order to inspire my niece to make her own inserts. So out came the Pets At Home magazines, and I cut out the cutest kitties to stick in. I made secret pockets, inspiring page layouts, removable flowery tabs, and a cat-themed folder for purple sparkly heart stickers.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WXR03f_jx9Y/Xq8c0ak7IoI/AAAAAAAAIwo/96kkMr45kxYfVLYKxCWgP0eXHka6nHK2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200503_154404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Filofax Planner Ideas For Cat Lovers" border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="1008" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WXR03f_jx9Y/Xq8c0ak7IoI/AAAAAAAAIwo/96kkMr45kxYfVLYKxCWgP0eXHka6nHK2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200503_154404.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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I then used my new Paperang Thermal Printer to print off bespoke stickers, using anime/manga pictures of girls with cats that I found on Pinterest, because I know that my niece loves to read anime/manga comics. This would help to make the planner feel more personal to her straight away.</div>
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By the time I had finished creating this purple explosion of creativity, I had that familiar feeling. It was the same feeling I got when I purchased a Filofax for my sister many years ago. You remember it don't you? It was bright red, and when it arrived in the post I fell totally in love! <a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-time-i-bought-my-sister-filofax-and.html" target="_blank">It was the time I bought my sister a Filofax and kept it!</a> Yeah, well those were the feelings I was getting towards this precious little lilac planner. </div>
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I did, however, manage to part with my creation, and give the lilac planner to my niece. She was thrilled. Now all I have to do is make sure that she doesn't lose interest in it. Not everyone is a die-hard Filofax addict, after all. </div>
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How To Encourage Children To Express Their Emotions In A Healthy Way</h3>
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I think that scrapbooking and journaling is such a rewarding and therapeutic hobby for adults, and kids can also benefit from this creative activity. The thing with young humans is that they have shorter attention spans and can sometimes lack motivation or direction. This doesn't mean that you can't get them into using a scrapbook or journal to record their thoughts and feelings in a fun and creative way.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now is the perfect time to provide children with an opportunity to express themselves, as being stuck at home with siblings or by themselves if they are an only child, and not being able to see their friends is tough. Children don't always know how to express how they feel, so it can be more difficult for them to deal with their feelings during this time. Those feelings may come out in different ways. Maybe a child becomes more introverted, or starts to act out?</span><br />
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How To Help Children To Process Their Feelings Through Creative Activities</h3>
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My niece was struggling with her feelings, and so her mum told her to go to her room and put all of her feelings down onto paper. She suggested her to write a poem or a letter.<br />
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After a little while, my niece came downstairs to show her mum what she has written. It was a beautiful heartfelt letter, and surprisingly reflective and empathetic.<br />
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In another exercise, she wrote a surprising poem that expressed her resentment toward the coronavirus.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Write-Poems-Bloomsbury-Activity-Books/dp/1408889498/ref=as_li_ss_il?dchild=1&keywords=How+To+Write+Poems+(Bloomsbury+Activity+Books)&qid=1588535353&sr=8-2&linkCode=li3&tag=zara025-21&linkId=bb1cfb4b077cff9467e35abb46ec4601&language=en_GB" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1408889498&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=GB&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=zara025-21&language=en_GB" /></a><i>I am hoping that they will dig out a book that I bought for my niece's birthday a couple of years ago to encourage her natural talent and interest in writing poetry. Unfortunately at the time she was a little young for the book, but perhaps now she would find it useful and inspiring. It's a great book for helping kids to express themselves with words.</i><br />
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<i>You can click on the image to flip through the book on the Amazon website. My affiliate link will also earn me a little bit of revenue if you decide to make a purchase while you are over there.</i></div>
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Writing down her thoughts in a creative way helped my niece to express and understand her feelings, and afterwards she felt much better. She also felt more connected to her mum after they had read the letter and poem together and talked about it. I think it's important to connect properly with kids right now, as being away from school, friends and teachers can make them feel lonely.</div>
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I really wanted to encourage my niece to continue expressing herself in this way. I have always loved to write in journals and draw in sketchbooks and collect things in scrapbooks, and my niece is super creative too.<br />
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How To Inspire Kids To Use A Journal Or Scrapbook</h3>
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Every child and every family is different, and you may not find my tips useful or relevant. So I thought that I would just share what I am doing with my niece, and if it inspires you, then - <i>hurrah!</i></div>
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<li><b>Be creative together</b> - Whether your child wants to write thoughts or poetry in a journal, draw pictures in a sketchbook, or stick things down in a scrapbook, there is nothing better than doing it together. My sister uses a planner and collects stickers. She also loves to draw, and so this is something that they can sit down to do at the same time. Spending quality time doing things together can help to motivate and direct younger children Despite being separate because of the coronavirus lockdown, we have found a way for my niece and me to spend productive time together. Once a week I do one of her homeschooling lessons with her using Skype so that we can see each other and discuss the topics together. We always do her English homework so that the task is creative and fun. It's a bit like having a teacher or doing work with her classmates.</li>
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<li><b>Set a regular time</b> - Sometimes, making journaling or creativity a habit can help to create consistency. In order to encourage my niece to enjoy her new purple planner regularly, I have decided to put together some "Happy Mail" for my niece once a week. I will drop it off at her house so that she can enjoy new stickers and goodies to use in her new planner. This will help to keep the activity fresh and exciting. If you want to do something similar for your kids you could find a suitable subscription box to sign up to so that they can enjoy receiving something in the mail every week, fortnight, or month.</li>
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<li><b>Provide a fun, easy, and creative prompts list</b> - As you probably know, a journal or planner can be intimidating when you are not used to using one. Sometimes you simply have no idea what to write, draw, or stick in! A prompts list is a great way to spark creativity and inspire children to lose their inhibitions and enjoy themselves. Some prompts might include writing a journal entry, poem, or drawing a picture about their day. Drawing meals can be a fun way to journal. What about providing the first sentence for your child to continue? For example, "If I could have a pet cat..."</li>
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Planner Silent Flip through</h3>
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I've also filmed a flip through of the planner, check it out...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://youtu.be/5FGickgY6Xo" target="_blank">WATCH THE VIDEO HERE !</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you for reading my blog. Please leave your thoughts in the comments below if you enjoyed reading my post. Tell me what you thought of my lilac, cat-themed Filofax style planner...</span></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815347271546875249.post-63532594770034062762020-04-24T23:57:00.001+00:002020-04-24T23:59:42.789+00:00How To Use Your Filofax And Stay Positive During The Coronavirus Lockdown<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qcZuY7BZI2M/Xp20CxL0IwI/AAAAAAAAIoE/q5bsECjGaPkav_EBEjSqcUAOzBWlm68GACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/planner-4233907_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="How to use your productivity planner during the coronavirus lockdown" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qcZuY7BZI2M/Xp20CxL0IwI/AAAAAAAAIoE/q5bsECjGaPkav_EBEjSqcUAOzBWlm68GACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/planner-4233907_1920.jpg" title="How to use your productivity planner during the coronavirus lockdown" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #191b26; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; margin: 0px; white-space: nowrap;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/melinda257-7173533/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=4233907" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px !important;">melinda257</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=4233907" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px !important;">Pixabay</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; white-space: nowrap;"> </span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Discover These Inspiring Coronaviris Productivity & Work From Home Tips</i></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Is your mental health during lockdown suffering? Are you experiencing the "lockdown blues"? Is your planner-life suffering due to your current lack of a social life or work commitments? </b></span><b>Maybe you are working from home now and desperately need some coronavirus lockdown tips? Let's explore some inspiring ways for you to be productive at home and stay happy in isolation, by adapting how to use your Filofax.</b><br />
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Thank you for stopping by to have a browse through my blog. I have been reading that some of you in the online planner community are feeling a bit lost in your planners, with Covid 19 taking away normal routines, school, work, and social lives. So I thought I would write this blog expressing my thoughts on the topic, and offer a few ideas to help you guys survive the coronavirus lockdown, by putting your <a href="http://tidd.ly/a0f3deaa" target="_blank">Filofax</a>, or other planner systems, to more effective use.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stay Positive During Lockdown And Forget Forward Planning</span></h3>
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Life in lockdown is all about living in the moment instead of planning ahead. There is such a dreadful sense of uncertainty about the future, that it can feel pointless and impossible to think about our lives in terms of what is to come. Instead, all we have is what is happening right now, in front of us, today.<br />
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But perhaps this is a good thing? Isn't this our chance to step off the conveyor belt and be mindful of the present moment, instead of always looking ahead? We are always too preoccupied with questions about the future; <i>What is happening tomorrow? What is the schedule for next week? What about next month, next year, or even five years' time?</i> Stop. Let us just think about today.<br />
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Now is your opportunity to live in the present moment, and experience the beauty of having a clear mind, instead of one that is normally cluttered with thoughts and worries about the past and the future.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vFAS2P6vzMU/Xp21f7mdrCI/AAAAAAAAIoQ/yIwzcjxvJ-okEp9GU9DAxfTiwhtw9M0MwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/simple-1873490_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="How to use your planner during quarantine" border="0" data-original-height="1311" data-original-width="1600" height="524" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vFAS2P6vzMU/Xp21f7mdrCI/AAAAAAAAIoQ/yIwzcjxvJ-okEp9GU9DAxfTiwhtw9M0MwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/simple-1873490_1920.jpg" title="How to use your planner during quarantine" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #191b26; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; margin: 0px; white-space: nowrap;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/mistockshop-3892145/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1873490" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px !important;">Miesha Moriniere</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1873490" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px !important;">Pixabay</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; white-space: nowrap;"> </span></span></td></tr>
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Of course, this leaves those of you who love to use your Filofax to plan your lives in a bit of a conundrum. The whole point of using a planner is to help us organise the week, month, and even the year ahead of time, often scheduling days down to the hour when we have lots going on.<br />
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Something clearly needs to change about the way we use our planners if we want to look after our mental health during lockdown though because let's face it, looking at an empty diary is simply depressing.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">How To Use Your Filofax During Lockdown</span></h3>
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For those of you who have found that your weekly and monthly spreads are looking a bit empty and pathetic these days, this suggestion is for you. <b>Forget About Weekly & Monthly Planner Spreads!</b><br />
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There is nothing worse than having a big and beautiful Filofax or life planner when you have no "life" - no appointments, meetings, deadlines, or project plans to fill your planner with. We have all lost our social lives, and many of you have also lost your work routines and commitments too. So why make yourself feel even worse by looking at empty weekly and monthly planner spreads?<br />
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We need to adapt the way we plan by mirroring the way we have had to adapt to a lifestyle that is no longer about tomorrow, next week, or next month. Because, my friends, it is all about today!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HwXcMMht5aQ/Xp25VN6ikYI/AAAAAAAAIoc/qBUM_IL3K_wEmHb0sK3h0V2H74ykOFeMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/arm-1284248_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Daily planning while working from home during lockdown" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HwXcMMht5aQ/Xp25VN6ikYI/AAAAAAAAIoc/qBUM_IL3K_wEmHb0sK3h0V2H74ykOFeMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/arm-1284248_1920.jpg" title="Daily planning while working from home during lockdown" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #191b26; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; margin: 0px; white-space: nowrap;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/Pexels-2286921/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1284248" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px !important;">Pexels</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1284248" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px !important;">Pixabay</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; white-space: nowrap;"> </span></span></td></tr>
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I don't know about you, but in the past, I have always avoided using those daily planner inserts that divide the day up into time slots. But these may be exactly what we need right now. If you don't have any, head over to the Filofax website and see what your options are.<br />
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Daily planner inserts, the ones that divide the day up into hourly slots, are ideal right now because they force us to look at exactly what we are doing with our time. It is far too easy when our normal routines have been knocked off the radar to act like we are on holiday and indulge in lazing around, especially when the sun is shining. But the fact is that we are not on holiday, and some sort of daily routine needs to be in place if we are not to find ourselves slumming around the house in our PJs feeling unmotivated.<br />
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The hourly slots on a daily planner layout encourage us to continue to think about maintaining a healthy structure throughout the day, scheduling in time for relaxation and meals so that we can stay focussed and energized instead of demotivated and depressed. If you find that your daily schedule is looking too empty, seeing those empty time slots on the page will encourage you to think about how you can spend some of that time more productively while you are home. You will also get that feel-good factor when you look back over your day and see how much you have been able to accomplish.<br />
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How To Avoid Lockdown Blues With These Stay At Home Tips</span></h3>
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Daily planning is so relevant right now. If you think about it, each and every day, during the current global pandemic, has a special significance. The way we choose to function each day may have an effect on the bigger picture.<br />
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Before the pandemic most days were treated the same, we had the work and school week, and we had the weekends. But now there is so little to distinguish the week from the weekend, with our kids at home permanently and nowhere to go out at the weekends. Every day feels the same as the one before, and this can really get us down. Lockdown Blues are real.<br />
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It is so important for our mental health during lockdown to try and stay productive each and every day. We have to try and craft structure into our days as well as our weeks so that we can feel optimistic in these dark times.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YMD-SZ2cCAk/Xp3FTgT9VrI/AAAAAAAAIoo/IfaYE6o4kIoSFVU9QSCdqat2DxuYQtpTACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/self-care-4899284_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="How to stay happy in isolation" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YMD-SZ2cCAk/Xp3FTgT9VrI/AAAAAAAAIoo/IfaYE6o4kIoSFVU9QSCdqat2DxuYQtpTACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/self-care-4899284_1920.jpg" title="How to stay happy in isolation" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #191b26; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; margin: 0px; white-space: nowrap;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/Wokandapix-614097/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=4899284" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px !important;">Wokandapix</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=4899284" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px !important;">Pixabay</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; white-space: nowrap;"> </span></span></td></tr>
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Luckily it can be surprising how much you can achieve in a single day when you put your mind to it. And the best way to put your mind to something is to get out your planner! Once you start brainstorming and making those lists that you so love to make, your daily schedule will soon start to fill up, and you will begin to feel busy and with a sense of purpose again.<br />
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So let us have a look at some of the activities and tasks that might go into making up your day. They may seem mundane, but it's the mundane things that make up our lives. They always have, and they always will. It's just that now they are kind of magnified.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">
How To Use Your Filofax To Plan Your Lockdown Day By Day</span></h3>
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I have come up with this list of ideas to hopefully inspire you to think about the kinds of ways you might like to use your Filofax in order to plan into your Covid 19 lockdown days. And if you don't own a Filofax or a conventional "planner", a simple notebook will do just as well. In fact, why not head over to the <a href="http://tidd.ly/75d141a" target="_blank">Filofax website</a> after reading the rest of this article to see some of the awesome notebook options they have?<br />
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<li><b>SHOPPING LISTS</b> - Limited shopping trips are of course so important right now as we all want to help slow down the spread of the virus and ensure that we are not putting our loved ones at home at any unnecessary risk. This means extra planning is needed to make sure that we can achieve the fine balance of buying enough shopping so that we can last for a reasonable amount of time without having to go to the supermarket again, but we must do it without any selfish stockpiling, and that takes some serious planning ahead.</li>
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<li><b>MEAL PLANS</b> - Taking the time to plan meals helps you to keep on top of your "pantry" so that you can update your shopping list ready for the next time you need to make yourself vulnerable and head to the supermarket. It is also useful in helping us to keep on top of our health as many of us are not moving about and getting the daily exercise that we would normally get in everyday life. It is surprising how many calories we would normally burn using the London Underground system (if you live in the city) or just walking around in our jobs, and window shopping at weekends.</li>
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<li><b>SCHEDULED EXERCISE</b> - Speaking of health, planning exercise into your daily schedule will do wonders, not only for your physical health but also for your mental wellbeing. Staying indoors for long periods of time makes us feel sluggish and tired, whereas regular exercise offers fresh air and an energy boost, helping you to stay positive during the lockdown. We are being advised to allow ourselves one outing per day for exercise, so when will you schedule yours into your day? A morning cycle perhaps? Walking the dog after lunch? An evening jog or stroll with the kids or your partner before dinner? Don' forget that indoor exercise can be added on top of that, which opens up opportunities for yoga in the living room or skipping in the garden. I have a hula hoop, and it is an awesome calorie-burner, not to mention being a LOT of fun. Why not order a few <a href="https://amzn.to/3cLwbNA" target="_blank">funky hula hoops for the kids</a> to help them burn some energy?</li>
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<li><b>SCHOOL OR WORK TIMETABLE</b> - Parents will have plenty of daily tasks to fill up a planner because kids rarely organise themselves. Those of you who are working from home will also have to work out a schedule with adequate breaks that work well around your family. If you and your partner are working from home, you might decide to divide the day into time slots that allow you both to have private use of a room in the house for video conferences or phone calls. Children will also need morning and lunch breaks if you have decided to adopt a more formal homeschooling setup.</li>
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<li><b>FUN STUFF & QUALITY TIME</b> - Quality time with yourself or your family is often something we forget to add to our planners. These are things that are all the more important now that we are all living, working, and playing under the same roof. Scheduling time into your day to get together with the other members of your household, perhaps to watch a film or play a board game, can really help to ease tension and provide everyone with a break and some bonding time. It is just as important to add in moments of me-time, whether it is setting aside an hour in the evening to have a soak in the bath, or an hour in the mid-morning to be alone and read a good book.</li>
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<li><b>MORNING & EVENING ROUTINES</b> - When we are living our lives in this day-to-day manner setting out a simple morning and evening routine can really help to add some structure and keep those lockdown blues at bay by stopping the days from melting into one another. If you have children, maybe you would like to take the time to get together as a family and read a bedtime story at night. Getting up an hour before everyone else in the house wakes can be the perfect opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee and reflect with a journal or your Filofax Planner to mentally prepare yourself for the day ahead and stay positive. Have you read my previous post yet? I have compiled some <a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2020/04/journaling-tips-for-filofax-ring-planner-users.html" target="_blank">Journaling Tips for Filofax & Ring Planner Users.</a></li>
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<li><b>WEEKEND PROJECTS</b> - A great way of separating your week from your weekends when you have to stay at home is to plan weekend projects. They can be creative projects or hobbies, DIY projects, food prep or baking, gardening, or working on that novel you have always wanted to write. You can plan weekend projects to enjoy with the rest of the people in your household, or alternatively use them as a way to dedicate some time for yourself.</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You Can Stay Positive During The Lockdown!</span></h3>
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When we find ourselves in a situation that is challenging the only way to get through it is to find a way to make it work for us. The Covid 19 Lockdown may be the end of life as we knew it, but it is not the end of life.<br />
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We mustn't forget that social distancing, self-isolation, and lockdown restrictions are incredibly positive. They are tools that enable us as individuals to make a difference in the world.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Let's learn to embrace the changes and <b>love the lockdown</b> because in participating willingly and proactively, <b>we are making the choice to help save lives.</b></i></span></div>
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I hope that I have offered some useful ideas and that you are feeling a bit more inspired to use your <a href="http://tidd.ly/a0f3deaa" target="_blank">Filofax organisers</a> and other planner systems to visualise the different opportunities that each day brings you during this experience. Don't let the lockdown blues get the better of you just because you have to stay at home. There are some great ideas here on how to use your Filofax to look after your mental health during the lockdown.<br />
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Let me know if you would like more work from home tips to help you stay productive in isolation, and in the meantime, you can check out my previous post <a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2020/04/minimalist-planner-tips.html" target="_blank">"Minimalist Planner Tips"</a>.</div>
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Please leave your comments or ideas below, because I love to read them, and I always respond to each and every one.</div>
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Have a great week... or should I say... have a great day?</div>
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<img a="" alt="" bord="" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Filofax-Refillable-A5-Pastels-Notebook/dp/B06WVDM2R8/ref=as_li_ss_il?dchild=1&keywords=filofax+A5+Pastels+refillable+notebook&qid=1587415721&sr=8-3&linkCode=li3&tag=zara025-21&linkId=dbf27e5090ced2afec73828aa4cc5c59&language=en_GB" target="_blank" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=zara025-21&language=en_GB&l=li3&o=2&a=B06WVDM2R8" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815347271546875249.post-62254677471962039072020-04-22T13:52:00.000+00:002020-04-22T13:54:14.470+00:00Filofax Planner A5 Ebony Classic Croc Product Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PI1l8V-8z_U/XqASu43y3LI/AAAAAAAAIrs/fqQY9XLuT2Q4shClH8OkjWX3OCrdJOV3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200422_100337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PI1l8V-8z_U/XqASu43y3LI/AAAAAAAAIrs/fqQY9XLuT2Q4shClH8OkjWX3OCrdJOV3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200422_100337.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>I now have the ultimate pleasure of owning this stunner. It is the <a href="http://tidd.ly/e9921cda" target="_blank">A5 Ebony Classic Croc Filofax</a>, and I am officially besotted. Let me tell you more...</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
There is no better feeling than making your dreams come true, and this has been a dream of mine for a little while now. So you can imagine how eager I am to share the love. This is Filofancy's personal product review for the <a href="http://tidd.ly/e9921cda" target="_blank">A5 Ebony Classic Croc Filofax</a>. I'm going to tell you, in great detail as usual, what I love about it, and what I love a little less about it.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Filofax Packaging & Presentation</b></span><br />
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I did purchase this beauty unused on eBay for a lovely bargain price, it has to be said. I can't imagine why whoever had it didn't want it, because I think it is simply beautiful. Mine came in all of the original packagings so I am able to fully comment on what I think about the presentation.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7678BXg38eo/XqAa2ItPsOI/AAAAAAAAIr4/7Sz421cUy5sUF9zkq2rGA77-wI_OuI5uQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200422_105334%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7678BXg38eo/XqAa2ItPsOI/AAAAAAAAIr4/7Sz421cUy5sUF9zkq2rGA77-wI_OuI5uQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200422_105334%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The first A5 Filofax I purchased for myself about 10 years ago was an Aqua Chameleon and it came in a lovely hard board sleeve. You can see my quaint unboxing HERE, I was so young and silly :) So when I received this recent planner I was very excited to find that it came in rather smart dark blue presentation box, with a cute icons pattern printed all over it, and discrete Filofax branding in gold in the centre of the lid. I'm very pleased to have a box, they are super useful. I'll probably keep it to store any inserts and paper refills that I am not using but want to swap in and out of the planner every now and then.<br />
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When I opened the box the planner was wrapped in a thin sheet of padding, which was quite exciting, giving it an expensive gifty kind of vibe. And then the planner itself had the standard clear cover wrapped around the cover to protect the leather.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>First Impressions Of The A5 Classic Croc Filofax</b></span><br />
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Once I had removed all of the packagings I took a moment to appreciate the familiar leather aroma. I love that smell. It reminds me of my father who used to run a leather factory. I didn't grow up with my father, and he wasn't around very much, but the smell of leather will always take me right back to those days. Like the smell of pipe tobacco, and that wonderful smell you get of the interior of new cars.<br />
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But back to the Filofax...<br />
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The leather cover was soft and textured as I held it in my hands for the first time. That matt croc texture just makes you want to caress it a little before you move on to open it up. I noted that it seemed a little bigger than my A5 Chameleon in my hands, and a little more flexible, but not so much that it is floppy. Overall, as I held it, it felt substantial, like it was an object of significance, an understated statement piece, classy, and not too bling for me.<br />
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I think the fact that the leather is matt and not shiny gives it that understated vibe, and it is the croc pattern that then brings it back into "statement piece" territory. So far so good.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Inside Layout Of The A5 Classic Croc Filofax Planner</b></span><br />
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I opened the planner up and placed it on the table. It doesn't lay flush flat against the surface due to a slight bulge of the spine, but it lays open fine and I don't have a problem with it at all. I think this is because the A5 size has enough weight on the wide cover flaps to hold them down by themselves. I don't know if it would act the same with the personal or pocket-sized planners, as I don't have them to compare.<br />
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The inside view of the planner is beautiful. It just looks like pure luxury. The croc design continues across the whole of the inside and outside of the planner, but inside each of the pockets, there is the black lining, which I like. You can't see the black lining unless you pull the pockets apart and peek inside.<br />
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I was drawn first to the zipped pocket on the left-hand side. The embossed gold branding says: "Filofax, Classic Croc, A5 Organiser, Italian Leather" and makes the inside cover look expensive. The zip is plain black and unobtrusive, with the zip hidden neatly behind a croc leather tab at the bottom that is part of the pocket material. When the pocket unzips it becomes apparent that it has a gusset at the base, unlike the zipped pocket on my A5 Chameleon. This allows the pocket to open much wider. I like this a lot because it expands the potential of this feature. I find myself wondering how I am going to use it when I set the planner up.<br />
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Next to the zip there is a pen loop, and I note that there is also another pen loop in the same position on the other side of the planner. I like that the pen loops are higher up on the planner instead of central. They are both fully elasticated, and the extra piece of croc leather sewn separately to the elastic on the outside in order to hide it is a nice touch, adding to the luxury of the product as a whole. It is always the small details that make such a difference.<br />
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Underneath the zipped pocket, there is a full-length pocket with the opening on the inside. I like the fact that the pocket feels nice and roomy due to the flexible leather. On the other side of the planner, there are two more full-length pockets with openings on the inside. The bottom is wider, with the one on top more narrow giving the impression of steps. The narrow top pocket also has vertical card slots positioned down the full length of the pocket. There are nine card slots in total, and again, due to the flexible leather, they are fairly easy to get into, although not the easiest design I have come across. I do find myself thinking it would have been nice if the bottom slot was deeper like in my A5 Chameleon, just for some variety. I don't have nine cards, so I will be thinking about alternative ways to use these.<br />
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The extra back pocket runs along the full length of the planner cover, and it is slightly curved at the top, which I think is an attractive design feature, softening the lines. There is a lot of space in this back pocket and I am looking forward to thinking of ways to put it to good use. It is the perfect size to store A4 sheets on their side without having to fold a sharp crease down the middle.<br />
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The rings are silver, and I am surprised to find that they are so much bigger than the rings in my A5 Chameleon. I think my A5 Chameleon rings must be 2.5cm from the insides, and the A5 Classic Croc is 3cm. This makes the overall size and feels of the Classic Croc bigger than my Chameleon. It is fatter due to the rings and the back pocket. The width of the cover is ever so slightly wider too. I am very happy with the overall size. The planner also has a wide snap fastening, meaning that this is a Filofax that can truly be stuffed.<br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Favourite Features Of The A5 Classic Croc Filofax</b><br />
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If I had to choose one feature that I think sets this planner apart from the others that I have owned, it would be a very difficult decision because there are quite a few. But the top thing that stands out for me, perhaps, would be the leather.<br />
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I am a big "leather lover", which was one of the reasons I disappeared off the Filofax scene for a while. I fell in love with the raw leather of the Midori Traveler's Notebooks. I did use The Filofax Original previously (a personal-sized brown one) but the leather experience of that one just didn't really do it for me. Not like my TN did.<br />
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I am very pleased to say that the leather of this Classic Croc is quite unusual. I think its the flexible nature and the texture of the croc print design that makes it extra tactile, and that is one of the things I love about certain leather products. The other thing is the smell. So good. So familiar.<br />
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Another feature that excites me about this planner is the zipped pocket because it fits my brand new <a href="https://amzn.to/2VsFV9t" target="_blank">Kindle Paperwhite</a> in it perfectly. In fact it is almost as if it was made with the Kindle in mind! I am absolutely thrilled about that. The kindle also adds a little bit more structure to the front cover, although I like it both ways.<br />
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I also think the large rings look great, as well as being extra functional. The size of the rings makes them look like more of a feature in comparison to the smaller rings on my A5 Chameleon. This Ebony version is also hands down my favourite of the colour options, although I haven't seen the others in person, only online. My impression is that the matt black is discrete, classy and expensive-looking, which is exactly what I was hoping for.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What Would I Change About The A5 Classic Croc Filofax?</b></span><br />
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If given the full power of the Filofax Gods to change anything I liked about the A5 Classic croc Filofax design, there are just a few things that I might like to point out.<br />
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The first concern is regarding the pen loops. I do love the fact that the pen loops are elasticated, and the extra detail of the leather piece that conceals the elastic really is lovely. However, I am always ever so slightly nervous about elastic pen loops due to the worry that over time, and depending on what pens I put in them, that the elastic may wear or expand.<br />
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I do realise that the elastic used by Filofax is very thick and seems durable, but this is just a small concern that might put me off using them altogether, for fear of ruining them. I am sure I am just over-thinking it though, and probably being a little precious because the planner is so new and fancy, and I don't want it to ever get old. I wonder if anyone else has had the experience of the Filofax fully-elasticated pen loops? If you have, please share your experiences in the comments below, as I would love to read them.<br />
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I also wonder if the pen loop on the left-hand side will get in the way of the zipped pocket once it has a pen in it? I probably won't end up using that one. I do have a rather nice black leather pencil case, so I may not even end up using the other pen loop. We shall just have to wait and see.<br />
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Secondly, I do wonder if Filofax has gone a bit overboard on the number of card slots inside the back cover? I can understand having more in a smaller planner that might be used as a wallet. I never use the card slots for cards, especially in the A5 size, but they do come in handy for sticky notes and things like that. For this reason, if I were to adapt the design slightly I might think about adding a bit of variety to the depth of these little pockets to make them slightly more versatile.<br />
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Another thing that I am finding to be a bit annoying is trying to open the rings with the top and bottom metal tabs. I don't know if this is down to the flexibility of the leather, the size of the rings, or a fault that is specific to my planner. Or maybe I am just really weak, or I don't have the correct technique. Opening the rings has not been an easy task for me though. It is even more awkward when there is paper on both sides. I didn't have this problem with my A5 Chameleon, the rings opened very firmly and I didn't have to faff. Maybe I just need more practice with the slightly bigger rings. I hope it's not a fault. Maybe that was why the eBay seller wanted to part with it? Thankfully there is no sign of gaps in the rings, which is always a blessing.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>In Summary</b></span><br />
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My overall opinion of the A5 Ebony Classic Croc Filofax Planner is that it has proudly met my expectations and earned a permanent position in my collection. I just love it, and I am thoroughly looking forward to writing another post to show you how I am putting it to work. If you are thinking of buying one yourself, I think you should go for it. It is a real treat. In fact, I am even considering purchasing a smaller one as well. Perhaps the pocket size. It would be so adorable as a wallet!<br />
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Filofax has not sponsored this review post, and I purchased the planner out of my own pocket. However, I have an affiliate link below that will take you to the Filofax website, and any purchases you make while over there will earn me a humble bit of revenue (which doesn't affect you at all). That would make me rather happy :) The other way to make me smile is to leave a comment below because I love to read and respond to them, they really do make my day.<br />
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<b><a href="http://tidd.ly/e9921cda" target="_blank">Click HERE and I will take you to the Filofax website!</a></b><br />
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I hope you have enjoyed reading about my new love, and I look forward to showing her to you again soon.<br />
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<a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2020/04/minimalist-planner-tips.html" target="_blank">Click HERE to read my Minimalist Planner Tips</a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815347271546875249.post-72902569069707611182020-04-21T16:31:00.000+00:002020-04-21T16:31:13.943+00:00Minimalist Planner Tips <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>You know you really mean business when you splurge on a fancy new Filofax planner...</i></b></span><br />
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Yep, I went ahead and did it. After much deliberation and guilt-induced delay, I decided to be totally crazy and purchase myself the <a href="http://tidd.ly/61405501" target="_blank">DREAM Filofax planner</a>. We all have a dream planner that haunts us until we give in to our self-indulgent desires. I could bear it no longer. So I just did it.<br />
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The <a href="http://tidd.ly/a0f3deaa" target="_blank">Filofax</a> I have chosen is an <a href="http://tidd.ly/61405501" target="_blank">A5 Ebony Classic Croc Filofax</a>, and it was a bit of a bargain on Ebay, so I don't feel toooooo bad. I wanted a large black planner for my business. I chose this one because it is both smart and stylish, which translates to minimalist and sexy, as opposed to business-like and boring. Its the kind of planner that makes me take myself seriously, but it also makes me feel kind of cool.<br />
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I won't go into too much detail about the planner itself, because I want to talk about my new minimalist approach to planning in this article. But if you would like me to write a product review on the <a href="http://tidd.ly/61405501" target="_blank">A5 Ebony Classic Croc Filofax</a>, with my initial observations and thoughts, let me know in the comments below!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What Is Minimalism To Me?</b></span><br />
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First off I just want to get one thing straight. I am not <i>really</i> a minimalist. At least not one of the hardcore extreme kinds of minimalists who have Youtube channels dedicated to their cult.<br />
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When we talk about being a minimalist, people often associate it with getting rid of everything you own and only living with the bare minimum of personal belongings.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66JBsYn3pq8/Xp7x126z_EI/AAAAAAAAIqE/m5vuWI4Mg48cAys-WVCE-KLLpofsdyMKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/desk-1081708_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66JBsYn3pq8/Xp7x126z_EI/AAAAAAAAIqE/m5vuWI4Mg48cAys-WVCE-KLLpofsdyMKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/desk-1081708_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #191b26; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; margin: 0px; white-space: nowrap;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1081708" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px !important;">Free-Photos</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1081708" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px !important;">Pixabay</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; white-space: nowrap;"> </span></span></td></tr>
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Perhaps we imagine a minimalist's wardrobe to be sparse and consisting of just black and white and a range of grey tones. A minimalist's house is probably free of clutter and they like to incorporate habits into their lives, such as meditation, mono-meals, and judging whether or not to donate belongings that don't "bring them joy" when they hold them close and contemplate them.<br />
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<b>The truth is that minimalism to me is really just a state of mind and a set of habits that allow me to keep my mind as clear as possible so that I can focus on the things that are important to me. </b><br />
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There are no set rules, but the general guide is to be mindful and intentional of what you own and how you choose to do things. Essentially the mantra is "Less is more".<br />
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So no, I am not an extreme "minimalist", my wardrobe says it all, but I do like to adopt minimalist values and methods in certain areas of my life, like work, because it helps to clear clutter and calm my mind. It makes me feel better, and it helps me to more clearly visualise my goals, and be more productive in order to achieve the things that make me happy.<br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Why Be A Minimalist Planner?</b><br />
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When it comes to planning our lives or our businesses all we are trying to do is focus on our goals and achieve them. It is easy to get distracted though, and one of the reasons that so many people find planning and planners to be overwhelming is that these awesome binders have the potential to create organisation systems that are far too complicated than they need to be. In fact, sometimes they can make us feel seriously<i> disorganised</i>! Know what I mean?<br />
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I am the kind of person who easily becomes overwhelmed with ideas, projects, tasks and life in general. This is because I am very creative and I have high expectations of myself, which is probably the case for so many other women. Often my creativity is on overdrive and my expectations are unrealistic. This is where a minimalist approach to planning really helps me.<br />
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Being a writer and an artist makes it difficult for me to escape clutter because I love to express myself. Unfortunately, my self-expression and creativity can get in the way of my productivity. I get carried away, ending far off the road I was meant to take with an idea, task or project. A minimalist approach to planning, however, is a bit like having someone to reign me back in and get me back on task.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5W6oV_IrRHE/Xp7z7IsXTcI/AAAAAAAAIqQ/mUoZ4Or8hfQ9Ii-Vam053eADKmu3EYfBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/wooden-2562594_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1030" data-original-width="1600" height="412" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5W6oV_IrRHE/Xp7z7IsXTcI/AAAAAAAAIqQ/mUoZ4Or8hfQ9Ii-Vam053eADKmu3EYfBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/wooden-2562594_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #191b26; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; margin: 0px; white-space: nowrap;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/StockSnap-894430/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=2562594" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px !important;">StockSnap</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=2562594" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px !important;">Pixabay</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; white-space: nowrap;"> </span></span></td></tr>
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Are you a bit like me? Do you get carried away with all the possibilities, and the beauty, and the potential, until you find yourself wading in the middle of it all drowning? If you also feel like you could probably benefit from having your own personal assistant from time to time, keep reading for some minimalist planner tips from me. You can be your own awesome personal assistant.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Have A Planner Just For Work</b></span><br />
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This is a bit of a debate. To have just the one planner for everything, or to have a separate planner for everything - <i>that</i> is the question. You might think that a minimalist would choose to have just one planner for everything, wanting to own as few things as possible, and keep life as less complicated as possible. But I actually think the answer is to have a separate planner for work, school, or a bigger project.<br />
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The minimalist approach is linked very closely to mindfulness. Mindfulness is all about focusing your energy on one task at a time and tackling it with intention, even if all you are doing is making and eating your lunch. Enjoying the whole process of making and eating lunch should be an experience in itself so that you can fully appreciate it with all of your attention and senses.<br />
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The same can go for your work or projects. If you run your own business or have an ongoing home project that requires a lot of thought, planning, and execution, you will be more productive if you are able to separate it from other areas of your life.<br />
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Having a planner just for work or just for a project can help you to shut out all external noise and focus on your goals. For some people having a section in their main planner dedicated to that work or project is enough. But if you really want to focus on the growth of your business or the progress of a project, then having a separate planner can double as separate headspace.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H1mMt_0vJ6k/Xp71-3kxghI/AAAAAAAAIqc/v8v0b7hQEt4HRZMuUKF7bXftJWdvWcGKACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/planner-3820633_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H1mMt_0vJ6k/Xp71-3kxghI/AAAAAAAAIqc/v8v0b7hQEt4HRZMuUKF7bXftJWdvWcGKACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/planner-3820633_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #191b26; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; margin: 0px; white-space: nowrap;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/PlushDesignStudio-7369896/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3820633" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px !important;">Jess Watters</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3820633" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px !important;">Pixabay</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; white-space: nowrap;"> </span></span></td></tr>
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The Filofax planner that I have bought is going to be solely for my personal creative business ventures. These are the ventures that I want to focus on developing so that one day they might take over and allow me to give up the freelance work I do for other people.<br />
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I want to keep my businesses separate from my main freelance writing work. Freelance writing is what brings in most of my income, but freelance writing isn't my main passion. I love to write, but what I really want to do is write my own content on the things that I feel passionate about.<br />
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I also want to keep my businesses separate from everyday life stuff, because being creative at heart means that I always have new interests and hobbies. It can get pretty confusing when the line between what is "business" and what is "pleasure" gets blurred. I often end up trying to make businesses out of my hobbies, and that's crazy, seeing as I am essentially a one-woman-band.<br />
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I chose an A5 planner because I knew that I wanted to have plenty of space for brainstorming ideas, designing content and products, and organising projects. I wanted a ring binder in which I would be able to keep everything together in one place at home.<br />
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If you have a business or project that you want to start taking more seriously and dedicating more time to, I highly recommend using a separate planner. It really does help to keep things separate in your head so that you don't become overwhelmed. Planner overwhelm is still something that you might encounter though, and we will discuss this in the next section.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Start Afresh To Avoid Planner Overwhelm</b></span><br />
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When I got my first A5 size Filofax (that was the A5 Aqua Chameleon that sparked the birth of the Filofancy Blog - Read more about that HERE), I was subdued and frustrated to find that I couldn't seem to "gel" with my planner. I didn't feel at home with it at all, and in the end, I was never able to use it effectively, no matter how many times I came back to it over the years.<br />
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I now know that becoming comfortable in a planner of any size is a process. You have to get to know yourself and the way you like to plan. Just because you have bought yourself a pretty Filofax, or another planner system, it doesn't mean that all of your organisational problems are solved. It's actually quite the opposite, and you are only at the beginning of your planner journey.<br />
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Now that I know this, I am taking a different approach with my new A5 Filofax in order to avoid planner overwhelm. Anyone who is not used to using ring binders to plan their work or everyday lives can become subject to planner overwhelm, and it is simply because you are not familiar enough with your setup to use it to your advantage.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #191b26; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; margin: 0px; white-space: nowrap;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/geralt-9301/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=4111579" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px !important;">Gerd Altmann</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=4111579" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px !important;">Pixabay</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; white-space: nowrap;"> </span></span></td></tr>
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The first step you need to take in order to combat your planner overwhelm is to gut your planner. Most Filofaxes when bought new come with a range of inserts. If you have already been attempting to use a Filofax then you will have accumulated a few more inserts. No matter how long you have been using your planner, if you feel like you are not using it effectively, take everything out.<br />
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We are starting afresh.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Create A Dashboard</b></span><br />
<b><br /></b>The first thing you see when you open your planner is very important. This first insert is going to set the tone for your whole planner, so you want to consider carefully what to place here.<br />
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We all use our planners for different things, and one of the best things about them is how they allow us to express our individuality. Even if you are aiming to go for a more minimalist approach to your planning, you can still express your personality in your planner. Remember, minimalism isn't about stripping you of character, it is about clearing unnecessary clutter so that you can see more clearly and function more easily. You get to decide what that clutter is though.<br />
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So if you feel that a picture of your beautiful family or dog is what is going to inspire you most when you open up your planner, go ahead and create a dashboard that allows you to attach a photo onto it.<br />
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As you can see from the main picture at the top of this post, I have chosen a very simple and plain dashboard. It is a white sheet of paper inside a clear envelope insert, with the word "INBOX" printed vertically on the right-hand-side. On top of it, I have used a rose gold mini binder clip to attach a plain white sheet of personal-sized Filofax paper, and it is here that I will write a list of things that I need to do or remember.<br />
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For me, my dashboard is a space where I can clip notes before I decide what I need to do with them. For example, I might write a few tasks and clip them there until I have more time to think about where I need to schedule those tasks into my week or month in the relevant diary section of my planner.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #191b26; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; margin: 0px; white-space: nowrap;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/bluebudgie-4333174/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3136776" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px !important;">bluebudgie</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3136776" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px !important;">Pixabay</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; white-space: nowrap;"> </span></span></td></tr>
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A dashboard is like a pinboard where you can temporarily pin things and take action later on. There are other ways you can use a dashboard though. Some people prefer to have a dashboard that functions only as an attractive cover page. Others like to have a pockets insert where they can slip sticky notes or journal cards for prompts and inspiration. Maybe you would like to use yours as a vision board for your project that will shift you into the right mindset when you open your planner do get to work.<br />
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Essentially your dashboard is your starting point. So take some time to think about what will work best for you. Getting your first page right will help you to feel more connected to your planner.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Design Your Planner System As You Go</b></span><br />
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The next thing I did with my Filofax was to fill it with plain white paper and a "Today" Filofax ruler/page marker. Because we are taking a minimalist approach to planning, we are doing things one step at a time. There is no need to get ahead of ourselves. We don't need to fill the planner with dividers and printed inserts yet, because that is quickly going to lead to planner overwhelm, and you will be back where you started. At this stage, we are still getting to know each other, and I don't yet know what inserts are going to be useful for my work.<br />
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If you already know that you are going to need a calendar, a monthly or weekly diary insert, or contact lists, then go ahead and pop those in next. I have filled mine with blank paper because I know that I am going to want to design and make my own inserts as and when I need them. I have already decided that I want to have a way of scheduling in blog posts to be published on my three separate blogs, and so I am now thinking carefully as to what is the best way of achieving this. I am contemplating a calendar on one or two pages, but first I want to make sure that I design one that will serve all of my needs. If I don't get it right, it will annoy me, and ultimately distract me from my goals. This is going to take some research first.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #191b26; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; margin: 0px; white-space: nowrap;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/mistockshop-3892145/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1873485" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px !important;">Miesha Moriniere</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1873485" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px !important;">Pixabay</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; white-space: nowrap;"> </span></span></td></tr>
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When you want to develop a connection with your Filofax and build a planning system that really works well for you, take your time, and get to know your needs before filling your planner up with pretty things. Because if you don't think it through properly, then you risk choosing inserts that won't work well for you, and that can be very frustrating. there is nothing worse than having a planner that isn't functional for <i>you</i>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Find Inspiration From Other Planners But Don't Just Copy</b></span><br />
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I really enjoy reading blogs and watching videos to find out what works for other people. It is so satisfying to find little tips and tricks that will inspire you to create a planner system that you love. But it is very easy to get carried away and try to make your Filofax look and function just like your favourite blogger's or vlogger's planner. You will end up adding lots of very pretty but useless accessories that only function to distract you from your goals.<br />
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The trick, when adding something new to your planner, in order to keep your planner minimal and functional, is to always ask yourself - <i>how will I use this in my planner?</i> There is no point in being seduced by cute sticky notes if you don't really have a functional use for them in your planner. Not everybody uses sticky notes after all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AwUnhzK__go/Xp8OqPnYFCI/AAAAAAAAIq0/BR_m9ClvwNE07lTdimdpoMdfAE8rthpRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/memo-2331062_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AwUnhzK__go/Xp8OqPnYFCI/AAAAAAAAIq0/BR_m9ClvwNE07lTdimdpoMdfAE8rthpRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/memo-2331062_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #191b26; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; margin: 0px; white-space: nowrap;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/Alexandra_Koch-621802/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=2331062" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px !important;">Alexandra_Koch</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=2331062" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px !important;">Pixabay</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; white-space: nowrap;"> </span></span></td></tr>
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Maybe you don't even need to use standard dividers in your planner? A standard set of 6 tabbed dividers can add too much pressure if you are not ready to commit to having 6 sections in your planner that you will legitimately put to good use. If this is the case, you could try only keeping in two or three, and adding the rest as, when, and if you need them.<br />
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It is also important to stay true to yourself. You will never bond with your planner if it doesn't feel like "you". I have done this so many times in the past, and I have ended up with a Filofax that just doesn't feel right. It might be down to the colours, the fonts, the accessories, and sometimes even the planner cover itself. Always try to be honest with yourself about whether or not your planner is really speaking to you, or whether you liked the ideas better when you were admiring them in someone else's planner online.<br />
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It is easy to lose yourself when there is so much creativity out there to inspire you. Minimalist planning is about cutting out the clutter and getting to the bones of what YOU need and want. Create a planner that is going to help you realise and reach your goals, and not one that is just going to look attractive but distract you from your true desires.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My Top 3 Rules Of Planner Minimalism</b></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Start with a blank canvas and only add functional things you love, when you need them</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Declutter so that you can see your goals more clearly</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Don't try to be somebody else. You are the best version of yourself.</i></span></li>
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I hope you have enjoyed reading this post, and taken a few tips away with you. Please feel free to leave your comments below as it always makes me happy to read and reply to them!</div>
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Have you seen my <a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2020/04/journaling-tips-for-filofax-ring-planner-users.html" target="_blank">Journaling Tips for Filofax and Ring Planner Users</a>?</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815347271546875249.post-10436151619929179532020-04-19T22:37:00.000+00:002020-04-19T23:46:52.496+00:00Journaling Tips for Filofax & Ring Planner Users<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oj9I6-SYlYE/Xpx8mVM0wnI/AAAAAAAAIlk/xVpS6QjPLCkT_f3kRcPgQZupxddjh92jwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot_20200419-172341_Instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1049" data-original-width="1055" height="636" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oj9I6-SYlYE/Xpx8mVM0wnI/AAAAAAAAIlk/xVpS6QjPLCkT_f3kRcPgQZupxddjh92jwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot_20200419-172341_Instagram.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Be your own therapist with these great journaling tips for Filofax & ring planner users.</b></i></span></div>
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If you have ever had professional therapy you will know that essentially therapy provides you with a safe space to explore yourself and your experiences. </div>
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In the therapeutic space, you have the opportunity to empty your head of all confusing thoughts and feelings, laying them out for self-reflection so that you can clearly analyse your actions and reactions, or those of others. Then you can understand what has happened and work out a plan to improve things so that you can be a more productive and happy person.</div>
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Well isn't that exactly what the function of a journal or a planner is? <i>Record, reflect & resolve!</i></div>
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Writing in a journal is a great way of connecting with yourself. In my opinion, it is the next best thing to having your own therapist. And I have had a professional therapist (a human one, not a paper one), so I know what I am talking about.</div>
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I have put together a few tips to help you develop a journaling habit that is both functional, therapeutic and fun. Keeping a journal doesn't have to be a struggle or a chore.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Carry Your Journal With You</b></span></div>
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The wonderful thing about your paper therapist (or journal), is that you can have access to it whenever you need to, without having to wait until your next therapy session. (I distinctly remember a week feeling like a very long time to wait.)</div>
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Why not keep a section in your <a href="http://tidd.ly/2f142947" target="_blank">Filofax</a> or other ring planner system dedicated to jotting down thoughts, and then at the end of the day or week you can transfer them to a home binder? This will encourage you to read over what you have written for self-reflection too, which is an important part of productive journaling.</div>
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I have a separate notebook dedicated as my "journal" that I keep alongside another notebook that I have set up as my everyday diary with yearly, monthly and weekly spreads. Both of these notebooks live together in my <a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2013/04/my-new-midori-travelers-notebook-arrives.html" target="_blank">Midori Traveler's Notebook</a>, which is a good size to carry around with me if I need to. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #191b26; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; margin: 0px; white-space: nowrap;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/kaboompics-1013994/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=792162" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px !important;">Karolina Grabowska</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=792162" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px !important;">Pixabay</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; white-space: nowrap;"> </span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Keep Journal Entries Short</b></span></div>
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It can be difficult to think of what to write in a journal, especially when you are new to it, and this can put you off writing regularly. It is important to be consistent when forming new habits though. </div>
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Writing a short journal entry every single day is much more productive than writing a long and rambling one every now and then, at least while you are establishing your new journaling habit.</div>
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Why not decide on a time and place to sit down and write in your journal every single day? The morning is a good time if you would prefer to contemplate the day ahead. The evening, on the other hand, is a good time if you want to reflect on the day you have had. You don't need to ramble on for ages, just set aside ten minutes, or aim to write a couple of paragraphs.</div>
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Writing journal entries in a section of your Filofax or other personal organiser is a great incentive to keep entries short and to the point, as there is often not a lot of writing space in personal or pocket-sized planners.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Don't Write Every Day</b></span></div>
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I know that I have said it is important to develop a habit of writing in your journal, and that writing every single day can be a way to establish this habit. The problem is that if you don't have enough to write about every single day you can end up using your journal as a "recording" device rather than a "reflective" tool, and this can make journaling feel pointless, repetitive, and unfulfilling.</div>
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Don't forget that the point of journaling isn't really to record all of the activities of your day, it is to reflect upon how you feel and evaluate how productive you are being. It is also a way for you to solve problems and grow as a person. </div>
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Not all of us have something we need to mentally or emotionally work through on a daily basis. If this is you, then maybe you should think about a journaling schedule that suits you better. For example, journaling at the weekend might be more useful. Or just journaling when you feel you need to.</div>
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Journaling is a very personal activity, so you should do what you have to in order to make it work for you.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Journal In A Cheap Notebook</b></span></div>
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Normally I would suggest choosing a beautiful leather-bound journal and an expensive pen to write down your thoughts, but when you are new to journaling this can actually make the whole process so much more intimidating. It may even put you off writing altogether because you don't want to make a mistake and ruin your beautiful setup or waste expensive ink and paper.</div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/de7800c0" target="_blank">Cheap notebooks</a> or loose sheets of paper in a Filofax or other ring binder can take away that sense of pressure and expectation, giving you more freedom to focus on your thoughts than your handwriting. I quite like Field Notes and <a href="http://tidd.ly/a1420ae7" target="_blank">Moleskine notebooks</a> because they can easily fit inside a personal Filofax or TN cover.</div>
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Once you get into journaling and become more confident there is nothing to say that you can't upgrade to something more special and dedicated if you really want to. Alternatively, if you take to journaling like a fish to water, then why not invest in the tools that are going to make you want to write all the more?</div>
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One of the reasons I use <a href="http://tidd.ly/3201848f" target="_blank">Traveler's Notebook Refills</a> for journaling is that all of my journals are the same size, which makes for easy storage. They are also very simple in design, which I find less distracting.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Use Journal Prompts</b></span></div>
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There are so many inspirational books and blogs that provide useful journaling prompts to help with writer's block. If you don't have a life that is brimming with events, drama and relationship issues, then journal prompts may be just what you are looking for to expand your thoughts and find new things to ponder about your self and your life.</div>
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I love journal prompts that encourage me to think about the way that I choose to live and how much time I dedicate to my physical health and mental wellbeing. I think that in a busy and modern world it is all too easy to get lost on a conveyor belt and forget to be mindful.</div>
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Why not create your own list of journaling prompts as a reference to keep in your Filofax or planner? You could even create a set of questions that you can ask yourself in order to help structure your journal entries.</div>
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<i><b>For example:</b></i></div>
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<li>What happened to you today?</li>
<li>Why did it happen?</li>
<li>How did it make you feel?</li>
<li>What will you do next?</li>
<li>What have you learned from this experience?</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Journaling Vs. Mind Dump</b></span></div>
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If you are becoming disillusioned with your journaling habit, due to your entries feeling repetitive and sounding more like a regurgitation of your day or the day to come, then you are probably confusing journaling with a mind dump.</div>
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A mind dump is basically a way of getting all of the rubbish out of your head. Many people use a "mind dump journal" to clear their head of mundane thoughts, worries or tasks so that they can get on with putting those tasks into action.</div>
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I use my journal in this way quite a lot, and I wish that I didn't resort it to because it does make journaling feel repetitive and without purpose. I like to keep all of my journals, but so many of them are just full of daily activity records that are largely the same from day-to-day. There is not much in the way of profound thoughts or revelations, and I often dread the thought of anyone finding and reading my journals and realising that I am just a very dull and predictable person indeed.</div>
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There is nothing wrong with having a mind dump though. In fact, they are very useful tools, and I do recommend practicing a daily mind dump exercise, as it is a great way to start the day with a clear head and focused mind. A little more investment should be put into your actual journaling habit though, so it is important to distinguish the difference between the two.</div>
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A daily mind dump can easily be something that you dispose of at the end of a week. I can't really see why you would need to keep hold of mind dump notes. your journal, on the other hand, is very useful and interesting to look back on, as it can show you what you have learned and how far you have come.</div>
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The to-do lists section in your Filofax or planner is the perfect place to execute morning mind dumps, and perhaps make them more functional. In fact, bullet journaling is essentially an ongoing to-do list in which you tick off, put on hold, cancel out, or pass over tasks from one day to the next. If you have never heard of bullet journaling I highly recommend you to Google it!</div>
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Alternatively, a cheap jotter pad at the back of a planner can act as the perfect place to dump thoughts that don't really need much reflection.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />What Journaling Tips Would You Like To Share?</b></span></div>
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If you have any thoughts about my journaling tips, or if you have any of your own that you'd like to share, please do leave them in a comment. I love to read your comments and I always do my best to reply to them all.</div>
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Alternatively, if you have a blog post that you would like to share, leave your link and I will pop over and have a look!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815347271546875249.post-24476557460280648402016-07-10T19:23:00.000+00:002020-04-19T16:22:26.184+00:00Filofax, Planners & Traveler's Notebook Lovers - Welcome Back!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d-K8ittCLGI/V4KYOPQ-0NI/AAAAAAAAHzU/0H4lC6z-KsIc8QWxyPVKH8n8aMYOAZADQCLcB/s1600/IMAG0918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Heidi Ott Doll, Happy, on an Aqua Chameleon A5 Filofax. Filofancy Blog by Zara M." border="0" height="418" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d-K8ittCLGI/V4KYOPQ-0NI/AAAAAAAAHzU/0H4lC6z-KsIc8QWxyPVKH8n8aMYOAZADQCLcB/s640/IMAG0918.jpg" title="" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Why I left the online "Planner Addict" Community... and why I came back!</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">The good old days...</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There was a time when my obsession with Filofaxes and Traveler's Notebooks was fuelled by Youtube unboxing videos, Pinterest image bingeing. and of course the <i>deliciously</i> bad influence of all my fellow Facebook group nutters posting pics of the planners and notebooks that I desperately wanted, talking about their insane relationships with 'organisational systems'... it was bliss. I had found a cult of people <i>just like me</i>, and I was happy :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A downward spiral...</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But then something changed. The groups became less interesting to me the bigger they grew. They felt less personal somehow, and people began to post things I didn't really want to see.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the Filofax groups there was a lot of <i>pink</i> happening, and washi tape. I felt like everyone's planner was beginning to look rather similar.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I also didn't like the new designs that Filofax were bringing out. They just didn't seem very <i>authentic</i> to me, with their pretty patterns, their bold or pastel colours, their fabrics and plastic-looking covers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To be frank, I was sick of seeing them everywhere, and I was sick of seeing people's weekly spreads, all colour coordinated and perfect (is that <i>really</i> how planning is? Is that really what life looks like? My planner very rarely looks like this, and if it does it's because I have gone back and decorated everything, which is something I had never even <i>thought</i> of doing before.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Even darker times...</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was even more disillusioned when the Traveler's Notebooks groups on Facebook seemed to take a similar direction.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When Ray Blake first started to make his <i>Raydori's</i> I was admittedly excited. It was cool to see one of the <i>original crew</i> doing something he enjoyed, making his own versions of a product I love. I think it is a great inspiration to see a person's creative journey, and of course I was thrilled when he made me a Raydori for my 30th birthday! It was blue and it had my name embossed on the front, I still use it. I also liked that Ray has made a name for himself and was hand-manufacturing a great product.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But then other TN-makers started to pop up out of the woodwork, making their own versions in all the colours of the rainbow, and in a variety of different materials. It was fun at first, but I soon realised that I wasn't feeling good about all of this so called <i>development</i>. What was once a cool and original brand, a product with a purpose and a sense of identity, was being transformed into a rainbow coloured glitter fest full of washi tape and cutesy nonsense, that anyone and everyone was selling in their Etsy shops. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I like Classic, Sophisticated Simplicity... and a nice cup of tea!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Rock Bottom...</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Perhaps what upset me the most was that not only did I feel increasingly disconnected with these online communities, I was feeling more and more disconnected with my planners, my journals, and even with myself. I didn't belong in this rat race. I tried to fit in, but in the end I felt lost and incomplete. I couldn't figure out how to connect with my own planners and Notebooks, and the platforms I had always gone to for inspiration or reassurance, weren't really there anymore. So I silently bid everyone goodbye and disappeared.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Reborn...</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It has been a few years now, and I am always quite fascinated to see how my blog has survived, despite my absence. It still gets a healthy number of views each day, even though I haven't added content or linked to posts in simply ages.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had a right giggle when I watched the handful of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Filofancy" target="_blank">Youtube videos</a> I created <i>back in the day.</i> I realised how much I have grown up. I now have to wear specs to work on my laptop, and I have a halo of grey! But more importantly, I feel that I have grown into <i>myself</i>. I have my own sense of identity. I like myself. I am confident and secure in who I am, what I think, and what I want. I am even, more consistent with the way I use my planners & journals these days - In fact I have come to realise something important...</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iTYBjcrNxBw/V4KdH2wX1BI/AAAAAAAAH0E/tlc_MWY_URktiGL-WtWJJYzbwqPgP1B7QCLcB/s1600/2014-10-30%2B14.11.19.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iTYBjcrNxBw/V4KdH2wX1BI/AAAAAAAAH0E/tlc_MWY_URktiGL-WtWJJYzbwqPgP1B7QCLcB/s640/2014-10-30%2B14.11.19.png" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Enlightenment...</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's not about what planner you have, or even the way you use it, these things are not important or worth planner meltdowns or expensive shopping sprees.<b> </b></span><br />
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<b>It is about YOU and <i>your life</i>.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you feel that the material items you own reflect <i>who you are</i>? Do they make you feel good and are they tools which <i>empower</i> you to do great things and make the most of your life? Or are you just working hard and then spending lots of money on things you don't need in order to fill a hole? Think about it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUKmHxNSKw0/V4Kdb37q4iI/AAAAAAAAH0M/h4yRbo5EpQQxq2AD1PwP7RXEwaoNFcztQCLcB/s1600/kki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUKmHxNSKw0/V4Kdb37q4iI/AAAAAAAAH0M/h4yRbo5EpQQxq2AD1PwP7RXEwaoNFcztQCLcB/s640/kki.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">New Beginnings...</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I want to recreate my platform. Filofancy has grown up, and it is time to celebrate and share how I have come to use planners, journals, notebooks etc. to explore and express myself, reflect on my life, and plan for what I want to achieve next.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope that I can use my creativity to inspire you to <i>find </i>yourself, to help you organise your own thoughts and ideas, and live your life to the full.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you have enjoyed reading this post please support my blog by leaving your thoughts in the comments below. I always reply to comments, and thoroughly enjoy reading them. You can also click one of the share buttons below to share this post on your favourite social platforms.</span></b></div>
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</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815347271546875249.post-35747121734008047082015-04-15T16:59:00.000+00:002020-08-22T16:00:59.702+00:00Filofax Set up - The Original (personal, patent fuchsia)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lWzBR7Kb_kM/X0FAJtLLcrI/AAAAAAAAI1U/bv77n_hENuozRu7XnDgu_Q8g5-SVC39kwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Part%2B3_%2BFilofax%2Boriginal%2Bset%2Bup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lWzBR7Kb_kM/X0FAJtLLcrI/AAAAAAAAI1U/bv77n_hENuozRu7XnDgu_Q8g5-SVC39kwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Part%2B3_%2BFilofax%2Boriginal%2Bset%2Bup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://youtu.be/b8cMAl3GcJM" target="_blank">WATCH THE VIDEO HERE!</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Just want to walk you through my current Filofax set-up. I am using the Filofax Original in personal size, patent fuchsia.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://youtu.be/b8cMAl3GcJM" target="_blank">WATCH THE VIDEO HERE</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I really <i>do</i> like this filofax - I love the outside design, the colour, the leather, and how it feels when I am holding it - but there are a number of features I do not approve of, and if you are interested to know what they are you can <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMXpAulU6mI" target="_blank">WATCH MY OTHER VLOG</a>, but I must warn you it is a bit of a rant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I tried to balance the negativity with another, more positive review, where I shared some of my attempted solutions. You can <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPQKClNrJp0" target="_blank">VIEW IT HERE</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So this is just a simple walkthrough, for those of you who may have watched those videos and are more interested in my set-up, and having a nose at what I've actually got in there. I have only just started to use the planner, so you can expect more videos as it develops.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for watching.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Don't forget to Subscribe</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815347271546875249.post-33751447904730821852015-04-15T14:57:00.001+00:002023-04-04T19:11:22.829+00:00Filofax rant part 2 – Review of The Original Filofax in patent fuchsia cont. (video)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uYt20EabBPA/X0E7acoCR1I/AAAAAAAAI1I/T331iggUhZYzL-5X6WUEKleeP93AqWZzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Part%2B2_%2BFilofax%2BRant.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uYt20EabBPA/X0E7acoCR1I/AAAAAAAAI1I/T331iggUhZYzL-5X6WUEKleeP93AqWZzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Part%2B2_%2BFilofax%2BRant.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://youtu.be/fPQKClNrJp0" target="_blank">WATCH THE VIDEO HERE!</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">After getting my rant out about the design of the Filofax Originals in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMXpAulU6mI" target="_blank">my last video</a>, I have come back with a more positive outlook and would like to share some of the solutions I've been thinking about.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://youtu.be/fPQKClNrJp0" target="_blank">WATCH PART 2 HERE</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>I hope you have enjoyed my critical review of this Filofax. I'd love to hear your thoughts on The Originals, so please feel free to share them in the comments below. I love to read and respond to all comments!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">See you in the next post!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GiXImO_7ZNg/XEo5BOFeunI/AAAAAAAAIbA/N5Xf3Kw9DD0oXYZMnkHkIMtV63d5BYvKgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Zara%2BM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1600" height="111" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GiXImO_7ZNg/XEo5BOFeunI/AAAAAAAAIbA/N5Xf3Kw9DD0oXYZMnkHkIMtV63d5BYvKgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Zara%2BM.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Loved it and want more?</h2><div><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2015/04/filofax-set-up-original-personal-patent.html" target="_blank">Up next – A flip-through showing my planner setup in The Original Filofax</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2022/12/things-i-learned-about-planner-peace.html" target="_blank">3 things I've learnt about 'planner peace'</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/p/contents.html" target="_blank">Contents page: Explore all of my blog posts in one place!</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815347271546875249.post-90215763140427615762015-04-10T10:04:00.001+00:002023-04-04T18:37:58.645+00:00Filofax rant part 1 – what I don't like about The Original Filofax (video)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3k5uOajhpqc/X0E3SOclvaI/AAAAAAAAI0w/HcigsIVGNT0cIfYyiTUWXsIoJPqXPXx7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Part%2B1_%2BFilofax%2BRant.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3k5uOajhpqc/X0E3SOclvaI/AAAAAAAAI0w/HcigsIVGNT0cIfYyiTUWXsIoJPqXPXx7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Part%2B1_%2BFilofax%2BRant.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">This planner video is part 1 of my Filofax rant – where I go into all of the things I don't really like about the design of The Original Filofax. In part 2 I offer solutions to my criticisms, so I hope that these videos together will be useful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/uMXpAulU6mI" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">WATCH PART 1 HERE!</a></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for bearing with my ranting tone in this video. These are all criticisms based on my personal usage preferences, and I'm always interested to hear what other people think of the products, so feel free to leave your comments – I love to read them and respond!</div></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>See you in the next post!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nGVRusuncqs/XErxPK0MNFI/AAAAAAAAIbw/q3RqayliH_49TVIXDxXI_Ybe12gC_JUHgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Zara%2BM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1600" height="111" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nGVRusuncqs/XErxPK0MNFI/AAAAAAAAIbw/q3RqayliH_49TVIXDxXI_Ybe12gC_JUHgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Zara%2BM.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815347271546875249.post-3905959392291583662015-04-09T22:06:00.002+00:002023-04-04T06:38:07.569+00:00Introducing my new Filofax setup – The Original in patent fuchsia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-R2k4JrNqGio/VSbVT0BSIYI/AAAAAAAAGw4/C0doLc5EA74/s1600/2015-04-09%25252020.21.48.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.ggpht.com/-R2k4JrNqGio/VSbVT0BSIYI/AAAAAAAAGw4/C0doLc5EA74/s640/2015-04-09%25252020.21.48.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">My new Filofax – The Original (in patent fuchsia)</h2>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've had this Filofax for a while but I only used it for about a month. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The truth is that I've been struggling to appreciate all of my Filofaxes since discovering the Midori Traveler's Notebook. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There is something about Midori's simple design and the raw nature of the leather that I find <i>really</i> appealing. I fell utterly in love with my TN, and now my Filofaxes just haven't seemed to do it for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">However, I do feel that Filofaxes are more practical when it comes to project planning because of the rings. So I've decided to move into one now. Yes, I have an exciting project in the works :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm using this patent fuchsia Original Filofax because it's fun and exciting for my new project. I'm not normally a 'pink' person, but this is a darker shade of pink that find quite appealing, and I think the black/charcoal-coloured leather interior helps to give it a cool edgy feel – not too girly.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It's a personal-sized planner, which I think will be great for getting started with my new project.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;"><br />Filofax personalisation </h2>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Many people like to fill their planners with lots of pretty things. I'm not really one of these people. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I felt a bit overwhelmed when I was browsing Youtube earlier and saw just how amazing some women's Filofaxes have grown to be! I've been disengaged with the Filofax community for about a year since I started focusing entirely on my Traveler's Notebook. </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm going for a more simple (boring) interior design than a decorated one though. It'll help me to focus on what is important so that I can use my planner effectively – to plan!</span></div>
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<a href="https://lh6.ggpht.com/-fLv7tUcXhHM/VSbVVwKo3VI/AAAAAAAAGxI/_XG_vxWn0oE/s640/2015-04-09%25252020.32.47.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.ggpht.com/-fLv7tUcXhHM/VSbVVwKo3VI/AAAAAAAAGxI/_XG_vxWn0oE/s640/2015-04-09%25252020.32.47.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The only decorative things I have in the planner at the moment are a couple of business cards, but they are related to my new project.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I also have a silver 'Z' bookmark at the front, which is decorative but also functional. I'll probably use to clip in notes that need my immediate attention. It's a very old bookmark that I got from Waterstones many years ago - I think they still do them.</span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><br />More about my Current Filofax setup... </h2>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm not bothering with dividers. I'm not really into those. I feel they take up too much space and I always end up ignoring the sections anyway. I tend to feel more disorganised if they're in there without a use than if I didn't have them at all, which is just one of those odd things. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Instead I'm using little silver metal petal bookmarks, also from Waterstones. At the moment they are not marking anything in particular so I have slid them onto the elastic at the front. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm using two Filofax clear rulers as dividers. The first is to mark where I am in my diary, and the second is to mark where all my paper is – I have a selection of blank, lined and squared paper ready for use.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Pr2hP_MreHU/VSbVWpxiQ7I/AAAAAAAAGxQ/zmSV07Z6eE4/s1600/2015-04-09%25252020.34.24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.ggpht.com/-Pr2hP_MreHU/VSbVWpxiQ7I/AAAAAAAAGxQ/zmSV07Z6eE4/s640/2015-04-09%25252020.34.24.jpg" /> </a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The diary section is homemade. I'm just drawing up each month as I go with a week on one page and then a blank page on the opposite side. It's inspired by the Moleskine diary design that I've always enjoyed using.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The way I use the weekly diary is that I plan and record daily tasks in the week on one page, and the blank page on the opposite side is used for notes, reflections and plans for the week ahead. I'll probably clip to do lists on that side during the week too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I used this system before in my A5 and found it a really great way to keep tabs on everything I was doing towards my freelance writing business. Sometimes when you are self-employed you can feel like you aren't getting anywhere. But if you can go back over your diary and see a record of what you've achieved throughout the week and month, it's easier to see and evaluate progress.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've also hole-punched and popped in a little envelope at the back for any receipts and expenses.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-D5gbSHLBiT0/VSbVXhvslDI/AAAAAAAAGxY/AXILMyzSd5w/s1600/2015-04-09%25252020.35.34.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh5.ggpht.com/-D5gbSHLBiT0/VSbVXhvslDI/AAAAAAAAGxY/AXILMyzSd5w/s640/2015-04-09%25252020.35.34.jpg" /> </a> </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That's it really. I'm sure that the system I'm using will develop the more I get into it, and I'll try to keep you updated with videos and blogs. </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Thanks for reading. Please scroll down and leave your comments, as always I love to read and respond!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lGr7qQK8UrM/VSbVYhbNHcI/AAAAAAAAGxg/Q2M7adBTb7g/s1600/2015-04-09%25252020.36.46.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh6.ggpht.com/-lGr7qQK8UrM/VSbVYhbNHcI/AAAAAAAAGxg/Q2M7adBTb7g/s640/2015-04-09%25252020.36.46.jpg" /></span> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">See you in the next post!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgu0K5MZdHobkn9wbS6DQDI1M6Zq1EYMiLPuC9E7vVgTTBijkyj1jQBAVOoUuv6uc5gKof-TPmiZGFkzT2QtVfRwnPiAqErqTTVzKroBzY9NOi4XtSv3Z2RDnehd7r3n_AZw-KJfNFWsAHN-i8IfrnohOeBcjeMh0Ptged1iKD7aHvWhD9JqYQdmIq/s200/Zara%20M.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="112" data-original-width="200" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgu0K5MZdHobkn9wbS6DQDI1M6Zq1EYMiLPuC9E7vVgTTBijkyj1jQBAVOoUuv6uc5gKof-TPmiZGFkzT2QtVfRwnPiAqErqTTVzKroBzY9NOi4XtSv3Z2RDnehd7r3n_AZw-KJfNFWsAHN-i8IfrnohOeBcjeMh0Ptged1iKD7aHvWhD9JqYQdmIq/s1600/Zara%20M.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Loved it and want more?</h2><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2015/04/filofancy-rant-filofax-original-patent.html" target="_blank">Filofax rant part 1 – what I don't like about the design of The Original Filofax (video)</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2015/04/follow-up-video-filofax-original.html" target="_blank">Filofax rant part 2 – coming up with solutions for the things I don't like about The Original (video)</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/p/contents.html" target="_blank">Contents page: Explore all of my blog posts in one place!</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Reconnecting with my Midori Traveler's Notebook...</span><br />
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Unless you use it every single day, <a href="http://filofancy.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/swapping-my-personal-filofax-for-midori.html" target="_blank">keeping a journal </a>can feel like a chore. <div><br /></div><div>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. </div><div><br /></div><div>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". </div><div><br /></div><div>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.<br />
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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.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5cGWG5u8SM8/VFJH9JBVIsI/AAAAAAAAFq4/W4WtMFvE0pk/s1600/2014-10-30%2B14.12.24.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="614" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5cGWG5u8SM8/VFJH9JBVIsI/AAAAAAAAFq4/W4WtMFvE0pk/s1600/2014-10-30%2B14.12.24.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Changes to my TN setup</h2></div><div><br /></div><div>I currently have my personal thoughts journal in the front, with a tea cup and saucer taped to the cover, because <a href="http://filofancy.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/what-do-you-use-your-midori-travelers.html" target="_blank">I love to sit down with a cup of tea and reflect</a> on everything. </div><div><br /></div><div>Behind that insert is my diary which I use as a weekly/monthly schedule, planner and record for freelance work. </div><div><br /></div><div>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 <a href="http://filofancy.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/cool-ideas-for-moleskine-postal.html" target="_blank">Moleskine</a> week on one page and lined on the other. </div><div><br /></div><div>I tab each month at the side with a <a href="http://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?mid=3637&id=138467" target="_blank">craft sticker from Paperchase</a>, 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.</div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9l5JkGUgZtU/VFJH8lozXJI/AAAAAAAAFq0/F9yKdHabJWM/s1600/2014-10-30%2B14.13.09.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="616" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9l5JkGUgZtU/VFJH8lozXJI/AAAAAAAAFq0/F9yKdHabJWM/s1600/2014-10-30%2B14.13.09.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the back of my Midori Traveler's Notebook I have two notebook refills, which are red school text books trimmed down to size. </div><div><br /></div><div>I covered them with lined paper and lots of celotape, because I like the way it looks and feels. </div><div><br /></div><div>One of them is specifically for dog training notes, and the other is a free notebook for when I need to jot something down.</div><div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That's all for now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">See you in the next post!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgu0K5MZdHobkn9wbS6DQDI1M6Zq1EYMiLPuC9E7vVgTTBijkyj1jQBAVOoUuv6uc5gKof-TPmiZGFkzT2QtVfRwnPiAqErqTTVzKroBzY9NOi4XtSv3Z2RDnehd7r3n_AZw-KJfNFWsAHN-i8IfrnohOeBcjeMh0Ptged1iKD7aHvWhD9JqYQdmIq/s200/Zara%20M.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="112" data-original-width="200" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgu0K5MZdHobkn9wbS6DQDI1M6Zq1EYMiLPuC9E7vVgTTBijkyj1jQBAVOoUuv6uc5gKof-TPmiZGFkzT2QtVfRwnPiAqErqTTVzKroBzY9NOi4XtSv3Z2RDnehd7r3n_AZw-KJfNFWsAHN-i8IfrnohOeBcjeMh0Ptged1iKD7aHvWhD9JqYQdmIq/s1600/Zara%20M.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Loved it and want more?</h2><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2014/03/what-do-you-use-your-midori-travelers.html" target="_blank">What do you use your Midori Traveler's Notebook for?</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/2013/05/swapping-my-personal-filofax-for-midori.html" target="_blank">Swapping my Filofax for a TN</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://filofancy.blogspot.com/p/contents.html" target="_blank">Contents page: Explore all of my blog posts in one place!</a></div>
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