Improving the Flex by Filofax : Review


The Flex by Filofax is a great product, I genuinely love it to bits. But wouldn't it be even better if Filofax did a bespoke service and you could literally design the ultimate personalised Filofax to work for you, exactly how you want it to?  It's nice to dream ...

This is an old post and sadly Filofax don't make the Flex anymore. However, I hope that you enjoy the nostalgia of reading about the Flex. Plus, it's interesting to see how some of my wishes came true – Filofax must have been listening!


We all use our planners in different ways so you may not agree with all of my points. But these are just the little alterations and improvements that would make the Flex work better for me:
  • I know they designed the Flex to be simple and universal, but they had better start thinking of some new cover designs soon!  I mean, there are endless possibilities - it hurts my head just to think about them.  I would personally like to see something classy and feminine.  I love the lace and leopard-print on the Temperley for example, it would be nice to have some similar fabric options for the Flex – that don't cost a fortune. Real leather would be great too. (They did indeed end up making a real leather version of the Flex!)

  • The jot-pad is soooooo in the wrong place for me.  I need it at the front on the left-hand side where I can have easy access to it.  I don't want to have to search for it behind all of my notebooks, do I? There should have been slits on both the right and the left hand-side so that we can choose what works best.

  • The pen-loops are rubbish.  Mine snapped in the first week of purchasing my Flex.  I was very upset and I haven't gotten round to buying a new pen insert because my Flex originally came with a black one to match the cover, but the replacements all seem to be grey!  I don't like the grey - That's why I bought black.

  • I wish there was a zip pocket somewhere.  Just a small one for loose change, perhaps on the front or back of the binder.

  • Sometimes I wish there was a built in or attachable concertina-style pencil case on the front, you know, for a rubber and pencil sharpener, sticky notes and other loose bits and pieces.

  • I'd rather like to have the option of having a slim ring-binder insert that you could slip into one of the slots and use the Flex like a normal Filofax as well.  But I guess it would make it too bulky. A slim optional insert wouldn't hurt would it? 

  • Filofax need to work on their insert collections for both the normal Filofax and the Flex.  I think this needs a dedicated post all to itself though.

  • It needs an elastic band around it to keep everything together!  Then you could slip loose pieces of paper in between pages and not worry about them falling out when you take it out of your bag. (Little did I know that the Traveler's Notebook would steal my heart a few years down the line!)

  • Wouldn't it be cool if there was a way to slot or clip two or three Flex binders together to make an ultimate FAT one with lots and lots and lots of options!  Perhaps not very portable, but fun for an option all the same.

  • It might be nice to design a Flex with clear pockets on the front and back so that you could slip your own images, photos, paper or material in and transform the look of your Flex whenever you feel like it!  This is perhaps my most genius idea so far, and if Flex by Filofax design something like this in the future I want my cut of the profits! (Filofax did indeed end up designing something customisable like this with the Clipbooks further on down the line, however, I did not get a commission! Grrrr.)


Well, I hope you have enjoyed my little review and suggestions for the Flex by Filofax. Let me know what you think, or if you have any ideas of your own, in the comments below - I can't wait to read them. (I ALWAYS reply to comments – even new comments on old blog posts!)



See you in the next post ...








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How I use my Flex by Filofax



Flex is a notebook system by Filofax. It is quite different from the ring system that loyal Filofax users know and love, so I have decided to share my thoughts and experiences in a planner review.



This is a very old post and sadly Filofax don't make Flex notebooks any more. But I hope that you enjoy the nostalgia of this blog post and others I have published about Flex by Filofax.


I'm quite surprised at how little blogging and blogging coverage the Flex Filofaxes get. I mean, I think they're pretty cool. I love mine. Not as much as my beautiful A5 Chameleon Filofax mind you, but the Flex does seem to make a lot more sense to me.

I think this is because I am used to using bound notebooks and diaries, and so I have found it difficult to adjust to the ring planner system. My Chameleon Filofax continues to baffle me, and I still haven't figured out a system I am happy with. Although I am determined to make it work.

If you are unfamiliar with the Flex, you may wonder how to use them. So I am here to share how I use mine.



The A5 Flex by Filofax as my writer's notebook 


I wanted something smart that would compliment my writing journal. 

My writing journal is a big fat A5 notebook I bought from Paperchase a while back. It has a soft bendy black faux-leather cover and lots and lots of tiny-squared paper for all my notes and scribblings. It fits perfectly into the A5 Flex.




I like to place it in the middle with the front and back cover of the notebook slipping into the slots of the Flex to give it complete support. It's such a fat book that it needs to be in the middle.

When I want to take some notes down on the bus or do a bit of creative writing when sitting in a coffee shop, the Flex would fall to pieces in my lap if the main notebook wasn't placed and held firmly in the centre of the Flex binder.


The A5 Flex by Filofax is the perfect Amazon Kindle cover 


I was very excited to learn that the A5 Flex cover is also the perfect size for my Kindle Reader.  

The flex is a great Filofax Kindle cover. I like to slot my kindle into the inside left-hand pocket, as you can see in the pictures, and I'll tell you why...




I used to slot it into the left outside pocket but I had a horrifying experience one day when my Kindle fell out! 

Okay, it wasn't that horrifying because it happened while I was indoors and it fell onto my sofa, but it was horrifying in theory. Kindles are not made for chucking about.

When kept in the inside pocket of the Flex like this though, it has no opportunity to fall out once the cover is closed and the kindle is safely tucked away inside.




Kindles are dreadfully delicate because of the screen which will bleed at the slightest knock.

When I first purchased my Kindle I had it in my coat pocket with my keys, and in the five minutes, it took me to walk home from the tube station somehow the keys had pressed into the screen and caused the ink to bleed underneath it.  I was mortified.

Luckily the kind Kindle people sent me a brand new one - Phew! The Flex protects my Kindle wonderfully as long as I keep it in the inside pocket where it can't accidentally escape.




Because I use my A5 Flex as my portable writing and reading desk I also like to keep a journal of personal thoughts that are separate from my creative writing notes. It's always good to have the journal with me to unload my mind in moments of clarity or confusion.


How functional is the Flex by Filofax? 


Yay for all the pockets! 

 The best thing about the Flex by Filofax is that there are so many options when it comes to how you want to set it up. 

This is similar to the Flexibility of the traditional Filofax in which you can set up sections as you please. 




With the Flex you can purchase different "inserts", which are essentially thin bound notebooks with various functions, and then you can position them in the variety of different pockets that the Flex has to offer. 

It's rather fun.

My A5 Flex by Filofax setup 


I like to slip an A5 lined Notebook from Muji (also black, in-keeping with my smart theme and pleasingly affordable) into the outside right-hand pocket so that it closes inwards and slips in behind my main Notebook. Underneath I have the jot-pad hidden away because I rarely use it, but you just never know. 

 (You can get a better idea of what I am trying to describe if you take a look at the main diagram at the top of this post.)

 Personally, I would prefer to have a slot for the jot-pad on the inside left where all the card slots are.  I don't really find these useful, although one or two wouldn't go amiss. 

But I don't see the point in having the jot-pad slot at the back of the binder where it is hidden. Surely it should be placed at the front for easy access?  Very annoying and such a waste, for me at least.





The remaining outside slot on the left-hand side I usually keep blank to stuff loose papers, flyers, notes or whatever I find when I am out and about.

Sometimes I use it to hold my Moleskine diary if I know that I might need it while I am out. But generally, my Moleskine stays at home with my ridiculously heavy but very beautiful A5 Chameleon Filofax. You can see how I use those two together here.




I have begrudgingly come to the conclusion that there is simply no point in doing my back in every time I go out by carrying my A5 Chameleon Filofax around with me.

So my compromise is that I transfer my slim Moleskine diary, which has all my info and appointments to my Flex when I am out and about 

It doesn't look quite as interesting when I pull out my black Flex as opposed to my gorgeous aqua A5 Chameleon Filofax, but it does make me look very professional and less frivolous, which suits me fine.





Flex Vs. Filofax ring-bound planners 


I think it's difficult to truly compare a Flex with a ring-bound planner because they are two completely different things, aside from both being planners. 

They work differently, and I think they are intended to suit different kinds of people.




The Flex is obviously smaller and less bulky. It is also lighter than a normal Filofax, no matter what size we are talking about, due to there being no rings.

The Flex can also probably fit a lot more items inside of it because it is so flexible and versatile. For instance, sometimes I pop my smartphone into the deeper slot below the card slots, which is very convenient.


Thanks for reading. Please feel free to leave your thoughts on the Flex by Filofax in the comments below, I'd love to hear them – and I ALWAYS reply to comments, even new comments on old blog posts!



See you again soon!









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How I Use My Filofax Planner & My Moleskine Diary Together





Would I be cheating on Filofax if I admitted to preferring a bound notebook like the Moleskine when it comes to my main diary? I feel bad, but I think it's true. So I have found a way to merge the two together for ultimate productivity and satisfaction.


I know that this is meant to be a Filofax blog, but I kind of have a soft spot for bound notebooks. 

So I gave in today and went completely overboard spending the better part of twenty quid on a beautiful Moleskine Diary for my Filofax.  (I also bought a Writing Magazine which was what brought the price up to twenty, so that makes me feel marginally better.)

 When I arrived home, very excited, I watched eagerly as my four-year-old niece ate her dinner, and then I took her to bed and speedily read her two short stories before making myself a nice cup of tea and settling down to unwrap my new Moleskine.

To my utter disappointment, I discovered that the diary doesn't actually start until the beginning of July - That is two whole months away! What am I supposed to do for two whole months? Carry on using my current A5 Filofax diary inserts I suppose.  I am most put out.  Today is National Stationery Day and the one piece of stationery I bought is of no use to me for two months.  Grrrr.



How I Use My Filofax Planner & My Moleskine Diary Together



Why I love a bound notebook 

I do love how the Moleskine fits so perfectly into my A5 Chameleon Filofax though.  

There's something quite satisfying about filling up a bound leather diary, in my opinion it doesn't compare to loose Filofax insert sheets.

I like to see the pages get all marled, and I like to fold corners and rough it up until it looks and feels thoroughly used. 

Bound books seem to have this effect on me. It's the same with novels, I love to break the spines and fold down page corners and see the pages warp from the steam of a hot bath.


My Filofax is for the perfectionist in me 


For some reason, I almost feel afraid to touch my new Filofax inserts.  I want everything in my Filofax to be used perfectly because it is an organiser and I have to keep it organised!

It might have something to do with the fact that the inserts are so expensive too.  

My A5 Filofax feels like the 'final draft' of a diary, so basically I have been using an A5 refill pad to jot down all of my notes every day, and then I copy down the most useful notes neatly and in the right place into my Filofax.  

It's all a bit weird, isn't it?


Moleskine Passions Journals 


I love the fact that Moleskine also do a selection of 'Passions Journals'.  I bought a Moleskine Recipes Journal recently for my sister because we are about to embark on an online cooking project and blog together.  I think I have decided that I may need to purchase one for myself too.



Get yours!

 

And because they fit so perfectly into the A5 sized Filofaxes I may also have to think about which A5 Filofax I want next – to organise my cooking project of course! Any excuse to expand my Filofax collection.


Conclusion 


I think I have decided not to feel guilty about loving them both. 

You know, it's almost as if Moleskine and Filofax were made to fit together anyway - like a marriage of two luxury stationery brands.  How beautiful.

What are your thoughts on loose sheet planners and bound notebook diaries? Let me know in the comments below.


Until next time ...









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Filofax Vlog: Showing off My New A5 Aqua Chameleon Filofax Setup




SO exciting! I really enjoyed making My First Filofax Vlog on Youtube – Check out my Filofax Unboxing Video here. I'm back now to show you my brand new Filofax setup (Link to the new video is further down...)



It's a bit weird being on camera like this. 

It's even more weird being on camera talking about a Filofax planner. But you guys have all shown me that this is a totally normal thing to do in the online planner community, especially if you're a blogger. 

So I am embracing the new experience, and loving every moment of it. Even if I do seem completely insane.

You'll have to WATCH THE VIDEO to find out why though... 


Enjoy!









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Filofax Paper Planner Vs. Smartphone


Smartphone Versus Planner
Image by marijana1 from Pixabay 

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
















Yes, this is an ancient blog post with mentions of mobile phones when you could actually remove the battery! I hope you enjoy the nostalgia of this post ...


When I purchased my very first 'smartphone', on my very first pay-monthly contract, I have to admit I was a bit besotted.

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

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


Smartphone planner vs paper planner
Image by William Iven from Pixabay 


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


The cons of using my smartphone as my planner

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

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

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

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

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

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


Are paper planners better than digital planners?
Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay 


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

So I ordered a charger on eBay that sticks in the wall and I have to take the battery out of the phone and slot it into the charger every time it needs charging.  For this reason, I now have two batteries, so that one can be charging while I am using my phone.  

But each barely lasts a day, and the MOST annoying thing is that my nails break now on a daily basis as I try to pry the phone open to swap the batteries over.  The whole thing is completely bonkers.

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

So here I have been, struggling with all the flaws of my decrepit piece of 'advanced technology' for a good three or four months, and I had insurance that I didn't even know about, and could simply have had the thing replaced!  

Apparently a month or so free insurance comes automatically with phones when you purchase the contract, but the loophole is that you have to remember to cancel it after the free period if you don't want to pay for it, which I didn't.

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


Digital planner vs. paper planner

 
I thought it would be fun to place digital planners and paper planners side-by-side in a "real-life situation" challenge to see which one tallies up the most points. 

I have divided up the sections and scored each one out of 5 – with 5 being "the best".


Digital Planner Vs. Paper Planner
Image by Łukasz Cwojdziński from Pixabay


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


HEALTH

Staring at a Filofax for hours gives you nothing but pleasure...
Staring at a 'Smartphone' for hours gives you a headache!
SCORE:
Filofax 5/5
'Smartphone' 0/5

PORTABILITY

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

My Filofax takes up space in my bag too and can be heavy depending on what size I have chosen to use, but at least all of my information is constantly accessible.
SCORE:
Filofax 3/5
'Smartphone' 3/5

MULTI-FUNCTIONALITY 

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

My Filofax can be specifically designed and organised according to my needs as well.  My A5 Filofax works as a portable office-desk which is great for commuting, and my Pocket Filofax can double up as a wallet, and also slot my phone in, so it's almost like a clutch bag!
SCORE:
Filofax 5/5
'Smartphone' 4/5

ATTRACTIVENESS

My 'Smartphone is discrete and formal but can be jazzed up with clip-on covers, gel covers, sleeves, and holders.  My Filofax - well I don't think I need to say that I am in love and fancy it to pieces, no fancy accessories needed. Enough said.
SCORE:
Filofax 4/5
'Smartphone' 5/5



TOTALS:  


FILOFAX 17/20
SMARTPHONE' 12/20


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


Until next time ...











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Filofax Vlog: The Arrival of My A5 Aqua Chameleon Filofax




Just as I promised, I have filmed a Filofax Unboxing Video for you all to enjoy. Yes, this is me. Little Miss. Filofancy living, breathing and speaking... How very weird.  Do I really look like this?  Do I really sound like this?  Is that beautiful new A5 Chameleon Filofax in aqua really mine... All forty-five pounds worth of it?  Yes, yes, and YES!
I was half asleep. I vaguely heard the doorbell go, and I vaguely heard my landlady answering it.  I could have been dreaming, perhaps I was mid-dream at the time, but as soon as I heard the postman say "Package for Miss. Zara Mohammed" I knew exactly what it was, and suddenly I was awake.

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

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

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

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

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

I hope you enjoy the vlog! Don't forget to leave your thoughts in the comments below :) (I reply to ALL comments including new comments on old posts)


Toodle-oo!











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My First Filofax: The Pocket Guildford, My Filofax Wallet

My First Filofax, Pocket Guildford Filofax Wallet


I was fifteen. A girl in my class had one, she was a girl I respected and I wanted to be respected too. So I purchased my first planner... A Pocket Guildford Filofax.
Introducing the pocket Guildford, my very first Filofax. I didn't know it at the time, but I was a Filofax addict in the making, and that this would later become my very awesome pocket Filofax wallet.

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

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

My First Filofax, The Pocket Guildford Filofax

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

How I use my pocket Filofax as a wallet 


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

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

Pocket Filofax Addiction



How to use your pocket Filofax as a wallet 


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

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

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

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

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

How To Use A Pocket Filofax As A Wallet

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

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

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

Pocket Filofax vs. personal Filofax 


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

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

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

Passport size planner, pocket filofax

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

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

(Note from the future:  I was way ahead of my time when I wrote this post – little did I know that Traveler's Notebooks would come into existence and become one of my new favourite things! Skip forward a few years and read about my first Midori Traveler's Notebook.)

What I don’t love about the pocket Filofax 


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

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

Looking for something some minimalist metal bookmarks to use in your planner or everyday carry? 






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

Don't forget to leave me a comment – I reply to ALL comments including new comments on old posts.
Bye for now!







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