Happy 100 Year Anniversary Filofax!

Filofax's 100 Year Anniversary... I can't believe that Filofax is a century-old!

I have indeed placed an order for a personal-sized Filofax from the new Centennial Collection in the colour charcoal, 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? 

I love Filofax, and the collection itself is very pretty... but to mark 100 years? 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.

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? 

So let's have a closer look at it, shall we?

Filofax's Centennial Collection In A Nutshell

Essentially the Centennial Collection consists of The Original Filofax design in three new colours, with gold trimmings, matching pens, matching mini Filofax keyrings, a set of minimalist inserts, and stickers.

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 and neutral one.

The design is exactly the same as The Original 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.

My First Impressions Of The Centennial Collection By Filofax

When I first saw The Centennial Collection by Filofax my initial thought was -  Oh, not another "Original". 

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. 

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 here, and the second one here. They're a bit embarrassing. I then posted a hopeful setup video here 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.

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?

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; 

"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."⠀

The fact that Filofax chose The Original 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.

Why I Found Filofax's Centennial Collection Disappointing

I can't help but wonder if Filofax must have excess "Original" blanks 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 new "Planner Queen" editions, which I felt were unnecessary, and The Centennial Collection feels no different.

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 entirely too bland for a celebratory collection. For an occasion as significant as the 100th Anniversary, I just wish that there was more to it.

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 this in one of their Instagram posts;

"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."⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

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". 

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. 

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? 

Are Other People Disappointed In Filofax's Centennial Collection?

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. 

Alas, I feel like Filofax have really offered nothing new 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 something 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.

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. 

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 chameleon brand? What are your thoughts on this? Have you felt excluded from the party? Has it affected how you feel about your own loyalty to the brand moving forward?

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!

Why I Decided To Purchase a Filofax From The Centennial Collection

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. 

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.

Despite my fears, there were a few things that influenced me to throw caution to the wind and part with my money...

Firstly, it's the 100th Anniversary 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 involved. 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.

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... 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? Oh, dear.

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 like, 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. 

Things I Do Like About The Centennial Collection

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. 

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 - The Chocolate Aston. Here is an extract from the blog post to jog your memory (or you can read the full post via the link above);

"I picked up this ordinary looking Aston Filofax and was immediately taken aback. It felt... right. Suddenly the rich dark chocolate colour was just so... me (...) 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."

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.

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.

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 my Pocket Guildford - here is a small extract from my very early post about it;

"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."

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.

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.

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.

 

5 Ideas To Make The Centennial Collection More Unique

• Pattern Debossed Leather - 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.

• A Protective Cloth Pouch - 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.

• An Enamelled Pin Badge Or Planner Charm - 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.

• Inside Covers Redesign - 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. 

• Unique Collector's Presentation Keepsake Box - 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. 

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.

Thanks for reading and commenting... feel free to share this post if you enjoyed it x

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! 

Thank you, Zara M. | Filofancy, Life On Paper

Product images courtesy of the Filofax website, and illustrated by Zara M.

How To Make Handmade Stickers At Home

 

Handmade Sketchy Watercolour Stickers

Have you ever found yourself searching online for the perfect stickers but not been able to find quite what you are looking for? 

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.

I couldn't find anything that spoke to me and so I decided to make my own!

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. 

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.

How To Make Your Own Planner Stickers Without A Printer 

Firstly you have to design your stickers. 

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!

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.

Homemade Sticker Supplies (No Printer Or Cutting Machine) 

Next, you will want to make sure you have the following supplies to make your stickers:

• Baking Paper
• Clear Packing Tape (I went for extra wide)
• Scissors

Yep, that's it! Keep reading, because this is where the real magic begins...

Method | Making Journal Stickers At Home

Step 1: Lay your baking paper out on a flat, hard surface, like a table (obviously)

Step 2: Cover it in tape, sticky side down

Step 3: Cut your sticker designs out and lay them face-up on top

Step 4: Use tape over the top of your designs to stick them down

Step 5: Smooth out any air bubbles

Step 6: Carefully cut around each design leaving a border so that your sticker doesn't fall apart

Step 7: Now you have beautiful homemade stickers with a peelable backing (the baking paper!)

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!

A Few Tips:

• If you use thin paper your stickers will be more flexible and less likely to unstick if your pages bend

• If you use thicker paper (like cartridge paper) your stickers will feel and look more premium

• Less textured paper will look better underneath the clear tape

• Make sure you use high-quality tape so that it is nice and sticky

• Only use your own designs if you intend to sell your stickers like me

• 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

• Get your kids involved! This makes the perfect rainy day project :)

P.S. If you have kids you might be interested in my other blog post where I share an inspiring flip through of a fun little planner I put together for my 12-year-old niece...  

So there you have it. 

I have had SO much fun making my own stickers. I hope that you have fun too!

Thanks for reading and commenting... feel free to share this post if you enjoyed it x

Do I Like The Filofax Garden Collection?

 

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. 

Actually, my plant obsession is far worse than my Filofax 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.

You can imagine my delight when I first laid my eyes on The Garden Collection by Filofax. 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. 

However... that doesn't mean I don't want to gush about this new collection, because it is gorgeous. I have lots to say about it, so keep reading.

Filofax Garden Planners With Inverted Designs!

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!

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!

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!

Filofax Are Now Doing More Themed Accessories!

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. Am I right? 

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.

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 want 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.

My Conclusion

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.

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.

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. Filofax, if you are reading this, feel free to get in touch to send freebies for reviewing - I use an A5 Filofax planner!

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!

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! Thank you, Zara M. | Filofancy, Life On Paper

Product images courtesy of Filofax.

Kids Filofax Style Planner Flip-Through

A Purple Themed Filofax Style Planner For Kids

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.

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.

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?

A Fun Filofax For Kids (Who Remembers The Funfax?)

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.

Who remembers Funfaxes? 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!

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.

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.

Planner Set Up For Kids

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.

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.

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.

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! It was the time I bought my sister a Filofax and kept it! Yeah, well those were the feelings I was getting towards this precious little lilac planner. 

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. 

How To Encourage Children To Express Their Emotions In A Healthy Way

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.

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?

How To Help Children To Process Their Feelings Through Creative Activities

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.

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.

In another exercise, she wrote a surprising poem that expressed her resentment toward the coronavirus.


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.

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.

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.

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.

How To Inspire Kids To Use A Journal Or Scrapbook

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 - hurrah!

• Be creative together - 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.

• Set a regular time - 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.

• Provide a fun, easy, and creative prompts list - 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..."

Planner Silent Flip through

I've also filmed a flip through of the planner, check it out...

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE !

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...


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How To Use Your Filofax And Stay Positive During The Coronavirus Lockdown

Image by melinda257 from Pixabay 

Discover These Inspiring Coronaviris Productivity & Work From Home Tips

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? 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.

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 Filofax, or other planner systems, to more effective use.

Stay Positive During Lockdown And Forget Forward Planning

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.

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; What is happening tomorrow? What is the schedule for next week? What about next month, next year, or even five years' time? Stop. Let us just think about today.

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.

Image by Miesha Moriniere from Pixabay 

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.

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.

How To Use Your Filofax During Lockdown

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. Forget About Weekly & Monthly Planner Spreads!

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?

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!

Image by Pexels from Pixabay 

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.

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.

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.

How To Avoid Lockdown Blues With These Stay At Home Tips

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.

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.

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.

Image by Wokandapix from Pixabay 

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.

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.

How To Use Your Filofax To Plan Your Lockdown Day By Day

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 Filofax website after reading the rest of this article to see some of the awesome notebook options they have?

• SHOPPING LISTS - 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.

• MEAL PLANS - 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.

• SCHEDULED EXERCISE - 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 funky hula hoops for the kids to help them burn some energy?

• SCHOOL OR WORK TIMETABLE - 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.

• FUN STUFF & QUALITY TIME - 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.

• MORNING & EVENING ROUTINES - 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 Journaling Tips for Filofax & Ring Planner Users.

• WEEKEND PROJECTS - 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.

You Can Stay Positive During The Lockdown!

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.

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.

Let's learn to embrace the changes and love the lockdown because in participating willingly and proactively, we are making the choice to help save lives.

Image by Luisella Planeta Leoni from Pixabay 

I hope that I have offered some useful ideas and that you are feeling a bit more inspired to use your Filofax organisers 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.

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 "Minimalist Planner Tips".

Please leave your comments or ideas below, because I love to read them, and I always respond to each and every one.

Have a great week... or should I say... have a great day?

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Filofax Planner A5 Ebony Classic Croc Product Review

I now have the ultimate pleasure of owning this stunner. It is the A5 Ebony Classic Croc Filofax, and I am officially besotted. Let me tell you more...

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 A5 Ebony Classic Croc Filofax. 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.

Filofax Packaging & Presentation

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.

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.

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.


First Impressions Of The A5 Classic Croc Filofax

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.

But back to the Filofax...


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.

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.


Inside Layout Of The A5 Classic Croc Filofax Planner

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.


Favourite Features Of The A5 Classic Croc Filofax

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.

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.

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.

Another feature that excites me about this planner is the zipped pocket because it fits my brand new Kindle Paperwhite 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.

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.


What Would I Change About The A5 Classic Croc Filofax?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.


In Summary

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!

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.

Click HERE and I will take you to the Filofax website!

I hope you have enjoyed reading about my new love, and I look forward to showing her to you again soon.

Click HERE to read my Minimalist Planner Tips

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