13 January 2012

Free For All Friday No. 165

Happy Friday the 13th!  I was born on a Friday the 13th so I don't think of them as unlucky, but if you are superstitious, watch out today!

Now that we are a couple of weeks into the year, and you're back to your usual schedule, how is your Filofax setup working for you? Swimmingly? In need of a few tweaks? Total overhaul? Going back to what you used before?

And as always on Fridays, please feel free to discuss anything Filofax-related.

Have a great weekend everyone!

44 comments:

  1. I am still experimenting and trying to adjust.
    I changed my work Filofax setup three times already. For my home Filofax I am waiting for some day-timer inserts to experiment as well. My wallet/purse Filofax on the other hand I got the right setup in the first attempt. Probably because it is a very simple one: 1st tab: to-do list; 2nd tab: week per page calendar just for appointments; 3rd tab: notes; 4th tab: jotter pads for WeightWatcher food intake as well as a two page per month calendar for WeightWatcher's points and exercise log.

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  2. I am in the planning stages of a major overhaul to my filofax setup. I use one binder for everything, including a wallet. The diary and wallet components are working fine, but my note taking and goal setting are a mess. I need to rearrange my sections to work better. I am thinking as follows: a work tab for work notes, schedules, etc., a school tab for school related notes and such, an "ideas" tab for general idea capture, "goals", and personal notes. I also keep a financial tab with an expenditure log which I think I will keep even though I find it a pain to use. I am thinking it through fairly carefully and hope to implement the changes shortly.

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    1. That is a big project! I am curious how do you fit all that in a wallet size organizer? Is it a pocket one? My wallet is a pocket finsbury and just the sections described above plus 2 sheets of cc holder and it is already packed! My work one is also a pocket size but the rings are even smaller although I love the leather of it and how it feels overall. It's a Belmont and I just carry the calendar and notes. What kind is yours? If it has a good size ring I may have to rethink my little finsbury.

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  3. I thought I would share my experience with a personal Malden in Ochre. This has long been my dream Filofax – I have a personal in Crimson that I LOVE but gosh darn it, I wanted the Ochre too. I was well aware of the issues others had reported – that the leather looks wrinkled, waxy and *le gasp* dried out…and surely enough this is exactly what arrived in my mail box.
    Did it daunt me?
    It sure would have if I hadn’t read about the Nivea Crème treatment (and used it with wonderful success on both filos and leather bags). As it was, I took one look at the Ochre out of its box and immediately thought “I need to moisturise this!” I was a bit hesitant at first: it’s my dream filo after all…did I really want to risk wrecking it on my first day of ownership???? But I trusted the Crème and oh my goodness, the filo now looks SPECTACULAR! The very deep wrinkles have filled out to look a lot less ‘ancient’ (I know it’s an ‘Antiqued Leather’ but at some point the manufacturer almost made it look badly beaten…). It no longer has the appearance of a near-flaky dryness either (thank heavens!), and the colour has deepened slightly to Ochre perfection ^_^
    Without a doubt it’s a different leather texture to the Crimson, but I was expecting this and actually enjoy having two very different filos of the same Malden clan [NB – I also have a crimson malden pocket – I love these filos!!]. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the leather-smell is ever present (anyone using commercial leather creams will know that these can devour the natural goodness of leather scent, and Nivea Crème doesn’t have a strong or lasting odour).
    I’m in heaven. I’m going to adopt the method expressed by TPS, being that when I get “bored” of one colour (ie: start lusting after the other colour more) I’ll just switch binders, and spread the love a little. ^_^

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  4. Hmm I think I may have tried to take on too much with my Baroque. I've already bought a Finchley to use as a work diary so I've slimmed down a little by transferring post-its, business cards etc. But I still feel like my Baroque is jack of all trades at the mo so I think I might look for an A5 to use as a project file and have the Baroque as just a personal everyday planner. I'm quite not 'settled' into my 2012 Filos yet.
    Also - thank you to Philofaxy & to whoever tweeted about my Filofax for sale. Ends tomorrow!!
    x

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  5. I've had my Personal Cuban since last July and for a while, even after just a few months, it lost its spark. But since setting it up for the new year, it's taken on a whole new life. My system works perfectly, so it's now more than just a pretty face coming along for the ride in my handbag. After I bought the Cuban last year, I realized that it would not fit into all of my handbags (I change bags frequently, almost daily), so I also purchased a slimline Adelphi, which is so handsome and elegant in all its damsen glory. It is a synchronized companion to the Cuban; much like an assistant Filofax when the Cuban needs the day off, with less responsibilities. This weekend I will do my 2012 set-up for the Adelphi. I will trawl through my cache of supplies, purchase whatever else may be needed, spread it all out on the credenza in my office and have pure Filofax fun!

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  6. @lifeconsidered - I've tried synchronising filofaxes before and it usually ends in tears! Could you just move relevant pages into the Adelphi as required (say your main week or month to view diary)? This is what I am thinking of doing.

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  7. I'm a very late starter this year for a number of reasons. However I want to bring some colour into my life so have settled on day-timer week to view, but am awaiting their brochure to see the designs to make a final decision (I'n thinking either flavia or garden set). I ordered the brochure a few days ago and am eagerly awaiting - have been working away this week so wasn't able to do much about it anyway. Will make a decision and order anyway if it doesn't come today.

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  8. I have a few additional thoughts to be shared with Filofax, these for their websites.

    First, it would be great to visit a filofax website for any country and be able to read it in a choice of languages.

    Example: http://www.esprit-de-france.com/

    Second, i would like to be able to view the Filofax website in any country and be able to choose the currency displayed (€, $, £ etc.)

    Example: www.smythson.com

    I can dream, can't I?

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  9. @ Rabbit - I'm glad you're happy with your ochre Malden now it's had a bit of Nivea TLC :) I orginally wanted one, but got a crimson after being put off by the issues you mention.

    My filofax needs an overhaul. I've slowly stopped using it as everything's out of date & I have notes all over the place instead, aaargh! Feeling very disorganised...

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  10. @Alison...I keep just a month at a glance diary in the Adelphi to capture main events, no details. I can add these events to the Cuban WO2P, with details. My info and address sections are exact copies of the Cuban, because I'll need this info with me everywhere I go. I have a lot of Notes paper in the Adelphi, so if, for example, I'm in an interpreter's meeting, I can take notes and then remove this page and add it to the ASL (American Sign Language) section of the Cuban; or if I'm in church, I can take notes, remove the page and add it to the Bible section of the Cuban. I use the cottom cream paper in both planners so it matches up. It's a very seamless and fluid method.
    Dry your eyes, dear. You'll find a system that works for you!

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  11. I need a serious epic over haul on mine - I ended up back in a normal ring bound diary until I can get mine sorted properly.

    I need help lol.

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  12. The sheets I'm using for my todo's are not available on filofax US. They are the A5 filofax 250186 which are the graph sheets with a box at the top. I found ones that look almost alike from here: http://www.fahrneyspens.com/Item--i-342905 but the paper just isn't the same.

    I have two problems - First there were on filo sweden, now they arent. and second I've shipped all over the world and I know it doesnt cost $25 to ship paper.

    Is there anyone one who has some of these and can send them to the US?
    Tracy

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  13. Tracy
    How about if I make you a template for that layout or very similar and you can print some sheets out as you need them?

    Steve

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  14. Steve - I would love that. I should be able to find a suitable paper that way.

    It seems that filofax might be phasing out the inserts I got from sweden in favor of the ones I got from the US - which means they are going with cheaper paper...

    If that is true it looks like my hopes that filofax will improve their paper quality isnt going to happen. This will take care of that.

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  15. I've emailed you a doc. Let me know if it's ok or not.
    Steve

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  16. I have a question for fellow teachers. Do you use separate filos for school and for personal stuff? Is it possible to have a "one life one planner" filo as a teacher? What do you think? I started using an A5 but became too bulky to carry it back and forth from school, so I decided to use a bound book (a moleskine large daily diary)for both, but I miss the accessories and the flexibility of the filofax, especeially when used outside school. So , I decided to keep the moleskine for school (such a nice paper!) and go back to my trusted filo (so far a compact chameleon but I contemplate my pocket finsbury as well) for personal.

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  17. I love my Filofax set-up, but I'm not in love with my calendar. I have the FF Do2P and I feel like it's just too much room for me! Plus I just got a pocket daily Moleskine planner, and using it as a logbook along with the Do2P is redundant. I haven't figured out what I'm going to do yet, however. I may switch to the Swedish weeklies and see if I can do a weekly set-up...haven't decided yet. Or I may suck it up and purchase DPP. Anyone have suggestions? ;)

    Also, I'm thinking of getting an A5 to use as a notebook proper, no calendar, but I'm afraid that it will be too big. I also like the idea of having everything in one size so that I can switch between binders with ease, even if the other binder is a dedicated one - and personal is my favorite. Thoughts?

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  18. tracy is it different from these ones? http://www.filofax.se/store/paperessentialsdetails.asp?productId=172

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  19. sorry tracy just saw you comment about the paper, will keep an eye out for you

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  20. germany has them, do they ship to the usa?

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  21. im just going to answer my own question, they dont ship to usa but if you really wanted them i could have them sent to me in the uk then resend to you

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  22. @steve and @tracy, if you do make a template, will you post it on the Files page? That format is my favourite A5 page and I am running out! Thanksssss!

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  23. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  24. @Mary. I teach and have 2 A5 and an A4 planner. The black Finsbury A5 has my home and work diary combined.... the Filofax business DPP diary. It also has a list of birthdays and anniversaries, with the ones requiring gifts highlighted. At the back I have a year diary from Kristens guide.com.. free download which I colour block holidays, INSETS and mine and colleague's sick leave.I have a future diary page for 2013 onwards, so that dates can be transferred later, also downloaded from Kristen's guide. Then follows lists. Shopping, food menus,must phone, computer to dos and finally my info pages. World and GB maps, computer passwords,(sneaky hints just for me as to the password,theatre and cinema programme and at the back a zippy wallet with a couple of blank cards, address labels and stamps and my Filofax stickers. School planner has much of what the commercially produced planners have but in a Filofax. My to dos and future projects I keep digitally on Wunderlist and from that I make a weekly outline overview plan which goes in my Filofax. I stick to 1 diary one folder and don't split between work and home there, but all other stuff is split. The A4 contains this term's planning and policy documents and another HUGE a4 arch lever is always kept at work for all past planning. Would love to have 1 life one folder, but too much paperwork in teaching. But I do have 1 life 1 diary as it means I don't double book in error as all is in 1 place.

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  25. Hi Tracy and Terri
    A5 Graph page now on the files page:

    I've done it as an A5 single sided sheet. I tend to print straight on to plain A5 paper these days rather than booklet printing on A4. It saves having to chop the pages in two.

    Feel free to modify it to your own needs.

    I also removed the comment with your email address in it Tracy to stop the spammers harvesting your address no other reason.

    Steve

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  26. Hi,
    Just tried to comment and it ended up on a 2009 post :( I have 5 Maldens ( 3 personal in black, ochre and crimson, pocket in grey and mini in vintage pink). Of all of them , I like the feel of the ochre best - most natural. They are all used every day and travel to and from work in my rather large ( heavy) bag :)

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  27. @ Mary I'm an English teacher and I use a Personal Malden for work. I have a two day per page diary, a month on two pages diary and then six tabs with a to do tab, a list tab, a notes tab, a year planner tab, etc. Then I revamped a set of alphabetical dividers so that I have a tab for each of my classes plus extra tabs such as one for lesson ideas, etc. In each class tab I keep a class list, information on any stamented pupils or any pupils with medical conditions, and an overview of what I'm doing with the class this term plus any additional notes I need for them.

    In addition to my work filo, I keep a pocket Malden for personal stuff only. It also has a two day per page diary with tabs for notes, shopping lists, finances, year planner and blank pages for jotting down quick notes.

    I've been using the two Filos in tandem for about 4 months now and haven't had to change anything so far because it's working so well.

    I hope this helps :-)

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  28. I am struggling so far this year to decide on the right format. I have taken early retirement from a pressured full time job. Having successfully used an A5 for work purposes for a few years, I am now vacillating between a pocket and a personal. I use the pocket for day to day 'capture', diary and to do and have the personal for journalling with day timer day on two pages. I miss having just one planner but cannot make one work for both purposes.

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  29. I have just received from Filofax the Birthdays and Anniversaries and Special Occasions inserts. At the top left there's a box 38mm x 4mm. Rather than just write in by hand. I plan to buy some dry letter transfer sheets and "write" in the months of the year. The whole job will look much better than something hand written. Has anyone had any experiance about this, where's the best place to go for the dry letter transfer sheets.

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  30. Well, I'd been planning to buy an A5 Osterley. I spent a huge amount of time reading here and elsewhere online. About to pull the trigger when I found a place with a half-off sale on some of their stock and ended up buying a pocket Piazza in violet. It should be here next week. Only you guys would understand how a person could have systematically researched and then planned to buy a Filofax in one size and with certain attributes, only to throw reason to the winds and order something simply because it looked so cool.

    All along I've intended to buy a large organizer for at-home use. But so many of you love the Malden that I wonder whether I should consider that one over the Osterley. The main issue is that I simply do not love the color choices.

    ****What is the Nivea treatment? And will it work on an old (~1980s era) Winchester (in green) that could use some rejuvenation? Barring that, can anyone suggest an excellent leather care product, to be found in the U.S., that I might use instead?

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  31. Help! I got a ink stain (ball point) on the front of my crimson malden. I dapped a little rubbing alcohol on there and a lot of the ink came up and spread. Any tips for cleaning?

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  32. @alana try hair spray on a cotton bud, but try an area you can't see to test first.

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  33. @ailuros- I used the Nivea treatment on the green Winchester I had, it sucked in the moisture so much because it was quite dry!
    And I LOVE the Malden range, I have 2 A5 Maldens! If you don't like the colours, wait until they bring out the new colours, which they apparently will be doing soon! What colour would you ideally like?

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  34. Anthony,

    I used to do that many years ago. I loved doing it!
    In my neighborhood, those products are not available anymore, I am afraid.

    Best wishes, Giovani

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  35. @Lime_Tree, I am using a personal size Malden in Ochre. It is too big to pocket so I just carry it in my bag or my hand. I have two business card holder sheets to take credit/store/insurance cards plus my official ID, work ID, debit and credit cards in the front cover. Keep bills in the pocket behind the zip pocket and a small amount of coin in the zip pocket. Stray receipts in the full front pocket, and several notecards with envelopes in the read full pocket. I also have a notepad in the back cover. It works really well. Just need to tidy up all the notes/information. Its a huge mess right now!

    Never thought to rub my malden with Nivea Creme. I think the leather feels like it has some kind of synthetic coating on it which I do not like AT ALL, even though I realize it keeps the binder water and damage resistant. This binder is incredibly practical, but unlike everyone else I do not find it particularly aesthetically pleasing. I prefer the color and texture to the other Malden colors, though. The malden pocket layout can't be beat!

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  36. I'm salivating over the Holborn slimline - I held it in my hand and it feels wonderful - but the pen loop lays inward instead of outward. I hate when the pen intrudes on tabs. why does FF do that? that's a deal breaker for me when I dream about FF, but since the slimline line is so slim, there aren't many alternatives. Do any of you find that you can train the loops to fall away from the pages instead of towards? Thank you1

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  37. @ ailuros - The nivea treatment is outlined here: http://vanjilla.blogspot.com/2011/11/filofaxs-facial.html

    @ Josh - Yes I was a bit hesitant to use nivea on the ochre because there is that detectable 'coating' on it unlike the feeling of the crimson. I crossed my fingers and hoped for the best. Funnily, it still has a bit of a coated feeling to it, but no where near the dryness.

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  38. @Anthony. Letraset: http://www.letraset.com/products/90-Letraset-Transfers/

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  39. @TPS and @Rabbit, many thanks for the tips re: Nivea. My old Winchester is in dire need of a youth treatment!

    @TPS you asked about my ideal color. I can't say that there is one ideal, but I would love to see them in greens, more choices in blues, purples. Actually, any beautfiul color. How's that for vague? I'm currently trying to add color to my surroundings, and I'm open to many possibilities. While I'm less fond of the idea of browns, certain shades, eg tobacco and chestnut, could be stunning. (With gold rings of course.) Perhaps I'd even go for the right kind of pink.

    I almost bought a Finchley personal sized in mustard, which I'd seen in a store several days ago. But since I was vacillating between really liking it in some lights and deeply disliking it in others, I left it to be returned to the display case. Unfortunately for me, I have the feeling it's probably still there. Fortunately, I won't have time to return to that town for at least another 2 weeks.

    The store also had the Finchley, or maybe it was a Finsbury, in that antique rose color. Definitely not my idea of attractive, and that one was easy to leave behind.

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  40. @Ray
    Many thanks for the link. I thought there might be something of the kind avaible. All I need to do now is select a Font/Style which will be easily readable. Thanks once again.

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  41. @steve, thanks so much for uploading the A5 graph paper file! Yay!! I have some A4 paper here (I use it for my work) but A4 and A5 is nearly impossible to come upon here in Canada. I did see that link on the Suppliers page for Empire Paper; might have to give them a try!

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  42. @Antony. I've made my own birthdays and anniversaries insert in Word. It's in A5. Any good for you? If you let me have your e. mail address or Facebook me your e.mail at Jane McCourt, I can send it to you via attachment. xx

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