17 July 2012

Free For All Tuesday No. 76

Tuesday's are your chance to ask any Filofax related questions you might have.

So fire away... and we will collectively try to answer your questions or offer opinions.

71 comments:

  1. Can anyone here help me track down the A5 Luxe in black currant? I've googled without success. Did I dream it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The A5 Luxe hasn't yet been launched in the UK although it has been available in other countries for sometime. If you can wait a few weeks, I'm sure it will freely available in the UK. City Organiser are already advertising all colours except purple - sorry blackcurrant!

      Delete
    2. Sorry to ruin your day but City Organiser posted this on their Facebook page on 15 June:

      "The final part of our triptych of posts on the Blackcurrant Luxe is the news that despite being on page 2 of the 2012 Filofax catalogue, we won't in fact be seeing it until 2013! "The nature of bad news infects the teller" - it was our second favourite of all new 2012 Filofaxes!"

      I'm gutted too! Although my purse and husband aren't...

      Delete
    3. I'm gutted, was hoping to purchase as soon as available on City Organiser, at least I have time to save up now!!

      Delete
  2. No you did not dream it - you will find it in Pens and Leathers. On sale at $135 US

    ReplyDelete
  3. Here is the web address http://www.pensandleather.com/filofax-a5-luxe-black-currant.aspx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. I've been over to the site and contacted them so fingers crossed.

      Delete
    2. Thank you, John and Tim, for your replies. No luck at Pens and Leather but I check City Organiser regularly so I shall keep my fingers crossed.

      Delete
  4. I'm struggling at the moment on the best way to view projects using a Personal Filofax. I have my own business developing eLearning modules and can have a number of them going on at the same time. I like having a month view where I can block off the time needed to develop, and have been writing down the module name on month on two pages sheets, which has been okay. But I think I may need another sheet somewhere?

    Problem is that the M2P sheets can get quite messy when waiting for feedback from the client is delayed, and perhaps deadlines change for other modules, and I need to cross/rub out here and rewrite there, etc. It's not a massive issue, but interested to hear any top tips from others :)

    Many thanks, Barry.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    2. ^ Sorry about that, 2 tabs open & the wrong post went up replying to yours!

      I wanted to ask, do you think the issue could be solved by somehow changing your paper-based layout, or do you think it's more to do with the physical act of erasing the entries?

      Also, I'm not clear on whether it's the bits you're blocking off and the written part that's the problem, or just entires in writing? Sorry if it's cheeky saying that, I've been up all night and not functioning at my best this morning!

      Would small post-it tabs help - or does that get too fiddly? I use cut-down post-it pieces on my A4 wall calendar for blocking out large areas where pen wouldn't work, and/or when dates & plans might change, is that anything you could use?

      Delete
    3. Hello Shanti, thanks for your reply. The mini post-its on the monthly calendar might possibly work, as I use them for the W2P layout that I use too. Emm, would have to cut them to small pieces :) As mentioned, it's not a hugeee problem I'm having, but just curious as to how others are managing multiple projects on some sort of monthly calendar view in their Filofaxes. Thanks again.

      Delete
    4. This is a real bugbear for me. I'm an accountant (sole practitioner)and I have lots of projects to track. Presently I'm following a form of GTD in my personal FF, which seems to work, but I would sometimes wish for a more structured approach - I do find GTD rather 'free form' at times, and I worry that I can't 'see the wood from the trees' with the 'big lists' which GTD seems to generate.

      If you'd like to email me offlist maybe we could discuss - davidpopely (at) googlemail (dot) com - although I'm in London for the next three days so internet connections may ne at a premium! I'll do my best......

      Delete
  5. I have a couple of Filofax-specific questions for GTD users:

    I'm thinking of keeping my Projects master-list in a Word doc, reviewed weekly, so that I can print it out when it needs updating.

    And printing it in a size that can be slotted into a standard transparent envelope (I'm using a personal size Filofax), then using that envelope as the marker between Next Actions & Project Plans. I like using those envelopes as markers, within reason.

    One side would be for ongoing, larger projects that i like to have a visible reminder of (Clicker-training for dog, Walk X Miles/Week, etc) and one for projects that can be completed and closed, like Paint Bedroom, Buy New Bedlinen, and so on.

    This is because many of my projects/open loops are ongoing/never-ending, yet might fall out of my head when I'm rushed, and also because if I have to handwrite a long list periodically, it WILL eventually get put off, and become confusing.

    Does this idea sound like a problem waiting to happen, to more experienced users?

    Secondly, bit less specific, are there any things people who use GTD and a Filofax as their main planning tool wish they'd known when they got started - any problems you hit that weren't obvious until a few months in, or any successful strategies that aren't in the book, but really helped?

    I'm just a neophyte on this stuff, I've been trying to read as much online as time permits but not all of it is tailored to Filofax use, so any big breakthroughs or disasters, please give me a tip-off!!

    Thanks in advance for any thoughts! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Shanti, I really like your idea using an envelope as a marker! I use GTD in my Filofax since this spring and I am quite happy with it (works much better for me than digital). I find it quite helpful to have the monthly JAN -DEC tabs from Filofax in my projects section, I write lists for tasks I have to do in specific months, so I will be reminded automatically at the right time and also -for recurrend tasks- next year. Not strictly from the book but so far it works quite well for me.

      Delete
    2. Sari's monthly tabs sounds like a modified GTD Tickler system - - - 12 month tabs instead of 43 folders.

      Shanti, are your current projects for the week (buy bed linens, etc.) static or dynamic? Do they change a lot - - - you add new ones during the week or finish many during the week? If you do, having the list in the plastic envelop may deter you from updating it. Maybe keeping the list of current projects (and I'm referring to projects in GTD- speak) on a separate page where editing it would be quick & easy? Use the back of the list in your envelop for Someday/Maybe or maybe your weekly checklist. If your project list does not change much during the week, then keeping it in the envelop should work fine.

      Delete
    3. Sari, where did you get these Jan-Dec tabs for your personal? So far as I know they're not available off the UK FF website. I'd be quite willing to order in from abroad, as I did with one of my 2012 diary formats.

      Side note: I do get *very* ticked off with FF' apparent indifference to getting a global website ordering and delivery system in place. The really do *not* deserve the loyalty their customers (us) show them. Disgraceful....

      Delete
    4. Here they are UK site. http://www.filofax.co.uk/store/paperessentialsdetails.asp?productId=152

      Delete
    5. Here they are UK site. http://www.filofax.co.uk/store/paperessentialsdetails.asp?productId=152

      Delete
    6. Thanks!

      I plan to do my review with my Filofax open, at my desk with computer on, so updating the list can be weekly as easily as writing it out, I was planning to pop the envelope content out and draw a line through anything completed in the week - I like seeing things crossed out & a tick beside them!

      But I will keep a close eye on how that works for me after the initial enthusiasm wears off... I have a page just for GTD operation, and that has a place for tips like yours to be entered + stuff off the GTD blogs 7 sites I've been reading, as well as questions for a monthly review just of the system, and how it's delivering, and how diligent I'm being with it.

      I don't like tickler files (for some reason, not sure what - I have this kind of mental image of opening them, and things pouncing out!) so am only using my calendar for day specific things, and my Project Support lists for things that need to happen in a certain order.

      I'm a freelancer & the inflow of money isn't constant, clients might stall for months then all decide to pay at once, so rather than date, a lot of £-dependent projects are based on "Next available funds" and then split into amounts... crazy but I was already running a system like that, and it does work.

      I'm renovating pretty much all my soft furnishings & appliances right now so that's a big part of the Projects list, and all dependent on incoming funds, because I don't dip into my savings for anything non-essential.

      Delete
    7. Many thanks Lisa! I'm in London for the rest of the week,so maybe a trip to Conduit street....

      Delete
    8. Hallo, David, sorry for the delayed answer, I was "offline" since Tuesday morning.
      I buy the JAN-DEC tabs in Germany or via the german online store -> you just click on "Einlagen" (Personal of course ;-))) then go all the way down to "Register". I like them a lot, for my GTD system it really is most helpful to sort tasks for a specific month (so they are not cluttering your actual NA list but you do not forget about it at the proper time) and I also use them in A5 in my `Garden-Fax`, quite practical because some tasks are the same every May, June... and I do not have to write things several times. I would like to hear about your experience if you try them. Greetings, Sari

      Delete
    9. Hi Sari, thanks for responding. Lisa kindly sent me the link to the UK version, and I had planned to pick up a set for myself when in London, as I am at the moment. However, I visited the Conduit St shop yesterday and unaccountably forgot to get them! So I'll have to go back tomorrow (shame about that.......)

      What I *did* do was make a decision about diary formats for 2013. I've been unhappy with the Wo2P stabdard format I've been using (one of only two available in cotton cream, grrrr), so Ive gone for day-per-page again to see how I cope with the inevitable loss of perspective which the 'up close' view gives me.

      I notice that Conduit St have all 2012 diary refills on half price now, and also a *very* good selection of reduced price binders in all formats - although you'd have to visit to view them. For a moment I was tempted back into A5 (very nice grey Malden at half price), until I realised it means carrying a house-brick around everywhere, including weekends.....perspective quickly restored in that respect! I do miss the space of the A5 though......

      Thanks again

      David

      Delete
    10. Hi, David,
      great that you found them - and now you have a good reason to go back to Conduit street tomorrow ;-). Did you find a DPP in Cotton-Cream?? I ordered mine in Denmark for 2012 (but of course it´s all in danish, broadens your language knowledge..).
      I also struggle all the time with diary formats: W2P gives you the good overview but has only small space for each day - DPP has sufficient space but I absolutely agree with the loss of perspective.
      To solve this problem I recently started to `mix´the two formats and use mainly the W2P but for the current week I use DPP - every Wednesday night I take the weekly sheet of and put the DPP sheets in. Disadvantage: you have to write a lot of things twice. But I ´ll try this for at least another month and then decide.

      A good thing that I do not live close enough to Conduit street btw, I would definitely spend too much there if they are having a sale.... and I know about the temptation with A5 also, but for me it is just to heavy and big (at least I think so at the moment)

      Greetings, Sari

      Delete
    11. No DPP in cotton cream in the UK (predictably)....I *could* buy the Danish, but I keep my diary exclusively in pencil (I have that sort of life!) so the bleed-through issue doesn't arise. It does spoil the 'look' of the whole thing though....

      The system of combining formats (monthly, weekly, daily) is precisely what the Time Manager is expressly designed to do - and it does it brilliantly! When I find myself in TMI 'mode' I have a full set of weekly/monthly inserts which are designed to lie side by side and give you all three (includsing the monthly layout) formats at a glance. The hole thing is in between Personal and A5 sizes and it';s a constant temptation to use it. Now that I've got it re-tooled for GTD as well, the temptation is even greater. If you like to email me, when I get back to Wales I'll send you a photo of the open layout to demonstrate how good it really is. davidpopely (at) googlemail (dot) com .

      Will definitely be back at Conduit Street tomorrow - the business lounge I use when in London is just around the corner and I can also camp there for a couple of hours in between morning and afternoon meetings....ideal.

      Delete
  6. I was wondering if anyone has had to return their filofax to Filofax UK and what their outcome was? I have a personal size classic that's only 7 months old and it's in a right state. You can see what I mean here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gailwh/7495587222/in/photostream

    Filofax have told me to return it to them to see if they can do anything about it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've just returned one but don't know the outcome yet, I've always found their customer service to be good :)

      Delete
    2. How long have they had it Alison?

      Delete
    3. Hi Gail,
      I returned a cherry personal Classic with similar problems. Mine was about a year old & no where as bad as yours though. Filofax very quickly got back to me & I got a Malden as a replacement instead. I was very impressed with their service, especially as I hadn't purchased the filo from them :)

      Delete
    4. Wow Anita that is good service, so they allowed you to choose whatever you wanted? Must admit, I am very disapointed with the Classic, never would I have thought it would wear so easily!

      Delete
    5. I only sent it on Friday Gail !!

      Delete
    6. I bought a Cross mini (a similar model before the Classic, I think) off eBay quite some time ago (it was in excellent condition). I ultimately gave it to my husband (still in excellent condition) and within a couple of months it looked like yours. :( Never would have guessed it would wear as quickly and terribly as it did, especially it being one of the pricier models.

      I hope you get a good refund (something like Malden sounds very nice!!! :))

      Delete
    7. I've had an email from Filofax, they are refunding my card, now that's good service, will pay for the pocket baroque which fell into my basket on Filofax France, well the personal needed company :o

      Delete
    8. Wow Alison that is great.....and fast too. What was the problem with your Filofax? I don't think I would get a refund as my hubby brought it for me from The Pen shop. But at £80 for a personal size, I would have expected to get much more wear out of it.

      Delete
  7. Hello there....!

    I'm wondering if anyone has had success training an A5 Cuban Zip to lay flat....?

    I bought a second hand (brand new never used still in box) a couple of days ago & LOVE it to bits but the bendy thing is a bit bothersome....!

    Cheers,
    Tamarah :o)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hello good peeps! Would you imagine I found this place only yesterday?!? Could you? Until now I thought I was the only odd ball obsessing about my Filofax. " It´s only a calendar ", I´m told. SOOOO WROOOONG! It is an organizer, it is a Filofax. Pfffft!
    Okay, moving on.
    Does anybody have any experiences of A5 Osterley? I simply think I need to have it in order to be able to carry on. I bought my Balmoral... nearly two decades ago and have been using it ever since. But, I think Balmoral has earned its well- earned retirement. Even now, after all these long years the shells show very little to no wear and it´s just perfectly beautiful.
    What I want from my new Filofax is to lay completely flat on my desk. And to look impossibly dashing. Much to my dismay I live in a country that really doesn´t shine on Filofax retail but there always is the option to order overseas. And I just called to my trusted Filofax- provider and they now are doing the research if they could find an Osterley ( in plum ) for me as it doesn´t include in their normal selection. I would have to drive +6 hours to go get it but hey, what would a gal do for her Filofax. This is dedication, folks.
    Another question I have is, based on my research on line Chameleon would be best for my needs as a wallety organizer? It has most of the card slots and an ample, zippered pocket for coins ( I always toss coins in the jar when I come back home but sometimes my days get long ) and it´s supple leather. ANY suggestions and / or hints are most welcome!
    The thing is, I´ve perfected A5 for the use on my home office. It sits on the desk and provides with necessary writing space and it´s just perfect for my usage. But I also need a more portable, smaller calendar that doesn´t grow biceps as much. I´like my stuff to be on paper, transferring a meeting or a date from Pocket to A5 is no issue. Since I need also desktop organizer that holds all info, this combo is perfect in every ways.

    So, after all this hopeless jargon
    - experiences about A5 Osterley?
    - suggestions for wallet in pocket size ( must. be. leather )

    Nice to meet you all and spread the madness!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nice to meet you, WeirdRockStar,....and welcome to the community!

      Delete
    2. Hi, I have a raspberry compact Chameleon that I love love love! I use it as a wallet/day planner and it works amazingly well - I event got a comment about it today at work. I use the back zipped compartment for both notes and coins because I use the long slot behind the credit card slots for my oyster (London bus/travel card) and odd bits like invitations for my kids to their friends birthday parties.

      I got the binder for half price from the Denmark site.

      Delete
    3. ahhhh now this American finally knows what you all mean by 'oyster'...thanks for that! Haha, I've been meaning to google that!

      The first time I read that someone keeps their Oyster behind their Filofax card pocket I scratched my head and thought 'gosh I love those Brits!'

      Delete
    4. Hi, I have an A5 Osterley in Plum. It does lay flat straight away and is also quite compact as the pen loops are at the top and bottom rather than the side. It is a lovely leather really classy and a dark plum colour. I also like how the press stud is metal rather than leather so it can't wear through in time. It is by far the best quality filofax I have had (30 at one point!) I just wish it had 30mm rings!

      Delete
    5. Hullo, lovelies!
      Gaaah, I so need that Osterley now. My heart is quite set on it actually but I´m somewhat realistic when it comes to thinking how easy it would be to find one on this country.
      If all goes south, I´ve been toying with the idea of A4 as well. The thing is, this one needs not to travel anyplace. These larger organizers have their places on my desk. A5 is enough on most cases but the more I write, the more I seem to do. And it all just goes with the " flying by "- attitude, since it´s written down and I might as well... why not and ta- dah, another task done. For example today I needed to have another additional paper to write tomorrows activities, meetings and visitors. Meal plans and shopping list of course needed to be stuck on additional post- it´s atop of the additional paper. So... I might be a great candidate for a A4, but my heart is somewhat set on the plum Osterley. It´s just so much like my red Balmoral, only new.
      ... it is a relief to see I´m not the only papersnob ( nod to Mr. Quinton and Cheryl ). I´ve actually not used Filofax´s own notepapers for years ( hate it when ink gets soaked in the paper, rather than just fly by, ON the paper ) but have added my own papers and I just added agreeable punch holes.

      Delete
    6. It is a happy, happy day.
      I just received a phone call from my Filosupplier. She´s able to pull off an A5 Osterley in either grey, plum, orange or chocolate brown. Outstanding! In the end, I went with classic brown- it will go seamlessly with decor.

      Delete
  9. Does anyone know, whether there is a Personal Filofax with a ringsize of more than 23cm?
    Thanks, Renate

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cuban zip or the Daytimer do good personal size binders with 25mm rings.

      Delete
  10. *NEW TOPIC* So I love Filofax -- no one makes a better binder, honestly, and I just adore the trim dimensions of the Compact Personal organiser -- but their inserts are totally substandard, especially in the calendar department.
    I've tried everything they've got & watched it fail, including the montly, weekly, and daily. For a few years, I was a Franklin Covey aficionado, but they’re flailing, too. I’m not willing to futz with printing out my own pages now (sorry, Philophaxy die-hards!).
    Absenting a nice Quo Vadis W2PP overview layout that fits a 3-ring binder, I've defaulted back to old-school Dayrunner. I'm now using their W2PP with appt times, as well as the tabbed Dayrunner M2PP insert.
    Is anyone else making a go of the current Dayrunner inserts in their favorite Filofax?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How about just punching new holes to accommodate Filofax binder?
      I have used some pages from other calendars to use as project templates ( just carefully cut them apart with a crafting knife ) and punched holes to fit my A5. I don´t have a Filofax puncher but I use their own pages as a model and punch it along with several pages that need punching. Just stack the pages up and then go to town. I make the punches one- by- one and it really is no fuss at all.

      Delete
    2. I do this as well. I like to write on Clairfontaine paper so I keep a Clairfontaine A5 tablet in the back of my Filofax and punch holes as needed. The French make such excellent paper and the Germans make wonderful hand-made ink!

      Delete
    3. Hello fellow past FC aficionado...I agree. FC is really flailing the past few years (darn technology). They've closed most of their stores and their products offerings (especially binders!) are just so pathetic. I've had over 20 of their binders in the past 20+ years and I can honestly say that only once did one ring one binder fail to close properly and i just stopped by my local FC on the way home from work and they promptly on the spot replaced the ring mechanism. Their service was always incredible, even allowing binder exchanges after a few months if you decided you didn't like the one you had (as long as it was in good condition). Their binders were always quality and the paper wasn't bad, I loved the layout. Such a shame they are struggling so...now at their website and one lonely store left here in Michigan, they sell all sorts of random office supplies like an Office Depot (!) - out of necessity I guess. Sad, really.

      Anyway, yes I've used and currently have a set of Dayrunner inserts. The monthly calendar is sturdy but I find their weekly and daily paper to just be too thin and not on par with FC's paper. And I won't even talk about the Filofax paper which every time I receive a pack of it seems to be even less in quality than the previous one!

      Delete
    4. As I never tire of saying (sorry!), my Time Manager binder looks as good as it did in 1987, still *smells* of leather, and the ring mechanism has never given me a problem, ever. Also it has natty 'D' rings which help the paper lay flat. Result!

      not cheap though....

      Delete
    5. I was using DayTimer inserts in a personal filofax for the first four months of this year, and now use DayTimer "desk" size in a seven ring binder. I love the design of both. The paper is horrible, though. I do like the clean "whiteness" of ffx inserts, though!

      Delete
  11. Since I use the compact personal size, not the A5, I find the punching laborious, time consuming, & ineexact. I just want something that is made to fit & does fit my 3-ring Filofax!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Dayrunner & Daytimer both make the 3.75x6.75 in. sizes available for sale.

    ReplyDelete
  13. One qualification of the Filofax calendar critique, which I otherwise stand by: actually, their fold-out calendars (vertical 1-yr at a glance and also 4-yr planner) are actually quite good & come in handy.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Even though Laurie made an excellent argument the other day, I am one of those "one life, one Filo" kind of guys; but of late, I have been considering purchasing other Filos for the sake of variety. I have heard great things concerning the Malden and loved the video from last Saturday featuring the blue Finsbury. I went to Filofax USA and found that the Finsbury comes in red, antique rose, black, raspberry, blue, and yellow. When I checked Filofax UK, I found the Finsbury comes in grey, black, raspberry, red, pink, and blue. Filofax France offers the Finsbury in aqua, grey, black, emerald, raspberry, red, blue, and yellow. And then poor Japan has the Finsbury in just black, brown, and red. Why is there such discrepancies among the nations? Why must I pay high international shipping just to get an emerald Finsbury? Can anyone enlighten me to the discrepancies of product availability?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well I certainly can't but I lament over this quite regularly. It just makes no sense to me that Filofax doesn't make available the same size/style/color options to all stores in all countries on all websites!!! Rant over. Can't wait to hear someone weigh in on this!

      Delete
    2. I guess it's because they're not mass produced on the same scale as some things, eg they're not just punched out and wire wrapped like a spiral-bound notebook... there is some element of hand-finhsing on them.

      Also they are a fairly minority interest, I don't think as many people would be in the market for one as for a new reporter's notepad or whatever, which means the manufacturers can run off huge amounts, knowing they'll sell steadily.

      I think the difference in colours is because in Season 1, they release colours A, B, and C, then they get distributed, Season 2 they discontinue A and B, and keep making C + new D & E, and these get distributed in waves...

      THAT is a guess btw, the only thing I've found is if you like a colour, snap it up, because they might not make it again... I loved the Navy Finsbury and these days they only show up once in a blue moon on e-Bay.

      Just my thoughts & guesses there, I don't have any insider knowledge!

      Delete
    3. Sounds reasonable, Shanti...thank you. I do have my eye on the emerald Finsbury on the French site.

      Delete
    4. I was looking at the Kendal personal in black for ages, online & in Selfridges, because I love my A5 in brown, and then >>>WHOOSH! One day it was gone off the site (even though they were still selling the brown), gone from all the shops, and I've never seen one since on e-Bay. I try not to regret such unimportant things, but I could kick myself for not snapping one up while I could.

      Just sayin'! ;o)

      Delete
  15. My question went into the stratosphere and it was long one...here we try again. :)

    Regarding the Holborns: Am I correct in that there are a Personal, Slimline and Compact version? I had to go to 4 websites (Filo UK, Filo US, CO and P&L) and that is what I came up with, I think! US only has the Personal and Slimline as does UK, can't remember what P&L has and CO has all 3.

    It appears the Compact has a different card slot configuration than the Personal size, correct? Do the Compact and Slimline have the same card pocket configuration? Do all 3 have the hidden zipper pocket or is that only in the regular Personal? None of the websites even mention the zipper pocket! Good Lord.

    You wouldn't believe how I know have 4 browsers open going back and forth between websites to track this info (oh yes you would!) and only one or two show the interior configuration of the Personal and Compact but I don't think I saw the interior of the Slimline.

    I also come here first and last to get the straight scoop so thank you for your help. And I did read a few reviews here on the Holborn (thank you reviewers!) but can't recall finding one on the Slimline or Compact.

    Oh, and Pens and Leather said a new color for the Holborn was coming July 30th???? Anyone know what that might be?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have the compact Holborn in brown. The card slots are vertical. It has the right and left entry vertical pockets on both left and right but no zipper pocket. This is a wild guess, but as Germany already has a grey Holborn, I would think that will be the new color at Pens and Leather.

      Delete
  16. P.S. Excuse my grammer errors...my laptop has overheated from the shopping frenzy this am and well you know what's it like using a small phone keyboard! :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. A late in the day question so I hope you are all still reading! Does anyone know whether the caramel A5 Finchley was ever sold by Filofax In the UK or just on mainland Europe?

    ReplyDelete
  18. I was just wondering, can you use the nivea trick on finsbury leather, and I have tried to youtube a video on it but I can't find anything...any help...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For ANY leather, please please please please only natural oils and fats.
      Try to find a natural, preferably lanolin & beeswax based leather conditioner or just make one yourself. I just polished & cleaned my old & trusty Balmoral with coconut oil. If you use natural oils, choose ones that won´t go rancid on room temperature. I sometimes use olive oil ( the lighter the hue, the less it smells ) but usually it is coconut oil. It is lovely. It is just so incredibly moisturizing to all of the leather and also for your skin. If you are after shine, apply jojoba oil ( it´s the only wax that is in fact in liquid form- hence the faulty word " oil " ) and let it sit for about 15- 30 minutes. Then buff it with a soft brush or a cloth. Then let it sit for another 15 mins and then use ( I swear I´m serious! ) a rolled buffer made of pantyhose. And believe this- the finer the pantyhose, the shinier the leather.

      Sermon above applies to all leather, sofas,bags, shoes as well as Filofaxes of this world.

      Delete
    2. I was hoping to make the leather a little more pliable and 'buttery'. Especially in the part that has the closure. So the strip of leather on the right hand side of the Filofax. Where can you get coconut oil from? Can you recommend a brand?

      Delete
    3. Mine is Biona organic raw, but frankly, any coconut oil will do. You can find them on practically any heath food stores and supposedly on some supermarkets as well. They are really easy to find.

      I don´t suppose Nivea will do anything harmful to your binder- quite on the contrary. Having that said, in long term use it´s best to use anything natural. All additives will stick to leather. Perfume, alcohol etc can wreck havoc to any dye pigments and any cones will fill the leather pores up, thusly preventing natural " breathing " of leather surface.
      Again, do what comes easiest and what feels you feel best. If you soften the leather up with Nivea, it will soften it and make it more pliable regardless. However, there are chemical compounds that will sucked to the leather and they will stick to it. In long term use, I doubt there would be much difference. I have experience in preserving leather with natural ingredients that allow the leather to breathe and stay fresh and this way it also is easiest to clean with natural fats. I´d say go as you please and be merry with it.

      Delete
  19. I used the Nivea trick on my black Finsbury just last week and it really was good for it. Made the leather supple and clean and it smelt gorgeous.The press stud tounge was in extra need of moisturising. A real Filofax facial!!! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. These are the ingredients in the Nivea "classic" creme, the stuff in the blue pots with white writing:

      Aqua, Paraffinum Liquidum, Cera Microcristallina, Glycerin, Lanolin Alcohol (Eucerit®), Paraffin, Panthenol, Decyl Oleate, Octyldodecanol, Aluminum Stearates, Citric Acid, Magnesium Sulfate, Magnesium Stearate, Parfum, Limonene, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Linalool, Citronellol, Benzyl Benzoate, Cinnamyl Alcohol.

      Source: Nivea.co.uk

      Delete
    2. @Shanti does that mean I shouldn't use it?

      Delete
  20. I have no idea! I just thought it might add to the discussion - people say they've used it with success, but I've never used Nivea or any product on ANY of my Filofaxes, or at least that I can remember - sorry!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Just some important info I thought I would share with y'all--the Filofax USA online store is having a sale on organizers, starting today. Although the sales in the past few weeks have included some very nice organizers, they have added some very nice ones this week, most at 30% off their regular price.
    The organizers include Cuban, Holborn, and Aston, in several colors and sizes. Of course, I found one that I recently aid full price for!

    ReplyDelete