21 August 2012

Free For All Tuesday No 81

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.

73 comments:

  1. Hi everyone, just a quick question about the grey maldens. Do they scratch easily? I know Ochre maldens have been reported as scratching easily and the crimson color apparently doesn't scratch easily. In the U.S. I can only buy A5 Malden in grey or pink and I prefer the grey. Are grey malden owners happy with their filo? Thanks, and I love this website!!

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    1. I have two grey Maldens and they are pretty tough. A small heads up though, on all quality coloured leather the colour has a chance of scuffing off, and there are variations in the leather from binder to binder.

      I always caress and cuddle Maldens in the store (but the staff are stationery nerds too so they understand) and the leather on the Ochre does vary from binder to binder. And the leather on the big binders seems different from the leather on the smaller binders. If you are buying online you will probably get the luck of the draw but if you buy in a shop you can choose if they have a selection.

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    2. Don't have a grey malden but just wanted to add that you may also check to see if there are variations in the grey leather as in the ochre or purple ones. I thought purple was the only color that had the "creased" and "more creased". I finally saved enough to get the ochre personal only to be disappointed that the leather was very creased and wrinkly, very different than all the pictures I've seen. The strap closure was smooth, just the way I imagined but the rest of the planner was rough textured. Guess there's a chance it may smooth out with use but the tactile experience turns me off so much that I doubt I would use it enough to give it the worn look.

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    3. I think I'm different on this but I don't mind a few scratches or smudges. It shows my binder is used and loved.

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    4. I have a grey pocket Malden that I love. Its so smooth and creamy! However I ordered the Black personal Malden and its going back. I don't mind creases but the texture on the black Personal is rough, pebbly, scratchy. Don't know how to explain it but I just don't like it and it doesn't have a good feel in my hands. So disappointed. Plus it smells funny, not that fine leather smell like my pocket one. Guess that's what happens when you take advantage of a half off sale...they must send you the misfits of the litter. :( Actually I prefer the grey more than I thought I would as its a nice deep rich shade of grey. (Not to be confused with the sex trilogy everyone's yammering about :-0!)

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    5. My two grey A5's are slightly different from each other, different batches I think as well

      50 shades of Philofaxy....!!!

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    6. Much better use of leather and clips, I think!

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    7. Christian Grey could probably teach Filofax a lesson or two!

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  2. Hello. I have 2 pink maldens and neither have scratched and they get totally abused. Chucked in my handbag, thrown about the house by toddlers (whilst I chase them and in a begging tone "pleeeese give that back to mummy as they try and write it in themselves). Not a problem at all. I love the colour. It's like pink for grown ups.

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    1. Haha! That made me laugh! :D The chasing-thing happened yesterday at the preschool where I work. I opened my filofax to get something out and one of the kids (a three year old) snatched it and went all "Ooooh!" and then ran off to show off "the pretty swirls in 'frökens' book" to his friends. So adorable, but stressful! They didn't abuse it though, but gave it back with an almost reverent air.

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  3. I have a question - how easy is the printable Filofax paper to use? And do I need to buy a paper punch for it?

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    1. Hi Alison. You don't have to buy a special hole punch and can get away with just a Single Hole Punch or even better a Cropadile. They punch through lots of paper at once like it was soft butter.

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    2. Have used the Personal size printable paper (3 pages Personal to one A4) and it was not difficult at all. I printed my addresses on normal paper first to make sure the margins and layout right and that I had oriented the paper in the printer correctly, but then once all that was set up, quite easy to use. And the holes are already punched, so no need for a paper punch.

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    3. Oh Crikey read your question completely wrong I'm sorry. I thought you meant the wonderful printables provided by Ray that you'd need to print, trim and punch yourself. [We'll put it down to a Senior Moment].

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    4. You don't need to buy a punch, but in my experience, the actual printing process was hideous. Especially if you want to print only 1 or 2 pages but double-sided. Plus, because of the perforations the paper stuck together so I had to go through the entire stack and separate each paper one-by-one, which still wasn't fool-proof and some sheets ended up getting stuck together going through the printer.

      I would say you're better off buying a stack of plain paper and printing directly on to that rather than mess around with the 3-pages-on-A4 set-up. It's a lot less hassle and a LOT easier!!

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    5. I've not had any problems printing on the A5 sheets - both blank A5 sheets and the A4 which has 2 A5 pages perforated on it. I have a fairly cheap Canon ink jet printer which prints double sided and works like a dream.

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    6. I've printed on the personal sized paper. Once I figured out where to place it and which way to turn it for the printing on the other side, it was a breeze. The quality of the paper was reasonable. I like it for my printable notes.

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  5. Just out of interest I have noticed the past few times I have visited Filofax UK that the grey A5 Malden does not appear in the options at all, not even as an 'email when in stock'. Have they been discontinued?

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    1. Sadly yes they have been discontinued, but you might still find them in stock elsewhere such as Filofax France:
      http://www.filofax.fr/store/organiserdetails.asp?sizeId=5&rangeId=150&dsizeId=5

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    2. Filofax Sweden still has it as well:

      http://www.filofax.se/store/organiserdetails.asp?sizeId=5&rangeId=150&dsizeId=5

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  6. Hi Philofaxers!
    Just to let you know, I've started a blog called Each Shining Hour and will be posting once a month towards the end of each month. I have already done my first post. I wonder if Gromit can store a monthly blog??? On another note, I have a gorgeous crimson pocket Malden, which I want to put to good use. I originally wanted it as a pocket carry around diary, but was driven mad by the all round worry of synching 2 diaries.... in case something was missed, or I double booked!!! Any ideas how I can use this as something daily to love and cherish? Tried it as a wallet..... but zipper pocket too small.......

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    1. Hi Jane - Do you have any hobbies you could use it for? My niece discovered 'Zen Tangle' at the quilting show I took her and my Mom to last Friday. She has a personal FF (snake bronze no less) I bought her some time ago, but she says she can't think of anything she can use it for (at nearly 14 she still doesn't keep a diary). I've suggested she use it for Zen Tangle patterns - you can download loads on the internet and they all have names, so she can copy them and store them alphabetically.

      I've been using a notepad for some of my quilting stuff - but am accumulating loads more to store now so will probably be creating a 'craft' FF some time soon. I did have sight of the glorious quilting FF belonging to Helen Conway when we met up at the quilting festival so that has given me quite a few ideas!

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    2. Alison, I had to Google Zen Tangle as I hadn't heard of them, sounds like something I would like to doodle, can imagine a Filofax full of these beautiful doodles, it would look great.

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    3. Gail, it's very popular to use for scrapbooking and card making - also for making gift tags. She also had some canvas shoes and caps that had been decorated as well as pictures and wood. The link to quilting was a bit tenuous thought! I think it's just a fun thing to do when watching TV or waiting for something - you can while away a good few minutes at a time!

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    4. Jane,
      Your blog is in the big list on Gromit. And it will capture any posts you do when ever you do them.

      Steve

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    5. There is... http://butanben.blogspot.fr/

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    6. Thanks Steve. Glad Gromit has found me!! Sorry Ray.... forgot all about the link bit... apologies there.BTW, having lived in Bristol for 18 years, I always feel a special affection for Wallace and Gromit.... and of course Wayne the sheep. My favourite of all time is the Wallace and Gromit alarm clock bed!! Makes me laugh every time that one!

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    7. Alison, Zen tangles sound like good fun... I'll look into that one.

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  7. Does anyone else own just one Filofax by choice? Or am I really the only one? Don't get me wrong, I'm obsessed with my Filo just as much as the next person..but I don't see the need to have two or three binders (this is personally, I know others have a much more hectic schedule than my 20 year old butt). I just want to see if I really am all alone on this one :)

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    1. I've got four now, one is on Adspot, another will most likely follow soon, leaving two - one A5 and one Personal, which is to allow for random changes of preference on size. I'm in complete agreement - I'm adopting a minimalist approach to Stuff generally and I don't have a need for more than that.

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    2. Hi Alondra, check out my blog, I have had a series called One True Filofax with some guest posts from people who use only 1 filofax!

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    3. @The Perpetual Student TPS, loved your One True Filofax post! It was a real treat to see that I am not the only one who is faithful to just one Filo :) Thank you.

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    4. Hi Alondra! You are not alone...I too own only one filofax - a personal brown Osterley....and I keep EVERYTHING in it! I do understand why some choose to have more than one, but I have found that I like having only one in use at a time. I have considered buying an additional binder just to transfer everything in the instance I want a change, but I do not think I could stay organized if I had more than one in use at one time!

      And thank you for your question. I have been reading Philofaxy for quite a while and this is my first post!

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    5. No one should be afraid to admit they only own one Filofax or only use one Filofax at a time. It's what ever works for you that matters most.

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    6. I have the greatest respect for anyone who can own and run their life from one filofax - it is my goal to be able to do this!

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    7. I have a mini Chameleon as my wallet & just use for random on-the-go notes/shopping lists, but trying to settle on which to use as my "one main Filo": my personal Malden or the brand new A5 Chameleon I just received. I agree with you that for me, it would be too crazy to try to run my life from more than one planner.

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    8. I have a personal Portobello that I bought from Ray, I'm head over heals with it. I really only want one Filofax, so the Ranger that the Portobello replaced is being sold.

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    9. I only have one filofax that I use to organize my work, blog, baking column, and invoices. It's a personal Adelphi and its works so well keeping it all in the same place.

      I have a kitchen binder for recipe development organization that I orginally wanted to be a filofax but I realized that it wasn't a good idea. Mainly because I get it covered in all sort of food and also because I really need to be able to just three hold punch my papers and have them in the binder quick. No messing around with trimming and punching it special.

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  8. I have a few but only ever use one at a time, though as I am a stay at home mum I don't have to juggle work and family.

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  9. Hi! I am attempting to make top tab dividers for my filofax, a Personal Malden in Vintage Pink. I love it! And I love this site as well! I was wondering if anyone can give me some tips and tricks on how to do it. Thanks so much!

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    1. Look into Avery Note Tabs- Staples usually has them. They are really sturdy and are the perfect size! I've got mine in my Crimson Malden :)

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    2. How about Avery Sticky tabs?

      Or... this post might help...

      http://philofaxy.blogspot.com/2009/06/creating-top-tabs.html

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    3. There are also some very nice ones in the Martha Steward range at staples

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    4. I've got a few posts on making dividers and some templates:

      http://mylifeallinoneplace.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/quick-and-easy-filofax-dividers.html#uds-search-results

      Direct link

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  10. Hi everyone.
    I've recently started a new job (which at the moment is mostly task orientated and very few appointments), and i'm looking for tips on how to organise this in my Filofax.
    I only like to use one Filofax, so it is also being used for personal things. Can anyone point me in the direction of some useful posts on how to balance work and personal tasks/appointments etc? Or do any of you have any thoughts on this subject?
    Thanks, L.

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    1. Oh, and this includes what type of diary inserts you use as well. I'm struggling with this a lot at the moment....

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    2. I've always used just one planner to manage my whole life - which usually hasn't included a lot of work tasks, but did include university. :)

      Are these day-specific tasks, or anytime tasks? The book Getting Things Done may be helpful. Also, Time Management From The Inside Out may be helpful as well. GTD relies on to-do lists organized by context, while TMIO relies on scheduling everything. Both books had stuff which helped me.

      I'm currently using a 2 page per day insert from Franklin Covey. I work, am a wife and mom, and am about to start grad school, and I'm already using the space! If your life is heavy on daily tasks/appointments, I'd recommend a page or 2 page per day insert. If your life is heavy on non-day-specific to-dos and you find you can work well from context to-do lists, you could probably use a weekly insert instead. I've found that a daily to-do list really helps me actually be productive, so I'm going to stick with at least a page per day insert from now on.

      I would probably also create a section in my Filofax just for work things. However, I know a lot of people use separate notebooks or Filofaxes to organize their work notes, so this would depend on how much you need to store.

      Hope this helps! :) I'm sure there are blog posts out there about this, too, but can't think of any specific ones right now.

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  12. Is it a waste of a filofax (personal size) if I don't have a diary in it? I have a diary in my A4 one and an academic diary loose so I don't feel the need for one, but it seems stupid to have an organiser without one in :o

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    1. Not at all. You can use a filofax for projects, a journal, a wallet, to corral your ideas on a particular subject; anything you want. No need for the diary/calendar if you have that handled elsewhere.

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  13. Avery tabs of martha stewart tabs.

    I see a lot of avery tabs and martha stewart tabs. these are handy. I can not find the smal tabs in Holland. only the big one from 51 mm.
    I can order it online via amazon.com but it's way to expensive too ship it to Holland. Can someone help me out of now where to buy it in Holland?

    If i want to buy these:
    http://www.amazon.com/Avery-NoteTabs-Assorted-Colors-16350/dp/B004CYSG9W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345577217&sr=8-1&keywords=avery+notetabs

    The shipping is 7,00 dollar...so it's to much and if I order for more money than we can have the problem that the douane intercept it and than it wil cost a lote more money.


    Greetings Rianne

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    1. Hi Rianne - these are sold in Staples in the UK (a very large ststionery store). I wonder if you have Staples in Holland? Also if there are other large stationery stores, perhaps they may sell them? Here is a link:

      http://www.staples.co.uk/office-supplies/filing/dividers/note-tabs-small-26-x-38mm-assorted?r=se

      Perhaps you could do a search here: http://www.staples.nl/ (I'm afraid my language skills are not good enough to do one for you!)

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    2. Ik have looked for staples in Holland.
      But the don't have that particulair note tabs

      Thx for the reply

      Gr. Rianne

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    4. Rianne, I've got some tiny mini Post It Tabs.... suitable for a mini or pocket really. Are those the kind of thing you are looking for? Happy to post to you in Holland.... no charge for anything..... would just be happy if that helps you out. My e. mail address is je.mccourt@virgin.net if you want to let me know your address to post to.I used 1 from the pack, but they were the wrong size for my use I found.

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  14. This isn't a question, just a comment: I am currently *agonizing* over the "to A5 or not to A5" decision. I have sitting next to me a brand new, still-in-box, beautiful aqua Chameleon, which I'm trying to decide whether to keep, or return and continue using my personal Malden (which I'm considering selling & getting in another color, actually. lol)

    It seems like every couple hours, my outlook on the best size for me changes. This is crazy. Seriously.

    That is all. :-)

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    1. I have this dilemma a lot. Do you need to carry your organiser with you? If Yes you may prefer to stick with the personal size as it is much easier to carry.

      Could you use the A5 for a home binder just for household activities / shopping / home & garden projects?

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    2. @Songbird68 - Omg, me too! I mean, the agonizing thing. I thought I had settled on personal just an hour ago and asked for help on Twitter to decide which one. Then I happened to glance over to my A5 Aqua Chameleon and got all confused and felt like I should use that one instead. :D The allure of the Aqua Chameleon. Haha! <3

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    3. @Alison, I did consider just using the A5 for household stuff - but the annoying pragmatist voice (and unemployed budget-minded person) in me keeps whispering that an inexpensive binder from Walmart will suffice for that. :P

      @Yu, yes, the Chameleon's are so gorgeous! And they're being discontinued, so I felt like I had to jump on it.

      If I'm truly honest w/ myself, I know my life really isn't busy enough right now to warrant more than one Filofax. I could consider keeping the A5 for when I get a job again though, since I got it for such a steal (hint: Google for discount code coupons for any given retailer before purchasing anything).

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  15. And PS, I'm relatively new here, but you people are ENABLERS!!! Ha ha. I really want to be a "one Filo woman" if at all possible.

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    1. Oh because my answer was going to be: "Keep them both, duh!"

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  16. Laurie, I'm actually considering that. :) But then if I use the A5 for my main planner, I need to decide how to repurpose the personal Malden. The Malden line is sooooo lovely, I can't just sell it, unless I'm exchanging it for another color.

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    1. You'd be surprised all the uses you can think of for a Filofax. ;)

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  17. To the purple Malden owners out there - is the leather "dry"/"cracked"/"creased" or "pebbly" on yours or is it smooth? Been thinking about buying it online... but might have to wait for the stores to get it so I can hand-pick one. =/

    Why didn't I buy one in London when I had the chance? WHY?! T_T

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  18. Oh, I do have a question: has anyone here used the compact size Franklin Covey inserts/diaries in their personal size Filofax? I'm considering that due to the narrow FF page size, but I've read that it can be an issue due to the FC pages getting tattered & worn, since they extend almost to the edge of the binder....

    If I do go with FC, I plan to customize my own dividers to accommodate the extra width, so I'm thinking that may protect them? Thoughts/experiences? Thank you!

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    1. I use Franklin Covey inserts in my Filofax. I just put the diary pages at the back, and use Filofax size paper and dividers in the front. It works just fine. It would be more difficult if I used the pen loop, though.

      J at The Crazy Life of J also uses FC inserts in her personal Filofax. Here's a link to her 2012 set-up: http://thecrazylifeofj.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-2012-filo-system-finalized-for-sure.html I got the idea of putting the FC inserts at the back from her! :) She's also stuck with the system, so you could ask her if her pages are getting worn. I haven't used my FC inserts consistently enough to allow wear to happen!

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    2. Thank you, Hannah! I will check out that blog. :)

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    3. In case anyone wanted to see my response to Songbird's comment on thecrazylifeofj -

      I think using them will depend on a few things:

      1. Your definition of "worn" Some of my calendar pages (the FC ones) are a bit worn, but for me, I honestly like it. It shows the character of a well loved binder! It also might help if I wasn't so rough on my binder- tossing it in and out of my cavernous bag :)

      2. If you use the pen loop. I don't use mine, so having the FC tabs and pages doesn't become as big of an issue. I could see it being a problem if you like to use your pen loop though.

      You might also notice a little more wear if your entire binder is FC width pages, as the clasp might rub on them more towards the front of the binder... if that makes any sense.

      I'd say go ahead and try it, even if you just use some scrap paper cut and punched to FC-width. In the end, it will really depend on your personal preference- while I like the idea of the look of a well-used binder, I fully realize that it isn't for all :)

      But no matter what you do, make sure you report back and let us know how it worked out!

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  19. Hope I'm not too late with my question/dilemma. I currently use one pocket Filofax for everything but since I'm going to college in Sep I wanted something in addition to this to record my day-to-day college work in (the course I'm doing is very much evidence based and I've a memory like a fish!). I'm on a small budget so I can't decide between getting a Metropol Personal or trying out the new Flex in A5. I'm tempted by the Flex with not having the rings in the way for writing. I only really need a diary or plain ruled paper insert for either. Can anyone help me with some pointers so I can decide please? Thanks

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    1. Do you need to keep lots of notes? And are you taking just the one course?

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    2. Probably lots of notes. It is one course but I'll be working towards a few different smaller qualifications alongside my NVQ qualification.

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