Reader Under the Spotlight - Kyla

This week’s reader under the spotlight is Kyla (Caribbean Princess), who is relatively new to the blogging world. She is a public health doctor, epidemiologist and former Rhodes Scholar who loves blogging about public health and anything else that is stylish and fun, from filofaxes to fashion to scrapbooking. You can check out her musings on her blog 'Musings of a Caribbean Princess'

1. When did you buy your first Filofax and what was it?

I bought my first Filofax when I started specialist training in Public Health medicine back in August 2008. I had never seen them before as they were not really popular in the Caribbean or on hospital wards but I noticed that many of my work colleagues in the office owned them. I got a Personal Botanic in lime green and it served me well until its retirement in August 2010.

2. What other brands have you used or considered using?

I also own a 2011 WeekDate planner (recommended by Plannerisms Laurie) which I will use when I start my PhD in January. I have also ordered some Day Timer note pads in their ‘Garden Path’ collection (which I am waiting on excitedly) to use as inserts in my ‘Achieving Personal Excellence’ Filofax.

3. Out of the organisers you own which is your current favourite (Style and Size)?

My absolute favourite is my damson Personal Adelphi (my work filo) as I love the regal purple colour and the feel of the leather. I must admit that the raspberry Personal Chameleon is a close second as it is so beautiful!

4. How many Filofax organisers do you own?

Nine! I went from two to nine in less than 2 months so I am now on a self imposed filofax ban. In the Personal sizes I own a damson Adelphi, pink Finsbury, raspberry Chameleon, lime green Botanic and lilac Domino. In the pocket sizes I own a red Butterfly and raspberry Metropol. I have an A5 Domino in black and chocolate brown Hampstead.

5. What do you use your Filofax for?

Everything! I like to be organized as it allows me to make the most of my days. I use my filofaxes as planners for work/travel, as well as notebooks for inspiration and achieving personal excellence. I even have one for scrapbooking, which I have seen referred to as a Craft-o-fax. I gave my husband the Hampstead to use as a notebook as I didn’t like it so much. The only one that is not currently in use is the Chameleon as it is so lovely!

6. What was the feature about Filofax you like most?

I love the style and quality of the planners. There are so many options, colours and materials to choose from. It is really personal, and you can customise it to suit yourself or even different aspects of your own personality and life. I love the fact that I can totally ‘pimp my filofax’. I really enjoy using my filofax as in addition to being a diary it is also a fashion accessory and so much nicer than boring looking smart phones.

7. If you could design your own Filofax what would it feature?

I would love to have two pen loops as I like using different coloured pens. The pen loops should also be stretchier to accommodate larger pens. I am also a fan of the external width pockets that come on some filos. My dream filo would be glamorous with super luxurious leather and it would definitely come in purple! It would also come with my favourite inserts (currently the pastel coloured ones).

8. How do you carry your Filofax?

In one of my many handbags…….. I never leave home without one!

9. Which Filofax in the current range do you like the most? Are you going to buy it?

I would love to own the Personal Deco in purple. If it is still available in some years’ time (3-4) I may ask hubby for it as a gift when I eventually become a consultant, or finish my PhD. I also like the Finchley in Imperial Purple. One of my first year medical students owns one and I keep on ogling it!


10. What is the most you have ever spent on a Filofax? Which model?

My damson Personal Adelphi cost me £65 from Filofax UK. I bought the others from eBay or other online stationers to get better value for money.

11. Turning to Philofaxy, what do you like the most?

The community is the most important part of Philofaxy. People are so friendly and I really enjoy the fact that it links such different individuals together to share information about a common interest. People have been very helpful and supportive of me as a baby blogger (for example Laurie first advertised my blog on this site) and so far I have had 2 free Skype lessons on installing Google Analytics and Setting up an RSS feed from Steve!! Thanks Steve. It has enabled me to start building on-line friendships and the posts are also well written and interesting. It is my favourite blog by far!

12. And what do you not like about Philofaxy?

Is there anything not to like?

13. What was the last music album CD you bought or downloaded?

I use iTunes so I don’t buy music albums any more. The last 2 songs I downloaded were ‘She’s Always a Woman’ by Fife Dangerfield and ‘Just be Good to Green’ by Professor Green/ Lily Allen. The last album I received (as a gift from my brother in law) was ‘The Element of Freedom’ by Alicia Keys.

Thank you Kyla for being our reader under the spot light, and my tuition invoice is in the mail.... Only kidding!!