Free for All Friday No. 237

Have you ever lost your Filofax? Has it ever survived a fire, flood, or other emergency? What condition was it in when you found it, and how did you restore it?

Is your Filofax the first thing you'd grab if (heaven forbid) you ever had to run to safety? Mine sure would be!

Non-annual archiving

The wonderful flexibility of a ring-binder system extends beyond how you use it, to how you archive it too. For many people it makes sense to archive pages by year. If you haven't seen Patty's post on 20 years of her archived pages, go read it! It's amazing!

But for some people, it makes more sense to archive pages in other ways besides by calendar year.

For students, teachers and parents of school kids it is convenient to archive by academic year. That way all of your relevant class, activity and contact information for that school year is all together in one book.

I move internationally often, and the moves usually happen in the spring or summer so they don't correspond to the calendar year. So I archive by location. For example, we lived in Indonesia for 15 months, and all of my Indonesia-specific information is archived in one binder.

Similarly, you can archive travel information after your trip so all your destination-specific details, reservations, packing lists, leftover currency and coins, and local contacts are kept together. Then if you return to that destination all the relevant information you need is easily accessible.

When working on a big project, you can archive all the information relevant to it in one place. That way you have the entire timeline and related information stored together for easy future reference.

Do you archive your pages in a way other than by calendar year?

A5 Original - Note Pad

We reviewed the A5 Original a couple of weeks ago, a few people commented about the Jotter Pad in the back of the organiser, wishing that is was a normal A5 notepad. The Jotter Pad pages can be punched of course but they are quite narrow.

So can you fit a normal A5 note pad to the Original... yes you can, and here's how to do it.

So looking at the back cover you can see the Jotter Pad fits on to the back cover using a slot in the leather. This slot is about 78 mm in width and it is off-set towards the outer edge of the organiser.

An A5 Notepad is of course 148 mm in width. Here is how to make it fit.

Turn the notepad over and mark the cover with a vertical line 75mm from the edge.

Then cut the backing card with a simple cut along the line, but leave both parts attached to the pad.

Turn the pad over and now slot the outer part of the card in to the slot, being careful to ease the card in to the back pocket.

There you have it, an A5 Notepad in the back of your Original. I'm sure a similar mod will work on the personal size Original. If you decide to use the pad in another A5 with a more conventional slot, just take the card back together with a length of sticky tape.

WebFinds and Video WebFinds - 28 May 2013

Here are the latest Filofax blog posts from around the Internet:

1. using my slimline deco to keep a basic food diary - Paper Lovestory
2. Teaser: Filo Sighting - Well Planned Life
3. Free Filofax A4 and A5 diary inserts for 2014 - My Life All in One Place
4. My New Filofax - The Wonderful Life of Alice
5. Filofax Makeover and Week 21 - The Wonderful Life of Alice
6. Filofax Experiment #1 - Washi tape with My Husband - My Purpley Life
7. Inevitably, I succumbed… - MacPsych
8. 365/30: Are there any bright colors that you would... - Filomaniac
9. Back in a Personal size - Paper Pens Ink
10. REVIEW - Filofax Black Fusion Personal Organiser - Filofaxuation
11. First Filofax Blog Post! - Filo Cuteness
12. Trop de "To do list" tue la "To do List" - Quo Vadis - Le Blog
13. How to Be Popular and Successful with Green Ink and Paper Planners - Giftie Etcetera
14. Filo Caddy - Filo Cuteness
15. Planner envy - MyPurpleyLife - She's Eclectic
16. 365/30: Remembering your first Filo, what are the things about your set-up you've changed the most since then? - Filomaniac
17. Free Filofax Personal diary inserts for 2014 - My Life All in One Place
18. Brand New Filofax: The Springboard Organiser - Baby Budgeting
19. Tutorial No.7 – Filofax Divider Page DIY - DiY Fish

My Week posts:

1. 'My Filofax Week' #21 -  The Wonderful Life of Alice
2. My week #21/52 and a downsizing experiment - She's Eclectic
3. Week#21 - Le Monde de Mzelle
4. Weekly Post #19 - Miss Mai's Adventures
5. My Filofax Week 10 - Roses in December
6. My week in Filofax ending 5/26/13 - Purple is My Happy
7. Week 21! - Red Lips and Pearls
8. Week #21 - Sailor Mouth
9. Filofax setup week 22 - EC loves Paper
10. My Filofax Week #21 - My Purpley Life 
11. My Week #21 - Jagged Little Thoughts
12. My Week #21 - Life of Kitty
13. My First 'My Week' Post: Week 21 - Organised Heaven
14. This week….and last week too! - Puddytat Purr
15. Week 21/52 - My Summer Touch
16. My Week: Week 21 - The Simple Life 
17. My Filofax Week #18 - Imogen Rose Beauty 
18. My filofax week #1 - Life of a dreamer
19. my week round-up #21  - Paper Love Story

The latest Filofax Videos:

1. Personal Grey Osterley Filofax Update - pink72125
2. How I got on using my New Personal Grey Finsbury Filofax! - adamsfilo
3. Filofax original after a couple of weeks - Jan Harrison
4. Making A5 dividers for your Filofax using card stock - SecretAgentBover
5. An update on my Filofax Saffiano! - mypurpleylife
6. Custom Designed Filofax Pages & Folders - Natasha Hensel
7. Chit Chat no.4 - Finsbury's, Filofax Decoration & Competition update! - adamsfilo
8. Wanna Be to Gonna Be Filofax - Viv Writer
9. Filofax personal Malden pages week 22 2013 and update - Anna-Marie Hawthorne
10. My Filofax, Dodo-pads, GTD and ZTD - Nina771118
11. Decorating my Filofax - Week #22 - mypurpleylife
12. Tour of the Filofax pocket Classic - Anna-Marie Hawthorne
13. My Filofax Setup - Createpaper Joy
14. FILOFAX: Week 22 - Personal Decorations & Additions & Mini Haul - Blair swift
15. ruby rumbles #2: planner fail, a possible filofax for me! yey! - MsPassiontea 
16. DIY Custom Stickers for my Filofax - LadyKat528
17. Filofax Unboxing Bright Purple Personal Saffiano - JustDahling
18. Filofax Crazy Chat - SamLuvely
19. Filofax Metropol personal lavande - Aude B.

Enjoy

Don't forget to visit Write at Home has a special offer until the end of May, enter the promo code philofaxy at the check out to get 5% off your order and free shipping on orders over £50. Order today.

Free For All Tuesday No. 121

Tuesdays 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.

Reader Under The Spotlight - Adam

Hey everyone, I'm Adam (although you may know me as Adamsfilo). I'm 18 only weeks away from 19 (eek I can feel the white hairs coming lol) Born and raised in Nottingham, England and I have a somewhat unhealthy addiction to using and decorating my Filofax!

Ever since I was a young child I was always obsessed with stationery, and strived to find the perfect tool for everything. And as I grew up I sort of lost that flare until I purchased my first Filofax!

Due to a disability I haven't been able to work for the past year, which as you can imagine leaves me with heaps of spare time, so I decided to dust off my Filo and search around to see what's out there. Which is how I came across Philofaxy and the amazing community that comes with it. I found myself engrossed in videos of people showcasing their beautiful planners and what they hold.

A couple of months ago I decided to really get involved into the Filofax community, so I created an Instagram account dedicated to my new found love and through there I have met the kindest and most welcoming people who all share the same passion as I do. I then decided follow in the footsteps of the people who inspired me and began making my own videos, the rest is history. Using and sharing my gorgeous Filofax has become the most fun and rewarding hobby I could ever imagine!

So you can find me on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook all under the name Adamsfilo! :-D

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

In the summer of 2011 I purchased my first Filofax, which was a personal Domino in Slate Grey, that I found on clearance at Staples for £6. I was on the hunt for a way to organise my college life and these mysterious planners always intrigued me. I never knew of the beautiful ways to use a Filo at that time though so after I left education it was just put into a drawer and forgotten about until a few months ago!

2. What other brands have you used or considered using?
I've never really been interested in other brands apart from Filofax, although Franklin Covey do seem to have a nice array of planners. Recently I have been eyeing up the Gillio's, but I think it will be a while before I even consider an investment like that!

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

Anyone who knows me could answer this without a doubt, my Domino Snake is my pride and joy! Lol, ever since my first Domino I fell in love with how it was designed. In my eyes it's still classy and sophisticated without being too formal and mature! When I found out there was a snake skin version of my beloved Domino I just had to get my hands on one, and luckily I did. I have a personal size in the colour Natural, although I'm still on the hunt for a Dark Brown version ;-)

4. How many Filofax organisers do you own?

Only the two as of now, my Domino twins! :-D

5. What is the oldest Filofax in your collection?

My Slate Grey Domino, coming up to 2 years old!

6. What do you use your Filofax for?

My Filofax is purely for organising my personal life, everything from what I fancy for dinner to all my appointments. More recently though I have been spending more time decorating my pages with washi tape and stickers than actually using it for planning, but I don't mind that in the slightest :-D

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

The versatility is the biggest thing for me, you can litterally build it to suit your lifestyle. The fact the diaries are basic/plain is also a great thing for me, I see them as a blank canvas for me to design my own pages! It turns organising into a fun and enjoyable task.

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

If I were to truthfully answer this I would just be describing how the domino is, lol. Although I would absolutely love to see a re-release of the Domino Snake in a few more colours *cough* grey please!! *cough* :-D

9. How do you carry your Filofax?

Unfortunately most of my time is spent bed bound so it isnt needed to be taken out that much, but when it is there is a space in my 'man bag' specifically just for my beauty!

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

I think the Doodle is fun idea, honestly I would only be buying it for the Filofax branded spirograph tool lol!!

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

I spent £25 on my Domino Snake, which in comparison to some people's collection is just pennies! But I can definitely see my Filofax spending rise as I cave in to all the enablers on here! :-D

12. What's your favourite Filofax tip or hack?

Adhesive pen loop's have become my greatest tool! I stick them on a flyleaf so I can create my own insert that can be added wherever it's needed. So handy!

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

Apart from the great content and keeping me up to date on Filofax news. I love the community more than anything, I have never met such wonderful people than I have through Philofaxy. I felt so welcomed and accepted when I first began posting on You Tube and joining the Philofaxy Facebook pages!

14. And what do you not like about Philofaxy?

As cheesy as this sounds, there's nothing about Philofaxy that I would ever want to change! Steve is amazing, the content is amazing and it's like our little organised and washi tape covered heaven :-D

15. What was the last music track you downloaded or bought?

I downloaded the preview of 'Bow Down' by Beyoncée not so long ago, I love me some Beyoncé and that track has been stuck in my head for weeks lol!

16. Katie Price or Kate Middleton?

Kate Middleton for sure! She has class, beauty, style and grace. Not to mention her life is like a real life fairy tale, so romantic!

Thank you Adam, and if anyone else would like to appear on Reader Under The Spotlight then please contact philofaxy at gmail dot com

Date for your Diary - 2 June 2013

New York	London	Paris	Sydney

We are going to run another conference round-table voice chat using Skype.

I'm sure we are gradually getting to know each other's voices, but I will make a point of going 'around the table' to get everyone to introduce themselves this time.

So...When, Where, What, Who and How?

When? - Sunday 2 June from 9am London time, 10am Paris time, 6pm Sydney time and 8pm Wellington time.

Additionally I will be on line at 8am Anchorage, 9am San Francisco 11am Chicago, 12noon New York, 5pm London time, 6pm Paris time etc.  See the clocks at the top of this post to see roughly what time you should be on line. Or the World Clock

The timing of these two sessions have been chosen to hopefully allow as many people to join in compared to previous round-tables. The timing of future ones will be varied to suit everyone if need be.


Where? - an on-line chat using Skype.

What do I need? - just a micro-phone and some head phones(in ear phones work fine) and a free Skype account. Using headphones reduces 'echo' on the call.

Who - All of you... connect up with Philofaxy and we will attempt to get as many of us linked in to the audio conference as possible. Come and listen if you don't want to chat.  What do we talk about? Filofax stuff... but anything else as well. It's like long lost friends meeting up for coffee and a catch up.. but don't worry if you have never joined in before... you are an old friend too!

How -

1. Connect to Philofaxy by firstly searching for Philofaxy in Skype, I will then add you as a contact.
2. Then  'Start Chat',  I will then add you in to the chat room. 
3. Then if you request it, I can add you to the audio conference as well. But if you just want to chat via keyboard that's fine. That way it's slightly less hectic for me! 

Come and join in the fun, even if you only pop in to say hello...

As with previous round-tables there will also be a parallel text chat room going at the same time as the voice conference, so you can listen to the voice chat and type if you wish.

If you need any assistance setting up Skype, please pop a comment in this post and I will try and help you get one line. Skype is free for computer to computer calls....

Here is my post on how to improve your Skype audio with headphones or a headset.

Hope to be chatting with you on Sunday 2 June 2013. 

Web Finds and Video Web Finds - 25 May 2013

Here are the latest Filofax blog posts from around the Internet:

1. Filofax : Springboard Organiser - The Ana Mum Diary
2. ‘New’ Mulberry Binder in Gold! - This Bugs Life
3. MOVING OUT so I can MOVE IN! - Filofaxuation
4. International paper people: an interview with Laurie Huff - Quo Vadis
5. To do insert for my Franklin Covey Pocket Page Marker - An Irish Girl's Life
6. Filofax rearranging - Life of Kitty
7. Another Filofax Dream came true and a big thank you to Philofaxy - EC Loves Paper 
8. Using Violet Temperley as a wallet - This Bugs Life
9. And in this one, I'm giving away a Filofax! - The Crazy Suburban Mom
10. Happy Monday with my new red Adelphi -  EC Loves Paper 
11. Tweaking My Planner - Giftie Etcetera
12. Mon Malden en rose vintage: Satine!!!! ♥♥♥ (Part 1)  - Le Monde de Mzelle
13. Sundays with my Filofax -  EC Loves Paper
14. “Today” Marker with a Bunny for the Personal Size! - Filofax Love
15. Make your own Filofax coupon tracking envelope - My Life All in One Place
16. Am I going crazy?? - Lady Elizabeth's Life
17. Free Don't Forget pages for Filofax Personal and Pocket - My Life All in One Place
18. Skinny Filofax - Cloudberry Musings
19. Planner Hall of Shame - Sky Blue Pinkish
20. Another sexy red Filofax: The Personal Amazona :o) - Chrissie's Universe
21. Planner Page Extravaganza – Download Custom Pages Now! - Homemakers Daily
22. June is Just Around the Corner... - Thoughts & Exploration
23. Falling in love...with a Gillio Firenze :o)) - Chrissie's Universe
24. Random catching up - The Crazy Suburban Mom
25. My Home Filofax Setup - Jagged Little Thoughts 
26. Filofax pocket dividers from a Photo Book - An Irish Girl's Life
27. Love My Finsbury and Set Her Up Horizontally - DIYFish
28. The Filofax Keychain - The Crazy Suburban Mom
29. How To Use Midori Traveler's Notebook Refills With Your A5..  - Filofancy
30. 9 Ways to Prepare Your Home for the School Year Ending - Day Timer Blog
31. Filofax Friday: To Do Grid - Planning with Printed Portal

My Week Posts:

1. Filofax setup week 21 - EC loves Paper 
2. My Filofax Week #17 - Imogen Rose Beauty
3. My Week Recap + Update! - Live, Love, Organise

This weeks Filofax Videos:

1. Filofax Haul - Grey Finsbury in Pocket & Personal!! - adamsfilo
2. GETTING ORGANISED: Ep 1 Getting Started With Your Filofax - Kent from Oz
3. Filofax Personal Malden Setup & Tour - LadyKat528
4. Review of hole punch for A5, personal and pocket Filofaxes - SecretAgentBover
5. A5 raspberry chameleon filofax - johannenevin
6. Filofax - Personal Domino Review - melrohner
7. Filofax Evolutions - MrAngelJem
8. And in this one I give away a Filofax! - Tracy Reinhardt
9. Filofax Homeward Bound - MrAngelJem
10. Metropol personal Filofax - Gee Kay
11. My new addition to my growing Filofax family - desrayann

Enjoy

Don't forget to visit Write at Home has a special offer until the end of May, enter the promo code philofaxy at the check out to get 5% off your order and free shipping on orders over £50. Order today.

Free For All Friday No 236

This summer we have several guests coming to stay with us, and I'm finding my Filofax useful to help prepare for their visits. In addition to scheduling their stays I have lists of things to see and do in our area that they may be interested in (castles, nature walks, restaurants etc.) and lists of DIY projects for my in-laws when they come for two weeks next month (they like to be busy so we'll put them to work!). I also want to empower our guests to do things independently so I'll give them instructions on how to use the bus system and our contact numbers and let them go explore.

Do you have guests coming to stay with you this season? How are you using your Filofax to help you prepare for visitors?

And as always on Fridays, feel free to discuss anything Filofax or ring-binder related.

Happy Friday!

Filofax Press Release - The Journey Weekender

Something for the weekend…

Inspired by the golden age of luxury travel, the Journey Weekender in soft calf leather comes complete with removable shoulder strap and internal flexible pocket. The Journey Travel Companion wallet has multiple card pockets, soft zipped pouches and discreet small rings. Over time the leather will take on a unique appearance that adds to its charm.

Product details:

The Journey Travel Companion:

•   Material: Soft Calf Leather
•   Features: Discreet Slim Rings, Purse/Wallet functionality, Pockets for travel tickets

The Journey Weekender Bag:

•   Material: Soft Calf Leather
•   Features: Removable Shoulder Strap, Internal Flexible Pocket

Prices

• The Journey Weekender Bag, £219
• The Journey Travel Companion, £60

We hope to be doing a full review of the Journey Travel Companion on Philofaxy in the near future. 

Philofaxy Chat Room

One of readers mentioned in her response to her Reader Under the Spotlight submission. 'Wouldn't it be great if there was a live chat room' in her answers. Her feature will be coming up in a few weeks time, so you haven't missed it!

So as always I had a look in to the idea of incorporating a chat room on the blog. There are several sites offering this type of service, some paying others offer free services.

Not knowing what sort of response it would get I've opted for a free service for now to just try it out to see how much use it will get.

You will find it on the 'Chat' tab in the page menu at the top of the screen.

To enter the chat room you need to enter your Nickname, I suggest you just use your first name or the username you comment with or similar. And that is it, you can then chat with the others logged in to the room at that time.

The people logged in show up in the menu at the right. You can type your message at the bottom of the screen.

Please be aware that this type of facility is not secure so do not use the chat room to exchange email addresses or personal details.

The chat room isn't monitored by myself 24 hours, but I will try to be around as much as is practically possible.

Leave a comments/feedback in the comments on the Chat page in the usual way please. If the system proves popular I might look in to alternative chat room hosting services to see if there is something better than the one we are currently using.

Happy chatting!

Another 10 things about my Filofax(es)

Following on from my previous post, I thought I'd share with you how I'm getting on with my filofaxes.

1. I am SO relieved to be back in a crimson personal Malden as the internal layout, style and colour are perfect for me
2. The last thing I wrote - notes on how to find a town in a game I'm playing
3. What's in the notepad pocket at the back - some receipts that I'm processing for my upcoming tax return 
4. Three random things in my Reference/Misc section - a laminated Getting Things Done workflow diagram, some pages from a small book I've hole punched by HH the Dalai Lama and a recipe for plum sauce
5. My first section called Notes/In is the largest section as I'm having a tidy up 
6. I have recently really gone off the standard today bookmark and am currently using a lai see envelope instead (from our wedding in 2010)
7. So, am I content with the two binders I already own, as per one of my Filofax New Year's resolutions? Hmm, not exactly. Despite only having 0.76 Philo, I'm becoming slightly obsessed again with just owning the one filo 
8. Having filofaxes seems to have cured my addiction for browsing notebooks so much! (luckily for my bank balance I rarely bought, just window shopped)
9. I have no desire to purchase an aqua Malden. Wow, I said it (!) and it's testament to how content I am with the crimson colour 
10. I have given up on thinking about the perfect set up, and I think it's all working much better for me because of that. 

Web Finds and Video Web Finds 21 May

Here are the latest Filofax blog posts from around the Internet:

1. My Filofax Review: Osterley - My Purpley Life
2. 365/30: Which Filofaxes have you bought impulsively - Filomaniac
3. Filofax Friday: inside my pocket Sketch - My Big Bootyful Life
4. The FILOship of the Rings - Filofaxuation
5. Planner envy - Imysworld - She's Eclectic
6. From Slimming Things Down to Fattening Things up! - Confession of a Dublin Lassie
7. I Found Filofax!!!! - My Studio Blog
8. Adding Monthly Calendars to your Planner - Plannerisms
9. With paper, all things are possible - The Crazy Suburban Mom
10. 365/30: Have you successfully downsized/upsized your Filofax - Filomaniac
11. Back To Basics! - My Little Vintage Life 
12. Weightloss - 7lbs in Week 1 - Cloudberry Musings 
13. Colour Coding Filofax Sections - Jagged Little Thoughts
14. From Slimming Things Down to Fattening Things up! - Confessions of A Dublin Lassie 
15. Current Filofax Setup - Stereo Soldier
16. A cute clipboard for my filofax and new dividers - My Holy Crap
17. Unboxing of My Filofax A5 Finsbury in raspberry! - Crazy Clarity
18. Personal Ultra Violet Domino Filofax Competition - Roses in December
19. THE ADDICTION BEGINS - McLemony
20. Filofax, really???? - One Fantastic Find by Rebecca 
21. I'm giving away the Punctuate Planner, guys! - The Crazy Suburban Mom
22. A Filofax dilemma – too many filofaxes?! - Student Spyglass
23. Using FC inserts with the Filofax Saffiano - My Purpley Life 
24. The Maldens Have Arrived! - Write at Home
25. Filofax Wishlist - Within Dreams We Live
26. 365/30: Could you be happy with only one Filofax? - Filomaniac

My Week

1. My Week #20 - Jagged Little Thoughts
2. 'My Filofax Week' #20 - The Wonderful World of Alice
3. My week in Filofax 5/19/13 - Purple is My Happy 
4. My Filofax Week 9 - Roses in December 
5. My week #20/52  - She's Eclectic
6. Week 20! - Red Lips and Pearls
7. My Filofax Week #20 - My Purpley Life
8. week {20/52}★ - My Summer Touch
9. Week #20 - Le Monde de Mzelle
10. My Filofax Week 13/05 - 19/05 - Pony Town
11. My Week: Week 20 - The Simple Life

Filofax Videos

1. Filofax Red Chameleons - leasuance1
2. Trying to make a Filofax video with baby Kayleigh - alondrajuarez10
3. My Version of a Filofax AKA Fauxfax. - mommy24cs
4. My Filofax Review: Osterley - mypurpleylife
5. Mon Finchley Turquoise - Aude B.
6. A5 Filofax Raspberry Finsbury Work Setup - SecretAgentBover
7. Filofax - Week Four Pages / Chat - Blair swift
8. My Filofax Review: Saffiano - My Purpley Life
9. Mini chameleon setup & filofax chat! - KatLeNoir
10. How I Set Up My Very First Filofax Saffiano and Some Goodies I Bought For Her - mommy24cs·193 videos
11. Cleaning the interior of your Filofax - Philofaxy
12. Filofax Tip No 45 Sharpening Your Hole Punch - The Australian Way - Kent from Oz
13. My Filofax - Chris416ward
14. I'm giving away The Barnes and Noble Punctuate Planner - Tracy Reinhardt
15. Review of the Filofax Key Rings - SecretAgentBover
16. Decorating my Filofax - Week 21 - mypurpleylife

Enjoy

Don't forget to visit Write at Home has a special offer until the end of May, enter the promo code philofaxy at the check out to get 5% off your order, and they have Ochre Malden's in stock as well as organisers from the new 2013 range.

Free For All Tuesday No. 120

Tuesdays 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.

Philofaxy discount on Gillio Compagna planners! - Guest Post -

Hello lovely Philofaxy people…

As you might have seen, I visited the Gillio shop in Brussels yesterday and spent the entire day with Tom and Mieke, who were kind enough to take the time to show me all of their planners and answer all of my questions.

They were delighted to discover that there is a community of planner-lovers out there, a “new market” for the planners they’ve been making for over 15 years now.

They are a Belgian brand, no flagship stores overseas (yet!) and they understand that, as shipping to the US and beyond is expensive, you might be reluctant to purchase one. That’s why they designed a promotion just for you guys: if you buy a Compagna planner (my model), from what they have in stock, in A5, Medium (= personal), Pocket or Mini, before my birthday (June 16th 2013), just use my first name ‘mella’ as promotional code for a stunning 25% discount!

Enjoy and don’t hesitate to ask me any questions you might have about their wonderful collection!

Mella

Reader Under The Spotlight - The One and Only Kent from Oz

You have seen the hands.... heard his dulcet tones.. now meet the man himself.... 

Here is a photo of me with couple of alien-looking llamas.
I’m the one on the right.

Here is a photo of me with couple of alien-looking llamas. I’m the one on the right.

I am Kent from Oz. I live in sunny Brisbane, Australia. The best place to live in the world. I am an educator and work in Middle School as a Curriculum Projects teacher for a private College. I have four children and my wife is also a teacher. I have used organizers and planners for the last 30-odd years and am currently using an A5 binder. I like anything to do with organizing and the Filofax life is my mission and passion.

I also love to teach. I have an interest in special needs children and especially designing curriculum to help teachers to accommodate kids with different abilities and challenges into the regular classroom. I believe children with special needs deserve the right to a normal and exciting education with their regular peers. I believe special needs kids have so much to offer their regular friends in a fully integrated classroom. I believe we all have challenges and gifts and when it comes down to it, kids are just kids. I gave up the chance to teach and lecture at university level so I can remain in the classroom with the children who never fail to inspire and teach me what it means to live life to the fullest. I have never looked back.

You can find me on the Philofaxy Facebook pages or in my blog Filofaxuations or follow me on Twitter or Instagram See you all in cyberspace.
Kent from OZ

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

I was given an original black leather personal size Filofax in 1984 by my sister. Not sure what make it actually was but it was an open one with a clip closure. I really didn’t know how to use it back then and it ended up being a glorified address book for many years. The leather held up well and I finally found it in an old storage box about 2008. A bit mouldy but the rings were still great. A good clean up and it was fine again. The leather ended up a bit dry but I rejuvenated it with leather cream. I have used a series of A5 Collins Debden leather binders since 1995.

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

I still use the Collins-Debden A5 black Leather binder. Their inserts a good but the binders are not as good as Filofax. I do like the Faber-Castell binder as well. (see Q 8).

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

I am loving using the simplicity of the A5 black APEX, but I admire the A5 Black Malden and of course the A5 Balmoral. I also like the A5 Flex for it’s versatility and slimline features.

4. How many Filofax organisers do you own?

Well –the truthful answer is 6. But I also own 3 Franklin-Covey and 3 Collins-Debden binders as well – mostly A5 and Personal. I have a tendency to give them away don’t ask me why – it just happens. My love-language is gift-giving. I also have some really useful Franklin-Covey storage binders I got on eBay for a song. They are really handy for storing my enormous collection of dividers and inserts.

5. What is the oldest Filofax in your collection?
My original Personal is over 30 years old. I recently just received a very old Personal black leather one on eBay for a very low price. The inserts that were in it were from 1992.

6. What do you use your Filofax for?

I use it for EVERYTHING! Diary, notes, work, play, reminders, ordering, ideas, dreaming, sketches, postal things, creating, business, meetings, reminders, timetables, puzzles, iPad holder, journaling, planning, renovations and life. It is my fifth child.

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

I just love the leather feel. It is so tactile and elegant. And the smell of opening a new leather Filofax from the box – heaven!  The real leather binder is essential. I think the filofaxes from the golden years were better made. Give me leather any day!

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

I really love this one by Faber-Castell but in black leather and with 30mm rings and as long as it lies flat. I love the clip satchel on the left and the pen case on the left. It seems to be all-in-one. They are very expensive but if I ever was given one, I would call it Satchmo!

9. How do you carry your Filofax?

Always have it in my hand – it lives on my desk at home and at my desk at work. I say goodnight to it though and leave it on the desk. I have an A5 Flex on my nightstand for jottings, scribbles and ideas – that works best for me.

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

I am in love with the black A5 Balmoral and am looking out for one. Patience is virtue they say. And all good things come to those who wait. So, I am patiently waiting ☺.

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

Believe it or not, only around £29 for a . . . .hang on . . . . it’s a secret!!!!

12. What's your favourite Filofax tip or hack?

Anything from Kent from OZ. He is so brilliant. I love listening to his calming voice and his constantly moving hands. I think I have a man-crush on him! But seriously, I really like the tip by Ray Blake about printing on Post-it notes – Genius!!!

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

I love Adspot and the Video and Web summaries. It makes my life easier to have it all in one place – well done to whoever does this as I am sure it is a mammoth task. I am always going back to the earlier posts – you can never learn too much from everybody else.

14. And what do you not like about Philofaxy?

To be honest, (and it is only a pet peeve) I love it all except for the brownish-beige colours of the blog template. It is a bit too drab.

15. What was the last music track you downloaded or bought?

Oh God . . . . honestly it was the Les Miserables movie soundtrack  . . . I am such a nerdified dork!!!

16. Katie Price or Kate Middleton?

Who’s Katie Price? ☺  I don't think Mrs Kent from Oz would approve...

Thank you Kent, a gentleman as always... and of course if you would like to appear on our Reader Under The Spotlight feature...
Please contact philofaxy at gmail dot com

Web Finds and Video Web Finds - 18 May 2012

Here are the latest Filofax blog posts from around the Internet:

1. Too Many To-Dos - Quo Vadis Blog
2. Dilemma... again. - Practically Pretty
3. Filofax's New 2013 Range - Webster's Pen Shop 
4. The Leather Satchel Company - Lady Tamlynn
5. FiloFRENZY!!!! - Filofaxuation
6. So The Question Is… - Filofaxuation
7. At a standstill - No so Boring
8. A little Filo-Flashing… - MellaMania
9. Ongoing conversation... - Planner Chicks
10. Redid my cash envelope system today - The Crazy Suburban Mom
11. I blame my mother. - MellaMania
12. The Leather Satchel Company - Lady Tamlynn
13. Review: Filofax 'The Original' A5 Yellow - The Life of The Perpetual Student 
14. Doodle Filofax Competiton - It's My Life!
15. Meine neuesten Filofaxzugänge - Janas Book Look
16. 3. Meet up in München - Filomaniac
17. Electronic Planning vs. Paper Planning: Why I Prefer Paper - Homemakers Daily
18. The 2014 Punctuate Binders are up on B&N - The Crazy Suburban Mom 
19. Sexy red Filofax:The Personal Malden in crimson :o... - Chrissie's Universe
20. 10 ADHD/ADD Organizing Strategies That Work For Everyone - Homemakers Daily
21. My Philofaxy Story - Jagged Little Thoughts
22. Student Organisation (with a few mini product reviews) Nine Grand Student
23. my APEX planner - Nerd-Zilla
24. My trusty Filofax - Ink Drops
25. Filofax Original, my retro stationery crush - Women's Room
26. Money, money, money - Nothing's Original Anymore 
27. Make Room For Family – Finding Work-Life Balance - Day-Timer Blog

And here are the Filofax Videos

1. Filofax Tip No 44 - How to Stretch Your Leather Filofax Pen Loop - Kent from Oz 
2. 2013, Filofax Personal Purple Domino - Redtintedcrayons
3. Colour Coding my Filofax Diary! - AdamsFilo
4. My new Filofax! Quick share - mam1016
5. Filofax Aston update - FrillyLeela7
6. Kent from Oz Filofax Update - May 2013 - Kent from Oz
7. Filofax: First Setup Attempt - ohaijoy
8. My new Filofax-the Lavender Metropol in personal size! - KRCampbell42
9. FILOFAX SAFFIANO PERSONAL AQUA - Life0Adapted
10. Mini Filofax update: zip pocket hack - Ju La
11. What's in My Filofax Pocket Finsbury? - TheGLOSSette
12. Organizing Tips for Filofax, Markers, Washi, & Nail Polish - mypurpleylife
13. A tour of my mini Portobello Filofax wallet - Janis Bennett
14. Filofax personal Malden Set-Up - Erica McKinley
15. A vintage slimline, an old Bond Street organizer, and a rant about slow Franklin Covey shipping - Joshua LaPorte
16. The jolly green giant... For work planning - Joshua LaPorte
17. The Dodo AcadPad wall pad - Joshua LaPorte
18. The Franklin Covey Starter Pack - Joshua LaPorte
19. My first Filofax! - happyscrappingirl

Enjoy

Don't forget to visit Write at Home. As a special offer until the end of May, enter the promo code philofaxy at the check out to get 5% off your order.

Free For All Friday No 235

Today is World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.
Its purpose is to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the internet and other ICT can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide. I think it's great that my love of pen and paper has led me to this wonderful online community, and it would have been much harder to find fellow Filo-enthusiasts without the internet.
How has Philofaxy added to your overall experience of using Filofax?

And as it's Friday, please feel free to discuss anything Filofax or ringbound planner related.

Write at Home - Retailer Under The Spotlight - Update

Write at Home is a small family run business based in rural Perthshire, Scotland.  David and I set up the business three years ago and it is growing in popularity as we reawaken the love of stationery in the Great British public!

We have a wide range of beautiful stationery ranging from ink and quills to Crown Mill Writing Paper and of course Filofax!  We have been awaiting the new product range with baited breath and our patience has finally paid off with the first of the new ranges now in stock!

As a small firm we pride ourselves on providing a personal service.  We will take the time to find out what Philofaxy members want from their organisers and try to find the best solution for them.

We are stationers with a difference in that we are mobile!  By that we mean that we do not have a bricks and mortar shop, but we get out and about around the country going to all sorts of events ranging from local markets to Country Living Fairs to boat shows and we are hoping to introduce Write at Home to Chris Evans (Radio 2 DJ) at one of his Carfest festivals in August!!

As you can see 2013 is going to be a busy year for Write at Home as we are attending events from Elgin right down to Cheltenham in Gloucestershire and everywhere in between!!!  We would love to meet fellow Philofaxers while we are on our travels and there is always a discount to be given!!

Our website is continually evolving as we are always searching for new and exciting stationery products which are not readily available on the High Street.  We have our own range of children’s stationery, the Catriona Mary range, which has proved to be incredibly popular.  It is expanding as the year goes on with lots of exciting new products in the pipeline!

We hope you enjoy our website and look forward to getting to know our fellow Philofaxers much better!

As a special offer until the end of May, enter the promo code philofaxy at the check out to get 5% off your order.

Filofax Press Release - The Blossom

In Full Bloom

Blossom Personal, £26

Be inspired by the trend for pretty prints and florals with the NEW Blossom personal organiser from Filofax –



Filofax has launched Blossom – an organiser with a ditzy floral print emblazoned on a leather look cover. Featuring an internal cream faux suede lining, the Blossom organiser is available in two sizes, Pocket (£23) and Personal (£26).

Product details:

Material: External – Leather look cover with ditsy floral print. Internal – cream faux suede lining

Availability: Early June.

Nan's Fitness Filo

I've been hesitating to write this post, since I feel some changes in my fitness setup brewing. I'm getting inspired by the beautiful, effective books I'm seeing from other Filofax dieters (on Facebook and on their blogs). But my current system is working well for me right now, so I'll start with where I am now.

My program is inspired by The Beck Diet Solution, so you'll read a lot about that book in this blog post. It uses Cognitive Behavioral therapy techniques to support healthy eating and exercise. In the book, Dr. Judith Beck recommends using a notebook and index cards to do the exercises in the book, keep a food journal, and apply the CBT motivational techniques. Portability is a big factor for me, so I use a Pocket Filofax instead!

Here's what I've got for the five tabs:

Advantages - Dr. Beck recommends making a list of all of the advantages of losing weight and being healthy, and reading it several times a day. I read mine every time before I eat. It sure has an effect on the food choices I make! I use pink paper, with one "advantage" on each. (In the book, index cards are used for this purpose.) An example might be: "I'll be able to wear the stylish clothes I like."

Eating Diary - I write down everything I eat, including any tastes or nibbles. I also record the quantity, or my closest estimate of it. I'm following the South Beach Diet, which means I don't have to keep a calorie record, so I'm not writing down calories right now. If I want to get an idea of how many calories are in my food, I use a website like MyFitnessPal. I use white paper in this section. Each page has my food on one side, and my daily checklist on the other.

Responses - Dr. Beck recommends using index cards to make what she calls Response Cards. This is a CBT technique. In layman's terms, you write on the cards things that motivate you or remind you of what you're trying to do. For example, if you frequently find yourself thinking, "I don't want to exercise," you might want to have a card to read at that moment of weakness: "I may not want to exercise right now, but I'll enjoy it once I get started. More importantly, the rewards of exercising are too good to miss out on!" I use blue paper in this section.

Rules - This one's self-explanatory. These are the habits you have (or want to develop!) to keep you on track. One of my rules is "I don't buy candy at the cash register." Another is, "I don't put sugar in coffee or tea." It's simply no longer an option! The book have any recommendations on where to write your rules; Response Cards would be fine. But I decided a separate section, on yellow paper, works for me.

Credit - A big part of Dr. Beck's philosophy is to give yourself credit when you do the right thing. When you're learning to give yourself credit (most of us aren't very good at it), it helps to write down the successes you need to give yourself credit for. I saved my favorite color paper for this section - lavender!

In addition to the tabs, I have a week-on-two-pages diary in the front. On each day, I record my weight and body fat percentage (my scale measures that, too), exercise (with intensity, time, and distance), and number of glasses of water I drink.

In future, I may move up to a Personal size organizer, to give myself more room for a notes section, motivational pictures, and puzzles or reading material for moments when I need a distraction.

Web Finds and Video Web Finds - 14 May 2013

Here are the latest Filofax blog posts and videos from around the Internet.

1. 2013 Plannerisms Planners still available - Plannerisms
2. Free weekly habits tracker for your A5 Filofax - My Life All in One Place
3. Too Dirty for Words Small Organizing Project #2 - The Crazy Suburban Mom
4. Stationary Organisation With My Filofax - It's My Life!
5. Marker Review with Filofax Papers - My Purpley Life 
6. Filofax Friday: Possible uses for my pocket filofax - Planning with Printed Portal
7. Fed up with Ebay and Making Inserts - Pretty Violet
8. Breaking up is so Confusing :-) - Confessions of A Dublin Lassie 
9. New Handmade Today Marker for my Pocket Finsbury! - Filofax Love
10. 365/30: What do you use your planner for on the weekends - Filofmaniac
11. Mulberry Posts coming soon to a screen near you. - Imysworld
12. Filofax Pocket Peru Review - Circus Life with Disturbed Mamcita
13. University Tips: How I organise my time - Lily, Actually
14. 365/30: Would you let your spouse or a close friend go through your Filofax - Filomaniac
15. Fridays with my filofax. :) The prodigal daughter returns. - My Big Bootyful Life
16. Not exactly bargain basement...  - Circus Life with Disturbed Mamcita
17. Was bitte ist ein Tejus?  - Filomaniac
18. My day at Gillio, part one - MellaMania
19. Dream FIlofax - Pretty Violet
20. Swapping My Organisers Around - Roses in December
21. Planner envy - She's Eclectic
22. Swapping My Personal Filofax For a Midori Traveler... - Filofancy 
23. Ever Had One of Those Days? - Filofaxuations
24. Filofax Violet Temperley Reveal - This Bugs Life
25. My day at Gillio, part two - MellaMania
26. New Releases 2013 (12): Springboard - Filomaniac
27. Adorableness achieved! - The Crazy Suburban Mom
28. Blogging Tips - This Bugs Life 
29. 365/30: Which Filofaxes have you purchased, - Filomaniac
30. my week round-up #19 - Paper Lovestory
31. Holy Grail Filofax: Imperial Purple Finchley - Purple is My Happy

And the videos

1. My first Filofax! EEEeeE! - ohaijoy
2. A Quick look at a Filofax Personal Baroque in Pink - smplycar
3. My Filofax Update - Shabaddiction Stevens
4. Chit Chat no.2! Sunday Babbling, Budgets and my Filofax this Week! - adamsfilo
5. A Trip To The Filofax Store - filofaxingagain
6. Filofax Set Up!!! - willowmuck
7. Filofax personal Metropol Set-Up - Erica McKinley
8. Filofax A5 orange osterley set up! - Katerina LeNoir
9. A Quick Look Inside the Original Filofax - filofaxingagain
10. Update on my A5 Malden Filofax Setup - Sharon Korkes

Enjoy

Free For All Tuesday No 119

Tuesdays 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.

Filofax Press Release - The New Calipso range

Spicy Shades!
Bring a taste of the Tropics to your desk with the new Calipso range

Bring a taste of the tropics to your desk this season with the Calipso Collection – a NEW range of fashionably on-trend organisers and complementary briefcases in vibrant spicy shades. Made with sumptuously soft leather with a light grain texture, the organisers feature a fashionable and subtly contrasting croc print closure and are available in five must-have colours (Bright Blue, Deep Pink, Burnt Orange, Solar Yellow and Teal). The matching simply designed briefcases are available in Bright Blue and Burnt Orange.

Personal organisers are available now in Compact and A5 sizes.

Calipso range details:

§  Material:  Soft leather with a light grain texture

§  Colours available: 

• Compact – 15 mm Rings - Bright Blue, Deep Pink, Burnt Orange, Solar Yellow, Teal £65
• A5 – 25 mm Rings - Bright Blue, Deep Pink £90
• Briefcase – Bright Blue £199, Burnt Orange £139

Philofaxy Meet Up Proposal - Toronto

Susan Stanway and Alan Marshall have discussed the possibility of a meetup in the Toronto area this summer.  In fact, it s quite possible that there will be TWO meetups due to various people's travel schedules.  One is being tentatively planned for Thursday, June 6, when one of our comrades in rings from la belle province, Tina Louise Cayouette, will be coming through.  We are tentatively planning to meet in Toronto that evening.

I know a weeknight meetup is not ideal, so it is likely that we would try to organize a proper weekend meetup for later in the summer or early fall.  Venues for this meetup could be:

• the historic Distillery District
• the St. Lawrence Market, named by National Geographic as the World's Best Food Market - a stretch, I think, but it is a good really market
• Eaton Centre
• Bloor-Yorkville (there is a good stationery & pen shop, Laywines, in the heart of Bloor-Yorkville)
• Yorkdale Mall, where a Mulberry Shop opens May 3

Any Philofaxy citizen from Southern Ontario, Upstate New York, Eastern Michigan, Lower Great Lakes, Quebec, (or anyone willing to make the trip to see a wonderful city) who is interested in a meetup is asked to please email alantmarshall [dot] toronto [at] gmail [dot] com.

Reader Under the Spotlight - Johanne

Hello, I'm Johanne. I am a thirty year old mother of one originally from Dublin Ireland but now living in West Cork. I am an avid planner user and all round stationery lover. I have always wanted a Filofax, in fact I had a fun fax when I was younger and believe that that is where this addiction stems from.  I work full time as well as looking after the house and I study as well, so I’m not a one planner girl but definitely find that without them I would not be as efficient in my daily life.

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

I bought my First Filofax in July 2012. It was a pink personal sized raspberry Chameleon. Funnily enough I sold it a few days later to buy and A5 size but ended up re-purchasing the same one a few weeks later!

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

Up until now I would never have considered another brand that is until this week when I discovered the Gillio brand. I am placing this binder on my wish list for now and maybe will treat myself this Christmas.

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

Out of all of the organisers that I have had the Osterley in A5 is my favourite. I love how the leather looks and feels and it really is a touch of class. It is so beautiful that I have recently ordered a personal Osterley in wine to compliment my A5

4. How many Filofax organisers do you own?

I have at one time had as many as 17, but have recently sold most of my collection and still have some for sale on the adspot page here on Philofaxy. So I currently possess 5, an osterley a5 and a personal on its way, a raspberry chameleon and also two work planners and a4 metropol and an a5 lyndhurst.

5. What is the oldest Filofax in your collection?

The oldest Filofax that I ever owned was a black A5 Balmoral from 2003. It is a beautiful leather Filofax with lots of pockets and lovely 30mm rings. I have since passed this to another member of the philofaxy community.

6. What do you use your Filofax for?

I currently use my Filofax for everything. My personal size is for household info ,personal info, financial tracking, my blog and weekly to dos. The a5 size I use for work and that houses staff records, training notes, weekly schedules and other work related reference items.

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

I love the look and feel of the leather planners; to me it is very sophisticated. I also love how you can keep your planner looking new by simply changing and clearing out the pages every few weeks. Oh and the pockets, a girls got to have pockets!

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

If I could design my own planner from Filofax it would be made of 100 percent soft leather, have the pockets of a balmoral and have 30 mm rings. I would choose a burnt orange colour.

9. How do you carry your Filofax?

I carry my Filofax in my bag every day, I am never without it. In work it stays on my desk and at home time its locked in my drawer away from prying eyes.

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

I currently have owned all the Filofaxes I liked but I am keeping a keen interest on the Charleston when it is released. I might be tempted if it has 30 mm rings

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

The most I have ever spent on a Filofax was the osterley a5 and even at that I got it at 50 percent off in a recent sale.

12. What's your favourite Filofax tip or hack?

My best advice would be not to write on the divider tabs that Filofax supplies because most likely within a few weeks or days in my case you will want to rearrange your setup! It is better to use labels or sticky notes that can be repositioned.

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

The best thing about philofaxy is the great community spirit that you are welcomed with. I have made a lot of friends through this blog and the related facebook page and really enjoy meeting so many with a common interest.

14. And what do you not like about Philofaxy?

The thing I dislike the most about philofaxy is the fact that it is soooo addictive! ☺

15. What was the last music track you downloaded or bought?

The last album I bought was Emile Sande’s, Our Version of Events.

16.  Mark Darcy or Daniel Cleaver?

It has to be Mark Darcy. Loveable and shy.


Thank you Johanne for agreeing to go under our spotlight, and of course if you would like to appear in this feature then please contact philofaxy at gmail dot com