Filofax Objects

One of our readers Sten from Sweden sent me the photograph below. Have you ever seen anything like this before?

It has the same design on the reverse as well.

I've seen other none organiser products before, may be even promotional items. But this is another Unidentified Filofax Object (UFO!)..... Blame Sten for that joke!

Date for your diary - 6 October 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 6 October  from 10am London time, 11am Paris time, 7pm Sydney time and 9pm Wellington time. This session will last 2-3 hours

Additionally I will be on line at 8am San Francisco 10am Chicago, 11am New York, 4pm London time, 5pm Paris time etc.  This session will also last 2-3 hours

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 or earphone 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  'Send Contact Request',  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 6 October 2013. We had a couple of great sessions last month.

Reader Under the Spotlight - Kym

My name is Kym Brown. I have come to know Filofax in this last year and I am a fan for life. I have always been a well organized woman and have used a organizer/planner of some sort for as long as I can remember.

As I was finishing up my Masters degree this year I was searching for "something new" to help take me to the next level. I found Philofaxy which in turn lead me to my very first Filofax.

I work in Healthcare administration. I love to create express myself creatively. I am a wife, mother and grammy. I adore all of my new Filofax friends. I have a YouTube channel, I am on Instagram  and I am working at reinventing my blog (I will post that on Facebook later).

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

My very first Filofax was a Personal sized deep pink domino. That was in May of this year.

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

I have used Franklin Covey, Day Timer, Day Runner, Barnes and Noble brand and My-Tyme Success Planner

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

My current favorite is my A5 Patent Fucshia Original named "Rio" She is my Inspirational/ bible study planner.

4. How many Filofax organisers do you own?

I currently own four: Personal Domino in Deep pink and chocolate and A5 Originals in Fluro Pink and Patent Fucshia. In bids with a new beauty on Ebay right now.

5. What is the oldest Filofax in your collection?

Currently that would be the Domino in chocolate. However Im bidding on a vintage Filofax right now.

6. What do you use your Filofax for?

I use my personal size to carry in my purse and keeps me on schedule with appointments etc. Day to day life planning. My A5 Patent Fucshia is for bible study and the A5 fluro (named Georgie because she was born the same day as the new prince) is for Journaling.

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

It is hard to say one favorite feature. After my many years of organizers of other brands, I love Filofaxs' quality, wonderful leather, style, color. Its like a fine wine or a well designed pair of shoes or suit. Filofax is synonymous with excellence and quality.

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

Hmmm. Definitely A5, large rings, supple leather, inserts that focus on tracking wellness/healthy living and blog tracking. Nice pen loops.
I would also design one that tips its hat to a charitable organization or two. Maybe a portion of proceeds to be donated to an international cause. Maybe some endorsed or co-designed by international figures or celebrities to help market them. I really think Duran Duran should design a Filofax. :-)

9. How do you carry your Filofax?

I have my personal and A5 in my large purse, tote bag or arm at all times.

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

I adore so many of them. I really want an A5 Malden in any color. I also love the Finsbury, Osterley, Finchley and Personal sized in Cover Story and Malden Ochre. See I cant choose. I love them all. I see a different use for most of them.

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

The A5 original $100.00

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

My favourite tip for Filofax is to make it yours. If you like to decorate or not. Make is useful for you. Otherwise you wont use it. I also "think outside the box" with my Filofax. They aren't only for scheduling your day. If most people are like me, their lives are multifaceted. I need organization for many pieces of my life. Day to day life, Bible studies, Writing/journaling, creative endeavors, weight loss or wellness management, school, etc.

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

If it weren't for Philofaxy I would have never ran across Filofax. And Im so glad I did. Philofaxy is a wonderful community of diverse people that share a great love of Filofax. I love the stories, insight and interactions with others. I have enjoyed being able to join Skype chats and see many of you from all over the world. I have met friends for life here. All because of a "little leather planner" and all of you who admin Philofaxy (Steve et al).

14. And what do you not like about Philofaxy?

Sorry but I have nothing but love here. I just say I want more. :-)

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

C'est L'amour- Romantic French Classics compilation CD (I'm a sucker for French music)

16. Mark Darcy or Daniel Cleaver?

Mark Darcy, I adore a gentleman and Colin Firth isn't bad either.

Thank you Kym and be sure to let us know about your new blog. As always if you would like to go under our spotlight. Please contact philofaxy at gmail dot com 

Web Finds - 28 September 2013

Do not forget if you want to attend the meet up in Manchester in October, you can still apply for a place.

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

1. Example Diary Inserts - Carie Harling
2. I Created a Convert ! - The Storage Studio
3. Post No. 1 for The Comparison Project - This Bugs Life
4. Filofax - I have enough. - Cloudberry Musings
5. Gillio "Cara Mia" in medium size: o)) - Chrissie's Universe
6. Review: Patent purple A5 ‘original’ organiser from Filofax - Stylish London Living 
7. My week round-up #38 - Paper Lovestory
8. Hello, Lollie! - Homemakers Daily
9. Free new GTD-Q app available now - GTD Times
10. The Notebook Revolution - Write At Home
11. Post No. 1 for The Budgeting Project - This Bugs Life
12. New SPIRALDEX Templates - Filofaxuations
13. Planner Rules And How To Break Them - Giftie Etcetera
14. Paper vs. Digital Planners - According to Andrea
15. Little Pocket Chameleon - Leesh
16. Free Chronodex Personal Filofax Diary - Liberty's Yarn
17. I love the Filofax community! - The University Project
18. Honey, We're about to open a shop! - Write At Home
19. Filofax Birthday Present! - Kel & Filofax
20. My planner set up- September 2013 - Twenty5seven
21. To-Dos and Tasks – Maximizing Your Daily Planner - Day Timer Blog
22. Exaclair’s Life Noted iPhone App - Rhodia Drive
23. Re-organising my planner so that it is functional!... - Paper Lovestory
24. Oh Gillio ....! - We really didn't need another Filofax blog!
25. Post No. 1 for The Diet Project - This Bugs Life
26. Do2P to Wo2P: A Sneaky Mid Year Switch - The Crazy Life of J
27. Thrifty Filofaxing- Paint “Leaf” to-dos - Incarnations of Organization
28. A Better Book Marker.... - The Filofaxtory
29. filofax finsbury | planner addicts photo challenge - I love it all
30. Updated Filofax review and How I Try To Stay Organized - Amber Amelia
31. Filofax planner - Natbee's Fashion
32. Filofax en route!! - Crafty Lolly Pop
33. A Peek Inside My Filofax - Evladylrebmik 
34. Filofax Review - Writingtap
35. Filofax Setup - Kel & Filofax
36. Free For All Friday No. 3 - Plannerisms
37. Cillian Murphy And A Pocket - Roses in December
38. Fountain Pens & Filofax Tip - The Contemplative Belle's Life
39. The Original - Pro und Contra - Filomaniac
40. Filofax love - update - Fucolandia
41. Still Going Postal - Roses in December

• Please note the cut off point for this Webfinds was be early on Friday morning (European time) because I was travelling back to UK. Any posts/videos not included will be added to the post next Tuesday. 
• Your blog post could appear here next week if we missed you this time around. Email us the details and we will include it if we can. 
• We can not guarantee people will read your posts, but we know there is a higher chance of people reading your posts and returning to read other posts if you make them interesting with pictures and good hints and tips. Do not forget to give your posts a title... 
• For some general tips on Filofax Blogging, please see this post

And here are a selection of the latest Filofax videos for your enjoyment.

1. Bitz N Pieces of MyPurpleyLife - Sept. 22, 2013 Vlog - mypurpleylife
2. Decorating week 39 in my Filofax - tofufuls
3. My A5 Vintage Pink Malden Filofax - TheRobnlaura
4. Sample Diary Inserts (Filofax/Daytimer/Franklin Covey) - Carie Harling See the Ray and Steve diary inserts in action! A great video that I recommend everyone watches.  

• For tips on how to improve your videos, please see this post. 

Enjoy

Free for All Friday No. 254

Last week we talked about getting ready for 2014, and certainly the turning of the year is the most important time for big Filofax changes. But do you do anything in-between? Do you change colors with the seasons? Do you do periodic clean-outs?

And of course, all other Filofax-related discussion is welcome. Have a great Friday!

Review: Qimmis - fill your days

It was a pleasant surprise to view the Qimmis website and see the range of inserts they offered, they had asked me to take a look over their designs and see what I thought of them.

They call their inserts 'Dayfillers', they offer them in different themes and layouts. You can select different page sizes, languages, start dates and duration. They also offer different hole punching to suit Filofax (6 hole), Franklin Covey/Daytimer (7 ring) and a Swedish 4 hole standard too. 

All of their inserts, sorry I mean 'Dayfillers' are printed on white smooth paper. 

They also offer extra inserts for travel planning, address and contacts, notes, page markers and index markers too. No doubt the range of pages will expand in the future too. 

The pages are offered in standard Filofax Pocket, Personal and A5 sizes. All of the 'Dayfillers' use a Week View format but in four different layouts. With week view being so popular it isn't surprising as the starting point for this range of diary inserts. 

The design of the 'Dayfillers' is quite simple and contemporary and the themes are quite tasteful and not too distracting, nor as you will see do they dominate the pages. 

So in terms of themes here are the current four all shown in the 'Week' layout:

Here are the other three layouts, shown in 'Vanilla' for clarity:

Weekline

Week Vertical

Week and Note

For a gallery of sample pages in the different layouts visit the gallery page on Qimmis website

One other thing worth mentioning, at present the inserts do not include any national holidays, but it is hoped to include these in the near future and you would be able to choose from a list of countries at the time of ordering. 

I carried out a simple 'pen test' as shown here:

As you can see only the CD marker and the Vpen have some bleed through issues, there is minor traces with fine fountain pen as well, but only where my hand dwelled for slightly too long.

Overall I think the range offered is a great starting point and a useful addition to the choice of inserts available to everyone who don't want to tackle printing your own inserts from our own expansive range of inserts, but you want something different to the standard ones offered by Filofax.

Visit Qimmis at their own website, where you can look and chose and order inserts. You don't have to buy a full 12 months, you can buy as little as 3 months and choose which month to start from so you can try them out for your self. Prices are displayed in Swedish Kroner but the site is in English

Thank you to Kim at Qimmis for sending me a special print of samples showing the different aspects of the designs and themes. 

Combine Work and Personal Organisers?

Do you use separate organisers for your personal life and your work life? Or do you combine them in to one organiser?

How do you keep the information if you combine them in one organiser?

Share your tips in the comments below.

Web Finds - 24 September 2013

Do not forget if you want to attend the meet up in Manchester in October, you can still apply for a place.

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

1. 2014 Plannerisms planners!! - Plannerisms
2. Halloween Filofax - Kel & Filofax
3. Post No. 1 for The Crafty Project - This Bugs Life
4. PERFIDITAS book trailer - Alison Morton's Roma Nova 
5. Thrifty Filofaxing- Autumn Page Dividers - Incarnations of Organization
6. Shopping for a Young Filo User....Calling All Experts  - The Contemplative Belle
7. Die #filolifephotoaday-Challenge (3) - Filomaniac
8. Personal-sized DO1P (Day on 1 Page) Printables are listed! - Innocent & Twisted
9. My New Colour Coding System - Ink Stickers Notebooks
10. Review of Typo 2014 Luxe Diary in Polka Dots! - Cafe et Papier
11. Philofaxy All Stars Tour 2013 - A Wedding Music Guest Post from Kanalt - The Crazy Life of J
12. Apples Don't Fall Far From the Tree ...  a Spark of Hope - The Contemplative Belle
13. Post No. 1 for The Medical Project - This Bugs Life
14. Meet Suri : My beloved Filofax - The Propensity for Perfection
15. Philofaxy All Stars 2013: J’s Wedding Music - Well Planned Life
16. FiloFax Review - Mama Mummy Mum
17. Das 1. Filofax Meet up in Nürnberg - Filomainac
18. Aller guten Dinge sind drei... - Filo-Manie
19. Post No. 2 for The Family Project - This Bugs Life
20. Using My Filofax Malden as a Planner & Wallet in One - The Crazy Life of J
21. Gillio Pocket Compagna in Beige overview and Week in Review - Innocent & Twisted
22. Autumn/Winter Filofax? - Kel & Filofax
23. Filofax Comparison: Pocket Finsbury in Pink - v - Pocket Chameleon in Raspberry - A Pretty Obsession
24. A5 Filofax Size Weekly Menu & Grocery Haul - Clever Soiree
25. Time management Mondays: file it now - Quo Vadis Blog
26. Bullet journal tribute - Thinking Versus Doing
27. Filofax Setup: Current Setup Inside my Personal Antique Rose Finsbury - Yashira's Creations
28. How and Why my Filofax Works for me - Snowing Indoors
29. Another Meetup - Roses in December
30. Life Mapping with DIYFish.... - The Filofaxtory
31. This Bug's Life Design Project - post 1 - My Summer Touch
32. Happy Mail and the Arrival of the New to Me Personal Raspberry Metropol - Yashira's Creations

• Please note the cut off point for the next Webfinds will be early on Friday morning (European time) because I am travelling back to UK that day. Any posts/videos not included will be added to the post this time next week. 
• Your blog post could appear here next week if we missed you this time around. Email us the details and we will include it if we can. 
• We can not guarantee people will read your posts, but we know there is a higher chance of people reading your posts and returning to read other posts if you make them interesting with pictures and good hints and tips. Do not forget to give your posts a title... 
• For some general tips on Filofax Blogging, please see this post

And here are a selection of the latest Filofax videos for your enjoyment.

1. Filofax Decoration W39 - Gold - adamsfilo
2. Blue Gillio as wallet/planner combo - Ju La
3. My organizational system - Sonia S
4. Filofax Week 38 Decoration - sugarpandax3
5. Filofax tips Part 4 - WellThatsNat
6. Filofax Personal Malden as a Planner/Wallet - Jordan Powers
7. FiloFax PennyBridge Review / First Impressions - Joanne DelBalso
8. How I Keep Organised With A Filofax - HeartHairAndMakeup
9. Pocket Malden Ochre Filofax - Johanne Nevin

• For tips on how to improve your videos, please see this post. 

Enjoy

Free For All Tuesday No 138

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.

We still have plenty of places available for the Manchester Meet Up, please get in touch if you would like to come along. Full details here

Filofax Press Release - Retro Bloom

Retro Bloom

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

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

Product details:

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

Contents:

• transparent flyleaf 
• colour front sheet to co-ordinate with organiser range
• 1-6 coloured index
• to do
• white ruled notepaper
• white quadrille notepaper
• white plain notepaper
• contacts

Sizes available now: Pocket – £23, Personal – £26

'Not another one...'

Yes I'm afraid so.....

Our mail is delivered to a box by our gate, one of us goes to collect the mail, key in hand at about 12 o'clock each day. Today I went to the box and there was 'small packet' for me.

Straight away Alison said 'Not another Filofax?' I didn't need to respond what else do I get in the post apart from magazines! I don't even try and think of an excuse now as she watched me carefully open package and pulled out a black organiser wrapped in bubble wrap. Then as usual we both looked over and admired my latest acquisition.

This one though is a little special, well I think so. It is a Launer, made in about the mid 1980s and sold mainly through John Lewis and a few by Harrods, they were very popular at the time.  Launer have a Royal Warrant and have been supplying the royal household with leather goods since 1968, H.M. The Queen has several of their hand bags and the late Baroness Thatcher (former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher) also owned several of her hand bags.This organiser also displays the Royal Warrant too.

So how did I acquire this delight. One our readers shared some pictures of it on Facebook. We then exchanged some messages and agreed a fair price for the organiser and she kindly posted it to me here in France.

So here are some photos.

Flicking the clasp undone and opening it. Yes I've moved my personal set up in already! The clasp has a double popper on the front cover too, so plenty of room for expansion!  The front inside cover pockets are a little loose, like a pair of baggy trousers, but I'm sure the leather can be trained back again with a little care and attention. Underneath the flap, which also serves as protection for the rings, is a large deep pocket, with two smaller pockets on the outside.

And those are 30mm rings.

On the lower one you can just see the Royal Crest.

Turning to the back there is another full height flap pocket and an id card pocket and another pocket below that on the back cover.

Tucked under the clasp is a generous size all leather pen loop.

The leather is lovely and soft and supple, not surprising given it's age which has to be about 30 years old I guess. There's not stiffening in between the outer and inner layers. The inside of the pockets are lined with black nylon or polyester textiles, all neatly done and the finish is excellent. Yes I've moved in to it already!

I would love to know more about the history of this item, I bet it could tell us quite a few stories.

Reader Under the Spotlight - Laura

Hi all,
My name is Laura and I'm 32 years old. I live in Oxfordshire, UK and run my own ironing company. I became addicted to stationery at an early age and used to love 'back to school' shopping. Now I shop for stationery all year round!

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

I bought my first Filofax when I was at University in 2000 but I can't remember which one it was!

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

I have used various generic binders from WHSmith or Paperchase but not for a while now as Filofax is my binder of choice.

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

My favourite is my daily Filofax - my purple personal Malden. I love the feel of the soft leather and the look of the colour.

4. How many Filofax organizers do you own?

I recently moved some into the loft to make more room in the office, but in the office I have 11. Apart from my personal Malden these are mostly A5 Maldens which I am planning to assign uses to very soon! I also use a purple compact zipped Malden as a purse.

5. What is the oldest Filofax in your collection?

My oldest Filofax is one of my pocket sized ones, I think the Finsbury. I'm not sure exactly when I bought it but it's at least 8 years old.

6. What do you use your Filofax for?

I have one Filofax for a purse, one for a daily organiser, an A5 Finsbury for my business, an A5 Malden for my running Filofax and an A5 Malden for a travel diary. I plan to use one of my other A5 Maldens for a home organiser. The others are currently holding spare inserts.

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

That you can keep the same binder for years but change the inserts/diaries every few minutes if you want. It's ultra-customisable!

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

It would have the look and the leather of the Maldens, an extra pen loop and bigger rings. Other than that I have to say the personal Malden is pretty much my dream Filofax!

9. How do you carry your Filofax?

If I need to take it with me it goes in my handbag but most of the time it sits on the shelf in front of my computer desk so I can gaze at it adoringly as I work.


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

I like the aqua Malden personal/A5 but have no plans to buy it as I don't need it (even though the voices tell me I do!) I think my next Filofax purchase will be the Journey Travel Companion.

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

I spent around £100.00 on my A5 Maldens and bought three at once. Oops.

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

My favourite tip is to let your Filofax be an extension of you. I tried to be all crafty with washi tape and haphazard with stickers as I liked the look of other people's diaries who did this, but I soon got frustrated when it didn't work for me. My pages are regimented and organised and might look a little 'bare' to some, but I can find everything I need easily and am more likely to use my organiser when it's laid out right for me. Experiment and have fun to see what works for you - you can always buy or print more diary pages!

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

I like the printable pages the most - these have saved me an insane amount of money!

14. And what do you not like about Philofaxy?

I sometimes find it hard to get around and find what I'm looking for via the page links but the search feature usually solves this.

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

Luke Bryan's album - Crash My Party. It's great 'New Country'.

16.  Mark Darcy or Daniel Cleaver? 

Neither, I'm perfectly happy with my own hubby, thanks!

Thank you Laura for agreeing to appear under our spotlight. And if you would like to appear in this feature please contact steve at philofaxy dot com

Web Finds - 21 September 2013

Do not forget if you want to attend the meet up in Manchester in October, you can still apply for a place.

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

1. How-To Guide - Filofax UK
2. Decorating my planner pages - Twenty 5 Seven
3. Nicht ohne meinen Filo! - Happy Phantom
4. Confessions..... Filofax to the Rescue - The Comtemplative Belle
5. Projektseite für Filofax Personal zum Download - Happy Phantom
6. Do I really need another filofax?! - The University Project
7. All Stars Guest Post! Katie on her favourite childhood books... - Fennell Books
8. Dedicated to the Creatively Challenged Filo-lovers - The Comtemplative Belle
9. In praise of paper - J Weekly
10. Dedicate Yourself to a Better Notetaking Solution - Day Timer Blog
11. Guest Blogger Samantha Kimball: Some Thoughts on Journaling and Handwriting - Rhodia Drive
12. Raymay Davinci System Tomoe River Paper Refill Review - The Pen Addict
13. First Timer - Filo Love
14. Post No. 2 for The Career Project - This Bugs Life
15. Filofax Journal Storage Cart - It's My Life
16. Filofax on travels - Heather Holistics
17. 4. Meet up in München - Filomaniac
18. Styling my kate spade agenda - Paper Lovestory
19. TK Maxx Treasure Find!! - The University Project
20. Post No. 3 for The Start Up Project - This Bugs Life
21. Haul: Paperchase #1 - A Pretty Obsession
22. All Stars Guest Post: My Favourite Adult Book - Roses in December
23. Month on 2 pages - Rainbow Design - Filofaxion
24. Graduate school and filofax - Coffee and Stationery
25. Planner Art Decoration (Filofax) -week 39  - My Summer Touch
26. Meine alte Lady... - Seelen Zucker
27. Post No. 1 for The Gardening Project - This Bugs Life
28. Wish List - Filo Love 
29. Planning an expedition! - Life of Kitty
30. Osterley reimt sich auf Grey... - Filo-Manie
31. Planner Not Working For You? Here’s How to Make It Work! - Homemakers Daily
32. Filofax Friday: Five Year Plan - Planning with Printed Portal
33. My Review: Markers with Filofax Paper - Part 3 - My Purpley Life
34. All Stars Guest Post: The Crazy Life of J - Life of Kitty
35. Filofax The A5 Original Organiser - Miss Holly
36. Review // Filofax Personal Domino in Deep Pink - Florence and Mary

• Your blog post could appear here next week if we missed you this time around. Email us the details and we will include it if we can. 
• We can not guarantee people will read your posts, but we know there is a higher chance of people reading your posts and returning to read other posts if you make them interesting with pictures and good hints and tips. Do not forget to give your posts a title... 
• For some general tips on Filofax Blogging, please see this post

And here are a selection of the latest Filofax videos for your enjoyment.

1. Video Spotlight – My Purpley Life - The Filofax Blog
2. Gillio A5 Mia !!!! - Miauuu71
3. My Review Monday: Markers with Filofax Paper - mypurpleylife
4. Dark brown compagna - TheLittleInk
5. Gillio Unboxing! - Kristy Sherrod
6. 2013 Video Series: Essentials & Tools for your Filofax Personal Organiser - mypurpleylife
7. Planner Art Decoration (Filofax) -week 39 - My Summer Touch
8. Decorating My Filofax Personal Organiser - Week #39 - mypurpleylife

• For tips on how to improve your videos, please see this post. 

Enjoy

Philofaxy Meet Up - Edinburgh - 2nd/4th November 2013

As part of my discussions with Filofax this year, we have managed to arrange an exclusive afternoon visit to their factory and distribution centre at Dalkeith near Edinburgh for Philofaxy readers. Also present will be members of the Letts - Filofax management team, so you will be able to put faces to names and chat about our common love of Filofax products. They are looking forward to meeting more of you too!

This exclusive visit will take place on the afternoon of Monday 4th November, I also intend to have a meet up and lunch on Saturday 2 November as well, for details see further down this post.

So this is a 'calling notice' for people who would like to attend the either of Philofaxy Meet Ups in Edinburgh or both!.

Please read all of the post before you apply for a place on the meet ups. Places are limited in numbers.

When and Where
Edinburgh 2 November 2013

The following day we will meet initially at 11am at the Fruitmarket Cafe in Market Street in Edinburgh. Details of the venue are on their website and the menu is here too.


View Larger Map

During the meal there will be plenty of time for chatting and sharing Filofax organisers... afterwards we will no doubt take a look at some of the key shops in Edinburgh.

Our meet up will finish at about 5:30pm

How to book a place on the meet up

To get a place on the meet up you need to email: steve[at]philofaxy[dot]com and mark your email Edinburgh Meetup but not before 8am (UK time) Monday 23rd September 2013. Please only request a place if you are certain that you will be able to attend on the 2nd November.

Once all places are assigned additional names will be added to a reserve list, in case anyone has to drop out of the meet up.

As places are allocated you will receive an email back again confirming your place on the meet up.

Please do not book travel tickets etc until you have a confirmed place. I will attempt to confirm places within 2-3 hours of receiving your email.

Letts - Filofax Dalkeith 4th November 2013

The date of the meet up is Monday 4th November and we will meet initially at 10:30am at Letts Filofax in Dalkeith.

How to book a place on the meet up

To get a place on the meet up you need to email: steve[at]philofaxy[dot]com and mark your email Dalkeith Meetup but not before 8am (UK time) Monday 23rd September 2013. Please only request a place if you are 99% certain that you will be able to attend on the 1st

As places are allocated you will receive an email back again confirming your place on the meet up.

Please do not book travel tickets etc until you have a confirmed place. I will attempt to confirm places within 2-3 hours of receiving your email.



View Larger Map

Additional Information

Once we have our full list of people, we will exchange email addresses etc.

Your safety on the day and your enjoyment on the day is of paramount importance to me, so don't be afraid to ask any questions by email, I want everyone who attends to get the most from the day.

Thank you... any questions?

Free For All Friday No. 253

Have you decided on your set up for next year yet? Are you changing the size of your organiser or the format of your diary insert? Upsize, downsize, same size?

However, it is Friday, so please feel free to discuss anything Filofax related. 

Guest Post - Gillio Compagna Epoca and Croco Leathers - Deborah

Let's Talk Gillio Compagna Epoca and Croco Leathers!

If any of you follow my blog - Thoughts and Exploration you've seen that the Gillio Firenze planner  bug has bitten me hard.  I've noticed that many people have questions about the difference between the Croco and the Epoca leather.  I've pulled out both of my Gillios in the Compagna model and have done a little leather comparison below.  For those of you who have been considering buying one, I hope this helps.  For this post I'm using my medium Compagnas in Epoca black/orange and Croco blue.

The Look...

The first obvious difference between the Epoca and the Croco leather is the look of the leather.  The Epoca leather is smoother, although it does have a texture to it, while the Croco leather has a nice embossed croc print on it.

They each have the same exact internal design.  I won't discuss the inside structure since this post is about the difference in the two leathers.  They both come with the famous Gillio leather page/flyleaf.

The Feel...

Both leathers are incredibly soft and squishy!  The Compagna planners have no stiffening material between the leather so it's just soft yet still somewhat structured leather.  True high quality leathers.

They are both lovely to touch.  The slightly textured Epoca leather does feel a bit more "uniform" when compared with the detailed embossing of the croco leather.  The Croco leather's detailing, the subtle differences make it a treat to look at because of the interesting pattern.  The Croco leather also has a somewhat fuzzy feel to it.  Like extremely fine suede.  Some have called it "powdery."

Colors...

Gillio offers a rainbow of colors in their leathers.  I think that the Epoca leather colors are a bit less adventurous than the Croco leather colors.  If you go to their website you can actually order samples of the leathers that you are interested in seeing.  Check the site to see which colors are currently in stock.  There are also rumors that Gillio will be offering new colors later this year.

The Epoca leather colors include red, dark brown, gold, black, burgundy, orange, and green.  There are also dual-colored combinations in the Epoca leather.  The first listed color describes the outside leather's color and the second listed color describes the inside leather's color - black/orange, dark brown/cream, and cream/dark brown.  The Croco leather colors are brown, black, aubergine, red, honey, fuchsia, beige, grey, and blue.

Durability...

I believe that both the Epoca and the Croco leathers are equally as durable.  They both feel amazingly strong and supple and thick.  That being said, the Croco leather is considered a bit more "delicate" than the Epoca leather.  Scratches on the Epoca leather can be rubbed out, magically making the scratch disappear!  Don't believe me?  Watch Tom Van Haelen's scratch test video!  Scratches on the Croco leather, in my experience, do become less noticeable by rubbing the leather but they don't completely disappear.

Aging...

Both of my planners have become softer and squishier with use.  If you watch Tom's scratch test video, you can see how beautifully the Epoca leather ages!  It develops a beautiful shiny patina and the leather becomes even smoother.  My Croco leather has begun to develop a patina as well.  Although the leather hasn't become smoother, it has developed a bit of a shine to it.

Both leathers have wonderful characteristics to them and each planner is unique.  Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with either of the two types of leather!

Thank you Deborah for a great guest post.  And if you would like to submit a guest post of our 'Thursday Guest Post' spot them please contact philofaxy at gmail dot com

Day Off?

I heard a great little story today, someone was going to take a day off work (paid holiday) to go and buy or at least queue for the new iPhone on Friday....

Can you imagine doing that for a new Filofax?

I chuckled to myself later... some of us would be taking a lot of days off work!

Philofaxy Meet Up - Edinburgh - 2nd/4th November 2013

As part of my discussions with Filofax this year, we have managed to arrange an exclusive afternoon visit to their factory and distribution centre at Dalkeith near Edinburgh for Philofaxy readers. Also present will be members of the Letts - Filofax management team, so you will be able to put faces to names and chat about our common love of Filofax products. They are looking forward to meeting more of you too!

This exclusive visit will take place on the afternoon of Monday 4th November, I also intend to have a meet up and lunch on Saturday 2 November as well, for details see further down this post.

So this is a 'calling notice' for people who would like to attend the either of Philofaxy Meet Ups in Edinburgh or both!.

Please read all of the post before you apply for a place on the meet ups. Places are limited in numbers.

When and Where
Edinburgh 2 November 2013

The following day we will meet initially at 11am at the Fruitmarket Cafe in Market Street in Edinburgh. Details of the venue are on their website and the menu is here too.


View Larger Map

During the meal there will be plenty of time for chatting and sharing Filofax organisers... afterwards we will no doubt take a look at some of the key shops in Edinburgh.

Our meet up will finish at about 5:30pm

How to book a place on the meet up

To get a place on the meet up you need to email: steve[at]philofaxy[dot]com and mark your email Edinburgh Meetup but not before 8am (UK time) Monday 23rd September 2013. Please only request a place if you are certain that you will be able to attend on the 2nd November.

Once all places are assigned additional names will be added to a reserve list, in case anyone has to drop out of the meet up.

As places are allocated you will receive an email back again confirming your place on the meet up.

Please do not book travel tickets etc until you have a confirmed place. I will attempt to confirm places within 2-3 hours of receiving your email.

Letts - Filofax Dalkeith 4th November 2013

The date of the meet up is Monday 4th November and we will meet initially at 10:30am at Letts Filofax in Dalkeith.

How to book a place on the meet up

To get a place on the meet up you need to email: steve[at]philofaxy[dot]com and mark your email Dalkeith Meetup but not before 8am (UK time) Monday 23rd September 2013. Please only request a place if you are 99% certain that you will be able to attend on the 1st

As places are allocated you will receive an email back again confirming your place on the meet up.

Please do not book travel tickets etc until you have a confirmed place. I will attempt to confirm places within 2-3 hours of receiving your email.



View Larger Map

Additional Information

Once we have our full list of people, we will exchange email addresses etc.

Your safety on the day and your enjoyment on the day is of paramount importance to me, so don't be afraid to ask any questions by email, I want everyone who attends to get the most from the day.

Thank you... any questions?

Web Finds - 17 September 2013

Do not forget if you want to attend the meet up in Manchester in October, you can still apply for a place.

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

1. Review: Filofax Charleston A5 - Day to day concepts
2. New Filofax Dividers! - Making Life Beautiful 
3. My Online Store's Planner (Work in Progress) - Innocent and Twisted
4. Whacky Wednesdays: 11/09/2013 - Day to day concepts
5. My Brain Is Slow, AKA Argument #37,488 In Favor Of Paper Planners - Repetitive Tasks  - Giftie Etcetera 
6. Quick Tip- Special Someone Gift Ideas - Incarnations of Organization
7. Post No. 1 for The University Project - This Bugs Life
8. The Enthusiasts Collection - Shortlist - Filomaniac
9. How To Choose a Filofax Personal Organiser - My Purpley Life
10. A5 Filofax Size Weekly Menu - Clever Soiree
11. Vintage: Franklin Covey Vs. Filofax - Day to day concepts
12. Creme-Kur für meine Maldens - Seelen Zucker
13. GLAMOUR Shopping Week - Filofax is! - Filomaniac
14. On The Road Again… - Incarnations of Organization
15. COMING SOON! Filofax Day on 1 Page Personal Inserts!  - Innocent and Twisted
16. Post No. 2 for The Management Project - This Bugs Life
17. How to Choose Inserts/Refills for a Filofax - My Purpley Life
18. A minimalist Filofax. - Life of Kitty
19. Endlich wieder im Osterley - Filo-Manie
20. 365/30: Things that make your Filofax yours? - Filomaniac
21. Filofax Malden A5 Ochre - Aquatique
22. A5 Filofax Size Menu & Grocery Haul - Clever Soiree
23. Post No. 1 for The Family Project - This Bugs Life
24. All Stars Guest Post: Primal Eating in a Modern World | Food... - Lily, Actually
25. Finally Planner Nirvana has been achieved!!! - Katerina's Cupcakes & Paper
26. Coming Soon - Roses in December
27. Post No. 1 for The Survivor Project - This Bugs Life
28. Filofax #2: Purple Pocket Domino Set Up - A Pretty Obsession
29. Philofaxy All Stars Guest Post: The Wonders in Your Back Garden - The Crazy Life of J
30. Unpacking of Filofax Savannah for The Filofax Project - This Bugs Life
31. Filofax: Ideas & Crafts - Polly May and the like
32. Washi Tape Galore - Lime Tree
33. My week round-up #37 - Paper Lovestory
34. Enthusiasts Collection - Filofax UK

• Your blog post could appear here next week if we missed you this time around. Email us the details and we will include it if we can. 
• We can not guarantee people will read your posts, but we know there is a higher chance of people reading your posts and returning to read other posts if you make them interesting with pictures and good hints and tips. Do not forget to give your posts a title... 
• For some general tips on Filofax Blogging, please see this post

And here are a selection of the latest Filofax videos for your enjoyment.

1. Gillio unboxing - Imogen Callaway
2. Planner Art Decoration (Filofax) -week 38 - My Summer Touch
3. Navy Blue Personal Cavendish Filofax Setup - One Fantastic Find!
4. Gillio A5 Compagna :o) - Miauuu71
5. My Filofax Setup - LadyElizabeth24
6. Gillio overview Yay - Imy
7. Decorating My Filofax Personal Organiser - Week #38 - mypurpleylife
8. flipping through my 2PPD in my Franklin Covey - maryannemoll
9. Spiraldex Paper and Printing tip - Nadine's Mixed Plate
10. Review and unboxing of my A5 raspberry Finsbury Filofax. - Kym Brown
11. My Bright Blue Compact Calipso Filofax - love4creativity
12. Filofax Decoration W38 - adamsfilo

• For tips on how to improve your videos, please see this post. 

Enjoy

Free For All Tuesday No 137

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.

We still have plenty of places available for the Manchester Meet Up, please get in touch if you would like to come along. Full details here

Free Filofax diary inserts to print on Letter paper - week on two pages

As promised, here are some more sets for you; this time they are all week on two pages layouts.

These diary sets have been available for some time now for people to download and print on A4 paper. Ray and I have posted them here and on My Life All In One Place and they've proved popular. Now we are making available versions that will print on Letter paper, the North American standard. You can download whichever of these you want to try - or all of them if you like.

Each prints out on Letter paper, double sided. Each Letter sheet will contain two double-sided Personal Filofax pages, with crop marks showing you where to cut using a craft knife and ruler to release the individual pages. The templates are set up with mirrored gutters to accommodate the holes.

You can download and print finished versions for this year from our diary inserts page. These come as Word documents or PDFs. If using the PDF be sure to set it to print at full size as explained here.

But if you want to use these layouts as a starting point for your own personalised creation, then you'll need to download the base Word file and the Excel data source. When you've made all the changes you like to the template, you can perform a mail merge to create your own insert for any period you like. Check out our Free Diary Inserts link if you want more information on how to do this, including videos.

So, here are today's layouts.

1. Week on two pages - TM

This is one of our most popular layouts, based on Filofax's Time Management inserts.

You can download and print finished versions for this year from our diary inserts page.

Download source files: Word file and Excel file (you'll need both)

2. Week on two pages - CC

This version is based on Filofax's Cotton Cream layout and doesn't give weekends the usual short shrift.

You can download and print finished versions for this year from our diary inserts page.

Download source files: Word file and Excel file (you'll need both)

3. Week on two pages - Vertical

For people whose weeks contain a lot of scheduled appointments, this layout helps you see it all.

You can download and print finished versions for this year from our diary inserts page.

Download source files: Word file and Excel file (you'll need both)

4. Week on two pages - Landscape

Something a little different this time. Filofax's landscape layout is rather discourteous to the weekends, so this version treats them more generously..

You can download and print finished versions for this year from our diary inserts page.

Download source files: Word file and Excel file (you'll need both)



This work by Philofaxy is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License. Please download, adapt, use, share, but don't charge or use commercially.

The Winner of the Charleston Pocket is....

Firstly thank you for all your entries. A very high success rate, sadly there can only be one winner this time.

The answers are:

1. Who was the composer of 'The Charleston' which featured in the 1923 Broadway musical 'Runnin' Wild'  - Charleston words were written by Cecil Mack and the music by James P Johnson although I was a little flexible on this if you only put one name not both 
2. In which state is the City of Charleston located?  Charleston (where the dance originated) is in South Carolina
3. What size rings are fitted to the Charleston pocket reviewed - The organiser has 15mm rings.

And the winner is: Kate Ellis

I will get the pocket in the post as soon as I can. Again thank you everyone.