Reader Under The Spotlight - Abby

My name is Abby and I'm 18 years old. I live in the English countryside in a small place called Hereford. I'm currently attending college in my third and final year, and applying for university for next September to study paramedic science.

I have always been into cleaning and organizing, and I wanted something I could note down reminders and keep my life in order, especially being in college and having assignments to hand in. I found out about the Filofax world when I was looking up 'day planners' and ran into Philofaxy. I read a couple posts, looked onto other Filofax related blogs, and was hooked.

I have recently started a blog dedicated mainly to my Filofax, and also include some Filofax related photos on my Instagram.

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

My first Filofax was an A5 black Identity, I bought it January 2013.

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

I have only used the Filofax brand, but have looked into Day Timer and Kikki K but you cannot get either in the UK (or postage is extremely expensive!). But if I could, I would definitely try out the Kikki K planners, they're gorgeous!

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

It has to be my A5 pink Finsbury, I bought it nearly 5 months ago and still love the style and colour. It was a nice change from the boring black Identity I had before, and the style looked a lot better in person than on the website which I was super happy about. It's got tons of space and is very sturdy.

4. How many Filofax organisers do you own?

I currently have only two Filofaxes and I don't have many plans to expand.

5. What is the oldest Filofax in your collection?

My A5 black Identity (9 months in October 2013).

6. What do you use your Filofax for?

I try and use it to keep my whole life in order. I have tried keeping a food diary but it didn't work out for me. I keep track of my weight and measurements, finances, I have personal information and important contacts, and then I have my calendars which marks pay days, days off work, college days, reminders, birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, term times and so on.

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

Definitely the fact you can change it around, nothing is set in stone. If you don't like the set-up, you can open the rings and take it out/move it around. I hated having to rip out pages of notebooks when I went wrong, and I don't like having loose papers everywhere. I also get bored easily and needed something that I could change and design myself, play around with and see what personally works for me. I also love my Finsbury because of the zip pockets which is perfect for keeping anything and everything in!

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

I would love a Filofax which has the styles of the Kikki K planners, and inserts designed by Martha Stewart. I wish Filofax had a wider variety of accessories (rulers, inserts, stickers etc).

9. How do you carry your Filofax?

It is always either in my college back or on my desk. I don't take it out in class for notes, it's just there in case I've forgotten my timetable or if there is anything specific happening that day. I don't need to take it to work with me either, I just note down the hours I've worked when I get home.

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

I like the colours of the Saffiano, but they aren't available in A5. I would get another A5 Finsbury if they were available in green, yellow, purple, or blue.

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

My A5 pink Finsbury was £56.98 from Amazon.

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

Using the credit card slots for sticky notes, bookmarks, stickers and so on. It saves space and looks cute! I think having a Filofax with it's own pocket is very useful too. I sometimes use the open-top envelopes to put spare notes in. I try and experiment with personalizing my pages with stickers, sticky notes, and washi tapes. I need to buy an actual A5 hole punch, expensive but so worth it!

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

I love how many people interact together through the site, it makes it feel like a very loving community and in some ways it feels like we're all a big family. I've met a lot of lovely people, and received beautiful packages from all over the world which couldn't make me happier. I also like that you can find whatever you're searching for on Philofaxy, and if there isn't something on there that you want, Steve is more than happy to try and help you out.

14. And what do you not like about Philofaxy?

I personally would like to see the site more colourful :)

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

I think it was Lady Gaga - Applause

16.  Mark Darcy or Daniel Cleaver?

Daniel Cleaver.

Thank you Abby for taking part as a Reader Under The Spotlight. And if you would like to take part in this feature please contact philofaxy at gmail dot com