Reader Under The Spotlight - Carla

Greetings from southern California! My name's Carla and I am a Filofax addict (All say: "Hello, Carla!"). I love planners, and all things stationery. I am also an Early Childhood Specialist and Teacher turned stay-at-home mom. I live in sunny San Diego with my husband and our two little boys--a rambuncious 2 year old, and the newest additiion to our family who just made his debut in this world on the 18th of February. Life with children under the age of 5 can be quite a handful. I need my Filofax more than ever now to keep both my life organized and my sanity in check!

When I'm not off training to be "Super Mom", you'll find me blogging at www.yayforfridays.com, home of the first Filofax Photo-a-Day Challenge and my little place on the World Wide Web where I like to share some of my favorite things and current obsessions--like Filofax!

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

My first Filofax was a personal Ochre Malden purchased late 2012.

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

My first ever serious ring-bound planner was a black Day Runner I used in high school. Then I discovered Franklin Covey and used that all through college and my career. I also love Midori Travelers Notebooks which I just recently discovered.

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

I'm a Malden girl all the way! I've recently acquired another A5 Ochre Malden (I had one before but sold it after realizing at the time that the A5 was too big for me). This was sold to me by a friend on Instagram after searching high and low for one. It's been loved by its previous owner which I absolutely adore about it because it adds to its character and makes it all the more special.

4. How many Filofax organisers do you own?

I had, at one point, over 20 Filofaxes! Nothing compared to other collections you hear about, I'm sure. But, as I'm mostly a "one life, one planner" type, I couldn't justify having so many. Yes, I like to switch binders from time to time to keep things fun and fresh, but things were just getting out of control! So, I sold them ALL, took a brief hiatus from Filofax, and am now just making my comeback. I currently own just the one--the A5 Ochre Malden. I've sold the few personal size Filofaxes I've recently acquired just because the A5 is working out so well and it breaks my heart to see a good Filofax go unused.

5. What is the oldest Filofax in your collection?

My Ochre Malden.

6. What do you use your Filofax for?

My Filofax is used strictly for planning. It is keeper of appointments, to-do lists, lists in general, special events, important dates, projects, blog information, information regarding my children, my personal stuff (health, goals, etc.), and finance. And everything in between. Believe me, I put those 30 mm rings to good use!

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

I really like having different styles of binders to choose from. Each range has something to bring to the table. If you're looking for style, function, or both, chances are you'll find it in a Filofax. And at reasonable prices, too. I only hope they continue to introduce more styles, and definitely more color!

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

Oh, my gosh, what wouldn't it feature?! Have we got all day? Because I can go on and on about this one! Mine would definitely be all leather, two pen loops would be standard, a long strap with a popper (I don't like zipped binders), plenty of inside pockets AND--the most important--bigger rings! Ideally between 1"-1.25". I've used so many different kinds of planners in my lifetime that I've learned that I can't work with anything smaller and anything bigger is too big for me. I'd love to see a new range come out with the 30 mm rings in a personal size.

9. How do you carry your Filofax?

As a stay-at-home mom, most of what I need to do is centered around the home and my family so, for the most part, my Filofax stays at home. This is perfect now that I'm in an A5 as I don't think I could carry anymore than I already do in my bag! I do carry a passport size Midori Travelers Notebook because I like to have paper and pen with me at all times. I have a monthly diary notebook in the Midori which I keep synced with my A5, but that's about it. I find that and maybe a few lists is all I really need when I'm out and about.

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

I'd like to wait and see what new models they come out with this year and maybe there will be an A5 that I'll like. I've seen the photos of the ones that are to come out soon and, so far, none has really caught my attention. I'm looking forward to see the real leather Filofaxes come out later on this year. For now, my Malden is perfect in every way and I'm quite happy with it. I don't see myself parting with it for awhile.

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

I believe the most I've spent on a Filofax was on a personal crimson Malden which I purchased from Filofax France as there were none available in the US that I could find. It was a gift from my husband. The cost of the Filofax plus shipping wasn't cheap. Sadly, I eventually sold this one. I've also had a Gillio and those don't come cheap, either.

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

There's too many awesome hacks out there to mention just the one! My tip? If you need something for your Filofax (a type of diary, insert, etc.) don't buy it. Chances are you could either make it yourself or find someone who can. For example, there are tons of free printables out there. You just have to look. This community is full of creative people!

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

I absolutely love the sense of community we have here! I've used planners for many years, but it wasn't until I discovered Filofax that I realized that there was actually a fairly large group of people out there who felt the same way as I do about them. It's so wonderful to be around like minded individuals. No one in my life understands this love, so it's nice to know I'm not entirely alone.

14. And what do you not like about Philofaxy?

Not a thing. Seriously, this question needs to be changed, Steve. :)

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

Gosh, you mean one that wasn't listed under the Childrens category in iTunes or sung by some annoyingly happy monster/animal/person/purple dinosaur spewing out some made up rhyme? It's been so long, I'm afraid I couldn't tell you!

16. Mark Darcy or Daniel Cleaver?

Hmm, the gentleman or the bad boy? At the end of the day, we ladies want to take home a Darcy, right? But, if you ask me, I like a little bit of Cleaver in my men. So, why not have a bit of both? They do exist, you know. I married one after all. :)

** Thanks, Philofaxy, for allowing me to be part of this experience. It was fun!

Thank you Carla, I laughed a lot just reading through your responses, I'm sure others will too... Thank you again.  And of course if you would like to take your turn and share your thoughts and experiences in this feature please email philiofaxy at gmail dot com