Reader Under The Spotlight - Neil

Today, I would like to introduce you to Neil. 

Neil is certainly a long term Filofax user as you will see. 

Neil invented the term 'Flatability' It's a perfect phrase that you will immediately understand when you have seen Neil explain it on his You Tube videos. 

Neil also has a Patreon page to help him support his interest to review as many different organisers as possible. He has recently also created a Facebook group for people interested in reviews of older Filofax models. 

Q1. When did you buy your first organiser and what was it?

A1. I bought a Filofax Sherwood, in 1993, and I still use it every day.

Q2. Out of the organisers you own which is your current favourite (Style and Size)?

A2. Hmm. It's a close run thing, between two models. My current favourite model, when out and about, is the Guildford Mini Extra Slim. So long as you can accept that the internal leather will crack along the spine, it's almost perfect. Alas, it's as rare as hens' teeth. But overall, and it's a really tough choice, I have to say that my 1993, English made "Sherwood" is my overall favourite. Extraordinary quality, and perfect flatability from the very first day of ownership.

Q3. How many Filofax or other brands of organisers do you own?

A3. I have around fifty binders, mainly filofaxes, but I collect other brands too. Whenever I begin to think I own too many, I reassure myself that I'm simply a custodian for future generations.

Q4. What do you use your organisers for?

A4. That's a tricky one, because I only use a few, as working tools, to hold diaries, "to do" lists, and for reference. Most of my binders are used to store paper, and photos. Some models have only been acquired so that I can review them before returning them to the on-line market.

Q5. How many sections do you have in your organiser and what is each section used for?

A5. I tend not to use "sections". One binder, for instance, contains my "day to a page" diary, and there isn't room for anything else. I prefer to just have a number of binders on my desk, with each one allocated for a specific use. A big advantage is that you can have more than one binder open at the right page, without having to constantly switch between the sections, of a single binder. It's the analogue equivalent of having several windows open on your desktop PC.

Q6. If you could design your own Filofax what would it feature?

A6. As someone who predominantly uses filofaxes indoors these days, I'd like to be able to buy basic cardboard binders, with no pockets, that were available from Filofax until the eighties. Imagine an A6 Moleskine, but with rings. I know you can buy these from other manufacturers, but I'd quite like to be able to buy them from Filofax too. I'd also like to see Filofax return to offering unfilled binders. As a regular buyer of used filofaxes, I often come across inserts (or dividers) that haven't been used; and, purely from an environmental perspective, it might be better for customers to select what they want. If anyone from Letts gets to read this, I do hope they have a "lightbulb moment", realise that there's added value in a "custom fill" and start offering that. If buyer of a new car can specify all manner of custom colours and features, which are then fitted as it moves along the production assembly line, it must surely be possible to provide a filofax with a custom fill.

Q7. What's your favourite Filofax tip or hack?

A7. Take a stiff brush to a "Guildford" model, and watch in amazement as all that flaky leather floats away in a bowl of soapy water, leaving a rather attractive man-made woven substrate underneath. 

But please, do this at your own risk. The leather in your Guildford may be different to mine.

Q8. Have you ever attended a Philofaxy meet-up? if not do you intend to one day?

A8. Not yet, and yes.

Q9. What was the last movie you watched?

A9. I suppose I should really watch that filofax movie, with James Belushi and Charles Grodin, but I haven't got around to it yet. For possibly the 40th time over the last 40 years, I watched the original "Bladerunner" movie a few days ago. Iconic, spellbinding, what more can I say?

Q10. What was the last book you read?

A10. "Order, Order. The rise and fall of political drinking", by Ben Wright. A bit of an oddball book that I purchased during "party gate", but one that sheds light on the eye-poppingly prodigeous drinking exploits of our noble politicians.

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1258982394934607

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flatability

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/flatability/posts

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Flatability

Thank you Neil

As you know we are always looking for new people to appear in our 'Reader Under Spotlight feature.

You don't have to be 'well known' or a long term user to be considered to appear in this 'spot'.

Please contact Steve philofaxy at gmail dot com

Reader Under The Spotlight - Rebekah

Hi, I'm Rebekah, sometimes known around the internet as Ganchi. I'm a wife, mom, Catholic, Potterhead and overachiever.

I post about my planner system on YouTube, Instagram, and my blog, and you can find links to all of that on ganchiplans.com

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

I've been using school planners and informal pocket organizers all my life, but I started taking planning really seriously in 2016 when I learned about Bullet Journaling.

So I started my BuJo in an A5 Moleskine, but soon moved into a personal size Foxy Fix Wanderlust in the color Butterscotch. I'd say that that Traveler's Notebook counts as my first "organizer".

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

I'm so happy in my Filofax Malden Ochre. It's a pocket size, which some people might find constricting, but I find that portability is my main concern, so the page size doesn't bother me--I write small anyway.

I recently made the lateral move from this exact planner in the color Stone, and it's amazing what something as simple as the color of your binder can do to change the whole feel, even when the contents are exactly the same.

3. How many Filofax or other brands of organisers do you own?

Let's see... 2 personal TNs, 3 pocket TNs, a little ring planner I got from AsianVintageTN on etsy last year, and my 2 Filofaxes. (Filofaces?)

So, just 8 in all, but I only ever use one at a time, so I try to keep that number manageable.

4. What do you use your organisers for?

Everything except work. I have a desk job and an A5 work BuJo that stays there.

My Filofax is for our home, our daughter, and my personal goals. I've been known to track some pretty nit-picky things, like the color bra I'm wearing each day. I don't remember how I functioned before I had my planner!

5. How many sections do you have in your organiser and what is each section used for?

The very front section is anything I want to make sure I see every single day. My monthly calendar, content calendar, habit tracker, running to-do list and waiting-on list all live here. The aforementioned bra tracker too.

The second section is for weeklies and dailies. I've been using MySummerTouch's MonWeekly system for the last while.

Next is the section for all my project pages and reference collections.

Next, I have a section dedicated to goals for my blog and YouTube channel.

After that is a section devoted entirely to myHogwarts.com, a fansite I've been a member of forever. There aren't that many pages there anymore though, so it's kind of vestigial, and will probably be combined with my general projects the next time I replace my dividers.

Finally, my future log lives in the back section, with some spare paper and a couple of stickers.

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

I've been tempted in the past to try out the personal size, but I don't want to give up my wallet pocket along the spine, which is only available in the pocket size. (from Filofax at least)

So that's easy: I would design a binder featuring that wallet pocket in larger sizes.

7. What's your favourite Filofax tip or hack?
You can include a makeshift table of contents in your planner without numbering the pages by using post-it notes. That way you can move them around or remove them whenever you rearrange your inserts.

8. Have you ever attended a Philofaxy meet-up? if not do you intend to one day?

I haven't, but that would be so much fun! I'll keep an eye out for one in my area.

9. What was the last movie you watched?

They recently put the 1963 classic Lilies of the Field with Sidney Poitier back on Amazon Prime. It's a favorite.

10. What was the last book you read?

My life pretty much revolves around my toddler right now, so if you don't count bedtime stories, the last book I read was How To Talk So Little Kids Will Listen by Joanna Faber and Julie King. I'd recommend it.

Thank you Rebekah 

As you know we are always looking for new people to appear in our 'Reader Under Spotlight feature. 

You don't have to be 'well known' or a long term user to be considered to appear in this 'spot'. 

Please contact Steve philofaxy at gmail dot com

Podcast Filofax - By Steve

Ian recently showed me his 'Podcast Filofax' It shows a level of dedication I've never seen before!

He has based it on a Filofax Active which is certainly shower proof, I wouldn't say waterproof.

Inside on the left is a small MP3 player that he's stored the podcast episodes on and a pair of ear phones as well.

Ian has printed off all the show notes on Filofax personal sized paper.

Thank you Ian for sharing this with us. Thank you to Jené for all the photos.

You can catch up with the podcast here.

Why not become a Patron and support the podcast, you will get early access to the podcast and ensure that the podcast continues to be advert free. Join at Patreon.

Reader Under The Spotlight - Sally

Today I would like to introduce you to Sally. 

Hello Philofaxy readers,

My name is Sally and I live with my husband on the coast in West Sussex, England.

After reading plenty of ‘Reader Under The Spotlight’ posts I decided it was about time I participated.

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

In about 1993 I bought a Filofax personal Windsor in burgundy. I still have this organiser. Compared to some of the personal size organisers around today it looks quite small and compact. One thing to note is the excellent quality of the rings.

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

I have long been using pocket size and my favourite is the Malden.

3. How many Filofax or other brands of organisers do you own?

This could get embarrassing!

• In personal size I own the aforementioned Windsor, ochre Malden and blue Saffiano zip. 
• In pocket size I have a VDS custom junior, raspberry Finsbury, pink London 2012 and Maldens in black, purple, ochre, grey, crimson, aqua, plus an ochre zip. 
• In mini size I have a black Bloomsbury, purple Malden, raspberry Chameleon, lilac Piazza, pink Finsbury, brown Amazona and a kingfisher blue Metropol.

4. What do you use your organisers for?

Mainly for personal day to day organisation. Lots of lists! Despite owning far too many organisers I only ever use one at a time and I have been using my black pocket Malden for a few years now.

5. How many sections do you have in your organiser and what is each section used for?

I have sections for my diary, contacts, to-dos, Christmas and notes.

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

I’m pretty happy with the Malden but would love it in navy which I think was only produced in the zip version.

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

Using my stash of mini paper in my pocket Malden as it fits on the rings and makes good jot paper.

8. Have you ever attended a Philofaxy meet-up? if not do you intend to one day?

No I haven’t attended one yet but would like to go to one in the future.

9. What was the last movie you watched?

It was so long ago I can’t remember so I will have to say a TV film I watched again recently...’Lost For Words’ by Deric Longden, a funny and moving autobiographical work.

10. What was the last book you read?

Me Cheeta by James Lever. A sort of Hollywood memoir. Hilarious.

Thank you Sally 

As you know we are always looking for new people to appear in our 'Reader Under Spotlight feature. 

You don't have to be 'well known' or a long term user to be considered to appear in this 'spot'. 

Please contact Steve philofaxy at gmail dot com

Reader Under The Spotlight - Marusya (MySummer Touch)

Hi! I'm MySummerTouch on social media, recently I opened up an etsy shop that sells planner printables. I also have an Instagram, YouTube channel and Facebook groups under the same name!

I've been a planner lover my whole life, I always liked to learn new productivity systems and I try to implement them in my planners as well! All of my "adventures" I share on my social media.

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

It was when I was studying in Manhattan. It was a compact size black Franklin Covey. I bought it together with the whole year of day on 2 pages inserts.

It has  large rings and it was so heavy to take with me that I have abandoned it after a day of using! I was a student and I carried a lot of very large and heavy textbooks! I still have it, though, it's very useful as a storage organizer! And it has a lot of functionable pockets! Still have it and like it!

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

The last organizer that I bought was Gillio Grey Croco Matt in medium (personal) size. It is so gorgeous, I still admire every time I hold it in my hands! On top of it, it has velvety feel, and, and after having so many leather organizers, mostly filofaxes made out of calf leather, I didn't expect it from the printed calf leather!

Another one that I absolutely love for many years already is a personal Ochre Malden. It has an interesting story. I placed an order on Ebay for a Malden and didn't get anything after half a year of waiting. The store has disappeared from Ebay together with my money. I was so disappointed that I posted it on Philofaxy Facebook group. One reader send the Ochre Malden to me after reading my post! The story has another happy ending -my money were returned to me too! And I love this Malden because it is as soft as a butter! It is also the oldest from my collection!

3. How many Filofax or other brands of organisers do you own?

A lot. Lol. I had a video on my youtube channel showing all of my organizers at that time, but it was several years ago, and my collection has grown since then....

I particularly like the Malden Filofax, and I had them in all sizes except mini and in 5 colors. All of the leathers are different!

Unfortunately, I live far away from Filofax, Gillio, Franklin Covey stores and I can't just hop into the store to experience a new model.

All of my organizers' purchases were good researched and well thought of, so I can't say that I don't like them!

4. What do you use your organisers for?

I know that a lot of people have different organizers for different parts of their life.

I prefer to organize all my life in one size, so I I have just one binder to take with me  (a personal size). Other binders are storage binders for the inserts that I don't take with me every day. But, having said it, I do like to change organizers themselves, as frequently as I want.

For summers I do like to go down to a pocket size.

For my store I have one large A5 Traveler's Notebook and one personal size Filofax to hold my ideas on new inserts on paper!

5. How many sections do you have in your organiser and what is each section used for?

I am a very logical person and I need to put all of my inserts into a logical order:

1. Calendars for the current and the next year.
2. Inbox
3. Yearly inserts for the current and next year (year at a glance)
4. Monthly and weekly inserts (I use my own Monweeklies inserts that combine them together to see all weeks at a glance)
5. Dailies. I just recently added them because now I need them with my shop.
6. Lists and other inserts that include goals, projects, etc.

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

I would like to combine rings and strings together in one because I like to have everything in one organizer.

Just yesterday I have added several strings to my Malden pocket Crimson to experiment with that! I have added my goal Workbook on the strings, so now I could transfer it to my passport traveler's notebook if I want to travel just with it!

I also would like the option of taking out the rings plate so we could put the strings in instead of the rings! I think all organizers should be versatile like that!

Also the back and front pocket to hold notebooks as in covers are necessary in case I want to add a notebook. And the back pocket in all of the pocket size organizers is a must to use them as wallets!

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

Before  buying a certain size, try to cut out several sheets of paper of this size, and try them out for several days. Maybe it's good to buy planner inserts in this size to try them out beforehand.

Another tip is to have a shoe box near your bed or table to store all your past inserts in one place. It's easier than having to buy rings and put your inserts on them and I could find my inserts easily without a paper clutter!

8. Have you ever attended a Philofaxy meet-up? if not do you intend to one day?

No, unfortunately. I would love to do that and meet same-minded people! If I ever go to Europe, I'll try to organize such event at the same dates as my trip!

I "met" a lot of wonderful people through the planner community and still enjoy it every day since 2012!

9. What was the last movie you watched?

Game of Thrones, 8 season, 5th episode. Dayenery's behaviour shocked me.

10. What was the last book you read?

Haruki Murakami's "South of the Border, West of the Sun". Very good writing, I recommend this book.


Thank you Marusya 

As you know we are always looking for new people to appear in our 'Reader Under Spotlight feature, you don't have to be 'well known' or a long term user to be considered to appear in this 'spot'. So please contact Steve philofaxy at gmail dot com today.

What’s in my Filofax - Sally

Thank you to Sally for sending in this post about her Filofax Malden Pocket. 

Here is the setup of my Filofax pocket Malden in black.

This is a short run through of my simple Filofax setup. It is the only planner I am currently using and is easily adequate for my needs.

I have been using this planner for 2 or 3 years, it was purchased in TK Maxx for half price. This was at a time when TK Maxx in my area had a large selection of leather Filofax organisers such as the Cuban, Regency and even an Enigma! For the past few years they have only had a small selection of the cheaper ranges.

Let’s get started...

In the zip pocket I keep my contact details. The other front pockets just hold sticky notes. At the front of the rings I have two clear acetate dashboards for attaching sticky notes that I need to see when opening my planner. Behind these are my only concessions to decoration...a journal card and a vinyl dashboard.

After many trials with laminated dividers I have returned to using the cream Filofax 1-6 dividers.

These do the job perfectly well. This is to reduce bulk on the rings. I also find it easier to flick through the pages with card dividers.

Divider no.1 is my diary section. After trying many different diary formats I have finally settled on the Filofax WO1P with Notes. This provides all the space I need. I use highlighters to mark events eg. pink dot for birthdays, yellow dot for health etc. I don’t use stickers because I prefer a smooth writing surface and dislike the ‘bumpiness’ of stickers on previous pages.

Divider no.2 is for contacts. In this section I keep a few addresses and phone numbers. I also have a Filofax MO2P which I use for birthdays and anniversaries. This is not strictly necessary as I have this information in my main diary but I like being able to see the whole month at a glance.

Divider no.3 is my To Do section. This is more for long term tasks. For more immediate jobs I make a daily list and then discard it.

Divider no.4 is Christmas! A little early but this section is unused as yet. It just consists of some seasonal paper cut down from a list pad. Later in the year I will start a food list, jot down ideas for presents etc. Much nearer the time I will use a few pages to rough out the month of December and write down specific tasks on specific days.

Divider no.5 is for general notes. At present it consists of shopping lists, book lists etc. I also keep a world map in this section and a horizontal year planner which I intend to use for a decluttering project.

Divider no.6 is currently being used for spare notepaper.

I keep a top opening pocket at the back for business cards and photos.

The pockets in the back are used for postage stamps and general bits & pieces. I have occasionally put a notepad in the back pocket but this does make the planner too bulky for my liking.

The large pocket across the back is usually empty or sometimes holds random notes.

Finally, I use a mini Filofax pen.

I hope you have enjoyed this look inside my planner.

Thank you Sally for this excellent view in to your organiser. Let us see yours... please contact steve at philofaxy dot com 

Updated Reader Under The Spotlight - Cori

1. What are you using now compared to your original Reader's Spotlight post?

In my original reader's spotlight in 2016, I was using a DayTimer Portable/Personal size in Rose Gold. (I do still own this binder.)

Since May 2017, I've been using a custom made planner from a Mead Flex binder and cherry-picked planner pages and systems from various other planning set ups. I've dubbed it the Monster Flex.

This is the longest I've been using a single binder and set up in since 2014. (I discovered the planner world in Dec 2014 and fell down the rabbit hole.)

2. Is the organizer you are currently in your favorite? Do you own your favorite? If so, why aren't you using that one? (Style/Size)

Functionality and set-up wise, this is my favorite. I'm limited on binder color and all that, but it's what I need to function.

3. How many Filofax or other brands of organisers do you own?

I own 1 official Filofax Finsbury that used to belong to my husband's cousin. She gifted it to me because she knows I love planners.

Other brands I own are: Franklin Covey, DayTimer, Passion Planner, Chic Sparrow TNs, Foxy Fix TNs, At-A-Glance, and some no-name and homemade ones I've made myself.

4. What do you use your organisers for?

I use one organizer everyday and that's my custom planner I call my Monster Flex. I do have another cut down flex binder in the B6 size, but that's a refillable notebook, not a planner.

5. How many sections do you have in your organiser and what is each section used for?

8 sections total:

• Dashboard of Sticky Notes
• Calendar/Planner Pages
• Goals Workbook
• Writing-related notes
• Misc.
• Collections/Categorized pages (a la the Bullet Journal method)
• Master To Do List
• Coupon Binder

Now that I've listed them out, I think I need to clean it out! haha

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

I wish more planners had the ability to bend back like spiral and coil notebooks, but also have the ability to have the rings open up like a binder. Essentially I want the Mead Flex binder ring set up with other planner binders.

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

Being able to get your own hole punch and make your own printables. I love printables.

8. Have you ever attended a Philofaxy meet-up? if not do you intend to one day?

Nope! If one ever happens in Florida, I'd try to make it!

9. What was the last movie you watched?

Star Trek (2009 reboot)

10. What was the last book you read?

The End of the Romanovs by Victor Alexandrov, translated by William Sutcliffe

Thank you Cori

As you know we are always looking for new people to appear in our 'Reader Under Spotlight feature, you don't have to be 'well known' or a long term user to be considered to appear in this 'spot'. So please contact Steve philofaxy at gmail dot com today.

What is in my GILLIO organiser? - Maria

I saw Steve’s inquiry for a post for the Philofaxy site for the ‘what is in my planner’ column. I have always enjoyed reading about other people’s planner and find mine a little bit boring. Sounds familiar?

Well here it goes, a boring planner 😉

(Disclaimer: for privacy reasons I have only blank pages photographed).

I have  GILLIO personal size grey mat, which I bought because I got a promotion at work. I was eying this planner for a long time and made a promise to buy it when I got the promotion. And I do not regret it.

My planning is a combination of GTD and bullet journal. And a lot of common sense and flexibility and usefulness to my daily life. My planner has 5 sections:

• Note’s
• Calendar
• Projects/ To Do’s
• Lists
• Misc.

In the first section is my ‘In box’. I put there all my incoming notes, request, things I need to figure out. Everything goes there. I then go through it and put in the relevant sections.

The calendar section consist of four sections:

Yearly overview: I have the Filofax the four-year planner overview, where I put in school holidays’ and other school-related stuff for my kids.

Monthly overview: it is the month on one page and in between, I have a month overview where I put in all the important dates, to do’s for the month and goals.

Weekly: I have a week per page with notes. I put here all my appointments for the week, together with the to do’s for that week and some reminders/notes for the week. I also screen my month pages to see if there are things that I need to tackle in the week.

Daily’s: I bought these on a discount (90%!) somewhere in January this year. Even if I do not use it, it is cheaper than printing daily pages 😉. I put here all my appointments, to do’s, etc. for the day. At the end of the day, I screen the page and see if all has been done and/or need to be transfer / reschedule to another day. I kinda use them in a bullet journal style.

After the calendar section, I have my project / to do’s. I have here a master to-do list for the month. All the to do’s during the month are being placed here. From here I put the 'to do’s' on a relevant day that they need to be finished.

I also have my projects here, divided into a small task with there due date. I use just plan graphic paper for this. Nothing fancy.

Next, I have all my list. And this why I love the ring planner. I can take my list every year with me, without rewriting everything. My lists are:

• Running schedule: I am training for the 10 Miles in June this year.
• Addresses
• General information
• Website information
• Work instructions: hmmm need to rethink about this section…
• Finance

The last section is a (Daytimer) pocket that I trimmed to fit in the planner. I have this many, many, many years now. I put their stuff: stamps, nice mandala, writing board. Just stuff, that actually needs to go somewhere else……

As you can see, I find my planner cute, but functional. And while writing this piece I am already thinking that some sections need to find another place.

And now it is your turn: show me your planner 😊.

Thank you Maria for this excellent peep in to your organiser. As she says.... let us see yours... please contact steve at philofaxy dot com 

Philofaxy Needs You

I am sure we all enjoy seeing how other readers used their organisers.

On Philofaxy we have had several different series of posts to help readers share their own experiences of how they use their organisers and which is their favourite one.

We constantly need new people to come along to be able to continue with these series of posts.

So how can you help contribute? We have three different 'reader' series which are very easy to fill in and respond to they are:

• Reader Under The Spotlight - This is based on 10 simple questions (it used to be 19 questions) as well as the questions we ask you to supply a photo of yourself or your organiser. Previous posts in this series can be found here.
• Readers Favourite Organiser - This is 5 questions plus a few photographs of your favourite organiser. Previous posts in this series can be found here.
• Experienced User - This is based on 7 questions, mainly aimed at people who have been an organiser used for more than a year or two, but the questions are fairly generalised. Previous posts in this series can be found here.

We also welcome Guest Posts and Reader Reviews of organisers and related products. We also have Readers Tips too. There is no fixed format for these. It is best to contact Steve before you commence writing any of these.  

Guest posts/reviews must be organiser related, Philofaxy will not publish non-organiser related posts... we often receive offers of very non-specific posts, one for example about body weight loss, when I published a post on weight loss in relation to removing pages from your organiser!  Clearly they hadn't read our post at all or our guidelines!  In all posts we are happy to include a link or links to your own blog or your You Tube Channel or Instagram feed.

So if you would like to contribute with any of the posts above please contact Steve by email philofaxy at gmail dot com  Please indicate which post you are interested in taking part in and he will send you the questions/instructions.

If you responded to my request just after Christmas I would very much welcome your responses still so we can get these series flowing again.

Thank you.

Reader Under The Spotlight ~ Amanda-Jane

Today I would like to introduce you to Amanda-Jane

I live in Queensland Australia with my husband and a lot of pets, work full-time, study  for fun and participate in volunteer work, I also drink a lot of coffee.

I believe that as a society we all need to do something every day to contribute to a better tomorrow.

My most recent university qualification, for example, is a Bachelor of Dementia Care, which I did out of interest (as it does not relate to my actual job), as dementia is something faced by so many in the world and the more that is known about it the better we can look after those who are living with dementia, find ways to mitigate or slow down the trajectory of the many dementia types, and hopefully one day cure or prevent it.

I studied via distance education/online from the University of Tasmania which I believe is currently the only tertiary institution in Australia offering this degree. I like computers, computer games, music, art, animals and learning. I also like stationery, which is just as well as I enjoy painting and creative writing and, with my many interests, need to keep track of everything I do so I also have multiple organisers, compendiums and notebooks.

My twitter handle is @empressbat and I am happy to promote other people’s blogs as long as they are a positive contribution, or provide some fun, inspiration or education, to the community at large.


Q1. When did you buy your first organiser and what was it?

I bought my first organiser in 1999 from a Morning Glory store that used to be in Brisbane, Australia. The organiser was made of vinyl and featured Blue Bear, a Morning Glory character regular.

I loved that organiser, and used it all the time, it was around a B6 size, had cardboard dividers and Blue Bear themed pages. Unfortunately it was made from cheap materials and did not last long given I was taking it everywhere, using it for work and home and referring to it frequently. I think it was made for fun rather than function. Why couldn’t it have been both … why?!?

Following the demise of my much loved Blue Bear organiser, I again frequented Morning Glory, I think it was just before they closed their Brisbane store, and bought a Pink Bear PVC organiser. I did not like it as much as the Blue Bear one, the PVC cover kept clinging to other plastics and I ended up giving it away.

Q2. Out of the organisers you own which is your current favourite (Style and Size)?

My current favourite organiser is my purple Filofax Malden in personal size. I call it Little Purple and it is a daily constant and has been for the last six years.

Q3. How many Filofax or other brands of organisers do you own?

Well that is a very good question. I have a lot, and they are all used. My husband has a Filofax Metropol Compendium which he uses daily, and I have a lot of different ones I use.

I find organisers are better than notebooks as everything related to a topic can be easily kept in one place. I have: two A5 Filofax Metropols, one in red and one in black, a purple Filofax Domino in personal, a purple Filofax Pennybridge iPad cover and planner combo, Filofax ‘Back to School’’ organisers one in pink and one in green, a Gold A5 Kikki K, a lilac with metallic diamonds A5 Kikki K, an A5 and a medium fabric covered Kikki K that have watermelon pictures on a green background, a lilac A5 zipper Kikki K and an A5 Kikki K that is white with cats and dogs and inkwells from the Cute range on it.

Then there is the A5 purple Filofax Malden and a mini Filofax Topaz in Burgundy. I also have a pocket sized lilac Metropol. I have several Midori and Fauxdori organisers and  I also have two generic ring binders in clear PVC one in personal size and one A5 I use for paper storage. I think I actually may have more but those are the ones I use and .. well know about!

I used to have a green A5 Kikki K but I gave that away to someone who wanted an organiser and could not afford one, given how many I have I think that was a good choice!

Q4. What do you use your organisers for?

Malden personal size Filofax, “ Little Purple”, is my every day organiser with information that I may need to refer to in a day and I sometimes use it as my planner /diary but other times I use a Hobonichi or a Day Designer for Bluesky as a planner and put the planner into a notebook holder.

A5 Metropols – hobby information (red)  and the other one (black) is  information on volunteer work (I am a volunteer at the Australian Information Security Association and the Australian Women in Security Network as well as a Justice of the Peace, keeping track of volunteer work is as important as keeping track of my paid employment)

• Pennybridge – houses my iPad and some note pages
• “Back to School’- paper storage in one, a herbal glossary in the other
• Gold Kikki K – blog planner
• Lilac with metallic diamonds Kikki K – has sheet music in it
• The two fabric coloured Kikki K – garden information and sticker storage
• A5 Malden – work planner
• Lilac A5 zipper Kikki K – course notes (when I do courses for work)
• The Cute Kikki K A5 – pet and vet information
• Pocket Metropol – computer information (serial numbers, software product keys)
• PVC (Clear) generics – paper storage
• Purple Filofax domino - addresses
• Mini Topaz - my wallet

Q5. How many sections do you have in your organiser and what is each section used for?

Little Purple has many sections, identified by tabs either at the top of the page or on the side. Sections: calendar, maps, lists, Commonplace Book, projects, Nintendo 64 games, pets, indices (for other planners I use so I know what is in where), information such as, how to reference in APA style and weights and measures conversions, contacts, online orders, brain dump, and notes.

Q6. If you could design your own Filofax what would it feature?

I would like a Filofax that is slightly wider than the personal sized with bigger rings. A5 is too big to cart around and the personal sized is not always ideal to use as a daily planner. I think a Goldilocks version of just right, would be a personal sized Filofax made in the Malden style, with extra card slots, bigger rings and slightly wider (only 2 centimetres more!) to accommodate larger paper.

Q7. What's your favourite Filofax tip or hack?

Use Tomoe River paper and make your own inserts. Phiofaxy has a heap of diary and other page inserts to download and print or make your own. The paper from Tome River is thin but strong and is fountain pen friendly. As the paper is thin you can fit more pages in and it is strong enough to not rip even when regularly used.

If you do not have tabs to section off areas in the organiser use Washi tape, I buy heaps of washi tape from a local supplier, Chiyogami Designs, they have so many tape styles I think I may have far more than I will ever use, but the stuff has so many uses I am sure I will need to buy more soon …

Q8. Have you ever attended a Philofaxy meet-up? if not do you intend to one day?

No I have not attended a Philofaxy meet up, I live in Australia and I note there may have been interest in a meet up in Melbourne some years ago, but that is a long way for me to travel! I tend to go to computer conferences more than stationery meet ups anyway if I attend a group gathering!

Q9. What was the last movie you watched?

My husband and I went to "Star Wars the Last Jedi" last year which is the most recent movie I have seen.  I usually prefer to read than watch movies. Which is a neat segue into your final question!

Q10. What was the last book you read?

I read a lot, usually a novel every two days. However today I am reading the SANS Windows Forensics course books as I am doing a course for work.

On my bedside table I have a copy of Machiavelli’s “The Art of War”, (which is an interesting treatise and says as much about his pessimistic view of humanity as it does strategy) and a copy of the late Sir Terry Pratchett’s “Unseen Academicals”, a Discworld novel featuring wizards and football – a satirical treat!

Thank you Amanda-Jane check out her blog at: http://empressbat.blogspot.com

As you know we are always looking for new people to appear in our 'Reader Under Spotlight feature, you don't have to be 'well known' or a long term user to be considered to appear in this 'spot'. So please contact Steve philofaxy at gmail dot com today.

Reader under the spotlight - Louise

Today I would like to introduce you to Louise. 

Hi, my name is Louise and I'm a secondary teacher in the UK. I discovered the planner community in earnest back in the summer holidays of 2015, while watching a YouTube clip of a chap from Shropshire who was living on canal boats at the time and posting about his adventures.

He had a curious little brown leather notebook to track his daily events. It was a Midori passport sized…so I searched for it…and there has been no turning back ever since.

My style and focus has changed since this time, (I've tried nearly everything!) but in 2018, I am happily in personal rings and cutting down on customs and postage fees by buying all my lovely stickers and inserts locally in the UK. (well…mostly)

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

My first organiser was a brown Midori travelers notebook, purchased in August of 2015.

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

My current favourite size and style is personal rings. I started with a Kikki K to see if it worked, and I am so pleased with its functionality that I ordered my first Van der Spek Touch Me in Blue de France today. I really like having different sections and changing about their size and location when I need, which is harder in a TN or other notebook.

3. How many Filofax or other brands of organisers do you own?

I have a lot…travellers notebooks from Midori, Gillio, Chic Sparrow, Foxy Fix and Webster's Pages. Notebooks and covers from Gillio, Stalogy and Hobonichi. A few A5 binders which were too big and a Jibun Techo for work (which I still use). Oh…and a Van der Spek standard on the way!

4. What do you use your organisers for?

For home - to do, projects (photography, natural history, essential oils, technology),  health, notes, schedule and for work. (I'm a teacher, could say a lot here….)

5. How many sections do you have in your organiser and what is each section used for?

These are my current sections:

• Yearly calendar
• Week on 4 pages vertical
• Daily notes / to do
• Inbox/notes
• Expenses
• Online purchases
• Weekly tracking
• Health
• Contacts
• Reading/watching
• Lists

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

Leather - amazing colour, 30mm rings, gusseted zipped pocket, two elasticated pen loops, large back pocket, card slots, secretarial pouches…..sounds like something I just ordered….oh and it would have a sturdy back page lifter and a fun today bookmark. There would be space for top and side tabs too.

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

If you find you have tracking or daily notes pages in your planner you are not using, pull them out of their sections and insert them in your weeks you are using regularly. Overcomes the issue of 'out of sight out of mind.' Also, try different sizes and styles until you find what works for you, invest in this and have a big de-stash of all that lovely stationery you have hardly used! (note to self)

8. Have you ever attended a Philofaxy meet-up? if not do you intend to one day?

I haven't been to a Philofaxy meet up, but I would if not too far. I have been to Anna Brim's Cambridge planner meet up and am going for a second time this year.

9. What was the last movie you watched? 

The last movie I watched was 'Kingsman - The Golden Circle' (great Elton John scenes!)

10. What was the last book you read? 

Lagom - The Swedish art of balanced living by Linnea Dunne. (fabulous discussion of not too little / not too much and cinnamon buns!)

Thank you Louise

As you know we are always looking for new people to appear in our 'Reader Under Spotlight feature, you don't have to be 'well known' or a long term user to be considered to appear in this 'spot'. So please contact Steve philofaxy at gmail dot com today.

Reader Under The Spotlight - Tara

Today I would like to introduce you to Tara

Hello from the States!  I am a silver haired almost 50 year old single mom of a newbie teenager.

I'm a planner user that was "all in" from the very beginning just over a year ago.  

I am a very visual person so writing everything down is my way to stay on track.

This Plannerverse has been the most amazing group of people that I am proud to be a part of.

Thank you all for your hospitality and contributions!

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

October 2016 I was perusing the Filofax USA in the wee hours of the morning and there was a major price drop on the A5 Fusion in stone that I thought I could put to use as a work binder.

I did use it for a while until I started to experiment with sizes and configuration of other planners.  The Fusion now is my 13 yr old son’s journal.  And my A5 Domino is used for work.

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

Gigliodoro Compagna croco pocket aka “Freddy” I can’t stop touching it.  It looks like it would be stiff but it’s actually a supple leather.

Previously my favorite which will always be close to my heart in its forever home - my personal Ascot purchased from Anita Lim : -)

That Ascot got me down a  “vintage” path.  I never can get over that it only has 7/8 rings but can accommodate so much more than others of the same ring size!

3. How many Filofax or other brands of organisers do you own?

At last count 27 from Deskfax to mini.  + 2 on the way : -) Filofaxes, Gillios & an unknown that was gifted to me. All leather besides the Domino & 1 mini Chino.

I purchase through Facebook Groups, Ebay and also the Adspot on Philofaxy.  I’ve bought and sold so many. . . all in the name of refining what I need based on my planning style of the moment which has finally settled down.

There are some that I will never part with which include:  Freddy, my Fusion because it was my first, my beautiful first Ascot, Scanda, Gillio medium Compagna gold green, brown A5 Ascot - I had sold one that bought another a few months after.

4. What do you use your organisers for?

My diaries are my way of keeping ‘put together’.  My Gillio medium Compagna in gold green is my every day carry.  It holds the sections mentioned below.  I use Freddy as my wallet.  Love that it’s so close to touch when I need a quick ‘fix’ LOL.  At work my A5 Domino.  It travels to/from with me and I don’t mind the dings.

At home:  2 to store old diaries – Monochrome Originals in personal & A5.  3 for finances – personal Lockwood zip in Cognac it holds my cash @ home sinking funds.  Personal Savannah holds a Filofax month on two w/notes diary to track bills due, snapshot budget and monthly expenses.

My A5 Ascot is used for a higher overview of my finances that includes future casting budgets and debt repayment.  1 travel wallet (Malden compact) perfect wallet & planner combo because it has a zipper and I can take my current diary with me.

My personal Finsbury in aqua holds travel info:  maps, packing lists, etc.  Personal black Ascot holds my contacts and info for my buying/selling of planners.  All others are behind a door on a shelf for me to admire when I need an ahhh moment.

I do so appreciate them ALL!

5. How many sections do you have in your organiser and what is each section used for?

1. Notes/brain dump/”in” box

2. To Do

3. Diary section:  month on 2 pages used to note birthdays, work vacation time used & appointments, month on 2 pages tabbed for future planning, day on a page that holds the current month only and sits  within the tabs of the current month, a week on 2 pages in cotton cream so I can see an overview of the week ahead.

I have the whole year of monthlies, 3 months of weeklies, one month of dailies PLUS a yearly foldout for my workout info distance, daily calories burned & length of time exercised AND a four year foldout that highlights when my son is with his father

4. A-Z tabs in back for addresses and reference items ie my son’s school info is in Z for Zachary

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

A gusseted zipper pocket; definitely a back wallet pocket; a secretarial pocket in front and back; horizontal credit card slots that have a slit pocket behind the outer edge (like the Holborns); pebbly medium – dark brown leather; brushed silver rings like my Freddy 30mm rings for personal 20mm rings for pocket

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

Some organisers with stiffeners can be coaxed to be more malleable by rolling the covers like dough which breaks down cardboard type stiffeners.

Change out the rings if you can to size up/down.  If your planner has a wallet pocket put cardboard in it when in storage so rings leave less of an impression in the leather.

I learned that from Chrissie’s World.

8. Have you ever attended a Philofaxy meet-up? if not do you intend to one day?

No : -(  If there was one w/in a day’s driving distance I would definitely attend!

9. What was the last movie you watched?

Gone With the Wind – one of my favorites.  Classic!

10. What was the last book you read?

“Me:  Stories of My Life” by Katharine Hepburn I’m not too much of a reader.  I have good intentions but poor follow through.

Thank you Tara

As you know we are always looking for new people to appear in our 'Reader Under Spotlight feature, you don't have to be 'well known' or a long term user to be considered to appear in this 'spot'. So please contact Steve philofaxy at gmail dot com today.

Philofaxy Readers Posts - People Wanted....

I am sure we all enjoy seeing how other readers used their organisers.

On Philofaxy we have had several different series of posts to help readers share their own experiences of how they use their organisers and which is their favourite one.

We constantly need new people to come along to be able to continue with these series of posts.

So how can you help contribute? We have three different 'reader' series which are very easy to fill in and respond to they are:

• Reader Under The Spotlight - This is based on 10 simple questions (it used to be 19 questions) as well as the questions we ask you to supply a photo of yourself or your organiser. Previous posts in this series can be found here.
• Readers Favourite Organiser - This is 5 questions plus a few photographs of your favourite organiser. Previous posts in this series can be found here.
• Experienced User - This is based on 7 questions, mainly aimed at people who have been an organiser used for more than a year or two, but the questions are fairly generalised. Previous posts in this series can be found here.

We also welcome Guest Posts and Reader Reviews of organisers and related products. We also have Readers Tips too. There is no fixed format for these. It is best to contact Steve before you commence writing any of these.  

Guest posts/reviews must be organiser related, Philofaxy will not publish non-organiser related posts... we often receive offers of very non-specific posts, one for example about body weight loss, when I published a post on weight loss in relation to removing pages from your organiser!  Clearly they hadn't read our post at all or our guidelines!  In all posts we are happy to include a link or links to your own blog or your You Tube Channel or Instagram feed.

So if you would like to contribute with any of the posts above please contact Steve by email philofaxy at gmail dot com  Please indicate which post you are interested in taking part in and he will send you the questions/instructions.

If you responded to my request just after Christmas I would very much welcome your responses still so we can get these series flowing again.

Thank you.

Philofaxy Readers Posts - People Wanted....

I am sure we all enjoy seeing how other readers used their organisers.

On Philofaxy we have had several different series of posts to help readers share their own experiences of how they use their organisers and which is their favourite one.

We constantly need new people to come along to be able to continue with these series of posts.

So how can you help contribute? We have three different 'reader' series which are very easy to fill in and respond to they are:

• Reader Under The Spotlight - This is based on 10 simple questions (it used to be 19 questions) as well as the questions we ask you to supply a photo of yourself or your organiser. Previous posts in this series can be found here.
• Readers Favourite Organiser - This is 5 questions plus a few photographs of your favourite organiser. Previous posts in this series can be found here.
• Experienced User - This is based on 7 questions, mainly aimed at people who have been an organiser used for more than a year or two, but the questions are fairly generalised. Previous posts in this series can be found here.

We also welcome Guest Posts and Reader Reviews of organisers and related products. We also have Readers Tips too. There is no fixed format for these. It is best to contact Steve before you commence writing any of these.  

Guest posts/reviews must be organiser related, Philofaxy will not publish non-organiser related posts... we often receive offers of very non-specific posts, one for example about body weight loss, when I published a post on weight loss in relation to removing pages from your organiser!  Clearly they hadn't read our post at all or our guidelines!  In all posts we are happy to include a link or links to your own blog or your You Tube Channel or Instagram feed.

So if you would like to contribute with any of the posts above please contact Steve by email philofaxy at gmail dot com  Please indicate which post you are interested in taking part in and he will send you the questions/instructions.

Thank you.

Reader Under The Spotlight - Debra

Today I would like to introduce you to Debra. 

My name is Debra and I live in Florida in the US.  I have always used a planner of some kind.  I now have a complex healthcare job that requires very detailed "To Do" lists, notes, and follow-ups.  I was first exposed to Filofax when I traveled to England with my husband to meet his family.  It seemed there was a beautiful Filofax display in every stationery store back then!  I could not afford one until a few years later.
I have evolved to using my Kensington personal Filofax with vintage Lisa Frank dividers, as they fit perfectly in the personal size Filofax.  These dividers and inserts make it unique and fun!

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

I bought my first Filofax in 1998 on the "Miracle Mile" in Coral Gables, Florida.  It was a Tejus personal size in black.  My husband "inherited" it from me when I moved on to my Kensington a couple of years later.

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

The Kensington, personal, in black

3. How many Filofax or other brands of organisers do you own?

Over the years I have owned many!  I only use one planner, but I still have (and will be selling) two Maldens (purple and ochre) in pocket size, and a Mini almond Amazona (too cute to sell).  I have experimented with Moleskine, FC, and Hobonichi, but Filofax is my favorite.  As a previous reader so perfectly stated, the Filofax allows me to carefully curate the items I carry in my binder.

4. What do you use your organisers for?

I use only one planner for everything: work, personal, and al things in-between.

5. How many sections do you have in your organiser and what is each section used for?

I have 6 sections:  calendar, references, notes, and three sections for special projects/subjects.  I use a modified bullet journal style for my daily "To Do" lists.

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

Two combination leather and elastic pen holders, a transparent Filofax page marker/ruler, an outside slip pocket.

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

I like so many of these!  I like to use my Rapesco to hole-punch everything for my Filofax.  I like custom (especially vintage) dividers, and clipping my pilot G2 in the rings.

8. Have you ever attended a Philofaxy meet-up? if not do you intend to one day?

No, I have not....but perhaps someday!

9. What was the last movie you watched?

Spotlight

10. What was the last book you read?

The Executioner's Song (finally!)

Thank you Debra

As you know we are always looking for new people to appear in our 'Reader Under Spotlight feature, you don't have to be 'well known' or a long term user to be considered to appear in this 'spot'. So please contact Steve philofaxy at gmail dot com today.

Reader Under The Spotlight - Khadija

Today I would like to introduce you to Khadija.

I am a final year nursing student in Canada soon to begin a 3-month placement in the ER (eeps!). Hoping the Filofax keeps me sane and on top of my game!

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

I first purchased the turquoise personal domino in 2016. I used it every day and I found it wore poorly. This is gross but the string holding it together turned brown. Also the plastic cover attracted unflattering pen marks. I was disappointed in how quickly the domino deteriorated. I use my planners but I don’t believe I’m unduly harsh on them.

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

I am currently using a fluro pink original in personal size which I purchased after flirting with bullet journaling in a Leuchtturm. I missed the Filofax very much and realized how advantageous the ring system is. Bound planners don’t allow you to carefully curate only what you want or need. And discbound systems require thick, expensive paper for durability. Ring bound planners take care of those flaws. I just hope the fluro pink wears better than my old domino. I hope if I stain the leather someone that I can dye it black at least, which is an improvement over the plastic domino.

3. How many Filofax or other brands of organisers do you own?

I have an A5 and a personal pink fluro original. I never use the A5 but I like having it on hand just in case. I think the A5 format in general is comfortable and roomy so it’s handy to have even if it isn’t portable.

4. What do you use your organisers for?

I use my organiser to manage my current role as a bridesmaid, my volunteer research assistant commitments, tasks associated with school, my catsitting schedule, and all the little details I need to keep on top of for my nursing degree.

5. How many sections do you have in your organiser and what is each section used for?

I have five broad sections:
1) A monthly where I list major project due dates, recurring monthly events (like leather conditioning), vacations, etc.
2) A weekly where I list small project due dates and things I want to accomplish in each day
3) Trackers: my daily diet, a finance tracker, a weight tracker (trying to lose weight), a habit tracker
4) Reference pages: Inspiring quotes, studying tips, etc..
5) Project pages: I have a page for my bridesmaid tasks, a page for what I need to do to update all my IDs that are soon expiring, etc..

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

An A5 or A6 (not personal, even though that’s what I use) compact leather planner in fluro pink with lots of pockets and card clots and no big back opening like the Gillio compagna. Extremely floppy and soft cow’s leather (nothing exotic) with no stiffener. I’d like the leather to have natural gradations in color like the Malden rather than just being one shade.

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

Check out pinterest and facebook to get ideas for inserts. The best inserts are the ones you make yourself! I also like sitting back sometimes and working with the philofaxy podcast playing in the background. It’s like jazz to my ears

8. Have you ever attended a Philofaxy meet-up? if not do you intend to one day?

I’ve never attended one but I’d love to in the future. It might be a good way to explore a distant city and make some new friends.

9. What was the last movie you watched?

It was for school and it was called Sick Around the World. Actually fascinating and I think anyone and everyone should watch it. It compares the pros and cons of different health care systems around the world. Should be compulsory viewing!

10. What was the last book you read?

I just started In a Dark, Dark Room, which I would give about 7/10. Not a fan of the writing but the setting and story was interesting. It’s a page-turner! I love my old fashioned British mysteries. Agatha Christie, etc. And this book is sort of in the same vein. It makes sense that I like the Filofax!

Thank you Khadija

As you know we are always looking for new people to appear in our 'Reader Under Spotlight feature, you don't have to be 'well known' or a long term user to be considered to appear in this 'spot'. So please contact Steve philofaxy at gmail dot com today.