Planner -v- Diary for 2016

I feel like I have committed the biggest sin ever...and yet I am feeling slightly enlightened at the same time.  

I have decided to purchase a new diary for 2016.  It is the layout I love.  It is the size that I love.  It is also....bound.  Eeek!!

I don't know what happened, I saw it and thought it would be such a great idea as my diary layout never changes (and it was only £1!!).  It is the SIZE of diary that changes, i.e. the size of planner.  I seem to bounce between mini, pocket and A6 and each time I have to re-write everything as I hate having blank days PLUS whenever I think I can leave some information out that is exactly the information I need and always at a time when I am in my other sized planner!

It is very rare that I ever need to refer back to notes as I don't really tend to write notes, or lists (other than my To-Do list - and this is now on my iphone as I found a great app called 'Google Keep' which means that it is not only on my phone but my ipad and my computer at both home and work and the great thing is that I have 'shared' my shopping list with my hubby who is on an Android phone and it still works!!  Now we both know what we need when visiting the supermarket without having to ask!)

My idea was that if I get a small enough diary then I can just pop that into what ever size planner I am using then I will never have to re-write stuff and it wont add any bulk into my chosen planner.

What I think is actually going to happen is that I only end up carrying the little diary and the planners are going to get left on the shelf...in fact, the little diary that I bought even fits into my purse!

It is even a possibility that I may never return to a ringed planner...and what do I do with the ones that I have sitting pretty on the shelf in my office??  This is not a decision to be made lightly as I do have some lovely ones that are going to be extremely hard to part with such as the two Filofax Deco's and the sumptuous Van Der Spek's - I will never part with any of the A5's as I like to use them for projects and general stuff.

Am I on the slippery slope to leaving the planner world???

Until next time, take care xxx

My custom mini diary pages for 2016

I did it and here modelled by my Guildford Extra Slim Mini is the finished result:

I'm rather pleased with the result, love the faint lines, love the simple layout, a good result!

BUT I've swapped out filofaxes already and am now in my mini Domino in pink as I used that to model the 2016 pages and thought it was too cute to put away so moved my 2015 stuff in, I like having the pen loop so I will have to try and figure out how to put one in my Guildford...

Until next time, take care xxx

Planner Preparations for 2016

I cannot believe that 2016 is almost upon us already, this year has gone so fast!

It is that time again where I start to get organised for the New Year and I already have my planner's set up in progress.  I have bought the calendar, a week on two pages, from Filofax as I just couldn't really be bothered making my own this year. It is in the format that works for me and doesn't have the squashed up weekend.  

I have also bought a new pack of 'to do' sheets and also 'shopping list' sheets from Paperchase.

I have rounded all the corners as I really like how this little action makes the whole lot just look so much better.

I ordered some flyleaves with tab from Amazon as I started using these quite by chance and I love it now so much that I have ordered them for all the other sizes of filo I have!  I don't like dividers and I don't like the 'today rulers'.  I like having a marker to the current page or section and I love that it is clear so does not obstruct any entries.  This works for me so well.

Unfortunately Filofax doesn't do them any more for pocket and mini sizes but I managed to get them from other sources, thank you Amazon and Ebay!  They do still do them for Personal and A5 sizes and as they come two in a pack it is pretty good value.

Clear page 'divider' is great for an unobstructed view

This was a birthday card that I cut down and punched.

It marks where my addresses are.

I have realised over my filo journey that I like clean lines, uncluttered and neat.  It makes me feel more professional and efficient, even though I don't use it for work purposes!  I do use some stickers but very sparingly and usually to highlight something important - hairdresser appointments, birthdays, etc.  My go-to-used-all-the-time hack has got to be the neon arrows that I use for important dates such as my eldest coming home from university or date night with my husband, spa days with my friend and other such lovely things.  I also like to write in different colours - the pink and the blue of the 2-colour Bic being my favourite.  There is no colour coding going on though, it is just whatever button I click down.

I have decided that for 2016 I am going to stick with one size and therefore only one set of inserts.  I am fed up of writing and re-writing everything whenever I change size.  I absolutely adore the VDS Senior (A6) size but it is just still too big for my handbags.  And it's heavy.  I'm not sure what I will end up using them for, maybe I will even sell them on...or perhaps take one into work...just seems such a shame to have such beautiful binders not being used.

So the size of choice for 2016 is pocket.  I have a few different binders to choose from - a VDS Junior Touch Me in Brown, a Raspberry Chameleon, a slimline Executive and a Ruby Deco.  So I can change binders but not inserts - that is my rule for 2016.  At the moment I am in the Chameleon, I love the pockets and the softness of the leather on this one and also that the pen loop is on the left so is not obstructing the zip pocket at the back.  I used this one as my purse/wallet for quite a long time last year (or maybe the year before) and it worked out extremely well so I am doing it again.

I hope I can do this, I am really not a huge fan of duplication so I am going to give it my best shot.  What are your plans for 2016?

Until next time, take care xxx

A new A4 zip Filofax

I went into TK Maxx yesterday lunch time just to see what they had in the way of filofaxes as usually at this time of year the stock is coming in for Christmas.

It was quite a sad offering actually, a few personal and pocket Domino's and one or two Blooms but hidden away on the bottom shelf were a couple of A4 Filofaxes - Zipped Pennybridge, Apex and two other styles I didn't recognise the name of (and I've promptly forgotten but they were a canvas material with a faux leather spine) and then this lovely black zip Domino with red detailing.  I had to have it. £12.99 and it was in a Filofax protective bag, something I have never seen before so that was the main selling point!

I like how minimal the Domino's are and I kind of regret selling my A5 Snake but the lack of pockets are a big plus for me as it doesn't allow for bulk and so as it quite slimline it means it is pretty light too! Bonus!

I have always wanted an A4 but find the ones with rings are quite bulky and heavy. I like that this one doesn't have rings but still has the same slots and that I can take the pad out to write in.  I think it will be perfect for studying purposes, holding all those notes together and my ipad mini for when I want to study on-the-go (not that it normally happens very often) but I do like to have my notes all together - makes sense but I always seem to amaze myself with the number of different places my notes seem to end up!!

I've noticed that there is a vertical opening on the right hand side where the pad slides in so if need be I could slide in the cover of an A4 notebook so that's a bonus!

I've added a few things into it now in readiness for more studying...

Love the red detailing on the zip

Even chunky pens fit in the elasticated pen loops, shown here with a Papermate Inkjoy Quattro and a zebra stripe mechanical pencil.  Lots of room for post it notes and page flags too.

It is still uber light so I am very happy indeed!  I will do an update once I've started using it.

Until next time, take care xxx

Loving the Guildford Extra Slim Mini

It has been three days and I am totally smitten with this little guy!  I am finding that it is in my hand more than it is left in my bag and as such I am using it!!  That is a result in itself :)

I love that he holds everything that I need, I love that he is used more than any other I have tried - even my beloved VDS Senior (which I never thought possible!).  

I am not sure what it is about it that I love so much - the smaller rings? the softest leather? no fastener? no pen loop? I have no idea!!

Lots of stuff to remember!

Highlighted with stickers, tabs and my favourite neon arrows!

Full running list of to-do's

My time specific To-Do's are put onto the day that they are needed - such as 'Pick up Order' on the 17th and 18th.  Anything that is just a general To-Do goes onto this running list - such as 'Home insurance' or 'Get Sasha's nails clipped' - once these are done they are just checked off.  Once the whole page is checked off (and it's on both sides) then the page will be thrown away.

Extra page flags and sparkly glitter!

Laminated note from my youngest from 2006 and my coffee loyalty card

These little card holders are fab!  I paid 99p for a felt card holder and cut it up and punched it.  They fit wonderfully and are very lightweight so add no bulk at all.  I have got four of them in here and they are double sided.  Brilliant!

I am very happy with this set up, I love the little planner and I love feeling the planner peace again!

Until next time, take care xxx

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Slimming and simplifying everything

This has been a bit of a strange few weeks with changes happening all over the place, some good and some not so good but I'm still here and it has made me realise a few things.

Firstly, life does not need to be complicated.  It is ourselves that make it so and if that is the case then it is also ourselves that can make it simple.  I want simple.  I need simple.

Secondly, we cannot control everything.  For those things we cannot control there is absolutely no point in stressing over.  It needs to just have a line drawn under it and move on.

Thirdly, I cannot believe it has taken me this long to figure it out!!

Things have got to change and my first big change is my planner - it is a tool not an accessory, it should not be causing me stress it should be simply telling me when I have something planned, or the time to book in something else!  When did I get so overwhelmed and dictated to by a diary???

I have slimmed it all down, and now I am in this cutie! It is a Guildford Extra Slim Mini - probably the smallest you can get and I have got pretty much everything in that I had in my others - I have a full year of a week on two page diary, photo's, quotes, to do lists and address page. Extra credit card holders, stickers and a few other bits.  Isn't he cute?!

Smaller than my pen!

Favourite photo of me and Hubby

Week on two pages

Motivational quote

To do list

Spare card holders and back pocket

So in pursuit of a simple life I am embarking on a new adventure - the 'Adventure of Simple' - this will entail a few important things:

1.  Healthy living

2.  Quality times

3.  Mindfullness

Healthy living - I have just signed up to do a Diploma in Personal Nutrition.  I feel that I will benefit from actually finding out for myself what is the good, the bad and the ugly instead of taking other people, magazines and facebook as gospel!  I am also hoping that this will give me an insight into maybe the possibility of a career change as I am getting a bit bored of this one...or at least something else to think about while I am just getting on with my day-job.

I am also going to book in a session with a Personal Trainer, and I have found one that I really like at my local gym that I am a member of.  She seems to have the positive energy that I think will help me to stay motivated.  I am not sure whether it will be something I can continue with (the PT sessions) as they are quite costly on top of the gym membership but I'll see how that goes.

I have also started doing the GT30 classes, these are intensive 30 minute interval training sessions that promise great things...I will see how they go but after just the first one last Wednesday I am certainly still feeling the effects today!!  

Quality times - this is time that I want to spend with my husband and we are planning a number of events/excursions out on our motorbikes now that they are back on the road :)  I am looking forward to spending a few lazy sunshiny days at the beach or up a mountain or even just overlooking some Welsh valleys...I've finally got round to sorting out the panniers that I got for Christmas two years ago!!  They have now been altered and are on my bike awaiting the start of adventures!!

Mindfulness - I need to get on with my Diploma in CBT and also take some time out to relax and reflect on stuff.  I didn't really know what else to call this bit but it is all to do with stopping the world for a bit just to catch my breath...maybe do a few yoga classes - actually I've signed up to try out Pilates, not sure if that's the same kind of thing, but I'm open to new experiences!

I will update as soon as I have something to update but this is most definitely the start of a new phase in my life and I want to make the most of every minute!

Until next time, take care xxx

The KonMari Method of Tidying

There is something to be said for clearing out the clutter, it has such a wonderful effect on your mind and spirit.  It seems to cleanse everything, well it does for me anyway!  

I have started on a journey using the book - The Magic of Tidying by Marie Kondo, known affectionately to her followers as the Konmari Method - or even KM - and it is a most wonderful experience.  I have only just started but I can already feel the effects, the calmness that is spreading over my homelife is giving me the inspiration to use this in all areas of my life to enhance it, to nuture it, to simplify its existence...I know, it sounds too good to be true and it may not be for everyone but it is for me and I love it!

It involves getting rid of everything that does not spark joy.  It is actually that simple.

Yes, that little statement pretty much sums it up in a nutshell and is now my mantra.  

There is a method to follow, it starts with clothing as this aspect is meant to be the easiest to do as far as guilt trips are concerned, you know being able to throw away that hideous jumper your Aunt knitted for you just before she died, or the wedding gift from the aged relative, or the present from a friend for your birthday...all these things, these burdens, weigh heavily on emotions and space - get rid of them!  If they do not spark joy then they have no use to you in your life or your home, say thank you and bid it farewell.

I started on my clothing...

From this

To this

And my drawers went from this

To this

And the result:

Not only that but my bedside drawers have also been done and following drawer envy from my husband, his have also now been done!

I have enlisted the help of my friend to go through my handbags and shoes...this is not something i am looking forward to!!  

What I have noticed in going through this process is that everything is being looked at differently, each area of my home I come across is getting a mini treatment which isn't what is recommended but I cant help it!!  It is not the turn of the kitchen yet but every time I go in there I am seeing something else and throwing it away or rehousing it to a more appropriate place!

It's extremely therapeutic and I am finding the whole process to be refreshing, even my Hubby is noticing the difference in the house and he is loving it - let's see if that's still the case when I send him into the garage to do that!  Lol.

Until next time, take care xxx

VDS Planners have stolen my heart!

After realising that I could make the pocket Finsbury work in theory, it was a little harder to put into practice. It really was a deal breaker not being able to put my favourite pen in the loop and also even if it would have fit the loop it would have made using the zip pocket difficult. As I was using this as my wallet too this was not good.

I also missed the softness and flexibility of the Chameleon.

After mulling it all over during a couple of days it came to me.  I needed to go back to VDS. I looked into having a custom design one but at the moment I just could not justify the cost, even though I honestly think they are worth every penny, I am just being to indecisive at the moment.  Once I have made up my mind for definite I may go down that route...I have already picked my colours!

Fortunately my best friend was selling her junior Touch Me in brown. It is now mine :) and I really do love it, I WILL make the smaller rings work for me as I am really loving being able to use my smaller bags. Win win. 

So here he is, in all his usual glory including my polar bear!

Beautiful leather

I'd be lost without this dashboard!

A card cut down to fit marks the contacts section

Annual leave days

Zip pocket for train tickets and card holder

A braindump notebook and my bank cards

Polar bear, paw print and piggy bank charms are all Fossil

I LOVE VDS planners, I have heard they are bringing out another colour for the Touch Me range, I think purple.  I will have to get one of these!  I would have LOVED a red one...maybe next time!

I feel as though with my three sizes of VDS I am done. I really don't fancy the standard size at all.  I have reached my planner heaven and I can't see me wanting or needing anything else.  I have totally lost the love for Filofax and other than the few I have left I will not be purchasing any more. I may even get rid of some more although the ones I do have are pretty rare ones - a personal Ruby Deco, an A5 Domino Bronze Snake and an A5 Cuban Zip. I think my A5 Aston is going to be stolen by my eldest son for his second year at university. I don't mind at all, I am proud that he uses the old one I gave home when he started!

My Kate Spade Wellesley in Garnet I will also not get rid of.   The rest can go. 

I could put the money towards a new VDS handbag - and I already know which one!!

Until next time, take care xxx

Off the Planner Rails

The slimline lasted for about a day until I transferred everything into my personal Portland - including my purse.

That lasted about two days until I decided that I spend far too much time and effort on what essentially is just a diary.  Do I really need all this additional hassle?  It isn't even as if I have such a busy life that I need to schedule every minute detail.  I am not into decorating them or making lists for the sake of making lists, I know what books I've read and I know what films I've seen (well I usually do by the last five minutes anyway!) but these are not things that I feel the need to track - I don't have enough time to read or watch films anyway I am too busy switching up my system or researching the latest fad in total planner peace....really?!

It is NOT important.

What IS important is taking the time:

• to study
• to spend time with my family
• to spend quality time with my husband
• to enjoy time socialising with friends

It is NOT important to colour code when the bins are emptied or documenting when I have drank 8 glasses of water!

I just needed a swift reality check, I don't know why it has taken so long for me to realise what is essentially common sense, or should be!!

So absolute 'time out' for me - I have decided to scale it all down and get things into perspective.  I have too much other important stuff to be spending my time on so welcome the little one...

She came with all the inserts, including WO2P 2015 calendar, addresses, tabs and notepaper so it seemed silly to just pay virtually the same price for inserts to use with my mini chameleon, plus I quite like the simpleness of the Domino and I love the bright pink colour!

I am downsizing everything.  I am following the Marie Kondo - Magic of Tidying Up - and if you haven't heard of it I can absolutely recommend it but only if you are wanting to declutter your whole life...well this is the effect it is having on me anyway and from the following on Facebook I am most definitely not the only one!

This week end I have cleared so much stuff...clothing mainly.  Well actually only clothing but it did require a trip to the charity clothes bin with a completely full car and my wardrobe and drawers are breathing a huge sigh of relief!

I will admit that it felt so good this morning to open my wardrobe and be able to see exactly everything and not have to fight with coat hangers to retrieve something - that also was not creased to within an inch of it's life!  My drawers were equally as pleasant...it was just a wonderful experience :)

I have the whole house to do so I am hoping that the enthusiasm and motivation last the distance...I am documenting some of the changes and I will update the blog as and when I get the chance...and I will NOT be scheduling it in my planner!!  Lol.

Until next time, take care xxx

iPad mini and Flex working well

I am so excited to have finally found something that is going to work for my studies!!  It was an idea I had all along but there was something niggling me....and for the price of 75p in Tesco I have found the solution!

This notebook is perfect A5 size and the pages are easy tear out so I can hole punch them into my filo when I'm done and I don't have to carry a filo round with me, I am feeling so excited about this you have no idea! Today I am going back to Tesco and buying the rest of the stock!

I was also trying to find a bag that I could use as I didn't want to put it all into my handbag. All the styles I found were just dull and not really me. Then I realised I had this little waterproof bag and it is a bit more jazzy than the usual ipad or netbook bags and it has two compartments so one for study and one for my lunch!

Cute isn't it!

And a view of the inside :)

Top view of the flex with my iPad and notebook

Work in progress...textbook has been scanned onto iPad

I am really happy with how this is looking, I am convinced it is going to work wonderfully but as always I will update at some point to say whether it has or not!

Until next time, take care xxx

My fountain pen has arrived!!

It's here!!

Fits lovely in my little pen case

Snuggling with my new fauxdori

I will do a proper review once I have had the time to use it!  I put an ink cartridge in it last night and it started writing straight away - result!  It also doesn't have any issues with my left-handed-ness so that's always a bonus :)

I love it!!

I still need to find some paper to re-do my inserts on in my planner but I have noted that the 'Red & Black' series are 90gsm and they don't bleed through or have hardly any shadow so I may look into getting some of those to cut up but I have got some paper already at home that may do the trick...just need to get some more printer ink!  One day I will be totally equipped I'm sure!

Until next time, take care xxx