My Personal Filofax Aston in Purple

Late last year, I really got into paper planners... again. I first started my love for paper planners when I was in grade school, although back then I used them more like a journal, writing down highlights of the day. When I was in college, I got a Tickles planner that is very similar to today's personal Filofax. Too bad Tickles discontinued their planner line. Anyway, in the advent of gadgets and technology, my paper planners were slowly overshadowed by digital planners, PDAs and eventually cell phones. 

Then while blog hopping, I came across a lady who had a paper planner and it was exactly what I wanted. I found out that the brand was Filofax. I really wanted a planner that wasn't limited as to number and arrangement of pages.  That is just what Filofax brings to the table, flexibility. 

Too bad, I couldn't find anybody in the Philippines who's selling Filofax Planners. Good thing I had a friend who is an online seller (Gmet Trading) and I ordered through her. Good thing also that when I went to the Filofax USA site, they were having a huge sale, I got my planner at 70% off because I later found out that they were discontinuing the Aston line. Too bad because it is actually made of good quality, supple leather. I got my planner (along with other Filofax accessories) after 3 weeks, in perfect condition. 

I also downloaded the free month on two pages from Limetree Fruits. I also bought the Leonie Dawson Printable Amazing Biz and Life Workbooks and Calendars.  I also watched loads of youtube videos and made my own laminated dividers. (yes, I bugged hubby into buying me a personal laminating machine just for this purpose) I was addicted for a while... a long while. Ok, I'm addicted until now! haha! I have since bought expensive leather planners and inexpensive cutesie ones and I love them all!

I must admit, my planners has helped me be more organized. Especially during times when I feel so overwhelmed with so many tasks to be done. Writing them down makes all the difference! Seeing them on paper gives me power over them, I get to label these tasks, I get to schedule them and the best part is that I get to cross them off once their done. It really helps unburden my mind!

So now just as the new year begins, I say thank you for paper planners! I will definitely continue using them in 2014!

This Year Calls For Planning and Organization

I have always been a scatter brain. Nothing new to me. What came as a surprise is the fact that I get anxiety/panic attacks when I feel overwhelmed by the things I need to do. I found this out when I was still part of the corporate world (officially I am still part of the corporate world till January 17 but whatever). I had tons of things to do, I’d bring work home and still go to the office of weekends! Despite all my effort, there were still lots of things to be done! I would feel burdened with the things I still have to do that I’d end up worrying about them too much and not accomplishing anything.

This is why I have always been attracted to organizers and planners. Gadgets galore! I was a Palm brand loyalist, from the pda handhelds to Treo smart phones. I’d go off on a great start, putting in all my to do’s and calendar items. Then I’d lose interest, then well, I’d stop.

 All this changed when I came across a good ‘ol paper planner in Fino, a fine leatherware store here in the Philippines. I got it on sale last October. It was originally at P3,750 but I got it at only P1,500 only because its inserts were still 2012. I figured I can always buy 2013 also available at Fino for P450.

 Here she is in lovely, shiny maroon authentic leather!

FINO Leather Planner

With my handwritten, homemade tabs

I decided to call her Jody after one of my favorite photographers. I was so excited to set her up. I looked for ideas on the net and that was when I found out there was a huge following for paper planners! Here I was feeling old and traditional when elsewhere in the world there are people clamoring for planners just like me. I found out they loved the Filofax brand in particular. I discovered the Philofaxy blog and learned a lot more. It didn’t take long before I was browsing the Filofax USA website for find out what the fuss is all about.

 Did I fall into the Filofax bandwagon?? Find out next time!