The 2 Things Helping Me To Really Use My Filofax

In my last blog I wrote about how I am using the tons of extra calendar sheets for lists that lend themselves to blocks of info. My favorite being my grocery list and daily/weekly todo list. Believe it or not, I am still doing this and lovin’ it!

But now, a new (for me) fabulous idea!

I have really spent a lot of time in the past few weeks thinking what about my FF isn’t working. Why do I still have post-its and notes scribbled elsewhere? Like when I have to jot down just a quick note...“did they make the Osterley in mini?” (apparently not) or “what was that Tree Hut Body Wash flavor that I loved?” (Almond Honey).  You know, those random things that come to you, that you want to remember to do, but they don’t really belong in with your other lists or notes…aka Capture Pages.

Now, I had my capture pages all set up at the front of my FF, all pristine, just waiting for me to dirty them up with scribbles and cross-outs. But the paper was just too nice. Seemed wasteful to use it for these kinds of things that I would just toss. Then I tried the old calendar pages and those worked ok, but the blocks that work so well for my shopping list...not so much here. “So genius, what did you use before FF?”

Used paper from the copier. That’s right, people. Something that I have been doing for years and was still doing but it wasn’t part of my FF system. I have tons of this stuff at home and work. One side is blank so my preferred way of using this is just to fold it in half...so the 2 outsides are blank and whatever was printed on it is on the inside. In the US the “standard” is letter size 8 ½” x 11”, so folded in half it is (ugh, math) 8 ½’ x 5 ½”. I used this as my go-to for years. Fits nicely in my handbag. And I like the texture for writing. I have a stack on my desk at work and in various drawers around my house. Whenever I need to scribble a quick note, this is what I grab.

I am sure you see where this is going. It only took me 7 months to make the leap. Instead of folding the used paper in half, cut it to size and use it as Capture Pages! I can’t tell you how excited I was about this.

It’s right at the front of my FF. I can scribble and cross out and write on an angle and write sloppy and mix all kinds of thoughts together. It doesn’t matter. Because it’s trash paper anyway. And once I either act on or move the notes to their appropriate section later, in the trash it goes. And it doesn’t cost me a penny.

These 2 things have completely changed the way I use my FF. I am actually using it now, all the time. Sure I was using the diary before and some of the other sections, but my grocery and daily todo and my “notes to self” were still on random sheets outside of my Filofax.

Can you hear the angels singing?

What Do You Do With All Those Extra Filofax Inserts?

“If you’re like me” (can’t say that without thinking of Kent From Oz), you have a pile of inserts and calendars that:

a.)    came with the many Filofaxes that you’ve purchased in search of the perfect one

 and/or

b.)    you bought thinking THIS was the diary that was going to change your life.

Now, you have a new problem. Diaries and inserts you don’t need or want. You can’t sell them ‘cause you used them for a day or two (maybe even a whole week!) before moving on to the next great set-up.

The various inserts are easy to repurpose. But what about those pesky calendars? I considered using them next year and changing the day or date. No, no way would that fly. I have a touch of OCD, so I’d be bothered every time I looked at it.

Scratch paper? (Or scrap paper or scribbling paper, depending on where you are from, apparently.) Ok, that should work.  So I put some 2012 sheets in my Filofax du jour to use as Capture pages.

Then I had a genius idea! The diaries, no matter which format you have, are usually blocks of space. I have a ton of Week on Two Pages. PERFECT for shopping lists! (It pays to take a shower…this is where my best ideas happen...of course it’s the only place I don’t have access to my FF…by the time I’m out, the ideas are gone…waterproof FF needed ASAP.)

When I make my shopping list I like to group “like” things. So for groceries…frozen foods all together, produce together, dairy, etc. The blocks of space can be used for each area of the store.

And ToDo lists. Not my master ToDo list…that lengthy work of art is a whole other animal. But, my weekly ToDo List. The blocks can be used for calls, errands, emails, next steps on a current project, etc. The things I would like to get done this week.

If you have kids, maybe each one has a block noting their activities or chores or notes.

How ‘bout decorating? Each block could be a room in your abode with the measurements, colors, wishlist of things to buy to complete that room.

Moving? Again, designate a block for each room and list what needs to be done or packed or purged in that room.

Books by author…new car shopping by model… rewards list by credit card…pros and cons of just about anything.  I could keep going, but you get the idea. While there are some lists that don’t really lend themselves to blocking, many do.

Sooo, since I have not seen anyone else mention this, I am going to wear the title of genius proudly! Those of you who have been doing this for years, just humor me. And let me know what lists you’ve been blocking. 

Glorious Green?

Or too Christmas-y for August?