Woman's Success Planner Review

Yet another casualty result of lurking on Plannerisms...In the comments section of this post, Anna mentioned the Woman's Success Planner.  Go ahead and look (because you know you want to) I'll wait for you here. Ok, ready to go? Good, let's do it:

So naturally, I went and had a wee looksie too.  Well, it looksied fabulous, so I spent $ I shouldn't have and  buysied the Q3 to check it out.  It arrived yesterday, and I thought I'd share it with you, because it's fabulous!

The planner is spiral bound (loves it), and the covers are that nice laminated cardstock stuff. It should hold up well even if you  don't want to purchase the leather folios that go with them (although I can't imagine not wanting to, they're delish).  The planner comes in 4 quarterly divisions.  I have mixed feelings about this.  In reality, one quarter should be enough to carry around.  However, I like to look back at my stuff and I'm not sure I wouldn't miss having the whole year together.  On the plus side of this, though, the planner is only a little over .5" thick, and that makes it super portable, so that is good.

(The answer is, I don't have any damned idea why I didn't rotate this when I uploaded it, you'll have to move your neck. Sorry *head slap*)

See that little logo? Here's the genius explanation of it from the inside cover of the planner: "The logo for The Success Choice, LLC represents *choosing to bloom (flower) *amid your challenges (swirl) *in your continuous journey (circle) *toward perfection (square).  I WISH I was that smart...alas and alack..mostly a lack...ANY HOO,

Here is the inside cover:

This tells you about the planner and how to use it, and is continued on the inside of the back cover.

Next is a two page layout for 2011 Midyear Planning that includes space for your vision, your goal status, goal actions, and goal roadblocks.  There's  also space for ideas about how to overcome roadblocks.  A goal setter's dream planner, this is.

The next two pages have: (left side) a 3 year planning calendar with last year, this year, and next year;
(right side) the beginning of the month page.

Now is probably a good time to talk about the paper.  The regular weekly pages are on the nicest ivory colored  recycled looking (not sure if it's actually recycled) paper with bits of stuff imbedded in it.  It also has a bit of a tooth which I adore, and takes fountain pen ink perfectly, with almost no show through on the other side of the paper.  The month pages, however, are a brown (looks like a paper bag) heavy card stock. GREAT sturdy paper, but if you don't like anything but bright white paper, this may be a no-go for you.

Next is the monthly layout, with suggestions about things to do called "Blooming Ideas" on the right side of the right page, and notes space on the bottom of the pages.

Then, at the beginning of each week, you have this page that includes weekly tasks, a menu planner, and space for a shopping list.  Here you can see my major problem with this planner...the line width. Only about 1/8" throughout.

Then you have the weekly layout.  I took these pictures on top of Clairfontaine paper, which is VERY white, so you could see the color of the paper.  The weekly layout is genius, and task oriented instead of appointment oriented, although there is space at the top of the dailies for AM and PM. At the bottom, there are places to record your water intake, veggie intake, exercises, and daily tasks.  You can see that the daily tasks are numbered, and go along the bottom of both pages.  When you complete them each day, you just color in or cross off the appropriately numbered circle. How incredibly smart is that?? As you'll see later, I have appropriated this idea...

At the end of each week, there is a Weekly Review page (more utter brilliance) and two pages for Notes, one on the right of the Weekly Review page, and one Notes page on the back of this page (that would be the left side, and on the right is the beginning of the next week).

At the back there are 9 months of future planning pages (the layout is a blocked month on one page with notes at the bottom), so it goes through June 2012.  Then there  is one page of Future Planning, with a 2012 and 2012 calendar, and monthly boxes through June 2013. After that there are 6 Notes pages like the ones at the end of the week. This would be great for contacts or other permanent or long-term lists that you carry.  Alternately, you can purchase from the website an address book that is smaller than the planner and can be moved from quarter to quarter.

After the Notes pages, there is a clear plastic sheet for business cards, and one clear plastic envelope. These are a bit flimsy, but remember that each one of the planners is only for one quarter, so they should hold up fine for that time period--provided they're not overstuffed by the user *ahem*.  Then on the back inside of the planner, is the continuation of the information from the front inside, as I talked about earlier.

Now, I think this planner rocks, frankly. I wish I could use it, because I think it's just a stroke of brilliance (Filofax could take some notes here).  However, the fact that the lines are so narrow does me in completely.  There is just NO way I can use this as a planner! I'm glad I bought it though, because I learned LOTS. I have appropriated some of their ideas and adjusted my Uncalendar accordingly.

On the top under "What Needs To Be Done This Week?" I have blocked off space for a check box (so satisfying when you can check it off!) and placed routine weekly tasks like clean the fish tank (blech). I usually get this done any way, but I like having the routine reminders.

Then in the small green box on the very top right, I have put "Daily Tasks" and assigned them each a number.  I have then put the numbers 1 through 5 on the middle blue line on the daily spaces.  When I complete each task, I cross off the number! This is really helpful for establishing a routine, because honestly? I suck at routines...I hate them, but am comforted by them at the same time.

On the left side of the weekly page, I have added some of my categories from my Planner Pad, and also added a Weekly Review space in the green lined box up top.  I think this is genius, and it's nice to go back and figure out what you were doing and also to be able to make readjustments to your plan(s) for the future.

I haven't added much to the monthly blocks (aren't they nice and LARGE?), but I did add in the note space at the left of the monthly calendar a "Need" and "Want" list.  These will be waiting a LONG time it seems...*sniff* but I totally digress.

At the back of the Uncalendar, there are 12 note page (2 pages) layouts.  These are so smart, they allow you to add notes to your monthly calendar.  **As an aside here, I have decided that I could probably get by with a monthly calendar with note pages, and may switch to the Moleskine monthly next year.  This added to my daily log book should be close to perfect, even though it requires me to carry 2 books.

On the left side of the page, I keep a running prayer list.  I haven't included that so that I can protect names, lest anyone should be made uncomfortable.  You can see at the bottom I've added RAIN. Yeah, I'd love it if you'd put rain for New Mexico on your prayer list too, if you're the praying type. Thanks!

Then I have a mid-month review sheet that I cut out from my Planner Pad.  I don't know where I got this, but it is really helpful.  Now to build in a routine for using it...On the right side of the notes page is oodles of space to use however.  I've not allocated this space yet, any ideas? I LOVE the idea of all that space though!

So I have learned a few really valuable things here: 

1. The Woman's Success Planner is just a stroke of pure GENIUS, and even if you don't use it as your main planner, the investment of at least one quarter as a reference guide is money really well spent.  If you are goal oriented at all, and have smaller writing than I do, GO FOR IT! You won't regret it at all. (Also, you should totally get the Address book and Leather Cover for it, then you should do a blog post!)  And if you're a dedicated Filofax user, you can STILL put the quarters in the back or front of your Filofax to fill in any gaps that the Filofax inserts might be leaving in the planning of your life.

2.  I like a honkin' huge planner. I write big, and I like having some white space around what I write any way. (I totally miss having a leather binder though, with a pen loop and space for "stuff") Also, I am NOT creative, and need the help of others to figure out how to use my planner it its best advantage. I guess I feel like since I don't have some big high powered job (or any job right now, for that matter) that every day life is irrelevant to plan.

3.  I may be able to get by with just a monthly planner, and then use a lined notebook as a daily log.  I am still using this format as per my last post. I can always add the week info into the log book, also as per my last post.

Random Wrap-Up

So I just wanted to check in and post a few random things. Thanks to all of you who have read and commented on my blog!! And a huge thanks to Philofaxy for the links!

Random #1--I had posted on FB about how smoky it was here because of various fires in AZ. The wind blows SO hard here, that we get all the pleasantness from said fires. Here's what it looked like the other day:

 About 20 minutes after I took this, it got worse. By sunset, you couldn't see 2 blocks away. Getting really tired of this really quickly! (Mind you, I'm thrilled to not be in tornado alley, so it's all good).


Random #2--Did I tell y'all that a couple of weeks back I bought a black Baroque off of eBay? I love this design, and was happy to find the black one, and at a GREAT price I might add.  Seller was FABULOUS, and I had my planner in 2 days! (If she's still on eBay, I'll link her on Twitter and FB this next week, with her permission). I'm obviously not using this as my main Filo, both because I'm using my Topaz, and because I'm having MAJOR planner issues. I have a plan though...I've been doing some spiritual "exploring" and deciding about what I really believe--so right now the Baroque is my Tarot Journal and "dark grimoire" of sorts. I put a bunch of blank note paper in it from my Topaz and Domino that wasn't being used. I absolutely love it. (I think I'm cursed w/ funky smelling Filofaxes though, it smells funny like the Topaz did):

 Baroque next to the Topaz

Inside front, showing the pattern of the inside cover. Same pocket set-up as the Malden.

Back inside cover. I love that it has the pattern inside, kind of like a "secret". Fun.

Random #3--I bought a Parker Planner after seeing in on Plannerisms, and I got it on Friday. 

Inside front cover.

Beginning of the week, and first page.

There's only one problem with it really...

It's TINY. Now, I know what you're thinking, and yes, the dimensions were on the Parker Planners website. I'm a visual sort though, and sometimes dimensions don't sink in until I actually see something in person. This planner, while it is GREAT, is obviously not going to work for me, and may end up being a blog giveaway...stay tuned for that. (Wish they made this format in a planner about 4 times this size, it would be brilliant).

It actually was helpful in deciding what I really need/want out of my planner though, and certainly not a waste of $/time. They are really reasonable, and would be perfect to drop in a bag if you don't want to carry around your full-size planner.

Random #4--My kids are budding photographers/fashion designers, and I thought I would share their latest work. Obviously, their victims models were thrilled:

And, that's about it I think...NO WAIT! Thank you to Steve from Philofaxy for the smashing Skype chat this morning! Can't wait for the next one!!

Horrendous Blogging Habits and New Filofaxes

I discussed this in one of my first posts, yes? I'm a horrendously irregular blogger. There are days when the effort of typing up and adding pictures to a blog post is just too much. I know that sounds pitiful, but it's true. Then, there are times when I jones for blogging...

Maybe I should change my blog name to "Random Rori"?

Any hoo, onto today's post!

For my birthday, I ordered myself a new Filofax (after MUCH cussing and discussing with the Enabler Club about different options).  It is a light blue Topaz, which is an older design much like Amazona, only with lizard print leather (cowhide).  The insides are the same as the Amazona, though.

Here it is! It really is the most delicious shade of blue, and matches the bag (Vera Bradley pleated tote in Hope Garden) my kids got me for Mother's Day perfectly:

 When I first got the Topaz, I didn't like it. I was SO disappointed.  I still can't figure out if that was because I just loved my Cuban zip so much, or I really didn't like the Topaz.  I'm still not sure what my problem was, but I've made peace with it.  Also, it had the weirdest smell when I got it...almost like  a leather/chemical mix.  I don't know if that was the dye or what, but it has dissipated; it still doesn't smell like delicious leather, but at least it doesn't reek.

I did move right back into the Cuban after I first got the Topaz and moved into it, but then I decided that if I paid for it, I needed to be using it.  So I moved out of the Cuban again, and into the Topaz and made myself start using it.  It did correct the problems I had with the Cuban, which were 1. It didn't lie flat (the Topaz did right away) 2. The rings were SO huge they were hard to write over (the Topaz has standard size FF personal size rings, 23mm I think)

Here are some pictures of the comparison between the Topaz and the Cuban.  As you can see, the Cuban Zip (also personal size) is WAY bigger.

And here's the inside of the Topaz:

Here's some more random pictures including a "What's In My Bag" photo:

I carry from left to right:
*a pen case full of Le Pens and some random gel pens
*a Vera Bradley cosmetic bag with band aids, sanitizer gel, those tooth pick thingies with dental floss on one end, Advil, my inhaler, a reusable bag, a sewing kit, eye drops, and a small penknife in it
*another reusable bag
*Vera Bradley (no, I don't have a VB problem, why?) eyeglass holder
*Vera Bradley wallet (my kids got this for me for my birthday this year)
*my Filofax
And in the inside zipper pocket of the bag I carry various lip glosses, lipsticks, maybe a pen or two for easy access, and sometimes my Canon A2000IS point & shoot camera

I absolutely ADORE the bag, by the way, as I do all of my VB bags.

Here's a picture of the Topaz in one of the two outside pockets of my new bag, I can't believe how much smaller this is than the Cuban Zip. (Although I should have realized, because it is the same size as my Domino, duh!)

So, I'm still using the Topaz, and as far as Filofaxes go, I do like it. The color is just amazing, and the fact that it lies flat is spectacular.  I also like the configuration of business card pockets and the secretarial flap in the front.  I would make one change though, I would rather have a note pad pocket in the back than a zipper pocket.  I just don't use the zipper pockets in the back, so it's wasted space for me.

However, I am having MAJOR issues with Filofax right now, and it's trying my patience.  While that's certainly not difficult as I am not a particularly patient person by nature, I just don't have the tolerance for things that don't work well, and am ready to chuck the whole damned thing out the window.  (But this is an issue for another post. I promise it won't be so long between posts!)

Also, I fell for a Baroque on eBay, and I'm using that as something else, but that's a whole 'nother story (that I haven't taken pictures for) so I guess that's toodles for now y'all!

"To Be Continued..."

P.S. I got the Topaz at Pens and Leather, and their service was outstanding. I can totally recommend them as a source for Filofax in the US. Their prices are great to boot!

My True Love--My Filofax

So, unless you are already a Filofax addict (I think we should be called Filo-cracks :D), you may think this is crazy--I'm in love with my Filofax.  No, seriously.  As a matter of fact, it smelled so delicious that the first night I had it, I slept with it tucked under my pillow. Wait! Don't go! I'm not insane...or mostly not...read on!!

Prior to buying this Filofax, I think I've used like every major planner on the planet including: DayTimer, Franklin Covey (multiple times; slow learner), Planner Pad, and various and sundry planners I've purchased at box stores or  bookstores.  None of my attempts at using a planner properly and consistently has lasted more than about two months.

I thought it was because I had a really short attention span (the gnat analogy works well here).  But! Since I bought my Filofax personal size Cuban Zip, and filled it the way I wanted it, I've used this planner consistently and effectively every day since! Now, even though I still get planner envy a la Kanalt at  Life Well Planned, I don't have a major desire to scrap my Filofax and try something entirely new.

This is how I'm using mine right now:

I keep month on one page with notes,  week on two pages, and day per page diaries. These I keep about 1/2 way into my Filofax so that it is easier to write on the left page over the rings.  I use the monthly page to record things like when the days I work pay out, when bills are due, and birthdays or other important days.  On the week on two pages, I record things like to-do's, where I work on what days, any other appointments, and any other "short" (to write) items.  On the daily pages, I record the weather, how I or my children feel, what actually happens, my daily "5 Things I'm Grateful For" lists, blog posts I want to do, and any other more lengthy notes I want to record.

Now, the daily sheets are working better than my previous set-up in my Filofax, which was to put a blank sheet of Filofax notepaper in between the week on two pages sheets, but I'm still finding that on some days, there's not enough space.  I was reading Kanalt's latest post, and I'm wondering if the DayRunner day on two pages wouldn't be better, especially since the notes area is on the right side--that is just brilliant! I think I'll wait to see how it works for her, and then re-think it.  I'll also track how many days I really need the extra space to write/take notes.

Since there's way more to share about how I use my Filofax, I will devote this week's blogging space to my Filofax and what else I have in it, others' Filofaxes, and I'll share more blogs and videos about Filofaxes. UPDATE: Since I had to move blogging platforms yet again, I'll be posting some of this next week.

If you have any questions before then or as we go, let me know!

My Filofax, My Love

So, I talked briefly about my Filofax, and how I use it, but with this post I'll flush out some more details and add some pictures. Hope you likes it!

This is my Filofax, it is a personal size Cuban Zip in saddle brown:

This is my personal size Cuban Zip

The picture of it is horrible, sorry. With my flash off, it's too dark, with the flash on it reflects on the leather.  But that's actually a good point; the leather on the Cuban is a smooth, shiny piece of heaven. Smells like a new pair of boots...ahhh, delicious!

Inside front of my Filo

This is the inside front, all stuffed chock full of stuff, which is just how I like my Filofaxes, fluffy and stuffy!  I keep two of those Bic 4-color pens, just hooked into the pen loops by their clips so that they are easier to get in and out.

Inside Cover, my Filofax Cuban Zip

This is another picture of the inside front, that shows the pockets better. Under the pen there is a slash type horizontal pocket, and above that is a zippered pocket where I sometimes stash cash.

clear envelopes in the front of my Filofax

Next I keep a clear envelope, a business card holder with pictures of my kids on one side, and frequently used cards on the other, and then quotes and things in two more clear envelopes. Next is that nifty neato sticky note insert from Filofax. I loves it. The small flags are transparent so you can use them to highlight text too; groovy!

clear envelope and sticky notes in my Filofax

My "Must" do sticker on a divider in my Filofax

Next comes my "MUST" do list. I just keep plain note paper behind here and record in red all the to-do's that are non-negotiable. Only the to-do's that are not tied to a specific date go here.  If I need to do something that has to be done on or by a certain date, that goes on my weekly pages. Cute matryoshka stickers are from Ginko papers.

Washi tags as my "dividers between the dividers"

Between three of my dividers (Must, Research, and Need) I have extra dividers that mark things I want to do, things I want to get, and for ideas. This is the place for a "wish list" and ideas for projects, research, etc. Washi tags came from Cute Tape.

My "Need" divider, which is my shopping list

Next is my "Need" divider. This is my shopping list. I also have another Washi tag in the middle of this section for things I want to get.  Right now I have a personal Malden in black on this list...yep, Filo-crack.

My "Books" divider, where I keep track of books I want to get

This is my Books divider, where I keep books I want to get/read.  I should be better about keeping a list of already read books, but I read so much  that most of the time I forget to list the books here.

My "Blog" divider

This is my Blog divider, and I keep blog fodder ideas here, and posts I've already done. (The whole 4 or 5 of them, haha).

Next, I have my Diary pages. first, marked with the standard black ruler, is the month on one page with notes.  These inserts are horizontal, so you have to turn your planner sideways to use them. I actually like this, because the Cuban doesn't lie flat, and that helps to smash it down so I can write without the rings being in my way.

Month on one page with notes

The weekends on this insert are all listed on the right, which is kind of neat, but I hate the way Filofax smooshes your weekends! Some of us have MORE stuff to do on the weekends and need the space!! But all I record here right now are things like bill due dates, days that my work days pay out on, birthdays, days the schools are closed, etc.

Next in my Diary section is my week on two pages that comes standard when you buy the personal size Filofax. I started with these, but quickly out grew the space.  At first I was using a sheet of blank note paper in between for the overflow, but at Imy's suggestion, I bought the day on one page to add.  It has helped, but sometimes I still run out of space to write.  I have begun adding a blank sheet of notepaper in between the daily pages to help with any overflow.  This is working really well for me right now, but I still wonder if the A5 size mightn't have been better?? The grass is always greener, no?

Week on two pages (wotp)

Then next are my day on one page inserts.  Also notice that on the weekly pages I inserted a frosted ruler, and between the daily pages I have a clear ruler. I like these SO much better than the black ones! Not only can you see through them, but they are way more substantial, especially the clear one which is actually hard to move without opening the rings.

Daily pages (dpp)

Covering some personal information is one of those jot pad sheets. These are SPECTACULAR! You can take a quick note, then stick it anywhere in your Filofax. SO handy!

After the diary inserts, I have a Notes tab, and I keep just plain lined paper here, nothing specific.  Then is the Projects tab, which I haven't decided what to do with yet. Maybe affirmations or something.  I'll label it "Project Rori Improvement" or something else fun.  Then is the Information tab, and behind this I keep all my internet program passwords to my blog, FB, Twitter, my web host, my domain registrar, Penzu, email, etc.

After that is the Financial tab, which I should be using, but I'm irresponsible enough to not be. *sheepish grin*

Address sheets

Then is the Address tab. Behind here I keep frequently called numbers, and my new pen pal addresses.  I use the Telephone Numbers inserts here as well as a couple of the regular address ones that come with the Filofax when you buy it.

At the very back, I have a zipper envelope. Since I'm using my Filo as my wallet right now, I have my insurance cards and other wallet essentials in here. In the very back, I have a couple of magazine pictures and articles that I want to keep.

And that's it! Whew! Hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoy seeing how others use theirs!