Setting up my new Filofax Garden - Dusk Personal size - Part One

I bought the Filofax Garden - dusk from the Australian Filofax online store,  reviewed it in a previous post,  and now ... introducing Part One of the setting up! <cue fanfare>

This is a rambling, not well formatted, brain dump of a post. I wanted to  give you all a quick glimpse of what I am doing with the new Filofax, and explain some of my setting up process thoughts. The follow up post will have more detail, and hopefully make more sense!

This Filofax is for my personal projects. In my own time I write books on cybercrime and women in tech, I have two blogs, and I also create planner stickers, cybersecurity awarenss merchandise, badge pins and jewellery that I sell in my etsy store, and I write a column on cybercrime for the Women in Security magazine.   I do have a lot of projects on the go and need somewhere to put 'all the things '🤣.

To start with I wanted to put my etsy store business cards in the front pockets, however the pockets are too narrow to fit a standard sized business card horizontally, so I had to slot them in vertically, as you can see in the photo below. I am still not a fan of the pink interior - but I know there are many people that will like the pink lining (The wonderful Desley from the YouTube channel Desley Jane Plans for one!)

OOH side note - if you are a stationery fan and like to see how people use their planners in both a functional and aesthetically pleasing way, have a look at Desley's YouTube channel ... the link to it is here> DesleyJane Plans

And back to my rambling post....

The small front pockets aren't big enough for a standard sized business cards

If you have read my review post, you may recall I felt Filofax had missed an opportunity not having the '100 year' medallion on the actual Filofax. I ended up carefully peeling it form the acetate cover and sticking it to the fly leaf. I also used some of the matching washi tape I bought, to reinforce the holes on the paper fly leaf as you can see in the image below. (As you read this  imagine me waving my hands in a flourish towards the photo).

Kept the gold sticker and put it on the fly leaf

I used a grid ruled page to scribble a quick index, this won't be the final version, it is just so I can work out what I am doing as I set the Filofax up, and it is functional albeit messy!

Messy index page as I work out what I am putting in each section

I am using the tabbed dividers that match this Filofax, they aren't the garden design of the cover, but the flecked style of the interior, but in various colours.  I will go into more detail about the sections in the Part Two post, however a sneak look at the Finances section, in the photo below, you will see a budget envelope. I am not using that to stash money, but to stash receipts. Also, if you look closely at the upper right hand side, you will notice that I have already managed to ghet a pen mark on it .... I had it a day... a day... and managed to mar it.

If you have made it through my rambling post, to the end, THANK YOU .... I promise I will do better next time .... I am also working out how to upload a flip thorugh video of the Filofax to this blog, so stay tuned!

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If you want to see more posts about Filofaxes and planners please see the index to those topics in my blog to the left of this post, and also I highly recommend you visit Philofaxy.  For planner themed  video content from a  fellow Aussie planner and stationery fan, please check out Desley Jane Plans

(c) empressbat.blogspot.com 2011-2021

Review - Filofax Garden Personal

I am a stationery addict, I will happily admit, and I do love the Filofax branded organisers above all other organisers. When I saw this new(ish) release from them, the Garden in the 'colour' dusk, I decided I needed to buy it. I won't even bother explaining how I rationalised this purchase, just accept that I did, and here it is.

Filofax Garden - Dusk -  personal size

I ordered the organiser - and some accessories, (don't judge me), from the Filofax online store in Australia and they arrived about a week later, which is pretty good. The organiser itself was $79.95 (AuD), which given how it is constructed I found was a bit pricey, (Officeworks in Australia for example has Otto branded ring bound organisers of better construction for under $20 (AuD)) but one is paying for the brand.

Let's get to the review.

The acetate slip cover in the packaging has a gold sticker delcaring the 100th year of the FIlofax - wouldnm't it have been just that bit more special if that had been a badge ON THE Filofax itself? - Come on Filofax up your game! I woud have loved this to have had the badge embroidered or printed on the organiser. What a keepsake that would have been

Packaging of the Filofax showing the 100th year sticker

The organiser is a nice compact chunky creature, with a gorgeously gothic dark green mysterious dark garden style vibe on the cover. It is made from some sort of softish synthetic material, and has gold foiled dabs here and there. The stud fastener is hidden (as in there is no actual external stud button as in some of the Filfaxes) and the rings are standard silver tone and are 23 mm. \

Filofax Garden in dusk - personal size

The fly leaf is clear acetate and then there is a sheet of paper to put your name. I feel again that this is a missed opportunity from Filofax, the fly leaf could have had the '100 year' logo on it, and made this Filofax quite the collectors item.

Fly leaf

The FIlofax comes with the standard inserts of a week on two pages, some sample coloured pages,  To Do lists, address section and some paper dividers. The organiser inside, is a pink with coloured flecks pattern ( I am not a fan of the pink, I think something equally as dark as the exterior would have been better), and features six card pockets and a slip pocket in the front  and a vertical notepad pocket and pen loop on the right side.

Inside the Filofax, silver toned 23 mm rings

Here is where I get a litle disappointed ... and feel the manufacturing is not as good as one would normally expect from this brand, even for the cheaper ranges. The lining of the pockets is the cheap synthetic woven fabric that easily rips away from binding. This right out of the box already has loose threads and a not too secure lining. Thus type of lining is often found in those 'Dollar Store' cheap knock off wallets, yuo know the kind? They look cool, cost you $5, and then sfter a week of use your coins fall out as the pocket lining has come away.

The pockets are lined with cheap synthetic fabric

I digress.

Other than the inside being pink and the lining being sub par, the organiser is cool, and I bought some matching acccessories for it as well. I will do a post on another day on my set up of this one.

All up I am happy with this purchase, although I think the lining material really let this orgainser down. The matching accessories is a nice touch, and I can't wait to set up this new Filofax!

Have you bought this Filofax? what are your thoughts on it? Feel free to comment below!

If you want to see more posts about Filofaxes and planners please see the index to those topics in my blog to the left of this post, and also I highly recommend you visit Philofaxy.

(c) empressbat.blogspot.com 2011 - 2021

#Filofax - I just ordered a new Filofax

As a collector of Fiofaxes (and I DO use them) I could not pass up the opportunity to buy this little beauty. The Garden Personal Organiser in Dusk from the Filofax shop in Australia.

As well as the organiser I purchased some of the matching accessories. I cannot wait until they arive, and when they do I will have an unboxing blog post and a follow up post on how I plan to use it.

Stay tuned!

Filofax Garden in Dusk - Picture from the Filofax Australia site

If you want to see more posts about Filofaxes and planners please see the index to those topics in my blog to the left of this post, and also I highly recommend you visit Philofaxy.

(c) empressbat.blogspot.com 2021

#Filofax - Fifteen ways to use your organisers

I don't want you to call me an enabler ---- BUT ... as an owner of many a Filofax myself, I decided other stationery addicts like myself may want some ideas about to use their multiple Filofaxes (insert name of your planner of choice here), or have a 'reason' to buy another.

So here is a list in no particular order.

Fifteen Ways to use your Filofax / planners/journals

1. Work planner - have tabs to place inserts for  your meeting times, to do lists , notes, planned and unplanned leave, pay slips, training infomration, conferences etc.

2. Art journal - grab your favourite art paper, punch holes to match the rings, put your favourte pencil or drawing impliment in the pen holder, some belnding cards, and if your Filofax/planner has a zipped pocket, add some coloured pencils or pens.

3. Junk Journal - Want to use up the pretty papers, brown paper bags, envelopes and scraps of paperin a junk journal wihtout having to venutre into book binding? Have I got an idea for you! Grab all the papers you want to use, punch holes in them to match the rings in your Filofax / planner, decorate some tabbed dividers and you are ready to get creative in your ring bound junk journal. 

4. Memory Scrapbbook - Use tabbed sections for months, add pages where you can note down what you did that day/week/month, and put some photos in that you print out from your phone/camera.

5. File of facts - So Filofax is a neat name derived from the binder originally being a file of facts. (get it facts... fax...anyway...). Use your Filofax as a stash of information, use tabs to divide the topics. For example a section for conversion tables, a section for maps, a section for railway staions ... well you get the idea.

6. Recioe binder - you can write out, print out, tear out recipes and shove them in your Filofax. Using tabs the reciopes could be seperated into starters, snakcs, mains, desserts, breakfasts, vegetarian,. whatever you want!

7. Gardening planner - stash in your FIlofax your new waiting to be planted as well as  empty seed packets, pruning schedule, favourite plants, garden to do lists...;. everything your little green thumb finds handy for gardening!

8. Pets - We have a lot of pets, and everytime we take one to the vet we get asked what food they are on, what brand pest treatment we use, and all sorts of things that make me think I am in a school exam! I use one of my ringed planners for the pets. Each pet has a rtab and there is a plastic sleeve for each of their vaccination records. I have their birth dates, breeds, pedigree papers (where relevant), the food they are eating, the pest treatment used, and the vet bills. It is a very handy File of Facts! Two of our pets are pictured here (Frank the pedigreed  (but not elitist) lilac point ragdoll cat, and Chloe the rescue Staffy-cross )

9. Writing journal - A Filofax is a great place to write, just write your thoughts, your ideas, your brain storming. It is great because you can move the pages around and put them where you want to as yuo organise your thoughts and ideas. 

10 .Lists - Use a Filofax/ planner/notebook for lists. You could use tabs to have topics for each of the lists to go under. In the BuJo community the lists are called collecitons, which brings me to 

11.  Bullet Journal - Number ten segues well to this one, . you could use your Filofax as a bullet journal.

12. Home inventory - You could use your Filofax to store your warranty cards, reciuepts and home  inventory information.

13 Wallet -  I have a post about using a Mini Malden as a wallet and using a Filofax Topaz as a wallet, and from my expereince they are great for wallets. The cards can go into sleeves on the rings, there is room for note money, grocery lists, and coins.

14. Projects - If you have a specific project (like home renovation) or many projects, stashing all the infomration into one binder means everything is in one place, easy to find, and easy to add to.

15 Studying - whether you are enaged in fomral or infomral stuydy, a place to put all your notes, information, sources, and research is essential to keep track of your learning.

There are so many uses for rmultiple planenrs, you don't have to just use them for calenders/schedules and a diaries, but you can use them to keep information, lists, warranty cards... all sorts of things.  I reiterate - don;t call me an enabler...but.... consider yourself enabled...

So when you see that gorgeous new Filofax/Kikki K/TN/notebook, you may not really NEEDED it .. but you could surely find a use for it!

If you want to see more posts about Filofaxes and planners please see the index to those topics in my blog to the left of this post, and also I highly recommend you visit Philofaxy.

(c) empressbat.blogspot.com 2021

Filofax - Mini Malden in navy

I have many Filofax ring bound organisers.. Some of them are quite old, some of them are unusual, ... some of them are sitting on a shelf gathering dust bunnies. Basically I really did not need to buy another Filofax. Did I let that stop me? No dear reader, no.

My favourite model of Filofax of all time is the Malden. The soft covers, the zipped pockets, the many places to stash forgotten business cards. I have had a Personal and an A5 Malden in purple for many years, and have wanted a mini version for a long time. I was sad when I realised Filofax were not making them anymore. 

That was until Filofax started making them again!

Last month (being April 2021 if you are reading this in the far off future) I decided I was going to stop being sensible - ha me sensible... anyway I was going to stop saying to myself 'no you don't need another Filofax', and give in to the temptation that is the gorgeous navy Malden mini.

I purchased mine online from Organiser World in Australia, I have been a frequent customer of theirs for quite some time. If you are interested in viewing their offerings the link to their site is here: Organiser World (Australia).

Once the gorgeous little Malden arrived, and after I spent a good hour or so delighting in its company, and talking to it (don't judge), I realised I needed to have a use for it. This is where I decided to make it my new wallet,  Note I have used Filofaxes as wallets before, in 2018 I was using a Filofax Topaz mini as a wallet, a short post about that can be viewed form this link: Filofax Topaz as a wallet. I have also used other mini Filofaxes as wallets ... and funnily enough I have also used... wait for it ..WALLETS as wallets...

The mini Malden, isn't it adorable?

I scoured around my very disgustingly messy art room/study/cannot find the floor room, for plastic credit card holders that I could convert for this Filofax. I found some from an old wallet, punched holes into the sides of the plastic sleeves and then placed them in the Filofax. This way I have somewhere to stash cards (like my EB Games card, or as you can see in the photo, my public transport card - 'Go Card') that can be scanned without having to take them out of my wallet. The small zipper section is ideal to keep a few coins, and there is a full length pocket encompassing the entire back of the organiser that I can stash dollar notes and receipts. I have added some note paper in the back in case I want to write a quick shopping list or note something, and I added a key ring chain to the zip so I can clip decorative and possibly nerdy type of things on there if I choose too. Like a Legend of Zelda keyring charm for example.  I cut the acrylic packaging that was around the organiser (the acetate stuff that has 'Filofax' printed on it, to make a fly leaf. I kept the box the Filofax came in to stash the diary and other inserts the Malden came with.

It's my wallet!

The mini Malden is well made, with contrasting white stiching along the edges, a press stud closure, and a pen loop. On the right hand side when open, there are two credit card sized pockets and one zip pocket, and the right hand side has two credit card/business card pockets.As mentioned before there is a pocket the length of the cover at the back. The rings are tight and close well, and the opening mechinism is firm but not too hard to press to open the rings.

This mini Malden cost me $159.95 Australian and I am pleased I convinced myself I needed it as it is a cute wallet, and is now also part of my Malden collection.

If you want to see more posts about Filofaxes and planners please see the index to those topics in my blog to the left of this post, and also I highly recommend you visit Philofaxy.

(c) empressbat.blogspot.com 2021

Filofax - storing new paper refills for my A5 and personals filofaxes

NOTE: If you are interested in reading more about filofaxes and how people use their organisers I encourage you to visit Philofaxy. 

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I am a stationery addict - I admit it. I really find joy in using beautifully made paper, colourful pens, fountain pens, pencils, water colour paints, and using paper based task management and information systems.

I often buy paper when I see it on special, or in a design or type that I just know will be great in one of my many Filofax / other brand binders. This created the  challenge <'first world problem'> of where to store the new paper refills while they wait to be used?

Enter these amazing PVC ring binders I bought from eBay for a teeny tiny cost. I am happy to find who the seller was and share their store link with anyone who wants it - just comment if you want that info.

I bought one in A5 and one in personal size - as they are transparent PVC I found them a wee bit difficult to photograph, I altered the white balance a bit so the PVC is tinged yellow to make them easier for you all to see. In reality they are almost as transparent as water. The photo shows the A5 size and the personal size together with paper in them.

(C) http://empressbat.blogspot.com.au

The binder rings are about 20mm and are in the standard distance as in Filofax binders. The front cover has a lengthwise vertical pocket inside, which you can see by the slightly stronger shadowy line in the above photo.

My refill paper stash fits neatly in the binders and I think the PVC is strong enough that I could actually even use them as every day carries if I wanted to. I have also thought that they could be used as a base to make a personalised cover.

(C) http://empressbat.blogspot.com.au

How do you store your new, yet to be used, refill paper for your filofaxes/binders? I would be interested to know your storage ideas!


(c) empressbat.blogspot.com 2018

A glimpse of my Filofax Topaz mini as a wallet

If you want to see more posts about Filofaxes and planners please see the index to those topics in my blog to the left of this post, and also I highly recommend you visit Philofaxy.

I had been after  a Filofax in the mini size for a long time. I really wanted one to use as a wallet but Filofax does not appear to make the mini size anymore, with their smallest being the pocket. I finally discovered one that was not only new, but affordable, from Pen City So in December last year I ordered this gorgeous Filofax Topax mini, I think the colour is burgundy.

Beware there are a lot of photos in this post! I wanted to show you all how I use this Filofax and give you plenty of pictures that I am happy for you to 'Pinterest' or use for your own inspiration.

It is an ideal size for me to use as a wallet with the added advantage of having the rings for me to add clear plastic card holders and calendar and note pages. 

I added some sticky notes I purchased from Kikki K and stuck them to a piece of card which I then hole punched and added to the rings.

I bought some clear card holder plastic inserts that are meant for a personal sized business card binder and cut them to fit the mini. Putting my store cards, bank account cards and discount cards in here meant that I can easily flip through my wallet to find the one I want. Additionally with cards that have bar codes, I do not even have to take them out of the plastic sleeves as I just flip the sleeve over to show the reverse of the card for the retailer to scan. I did not get a ruler with this Filofax so I cut down one from a personal sized organiser.

I cut down a cardboard pocket meant for a pocket sized organiser to use to stash my postage stamps and a small magnifier sheet.

I have inserted a small plastic zip pouch that was made for a pocket sized but actually works well in the mini with only a slight over hang at the top. In there I stash receipts and sometimes a coin that I get in change that is not valid currency here and nobody else will accept it!

In the front pockets I have my Medicare card (in Australia we have Government supplied health insurance called Medicare), the bank account card I use most often and my public transport card. There is a double sided opening slot in the front with the Filofax model information on it, I use that to put a paperclip in case i need one.

There is a zip pocket at the back of the Topaz where I store coins, but it cannot take too many so the overflow goes into my lilac coloured piggy bank! I have a small pen in the pen loop as well so I can write down notes or shopping reminders.

There is an open pocket along the back of the Filofax where I put bank note currency, (as opposed to coin currency, as not sure how to describe it.... polymer dollars??? )

I have been using the Filofax Topaz mini as a wallet for six months, and I am really pleased with it. The size is just right for me, it has all the pockets and inserts I need, and it is sturdy.

The leather is like faux crocodile texture and has a mottled burgundy and black colour. The only thing that I think would make it perfect, is if it was purple.....

Brain Dumps in Filofax

This post first appeared in full on the Australian Women in Security Network blog. The following is an excerpt. Please go to the AWSN blog to read it in full.

We have one life to live, let's live it!

Those who know me are aware of how eclectic, many and time consuming my interests are. How do I juggle all the things I do? How do I have time to read a few novels a week? How do I sleep with all these ideas hurtling through my brain! How do I not forget what I need to do!

I go 'old school'. I use hard copy note books, diaries and planners to manage all the many things I do. I also use electronic calendars for meeting reminders at work and back them up by ensuring my trusty Filofax, 'Little Purple' has them all noted as well.  In fact I am bit of a stationery addict, as can be seen by a post featuring me over at Philofaxyrecently! .... but I use all of my binders, notebooks and planners to ensure I have a good system to get everything done.

Brains are amazing. The down side to these amazing brains is that sometimes you can become overwhelmed with all the ideas and tasks and thoughts! Idea overload can stop you being effective. You are overwhelmed with ideas and things you have to do for work, for home, for someone else, to buy, to clean, to read .... and are becoming anxious in case you forget something important that you need to do.

Enter the magic of the brain dump.

My filofax is the hub of operations, my little brain companion. Everything is loaded into it and it contains an index to let me know which notebook I need to go to for any specific topic. I cart it with me everywhere and have pages just for brain dumps.

Little Purple

If an idea, task or thought is niggling at your brain and you are worried you will forget, write it down. Brain dumps do not have to be neat, they are just places to capture ideas as they fly across your brain. Put them on paper, email them to yourself, use an electronic note system, something that works for you to dump the thoughts down so you can relax!
Everyone needs to find the way that suits them to ensure their time is managed well and their random thoughts of tasks to do are captured. I like aesthetically pleasing, creative and functional paper based products, others may prefer to use Google Calendar or their phone reminder apps. Let us know in the comments how you manage your time and capture your ideas.

Around the interwebz - diary, art and planning - July 2018

Hi everyone!

Some great finds on the interwebz in June/July 2018, I have had some free time since I finished my latest degree and have settled into my new job. I have been snooping around the webz looking for great planner, stationery, organiser, filofax, art, ... stuffs to share with you all.

Here are my recent finds, enjoy!

Michaela, from Between the Steps, - AN ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE of mine!!!  - flips through her Hobonichi and Leuchtturm see the video >> here <<

Kayla, from Microscope Beauty, talks about planner things she used to hate but having tried them likes them! >> here <<

Nik the Booksmith shows how to make notebooks from old postcards >> here <<

Kendra Bork shows her July planner lay out >> here <<

Philofaxy, features me!!! I love that blog and am honoured to be in it >> here <<

Creator of one book July, Rhomany, has a great blog >> here <<

Dina Wakley, renowned art journal creator shows us how to do paint pouring art >> here <<

A glimpse of my purple Malden personal filofax

This gorgeous Filofax has been used daily since 2012, it is the only one of my large collection of Filofaxes and notebooks that I have named. This is Little Purple. 

For more posts about filofax and other planners please see this page >> here << 

Whether I use it as my primary diary/organiser/planner, or whether I use it for lists and information (as in the old 'file of facts') it has been used every day. Thrown in bags, dropped on desks and working like the little amazing purple powerhouse it is. The cover just looks better and better with the slight scratches and stains it gathers on the way.

The rings are perfect and have stood up to the test of time, opening and closing and lots of paper stuffed in them! I have so many tabs and clips and all sorts of things stashed in Little Purple.

Currently I have a day to a page, and lots of lists, information and note pages crammed inside. For the diary section I use printables that are provided for free by Philofaxy and  I print these on Tomoe River paper. This paper is very thin, like paper in a traditional bible, and is fountain pen friendly and strong. What I like about this paper, other than it being ink friendly, is that as the paper is so thin I can fit heaps of pages in my organiser!

I have a page at the front after a clear plastic dashboard that uses Alice in Wonderland illustrations by Sir John Tenniel. This has no functional purpose other than I like it and it makes me happy!

I edged my day to a page pages in month groups, with Washi tape from local Aussie washi tape seller Chiyogami Designs.

Here is my Filofax Malden personal sized in purple in all its stuffed goodness.

I have a cute little maneki neko in gold  hanging from the bottom ring. It makes me smile to see it.

I use tabs both on the side and the top of pages to divide different sections. I use a silhouette machine to cut out tab shapes from adhesive paper. I made a tassel from lilac embroidery thread and a glass bead which I have attached to the clasp.

So many pages!  Here you can see the edges of my Malden pages: day to a page, shopping lists, volunteer information, pets and vets information, wish lists, measurement conversions, maps, ... a useful and aesthetically pleasing organiser - Little Purple!

See more about Little purple in this post >> here <<

Filofax love - Little Purple - my Purple Malden personal sized

I do a lot of things - fitting so much into every day! I stay organised by using a lot of different tools. One of my favourite organisation techniques involves using my purple Malden in personal size to keep a note of infomration, things I need to do, lists and brain dumps. I have decorated as you can see with a metal tag, a tassle and a cute little gold coloured maneki neko.

I make tabs and use them on the top as well as on the side of the pages! Yes, as you can see in one of the tabs, we have an N64 game system, and as we buy games for the console second hand I like to keep a note of what ones we have and what ones we are looking for.

Setting up my Blogging planner in my Kikki K Gold A5

Hello Batlings!

I hope your 2015 is looking really lovely! I have settled back into work, and into my studies and my home hobby business for the year and it feels like I had never had a holiday!

Today's post is about my new Kikki K gold planner and how I set it up to keep myself organised with my two blogs! Empress Bat's Journal (this blog) and Apothecary Greens (my blog about herbalism and alternative therapies).  If you are interested in my other planner related posts and my free printables, please have a look at the page where I have put all my planner related post links.

Note, I have not yet 'prettied' up the planner as I have only just set it up! I will do an update to this post once it is all pretty with stickers and washi and doodles!!

Personalise planners to work for you!

Remember using planners, binders, notebooks, diaries, and sticky notes, is all about what works for you! So work out a system that makes sense and that you know you can use to be more productive, less stressed, and organised!

I use multiple 'planner binders', but they are not all used as diaries/calendars.  They are used as conveniently sized project binders, each has a different use, and each works well for me, with my diary as the 'hub' of operations!

Blog Planner Set Up

1. I took everything out of the Kikki K planner, I sold the refill papers to another planner fan, and started to sort the A5 ring binder in the manner that makes sense to me. 

gutted the Kikki K planner

2. On some scrap paper I worked out what I needed in a blog planner book. I ended up with needing seven sections: schedule, information, blog 1, blog2, to do, inspiration, and tools.
Happily the Kikki K planner came with seven dividers, I just need to change the tab titles!

3. With my trusty Dymo Labeller, I made labels on some cool silver metallic tape.  Then as I was telling myself how cool the labels looked, I realised I had made them too big...so I altered the font to small and tried again!!

Making my own tab labels

Newly labelled dividers back in the planner

3. For the SCHEDULE section, I used the Kikki K month to two pages, I will write in the boxes when i need to draft a post or load up a post and other important blog type things i need to know dates of.

For Apothecary Green is use a green pen, and for this Empress Bat's Journal I use a purple pen. (my colour key is on the right hand side of the page)

4. Using some file cards in large size, i punched holes in them to fit in my planner, and wrote my sites and what they are on them. Example '' @empressbat | twitter | social media"

These cards will be in my 'Information' section, as they contain the sites I use for blogging and social media, and any guest bloggers and their blogs. Basically handy information I can get at a glance!

file cards to use in my planner

5. the next two sections are called Blog One and Blog Two and are for Empress Bat's Journal and Apothecary Greens respectively. In this section I use note paper with holes punched in the sides.  My brain dump for my blogs goes in these two sections. Blog ideas, what aims I have for each blog or post, how to increase my audience, drafts of future posts, all that kind of stuff!

6. To Do: the to do section has things I need to get done, a memo section of things i need to do, for example: contact my guest blogger..hint hint Madame Monstrous of Zentangle Creations, and fix up my templates... notes of things that once done can be discarded.

7. Inspiration: In this section I have pages with pockets, I stash magazine pages, and stickers and all sorts of items that inspire me for my blog posts! I also have printouts of information I may wish to refer to later when composing a blog.

I make the pages with card stock and washi tape to create pockets.

one of my pages with pockets! Some inspiration cards are in this pocket

8. Tools: this has pages about how to make a blog sparkle (like the Blog Ready Challenge by Raine of Lime Tree Fruits); as well as information on search engine optimisation, and HTML and CSS for formatting websites.

9. Page Lifter: I used two pieces of metallic gold card, cut to A5 size, and washi taped together, to create a page lifter for the back of my planner pages, to stop my pages curling up when I shut the binder.  The card stock was doubled to ensure it is thick and heavy, and I made the holes larger than normal so it can move freely in the binder. This helps it to act effectively as a page lifter.

Page lifters stop your pages getting all curled up when you close your binder! They are easy to make form stiff card stock, make sure you make the holes for the rings larger than usual so the page can move freely.

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