Notable Notebooks Part 2 of 5 - The Organiser... Filofax style (plus another plea to Smythson!)

Dear Scribblers

Welcome to my new short series 'Notable Notebooks' (Two of Five):

This five day series includes:

1: My Ultimate Quality Favourites 

2: The Organiser

3: My Newest Arrivals

4: When a Notebook isn't a Notebook

5: Used, Loved, Never to be Thrown away

Please read the important note at the bottom of the page. 

Onto my Filofax, it's a red chilli coloured Cuban, which is, as I said yesterday, A5 size. It was bought last October at an amazing discount from TK Maxx, with the full 2014 inserts pack! I've used Filofax and other similar organisers in the past, in both A5 and Personal sizes, and decided to try again with it this year, as I wanted to have everything in one place, including my to-do's, writing ideas and journalling.(This was why I wanted the blue Smythson pages, I planned to journal the whole of 2014 and then bind them together with homemade covers at the end of the year.) To be honest, it hasn't worked out this way. I'm still finding it difficult to find a file system which works for me, at the moment, and I keep changing my mind! It's coming together, but still not perfect. 

For the past 8 years, I've used Smythson diaries in their Soho, Premier or Bijou Portobello sizes (Smythson, can you also bring all three sizes back for 2015, please? ;-) Please?) So going back to such a large organiser has been strange, although I also have a small Smythson red wafer diary to carry in my handbag for this year, then at home, it slips conveniently into the little pocket inside the cover. 

(Please see note at the bottom.)

It's the best of both worlds... for now, who knows what I'd do next year. As I've also found out about this company which seems very enticing:

http://www.personal-planner.co.uk/EN/

from YouTube's MsGoldgirl -  

http://youtu.be/DcfqTWfhPrQ

The only thing that bothers me is - you guessed it - paper quality, it's difficult to tell without being able to touch it. If it was just a notebook to use for a short time, it would not be an issue (well, more of a grumble really, it's not 'end of the world' stuff. LOL! We just like things a certain way, don't we?) but this is a diary which will be your companion for a year or more, so we want it to feel nice and be the right texture to write on, which takes the ink well, without smudging or seeping. That perfect 'Goldilocks' page. If you are using one of their personal planners at the moment, I would love to hear what you think of it. 

Of course, these are musings for next year, for now I'm playing around with my Filofax, along with a little helper, which I'll tell you all about in a couple of days in part four of the series. I've got you wondering now, haven't I? 

Please come back tomorrow and see the next instalment of 'Notable Notebooks' - My Newest Arrivals. 

Happy Scribing!

Note from the Filofax Photo 

In case you are interested, the pen in the photo is a Ted Baker Stylus pen - with the touch screen tip on one end, and a ball point pen on the other. You can find them on-line at Amazon, John Lewis, Selfridges, eBay and many other places. 

Important Notes

1. Please note that I am not connected to any company mentioned in this post. I do not receive any products, funding or gifting from these businesses. All products shown have been bought by me, or gifts from family or friends. I mention the items because I like them or have my own private opinion about them. It's just little old me talking about ma stuff! ;-)

2. If you would like to see how I presently set up my Filofax, or anything else in this series, please write a comment below, or 'like' and leave a comment by my Notable Notebooks Instagram photo, letting me know what you would like me to post photos and write about. 

3. If you like what you read, don't forget to bookmark this site, and please share it with your friends. 

4. You can also follow me on Twitter and Instagram - @TheCraftyScribe which I update regularly with all things crafty, scribbling, beauty, fashion, the cats, sci-fi, fantasy, and the ephemera of 42*................... *42 = Life, The Universe and Everything!

Notable Notebooks Part 1 of 5 - My Ultimate Quality Favourites (and a plea to Smythson!)

Dear Scribblers

I think I've said this to you before, nothing really changes, does it?

In my last post, I mentioned the importance of keeping a good notebook beside you. Then I looked to a post way back on 30 June 2011, as part of my 'Favourite Things' series, I discussed my love of Smythson notebooks and stationery - 

http://thecraftyscribe.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/my-favourite-things-part-3-project-of.html

I still feel the same now. Please, welcome to my new short series 'Notable Notebooks' (One of Five):

Over the next five days, the series will include:

1: My Ultimate Quality Favourites 

2: The Organiser

3: My Newest Arrivals

4: When a Notebook isn't a Notebook

5: Used, Loved, Never to be Thrown away

Please read the important note at the bottom of the post. 

There's nothing like the sensation of a great quality notebook, and I find, for me, that no-one comes close to Smythson -  http://www.smythson.com/

These leather bound books, with the smooth pages that let your pen glide with ease, makes writing a pleasure. I especially adore the feather-weight pale blue papers. They may be a little pricey, but you can start with a wafer notebook for £35 (even for less, if you can find an outlet price, such as their store at Bicester Village, or their on-line New Year sale), but be warned, once you have one, they become addictive! 

Over the years, I've used two lockable journals (please bring back the red version with the flat gold lock, Smythson. Please? Please?!), Runway 11.5x13.5cm tuck fastening black notebook (yet to fill), a number of Panama 9x14cm and Wafer 7x10.5cm notebooks (I always write my poetry in the wafer books, I don't know why, it just feels 'right' http://555poet.blogspot.co.uk/), a featherweight replaceable pad in leather cover and little silver pen (which makes me feel like a Film Noir Detective!), along with my yearly diary, A4 pads (white lined pages) and something of a find, this year, the blue featherweight lined notepapers in Duke size which fit my A5 Filofax. 

For those who love their organisers, this may be your way in to try Smythson stationery. You get 25 sheets for £10, which I think is quite reasonable for the quality - an affordable luxury. As I said, I've found that their Dukes size fits the A5 rings (paper size 15x21cm). So, I'm thinking that their Bond Street refills may fit the Personal size (paper size 9.5x17cm), there's also a smaller size (paper size 8x12.5cm - I've checked on the UK in-line store, diary refills are in stock, but the notepaper isn't at the present time) called the Bijou, which I think may be the Pocket size, but please don't quite me on that as I haven't tried them. 

Most of these have been birthday/Christmas/special presents from my hubby - he knows me well!

Please come back tomorrow and see the next instalment of 'Notable Notebooks' - The Organiser. 

Happy Scribing!

Important Notes

1. Please note that I am not connected to any company mentioned in this post. I do not receive any products, funding or gifting from these businesses. All products shown have been bought by me, or gifts from family or friends. I mention the items because I like them or have my own private opinion about them. It's just little old me talking about ma stuff! ;-)

2. If you would like to see a more in depth look into the individual Smythson notebooks, or the diaries and books I've used in the past, or anything else in this series, please write a comment below, or 'like' and leave a comment by my Notable Notebooks Instagram photo, letting me know what you would like me to post photos and write about. 

3. If you like what you read, don't forget to bookmark this site, and please share it with your friends. 

4. You can also follow me on Twitter and Instagram - @TheCraftyScribe which I update regularly with all things crafty, scribbling, beauty, fashion, the cats, sci-fi, fantasy, and the ephemera of 42*................... *42 = Life, The Universe and Everything!

Slow Down... Relax... Take It Easy* (...and make notes!)

Dear Scribblers

It's important that you do - "Slow down. Relax. Take it easy."* - take time to step back from the hustle and bustle, especially if you are a creative. It's in this downtime I find that I have some of my best ideas. 

So how do you relax? Do you take a walk? Swim? Work out? Listen to music? Sleep and dream? Or do as I like to do, take a bath. 

I like a bath with lots and lots of bubbles! One of my favourites has been the FCUK #bath syrup. I was given it as part of a gift set, but I think it's discontinued. I'm going to be quite upset when I finish it, so replacement recommendations are required. Do you have a favourite bubble bath, I'd love to know. 

There must always be a candle or two burning. 

I've recently fallen in love with Matalan's scented candle range. They smell gorgeous, burn evenly, last for ages, come in a massive chic glass jar with a heavy lid, and £3! Island Breeze & Sequoia Wood are my favourites at the moment, although I've tried about 5 different scents now, and they've all been good. It's a great and inexpensive way to indulge. Plus, when the candles finished, you can clean the jars out and use the for your crafting goodies!

However you relax, take time to let your mind wander and discover new avenues of inspiration, and always remember to have a notebook or digital device close by to jot down your ideas. Although I would only recommend pen and paper when you are in the bath! In my next post, I'll discuss my latest favourite notebooks shown here. 

Please add to the comments your preferred method of relaxation and creative insight. It would great to hear about alternatives. 

Happy Scribing!

* The title of today's post comes from a line in the song - "Baker Man" by Laid Back. An apt named group for chilled out music!

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/bakerman/id269896173?i=269896198

"Start Writing Fiction" with FutureLearn and The Open University

Dear Scribblers

At the end of my last post I mentioned that I was about to start a new online course with FutureLearn. 

This is it! It's the 'Start writing fiction' by The Open University. 

https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/start-writing-fiction

It's an eight week practical course which aims to help the student get started in own fiction writing, focusing on the central skill of creating characters. It's directed at beginners, but also those wanting to improve their writing. What's more, you can work at your own time and pace, and it's free!

One interesting note for readers of this blog. Journal keeping is considered to be very important aspect in becoming a writer. 

As part of the course, there's videos by established writers talking about how they started writing, discussion on the rituals of writing, developing ideas, research, the importance of reflecting on writing and editing, and developing reading skills as a writer. 

We will also be reviewing others and receiving peer feedback on our work. Fun times!

I'll post reviews in the course and give you updates on my own writing as the weeks progress. 

Take a look. Why don't you delve in and become part of the group too?

Happy Scribing!

I've got a New Pencil Case! Now, What do I Fill it with?

Dear Scribblers

My hubby surprised me yesterday, after he paid a sneaky visit to Bicester Village! 

He bought me a new pencil case to match the great typewriter iPad sleeve I found in TK Maxx last week. 

It's perfect! Now, what to put in it? Just pen and pencils? It would make a great make up bag too. Even an useful bag for those electrical bits and pieces you might need, such as: earphones, iPhone, iPad, computer plugs, sd cards and USB sticks. It's a decent size at 14x22x5cm (5.5x9x2in) approx. Made of durable black cotton on the outside and vibrant red inside. 

I've decided I'm going to use it for all the essentials I want with me at all times. It'll probably be a mix of the items above, along with stationery stuff I need for my scrapbooking, journalling and Filofax, like favourite washi tapes, date stamps and post-it pads. Once I've filled it I'll post a picture with details. 

What uses do you use pencil cases for? Do you have a favourite? I'll love to hear from you. 

You'll notice in the photo, he also bought me a gorgeous necklace with a cool lipstick (quite Estée Lauder shaped) and silver lips. It's gorgeous on, very comfortable and lies just below the collar bone. They were get well presents, I feel very loved and blessed. 

Happy Scribing!

By the way, I start a new course on Monday. I'll tell you about it in my next post!

Ever Thought I Want An Eyeshadow The Same Colour As Tim Holtz Distress Stain? Brushed Corduroy, anyone?

Dear Scribblers

Have you ever looked at your photos as you've scrapped, and thought you loved an eyeshadow, blush or lipstick someone is wearing?

Want an eyeshadow to match the colour of this year's Pantone Colour of Radiant Orchid 18-3224? 

Are you a bride-to-be who want to wear the exact same shade of lipstick your mum wore at her wedding? 

Love my wacky idea of creating make-up in the same colour as your favourite ink pad, paint or stain?

You can do all that with this company:

http://www.discontinuedlipstick.com/

Wow! it's probably already a beauty bloggers' secret, but I've only just found out about Three Custom Colours personalised cosmetic service, which seems very affordable and trés chic too! They have a ready-to-wear line with international shipping, as well. If you've ever used them, I'd love to hear your review in the comments.  

Happy Scribing!

New iPad Accessory, and what? Beauty... On this blog!

Dear Scribblers 

A different post for me today, as it's a beauty & fashion haul! Bare with me...

I thought you might be interested because of my first item from TK Maxx. It's a Lulu Guinness iPad sleeve, with a great typewriter design on the front. I thought it would appeal to 'Scribblers' especially those with 'tech geek' urges. It's a neoprene material in black, with a 'Lulu Guinness' label on the back, inside and in the pull tag. I've seen it in magazines in the past, and wanted it for ages. It was a great find, at a knock down price, too! 

I also bought Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Eyes Time Complex Capsules from TK Maxx. I love this classic, couldn't pass them by at half the cost of their retail value. 

The rest of my purchases were, all beauty, from Boots the Chemist. (I still prefer calling them chemists, rather than the American term of 'drugstore' which seems to be used more and more.)

My main buy was Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair - another adored classic. I've been using this on and off for 20 years! It's been re-formulated recently, I can't wait to try it out. 

Also in my basket, this journey, was Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Radiance Exfoliator - I've never tried this before, but I needed a new scrub so I thought I'd try a basic one. 

Soap and Glory Its About Prime Eyeshadow Underbase - there comes a time when your eye lids need extra support. This is that time! It's also a first try, but recommended to me.

Maybelline ColorSensational lipstick in 725 Tantalizing Taupe - I wanted a nude lippy, and liked the look of this one. 

L'Oreal Paris La Manicure 7in1 Saviour nail treatment - I can not write more highly about this product! It saved my nails after problems due to ill health. This is my second bottle. I recommend this favourite!

Lastly, Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover - also a repeat purchase, that I can't do without. It's the easiest and quickest way to take off your nail polish. They have bought out a pot for hands and feet, which I wanted to try, but unfortunately, it was out of stock at my local store. 

I hoped you like my first haul post. I hope to do more of products in my life. Mainly, craft, writing/stationery, organisational, technology related, but I drop some fashion/beauty and lifestyle ones like this in too.  

Happy Scribing!