My Purpley Life

This post is long overdue. Better late than never!
**This is going to be a picture heavy post**

There couldn't have been a better place to meet with planner gals and have a tea party with a side of FILFOAX!!!
This meet up was held on Saturday, July 13, 2013.

First, we all met at the Tea Rose Garden

Located at 28 S. Raymond Ave. Pasadena, CA 91105
from 11:00am - 2:00pm

In case you are wondering what we had to eat, this was our menu.

2 types of sandwiches: Cucumber and Chicken Almond

2 types of scones: Mocha and Cranberry Orange

2 types of teas: Iced Peach Black Tea and Hot Earl Grey Tea

I ran 30 minutes late! I greatly apologize to everyone who patiently waited for me.
I did bring my oldest daughter with me. She was excited to show off her Personal Fuchsia Apex Filofax.
I also brought with me, my sister-in-law, Sarah, who flew in from Sunnyvale, who I've also enabled to use a Filofax. She brought along with her, the Pocket Teal Baroque. I brought with me as much as I could, 8 in all.

Everyone had saved the head of the table for me. We started off going around the table introducing ourselves and sharing where we were from.

As we had our brunch, I mostly chatted about the Filofax organisers, doing comparisons, sharing each others dividers, and how each person uses theirs. Karen shared her Personal Raspberry Chameleon from 1989-90. It had the raspberry colored rings to match the organiser, and the leather was much different to Jeannie's more recent Black Chameleon. Karen also brought her A5 Red Balmoral which doesn't have the full length pocket as some other Balmorals do. We were also fortunate enough to have so many different colored Maldens in Orche, Purple, Grey, Crimson.

Then, we had to do the infamous, "TOWER OF FILOFAX ORGANISERS"!

But since we had over 36, we just put them side by side.

Can you name them all?

I did give out some special gifts to everyone who attended, as well as some Philofaxy business cards. Jeannie was also kind enough to give everyone a little something special. Thank you Jeannie! I also, received a gift from Clarisa for hosting the meet up! That was very sweet of her to do.

Next, we headed over to VROMAN'S Bookstore

located at 695 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91101

FILOFAX had exclusively sent VROMAN'S had a first look at the new collections
which came out this year, just for our meet up!
Some of which included the Sketch, Doodle, Pennybridge, The Original, Calipso, Saffiano, Flex Folio, and some Malden iPad cases.

As you can see above, we got a look at what the Aqua Malden color will look like.

My daughter, Jenalyn, who loves Pink as much as I love Purple,
really wanted to get The Original in Fluoro Pink!

More of what they had in stock! Mini, Pocket, Personal, and A5.

They even had some of the new collections for sale.

A special thanks to Corie and Waylon for having us. They were very kind and friendly to us.

FILOFAX also let them have a special giveaway for us, which we all entered in our names into a box for a drawing later that day. I was lucky enough to have won one of three prizes! A Pocket Brown Sketch!

The other two winners were:

Clarisa - Pocket Mushroom Aston

Susanne - Stationery set

Thank you again for having this great giveaway! We had so much fun!

Next, we all sort of went our separate ways. Some of us followed me to Daiso and ArtBox, but unfortunately didn't find much. We didn't get a chance to visit some of the other stores I wanted to go to. Nonetheless, it was a great opportunity to meet with the people from the Philofaxy community, newbies, veterans, and even those who have yet to get a Filofax! Everyone was very friendly. I am glad to have met you all and I hope everyone enjoyed the day!

Top Left to Right: Susanne, Nathalie, Karen, Karoline, Jeannie, Wendy,
Bottom Left to Right: ME, Mai, Rebecca, Sarah, Jenalyn, Clarisa

They next day, I was in town, and dropped by VROMAN's again!

This time, I brought my cousin, Jessica, who has been wanting to get her first Filofax.

So, I brought her over to take a look at some for herself. I also took this opportunity to take some more shots of the new collections.

Calipso - Bright Blue, Deep Pink

Compact Raspberry Pennybridge next to the Compact Deep Pink Calipso

I wanted to see if I could fit myself into it. I really needed to try it out for myself. Must get the purple one!

Compact Calipso - Top: Burnt Orange, Bright Blue, Teal, Deep Pink

A camparison of the Aqua Malden color, with the Teal Calipso and the Pocket Aqua Saffiano.

The Aqua Saffiano is very similar in color!

The Original Yellow and Fluoro Pink

(the picture doesn't do it justice)

Hope to have another Meet Up soon! Possibly more south, around Costa Mesa/ Corona Del Mar around end of August, or early September. I will post more information about future meet ups on my blog or on Philofaxy!

Stay tuned for next time!

Watch our video slideshow here!

Hello everyone!

If you are new, and have just found my blog! Welcome!

I know most of you have been waiting patiently for me to do a video/ blogpost on how I am using my A5 Filofax. I am still trying to figure things out. I am still in limbo between three different organisers. So, when I get more settled in, I will definitely do an update video/ blogpost on what I'm currently using and my set-ups.

As a mother of two, a devoted wife, and job hunting, it can be very challenging to devote time to blogging, making/editing videos, taking pictures, etc. I just try the best I can, and I hope you all can appreciate the time and effort I put into making posts and videos for everyone. So, I thank you all for being patient with me!

Here is some of the the stuff I have been working on, and will hope to post soon. If you have any other questions or requests, please let me know via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and of course HERE!

I will still do my weekly decoration videos, and at the end or beginning of the next week, I will post here what it looks like when it's all done with.

Washi Wednesdays - coming up I have a tutorial on how I made a storage box for washi tape using an empty saran wrap container, you can also use cling wrap, aluminum foil, those types of boxes.

A "What is Washi Tape?" blog post and video soon to come!

Managing my Life with a Filofax - How I use multiple organisers for different aspects of my life.

Best Ink for Filofax Paper - I will test out and show you various ink pads used on different types of Filofax paper.

Bitz N Pieces of MyPurpleyLife - vlogs of snippets throughout days in my life.

Filofax Organisers for MEN!!!!

And more to come!

In other news: The results of the 2013 Philofaxy Awards are in.
You can read all about that here!

I am happy to have won the award for Best All Rounder!
Thus, I have won a Personal Black Fusion!

I would like to say thank you to all of you who nominated me and voted for me!

Thank you all for your love and support!

This wouldn't have been possible without YOU!

I hope to get all this new stuff out soon!

Stay tuned...

This weeks theme: Animal Safari

Animal print, Green, Purple, Yellow

Items used:

A5 Purple Malden Filofax Organiser
Filofax Week on Two Pages A5 size
Recollections Animal Print Washi Tape from Michael's Craft Stores
MUJI checklist stamp
Craft Smart - Pigment Ink Pad - Black
Hello Kitty Animal Stickers from Walmart
Masking Sticker - Basic Set
Colorbok Stickerdoodles - Animals from Target

Pens used: Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto 0.5mm Apricot

"You need to associate with people that inspires you, people that challenge you to rise higher, people that makes you better. Your destiny is too important to understand those people who suck the life out of you. Ignore those people who create their own drama, they crave for it and they deserve the outcome. Don't waste your valuable time with people that are not adding to your growth. Simplify your life by not giving a f!@# anymore. After all, life isn't about pleasing everybody. Happiness is a choice!"

- my cousin, Vanessa

Nothing too exciting to talk about, besides my sister in law - Sarah's birthday was on Monday. We celebrated the week before when she came down for the Philofaxy Meet Up, but she lives in NorCal, so we were not able to celebrate on her actual birthday. I did however send her some surprise goodies.

I am still working out on setting up my A5. I will do more of an updated post of my set up, maybe in a few weeks or so. This is what I have going so far. I am using my A5 as a home binder.

TABS:

INFORMATION: I am keeping information for job hunting, family information, school information, etc.

NOTES: For now it holds a list of product reviews I plan on doing

CALENDAR: FilofaxWO2P Diary & Mead MO2P with Day Per Page which I plan on using for the Filofax 365/30 lists/ journaling.

FILOFAX: My wishlist, a list of other Filofax related things, Meet Up info

FINANCIAL: Self explanatory

ADDRESSES: I plan on importing all my contacts here, so I have a hard copy of it

I am still using a Personal size Filofax and have eliminated using a compact for now. I trying out using a planner/wallet combo again. It was getting heavy carrying around two organisers for a while. I loved using the compact as my wallet. But now that I am not using my WO2P in my Personal organiser, I now have more space for other things. I plan on using a Week Per Page format so that when I am out an about I can jot an important reminder/appointment there and then later transfer it to my A5.

Anyways, that's the plan for now.

Hope you all had a great week!

See how I decorated these pages here:

I thought I would give my opinion on what Filofax organisers, I think, are great for men to use.

I have gotten questions from women who want to get one for their spouse, and even from men who are interested in Filofax.

I have shown some of these organisers on a video here:

Now to go more into depth of what these organisers look like.

There are many different models/types of Filofax organisers. Men can use them for business, work, at home, for personal use, journaling, a food diary/tracker, and whatever they chose.

There are a variety of choices to chose from, leather, non-leather, and different sizes to suite one's needs.

The first Filofax I mentioned in my video is the Pocket size Chocolate Brown Sketch

The next Filofax I mentioned was the Pocket Grey Malden

The Pocket Malden has the full width wallet pocket which can serve as a place to put cash, receipts, etc. in.

**Not all Pocket size Filofax Organisers have this feature**

[To find out what Pocket organisers do: CLICK HERE! ]

Next, I talk about a new organiser which was just released this 2013.

The Personal size Black Fusion

The Fusion also comes in a Blue color.

[Read a more in depth review of the Fusion by Steve Morton - HERE!]

Another organiser I talk about is the Compact size Brown Holborn.

Compact size Card Configuration

Personal size Card Configuration

The Holborn is known to have many pockets. Notice the different pocket configurations between the compact and personal size organisers.

[Read a more in depth review of the Holborn by Steve Morton - HERE!]

Another great option with a more stiffer leather is the Finsbury.

Also a great option is a Finchley, which come in all sizes.

This item has been discontinued, so it may be difficult to find.

Also newly released this 2013 is The Original.

The Original Black

The Original Brown

Some other organisers I mentioned in my video are the Cuban and Kendal.

A5 size Brown Cuban

Inside of the A5 size Brown Cuban

[Read a more in depth review of the Cuban by Steve and Imy - HERE!]

Personal size Black Kendal


Inside of the A5 size Brown Cuban

[Read a more in depth review of the Kendal by Imy - HERE!]

There are many more models of Filofax organisers, such as the Domino and Metropol which are made of a leather-like vinyl material.

I hope this has given you a better outlook on the many different types of organisers for men.

These are just options, which in my opinion are more suited for the males.

No one particular Filofax organiser is just for males or females. Another great reason why the Filofax brand of organisers is great is due to their variety of options for any type of person.

**Some images are taken from www.filofxusa.com and http://www.filofax.com.au/**

Today I am sharing with you all a tutorial on how to store washi tapes. This is great if you don't have very many or are just starting out.

Supplies used in this tutorial:

An empty saran wrap/plastic wrap/ press & seal/ aluminum foil box.
(Use a box with the cutter-edge on the bottom vs. the top)

Wrapping paper

Scissors
Razor blade
Self-healing mat

Ruler

Pencil

Double sided tape

Ranger - Glossy Accents Glue

Transparent Plastic Sheet

Packaging tape/washi tape

1. Remove the tube and cutter-edge, you will need to save them for later. Remove the lid/ cover.
2. Use wrapping paper and wrap the box, making sure you have a little bit to cover part of the insides as well. Make sure to wrap the lid as well.
3. Use double sided tape to keep the wrapping paper in place.
4. Create a window on the lid. Draw a rectangle using your ruler, in the middle of the lid, to your desired width, or to the with of a transparent plastic sheet.
5. Using a X-cato blade or Razor blade and ruler, cut out the rectangle on a self-healing cutting mat.
6. Cut out the transparent plastic sheet about 1/4 size all around bigger than the rectangle on the lid. Use glue or double sided tape to adhere the transparent sheet underneath the lid.
7. Glue the cutter-edge piece back into the bottom edge of the box using Glossy Accents Glue.
8. Re-attach the lid with washi tape/packaging tape

I hope you found this tutorial helpful!

Watch the video here:

If you have a Filofax organiser like me, and love to use diary stamps, checklist stamps, any type of stamps to use in your diary pages, it can be a little tricky to figure out what ink to use. This time around, I have done a more rigorous test on various inks and on different types of paper with my

MUJI acrylic stamp for check list.

Here is a post I did awhile back with Tim Holtz Distress Inks

MUJI check stamp test with various inks

Read a little more background on the various types of inks available

Stamping 101 - Beginner Guide to Stamping

In this test the ink pads I used were:

Momento Tuxedo Black - Dye Ink
VersaFine Onyx - Black - Pigment Ink (Oil Based)
Craft Smart Black - Pigment Ink
Color Box Black - Pigment Ink

I've also done a comparison with colored inks, showing the contrast with light and dark colored inks as well.

The ink pads I used were:

Momento Sweet Plum - Dye Ink
Momento Lulu Lavender - Dye Ink
VersaMagic Purple Hydrangea
Color Box Heliotrope - Pigment Ink
Color Box Iris - Pigment Ink
Color Box Deep Grape - Archival Dye Ink
Hero Arts Passion Flower - Shadow Dye Ink

The papers I have tested on were all Filofax brand.

2013 Filofax White Plain NotePaper
2001 Filofax White Plain NotePaper
2009 Filofax Cotton Cream Plain NotePaper
2011 Filofax Week on Two Pages
2011 Filofax Week on Two Pages in Cotton Cream

First, let's start out at looking at a basic black ink, which I think, is something everyone should have.

2013 Filofax White Plain NotePaper

Front & Back

2001 Filofax White Plain NotePaper

Front & Back

2009 Filofax Cotton Cream Plain NotePaper

Front & Back

As you can see, you will want to avoid using water-based dye ink (Momento, Tim Holtz, Hero Arts) with surfaces such as Filofax paper, since it will tend to bleed. Pigment Inks (Color Box, Craft Smart, VersaMagic) does not contain dyes. It does not soak in and stain the paper like a dye-based ink. That means the ink takes a little longer to dry on regular paper, but the color will remain on the surface, appearing more bright and vibrant. If you would like a Fast Drying Pigment Ink try Tsukineko Brilliance. VersaFine is oil-based yet water-soluble. It has the opacity of a pigment ink, but offers the quick drying convenience of a dye ink, but has a limited number of colors available.

Now for some colored inks:

2013 Filofax White Plain NotePaper

Front & Back

Here I have used Pigment Chalk Ink (VersaMagic). They are available in a wide range of very popular muted, pastel colors which dry to a matte finish. They also resist smearing, bleeding and fading.

In this test, I wanted to see the difference in using a darker ink vs a lighter ink.

On the top of the page, you can see that even though I used a dye ink, it is much less noticeable with the lighter ink. Even using a darker pigment ink may show some bleed through.

2013 Filofax White Plain NotePaper

Front & Back

These two dye inks had completely bled through. You can even point out some spots where some ink bled even more.

Here again the difference in using a darker ink vs a lighter ink on diary pages.

Pigment Chalk Ink on Diary Pages - darker ink vs a lighter ink on diary pages.

A great thing about these Pigment Chalk Ink, is that it doesn't matter if you use a light or dark ink. There is no bleed through!

Colored ink on Cotton Cream Diary Pages

In conclusion, my favorite inks to use are Pigment Ink Pads.

More importantly, Chalk Ink Pads.

Many brands include VersaMagic Chalk Ink, Hero Arts HUE Chalk Ink, ColorBox Chalk Ink.

I love using the Dew Drop VersaMagic Chalk Inks

The unique ink pad dew drop shape offers more options- use the narrow tip for corners and details or the round end for covering larger areas.

*Tip: Remember to remove the paper you are stamping out of the organiser, and stamp on a hard, flat surface. Use can you a mouse pad underneath the paper for added pressure when stamping. *

Happy Stamping!

See my video review here:

This weeks theme: Sandy Beach

(in honor of my SIL Sarah's b-day last week)

Colors: Gold & Blue (Sarah's Favorite Color)

Items used:

A5 Purple Malden Filofax Organiser
Filofax Week on Two Pages A5 size
Washi Tape
MUJI checklist stamp
Momento Dew Drop - Summer Sky
Punctuate Fluorescent Bookmark Arrows - Barnes & Noble
Kokeshi Sticky Flag
Rilakkuma Six Section Folding Memo Pad
Random Stickers from Morning Glory
Masking Sticker Set - Pastel

Pens used: Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto 0.5mm Clear Blue

"Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn't really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. That's because they were able to connect experiences they've had and synthesize new things."
-Steve Jobs

Sorry this post came a bit late this week. I don't get very much time with my husband because he has been working many extra days since the job loss. I value the time I do get when he has a day off, so I try to do things as a family. It's been years since I've been to the movie theaters to watch a movie as a family. Yesterday we finally got the chance to do that, now that our youngest is a bit older now. Her first time to the movies, and we all watched Despicable Me 2 in 3D! Great Movie. I think the first one was longer and better though. Towards the end, my youngest fell asleep. I really cherish days like this because my kids are growing up too fast, and my husband and I are not getting any younger. After the movie, my eldest daughter asked me, "Mommy, who's idea was it to go to the movies?" I said, it was me. Then, she hugged me, kissed me, and said, "Thank you so much mommy, this is the best day ever!"

To me, it may have been something small, but to her, it meant the world!

Hope you all have a wonderful week!

Watch how I created these pages here:

This weeks theme: Berry Smoothie

Colors: Reddish Coral, Dusty Maroon, Grey, Pale Lavender, Beige

Items used:

A5 Purple Malden Filofax Organiser
Filofax Week on Two Pages A5 size
Washi Tape
MUJI checklist stamp
VersaMagic Chalk Ink - Perfect Plumeria
Sticky Flags from Target
Rilakkuma Sticker
Random Stickers from Morning Glory
Transparent Round Stickers from Daiso

Pens used: Paper Mate InkJoy 550RT 1.0M - Black

"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough."

- Oprah Winfrey

It's been a long time since I've been to the movies together with my two daughters. We brought them to watch, "Despicable Me 2". We thought it was time that my youngest is finally old enough to bring to the theater. She fell sleep towards the end. I also received a RAK "Random Act of Kindness" this week from a YouTuber named Emily.

I am so surprised at all the goodies she sent. Look at all those PURPLE pens!

She also included some Sharpie Pens which I have been meaning to do an updated marker review soon!

Thank you, emxnxem

Every year, we try to visit the fair when they are in town. We love going to the OC fair and have our fried food binge.I always try something new every year! This year it was a Bacon Batter Corn Dog!

I love having a Turkey Leg! Juicy & delicious!

And of course, some funnel cake, not just any funnel cake -

Red Velvet Funnel Cake!!!!

I also have some great new products to share with you all, and will be doing some reviews in the near future!

- Filofax Cover Story Blue - Personal size

-Filofax Malden Purple - Zipped Compact

Filofax Malden Purple - Mini size

Hope you had a wonderful week!

See how I decorated these pages here:

This weeks theme: Light Green & Silver

Inspired by: Our friend's wedding invitation

Items used:

(*Please Scroll Over the Items and click for the link)

Personal Blue Cover Story Famingo Filofax Organiser
Filofax Week on Two Pages Personal Size in Cotton Cream
Washi Tape from Michael's Craft Store
MUJI checklist stamp
Color Box Pigment Ink - Silver Metallic
Post-It Sticky Flags
Post- It Arrow Flags
Butterfly and Heart Stickers from Mrs.Grossman's
Transparent Stickers from Daiso

Pens used: Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto Multi-Pen 0.5mm Apple Green

Sorry for this post being a bit late, I have been sick with a cold and sore throat for the past few days.
I have more energy today so that I am able to do this post.

I repunched the hearts as seen on the picture above by follow a recommendation by one of my viewers. I placed the tape on a piece of paper and then punched out the hearts.

This week I went back to using a Personal sized organiser, I was feeling like I didn't need all the space in an A5 Organiser. All that blank space made me feel less accomplished. There were some days where I did need a little more space, but I feel it would still be do-able on Personal size space. For 4 weeks, I tried to live using in an A5 size organiser. I left my A5 at home, and I still carried around my Personal Organiser without the WO2P for that time being. I also trialed using a Personal Purple Malden as a wallet/organiser combo. But that didn't work either.
Usually around this time of the year, I like to test and trial things out for the next year. For most of the year I have been using 2 Personal sized Organisers and one compact, for everyday use.
How did you manage that, you may ask?

Personal sized Organiser #1 - stays at home, on my desk, stores vital information such as passwords, blog/ YouTube related stuff, my pen and ink swatches.
Personal size Organiser #2 - goes with me everywhere. I carried notepaper, and month on two pages, week on two pages, and some lists.
Compact size Organiser - Wallet , no inserts

For my wallet I loved using a Compact size Holborn or Osterley, only con was no place to hold coins. I usually kept it separately in a small coin purse. But that method took too much time, and with two crazy kids, that's time I don't have!
The Personal Malden didn't work well either, because whilst it was great to have a zipped pocket for coins, it was difficult to take cash in and out of. The contents of the organiser was also too bulky for both credit card holders and inserts. Everytime I needed to pay for something, it was almost a hassle to bring out both organiser, and wallet. I realized that I needed to keep that separate.

So, what am I using now:

A5 Purple Malden - stays at home. Home Management & 365/30 Journal
Personal sized Organiser #1 (Saffiano) - stays at home, on my desk, stores vital information such as passwords, blog/ YouTube related stuff, my pen and ink swatches.
Personal size Organiser #2 (Cover Story) - goes with me everywhere. I carried notepaper, and month on two pages, week per page + notes, and some lists.
Compact size Purple Malden Organiser - Wallet only, no inserts

I love the Compact zipped Malden, and it's really working out great between us. I love the layout. I thought I would be annoyed by the zip which I was in the beginning, but my solution is to not carry a pen in the pen loop. (I will most likely do a video review on this soon!)

My next experiment is to try a Mini as a wallet. I finally got around to buying a cheap card holder ($1.50) at Daiso. I tried Kent's method of making credit card holders for the Mini.
Luckily, I found some that at just the perfect size, and there openings for front and back so I can carry twice as much cards. I plan to just carry cards, cash, & coins.

I am still debating if I want to keep using an A5 with the Week on two Pages.
I've sort of been going back and forth with it. For Week 34, I'm testing out both the A5 and Personal size. I have decorated both the same way, and will do a video review/ and blog post of what I like better, at the end of the week.

I hope you all have a great week. Thank you for being patient with me. I am grateful for those of you who sent me your well wishes, I think they definitely helped me feel better more quickly.

Lastly, here are some pictures from the wedding which was held at the
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles (which is why you see the dinosaurs).


Congratulations to the Newlyweds!

Hi everyone!  I am Amanda fromShe’s Eclecticand this is my first guest post as part of the Philofaxy All Stars Tour 2013.  As a regular reader of My Purpley Life I have enjoyed Jennifer’s Washi Wednesday posts and as a fellow washi lover I wanted to have a go at making something myself.  I went onto Pinterest for inspiration and found an idea for making pretty candle jars.

All you need for this project is

A glass jar – I used an empty jam jar
Washi tape
Scissors
A tea light candle

This is actually a really easy thing to make, the only tricky part is the first and last rows of tape as the jars are slightly curved at the bottom and have the grooves for the lid at the top.

Starting at the bottom, wrap your first row of tape onto the jar. It will probably crease up a little but you can smooth it out with your finger after you have cut the strip from the roll.

Then add the next row of tape as close to the first as possible. If you keep the tension in the roll as you wrap it around the jar the tape is less likely to wrinkle. Also make sure to start each row in the same place so all the joins will be in a neatish row and can be kept at the back of the jar. The great thing about washi tape is if you make a mistake or you don’t like how it looks you can remove it and try again.

Continue wrapping strips of tape around the jar until all the glass is completely covered right up to the top.

Add your tea light candle inside the jar, wait until dark and then light it. Because washi tape is slightly translucent the light from the candle shines through the jar and looks really pretty.

Voilà!

I hope you enjoyed my washi Wednesday post and thank you to Jennifer for letting me guest star on her blog!

Thank you, Amanda for doing this Washi Wednesday Tutorial!

This weeks theme: Coral, Purple, Lavender, Olive Green

Inspired by: Lavender fields (during sunrise) - design-seeds.com

Items used:

(*Please Scroll Over the Items and click for the link)

Compact Plum Osterley Filofax Organiser
Filofax Week on Two Pages Personal Size in Cotton Cream
Washi Tape from Michael's Craft Store
Scotch Expressions Washi Tape
MUJI checklist stamp
VersaMagic Chalk Ink - Persimmon
Colored sticky flags from Target
Korean Diary Stickers
Transparent Stickers from Daiso
K&Company Tag - Watercolor Bouquet

Pens used: Pilot FriXion Ball Slim Gel Ink Pen 0.38mm - Violet
Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto 0.5mm - Black

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
-Maya Angelou

I've figured out that I can actually fit into a Compact size planner instead if mu Personal size, so I am using that in conjunction with my Compact size zipped Malden in my purse with me everyday. The weight is good so far. I will be doing a video explaining how I use the A5 and Compact size together so I will save all the explaining for later. I am definitely going through a transition period trying out what works best for me. I have been testing out all these new sizes and such which has been great. I hope that my journey will also help give you all ideas that may or may not work for you.

Watch how I decorated these pages here:

This weeks theme: Bronze, Teal, Modern Vintage Floral

Inspired by: My Parents' 30th Wedding Anniversary

Items used:

(*Please Scroll Over the Items and click for the link)

Compact Plum Osterley Filofax Personal Organiser
A5 Purple Malden Filofax Personal Organiser
Filofax Week on Two Pages Personal Size in Cotton Cream
Filofax Week on Two Pages A5 size in Plain White
Washi Tape - Teal Damask
Washi Tape w/ birds and florals from Michael's?
Plan It Stamp set from www.StudioL2E.com
VersaMagic Chalk Ink - Gingerbread
Mrs. Grossman's - Rose Garden

Pens used: Pilot FriXion Ball Erasable Gel Ink Pen 0.5mm -Black
Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto 0.5mm - Black

The week started off preparing for my parent's 30th Wedding Anniversary which we celebrated on Tuesday. It was just a very small celebration with my parents, my sister, me & the kids, my aunt, uncle, & cousin. We had a nice dinner all together.

I have been trying to get back into practicing Calligraphy and improving my handwriting. With the suggestion of someone from Instagram, I was recommended to try GouletPens.com and I purchased a lovely pen and some inks which I will do a separate review on soon.

I also started my Filofax Video Series where I will be sharing videos some with coordinating blog posts for the next four weeks showcasing the Filofax brand of Personal Organisers. I started the series off with an introduction to Filofax, and why I use a planner to keep my life organized. The next video will be next Thursday, Sept. 5. where I will explain, "How to Choose a Filofax".

I will also be participating in a Photo-a-Day Challenge on Instagram. Made by the lovely, and very organized Toni from www.abowlfulloflemons.net

Read more about it here!

Follow me on Instagram: MyPurpleyLife

This Monday is a holiday, for those of us in the USA & Canada.
So, I will end this today with - Hope you have Happy Labor Day!

"Life is like a camera...

Focus on what's important,

Capture the good times,

Develop from the negatives, and if things don't workout,

Take Another Shot!"

Watch how I decorated these pages here:

This weeks theme: Back to School/ Labor Day

Colors: Red, White, & Blue / Polka Dot / Hello Kitty

Items used:
(*Please Scroll Over the Items and click for the link)

Filofax Osterley Wine Compact Organizer - FF-021675
Filofax 2013 Personal Week On Two Pages - Cotton Cream
Washi Tape from Michael's Craft Store
Studio l2e - Plan It Stamps
Tsukineko VersaMagic Dew Drop Inkpad, Night Sky
Monopoly masking tape - plane type
Hello Kitty Die Cut Sticky Flags
Wandoo Cong Everyday Diary Calendar
Sweet Things Schedule Diary Stickers
Hello Kitty Stickers from Morning Glory
Scotch Expressions Washi Tape, Black
Masking Sticker Set - Basic Version

Pens used: Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto 0.5mm Gel Pen Refill, Blue Black

Sakura Gelly Roll Medium Point Gel Ink Pen Set, White

I've been working like a mad woman lately, that it has sort of taken over my life. I have been so passionate about my blog and my videos that I haven't been focusing enough on my husband and my kids. Although it set me back a little, I can't take back my kids being kids. Soon they will grow up and want nothing to do with me and their dad. So, it is very important to cherish these moments with them while I can. There definitely needs to be some balance in life, and I am luck to have a husband that puts me in check!

It was back to school for my oldest child, so it's back to waking up early - for the both of us!

Also, my nephew, AJ's, first birthday! I wish I could celebrate with him, but he's in Hawaii and I'm here =(

We got to catch up and meet with lots of friends and family this week. Starting off with my SIL and her husband, we had a potluck at our house. I will be sharing my Sushi Casserole recipe on here I hope!

Also, a friend of ours was in town from Australia - ((Hi Khristie! if you're reading this)) We are always happy to see her when she visits us. She wanted to have a get together before she left and requested to go to a Hollywood Nightclub/Lounge. It's been years since I have been to a nightclub. Luckily, my husband was off, and we found someone to watch the kids! So, mom and dad could take a break and have some fun! We all need it once in a while! It was my first time going to Boulevard 3 in Hollywood,CA. Nice place! I would definitely recommend it, but if you are interested in going, it is exclusive and reservations must be made.

Lastly, we caught up with my other friends for some awesome Thai food at Pair Thai at City of Industry. This restaurant is another branch of the well known RuenPair restaurant in Hollywood. The food was great! We will definitely be going back!

Lots of things will be coming up soon so keep checking back here and on my YouTube to see what's new!

My review: Markers for Filofax paper & Washi Tape
My review: Rapesco products
Post to tie in with "How to Choose a Filofax" video
Personal Violet Piazza Filofax
My Filofax Inserts/Refills Storage

Hope you have a great week!

Watch how I created these pages here:

Compact Plum Osterley Filofax

This post is to tie in with my 2013 Video Series: How to Choose a Filofax Personal Organiser

to give you more of an in depth view of the different sizes of organisers, variations of ring sizes, and the internal layouts of some of the organisers. If you haven't yet seen the video, you can view it here:

There are six different sizes which I mentioned which are the Mini, Pocket, Personal, Slimline, Compact, and A5 sized organiser. (*There are other sizes which were not covered because they are not widely available)

MINI size

(This particular model is the Mini Purple Malden)

There are 5 rings evenly spaced out. Usually found with ring sizes ranging from 11-13mm.
[Standard: 13mm]

Most smallest of all the sizes.

Most widely used as a wallet because of the exterior full width wallet pocket in the back.

The next size up is the POCKET size. Here it is in comparison to the Mini size.

(This particular model is the Pocket Grey Malden)

There are 6 rings evenly spaced out. Usually found with ring sizes ranging from 15-19mm.

[Standard: 19mm]

Another model used as a wallet because of the exterior full width wallet pocket.
The Notepad pocket is big enough to hold a cell phone.
Mini size pages can fit into a Pocket size.
Pocket size paper will fit into the Personal size with just the bottom corner folded up.

The next size up is the PERSONAL.
(This model in particular is the Personal Purple Malden)

There are 6 rings in groups of three. Usually found with ring sizes ranging from 23-30mm.

[Standard: 23mm]

This size has the largest number of organisers in the range and paper and diary refills also.

It is the most widely recognized size. It is a great size to start with because from this size you can gauge if you will need something smaller or bigger.

If you like the paper size of the Personal but don't like carrying around too much bulk/ weight, then a

COMPACT or SLIMLINE size.

The Compact also has 6 rings in groups of three. Usually found with ring sizes ranging from 11-15mm.

[Standard: 15mm]

The Slimline also has 6 rings in groups of three. Usually found with ring sizes ranging from 11-15mm.

[Standard: 11mm]

This particular size does not come with an external fastening as seen with the other ranges.

*Both the Compact and Slimline use the same size paper as the Personal size. *

The next size up is the A5.

(Here it is in comparison to the Personal size)

(This model in particular is the A5 Purple Malden)

The A5 also has 6 rings in groups of three. Usually found with ring sizes ranging from 20-30mm.

[Standard: 25mm]

This size for some people is too large to carry around.

It is a great size to use as a stay at home binder. Great for Home Management, Work, or for Students.

The largest size Filofax organiser is the A4. I do not cover this size because it is not widely available, especially in the US.

For more information, please refer to Philofaxy: Filofax Buyers Guide.

Philofaxy has a very comprehensive guide to the full world wide range of organisers detailing the ring sizes, retail prices, material used etc. It's kept in the Files page of the site.

This post is to tie in with my 2013 Video Series: How to Choose Inserts/Refills for a Filofax

If you haven't yet seen the video, you can view it here:

For someone new to the Filofax brand, this can be very well confusing as well as hard to understand on your own without some help from an experienced Filofax owner.

First, let go over paper size. I will show you measurements in both Customary and Metric.

Standard paper size in the US is Letter: 216mm x 279mm

A5: 148mm x 210mm, Personal: 95mm x 171mm, Pocket: 81mm x 120mm, Mini: 67mm x 105mm

Here you can see how the hole spaces line up. A Mini can fit into a Pocket. Pocket can fit into a Personal, and Personal can fit into an A5. Two Mini stacked one of top of the other can technically fit into an A5.

Now, let's go over the different calendar formats which come in a variety of sizes and layouts:

WO2P - Week on Two Pages (Standard)
WPP - Week per Page
DPP - Day per Page
D2PP - Day on Two Pages
MO2P - Month on Two Pages
MPP - Month Per Page
2DPP -Two Days per Page
YEAR PLANNER - Horizontal and Vertical

*Not all of these layouts are available for all of the different sizes of organisers*

Paper will either be in white or cotton cream colour.

Filofax also makes diary inserts in English and multi language formats.

Some inserts you will find start days of Monday or Sunday.

Academic refills start in August and run for twelve months.

Other companies also fit the Filofax Organiser range, such as Day Timer, Quo Vadis, Franklin Covey, Barnes & Noble Punctuate Planners, and Paperchase.

Other paper inserts available are:

To Do Lists
Addresses
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Personal Website and Email Address Sheets
Name and Telephone

Various Notepaper also available are:

Ruled Notepad
Ruled Notepaper in various colors (Classic, Fashion)
Jot Pad
Quadrille/ Graph
Plain computer paper (for printing your own inserts)

I hope this guide has helped you choose which inserts/refills you may want for your

Filofax personal organiser.

This weeks theme: Love

Colors: Red and Pink

Items used:

(*Please Scroll Over the Items and click for the link)

Filofax Purple Finsbury Personal size (Discontinued Model)
Filofax 2013 Personal Week On Two Pages - Cotton Cream
Washi Tape from Michael's Craft Store
Studio l2e - Plan It Stamps
Tsukineko Full-Size Memento Inkpad, Rose Bud
Wandoo Cong Everyday Diary Calendar
Sweet Things Schedule Diary Stickers
Scotch Expressions Washi Tape, Poppy
Masking Sticker Set - Pastel Version
Target Brand up&up Page Reinforcements
Girl Of All Work Peel and Stick Tabs
Korean Diary Stickers by www.ssbassba.com
Funny Sticker World Color - Seal Hearts

Pens used: Pilot FriXion Multi-Pen 0.38mm Pink

"Why do we close out eyes when we pray, cry, kiss, dream?
Because the most beautiful things in life are not seen but felt only by heart."

*NEWS* I have two new additions coming in soon!
I can't wait to share with you all these two Filofax personal organisers which I will add to
my collection!

Watch how I created these pages here:

If you have any questions regarding how I made these pages, feel free to leave a comment down below. Thank you! Hope you all have a great week!

A few weeks ago I got a question asking me to do a comparison between the MUJI check list stamp (here) and the stamp in the Studiol2e Plan It Stamp set (here).

First of all, the MUJI stamp is a rubber stamp. The Studiol2e stamps are made out of a photopolymer clear material. For those of you unfamiliar with clear stamps,

Studiol2e states, "Besides ink, you will also need a clear acrylic block which you can find at most craft stores. Carefully peel the stamp off of the carrier/storage sheet and place onto your clear block. Ink up your stamp and stamp away. Once you're done stamping, clean off your stamp with a damp cloth or baby wipe (make sure it does NOT include alcohol) and place back onto the carrier sheet."

Pocket size Filofax Paper

Some comparisons you can see is that the Studiol2e stamp is longer than the MUJI stamp. This can be a problem if you may want to use this with smaller sized inserts, such as a Pocket size Filofax paper. The Studiol2e Plan It stamps also include check boxes without lines. Also, note that the MUJI stamp only has four check boxes compared to Studiol2e's five.

Personal size Filofax paper

Studiol2e is releasing a new stamp set called the "List It" which compliments the "Plan It" stamps set.

The List It stamps were "designed so that you can use the shapes with or without lines. The lines which are separate are now also shorter to accomodate smaller planner pages without taking up precious space!" -Joy Kanani

** This set is available for PRE-ORDER only with shipping MID-LATE NOVEMBER, possibly sooner. **Please check www.studiol2e.com for more details!

Also, check @studio_l2e on Instagram for more photos of these stamps!

I love using both stamps interchangeably. For now, I like using the MUJI stamp more with my Personal sized planner, and the Studiol2e stamps more with my A5 sized planner.

**Both products were not sponsored by either company and were purchased with my own money. Everything is 100% my own opinion. **

Hello from Fish. So glad that I am able to write my Philofaxy All Star Tour 2013 Guest Post for My Purpley Life. Thank you Jennifer. Let me introduce myself. I am a proud mother of two boys. I love my family so much and I like DIY, personalization, Filofax, stickers, stationery. I've just started my blog "DIYfish" early this year to share my tutorials, binder insert designs and other creations.
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Today's tutorial from DIYfish - How to make an Adjustable Fabric Book Cover.

Before we start, please make sure that you have enough fabric to cover your book. You will need 2 big fabrics.

Step1 - Measure your book. W=width; H=height; T=thickness.

Step2 – Trim your fabrics into these sizes~

Step3 – Make a Strip from fabric C & D

Mark the back side of Fabric C with chalk or pencil

Put Fabric C & D face to face (front side of Fabric C face to front side of Fabric D). Using a straight stitch to sew the two longer sides together. Then turn the strip inside out.

Step 4

Mark the FRONT side of Fabric A with chalk or pencil

Mark the BACK side of Fabric B with chalk or pencil

Step5

Put Fabric A on table top, front side face up

Put the Strip on Fabric A, align to the mark

Put Fabric B on top, back side face up. Use 2 pins to pin all fabrics together. Using a straight stitch to sew the right hand side together.

Fold the right side in along the RED folding line

Step6 – Sew the 2 longer sides together

Step7 – Now let’s turn the cover inside out

Step8 – Sew the gap, iron the cover and it’s done!

This Adjustable Book Cover can fit the books with different thickness. Enjoy!
Thank you, DIYfish for doing this Tutorial!

A5 Purple Malden Filofax

This weeks theme: Music

Colors: Black and White

Compact Black Chameleon Filofax

Items used:

(*Please Scroll Over the Items and click for the link)

Filofax Black Chameleon Compact size (Discontinued Model)
Filofax 2013 Personal Week On Two Pages - Cotton Cream
Filofax Purple Malden A5 size
Piaric Week On 2 pages W2P, #1 MNL A5 Filofax size - White
Little B -Thin Washi Tape from Wooten's Scrapbook Co.
Recollections - Music Washi Tape from Michael's Craft Stores
Recollections - Black Thin Washi Tape from Michael's Craft Stores
MUJI stamp - http://www.muji.us/store/acrylic-stamp-for-check-list.html
Also available through eBay -MUJI Acrylic Checklist Stamp
Checklist Stamp from Plan It Stamps by Studiol2e
Fiskars Stamp Block Set
VersaFine Pigment Inkpad-Onyx Black
craftsmart Pigment Ink Pad - Black
Transparent Music Sitckers - Yozocraft
Colored Music Seals - Daiso
Girl Of All Work Peel and Stick Tabs
Kokeshi Doll Charms - Black from Etsy - mechakucha808
X-ACTO X2008 Designer Series Precision Scissors, 5-Inch

Pens used: Studio g Fineliner Marker

0.4mm- Black - in A5 Filofax
Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto 0.5mm - Black - in Compact Filofax

Watch how I created these pages here:

"Music gives a soul to the universe,

wings to the mind

& life to everything."

"Music speaks what cannot be expressed

soothes the mind and give it rest

heals the heart and makes it whole

flows from heaven to the soul."

I have been wanting to do this theme for a while now when someone on one of the Facebook groups asked if anyone had done any black and white decoration in their planners before. A few months ago while shopping at a local scrapbook store, I came across the most adorable washi tape made by Little B. That washi tape became my inspiration - music!

I have had a long time love for music. As far back as I could remember, I have always had music in my life.

I do have some musical talents, such as singing, dancing, and playing instuments (piano, guitar). It seems like there is always music around us, in our everyday lives.

Music has always amazed me. This week I dusted off my old CD case, full of CDs of groups and singers I used to listen to. One by one, I played them, reminiscing the times when I used to listen to the songs. No matter how many years have passed, I still remember the lyrics as if I heard it just yesterday. It's amazing how humans can recall lyrics to a song they haven't heard in a long time. Growing up I could remember countless song lyrics, but not my studies. Music forms these memory connections in our brain. Especially if you had a favorite song that you played over and over and over again, it will be more easier to recall. For me, I make an emotional connection with song lyrics. I really listen to song lyrics and try to understand the meaning and it creates a feeling. For example, "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler, brings me back to freshman college days. They had karaoke nights at the student union. A few of my friends and I sang our favorite songs. I don't remember who was there, but when I sang that song, I remember feeling confident, singing my heart out. A stranger from the crowd came up to me, thanked me, and then told me that I had made her and some other people cry because I had sang it with so much feeling. It felt surreal that I had brought up that kind of emotion in people through my singing. I will never forget that moment.

Do you have songs that take you back to a certain time or a specific memory?

I am very excited to show you these products from JetPens.com.

I have raved about this company for a while now because they have such an awesome variety of pens, paper, stationery products available on their website. Not to mention, they are near to me here in California, USA, which makes shipping super fast! Customer service has been top notch, and I have been happy with all the products I've purchased thus far. Returns are a breeze! Very affordable prices!

First off is the Pilot Plumix Fountain Pen. As a beginniner fountain pen user, I have been trying out as many fountain pens as I can to find out what kind of pen best suits my writing style. I was really surprised when I tried out this pen. First off, it feels very nice in your hand. It has grooves to help you grip the pen comfortably as you write. I wasn't sure what to make of a broad tip nib, but now that I've tried it, I love it. It's especially great when you use inks that have great fading colors.

Pilot Plumix Fountain Pen

Medium Flat Italic Stainless Steel Nib

Purple, Clear body for easy visibility of ink. Smooth writing nib. Affordable.

Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen

Also, a great beginner pen. I love this pen because you can try it out as an eyedropper pen. Which means that it is capable of carrying ink in the body of the pen by filling it with a syringe. When I see this pen, I think ink capacity! Simply attach a rubber O ring to the body, spread a thin layer of silicone grease onto the threads which will act as a seal to prevent ink leakage. It can also use an ink cartridge or converter.

(**for more information about this watch this video from: The Goulet Pen Company)

It has a great looking stainless steel nib which is colored to match the pen.

At less than $5.00 it is definitely a very affordable fountain pen.

Monami Essenti Soft Highlighter Pen

I have been looking for a great pastel colored highlighter. I'm not much of a fan of bright, neon, or fluorescent colors. I prefer soft colors which are easier on the eyes. This highlighter features a clip on cap, which makes it easy to place onto a notebook or shirt pocket.

I wanted to test it out with an erasable pen to see if the ink would rub off when I would erase the pen ink and it didn't. There is slight smearing when tested with the Uni-ball SigNo 207. Also, it seemed to bleed through the paper right where I would pick up at the end. I am very please with the color, which was a very light pastel purple. Another affordable maker for $1.00 and some change.

Pilot Hi-Tec-C Maica Gel Ink Pen

Pilot has changed the design of the Hi-Tec-C to be more girly in my opinion. Decked out in jewel-like body. Check out that sparkle on the cap of the Maica. Although, I do prefer the old design with the clear body for easy visibility of the ink and the number of the tip at the cap. The cap of the Maica has no clip but instead a loop to attach more "bling" or charms onto. The points of the pens are very similar throughout all the Pilot needle point pens, and also write very similar. The 0.3mm point feeling the most scratchy.

Left to right: Hi-Tec-C Coleto, Hi-Tec-C Maica, Hi-Tec-C.

Uni-ball Signo Sparkling Glitter Gel Ink Pen- Violet

If you zoom in you can see the fine glitters. The Uni-ball looks to have purple fine glitter while the Sakura has that "glittery ‘dust’ is an inert, cosmetic grade, finely ground glass" - JetPens which has more of a silver appearance. I think the thickness of the Uni-ball's ink makes it write smoother than the Sakura which tended to clog up with glitter and not write as smoothly.

The Uni-ball is great with both light and dark colored paper. The only con I have about this pen is that it has a very harsh smell of glue and a long drying time.

Watch my video review here:

*This post is brought to you in collaboration with JetPens. All content, ideas, and words are 100% my own,

unless otherwise stated. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that allow me to showcase these wonderful products.

Philofaxy Meet Up Southern California - July 13, 2013

Update with My Purpley Life - July 26, 2013

My Filofax Week #30

Filofax Organisers for Men

Washi Wednesday #3

Stamping 102 - Ink Pads to use on Filofax Paper

My Filofax Week #31

My Filofax Week #32

My Filofax Week #33

Washi Wednesday #4 - Guest Post by Amanda

My Filofax Week #34

My Filofax Week #35

My Filofax Week #36

How To Choose a Filofax Personal Organiser

How to Choose Inserts/Refills for a Filofax

My Filofax Week #37

Comparing Check List Stamps for Your Planner

Tutorial No.9 - Adjustable Fabric Book Cover D.I.Y. - Guest Post by DIYfish

My Filofax Week #45

My Review: Plumix, Preppy, Maica, Monami Hightlighter, Sparkling Glitter Pen