Indecisive about Filofaxes

For many years I used a Franklin Covey to organize my life and really appreciated how practical they are.  This past year however, I switched to using my blackberry to house all my appointments and what not.  I was getting use to the electronic format until my blackberry died.  I lost all my appointments, tasks, chores and it made me realize that a paper planner will not die, short of you losing it or it catching on fire.  I have been on the hunt for a new paper planner ever

In my quest, I jotted down a list of what I wanted in a planner. 

1. I need something that is small enough to fit into my handbag.  
2. It needs to be pretty (of course) and it needs to simple and easy to use.  
3. I needed a system that I could customize...sometimes I want to look at a monthly view and sometimes I want to look at my schedule via a weekly or daily view. 
4. I also wanted to have the capability of keeping a journal.  

While I loved using a Franklin Covey planner, it looked too corporate and wasn't pretty, fun or whimsical.  Like  most moms, my day doesn't end at 6PM and I felt that their planner really limited me on what I could fit in.  Also, I didn't like how expensive the planners and refills were. I had been dissatisfied for a while with their planners but just didn't have the time or energy to really research and figure out what I wanted. 

I started to browse through flickr for real life photos of people with their planners.  One jumped out at me was how many photos there were of filofaxes and how much people loved their planners.  Each person had different ways of setting up their filofaxes.  What really cemented filofax for me was posts I found at gala darling, the glamorous grad student, more magical ways and hang on little tomato. Everyone had their planners customized to their needs and it all worked for them and I really like the versatility of the planner.

So now, here is where I am a true Libra.  I have narrowed it down to the personal size because it will fit in my purse and I can carry it everywhere with me but I can't decide on the style.  I made up my mind last Friday that I wanted a filofax and found out that the University Book Store off of 45th sold them.  I called and confirmed they have the planners.  I rushed there after work and bought the personal sized finsbury in raspberry and it's a very nice planner.  The cost after tax was $71.18.  I came home and was sorely disappointed that the dates start on January 2011 and doesn't include the current months.  I don't want to wait until January to use this thing!  Here is the model I came bought:

The picture is very true to life and while I love it....I just wish it contained the 2010 & 2011 pages. 


I started combing the web over the weekend on where I can find binders that contain both the 2010 & 2011 pages.  That's when I saw the Malden in Crimson and Ochre. 


I think the leather on the Maldens are much softer and supple than the Finsbury Raspberry but I really hate the contrast stitching.  I really hate it and now I'm either going to be on the hunt to find the 2010 refills for cheap or returning the Raspberry and looking for another filofax design.  

Got my hair did :)

And, it's some kind of miracle because I put make up on 3 days in a row ;)  Anyhow, I get my hair done by Heather at Gary Manuel in Seattle.  She costs a car payment but I keep paying because I can never find someone who can cut and color the way she can.  She's seriously worth every cent I give her.  The good news I only see her every 4 months or so.  The bad news, I cry a little after I pay and tip her.  Today I lucked out because it wasn't that bad because we only did my roots and no highlights.  I may keep it like this until next summer.

I'm in search of new deep conditioner that can keep my hair moisturized and shiny.  I've tried them all with the exception of shu umera.  But, that is super expensive and I don't wanna pay full price ;)

Rave for Philosophy Miracle Worker

I may not wear a lot of makeup but I'm a girl who is religious about my skin.  I wear sunscreen 365 a year and it's SPF 60 from La Roche Posay.  I don't care if I'm naturally dark....I don't want to be dark and wrinkly!  Anyhow, for the past 10 years of my life, I've used the same products and am very hesitant to switch things up because I have freaky sensitive, acne prone skin.  But....I've discovered a new love.  It is this miracle product - it is soft and silky to the touch, it doesn't make my skin go crazy and I my skin loves it.  I am not gonna lie that I have okay skin to begin with (but only because I take care of it like it's my job) but this product may replace my hope in a jar moisturizer from philosophy.  This sinks right in, it's not greasy, but it keeps me moisturized all day.  I freaking love it!  Sephora, and Nordstrom sell this in a set for $110 with other products that also have great reviews.  QVC has the set for $126 but their set has the face wash included.  I don't need the face wash because I have a huge bottle that I buy once a year and I'm done.  I'm very tempted to get the set during Sephora's Friends and Family event.  Until then, I will shell out $55 to get this product.  Get yourself to Sephora or Nordstrom and ask for a sample. Your skin will love you :)

Finally, no dead.

Okay, I don't wear make up too often cause I am a super lazy ass.  Seriously.  I like to get up, shower, put my afro up in a bun and roll into work with sunscreen and some cherry chapstick.  But, on occasion, I can clean myself up.  After looking like death hit me in the face for a whole week, I decided to put some make up on and do something with my hair.  The breakdown and probably why I don't like to wear makeup - too many effing products and too much effing time to do the hair.  I'm super lazy.  Whatever, here it is:  


face:
shu umera base
mac studio fix powder in nc42
concealer mac nw30
Guerlain terracotta no 3 on cheeks
Nars Orgasm mixed with Milani Mango tango
LM secret brightening powder on the top of cheeks and under eyes

eyes:
NYX barely there, champaign, root beer
Stila stone and smog lightly blended end in the outer corners
mac smolder on top of lids
mac fab orchid on lower eyes
loreal voluminous mascara in black

lips:
lined with mac deverish
elizabeth arden 8 hour cream on top

I love October

Despite being home for a week due to strep throat, I'm extremely happy that October is here.  October, next to December, is my favorite month because of all the birthdays I get to celebrate - mine, my daughter's and my sister's.  I love when the weather changes and the air becomes just a bit crisper.  I love wearing clothes that are cozy and comfortable.  I love eating all the comfort food and just spending time indoors with my little ones.  Most people who live in the Seattle area dread the onslaught of rain that they know is coming - it leaves traffic a mess and it makes me amazed that people here really can't drive in the rain.  

We're also going to the pumpkin patch with the kids and I can't wait to start decorating the house with all the Halloween stuff.  Another thing I'm looking forward to is fall cleaning.  I know everyone spring cleans but in our house we also do a major cleaning in the fall.  On my To Do List: 

1. Purge our closets
2. Toss towels and linens that aren't usable to us or anyone else.
3. Cut back all the plants in the garden as needed.
4. Have someone come in and clean our carpets.
5. Go through our cupboards and toss anything that's expired etc. 
6. Go through our dishes etc and donate anything that has chips in them.  
7. Make a check list of everything we need for the colder months and try to stock up on items when they are on sale. 

 My challenge to myself this month is to try out new recipes and keep it a frugal month.