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.