How I Will Use My Filofax And Bullet Journal In 2015

2014 was a year of many diaries for me but I always moved back towards my Filofax; it's like my magnetic North. However, in 2015 I am determined to streamline my diary usage, carry less in my Filofax and continue to Get Things Done by using my Bullet Journal (I sometimes call this my BOAT - the Book Of All Things). 

I feel I am growing tired of purple (...I KNOW!!) so there's definitely a 'green theme' for the new system - I've switched into my Sage Green Classic Botanics compact ring Filofax, I have an Emerald Leuchtturm1917 A5 with dotted paper to use as my bullet journal and a Marks Tokyo Edge Colors A5 diary in Green that will be my desk diary. I'm also using my J Herbin rollerball ink pen with the Lierre Sauvage refill as the pen that sits in my Filofax. 

I'm still trying to decide whether to carry three, six or twelve months worth of diary. Reducing the pages will make more room on the rings in the Filofax but I like to forward plan. I suppose I can always use jot things down and transfer them into the rest of the diary at some point but occasionally I have to refer back and forth to previous/future events.  I like having it there. What would you do?

Anyway, I'd love for you to watch the video I made which is a mini flip-through of my Filofax and a look at how I've set up my BOAT/Bullet Journal ready for 2015. Let me know what you think and which diary you are going to use in 2015. 

Where to buy: 

Leuchtturm1917 - Amazon (affiliate link)

Marks Tokyo Edge Colours A5 diary - Bureau Direct (blogger/brand relationship)

My Top Three (slightly bizarre) Christmas Videos

It's so near to Christmas that I can dig out those bizarre YouTube clips that I've been saving for a 'special occasion'.  Here are my top three slightly off-the-wall Christmas videos (with some extra music links for you at the end).

White Christmas

I've shared this numerous times and even though it's so obviously a set-up, this version of White Christmas with Ant & Dec and Robbie Williams still makes me giggle all the way through.

Do They Know It's Christmas

This group sing-a-long  (embedding has been disabled by the person who uploaded it so you'll have to click through to watch it) was shown on Stars in their Eyes in 1992. You've probably never seen it before - or have blanked it out of your memory - but you're unlikely to be able to unsee/unhear it this time.

All I Want For Christmas Is You

I can't choose between the Mariah Carey/Jimmy Fallon version and the Steve Kardynal/Chatroulette version so help me out here.  Tell me in the comments which one is your favourite.

       

Let me know if you've found something more bizarre! You can link to it in the comments along with your "All I Want For Christmas" vote. 

And if you're still wanting more Christmas music ramblings, you can read about my unsung heroes of Christmas, my five favourite festive tunes and my top three Christmas songs that aren't really about Christmas. 

7 Signs I Am A Stationery Addict

*stands up* My name is Nickie and I'm a stationery addict. Here's why:

1.  I keep a diary.  This is alongside using my Google Calendar for digital reminders. I find the act of writing something down makes it more permanent and memorable. I normally use a Filofax but love the Dodo Pad Diaries and maybe I'll try a Marks Storage diary.

2.  I write lists. Lots of lists. Discovering the bullet journal system was a revelation because it meant I had a legitimate reason for writing lists. And the best thing? I actually get to cross things off those lists because I am Getting Things Done.

3.  I buy notebooks. I have to have a nice notebook to write my lists in, obviously! I prefer dot-grid paper but this is a recent appreciation and was discovered through the bullet journalling. Lines don't really do it for me any more.

4.  I love handwriting. My own is fairly neat but doesn't really have a 'flair' to it so I adore seeing other people's handwriting with the different loops and swirls that they use. It fascinates me, considering we all use the same basic method of learning to write and the letters are a specific shape.  I'm made up too when I seeing signatures, especially when written in real ink *be still my beating heart*

5.  I have to use certain pens. I most definitely cannot use the same pen all the time. Each occasion demands a different writing implement. My most favourite at the moment is the J Herbin rollerball which I've been using for a couple of months now with Lierre Sauvage (green) ink. I also love Frixion pens for note taking (you can rub them out) and a fountain pen for special occasions, 

6.  I discovered washi tape. This is literally a rabbit hole from which I may never return. When you think you have seen it all you find another pattern, colour or use. My most recent batch is all green (I'm sensing a theme here) and from the MT Tape collection so I am constantly browsing the Pinterest "washi tape uses" results - it's definitely not just for decorating my Filofax pages!

7.  I'm a little bit old school. I covet a red Silvine exercise book, I rarely use shaped erasers because I don't want to spoil them (I love the scented ones too), I sometimes dream about getting remarried just so I can pick some wedding stationery, I own a labeller and my desk is super tidy with everything in its place.

Are you a stationery addict? Stand up and declare now! 

This Quiz Book That I Wrote

Over the past few weeks I've been slaving away over a Word document, attempting to pull together an idea that came to me in a flash of inspiration about four weeks ago. 

You may or may not know that I founded the Friday Twiz (a quiz on Twitter every Friday evening) four-and-a-half years ago. It's a small community of quizzers who come together every Friday evening to battle with their knowledge and their wit for no prize other than kudos.  After running this venture for so long I had amassed a huge bank of questions so thought I'd pull some of them together and publish them in a book.

The book 

The Ultimate Interactive 

Pub Quiz Revision Book

is now available to buy on Amazon

(and it's cheaper than a cup of coffee)

You can find out more about the book here.  There are three sections in the book; an interactive quiz section, three picture quizzes and a revision section.  This way, the book will never get boring - at least not until you have memorised all the questions and their answers. 

It's very strange to see an idea come to life so quickly but I wanted to publish now because this book will be perfect for your Christmas party (either at home or at work) or just to swot up to win that round of drinks down the pub. Let me know if you buy a copy (and don't forget to leave me a review).  It's a rather exciting "next stage" down my life path.

Random Thoughts From Today

Why is today's earworm Ed Sheeran's "Sing"?

Has my contact lens gone behind my eye or on the floor? Why can't I find it!!??

How do we go through so much washing powder?

New diary on the way... I must practice my best hand writing

Why does a teenage boy need to use 14 towels per week?

Does anyone ever get an extra follow from a #followfriday mention on Twitter?

Holy shit, it's 11.45. I'd better get dressed. 

IT'S SNOWING... oh, it's stopped.

Am I ever going to catch up with Serial before the final episode?

How the fuck did I fail a 'Can You Speak Lancashire?' test on Buzzfeed (19/22)
Are "keks" trousers or underpants?
Planning. Yes, planning...  oohh distraction techniques...

The best thing about working for myself has to be that I get to watch Minder at lunch time.

What's the point of clearing my email inbox when another deluge of emails drops straight in?

Aaawww Vintage TV 80s tunes.  Awesome.

Vintage TV really does have the most random videos for some of their songs.

AAARRGGHH damaged memory card. *opens eBay* 

I wonder what theme I should create for the FridayTwiz tonight?

X-Factor is really pushing for Fleur to win. 

Plus, why is Andrea singing a different 'winner's song'? 

And why are the 'special guests' just people who have performed on the show in recent weeks?

Should I buy a Christmas jumper?

I should make a list and plan a new radio series.

I want a pair of denim dungarees.  No, no no no, I don't. 

MORE SNOW... oh, it's stopped again.

Today is going really slowly...

How did I just waste half an hour on Pinterest?

And another half an hour on StumbleUpon?

I know, I'll have a little practice on my ukulele.

Bejewelled Blitz? Wow, I haven't played on that for ages.

I'm crap at Bejewelled Blitz.  

What shall we have for tea? Probably take-away.

Why do I have so many websites bookmarked that I never visit any more?
Better not remove them. Might never be able to find them again in the future!

Get Pampered Or Go Home

Whilst musing on my next hairstyle I discovered ROCK PAMPER SCISSORS and thought they are definitely tuned into the trend for wanting to organise your life online.

Get #pampered or go home...

What Rock Pamper Scissors offers is a local online directory for beauty and hair salons.  Their online recommendation and booking system was created in Leeds (in the UK).  They worked with a small bunch of salons, tweaking and improving their service, with more local salons signing up to be registered in their directory. They are now rolling the directory out to more cities, with Manchester being city number two and more being added in the very near future.

The search system is very simple to use and if there isn't a salon registered in your local area you can join their mailing list to get a notification when there is. If you're a salon owner you can register your salon for inclusion in their directory too.

You'll be able to view service details and prices, read customer reviews and see if there are any promotions or offers available near you.  You currently pay in-salon however there are plans to bring in an online-payment service so you can pay when you book. 

Keep an eye on these guys - this is definitely going to take the strain out of arranging beauty appointments. 

Follow Rock Pamper Scissors awesome social channels here:

Facebook, Twitter and Google+

This is a featured post. For more details please view my disclosure policy.

10 Famous People Alive Today That Are Older Than Sliced Bread

Every time Buzzfeed publish a "which came first" listicle we are reminded that Betty 'Golden Girls' White is older than sliced bread, which was first sold in 1928.  Out of curiosity (quelle surprise) I wondered which other celebrities were also older than sliced bread. Here's my definitive list of ten.

Born in 1916 and turning 99 on his next birthday we have Kirk Douglas. Apart from his acting career we also know him as the father of Michael Douglas. He is ranked at number 17 on the American Film Institute's list of the greatest male screen legends in American Film history

Born in 1917, therefore turning 98 in February 2015, Zsa Zsa Gabor is probably known just as well for her nine marriages as she is for her acting career. She was once quoted as saying, "I am a marvellous housekeeper; every time I leave a man I keep his house." 
Died 18th December 2016

Born in 1922 Christopher Lee, who will be 92 next May, is best known for his role as Dracula in the numerous appearances in UK film series 'Hammer Horror' and, more recently, in Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.  Did you know that he is also a classically trained singer?
Died 7th June 2015

Born in 1925 and turning 90 next year, we have the lovely Angela Lansbury who I first fell in love with in 'Bedknobs and Broomsticks' but then later watched avidly in 'Murder She Wrote' (did no-one else think it was a coincidence that a writer of murder stories was always handy to solve the mystery?). At the age of 89 she's still treading the boards.  Girl Power!

Another favourite born in 1925 was Dick Van Dyke. I can't choose my favourite character of his but it's definitely between Caratacus Potts in 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' (just for the 'Me Old Bamboo' dance) and as Dr Mark Sloan in 'Diagnosis Murder'. Did you know he is ambidextrous? Well you do now!

Born in 1926 was the crooner Tony Bennett - he'll be 89 on his next birthday. He is one of those traditional performers that seems to have done everything in music (apart from Rock). He's also a bit of a comeback King having relaunched his career in the 80s and the 90s and is still going today! He once said that if he couldn't sing any more he would just paint for the rest of this life. Apparently, he's quite good.

Another favourite of mine who was born in 1926 is the multi-talented Mel Brooks - actor, director, screenwriter, producer, lyricist and composer, oh, and total genius for giving mime artist, Marcel Marceau the only speaking part in the film 'Silent Movie'

Also born in 1926 was the original Playboy, Hugh Hefner.  He used to work for Esquire magazine but left and founded Playboy (which was originally going to be called 'Stag Party) after being denied a pay rise of $5 per week.

Born in 1927, therefore reaching 88 next birthday, we have Roger Moore. He was the first Bond I remember, taking the lead in seven of the films. Did you know that Mike Reid (yes, him from 'Runaround' and 'Eastenders') was Roger Moore's underwater stunt double in 'The Saint'?

Finally, born in 1927 was Sidney Poitier. By chance, I recently caught the film 'To Sir, With Love' which I hadn't seen for years and was reminded what a ground-breaking film it was, mainly because of Poitier's acting. I also had no idea he directed 'Stir Crazy' until researching this blog post.

As an aside, I think that's my DeadPool list sorted for 2015... 

Image credits : IMDb

I'm (Not) A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here NOW!

Last week I saw a tweet scroll past from the "I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here" team asking for Skype callers for their ITV2 show. Being a huge fan of the show I whizzed off an email and thought nothing more of it. 

Yesterday evening, my mobile buzzed with a really strange number. Forever inundated with cold calls, I googled the number, only to find out it was an Australian code.  My interest piqued so I hit the voicemail button.  It was the lovely Maisie from the I'm A Celeb ITV2 production team asking if I'd appear on their show later that night.  

EEK!  YES!!  All part of my master plan for World Domination, obviously!

After a couple of conversations with Maisie and a Skype check it was confirmed that, if nothing major happened, I'd be on the show straight after the first person had been evicted.  I had to think of a question to ask the panel based around that night's show too.  

So I toddled off and scrubbed up a bit (it's slightly weird putting make-up on at 10pm when you're not actually leaving your own lounge), took my glasses off so that I didn't look like Velma from Scooby Doo, practiced my posh telephone voice and waiting for the production team to Skype me.

I wanted to ask, "Do you think Kiosk Keith is hamming it up a bit this year?" but that was vetoed in favour of my other question, "Looking at the camp's reaction after Jimmy was voted out, who do you think is going to bring in the fun and raise spirits?"  

Even though I was slightly nervous, I loved every minute of it. I'd do it again and again and again! You can watch the full (one minute) clip here: 

 

Rediscovering Old Toys

Many moons ago, we reviewed this Brio Pounding Bench from Hello Baby Direct. More recently, I was having a clear out of all the toys we have here (it usually happens around the same time we put the Christmas tree up) and I found this at the bottom of the toy box. 

I put it to one side, with the full intention of storing it in the loft or donating it to a charity shop but then the girls came round, "rediscovered it" and had a whale of a time hammering the sticks through the bench. They played with it for much longer than they ever did when they were younger (even though it was aimed at the 2+ age group!). It's a BIG HIT in this house *groan*

Do your children do that when you're having a clearout?  It can't be just my children and grandchildren that are turning into hoarders and can't bear to be parted from their (even short) childhood history.

(PS, Trivia Time: Did you know that "BRIO" is an acronym for Bröderna ("brothers") Ivarsson [at] Osby (where the company was founded in Sweden)?

(PPS, on the run up to Christmas you can find voucher codes for toys like this from Hello Baby Direct and hundreds of other stores at Voucher Bin)