Filo-Fail? Filo-Frenzy!

I've been on an odyssee filo-wise these last couple of weeks.

First I didn't really warm up with the Baroque, but after it did a great job in Iceland he and I have become good friends.
Then I decided to join in on the Malden-hype. The Malden in Vintage Pink was on sale in the UK, so I didn't have to think about it long, I ordered it and eagerly awaited the package. I had always thought I didn't like the color, but I saw it (behind glass) a couple of weeks back and thought it wasn't so bad.

So when the Malden finally arrived I was quite disappointed that there was a scratch on the latch.
I contacted Filofax UK and they answered right away, telling me to send the Malden back. I just had to make the choice of whether I wanted a replacement or refund. I decided I wanted the refund. Why? Well, I had seen the Malden before, but the first time I touched it was when I opened the package from the UK. Now, from what I'd read on forums, blogs, etc. I expected a really, really soft leather. So I was disappointed when I found out that my Holborn Zip knocked the spots of the Malden's leather. Mr Holborn's leather is so much softer. And prettier. And smells better*. And ... everything! I guess Mr Holborn, for me, is Mr Right!

So after I sent the Malden back, I found out that Filofax Germany is having a sale on Finchleys (and other models, for that matter). The Finchley is my favorite model (except for Mr Right of course) and I do know this for sure because I am the proud owner of a Personal Imperial Purple Finch, which I use as my Postcrossing filo. I had been looking for A5 Finchleys in Mustard, Jade Green/Soft Jade and Teal for a while**, so finding out that Filofax Germany still had the A5 in Mustard available and it was 50% off... well, you can imagine what happened.

A day or two later I learned about the Great Philofaxy Adspot Sale (by the very friendly Erin) and was able to score two Cuban A5s, one in Ink and the other one in Chili. I already own a Cuban Zip, so I am aware of the fact that the leather is not even close to being as soft as Mr Right's leather, but I do like the clean, adult look (and feel!) of the Cubans.

I think I really need to cut back on spending money on Filos. I mean, really, how many can you use at a time (yes, I'm begging you to enable me here!). ;-)

*The Malden did smell very unpleasant. Somewhere between leather and lots and lots of dye. 


**I'm still looking for the Teal and/or Jade Finchleys. A5 is my preferred size, but I will consider Personal. Just in case you have one that you don't need, please don't hesitate to contact me!

Travel Filo

Last week when I was on a class trip with my 7th graders, my new Baroque Personal Black arrived from Italy. I think it's pretty and everything, but I had my doubts whether I'd find a job for it and whether we'd make good friends.
Today I finally gave it it's purpose: From now on it's going to be my travel filo! I already told you about the Travel Journal by Moleskine (look here), but I really wanted to a filo to keep all my documents save. So I punched holes into all the vouchers we need for our next trip (to Iceland! Yippie!), punched the e-tickets for our flights and the train journey to Frankfurt and back and even found that my passport fits nicely into the pocket on the inner left.
Here's a picture:

So, do you have any other ideas of what to include? Please let me know!