Giveaway!

I'm so sorry I didn't get this giveaway set up earlier, I've been wanting to do it for a while but have been distracted by other things.  Anyway the lovely Anna AKA Mrs Brimbles has given me some cute penguin dashboards to give as prizes and like last time I have added a few bits and pieces I thought you would like.  

I was going to do Christmas themed prizes but I realised by the time I had posted the giveaway, drawn the winners a week later, contacted them and posted the prizes you might not receive them in time.  The penguin dashboard is perfect for winter as well as Christmas so you should get plenty of use out of him!

Mrs Brimbles goodies and some fun things

Supplies for your A5 Filofax

How to enter:

1. Leave me a comment below saying which size dashboard you would like to win.
2. Let me know if you follow me by email, Bloglovin' or Google Friend Connect and you will get a second entry into the draw.
3. Anyone who entered my giveaway for reaching 300 followers on Bloglovin' (and didn't win a prize) will get an extra entry into the draw if they enter this giveaway.

I will number all the personal size entries and use a random number generator to pick a winner and then do the same for the A5 size entries.  This giveaway is international and open to everyone.  

You have until 12pm here in the UK on Thursday 4th December to enter, any entries after this time wont be included in the draws.

Good luck!

My week #47

Are you ready for an explosion of pink?  I went completely over the top with this week's decoration as it was my birthday week!  

My week in my Filofax #47 

I have been in a party kind of mood so when I found this quote

"Life should not only be

lived, it should be

celebrated!"

I thought it was apt and I popped it on a journalling tag to remind/inspire me.

Close up

Close up

To top the week off I received some good news but I am going to share that with you in a separate post soon.  Also I haven't forgotten about the giveaway I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I am going to try and post that at some point this week so keep an eye out for it!

All things tech and beautiful - Nappa iPad Mini Case review for the Official Filofax Blog

This post was originally on the Official Filofax Blog in 2014, it was removed along with all their old content when they revamped the blog a couple of years ago.

Hi, I am Amanda and I write a blog called She's Eclectic.  I have been using a Filofax planner for the past two years and it has really helped me to get organised.  There is something about putting pen to paper that helps me remember things and I have never really gotten on with electronic calendars and apps.  That said I am a huge fan of technology!  I love my iPad so I was thrilled to be asked to review this new Nappa iPadmini case.  

Nappa iPad Mini Case

The case is made from luxurious, black, nappa leather.  It is incredibly soft and looks and feels expensive.  I think it goes perfectly with my ochre Malden Filofax because they are both classy and stylish.   

Perfect pairing

The case is designed to combine technology and paper so it comes with an A5 notebook inside.  I prefer to write ideas, lists and reminders on paper.  It always feels quicker than opening an app, waiting for it to load and then fighting with autocorrect to type what I want to say.  My pen doesn't second guess me!  I also find it more satisfying to cross something off a written list than it does to tap the screen when something is completed.

My iPad mini clips snuggly into the tablet holder and feels nice and secure.  There is a cut out section in the holder to accommodate the rear camera so once the iPad is in you won't have to remove it to take a photo.  You can also rotate your iPad 360 degrees while it is in the case so you aren't limited to only one position.

Making lists

Behind the notepad are lots of different size pockets.  I can easily carry my iPad, notebook, mobile phone, business cards, post-it notes and any paperwork I need inside the case.  There is even an elasticated pen loop too!  

A plethora of pockets

My favourite thing about this case is that the tablet holder rotates and it turns into a stand!  It is perfect for watching films hands free or scrolling through Facebook while having a coffee.   

Landscape position

Portrait position

There is a large pocket on the outside of the case, you could put your train tickets in here or anything else you want to keep handy.  I love the leather on this pocket because it is a separate piece to the case so there is no stiffener inside it. The texture is gorgeous and you can feel the quality of the leather.

External pocket

Being black the case can look both professional and fashionable, it wouldn't feel out of place in a boardroom or peeking out of a designer handbag!  The inside of the case is just as opulent as the outside.  The lining feels velvety smooth and soft and looks great contrasting with the full grain leather of the internal pockets.      

Classic Filofax stamp on the lining 

When closed the case measures 225mm tall by 170mm wide and just 25mm deep so it is pretty compact, in fact it's not much bigger than the actual iPad mini itself.  I have been using this case continuously for the past month and it has been everywhere with me.  I have thrown it in my handbag with everything else I usually carry.  It has been folded back on itself into a backwards Z shape by my lovely children (who aren't as careful with high end leather products as I am!) but there is no evidence of this on the leather, it still looks brand new! 

If you are looking for a case for your tablet or iPad there is a whole range to choose from in different styles, sizes and colours.  Why don't you pop over and take a look?

I hope you enjoyed my review!

Amanda

Finally I can tell you!

I'm so excited!  You might remember a few weeks ago I said I had received a parcel to review but didn't know if I was allowed to say anything more just then, well now I can.... I was asked to write a post for the Official Filofax Blog!  How amazing is that?

They sent me one of their new eAccessories, a very luxurious Nappa leather iPad mini case, and you can read my review of it here.

My post on the Official Filofax Blog!

If you do pop over for a read please leave me a comment on the post so I know you did.

Thank you!

Planner Friday - November

It is Planner Friday again and my design team post is now up over on the Twine it up with Trendy Twine!     

Hello, welcome back to another Planner Friday post!  I will be the first to admit I have gone a little overboard with my decoration for this week but it is a week full of birthdays including my own so I wanted it to be fun.  I have just realised that I showed you a cupcake theme last month too, you must think I am cake obsessed!  Don't tell anyone but... it's true!

How my week started out

For such a big week I have used a lot of Annie's Paper Boutique products, I have listed them all below.

Pictured: Trendy Page Dots

Happy Thoughts Journalling tags

Rose Bud Dye Ink

Tickled Pink Trendy Twine

Washi Tape

Free Spirit Metal Clips

At Home Planner Stamp Set

School Days Planner Stamp Set

Feeling Happy Planner Stamp Set

Feeling Funny Stamp Set

You can read the rest of my post here!

Thanks for stopping by

My week #46

After last week looking so festive I thought I'd better do something a bit different this week.  Though if you look closely you'll see the Trendy Page Dot reinforcements I used look a bit like peppermint candy canes, well that's what they remind me of anyway!

My week in my Filofax #46

I had to write myself lots of little reminders this week, there were school trips, music lessons and special event days at the school that I had to remember.  I don't know how anyone can keep track of all these things without using some kind of planner!  At least once I have written it down I don't have to worry about them any more, otherwise I'd wake up at 3am panicking about forgetting something!

Close up

Close up 

It is my birthday today and I can hear my cake calling my name.  I can't have a slice until the children are home from school so I am going to treat myself to a cup of tea and a couple of ginger biscuits and maybe do a bit of online shopping until then.      

Thanks for stopping by!

My week #45

This is not a Christmassy theme, I repeat this is not a Christmassy theme... it just happens to be a red and green week for little red riding hood!  The fact it looks Christmassy is entirely incidental and nothing to do with my growing excitement. 

My week in my Filofax #45

But seriously there's only six weeks to go and in my mind I am already rearranging the room to make space for the tree and trying to remember where I put all the fairy lights back in January.  Why didn't I write it down!  This year I am going to try and be more organised.

 

Close up

Close up

Thanks for stopping by!

Fountain Pen Day - Lamy Al-Star review

When I heard it was Fountain Pen Day today I thought it would be a perfect time to review my Lamy Al-Star I purchased from Europens a little while ago.

Now the first thing I have to say is Europens were fantastic.  They happily answered my questions about engraving and the fonts available and were really lovely to deal with.  They offer a free engraving service so I just had to personalise my pen!

My aqua/blue/green colour crush!

The Al-Star is available in a wide range of colours but I went with the limited edition blue green pen.  I also brought an aqua pen case, which is an exclusive to Europens, to protect it.  

Making notes

The Al-Star is very similar in design to the popular Lamy Safari pen but the main difference is the Safari is made from plastic and the Al-Star is made from aluminium.  The Safari price starts at £12.99 and the Al-Star from £18.99 but the metal finish makes it look so much more expensive.

Medium size nib, turquoise ink and my
awful cursive writing!

Another difference between the Safari and the Al-Star is the bottom half (or is it the top half?) of the pen is translucent instead of a solid block of colour.  I think I prefer this look and like the barrel of the pen it is also squared so it is comfortable to hold, easy to grip and it wont roll when you put it down.

Yes my notepaper matches my pen!

The pen comes in a nice presentation box with a single cartridge in blue so you can use it straight away.  I would take a photo of the box but I took the pen out of it and put it into the leather case straight away and now I'm not sure where the box is.  I must have put it "somewhere safe"!

Pros:

• writes very smoothly, it doesn't skip at all
• the ink flows easily and at just the right speed
• looks expensive and stylish
• comes in a good range of colours, there's something for everyone
• lightweight but feels substantial in your hand
• a good starter fountain pen
• has a window so you can see how much ink is left
• affordable 
• wide range of coloured ink available
• stainless steel nib
• you can purchase a converter and use ink from a bottle
• well balanced - both posted and unposted

Cons:

• aluminium might scratch or dent though I've had mine for a few months and it still looks brand new 

Random things I write when trying out a pen 

If you want to join in with the fun today you can find the Fountain Pen Day team on Twitter and Facebook.  Europens are also running a couple of competitions on Twitter and their Facebook page if you want to enter or you can treat yourself or get a head start on some Christmas shopping with 10% off your order using the code:

 FPD10

The code is valid for today only

Have a great Fountain Pen Day!

*Disclaimer - I purchased this pen for myself and I was not paid to write this review.  As always all opinions are honest and my own.  I am not affiliated with Europens and will not receive commission on any orders placed using the links in this post.

My week #44

Ok so the theme for this week just had to be Halloween, it is one of my favourite times of the year!    

My week in my Filofax #44

For me Halloween signals the start of so much fun.  It is quickly followed by Bonfire Night, three family birthdays (including my own) and then it's December and Christmas!  I am trying to reign in my excitement because it is only the 3rd of November but I have this little fizz of it growing inside me and it's only going to get bigger as the month goes on! 

 

Close up

Close up

Angel Jem asked me to show her the pumpkins we carved for Halloween so here they are lit up and looking spooky.  My eldest two took over the carving duties this year, I just got to cut the tops off and scoop the insides out.  At least it was a fun activity for them to do during half term and they are really proud of how they turned out.

Our Halloween pumpkins

Thanks for stopping by!

Mrs Brimbles October photo challenge - final round up

I can't believe October is already over!  I had such a blast taking part in Mrs Brimbles photo challenge and the good news is she will be running another one in December.

Day twenty-two - Colours of autumn

As you may know I'm totally nuts about autumn so I have these colourful leaves as the wallpaper on my phone.

Day twenty-two - colours of autumn

Day twenty-three & twenty-four - Journalling & Autumn decoration

I was playing catch up with this photo so I did two prompts in one shot.  I love using my journalling stamps to record how I am feeling and I think this gold washi tape is perfect for decorating autumn pages.

Day twenty-three & twenty-four - journalling &
autumn decoration

Day twenty-five - Out and about

I was "out and about" on Saturday and spotted these flowers that were the same colour as my aqua Finsbury.

Day twenty-five - out & about

Day twenty-six - Pens of plenty

This is a very small selection of my pen collection!

Day twenty-six - pens of plenty

Day twenty-seven - Changing

The clocks went back an hour the day before I took this shot so I was changing the time on my Alice in Wonderland pocket watch necklace.

Day twenty-seven - changing

Day twenty-eight - Pimp it up

My favourite thing about using a Filofax as my planner is that I can pimp it up and make it my own!

Day twenty-eight - pimp it up

Day twenty-nine - To be read

I have had this book sat on my shelf for a while now and I really do need to sit down and start reading it soon.

Day twenty-nine - to be read

Day thirty - Treat

I have a thing for kawaii jewellery and charms, especially when they are shaped like sweet foodie treats!

Day thirty - treat

Day thirty-one - Halloween

Happy Halloween, I hope you had a good one!  This year I was demoted to cutting the tops off the pumpkins and scooping out the insides, my eldest two children had all the fun carving the faces into them.  Next year I will have to buy one to do myself!

Day thirty-one - halloween

Thanks for stopping by!