Calling "Organised Mum" Fans...ADVICE PLEASE!

[WillyWonka]

I need a new diary for 2009 and, following the successful introduction of an Organised Mum calendar at the Wonka Factory this year, thought I'd give their diaries a go.

I prefer the size of the Pocket Life Diary but do want something that will enable me to keep on top of EVERYTHING - to do lists, shopping lists, finances, holiday planning etc. - in the hope that I might be better able to keep on top of things, so wonder if I'd be better off going for the larger Life Book Diary?

Can any wise MNers help me decide - thank you!

I've bought the larger book and there is space for everything in there. I'm not a fan of big diaries but with two children it helps to have the different colums to keep track of everyone. The notes sections and pages for 'to do' give plenty of space - I like it. It's the first of this kind of product that I've bought and I'm glad I did.

family life book excellent

well worth it

I tried the bigger diary last year and the pocket one this year. For me, the big one was too heavy and so I couldn't take it in my handbag (might be fine if your children are still small and you take a changing bag most places, though) and the pocket one just didn't flow for me or have enough space for me to write in all the after school activities unless I wrote over the left hand page which is supposed to be for shopping, meal ideas and things to do - 2008 version. Yesterday I bought a £3.49 week to view pocket diary from WHSmith which I've had before. I know I won't be disappointed and it hasn't cost me much.

I agree with Simply - last year I had the A5 book and while I loved it, it just wasn't practical. It wouldn't fit in bags, was pretty bulky and ended up in the kitchen drawer, very close to the family calendar so really defeating the point.

I bought the 2009 pocket diary back in September and have been using it religiously ever since. There is enough space for me to make notes etc which I then transfer to my large calendar as and when.

Can you tell that I love the Organised Mum stuff? (I'm v disorganised but tring v hard to get better )

I do a bit of hairdressing in my spare time, so I have an A5 page to a day diary, I've put all next years holidays and birthdays in so far... I also a list at the back when my standing orders go out.. Family allowance goes in, etc
I've also brought a charlie and lola family calendar from Tesco's, it started from August and goes on till december next year.. it has 5 column for all of us and a spare... again I've written holidays and birthdays on this... the calendar is more for day to day things.. ie Sons rugby, who's going where.. it also has stickers with it... and only cost a £iver...

smug.. me... never..

Well, I bit the bullet and went for the full-size Life Book Diary. My current "hand" bag is bloody enormous so there's no chance it wouldn't fit and if it helps get me on top of things, then will be well worthwhile! Thanks for all your advice - I will report back on our success or failure in coming months.