Until I started using the BusyBodyBook 3 years ago, I couldn’t get into using a planner. Even in this digital age, I don’t use my ipod touch or google calendar or anything like that. I like to write my appointments and goals down on paper and look at them. This helps me see at a glance what my week looks like.
The BusyBodyBook is unique in that it has 5 columns. Each two-page spread has a page on the left that is half blank and half with a checklist. I love using this to jot random thoughts and goals and ideas for the week. I’m a big notetaker/listmaker/dreamer, so I love all this white space, and almost every week that left hand page is jotted with ideas, lists, and notes. Before this, those would be made in various other notepads and invariably lost.
Now I take it up to bed with me as I plan which books I’m going to read and/or write reviews for for the following week, or what meals I’m going to make, or what calls I need to make that week (I’m awful about making calls to set up appointments and such, so writing them down is at least a step).
On the right a full week is shown with 5 columns. I use these for different purposes — to record appointments and weekly plans (the first grid), to keep track of hours I work in my freelance job, meal planning, and more.
You can also use the columns to organize your life by subject or by child. You’ll figure out what best works for you.
This year there are sheets to plan by the month at the front of the planner, with the regular calendar month grid, and yes — some lines for notes at the bottom. I think that this is where I’m going to keep track of my monthly reading plans, as I request books I can plug them into my What’s on Your Nightstand drafts!
I just received my new calendar, since I prefer the academic year format which runs from August – August, and I was so excited to get it and start with fresh papers and grids. Since I carry mine everywhere, it’s getting worn, even though it has a great thick plastic overlay. It has pockets in the front and back cover, which is where I stash things that I need to hold on to, like invitations and the like, and this stashing is probably responsible for it feeling so well-used. It’s a little silly how excited I was to start using my brand new one.
There is also the more traditional January – December calendar.
I have wonderful news. I am hoping to transform one of your lives, just as mine was pulled back into focus when I first got one 3 years ago. I have one planner to give away — either the academic year, or the calendar year. Go look at the designs and leave a comment telling me which style you prefer (U.S. shipping addresses only). I’ll select one reader at random and announce it on August 18. The giveaway is closed.
You can buy the BusyBodyBook at their website or at amazon.com, where they have it at a great price.
Jennifer Donovan is not a busy body. She’s a rather lazy body, but she loves her BusyBodyBook planner. She blogs at Snapshot.
Ooh! I ordered this for my mom a few years ago and she hasn’t looked back. I’ve ordered her one for her Christmas present every year since then. – If I won this one, I think she’d love the new Fall design.
Just what I have been looking for! I like Summer.
I like the Winter cover. This looks sooo intriguing.
I would get the BusyBody Winter Jan 2011 – Dec 2011
thanks for the opportunity!
I love planners but its hard for me to find one that has enough room for all of my musings. From your description, i like how this sounds though i much prefer the traditional calender. I like the Summer design
bookventuresbookclub AT gmail DOT com
I never thought I was one to have “musings,” but yes, that’s what I end up using it most for (in addition to weekly schedule of course).
Thanks for bringing this planner to my attention. It looks like a system that would work well for me.
I like the Personal “Summer” organizer.
I absolutely LOVE the fall calendar year!
Wow! This planner sounds incredible. I prefer the fall design, and probably for the calendar year. Thank you for a great giveaway!
You sold me on this one!
Right now I use three different calendars/notebooks.
Is it hard to get used to carrying it with you e.v.e.r.y.where?
I’d love to try it this early in my retirement to gain efficiency! Like Winter design.
I exaggerated a bit — I don’t really feel like I have to carry it EVERYWHERE, although because I often make lists in it for shopping, it is easy to toss it in the car with me. It’s a bit bigger than purse-sized, (a large purse would hold it), so it sits in the passenger seat or in my computer bag if I have my laptop.
I like the Winter design. Would love to try this.
“fall.” But they’re all gorgeous.
love the fall calender…thanks 🙂
I love the Spring Aug-Aug one! I need one of these badly! Thanks for telling me about them!
Love the spring design! I’ve been using my phone to keep track of appointments, but I really prefer to see my plans spread out in front of me on paper. This appears to be exactly what I need!
I know that the owner was actually toying with some sort of virtual application as well, so at some point, you might be able to use it on a phone.
But for whatever reason, I have not converted to an e-calendar at all.
I love the fall one. Thank you for your review. I think I might have to get myself one of these.
The review comes from genuine practical love. I’m so glad that I found something that works for me!
I love the Summer design. I’m starting college in the fall and this looks like it would make my life sooo much easier! Thanks for the review and the chance to win 🙂
I really like the “Fall” cover:) and I woukd love to try the calendar year. Thanks!
I love the fall design (2011)
I love this idea I have a calendar but it is in a full month format and there is not enough room to add all of my appointments
i love that there is a space to write a to do list on the side it is perfect for me
I am usually a January to December type person But since it is now the beginning of the school year I would love to try out an academic calendar
I definitely need some help getting organized! I like the “fall” design!
I’m looking at a busy year for the kids in school, so I like the “summer” version.
I love the summer design in the academic year version. Very cute.
Dianna–You won the planner! I’ll have the academic “summer” style sent to you if you reply to me with your address.
wow thank you.
I prefer the spring design in the academic year.
I like the fall design and I would chose Academic year
Yeah, I think that I first started academic calendars because it seemed that’s when I was always getting my act together!
i like the winter
I love the Spring and the Winter! SURPRISE ME!!
That looks like an awesome planner. I like the Winter design.
I like the summer academic design! Thank you.
I have a friend who raves about this planner but I’ve never looked at it up close. I like the academic calendar – so I would have to say Spring, although I like the Winter design the best! For homeschooling my 3 kiddos I think this would be very beneficial!
Kristin–that was my dilemma. I’m on the Academic Schedule with my previous calendar, but I LOVED the Winter design this year!
please include me thanks
I like the Winter design.
Those look so useful! Great way to keep track of everyone’s schedule. I love all the designs, but definitely prefer the Aug-Aug version.
Oh, i love them! I’m particularly fond of the fall one. Thanks for the chance to win.
I would love the academic planner.
I would love the fall planner
I love the Spring planner. It would be perfect for planning this school year.
I like the fall planner, and I’d like to try the school year version to try to organize our homeschooling routine.
I like the Fall design in the Academic format, thanks.
I like the summer design. Thanks for the chance…
I like Spring – the academic year…
janemaritz at yahoo dot com