Choosing a Planner: momAgenda Review + Giveaway
Over the next five weeks, I’m going to be reviewing a variety of planners, calendars and to-do list systems to give you the information you need to choose the one that works for you. With each review, I’ll also be doing a giveaway, so there are plenty of chances for you to win!
Today we’re going to be talking about the momAgenda Desktop planner. Don’t worry — for those of you who aren’t moms, or who are looking to organize other obligations, there’s also a myAgenda version that contains the same great features without the references to mom and kids.
When I first pulled the momAgenda Desktop out of the box, the first thing I noticed was the beautiful cover and solid binding. As a work-at-home mom of four little ones, I can get stuck in a rut that leaves me feeling frumpy, and sometimes it’s the little things that help pull me out of that rut. The cover is classy and gives an air of professionalism to this planner, which is a good reminder that motherhood is a serious endeavor, worthy of an investment in the tools to help us manage our home and families more efficiently!
The standout feature of the momAgenda planner is its horizontal rows, which make coordinating the activities of everyone in the family simpler and more effective. The myAgenda planner features the same great horizontal rows without the “kids” label, to give you space for coordinating school assignments, projects, meal planning or whatever obligations you’re trying to balance on a daily and weekly basis.
The momAgenda planner also features additional sections, such as a list of favorite websites and space for notes on books, movies, fashion, and music as well as vacation and party planning pages and more. With a separate momEssentials pamphlet that slides out so that you can transfer it to your new planner with each new year, this planner functions as a mini home management notebook.
There are a couple of drawbacks to this planner. Most notably, because the pages are bound, there is no way to change out pages or sections to make it your own. However, as I mentioned before, the binding also makes this planner feel more solid, so it’s really a matter of deciding which is more important to you.
Secondly, it is designed for up to 4 children, so if you have more than 4, you’ll need to get creative about how to make it work for you.
This week, I’d encourage you to print out some of the planner pages and give them a try for yourself. I’m going to start a discussion over at the Organizing Your Way fan page on Facebook so that we can chat about the pros and cons of this system as well as some creative uses for the planner pages.
One lucky Organizing Your Way reader will win a pink momAgenda Desktop planner!
Every reader has four methods available to enter this contest (for a total of up to four entries):
1. Leave a comment. Do you currently have a planner? Which of the momAgenda features most appeals to you?
2. Subscribe to my feed via RSS or email. You must confirm your email subscription for it to be a valid entry! Leave a separate comment letting me know you have done so. If you’re already a subscriber, simply leave a separate comment letting me know you’re already subscribed.
3. Become a fan of momAgenda on Facebook. Be sure to come back and leave a separate comment once you’ve done so!
4. Follow @momAgenda and tweet the following on Twitter. Be sure to come back and leave a separate comment once you’ve done so!
Get help choosing the right planner & enter to win a Desktop Planner from @momAgenda and @mandiehman: http://bit.ly/5vXzQ7
Prize:
(1) pink 2009-2010 momAgenda Desktop planner
This giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, 12/5. I’ll use Random.org to select the winning comment. Winner will be notified by email, and this post will be updated with their name as well!
I have Amy Knapps Family organizer and it has been nice. I like that this one has space for meal planning and activities.
I’ve found that some sort of writing system is essential. I love the idea of the sturdy craftsmanship of these planners – however, for some that could be a drawback. I’ve settled on some small paper journals, similar to field notes, that I can slip into my pocket and have easy access to where ever I happen to be. In addition to a daily to-do list, I love making all sorts of lists about anything when the urge strikes me. Having a pocket journal means I can keep all these things in one easy place.
But, my, these sure are lovely!
Writing´s last blog ..Giving Thanks
I like the fact that these organizers have different sections to write in, so you can write the schedule for the day at the top and then other things you need to remember toward the bottom.
Right now I am just using a notebook to jot down important things, to do lists, etc. I think I need something better though, I feel more organized when I keep up with a planner!
And I have already subscribed through Google Reader!
I have calendars that I write everything on and pieces of paper floating all over my kitchen and desk. Not very organized right now.
I subscribe to your feed and emails.
I subscribe to your feed. At present am using Palm PDA as my planner but love to write in a paper journal and read my previous entries. The advantage for me to use a Palm is the size and convenience as I carry it with me always and with a few keystrokes am able to enter @ least a word or two to jog my memory.
I don’t have a planner, but I use a notebook pad. I’m sure a planner would do me wonders. I like how it has a meal planning section.
I don’t have a planner right now, but I do need one to keep up with my kids and grandkids activities!! I really really like the orange one *wink wink* Thanks
I don’t have a planner right now. I use my Google Calendar. It would be nice to have something like this though!
This looks like a great planner for a busy mom! Thanks for the chance to win!
MaryBeth @ Four Silly Sisters´s last blog ..Four Silly Sisters On Weddings
I’m a subscriber via Google Reader.
MaryBeth @ Four Silly Sisters´s last blog ..Four Silly Sisters On Weddings
I currently use Google Calendar as my planner. I’d love to try carrying one with me at all times, though!
I’m an RSS subscriber.
I subscribe.
I have been looking for a planner with a new baby on the way soon. Looks so helpful!
I used to use Amy Knapp’s planner and currently use a Moleskin pocket diary – i can carry it everywhere, it hasa week at a glance plus the opposite page is just lined for notes. there is a bookmark ribbon and a nice closure elastic. LOVE it.
i do love the looks of the Mom Agenda and have coveted them for a long time now. the best feature to me is the separation of the kids from my stuff so visually i can se each item clearly, right now i can have dd1 info hen somethign for me to do and then a note about dd2 library day etc
i subscribe to the rss feed in google.
I’m a subscriber!
I love all the horizontal lines to keep everybody straight!!
email subscriber!
I love this planner!!!
facebook fan!
love this!!
facebook fan too!
I use iCal currently, but I’m craving a physical planner. I’m a mom and a student and have so much trouble keeping track of everybody!
I’m always looking to improve with a planner; currently use loose leaf style. Like that *red*; gives some “umphf” to the days ahead.
Harriette´s last blog ..Thank You!
I have had this planner in the past and loved it!
Right now I’m just using a random notebook combined with my outlook calendar. I need to find a way to put it all in one place – and this just might be it! I love the idea of having it all in one central place!
Amy´s last blog ..Book Review Musings: The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
I follow your RSS feed
Amy´s last blog ..Book Review Musings: The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
Became a Fan!!!
And I became a fan of momAgenda on Facebook.
Amy´s last blog ..Book Review Musings: The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
I’m now Following @momAgenda and tweeted
http://twitter.com/amymelniczenko
Amy´s last blog ..Book Review Musings: The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
I have been trying to find a way to condense my calendars and planners. Currently I have one of those mom-type wall calendars with spots for each family member, then my own planner with the day to day schedules, and the boys have a dry erase monthly calendar. Feels like I am always copying entries….this looks like a great solution!
Plus I love the more luxurious, important feel of a bound book!!
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I am already following you with an RSS feed
mary b´s last blog ..Black Friday Shopping–Yeah or Nay?
I use a palm but I feel I need a paper system to go along with it. I like the idea of the extra space for menu planning, etc on the MomAgenda
My current planner is spiral-bound, so this one would be more streamlined because it’s a smooth binding. Also, that purple color is DIVINE!
I’m an RSS follower as well!
I subscribed to your emails.
I follow your RSS feed!
I became a fan on facebook!
I currently just have a planner from B&N…but as a teacher I could use a planner that is much more tailored to my needs! I hate having to flip from lesson plans to calendar to planner.
I don’t have a planner right now, but I use my calendar and note book.
I don’t currently have a planner. I am just using a large notebook that I write the days of the week in and what needs done. I like that the momAgenda planner lets you coordinate everyone’s activities on horizontal rows.
I am an e-mail subscriber.
I am a Facebook fan of momAgenda. (Amanda Corley)
I follow momAgenda on twitter and tweeted.
http://twitter.com/frugalmomto4/status/6183940420
I love these planners. They look so durable which is needed in my busy life (with 4 kids) to throw into the diaper bag and go. Perfect!!
I am a follower of Organizing Your Way!
Angie´s last blog ..Personalized Burlap Placemats
I am a fan of momAgenda on Facebook!
Angie´s last blog ..Personalized Burlap Placemats
I have started using a three ring binder to organize my family but I also use the online Cozi Calendar (cozi.com) that way my husband can see the calendar when he wants and add to the calender. I have a couple of months of calenders printed off in my binder. I add items to those calendar printed off that are in the binder and then a sometime the last week of the month I update the next month’s calender and print it off and replace it in my binder. I have been keeping track of our family with this system since September, it seems to be working for use.
I’d love to win this! They are so pretty and simple.
I subscribe to your feed.
Hannah C´s last blog ..…gratitude
i have a planner, but it is a couple of years old.when my husband became ill with cancer and we had to go to the doctors(5) every day and different times everyone. i started using it again.it helps with keeping track of times but not days, as you can well imagine. i like this blog and how you help with organization tips, just cant get enough of all the tips you put out . it has helped us tremendously, keep up the good work .
I have a small Pug monthly planner. It’s very simple and just a calender I write down appointments and groups we do. One of the things I like best about it is that it fits into my Home Binder nicely but I can also take it out and keep it in my purse. That way if I’m out and about I can see my schedule. The downside is it is just a calendar so menu planning and other things I keep in my home binder.
I’ve become a fan on FaceBook
Fun! Right now I am using a random planner I got on sale last January, but time to be organized again!;)
Kat´s last blog ..Clinic Day.
I am a subscriber via e-mail.
Kat´s last blog ..Clinic Day.
I use Amy Knapp’s too. I like how it has a separate to do list from the calendar but they are side by side. The tear offs on the ends for grocery list/meal plan are great for other uses too!
I really like the MomAgenda and seriously looked at that before I found the Amy Knapp. They look so classy but the way the pages are laid out just won’t work for me. While I love that they are bound and look so nice, I use a ring binder planner.
I like the planner pages, I could even use a slot on their to keep track of things for my husband, and I LOVE that it has a section for dinner! I also really like the music and book note areas…so cool!
I subscribe to your e-mails. Thanks so much!
I love the binding and the horizontal format. I just use a little purse planner right now.
Jennifer´s last blog ..Thanksgiving–In Everything
I am already subscribed to you.
Jennifer´s last blog ..Thanksgiving–In Everything
I don’t have a planner and could really use one.
So glad you are reviewing planners this week! I have used a 3 ring binder with planner refil pages, loose-leaf paper and folders. Kind of a household binder. I can’t seem to find the refils I usually get so I am thinking of changing things up this year.
Marci@OvercomingBusy´s last blog ..Savor Your Thanksgiving
Just became a fan on Facebook, would like to win the planner.
Just became a subscriber. Hoping to win the planner.
The only planner I use is a calendar that hangs in the kitchen. I need something with more space for acticities, appointments, etc. for 3 kids. It looks like the momAgenda would be a great planner for our family!
I am an RSS subscriber. Great giveaway.
I like the spaces for the kids. I only have 2 so I would probably use the other 2 spaces for meals and things to do.
Christy@pipandsqueak´s last blog ..Thanksgiving visit
OOOHH…. momagenda….on my christmas list…. love what I have – hand made calendar by Much Ado About You on etsy, but it just doesn’t hold up! Would love one of these!
New to this whole blogging thing…. didn’t realize I could subscribe to you! Now I have…. yay! Been reading you for quite a while – just bookmarked your site… thanks for all the great advice!
Yeah! I’ve been sitting here filling in my December dates and realized it’s time for a new planner! I’d love this! I’m personally a big fan of the dual monthly view with companion weekly views!
I’m an RSS subscriber!
I don’t have a planner at all right now!! :0( I’ve just started homeschooling my little boy and really need one. I like the fact that there seems to be a lot of space to write things in these planners. Thanks for the contest and good luck everyone!!
Stacie
I became a fan on FaceBook!
I subscribe to your RSS feed! Thanks!
I follow you on Twitter and tweeted!
i am using a homemade system right now. i think these one looks really neat
i subscribe to email
i became a fan on facebook
I just saw these at The Container Store, and thought “I need something like this”! Thanks for offering the giveaway, Mandi!
Krys´s last blog ..A Beautiful Day
Oh, and I subscribe to your posts via RSS feeder on iGoogle!
Krys´s last blog ..A Beautiful Day
I use a spiraly calender thing with papers coming out of it in every direction. I’ve looked at the momAgenda before and am very intrigued.
I always had an agenda from middle school through my daughters first year. In middle school we actually had school issued ones! Due to my health issues I never even bothered getting one and I realize that things were much easier with one and I’m definitely getting some kind of organizer for the next year, if not making my own!
facebook fan!
subscribed to email!
I don’t have a planner now. I only use the Google calendar on my computer.
AprilG´s last blog ..Crafty weekend
I subscribe through my Google Reader.
AprilG´s last blog ..Crafty weekend
I subscribe to email
I would love to have a mini home home management notebook
I also subscribe!
Ah – I NEED a planner method. 2 little girls under 5, one in school & dance, the assorted doctor appointments, a full time job and trying to balance the home … what a perfect solution!
I’m a delighted email subscriber as well. Thank you!
Already a follower through Google Reader!
Dana J´s last blog ..Cricut Meme!
momAgenda FB Fan!
follower of momAgenda on twitter
No planner here. I kind of wing it with my ‘puter and a monthly fridge calendar!
I have a planner but it’s NOTHING like a MomAgenda planner.
Angie´s last blog ..Submit it Sunday – 11/29/09
I subscribe to your feed: pricousins at aol dot com
Angie´s last blog ..Submit it Sunday – 11/29/09
I use Google Calendar, but I would love this! It’s almost too pretty to use!
I’m a fan of MomAgenda on Facebook: Angie Marion
Angie´s last blog ..Submit it Sunday – 11/29/09
I follow @MomAgenda as @pricousins and I tweeted: http://twitter.com/pricousins/status/6211526995
Angie´s last blog ..Submit it Sunday – 11/29/09
I don’t currently have a planner and use google calendar, but have been thinking I’d like to go back to a paper planner.
I subscribe via google reader
I became a fan of momagenda on facebook.
I am a fan on Facebook
I have used MomAgenda for the past 4 years, since my oldest on was born. It is a great help, especially since every other week end we have my 11 year old step son, and I can keep track of his schedule along with my 2 boys — it works really well for blended families!
I have an agenda – a regular daytimer, but I don’t use it. I’d love one to help me get organized
I just subscribed via email
I desperately need this MOMAgenda Planner. I love your website. It has helped me get organized. Thank you so much.
I just got a flier in the mail telling me it’s time to order my new organizer for the year. Maybe I will wait and see what types you are reviewing before I buy my next one. I use the Go Mom Plannerby GO Mom Inc. I like it because it has the calendar by month, weekly agenda and Menu Minder and a section for Doc. Info and home Info. and each child and pet info. It also has a handy zipper pocket which is great. I can’t wait to see what else is out there.
Rana´s last blog ..Changes…
You know I’m a subscriber!
Rana´s last blog ..Changes…
I do not currently have a planner and I have wanted to purchase a MomAgenda planner for about a month!! If I don’t win one I’m just going to have to buy myself one for Christmas.
I already follow your blog.
Lynsey´s last blog ..Thankful
Already a fan of MomAgenda on Facebook too.
Lynsey´s last blog ..Thankful
I now follow @momagenda on twitter and tweeted about this giveaway. (I’m @sassynsouthern)
Lynsey´s last blog ..Thankful
I currently use Cozi.com. Price is right, it’s free. Also you can color code events in the calendar. I also use the To Do and Shopping lists.
I use the Google calendar and a calendar in my kitchen. I have a Blackberry so that helps too. I would love to try this out though!
I’m a planner freak. I use paper planner, day-runners, google calendar, Outlook etc. I’ll try anything but I’m still searching for the perfect option. I’m off to print the MomAgenda pages now to try them out.
Thanks!
And, as my second entry, I’m already a subscriber to your feed through my Google Reader. The address I just posted this comment with is the one you’re in my reader in.
Jenn´s last blog ..Contemplating Change
I rely heavily on my planner to keep my to-do lists, but it often doesn’t have enough space for everything I need to keep track of! This one looks great!
I’m also a subscriber.
I’d like to know how flat the pages open and if it feels good to the hand when you write in it? Is the paper quality high enough that ink doesn’t bleed through? Is it bound well enough that pages aren’t falling out half way through the year?
Nancy Giehl´s last blog ..Giving Thanks for Our Friends is Always Just the Right Thing
This looks like a great agenda to keep all of the girls schedules in and mine!
I have a planner my mom got me from the local Catholic bookstore. I love that I can put my husband’s schedule on there- it doesn’t affect how I run my day, but it’s nice to know where he is!
I’m a subscriber
I don’t currently have a planner, but I really think I am in desperate need of one.
I am a subscriber
I am an email subscriber.
Currently it’s basically all in my head and that is soooo not a good thing! Love the planner, thanks for another great giveaway!
I subscribe!
hope I win! Looks like a great tool for Mom Success!
I like how it’s specifically designed for having children and separate spaces for their activities. Great giveaway, thanks!
I subscribe!
I have a planner, but it’s basically just a calendar. It really doesn’t have anything special about it. this one sounds so much cooler.
Oh and I subscribed via email today.
I currently have a planner, but I like that this one has a specific place to include my kids’ activities. My sister-in-law uses this planner and really likes it.
I currently use my ical and a calendar on the wall – but it is sometimes a nightmare to make sure they coordinate! I would love to try something new!
I already subscribe to your blog! And- I love it!
I like that this planner has spaces for favorite websites, notes on books, movies, etc and planning pages. I currently keep a separate “scrapbook” of those kinds of things (I often cut these ideas out of magazines), and it would be great to consolidate this into one sturdy planner that can hold it all!
I am a fan of momAgenda on FB and love the printable pages!! I recently quit my job to stay at home (and substitute teach) so trying to organize the kids activities and my schedule is perfect in this organizer! This planner ahs it all!!
I don’t have a planner, but I’m looking into one for the next year. I like that this is made to organize your kids’ activities!
I’m now an e-mail subscriber! (digobear(at)aol(dot)com)
I’m now a MomAgenda facebook fan.
I use to use Covey planners but that went out the window several years ago with the on set of the first child. How did that happen?
The only planner I have is the standard issue cheapo one my job gave me – 1 month to a page, small boxes. I use it for work, home, everything and it’s a disaster. It doesn’t fit on my desk and if it’s not open, I don’t look at it or use it. I’m not a fan of it.
I would love a planner with more room, but is still portable (and by that I mean not bulky) that I can use for work and home since I work in home and at the office.
I am already a subscriber to your email and I think the feed too! (I just recently found you and am obsessed with catching up on your content btw!).
I became a fan on Facebook!
I am following on Twitter and put up the tweet!!
I’m following you with my RSS viewer! Keep up the great work!
I do not currently have a planner, but am looking for something to help me get organized!
Following via email now too.
Facebook fan of momAgenda now too.
I have Amy Knapp’s Family Organizer. I was a momAgenda user for years, but I switched to Amy Knapp’s Organizer because it’s spiral bound and lays flat.
I love that it has a place to write down your favorite websites. I am always forgetting.
I like the hard cover, too, because it seems more luxurious.
I’ve always used store bought planners/agendas but last January needed a change and switched to a homemade one using planning pages from Simple Mom and sections for personal goals, master birthday list, etc. I also download free monthly calendars. This is working very well for me, the main drawbacks being that I can only fit two and a half months in it at a time and it is bulky so I wouldn’t slip this into a bag and carry it around.
I don’t know, I am kind of a Busy Body Books addict… but, I like the fact that is has a meal planning part… hmm, now you have me feeling torn!!
Kelli´s last blog ..Dora the Explorer Mood Camera Review & Giveaway
I follow your feed in my Outlook feedreader
Kelli´s last blog ..Dora the Explorer Mood Camera Review & Giveaway
I currently use a school calendar I purchased at Big Lots. Not the best, but it works. I am a new stay at home mom to three girls under the age of 6. Our youngest has Down syndrome and has 6 therapists she sees weekly. My calendar is full but it would be nice to be a little more organized. I have looked at this organizer before, but couldn’t spend the money for it. I love all of the options on one page. I would love to receive it! Thanks!
I am currently using a calender that is plastered to the side of the fridge for everyone & there brother to see. I would really like a personal planner. Thank you
As an organized person, you won’t believe this, but I don’t have a planner I’m using right now. I’ve downloaded some forms, even printed a few out, then lost them… Anyway, I like the horizontal rows too. It looks like there’s enough room to write.
Thanks!
I NEED this in my life!
I’ve used many types. The last was a Franklin Planner only because someone else bought it for me. I like that it keeps everything I need for the day on one page.
I have a planner now that is Franklin Covey that I got from work for attending a class. But I would love a different kind.
I print pages off the computer, but don’t have a system that incorporates all of my life easily. Sigh…
I love planners, right now I have a read leather Eccolo one that I bought from the bookstore. I love everything about the momAgenda, but if I have to pick, I like the sections for fave books, movies and websites!
Post-Modern Jen´s last blog ..And Then You Never Heard From Me Again (AKA Giveaways Are My New Part-Time Job)
Just subscribed via email.
Post-Modern Jen´s last blog ..And Then You Never Heard From Me Again (AKA Giveaways Are My New Part-Time Job)
now following on facebook
Post-Modern Jen´s last blog ..And Then You Never Heard From Me Again (AKA Giveaways Are My New Part-Time Job)
following on twitter and tweeted!
I don’t currently have a planner so this would be a great way to start organizing!
Thanks for the opportunity!
I just tweeted!
http://twitter.com/thediaperclutch/status/6378059001
I love the binding!
I am using a flylady calendar currently to keep everything organized, but it is sooooo big! I really like that this is book sized instead of wall sized! I also like that it has room for menu planning…