I’m a planner. Not only because I like to plan, but because if I don’t write things down, I forget them. I blame “pregnancy brain” for taking my sharp memory and never bringing it all the way back.

But I want to be a stylish planner….as well as have all of my info in one place….and that’s why I use and LOVE my BusyBodyBook.

BusyBodyBooks are gridded planners that are available in either school year calendar format or calendar year format. Here are a few of the features of the BusyBodyBook:

~ Thick cardboard cover with an added, translucent plastic cover for extra protection. Keeps the pages neat and dog-ear free all year long!
~ Spiral-bound, letting you flip its pages easily and view a two-page spread at once.
~ Completely versatile and customizable. There are five blank columns on each 7-day page, letting you come up with your own planning categories.
~ Monthly planner pages that allow you to write down birthdays and appointments in an easy-to-view location.
~ A whole page per week for notes and doodles. This is space I use to the fullest!
~ Removable, perforated shopping lists.
~ Two pockets to store important papers….and a movable bookmark.

And this year, per customer request, the newest feature is debuted: FULL page Months-At-A-Glance located at the front of the book — more room to write important info!

I look forward to seeing the new planner cover designs every time a new year is debuted. The designs are always trendy and attractive!

There’s a wealth of options for how you can use your BusyBodyBook: As a blog planner, a school planner, a homeschooling record keeper, a household all-in-one planner, or a work planner!

(Check out the BusyBodyBook Blog for news, updates, contests, and more.)

And download and print out, anytime, FREE Weekly GRIDs!

You can purchase BusyBodyBooks directly via the BusyBodyBook website for $17.95….as well as from Amazon.com!

Win it! Thanks to BusyBodyBook, one of you will win a BusyBodyBook gridded planner of your choice!

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, which BusyBodyBook planner you’d choose if you win, and what you’ll use it for/how you’ll use it!

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close the contest next Tuesday, August 24th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US mailing addresses only. Good luck!


CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congrats to the winner, #58, Christina Karnes!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received a free BusyBodyBook to review, but I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Christina Carlino, the creator of one of the world’s top personal care product companies, has teamed up with yet another wonderful charity organization to promote better lives for so many!

Cristina has published her first interactive journal, The Changing Room: A Mother’s Journal of Gratitude to Her Little Girl. This interactive journal by Cristina Carlino and YOU captures all those astonishing parenting moments before they fade into the swirl of everyday life.

Throughout the book, Cristina shares her personal story and asks questions that inspire you to remember those first precious years of motherhood. This journal is a special place for your memories, drawings and letters. One day it will become a priceless keepsake for your daughter.

(Click here to watch a video presentation about this fabulous journal.)

Cristina’s friend, actress Mariska Hargitay, is in love with the book, and she and Cristina have joined forces for her Joyful Heart Foundation, benefiting survivors of rape, incest and abuse. 100% of the net proceeds for The Changing Room will go to Joyful Heart!

Christina is also hosting a “Wishes for My Little Girl” photo contest via her Facebook page. Five lucky winners will each receive a copy of The Changing Room journal.

To enter to win, click on Carlino’s Facebook page and post your favorite photo of the little girl in your life — it can be your daughter, a niece, a neighbor, the daughter of a friend….and tell us a wish you have for her. (*Winners will be determined by the number of “Likes” they receive from other Cristina Carlino Fans, so invite your friends to Cristina’s fan page!*)

Hurry! Contest ends on Monday, May 10th.

FTC info — Disclaimer: I was given an opportunity to receive a copy of The Changing Room for posting this announcement. I received no other monetary compensation for this post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Peaceable Kingdom Press creates stationery, games, puzzles, stickers, and other whimsical doo-dads, all of which encourage fun and imagination. Their delightfully colorful and cheerful products bring whimsy and delight to kids of all ages.

The company’s beginnings was one of the things that caught my eye and made me instantly take notice:

“Peaceable Kingdom Press was started in 1983 by Olivia and Thacher Hurd. Thacher is the son of renowned children’s book artist Clement Hurd who illustrated the classic picture books Goodnight Moon and Runaway Bunny. One day, Clement made a painting based on the art from Goodnight Moon and asked Olivia and Thacher if they wanted to sell it as a poster. They printed 1,000 posters, sold it to stores in Berkeley, CA and the next thing you know, a company was born.”

Adorable stationery (cards, diaries, and valentines) is just one of the types of items that PK Press is known for. (Peaceable Kingdom Press uses recycled and FSC certified paper in all of their cards and envelopes.)

PK Press also carries a fun selection of educational and entertaining games:

Milk and Cookies Game, a Dr. Toy award winner in 2008

Alphabet Matching Game, a Dr. Toy award winner in 2007

(Isn’t the artwork terrific?)

The kind folks at Peaceable Kingdom Press sent us Ballerinas In-a-Box, one of the several Paper Doll In-a-Box sets that they carry.

These paper doll playsets come complete with sturdy cardboard figures with stands, a box that unfolds into a 3D setting, and reusable cling stickers that are infinitely interchangeable.

My 3-year-old daughter needed a little bit of help getting the box unfolded into the performance “stage” and and ballet practice “room” (with a reflective paper mirror!), as well as getting the figures set up. She easily peels off the various costumes on her own, though, managing numerous set and costume changes throughout her playtime. **grin**

I am amazed and in awe at how lovely the artwork it and how exquisitely detailed the ballerina’s costumes and accessories are. Simply lovely to look at — as well as super fun to play with!

You can purchase the Ballerinas In-a-Box (or any other “In-a-Box” sets) for $24.99 each. These will provide hours of enjoyment and play from your little ones who love to create their own magical scenes and embark upon their own imaginative storylines!

Win it! Courtesy of Peaceable Kingdom Press, one of you will win your choice of a “Paper Dolls In-a-Box” playset. There are five to choose from!

Here’s how to enter:  (**Take notice: #2 is new for this contest!**)

1) MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, another fun item from Peaceable Kingdom Press (not mentioned in my review) that you’d love to surprise your children with (or get for yourself!).

2) Become a fan of Peaceable Kingdom Press on Facebook.  For every new fan, they’ll donate another food item to their local Alameda County Food Bank!  Let me know you did in a separate comment below and you’ll gain another contest entry.

3) For a third entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

4) For a fourth entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

5) For a fifth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered!

I’ll close the contest next Tuesday, May 11th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; Lower 48 US state addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congrats to the winner, #6, Melanie B!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this product for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I only received the product itself; I received no other monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

If your children (or grandchildren, or nieces, or nephews….) are into art like mine are, you’ll find Stubby Pencil Studio to be a tangible, visual (and olfactory) treat! It was begun in 2006 by Kate Rosenthal, and is pointed at stationery and art supply products that are both eco-friendly and child-friendly.

Stubby Pencil Studio’s product assortment is astounding and awe-inspiring. There’s something for everyone here! Take a look at a few of their spectacularly fun items:

There are tons of great gift ideas for adults, such as the ever-popular Envirosax in assorted colors & styles:

Recycled children’s stationery, such as Color ‘n Kids cards and card sets:

Eco-friendly art supplies, like E-color-gy washable art markers:

Terrific educational games such as the SpinnySpeller:

Kate sent over a fun assortment of goodies from her shop for my two little ones to create with and enjoy! They have been sniffing the Holiday Smencils and doodling with their coveted soy-based Crayon Rocks….and are so proud of the Made By Me vehicles that they assembled all on their own!

You need to bookmark Stubby Pencil Studio….it’s an all-around fantastic shop for art supplies of all kinds to use all year long….and right now, it’s a one-stop-shop for one-of-a-kind stocking stuffers! (They’ll even make it ultra-easy by gift-wrapping items for you!)

Win it! Kate at Stubby Pencil Studio has oh-so-generously offered one of my readers a $50 gift certificate to her shop! Imagine all of the neat items you could get! To enter to win, just tell me, in a comment below, one or two things from Stubby Pencil Studio that you’d most definitely purchase if you won. I’ll close the contest next Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US entries only. Have fun shopping….and good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congratulations to commenter #26, Lisa!

I am super excited to tell you today about my third arm: My BusyBodyBook. I’ve had a planner on my person since I was in 10th grade. I’ve had them all — the inexpensive drug store planners all the way up to the fancy order-by-mail planners. As my life moved in new directions (homeschooling, blogging, etc.), I realized I needed an organizer that was more categorical….a planner that could meet the demands I placed on it.

I received and began using my first BusyBodyBook last fall. LIFE CHANGE! This planner stood up where others fell short. As a preschooling-at-home mom and person who’s maintaining two blogs weekly, I was pleasantly surprised at how the BusyBodyBook kept me organized and on top of things — all the while keeping me in style!

The pages of the BusyBodyBook are broken up into weeks. The left side gives a space to “doodle” and write a master task list for the week. The right side is a blocked calendar, giving you five categories per day to personalize.

As you can see, the BusyBodyBook is customizable for whatever “theme” you would like to use: Health & fitness, teaching, general clerical tasks, blogging, whatever! The five categories I use are:

1) Shopping to be done, orders to be placed
2) Muses of Megret blog
3) Technical (computer problems to fix/updates to make)
4) Muse Reviews blog
5) Research items, homeschooling prep

The BusyBodyBook is available in two types: The academic year BBB (Aug-Aug) and the calendar year BBB (Jan-Dec). Each one comes in two different cover styles/designs, all four of which change each year. I chose the Grape design for this year. It came in the mail this week, and I’m breaking it in today!

BusyBodyBook also carries an undated grid calendar pad, which has a magnetic back for easy application to the fridge or a file cabinet! Also available is the BusyBodyBook wall calendar, which also has an expanded 7-column grid for the same easy, quick-glance planning! (And for more BBB news and info, check out the BusyBodyBook blog.)

You can purchase BusyBodyBook products from their secure online store, or via Amazon.com.

Win it! Courtesy of BusyBodyBooks, one of you can win your very own BusyBodyBook Personal & Family Organizer, a $17.95 value! Awesome! All you need to do is go over to BusyBodyBook’s website and tell me which one of the four calendar year options/cover designs you’d choose if you won. I’ll close the contest next Thursday, August 20, 2009 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US entries only. Good luck, everyone!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congratulations to commenter #28, Paige, the winner of the BBB planner of her choice!

Want an extra-special something to tuck into your child’s Easter basket this year? Let me introduce you to The World’s Smallest Postal Service, thought up by Lea of Leafcutter Designs.

A teeny, tiny card arrived here last week for review. The Easter Bunny carefully packaged his card to the kids in an Easter egg full of green paper shreds. I marveled at the intricacy of the little envelope, all the way to the unforgotten detail of a minuscule hot wax stamp of EB’s initials.

The front of the envelope was addressed to the kids, and even had a tiny adhered “stamp” and postmark.

I was able to customize beforehand the Easter Bunny’s return address as well as what was written inside the card. You can truly make it as personalized as you wish!

Of course, also included within the package is a small magnifying glass so the letter can be read!

The tiny card from the Easter Bunny isn’t the only thing The World’s Smallest Postal Service can send for you. Any letter you wish to send can be transformed into “the world’s smallest letter” by Lea.

You can purchase “the world’s smallest letter” for $8 or an Easter Bunny-sent card for $10 from Leafcutter Designs. What’s more, she also does wedding, shower, and birthday invitations, as well as cards from the Tooth Fairy or anniversary cards!

Win it! Just in time for Easter, one of you will win a personalized card from the Easter Bunny to be sent to whomever you wish (within the US)! To qualify for an entry, you must go visit Leafcutter Designs and look at her other eclectic & out-of-the-ordinary offerings. Come back here and tell me another item that caught your eye and what you like about it! I’ll close the contest a little quicker than usual to ensure you have time to order for Easter; the giveaway will end next Monday, April 6th, 2009 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US entries only. Good luck!

For the first day of the Valentine’s Day Gift Guide, I am showcasing some fun books, stationery items, and other paper treasures. Stay tuned for a special book giveaway later this morning!

These neat Valentags from Secret Agent Josephine’s Etsy shop can be cute little additions to lunchboxes, briefcases, or tote bags! Why not hide them all over the house? Or tuck one into a card for a friend?

Adorable personalized Valentine’s Day stickers from Autumn Leah Designs.

Free printable love notes from Tricia-Rennea Art!

Make an unforgettable Valentine’s Day photo book with Inkubook.

Love Letters of Great Men — a book full of letters written by countless notable historical figures.

Everyday Grace can make a custom coupon book for your sweetie.

One of my children’s favorite “I Love You” books: I Love You Because You’re You.

**And! Have your cards and such postmarked in Loveland, CO if you get them in the box before February 9th. **

Tiny*Prints can help you do just that.

Whether you are hosting an upcoming baby shower, announcing a new baby’s arrival, throwing that infamous 1st birthday party for your little one, or wanting to dress up your Christmas cards a little more this winter, Tiny*Prints is your one-stop shop for anything and everything lovely.

Words can’t convey the beauty of their designs. For instance, this is just one of their many birthday invitation styles. The colors, the spacing, the font — everything — positively irresistible.

Their baby announcements are equally as stunning. How would you like to announce the arrival of your newest family addition this way?

Holiday parties are going to be here presently. Tiny*Prints’ holiday invites are positively must-haves. Elegant dinner parties and festive Christmas gatherings would be so much more special if they had a lead-in like this one.

And don’t forget the Christmas cards themselves. Tiny*Prints’ holiday photo card selection is breathtaking — over 250 styles to choose from (but I betcha can’t pick just one). So, instead of tucking a photo into a store-bought card this year, why not let Tiny*Prints create a timeless keepsake card like this?

Tiny*Prints doesn’t stop here. Oh, no. They have hundreds more options for several other occasions and everyday uses. This thank-you card caught my eye immediately!

Want to win?

Tiny*Prints has generously offered one of you a $50 gift certificate to their shop.

All you have to do is go browse a while at Tiny*Prints and check out all they have to offer. Come back and leave me a (one) comment, telling me which card design you’d pick and for what occasion. If it’s too difficult to pick out one, tell me your top two favs.

U.S. entries only. I’ll leave this contest open until 11pm EST on Tuesday, October 7th, 2008. The winner will be announced the following morning.

Good luck!

I don’t know how or when I first stumbled across The Baby Gardner’s online shop, but I knew right then and there it must be added to my list of favorite places to shop for baby gifts online. There is not one thing within this shop that I wouldn’t love to have — even though my “baby” is now two years old. (*sigh*)

Vintage and vintage-inspired candy for the eyes, dreamed up and created by various artists countrywide….adorable cuteness around every corner….that’s what you’ll find at The Baby Gardner. Let me take you by the hand and show you a few of my favorite things:

The “Dream” Garland:

Mabel & Abel 3-Piece Layette Set:

Stork Delivery Baby Announcements:

Saddle Oxford Crib Shoes:

Deanna, owner and artist of some of what you see at The Baby Gardner, has graciously offered one of you a $15 gift certificate to her delightful shop. All you have to do is go on over, browse around, and come back here telling me one thing (not mentioned in my review) that you simply can’t live without. (It may be extremely difficult to pick just one.)

One comment per person, please, and U.S. entries only. Contest will run until 11pm on Friday, October 3rd, 2008. The winner will be announced the next day! Good luck!

(P.S. Check out The Baby Gardner’s Baby Bloggie for more cute items on parade, artist spotlights, and fun contests!)