Countdown to 2010 #7: National Trust Diary Collection

National Trust Desk Diary 2010: £13.

I originally spotted this National Trust Desk Diary in John Lewis. The beautiful cover photo caught my eye immediately and it became a contender for one of my 2010 diaries. Each month there is a different stunning photograph of a National trust property – very similar in style to the amnesty international diary.

However, when I went to check out the website I was amazed by the selection of diaries (and calendars) available. The most notable being the similar pocket diary (£7). The site also features the previously mentioned Sarah Raven Diary (£13).

(Photo Credit: National Trust Website)

Countdown to 2010 #5: Amnesty People Diary

(Photo Credit: Amnesty International UK website)

Another gorgeous diary. Beautiful colourful and vibrant photographs of people, make this a charming 2010 diary. The photos act as month dividers to the A5 sized diary. The cover is made from recycled leather and is a mottled black colour, but a smooth feel. There is also an elastic band that wraps tightly round the book (across the centre rather than down the side).

Available at the UK Amnesty shop for £9.95 (although I originally saw it in the Shared Earth shop).

Countdown to 2010 #3: Sarah Raven Grow Your own

A bright and colourful diary from Sarah Raven that immediately caught my eye even though it wasn’t elegantly displayed in the shop.

There are bright vibrant photography of food and flowers throughout the diary which is a5 in size and spiral bound. A week is spread over 2 pages with plenty of space to jot down notes.

The attractive thing about this diary (as well as the stunning photography) is the tips for the garden and cooking if you are a “grow your own” enthusiast. Well put together and a great purchase if you are a fan of the garden, alternatively may make a great present idea at £12.

(Photo Credit: Sarah Raven’s Website).

Countdown to 2010 #1: Kiki James

The search for a new diary has commenced. Last week Office Supply Geek did a great review of the Kiki James Tuscan Wrap Journal. Despite being from the UK I had not come across Kiki James before so having read the review I immediately checked out the Kiki James website and was delighted to find that they have a wide range of Journals, photo albums and diaries. It was the pocket Tuscan wrap diary that caught my eye though:

(Photo Credit: Kiki James Website)

The 2010 Pocket Tuscan Wrap diaries come in three colours, and are in a similar style to the Tuscan wrap journal and are priced at £22. Personalisation costs £8 for initials and £15 for one line of text. Unfortunately the website does not give a very clear idea of what the diary is like inside, which may be on the con list as I can’t seem to find any real world stockists where I can have a look at it properly. But it is still definitely a contender.

For anyone interested in purchasing this diary (or indeed anything from the Kiki James Website) it is worth noting that you can get 10% off  with Voucher codes.

Countdown to 2010: the search for a new diary

I got a “reminder” about our next flat inspection – due in February. Went to write it in my diary only to realise it is that time of year again and my diary runs out in a few weeks. Which means I’ve got to start agonising over what choice to make for my 2010 diary. Even though I know already I will have several. (And I also know that I will receive at least 2 diaries and 3 calendars as Christmas gifts).

Some friends might say it is way too early to be considering such an item but it pays to be prepared. Usually I have a free writing journal and then a small pocket diary to scribble down appointments and a bigger diary for to-dos. Here I am debating what pocket/purse diary to get.

I am currently using a moleskine diary as my main “cart it around everywhere” diary.

In 2004 – 2006 I used small blue pocket (page a day) diaries priced at 70p from Bargain Books. They were great and simple, perfect for when I was a student, but obviously looking for something a little bit more grown up now.

In 2007 – 2008 I had the Quo Vadis Textagenda diary which I loved (again another student planner), but then after I purchased this one I never saw one of these in the shops again. But having recently read an excellent review at Miscellany and Cacophony I’ve been wanted to get my hands on one of these again.

2008 – 2009 I had a black simple diary purchased at Wilkinson’s until I scrapped it in favour of the above mentioned Moleskine in January of this year.

So having done the basic history I shall continue to update you with tempting finds until I make a decision about which to purchase.