This is a review of the 2013 Next Ditsy Floral mini diary which I have bought in preparation for next year. I usually buy a small diary for my handbag so I can keep on top of appointments and birthdays (I also keep a five year larger desk diary for financial and spending matters).

Description
I was attracted to the cute floral cover on this diary and liked the fact that the outside feels like it is made from material so will hopefully withstand a year of being transported in the bag. The inside has a pink ribbon page marker so you can keep up with where you are in the year. Inside, you get a week's view per two pages with a spare slot for notes which can be handy if you need a telephone number etc to hand. The front has a page for personal info, emergency contact details and this is followed by notable dates like bank holidays, religious festivals, international information (dialling codes), travel info, a 2012 and 2014 quick view calendars and a conversion guide. At the back are contact pages, notes (like a to do list) a 2014 year planner and an a-z of fabric definitions, laundry care symbol guide finishing with a few telephone numbers for Next stores. The pages are very thin and this makes the diary extremely compact and light weight.

The purchase decision
I have had a next diary for a few years running now and have used them a lot so always pick one up at this time of the year so I can write in next year's dentist appointments and birthdays etc. I was drawn to the patterned cover and wanted a change from last year's pink diary. This one is slightly smaller than my 2012 diary measuring 9 x13 cm approx. and the other difference is that it doesn't have an elastic band to hold it shut or the little folder on the back page but I don't really mind this.

Price
The diary cost £3.50 and was actually bought in an outlet shop but I believe they are sold in normal Next stores as well.

My thoughts
The pattern is very fashionable made of a floral material pattern and I think it is really pretty. Its main colour is white on the background which may end up a little grubby after a year's thumbing through. I like the ribbon page marker and we'll see if I ever use any of the extra information that is provided with the diary - I know this is typical content for most diaries but when you are trying to go lightweight, every page counts!