Hint: You’ll want to read to the end of this post for a *bonus*

It’s funny.  As I look back to the post I wrote October 10, 2007 I see that my life hasn’t become any less hectic.

It was in that post that I first mentioned Cozi, a free online family calendar/organizer.  I used it consistently for over a year, then fell away from it, mostly because there were a few changes I really needed made for it to really cover my life.  Fast forward to the Type A Mom Conference last month in Asheville.  Cozi was there as a sponsor and I got a chance to sit down with the CEO Robbie and Carol (I don’t know her title but I’m gonna say she’s the one who gets things done,cuz’ you know, that’s what we women do…) to see what was new with Cozi and share some thoughts.

Of course they were impressed not only that I knew what Cozi was but that I had used and shared info about it on my blog in the past.  I was really impressed to see some changes – many that I had recommended, though I’m sure others did, too- and fun additions to the site like the Live Simply online magazine and the photo collage screen saver.  So, I went back- and am using Cozi again!  Let me share a few favorite things about the “improved” Cozi:

C:  Color Code I love that I can color code everything- each person in my house has a color.  As do holidays, birthdays & church activities.

O: Organize With a glance I know what is going on.  I can also keep shopping lists (grocery, Target, WalMart, etc) ongoing – without worry that my list will become a fabulous piece of “art”; and, therefore, unreadable.  And on the Cozi to-do list: a to-do list!

Z: Zoom I can’t even tell you how often I leave the house without my shopping list.  And, often, I can tell you right where it is: on the counter by the back door where I keep my reusable shopping bags.  Yep, I put the list down to grab the bags then forget to grab the list.  Thankfully Cozi has three options for this problem: I can have my list texted to me by either dialing a phone number or by requesting it via text or I can use their new mobile web if I’m someplace with wi-fi (you can also use a web enabled phone).  (Something Cozi should add to their to-do list: an iPhone app.  Just sayin’)

I: In-touch Cozi has a family journal feature.  I think this would be especially handy for families with conflicting schedules: dad works days, mom works nights or maybe dad travels a lot.  I think this is a great way to share bits of your day within your immediate family (and not all your “friends” on Facebook).  Of course your journal doesn’t have to be private and you can also email or set it up to email a news letter monthly.  I have ideas on how to use the newsletter option in conjunction with my websites…

Cozi is still free and a great tool for busy families.  I’ve got it set as the homepage on my mini laptop in the kitchen.  With a glance I know what my day looks like.  If you haven’t checked it out yet I recommend it- especially with the busy holiday season coming up!

Speaking of holidays…  if you try Cozi before November 4, 2009 you will receive a code to save $10 off a Shutterfly photo book.  Not only can you get organized but you can save money on a gift for someone (hint: Grandparents love photo books!!)

So go check out Cozi.  And keep watching here- I’m partnering with Cozi in November on a really fun project.