I love school supplies, I’m kind of bummed Ben only needs a backpack and change of clothes this year. All the markers, pens, protractors, college ruled paper, folders and crisply sharpened pencils. Mmmm, my favorite time of year. And then my sister posted a little instagram video of her custom teacher’s notebook and I couldn’t stop drooling. I wish I could somehow justify making an organized paper notebook/calendar but Google calendar just works best for me right now. It got me thinking about other calendar and life organization type things though.
Google Calendar
My life. Seriously I have calendars set up for birthdays and anniversaries (blue), social and activity calendar (orange) and a house cleaning schedule (green). The cleaning calendar is only loosely followed ;-) Actually that could be a post in itself, I’ve needed something to keep me on track so I don’t find myself waking up Saturday mornings realizing everything in the house is disgusting, dishes are piled high in the sink and cat fur tumbleweeds are drifting by because I haven’t vacuumed in three weeks (don’t judge). I think once the kids start getting their own events and stuff too I’ll color code their activities. I really love having our family schedule available on the computer and on my phone when we’re out.
Google Tasks
An app on my phone and computer that ties into my email and calendar. I use the checklist feature for my grocery list and also have my errands, weekly meals and things to do lists.
Evernote
My other life saving tool. I have all my recipes organized by category here (appetizer, beverage, breakfast, dessert, main and sidedish). I also have notes of recipes to try and if they make the cut they go into the official recipe section. Then there are notes for every other random thing so I don’t have to keep it in my head. These include my list of Benisms, parenting articles, my list of books to read, preschool activities to try, the kids’ vaccine schedules, places and adventures in the area we want to try and things I’m researching (farm marketing, agritourism, adoption and raised bed gardening).
Meal Planning
Ugh, a necessary evil. I usually grocery shop on Wednesdays or Thursdays, so the night before I sit down and pick three or four dinners for the week (from my Evernote recipes) and put all the ingredients I need to pick up in Google Tasks grocery list. We have a dry erase board on the fridge that we jot things down on too and I’ll add those to my digital list. I’ll also go through and see if I have any applicable coupons for the week.
Pen and Paper
I do actually use old fashioned pen and paper for journaling and devotions. I usually try to do this before bed at night when kids are quiet and I’m guaranteed some alone time. I spend 10-15 minutes writing things I’m thankful for and praying for people. You really can’t beat a nice notebook and pen for journaling!
I think I have a pretty good “home management” and keeping track of my “adult life” (and now little one’s lives) system in place. I’m thankful Andy has his own calendars and systems set up for car maintenance (oil filters, tire rotation, etc) and house maintenance (although that’s an ongoing thing). He also pays the bills (how did I get so lucky???). I know what’s going on with the bills and student loans/mortgage, but so thankful it’s something Mr. Reliable handles!
I was also curious what other people do to keep things running smoothly. Do you have a drool worthy organized notebook or is everything digital? Anything I should try? Or are you floundering aimlessly and need to set some kind of system up for yourself?
