My Home Management Binder

I've never been one much for keeping a schedule. For the most part everything I need to know was kept on a calender or in my old ticker (brain)! Maybe that was the problem, my ticker was getting old! Toss in some kids and I think my ticker got fried! LOL.

When the winter blues hit me in February and I was trying to motivate myself back to where I used to be, I came to the conclusion that I wasn't organized enough. And although the warmer weather has certainly been putting some pep in my step, the main thing that has been keeping me on my toes is my new Home Management Binder that I put together. It has been a lifesaver, I'm not sure how I got anything done without it! Well, maybe that's the point...I didn't! It might be a little under advance for some of you Master Organizers but it certainly does the trick for me!

Meet my Home Management Binder!!!

I started with this beautiful textured turquoise binder (it came with the colorful tabs too!) from the Martha Stewart line, ya I splurged, and buying pretty things always makes me feel better! LOL! It has a handy little pocket in the front where I can stash notes and stuff, which is kinda cool. I also stocked up on some paper, ink for my printer, some clear page covers and a couple clear pocket dividers too...

...and a 3-hole punch! I can't believe I didn't own one of these-so fun!

The first tab is the most used. It's our go to calender with everything from a to-do list, to meal plans, to kids schedules. I saw this one over at A Bowl Full of Lemons and I find it works well for us right now, we don't really have crazy busy schedules....Once the kids get into school and activities though, I'm sure we'll need to upgrade to a bigger 'system', but right now this one is perfect!

The next tab is equally important to me! My Blogging To Do's!! I had a smaller notebook that I used to keep track of everything in, but as my blog grew, it just wasn't working for me anymore. Now, I can see everything at once, my main calender is on the left, which is where I keep track of when my posts are scheduled. All of my Sponsors are listed at the bottom and I can check them off as I get their Ads. I originally got this idea from The Letter 4, but came up with my own take on it, as I needed a bigger calender and smaller Sponsor section. On the right  side of my binder is where I keep track of everything else...Guest Posts, Giveaways, Ideas...

Oh and, just in case you like them...I made them available so you can download them for FREE!!!! :D

Blog Calender:

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BxF4se67_X0XcGZQVEZ5eklSUi1BdEpmc215R0F4dw

Blog To Do List:

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BxF4se67_X0XeHVMdjBwOU9TWnUtMFRPWloxQUdNUQ

The next tab is where I keep track of all the daily cleaning that needs to be done and groceries that are needed. I love these lists that came from Simple Mom and what's really cool is that I covered each page with a clear page cover and now I use it as a dry erase board. So I can check off what I need and then wipe it away!!

The grocery one is here and the cleaning list is here.

And the last tab is where I inserted this handy dandy clear pocket system-for Coupons!!! I labeled a section for Kids, Grocery/Household and Beauty. Again, nothing super crazy, just perfect for me!

Well, that's it! That is how I stay on top of things and make sure my life runs as smoothly as it can with a husband and two very busy little boys! How do you keep organized? Do you have a special system for staying sane?

Linking up with...

Live. Laugh. Rowe, 52 Mantels, The 36th Ave, Two Yellow Birds Decor, Happy Hour Projects, Lolly Jane Boutique

Sometimes I Need a Minute

 

My beautiful summer flowers before the heat wave arrived

There is a scene in the Sex in the City #2 movie where Charlotte hides in the pantry and cries because she is so frustrated with her children. I cry everytime I watch it, because I've been there. Aside from Charlotte wearing a white skirt while baking chocolate cupcakes with her two little girls, I would say this is a realistic portrayal of life as a mom of two.

But that's just my opinion :)

I wish I had a pantry to hide in and cry, but my bathroom is just as good. When things are all bottled up inside, my neck muscles tighten and the tears start to flow, the bathroom is my safe spot. It gives me that extra minute to breath and return to my day with a clear head. Those nasty negative thoughts creep in and spoil everything and its sometimes hard to keep a cool head. Post pregnancy hormones? Could be. Lack of sleep? Could be. My inner 'devil' is competing with my inner 'angel'... taunting me to scream and freak out. Although it is hard at the time, I know who will win in the end and I keep trucking on, smile in place.

It just takes a minute...or five.

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