homemaker binder

This is a bit off topic but since we're all busy mamas I think any way we caan help each other get it together is a good thing. Anyway, does anyone keep a Homemaker Binder? I just heard of such a thing the other day. Basically you have a binder with your whole life in it. Your calendar, shopping list, schedules, etc... Basically an all-in-one binder. I think this goes beyond the typical planner. I read about one on another message board but there wasn't a lot of infomation from others. I am thinking of starting one to help keep myself organized. I feel so out of control and love making lists to keep me on track so I think this will be good. I plan to have a monthly calendar, week to week where I can write things for each day, shopping list, my cleaning schedule, monthly meal menu, coupons, contacts, and I'm sure I could keep it growing. lol


Just curious if anyone else keeps an organizer like this?

 

Yes, I use Microsoft Outlook on my netbook which I carry around with me from room to room. It does everything you mention, except that I obviously have to keep coupons and receipts in a plastic bin in the closet. It is so handy to be able to email DH the grocery list.

 

I will have to check into my outlook. I don't use it for email but I could keep everything but the coupons in there. I know it's bad for the environment but I really do like a paper list. Plus if I have the computer open I tend to jump on and off the internet (facebook, farmville, twinstuff, etc) all day long. Then nothing is accomplished! lol

 

i have something kind of similar - i call it our Family Bible. it's basically designed so that if someone new is coming to babysit the girls last minute, i can hand them the binder & it will answer any questions they have at all while they're at my house. i keep a running shopping list on a magnatized writing pad on our fridge so that people can just add to it as things run low/out (my brother lives with us too, so it's the easiest way to make sure everybody gets what they want on shopping day).

 

Oh I use blackberry for everything: doc appointments, shopping list, bill payments,social network,...my bb is the only way I can keep up with everything and keep in touch with friends (yahoo messager,bb network, fb and of course twinstuff)

 

I have seen a really neat one at Borders Book Store. I thought about buying it but didn't. It had all of those things you mentioned. I can't remember what it was called, but it was awesome. I may still get it one day.

 

I am also still a fan of paper. I have a large binder with sections of:
* calendar (Franklin Covey) which includes to do lists
* menu planning/shoping lists
* contacts
* kids routines/emergency info/daily routines
* birthday lists and gift ideas (including xmas)
* financial tracking, receipt envelope

It is similar to Control Journal by Flylady. I use it as a guide if we have to leave the kids with a sitter without notice and as a guide to keep everything on track.

 

I was just thinking yesterday I am going to add a section (probably just some lined paper) where I can write down gift ideas. I also want a section for tax deductions/charity donations with an envelope to keep print offs and recipts.

 

I use the recipt envelopes and bought the CD of forms from Franklin Covey so I can custom design what I use.