Since launching a second blog, taking on contract legal work, participating at my son’s school, and working out nearly every day, my life has suddenly felt overwhelmed. Then, I got sick. Our bodies tell us when we need to slow down and regroup, don’t they? Over the weekend, I spent a lot of time resting, then, feeling better, got motivated to start clearing out lots of places in our house that really needed it.
I knew I needed a better way to organize all the stuff that goes into running two blogs, but hadn’t quite figured out how to arrange everything until I was reading Jen’s blog this week. She created a genius, and gorgeous, blog binder that you can even buy at her etsy shop.
Taking ideas from Jen, I created my own binder, that contains everything I need for my blogs, and also a daily agenda for my days in general.
I got my binder and supplies at Staples (the Martha Stewart Collection).
I created custom templates on my Mac in Pages, but I’m sure you could do the same thing with Word. I just copied and pasted my blog’s header from my blog onto the page and printed it in color.
Because I wanted a “week at a glance” for what my posts will be for each week on both blogs, I created a template for that too. I prefer to have my blog posts scheduled in advance, but that doesn’t always happen.
I’m also keeping my workout worksheets here. I take them to the gym with me, then put them back so I can keep track of my progress. (If you’re interested, I’m doing the Jamie Eason Live Fit 12-Week Trainer).
The first page in my binder opens to the Daily Agenda. This is my “go to” list for my day. I like to plan it before bed the night before, but sometimes, I make my daily plan in the morning while I eat breakfast. I usually pull out the agenda and stick it in my purse so I have it to refer to when I’m out and about.
I also printed out a free downloadable calendar from Today’s Creative Blog.
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I loved Jen’s idea of using Washi tape to create labels. I printed the date with my labeler, then affixed it to a piece of Washi tape. So fun! I think I got most of my tape at West Elm or Paper Source, but it’s widely available online if you do a search.
Do you use a binder or something like this to keep your blog and life organized? I still use a big calendar in our kitchen for appointments and reminders, and that helps a ton too! I also like the calendar app on my iphone that syncs with my computer.
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Linking up with my friend Courtney!
Great idea! I need to do this!!! xo Kristin
What a great idea. I had a little notebook in my purse so when I had an idea I would write it down, but this is WWAAAYYY better. Thanks for the idea!
I truly fail at organization but I have started back using my calendar recently and have incorporated a chore chart into my weekly schedule. Sometimes it helps to know that you don't have to do everything in one day.
I love ANYTHING that helps me stay organized. Your post inspires me to make my budget notebook a little more inviting and pleasing to my eye. Any ideas of how to take a typical spiral notebook and transform it?
Love your idea!
Looks great! I love all the colors. I normally use electronic lists, etc (evernote, wunderlist) since I'm at the office most of the day and want to have everything w/ me.
Oh, I forgot to mention that I have the same white pencil holder that you do! (Got mine from the container store). I love it.
Good for you for getting organized! The Martha Stewart Collection is so pretty; I just love the soft colors.
As for organization, I created my own daily routine template ten years or so ago and have used it ever since. It has my general routine, then I list my "to do" items on the side, pending items (everything from deliveries to phone calls, etc.) and if it's an errand day, they are listed in the order of the errands on the back. I keep only one calendar though, where I record everything.
As for the gym, do what works. I was a bodybuilder in my twenties and early thirties and I used to keep a spiral notebook where I recorded my weights (lifted) and routines for my weight lifting portion and I used spiral runner's binder (used to be called Jim Fixx's (he was a runner) Daily Journal or something like that, where I recorded my weight, food for the day and all of my aerobic activity and times (I used to run daily, do aerobics, play racquetball and a host of other aerobic activities for fun/hobby.)That was in the old days, before the internet, lol,
As for the cold, you won't be bothered with those once you get healthy. Increase your antioxidants; smoothies are a great idea for that reason. There is a good book called, "Never Be Sick Again" that you may like.I think it is one of the best books I've ever read regarding health. Nice post.
I have a zippered leather notebook that I carry with me…when at my son's football practice, or waiting for my daughter to come out of the school, I can work on my blog ideas. (But your binder is so much more organized!) ~Kim
Ohmygosh — I use a pocket calendar from the Dollar Spot at Target! I need to get on the ball….this looks great, and I know makes you feel better!
Oh this is sooo nice! I use Notes on my iPhone for blog ideas…. So unorganized. I have a question for you – how do you manage your time with two blogs, a job, your son and working out?
Genius! This is going to save my life
Aww, thanks for the kind mention!! Your binder turned out divine! Did you know binders could be divine? Cuz yours is! 🙂 Love your spin on it and how you made it your own!
xo,
Jen
This looks great! Your binder is so pretty…you are beautifully organized Megan! I have to get some of those Washi tape.
Love this idea!! I'm a huge fan of binders for organizing anything and everything!!:)
This is brilliant! I wish I was this organized with my post schedule! I kind of wing it, depending on what is inspiring me. But you are inspiring me now!
This is such a great idea – thanks for sharing! You really are organised and your binder looks so tidy and so inspiring!
I agree! Great idea that I need to do to organize my blogging thoughts!
I'm a teacher and I use a binder for EVERYTHING!!! Great idea to use it for blogging 🙂
Hi, totally unrelated, but where did you get the cute acrylic picture stand in the picture (the pink "A")? Thanks so much…I just found you today via Emily Clark (1/15/13) and I've been browsing around your blog…great blog!
Thank you! That acrylic stand came with the little desktop calendar that is on it. I think it's from Dabney Lee.
So doing this!
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Thank you for sharing this! I'm new to the blogging world and have found this extremely helpful!
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