I happened upon a new book that I'm smitten with: Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider, whom you may know via her blog, Simple Mom. I can't believe I hadn't visited regularly before, as I can identify with the purpose behind her blog, combining motherhood with productivity.
I'm not typically drawn to books on cleaning or organizing because I generally just prefer to DO it- not read about it! But this book is a little different because the intention she writes with really resonated with me and also because she includes some really great, practical checklists!
Oh, how I love to check something off of a list! Drawing that line through gives me such satisfaction!
The first list that got my attention is the Daily Docket, which is part of the Home Management Notebook. Maybe "docket" reminds me of my lawyer work, but it's a familiar term and helps me think of my home in the business sense, as in, I am the Manager of our home. And I like things to run smoothly and efficiently!
The Daily Docket is a page that you fill out each day that helps you set goals for everything you want to accomplish that week- with flexibility as to when you will do it. You put the three most important things (MIT) at the top of the list and other categories for the day's general plan.
I've been sort of doing this in my head, but I like the idea of mapping it out, so that I can help the day not get away from me without accomplishing the important things I need to get done. Below is the SimpleMom Daily Docket Sheet. All the Simple Mom downloads are available FREE here! Isn't that Awesome?!
Right now, I'm working on designing my own "Daily Docket" that works for me and my life, but the one above is a great start.
Speaking of lists, I love my Real Simple grocery checklist that I got at Target. I'm happy to say it's still working for me!
Are you a "list" person? Any practical suggestions you'd like to share?
Now I have to run out and grab that book... I love the covers.
ReplyDeleteAs for list tips, I am a serious list maker and I have the best success when I start each day's to do list the night before, when I'm getting ready for bed and everything is still fresh on my mind. I remember more, I can lay out the next day in advance, prioritize things I need to do, and make plans without the morning chaos we always have around here getting in the way. Hope that helps :)
Love the Real Simple grocery checklist!! I found one on sale a few months ago and am hooked :)
ReplyDeleteI am kinda a list person, but I don't always follow them. I need to start doing them more in the morning, and then maybe I could get more done instead of doing them right before bed, when I have a lot of "energy" to write it all down, but the next day don't always have the energy to do it all. :)
ReplyDeleteOo I'll have to check this out! I'm with you on "doing" it rather than reading but some things are defintiely worth learning...being more efficient is one! :)
ReplyDeleteOMG I love that list... It literally has everything I scribble or try to put together on a daily basis.. or worry about on a daily basis. I might have to go get this book!
ReplyDeletewww.marisasmodernlife.blogspot.com
I love lists! Lately I feel that's all I've been doing, making daily lists and checking them off. With a baby on the way I've been cleaning and preparing like CRAZY!
ReplyDeleteI have had Tsh's book for awhile now, and love it! She gives such useful advice and tips.
ReplyDeleteI need to reorganize my house! It's cluttered, and messy. It looks clean, but nothing is organized or well put.
ReplyDeleteIf I had organizational things like this, maybe I'd be better for it!
Love your blog . Always inspiring
sweetness xx
hope to hear from you*!
flyingakite.blogspot.com
Wow, I am going to go get the book as well. I love a good checklist too and struggle to fiugure out ways to stay on task at home. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteCyndy
I make lists for everything - what I'm gong to accomplish that day, grocery lists, house projects - I'm thinking of creating a large house list somewhere instead of rewriting it all the time - the only problem with that idea is that I think it would stress my husband out big time!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
www.bigdandme.com
I love to make lists, but I tend to lose them. Usually in my giant purse. ;) I really need to read Tsh's book! Have seen it several times at Borders and just keep forgetting to pick it up...
ReplyDeleteI love your blog! I am going to be a new mommy VERY soon - like a week - and I am actually a teacher. I was wondering what your part-time job is. I would love to stay at home with my little man, but full-time isn't possible for me. Any suggestions for part-time work??
ReplyDeleteoh Wow! I need to get this book for my sister! She is a major list maker-she makes list for her list! Me on the other hand-I totally fly by the seat of my pants-and *gasp* I dont even take a list to the grocery store! I know, I know! blasphemy!!!
ReplyDeleteBut I have to admit I always wished I was a list maker-and always admired my sister for all her list. hmmmm maybe I need this book instead of her?
I need this book in my life! I'm such a list maker. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThe book looks great! Thanks for sharing! I loved the templates too! I'm working on putting together a home management notebook and some of these are great to add! Thank you! :)
ReplyDeleteI love making lists... maybe a little bit more than I actually like following through with them haha.
ReplyDeleteThis one looks really great though... I like that it allows you to choose three main goals which makes the day seem less daunting :)
xoxo
Jenna
Hmmm. . .am I a list person?? Are you kidding me. I think I have lists for my lists. The list app on my phone is blowing up! Great tips, girl.
ReplyDeleteAm I a list person?! I'm a total list addict. I have lists for everything. I'm trying to get better about sticking to one or two to actually get things done...but...I'm still working on it!
ReplyDeleteThe only thing better than making a list, is marking things off! I don't think I go a day without making a list & then I a list about the first list! Ahh I just LOVE it :)
ReplyDeleteI can't function without a list....and if I didn't work, I'd never get anything done! Love lunch breaks!
ReplyDeleteI am a list person at home and at work. With the phone ringing and MDs asking...I would be lost without my list. :) That being said at home, I do write down things I HAVE done to cross it off. Oh yes....I like to have a sense of completion even before I start. What I would give to fly you up to Louisville and help me RE-organize. School has kinda aided my "slacking" off at home. :)
ReplyDeleteCheers~
e
One of my best list tips is that I create my grocery list on an envelope, that way I can put any coupons in the envelope and don't forget them!
ReplyDeleteahh...I have been meaning to order this book for forever - thanks for the reminder :)
ReplyDeleteI have to say I always love the *idea* of lists like these, but I find it hard to keep up with them. Let us know how the docket works for you long term!!
ReplyDeleteI am a HUGE simple mom fan. Love it.
Believe it or not, I own this book too. :) I'm a total list-maker...I'd be walking around in circles everyday without my "lists." As a bonus, this book also just so happens to be pretty to decorate with...yes, I have "book decor" all over my house, as I know you do too!
ReplyDeleteMendi @ Her Late Night Cravings
http://www.herlatenightcravings.blogspot.com/
What a great resource! Thanks for the info for us list obessed people.
ReplyDeleteHi! My name is Katie and I've been visiting your blog a lot recently. I love your decorating style. Anyways, I just read that book and then shared it with my mother in law. I too loved the Daily Docket. It is the first time that I've stuck with having a household binder, etc. And I have also had the Real Simple grocery lists too. When I ran out, I made my own form (similar to the one on simplemom.net) and just print out a few copies and keep them in my binder for when I'm making a grocery list.
ReplyDeleteI'm a super list person. If it's not on a list - it's not getting done!
ReplyDeleteOh gosh this sounds like a great thing. I don't even work outside of the home but think it could really help me. Thx for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI definitely like to have a to do list when school gets crazy! If I don't, I'm likely to forget something haha
ReplyDelete