Think Aheads

In my on-going quest to become a more organized person, I have realized that I fall short much of the time. I have slacked on holidays around here, as mentioned in my Search for the Perfect Dress post. Several times this summer I have caught myself thinking, "Today is Independence Day and I planned nothing!" I want my children to have fun memories filled with traditions and time together as a family. I am failing!

To overcome this re occurrence in my life I have made myself "Think Aheads." Basically I have set up a reoccurring reminder (nice thing is that it will remind me again next year and the year after) that it's time to think of a particular holiday. This is on my computer with the Outlook program. I thought ahead for all the holidays and birthdays that we celebrate and figured approximately how much time it would time for me to plan, purchase or craft for that event. Some holidays I have given several months to prepare for, others a few weeks.

Then when I am reminded of that "Think Ahead" on my laptop or blackberry I can take out my trusty Holiday Idea binder and start making a list of what I need. So far I am feeling less stressed and find that I am keeping everything simple!

My only problem now is that we are hitting that time of year when so much is happening! I haven't finished Halloween when today I got a reminder for Christmas. Yes, it's September but I am an early shopper!

Recipe Organization

Of late, my recipes have exploded in the cupboard. Maybe blame it on too many tempting dishes that I want to make, or pure laziness; telling myself I will sort through it later.

I like to keep my recipes in a binder. Until now, they were scattered, some shoved in the front for future reference and not in any particular order.

For Christmas I received a new binder to hold my recipes. Each is now organized by appetizer, soups & salads, main course and such. Each category is broken down even further into chicken dishes, pork, beef, pasta, etc.

Each recipe is put into a page protector in case of spills or splashes.

And divided protectors for smaller recipe cards.

The best part is that it looks good enough to keep open on my counter with a cook book stand.