A Few Organizing Ideas

When I started this blog a couple of weeks ago, one thing that I mentioned that I really wanted to do is to share organizing ideas.  There were some really nice comments regarding My Little Holiday Book, so I decided it was time to share some more of my "quirky" but time-saving ideas.

Something that I've been doing for years, even though we haven't had children at home for a long time, is meal planning & a detailed grocery list.  Recently I added a Shopping/Errands list that has been invaluable. I was planning to share these 2 lists with you in a "rtf" format that you could copy if you wanted, but haven't been able to do that.  If after looking at the photos & hearing my explanation, you would like to have these 2 forms to update to your own specifications, I think I could successfully email them to you.  Maybe just showing a couple of photos of them,  might inspire you to put one together on your computer that would totally reflect where & how you shop.  Here are pics of these 2 lists.  I have sized mine to fit my daytimer which is 5 x 8 1/2 (this allows me to get 2 forms per page landscape style).  I simply print these 2 lists back-to-back, make a bunch of copies, then cut them apart & punch holes.  If you are more techno-minded, this could easily be left on your computer & just printed out when you are ready to go shopping.

My grocery store of choice is Walmart,  because we have 3 Super Centers in our town & they have started carrying more organic & healthier choice items that we like.  My list reflects how items are grouped in the store, rather than aisle-by-aisle which could change too often.  As you can see, I've pre-printed quite a few items in each category that I purchase on a regular basis, so I can just circle those & still have space to add any extras.  Doing this really helps me to not forget things; because as much as I enjoy cooking, I do not enjoy shopping for the food.

I plan menus for 2 weeks at a time and only shop every two weeks.  Of course, I have to go back one extra time to get additional fresh produce, but that can be a super quick trip.  My list fits on this little clipboard & I've taped on an envelope for coupons.

I have tried over the years to go paperless, but I just like jotting things down or being able to add a little sketch of something I might want to look for when I'm shopping.  As for the Shopping/Errands List, I have listed every store in our town that I might ever shop in & tried to leave plenty of room for scratching off & adding to it.  As you can see, I've given Joanne's & Michael's extra space!  The key to making the list work for you is to remember to take it with you.  After I've finished my grocery shopping for the 2-week period, I may or may not carry the clipboard for any other shopping.  I usually just fold up my list, paper clip any coupons for my favorite stores onto the list & tuck it into my purse.

Again, I realize a lot of you are much more into the current technology than I am & this may seem ridiculously simplistic.  I agree, it is super simple but it works for me & might just work for you.  I would be very happy to email one or both lists to anyone who wants them.  Please email your request to:       castebner@aol.com  & specify which list you want.  I'll try to check often & get them sent to you. 


Now I'm off to start the cutting process of quilts I'm making for 2 of my grandchildren for Christmas.  Thank you for stopping by & come back soon.
Carol


I'm happy to be sharing this info on    Vanessa's Inspiration Fridays