There is so much to do and so much more I want to get done. Ever have that feeling? Trying to figure out how to keep it all organized, do the regular every day things that NEED to be done, remembering to account for the scheduled obligations and then fitting in those things you WANT to do can be tough. I'll end up with numerous to-do lists which get lost in the shuffle and then I'll end up setting a reminder for myself to make a to-do list.....telling myself to do a to-do.
Well, we had a big cork board leftover from when I did home day care. Hubs hung it on a leftover nail on the wall and it is in the perfect spot for him to see it when going to/coming from work and I will also see it numerous times through out the day. I figured I would get a bit crafty and make a cork board calendar to help us stay organized and all on the same page.....and I don't have to remind anyone of what we have going on.....he, I mean they, can just take a look and see what the weeks plans are.
So, let's make a cork board calendar!
I started out doing some measurements. Take the total width of the corkboard divided by seven, so each day will have a column. I printed up paper with a large letter for each day and then cut them to the appropriate width for each column. I stapled down headers for each column first and then glued the lettered papers down on those. In hind sight, I could have just glued the sheets with the letters directly onto the cork board, since the ribbon is glued directly onto it anyways.
I then dug through stuff I had and found ribbons. I originally had plans to go get a nice shade of green or something but then reminded myself that I didn't want to spend money on this and I could find odds and ends to do it with at home. I encourage you to do the same. After Christmas, you will hopefully have lots of that stuff sitting around! Glue the ribbon down to form the columns. I used my handy sewing ruler to keep the ribbons straight.
I then put a contrasting ribbon across the bottom to leave a section for tacks, and an envelope to hold the tabs with things that need to be done.
Ready to be filled up!
I've also got a little system for the pins. Red is for to-do items, like cutting the grass or grocery shopping - things that need to get done. Blue is for appointments, things that can't get rescheduled or we are obliged to do. Green is for the stuff we WANT to do, but that isn't a necessity. You've got to be flexible, so this helps us prioritize things and let us know what can be shifted around if need be. I also don't like seeing empty space, so I figure this helps me be more productive and will kind of challenge me to keep things up there. I also put a small envelope under the red ribbon that holds the little paper tabs to write tasks/events and one to hold tabs that will be reused. I simply cut up pieces of paper to use for the tabs, nothing special. You can also flip them over and write on the other side as well, so you don't have to cut as many.
Here is where we are going to take it to another level - at the bottom of each row, you can do some meal planning and post what the planned meal is for each day! Too much? Thought I'd put it out there......do with that idea what you wish.
While this does take some effort to keep up with, it has been surprisingly effective. I knew it was a keeper when Hubs said "Ugh, it's Thursday. I have to change the litter box."
Hope this helps you too!
