Simple Living Sunday: Frightfully frugal organising

My Frightfully Frugal Planner

I’m away visiting friends this weekend so I thought I would leave you with a look at the way I keep track of what I'm doing. Here's my "planner"

Pad of planning sheets: $3

washi tape: $2

coloured pens: a gift for a young person that never happened : cost back then/now free on hand

 

I love fussing around, designing weekly planning formats freehand or on the computer. I always reused  A4 paper until I succumbed and bought this pad of weekly planning sheets at a $2-type shop. I actually thought it was a weekly planner but it is, in fact, a monthly planner. It cost me $3. I write up the headings each week and away I go. Headings  include: maybe, definite, meals, to buy, to do, to call, next (next week) and goals.

Maybe: what I need to do on that day, recorded ahead of time
Definite: what I aim to do on that today, recorded and updated on the day

I do use a monthly diary and I usually stick  the weekly planning sheets in there. I reuse bits of paper as shopping lists and I use the back of the sheet when I need more space.

The washi tape is a new addition to my organising palette. And I love it. Yesterday I couldn’t run because I had my nephew’s birthday. Imagine my (ever so simple) delight when I realised I could just lift the tape off Monday and move it ever so easily onto Tuesday. Along with my beautiful markers it all looks bright and colourful.

I love sitting down and planning what I’m going to do. I do have to be careful that I spend at least as much time doing, not just planning and dreaming. Somehow a well-planned week in theory helps me have a well-planned week in practice.

Goals, Goals, Goals- January

It's 10.30 at night and the hot day is finally giving way to some cooler breezes. I think I can smell rain in the air.
I thought his evening I'd take a look at my January goals and start to look at what I'd like to achieve for February.

January Goals

WELL-BEING

Ride my bike.  I've begun and it felt great. Now I just have to make it a regular gig and hope that my legs can sustain the practice.  (ALSO GREEN)
Exercise 3X a week. Hmmm, getting there. After a good start I've found it hard to maintain the routine when it can be so hot and when I have young people in my care. I started back at yoga. I've walked and I've ridden my bike. Feels good!
TV Free Tuesday. Back into it for 2012. Feels weird but I couldn't help noticing how much I got done on those days without TV. Loads got done! I think I'm also starting to see myself as a more discerning viewer which is pleasing.  (ALSO GREEN)
Pamper myself for the holidays. Yes, I did. I had a pedicure and manicure and I dared to choose a very bold turqoise colour which is great for summer.
Go to the theatre (=go out). Well it was booked out at the time I wanted to go so I've booked it for February.

SAD
Listen, really listen!  I think I've done well but it's so much easier on holidays.

FOOD and HOME

Cooking. I tried three new recipes. I'm proud of my attempts but the results were disappointing. Edible. Just!
Building maintenance. I'm dealing with unfamiliar areas which means I delay and avoid, avoid and delay. Last week I called for quotes so let's see if I can make things happen for February.


I've enjoyed having time this month to focus on goals and organisation but I have noticed that as soon as other things come up my routine goes out the window.

February Goals

SAD GOALS

• Listen. Really listen. Major focus starting back at work this week. (Remember, it's not about me!  Ask questions.)

WELLBEING

• Exercise 3 X a week.
• Ride my bike at least once a week with a view to doing one shopping trip.
• Drink lots of water at home and at work.

PERSONAL

• Organisation: Try to carry over my good holiday habits into work time. No. 1 : Go over schedule each evening. Check, update, plan.   Maintain routines. Maintain my desk area as a command centre.

FOOD and HOME

• One new recipe this month.
• Try to bake once a week.
• Pursue maintenance goals.
• Maintain house cleaning routine.  Taken from  "The Organised Housewife", "Flylady" and "Becci's Domestic Bliss".

Most of these goals continue from last year. My major focus for February needs to be LISTENING  and DAILY SCHEDULE TIME. 


I had wanted to begin one cyber free day a week. I'm not sure that I can do it both for practical reasons and for reasons of personal weakness!!! But I do wander if there's not a way I can use the computer more effciently and reduce the wasteful time I spend on it. Something to think about this month.

My KikkiK D-I-Y calendar

How do you manage your internet usage? Any suggestions for using the computer more efficiently?

Goals and Challenges

I am still on holidays and I am still loving the time I have to work around the house and in the garden. I'm trying to do the "Let's Get Organised" challenge on Becci's Domestic Blitz. So far so good. I've happily adapted the challenges to suit my lifestyle. To see a clean, clear bench and sink every day is wonderful. I thought it was so hard to achieve. Here's evidence:

WEEK  ONE

• Put away Christmas decorations.  DONE
• Do one load of washing each day CHANGE TO Do two loads of washing a week. DONE
• Clean the sink and make it shine. DONE. I just gave it a good clean and got rid of all the bits and pieces that have accumulated over time. And go to bed every night with dishes done!!

WEEK TWO

• Keep sink clean every day. Yes.
• Do two loads of washing a week. One done, one to go.
• Sort out kids' school clothes and school items for the year. I don't have children but I have been looking after a young girl who has so many clothes  and things. I will sort out her things into smaller bags and make sure her uniform is ready for the start of the school year. By then she'll be moving on so it would be good for her and her new family if things are easily located.
• Organise a homework station. I'm going to work on my desk. It's useless. It's extremely uncomfortable. Let's see what I can come up with.