Organization Archives

January 28, 2019 by Allie

Ditch the Post-It Notes with Rocketbook

Do you have notes floating around on random scraps of paper? Or maybe you’re a bullet journaler looking for a better way to try new spreads before you make them permanent in your notebook? If you need a place to store temporary information, the reusable Rocketbook may be your answer! This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

I bought a Rocketbook Everlast, and I keep it on my nightstand, so I can use it to clear my head at night before bed. I jot down things to-do that I need to add to my bullet journal in the morning, or scribble notes or ideas about future projects that I don’t want to clutter my bullet journal with because they don’t have a designated time frame.

Rocketbooks are great to carry with you, especially in situations where you can’t use your phone or tablet to set reminders or write something down. It comes in two different styles: the Everlast, which is erasable with a damp cloth, and the Rocketbook Wave, which can be put in the microwave to erase the entire notebook! (There is also a Rocketbook Color book for kids that I’ll be reviewing soon.)

Only erasable Pilot Frixion pens, markers, and highlighters can be used in the Rocketbook. One word of caution: do not leave your notebook in a hot car. The heat could erase your writing! (But, I’ve heard it can be restored by putting your notebook in the refrigerator.)

You can also share your notes to your email, Google Drive, and more using the Rocketbook App, which is really convenient!

I love my Rocketbook. It’s been a very useful tool to incorporate with my bullet journal!

{This post is not sponsored by any company or Amazon. It does contain affiliate links to Amazon. Purchases made through these links support The Practically Green Mom Blog. Please see my disclosure policy for my information.}

January 14, 2019 by Allie

Back to Basics in my Bullet Journal

Last year, I started bullet journaling, and I love it as a way to stay organized. I’m a list maker, and it keeps everything all in one place, but gives me the flexibility to make changes to my planning style as I go. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

I just finished reading The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll (the guy who invented this system – I highly recommend his book!), and it really made me rethink how I’m planning and using my bullet journal. My journal is pretty minimalistic already, aside from color coding. (You can see examples on my Instagram.) However, I find myself starting collections that I don’t need and never finish. (Am I ever going to need to look back and see if I finished the entire series of Parks and Rec? lol)

So, I’m at a crossroads starting my 2019 journal. I’m beginning the year in a new insert in my traveler’s notebook, but I’m not sure if that system is my best option anymore, especially if I really pare down my collections. But, that’s the beauty of a bullet journal compared to other planners. You keep what works, and you change what doesn’t, without having to start all over!

Have you read Ryder’s book and reevaluated how you use your bullet journal? Share your experience in the comments!

September 10, 2018 by Allie

Schoolwork Storage Solution

A new school year has begun, and the kids are going to start bringing home all the schoolwork that they’ve completed (if they haven’t already.) So, how do you decide what to keep? And how do you store it? Continue reading to find out my system for keeping the paper clutter contained! This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Sorting

When my 1st grader brings his folder home each week, I pull everything out and sort it into three piles: definitely keep, maybe, and recycle. The first is self-explanatory. The recycle pile is almost always workbook pages that they completed in class that have no sentimental value. The “maybe” pile is papers (usually artwork) that I could keep, but only if my 7 year old really wants me to. So, we go through that stack together.

Storing

To store the papers I am keeping, I use hanging folders in a weatherproof plastic file bin. The hanging folders are labeled by age (for his daycare, preschool, and Pre-K years) or grade level. I’m not sure if one bin is going to have enough space for all of his school years, but we’ll see.

So far, this storage solution is working well and helps me keep on top of things. Sorting through the papers as they come into the house prevents stacks of clutter from ending up everywhere to be dealt with later.

Share your schoolwork storage solutions in the comments, and check out more organization ideas here!

March 19, 2018 by Allie

My Bullet Journal Supplies

Now that you know the basics of bullet journaling, let’s talk about supplies! As I mentioned before, all you NEED to get started is a notebook and any old pen. But as your journal evolves, you may find that the basics don’t work for you anymore. Here’s how I make my bullet journal more functional for me. Maybe these tips will help you too! This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Many people just use one notebook for everything, mixing their calendars and collections together. When I started off bullet journaling, I did just that. One page would be a weekly spread, and on the next page, a packing list for an upcoming trip. As time went on, I found that to be too cluttered and it was difficult to find things I was looking for. (Though now you understand the importance of an index!)

My current bullet journal is in a travelers notebook with three inserts: one for my calendar, one for collections, and one for notes. I usually carry the notes insert in my purse, then transfer information to either the calendar or collections as necessary. It’s also a great place to do a first draft of new spreads before adding them to the “official” insert.

My pages are color coded using my favorite Paper Mate Flair pens to make important information stand out. The basic layout is in black or gray, and each family member has their own color for appointments/events. I also include my blog posts and related tasks on my weekly pages, so that gets its own color as well.

As time goes on, I could add more inserts to my notebook. I’ve actually been considering separating my yearly collections (books to read, blog calendar, gift ideas) from my long-term collections (home projects, goals, essential oil inventory). That’s what I love the most about using a bullet journal as opposed to a regular yearly planner…the possibilities are endless!

Looking for more info?

Posts about bullet journals
My favorite bullet journal supplies (and a few other things)

March 5, 2018 by Allie

How I Set Up my Bullet Journal

Starting a new bullet journal can be a bit overwhelming. So, if you need some ideas for pages to start with, here’s the basic set-up of my bullet journal. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

If you have the official Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal, most of the pages will already be included, which may be helpful if you’re a bullet journal beginner!

Key

You can have symbols (indicators) for just about anything you want, but I’ve scaled mine down to just a few: appointments, tasks, holidays, and birthdays.

Index

An Index is like a table of contents. I don’t index my weekly calendars, just collection pages that I would like to refer back to later.

Future Log

There are several ways you can log future events in a bullet journal, but my favorite is the Calendex system. You can check out this video by Boho Berry for a more in-depth explanation of how it works.

Calendar Spread

You can do a monthly, weekly, or daily calendar, depending on your needs. Some people use all three! I’ve used different variations of these spreads on my bullet journal journey, and I’m sure it will change again in the future. At this point in my life, I’ve found that a one page weekly spread works best for me. You can see more examples of my various calendar experiments on my Instagram.

Looking for more info?

Posts about bullet journals
My favorite bullet journal supplies (and a few other things)

February 26, 2018 by Allie

What is a Bullet Journal?

If you follow me on Instagram, you probably know that I use a bullet journal for everyday planning, journalling, and note taking. It’s a very effective way for me to keep track of my daily to-do list, appointments, and more. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

What is a bullet journal?

The Bullet Journal was created by Ryder Carroll. It’s an analog (written) system of organization. You can use it simply as a calendar and to-do list, or it can be a way to express your creative side. For most people, it’s a mix of both!

What makes it different from a regular planner?

Bullet journals provide a more flexible way of planning. I’ve used Erin Condren and Plum Paper planners in the past, and the layout of a regular planner just doesn’t work for me. As a stay at home mom, I don’t usually have a lot of appointments or tasks on specific days, but a lot of things to do in a week. Bullet journalling allows me to create a new layout each week depending on what’s going on, or skip a week entirely (if we’re on vacation or something) without wasting paper. It also gives me plenty of space to make collections (lists) for notes, books I want to read, blog post ideas, etc.

Why don’t you just use your phone?

I use my Google Calendar all the time, but I like having things written down, as well. That’s how I kept track of things in high school and college, and old habits die hard, I guess. (Plus, literally checking something off a list is very satisfying. Lol)

How do I get started?

First, pick up a blank notebook (this Leuchtturm dot grid journal is a popular choice) and a pen. Then, start with the basics from the Bullet Journal website.

Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly functional or pretty at the beginning. The beauty of bullet journaling is that it will evolve with you!

You can find more inspiration using the hashtag #bulletjournal on Instagram!

Looking for more info?

Posts about bullet journals
My favorite bullet journal supplies (and a few other things)

March 10, 2015 by Allie

Our New Toy Storage Solution

When we first started house hunting last year, one thing at the top of our must-have list was a playroom for DS. We were fortunate enough to find a house that has one, but (not surprisingly) the toys still migrate all over the place. Since DS’s toy collection has become large quantities of small action figures with tiny little pieces, I knew we needed a new system to get things organized. **This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for supporting PGM!

I started with Sterilite Tall Weave Baskets that fit perfectly in our existing Ikea shelving unit. Then, I had to figure out how to label them. Sticking a label to the bin didn’t seem like a good plan because the bins are textured.

After browsing for ideas on Pinterest, I decided that I definitely needed hanging labels of some sort. So, I ordered these horizontal badge holders. (The colors are so fun!) I used free online clip art for the pictures, and Sharpies to add wording.

The labels are attached to the handle with simple zip ties.

I’m not a super crafty person, but I’m pretty happy with how this project turned out. The toys are all sorted by category, making it really easy for my 3.5 year old to find what he’s looking for. (We all know how preschoolers get when they can’t find the ONE toy that they want!)

I hope this post gave you some ideas for controlling the toy clutter in your own home! Happy Organizing!

{I am affiliate blogger for Amazon.com. By clicking on the links in the above post, you are supporting PGM. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.}

January 14, 2014 by Allie

Clutter Clean-Up: Kids Playroom Organization

It’s a new year, and time to get a head start on your spring cleaning! (FYI I get a little something if you click the links below…*whispers* “support the blog!”)

Today is National Organization Day, and I’m looking for inspiration to organize a playroom because…well…this is my living room (x 1000, because this pic was taken at least one birthday and one Christmas ago, so you can imagine what it looks like now!)

Luckily, we’ll be moving soon (more details on that later, when I actually have them!), and a playroom/gameroom is on our must have list! So, I’ve been searching Amazon for a few things we’ll need.

1) Toy Storage – How cute are these wildlife bins! Available in Fox, Raccoon, Bunny, and Owl. Definitely need one of each!
2) Bookshelf – Sling bookshelves are great, because you can see the book covers, and they’re easily accessible. Anything is better than the stacks of books we have on our shelves now…
3) Rug to hide dirt – I’m not a huge fan of carpet (we don’t have any in our current home), but I would like to have a rug in the playroom to give Little Man a soft place to play on the floor. Obviously, with a two year old, light colored fabrics are a recipe for disaster! I think this gray rug would tie the room together nicely!

{I am an affiliate blogger for Amazon. This post contains affiliate links that support this blog. Please read my disclosure policy for more information.}