A Happy Home
Feb. 14, 2007
5:43 PM
My Household Management Binder
I’ve been working on this post for a while, and now it’s time to get it off my desktop while supper is cooking. I hope you’ll find something useful here.
I’ve had a several small binders in various places for quite a while now, and recently upgraded everything into one big fat book. I can hear my friends laughing at me already; they already know that I’m an organizational freakazoid.
One day I stumbled onto Candy’s blogsite and she has a list of people and their binders. It was liberating! Yes! I’m not the only “control weirdo” out there! Truthfully, it was just so wonderful to see so many women that are also looking to manage their households well. If you are looking for inspiration to do your own binder, definitely check out the examples on Candy’s list.
I started with a binder many years ago, with Flylady’s help. If you are interested in organizing your household cleaning, menus, and what not, it is a good place to begin. Although, if I had stumbled upon Candy’s list all those years ago, I may have just started there!
So, for the courageous, for the curious, for the challenge it may bring to you, here is my binder.
The cover is from Bethany , who graciously allows you to print out her artwork. Isn’t it pretty?
You can see how fat my binder really is. I use page protectors with cardstock for the index, sticking on the colored tabs myself so that they will work with the wider page protectors. I cut up the No Greater Joy 2007 calender and used the pages for some of the dividers. Lots of people use really pretty pictures that I can’t seem to find no matter where I look.
The first tab is “My Mission and Ministry”. In here I’ve a copy of A Mother’s Prayer by Amy Vertennich,(it is in her Clean Heart Challenge packet) and the Prarie Muffin Manifesto.
Next is “Calendar”. There is a full school calendar, and then tabs for Jan-Dec. On those tabs I list things such as “car oil changes” or “rotate mattresses”. Whenever I get an appliance or anything that needs care every 6 months or whatnot, I list it here, along with dentist checkups, and such. When a new month comes up, I check this list and make the necessary appointments right away.
Next is “Schedule”. I used Managers of Their Homes to get my schedule tightened up and it has been a blessing. We never, ever, not even once, get it all done, BUT far more gets accomplished than when I went without a schedule. A lot of moms have a schedule, but they just call it a “routine”. Mine just happens to be written down in a format that I can look at when I begin to space out.
Next is “Weekly Cleaning.” Here I have a list of places to declutter for 15 minutes a day, such as “under any sink” or “the freezer”. I keep a list of what I hope to accomplish on each day of the week. Also, I have my month broken down into weeks for deep cleaning areas, such as “Week One: Living and Dining Rooms” followed by what I want to do in there, like “clean under couch cushions” or “clean TV screen.” There are lists of the children’s daily and weekly chores, along with a list of their “rotating chore”, also by a broken down month. Flylady has lots of great lists you can use for ideas.
Next is “Cleaning Helps”. Here I have articles from various magazines that I had saved from how to get out stains, clean appliances, and polish my wood floors.
Next is “Cooking and Menus”. Here I keep our weekly menu, along with inspiration. Here I also keep my list of infant foods, apple uses (which for baking, etc), how to set the table for various courses, etc.
Next is “Pantry Lists”. I keep a copy of my common lists for the market (with aisle numbers), and for the food coop (with order numbers), mainly for changes. I went to Kinkos and made a pad for each list that I just rip off every week. When I am out of lists, I will check back with my binder and make any necessary changes before making new pads.
Next is “Health”. Here I keep a copy of my eye prescription, and articles regarding natural remedies and home treatments for common ailments.
Next is “Herbs”. I love learning about and using herbs. Here I keep my lists of information on herbs, essential oils, and recipes.
Next is “Child Training”. I cut up and put in here Wise Words for Moms by Ginger Plowman, which uses Scripture to teach children how to “put off” bad behavior and “put on” godly behavior. I can quickly look up “complaining” and find Scripture that will help me with that problem. I also keep a list of character traits (click on character checklist) that I got from Heart of Wisdom.
Next is “Homeschool Information”. Here I keep a copy of our HSLDA cards, district forms, and articles on what to do if an official shows up at my door.
Next is “Homeschool Goals”. Guess what I keep in here? I have a list of awards that my children can earn from Keepers of the Faith for inspiration and ideas, along with a lists of what lifeskills they are learning and have learned.
Next is “Weekly Plans”. I have a copy of what we do for schoolwork everyday (sort of like my menu). We’ve never hit it all, not even once. But again, having something to aim for means that even when we fall short, we at least got closer than if we aimed at nothing! I also keep lists of what I hope to do every week, like math assignments and such.
Next is “Reading Lists”. Here are lists of books that are recommended in a variety of places in regards to what is quality children’s literature.
Next is “Teaching Helps”. Here is a hodge podge of notes, ideas, and worksheets that help me. I keep lists of what to do with my toddler, Bible study ideas, journaling ideas, and stuff like that.
Next is “Field Trips”. I keep brochures and information here for inspiration and planning purposes.
Next is “Pregnancy and Birth”. I LOVE pregnancy and birth; it is such a beautiful time and event, and I like to help my friends enjoy it. So here I have lists of foods to eat, how to combat nausea, helpful herbs and essential oils, and recipes for things like labor massage and cooling peppermint leg lotions.
Did you see the barf bag my father-in-law illustrated for me while on the airplane when I was expecting baby #1?
Next is “Holidays”. I so enjoy celebrating God’s HOLYdays. Here I keep lists of Scripture and ideas on celebrating different holidays. I once gave a workshop on Creating Meaningful Family Holidays, so my notes are in there as well. Don’t even ask me about Advent and Christmas; that’s a whole other binder (ala Flylady).
Next is “Rescources”. Here I have recommended reading lists and also a ton of community telephone numbers ready. If I ever need the number for a foodbank, sheriff or even 4-H, it’s in here.
I have five other tabs, one of which is labeled “Animals” for the time we need to deal with that more. Another one is going to be labeled “Emergencies” where I will put in the directions I have for how to start the generators, turn off the gas lines, etc. Two tabs are currently blank. The last tab is labeled “Contacts” for addresses, but I think I will also keep a smaller book by the phone. I mean, truly, who wants to heft this thing to the phone every time a telephone number is needed?
There you have it. The best thing I love about my binder is that it frees up my mental space. I don’t have to think about what to make for dinner, or what chores should be done today, or what homework to assign. I already sat down and did that thinking, and I make plans to revisit the whole thing again every few months, making changes as necessary. I actually enjoy thinking about ways to better run my home and like trying out new things. In the meantime, I can just relax and enjoy a pleasant and (mostly) smooth running household. That, for me anyway, is worth the time spent putting it all together.
I’ve had a several small binders in various places for quite a while now, and recently upgraded everything into one big fat book. I can hear my friends laughing at me already; they already know that I’m an organizational freakazoid.
One day I stumbled onto Candy’s blogsite and she has a list of people and their binders. It was liberating! Yes! I’m not the only “control weirdo” out there! Truthfully, it was just so wonderful to see so many women that are also looking to manage their households well. If you are looking for inspiration to do your own binder, definitely check out the examples on Candy’s list.
I started with a binder many years ago, with Flylady’s help. If you are interested in organizing your household cleaning, menus, and what not, it is a good place to begin. Although, if I had stumbled upon Candy’s list all those years ago, I may have just started there!
So, for the courageous, for the curious, for the challenge it may bring to you, here is my binder.
The cover is from Bethany , who graciously allows you to print out her artwork. Isn’t it pretty?
You can see how fat my binder really is. I use page protectors with cardstock for the index, sticking on the colored tabs myself so that they will work with the wider page protectors. I cut up the No Greater Joy 2007 calender and used the pages for some of the dividers. Lots of people use really pretty pictures that I can’t seem to find no matter where I look.
The first tab is “My Mission and Ministry”. In here I’ve a copy of A Mother’s Prayer by Amy Vertennich,(it is in her Clean Heart Challenge packet) and the Prarie Muffin Manifesto.
Next is “Calendar”. There is a full school calendar, and then tabs for Jan-Dec. On those tabs I list things such as “car oil changes” or “rotate mattresses”. Whenever I get an appliance or anything that needs care every 6 months or whatnot, I list it here, along with dentist checkups, and such. When a new month comes up, I check this list and make the necessary appointments right away.
Next is “Schedule”. I used Managers of Their Homes to get my schedule tightened up and it has been a blessing. We never, ever, not even once, get it all done, BUT far more gets accomplished than when I went without a schedule. A lot of moms have a schedule, but they just call it a “routine”. Mine just happens to be written down in a format that I can look at when I begin to space out.
Next is “Weekly Cleaning.” Here I have a list of places to declutter for 15 minutes a day, such as “under any sink” or “the freezer”. I keep a list of what I hope to accomplish on each day of the week. Also, I have my month broken down into weeks for deep cleaning areas, such as “Week One: Living and Dining Rooms” followed by what I want to do in there, like “clean under couch cushions” or “clean TV screen.” There are lists of the children’s daily and weekly chores, along with a list of their “rotating chore”, also by a broken down month. Flylady has lots of great lists you can use for ideas.
Next is “Cleaning Helps”. Here I have articles from various magazines that I had saved from how to get out stains, clean appliances, and polish my wood floors.
Next is “Cooking and Menus”. Here I keep our weekly menu, along with inspiration. Here I also keep my list of infant foods, apple uses (which for baking, etc), how to set the table for various courses, etc.
Next is “Pantry Lists”. I keep a copy of my common lists for the market (with aisle numbers), and for the food coop (with order numbers), mainly for changes. I went to Kinkos and made a pad for each list that I just rip off every week. When I am out of lists, I will check back with my binder and make any necessary changes before making new pads.
Next is “Health”. Here I keep a copy of my eye prescription, and articles regarding natural remedies and home treatments for common ailments.
Next is “Herbs”. I love learning about and using herbs. Here I keep my lists of information on herbs, essential oils, and recipes.
Next is “Child Training”. I cut up and put in here Wise Words for Moms by Ginger Plowman, which uses Scripture to teach children how to “put off” bad behavior and “put on” godly behavior. I can quickly look up “complaining” and find Scripture that will help me with that problem. I also keep a list of character traits (click on character checklist) that I got from Heart of Wisdom.
Next is “Homeschool Information”. Here I keep a copy of our HSLDA cards, district forms, and articles on what to do if an official shows up at my door.
Next is “Homeschool Goals”. Guess what I keep in here? I have a list of awards that my children can earn from Keepers of the Faith for inspiration and ideas, along with a lists of what lifeskills they are learning and have learned.
Next is “Weekly Plans”. I have a copy of what we do for schoolwork everyday (sort of like my menu). We’ve never hit it all, not even once. But again, having something to aim for means that even when we fall short, we at least got closer than if we aimed at nothing! I also keep lists of what I hope to do every week, like math assignments and such.
Next is “Reading Lists”. Here are lists of books that are recommended in a variety of places in regards to what is quality children’s literature.
Next is “Teaching Helps”. Here is a hodge podge of notes, ideas, and worksheets that help me. I keep lists of what to do with my toddler, Bible study ideas, journaling ideas, and stuff like that.
Next is “Field Trips”. I keep brochures and information here for inspiration and planning purposes.
Next is “Pregnancy and Birth”. I LOVE pregnancy and birth; it is such a beautiful time and event, and I like to help my friends enjoy it. So here I have lists of foods to eat, how to combat nausea, helpful herbs and essential oils, and recipes for things like labor massage and cooling peppermint leg lotions.
Did you see the barf bag my father-in-law illustrated for me while on the airplane when I was expecting baby #1?
Next is “Holidays”. I so enjoy celebrating God’s HOLYdays. Here I keep lists of Scripture and ideas on celebrating different holidays. I once gave a workshop on Creating Meaningful Family Holidays, so my notes are in there as well. Don’t even ask me about Advent and Christmas; that’s a whole other binder (ala Flylady).
Next is “Rescources”. Here I have recommended reading lists and also a ton of community telephone numbers ready. If I ever need the number for a foodbank, sheriff or even 4-H, it’s in here.
I have five other tabs, one of which is labeled “Animals” for the time we need to deal with that more. Another one is going to be labeled “Emergencies” where I will put in the directions I have for how to start the generators, turn off the gas lines, etc. Two tabs are currently blank. The last tab is labeled “Contacts” for addresses, but I think I will also keep a smaller book by the phone. I mean, truly, who wants to heft this thing to the phone every time a telephone number is needed?
There you have it. The best thing I love about my binder is that it frees up my mental space. I don’t have to think about what to make for dinner, or what chores should be done today, or what homework to assign. I already sat down and did that thinking, and I make plans to revisit the whole thing again every few months, making changes as necessary. I actually enjoy thinking about ways to better run my home and like trying out new things. In the meantime, I can just relax and enjoy a pleasant and (mostly) smooth running household. That, for me anyway, is worth the time spent putting it all together.
Blessings,
Keri Mae
Keri Mae
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Comments
Feb. 14, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous Wow, you have left me speechless... : )
Feb. 14, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by eclecticeducation Wow! That is a nice binder! I am still working on mine so I love seeing other people's work for ideas. Thanks for sharing.
Feb. 16, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by MasonMoments That is an amazing binder! I am so unorganized and long to get myself together and need to sit down and do something along those lines. Can I have yours? :)
Feb. 18, 2007 - I've got a file cabinet--does that count?
Posted by bbullard Ha ha! Seriously, this is impressive. I need to streamline my files as there are a number of files which need shredding, so I will revisit this post--hopefully before 2008! I may not have all the categories and tabs, but it would be nice to organize my homeschooling treasures better before I begin formally educating my second set (the three-year-old). Thanks for sharing, Keri.
Jul. 27, 2007 - your binder
Posted by Anonymous Can you make me one too???? Wow, I tried to make on early in 06, did it for several months, then for some reason after I had Caleb it all fell to pieces and I am still trying to get back on track.
I hope to do better this year after I have this little bit. I have a blog over here just can't remember the sign in stuff. Stop by and say hi.
www.homesteadblogger.com/rldranch
Blessings,
Debi
I hope to do better this year after I have this little bit. I have a blog over here just can't remember the sign in stuff. Stop by and say hi.
www.homesteadblogger.com/rldranch
Blessings,
Debi
Jul. 30, 2007 - Your beautiful binder
Posted by Anonymous Hello, I just love the look of your binder and I am in the process of setting one up, I do have a question though that you may be able to answer...I have a 3 inch binder and when I put the page protectors in it and then stick on the tabs when you close the binder they stick out past the edge making it look well not very nice, is yours like that?, where did you get your binder?? I just got back from the store from purchasing a 2 inch thinking maybe that would help, It did not, so now I don't know what to do....
Thanks in advance for you help..
Blessings, Joann
messyjo@sbcglobal.net
Thanks in advance for you help..
Blessings, Joann
messyjo@sbcglobal.net
Jul. 31, 2007 - Question answered...
Posted by AHappyHome To answer your question, yes, my tabs to stick out a little bit, but not too much. My binder has clamps that stay flat on the table when I open the binder (in other words, the front doesn't pull all the papers when I open it up). I don't know if that would help. I got it at Staples. I tried using tabs that were on prebought pages, but they disappeared under the plastic sheets (and that made them worthless), so having them stick out a little bit was worth the ease of finding what I needed.
As an aside, I am finding my "herb" section getting too large for this binder, so I am starting a whole new one just for that. That's the beauty of a binder; everything in one place for as long as you need it, and an allowance to let things change as needed. Your binder is YOURS.
Hope this helps.
As an aside, I am finding my "herb" section getting too large for this binder, so I am starting a whole new one just for that. That's the beauty of a binder; everything in one place for as long as you need it, and an allowance to let things change as needed. Your binder is YOURS.
Hope this helps.
Aug. 7, 2007 - Love your binder
Posted by sweethome I love your binder! Where do you get all the good pictures? I love nostalgic images from bygone eras, especially the 1940's.
I've done searches and can't seem to find what I'm looking for. Any suggestions?
I'm in the process of getting my binder together and I'm so excited about it. I'm already a pretty organized person, but it's all in my head. This is going to free up my mental space and give me much more relaxation and joy.
Hey, I noticed you had a museum of flight pamphlet - is that the one in Seattle by any chance? :)
Thanks for all you shared with us!
I've done searches and can't seem to find what I'm looking for. Any suggestions?
I'm in the process of getting my binder together and I'm so excited about it. I'm already a pretty organized person, but it's all in my head. This is going to free up my mental space and give me much more relaxation and joy.
Hey, I noticed you had a museum of flight pamphlet - is that the one in Seattle by any chance? :)
Thanks for all you shared with us!
Aug. 7, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by AHappyHome Yes, I'm close to Seattle :)
The only picture I can think of is the cover, and there is a link to that source. I know a lot of people have found really great pictures from allposters.com You could also just find a calendar you really like, and cut it up for your use. Also, you could purchase or find a used wallpaper book, or an old book on a particular artist and cut those up as well. Or.....how about letting your children draw up some pictures?
Have fun!
Keri
The only picture I can think of is the cover, and there is a link to that source. I know a lot of people have found really great pictures from allposters.com You could also just find a calendar you really like, and cut it up for your use. Also, you could purchase or find a used wallpaper book, or an old book on a particular artist and cut those up as well. Or.....how about letting your children draw up some pictures?
Have fun!
Keri
Aug. 28, 2007 - Your Binder
Posted by momblog WOW, what an amazing binder. I love how you gave us photos and details and links to where you got your stuff. I am starting my Home Management Journal tonight. I wish I had heard of these 20 years ago or even started one 10 years ago. Oh the waste....
Thank you for sharing!!!!!
Thank you for sharing!!!!!
Oct. 13, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous my dream god bless you
Dec. 21, 2007 - Awesome Home Management Binder
Posted by Anonymous I have been looking at all the examples I could find and I must say I am most impressed with yours! You have given me alot of great ideas with your different sections, and I will be incorporating some of them into my own binder to make it more useful for my family. Thanks for sharing !
Jan. 31, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous Dearest Keri Mae, hello there! Wow i am really inspired by your HMB! I know this sounds silly, but it has brought me near tears to see your dedication to detail. So many important aspects in your book that makes me feel safe and secure in the guarding of my home. You are a great example and i feel very blessed that you have shared. I am on my way in your footsteps! God Bless you. Christine
Feb. 11, 2008 - herbal remedies, labor remedies, essential oils
Posted by laurie If you have time would you please email me your links regarding your favorite herbal remedies, labor remedies and essential oils. My email is rudy6219@hotmail.com. Thank you. God bless,
Laurie
Laurie
Mar. 31, 2008 - Wow!
Posted by classymom07 I thought I was a "Binder Queen"! LOL! I am just a baby... Actually, I saw the link to your blog when I did a search for homeschool mommy binders. I was all prepared to just buy something, but you made me want to organize my own a little more. I can personalize it any way I want. Thanks for posting the pics.
Jun. 29, 2008 - Your binder
Posted by Anonymous I am so inspired by your home binder! I am a nut for orginization and am passionate for my home. I have most of the idems from your binder in various places on miscellanious sheets of paper. It never occurred to me to put it all together, but it is so obvious! Thank you so much for sharing your binder! I can't wait to make one for my home!!
In Christ's Love,
Stacy Bakos
Goodyear, Arizona
In Christ's Love,
Stacy Bakos
Goodyear, Arizona
Jul. 8, 2008 - control journal
Posted by Anonymous I had to laugh when I went onto your sight from Candy's. I am also a former flybaby. I have updated my control journal with scripture. Small world.
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