Manic Monday: Part Five

Have you missed me?  I have been off to a super busy start to the year!  Lots of changes to my daily routine and latelty blogging fell lower on the priority list.  After adjusting to the new schedule and added responsibilities, I feel like I am back on track.  I want to bring the Manic Monday series to a close by adding one last tip. 

So far we have explored several areas that included simple changes to your day that make a big impact.  I opened the series with getting dressed compelely where I encouraged you to get up and dressed before your kid(s) wake up. A minor change with major impact. In part two I encouraged you to start your day the night before by laying out clothes for the family. A huge time saver in the morning!  I shared my easy approach to meal planning and followed that up with how to stay on top of laundry.  For the last installment I want to share how I keep my day to day running smoothly.  I would not have been able to survive these last few months without it.  My Calendar. 

An essential part for any type A personality.  I have used some type of planner/organizer/calendar since I was in the sixth grade.  I really had my stuff together then and had all of my classes color coded and arranged everything according to importance.  These days it doesn't happen in color but it all gets done!

The biggest part of a calendar is of course using it.  My #1 rule for keeping a calendar, is pencil.  I avoid writing in pen at all costs.  That makes me nervous.  As much as I like planning every little detail of my day, I am well acquainted with how things can change.  Not so much your schedule, but others.  Here is a sample month at a glance view:

 

I keep a paper copy and a digital copy, two digital copies actually.  I take a few minutes out of each day to sync them up.  Usually at night before I head to bed.  I like to review everything for the following day and week.  My old school paper calendar has a month at a glance page and large spaces for the individual days of the week.  For my digital versions I use my iphone calendar and Cozi. 

Cozi is an amazing resource.  I use it mainly to share my calendar with others.  This is great for school events and games that everyone needs to know about.  Each member of the family has their own log in and it's color coordinated.  The best part about it is, It's FREE!  Check it out!

I hope you have learned a trick or two to help you through those crazy Mondays.  I know when I have all of these things working in my favor, life seems a lot less complicated. 

Have any of these tips helped you?  What have you changed?  Were some easier than others?

I would love to hear from you.  Please leave me a comment below.

Stay Fabulous,