what's on my iPad?

Let’s see:

565 notes in Evernote

Yes, it goes with me to every meeting. I try to keep everything digital and avoid handwriting notes as much as possible. Sometimes, it’s more practical to write my notes - when there are huge, multi-page documents being reviewed or discussed, but other than that - I put the info in Evernote (which is also on my phone, as well as on my work and home notebooks!). These notes sync like magic!! With the ability to create different notebooks by topic, and also “tag” individual notes within a specific notebook - this app has absolutely revolutionized the way I work and keep track of everything.

36 books (reading through about 5 or 6 currently)

5 sample books (just deciding if I want to buy them or not)

18 magazines in Zinio

20 magazines in Newsstand (LOVE the new WWD app!!!)

(9 issues that need to be downloaded)

a Bazillion apps (always fluctuating thanks to my kids sharing my iTunes account)

(4 apps that currently need updating)

several games (thank you kiddos) - but my FAVE is Backgammon

Twitter (of course) and Facebook (but I’m more active on Twitter for some reason)

Pinterest (just getting started with this new social phenomenon) 

camera & video (iPad2 - YES) - so lots of videos and photos

9 movies!

1 TV show - Million Dollar Decorators (SOOOOO good last year!)

1 music video - I Am A Gummy Bear (thank you, son)

1457 songs

2 podcasts

75 unread emails (whoops!)

NO telling what else, but I’m curious - what’s on your iPad???

don't call it a diary

I take notes and I’m particular about how I take them. 

I have a certain type of notebook that I use to keep pretty much all of my work notes together in. This notebook goes with me to each meeting, presentation and brainstorm that I attend. I sketch in this notebook to help me develop concepts for projects or to help me explain what I’m thinking to others in a meeting. If I’m in a meeting about one topic, but someone brings up a former meeting or different discussion), I would expect to be able to find my notes from that meeting.

I use tabs marked with subjects to help me find just the specific topic that I’m looking for. These tabs might be for important meetings, projects or planning notes for an upcoming fiscal quarter. These help me find what I’m looking for quickly.

It’s spiral bound. No loose sheets to easily lose, leave behind in a different subject folder or get crinkled (neatness is key).

I give each new section of notes a date and topic label - so I can quickly remember what and when certain ideas were discussed or thought of.

I write in pencil (and carry an eraser). I can keep my thoughts as neat and organized as possible with this pencil AND my newest trick is to highlight SUPER important stuff. I LOVE going back over notes with a highlighter (I use pink and green colors!) to help things stand out amongst all of the gray pencil. But I only use the highlighter sparingly. 

Yes, I have been known to pass time in a meeting doodling (no doubt). But, don’t call it a diary. I don’t write personal feelings down in it. It’s completely boring and senseless to a stranger. But to me, this system is priceless!

How do you keep your thoughts organized?

everything in its place

I used to keep my Sharpies and highlighters in their packaging. At some point - I decided to search for a container that would look nice on my desk, fit in nicely with my other desktop accessories, and be functional. I found it at the local antique mall (with my mom’s help). Solid milk glass with leaf pattern, a heck of a bargain for $4. I love it. 

What do you think?

not SO plain

If you are like me and like the idea of having the color coded office with similar files all filed under the same color (which makes things really easy to find later), then you might also like this idea: just use many color sharpies to color code your files. Manilla files are so much less expensive that you can feel a little more free to write ON them (gasp!) and when they get overly destroyed over time - easily replace them. They look neat and - with the label being color coded - still help you stay organized!

Why do people do it?

Hoarding office supplies is a crime.

In some offices.

In other offices, hoarding office supplies ensures that when you realize you need multi-colored hanging box file folders with a 2'' capacity - that you'll have them. THEN you can FINALLY organize your project drawer with a color coding system that will allow you to file and later access documents quickly and easily.

Plus, I plan to share office supplies that I've put on the order list. Really, I do.

Weapon of choice

How do you manage all of the many MANY "to do" lists in your life?

My answer is now very simple - it's the Todo iPhone app. This app allows for multiple running lists. Mine include "work" (of course!), "home," "B&B" (my kids list) and also "paperclip" (for this blog). With this app you can:
- View your entries as one giant list, or by list type
- Add an item on a list you and assign it to whichever list it should belong in
- Note which items are special by adding a star to them
- Set up repeating items (such as a reoccurring deadline)

This app has more capabilities than I've even discovered, but what I have discovered is a very easy method for keeping all of my tasks organized. It's extremely simple to learn and use. There is a free version of this app to try, before you fall in love with this app (full version is $9.99). Enjoy!

Can file folders really make you happy?

Okay - seriously, office storage is usually a pretty boring subject, but has anyone - ANYONE - ever told you about the super-awesome file folder designs at The Container Store? All I can say is that I went and I bought. The way I see it - I'm investing in my own personal job satisfaction of looking great with the best work materials. Yes, they are more expensive, but WAY better looking and more sturdy than the simplicity of classic manila. My favorite design is the Chelsea file folders, but you may be more of a Bloom or Safari type. I'm already trying to determine which work subjects should be so lucky to be stored in the "good" folders. These folders will be used for items that I'll need to access on a regular basis - just to ensure a smile during the busiest, most hectic days.

BTW - the folders are on currently on sale (which is how I discovered them). Worth it!

Things we just plain NEED

Ordering new office supplies brings great joy - let's face it, it's kinda like having Christmas at work when your order arrives! Getting just what you need can really impact performance by keeping things in good order. Here's a couple of items that were ordered today that we just can't live without:

Post-it® Durable Index Tabs, 1" x 1 1/2", Green/Orange/Pink, 22 Flags Per Pad, Pack Of 3

Staples® Hype!™ Liquid Highlighters, Assorted, 5/Pack

Needless to say, cheerful colors are preferred. What are your favorite office supplies?