After writing my last post on change I received enough comments, and emails to let me know that you all seem interested in the thinking process I go through in planning an event or doing a project in my home.
I almost always sign off my post with....
“Enjoy the Process!" because I am a firm believer in trying to stay in the moment during the process of whatever I am doing. 3X5 cards are one of the tools that help me, "Enjoy the process!"
I just read a post today that actually inspired me to write about the process of using 3X5 cards for my Holiday planning.
If you don’t already read her blog I highly recommend Rebecca’s blog, “Acanthus and Acorn!” Rebecca and I seem to have a lot in common with how we think and organize. Be sure and read her post on how she starts her planning on her Holiday meals,HERE!
When I begin the planning stages of an occasion in my home that involves, company, parties, holidays, family dinners,etc. I get out my 3X5 cards.
"The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one." ~Mark Twain
I have learned to break down my task onto my handy-dandy 3X5 little friends. Another reason I use these handy-dandy cards is they are easy to put away, and very easy to transport in my purse, wallet or a zip-loc bag.
Since we are beginning the Holiday season with Thanksgiving I like to use 3X5 cards to write down what needs to be done. I will have a card with my name on the top of it and a card with sweet Hubby’s name on it.
As I think of things that need to be done I will write it down on my card, or his card. I have found that he works well when he knows what he needs to do,and so do I.
I think he approaches it as he does his task at his job.(prioritize and check off.) It also makes for no mis-communication.(if you know what I mean? I don’t have to hear, “You never told me that!”)
I will also have a card with my menu for the Thanksgiving meal, and a card for the ingredients that I need to purchase at the grocery store.
As I am humming(Yes, I am a hummer) along getting things done, my cards sit on the end of my kitchen breakfast bar for easy access just in case I need to write down a note.
During this time of year I am also overlapping my thought process with visions of Christmas planning.
This is a bit more involved, and usually starts out with making a gift list.
I have a 3X5 card with the name of each person I plan on getting a gift. On the front of the card I have their name, on the back I have gift ideas. As I purchase the gifts I write them on the front of the card, and then I know I am done with that person.
This really helps me when I am out shopping for the perfect gift. I do Christmas gifts, and socks for all my grown children, and three grandchildren. I am a stickler about trying to keep things equitable so having the cards with gifts, and stocking stuffers listed is very helpful.
I don’t actually ,remember when I started using the 3X5 cards, or why. It just made sense to me to do it this way. So much easier, and organized than lots of little list on lots of different types of paper.
This poor woman has to be saying,”Now where did I put that list?!!”
I on the other hand know exactly where my 3X5 cards are at all times.
Today I am going Christmas shopping and you can be guaranteed that I will be carrying my 3X5 cards along with me in my purse.
I hope this little tip will help you:
“Enjoy the Process!” Of:
Planning for the Holidays!!
Kathysue
22 comments:
How did you get that picture of me at my desk up there...lol! YES thats how I am feeling these days...love the 3x5 card thing though. I am a planner,a hummer, a writer downer, a good dicator and a good organizer and occasionally a good procratinator (but always get the job done!! Love that you give hubby his very own 3x5 card,aren't you sweet!!
You have given me a new item to add to my next grocery list....a stack of 3x5 index cards...and I will be thinking of you when I put those babies to use!!
I used 3 x 5 cards when I taught writing classes -- really helped writers who thought they had nothing to say. Way less intimidating than staring at the computer screen with a blank page in front of them or a piece of paper on their desk, just daring them to have a thought. Just helps to get words out and flowing. BUT I have never applied this method to organizing for the holidays and it absolutely comes at the best time! My husband, like yours, does great with a list; in fact, he's driven to get the items checked off his list!
I am working on Thanksgiving and Christmas all at once. It is overwhelming. But these 3 x 5 cards will help me categorize and handle the worries! This morning, I decorated the dough bowl with Thanksgiving decor and worked on the Advent calendar for my oldest grandson. But internally I am worrying about the multitude of tasks surrounding having company for 6 days and managing the feast! So I reach for another cup of coffee . . .
and I really should be shopping sales for Christmas gifts and maybe these 3 x 5 cards will be just the ticket!
Great ideas!
I have a professor whose office looks like this. No lie. She has to meet her guests outside of her office. The only difference is that her office is like this all around her. Granted she is the busiest professor there, reading hundreds of papers and journals, but I really feel for her. Ok-- back to the issue at hand.
I think it is great that you are organized. I count on my hone and iPad but I love this idea. I am an organization freak.
Have a fun day shopping.
Teresa]xoxo
3 X 5 cards are great! I always know where all my 3 x 5 cards are too!
I have to say, I spoiled by the digital age! All of my thoughts go on the iphone now, spoken in, so I never have to look for a pen, thank goodness!!
Stacy
What a fab, fab picture of the lady at the desk. I feel like that in my head sometimes. I love your idea of the little cards. I am a list girl too. Even writing them makes me happy!!
By the way, I really enjoy reading each of your posts. You have a really great blog!
Sarahx
Kathysue, this is an excellent choice. I used to use the 3x5 cards a lot more in high school and college. However, my daughter is the queen of the 3x5 card...lol! It keeps her VERY organized! Great minds, huh? LOL!
Kathysue,
I, like you, truly believe in enjoying the process. I think it is fun to plan a meal that will be memorable for all, to shop with enthusiam of who will be sitting at the table soon and to enjoy the evening with family/friends and not in the kitchen. The key to having fun at my own gatherings is organization and preparation. Actually, for me I need organization in all aspects of life or the breaks are put on until things are organized. I do less if I'm not organized. I love your method of the notecards. I usually write my in a journal and go down the list. Thanks for the new idea. XOXO.
It seems we share something else in common! I usually have several cards going at once with each one dedicated to a specific category. I color-code the titles so it's easy to locate the card I'm looking for.
Hope you had a fun day Christmas shopping, Kathysue!
~ Wendi ~ xo
Oh Kathysue...I am that person with the list on the back of the envelope :( I have been trying to carry a notebook around....that helps a little, but I find that sometimes it is in my car when I need it and in my house...when I am in my car. I'm a mess...
I make many list, loose some, make more. Mine are often on napkins or backs of old envelopes. I try and recycle as much paper as possible. Love the pictures in this blog and I feel that way often. Richard from My Old Historic House.
i have been a 3x51
I like this idea of a 3x5 card! I use small-ish notepaper for lists too :)
It was fun to be featured with you over on Wendi's blog today, thank you so much for your kind words. I am so blessed to call you a friend :)
Nancy xo
I had to laugh at the picture above. That is how i feel. Up to my neck in busy work! I am going to try the 3x5 cards. Great idea!
Oh dear...I am hopeless, I usually don't even make lists. This sounds like a wonderful idea though.
Of course! A brillant and organized approach to holiday planning KS. Especially if you can hand over a pile to someone else. XO
I make lists all the time on small notepaper. I am going to try the 3x5's though, because they sound more substantial and less likely to get lost in the bottom of my purse.
Have a great day, Kathysue.
Best...Victoria
I'll bet you were a teacher's dream student in school! We might have access to a lot of technologically advanced tools for organization but nothing beats pencil and paper.
How did you get my list written on the back of an envelope?
You are an inspiration for organization...but do you ever lose any of the cards? I just bought a little (but cute) spiral notebook for my purse. Isn't it a wonderful feeling to cross things off the list? Your dining table is gorgeous.
Kathysue,
The only thing I keep on index cards are measuremnets for things I am shopping for. I love it when you write these "light bulb" moment posts, because you better believe I will be raiding my teens desks to find some extra cards now!
Thanks so much for the shoutout.
xo,
~R
Hey Kathy Sue 0 found your blog via Annette Josephs blog. I look forward to really go through your site - you have a lot of great ideas.
Loved that photo of the woman with the avalanche of papers. Oh boy - that is me. My home would be picture perfect all the time if I could capture and tame my pile of papers (and with blogging I have more papers - need to feen the furnace with ideas that I glean from magazines!!).
I use 3x5 cards all the time. I have all my faux finishing recipes on these cards. It saves me when I have to look up a clients note - if I have to do a touch up or if another client wants a similar color or finish).
I also use them when I'm staging - they contain everything I need for each room. I ahven't done it for Holday decorating but I will thanks to you post!
Have a happy!
Linda
Post a Comment