A few more bright binder ideas

After my last post, I had a few questions about the other sheet protector-filled binders in my cupboard. Here are a few of my favorites:

· Family Info Binder: This one keeps track of all those papers sent home with my kids for their various activities. Anything from soccer schedules to Brownie Scout phone numbers to preschool weekly themes winds up here. In the binder, I've got 3 dividers for each of my kids (i.e. Jack's calendars, Jack's directories, Jack's misc info). When papers come home, I stick them in here and then bring the binder with me whenever I update the family calendar.
· Receipts Binder: Most of my receipts end up in the trash once I know I won't be returning anything. However, I like to hang on to big ticket receipts just in case I need it for warranty issues. Any single item that's more than $100 goes into a sheet protector in this binder. I've got it divided by the common stores I shop, so I can find things quickly. There's also a misc. divider for all those random purchases.
· Manuals Binder: This one's pretty self-explanatory. I never knew what to do with those annoying instruction manuals that come with every appliance and electronic thing. Finally, I created this binder. Now when I need to remember how to work my phone, check on a warranty, or order extra parts for my vacuum I know just where to look.
· Directories Binder: This one holds all those phone numbers that I need often. Church directories, school directories, neighborhood directories, they all end up here.
· Decorating Ideas Binder: I can't afford anything in the Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware catalogs, but I love to copy their ideas. Rather than hang on to the whole catalog I rip out the pages I like and stick them in this binder. It's divided by room and has a little pack of post-its in the front so I can jot down what I liked about that particular picture. The same concept could work for recipes, family fun ideas, or anything else you tend to hang on to.

I've got a few others binders stashed around the house, but these are the "have to keep it in the kitchen so I actually use it" binders. Just thought I'd pass it on.

Keep important documents organized with this simple binder system

I'm not a fan of file cabinets. They're bulky, expensive and inconvenient. I like everything within reach so I use three-ring binders filled with sheet protectors and keep them in my kitchen cupboard.

One of my favorites is my important documents binder. I've got dividers for Vital Records, Insurance, Mortgage, Cars, Credit Reports, etc. The sheet protectors keep all of these critical documents safe. Each member of the family has a sheet protector in the vital records area. I keep their birth certificates, passports, SS cards, and shot records in it.

The thing I love about this system is its convenience. Whenever I have to make a trip to the DMV, register the kids for school, visit a new doctor, whatever...I just grab the binder. Whatever paperwork they need, I always know I'll have it handy.

It's also great for emergencies. If there was a fire or any other type of crisis, I know that all our critical info is within reach. It's been a great system for me. Just thought I'd pass it on.

Great Home-Canning Solution

Okay, I'll admit it, I'm not much of a canner. In fact, I only do freezer jam because I can't bear to eat the store stuff. You die-hard canners probably knew about this product years ago, but I just discovered it last summer and will never go back to those bulky glass jars again. This handy alternative is made by Ball Canning Co. and sells at WalMart during the summer months. I've been using them for a year now and think they're perfect for my needs.

I had many issues with the traditional glass jars. First off, they are fragile. I usually send my kids down to the basement freezer to retrieve jam for me and when I used the heavy glass version I was always a little nervous about the results. I also hated storing the empty glass jars in my cupboards. They're bulky and take up way too much of my limited cupboard space. Additionally, the rings usually wandered off with my kids over time so that by the time I was ready to can again I had no tops to work with.

These lightweight, dishwasher-friendly, plastic jars solved all those problems. They can be dropped over and over again and the tops won't pop open (the lids are the twist-on type). They empty ones stack neatly in the back of my cupboard and double as cups when I've avoided the dishes for too long. The lids have a little well that allows for easy stacking when full. I can usually stack them 4 high in my freezer which saves me a lot of much needed shelf space.

The only drawback I've found is that they only come in this smaller size. I wrote to Ball to request a larger version and they said they were working on it. Regardless, I think the small version is a great solution for now. Just thought I'd pass it on.

Quick and easy Reward System for your kids

I used to be a complusive chart maker. I would go through phases where I'd make a sticker chart for various things like brushing their teeth, eating their veggies, cleaning their rooms, etc. Unfortunately though, after the 'this new system will solve all my problems buzz' wore off I'd often forget to keep track and the charts would lose their effectiveness. Over time I simplified, and created this simple sticker system.
I bought an inexpensive book of sticker sheets at Target and cut each page into thirds. I printed and laminated each of the kids names and then taped it all into my kitchen cupboard (easy access is key). They each set a goal for what reward they're working for and we jot it down on a post-it and stick it up next to their stickers.
My kids have come up with all kinds of rewards. Anything from having 2 friends over at once to a trip to the video store is fair game.
They earn stickers by doing anything on their own that I happen to notice, like cleaning their room or eating a least favorite food. Generally the stickers end up on their shirt so they can show them off to their siblings, but it doesn't really matter to me...as long as their not on my furniture.
I also use the stickers to break bad habits. For example, when my first grader refused to write her name in lower case letters, I would put a sticker on each paper she brought home with the correct lettering.
When the sticker sheet is empty, they get their reward and a new sticker sheet goes up. It's a simple system, but it seems to work perfectly for our family. For about $5 I've got a 6-month supply of stickers and a chart-free fridge. It's tough to beat that. Just thought I'd pass it on.