Back to College Day 1

Afternoon Everyone,

I have been planning and planning how I am going to put all this together, just in time to make sure everything gets done and nobody forgets anything before we all head off over the next couple months. 

     I am a huge notecard, sticky note, planner lover! Over the last 3 years I have been pinning everything and anything to do with college on Pinterest and I finally decided to organize it all. Because space is limited in the dorms I didn't want to have to take too many binders filled with life information so I found an even simpler way to do things. 

     All of my simple college girl recipes are on notecards and I put a ring through them. This way they are easy to keep track of all being in one place without taking up a ton of room. (Watch tomorrow for smoothie making 101) This way I can keep all my smoothie recipes in one place and have them handy for using with my Magic Bullet. For the next year we will only need those simple recipes because at some point we will become sick of eating dorm food and want something that reminds us of home even if its that smoothie mom made us as kids.

     My best friend is going all the way to Arizona for school next year and I am scared out of my mind to loose her. So what do I do to make myself feel better? Help her organize her life! Over the last three months I have been making her a set of notecards with everything she will ever need to know for her next four years. They include everything from how to build your credit to how to make a grilled cheese in a dorm room. Watch for upcoming post that include what is in Lyndsey's College Guide 101! 

     Sticky notes basically keep me running most days. I have so much going on all the time that I often forget what the heck I am doing. I got sticky notes to match my new planner and when I need to remember something really important I write it down and stick it somewhere on my laptop because then I will remember to do whatever is so important. 

I've gotta get working on these next posts, so order your magic bullet while you wait!

Until Next Time xoxo

College Freshman Series

Welcome Back Everyone,

     My time has finally come after many years on anticipation and I am finally a college freshman. After a crazy and hectic senior year, I never thought this day would come! Over the next two weeks I am going to work really hard at designing the best possible guide to heading off to college whether you're a freshman heading into the dorms or a senior veteran. Because organization is my thing!

Some of our topics are:
- Dorm Room 101
- Electronics/ Apps
- Care Packages
- Organization
- Check Lists
- DIY
- Mini Fridge/ Snacking
- Planners/ Class Organization

     Watch soon for the first post!

xoxo Until Next Time

Accounting Assistance

     Have trouble keeping your finances in order each month? Or simply don't want the hassle of spending time on that? You've ended up at the right blog, because I am here to solve all those problems for you.


Simply send me an email including the following:
- Monthly expenses labeled and with the due date of each bill
- Estimated cost each month for groceries, gas, etc
- Current balance to date of all bank accounts
- Credit Card Balances
- Any Money goals you may have

Can't wait to help 

& 

Happy Organizing

Email: dickey.madison@gmail.com

An Organized Life

The key to a happy life is an organized life. Then you are able to spend more time doing things that make you happy, just like I am happy writing this blog to make your lives better. My goal for 2014 is to learn to keep everything in one place and not have to drag as many notebooks around with me as I did this last year. Because those notebooks; went to my office, then back to my home office, then in my truck since leaving home without them was never an option.

I moved all my scrapbooking and craft supplies from the holiday season into a plastic bin and then into the closet because realistically I don't use them enough to keep everything all over the place. So in the closet they went until my next craft project comes about.

I completely organized my desk and tried to reduce my paper use and keep mostly everything on my laptop. Besides a few file folders and a standup, the only other thing on my desk is my laptop and lamp. In the standup I have a section for; bills, school, and college paperwork. This way I don't have a bunch of "stuff" all over it that I honestly don't need.

I pay all my bills online. I don't need monthly credit card statements coming in the mail or bank statements. The only bill I don't pay online is my horse boarding which I pay in cash the third week of every month. I try to sit down on the first of each month and pay all my bills and figure out my budget for the rest of the month. I no longer carry a debit card but that is for another post! :) Pay everything online that way you don't have papers everywhere all the time.

On my whiteboard calendar above my desk I make out my schedule. This includes; shifts at work, barrel races/ rodeos, yoga classes, and when all my bills are due. This way I never forget a thing and can see what I have going on in the future.

Get Organzied & Have a great year! 

Working from Home

     Staying organized is the key to working from home, but the best part of all being in your pajamas the whole day! Although sometimes it can be hard to focus because you are at home and surely there is a million other things you can be doing. I do go into the office most of the time but there are certain projects I take home to do in my spare time.

     A mini whiteboard was the best purchase I ever made, daily I make a list of everything I need to get done including appointments I have. This gives an outline of my day separate from my planner. This whiteboard holds my life!

     I also have a whiteboard monthly calendar I use for important dates, meetings, and deadlines. Outlining my month helps me to plan out better what I need to work on to make sure it is done on time.

     Have a separate space, it's essential. This will help to keeping in the zone and knowing when you are at that desk you are only there for work. When you need a change of scenery head to Panera or Starbucks, have lunch watch your favorite show on Netflix and then get to work for the afternoon!

Happy Working xoxo

Stocking Stuffers

     For most a stuffed stocking is the best part of Christmas morning, and it doesn't have to break the bank. Stores make it reasonable to pick up stocking stuffers, for example last night at Bath & Body Works I found mini hand lotions for 3 for $12. Can't beat it! Great items for stockings can also be found in the dollar bins at Target as you walk in the door.

General: 
~ Candy: you can even buy this at the dollar store just make sure to watch the best by date
~ $5 Gift Cards: Nothing beats a gift card to Starbucks or their favorite restaurant
~ Magazines
~ Slipper Socks: You can find them EVERYWHERE
~ Winter Accessories: Sets come really cheap at Target
~ Bookmarks: Have a family bookworm? Make them some adorable bookmarks
~ Movie: or even movie tickets!
~ Pajamas: Cute winter pajamas are always fun to get
~ Umbrella: Cute Funky umbrellas are always a must

Adults: 
~ Phone Case
~ Nail Polish
~ Chapstick
~ Wine Stopper
~ Lotto Tickets
~ Candles: The ones from Bath & Body Works smell soooo good!
~ Cookie Cutters
~ Magnets
~ Coffee Mug: Starbucks always has adorable ones
~ Elf Make Up: Watch for what to have & what not to have coming up on here soon
~ Headphones
~ Lotion: They have great travel ones at Bath & Body Works
~ Mini Sewing Kit: Practical!

Happy Stuffing xoxo

Affordable Gifts Under $5

     Are you one of those people who wants to get everyone a gift, but don't have a huge pocket book? I have been searching for affordable gifts perfect for teachers, colleagues, and peers at school.

Hot Chocolate Art
Decorate a can of hot chocolate with themed paper to go with the holidays and include a few candy canes. You can find all this at the dollar or discount store!

Tile Coaster
Pick up tiles at Lowes or Home Depot for a very reasonable price and paint from Michaels or Joann Fabric's and decorate them. You can give someone an entire set of coasters for less than $5.

Mason Jar Sewing Kit
Put together sewing kits into mason jars which can be picked up at the dollar store

Bread in a Bottle
Place all the dry ingredients into a bottle or mason jar for a quick bread like muffins. Then attach a tag with the baking directions and liquid ingredients needed!

Key Holder
Pick up the hardware and fabric needed for key holders at your local craft store, you can make tons of these for very reasonable.

Baking Kit 
Put together a baking kit in a box with sprinkles, cupcake accessories, and dry cake mix. This is extremely creative and is a great gift for neighboring families.

Happy Holiday Shopping xoxo