As is the case with many challenges, and most best intentions, life happens!

I had intended to jump start this Household Notebook (HN) Challenge today - ready to go first thing in the morning with some pre-written content. But life happened, and we had wee-ones for company over the weekend, so things are getting off to a slower start - and that's OK!

The idea of organizing for planning and reference is supposed to make things easier - not add pressure to an already hectic lifestyle. Remember that as we start moving along! Progress is progress, no matter what form it takes!

I will start today with some basic thoughts on "Getting Started."

• CLHawk, of OrganizedHome message board fame, has written a great series on Supplies! You can find that information here: LINK. Be sure to take a look!
  
  

• So what is a Household Notebook? To start with, it is whatever you want it to be! For me, it is easy and ready access to things that make my home run smoother ...
  
  
  • Things I need to reference on a regular basis, but don't need to carry with me every day
    
    

  • Things the family needs access to on a regular basis, so I'm not stopping everytime someone moans, "Where's the number for the Pizza Den?"

  
  
  If you need more information on all that a Household Notebook can be, check out OrganizedHome here: LINK
  
  

• Assignment: Think about the purpose your Household Notebook will serve! WRITE IT DOWN! Keep it handy - maybe in the front pocket of your new binder - you are going to refer to it often on this journey!

Feel free to share your goals and comments!

The question has come up - will there be a new Household Notebook (HN) Challenge this New Year's?

It's timely enough. Our family needs have changed, so the format of my own HN needs to be revisited. It's time for the quarterly update to bring the information in it current. And, running a Challenge here would be a great motivator to get NotebookHacks back on track.

So the answer is, "Sure! Why not?!" And my questions to you are:

• How's January 7th sound?

• A weekly, themed format?
• 6-8 weeks?

If you are interested in playing, post a comment here.

To register, use the link in the sidebar. Registration requires email verification, and is moderated at the moment. So once you complete the registration and have been approved, you will receive an email with your password.

Once you sign in for the first time, using the link in the email, you can change the password to something easier to remember!

Ah, 'tis the season! All the kids are headed back to school.

Whether you are in the midst of the great supply scavenger hunt, or managing a student-less home, this is a great time to shop for organizational supplies and get a hands-on feel for the new products.

Taking a departure from the classic 3-ring notebook, Mead has updated their Five Star® Class2Class binder. A bold graphic design in blue, pink, red, or black on a soft grey background is hip enough for the most discriminating teen, and conservative enough for the conference room. With a 6 pocket expanding file and a 3 subject notebook, the possibilities are endless.

Imagine this little gem organizing a bill paying system or a decorating project. What about a scaled-down tickler? With pockets for each month's weeks and one for next month, you'd have one left over for an ad-hoc inbox!

If you've downsized your planner to spiral notebooks, this product will give you room to sort and hold papers that you need on the run.

At an MSRP of $11.99, it's definitely a must have!