Organize with Apps

"Simplify, simplify, simplify."-Emerson

Spring may have finally SPRUNG! Our snow is melting and the weather man says it is supposed to get up to 58 degrees outside today so I have to keep this post short and go enjoy some fresh air with the kids! 

With spring cleaning in mind, I thought I'd do a quick organization post. With technology these days, I find I am hardly ever without my iphone, so why not share with you some of the things I use to keep the house and family organized with it!

Here are some apps that I cannot live without!

 Pocket Lists

What I use it for: This is your typical, every day, to-do list, but it is completely customizable.You can stream all of your to do items by priority or due order, add due dates/times, notes, and set them to repeat. Lists can also be sent via e-mail. Never forget something again!

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How I use it: I have 4 running lists in my app. To-do, Homeschool, Buy, and Housework. Pretty self explanatory. 

• To do- Regular reminders, for example: thaw out chicken for dinner tomorrow.
• Homeschool-Brief description of our lesson plans for the week with more detail added in the notes section.
• Buy-Things around the house I notice we need to restock: toothpaste, scotch tape, etc.
• Housework-I have my weekly housework schedule entered in with due date reminders and can also add things I want to remember to focus on.

 

Grocery Gadget

What I use it for: Grocery lists...obviously. This app allows for barcode scanning and a built in list of frequent items. You can add pictures of items, coupons, price lists, and aisles. It also allows you to sync your list with your spouse so you can complete the shopping even faster, checking items off the same list.

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How I use it: I have 3 lists set up. Weekly Groceries, Holiday/Special Event, and Around the house. I use them for just that. I have yet to sync the list with my husbands phone, but that sounds like a neat feature!

Baby Connect

What I use it for: This app is amazing. Especially if you are a first time mom. It allows you to track all of your babies activities, set timers and reminders, and also track their growth and development. 

It can become a bit tedious if you try to stay on top of every diaper and feeding, so don't bother using it for that if it becomes a chore. There are many categories I haven't even touched, but the app allows you to organize them so you can prioritize what is important for you to record.

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How I use it: As you know, I have 2 little ones. This app allows you to track multiple children at one time. I have them both entered in, but I track different things for each.

• Kenzie: I track her meals and snacks, naps, activities (i.e. playing, tv time, out of the house, etc.) and I also use the "message" feature to write down any funny little things she says or does throughout the day so I don't forget it for the baby book or blog. :) I also used this app a lot during potty training to keep track of her accidents and potty trips and set a timer to remind myself to take her at least once every hour to the bathroom.
• Klara: Since she is still a baby, her page looks more typical of what most people probably use the app for. I track when she nurses and for how long, diaper changes, sleep/naps, activities, and now solids as well since she's starting. 

The app allows you to prioritize separately for each child so you aren't digging through the buttons trying to find what you want to record. I certainly don't stay on top of every feeding or diaper change, but it is nice on the days we are out of the house or really busy to look down and realize it's been 3 hours since Klara napped last..no wonder she is fussy!

I've also found this app to be a lifesaver when one of the kids is sick. It can get rough when both parents are sleep deprived and caring for an ill little one. I've used to to record temperatures, liquids, and set timers and reminders for medication, that way..even if I doze off, my husband can glance at the phone and know if the baby needs more tylenol etc.

I am an app-aholic but If you have an iphone or an android, these 3 apps are worth every penny.

Off we go to soak up some sunshine!

 

"Organization is like exercise.

It's not very effective if you do it only once; you have to keep at it."

-L.A. Organizing Pro Jill Pollack (jillpollack.net)