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Apr 18
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Google Keep: Learn the Basics + Use Key Features

By Blog, Checklists, Digital Minimalism, Digital Organizing No Comments

 

 

Are you someone who makes it all the way to the grocery store before you realize you forgot your shopping list?

 

Or do you just like to wing it? No list at all, taking the risk of wasting money on duplicate ingredients that you already have at home?

 

If you fall into either of these categories or you’re just looking for ways to uplevel your grocery process… then you definitely need this time-saving, note-taking, checklist Google Keep app to simplify your life today.

 

Plus, I’ll be showing you how to share your shopping lists with others so that you can delegate tasks and free up your own time!

 

What is Google Keep used for?

 

If you’re anything like me, I’ll often remember while I’m out and about that I had to pick something up, but then realize I left that sticky note at home so I’m not too sure what it was. This happens so often when I’m driving by a grocery store, hardware store, or in an area of town that I know I had some errands to do in.

So I’ll let you in on my secret… I have a favorite app for shopping lists, errand reminders, and notes, all in one place.

 

This magical solution is called Google Keep!

 

I’ve used this daily and consistently for many years and have found that it saves me so much time and stress on my weekly shopping trips.

 

I’ve tested many other apps but they just didn’t work for me. They weren’t easy to share with others, they costed more money than I felt they were worth, and they weren’t simple enough to use on all kinds of devices.  

What I love about Google Keep is that it works on iOS and Android devices, as well as the good ol’ fashioned desktop computer!

During the week when I notice I’m running low on my favorite coconut yogurt, dish soap, toilet paper, batteries, or other household items, I can simply add them to one of my Google Keep Lists.

 

If there’s a specific brand I like for something, I can also snap a photo and add it to the Grocery List in a pinch.

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How to use Google Keep Notes

 

I’m sure you shop at a few different grocery stores, so I recommend you have one running grocery list. This way, you can refer to it while you’re out at any location. Now if you decide to pick up a few items for dinner, you’ll have your handy list at your fingertips and can cross things off at the same time!

 

I recommend you create shopping lists for the types of stores you frequent on a regular basis.

 

The lists I love to have and recommend you make in your own Google Keep are the following,

  • Costco
  • Home Depot or a Hardware Store
  • Drug Store
  • Garden Center
  • Office Supplies
  • Errands  

 

You can even add your packing lists and other notes in here too, but that’s a whole other story for another time 😉

 

 

Can you share Google Keep with others?

 

Now, here’s the best part of Google Keep. This feature saves me time and it’s how I’ve been able to delegate household grocery shopping to my husband so I don’t have to do it every week!

Also, when he’s at a hardware or drug store he can simply check the lists to see if there’s something specific that I need and easily see which brands I like. In turn, this saves me from having to drive to those same stores again and we don’t have to text back and forth about what I’d like him to pick up.

 

Inside Google Keep, you can share your created lists with family members, teenagers, your nanny, or anyone else that does errands and may help out with your shopping.

For uses in my business, I’ve even shared project lists with clients, team members working on the project, or my client’s nanny who does the grocery shopping. Then when I’m organizing an area of their home and notice that they are low on cleaning products, batteries, or pantry items, I can easily add the items to their grocery list.

 

It’s a time-saver for everyone involved!

 

This app is a great assistant for someone who’s doing grocery shopping for their elderly parents or caring for a loved one. It’s really simple to use and anyone with a phone can learn how to add an item to a list if you show them how, all they need is a Gmail address.

 

They don’t even necessarily need to use the Gmail email. I’ve helped set up many accounts over the years just so someone could be added to a Google Keep List!

 

When adding a collaborator to a Google Keep list, make sure they understand how to add items to the various lists. Then whoever is doing the shopping knows what they’re supposed to buy. This will help you avoid wasting money on the wrong printer toner or kitchen pantry items that you may already have enough of on hand.

 

Keep in mind, that if you want to own the Google Keep List or Note (meaning keep it on your account), the best practice would be to set up the list on your mobile device first, and then add others to it. That way you can manage who is added and deleted from each list.

 

You can also add Google Assistant for a voice-activated, hands-off feature. Add items to your list by saying, “Hey Google, add Almond Butter to Grocery List” then it’s totally off your mind!

 

 

Could you see this saving you time and money?  

 

Let me know in the comments below what shopping lists you’re going to create!

 

 

 

 

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Dec 21
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4 Ways To Make Next Christmas Easier

By Blog, Checklists, Quick Organizing Tips, Simple Living No Comments

You might be tired of thinking about stress and Christmas right now.

 

Especially if there were any mishaps along the way.

 

Whether you couldn’t find the turkey lacers and thermometer, burnt the turkey, or couldn’t find the indoor and outdoor light timers, we all encounter some stressful mishaps during the holiday season.

 

But why does this stress seem to happen year after year?

 

One would think we might learn from our mistakes, but yet here we are rummaging through un-labeled boxes for the tenth time.

 

And it doesn’t come down to laziness as much as it does disorganization.

 

Maybe you’ve never learned how many decorations you need for a certain space.

Or how to plan a color theme.

 

Or how much greenery to buy each year (I document this and take photos so I don’t overspend and can save time decorating).

 

Or even to keep a running list of gift ideas and clothing sizes throughout the year!

 

We all have our stress points when it comes to holidays.

 

Next year, I want you to have the most successful, stress-free Christmas yet!

In order to achieve this, we must start early… like as soon as this Christmas wraps up!

 

Because throwing decorations into miscellaneous boxes now is only going to hinder this goal for next year.

 

Let’s begin with the Most Common Holiday Struggles:

 

Common Struggles Around Christmas

 

    • Making the same mistakes each year due to disorganization

    • Not having a clear vision of how to decorate the following year

    • Winging it with no decorating timeline, which leads to feeling overwhelmed and stressed trying to figure it out last minute in a rush

    • Unlabeled bins, so you have to open every single box to even see what they contain

    • Rethinking how to store away and organize all the decor in existing containers (I have a huge time-saver for you here that you can even delegate to family members!) 

    • Overspending on gifts, no clear budget

    • Wasting precious time searching for recipes and meal plans

 

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Plan your holidays ahead of the rush

Debrief what worked well (or what didn’t)

 

Did you try a new stuffing recipe? Test a Secret Santa style of gift exchanging?

 

This is where you’ll keep record of anything new you’ve tried, and how it went. While it’s still fresh in your memory, write down or type up anything you did this Christmas that went really well, and what missed the mark. You can also include anything you want to try for next year, too. This offloads any of the stress of trying to keep your mental notes in order.

 

Below is a list of some useful prompts:

 

  • Did you have to travel too much / too little?

  • Would a getaway holiday have been nice, or did you really enjoy spending time at home?

  • Did you enjoy hosting? Would you prefer more, or less guests next year?

  • Is there anything on your holiday bucket list that you wish you had done?

  • Has your family aged out of some traditions and they now need to be revamped (or to do something totally different)?

  • What parts of your holiday were such hits that you’d like to do them again?

  • What did you imagine going really well but didn’t work out as planned? If you’ll try it again, how can it be improved?

 

Create a Pinterest board

 

My favorite of all! Piece together some images that inspire you, bring you joy, and that are just downright beautiful!

 

Nothing sets us straight into motion like having a plan ready early. Create a board titled “Christmas [year]” and start pinning. Now you’ve got all year to make a vision board for how you want next Christmas to look! Think about what you imagine in each space, outdoors, table settings, everything down to the last detail. This leaves no room for hmm-ing and haw-ing next year.

 

Here are some of our faves from Pinterest!

Purge, Label bins, + Make a list of the contents

 

We’ve all got some decorations we’ll never put out again. Don’t feel pressured by family obligation to keep items that are really just clutter to you.

 

If you really don’t like and won’t use those special decorations from your great-great grandma, pass them on. Another family member might be ideal but if nobody wants them, reach out to some friends or secondhand stores. If you’ve taken a liking to a certain theme the last few years, then only keep those blue and silver decorations. Whatever you do end up purging, just remember to label the rest. Group like things together (tree decorations, dining room settings, outdoors, etc.) so unpacking will be a breeze.

 

Quick Tip: Store your “Worked/Didn’t Work” list in a labeled Christmas box. Call it “Open First” or something along those lines so you’ll know to open it before anything else.

 

Scour the January sales

 

Sales start popping up everywhere right after the holidays, and not just for Boxing Day. Right now shops are looking to offload their excess Christmas supplies, too.

 

There is no better time of year to stock up on Christmas-y items than right after the holiday itself! After all the fun (and stress) has come and gone, stores are usually stuck with a bunch of extra goodies. So prep a list of what you need or would like to replace (this will keep you from overbuying) and hit the mall!

 

Take photos of how you decorated this year so you can refer to it next year. This has saved me a lot of time each year, as well save money because I don’t overspend on new decorations that I don’t really need. Plus you can always make little changes as desired!.

 

If any indoor or outdoor lights have stopped working, I’ll also make note of that so I have that important info for next year’s setup. I’m then able to purchase the replacements early instead of rushing at the last minute trying to find the correct color and style.

 

All of this has made decorating a lot less stressful at my household – and I hope it can do the same for you!

 

 

 

 

 

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Dec 16
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10 Ways To Stay Productive At Work Over the Holidays

By Blog, Expert Articles, Time Management No Comments

As winter vacation quickly approaches, this is our perfect opportunity to think about how others may be living it a little differently than us.

 

Usually, the holiday season is bright and sparkly, illuminated by strings of lights and Christmas cheer! There’s special baking to be done, thoughtful gifts to be wrapped, and a mantle to be decorated.

 

But for some of us – this is just an idle dream on our wish list.

 

Special occasions marked down on a calendar don’t mean the world winds down for everyone!

 

We still need our doctors and nurses, firefighters, dispatchers, news personnel and their production crews, too. Just to name a few!

 

Outside of organizations that normally run 24/7 there are still so many of us that work through the holidays to keep the world flowing (a huge thanks to you all!🤍)

 

So in order for us to soak up as many drips of the holiday season as we can get,

 

Here are 10 ways to stay productive at work over the holidays:

 

 

1. Start your work day routine earlier

 

You will actually double your productivity when you take advantage of this strategy!

 

Think about it, what would work more effectively? Sleeping from midnight to 8am, or from 10pm to 6am? The latter would give you a two-hour jump on the day. So in order to squeeze the most out of your day and be as focused as you can be, make sure you are setting boundaries around when your work day will begin and end.

 

 

2. Say “no” to people-pleasing anxiety

It’s not easy to say “no” to taking more on during the holidays. You want everyone to enjoy their time, and for work to close up as smoothly as possible.

 

But when you’ve got too much on your plate already, one must stop to think about their own needs and wants. Be polite but straightforward when declining a task or event invitation that may overload you. A great way to be courteous while turning something down is to say, “Thank you for thinking of me, but I am planning on spending that time working on X project/watching my daughter’s Christmas performance.” This conveys to the person that you’re grateful for their invitation, but that you also already have your priorities set.

 

 

3. Stay focused and productive at work

In order to keep yourself accountable for anything, you must first determine a goal to be held accountable to.

 

First of all, if you’re feeling in a slump, get your body moving to jostle your brain functions into working effectively. If you’re feeling overwhelmed this is the best technique to help you stay productive at work over the holidays. Then focus on the hardest thing first, A.K.A. your primary project. That task you most dread. Just get it out of the way or at least complete a big chunk of it right off the bat! Make sure to give yourself a realistic window of time for each thing on your to-do list and actually cut yourself off at that window.

 

 

 

4. Avoid getting distracted by thoughts

We all face distractions in the office (and our home offices). But even more so when the stresses of holidays and extended family come around!

 

To counter these distractions, remove anything that has distracted you in the past from your work area. This includes that eraser you’re always fidgeting with, your kids’ photos you reminisce with a little too long, and any loose papers that aren’t directly related to the task at hand. Put those items away in your desk for the holiday season and save them for January. Our goal is to be super productive and focused now!

 

 

 

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5. Taking (important!) breaks from work

It’s important to take time off from work every now and then to relax and rejuvenate. A holiday is perfect for providing this much-needed break from your work days!

 

We spend a lot of time at work… so why do we feel guilty taking time off? You certainly deserve it. Even if you’re running your own business, it’s still vital that you’re taking time for yourself. As much as it may feel like it, you’re not shirking responsibility or becoming less focused on your goals. You’re taking care of yourself so you’ll have the stamina to be your best and work effectively once the holidays are over.

 

 

 

6. Shop early to avoid the “Christmas Creep”

One of the risks of starting your shopping early is overbuying. But if you’re keeping track of your spending and who you’re buying for, this is no longer a worry.

 

Your best bet for having the most availability over Christmas is to look for sales now, shop online to avoid parking costs, and brainstorm creative ways to give the gift of experience. Gifts don’t have to cost a lot of money. You can bake a family member their favorite cookies or prepare a batch of healthy freezer-friendly snacks. You could type a list of restaurants to check out in the new year or create a “family favorites” recipe binder. Or give the gift of organizing with our Clear Out Your Clutter event in 2023! Think ahead – do you really want to sacrifice any of your enjoyment this holiday season? Instead of a cozy cup of hot chocolate while visiting with distant family, would you really rather be bustled around by a bunch of over-caffeinated shoppers? Choose to be productive now, you’ll thank yourself later.

 

 

7. Maintain your health during the holidays

Exercising is a great way to clear your mind. Not to mention the many health benefits that follow!

 

Being that we’re so busy around the holidays, meal prepping plays a huge role in our day-to-day energy! Food is quite literally our fuel, so you don’t want to be eating junk and slacking off at the gym now. The best way to combat energy fatigue is by finding ways to be active in your daily routine. You could have lunch in the park down the street, park your car further from wherever you go, and use stairs instead of an elevator.

 

 

 

8. Stop multitasking,
Learn how to prioritize and focus

A to-do list that’s way too long can leave you feeling exhausted just reading it all.

 

Instead of stressing about all the things you need to do today, prioritize just what’s important or has an immediate deadline coming up. Remember your focus is to stay productive at work over the holidays so you won’t be swamped when you return. Ask yourself, “What actually needs finishing this month?” Then get your mind focused and your hands dirty. Don’t forget to always keep your professional and personal tasks separate!

 

 

 

9. Manage interruptions from friends and family

Social media and texting are two of the largest distractions while at work.

 

Stay productive at work over the holidays by keeping your workday free from personal calls, texts, and emails. If you can’t manage this yourself, flip on the silent feature and store your personal cell in a desk drawer (lock it if you need to!). This way it’s completely out of sight and won’t be tempting you. Ask your loved ones to not call or text you during working hours unless it’s really dire.

 

 

 

10. Work Hard so you can Party Harder! 🥳

Why would we spend all of our energy working if there is no reward? We wouldn’t! This is where the “work hard, play harder” mentality is best adopted.

 

Above all the decorations and fancy dinners, the most important thing during any holiday is to make sure you’re truly enjoying quality time with your family. Let go of work when you’re not clocked in, it will all still be waiting for you whenever you head back.

 

Cherish the time you have with family, because you never know how many moments like these you will have left. 🤍

 

 

 

 

 

I hope that by following these tips you can soak up every ounce of holiday cheer!

 

It’s time to reconnect with yourself, your family, and pure JOY this year ✨ So remember to unplug, open up, and laugh until you burn enough calories for another slice of pie!

 

Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a refreshing New Year’s,

 

Sherry + The SP Team

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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