My Life in a Binder

Nothing sucks me into a blog post or a Pinterest pin like ORGANIZATION!  I'm always thinking I need to be MORE organized.  I LOVE office supplies, calendars and anything that gives the hope of being more efficient.  I am super intrigued by how other people stay organized and keep life running smoothly so I thought I might share what I've finally figured out works for me. 

I live my life out of a binder.  For about a year, I tried living through my iPhone calendar but it ended up driving me crazy and I finally gave into the fact that I'm a PAPER person....duh!!!  So a few months ago I organized my entire life...family, kids, etc., into what the family now calls THE BINDER.  I'm fickle so the actual binder changes often but for now...

here she is:

Here's what's inside:

  Front and center is a bag for all of my favorite supplies:

cute little ribbon paper clips to mark the day on the calendar, fun stickers for important dates and my favorite writing utensils...mechanical pencils, flair pens and sharpies.  I swear there is a 12 year old girl trapped inside me dying to get out!

After years of PaperDoll, I finally figured out a way to keep my daily work schedule organized.  Along with a detailed email filing system, I live by the first 5 sections of The Binder:

1.  The To Do List

2.  Proofs (orders that requested proofs)

3.  Ready (orders that have been approved and are ready for me to work on)

4.  Replies (orders that I've sent proofs or questions on and haven't heard back)

5.  Waiting (orders that contain items that I don't make in-house that I'm waiting on)

The To Do List:

Without a list, I can't function.  I don't know what it is but if it's not written down....it's not getting done.  I LIVE for crossing stuff off of my list!!!  I add stuff to the list all day long but my favorite is CROSSING stuff off!  The TO DO LIST has work stuff and personal stuff combined but he last 2 sections of  The Binder are less PaperDoll and more for family stuff.

6.  The Calendar

I'm so glad I gave up the digital calendar.  I work much better when I can open my calendar and see it all written out.  I really like the full size pages I found at Staples in the Martha Stewart section.  They have lots of room for writing and at the bottom of each day there is a great section that I use to write "what's for dinner."  I use that cute little paper clip to mark the day.  It's the little things that make me happy.  The cute stickers for special occasions are fun too!

To keep The Binder from getting too full, I take the pages out as the days pass.  I don't like having useless pages crowding my binder.

I'm the bill payer in the family and I've always hated the pile of bills on my desk so I figured out a system that works for me.  I always pay the bills on a specific day so I just got a zipper bag and I place it in the calendar next to the bill paying day.  I keep all the bills there and once I pay them I move the zipper bag over to the next bill paying day.  It's worked out great for me and I always know where the bills are.

7. Notes

I take The Binder with me almost everywhere.  If I ever have an idea or I'm working on a project, I have a Notes section in the back for jotting stuff down.  It helps keep me sane. 

So there you have it.  Much too much information about my life in a binder.  I'm sure you've tuned out by now but if there are any organization freaks out there still reading, I hope this has inspired you to get organized!!!

© 2013 paperdoll designs

PaperDoll Bloggie Button

Just figured out how to make one of those blog buttons...it's over there to the right. I'd love for you to grab it and post it on your blog if you have one.

© 2011 paperdoll designs

FAQs...round 2

I've decided to repost the Frequently Asked Questions (with a few additions) because...well, it had to be done. Understand that even if you have asked these questions I still love you and think you are awesome. I will take your order even if you ask these questions but it's a good idea to read through these first if you are uncertain about something. Please know that I typed these with a smile (sort-0f) and that I love doing what I do.


Q. I just can’t decide which design to order! Can you send me a proof of about 6 different designs all with different fonts so I can decide?
A. While I am so glad that you like so many of my designs, I won’t be able to do that. It’s pretty time consuming to set up each proof. I don’t mind occasionally sending two or three samples but please try to make your decision (or really narrow it down) before placing your order. Thanks!

Q. I like the invitation proof that you sent and now I’ve decided to just send it out via email instead of ordering invitations. Is that okay with you?
A. With a $25 minimum order of the invitation I will be happy to remove the watermark on your proof so you can send it out by email. However, if your order is below $25 or if you are not going to be ordering any paper invitations at all there is a $15 design fee.

Q. Will you please remove the cross and Bible verse on the back of your note cards before you print mine?
A. To some this may sound silly but I truly believe that PaperDoll Designs is one of my purposes in life and that God blessed me with the talents that have allowed my business to be successful. I decided from the very beginning to put the cross and Bible verse on my note cards as a way to honor Him and while I understand that we all come from different backgrounds it is my decision to keep my faith intertwined with my business.

Q. Can I purchase your products at wholesale?
A. Thank you so much for asking. I have done wholesale in the past and have decided that it is not the best situation for me. Begging most likely will not change my mind.

Q. I know that it typically takes 7 - 10 days for you to process an order but I really need some invitations tomorrow. Can you do that?
A. Depending on my schedule I may be able to accommodate rush requests for a $10 rush fee. This works on a case by case basis and you should email me to find out. If I have three healthy children, my husband is not out of town and I have nothing going on that day I’m sure I can get it done. Not a likely story, but go ahead and try.

Q. I need a plate and I need it this weekend. Is it possible?
A. Oh how I wish it were. But it isn't. Always allow at least 2 weeks for melamine products. They are shipped from out of state and I can not control their time line.

Q. OOPS! My check bounced! I'll just write you another, okay?
A. I understand. Balancing checkbooks does not fall within your area of expertise and that is fine. It happens and I feel your pain. However, I just paid a big fee to my bank when that check bounced and someone has got to make it right. I think that someone should be you. I'll take cash this time and a $15 bounced check fee...thank you! I still love you.

Q. I live out of town and would like you to ship my order. Can you go ahead and ship it and I will pay you later?
A. I’m very sorry but due to a few “nonpayers” in the past, I have become very strict on this policy. I will only ship product AFTER I have received payment. You may mail payment or pay quickly through Pay Pal.

Q. I came by to pick up my items and forgot to bring my money. I'm just going to take it and I'll mail you a check soon. How do you feel about that??
A. I don't feel good about that. While I know you have good intentions, 9 times out of 10 I end up having to email reminders and sometimes it takes me months to collect payment. Sometimes in these situations I never collect payment. Please understand that I think you're awesome but I would rather you pay before taking your items.

Q. My dog chewed up my note cards. I ran over my daughter’s sippy cup. My husband washed the insert to my water bottle. My two year old jumped up and down repeatedly on her lunchbox. I left my chocolate candy in the car and it melted. I spelled the teacher’s name wrong when I placed her note pad order. Can you replace it at no charge?
A. Ummm….NO.
However, If my dog chews up your note cards or I run over your daughter’s sippy cup or my husband washes your insert or my two year old jumps up and down repeatedly on your lunchbox or I leave your candy in my car and it melts or I spell a name wrong then I will gladly replace your item at no charge. Unless it was my fault personalized items are non returnable, not refundable.

Q. I ordered some things from you recently. I told you I was in a hurry so you rushed really fast to get them done. Now I’m feeling like I just don’t want to drive over there and pick them up. My life is really busy. Thanks for your time but I won’t be coming by. Are you mad?
A. Yeah. I am. And I won’t forget your name.

Q. Can you give me a better pricing deal?
A. I spend a lot of time agonizing over pricing. I feel like I have set fair prices for my products. If I were to sit down and actually figure out what my hourly wage is, I’m sure I would cry. I spend a ton of time setting up proofs and responding to emails just to make sure your product turns out the way you want it and some of that time should be built in to my product pricing but it usually isn’t. So for the most part my prices are definite. If you are ordering a large quantity of certain items there may be a price break but you will just have to email about your specific case. And asking nicely always helps.

Q. Are you hiring?
A. Maybe. Are you interested? Can you tie bows? Do you like to do the same thing over and over? Some days I think I need help. Some days I don’t. Send me an email and maybe someday I’ll make up my mind and we can talk.

Q. Is The Baker really a baker??
A. No. The Baker is not really a baker by profession. He just has a sweet tooth and figured out quickly that his wife can’t bake so he took it upon himself to learn how to use the oven.

Q. Can I just tell you what I want when I run into you at the grocery store?
A. Chances are that between the time you tell me and I make it back to the PaperDoll Studio I will have watched a dance lesson, broken up a brother/sister fight, read a few Fancy Nancy books and constructed a life size spaceship out of legos. I cannot be held liable if my memory fails me. Please Email your order or order through the website.

Q. I am not a computer person. Can I call you and tell you what I want?
A. While I claim to be organized, the scrap piece of paper that I write your order on has no chance around this house. More importantly, I would prefer to have the spelling typed out by YOU so if there is an error we can figure out who to blame. To tell you the truth, we rarely hear the phone over the barking dogs and blaring Noggin. Please EMAIL or order through the website!

Q. Can you split note pad orders?
A. Yes. As long as you pick the same design I will be happy to put different names on each note pad.

Q. I'm not picky. Will you just pick a design for me and the font too?
A. I get this A LOT and here is what happens. I spend the next 45 minutes staring at my computer wondering if you like pink. Do you you hate pink? Are you girly? Are you hip and modern? Do you really hate pink? How could anyone hate pink? Maybe she hates pink! Does she hate blue? Are you fancy? Are you simple? I can't make a decision to save my own life SO unless you really absolutely positively 100% for sure don't care PLEASE don't make me pick. And if you do make me pick be aware that we stick to the "you get what you get and you don't throw a fit" rule in those cases.

Q. Last week I ordered a placemat and this week they are on sale. Can I get a price change?

A. I love how they do that at Target. Cool, huh? Unfortunately, I don't do that.

Q. I emailed you exactly one hour ago and I still have not heard back. Should I panic?
A. I very rarely work during the day. I am a stay at home Mommy first and the PaperDoll second. I do the majority of my work when the little darlings are fast asleep. Expect my reply at roughly 2 am. Allow up to 24 hours (Monday - Friday) for my response and then start panicking. Send me another email and if I don't get right back to you please file a missing persons report. It would be VERY unlike me to ignore an email. Please keep in mind that I sometimes take weekends off.

Q. I know you have a fancy smancy website now but can I still email my order?

A. Yes, you may and I will gladly accept it. Sometimes there will be specials that are for web orders only though. Don't hate the website. It makes the ordering process easy peasy.

If you have a question that you think needs to make the list please send it my way. Thanks!

© 2010 paperdoll designs

Rubbermaid Containers & Chandeliers?

When orders are finished I put them in one of those huge Rubbermaid containers to ensure that little hands don't come along and touch them. I know Christmas season has begun when I have to break out Rubbermaid container #2! Yesterday it officially began. Rubbermaid container #2 made it's yearly debut. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas over here despite the pumpkins!
One day last week I came home to 6 huge boxes on my front porch. I ripped them all open...

and started sorting plates and platters and trays. Aren't they beautiful! The second shipment is set to arrive later this week so don't panic if I haven't emailed you yet.

I'm throwing the next two pictures in mainly to show you what The Baker (who broke out his chocolate chip pumpkin muffins today) calls the "most expensive chandelier ever!" When we were looking for houses I knew we had to buy this one as soon as I opened the front door and saw this chandelier hanging in the dining room. I instantly fell in love with it. It's so fabulous I can't stand it. It's my favorite part of this old house. There is a matching baby one in the entry way and matching sconces by the stairs. So...we bought a house based on the antique light fixtures. Who does that? I do.

Pictures don't do it justice...it's like jewelry for your ceiling!!

© 2009 paperdoll designs

At last...

It's here!!! I've still got LOTS of products to load and lots of little things to do but at least the new and improved website is somewhat of a reality. I've been talking about it for over 4 years so now maybe I can finally shut up about it...

www.mypaperdolldesigns.com

Please go take a peak and let me know what you think....Happy Shopping!

© 2009 paperdoll designs

Thanks for the Love

Thank you Thank you Thank you SO much to everyone who left comments and sent emails yesterday. I can't believe all the nice things you guys had to say!! I'm so happy that I have such great customers and friends! I really do appreciate all the sweet words.
The winners of the note cards are the first three people that actually sent feedback: Thuy, Terra S. & Alissa F. Just let me know which note cards you would like, ladies.
The rest of you will be seeing your comments on the soon to be revealed website...THANK YOU!

© 2009 paperdoll designs

LOVE...

To clarify...
send feedback my way and tonight or tomorrow morning I will let you know who the note card winners are! Sending an email saying you will if you win doesn't count...cheaters. I meant that in the nicest way...

© 2009 paperdoll designs

Under Construction...

The New and Improved Website is COMING SOON! This time I really mean it! I'm almost ready to share it with you!!! Very soon....

© 2009 paperdoll designs

Labels

I've also added LABELS to my blog. I thought it might make it easier for YOU! If you are thinking about ordering a lunchbox you can just click the "lunchbox" label and see all the posts that had to do with lunchboxes. You like?? I'm currently going back through and adding labels to previous posts and that might take a while but all future posts will have labels.

© 2009 paperdoll designs

Sample Sale!

I've added a new section the blog. It's over there to your left. Check it out!

© 2009 paperdoll designs

An Exciting Saturday Night...

Well, I'm almost caught up. I'm spending my Saturday night working while The Baker sits in here doing our taxes. Sounds fun, huh? I'm hoping that by Monday I will be taking orders again. Thanks for being so patient and thanks for understanding that life sometimes catches up with me.
Please forgive my overexposed pictures...still trying to figure out the big girl camera...

sippy cups - primary bubbles, blue green stripe, sporty stripe

AT THIS TIME I ONLY HAVE PINK & PURPLE SIPPY CUPS LEFT

hippie chic, gumdrops blue & orange and hepburn blue note cards

sports bottles - chocolate tile pink, blue green stripe

bag tags - rocket man, groovy boy

bitty tiny favor boxes - red with sports balls

hepburn pink lunch box

big dotty hot pink with pink shoe - gumball bags, mini candy bars, m&m tubes & bitty tiny crayon boxes

clippies - domino blue with initial circle

black damask hot pink note cards - last name in background

m&m tubes - primary hearts, dotty blue, camo heart

valentine hearts note pad and matching pen

little debbie red bitty tiny favor boxes

little debbie red coaster

hepburn lavender bag tag and mini bag tag

little debbie red mini candy bars

Sweet Terra, this picture is for you. Notice that Charlie's room is a mess. It did not just get that way today or yesterday or even the day before. It's been this way a while now and I am ignoring it. Notice that there are clothes on his train table and to be honest I am not sure whether they are clean or dirty. If you must know, he is sleeping on a bed without sheets tonight. I took them off to wash them and never got around to it. I have no immediate plans to clean this room and there are many other areas of our house that probably look just as bad if not worse. I know for a fact there is a chair in our living room covered in Fruit Loop "dust" from the box that Charlie dumped there. Yes, my children eat sugary cereal. Sometimes I don't even buy the reduced sugar kind. We spend lots of days in our jammies because going somewhere is too much work. There are no perfect mommies but I'm sure you are pretty close to it. Chin up, momma friend. You are doing a great job!

copyright 2009 paperdoll designs

Blog, Blog, Blog

A quick thanks to all of you that have sent such sweet emails to let me know you are a fan of the blog. I'm amazed that anyone out there is reading it but I am so glad that you are enjoying my new pics and products. To those of you who wanted to know - I don't take pictures of EVERYTHING I make each day - just the new stuff or the cute little creations that haven't had their pictures taken before.

Sports Bottles, Tumblers & Pencil Cups are SOLD OUT again (WOW!) but they have been ordered and should be here SOON so send in your orders and I will reserve them for you.

Vintage Baby Pink Note Cards and Blue, Chocolate, Cream Stripe Note Cards

Easter Stripe Mini Candy Bars

Pink Polka Dot Buggy Mini Candy Bars

The PaperDoll Designs Blog is here!!

It just hit me today! I was reading through someone's blog and I thought "Why don't I have a blog?" It's a perfect way to show YOU (my sweet friends and customers) all the new designs without updating the website all the time! Three kids tucked in bed, one slice of chocolate cake and several Diet Dr. Pepper's later the Official PaperDoll Designs Blog has arrived! I'm so excited! Please add this page to your favorites so you can check back often!

Have you ordered your Valentine's Day Treats yet??

Above: Mini Candy Bars - January Monthly Special - $10/set of 30

Below: Personalized Lip Balm - $20/set of 12

I've got lots of new products in the works! Can't wait to tell you about them! Stay posted :)

PaperDoll Designs Price List

{The Price List}

Personalized Pens.....$6.50

Mini Bag Tag.....$6

Bag Tag.....$6.50

Round Acrylic Bag Tags.....$7

Calling Cards/Mommy Cards {set of 24 without envelopes}.....$12

Enclosure Cards {set of 8 with envelopes}.....$8

Stickers {set of 10 2x4"}.....$7

Return Address Labels {30}.....$5

Stationery

Small Folded Note Cards {set of 10 with envelopes}.....$11

Large Folded Note Cards {set of 10 with envelopes}.....$12

Flat Note Cards {set of 10 with envelopes}.....$10

Fill-In Thank You Notes {set of 10 with envelopes}.....$11

Note Pads.....$16 per set

Magnetic Note Pads.....$18 per set

Choose Skinny {Set of 3} or Small {Set of 4} or Large {Set of 2}

Family Calendars.....$20 full year; $12 half year

Memo Holders.....$12

Photo Memo Holders....$14

Blank Memo Refills....$4

Invitations & Announcements

4x6 Glossy Mini Cards.....$1 each {includes envelopes}

Cardstock Cards.....$1.30 each {includes envelopes}

Photo Holiday Cards, Invitations & Announcements

4x6 Glossy Mini Cards.....$1 each {includes envelopes}

Cardstock Cards.....$1.50 each {includes envelopes}

*Special pricing will apply to announcements & invitations with custom details

Party Favors

Mini Candy Bars {set of 30}.....$12

Lollipop Kits {set of 15}.....$12

Bitty Tiny Favor Boxes empty {set of 10}.....$12

Bitty Tiny Crayon Boxes {set of 10}.....$10

Candy Rolls {set of 12 - choose LifeSaver or BreathSaver}.....$20

LipBalm {set of 12}.....$20

Mini Nail Polish {minimum of 5}.....$2.50 each

BubbleGum Bags {minimum of 5}.....$1.25 each

M&M Tubes {minimum of 5}.....$1.50 each

Push Pop Suckers {minimum of 5}.....$1.50 each

CD Labels.....$1.10 each

Cupcake Toppers.....$1 each

Playdough.....$12/set of 10

Drinkware

Sippy Cups.....$14

Straw Cups.....$14

Travel Tumblers.....$15

Sports Bottles.....$14

Inserts.....$5 each or $3 when you buy 2 or more

Gifts

Melamine Plates.....$22

Melamine Trays.....$28

Melamine Platters.....$28

Melamine Photo Trays.....$35

Lunchboxes.....$28

Placemats.....$16

Pencil Cups.....$10

Memo Holders...$12

Photo Memo Holders....$14

Checkbook Covers.....$10

Purse Calendars.....$10

Bookmarks.....$7

Small Clipboards....$14

Large Clipboards....$17

Smencils {set of 5}.....$5.50

Colored Smencils {set of 5}.....$5.50

Holiday Smencils {set of 5}.....$6

Shipping

All packages are shipped USPS Priority Mail

orders $50 and under....$6.50

orders $50.01 - 99.99....$8.50

orders $100 and up....$10.50

Rush Fee

If you need your order in less than one week during a busy season, please be prepared to pay a $5 rush fee