Marketing Binder ~ Test Run!

Well, I took my new marketing binder on the road with me today as I ran my myriad errands ... and I'm pleased to report it performed very well! :)

Since my current pocketbook was too small to hold the binder, I had to switch up bags. (Which was fine ~ I was in the mood for a "spring switch!") So I chose a tote I haven't used in some time, but was roomy enough to hold the binder and a wallet (as well as other sundries commonly found in any mom's bag). This bag would also be roomy enough to carry my month-at-a-glance binder, should I need to have that with me.

The nice thing about this set is, for one thing, the two pieces match - and for another, I can use a detachable strap and wear the wallet around my body as I shop.

Now, are you ready for some "action shots," lol?

{You are all so good to humor me.}

So here's my binder (and bag) on the car seat next to me ...

And here's my binder (and bag) in my shopping cart ...

(Note: The child safety belt is looped through the bag straps and secured - also, I'm wearing my wallet on me. I've learned my lesson in this area.)

I did get a few strange looks as I took those pictures (though I tried to play it off like I was just checking my email). Nobody asked me about my binder - however, I noticed some second looks in the deli line. ;)

So yes, the binder worked well - my coupons were handy and easy to manage, and it was nice having my list right here in this spot, too. But I realized I need a place for receipts. I don't have room in my wallet for stashing receipts, and I don't like to just pitch them in my bag (which, ahem, is what I usually do). So I bought this "gusseted binder pocket" at Staples today for just this purpose. I'll keep it in the very back of the binder.

I also found my shopping list pages were too thin to withstand the flipping back and forth between sections. (I was using regular Mead lined paper to start with.) So I bought some Martha Stewart "project planner" filler paper to use instead. Not only is the MS paper much sturdier, but I like the design very much:

The design works for me because I tend to write my food list on the lefthand side of my page and use the right side for non-food stops - everything from the library to Petsmart to Michaels Arts & Crafts ...

And speaking of Michaels, I also spent a good deal of time there today, picking out some Lenten craft materials. (And using up some Christmas gift cards while I was at it.) I can't wait to show (and tell) you all about that ... maybe tomorrow if I have the time!

❤

So that's all for now, folks ... but I hope this post was informative (or maybe amusing) to some. :) Time now to make supper for the troops ... and settle in for a nice quiet Saturday night. I hope you all have a good one ... I will see you again very soon!

Comments

[Mary]

Hi Dawn,

Thanks so much for sharing all of this with us. I loved seeing your "test run".

I'm so excited because I went online and ordered the MS supplies to create a notebook like yours. It looks so efficient! Then today, My family and I drove into Austin to run errands and my husband surprised me with a swing by Staples!

The south Austin Staples probably doesn't have as much of a selection as the ones in larger cities but they had some nice things. I bought a MS white double pocket to attach to my bulletin board to hold all those papers that tend to accumulate on my kitchen desk but can't really be pinned up on the bulletin board. (And I was so happy to find the coupon in the Staples brochure! I have never been to a Staples before and now I love it!) I'll let you know how it works out.

And while I was there, I also picked up that little pocket envelope that you recommended for holding receipts. Good idea!!! So far they have just be stuffed into the bottom of my pocketbook!

Thanks again for sharing all this. Your ideas and implementation of organizational tools is simply wonderful!

Love,
Mary

[Greta]

Thanks for sharing your trial run with us. I'm making a binder similar to yours, and now I know not to open my Mead paper. I'll return it in favor of some MS paper. Did you see the Staples ad today? There is a coupon for $5 off Martha Stewart office supplies!

[Caroline Haydu]

Love your marketing binder ideas! Plus, great action shots are always exciting, lol! Glad you are all feeling a bit better.

[Teresa]

Dawn,
congrats on your successful day! Smiling in Ohio to see another couponer with a binder:) This has me seriously considering the down-sizing of my large binder:))
Keep a good watch on your binder at the store, I have actually heard stories of binders getting stolen-who would think it! I'm not joking:0
What a great idea for the pocket in the back for receipts. I too shove the receipts down in my purse.
Thank you for sharing all your organizing posts and pictures.
Have a happy Sunday.,
Teresa in Ohio