3rd New Year Resolution - Keeping track of stuff

I planned to write this post before the year of 2011 is over but life and family got in the way. Yes the New Year celebration is over and most of us will be dragging our feet back to the office after a nice 2 week break over the Christmas (I was back in the office since 3rd Jan, not by choice but because 60+ employees needs to get paid their wages otherwise I am going to be hounded worse than a pack of wolves).

Image from Paula Grace Designs

My 3rd resolution for 2012 is to keep track of my sales and purchases. I am terribly bad with organisation. A couple of months ago I tried to keep tally of the sales I made and write down my purchases of supplies & materials. A few days later I promptly forgot about it. I don't even remember where I saved my Excel spreadsheet. This habit must change otherwise how will I know if my crafting time is worth it or if my handmade creations are profitable (especially if I have plans to make this a success)?

Image from Berry Sweet Treats

 I can start small and simple by jotting in a notebook (got this super cute notebook from Berry Sweet Treats) until I can come up with a spreadsheet that is user friendly enough for me. I think part of the reason I failed to maintain my old one was I had too many columns and wanting to put too much details on a page that it simply looks more disorganised than before. One step at a time is the key (hard to believe that I am from an Accounting / Finance background *embarrassed*). Said to hubby that if I saved enough money at the end of the year from my handmade biz, I am going to buy myself a laptop. Should be a good enough reason to start my record keeping, don't you think?

I hope you are better at this than me :)

P/S : You can read about my 1st resolution here and my 2nd resolution here.

Time to Get Organised

I need a new plan. I need to get my life organised. Juggling my never-ending role as a wife, mum, indie business owner and part time Payroll Officer, it is getting harder to stay on top of things. I must admit that my craft nook at home is like natural disaster with new projects and customer orders all over the place. I have also begun to start new ventures such as blogging on my own page or being guest bloggers, creating tutorials as well as submitting my writings to zines. Oh did I mention that I plan to overcome my sewing machine phobia by sewing my very first dress? Looks like it is going to be an adventurous journey in the coming new year.

Found some gorgeous planners which should help me start the New Year with gusto

Handmade Planners

2012 Weekly Planner - Choose Your Cover (Typography)

2012 Slimline Planner/Diary - Cream Floral

Not Handmade but still gorgeous

FRANKIE 2012 Daily Journal

Love in Paris Diary Notebook - Blue

Do you have a favourite planner or diary that you purchased recently and will like to share?