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Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Blog Anniversary Giveaway - The Time Keeper


The Time Keeper - 2013 Edition 






















I have written about The Time Keeper before, but it is worth repeating.

This past year I have slacked off in using my planner and I didn't like the result. Yes, some of my challenges were from a busy schedule and pregnancy, but I should know by now that the busier I am, the more I need my planner. The last few weeks I have done better at disciplining myself to plan my week, not just in my head but on paper, and the difference is tremendous.

A planner doesn't do my work, but it does free my mind. Instead of a million nagging tasks in my head, I can concentrate on the one thing I need to be doing now, knowing that all my other tasks are written in my planner and won't be forgotten.

And sometimes the process of writing down tasks allows me to see that I have planned too much and need to drop my expectations of what I can do. Since I can't do it all.

There are many beautiful planners available, but I have used Starla Krieder's Time Keeper for years. To me it is the perfect planner for the way my brain works and provides just enough room for what I need to record. Check out The Time Keeper website to see more details.

The 2014 Time Keeper is prettier than ever. My copy is laying by my bed and I can't wait until January to begin using it.

Starla is offering a 2014 Time Keeper for one of you. To enter the giveaway, leave a comment sharing an organizing tip or maybe why you need to get organized. Please give an email address so I can contact you.

Giveaway is open for one week and is for US residents. Winner chosen by Random.org.

102 comments:

  1. Since I live in a small apartment, being organized is important to me.
    Misty

    missweaver82atyahoodotcom

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  2. Oh, I would love to win one of these. I thought it sounded wonderful when you wrote about it before and I still think so. Lists, lists and more lists is the only way I stay at all organized. If I aimed at nothing I would hit it every time! One of the things that helps me most is making a time schedule for each day and plugging the tasks in where they fit best for the day's needs and for my energy levels.

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  3. As a homeschooling mother, I have found it crucial for us to have a consistent daily schedule, with all of our activities scheduled. This has probably helped the organization of our home more than anything else I've tried.

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  4. My favorite organizing is: having a place for everything and teaching my children how to put things away properly! We have a time each evening that takes about 5 min. where everyone gathers everything that's accumulated during the day and puts it away.
    I have also helped my children to decide how many clothes they reasonably need, and donate any extras, so there just isn't so much to clutter their rooms.

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  5. i'm still working on this thing of organization, but lists are my friend. the time keeper looks like a perfect place for my lists! thanks for sharing this great giveaway, gina! ~joanna daisycheer@comcast.net

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  6. I can never STAY on track. I make to-do lists and I get one or two marked off & lose my enthusiasm. So I either need a book or a swift kick in the pants. I thought that when my children left the home that I'd be covered up with free time. Guess what? As it turns out? Not.So.Much. and though my house is, for the most part is clutter free, my sewing areas are not.

    Sam

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  7. One thing that helps me is if I can sit down for a bit on the weekend and think through the week ahead and plan out the meals and look over the the recipes and things I have on hand that need to be used up. Even if plans change during the week I have a basic framework planned and can work ahead on certain meal preparation chores such as thawing meat, chopping vegetables, etc. becloach@gmail.com

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  8. I'm on my 2nd year of using The Time Keeper, and I really like it; I call it my brain! We're in the midst of a move, and I keep forgetting to place an order for the 2014 one, so winning this giveaway would be wonderful. Moving is terribly hard on my organizational skills; we've been splitting our time between 2 houses while we get the new one ready. So I don't have too many tips to share right now!

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  9. I need to get organized because I have a new baby to care for.

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  10. I enjoy using this planner, too. Since my oldest started school, we need to control our paper clutter more than ever. We have a designated folder for schoolwork and when it gets full, we purge what is old and no longer important. Thanks for the giveaway! taeby7@verizon.net

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  11. Ever since I became a mom I have to document absolutely everything or else my little brain forgets. My planner is always laying on my kitchen counter for easy reference. My husband is a teacher and there are always events going on that both of us would forget if we didn't place the details in our planner. linneavanderveen@hotmail.com

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  12. I never win anything but I'll try anyway LOL I have used various planners over the years. This one looks lovely. Hoping to win it!
    freedomacresfarm@genesiswireless.us

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  13. Lists are my organization lifesaver.
    Leanna
    weaverdl(at)flmtgif(dot)org

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  14. I love planners.... to plan or to just keep record of what happened. It helps me look back over the weeks and see I really did accomplish something. I love to plan out some suppers for the week ahead and grocery shop accordingly.

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  15. I completely fall apart if I don't have everything written down & organized. I was contemplating buying this very planner the other day at the store & decided to wait. Maybe I'll win it instead. ☺

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  16. I fall apart w/out lists & a planner. I stay organized by planning my meals.

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  17. I love my Time Keeper also!!! At times I slack off also and regret the results. My planner keep me from last minute suppers; is an easy way to keep my grocery list; where I list stock up prices so I can compare quickly in the store, ect. joanneshenk@aol.com

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  18. I need to get more organized so that if people stop by or I need to go help someone I can do that without worrying that I'm having to go back to something that is out of control or got out of control in my absence. Thanks for doing the giveaways!

    mhfields04@yahoo.com

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  19. I've used the Time Keeper for 5 years and love it. If I win this giveaway, I won't have to buy one for 2014 . :) One thing I like about having my meal plans all in one place is that I can quickly look back when I need inspiration.

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  20. I have the habit of writing it down. The problem is, I write on whatever is handy. Then I can't find any of it when I want it!

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  21. would love to be more organized maybe a planner would help. Love your blog and recipes! God bless you!
    Rachel lorae@embarqmail.com

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  22. I would love to win this - my tip for organization is to have a place for everything and put it back in its place when you use it. Cindy cnrclc@teleclipse.net

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  23. My best defense of being organized is planning ahead, and doing as much as I can to prepare ahead of time (e.g. chopping food for tomorrow's rushed dinner, having everything ready for errands the next day). Simplistic but key for me! Thank you and happy anniversary! : ) belauvibes@yahoo.com

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  24. I love to have a book like this to keep me organized. It has to be kept up to work. rbr920@comcast.net

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  25. Count me in! Right now I write down the things I need to do for the week on a piece of notebook paper....needless to say, it gets lost or something drips on it or it gets used for other notes....The Time Keeper would be wonderful.
    Coleen
    accrisanti at yahoo dot com

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  26. I used The Time Keeper this year, and really liked it. Would love to win one for next year! Lanita joy_unspeakable.lk711@yahoo.com

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  27. One of the best ways to get me motivated is to make lists and cross things off as I go! And I could never pack for a trip without sitting down and making a list of all that needs to go along! Our family of 7 lives in 708 sq ft, so organization keeps me (mostly) sane :)

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  28. I need to get organized because I feel like a chicken with it's head cut off, I have had planners in the past and I did feel a lot less anxiety when I used it, I'd like next year to be a good one. (littlesillysally at gmail.com)

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  29. I need to be more organized with meal planning.
    mansarg@gmail.com

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  30. You already share my #1 organizing tip of writing down daily tasks :) Getting more organized in time management would probably help.
    girlwiththepurl@gmail.com

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  31. I used this in 2012 and loved it! Missed it in 2013...
    rumbletk@yahoo.com

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  32. One example of why I need to get organized it that today I found that I have three gallons of bleach, and it takes me a while to use one! I'm not sure how that happened!

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  33. I tend to panic when I don't have things written down. My six children are more willing to help out when they see visually what we need to accomplish.
    Regina

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  34. I need an organization for meals and garden things.

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  35. My hubby is deployed so running our household with 2 little ones and so many schedules it would make it a lot easier!
    thomasfamily2007@yahoo.com
    Katie

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  36. I have been wanting one of these for awhile!! I need things written down on lists' in order to stay somewhat organized. Would love to get this!
    mheisey7@comcast.net

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  37. I started using a planner year and love it! It is really helpful to see things all written out. Lynellesbox @gmail.com

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  38. Thank you for the chance to win this beautiful time keeper which I need bad. The only way I stay organized is with post it notes! I am making

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  39. I'd love to have a copy! I purchased one a few years ago based on your recommendation and it's been my favorite. markandannieholt at gmail dot com

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  40. I have this planner for 2013 and would love to have another for 2014! I have a new baby coming in January and with two at home and two in school, it is great to have all the schedules out of my head and in this planner!! conniesuer@verizon.net

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  41. I seem to accomplish more and need this to remind me what is next on my agenda for the day!

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  42. If I don't plan ahead (organize my mind!) I don't accomplish much. Having a plan going into the day usually ensures that more will get done as opposed to bumbling into the day with the idea that "yes, I have lots to do....h-m-m, what shall I do first?" Writing it down helps me to remember and keep focused on the tasks at hand.

    Mary Beth
    richlyblest@live.com

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  43. I'm a list-keeper! I find I need a book especially for my lists and planning or I won't remember where I put them! I love to plan/organize/schedule on paper.It gives me a clear perspective on what's most important in my busy days as a mother of six.

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  44. I like lists and I think it would help be more organized if I had a planner. There is just something about crossing that one job off your list, feels wonderful!!!! I would also like to start planning meals.

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  45. One area i would like to organize better is meal planning. Dorcas tndzimm@verizon.net

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  46. I am an avid list maker but sometimes I cannot organize my things-to-do into weekly and monthly goals all on one paper. That's why I think having a Time Keeper planner would be a fantastic help for me as a mother to four little ones running afoot! :) rasouli.carissa@gmail.com

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  47. I love organizers! My life is chaotic without organization. Okay, so maybe it's chaotic even with organization, but a lot less so.
    The best tip off the top of my head is habit. Have a morning routine you follow every.single.day. Ours is dishes, cleaning, school. :-)
    Jan
    jazimri@gmail.com

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  48. This time of year when I clean out my children's clothes drawers and switch to the next season, I like to price everything for garage sale right away! This way it doesn't feel like such a huge task when garage sale time comes! -Janelle
    kevinnjanelle@dejazzd.com

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  49. I was just saying that I needed a 2014 planner. I already have too many dates to track for next year. I have 7 kids and it's crucial that I write down EVERYTHING!!

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  50. If it isn't written down, odds are it won't get done.I have been using scraps of paper, but this organizer is a much better solution, since I tend to lose my paper!
    maureenpelletier64@gmail.com

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  51. I have a very detailed planner that I tailor-made to suit my needs afew years ago. It revolutionized my life! But. In January I want to update it to accommodate the different needs and schedules that have developed for our family. It sounds like this planner may have it all ready-made for me! Jolynn (andrew.schmucker@gmail.com)

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  52. As a mother of seven, most of which are not at home now, it seems I still continually need to work on organization. The most helpful thing (which is hard for me) is to reduce the amount of stuff --make the hard decisions to get rid of what is not necessary. bcave7@bellsouth.net

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  53. If I dont make lists ...I forget stuff! :)
    Charlene
    sunnyone1985@hotmail.com

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  54. Oh having everything in one place would be so helpful!!

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  55. Hi Gina! I would love to try this organizer. As a homeschooling, farming mama to 3 littles with all our family states away, I think this could be a blessing to me. My hubby works very hard so I can stay home and homeschool our girls, so I would love to be a better helpmeet by staying more organized! My email is ffemttaz@yahoo.com. Blessings! Jamie

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  56. We have my 91 year old mother with dementia living with us. I take notes speaking to doctors ext and than fail to get them written in one place. My husband has Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and is not doing so well and again I take needed notes and misplace them....Since we are on a fixed income I cannot spend extra money on a planner but would love to.

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  57. As a mom of 4, grandma to 2, wife to 1, and a teacher to many, I have to find a way to juggle all my "roles". Everyone has a color code. This helps me know who has what when and where.
    Kelly
    specialmom42000@yahoo.com

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  58. Our lives our crazy. My son is in Middle school and is home schooled, but still has "classes"to attend outside the home, my hubby works nights so all the extras with the kiddos rests on me, plus I run a ministry at church. I try my best to stay a float. I am trying to be organized. What I found that helps is sitting down with my hubby at the beginning of the week and tell him what is going on. We need some revamping to our planning!

    loy0912@gmail.com

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  59. I am a recent empty nester and everything has become a mess! You would think it would be easier to be organized but I find that only worrying about one seems to be more difficult. Maybe I just haven't gotten into a groove

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  60. I've never had a time keeper but think it would be a great way to plan my days and get the chores done, since most of the chores are mine to do here. I need reminders so I don't miss paying a bill or going to a certain event too. karen608@yahoo.com

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  61. I tried an organizer this year which sure helped me, but I'm not sure I want to spend money on one for next year, so I'd love to win this giveaway! It's been a crazy, busy year since we moved, and I still have many things to get organized!!

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  62. I love the time keeper and have been using one for a couple years now. I'm pregnant, and its been great a great place to write all my 'to do' lists of things i want to get done before baby! Also i like being able to look back in it for menu ideas. jaloha86@yahoo.com

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  63. My desk is covered with little scraps of paper and notes to myself. I just came across a shopping list that was obviously from last Christmas. Clearly I need help.

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  64. Thanks for doing the give aways! I really like writing things down so I don't forget, I have many different lists, this would compile them in one place!
    kennyhorst@windstream.net

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  65. I would like to simply enjoy the thought of knowing that my 'to dos' are in one place. I would like to be entered in the giveaway.
    plainlady4jc@gmail*com

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  66. I would like to try the Time Keeper to see what everyone is raving about! I really like to be organized and would love to try this book!s_peachey@yahoo.com

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  67. Organizing my spices and herbs by alphabetizing has been a simple way to keep myself a bit more sane. :) Sometimes it's the little things...

    And I too am a Time Keeper user....LOVE it!

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  68. Our family life is abundantly full of organic gardening, homesteading, and family (six grown children and spouses, ten grandchildren, and three great grandchildren). I cannot possibly keep up with 23 birthdays and all of the other ministry responsibilities without a great planner and time keeper! As an obsessive/compulsive list maker, this time keeper looks like the perfect tool! Karen --- haleyandcersley@embarqmail.com

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  69. I've never used a planner, but would love to try one! I jot things down on scraps of paper, write things on my calendar and then save it as kind of a diary. One of my plans for organizing (that hasn't happened yet) is to buy an under-the-bed plastic storage container for each child to keep their "treasures" in. Thanks for sharing what works for you! 7happylappys@gmail.com

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  70. I find it very important to do strategic planning before the start of the week: my menus, larger goals for house/garden/personal/other and which days will work best for them, and the obligations coming up. I haven't used The Time Keeper yet, but plan to in 2014.
    serendplicity@gmail.com

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  71. I have eight children and we homeschool. With a new baby in the house, it has felt a little crazy lately. Lists help me if I take the time to make them...
    Thank you for the chance to win! Burtndeb at juno dot com

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  72. It looks like organization is highly sought after:-) I agree it helps things flow smoother but one of the ways I use a planner is somewhat as a diary. I don't necessarily fill it in the menu ahead of time but try to do it after we eat. then I can read back and get ideas. Also my husband is a deacon and has so many meetings I write his schedule in there too for my sake. That way I don't stop and get lunch for him only to remember after he is ten min late that he was having lunch with someone else.
    cherylr@e4christ.com

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  73. I try to make my weekly menu AND grocery list at the same time. That way, even if I don't follow my menu to the T, I at least know that I have the ingredients for all the meals on hand and can swap one meal for another and not find out half way through prep that I am missing an ingredient.

    I also schedule each of my 4 older kiddos (aged 15, 14, 12 and 9) to make breakfast one day of the week. This frees me up in the mornings a bit to help with the 2 youngest kiddos.

    Suzie Lewis
    doublejoys@msn.com

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  74. I used to keep a planner with me wherever I went, but have gotten away from it. It's high time to pursue one again!
    glendafayemiller@juno.com

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  75. We have a house with 3 floors. As I clean the top floor where are bedrooms are I have 2 extra clothes baskets that I sit at the top of the stairs. When I come across something that needs to go to each of the other levels of the house in the baskets. As I go down the stairs I empty the one putting everything where it goes. It now becomes the basket to go back upstairs. I continue to fill them. After I have the basement cleaned, it takes just a few minutes to empty the clothes baskets on the other floors and then my house is clean.
    Janet Abare
    ajabare@roadrunner.com

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  76. I'm a list maker. . . thanks for the giveaways!!

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  77. I wish now I would have picked one up when I was in Ephrata this summer and didn't...maybe, just maybe I have a chance to win one!
    Mamabeanof4

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  78. I'm Mommy to 5 little children. Hubby works 2 jobs. My life is brimming over with things to remember. I'd really love to win this planner to keep my lists compiled in one place.
    Jamar6703@gmail.com

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  79. I was just thinking this week that I need to order my planner for 2014. I am a nurse with a busy schedule, so the meal planning section looks very useful. Congratulations on five years!
    Caroline
    Cat9928@aol.com

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  80. I have used this planner for two years and like it! I use it as a mini desk - for notes/lists and my RN husband's less than routine schedule... always need more organization in my life, just for my own personal sanity!
    feby@frontiernet.net

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  81. I also have an organizer. Last year I lost my organizer for a couple of months. I had used it like a journal some so that I can remember when I did things. Well, I found it in with my recipe books and was so thankful as last year I had helped plan my daughters wedding. Lots of memories in an organizer.
    Marinda
    mmebersole@netins.net

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  82. I do not have an organizer and did not grow up learning to be organized. I need help.
    Amanda Thornton
    athornoton@rocketmail.com

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  83. I try really hard to plan things for each of day of the week. Trying to care for parents and husband I have to be as organized as I can and a planner is a must. This one sounds well organized and useful.
    Teresa Bottroff
    ctbott@msn.com

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  84. I struggle to be organized as it is easy to get overwhelmed with all the good things we can be doing as a woman, wife, and mother. I have been trying to pray each morning that I can know what the most "important" things are for me to do that day.

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  85. I'd be lost without an organizational calendar. I like having my schedule & meals, grocery list all in one place.
    kookinkris at gmail dot com

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  86. Love the Time Keeper. As I say its my brain. :) :) one organization tip that I do....when I fill my freezer with yummy garden goodies I like to put the stuff in boxes. It makes my freezer look cleaner and neater and I can get more in the freezer that way.
    busymomkh"at"gmail.com

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  87. I love planners. And have tried to use them on and off through the years.
    I def need to be more organized with meal planning.
    jewelyoder@ymail.com

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  88. I would love to win this. I had an organizer last year that I loved for my meal planning / grocery shopping list.
    Jodi
    troynjodimartin@gmail.com

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  89. I have used "Time Keeper" for several years. With a glance at the weekly page, I refresh my mind for what needs to get done next. I'd love to win one for 2014.
    saplynd@frontiernet.net

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  90. I would really enjoy this planner. I have looked at these a couple of times but never had one. I like to have a very detailed grocery list with things grouped together in the same area in the store. This saves a trip to the back of the store when you think you have everything but missed something on your list
    teresamartin628@gmail.com

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  91. I bought the 2013 Time Keeper and keep it next to my bed so I always know where it is. Love it! wwakeman "at" aol.com

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  92. I would love having this planner. I am a list person. Sometimes I write things down AFTER I did them just to see it written down! ☺ rallikim@yahoo.com

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  93. staying organized is my way of feeling 1 step ahead of the busyness of mom/homemaker...I like to make weekly menus & plan my grocery shopping off of that. glenn.rach@verizon.net

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  94. I love to menu plan, but it doesn't happen without a practical planner.

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  95. I would love to have a Time Keeper! email lisahorst@centurylink.net

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  96. I would love to win this. I need to become more organized with my time.

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  97. I know I need to be more organized, I just need help! Too many lists laying all over the house!

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  98. I would like to be even more organized....the Time Keeper looks like a great way to help to take place of all the list. bartonrisser@hotmail.com

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  99. I need a planner to keep all our many projects in order. Thanks for sharing this giveaway with us. guitarman1@dejazzd.com

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  100. Stephanie
    -- I make many list but get tired of little papers scattered here and there. Would be great to have it all together.
    thehorstpack@gmail.com

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I love to hear from you.