family calendars

google calendar is one of my best friends, i'm not gonna lie. in a family of 6, it's imperitive that we all be able to access the calendar at any point, add appointments and see if there's free time for planning.

google calendar is amazingly simple and can easily be synced with your cell phone calendar...and can be accessed anywhere there is internet access.

here's what my calendar looks like for this month...minus a few things

{{look at the 1-7 below on the calendar too}}

a few must knows about google calendar...and how to use it most effectively:

1. flight itinerary and information can be added directly on your calendar using most reservation services. when you open the event in the calendar, your full itinerary is available.

2. don't you have late fees? set up events and reminders in google calendar for movie returns, library book due dates, form submissions, etc.

3. sports...i have a separate calendar with the sports schedules and inside each entry is the location and field number as well as any other info so in 3 weeks when i have to remember what soccer field we are on, i can open the calendar on my phone and know right at the fields.

4. search calendar! what a great idea...you know you scheduled a doctor appointment and can't find it? use the search. or you can't remember your last hair color, the search option allows you a quick look.

5. individual calendars can be shown on one main calendar...i sue different colors for each calendar so when you view it you can see the compiled calendar, including all of hubby's business travel, girls sport dates, doctors appointments, and reminders.

6. print it! you can print the entire calendar to keep on the refrig or you can print each kids calendar for their room...just click on the calendars you want shown, and hit print.

7. long term and short term planning is easy peasy. you can view the calendar by the day, the week, the month or the year!

if you have gmail, you can add your google calendar to the gmail main view...it will look something like this:

so if you're ready to get started, head on over to HERE and let google calendar set you up on a little schedule! i have to say, i rarely forget to email grandma...and it's all because i love her...and google calendar!!

danyele @ a thorn among roses

emergency preparedness and homeland security

emergency's happen every day...and there's a great place that is available for you to go for one stop information.

ready america is a campaign by homeland security that has a site with a number of very useful things.

there is a listing of community and state contacts and information {listed by state} that will allow you a one stop place to find out who to contact and how to contact them. good info, especially when faced with something unforeseen. i love that is one place to get the information.

telephone communication during an emergency...

It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.

Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has coins or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact

You may have trouble getting through, or the telephone system may be down altogether,but be patient.

more information is available at the homeland security website...HERE.

danyele @ a thorn among roses