I'll have to apply some of your methods, such as using larger boxes with envelopes as dividers. I've been using 1 gal zip-lock bags inside approx. 20x12 in box, each bag holds seeds to be traded (containing same seeds in smaller bags), seeds for us, empty seed packets and 1 with notes about the trades from this year only- older ones are kept elsewhere. Each bag is marked with permanent marker - 3 diff. colors in my case. Once I prepare seed pkts, they go in another bag and into the fridge, thankfully have a new larger fridge I can use one of the crispers for the seeds! What I've been doing , the old fashioned way, writing down on the piece of paper basic info -seeds to be sent and the seeds I'm most hopeful to be getting, address and I make a square which I mark, often with large point pen/marker , once I send with a check mark, received with an X, often have GREAT across the note -ab 1/4 size of the typing paper page, which I also use for seed envelopes. I make simple seed packets, with plain white or any color typing paper, lately I've been using pink. Fold the page in half (crosswise), cut the folded edge, then cut each crosswise into 3 equal piecesSmaller seeds -salvia and purslane, for instance, are best cleaned up in a plastic bag, give it a few shakes, let the seeds fall into the corner, discard most of the chaff, snip the corner and empty seeds into packets. Night Blooming Jasmine - got a new idea, after gathering white seed pods, again, place in the plastic bag, crush gently with fingers to open the pods, take out into paper bag or large envelope and let dry. Unless you prefer to leave it in the pods to dry, works either way. I keep my freshly gathered seeds under the patio cover away from the kitties, for a couple of days or until I feel like cleaning them out. If there are any bugs -seldom have them, put seeds in the freezer for a few hours-that'll get 'em! Of course, certain seeds shouldn't be refrigerated or frozen, such as palms and other tropicals, need to learn. Again, thank you all and am going to try some of your methods. Lots for me to experiment and learn daily. Happy gardening and best wishes, Bea-GB

I am no where near as organized as most of you- although I have files/books labeled etc more or less all in one place. What has really worked for us in our build - we live here already. I work at night so I am here when they are working. I talk to the contracter every day. I am here for any issues. I have actually come in and made copies/printed from the computer to show the GC or subs exactly what I wanted etc. We have changed literally dozens of things on our build. I also have to give props to my builder. He really does build like it was his own home. He asks me to make decisions on things he could easily do without me ( and I trust him) just so we are informed. So my best advice to you would be to make sure to take the time to get to the site while your GC is there. Even if you have to take some time away from work, in the long run it will be worth it. Change orders cost money - any you can avoid are a great thing. Also be readily available via cell etc. Encourage your GC to call you anytime/anyplace. And one last word- be flexible. We all have a vision in our minds of our perfect home. Even though that is the goal for all concerned sometimes the "thing" we have pictured just isn't doable as we see it for whatever reason. That doesn't mean there isn't another ( sometimes even better) option. And even if in some areas you feel you have "settled" for something many times it still looks great and only you know what you desired it to look like so when people say "that is lovely" say "thank you" rather than explaining how it looks different than you originally thought it would. ( one of my personal faults!) LOL Enjoy the process and post pics when you can. PD

Having a spreadsheet of the info is great for you, but if you are sharing the info with the GC, you need a hard copy format. I'd recommend that you have all the contracts and contact info for yourself, GC and subs organized in one place-- either a binder or folder or file box. We needed the plumber's number asap when we sprang a leak, and we (GC and I) didn't have it handy. Nasty. Put it in a defined place, make sure the GC knows it's there, make sure they're copies, not originals (or they'll get lost). Also, I can't tell you how hard it is to make subs look at your notes/postings. You basically have to hand it to them and get them to acknowledge that they'll look at it. I stapled up the stove installation diagram right over the place where it was to be installed, and the electricians still ignored it and put the plug in the wrong place. The GC fixed it, but really, people, why do you think it was flapping away there? I don't know how to remedy this, but I offer it as a way of saying, you can't assume they'll look at your notes unless you tell them to. That goes for GC and subs too. I would also recommend that you post your work phone, cell phone and alternate contact info in large type somewhere permanent (so they know where to look) so that no one can say "I did it this way because I couldn't reach you." That's averted a few disasters at my house, and has provided me with ammo when things weren't done right. I can go back and say "Why didn't you call if you couldn't find something or figure something out?" Finally, try to establish a regular place where you leave notes for the GC and the GC leaves notes for you, either in a notebook left in a permanent place, or a clipboard or whatever. This has been really important in helping me to understand what's happening when I'm not around. Leave plenty of paper and pens -- they never seem to have them, and I get notes written on pieces of 2x4. Cute, but not what you want to take the HOme Depot when you need to buy a part. I kept all my printed purchase orders, confirmations, etc. in a binder for the kitchen. Make sure to mark old plans as old, or throw them out. Otherwise, you can end up relying on an old version of the cabinet plan. And keep checking up on the communication area - because the documents can walk away and get lost. This leads to tiny disasters where the cabinets get installed without the crucial 3" filler that makes them line up. Leading to cabinet installation take 2, take 3 . . .etc.

I've now tried both GoodReads and LibraryThing. So far I prefer the latter simply because more of the books I have read are in the database. I also like being to choose the actual cover of the edition I've read. Of course it's not perfect. I disagree with how it handles the issue of dates of publication. I personally prefer to note the year in which the work was first published, not necessarily the edition which I read. Other people may not think this is particularly important. The downside with LibraryThing of course is that it is a pay site. I have not reached my 200 book limit (I only entered a few years of books). Once I reach 200 titles, then I would have to pay $25.00 to continue. I haven't decided whether I am willing to pay for that privilege. GoodReads is a very good site. I didn't know that I could block on the "friends", quizzes, etc. Many people would enjoy those aspects of the GR experience. This may sound strange, but I am not particularly interested in "rating" books. If I like a book, I will remember the experience of reading it. Only rarely do I force myself to finish a book I don't like.