A Pictureless Makeover

Anybody who looked at Friday's post by now believes me when I claim to be "technically challenged". I pointed, and clicked, and dragged, and begged and prayed. Oh well, a goal to work towards. I am not, however, organizationally challenged. So for my first Met Monday hosted by Susan I am going to ask you to use your imagination. Just try to picture a basket brimming with scraps of paper and worn-out index cards, a cookbook with magazine and newspaper clippings stuffed between the pages, A drawer with notebook paper, post-it notes, and even napkins used as note paper. Wait, maybe you don't have to imagine this; maybe you can just look around your kitchen at your own recipe collection...did I say "collection"? That is a term I used loosely when applied to my own recipes. But I have FINALLY found the best way to keep my recipes both organized and handy. Some of you may have this already on your computer, but we have already established that that is not me! First I went through my recipes and REALLY culled them. Some sounded good at one time and not so much now. Those I threw away. Then I began to put them into categories--just in stacks. I bought a three-inch, three- ring binder. some dividers WITH POCKETS, a glue stick, and some notebook paper. I labeled the dividers with the typical categories Appetizers, Beverages, Cakes and Cookies, etc. I included a section for menus, both ones I've used for entertaining and ones I'd like to try. I also added a section for table setting and centerpieces. After that it was simple. The recipes that I have actually made are pasted onto a sheet of paper and the paper put into the proper category. I jot notes on the side with changes I've made or presentation ideas. Next I put recipes that I have found and would like to try into the appropriate category pocket. So simple and it so works!! I cannot tell you how much time this has saved me. When I need a new appetizer or an idea for dinner I just go to the appropriate category in the notebook. I very seldom lose a recipe now. My next goal is to implement this same idea for my gardening--keeping notes of what worked, what didn't, how many flats are needed for this bed, etc. Hope this helps! Now you can click on the link and check out the others at Susan's at Between Naps on the Porch. Those over there will be the ones with pictures....LOL! Enjoy!