Saturday, March 7, 2009

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!

11 comments:

  1. Hey Susan! I'm being so lazy today! After getting home from church I haven't done a thing! and trust me, there is so much to do!!! I love your idea for organizing your recipes! You're a gardener too?! I'm getting the itch! Who knows we might still have the blizzard of the year yet! If you're ever in the Curves Poplar Pike area drop by and say hi! Even if I'm not there just tell 'em you want to leave a message for Laura! By the way, if you're trying to put pics on your post when you're creating your post and go to pics be sure you click which format you want...it's easiest just to use center. It will always appear at the top of your post. Before trying to click and drag be sure to have your mouse arrow where you want it already then go to the top and click then drag. Sometimes just letting go after dragging will bring the picture there and other times you let go and click it there. Hope this helps! I learned thru trial and error myself! God Bless you today! Lauralu

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  2. That's a great idea for organizing recipes. Mine are stuffed into a little metal box that I got at a recipe shower before I married 38 years ago. I think I once went through it and culled some that I never made, but that's as far as I got with organizing them.

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  3. Oh my do I need to do this with my recipes- My sis called for one of my recipes - geez- which of the 2 recipe boxes is it in!! After much scrambling I did find it but geez how much quicker would it have been if I would be organized!!!

    Thanks for the suggestion on my armoire

    blessings
    mary

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  4. What a great way to organize your recipes!! Thanks for droppin' by the cabin and your Hobby Lobby sympathy! Lol! Nice to meet ya! Laura

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  5. I can picture it in my head and it sounds like a great organizing day!
    ~Michelle

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  6. Sounds very organized and very helpful Susan! Thanks for coming by my post and yes, that is Dolly Parton on TV...Christine

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  7. I think a 3 ring binder is the very best way to do a recipe book. My daughter did the same thing for me one Christmas - having typed on the computer and printed out dozens of favs. You will love this. It's a good feeling, isn't it?!
    Linda

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  8. It sounds like you're "before" recipe-situation describes mine to a T, Susan! HaHa! I think you should come over and get them all organized for me :-)

    Thanks for stopping in to check out my old condo's kitchen remodel... I appreciate all the comments I receive!

    All the best,
    Victoria from EdinDesigns @ DesignTies

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  9. Now I really do need a binder for all the ones I want to keep and like you I really do need to go through them and weed a lot out. Most of mine are just stuffed in a box. Now that's a real nightmare if you're looking for something in particualar. lol Thanks for stopping by and your gracious comment on my BR redo, I really appreciate it. Hugs, Marty

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  10. Hi Susan...this is a great idea! I did something similar with the recipes I use every Thanksgiving and Christmas...got so tired of trying to find them all each year. That notebook has gradually expanded to hold all the recipes that are my favs. So nice to put your finger right on a recipe instead of spending time searching and searching. :-) Susan

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  11. Great idea! Awesome choice for today's Met Monday!

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