My recipes are scattered between a wooden recipe box, several three ring binders with page protectors, a spiral notebook, and a pile of papers with recipes scrawled in pencil, some lacking even a name of the recipe.
Sometimes I can actually find the recipe I'm looking for. Other times I give up, call my mom, search my blog, or decide to make something else for supper.
I must not be the only one who struggles with recipe organization. Simply Organized was designed by a busy mom to have a beautiful tool to organize her burgeoning recipe collection.
Simply Organized consists of a three ring binder with 12 pretty section dividers.
Three different sized recipe cards are included to slip inside of specially designed plastic sleeves. I like that I can choose a different size card depending on the length of recipe. More cards and plastic sleeves can be purchased as needed.
Vision Publishers is offering a free copy of Simply Organized to a Home Joys reader.
To enter the giveaway, leave a comment sharing your recipe organization system - or lack of organization! One week from today, I'll choose one random comment to receive Simply Organized. Please be sure to leave a email address so I can contact you. Almost every time I do a giveaway, I have to choose a new winner because the first did not leave a email address.
Giveaway open for one week for US residents. I received a review copy of Simply Organized from Vision Publishers but all opinions are my own.
I think that binder is awesome. I write all my recipes on an index card and file them in a box alphabetically, but think it would be great to have things categorized by types of meals.
ReplyDeleteI use a binder similar to this, but I've let it get disorganized again....and have recipes in a basket that I've been collecting, clipping, etc. I find it so much easier to have them sorted by category!
ReplyDelete~eunice b
tigergal01 @gmail .com
I have tried a number of methods in the past but lately I've been putting recipes to be tried in a binder, filed under different categories and then copying them onto cards and put into my permanent file if I try them and want to keep them.
ReplyDeleteI keep however many loose papers and index cards that will fit in a cheapo album. And then a bunch more loose ones in a folder. And the rest tacked on the side of the fridge to look at as I make the recipe. And they just stay there till I need to switch.
ReplyDeleteMy system sounds a lot like yours! I especially identify with the "recipe scribbled on a paper without a name"! Since my husband is tech-geek and is usually connected to the www in some way I'll often borrow his gadget and email myself the recipe. A recipe file in my email account holds some of my favorites!lindastoltzfus at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem-and this seems like a great solution! I love the options for different sized cards as I currently have both a 3x5 card box and a 4x6 one. I thought I'd get all my recipes copied to the larger cards and moved over but reality has proven quite different. This binder would allow me to get them all in one place without the tedious job of copying them all.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
bluebarnbulletin @ gmail.com
I have a recipe box--a notebook--and like you various scraps of paper here and there. This would empty the spot on the counter that the recipe box hogs, and I could throw away the ratty notebook. :)
ReplyDeleteMy recipes are mostly stuffed into a drawer. This binder would be really nice to help get them organized. Thanks!
ReplyDelete~Karen
rkas94@hotmail.com
I have a cupboard FULL of cookbooks...I can never remember which book my favorites are in! This looks like a great system! I love the plastic sleeves!
ReplyDeletetcrowley122 at hotmail dot com
I use a binder for 8 1/2 x 11 sheets of pape--one recipe to a page for my weary eyes to see them! It's getting too full so I need a new suggestion.
ReplyDeleteAlice
amdamsteegt at gmail dot com
This is a really great idea. I love to consolidate so this really appeals to me
ReplyDeleterumbletk@yahoo.com
I love that binder! It is so pretty! I love that it is a three-ring binder and cards can be added. I have something similar, but it is spiral-bound that was given to me as a wedding gift. It can't be added to. It has pocket folders at the beginning of each section, but those are full, messy, and unorganized. I will have to check this one out! I will also have to order two so I can start one for my little girl of all her favorite meals and desserts! Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful and helpful resource!
ReplyDeleteOoops! I didn't leave an address with my last comment! mrsg30286@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI thought I might also share that I use Pinterest to store all the recipes I find online. When I try the recipe and really like it, it earns it spot in the pocket of my folder. If I find I use the recipe often, such as your pizza dough recipe, the recipe eventually earns it place in the permanent plastice sleeve! :)
I have a two binders similar to this and I LOVE them. But they are getting full, believe it or not.
ReplyDeletewow! this looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteand my system... pretty much exactly like yours. i need help!:)
my email rebekahmartin1980@gmail.com
I saw that binder........it would be a luxury to have. I keep my recipes in a box with dividers, but it's getting full!! My 16 year old daughter loves to cook and keeps adding her recipes as well........I thought of getting her the binder for her birthday!
ReplyDeleteJeanie
rodnjeanie at verizon dot net
I would love to win this. Even though you(Gina) might not believe me, my recipes are a mess! Nola
ReplyDeleteI found your blog about a week ago and I have just finished reading all your archived posts. Please enter me in this give-away as I have loose recipes all over the house!
ReplyDeletesandryplainandsimple@gmail.com
I really like the pretty binder, and I know that it takes work to keep my recipes in place, just like coupons do. I hope they sell more refills with the binder to add more. I have trouble finding my recipes also. Sure could use more organization! Thanks for your hints, love reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteakmartin@movemytrees.com
Oh my, how my poor recipes would love a book like this! As would their owner. :)
ReplyDelete~Darla (diaperswyper at gmail dot com)
Would love to be this organized! I too mostly copy,clip, can't find later.Jane in FL
ReplyDeleteEjsoyars@gmail.com. I will be away when you draw.will find out later
I have two index card files and a folder with print out or cut out recipes. One to try and one to keep. I am slowly adding my recipes to a file on the computer. Eventually I want to print a cookbook for each of my children, brothers and neices to share all the family recipes.
ReplyDeleteRecipes I get online are printed and put into a 3 ring binder with page protectors. Recipes I've clipped from Taste of Home Etc. go into a photo album with 4 x 6 pockets, and then there's my very full recipe box. Yes, I could use some organization! Marie
ReplyDeleterichdandmarie@gmail.com
Hi Gina - must be in he genes I have the same recipe problems. Heather didn't want a recipe box when she got married, she wanted a photo album with sleeves that recipe cards fit into - it's working well for her.
ReplyDeleteI put my recipes in 3 ring binders with page protectors. I have a separate one for bread and canning recipes. I would love to win this lovely organizer! :)
ReplyDeleteKelly
floridasoutherngirl@blogspot.com
New to your blog, mine recipes are in a regular binder, but I would love to try this! What a great give away!
ReplyDeleteHi Gina, my recipes are in a small box, folders, inside cookbooks and in a falling apart binder. I'll keep my fingers crossed for this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteColeen
accrisanti at yahoo dot com
I actually use a 3 ring photo album. (the kind you slip the pictures into. Nothing near as pretty as this, and I don't have dividers. Was just thinking tonight as I was searching for a recipe that I need to organize it.
ReplyDeletemichelejoie@gmail.com
I have 2 3-ring binders and a recipe box of cards AND a few recipes saved online and on my blog. I would love this organizer!! hutchhaus@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI have much the same problem and would enjoy trying this!
ReplyDeleteLorenda
lorendak@centurylink.net
I do things the same as you! :-). I have recipes on a couple of different sized cards, in cookbooks, on scraps of paper, magazine pages, and now my phone. I have a recipe box and it is separated into categories, but the recipes that I use most are generally in the front or the back bc I didnt take the time to put them in their place. This looks so neat and tidy! I would love to try it out! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance!
Alicia
agoconnor74@gmail.com
I have recently updated all my 'little scribble papers' and 'cut out of magazine' recipes lately and put them in a little basket. This looks like a real neat idea of being organized!
ReplyDeletes_peachey@yahoo.com
mine is so old falling apart A much needed kitchen tool! e-mail bylers5@frontiernet.net
ReplyDeleteMy recipes are a mess too.That binder looks like the perfect solution!
ReplyDeletemansarg@gmail.com
I have a totally unorganized three ring binder where I have slipped all sorts of print-out recipes, but now with my daughter learning to cook, its too bad only mom can find the recipe! Would love to win this!!
ReplyDeleteBTW--who wrote the book?
just4jane4@yahoo.com
My system definitely falls in the "lack of organization" category! I have a large stack of papers, recipe cards, magazine pages,etc that I have to go through when I want a recipe. The ones I use most are on the top, but that is not much of a system :). Thanks for a great giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteI use a recipe box. It is so full I can hardly pull out the needed card. Ginger
ReplyDeletekgfox@dejazzd.com
Would love to win this! My recipes are in a wooden recipe box but of course i have pretty many strewn through the drawer that need to be organized!
ReplyDeletedmp2010@windstream.net
I sure could use some help in organizing my recipes in a more user friendly arrangement,have collected many recipes down through the years and waste tooooo much time finding them when I need a specific one. This binder sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteRachel lorae@embarqmail.com
my recipes are in a wooden recipe box and a stack of loose papers printed off the computer. this binder would be great! andycharity@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI have a new box of page protectors with only 5 or 6 recipes in their sleeve. I keep alot of recipes on allrecipes.com.The rest are scattered in piles or stuck here and there. cknappier@bellsouth.net
ReplyDeleteI store them all on pinterest right now...not the best way lol. shaynaharrison at gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThis binder looks lovely... It's always a challenge for me to keep my recipes in order.
ReplyDeleterichlyblest6@verizon.net
Oh, and just wanted to add, I'm a new follower of your blog and I LOVE all your posts. I actually "pinned" your bread making post for future reference, and its been repinned 1010 times! I made your honey whole wheat small batch and it was AMAZING!
ReplyDeleteI really need this!! My current recipe organization sounds alot like yours! Loose papers laying around, stuffed inside cookbooks, etc. and sometimes when I want a certain one, I can't find it!! I have been intending to buy a 3 ring binder to organize them and it just isn't happening. :(
ReplyDeletejunebugs26@yahoo.com
Oh, my "organization" system sounds exactly like yours! I have the best of intentions, but organizing my recipes is never a top priority. I have recipes written on index cards and filed in recipe boxes - ones that I have tried and others that I want to try. For the full-page recipes, I also have binders of recipes that I want to try and others that I have tried. Something like this would be what I would need to make the time to get organized. Besides, I know it would serve my family. :-)
ReplyDelete~Teresa
TheBakers4Him@gmail.com
I have a number of cookbooks and lots of loose recipes and they are anything but organized! My little wooden box broke and never got fixed, so this would be the ideal solution to clean up my cupboard! jakah @ verizon.net
ReplyDeleteAbout every time I go digging in my loose recipes I think "I GOTTA get this organized!" I have a 3-ring binder made for recipes which holds some of my recipes. The problem: they don't jump in the book by themselves! Maybe with a new book I would get new inspiration! Thanks for all the great ideas!
ReplyDelete7happylappys@gmail.com
i use a 3 ring binder, but would love another.
ReplyDeleteElaine ~ dehurst@frontiernet.net
Hi Gina,
ReplyDeleteI have a recipe box with lots of cards and scraps. Also have a number of cookbooks that have my favorites marked. Then there is that pile of unruly papers I have printed off of my favorite online sources. :)
Thanks for all your work and for sharing your kitchen with us!!
Blessings,
Brenda
cbw2005@gmail.com
I started a 3X5 size recipe box years ago and more recently, a 3-ring binder divided into different categories for the recipes I print from the internet. I'd love to try this recipe organizer!
ReplyDeleteabnerschmucker@embarqmail.com
HI, this is my first time commenting! My "system" of filing recipes is NO system, I'm afraid. I have a clear plastic recipe box from mom, and a photo box with recipes printed off the internet, and lots of recipes stuffed into cookbooks, which, of course, means I rarely find the recipe I am thinking about! It's all pretty overwhelming. I reall intend to organize my recipes, and especially the ones my mom used to make, for my four granddaughters to use and pass on. Meanwhile, my "system" is the one my mom used...haphazard at best! :>>)
ReplyDeletepscathy1@gmail.com
Sorry that it will come over as Anonymous, not sure which one to pick.
ReplyDeleteHi Gina,
I am just like you...they end up all over the place. This is a beautiful organizer which I would love to have. Here is my e-mail address: quincysbuddy@bellsouth.net
I love your blog! Thank you for all your hard work doing this blog!
Btw, how is your sister and her children holding up after the loss of her husband last year? I think about them all the time and know first hand how quickly life can change (good or bad).
Blessings,
Wendy B.
My recipe "organizational system" is my computer files. But that makes things difficult, because I have to run back and forth between the kitchen and the family room each time I prepare something. Ugh! Oh how I would love to have my recipes organized and within the bounds of the kitchen!
ReplyDeleterader60@msn.com
I have been getting alot of recipes off the internet, so I mainly use a 3 ring binder with dividers to store them. I also have several recipe books that I use and they are always just a reach away on the kitchen counter. I have them in a apple shaped shelving unit that I made into a book holder.
ReplyDeletenickir1992@yahoo.com
Nicki in WV
Hey Gina-
ReplyDeleteI have the same system as you...rip out a TON of recipes and print some off the computer. I now have 2 bulging 3 ring binders with miscellaneous recipes in page protectors. Then there are lots of sticky notes to remind me that I made the recipe and how it turned out. Not a great system. :)
Pick me, pick me! :)
~Sarah~
theblueraven78@yahoo.com
My current organization is very much like yours - there is NO organization. I usually just wing it and make up meals without recipes because there's no sense trying to find one. It always looks so daunting to start organizing those scraps of paper though. I love the idea of using something pretty.
ReplyDeletei have a 3-ring binder w/ my full page recipes printed from the internet, a 3-ring binder w/ sleeves for cards as well as some of those scraps of paper fluttering about...thanks for sharing this giveaway!
ReplyDeletedaisycheer@comcast.net
A few years ago I made my own cookbook typing everything up on the computer, printing it off and putting it into a 3 ring binder. I love it except now I have all of these new recipes and no time to type them out due to a different job. This system looks great.
ReplyDeleteJanet
jlabare@hotmail.com
I would love this!!! I have three recipe boxes with cards that were my grandmothers and
ReplyDeletemothers and I would love to be able to organize them, and this looks perfect.
God bless,
Jeanna
nice!!! love it!!! I I I want it!!!
ReplyDeleteI use a photo album type binder. I took laminated pieces of colored paper made my own section tabs. It looks like a smaller version of one side of a manila folder. In each section I added a longer piece of paper so I could fold it up, and make a pocket. Then I hole punched it to line up with the 3 rings. I also have one folder of things I print off of sites that I might try. It is kind of a holding place to see if they are keepers. When I was a teen I used those sticky type cling photo (oh so bad for preservation) binders. I've often thought about making just a Christmas recipe binder. As for the recipe box...I've just not found them workable. From pulling the cards in and out the edges get so frayed. hall fam 805 (at) juno. com
ReplyDeleteMy mother gave me a lovely recipe box when I was married and I like it, but it only fits the standard index card size recipe cards, and I do use index cards in it! So any recipes I want in there have to be copied over from magazines, friends or the internet. Usually there's a stack of things to be copied laying underneath the box... ;)
ReplyDeleteAllison
allisonmdodge@gmail.com
Hi Gina, My cousin Nola told me about your blog and i've been enjoying it for a while now. I organize my recipes online with pinterest but the printed ones are a mess.
ReplyDeleteWendy
wmyers89@gmail.com
I like to keep mine in a 3 ring binder, when i get them there.
ReplyDeletenolanmartin1@gmail.com
I would LOVE to have this!!
ReplyDeletemsbraam@hotmail.com
My recipes are stuck in a drawer. But I also have a recipe file on my computer.
ReplyDeleteI have recipes everywhere, in the recipe box, cookbook, computer, and on and on and on. thanks for the giveaway. Looks really nice.
ReplyDeletemissmamas@hotmail.com
Carlene
Beautiful binder! Would love to have all my recipes in
ReplyDeleteone place!
Great to have all the redipes in one easy to use binder. Far better than mine left in a draw to sort through.
ReplyDeleteI toss all my recipes in a drawer and can rarely find the one I want when I want it. My plan is to sometime go through them all and put them together in a book... ;)
ReplyDeletejoy_unspeakable.lk711@yahoo.com
My recipes are sadly disorganized too. I have several photo books full of the clipped recipes I use most often, then a recipe box I seldom use, a binder full of (mostly) categorized recipes I want to try, a folder full of my slow cooker recipes, several handwritten cookbooks, and a tin planter full of recipes I often use but haven't filed anywhere. I could definitely use help, though I must add that I can nearly always put my hands on the recipe I want when I need it. Thanks for the generous giveaway. The binder looks wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI just have a very unorganized pile. It is oddly consoling to me that so many people live just like I do.
ReplyDeleteCheryl Weaver
I use a binder, and divide the main course dishes as to types, stir-fry's, Mexican, soups, etc. But it still tends to become a mess as I am always finding things online and print them off, so I end up with recipes all over til I reorgnize them again. Looks like a neat book!!
ReplyDeletemartinacres08@gmail.com
All my recipes are thrown in a drawer with the favorites on top.
ReplyDeleteAll my recipes are thrown in a drawer with the favorites on top.
ReplyDeleteMine are spilling out of a small photo album where I insert index cards instead of pictures. The problem is that it all needs purging ........... and you've got my email, but I'll post it anyway so as not to miss any chances. ;) smilesbymiles{at}gmail{dot}com
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I know I could use some help organizing my recipes. Glad I'm not the only one who is addicted to ripping out recipes.
ReplyDeleteroadrunnerxc326 at sbc global dot net
I am not organized at all with my recipes anymore. I used to have a card box but we had a house fire which destroyed all my cook books and individual recipes. Now I have random recipes everywhere - online, on scraps of paper, cut out and stuffed in my spice cabinet. I'm a mess! LOL
ReplyDeleteHeidi
HeidiRider@aol.com
Ok I am not sure if my other comment is going through so I'll try again........Oh how I would love this organizer. I've seen it advertised and thought to myself -- girl you need that :) Would love to bring some order to my messy disorganized recipes. Email is. busymomkh@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI love these kind of books! I have one that I use A LOT, but it is wearing out. This one looks great! Would love to win :)
ReplyDeletelisahorst@centurylink.net
I keep mine in a recipe box that is getting full.. this book looks lovely and I would enjoy organizing recipes with it!
ReplyDeleteemail bartonrisser@hotmail.com
I would love one of these! I currently store my recipes in a binder that's pretty unorganized at the moment.
ReplyDeletesosborne521@gmail.com
Oh my, my recipes are in desperate need of organizing! I hate to admit it but I have mine jammed into a regular folder (the kind I used in high school)and it is down right discouraging to go recipe hunting in that thing. Paper sizes range from 8.5"x11" to 'micro' which makes the hunt even more rediculous. I would so love a book like this to inspire me to some serious organizing. Lori R.
ReplyDeleteemail- hometownhauling@gmail.com
I have a little plastic-paged recipe book that is stuffed to the gills. I've tucked so many recipes in the front that they always threaten to fall out when I pull out the book!
ReplyDeleteemilyjean88@gmail.com
My recipes are all in a huge bag and I love to browse through them. I especially enjoy reading the handwritten ones, remembering the writer, who may be no longer with us.
ReplyDeletewwakeman@aol.com
I have a recipe box and a 3-ring binder with dividers. It's actually fairly organized because I got tired of flipping through my whole binder to find a recipe. I'd like to have all my recipes in one place but haven't managed that yet.
ReplyDeletejoyfully83@yahoo.com
I believe my recipe organizational skills leave something to be desired, as well! For the most part I have lots of cook books and keep my loose recipe cards nicely organized in a recipe box. But then there is The Box - a hodge podge of cut-out, printed off and scribbled recipes that need tried, have been tried, and are just difficult to find. Would love this pretty book to help my organization! Thank you for the chance!
ReplyDeleteLynita L.
lonnyslynny@pa.net
I could use help in the area as well. Right now I just put recipes in a binder, but I'm afraid that right now it is a big unorganized mess. I would love to win.
ReplyDeleteErin
erinb1 at aol dot com
I have two of these, but both are losing their covers and many more recipes that need a home! :)Been longing for a new one of these, but I'm probably a little late. Thank you.Lucinda
ReplyDeletedalelou92@afo.net
I love this binder and I love new recipes but most of my recipes are not well organised .Hope to win your binder Thank you Norma therempels1@gmail.com
ReplyDelete