Family Recipe Notebook

I started a family recipe journal a little over a year ago. In it I am collecting all of the recipes that our family enjoys. Whenever there is a story related to the recipe I like to add that with the recipe. It helps to make the collection more interesting. One thing I have considered, but haven’t done yet, is adding pictures of some of the food along with the recipe. I started this notebook as a convenience for myself because I got tired of having to hunt for the recipes when I wanted to use them. At first I tried collecting them on the computer. This didn’t work for me because my computer is upstairs so if I wanted to make something I had to go start up the computer, find the recipe and print it. By the time I did all that, I didn’t feel like cooking anymore. So I decided to switch over to a notebook. I selected a notebook which appears to be durable and has a nice plastic cover. Hopefully it will hold up well to the abuse that kitchen use can cause.

Does your family have any special recipes? Why not try creating your own family recipe notebook?

Technorati Tags: Family Recipe, Journaling, Notebook

Tips For Selecting A Journal

Selecting the right journal for you is very important. I have found that if the journal you're using does not work for you, you are much less likely to write in it. So here are some tips for selecting a journal that works:

1. Pay careful attention to the size of your journal. You should be able to comfortably carry your journal with you. If you carry a bag regularly you will want it to fit in the bag. Otherwise you will want it to fit in your pocket.

2. Consider your options with paper. You can get blank paper, lined paper and quad ruled paper. There are even other options, but these are the most common. If you plan on doing a lot of drawing you will probably want blank paper. For those of us who prefer lined paper, pay attention to the line spacing. I like lines that are closer to college ruled. Wide ruled pages just do not work for me. I also love quad ruled pages for some of my notebooks.

3. Paper quality is another item you want to consider. If the pages are too thin, your ink will most likely bleed through the page. Since I write on both sides of the page I prefer a slightly thicker page. If you only write on the fronts, bleed through may not bother you. Also, if you want your journals to stand the test of time and be passed along long after you are gone, you will want to get a journal with archival or acid free pages.

4. I have found that it's much easier to write if your journal lays flat when it's open. There are some standard bindings that will allow for that and you also have spiral bound. Open them up in the store and see how they lay. If it doesn't look like you will be able to comfortably write in it, pass it by.

5. Don't feel like you are limited to a traditional journal from a book store. You could also use a sketch book, a notebook or a binder. It's simply a matter of what works with your life. Look around until you find the journal that calls to you. There are plenty of options available at bookstores, gift shops, craft stores, and plenty of other stores.

6. Durability is also important. If the journal is of a lower quality, it may not hold up to it's travels. Try to find something that looks like it will be able to stand the test of time.

Tags: journal selection, notebooks

Always Carry a Notebook

You should always carry a notebook with you. If possible, you should carry your journal. Since that isn't always possible, it helps to have a small notebook that will fit into your pocket or a purse. And don't forget the pen. You never know when inspiration will strike or when you'll have time to reflect, write lists or plan ahead for the next few days. It's also helpful for jotting down things you need to remember, even if they won't be going into your journal later. My notebook has a collection of blog ideas, shopping lists, to do lists, directions and other assorted notes. Try carrying one for awhile and you will see just how helpful it can be.

Notes For Later

There are times when you see or think of something that you want to write about in your journal, but you just can't do it right that instant. For those times I carry a small notebook and a digital camera in my purse. My notebook is full of all kinds of notes that would not make any sense to anyone except me. The digital camera has been very handy for catching some of those crazy sights you see from time to time when you're out and about. The notes and pictures help me recall things when I do finally have time to sit down and write that I would otherwise have forgotten. I feel that everyone could benefit from carrying at least a small notebook with them.

Tags: journaling, notebook, notes