Recipe Organization (And some Thirty-One too!)

Over the years I've had various recipe organization ideas and all have worked well but my current format has worked the best!

First, I used a Rolodex.  Yes, you read that right.  It was pretty cool, really, but I had to type and print all of the recipes on those little cards.  It took a lot of work.

Next, I used 3 ring binders.  This was great because I could just print recipes, hole punch them and put them in the binder.  This was great except I took the weekly recipes out and wouldn't put them back until I had almost all the recipes out and had to reorganize them . .. .again.

Now, I use this file system.

This is a file box from Thirty-One that I picked up several years ago.  I created a file for each of my recipe categories (Beef, Pork, Soups, Slow Cooker, etc.) and now, I just pull out what I need and refile it when I'm done - easy peasy!  I keep the blue file in the front so, if I'm in a rush, I can put recipes in there that need to be filed so that they don't get lost. I'm considering purchasing another one of the files to use with organizing my scrapbooking things.

My friend, Cindy, sells Thirty-One products so if you are looking for something new, check out her site HERE.

I recently picked up a couple new items that I just love.

This is the Round Utility Tote and it is just amazing.  I love that it actually sits on my shoulder and the straps make it just long enough to carry on your shoulder.  It opens wide and holds alot - it is currently holding all of our beach snacks :-) 

 I also picked up this cute little bag as a special - I love it because it has a clip to hook it inside another bag, it has a zipper pouch that is perfect for holding my little camera, money, and my phone when we go to the beach and it has the zippered outside pocket that is great for things like chap-stick.  I searched the site and couldn't find it but maybe I was missing it! 

I also picked up a Fresh Market Thermal and the Small Utility Tote in the same pattern as the small pouch above.  They are both perfect for hauling to the beach. 

And, no, this is not a sales pitch.  I personally like to see what other people are using for organizing so I thought I'd share what I'm using too!