Recipe Organization

I had a goal last week and that was to organize my recipes.  This was no easy task and I spent HOURS doing it, but I am more than please with the end results.  I organized both my paper recipes and online recipes.  I love Pinterest, but without search options within personal boards I was searching through 350 pins to find that must have recipe.  The first thing I did was tackle the loose recipes and cooking magazines in three steps.  

Once I had my recipes divivded into categories I purchased a binder, page protectors, and Post-It tabs.

I found the cutest cover sheet and spine label from Banjelope.  I love it because it matches my kitchen!

Love the re-positional tabs.  I am sure that adaptations will be made over the years.

I created my own divider pages in Word and printed in a soft gray.  Again, obsessed with this coordinating. Someone help me. 

I used 4x6 photo pages for the loose cards. Clipped recipes were glued onto white sheets of paper (not pictured).

Adding the handwritten note that Grandma included with her famous cole slaw recipe is priceless.

Organizing my Pinterest recipes was time consuming and made me really hungry!  I created boards for each category as I did in my binder.  Now when I pin a new recipe I add it to the appropriate board.  This will reduce the number of re-pins and time spent searching in the future.

Although this project took me three days to accomplish I feel motivated to cook with organized resources.  And for the record this post contained the word "recipe" twelve times.  

Lego and AG Doll Storage

Two organizational projects that I completed before Christmas was Legos and 18" Doll Accessories.  We have both coming out our ears.  I really loved this Lego storage, but the $100 price tag was not in my budget. I wanted to utilize some book shelves that we already had and decided to use shoe storage boxes for only $16.  I had purchased over 1600 Legos bricks for Christmas and knew we needed a better storage system.

The last tote holds all instructions and our brick separator.
If you do not have that... run to the Lego Store and get one!

Current project boxes

I did not feel that labels were necessary as you can see the different colors and two out of my three kids do not read.

My next project was tackling all of Madeline's doll accessories. Her dolls have totally taken over half of her closet.  I purchased a hanging shoe bag for $8, cut to size and screwed it into the closet. I did hit one stud (on accident of course).  Everything is organized and she does a great job of cleaning up her doll stuff now that there is a place for everything.

The hanging clothes rack is a tension rod. Who says doll storage has to be expensive?!

My Sewing Room

Well, I mean corner... my sewing are is in a corner of the kids' playroom, but I like it in there because I can sew while they play and they play alot! I am on a little break and thought that I would show you where all the magic happens- LOL! Just this week I picked up wooden embroidery hoops and hooped some fabric from past projects. This was a quick and inexpensive way to add a pop of color to my work space. The previous owner painted this room lavendar and we have not repainted yet. I am thinking something more gender neutral.

Here is the inspiration photo from Country Living

Here is my version


Now, you are probably wondering, "Where is all my stuff?" It is cleverly organized in this closet and it also keeps little hands from exploring. A plus too is that I can hang orders up as I work on them. Here are all of my notions.
I use these 12X12 boxes to projects, such as current Etsy listings. I love my monogrammed tote from my sister Olivia. I use this for the projects that are "in process". There are handles so if I need to make a trip to JoAnn's I just grab it and go!

My pattern drawers. the top drawer hold the euro patterns and my little collection of serger thread.

The other side of the closet is the pre-school materials. We even have a proper place for our work mats!

Busy Week!

I have been super busy this week. I made 6 skirts in 5 days and still had time to cut out 6 Reddie Guys and organize Maisy and Stacy's closet!

Here is a picture of the kids' Christmas tree in the playroom and their nativity. I think that every kid should have this Little People set!

I love how Madeline's dolls have taken over her closet. For just a couple of dollars I used the 3M hooks to give their space a little more organization. Oh, and the endless tea parties that we have! Luke loves to play too. He ends up just licking the pretend cupcakes.