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Home ยป Blog ยป My Very Own Cookbook

My Very Own Cookbook

by Sarah Turner Clover Lane

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I finally finished a little fun project I have been working on all year.  I made my own cookbook.  I decided, earlier this year, that I needed a little boost to get out of a cooking rut I was in.  I knew what I needed was a project that would help my organize and simplify my recipes.  I decided to collect my family favorite recipes and consolidate them into a cookbook that I would really use…not like those cookbooks that I buy that have one or two or three good recipes in them, but a cookbook where I would use ALL the recipes often.

How many times can I type the word cookbook?

Anyways, I knew that when it comes to me and projects and being the mother of five children, I have to break everything down into little steps.  First I organized my recipe binder nicely.  I took out recipes that I would never make and marked the one I knew already were going to make the cut into the book.

Then I slowly but surely started trying some new things. This is what really got me out of that rut…I was making the same things over and over and I knew I wanted a nice collection of 100+ recipes, and I only had a little more than half of that of die-hard favorites so far. I found recipes through friends, family, blogs, and books and recipe site. I experimented on my children and if the recipe was a majority-rules good one, I would make adjustments (more sauce, a little less spicy etc) to make it our own.  If one didn’t work out, I pitched the recipe and tried something new.  We mixed things up and tried things again and again.  I have to say-it was fun! 

Once I felt like I was ready, I opened a Blurbaccount (I chose this company to make the cookbook just because I heard they did a very nice job with the photo aspect and made it all easy-there are probably many good choices out there I am sure) and watched one quick tutorial on how to make a book.  I looked at some samples of recipe books already made and decided, of course, I wanted it to be very simple with full page pictures.  I downloaded the software and went to work, slowly but surely, entering recipes a little at a time…remember I just finished this and I started it in the beginning of the year.  

They have easy recipe templates.  Lots of choices of course, but I don’t like lots of choices so I kept my blinders on and just went with the easy and quick templates.  I did have some food photos, and I had planned to have one for each recipe, but I decided that was just too time-consuming so I used some of my favorite family pictures throughout.  For the cover and the divider pages, I made a quick collage in Picasa and used that as my image.   I proofread, hit send, and chose what type of cover I wanted before ordering.  I would have loved to have a jacket, but I think for a cookbook that I’d be using everyday, I would have just ended up removing it anyways.

I exchanged this sloppy mess:

For this:

I was so excited when I got the email that it shipped that I stood outside waiting for 2 days and nights till it was delivered.   Not really but I wanted to.   I love it. 

(get it?)

The one drawback is that it is not super cheap…the cost depends on how many pages and what sort of cover you choose.  My book was around $65 I think-I used a coupon I found online.  To me it is worth every penny because I have a scrapbook type of cookbook that will be a family treasure. 

P.S.  You can find some of the recipes right now on Cooking On Clover Lane.  

__________________________________________________________________

Need gift ideas?

Here’s a list of our favorite, most-played with, delivered-to-your-doorstep, Mom-approved toys.

And here are ourfavorite games.

And ourfavorite books.

Here are some great teen gift ideas.

By age and interesthere.

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November 3, 2011 ยท 161 Comments

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Comments

  1. Cheryl @ a pretty cool life. says

    November 3, 2011 at 4:23 am

    Sarah! It's gorgeous! I love it!

    Reply
  2. marlowe says

    November 3, 2011 at 4:24 am

    Sarah, what a great idea! And what a great idea to give to parents, children or grandparents for a Christmas gift โ€” food brings families together and there's no gift that shows love like one's own family favorites. I might have to make my own one day ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  3. Mrs. Biscuit says

    November 3, 2011 at 4:27 am

    Beautiful! I love it. (You always do such amazing creative things….such an inspiration).

    Reply
  4. Carrie says

    November 3, 2011 at 4:44 am

    That is awesome!!!

    Reply
  5. I can't find my blog says

    November 3, 2011 at 4:44 am

    I love this idea! Yours turned out beautifully.

    Reply
  6. Kell says

    November 3, 2011 at 4:53 am

    I just wanted to tell you that I love your blog. I always nod my when when reading your posts and completely agree with your words on Motherhood. I admire the kind of Mother you are! And I would totally buy your cookbook, I bet it is great ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  7. TaDa! Creations says

    November 3, 2011 at 5:09 am

    Love, love, love! What a fabulous idea. I too have a hug ring-binder. And now I have another project on my list. Eeek!

    Reply
  8. Cath says

    November 3, 2011 at 5:13 am

    That is just plain awesome. What a treasure for your kids!

    Reply
  9. mholgate says

    November 3, 2011 at 5:46 am

    That is so cool! I want one! I should do something like that with my menu plans. I have about 14 weeks worth so far with recipes and grocery lists.

    My mother in law made what I refer to as "the black book" for all us kids one year for Christmas. We all submitted our favorite recipes and she divided them into categories and included family photos too. It's a great book and I still refer to it often but I only use about a quarter of the recipes. It would be fun to make one of my own. Thanks for sharing!

    -Melissa

    Reply
  10. Rhona says

    November 3, 2011 at 7:50 am

    I absolutely LOVE this, what a fantastic idea!! You have done such a great job of this and what a treasure it'll be for your family. I want one now too ๐Ÿ˜‰ xx

    Reply
  11. Anonymous says

    November 3, 2011 at 8:52 am

    THIS IS SUCH A WONDERFUL IDEA!!!
    Your book looks great!

    Reply
  12. Rhona says

    November 3, 2011 at 9:15 am

    Sarah, I hope you don't mind I've posted a link to this post on my blog today. I think this is such a fantastic idea. Thank you

    Reply
  13. {cindy} says

    November 3, 2011 at 10:11 am

    AMAZING Sarah!
    What a gift for your kids someday.
    And it's way prettier laying on the counter!!:)
    have a happy day

    Reply
  14. michelle @ this little light says

    November 3, 2011 at 10:12 am

    What a fantastic idea!!!! And priceless, for sure.

    Reply
  15. Simply LKJ says

    November 3, 2011 at 10:22 am

    Love this idea! I have a binder similar to yours. Had never thought to put an actual book together. My oldest is always asking me for recipes (she is finishing up college) and the younger one will head off next year. This would be a great gift for both of them!!

    Reply
  16. Raising Laughter says

    November 3, 2011 at 11:29 am

    How ABSOLUTELY adorable! Congrats on getting it completed and what a beautiful cookbook you will ALWAYS enjoy opening and cooking from!

    Reply
  17. luvnmy10 says

    November 3, 2011 at 11:38 am

    Sooo cool! The only problem is-your kids are going to fight over who gets it in 50 or so years : ) might have to make 4 more… Love the family photos throughout, a very personal fun touch. You could probably market the digital version and we could all order our own with your recipes and our photos….. Hmmm… I see a profit for you and a benefit for all of us out in cyberville!

    Reply
  18. Jennifer Jo says

    November 3, 2011 at 11:39 am

    So pretty!

    Reply
  19. ASchaaf says

    November 3, 2011 at 11:46 am

    Totally awesome! Might have to start organizing the gazillion recipes in my photo box. My mom had a green stationary box that she kept all her recipes in, I loved asking her for a recipe…she always knew what type of paper it was written on…and now I do the same, but maybe it is time to organize it all….

    Reply
  20. Fay says

    November 3, 2011 at 11:47 am

    I've been doing the same thing with my recipes. Only my finished project looks more like your binder that you started with. Yours looks amazing and beautiful. You are the most organized blogger I read!

    Reply
  21. Christi says

    November 3, 2011 at 11:48 am

    It's beautiful! So exciting!

    Reply
  22. Magnolia Verandah says

    November 3, 2011 at 12:00 pm

    Good job – something I have put in my notebook to do but you have actually done it! Well done, it looks great and how wonderful to hand down to your children.

    Reply
  23. tina says

    November 3, 2011 at 12:01 pm

    Fantastic idea !!

    Reply
  24. knit one, knit two says

    November 3, 2011 at 12:05 pm

    Wow, that's great! I too have a big binder stuffed to overflowing. Hubby's aunt gave it to us when we got married and included favorite family dishes and I added recipes culled from magazines over the years. Your book would make a fabulous gift for newlyweds in your family.

    Thank you for being an inspiration to us!

    Reply
  25. Anonymous says

    November 3, 2011 at 12:11 pm

    sarah-
    love love love it. as always you have the midas touch…what a great treasure you have for your family. You inspire me. I, too, have that binder stuffed with papers and have often thought i wanted to do the same. Felt the task was daunting but maybe……
    hope the college search is going well…what a journey it is. Now that is a whole other book!!

    Reply
  26. Anonymous says

    November 3, 2011 at 12:13 pm

    I have a handwritten book that my grandmother and aunts put together for me. Since my grandmother passed away, my younger cousins never got the same family heirloom, and I've been thinking about replicating mine for them somehow. This would be a wonderful gift for them, and maybe even for my Mom.

    Reply
  27. The Lady says

    November 3, 2011 at 12:17 pm

    That's awesome! Love to get one.

    Reply
  28. Ashley says

    November 3, 2011 at 12:29 pm

    Your book is amazing! I made a similar cookbook for my mom for Christmas a few years back. I made it on Tastebook (have you heard of them?). The nice part is that she can add new favorites and have the pages sent to her to add into her book. Now I just need to get my act together and make myself one!

    Reply
  29. Ericka says

    November 3, 2011 at 12:37 pm

    That is one of the coolest things I've ever seen! I love the pictures in it! I would totally buy your cookbook. Just sayin.

    Reply
  30. Heidi says

    November 3, 2011 at 12:38 pm

    Oh My Goodness… I LOVE THIS IDEA! If I only loved to cook, LOL! Your book looks beautiful!

    Reply
  31. Amanda says

    November 3, 2011 at 12:42 pm

    Love it so so so much!! It's so personal and family and special. I have a feeling you'll be ordering duplicates, cause your kids are going to want one when they leave home. Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
  32. Amber@Munchkin Land says

    November 3, 2011 at 12:54 pm

    Love love love!!! A big motivator for me and I'd love something like that. Is there an option where you can scan old recipe cards though? I love seeing my grandma's handwriting on some of my most favorite recipes…..

    Reply
  33. LML says

    November 3, 2011 at 1:04 pm

    Wow! That is gorgeous! You are so talented ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  34. Unknown says

    November 3, 2011 at 1:08 pm

    Wow Sarah! I love your cookbook. What a wonderful & creative thing to do. Once I get more recipes down on my blog, I think I might just make my own cookbook. What a great gift for your family. You can now have a "real" family cookbook to pass on to your kids when they move on and leave the house instead of coffee/food stained recipe cards. Amazing!

    Do you know how much it costs to make copies? I am sure its less, right? If so, what a great Christmas gift for friends and family.

    You rock Sarah! You have so much creative energy! I love it! What are you going to come up with next?

    Reply
  35. Louise says

    November 3, 2011 at 1:09 pm

    What a FABULOUS idea! Thanks for the wonderful idea! I may just try that!

    Reply
  36. CRICKET says

    November 3, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    I just wanted to thank you for all the book recommendations on your side bar. My house has never been dirtier but my mind is alive! Passing on my favorites to some of my reading buddies.

    Reply
  37. Kim says

    November 3, 2011 at 1:16 pm

    What a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach!! The last thing I need right now is another project, but this one just might be soooo worth it!!!

    Reply
  38. April says

    November 3, 2011 at 1:23 pm

    I am in love with your cookbook as well!!! I love how you took your time with it and did it right!

    Reply
  39. Jenny says

    November 3, 2011 at 1:29 pm

    Love it! I also love, love your Cooking on Clover Lane blog. I have made many of the recipes and they are always easy and yummy. I hope you continue to post more over there!
    Of course, I peeked at it again, and now I have an intense craving for mexican pizza… and garlic rolls… At 6:30 in the morning. Maybe I shouldn't look at any food blogs while pregnant…

    Reply
  40. Kim says

    November 3, 2011 at 1:37 pm

    This is such a fantastic idea- I am going to start saving up recipes (and money) and buy it as a gift to myself next year- LOVE IT! I always wanted to let you know how much I look forward to reading your blog- it gives me such inspiration. I am a SAHM and I have very few friends who stay home too. I don't have a lot of people to talk to who "get" my life- but then I come here and read your wise (and sometimes humorous) posts and I think "YES! That is it- exactly!" It is so great to feel some camraderie ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  41. Stacy says

    November 3, 2011 at 1:40 pm

    What a great idea! I love it and you have inspired me to do this too. I just have to remember that it took you one year. I am still trying to organize my photos which is not going so well. . .

    Reply
  42. Talia says

    November 3, 2011 at 1:40 pm

    What a fabulous idea! I very well may copy and make a cookbook too! Thank you for sharing your fantastic idea!

    Reply
  43. Becky @ Our Sweet Peas says

    November 3, 2011 at 1:47 pm

    This is amazing. Great idea. This truly is a treasure your family will enjoy for ages.

    Reply
  44. Jessica @ This Blessed Life says

    November 3, 2011 at 1:50 pm

    WOW – i've never seen a personalized one before – I love it!

    Reply
  45. The 1st of May says

    November 3, 2011 at 1:56 pm

    You should get it published! If they are all like the PB cookie recipe I KNOW it's awesome! I make those ALL. THE. TIME. Can't wait to start using more of your recipes!

    Reply
  46. Lesa says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:06 pm

    WOW!!! This is one of the coolest things I have ever seen!!! I would love to have all my favorite recipes in a book like this instead of in a shoebox! I am so jealous and so inspired! I love it!!! I would absolutely buy it!!!

    Reply
  47. Lesa says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:09 pm

    I mean I would buy a copy of this cookbook!!!

    Reply
  48. Love is all you need says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:23 pm

    Soo amazing! Can I pay you to spend another year making me one!

    Reply
  49. alanna rose says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    What a wonderful idea, and a wonderful (and useful) keepsake for you and the family ๐Ÿ™‚

    Thanks so much for sharing…I am inspired to do something similar!

    Reply
  50. Anonymous says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:37 pm

    That is amazing! What a wonderful idea and super professional. Love it!

    Reply
  51. Cheflamb says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    Well, that's just the most beautiful thing I have ever seen!!!! Thank you so for giving such wonderful inspirations in this wonderful experience of motherhood!!!! You are my hero!!

    Reply
  52. Sheila says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:41 pm

    Sometimes they send special offers after you order one….maybe you can get one for each of your kids to use as wedding shower gifts some day. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  53. stephanie says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:44 pm

    Genius idea Sarah!! Now let's get this mass produced and sell it to all your followers!!

    What a wonderful keepsake for your family!

    Reply
  54. Meaghan says

    November 3, 2011 at 3:09 pm

    That's a beautiful book! A warning about Blurb for anyone else considering it. I spent hours upon hours making a first year baby book on blurb.com for my neice, and since I didn't order it within 15 days of starting it, they deleted my entire book from my account. They gave me only 24 hours notice by email and I didn't see the email in time. Customer service has thus far refused to give me access to the book again. I will never again use blurb! Sorry to vent, your cookbook really does look wonderful.

    Reply
  55. Chris at Red Gate Farm says

    November 3, 2011 at 3:11 pm

    I have an old family (put together) cookbook from years and years ago…. done on a typewriter and photocopied. This would be a great way to update that cookbook with photos and all! Yours is so professional looking!

    Hands down, the coolest thing I've seen in a long time!

    ~Chris

    Reply
  56. Chelsey says

    November 3, 2011 at 3:19 pm

    I'm so glad you posted this. I've been looking to turn my cookbook binder into a real one for a year or so, but haven't really known who to go to.

    Reply
  57. Stephanie says

    November 3, 2011 at 3:19 pm

    That is so awesome! Added your cooking blog to my roll. Can not wait to check it out!

    Reply
  58. Amber says

    November 3, 2011 at 3:48 pm

    LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!!! I have been thinking of doing this for a long time and seeing how beautiful yours turned out might just be my inspiration!

    Reply
  59. Theresa says

    November 3, 2011 at 4:31 pm

    THAT is AWESOME!

    Reply
  60. Grace in my Heart says

    November 3, 2011 at 4:52 pm

    Beautiful Sarah. What a treasure!

    Reply
  61. Julie says

    November 3, 2011 at 4:54 pm

    Looks like a beautiful family cookbook! I'm excited to try some of your recipes!

    Reply
  62. Barb says

    November 3, 2011 at 4:56 pm

    This is the BEST idea I have seen in a long time. What a wonderful keepsake for your family! I may have to copy this idea.

    (P.S. I just finished "It Was So Hot You Should Have Thanked Me" on your recommendation and I absolutely loved it. Thank you.)

    Reply
  63. Meagan Kenney says

    November 3, 2011 at 5:26 pm

    Wow! Awesome! Makes me want to create one too! We have the same three ring type binder book with school dividers in it right now. So inspiring!

    Reply
  64. Britney says

    November 3, 2011 at 5:34 pm

    how fun! what a great idea and a great way to preserve all those memories. brilliant!

    Reply
  65. Buffy says

    November 3, 2011 at 5:53 pm

    Love it! Love it! Love it! I just started the binder phase with my recipes so that I could eventually do what you just did! Glad to see it worked out awesome! Great minds think alike!

    Reply
  66. kara_a_cullen says

    November 3, 2011 at 6:27 pm

    I absolutely love this idea! I wish I would have known thought about it earlier. My husband and I love to cook and I think this would be a great Christmas present, but since it has taken since the beginning of the year, no way I could do for Christmas huh? Wish I could find a way to pull it off.

    Reply
  67. The Spanglers says

    November 3, 2011 at 6:38 pm

    Wow. That is beautiful. Are you selling them? I'm only kidding but you did a beautiful job. I would love to reorganize my recipe notebook. I'm just afraid a bound book would limit what I could do later. I like the flexibility of a notebook, but then again your book is so beautiful.

    Reply
  68. tracey (aka rainbowmummy) says

    November 3, 2011 at 6:41 pm

    Oh my goodness!!! I want this so much!!!!!!

    Reply
  69. Kelli says

    November 3, 2011 at 6:41 pm

    THAT is awesome!!! I think it is absolutely worth the price. I love how you were creative with the pictures in relation to the recipe.

    Reply
  70. Sarah says

    November 3, 2011 at 6:47 pm

    Wow, Sarah, that is really gorgeous. It is very special and I think it was totally worth every penny as well. Can you get more copies to pass on to your kids when they grow up and move on?

    Reply
  71. Shanade says

    November 3, 2011 at 6:49 pm

    Gorgeous! I've been talking about making one for a long time now… maybe this will motivate me to actually do it. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  72. Katie Leipprandt says

    November 3, 2011 at 7:03 pm

    My extended family did this one year and now I have a cookbook full of family favorites. We scanned actual recipe cards written in family member's handwriting and that has made it SO special to look at and use. Love yours!!!!

    Reply
  73. Pinecone says

    November 3, 2011 at 7:27 pm

    Oh my goodness…this cookbook looks so gorgeous!! I love this idea so much – thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  74. Kathy says

    November 3, 2011 at 7:50 pm

    Sarah – this is unbelievably beautiful! You need to sell it and I would be first in line.
    I am worried now – I have just added another project to my list (esp. after sorting recipes during our October Nor'easter that hit last weekend)

    Reply
  75. lauren says

    November 3, 2011 at 7:54 pm

    AAAAHHHH!!!! okay its officially weird that i got a little choked up seeing that book! i am certainly not in your family but i had this vision of your grand babies holding it, leafing through butter stained pages, seeing that pic of your house and their parents and STOP IT!!! i totally love this sarah. obviously. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  76. Old Centennial Farmhouse says

    November 3, 2011 at 8:08 pm

    You are so VELLY VELLY SMAWT.

    I love it, and have worked on a similar book on blog2print. I am glad to hear who you used because I needed an easier template to use, and I like that you can work on this project over time.

    xoxo
    Joni

    Reply
  77. Unknown says

    November 3, 2011 at 8:28 pm

    This is the coolest thing ever! I'm so glad you did that for yourself. Great idea!

    Reply
  78. Katheryn says

    November 3, 2011 at 8:49 pm

    Love this idea! My mom has been talking about doing something like this, but didn't quite know how to go about it.

    Reply
  79. Dawn says

    November 3, 2011 at 8:53 pm

    I've been getting posts from your blog via email for a while now, but somehow I hadn't been aware that you had the cooking blog. I'm so glad you mentioned it and put the link in your post today! I can't wait to look it all over. The few minutes I've spent there so far make me want more. The cookbook is beautiful. Maybe someday…

    Reply
  80. Lacy Park says

    November 3, 2011 at 9:47 pm

    I am in love with this cookbook. IN LOVE! What a wonderful idea! Thank you for sharing….Maybe I'll have my own cookbook to show off next year!

    Reply
  81. Sharon says

    November 3, 2011 at 9:52 pm

    that is absolutely beautiful-what a wonderful heirloom, too!

    Reply
  82. Amber says

    November 3, 2011 at 10:03 pm

    I have wanted to do the same thing. I"m tired of keeping 5 or six cookbooks–with only 3-5 good recipes in each, and then having to rifle through the hand written or printed recipes I use, too.

    I'm glad someone else did it first and was the guinea pig. I'll make that my 2012 project.

    Reply
  83. HeidiFerguson says

    November 3, 2011 at 10:15 pm

    How clever! Not your average cookbook! One that is custom made for YOU AND YOUR family! The pictures are just perfect and are of what cookbooks stand for-feeding and nurturing your family! Bravo! Heidi-
    browneyedgirlygirl

    Reply
  84. Megan @ Chicago Girl says

    November 3, 2011 at 10:38 pm

    That is great! I have been meaning to make my own this year. One of 3 resolutions I did not do yet. I am making 1 new recipe a week. I may have to try some of yours!

    Reply
  85. Heather L. says

    November 3, 2011 at 10:41 pm

    Oh my gosh – this is amazing! Love it!!!

    Reply
  86. Jessica Brown says

    November 4, 2011 at 1:32 am

    I printed out my blog with them and it worked great. Now I've got to do the cookbook. It's excellent!

    Reply
  87. TRICIA says

    November 4, 2011 at 2:00 am

    You are right – what a great family keepsake! Now where can I buy this book?? ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  88. carly says

    November 4, 2011 at 2:25 am

    awesome idea…i would LOVE to do this or have on given to me as a gift. it would be a great wedding idea!!! by the way, i love ur blog…i live in a nearby town of yours and if i would ever see u around, it would be like a celebrity sighting!!

    Reply
  89. Your Southern Peach says

    November 4, 2011 at 3:14 am

    Oh my goodness!!! I absolutely LOVE this. SInce staring my blog, I've found that the posts and photos I most enjoy are my food ones and this is the PERFECT way to capture it in a non virtual manner.

    Thank you so much!!!

    Amy

    Reply
  90. Katie says

    November 4, 2011 at 5:09 am

    Soo love this, thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  91. mouse says

    November 4, 2011 at 12:45 pm

    Love it! It will indeed be a family treasure, and you figure–buying half a dozen cookbooks with only a handful of recipes that you actually use will cost you more in the long run!

    Reply
  92. Ginger says

    November 4, 2011 at 7:12 pm

    Sarah,

    I LOVE THIS IDEA! I've actually been following your blog for a couple of years now and I think this is the first time I've ever posted anything….which seems a bit stalker-ish creepy to me, but I promise I'm not creepy! Your helpful offerings on motherhood and housekeeping have been a HUGE blessing to our entire family and a great motivator for me (I finally have a cleaning plan for once in my life!). Thank you so much for your commitment to blogging! Hopefully, I'll get my own blog back in the swing of things soon.

    Reply
  93. Suzie says

    November 4, 2011 at 7:22 pm

    wow! a brand new family heirloom!

    Reply
  94. Julie H says

    November 4, 2011 at 7:24 pm

    That is fantastic!!

    Reply
  95. megvarg says

    November 4, 2011 at 7:35 pm

    Beautiful Cookbook! Did you start with a cookbook template or did you start from scratch?

    Reply
  96. Kari says

    November 4, 2011 at 7:37 pm

    You never cease to amaze me! That is such an excellent idea … I am going to steal it at some point. ๐Ÿ™‚ Such a great memory!

    Reply
  97. Kari says

    November 4, 2011 at 7:39 pm

    P.S. I have to say… $65 for what you created – sounds like a great deal to me! (Especially considering you probably spent $10-20 on each cookbook you own and each of those have, as you said, 3-4ish keeper recipes in them.)

    Reply
  98. Darnetha | ChippaSunshine says

    November 4, 2011 at 9:25 pm

    Okay now I have to start one of my own. I have been trying to come up with some neat way to oganize my recipes and you have inspired me. I will do this! Your book is so pretty and personal to you and that is what I was looking for. Now it will probably take me a year to add to my receipts and take pics. But it will be fun. Thanks for the idea!

    Reply
  99. Jen says

    November 4, 2011 at 11:25 pm

    What a fabulous idea! One your kids will be able to treasure forever.

    Jeannette

    Reply
  100. Traci says

    November 5, 2011 at 2:59 am

    That is such a special gift for yourself and your family. I think I'd order one more….one that can get bent and food splattered when you use it and one to stay pristine.

    Reply
  101. anne says

    November 5, 2011 at 4:06 am

    I so love this Sarah! What a treasure… I have a question:
    Would you recommend BLURB for taking a blog and printing it up into a book? One reason why I do a family blog is to do just that…since I don't have time to scrapbook and keep in touch with family and friends. Would you recommend BLURB? Thank YOU! I love your blog and check in quite often.

    Reply
  102. Miss Meg says

    November 5, 2011 at 11:21 pm

    I found this through Pinterest and had to say hi and Thank You! This cookbook you made Is a dream of mine, I'm so glad I found your blog

    Reply
  103. Emma says

    November 6, 2011 at 5:55 am

    oh my! It is so gorgeous and what a brilliant idea! You are so clever! x

    Reply
  104. Unknown says

    November 6, 2011 at 8:22 pm

    This is a brilliant idea ๐Ÿ™‚ So glag I found this on Pinterest just before I break for uni holidays; not so secret Christmas present for Mum I think haha. Question though, your photos look excellent, did you use a special camera or were they just ones you took with a standard point and shoot in your family album? Thanks ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  105. Unknown says

    November 6, 2011 at 10:08 pm

    Oh and I love the font you used on the front cover, what is it called? ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  106. Esther says

    November 7, 2011 at 12:06 am

    publish it!!

    Reply
  107. jess. says

    November 7, 2011 at 2:41 am

    basically, to mirror everyone else- you're a complete genius and this is a fabulous idea. i love making mini-books and photo books- and this…well it just revolutionized my current way of thinking! muchas gracias and keep on cooking lady! this is fab!

    Reply
  108. Jessica B says

    November 7, 2011 at 9:22 pm

    sarah, that is fantastic!

    Reply
  109. Anonymous says

    November 7, 2011 at 10:38 pm

    …I'm definitely putting this on my to do list. How perfect! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  110. Stacey Kay says

    November 8, 2011 at 6:25 pm

    I have been working on a blurb cookbook all year too. Your creation is gorgeous. I love the font you used. What font is that?

    Reply
  111. Christine E-E says

    November 9, 2011 at 12:33 am

    incredible treasure!

    Reply
  112. Beardog says

    November 9, 2011 at 6:19 am

    Shared link on facebook because i think your cookbook is an inspired idea. I am planning to replicate it s my project for 2012. Thank you for the inspiration, your book looks fantastic!!

    Reply
  113. Anonymous says

    November 9, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    You are one "together" lady..very admirable and an inspiration to my newly pregnant daughter. I sent her your blog address. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  114. Slim Paley says

    November 10, 2011 at 10:25 pm

    Fantastic!

    Reply
  115. Maya Catching Butterflies says

    November 11, 2011 at 5:02 pm

    Oh my. This is magnificent and now I want one too. What a great idea for housing memories.

    Reply
  116. Amz says

    November 11, 2011 at 8:30 pm

    Wishing it was for sale!!! Especially after I read that you stopped eating meat in March and sugar and white flour. I just started that and am so, so, so at a loss as to what to fix. I am in a rut and feeling like it is not going to last very long if I can't find some variety! Your book is beautiful!!!

    Reply
  117. Beth says

    November 15, 2011 at 3:22 am

    I absolutely LOVE this idea!! What a wonderful keepsake.

    Reply
  118. Tina @ Squirrel Acorns says

    December 6, 2011 at 11:12 pm

    It's beautiful and so inspiring. Maybe that will be my project for 2012-13 (because it will probably take me that long).

    Reply
  119. Dessie says

    December 12, 2011 at 3:46 am

    Can you tell me how you got the "ribbon" on the cover of your Blurb book? I have been trying to figure out how to color in the text box in front of my pictures on a Blurb book I'm working on and cannot figure it out, I basically want a ribbon across it like the cover of yours. I can't find a color that looks good on top of the photo but can't figure out how to color it in.

    Reply
  120. Sarah says

    December 12, 2011 at 12:33 pm

    I made that cover in Picasa-I used the collage feature and took a cropped piece of scrapbook paper and layed it across the photo. Then Created the collage and used the Text button to write the words on. Make sure the collage is the same size as your book. You can then upload that photo collage to Blurb! (I have a tutorial on making scrapbook pages on my blog that explain the process further.)

    Reply
  121. Ben&Patty says

    December 20, 2011 at 8:10 pm

    Did you use the Easy-to-Use Templates or did you opt for More Customization?? I'm totally interested in making my own book, of some sort… recipes… family… etc. Thanks! Your's turned out great!

    Reply
  122. Cassie says

    December 23, 2011 at 6:24 am

    AWESOME! I love it. I'll be back to get more info. on this soon!

    -C

    Reply
  123. Susie says

    January 13, 2012 at 3:00 am

    I just started this process a month ago, but am planning to do a simple scrapbook, although your book entices me to rethink it. I'm collecting new recipes that we love, as well as, classics from my family: my mother has many of my late grandmothers' recipes, I have autnies who are amazing cooks that have signature dishes, my husband has signature dishes, and Mom and I have a few of our own. I plan to collect them and produce a book for my son. He's only 5 now, but he loves to cook with me, and I want him to have a collection of standards that he'll remember from his childhood, as well as, reminders of time shared in the kitchen together, when he's older and cooking for himself. Enough about me. (Sorry, got distracted. You're the first one I've told!) Your book is beautiful! You should be very proud! I am inpspired to see my project through now. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  124. ClassiclyAmber says

    February 3, 2012 at 2:36 pm

    Oh lovely! This is exactly what I am working on, too…for all the same reasons!

    Reply
  125. Amanda @ Life, Experience Needed says

    February 4, 2012 at 1:23 am

    Found you through Pinterest and I think this might be my Christmas present for myself this year. A GREAT idea.

    Reply
  126. Kim Byer says

    February 10, 2012 at 3:46 pm

    I love this and you've inspired me, so I just wanted to send a quick note to tell you so. Plus, LOVE your little chickadee photo. How precious.

    Reply
  127. Mamzelle Hรฉrisson says

    February 14, 2012 at 2:09 pm

    Not that a stranger's opinion should matter much, but I have the feeling that every single penny of these $65 was well spent.
    Your project was a wonderful idea to begin with, and the outcome is just stunning, based on the few photos you put here!
    (And yes, your little one as a chicken is just a great photo :-))
    Thank you for the inspiration… and the how-to!!

    Reply
  128. Haze says

    February 16, 2012 at 9:21 am

    I really love this idea, its great and looks lovely! I think I will try to do this ready for next Christmas!

    Reply
  129. Mary Ann Pickett says

    February 25, 2012 at 12:17 am

    Such a great idea. Wonderful gift and keepsake.

    Reply
  130. Carla says

    March 21, 2012 at 4:39 pm

    Such a Tasty idea. I've started a binder of our favorite and most used recipes but a hard cover would be nice. hmmm
    Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  131. Anonymous says

    April 4, 2012 at 1:33 am

    Wonderful! would you share the font on the front of the book you used for clover lane?

    Reply
  132. Amanda @ Little House on the Corner says

    June 29, 2012 at 12:00 am

    Found this via Pinterest – what a fantastic idea! Your book looks great – so professional! Would love to do this someday. I, too, have a sloppy binder at the moment ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  133. Jennifer says

    August 11, 2012 at 3:45 am

    Absolutely beautiful and an inspiration for the yellow house.

    Reply
  134. Anonymous says

    August 14, 2012 at 10:15 pm

    wow – this is beautiful!

    Reply
  135. Kari says

    September 10, 2012 at 7:07 pm

    Such a great idea! I'm gonna make one for my mom for Christmas! You're so creative!

    Kari

    http://moderngirlsinvintagepearls.blogspot.ca/

    Reply
  136. Unknown says

    September 14, 2012 at 11:56 pm

    I love this idea! I want to make one for a family Christmas gift. Aww!Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  137. Unknown says

    September 19, 2012 at 11:28 pm

    You may have already answered what i'm going to ask and I just didn't see it but what company did you order from. I love this idea!!!

    Reply
  138. Unknown says

    October 3, 2012 at 4:33 pm

    LOVE THIS! I have a recipe binder just dying to be converted into a cookbook like this one!

    Reply
  139. Unknown says

    October 7, 2012 at 11:45 pm

    My sister and I have been talking about making a cook book for years! I am going to quit talking and just do it now thanks to you! You have inspired me! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  140. Cookieโ€™s Mom says

    October 9, 2012 at 10:18 pm

    That is fantastic and, in my mind, priceless – as in, $65 is actually pretty cheap. I have plans to do something like this too. Still in the collecting stage! Thanks for some inspiration. Yours turned out beautifully. Love the 'Chicken' section photo! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  141. baker777 says

    October 10, 2012 at 4:56 am

    This is so awesome! I had decided to make each of my children their own recipie box full of our favorite ones but I LOVE the idea of our own famil cookbook! Great idea! Thank you for sharing! I take lots of photos of so illustrating it wouldn't be a problem for me and I even have a program that figures out the nutritional information for my own personal recipies so I could do that too! So excited now. Thank you so so much!

    Reply
  142. Simply Life says

    October 16, 2012 at 12:09 pm

    Oh I absolutely looooove this idea!

    Reply
  143. Mummywright says

    December 19, 2012 at 10:28 pm

    This is wonderful! I start my book today! Thank you for such a special idea!
    Bookmarked your blog too ๐Ÿ˜› xx

    Reply
  144. Nueyer says

    January 2, 2013 at 2:45 am

    Great idea!!! Good for passing down recipes to your kids in future too

    Reply
  145. Unknown says

    January 2, 2013 at 3:10 am

    What an awesome idea! I can't wait to get started on my own recipe book. Thanks!

    Reply
  146. Anonymous says

    January 3, 2013 at 1:51 pm

    I've been wanting to do this for a while now and tried a few months ago with a software that is supposed to "slurp" your blog and automatically format it into a book for you. Unfortunately, since I own my domain name it didn't work. Would Blurb work for that or do you have to add every recipe by hand again? I guess I'll do it if I have to but I hate to re-do everything! What a lot of work! It's worth it, in the end to have it to pass down to my kids but I'd rather not do all that work AGAIN if I don't have to. Thanks for any advice you can offer! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  147. Unknown says

    January 7, 2013 at 5:19 am

    I love your site! One of the things I do is help others create their personal storybooks, genealogy family histories, yes recipe cookbooks, magazines, canvas, posters etc. I am a personal publishing consultant. Check out my site; create your free acct and start browsing all the templates! You can scan all your written recipes to a jpeg upload to your own online (secure) studio into a blank (or selected template) change it to fit your style! Then professionally publish your project (with as many copies you need) ! Very competitive prices, incredible quality! Let me know if I can help! http://www.HistoriesOfTheHeart.com is my site that takes you to Heritage Makers! There are tons go tutorials to get you started as well as me to help you! Feel free to email me if any questions!

    Reply
  148. Unknown says

    January 7, 2013 at 5:26 am

    You have such great ideas! I love your blog! One of the things I do is help others publish their own genealogy storybooks, canvas, (recipe books). You can scan your recipes into a jpegfile, upload into your own studio where you have 80,000 prices of digital artwork and several thousand Templars to choose fron! It also allows you to customize your projects even when using templates! Go to my site and login for a free acct http://www.historiesoftheheart.com or email me lisa@historiesoftheheart.com for more help! Happy creating!

    Reply
  149. Alanna says

    March 22, 2013 at 12:22 pm

    I have 2 teenagers graduating this year and had already thought of making a favorites recipes book to give them when they eventually move out. I was thinking of doing a coil bound-type book you can get made up at the local office supply store, but yours is so much better! Though it may be more expensive to do it your way, it's very well done, nice to look and a wonderful way to send them off with something meaningful and full of memories from growing up. It's something worthwhile to pass on to their kids! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  150. Unknown says

    May 31, 2013 at 4:51 am

    This is absolutely amazing. I can't wait to do something like this. It's absolutely beautiful!

    Reply
  151. Howell Sisters says

    June 5, 2013 at 9:16 pm

    Love it! I have a couple questions I am hoping you can answer. What size book did you order and, would you change it if you could? How many actual pages did you end up with to include 100 recipes? Finally, do they charge you the same price for a page of photos or a page of text? I'm ready to get started just wondering about these few things. Thanks so much!

    Reply
  152. Candi Stowers says

    September 24, 2013 at 5:52 pm

    I absolutely love this!!! What great idea!! I have lots of recipes, and this is would be a great way to save them all in one place and share with family. Did you copyright yours?
    mommyjargon.blogspot.com

    Reply
  153. Christina Higgins says

    December 22, 2013 at 4:22 pm

    I have been wanting to make a family favorites cookbook for a long time now. I do want something in a binder format though, that can be updated yearly, as the family discovers new favorites. Any suggestions?

    Reply
  154. Lisa says

    October 24, 2014 at 8:50 pm

    I made one once using Shutterfly. I love mine but with offer I had, It didn't allow me many pages. I want to do another one for my Daughter that just moved out. Im gonna have to check this out. Thanks for sharing. YOurs is awesome!!!
    Lisa

    Reply
  155. Unknown says

    July 21, 2015 at 7:41 pm

    Sarah- What size and what kind of book is this? I love the look and size I am wanting to customize mine myself! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  156. motokins says

    October 13, 2015 at 8:08 am

    Thank you! Food & family, it's how we roll. I had committed to creating a family recipe book this year. You have inspired me with suggestions and fun photo examples. I am enlisting family members to contribute a recipe or two and the story of it's origin. Thank you to your many contributors for the helpful comments : D

    Reply
  157. Sarah K says

    December 6, 2015 at 8:18 pm

    I also recommend checking out Copy Me That http://www.copymethat.com/cookbook/ I like that there is nothing to download. It's an online cookbook designer.

    Reply
  158. Kaity says

    April 5, 2016 at 2:46 am

    Hi I know this is an old post, but did you use good quality photos for this book or just ones you snapped on your phone? I am trying to make a blurb cookbook and it says all of my phone photos aren't good quality. I'm just wondering if it will make a big difference and they will all turn out blurry once printed, or not really? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      April 5, 2016 at 5:39 pm

      Hi Kaity-It will probably make a difference-they have to be a certain size I think. I used them all from my good camera, not from my phone.

      Reply
  159. Jacinta says

    August 9, 2016 at 1:45 am

    I know a few people have asked above but there isnt an answer, what size did you select. I just did the large square and its way to big haha

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      August 9, 2016 at 2:14 pm

      Hi Amaris! Mine is 8×10.

      Reply

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Sarah Turner

When our first baby was placed in my arms I knew there was no place I wanted to be other than home with him every day. Twenty five years, and five more babies later, (six children, now ages 26-8), I still feel the same. I blog here about motherhood, how to make a house a home, easy recipes, and simple living. You can read more about me here.

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Happy Easter! A beautiful day filled with hope an Happy Easter!  A beautiful day filled with hope and new beginnings - focus on the future, the blessings, the cycle of life where darkness doesn't triumph, but light and love and fresh days ahead - and sunshine - does.  We grow and change and let the old shed, the suffering transform, and rebuild with energy and hope to become closer to Jesus.  Love to you all.
I love my home and I hope you do also. With all t I love my home and I hope you do also.  With all the imperfections and maintenance it requires, when I pull up and walk in I want to stay, to relax, to feel safe, for daily life to be easy, and to care for "home". I want simplicity, ease, convenience.  To me when my home is simple, without being filled to the brim of things that just take up space I love it best.  I hope if you've participated fully or even partially as time allowed in 40 Bags in 40 Days you've found that joy and pride in your home.  I plan to share more little challenges and tips as the year proceeds to trouble shoot areas and keep maintenance effortless and the house love flowing.  Daily life in our homes should bring us joy and ease while we care for our families, we should be thoughtful stewards of our money and of our time and simple living is the answer to that. 
Thank you for participating! ๐Ÿก
I think this is one of the best things about the 4 I think this is one of the best things about the 40 Bag decluttering process.  When I know what I have and have removed all that I don't, it cultivates more discretion and caution about what I bring back in.  I think there is also some realization of how much money is wasted on fads, or thoughtless purchases.  It's quite eye-opening.  I've become so much more careful, and find we all take better care of things, as do my children.
The final week of 40 Bags in 40 Days! I've tackle The final week of 40 Bags in 40 Days!  I've tackled all the areas of my home with exception of my oldest daughter's room (not the photo)- which she is excited to work on this week.
The simpler the room, the easier it is to clean an The simpler the room, the easier it is to clean and straighten up.  And then the more enjoyable it is to actually sit in that room.  It's not a hard equation, all it takes is ruthless purging-and not just little things but larger items also.  Functional furniture is the key and very few decorative pieces especially when children are in the home, makes life so much easier. 
๐Ÿƒ
As we head into the last week of the 40 Bags in 40 As we head into the last week of the 40 Bags in 40 Days Challenge I'm hearing from so many of you what a difference it has made in your appreciation of your homes, a certain contentment, and at the same time a thrill of looking in on the organized kitchen, closet and living space.  I agree!  I love purging, cleaning and organizing a space and then going back later that day just to get that wonderful sense of accomplishment.  It makes such a difference! 
๐Ÿƒ
A lighter, fresher, calmer home is the result of de-cluttering.  I even had a participant who had been planning on listing her home, start 40 Days just to get her house ready to sell, and then was so ruthless in the process and also thrilled by the results that they decided to stay put in what seemed like a new home to them.  What a savings of time, money and energy. 
๐Ÿƒ
Next week I will be talking maintenance and answer all questions! โ˜€๏ธ
Tips For Shared Kids Rooms- This bedroom has seen Tips For Shared Kids Rooms-
This bedroom has seen every configuration possible.  With kids spread out 18 years apart, I've had to be creative over the years-which I think is the key to sharing rooms.  It is all possible-I consider it a rare luxury and privilege to not have to share a room although I know that is not the norm today. 
๐Ÿƒ
I like to create a simple look with white furniture (this ends up making room transitions easier also when moving someone out and someone else in.) I also like to match bedspreads for a cohesive look. 
๐Ÿƒ
Clip on bed lights save space. 
๐Ÿƒ
A simple shared book shelf can hold a child's special books and knick knacks and if necessary can be assigned per shelf.
๐Ÿƒ
When my kids were younger I had my dad build me a large wooden roll out box for under each bed.  This held each child's toys. 
๐Ÿƒ
All clothes are kept in a closet instead of dressers to save space.
I feel like I bailed on everyone following 40 Bags I feel like I bailed on everyone following 40 Bags progress and tips.  My excuse is the stomach flu ravaging us all here in the last week with me being the last to fall and the slowest to recover.  On top of that the weekend before I tried to roller blade (don't even ask how many steps I made it) and majorly bit it.  Thankfully I think I just sprained my arm. So I've been using one arm for nursing sick children back to health, and doing whatever cleaning and cooking and straightening I can do.  Alas, last week was a wash.  We have two weeks to go.  I'd like to continue and end on a high note.  How about you?  Even a little de-cluttering counts! Spring is in the air and I can't wait to throw open my windows and let fresh clean air circulate through my fresh clean orderly home. โ˜€๏ธ๐ŸŒท๐ŸŒฑ
Especially where kids are concerned- we tend to th Especially where kids are concerned- we tend to think that the more things they have the happier and more occupied and loved they will feel.  Nothing can replace human interaction and I've found that too many toys has the reverse affect.  They cause overwhelm-just like us - we'd rather sit in an orderly space than one filled with too many things to do and too much stuff.
โ˜€๏ธ
When it comes to kids closets here are some tips-
1. Hand me downs don't all have to be received.  Or received at all.  Be choosy and keep just what they will use and need.
2. When children are presented with too many choices, tension and acrimony can exist.  Being able to open a closet with a reasonable amount of outfits can create more peace.
3. Cultivating independence in care of clothes is easier when there is less and the space is simplified and organized. 
โ˜€๏ธ
More tips coming on the blog this week.  I am moving my blog platform so I can't make any promises - it's under construction and that's exciting!
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