1CANOE2 Strawberry Heirloom Blank Recipe Book to Write in Your Own Recipes with Cover Protector, Mothers Day Gift, Personalized Family Recipe Notebook Journal, DIY Cookbook, Keepsake Gift for the Whole Family

I love journals that slide into their own case. They stand perfectly on my shelves and are intended to last for decades. The floral design of this recipe journal is lovely, paired with pretty pale coloring, that looks more orange than strawberry, to me. The layout of the pages, with a separate section for notes, memories, ingredients, directions, date and occasion when the dish was made, allows me to document information beyond the recipe. In years to come, it will bring back memories of people and gatherings I’ll want to cherish. I have some recipes on line, but sometimes a hard copy is preferable. Electronic files don’t make good keepsakes, but this does, especially with its fabric cover.I was not happy with the paper for the journal. It’s thick, but has a texture similar to construction paper. So, writing is a bit scratchy, rather than flowing. Recipes can become so detailed, especially with fractional measurements, that I’d prefer to have a smooth writing experience. I suppose they chose the paper for its ink absorption. Legibility is key for recipes, especially if they are to be passed down for generations. They didn’t want a surface that would bleed or fade over time. But I’ve got notebooks with archival grade paper that is easier to write on. And it’s hard to keep the book open while writing. Maybe it will stay open, when the journal’s spine weakens with age.When I opened the box, the journal was in tissue paper that was already torn. There was no plastic or other wrapping on the journal and there were blemishes on some pages that didn’t look like the book was new. With good packaging, this journal would make a beautiful gift, especially for a cook, a parent or a newly married