Suggestions for next time...

Despite all the problems, confusion, and exhaustion, we did manage to complete 204 recipes in about 7 hours. That means we each made an average of 3.6 recipes an hour, with all of working we made about 29 meals an hour. And we saved ourselves about 13.5 hours this month if we would've spent 30 minutes each meal. And I think we could do better than that!!

These are some suggestions you guys have given me, and some I have myself. Please comment below and let me know if there is anything else you can think of. Here's what I got:

*We all print out our instructions and put our names on them. This way, we can double-ziploc the recipes with the instructions inside, while keeping organized who's is who's. And I'll only buy the double zipper ones instead of the ones with the little white zipper. Some of mine have been leaking.

*Next time, I will make myself available to solve problems, help out, and organize finished recipes instead of being assigned recipes to complete. I think that would've really helped this time.

*We need everyone to do all the recipes so that it doesn't get confusing. If your family doesn't prefer a recipe, maybe you can trade with someone, or bless another family with it.

*No kids or husbands. Each person arranges childcare for themselves.

*Everyone brings a cooler, maybe even two since everyone's were overflowing, filled with their own ice to keep their recipes.

*Everyone needs to block out time to stay the whole time, realizing that it will be time-consuming. We did really good this time. We managed to finish 27 recipes each in the amount of time it's taken 3 of us to do 10-13 recipes each. And the more we do it, the faster it should go.

*Is there any way I could make the prep work easier? I tried my best to make things even, but I know some of you were still overwhelmed.

*I think it would be best if I continued to shop for everyone considering that I saved each of you $100 and a TON of time, but I need to work on organizing better. I found extra BBQ sauce when everyone left. And, of course the chicken and steak too. I think my being free to deal with those kinds of things will help this also.

*Everyone brings their own measuring cups, a few mixing bowls, and anyone who has an electric can opener brings that too.

*Next time, I will give you a date, the price, and the recipes all at once, a month ahead of time. The money will be due 2 weeks before we get together, and then I will have more time to shop and organize, and you guys can budget.

*Our next session, we have a lot of other ladies who are interested in joining us. I'm planning on having another one in the first part of December sometime, so I'll let you know in November. The recipes will be healthier and I'm hoping to incorporate a few other things too.. We'll see how that goes. ;)