Random DIY mixing and More

[Letitia]

Thank you.

I thought about that; but my handwriting is not conducive to being small and legible. I don't think my cheap inkjet printer can print that small; at least that small and be readable to my poor eyesight.

Larger stickers could help, but then the question of how/where do I put them, so they don't wrinkle and don't fall off and do stay visible from above, becomes the challenge.

Wow! That is incredibly creative, and ingenious! One could pack a lot of information into a simple system like that.

I failed to provide all the details though. I am asking, because the calculator I use (EJuiceCalculator by @HotRod19579) has the ability to attach a locator to each ingredient. I can look at the locator right on the calculator to see where I store my ingredient. But, this locator is restricted to alphanumeric characters like you find on a keyboard. I have no means to input a color code into this.

I am wanting to use a simple alphanumeric (e.g. 1-A-1, 2-R-23, etc.) type of designator for each ingredient. Which will correspond to box number, row, and position in row. This will allow me to sort by bottle size (minimizing wasted space), and disregard all name/manufacture order. Then, as I add new ingredients; I don't have to work them into the midst of existing ingredients. I simply add them to the end.

I am sorry for not being more specific to begin with. Thank you both for your ideas!

Why couldn't you still color code by keeping numerical constants to brand-type-steep percentage?

 

[Letitia]

Use nail polish/varnish to write or colour on the top of the lids?

I would be more inclined to use something that can't chip. Art gel markers maybe?

 

[FranC]

With the amount of flavors I have that could get very confusing

 

[Letitia]

With the amount of flavors I have that could get very confusing

Not if you had a chart.

 

[FranC]

Not if you had a chart.

I'm not a chart person.............

 

[WhiteHighlights]

I thought about using the dots on the top of the bottles, but that would be more work for me to keep the spreadsheet and keep track of the flavors (and I do a lot in spreadsheets).

I gave in and bought the nail polish storage containers (I need at least 1 more). I actually found time to sort and set them up today, they've been sitting in the box for a week. I know it will save me a lot of time pulling flavors for mixing. I can put which container the flavor is in into the calculator - I use the same one as Joel. It's also easy because I can eyeball them quickly too. I found a nice easy spot to store them too. Sweet.

Thank you to those who suggested the nail polish containers!! Now to find time to mix... sigh!

 

[JCinFLA]

I think @JCinFLA has a system like you are talking about......hopefully she will come along soon....

You guys are thinking about methods that are way too complicated, for me, for how to organize your flavorings, know which ones you've got, and be able to locate each 1 quickly.

When I first started DIY, and got my first 25 vials of flavorings from WL...I thought about many of the ways you all have mentioned, to start organizing them. Then I thought, but what happens as I keep getting more and more flavorings? Won't I have to redo whatever system I've thought of so far...to allow for the addition of those new ones?

Finally dawned on me - Just use a paint marker to number the tops of each bottle, vial, etc., as I get them. Make index cards with lists of the number and name of each flavoring...and tape those to the inside of my flavoring case lids, that contain those flavorings. That way, when I flip the lid up...I can quickly scan down the cards to locate the flavoring and number, then pull that bottle/vial of flavoring out. Easy to replace it when I was finished with it, too.

When I started finding more recipes I liked, it finally dawned on me that my set-up could be made even easier. So, I started putting the flavoring's number beside the flavoring name on my recipe cards. That way, I didn't even have to scan down the index cards on the lids when I wanted to find those flavorings I needed. I just take my recipe card to the cases, flip up the lids, and pull out all the numbered vials/bottles I need. Even for a 6-7 flavoring recipe...I can have all of them pulled in about 5 seconds.

I hope I explained that so it made sense. I was hurrying to get it written & posted before yet another 30-40 posts are made...and you all are WAY past any posts about organizing flavorings!

 

[FranC]

You guys are just thinking about methods that are way too complicated, IMO, for how to organize your flavorings and be able to locate each 1 quickly.

When I first started DIY, and got my first 25 vials of flavorings from WL...I thought about many of the ways you all have mentioned, to start organizing them. Then I thought, but what happens as I keep getting more and more flavorings? Won't I have to redo whatever system I've thought of so far...to allow for the addition of those new ones?

Finally dawned on me - Just use a paint marker to number the tops of each bottle, vial, etc., as I get them. Make index cards with lists of the number and name of each flavoring...and tape those to the inside of my flavoring case lids, that contain those flavorings. That way, when I flip the lid up...I can quickly scan down the card to locate the flavoring and number, then pull that bottle/vial of flavoring out. Easy to replace it when I was finished with it, too.

When I started finding more recipes I liked, it finally dawned on me that my set-up could be made even easier. So, I started putting the flavoring's number beside the flavoring name on my recipe cards. That way, I didn't even have to scan down the index cards on the lids when I wanted to find those flavorings I needed. I just take my recipe card to the cases, flip up the lids, and pull out all the numbered vials/bottles I need. Even for a 6-7 flavoring recipe...I can have all of them pulled in about 5 seconds.

I hope I explained that so it made sense. I was hurrying to get it written & posted before yet another 30-40 posts are made...and you all are WAY past any posts about organizing flavorings!

I really have no big problem finding the flavors in my cases. It's my drawer dividers that can cause a search.

 

[JCinFLA]

It's my drawer dividers that can cause a search.

Can't you just number their caps and then make a list...of the numbers and the corresponding flavorings' names? As you get more flavorings that go in that drawer, continue with the next numbers and just add them to your list. As long as you keep the bottles/vials in some kind of rows or columns according to numerical sequence, it should work, I'd think.

 

[FranC]

Can't you just number their caps and then make a list...of the numbers and the corresponding flavorings' names? As you get more flavorings that go in that drawer, continue with the next numbers and just add them to your list. As long as you keep the bottles/vials in some kind of rows or columns according to numerical sequence, it should work, I'd think.

Not sure how that would work but I'll take a look see tomorrow. It's not all the dividers I have a problem with. Like the one that holds all my cheesecake and grahams is fine. Maybe I can just do that just with the odd dividers I have a problem with.

 

[JCinFLA]

For those who maybe need even more precise organizing, and really would prefer that your flavorings are in separate cases according to maybe manufacturer, or by the type of flavoring (ie. fruit, cream, etc.), or by something else...you can still use a numbering system with them. Just separate/sort the flavorings and then start numbering those in a particular group. When you've got that group finished...make your list of the numbers and flavoring names that correspond to them. (Maybe then label that case, like TFA, or creams, or whatever it is that case contains.) Do the same thing for each group, starting with the #1. That way you'll never have a problem adding new ones to each group and being able to keep track of them, too.

Geez...I hope that made sense. My ideas in my head sometimes don't get explained like I plan for them to, on here.

 

[FranC]

I have mine separated by cream,vanilla,booze etc. I don't number them or anything cause I have little problem finding what I'm looking for.

 

[JCinFLA]

I have mine separated by cream,vanilla,booze etc. I don't number them or anything cause I have little problem finding what I'm looking for.

Then you don't need a different system, IMO, because whatever yours is...it's working for you just fine.

 

[FranC]

Then you don't need a different system, IMO, because whatever yours is...it's working for you just fine.

Except the dang drawer divider...LOL. I'll take a look tomorrow and see what I can do.

 

[FranC]

I have no recipes to mix,no testers to mix. No new juice to try cause it's steeeeeping. Sad state of affairs.

 

[DavidOck]

 

[hittman]

I have no recipes to mix,no testers to mix. No new juice to try cause it's steeeeeping. Sad state of affairs.

You could pull one or two early to try.

 

[Myk]

My new tackle box has bigger slots. Some fit 3 flavors, some 2, some just 1. I have the additives together. Recipes are grouped together. Most used recipes on top.

 

[NolaMel]

I'm thinking out loud:
Heat is a definite "NO" for nic. I would aim for transporting in the coolest, fastest, manner.

Flavors are more heat tolerant than nic; but I would still want to minimize exposure. If you are repacking anyway (not taking your train(?) cases), and depending on how much room is available in the car (trunk/passenger compartment), using an cooler/ice chest w/o ice, might be enough. I would think a quality cooler, out of direct sunlight, ought to provide some significant protection from excessive heat even without using ice.

For extra protection, and again depending on how much you want to take; using Styrofoam "perishable" containers (like they use to ship frozen meat & seafood cross country) inside a cooler might add an extra layer of protection. I don't know if you have container stores close to you. You could also check with local grocery stores, or even butcher shops & fish merchants, and see if they might have throw-away insulated boxes they would be willing to give/sell you.

I get them and ice packs from my vet.

 

[WhiteHighlights]

Hey @JCinFLA Yes, it's kind of like flavors and mods - whatever works for you! I'm more like FranC, my flavors are now sorted in the nail polish containers (vendor/flavors by type alphabetically). I only have to know if it's in box number 1, 2, or 3 and I can see it to grab it quickly. I could track them by position in the box but I'm not planning going to go that far. It would be more work to update it if I reorganized them when I add more flavors. I'm for keeping it easy. I did leave open spaces just in case. LOL.