As a note taker, I used all kinds of note applications, including Microsoft OneNote, Notion, and Apple Notes. I have been using Evernote since 2018. J asked me recently why I use Evernote. I have given some thoughts, and here is my answer:

1. The first reason is its promise to protect personal data. The MacBook application can also allow encrypted sections of the notes. This makes me feel comfortable putting in private notes and contacts.
2. It's easy to use. It's simple, but the interface is intuitive. Notes are organized in notebooks. Tags are added for categorization. The task to schedule reminders and embedded in the notes. The template feature is used to formalize the content structure.
3.  I left Notion mainly because its search within content doesn't work.

What can change my decision? Someone nudging my mind to move to other applications.

• The cost is high, with personal expenses of $129.99 per year and a professional cost 169.00 per year.  
• The application doesn't have a Quip spreadsheet or a Notion database. Therefore, its content format needs to be revised for advanced knowledge systems.

​ Ideally, Quip is the ideal application, but it doesn't offer personal use.  The current solution could be better, so the option is open. ​

Let me explain how the shopping list shown in this blog is created in Notion. I will add some Notion tutorials as needed when some basic explanation is required. Feel free to leave your question in the comment below.

​Creating Databases
The first step is to create two essential databases for the shopping list: the Recipes and Products databases. I shared them with you so you can copy them first, and we will explain why we created them like this. 

The Recipes database has the following fields:

• Name 
• Meal 
• Type 
• Ingredient 
• Total Ingredient Number 
• Weekday ​

The Product database has the following fields: 

• Name
• Tags
• Lowest Price
• Link to Purchase

Understanding the Workflow
After the database is created, we can then discuss the basic workflow. 

• Shopping List: We must make a meal plan by selecting the recipes and assigning them to our weekdays. The "is_shopping" attribute is "yes" for all selected receipts. We can get the required product list for the references in these receipts. If the product is in stock (is_stock=yes), we will not add it to the shopping list. Otherwise, the shopping list is created. 
• Recipe Finder: We have to look at all the products in stock and then find out if all the products can satisfy any receipt requirement. If so, we will find the receipt that requires a minimum purchase and add the recipe recommendation. 

With this understanding, we will discuss the detailed implementation next... Please comment if you are interested in hearing more or have any questions. 

Apple Notes is built into Apple devices, including iPhones, iPad, and MacBooks. It is a handy application to keep quick notes convenient for offline access. I like its features, including folders, tagging, smart folders, locking, checklist, web sharing, and handwritten notes and sketches. Let's dive in. 

• Apple Note folders can be used to group notes and protecting notes from accidental showing during screen sharing. 
• Tagging and Smart Folder organize content with tags for prioritization and extended categorization after macOS Monterey.
• Locking protects notes when keeping personal information handy, such as a digital copy of a driver's license, healthcare card, membership, and personal documents. 
• The checklist is used for the to-do list, which we can pin on the top.
• Handwritten notes and sketches are used when on the iPad using Apple Pencil. We can easily convert to text with the Apple Pencil's scribble feature. ​

In summary, Apple Notes lacks advanced formatting, structure, and indexing capabilities found in apps like Quip, Evernote, and Notion. As a result, users tend to use Apple Notes for quick notes and then transfer them to other apps for more complex tasks.​