Hello friends in blogland =)
Hopefully it's warmed up some in your neck of the woods.
It's getting here ... slooooowly, but surely.
Course, some of you live in sunny, warm Florida & California...
& have already been posting about planting your flowers!
Then again, another blogger I follow lives in Alaska.
Safe in saying, she's not planting just yet.
Ahhh....the beauty of the blogosphere.
I get to 'visit' all around the good ol' US of A.
I thought I'd just update a bit today on what's been going on around the Pennington place.
I shared a while back that I was doing a whole house overhaul.
I've worked at it nearly every single day & I am glad to announce
that I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
I'll be sooo happy for that not to be my first thought of the morning.
I'll have to admit though, in the midst of all the work ...
the redecorating, the cleaning out of closets & the garage, the purging, etc...
in the enormity of the job, I've gotten grumpy.
So much stuff, so much work.
I even said the word 'hate' ...twice ... and that's a word I do not use!
And I knew I'd reached rock bottom when I asked James if he'd hire someone
to come finish the last job ... clean & organize our bedroom & master closets.
Course, I was only joking ... wasn't I??!
I've complained about why I've held on to 'stuff' that I should've gotten rid of years ago.
I've been frustrated that we have only a garage for storage ... no barn, no attic, no basement.
And as much as I love my home, I've nit-picked about all the things that I'd love to change:
-rip out allllll carpet & install hardwoods
-get new furniture {I could literally sell almost every piece of my furniture & not be sad about}
-replace light fixtures in all rooms that haven't been already replaced
-new counter tops
-paint my kitchen cabinets
-complete re-do of Jack-n-Jill bath
-etc
Ugg.
I am happy to report though, that this morning,
God used a couple sweet bloggers to give me the reminder that I so needed.
The opposite of my little dilemma would be:
-no house to redecorate
-no clothes to clean out of the closet
-no 'memories' to store in totes in the garage
-no items to donate to Goodwill.
You see, I've been abundantly blessed ... a hundred times over.
So, as I mark off the final few things on my multiple to-do lists,
I'll do it with a renewed heart of gratefulness.
My bedroom, where everything has landed that needs to be finished, will be a joyous chore.
Ok ... I think that's pushing it a bit.
It may not be a joyous activity, but I promise, it will not be done with a complaint.
And once more I'll repeat to myself my theme scripture
that I've loved throughout this process:
"He has made everything beautiful in its time."
Ecclesiastes 3:11
He really does, doesn't He?
As I'm attempting to make our home beautiful, He's making me beautiful ...
my heart, my mind, my spirit.
Showing posts with label Organization. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Organization. Show all posts
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Reusing Your Milk Jug
We reuse our plastic bags ... the ones from Walmart & Kroger.
Most often, we empty our bathroom trash cans into them ...
& I also use them to line a small trash can that I keep in the pantry for
our recycle items.
A simple storage solution is to reuse a plastic milk jug.
After emptying it, wash & dry it out.
Cut a hole in the front where it's slightly indented.
Stuff it full of plastic bags.
It holds way more than you'd think.
I keep one in each bathroom & in the kitchen pantry for an easy, frugal
storage solution.
Most often, we empty our bathroom trash cans into them ...
& I also use them to line a small trash can that I keep in the pantry for
our recycle items.
A simple storage solution is to reuse a plastic milk jug.
After emptying it, wash & dry it out.
Cut a hole in the front where it's slightly indented.
Stuff it full of plastic bags.
It holds way more than you'd think.
I keep one in each bathroom & in the kitchen pantry for an easy, frugal
storage solution.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Day 21 ~ 30 Days of Thanks
Thankful for motivation & accomplishment!
I've been in a big way of cleaning out, throwing away, taking things to the consignment
store & donating to Goodwill!
I've cleaned out the garage & several closets.
For the last couple days, I've been tackling a large tote labeled 'my music box' that was
full of sheet music, cds, & binders filled with instructional material.
{I used to give piano lessons & was the choir director for many years at the church
I attended.}
To say I had amassed lots of material would be an understatement.
I cleaned out my piano bench & another storage basket, sorting & organizing
everything that I needed to keep.
All in all, I think I threw out 20 larger binders!
It's amazing how wonderful it feels to simplify.
This is an especially good time to de-clutter ... right before Christmas.
More than likely, you will be bringing some new items into your home from gift
exchanges, especially if you have small children.
The new toys will have to have a spot in the toy box.
Here are a few simple tips to help take control of the clutter:
1} Make a list
Write down your plan of action & get to work on it, marking one thing off at a time.
Seeing your goal on paper {& your progress as you complete each task} can be just
the right motivation.
2} Give yourself a time in which to complete the project
Don't kill yourself to do it all in one day, but set a feasible goal & stay on target
3} Recruit helpers
Your children can be a big help!
Give them age-appropriate tasks & rewards when they thoroughly follow through.
4} Give your children a box or a bag & send them to their rooms to find 10 things
{or more} to get rid of.
Doing this often helps to minimize clutter.
Also, have them keep drawers emptied of items that are too small or no longer used.
5} Throw away & donate liberally!
They say you use 20% of your 'stuff' 80% of the time {& vice versa ...you use 80% of
your stuff 20% of the time}.
If you haven't used it in a year, chances are, it's safe to go ahead & get rid of it.
Don't keep hanging on to things that are only cluttering your space.
Put out several bins or bags marked for trash, donation, garage sale, etc.
As you are sorting & organizing, place items into the appropriate bin.
The next step is just as important.
Instead of scooting the boxes & bags into the corner, take them where they need to
go immediately!
Drop off the donations right away.
Clearing out & getting rid of things somehow makes you feel lighter ...
kind of like peeling off layers of clothing.
I think you even sleep better.
 |
| credit: bethtourik.com |
I've been in a big way of cleaning out, throwing away, taking things to the consignment
store & donating to Goodwill!
I've cleaned out the garage & several closets.
For the last couple days, I've been tackling a large tote labeled 'my music box' that was
full of sheet music, cds, & binders filled with instructional material.
{I used to give piano lessons & was the choir director for many years at the church
I attended.}
To say I had amassed lots of material would be an understatement.
I cleaned out my piano bench & another storage basket, sorting & organizing
everything that I needed to keep.
All in all, I think I threw out 20 larger binders!
It's amazing how wonderful it feels to simplify.
This is an especially good time to de-clutter ... right before Christmas.
More than likely, you will be bringing some new items into your home from gift
exchanges, especially if you have small children.
The new toys will have to have a spot in the toy box.
Here are a few simple tips to help take control of the clutter:
1} Make a list
Write down your plan of action & get to work on it, marking one thing off at a time.
Seeing your goal on paper {& your progress as you complete each task} can be just
the right motivation.
2} Give yourself a time in which to complete the project
Don't kill yourself to do it all in one day, but set a feasible goal & stay on target
3} Recruit helpers
Your children can be a big help!
Give them age-appropriate tasks & rewards when they thoroughly follow through.
4} Give your children a box or a bag & send them to their rooms to find 10 things
{or more} to get rid of.
Doing this often helps to minimize clutter.
Also, have them keep drawers emptied of items that are too small or no longer used.
5} Throw away & donate liberally!
They say you use 20% of your 'stuff' 80% of the time {& vice versa ...you use 80% of
your stuff 20% of the time}.
If you haven't used it in a year, chances are, it's safe to go ahead & get rid of it.
Don't keep hanging on to things that are only cluttering your space.
Put out several bins or bags marked for trash, donation, garage sale, etc.
As you are sorting & organizing, place items into the appropriate bin.
The next step is just as important.
Instead of scooting the boxes & bags into the corner, take them where they need to
go immediately!
Drop off the donations right away.
Clearing out & getting rid of things somehow makes you feel lighter ...
kind of like peeling off layers of clothing.
I think you even sleep better.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Saving $$ when you eat out!
article 5 in Stretching Your Dollar~
Have you ever made an unplanned stop to eat, only to realize that you have coupon
for the restaurant ... but it's at home?!
You've taken the time to collect & clip coupons for restaurants, but you don't have them when you need them.
Frustrating.
Several years ago, I got tired of that happening, so I came up with a solution.
I keep an envelope of restaurant coupons in the glove box of our Suburban!
Each day, I presort the mail as it comes in ...
the bills go in the bill bin in the office, the junk mail goes in the trash, & the ads
& coupons go in this basket {along w/a few other things, as you can see}.
This basket sits on the shelf in my pantry, holding ads, coupons, notes, etc until I
have time to go through them ... keeping the clutter off the counter.
My current dilemma, however, is that my envelope is too small to hold all the coupons.
So, I've upgraded to a file folder that I keep in the door pocket.
Any time we decide to stop & eat, the coupons are right where they need to be,
ready for use.
If you plan your eating out around the coupons you have to use, you've found
another way to stretch your dollar!
Here are a a few other ways to save:
1) Order water instead of soda or tea ~
This alone has saved our family HUNDREDS of dollars over the years!
2) Don't order the most expensive item on the menu ~
More than likely, this isn't your last meal ;)
3) Lunch prices are always cheaper ~
If at all possible, eat out during lunch hours.
Also, if eating at a buffet, you cancheap cheat a little by getting there just before the 'supper' prices start thus getting the lunch price for the supper items!
4) Get CHEAP deals by using Restaurants.com ~
You can score gift certificates for $25 worth of food for $2!!
Yes, you read that right, $2!!
If you've never used Restaurant.com, read all about it here.
5) Groupon is another way to get some cheap eats.
When they offer a discount on a restaurant we enjoy, I grab up the deal!
If Groupon is new to you, check it out here.
On a quick side note, thank you for bearing with my photos.
Sometimes the quality is not so great, as my camera seems to have a mind of it's own.
I'm shopping for a new one, however, so the pictures should be much improved soon!
Have you ever made an unplanned stop to eat, only to realize that you have coupon
for the restaurant ... but it's at home?!
You've taken the time to collect & clip coupons for restaurants, but you don't have them when you need them.
Frustrating.
Several years ago, I got tired of that happening, so I came up with a solution.
I keep an envelope of restaurant coupons in the glove box of our Suburban!
Each day, I presort the mail as it comes in ...
the bills go in the bill bin in the office, the junk mail goes in the trash, & the ads
& coupons go in this basket {along w/a few other things, as you can see}.
This basket sits on the shelf in my pantry, holding ads, coupons, notes, etc until I
have time to go through them ... keeping the clutter off the counter.
My current dilemma, however, is that my envelope is too small to hold all the coupons.
So, I've upgraded to a file folder that I keep in the door pocket.
Any time we decide to stop & eat, the coupons are right where they need to be,
ready for use.
If you plan your eating out around the coupons you have to use, you've found
another way to stretch your dollar!
Here are a a few other ways to save:
1) Order water instead of soda or tea ~
This alone has saved our family HUNDREDS of dollars over the years!
2) Don't order the most expensive item on the menu ~
More than likely, this isn't your last meal ;)
3) Lunch prices are always cheaper ~
If at all possible, eat out during lunch hours.
Also, if eating at a buffet, you can
4) Get CHEAP deals by using Restaurants.com ~
You can score gift certificates for $25 worth of food for $2!!
Yes, you read that right, $2!!
If you've never used Restaurant.com, read all about it here.
5) Groupon is another way to get some cheap eats.
When they offer a discount on a restaurant we enjoy, I grab up the deal!
If Groupon is new to you, check it out here.
On a quick side note, thank you for bearing with my photos.
Sometimes the quality is not so great, as my camera seems to have a mind of it's own.
I'm shopping for a new one, however, so the pictures should be much improved soon!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
A Well-Organized Pantry, Part 2 of 3
If you'd like to read part 1, you can find it here.
For part 2, I'd like to begin with looking at a
WELL-STOCKED PANTRY.
What's in a well-stocked pantry, you may ask?
It's not so much what's in it, such as items or brands,
but more about how 'well-stocked' it is.
The concept is this:
If you keep your pantry stocked with the items you regularly use, you will have more than enough to regularly put together dinners & desserts with ease.
Not only that, your grocery bill will decrease!
It's not because you are buying less, it's because you are paying less.
When you don't keep a stocked pantry, you have to pay the current shelf price for the needed supplies rather than simply refreshing your existing supply when items go on sale.
Every well-stocked pantry won't look exactly alike, but here are the basics in my pantry:
CANNED:
fruit {pineapple, peaches, mandarin oranges, fruit cocktail, fruit pie filling, applesauce}
veggies {green beans, carrots, whole-kernel corn, creamed corn, mixed veg, peas, mushrooms}
beans {pork 'n beans, chili, kidney, red, black, pinto, white northern}
soups {various: chicken noodle, tomato, ravioli - also cream of chicken, mushroom & celery}
tomatoes {diced, chili-ready, rotel, stewed, sauce, paste}
meat {tuna, salmon, vienna sausages}
milk {evaporated & sweetened condensed}
other {broth, green chilies, black olives}
PASTA/GRAINS:
elbow mac, thin spaghetti, angel hair, lasagna noodles
{or whatever variety I'm in the mood for}
ramen noodles, bread crumbs, popcorn
white & brown rice, old-fashioned oats, instant oatmeal packets, grits, cereal
NUTS:
pecans, peanuts, almonds, walnuts
BAKING SUPPLIES:
flour, corn meal, biscuit mix, sugar, artificial sweetener, brown sugar,
baking powder/soda, yeast, cornstarch, cocoa, jello & pudding mix
chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, cupcake liners, box cake/brownie mix, tub icing
OILS:
canola, EVOO {extra-virgin olive oil}, coconut oil, shortening, cooking spray
SAUCES & SYRUPS:
spaghetti, alfredo, enchilada, salsa, Louisiana hot sauce, A1, Heinz 57, teriyaki, soy, worcestershire, BBQ, horseradish, mustard, mayo, Miracle Whip, ketchup, various salad dressings {ranch, honey mustard, italian}, maple syrup, corn syrup, molasses, honey
OTHER:
juices, white vinegar, soda, drink mix {Crystal Light}, tea, coffee, Nesquik, hot chocolate
hazelnut spread, marshmallows, marshmallow cream, peanut butter, jelly, pancake mix
pickles, pickle relish, green olives, croutons, stuffing mix
various crackers {saltines, butter, graham}, potato & tortilla chips, cookies, granola bars
tortillas, taco shells, taco seasoning, brown gravy packets
bread, bagels, buns
With these items always on hand, it's a rare occasion for me to be out of the usual necessary ingredients for any number of dishes.
It's also especially handy when we have unexpected guests ... or we're invited to an impromptu pitch-in game night or get-together.
Instead of scrambling around with no idea of what to prepare, I can go to the pantry & get cookin'.
Here are a couple of my stand-by favorites:
Peach Cobbler
1 30 oz. can sliced peaches in syrup
Pour into 9x13 baking pan.
In mixing bowl, stir together:
1 c. self-rising flour, 1 c. sugar, 1 c. milk, 1 tsp. vanilla
Pour over peaches evenly.
Dot with 2 pats of butter, divided here & there.
Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until top is golden brown.
Dump Cake
1 yellow butter cake mix
1 can cherry pie filling
1 lg can crushed pineapple, drained
1 c. butter, melted
1 c. pecans, optional
Layer ingredients in order listed in a 9x13 pan. Bake at 325 for 1 hour.
For part 2, I'd like to begin with looking at a
WELL-STOCKED PANTRY.
What's in a well-stocked pantry, you may ask?
It's not so much what's in it, such as items or brands,
but more about how 'well-stocked' it is.
 |
| my overstuffed pantry |
The concept is this:
If you keep your pantry stocked with the items you regularly use, you will have more than enough to regularly put together dinners & desserts with ease.
Not only that, your grocery bill will decrease!
It's not because you are buying less, it's because you are paying less.
When you don't keep a stocked pantry, you have to pay the current shelf price for the needed supplies rather than simply refreshing your existing supply when items go on sale.
Every well-stocked pantry won't look exactly alike, but here are the basics in my pantry:
CANNED:
fruit {pineapple, peaches, mandarin oranges, fruit cocktail, fruit pie filling, applesauce}
veggies {green beans, carrots, whole-kernel corn, creamed corn, mixed veg, peas, mushrooms}
beans {pork 'n beans, chili, kidney, red, black, pinto, white northern}
soups {various: chicken noodle, tomato, ravioli - also cream of chicken, mushroom & celery}
tomatoes {diced, chili-ready, rotel, stewed, sauce, paste}
meat {tuna, salmon, vienna sausages}
milk {evaporated & sweetened condensed}
other {broth, green chilies, black olives}
PASTA/GRAINS:
elbow mac, thin spaghetti, angel hair, lasagna noodles
{or whatever variety I'm in the mood for}
ramen noodles, bread crumbs, popcorn
white & brown rice, old-fashioned oats, instant oatmeal packets, grits, cereal
NUTS:
pecans, peanuts, almonds, walnuts
BAKING SUPPLIES:
flour, corn meal, biscuit mix, sugar, artificial sweetener, brown sugar,
baking powder/soda, yeast, cornstarch, cocoa, jello & pudding mix
chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, cupcake liners, box cake/brownie mix, tub icing
OILS:
canola, EVOO {extra-virgin olive oil}, coconut oil, shortening, cooking spray
SAUCES & SYRUPS:
spaghetti, alfredo, enchilada, salsa, Louisiana hot sauce, A1, Heinz 57, teriyaki, soy, worcestershire, BBQ, horseradish, mustard, mayo, Miracle Whip, ketchup, various salad dressings {ranch, honey mustard, italian}, maple syrup, corn syrup, molasses, honey
OTHER:
juices, white vinegar, soda, drink mix {Crystal Light}, tea, coffee, Nesquik, hot chocolate
hazelnut spread, marshmallows, marshmallow cream, peanut butter, jelly, pancake mix
pickles, pickle relish, green olives, croutons, stuffing mix
various crackers {saltines, butter, graham}, potato & tortilla chips, cookies, granola bars
tortillas, taco shells, taco seasoning, brown gravy packets
bread, bagels, buns
With these items always on hand, it's a rare occasion for me to be out of the usual necessary ingredients for any number of dishes.
It's also especially handy when we have unexpected guests ... or we're invited to an impromptu pitch-in game night or get-together.
Instead of scrambling around with no idea of what to prepare, I can go to the pantry & get cookin'.
Here are a couple of my stand-by favorites:
Peach Cobbler
1 30 oz. can sliced peaches in syrup
Pour into 9x13 baking pan.
In mixing bowl, stir together:
1 c. self-rising flour, 1 c. sugar, 1 c. milk, 1 tsp. vanilla
Pour over peaches evenly.
Dot with 2 pats of butter, divided here & there.
Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until top is golden brown.
 |
| I didn't have a pic of my own peach cobbler to add, so this one is from Easy Southern Cooking. It looks just like mine. |
Dump Cake
1 yellow butter cake mix
1 can cherry pie filling
1 lg can crushed pineapple, drained
1 c. butter, melted
1 c. pecans, optional
Layer ingredients in order listed in a 9x13 pan. Bake at 325 for 1 hour.
 |
| photo taken from dumpcake.com |
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
A Well-Organized Pantry - Part 1 of 3
I am all about efficiency!
If there's a way to do something, anything more efficiently, I want to discover how to do it!
I like things organized & have found that to be KEY in leading a less-stressful life!
My kitchen ... well, my whole house, actually ... but especially, my kitchen has been set up with this as the driving force.
Which cabinet to house dishes, cookware, glasses, etc. was a deliberate decision, to aid in smoothly running a BUSY kitchen.
Taking time to set things up properly {& to maintain them} has been a huge time saver!
This will be part 1 of 3 focusing on THE PANTRY.
First, I will share tips on getting it organized.
Blog 2 will be on keeping it well-stocked & I will share some 'quick fix' recipes {what items to keep in your pantry so you can whip up something delectable at a moment's notice!}
In blog 3, we'll take a look at spices & how to incorporate them into your cooking.
To begin, I want to first establish that by using the term 'pantry', I'm not only referring to that wonderful little bonus room we all dream about having right in our kitchen!
While having one of those walk-in closet pantries is definitely a bonus, a pantry is really just the place that you store those necessary items that you use in your household.
Your pantry may be a designated cabinet or drawer ... or the extra storage space under the bathroom sink.
When we purchased our first home, we had limited cabinet space, but a decent-sized eat-in kitchen.
So, we purchased an tall oak cabinet with double doors & 4 spacious shelves & this became our pantry.
We toted that cabinet to our next 2 homes, keeping it in the garage because it didn't fit with the decor, but it still served it's purpose as the pantry.
Finally, our home now has a walk-in pantry in the kitchen ... a dream come true.
By sticking to these simply guidelines, whether your pantry is a shelf or a closet, it will be organized.
CREATE ZONES!
-Keep items that are frequently used in an easy-to-reach area.
I keep the coffee & filters where I can get those out first thing each morning.
-If you have children, keep their snacks low enough to reach {unless you need to do just the opposite to keep them out of the snacks;)}
If they help in packing or preparing lunches, keeping all these type items in one central place will be helpful.
-Keep 'like' foods in one area.
By keeping all the cereal, poptarts, oatmeal, breakfast bars, etc. on the same shelf, the options are easily accessed.
In addition, it's easier to see when items are gone & need to be restocked.
After designating these zones, you may want to label the shelves.
USE BASKETS!
I especially love to use baskets, boxes, bins & snap-top containers in my pantry!
I recently added a basket to store all my husband's boxes of tea.
At any given time, we have 8-10 various teas.
While I have an area on the shelf for the tea boxes, there are just too many to look through to find what you want.
The new basket now holds 8 boxes of tea & along with that, a new rule for the hubs.
Only buy a new box of tea when there's a place for it in the basket!
I also use baskets in my pantry to store:
-vitamins (there are 2 baskets for these ... another one of my hubs favorites! He has lots of vitamins, herbal supplements, etc).
-envelope seasonings & gravy packets
I keep a box for all my baking supplies, such as: chocolate chips, pecans, walnuts, cupcake liners, food coloring, icing tubes & paraffin.
I keep boxed jello & pudding in this same box.
Another great way to store baking supplies is in canisters.
I have a 4-pc. set on my counter for flour, sugar, artificial sweetener packets, & the smallest one for matches.
In my pantry, I added 4 plastic, snap-top canisters for brown sugar, powdered sugar, cornmeal & the last for random small items.
The plastic ones are clear so I can see when I am getting low.
I have a snap-top box for storing novelty paper supplies.
I like seasonal napkins & paper products; so at the end of the season, I buy them, clearanced down to pennies & store them in this box.
Lastly, on my pantry floor, I have a large box to keep my 'overstock'.
I often stock up on certain items when they go on sale & I have coupons to match.
There's no use in putting 5 jars of grape jelly on the shelf, taking up needed space.
Instead, I put 1 jar on the shelf & the other 4 in the overstock box.
My brain tends to store random info, so I always know what items I have in my overstock box {& where I got them & how much I paid for them...lol}.
If you don't operate that same way, it may be good to keep a list of such items taped on the inside of your pantry or cabinet door.
I encourage you to spend some time this week organizing your pantry!
Your whole family will benefit from it ... & you'll be happier & more efficient in the kitchen.
All this is basic common sense, no rocket science involved, just a little time that will be well-spent.
Closing note: I just had my hubs preview this blog.
He says it's worth mentioning {tongue in cheek} that I'm a bit OCD ... *wink*
Stay tuned for part 2 ... A Well-Stocked Pantry & Quick Fix Recipes!
If there's a way to do something, anything more efficiently, I want to discover how to do it!
I like things organized & have found that to be KEY in leading a less-stressful life!
My kitchen ... well, my whole house, actually ... but especially, my kitchen has been set up with this as the driving force.
Which cabinet to house dishes, cookware, glasses, etc. was a deliberate decision, to aid in smoothly running a BUSY kitchen.
Taking time to set things up properly {& to maintain them} has been a huge time saver!
This will be part 1 of 3 focusing on THE PANTRY.
First, I will share tips on getting it organized.
Blog 2 will be on keeping it well-stocked & I will share some 'quick fix' recipes {what items to keep in your pantry so you can whip up something delectable at a moment's notice!}
In blog 3, we'll take a look at spices & how to incorporate them into your cooking.
 |
| photo: Country Living |
To begin, I want to first establish that by using the term 'pantry', I'm not only referring to that wonderful little bonus room we all dream about having right in our kitchen!
While having one of those walk-in closet pantries is definitely a bonus, a pantry is really just the place that you store those necessary items that you use in your household.
Your pantry may be a designated cabinet or drawer ... or the extra storage space under the bathroom sink.
When we purchased our first home, we had limited cabinet space, but a decent-sized eat-in kitchen.
So, we purchased an tall oak cabinet with double doors & 4 spacious shelves & this became our pantry.
We toted that cabinet to our next 2 homes, keeping it in the garage because it didn't fit with the decor, but it still served it's purpose as the pantry.
Finally, our home now has a walk-in pantry in the kitchen ... a dream come true.
By sticking to these simply guidelines, whether your pantry is a shelf or a closet, it will be organized.
CREATE ZONES!
-Keep items that are frequently used in an easy-to-reach area.
I keep the coffee & filters where I can get those out first thing each morning.
-If you have children, keep their snacks low enough to reach {unless you need to do just the opposite to keep them out of the snacks;)}
If they help in packing or preparing lunches, keeping all these type items in one central place will be helpful.
-Keep 'like' foods in one area.
By keeping all the cereal, poptarts, oatmeal, breakfast bars, etc. on the same shelf, the options are easily accessed.
In addition, it's easier to see when items are gone & need to be restocked.
After designating these zones, you may want to label the shelves.
USE BASKETS!
I especially love to use baskets, boxes, bins & snap-top containers in my pantry!
I recently added a basket to store all my husband's boxes of tea.
At any given time, we have 8-10 various teas.
While I have an area on the shelf for the tea boxes, there are just too many to look through to find what you want.
The new basket now holds 8 boxes of tea & along with that, a new rule for the hubs.
Only buy a new box of tea when there's a place for it in the basket!
I also use baskets in my pantry to store:
-vitamins (there are 2 baskets for these ... another one of my hubs favorites! He has lots of vitamins, herbal supplements, etc).
-envelope seasonings & gravy packets
I keep a box for all my baking supplies, such as: chocolate chips, pecans, walnuts, cupcake liners, food coloring, icing tubes & paraffin.
I keep boxed jello & pudding in this same box.
Another great way to store baking supplies is in canisters.
I have a 4-pc. set on my counter for flour, sugar, artificial sweetener packets, & the smallest one for matches.
In my pantry, I added 4 plastic, snap-top canisters for brown sugar, powdered sugar, cornmeal & the last for random small items.
The plastic ones are clear so I can see when I am getting low.
I have a snap-top box for storing novelty paper supplies.
I like seasonal napkins & paper products; so at the end of the season, I buy them, clearanced down to pennies & store them in this box.
Lastly, on my pantry floor, I have a large box to keep my 'overstock'.
I often stock up on certain items when they go on sale & I have coupons to match.
There's no use in putting 5 jars of grape jelly on the shelf, taking up needed space.
Instead, I put 1 jar on the shelf & the other 4 in the overstock box.
My brain tends to store random info, so I always know what items I have in my overstock box {& where I got them & how much I paid for them...lol}.
If you don't operate that same way, it may be good to keep a list of such items taped on the inside of your pantry or cabinet door.
I encourage you to spend some time this week organizing your pantry!
Your whole family will benefit from it ... & you'll be happier & more efficient in the kitchen.
All this is basic common sense, no rocket science involved, just a little time that will be well-spent.
Closing note: I just had my hubs preview this blog.
He says it's worth mentioning {tongue in cheek} that I'm a bit OCD ... *wink*
Stay tuned for part 2 ... A Well-Stocked Pantry & Quick Fix Recipes!
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