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Farm Kitchen:  2011 Kitchen Challenge  |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 09 2011 : 06:10:31 AM
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 Okay, so I was fussing in my kitchen the other night. . .trying to find the lid that fit a container. . . more lids than containers, hmmm how does that happen? This inspired me to give myself a challenge for 2011 . . To re-organize my kitchen for better functionality. . Starting with those darn containers!! So each month I am tackling something different. January is for clearing out and matching up.
So, if I no longer need it, use it or it's missing parts. . . it's out of here!! It will either be re-purposed, repaired or disposed of.
How about you? Are you up to the challenge? Just 10 minutes each day in the kitchen until the task is complete. Are you in??
Joanna #566
JojoNH
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
http://www.Eastwooddesigns.com "For all your Promotional Needs"
www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time" |
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forgetmenot
True Blue Farmgirl
3602 Posts
Judith
Nora Springs
IA
USA
3602 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2011 : 08:03:43 AM
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I'll join you! It's my husband's pet peeve anyone. Like I lose the bottoms on purpose. And, of course, I am the only one who uses them. Actually, I am trying to go to glass containers anyway. Thanks for the push.
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the belief that something is more important than fear." Ambrose Red Moon |
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fudsy
True Blue Farmgirl
175 Posts
Pamela
Clark Fork
Idaho
USA
175 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2011 : 08:34:12 AM
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That is too funny.. I was just looking at my baking pans black hole and thought I really need to clean it out. I accept your challange and raise you a step. One picture before and one picture after each project is done. :)
Farmgirl Sister #1599
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Bambitski
Farmgirl in Training
12 Posts
Bambi
Ashley
IL
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2011 : 10:13:46 AM
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OOOOOOOOOooooooo....I so need to join you in on this challenge. Especially after trying to find the right containers and lids and the right baking dishes for the holidays. I have them in the game room closet, the basement, and several hidden spots in cabinets. LOL This is the room that I never seem to get to.
Trying to live the country dream..... |
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fudsy
True Blue Farmgirl
175 Posts
Pamela
Clark Fork
Idaho
USA
175 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2011 : 1:12:30 PM
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These were my two baking cupboards "BEFORE"
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During the cleaning/purge process I got rid of 6 baking pans I haven't used in years. Put the ones I wanted to keep but don't use often in the skinny cupboard and the ones I use most in the easy-to-get to larger one. And anything that isn't used at least once by this fall will have to go.
The cupboards AFTER
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Farmgirl Sister #1599
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
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fudsy
True Blue Farmgirl
175 Posts
Pamela
Clark Fork
Idaho
USA
175 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2011 : 3:35:10 PM
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Joanna,
This is at a pace I can handle. I just sent those no-used baking pans home with my son who has 4 children and was excited that I sent them to a good home. Tomorrow I may do the shelves above the baking pans.
Farmgirl Sister #1599
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2011 : 4:01:03 PM
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Joanna - I accept your challenge! (AWESOME job, Pamela! You're an inspiration!) But, I'm going to have to do this one on the honor system, as I have misplaced my dang camera yet once again! We just packed up the Christmas decorations yesterday, and I'm afraid it somehow slipped into one of the storage boxes. We've searched high and low, but now I'm thinking part of my day tomorrow will be spent up in the attic with Christmas lights to guide my way! Anyhow, I read your post this morning, and was really motivated - I was able to get my pantry and my food cupboards organized today! I found canned goods that I didn't even realize we had! Your challenge has saved me money!!! I'm going to tackle the "Tupperware cupboard" next week when time permits. We ALL hate that cupboard, but it's one we use all the time, so, I'll be giving it my all! After that, I've got three "miscellaneous" cupboards that have general themes, but those themes wouldn't be recongizable to most the way they look right now, so I'm going to tackle those, too! So, thank you for lighting the fire, Joanna. This was a great idea! :) - Nini
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
Farmgirl Sister #1974 |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2011 : 4:28:03 PM
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Oh Great - I gave myself that challenge before the holidays. As I went clanking around getting out items that seem to only be used during the holidays I thought "This is stupid - get it in order Grace". So I set about cleaning, organizing and giving away and in a matter of hours not only was my kitchen cabinets done but I happily went upstairs and cleaned, organized, and put on a master list the food storage room. I was amazed how it was like a big weight was off my shoulders and my heart was ready for baking and large crowd cooking. I know it all gets away from us but heck once we are back in control WE RULE!
Good luck ladies and now the trick is not to let it get back out of control..
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2011 : 4:36:41 PM
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 I am so happy so many of you are joining in on the challenge! No worries if you cannot post a picture, the honor system works just fine.
Grace, your right, once it's back under control we feel a huge weight lifted and find ourselves back in the kitchen enjoying cooking again!
The best part of this is establishing new habits. . . I cringe at the thought of it all ending up a mess again. So everyday I will make sure that what I have already accomplished will stay that way ( even if it means using my "10 minutes" to straighten things up) Some how after getting my home cleaned up for company I sat there thinking. . . why is it I only do this when company is coming?? So now you know my secret inspiration to tackle my kitchen!
Joanna #566
JojoNH
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
http://www.Eastwooddesigns.com "For all your Promotional Needs"
www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time" |
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fudsy
True Blue Farmgirl
175 Posts
Pamela
Clark Fork
Idaho
USA
175 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2011 : 6:11:27 PM
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What fun. Sorry to hear about your camera Nini. There not a thing wrong with the honor system at all. I figure I'll use pictures here and there as I go for inpriation to others.
Farmgirl Sister #1599
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Bambitski
Farmgirl in Training
12 Posts
Bambi
Ashley
IL
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2011 : 6:29:35 PM
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Well, if I feel better tomorrow, I will start on this. I think that I might actually have the flu. Body aches, chest congestion, cough, sinus drainage, and low grade temp. Just what I need. I ran to town and got some medicine that will work with my HBP medicine. Hopefully, I feel better tomorrow.
Great work on your cabinets, I only wish that was all I had in baking pans. LOL I used to bake for people, pies, cakes, tortes, etc... So, I have quite a collection.
Bambi
Trying to live the country dream..... |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
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Bellepepper
True Blue Farmgirl
1207 Posts
Belle
Coffeyville
KS
USA
1207 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2011 : 09:49:04 AM
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Oh those dreaded plastic containers. Gotta have them, can't control them. I have my "good" ones. That is the tupperware and rubbermaid. Then there is the Gladware. At the bottom of the list is cottage cheese and sour cream containers. If I don't keep the lids on them, I can never find a lid that fits. If I try to get rid of some of them, I'll need that size the next day. There are those who want me to get rid of my recycled sour cream containers but they have no problem with me sending them home with leftovers in them. I have containers all the way from 1/2 cup to 1 gallon. At least they are all on one shelf in the utility room.
I WILL take the challange and see if I can get a little more organized. My pots and pans are in pretty good shape. I just wish my bottom cupboards were pull out drawers. I have to sit on a little footstool to get back to the back of the cupboard.
Belle |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2011 : 10:06:50 AM
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I did this out of necessity, Jojo...we got a new kitchen floor last Monday and before it came, I had to unload the 1920's pantry cabinet, and get rid of the remaining furniture...one MAJOR item was this bakers wrack/pot wrack from Target that just became a major catch all, and left little to no room in our already-too-small kitchen--that had a bunch of stuff on it, that, well, I need, but didn't have any place to go with it...so I cleaned out the utility closet, and all underneath cabinets, and I really do have space. I just needed to find it under all that other crap!!!!
So, I put the catch all pot wrack thingee to the curb. And now, with a little help from my fil, the electrician, we are adding a few new circuits to the kitchen so that when I put the microwave on top of the fridge (b/c I use it rarely), it won't shut the whole house down.
As a thrifter, I end up with a lot of stuff...kitchen stuff. When I went through the cabinets, I found 4 9 x 13 pyrex baking dishes. Am I a caterer? Nope. Just a hoarder, apparently. So I kept 2 and gave the other 2 to charity, along with countless bowls and things that I simply do NOT use, or never have used.
It's not for the faint of heart--you have to do this when you hit rock bottom, when the clutter around you is simply strangling you. Then you're merciless :)
The floor is in, now we've decided on a paint color. We paint this week, my fil comes over Thursday for the electrical work and then we work on the ceiling next. After that, a nice, small antique kitchen table, a plate wrack on the wall to clear out yet another kitchen cabinet of dishes and voila! A space we can actually use instead of passthrough.
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17161 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17161 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2011 : 10:24:52 AM
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ok, JojoNH,,, I think I have your containers ...lol!
I usually have more containers then lids...lol!
I have a sneaky suspision that my lids are sneaking out of the house at night & going over to your cabinets...or your containers are sneaking over here! lol!
>^..^<
Happiness is being a katmom.
"Is it time for my Dirt Manicure yet!"
www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://www.graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
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fudsy
True Blue Farmgirl
175 Posts
Pamela
Clark Fork
Idaho
USA
175 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2011 : 5:01:17 PM
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So for today, I cleaned out the lazy susan cupboard I had to take it apart and order a new bottom shelf. The bottom shelf has only been broken for the last 3 years LOL. Well, not funny now, you can't just order the part anymore. I have order all new guts. So much for being thrifty this month... $117 dollars later the new guts are ordered and my lazy susan will work once again.
Farmgirl Sister #1599
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
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fudsy
True Blue Farmgirl
175 Posts
Pamela
Clark Fork
Idaho
USA
175 Posts |
Posted - Jan 11 2011 : 05:46:55 AM
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It sounds like tonight is puzzle night. I hope most match up for you :-)
Farmgirl Sister #1599
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smiley
True Blue Farmgirl
650 Posts
lea
pea ridge
arkansas
USA
650 Posts |
Posted - Jan 11 2011 : 4:08:59 PM
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| My lazy susan cabinet is my nightmare. It is broken and I never wanted to spend that money for another one so had my husband remove it and I have this huge deep cabinet I have to get on the floor and lean into to see whats in there. Maybe one of those closet lights that runs on a battery is a solution to see into the black pit! It is great for storing stuff I dont use daily but need sometimes. I might ask him to put shelves in it someday. |
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Bambitski
Farmgirl in Training
12 Posts
Bambi
Ashley
IL
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2011 : 03:47:57 AM
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Well, I finally plan on tackling into this today. Found out it was Bronchitis that I had. Lots of meds, breathing treatments, steriod shot, but feel much better today. gotta get something done around here today since I go back to work tomorrow. It is only 5 degrees outside, so it sounds like most of my work will be done inside. DH went out already and gave the animals some feed and checked water so that I wouldn't have to go out this morning. Gotta love them.
Have a great day ladies.
Trying to live the country dream..... |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2011 : 05:15:20 AM
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Bambi, glad your on the mend! Remember, don't feel you need to get it all done in one day. . . the goal is a steady pace, 10 minutes each day to get it done. This way it won't be over doing it, gives you a good "new habit" and best of all, you will be able to enjoy your endeavor!!
I have done 3 cabinets so far, got my containers matched up and will be starting on my 2 "nightmare" cabinets next.
Tip of the Day:
Sometimes it will take 3-4 days to get it done, so what to do with the mess that your pulling out of the cabinet until it's all back into it's new place?? I use a large cardboard box or one of those large storage containers with a lid. Pull everything out right into the box. . . then as I begin the reorganizing, I simply take what I need out of the box. Keeps the mess under control while dealing with it 10 minutes each day.
Joanna #566
JojoNH
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
http://www.Eastwooddesigns.com "For all your Promotional Needs"
www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time" |
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Catherine L
True Blue Farmgirl
408 Posts
Cathy
Newton
Texas
USA
408 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2011 : 09:51:40 AM
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I am up to this challenge, so watch out cabinets here I come.
~Catherine~
Farmgirl 2428 |
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fudsy
True Blue Farmgirl
175 Posts
Pamela
Clark Fork
Idaho
USA
175 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2011 : 09:52:48 AM
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Today I'm cleaning all of the drawers in the kitchen and I found 2 boxes of plastic wrap! Now I just ran out last night and put it on the next shopping list. Now I can cross it off and put them in the correct place. I wonder what else I'll find in my mission today. Also, I posted in another forum that I pull all my flatware out and replaced it with my Silver flatware. I am going to use them and enjoy feeling fancy for as long as they last, why wait for just special dinners. The others I'm going to put in our camper and maybe make wind chimes for the garden. Who knows?
Farmgirl Sister #1599
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Farm Kitchen: 2011 Kitchen Challenge |
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2011 Kitchen Challenge
