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Farm Kitchen:  2011 Kitchen Challenge  |
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fudsy
True Blue Farmgirl
175 Posts
Pamela
Clark Fork
Idaho
USA
175 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 20 2011 : 3:54:12 PM
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Welcome Lisa! You can do it. Just pace yourself. That is the way to get things done, one cupboard, one shelf and then the next. My cupboards are all done except the spice cabinet. I haven't figured out how to make everything I use fit. :-)
Farmgirl #1599
Working from home, working the land
www.lightningcreekinc.com |
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lisalisa
True Blue Farmgirl
216 Posts
Lisa
Broomall
PA
USA
216 Posts |
Posted - Jan 22 2011 : 12:30:05 PM
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| I think the spice cabinet is really hard. I love all the smells, and imagine I will someday use it in something. Hmmm, if only the rest of the family liked to experiment.... Thanks for the encouragement. I'm trying to clean out the now-vacant bedroom (from the oldest child), and still looking at all the containers of things I'll use "someday". I guess you just have to be tough and only look at it once. ps- frozen huckleberries (or warm)would make me forget everything! :) |
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Calicogirl
True Blue Farmgirl
5216 Posts
Sharon
Bruce Crossing
Michigan
USA
5216 Posts |
Posted - Jan 22 2011 : 1:37:49 PM
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This is a great post :)
Thank you Joanna and all of you other gals for inspiration and motivation :)
~Before reading this thread I had tackled the pantry area. I say area because we don't really have a pantry. we live in a mobile and it is the laundry room so I am limited on storage space. I have a cedar wardobe that I wanted my husband to put shelves in so I could place it in the pantry area and store canned goods, etc. Well, we were at Home Depot and he picked up an Industrial looking shelf unit. I was not very pleased. BUT, you know what? It works out way better than I thought it would! I have alot more room now and was able to clear a cabinet in the kitchen by transferring things here. I use canning jars for storing and printed up cute labels from vintage graphic websites. I also used some cute planters to store smaller packaged items like craisins, dried blueberries, etc. A few months ago I found paper lace so I attached that to the fronts of the metal on the shelves and it came out real nice!
Now that my canned goods are in the pantry, I can store our empty canning jars under our bed :)
~I have been keeping a freezer and pantry inventory for years now and it helps so much. I love being able to refer to it and it has saved me numerous trips to the grocery store. I keep it on a clipboard in the 'pantry'. It doesn't have a hook so I tied some ribbon to it, placed a hook on the wall and have it hanging there.
~My next project is to clean and organize the fridge/freezer (in house). We have a new refrigerator and I am still learning what would be a better flow in there so I need to re-organize that AND keep an inventory for the attached freezer.
~My husband LOVES coffee and even roasts his own beans. So we have had cabinets dedicated just for that. One side we kept all of the mugs. It worked okay until we accumulated more. So another cabinet we had that is totally not very functional we are now using for storing mugs, we call it "Mug Central". I took the food items from that cabinet and moved them into the pantry :). Now there is an area in the coffee cabinets where I can keep my teas too.
~A tip for organizing baking areas: I hang hooks inside the cabinets and keep extra measuring spoons there.
Lisa, small attainable goals :) Tackle one thing at a time and you can do it. I need to finish up cleaning out my 'someday' things too. I got rid of alot a couple of months ago. I have found if things have been around "someday" for more than 6 months they need to go. I can actually breath better now and am not getting stressed like I used to about 'lack of room'
Good going girls!
Oh my Huckleberries sound wonderful!
~Sharon
By His Grace, For His Glory
http://merryheartjournal.blogspot.com/ |
Edited by - Calicogirl on Jan 22 2011 1:42:22 PM |
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Annie S
True Blue Farmgirl
756 Posts
Annie
Custer
S.D.
USA
756 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2011 : 12:43:56 PM
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| Lisa, just take it one day, one cabinet, one drawer, etc. at a time. It will get done - some day. This past fall I went and got a lot of those Rubber Maid containers to put my dry goods that are in the mud/pantry room. The first year we were in the house we had mice get into the suger, flour, etc. They would come in from under the water hearter which is also in the pantry/mud room. So got the containers, and put EVERYTIHNG in them. Also looks nice to have it all organized. My next big "re-organization" is the spare bedroon - the closet in there has sort of become a catch all for things I don't know what to do with. Have to get it done so there's room for company to hang clothes, etc. If only I could get DH to let loose of some of his golf shirts he doesn't wear anymore and some of his other Arizona clothes that just don't work where we live now. He has a big problem with letting go of things. But I will organize them. Still working on my craft room closet - that has been a work in progress since we moved into the house. But it will get done too - someday. Keep up the good work, farmgirls. |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2011 : 06:16:55 AM
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 WaHOOO!!! I am so happy to hear all that everyone is doing and getting accomplished!! It's amazing what can be done in 10 minutes each day.
Love all the new ideas that are being shared and I know we are all cheering each other along! Now don't forget, check out the merit badges, there is one that all of you are working on and many of you have earned the "beginner" level already!! 
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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lisalisa
True Blue Farmgirl
216 Posts
Lisa
Broomall
PA
USA
216 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2011 : 09:30:54 AM
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| Hey, girls, could I have some suggestions... What do you do with the items you clean out? I hate to put it in the trash, and my donations store only takes certain things. What do YOU do with different items? Thanks, L :) |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
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Annie S
True Blue Farmgirl
756 Posts
Annie
Custer
S.D.
USA
756 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2011 : 5:55:09 PM
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| Depending on what you have and if you are a crafty person you can repurpose them. There are a ton a on-line sites for crafters where you can get instructions on how to do this - from sweaters, jeans, towels, blankets, etc. But if you aren't the crafty kind I too would see about going to your local churches - they always seem to know families in need. Check out your local senior center as well, they might know of families too. Also, if you have towels/blankets your local vet clinic will more than welcome having them for the bottom of the cages for the animals they take care of and for cleaning up (I've done that quite often). Your county Social Services office would probably know of families too that are in need. Hope this helps. |
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lisalisa
True Blue Farmgirl
216 Posts
Lisa
Broomall
PA
USA
216 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 07:50:07 AM
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| Wow, thanks! I'm not much of a crafter (though I wish I was, maybe that's why I kept this stuff for so long!). I used to give old pillows and blankets to the animal shelter, but they stopped taking them. I usually just look for a drop-box for a good cause, and say a little prayer. There's always someone worse off than me! Thanks for your great ideas! Ok, time for the garage..... |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Jan 27 2011 : 05:39:23 AM
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So how are all of you doing with your kitchen??
I am figuring out what else I need to make my kitchen complete, then I will begin the hunt for whatever it is! It feels good to be organized for a change. Tomorrow I will tackle the cabinets under the sink.
Always a mess!! We keep the trash can under there as well as the recycle bin. Plus, all the "stuff" that truly needs a home!! So, this time around I plan on taking pictures of the before (yuck! )and after
Now for the Tip of the Day:
I am sure many of you make your own bread crumbs. . well, no one in our home likes the crust end of the bread ( ahem, accept me) So I started to save them, toast them in the toaster, then set them out to finish "drying" cut them into small pieces ( think stuffing) and then store them. Now, whenever I need breadcrumbs I can make up just what I need, season how I want them and best of all. . . still can make stuffing too!
Now it's your turn to share your homemade breadcrumb recipes!
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 27 2011 : 08:07:26 AM
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My kitchen is just about done and I'm working my way around the house now.
Farmgirl #1599
Working from home, working the land
www.lightningcreekinc.com |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2011 : 04:29:36 AM
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Okay, since we have been organizing our kitchens to function better, what have you discovered that you need to complete your kitchen?
For me, Large Jars for storing Flour, Sugar, Beans etc.
Pasta Machine. . hate purchasing from the stores
Larger Mixer. . mine is a hand held type, I really need the one that comes with the bowl and several attachments.
Freezer. . . to put up a side of beef, store my wheat etc.
Fridge. . this one is running continuously. . costing me more than necessary.
Shelving.. to store all my canning jars. . full or empty!
Okay, your turn. . what do you need to complete your kitchen to be as efficient as you want it to be.
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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walkinwalkoutcattle
True Blue Farmgirl
1675 Posts
Megan
Paint Lick
KY
USA
1675 Posts |
Posted - Feb 03 2011 : 03:33:45 AM
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oh man, oh man. I wish I'd seen this thread a few days ago! I'm due any day with me and my husband's first child, and my mother has come into town to help me give everything a good once over. I'm an AVID baker/cooker, so I've got a myriad of pans. From Pampered Chef stones (Tons and tons) to shaped cake pans, you name it, I have it. While I wouldn't call them a "mess", since I have hardly any storage room in my early 1900's kitchen, there were quite a few pans I'd forgotten I had. So, the ones I knew I wouldn't use went on freecycle, and the others that just needed to wait for a rainy day went upstairs. We re-lined the shelves and wiped everything down. It looks quite a bit less crowded. Having my mom there was a huge help as well since she could lift everything and bend down and get back up easier than I can @ 41 weeks. :)
Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world.
www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
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lisalisa
True Blue Farmgirl
216 Posts
Lisa
Broomall
PA
USA
216 Posts |
Posted - Feb 03 2011 : 06:42:22 AM
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| Wow, Megan! 9-and-over months pregnant AND organizing your kitchen! You're an inspiration! I'm glad I found freecycle, too, there's always someone looking for what you've got! And it doesn't go into the trash (which I hate!). An early Congratulations to you and God Bless! :-) |
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lisalisa
True Blue Farmgirl
216 Posts
Lisa
Broomall
PA
USA
216 Posts |
Posted - Feb 03 2011 : 12:02:44 PM
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| Hey Joanna! I used your efficient way of 10 minutes here, 10 minutes there, and I have a noticeably straightened bedroom, kitchen, and (hooray!) basement. Not spic and span, or totally done, but [/I] can tell! Thanks! :-) |
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blessings
Farmgirl at Heart
2 Posts
Janese
Crosby
Texas
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - Feb 03 2011 : 12:34:22 PM
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| I took this one step further and decided to get rid of plastics because of it leaching into food especially the ones that are really suppose to be disposable.Like gladware etc. I am switching to pyrex with lids,goes from fridge to microwave then to dishwasher and they stack so well without falling every time you move one thing. My husband loves the switch in his lunch box.Great time to do this kind of stuff while the weather is dreary and cold. |
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blessings
Farmgirl at Heart
2 Posts
Janese
Crosby
Texas
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - Feb 03 2011 : 12:43:29 PM
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| Joanna, I'm glad to see I'm not the only one with a list for the kitchen.I didn't even have a decenct knife,accordding to one of my sisters that watched me butcher a loaf of her home baked bread.The next visit she brought me a good bread knife.A great place to look for jars and containers is Goodwill's , Salvation Army or local mission.Small appliances too.I have gotten cases of canning jars.Often times people inherit their parent's and grandparent's stuff and they donate it . |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
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Nanniekim
True Blue Farmgirl
206 Posts
Kim
Arizona
206 Posts |
Posted - Feb 03 2011 : 1:49:29 PM
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I like the idea of getting rid of plastic, too. My kitchen would be a lot more organized if I got rid of everything in that one cupboard. But what do you use for packing lunches?
Kim |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
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Annie S
True Blue Farmgirl
756 Posts
Annie
Custer
S.D.
USA
756 Posts |
Posted - Feb 03 2011 : 3:46:03 PM
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| Now that I got my cupboards cleaned out I decided to work on my recipe boxes and notebooks. Got the boxes in order, although my next project is to combine the two into one. Then I went and got a 3" 3-ring binder to combine my two binders into one. Only problem is that I forgot to get the page protector to put my pages of recipes. I'm also cutting out recipes from all the magazines I've collected to put into the binder. Think I'd rather clean out a cupboard instead of doing all of this cutting - you have no idea how many cooking magazines I have!!!!! But will be nice when it's all done. It's so inpiring reading how much everybody has done and accomplished with their kitchen projects. Sort of like a support group where you talk things out and encourage everyone to keep up the good work. So high 5's to all of us. |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Feb 04 2011 : 04:30:17 AM
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Way to go Annie!! Now, once you have all your recipes in one convenient location, bet you will have more fun cooking in your "new" kitchen!!
I'm about to tackle to large cabinets and one small closet. . . preparing for my bulk food delivery that is arriving next week. I am very excited to have my kitchen functioning once more. . . and finding it easier to put things back where they belong too
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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Farm Kitchen: 2011 Kitchen Challenge |
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2011 Kitchen Challenge
