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Farm Kitchen:  2011 Kitchen Challenge  |
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Vintage Sue
True Blue Farmgirl
70 Posts
Sue
Woodbine
Maryland
USA
70 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 05 2011 : 1:06:54 PM
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I'm jumping into this challenge a wee bit late (just joined the sisterhood this week) but I can sure use the motivation for getting my kitchen organized. One of my goals this year is to cook more and use less pre-packaged foods and ingredients, so this challenge fits right in! I love the idea of 10 minutes a day and will certainly run with that. The link with the lists is awesome!!! Time to go get started. Hmmm, what shall I tackle first - perhaps the shelves with the 100 coffee mugs we never use....
"If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun" - Katharine Hepburn
www.mymotherspearls.me |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Feb 05 2011 : 1:23:40 PM
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 WaHOOO!!! Welcome Sue!!!
It's never to late to join, so happy you decided to give it a try.
It is a work in progress and some days you will feel like your loosing the battle! I have 3 major cabinets to go. . . my bulk food starts arriving on monday so I need to have one of them empty by then.
Be sure to check out our other thread listed under the "Nifty Thrifty" section . . . the thread is titled 2011 and thriftyness. Tons of great ideas, suggestions, links and support there as well.
So happy you have joined MJF!!
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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Vintage Sue
True Blue Farmgirl
70 Posts
Sue
Woodbine
Maryland
USA
70 Posts |
Posted - Feb 05 2011 : 1:37:30 PM
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Thanks Joanna! I'll go check out that thread right now!
"If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun" - Katharine Hepburn
www.mymotherspearls.me |
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batznthebelfry
True Blue Farmgirl
1257 Posts
Michele
Athol
Ma
USA
1257 Posts |
Posted - Feb 05 2011 : 2:56:04 PM
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I love this idea...I too have the breeding lids that show up in my cabinets with nothing they want to fit to...I think they are sneaking in while I am asleep...When I get tired of the whole mess I go thur & get rid of all the plastic containers, strange lids ect & either put them in the recycling can that is now a huge plastic trashcan or set them aside to put in my art shop for using with the chickens or containers for nails, & shop junk that seems to also have a mind of its own. If I had children I would keep the lids for art projects since there is so many fun things you can do with them but at least I can recycle them thur my trash company. does anyone else hate those silverware plastic separat-ers? They are never big enough to hold all the silverware so I put mine in the shop for screw drivers ect & bought at the dollar store (love that store) those long plastic containers that hold crackers. they actually will hold my big soup spoons! I just put them side by side in the drawer & that way the silverware is separated & I will tell you they are easier to wash up than the other thingy. I also have a old metal dish washer thingy for baby nipples that I have in the drawer for small things like tiny bottle spouts ...another thing I did was use a picnic metal silverware/napkin holder for my washed silverware...it holds alot more washed silverware than what the dish drainer one does & I can even put big knifes, wooden spoons ect in it...I got it on discount at the end of the summer at CVS (drug store) plus it doesn't fall over if too much stuff is in it & when the stuff is dry I can take the whole thing over to the drawers & empty it. They are plastic coated wire so they are easy to clean.
The Old Batz Farm |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Feb 07 2011 : 04:53:39 AM
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 I know what you mean. . . I started this because I had more lids than containers. . . sorted through ALL of them, matched up container to their lids. . . re-purposed the rest. . . guess what? Now suddenly, there are more containers than lids!!! How the heck does that happen??? Are your containers sneaking over to visit me?? LOL!!
( okay, so the extra containers really came from a box stored in the basement I had forgotten about!)
I love your idea for holding the silverware. I hate the cute little shaped ones. . . tough to clean and never hold all your stuff!
Okay, tip of the Day:
Take your cans that you normally would recycle. . . think soup size or larger. . these make great containers for mini gardens. I am starting a full set of super large ones with grass for my chickens!
As the grass grows, I can "harvest" it with scissors to feed my girls.
( one for the kitty too!) They love the treat and once the can becomes to worn out, I can then recycle it at our transfer station.
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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Vintage Sue
True Blue Farmgirl
70 Posts
Sue
Woodbine
Maryland
USA
70 Posts |
Posted - Feb 07 2011 : 5:41:50 PM
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So I just tackled the cupboard housing about a zillion coffee mugs (odd, since no one in the house actually drinks coffee....)I have a separate cupboard for my favorite tea mugs. I've got a nice big box of mugs and insulated cups (how did we ever end up with so many?) now to donate to goodwill or purple heart, and actual empty space on my shelves! Wahoo!!
"If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun" - Katharine Hepburn
www.mymotherspearls.me |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2011 : 3:54:32 PM
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 That's wonderful!! I have a suggestion for a few of those mugs. .
Fill them 3/4 way with potting soil and plant something easy to grow like mint, they make a great gift to surprise someone with and at the same time get rid of all the extra mugs that started to accumulate.
If you want the recipient to be able to use the mug, use a plastic bag as a liner first, that way it can be lifted out, planted in their garden and use the mug. ( oh, for the plastic bag, I use bread bags)
So what are you going to put in your empty space?? I can see a large tea selection lined up. . . giggle!
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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Annie S
True Blue Farmgirl
756 Posts
Annie
Custer
S.D.
USA
756 Posts |
Posted - Feb 10 2011 : 1:11:49 PM
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| Joanna, what a great idea! I don't really have a lot of extra mugs, but this idea would make me go to the thrift store and get some to use for your idea. What a great gift idea too. Think I'll plant some herbs in some mugs just for me to use. Thanks for sharing. It's just a great idea for repurposing and reusing an item. |
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fudsy
True Blue Farmgirl
175 Posts
Pamela
Clark Fork
Idaho
USA
175 Posts |
Posted - Feb 10 2011 : 3:41:05 PM
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So today I decided to defrost my freezers. I have a small chest freezer besides the one with our fridge. I can't believe all the stuff I found. At least there were not any mystery items LOL. I found out that I'm chicken poor! I made a list of how many of what I have for dinner ideas. Then I moved all the meat into one freezer and everything else into the other one. If I purchase a couple of pot roasts (when they go on sale) I shouldn't have to buy meat for a couple of months. Now I have to sit down with the cookbooks and find some fun things to make.
Farmgirl #1599
Working from home, working the land
www.lightningcreekinc.com |
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fudsy
True Blue Farmgirl
175 Posts
Pamela
Clark Fork
Idaho
USA
175 Posts |
Posted - Feb 10 2011 : 3:45:40 PM
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[quote]Originally posted by JojoNH
That's wonderful!! I have a suggestion for a few of those mugs. .
Fill them 3/4 way with potting soil and plant something easy to grow like mint, they make a great gift to surprise someone with and at the same time get rid of all the extra mugs that started to accumulate.
If you want the recipient to be able to use the mug, use a plastic bag as a liner first, that way it can be lifted out, planted in their garden and use the mug. ( oh, for the plastic bag, I use bread bags)
What a great idea Joanna! I have a box out in our shop of mugs with no home. I can line the windowsill with new starts. I'm ready for Spring, even if it's not ready for me.
Farmgirl #1599
Working from home, working the land
www.lightningcreekinc.com |
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marjean
True Blue Farmgirl
3851 Posts
Marsha
Deltona
FL
USA
3851 Posts |
Posted - Feb 10 2011 : 4:46:44 PM
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Isn't it funny how all these kitchens across the country have the same problem with those lids and containers. I used to sell Tupperware and have those nifty storage holders you attach to the walls. Mine are all full of lids but where did all the containers get to?
Mystery around my house of 3 is they get taken outside to dump in the trash when the left overs can no longer be recognized and no one wants to open the lid. The next thing I know I see a line of them on my picnic table and yell okay DH please go rescue my containers before the sun dry wroughts them and the crack. LOL
So, what we do is save all those lids and containers in bags and then when we finally find the matches we put them together and back in the cabinet they go.
The same thing happens to our socks around here. But, I've solved that mystery too! What the washer doesn't eat the dog does. LOL
Farmgirl sister #308
handmade cards, vintage organizer bags and more at www.jeanpatchbymk.etsy.com
http://jeanpatch.blogspot.com
www.fullerdirect.com
id#0920150
www.watkinsonline.com/rjaramillo
www.sunshinefarmgirlcoop.com |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Feb 11 2011 : 03:42:34 AM
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LOL!! I can see the dog chewing his way through the sock drawer now!!
Glad everyone liked the mug idea, gives me a warm feeling to close my eyes and see all these farmgirl kitchens with mugs lined up on their window sills, fresh herbs sprouting. . . even sprouts sprouting!! A great way to chase away the winter blues!!
Okay, here is a Kitchen Tip of the Day:
As my bulk purchases are arriving, the one thing that needs to be done first, write the date on each package or can. ( I usually put month/year) The second thing I do put them onto my kitchen list, a very simple list to be sure. . . Product/how many. Now I can put everything away and from the master list know what is on hand for cooking. Now, to save time, I discovered that a sleeve protector for a sheet of paper has a dual use. . . slip the list in and on the sheet protector using a grease pencil, mark off each time one of the items is used. Then once I have reordered ( I will know the case count now too) I simply wipe off the grease pencil tally and start again. . . no new list needs to be generated!!
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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marjean
True Blue Farmgirl
3851 Posts
Marsha
Deltona
FL
USA
3851 Posts |
Posted - Feb 11 2011 : 09:01:24 AM
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I like the mug idea too. So, my question is can I start any kind of seed this way? Our ground where I put the garden is not letting the plants thrive and live. They do good for a while and then all of a sudden for different reasons, rain, heat they kill over.
So, help! How can I get these plants to grow and survive? I started seeds in my planter box then when they were good and strong moved them to the ground and about two weeks later died. We conditioned the soil with top soil, cow manure and peat moss. My dh blended it well. The weeds love it but the vege. plants don't.
I like the idea of taking inventory of the pantry and making a list to go by. We have tupperware full of stuff that seldom gets used. I will try this method and see if now we can plan our meals around what's in the pantry and stop buying new from the store. lol
Farmgirl sister #308
handmade cards, vintage organizer bags and more at www.jeanpatchbymk.etsy.com
http://jeanpatch.blogspot.com
www.fullerdirect.com
id#0920150
www.watkinsonline.com/rjaramillo
www.sunshinefarmgirlcoop.com |
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fudsy
True Blue Farmgirl
175 Posts
Pamela
Clark Fork
Idaho
USA
175 Posts |
Posted - Feb 12 2011 : 07:27:02 AM
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Marsha- are you sure you have cut-worms, or another underground pest living in your soil?
Farmgirl #1599
Working from home, working the land
www.lightningcreekinc.com |
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marjean
True Blue Farmgirl
3851 Posts
Marsha
Deltona
FL
USA
3851 Posts |
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fudsy
True Blue Farmgirl
175 Posts
Pamela
Clark Fork
Idaho
USA
175 Posts |
Posted - Feb 12 2011 : 08:54:02 AM
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gosh, now that one I'm not sure about. But if you have done all this wonderful things to your soil and plants still die it sounds like something is hiding down there.
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 |
Posted - Feb 15 2011 : 03:57:06 AM
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So how are you all doing with your kitchen challenge so far??
For those of you who completed it already, how are you doing at keeping it organized?
Now, here is a good question for all, how do you store all your aprons and where do you put the one you use while in the kitchen? Do you hang it up? put it on the counter? put it in a drawer?
For me, I am looking for a creative hook to hang my two aprons on. (I use two in the kitchen, one for cooking/baking, the other for cleaning)
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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Especially For You
True Blue Farmgirl
541 Posts
Tina
Watkinsville
GA
541 Posts |
Posted - Feb 15 2011 : 08:11:30 AM
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hi Joanna~ I use an old rake to hang my aprons on just the metal rake head.
Blessings
Tina |
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Bellepepper
True Blue Farmgirl
1207 Posts
Belle
Coffeyville
KS
USA
1207 Posts |
Posted - Feb 15 2011 : 09:46:51 AM
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Tina, what a great idea, the rake head!!. I think I know where one is out in the shop. I am going to hang it in my bathroom, (garden decor) to hang my chains and beads on. I don't like them in the jewelry box where they get tangled up.
Thanks, Belle |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2011 : 05:37:57 AM
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Tina, Great Idea, I use mine to hang fresh herbs from to dry, never thought about it for hanging an apron or two from!!
How is everyone coming along with their kitchens so far??
Just finished my 4th cabinet, 3 to go! Cannot believe how much storage space I have ended up with. . . makes me happy knowing I have cases of food on it's way. . . now I have a place to put it all!!
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 - Feb 17 2011 : 07:08:41 AM
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Hey, Joanna, Movin' along, chuggin' through...
I did get a lot of cabinets cleared out, and now that I can get out of the house (snow is melting!) I can head over to the thrift store to drop off some things.
I've also realized that keeping heavy things on lower shelves makes life a little easier for me. The same with glass. I have a habit of dropping things, so I guess, it doesn't have as far to fall. ;) I'm so glad for the extra space!
Oh, I keep my aprons on the inside of the kitchen cupboard (easy access). But I really like the rake idea!
----L
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Feb 19 2011 : 11:51:17 AM
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Hey Lisa,
Glad your moving along with your challenge! I have received in several shipments of food, there is still lots of room for more! This was one of the best things about cleaning up my kitchen. . . room for my reserve foods, not to mention all the canned goods that will be coming as everything begins to grow!
One thing I am saving for is a freezer. Something I have needed all along, however, the expense has been more than we could afford at the time. Now with the money I am saving by purchasing in bulk, having it shipped to my home for free. . . there is money to put away towards my freezer! Now that is a great reward for getting organized and being thrifty
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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henlady35904
True Blue Farmgirl
295 Posts
Kim
Gadsden
Alabama
USA
295 Posts |
Posted - Feb 20 2011 : 07:27:36 AM
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| I saw an article in a magazine(can't remember which one) about organizing lids. Get a small dish drainer, put it in the cabinet and store the lids in the plate slots. I haven't tried this yet, but maybe it will help! By the way, the cabinets look great! Keep up the good work! |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Feb 25 2011 : 12:24:59 PM
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I must admit, having all of your support has kept me motivated to
"Gett'er done!" I have just two cabinets left to do, the pans. . . Oh the dreaded pans!! LOL!! Now I have decided to replace the ones that truly need replacing . . . so this year I will eventually have a new set and the old ones will be dedicated to either soap making, fabric dying or for outdoor use at the barbecue or open fire cooking.
Now, I am sure I am not the only one with tons of specialty items to use for specific tasks. . . like canning, pasta making and so forth.
I am curious as to how you store your unique items when they are "out of season".
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 - Feb 25 2011 : 1:23:00 PM
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The pans, the pans... Oh, yes, Joanna, but how I do love those specialty pans!
I keep the Christmas pans in the container(s) with the other seasonal items. Easter? - the same. Canning items? I haven't quite gotten to yet(why? I don't know..), but I guess it's good that I don't make pasta! (yet!) However, I do have some pans that were my grandmother's. Do they need replacing? I hope not!
Thanks to you I'm moving, I'm sorting and I'm organizing!
--- L |
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Farm Kitchen: 2011 Kitchen Challenge |
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2011 Kitchen Challenge
