{Day 4} Kitchen, Part 1

After getting up at 5:30 to hike with my neighbor this morning, I was hoping for a light assignment in the Spring Cleaning Party. My prayer was answered: there will time for a nap!!!

Day 1 of tackling the kitchen is devoted to cleaning out food: the pantry, old spices and the fridge. Since I recently cleaned out my freezer after accidentally leaving the door open, I think I'm good there. Plus, we have been eating from our pantry/freezer stock for over a month, so my cupboards are fairly bare and aren't needing to be "cleaned out" - but I did take her advice and do some labeling.

This is what my pantry looks like. I love that it's so orderly! I organized it about a year ago with jars and baskets and it really works for me. I did little things to make it "visually appealing" like pulling the flour/sugar canisters forward and putting the 1/2 empty, open bags of each item behind, so the look is more tidy. The little white basket in the middle is where I stick pre-packaged crackers, chips and other snacks for Mike's lunch so he can grab-and-go in the morning. I have one in the freezer, too, with baked goods for him for dessert. (so he still gets a treat if I don't have something fresh made) He has no idea how spoiled he is!

Earlier this year, we also hung these shelves on our door. They've been really handy for additional space when I stock up on sale items at the store.

I've never needed labels for our flour, sugar and popcorn canisters, but my poor husband has to open them up almost every time. So these labels are for him!

I also labeled the jars with items I buy from the bulk bins at the health food store, even though you can clearly see what's inside. Why this is going to be helpful is when I run out of something. I've had that problem before...looking at an empty jar thinking, "What was in here that needs to be replaced???"

Day 2 of the kitchen is going to be tough. I'm mentally preparing myself for opening up each cabinet with a trash bin and a donation box by my side. It's a good thing I don't have anything planned tomorrow! I think THOSE will be some great before and after pictures. I can't wait to weed through my cookbooks and PURGE! Stay tuned...