a little organization, part 2

Remember WAYYYYYYY back when I asked for some organization tips?  Well I decided that I really wanted Oxo’s Pop Containers like these:

They are air-tight, light weight, non-breakable and dish-washer safe.  Since I needed something to store baking products like flour and sugar in the cabinet above the stove, this was key (especially the non-breakable part).

But the problem is – Have you checked out the price tag on these things?!?! Youch.  At Target, a 5-piece set will cost ya about $50.  And I knew that 5 was just not  enough.

Thankfully my birthday was a few days ago, and my mom, dad and I were walking through Sam’s Club and found a set of TWELVE – yes 12! – for only $75!  Yes, I squealed and asked if they could be my birthday present.

The moment I got home and unpacked, I got to work.  And Viola!!

This is two shelves – baking supplies and pantry staples. Since this, I have gotten three more containers for pastas and quinoa (thank you Williams Sonoma Outlet).  As you can see on the bottom shelf the tall containers don’t fit completely upright on my pantry shelf, so I stacked them on their side.  It works perfectly.

I still haven’t touched my spice cabinet, but at least I can check one thing off my list.

What organization project do you want to tackle in 2013?

adventures in kitchen organization – friendly suggestions

Several weeks ago, I blogged about my battle with my pantry.  So for inspiration, a couple of my friends sent me some of their organization tips.  Thanks, Cathy and Katie for sharing!  While I am still thinking and contemplating, they gave me some great ideas.

First up, Katie.  Katie and I lived together for nearly 5 years until she got her own place in May, and she blogs about pretty things on Every Day Pretty. When she moved into her new duplex, she had to come up with a clever and stylish way to utilize her new open shelving.

From our local Target store she chose to store her flour, sugar, snacks, and cereal in three sized containers in the same style.  I love the glass and metal canisters, and of course she sprinkles in dashes of color using dishes and cups.  Katie devoted a whole post to her design concept, so get on over there and read it.

Next Cathy.  Cathy and I met several years ago through my sister, and last year, we spent two weeks in Spain together.  She’s my culinary kindred spirit, and she sent me her Wisconsin pot rack.  She calls it her $20 and a kiss pot rack, and I love it.

Tucked behind her pantry door, her fiancé rigged up a great pot rack that is perfectly Julia Child.  She just needs to outline those pot, like Julia.  Each pot hangs by a hook.

And it’s a great example of going vertical in your kitchen.  This would be fantastic in a small kitchen on the wall.  Not only do you save cabinet space, but also showcase a beautiful set of cookware – especially when you have a set like Cathy’s.

If you don’t like to have your pans out in the open, I love how Cathy’s is hiding in her pantry.  Out of site but perfectly organized.

Cathy also sent me her spice rack.  She purchased the rack from IKEA and the bottles from Crate and Barrel.

While I don’t have that much wall space, I do love how each spice is visible, so you can see exactly how much you have and know when to get replacements. I also love the look of having the same canister. It looks so clean and simple.  Cathy said she picked up the canisters for only $15 for 12 bottles.  Sounds like a deal to me!

Thank you, Cathy and Katie for sending me your ideas!!

After my shopping trip today, I do feel much closer.  I have several ideas that I will post soon.

Until then, Happy organizing!

a little organization in your life

For weeks, I’ve been trying to figure out the best way to organize my kitchen.  I have several problem areas, and I know that a little organization would go a long way.  Part of that organization requires stuff – shelving, canisters, jars, etc.  And that friends – can get expensive.  So I am going to try to tackle each area little by little until everything has it’s place. If you have any tips or tricks, send them my way – I’ll all ears.

1. Spices

Everyone I think has this problem.  You have a cabinet filled to the brim with spice bottles.  They’re all the same size and shape, and you spend 20 minutes every night trying to find which one you need.  I’ve looked at several options but I’m leaning towards one of these two.

Both options are from the Container Store.  I like how in both options you can see the spices clearly.  I like how the first option keeps everything orderly – same size and shape.  While I would have to clear out a drawer some where, I like how the second option wouldn’t require me removing spices from their original packaging.  Oh decisions.

2. Baking Ingredient Storage

In the cabinets right above my microwave above the stove, is where I keep my baking ingredients – flours, sugars, powders, etc.  It IS A MESS.  Like rediculous mess.  Everything is shoved up there, and I pray it doesn’t all come crashing down on me when I open it up.  I have my sugar in one of the Domino sugar canisters, but the rest is in various bags and very haphazardly put away.

I want to get some storage containers to put all of these items in.  There hare a few requirements.  Since the cabinet is over my head, they need to be light – no ceramic or glass.  Since I broke 3 (yes that’s right – THREE) glasses this week, I need plastic storage for this one.  I also want these containers to be stackable.  I like it when things build up. They also have to have wide enough openings for my hand plus a measuring cup.  All of the options so far are so expensive! So the search is still going for options for that.

3. My pantry

I am blessed with this wonderfully large pantry.  However it is so deep and wide, that it makes for some very unusable space.  Things easily get forgotten in the depths of the pantry.

I’m thinking that a lazy susan or two could help.

Like this one from Crate and Barrel.

And maybe some containers for rice, pasta and lentils. I like how these from the Container Store have the attached lid – so I don’t lose anything.

But regular old Ball jars could also do the trick.

What are your kitchen problem areas?  Do you have an organization trick or tip for me? Shoot me an email with a photo, and I’ll post your ideas when I’m done.