Time to Get Started Again

I hope that everyone enjoyed their relaxing evening last night.  If you have not had a chance to read yesterday's blog, please do so.  We all need some down time.  As they say "all work and no play" does not make us very happy campers.

We have been on this wonderful journey of decluttering our spaces.  The next few days we will focus on the kitchen.  In most homes, this area is the most used and the most cluttered.  Years of various collection of mismatched dishes and glasses to drawers of those gadgets we just had to have. 

Today let's start with spices.  We watch the Food Network, read cookbooks and have recipes given to us that we devour right?  We select that perfect recipe, run to the grocery store and buy all the ingredients.  Those special spices that make that recipe just zig.  But months later, sometimes years later, that "special" spice is still sitting in our cabinet.

Pull out all the spices in your cabinet or drawer.  Spices are only good for 6 months.  Go through every spice and if the coloring of the packaging is a little discolored, you know it is time to discard :-).  Then revisit each spice and try to remember when you bought it or for what recipe you purchased it.  If you can't remember, then into the garbage it goes.  As you sift through, place the keepers to one side.  All those are no longer in your life.  While you have the cabinet clear of items, clean the shelves or drawer. Some people prefer lining these so now replace the it with fresh.

Before putting the spices back into place, consider different solutions to the organizer of your cabinet or drawer.  Once again IKEA or The Container Store have great products you can order online.  These are just a suggestion.  There various online stores, including Walmart and Target, that you can purchase or visit.

I learned a trick from one of my friends, she dates every kitchen purchase she makes.  And on some items, she also includes the price.  This helps with storage life, but also she can compare with other brands as to the best price of how much she gets out of the brand.

After you have dated the spices, place back into your freshly cleaned cabinet or drawer.  Don't you already feel better?

These are just a few ides for spice racks and as always, inspiration.

Til tomorrow.....