The Art of Kitchen Order
I would like to follow my last post Stocking and Organizing the Pantry in a little bit more detail. I believe, with my whole heart, that we all can be organized. What I've learned is that when you create a space that is functional and beautiful, you will be more inspired and delighted to spend your time there. There are a few key steps to how to get there.
1. Go through your stuff and donate what you don't use and recycle what you can. Unfortunately, that includes unwanted gifts. I very strongly believe that you should donate only items that are in a great condition. It is something I have learned from Mother Teresa in my teens when she wrote "...we treat the poor like they are a garbage bag in which we throw everything we have no use for? Food we do not like or that is going bad - we throw it there. Perishable goods past their expiration date, and which might harm us, go in the garbage bag; in other words, go to the poor. An article of clothing that is not in style anymore, that we do not want to wear again, goes to the poor. This does not show any respect for the dignity of the poor." It is of utmost importance to donate item that are not broken, they are still well loved but there is no use for them in your household. Lets make donations that are valuable.
2. Buy fewer things but better quality. Restrain yourself from making impulse or trendy purchases. Rather save up and buy a kitchen item that will last you a lifetime. (Hello Le Creuset dutch oven!)
3. Avoid plastic! Plastic contributes immensely to the pollution of this planet. It is found in our oceans and advisedly affects our wildlife. Most plastic leaches into our foods and water creating a toxic environment, which results in variety of health issues, especially for young children. Buy in bulk and transfer into more sustainable natural products, such as wood, glass and ceramics. Bonus point is that it looks great in your pantry. I love using Ball jars, which stack on top of each other very nicely and provide a clear picture of what is needed in your pantry.
4. Think of unusual spaces for extra pantry storage. About a year ago, I asked my husband to build me a space over the basement stairway. It is conveniently linked to the kitchen through the hallway. I still need to paint the back wall of the unit but like with most home projects, it is slow moving process to progress.
5. Paint an unused wall with a chalk paint. It will help you to stay more current with shopping list and it will provide a space for your children to join you in the kitchen. Speaking of children, my side of refrigerator is covered with magnetic poetry. I love reading their creations.
1. Go through your stuff and donate what you don't use and recycle what you can. Unfortunately, that includes unwanted gifts. I very strongly believe that you should donate only items that are in a great condition. It is something I have learned from Mother Teresa in my teens when she wrote "...we treat the poor like they are a garbage bag in which we throw everything we have no use for? Food we do not like or that is going bad - we throw it there. Perishable goods past their expiration date, and which might harm us, go in the garbage bag; in other words, go to the poor. An article of clothing that is not in style anymore, that we do not want to wear again, goes to the poor. This does not show any respect for the dignity of the poor." It is of utmost importance to donate item that are not broken, they are still well loved but there is no use for them in your household. Lets make donations that are valuable.
2. Buy fewer things but better quality. Restrain yourself from making impulse or trendy purchases. Rather save up and buy a kitchen item that will last you a lifetime. (Hello Le Creuset dutch oven!)
3. Avoid plastic! Plastic contributes immensely to the pollution of this planet. It is found in our oceans and advisedly affects our wildlife. Most plastic leaches into our foods and water creating a toxic environment, which results in variety of health issues, especially for young children. Buy in bulk and transfer into more sustainable natural products, such as wood, glass and ceramics. Bonus point is that it looks great in your pantry. I love using Ball jars, which stack on top of each other very nicely and provide a clear picture of what is needed in your pantry.
4. Think of unusual spaces for extra pantry storage. About a year ago, I asked my husband to build me a space over the basement stairway. It is conveniently linked to the kitchen through the hallway. I still need to paint the back wall of the unit but like with most home projects, it is slow moving process to progress.
5. Paint an unused wall with a chalk paint. It will help you to stay more current with shopping list and it will provide a space for your children to join you in the kitchen. Speaking of children, my side of refrigerator is covered with magnetic poetry. I love reading their creations.
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