Wednesday, January 6, 2010

It's a brand new day......the first Wed. of the year, right?


Thanks to Renee's inspiration, I've been cleaning out the spice cabinets, how about you? I didn't have too much to get rid of, but I did find some multiples of things I use regularly, and now at least I know what looks a little tired and needs to be replaced. And it's a little more orderly...what about you, how are your spices organized? Are they alphabetically stored, categorically by sweet or savory? What do you do to bring order to your spice cabinet? Do share and we can all learn from it! I did find so many cupcake papers, you'd think I was having a party a month for the next year! Perhaps I'll share those with a friend...and cookie cutters! Let's just say that when grandchildren come along, I am all set for making sugar cookies and playing with playdough!

I thought I would do a little research on storing/using spices....here's a few links to what I found and learned about:

http://www.spicebarn.com/storing_spices.html

http://www.condells.com/kitchens/storing-spices/
http://www.helpwithcooking.com/spice-guide/introduction-spices.html


So for today's challenge, Renee is encouraging us to go to the family game and puzzle closet! I have done this once not too long ago, but with my children nearly out of the nest, I am sure there are games up there that could be eliminated! Let's do it!!! Don't you love these simple, small things Renee is bringing to us....doable, yet making steps toward uncluttering, and simplifying our homes and lives. Join us!

Now from Renee, at Add More Chocolate

New Year, New Start: Day 6

clip_image002The games people play…or don’t! It might have been fun once, but perhaps a piece or two is missing, no one remembers the directions, or your kids have simply aged out. Tastes change so do people. Don’t hang on to something that’s not useful any more.

This is a good time to put in a note about blessing others. Why keep something that someone else might be able to enjoy? Sometimes we need help to recognize what should have gone in the trash a long time ago. Other times we need a gentle nudge to let things go and let them have a new home. If one of your games or puzzles (in good condition!) can be shared, and it will take you less than 5 minutes to put a “donation bag” in your trunk, then go right ahead!


Speaking of games, Renee is a game wizard! She had some pretty good success when she went on the gameshow Jeopardy.......you'll have to ask her about that!

As for games OUR family likes, a few favorites over the years are Quiddler, a fun card game that focuses on making words, Scrabble, Yahtzee and Apples to Apples. What about your family? Are you a game playing family and what are some of your favorites?

7 comments:

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

Ooooo---convicting. My spice shelf is a mess!!!! :s

Anita@Theycallmejammi said...

You know, I have not even thought of organizing my spices...the current order is, the ones I use most are in the front and everything else is in the back...does that count as organization?? For games, we love Win Lose or Draw (aka Pictionary) and Scattergories...with the Grandbabes, there is also lots of Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders right now...Mike and I were playing Candy Land with Lexi over the weekend and were laughing because she wanted to move all our gamepieces...she would move Mike and myself backward about every other time and hers would always move forward....go figure.

Nancy said...

Ohhh!! I do love my new spice rack next to the stove. :) Previously all my spices were in a cabinet above the stove. Whenever I needed something it was always in the back. Meaning, I had to pull them all out to find what I needed. Now, the rack is open on both sides so it's fairly easy for me to find whatever I'm looking for. So, I highly recommend a spice rack in your cabinets if you can put one in. I'm wondering if there is a spice rack size in the cabinet pull outs that you can install. Definately worth it if there is.

Designs on 47th Street said...

Oh yes! this is an area I definitely need to tackle...not today, however. I'm in the midst of cleaning out my closet! Another good feeling!

Wendy said...

I am sitting here laughing,not at you, but at the spice story! Tony (my husband) has a thing about not letting our spices get out dated! So every time we buy spices, I have to date it and we keep certain ones for certain lengths of times. I know it is Chef thing, but he drives me and our family crazy!! If he is at your house and you have him help in the kitchen, he can't help it but checks dates!! Too funny! Friends now call and will ask him "How long should I keep this?"
Thanks for all your great tips!! Keeping us organized for 2010!
Thanks :)

Controlling My Chaos said...

My spices are probably one thing that I never have to organize because I keep them alphabetized. Now my game cupboard? That's another story. I don't open it unless I want an avalanche.

Domestic Designer said...

I alphabetize my spices. It is the only way I can keep up with them. I got rid of some of my games a couple of years ago when the kids left home. It did feel good to organize and perhaps make someone else happy!