Organize Storage Space in Your Kitchen.

There is nothing worse than a messy anything but especially a kitchen. I know "space" may be an issue and trust me I have a kitchen that is about the size of a hallway so I sympathize with you. There are some things that I have done to organize my kitchen better and you can too! First and foremost get RID of stuff you never use...I know you say well someday I will use it, but if you have not used it by NOW; you probably will never (sell items on craigslist, garage sale, antique shop, or donate). If the time comes and you need something that you gave away than you will buy an updated prettier version anyways! 

Here is a list of things to get rid of...

* Chipped or broken dishes, glasses, and mugs.
* Duplicate sets of items.
* Pots, pans, utensils, and bake ware that are burnt or rusted.
* Excess stemware.
* Excess plastic containers (yes that tupperware that is overflowing USEFUL space), bags, and jars.
* Ugly souvenir glasses and mugs. (My side note: unless you love and use them)
* Plastic tumblers, if your kids are all grown up. Save a few for the grandchildren if you have any.

(love these drawer organizers by IKEA)

(This saved my life...literally all those pans took up so much storage in my cabinet: Grundal Rack, Ikea)

(Every time I open my cabinet with the pot and pan lids, they fall out, seriously the death of me! So here is my solution, my man will be so happy he doesn't need to hear me cuss the lids ever again =])

(Stack your dishes, bowls, and mugs...I think it looks cute especially if you have open glass cabinets)

How do you organize your storage space in your kitchen? Any great tips to share? 

Feeling Thirsty?!?

I was feeling very thirsty today as I hiked all around the city from 137th Street to 42nd Street back to 72nd Street...It did not stop there, it continued back to 46th street and than HOME! I realized that I had forgotten my water bottle....eeek and I am not cool with having to pay $3 for a small 12 ounce bottle of poland spring. I had been researching water bottles and have chosen a few of my favorite. I think the (1) Bobble BPA Free Water Bottle, 18.5 Ounce, Magenta are great since I am eco and health conscious (BPA free and reusable). They require filters that are a bit pricey but they last for a while and save the hassle of having filtered water on hand. You can fill your water bottle up in a bathroom or water fountain at a park and be fine since it completely filters the water! I am also in love with (2) Sigg Lifestyle Loop Top Water Bottle (0.6-Liters, Spotted Pride) because they have cool designs and they are Swiss (and we all know the Swiss make quality products). And my last pick is the new rave on glass water bottles. I love (3 )Takeya Classic Glass Water Bottle with Silicone Sleeve, Black, 22-1/2-Ounce. They are more light weight than other glass bottles I have seen on the market and I love the sleek look. 


Happy drinking!

HOW TO REORGANIZE YOUR FRIDGE!

Every time I open my fridge I shriek! From as far back as I could remember this is the one spot that just needs constant maintenance.

Why do fridges ALWAYS get so disorganized?

1. Always buying new groceries.

2. Everyone in household grabbing and throwing items back in (and not always in its proper place).

3. Simply gets overloaded because we forget what is in it. (For example: my boyfriend was starving one morning and grabbed a string cheese that was more than rancid (let's just say it was over a year old and this is so not typical of how I keep my fridge, but hey....it can happen to anyone!)

4. We do not have the right tools to keep it organized.

So yes our refrigerators do need constant maintenance but there are ways we can make it easier for us.

Follow the steps below for a ORGANIZING & CLEAN looking fridge (it will make you feel good I promise!)

1. Take every SINGLE item out of your fridge.

2. Clean the fridge with the green rough side of a Scotch-Brite 3M Heavy duty scrub sponge and some hot soapy water. I also used a clorox wipe to disinfect the fridge and than wiped it down with paper towels.

3. Next I went to the Container Store and bought this great product called Fridge Binz. They come in all different sizes, but I prefer the deep tray bins. I purchased two 14-3/4x8x4 ($14.99 each) and one 14-3/4x4x4 ($10.99). These may seem a bit pricey but trust me I searched for the best quality, because you want something unbreakable and sturdy in your fridge.

4. I used the Fridge Binz to organize the items that looked messy in my fridge (Remember that while you are placing items back in Fridge to look for expired dates and toss those out!)

5. One Fridge Binz was used for sandwich toppings (mustard, mayo, pickles, peppers, pesto, ect). I used another to organize my breakfast goods (peanut butter, jelly, yogurt). The last one was used to organize misc cooking items (tomato sauce, sundried tomatoes, olives, ect). I LOVE the way these bins look and they really make everything look so much more organized.

5. I never know what to do with cans (beer/soda). Those boxes with the one end that opens are great, but not all of the cans we buy come like that. So I bought the Fridge Monkey ($5.99) at the Container Store and it holds up to ten bottles.

6. I have three drawers in my fridge. I used one for cheese, one for produce and one for meat/sandwich meats.

You are all done! Enjoy your clean fridge and this beautiful Fall day! Stayed tuned for more...