Progress on Simplifying the Kitchen
I posted the other day about needing to get to work on simplifying the kitchen. I am not done yet. But I have made some huge progress. I am embarrassed to say that I forgot to take pics before I got started and I refused to mess everything up again just to make all of you happy.
My goals were to
Declutter the windowsill
Here is a pic from weeks and weeks ago. It wasn’t this bad when I got started yesterday but it wasn’t all that great either.
And this is after a good purge
Keep the countertop as clear as possible
I have eliminated everything from the counter except the coffeepot, the spoonrest by the stove, and my knife block. Not too shabby. Oh and for today, my crockpot was there but that is just because, well, we need to eat. It’s put away now 
Make items used daily more readily accessible
This was really already done, but here is a pic of the stuff I use all the time in the kitchen - my Ikea utencil and knife magnet bar, my teakettle, my favorite pan, and my knife block.
organize the pantry
Also, in organizing the pantry, I got the task of putting all my baking stuff up high. That stuff is all in the canisters on the left on the top two shelves.
All the extras of our pastas and rices are way up high. Enough coffee for a small army in case there is a total disaster and hubby can’t leave the house for 5 years. Also enough peanut butter for said instance. As we move our way down that pantry shelf, the stuff on the bottom shelf is what is opened and used regularly and as those get finished, stuff will make it’s way to the lower shelf and we’ll restock the upper shelves.
along with that lovely upper cabinet I just shared the cabinet below it houses all of our canned goods. You should’ve seen Eli when he saw me get ready to do this project. It is his favorite place to climb in there and knock those cans out and make them roll all over the floor. He’s been very good so far though.
Don’t worry, nothing is alphabetized. And now you see what happens when I, an underbuyer marry an overbuyer. A frugal one though! Hubs stocks up at sales!
I still have to organize my lazy susan full of spices and clean out the fridge. But I am so happy with the progress so far!
March 19th, 2008 at 7:11 am
Looks great! When you clean and organize a space in your house, do you find yourself just standing and looking at it? Thinking ahhhhhhhhhhh, this looks so nice? I know I do. Until it gets yucky again.
March 19th, 2008 at 7:38 am
That’s lovely! *jealous* I’m sure it’s quite comfortable to cook in, too. So much pretty.
March 19th, 2008 at 7:40 am
wow! that all looks awesome! Makes me realize how much I need to declutter my kitchen and reorganize my pantry again!
March 19th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Your kitchen looks great! I am so jealous of your kitchen! I love my kitchen but it is too small! Keep up the good work on Organizing and simplifying!
ps, Thanks for the comment on my blog!
March 19th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Great Job!!! Really looks great - can I hire you to come and do mine!
Teri
March 19th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Wow! You did a fantastic job! This is one of the projects on my “to do” list…
And, I have to laugh at your pantry…you must a. shop all the same sales I do and b. must love the peter pan like we do. If they sold it in a 5 gallon drum at costco, I would buy it
Take Care
LJ
March 19th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Oh, how I love organization!
You did a great job! Looks fresh and clean.
OK, who’s the one who likes the Peanut Butter???
March 21st, 2008 at 7:04 am
Wow! Your kitchen looks great! I just did mine yesterday and it took forever–mostly because I had to also do deep cleaning in the microwave and refrigerator. It looked so fab when I finished though. Unfortunately, as I’m sure you’re well aware, once hubby and kids got a hold of it I feel like I’m back at square one….grrr.
March 22nd, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Looks great!
Is it wrong that I love looking a pictures of tin cans neatly stacked? I need to get out more;)
March 24th, 2008 at 12:27 am
WooHoo! Looks fab!
And You should buy stock on Peter Pan PB.