Pantry Organization

After seeing this post by peas and crayons, I was completely inspired to tackle my pantry.  I have put off organizing it for the longest time because, every time I have tried in the past, I have totally failed.  I really struggled with coming up with something 'new' that would make the system really work for me.  I'm embarrassed of the before.  But, if it helps you, it will be worth it.  Here is my before:

I have no idea why, but I have never once thought about putting plastic bins on the floor of my pantry.  I honestly didn't think it would work.  I thought that the items on my floor were just too cumbersome and wouldn't fit, or, at the least, wouldn't have the room for them if bins were in the way.  Well, with a little time on my hands, some patience, and some mega purging, it worked!  I am soo excited.  I can now find everything at a glance and I have no boxes of different foods in the way. Here is my final result.  I am still making labels for the bins but, at least I know where everything is:

I did NOT go out and purchase all of the organization bins/containers you see here.  The bottom bins came from other areas in my home where they just weren't being as useful as they once were. The rest were in the pantry to begin with, other than a small set of three.  No, they don't all match, but, when the doors are closed and the price is nil,  who really cares? 


This one organization project has given me the desire (and the kick in the pants) to tackle other areas of my home.  Thank you peas and crayons for motivating me!  :)

Clean the world.....save lives

Wash your hands. Clean the World.

Clean the World celebrates and promotes good hygiene by collecting, recycling and distributing soap to help fight preventable diseases. That's why we are such great supporters of Global Handwashing Day. We know the real value of soap and the power it possesses to improve the lives and living conditions of people who need it most. Join with us in celebration of Global Handwashing Day by making it a point to wash your hands properly several times a day, every day.

Encourage this habit with your children, friends and family. The best way to avoid potentially fatal diseases, such as acute respiratory infection (pneumonia) and diarrheal diseases (cholera, dysentery), is to prevent the germs from spreading. You can do this effectively by regular handwashing with bar soap.

Clean the World wants you to make this Global Handwashing Day the best ever, and we have several resources to help you out. A video on proper handwashing techniques for children, a planning guide full of useful ideas to make your Global Handwashing Day a success, and instructions on how to host a soap drive to promote safe hygiene practices in your community. Always remember to wash your hands. And thanks for helping Clean the World.

***taken from cleantheworld.org

This is a fabulous organization.  Please go to their website for more information here

Organization = Savings

A bell went off in my head this week as I was purging/organzing my closets.  I waste sooo much money!  And it isn't intentional.  First of all, there are items we have that we end up buying duplicates of because we either forgot we had said item or couldn't find it when we needed it.  Why does this happen?  Clutter, lack of true organization, laziness, or any combination of the three plus more.  I admit that I have fallen into all three categories at different stages.  And each one has cost me dearly.  I have even rationalized purchases saying that if I dont get alot of use out of it, I can always give it to someone who can.  While charity giving is a noble thing to do, is that really a good reason to purchase something?

WASTE! WASTE! WASTE!  As I filled bag after bag of items to take to goodwill I started throwing numbers out there and my heart about sunk.  All that money that could've gone to better use, that could've been saved for a nice vacation, or an IRA or kids college funds.  Stupid, stupid, stupid.  The lightbulb has most definately gone off in this woman's head and I am determined to be actively involved and mindful of all future purchases.  I'm also not going to let my DISorganization get sooo out of control that it costs me more and more money to maintain.  Lesson Learned.