Kitchen Confidential

So did you ever go to make cookies or a cake or brownies perhaps, only to realize you were out of one ingredient? Then curse yourself for not being prepared? Then curse yourself again because you are too lazy/tired/not willing to drag the kids to go to the grocery store?? No? Me neither (cough, cough..) but let's pretend that happens. A lot. Then go ahead and follow a few basic steps to A) get prepared and B) keep things in stock. If you think it might be a pain, you are correct. Unless you are already organized then no need to read on. But if you are a little like me and slightly disorganized, read on sister, read on.
First, pull everything out of your cupboards and get those babies wiped down. Sort through your items and chuck whatever does not belong in your kitchen cupboards (batteries? Easter baskets with the messy paper grass?? Yes, those were in there.) Then decide where you want things to go. I decided to have one of my main cupboards for snacks, canned and dry goods, and the like and the other purely for baking. I went to town with my baking cupboard because, well, it just makes me happy!
So once everything is out on your counters, take stock of what you have and what you'll need. I suggest making a "top ten" list of things you make often. A few on my list are: spaghetti and meatballs, homemade pizza (for pizza Friday, of course), oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies, and chili with cornbread. So think of what ingredients you need and stock up! Then the fun part...choosing containers! I decided to go with mason jars of varying sizes because they are pretty, clear so you know when you are low on something, and timeless. Oh, and affordable compared to say, matching cookie jars. You can take the time to find them at yard sales to save money but Wal-Mart, Target and even some grocery stores carry them. Super easy to find. Then get filling! Load your cupboards, take a step back, and survey the beauty. Then give yourself a pat on the back. It'll be such a joy to make recipes once you actually have all the ingredients on hand. You can then move on to the refrigerator, freezer and even take the organization to the rest of your house which I fully intend to do. One room at a time. You gotta pace yourself, girl. Have fun!

                                                                           scary....

                                                                         success!!