Organizing Your Spice Cabinet – Step # 2

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Organizing Your Spice Cabinet – Step # 2

Now that you’ve decluttered your collection of spices, keeping only the ones you actually use an that are still fresh, it is time to figure out how you’ll organize your spices. As I started to research this, I felt completely overwhelmed. There are a wide variety of spice organizers on the market and there are DIY ideas out there, too.

Most Useful Organizers

I narrowed it down to some of the most useful organizers as I was doing my search. Note that while some of these organizers have affiliate links, I have only included the ones I think would work well. If you do decide to order, the affiliate links help support Crabby Housewife.

Spicy Organizer

First up is the Spicy Shelf Patented Spice Rack and Stackable Organizer. I seriously considered this one as a way to organize both bottles and cans with some space in front for salt or vinegar, etc.

Ultimately, I did decide against this one. I wasn’t sure it would fit well with the way my cabinets are set up and I wanted to ensure I could use my space to the best of my ability. However, it is very reasonable at only $9.99. If you have a lot of spices, you might need two of them.

Pull Down Spice Stacker

I like the neat appearance of YouCopia Chef’s Edition SpiceStack 30-Bottle Spice Organizer. Even inside the cabinet, it makes my OCD happier. However, there were a couple of draw backs for my spice collection.

I would have had to purchase bottles as cans wouldn’t fit. I don’t want to invest that much in my organization project, because I’m cheap.

I also wasn’t overly thrilled with the price as I’d need two of them minimum. This spice rack would work great for someone with only a handful of spices they use frequently, though. The cost is $39.99 and it is Prime eligible.

3-Tier Stacking Organizer

The Copco 2555-0188 Non-Skid 3-Tier Cabinet Organizer is the one I ultimately went with along with another one, which I’ll share in a minute. The reason I went with this one is because it is simple and makes use of both upper and lower space in my cabinet.

I also like that I can stacks cans and bottles on it and that I can put the spices I used most often in front, but still see what is in the back. This one runs $7.99. I ordered two.

2-Tier Cabinet Turntable

I also ordered the Copco 2555-0187 Non-Skid 2-Tier Cabinet Turntable. I thought this was the perfect compliment to my spice organizers, because I can store salts, sprinkles and some other things that are harder to organizer on this turntable. I can easily spin it to locate what I need at any given time.

I’m also thinking of ordering one of these to organize my medicine cabinet, which is my next project. It looks about like my spice cabinet and I can’t find anything.

This turntable runs $12.99, so is still very reasonable.

Magnetic Spice Tins

I haven’t yet ordered them, but I am also seriously considering some magnetic spice tins to keep spices at hand that I use frequently.

Stainless Steel Magnetic Containers Multipurpose Spice Tin Rack Perfect Kitchen Storage 6 Piece Set looks like a good one to start with and runs $19.95 for the set. I’ve added it to my wish list.

The reason I was considering these was I was thinking about placing a magnetic board inside my cabinet and attaching them there. I love the way they look, how easy they are to organize (you can also stick on the side of your fridge or on your stove, although heat can destroy spices, so not sure about that one), and that they have both a shaker and a pourer on the lid which you twist to access.

However, my concerns with these came from the reviews I read. First, people said that they were not air tight and that moisture got in and hardened their spices. I can’t stand that. Next, they aren’t very large, holding about 2 ounces each. That means I’d still have my jars with the additional spices to store. So, my storage solution wouldn’t take care of my messy cabinet.

I still really like these, though, and likely will order them and use them for something. They are just so cute, aren’t they?

As you can see, deciding which spice organizer to use is no easy task. Which one works best for me may not work best for you. A lot will depend on they setup of your kitchen and how many spices you have as well as what types of containers they are in.

Once my organizers arrive, I will share the finished project with you in photos. If you aren’t already signed up for my newsletter, I send out a weekly update of new articles so you never have to miss an update.



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Organizing Your Spice Cabinet – Step # 1

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Organizing Your Spice Cabinet – Step # 1

We have been doing some decluttering recently. With any house, after you live there a few years, things just collect. We’ve been here 11 years, so we’ve collected a LOT of clutter over that time – again. My first project in 2016? To organize my spice cabinet.

I have a ton of spices. I like to cook. I like to try  new things, new spices, new creations. However, that also means my cabinet looks like the picture above. Yep. It is rather horrifying. In addition to that, I have a round spice holder on my counter top that I’d like to get rid of because my kitchen counters need to be decluttered as well.

I thought you might enjoy sharing this journey with me as I explore the best way to get this cabinet organized. I’m sure many of you are suffering from messy cabinet syndrome as well, although likely you are more organized than the picture above. This is my cabinet at its worst ever.

spice carouselSo, the first step is cutting the clutter. When it comes to spices, they do have a shelf life. In addition, when I bought my spice rack, it came with some blends that I never use or rarely use. It’s time for them to go. Yet, I love the little round spice jars the set came with, so I will be keeping those to put some of those canned spices in.

Things that can go:

  • Spices you’ve not used in six months. Sure, it sounded like a great idea to buy that special salt and seasoning blend I read about on a blog, but I have used it once, didn’t like it and never touched it again. Bye-bye.
  • Sprinkles galore. I had so many sprinkles in that mess. So many. I rarely use these. I threw them out save one. I’ll buy more if I need them, but since Christmas is often the only time I even use the sprinkles on cookies, why keep them around another year?
  • Do you see the three containers of salt? No way do I need THREE in my cabinet. I removed two and put them back in my stockpile, leaving just one.
  • I had a bunch of multiple containers of the same spice. Many were nearly empty. I threw out the empty ones. Yes, I could have been really frugal and poured those into another container, but they were likely stale anyway.
  • There were some packages of mixes for tacos and chili that I threw out. As you probably remember from a recent post of mine on making your own taco seasoning, I’ve decided those packets are really unhealthy for my family and am making my own seasoning now.

Now that everything is inventoried and things thrown away, I will move on to Step # 2 – choosing organizers. Check back tomorrow to read more about my spice cabinet organization adventure. You can also sign up for my newsletter to get updates on new articles each Friday straight to your email box.

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New Year’s Detox Plan – Food Based

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New Year’s Detox Plan – Food Based

I’ve spent the last few weeks researching and reading a lot about detox. There is something about a new year that makes me want to get organized, declutter, clean things out – and that includes my body.

Good health is something that is easy to take for granted, but something which we should guard. However, doing a complete detox, such as a juice fast, is just never going to happen in this household. For one thing, we love food way too much. For another, I can’t imagine existing on juice for weeks while keeping my regular pace. I need protein I can chew.

First, I want to say I’m not a doctor. I’m not a dietician. I only know what I’ve read and studied just like you. I may not always get it right. So, please, please always consult with a doctor or professional before trying what I’m trying or any other plan. It is always best to be smart and look after your health in this way. While you’re at it, you should also have your doctor test things like your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and triglycerides.

This will all give you a baseline reading and you’ll be able to clearly see how eating healthier and adding a little exercise to your life helps improve your health. The proof is in the numbers.

That said, the book I most enjoyed reading was Dr. Ian Smith’s The Shred Power Cleanse. While I’m not following his plan exactly as written, if you have the willpower of say an Olympic athlete, you probably could do well on this plan. What I did take away from his plan that I think is smart is to drink a high powered, antioxidant filled smoothie to start each day. And also to eat cleaner and avoid the junk.

So, I am going to continue with my meal replacement plan in the new year and try to lose the rest of my weight. I’m in no hurry. I want to be healthier. I’m not running a mad dash, but a lifelong stroll. Here is my plan:

  • DIY Meal Replacement Plan like Medifast and similar
  • Purple Smoothie shake from Ian Smith once a day to help detox my body
  • Giving up diet cola (Lord, help me with this one, because I am so addicted to it and it is so very bad for me)
  • Eating as many whole foods as possible
  • Adding even more vegetables and antioxidant rich fruits like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, etc.
  • More water. Since I drink so many diet colas, I’ve been drinking less water. Water flushes our bodies and is so good for us. My goal is at least 6 glasses each day.
  • More exercise. I started a yoga class once a week but got away from going. I plan to restart on Monday and do gentle walking on my treadmill other days. At least 20 min a day 5 days a week to start. More later.
  • Less toxins in my home, too. I’m trying to do things more naturally. I became a Young Living distributor, so I can get a discount on essential oils and I’ve started drinking NingXia Red juice every day (which can also help with detoxing). It is rich in antioxidants. I plan to switch to their oral care line and their cleaning products later in the year, as I can afford it.

So, you can see that detoxing is an ongoing process. However, I don’t feel that it is an all or nothing proposition. If you can only add a berry rich smoothie with a little spinach and some chia seed to your daily diet, then that WILL still benefit you.

Will you see results as fast as someone who goes all out? Of course not. But something you do for your health is ALWAYS better than doing nothing for your health.

Happy New Year! Let’s work on being healthier together in little ways, big ways, and everything in between.

Lori Soard, the Crabby Housewife

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New Year’s Eve with Kids

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New Year’s Eve with Kids

When you have children, sometimes the easiest thing to do is host a kid-friendly party. Most of your family and friends likely have families as well and are looking for something to do. Here are a few ideas.

Early Celebration

If you have a lot of younger children in the group, then a party that rings in the new year before midnight may be a welcome event.

  • Ring in the new year at six p.m. complete with noise makers, hugs, shouts and cheers.
  • For younger kids, it’s all about the excitement and the noisemakers. Add these things and they’ll never realize they should have stayed up until midnight.
  • Make sure everyone gets home safe before drunk drivers get on the roads.

Sleep Palettes

If your group wants to celebrate at midnight or even beyond, have a quiet spot where little ones who are tired can take a nap. Some sleeping bags on a cousin’s bedroom floor can work nicely. You may also want to reserve a quiet bedroom for any nursing moms to retire for a bit with babies.

Fun Activities to Incorporate

There are some things that are fun for everyone. Even children as young as four or five can participate in these activities:

  • What was your favorite thing in the past year?
  • What is your greatest wish for next year?
  • What do you predict will happen in the coming year?
  • Create a time capsule to open next year
  • Gather headlines from the previous year and read them
  • Pray for loved ones in the coming year
  • Make a wish and light Chinese lanterns, releasing them into the night sky at midnight
  • Write out three or four acts of kindness you’ll complete in the coming year, such as helping an elderly neighbor or visiting a children’s hospital to read to the children

To Booze or Not to Booze?

This is a personal decision. There are many reasons not to mix alcohol and an event with children present, but every family is different. Some can drink responsibly and keep the alcohol out of children’s hands.

If you do choose to have alcohol present, monitor the sober status of everyone and keep out of reach of children. If necessary, take away car keys and require people to stay until they are sober. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Happy New Year!

No matter how you choose to celebrate, have a safe and happy new year. May 2016 be more successful, happier, and filled with amazing memories for you and your family.

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