Pantry Organization

I go nuts when things get really messy and cluttered. It sends me in a funk and I just want to run through the house and throw everything away. I don't like feeling like the stuff is overtaking us - but that's exactly how I've been feeling about our pantry. Every time I open it, I just want to slam it shut again. I don't want to see it, I don't want to have to go into it. It overwhelms me. So, I decided I needed to organize it and come up with a way system that works for us (and by us, I mean me because the Hubster is not the type of person to get greatly annoyed by the pantry. He's just not.)

So here's what it ended up turning out to be like:

I realize now, that I should have taken a before picture - but I was too focused on fixing the problem, that I didn't...the same thing happened when I organized our spice cabinet and then the entire rest of our kitchen. You will just have to trust me that it was a completely disorganized mess that drove me bananas.

So what did I do?
First - I went on pinterest, searched for pantry organization and read a handful of blogs for ideas. The important thing to remember is that you need to do what fits your lifestyle and not what some blogger says you should do. I ended up incorporating suggestions from a number of different bloggers - and I'm sorry that I didn't keep their blogs handy to link you to them for more suggestions.
 
One of the things that every blogger I read had in common was to remove EVERYTHING from the panty first so I did and that totally gave me anxiety - because that's the type of person I can be sometimes.) Then, I wiped everything down and separated everything - like with like - to determine how many "sections" or "zones" we would need.

After that, I decided which items we use most frequently and arranged them on the easiest to access shelves (the middle ones - shelves 2 & 3). I put the least used items on the very top (because we're short and it's hard to reach) and then the semi-frequently used items on the the last shelf.

Here are the sections from top to bottom"
Shelf One: "Impromptu Entertaining" (That's the Red Box). The box is easy to get down, which is important since we're not tall folk and I would rather not have to dig around on the top shelf for longer than necessary.
 In the box you will find:

• Paper Plates
• Paper Bowls
• Paper Napkins
• Plastic Utensils
• Plastic Party Table Cloths
• Popcorn
• Chips
• Salsa/Dip
• Easy to put together appetizers
• And other quick snacky things.

Next to the red box are all of our serving trays and bread baskets

Shelf Two:  "Baking Items". Everything that I use for baking is on this shelf - extra flour, sugar (brown, powdered, white, raw), cake mixes, chocolate chips, extra baking powder, marshmallows, oil, pudding mixes, frosting, etc. Since we have a TON of baking stuff - I'd rather make it sweet than savory about 90% of the time - I knew it had to have it's own shelf or share a shelf with something we don't and won't have a lot of - so it shares the shelf with the "Weeknight Meals Basket". I use this basket to group all of the dry, non-perishable ingredients for our meals throughout the week. That way, when I get home from work it's super easy to just go and grab out of the basket instead of digging through the pantry. I'm sure this will be VERY appreciated when we have munchkins in a few years.

Shelf Three: "Pasta and Rice". We always have a TON of pasta - it almost rivals the baking items, but not quite. I did my best to group like pasta with like pasta - putting any duplicates together as best I could so I know when we're getting low. Barilla pastas are on the left, then it goes to macaroni and cheese type deals, then "Asian" pastas (Ramen noddles), and Rice.
Then comes the "boxed starches". Hamburger helpers, stuffing, extra bread crumbs, etc. We usually don't have a lot of this so it just gets put towards the back.  The starches share their shelf with "Canned Foods". I used a pantry/kitchen organizer shelf thing we weren't using. Broths and soups are on the bottom, veggies on top - grouped by kinds. Tuna is next to that.

Shelf Four: Separated into 3ish sections: The first section is "charity lunches & snacks", then "Powdered Beverages"- chai tea mix, iced tea mix, hot chocolate, extra coffee, extra tea, etc., and the last section is "Breakfast Foods" since we usually forget to eat breakfast on the days we're working, I figured it didn't need to have a prime shelf spot.

I then labeled each section on the edge of the shelf. It's been a few weeks since we put this system into place and it's the longest our pantry has remained organized throughout our entire marriage! And I have to say, I am glad that we are getting organized well before we have a house to manage and a family to raise. I feel like it's gonna make that a smidge easier.

I hope that, if you're looking for a way to get organized, that this at least gives you a starting point for creating a system that works for your lifestyle and personality.

Cheers!
Sara

Recipe: Flour Tortillas

Hi Family & Friends!

     The other day I decided that we were going to have burritos/tacos for dinner since we had left over beans from our small group & I didn't want things to go to waste. However, I was in a lazy mood and didn't want to go to the grocery store after I discovered that there were NO tortillas to be found in the house. So naturally, it was easier to just hand make them. Since this was my first attempt, I can't say that these popped out at me as "the best", but they were still quite delicious- even though I made them way too thick. I do, however, think that next time I will add a little more salt or something so they have a little more flavor. I got the recipe from Eat Good Food, though I deviated slightly...very slightly.

First things first - get your ingredients ready. I'm finding it much easier to measure everything out when you start. I make far less mistakes this way than when I'm doing everything at the same time.

You will need:

• 2 Cups all-purpose flour 
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp vegetable oil
• 3/4 Cup warm milk (not hot)

Combine all dry ingredients and the oil. It will a little bit clumpy and a lot of dry - distribute the oil as evenly as possible. 

Next, heat up your milk so it's warm - using the stove is probably better, but I used the microwave because I a client was on her way over and I needed to move fast.

Add the milk in slowly, I did about a 1/4 cup at a time. Mixing after each 1/4 cup. It's gonna get ooey-gooey, but it may not get ooey-gooey as quickly as you think it will. It took longer than I thought, but once it's gooey - it's pretty gooey.

Now comes the work. Turn the ooey-gooey ball of dough out on a floured surface, set the timer for 5 minutes and get to kneading. You will knead the dough for the full five minutes. The recipe didn't really say exactly how fast to knead it so I went from a medium speed to a slow speed.

When you're done kneading the dough, put the entire dough ball into a bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let sit for 20 minutes.
Rumor has it that if you don't let it sit for the full 20 minutes that the dough will be rubbery and very difficult to work with. I decided not to test this and let it sit for the full 20 minutes.



When the 20 minutes are up, separate the dough into 8 equal sections, roll them into little balls, place in the bowl again- not touching (I used two bowls), cover with the damp cloth (again), and let sit for another 10 minutes. (At this point, my client had arrived, so they ended up sitting for about an hour to an hour and half - I don't think this really effected them.)

Next, on a floured surface, take one ball of dough and pat it out into a 4 inch diameter circle. I couldn't get it into a circle, so it was more like an oval. Using a rolling pin, roll out your dough ball into an 8" diameter circle (or oval). It's easiest to roll from center out, but find what works best for you and just go with it. I am a terrible measurement judge, so mine ended up being a bit thicker and probably closer to 6 inches than 8 inches. Next time, I'll get closer. :P [[no rolling pin pictures, sorry - I was a floury mess at that point).

Now, heat up a frying pan! I used the 8" one, realized that it was probably small for what I was attempting and after 2 or 3 tortillas switched to a larger frying pan. Don't add any oil or butter or pam or anything - just heat. Take your 8" dough circle and plop it into the frying pan for about 30 seconds, or until it starts to bubble up, then flip it over and heat the other side for about 30 seconds, or until it bubbles up. I found that tongs worked best in flipping sides.

Eat Good Food blog says that "They keep well in the fridge for a few days, wrapped in foil/etc. Reheat them any way you like, but I personally like putting them in foil in the oven for a few minutes until they're nice and warm."

Lots of warm yummy tortillas from me to you,
    Sara

New Website

Hi Friends!

I have just launched my new and re-glammed website - so go check it out! It's got new photos, an updated theme, easier navigation on the contacts page along with social media connections and a sign-up for the monthly newsletter.

 www.lipstickandloves.com

Thanks!
-S

You know you're an adult when...

your BIG exciting plans for the night are re-organzing the pantry and you're genuinely excited about this. :)

Headaches & Living Water

     Tonight when we went to one of our small groups, I knew the topic we would be discussing (relationships), but I didn't think that one of the more impactful things would be my simple and utterly ridiculous prayer request. On the surface, the prayer request that my headaches are really bad again and that I would be more disciplined in taking the steps I need in order to not have them might seem a little vague and might make you think that there is something more going on with my head than there really is. But there's not. All I need to do in order to keep my headaches away is remember to take my multi-vitamin/iron vitamin and drink water. This is all - and yet I constantly and consistently don't do it. I know EXACTLY what I need to make the headaches bearable or even non-existent. Yet I don't do it. And I couldn't help but think of how many of us are like this when it comes to hearing the gospel, confessing our sin and proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord.
     Through the trials in my life, there was always one person, if not more, telling me about Jesus and how He can transform my life. How, if I would only admit my need for Him and surrender all to Him, that I would be able to face this life with hope and confidence. And it wasn't just words. I had testimonies of Christians of where they were headed in their life and how horrendous it was before they became a Christian and how graciously and mercifully God had completely transformed their lives. How they went from suicidal thoughts or drugs or violence or depression or...or...or... to joyfulness and hope. They could face the world with a new kind of confidence.
     God was working on me and softening my heart, yet I continued to say "No, just because He did that for you, doesn't mean He'll do that for me", "no thank you", "what's good for you isn't good for me" and a myriad of other excuses in my failed attempts to keep God from getting into my heart. But He was already there, all I had to do was step up and drink the water.  Just as I constantly don't drink water to cure my headaches even though I know it's the only thing that will work, I was refusing the cup of living water that Christ faithfully and continually offered to me. I was facing life in despair with barely anything - and I knew that Christ was the answer, but I continued to push away.
     In John 4:7-15, Jesus talks about living water. The water that will lead to eternal life. This is the gospel. This is repentance. This is a life lived out in faith. I finally stepped up and drank the water. Just as I know that water will ease my headaches, I knew all along that the water Jesus offers me would lead to a life of purpose, fulfillment, joy, contentment, hope and so much more.

And all it takes is living water.

Blessings

     As I was driving to work this morning,a song came on the radio and I couldn't help but agree with the song writer as the artist sang out, "if I am Your beloved help me to believe it". I think we all feel that way at some time or another. As I thought about it, I couldn't help but think that 3 years ago this month I was facing the world with no job, no money, no car and no place to live. To the world, it was absolutely hopeless, but I had and still have Christ. In that storm, He was preparing me for something better and in that storm He was calming my heart.
     Now 3 years later, I am surrounded by an abundance of blessings. When I get in a funk and am struggling with believing that I am God's beloved, as the song suggests, I am blown away when I (finally) straighten my head out and think back to where I was such a short time ago and where I am now.
     Three years ago I never would have imagined that I would have a husband, a car as nice as mine, a job and my own business, a place to call my own, and pets that have been entrusted to me to take care of. In my wildest dreams I wasn't here. In my wildest dreams, I was getting by and that was just fine because I knew that no matter what, I will always have Jesus. And now 3 years later, I am brought to my knees; I am in awe - amazed - blown away - humbled - speechless...but I guess that goes to show the God's plans for us are always infinitely greater.

So if you're struggling today, take heart my friend. Seek to dwell on the blessings that God has given you instead of dwelling on what you don't have. Chin up, smile, and cling to God. I don't know where I would be if I had been stuck dwelling on how hopeless my situation seemed. I don't believe it would be here. Trust Him. Allow God to blow your mind with His faithfulness in His timing.

99 Things

I got this from Adrienne  who got this from a couple other people who got it from Al at Traffic Jelly and I don't know where she got it. But I have a basket of laundry I don't want to fold yet and dinner is already ready and the Hubster isn't home yet, so here this is.

Go through the list, bold the things that you have done. Leave everything you haven't done alone. Reminds me of a bucket list. It'd be fun to fill the list with things you want to do and then bold as you complete your list. I'm not going to do that though, I know the things in life my heart wants to accomplish, and I'll get there - without a physical list.

1. Started your own blog (many times, but now it's just this one and this one.)
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis (eek) 10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped (I will have a heart attack before that happens)
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightening storm (chased one too)
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (can you still do that?) 18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice (I've ridden in one in Mexico)
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise (kind of)
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling (this is possibly one of the prettiest and most terrifying things I have ever done. I'm glad that I did, but I'd rather wait on the boat).
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China 57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma (Does trying count? Unfortunately, I do not meet the weight requirements)
65. Gone sky diving (never gonna happen)
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book (no, but I've had stories and poems published)
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper (It's happened a few times, and that's kind of weird)
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury 91. Met someone famous 92. Joined a book club
93. Got a tattoo
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee


I crossed off the ones I don't really have any burning desire to do.

Ladder Loaf

     When I was little, I remember my mom making this quite frequently and it was so delicious. So, when I saw raspberry jam at the store the other day - I decided I had to give it a shot too! I was surprised at how well it came out aesthetically and enjoyed introducing Ladder Loaf to the Hubster. 

To make Ladder Loaf, you will need:

     ♥ 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour

     ♥ 1 teaspoon baking powder

     ♥ 1/2 teaspoon salt

     ♥ 1/2 cup butter or margarine

     ♥ 3 ounces yogurt or cream cheese; I used strawberry yogurt, but use whichever flavor you want.

     ♥ 1/2 cup milk

     ♥ 1/2 cup raspberry preserves (or preserves of your choice)

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. Cut in the butter. Add yogurt. Pour on the milk and stir just until combined. 

Next, turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly 4 or 5 times only - do not overwork the dough.

 

Using your hands or a rolling pin, roll the dough out on parchment paper into an 8 x 12 inch rectangle - or as close as you can get. Once the dough is rolled out, carefully pick up the parchment paper and dough and place onto a baking sheet. 

Mark the dough with a knife lengthwise into thirds. Spread preserves down the center third of the dough.

Make diagonal cuts every couple of inches on the outer thirds of the dough - make sure to cut them far enough into the center of the dough, but do not cut INTO the preserves. You need them long enough that they will cover the preserves in the center.

Fold strips over the preserves, first from one side, then from other (like braiding) until you have folded over all the strips of dough.
It will look like this.

 (I didn't cut far enough in on a few strips so it ended up tearing when I tried pulling it over - where the dough looks a bit messy on the right side of the photo).

Bake for 12 - 15 minutes, until dough is fully cooked and lightly browned on top.

Remove from oven and let sit a few minutes. In the meantime, make the icing.

You will need:

     ♥ 1/2 cup powdered sugar

     ♥ 1 tbsp milk

     ♥ 1/4 tsp vanilla

Combine the ingredients and then drizzle over the ladder loaf. I only ended up using half of the icing. A little goes a long way.

 Enjoy this yumminess. It's fantastic. I love it; I hope you will too!

-S 

Oh Hey California - why you so cold?

It's kind of freezing here. I packed shorts and tank tops and probably the thinnest jacket I own. Hahahahaha. But it's been a blast and while I don't want to leave the familiarity, I can't wait to get home to our baby bunnies :) While A has been being a wonderful, amazing, hard-working hubster and has been busy at work, I have been able to spend time with friends and family and even go to Knott's with my sister which was a blast. There was pretty much no one there, we did almost everything you could do there minus perilous plunge, some of the kiddy rides, and the rides that were closed which unfortunately included montezuma's revenge. But it was a blast. Nothing like riding Ghost Rider in the back :p NOT the smoothest ride ever. We were both blessed to be able to see old friends and we are constantly reminded that this is just one more step toward our future goal.

And this whole time I haven't been able to stop from thinking of how incredibly blessed by God we are.  :)

So here's to future Cali trips and to looking forward to the warmth of AZ! (I shall regret that statement in a few hours).


-S

Recipe: Cinnamon Chip Scones

Hellloooo Yummy Goodness!
While I was back home in California visiting family and friends - my mother-in-law told me about Cinnamon Chip scones and decided we had to make them before the Hubster and I went home. I am SO glad she did! These are delicious!

Now I'm not sure where she originally got the recipe, but from my understanding she first tried these at a church event. And since these are SOOO delicious, I have decided that it must be shared with the world! So here you go:

Ingredients
1 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter; very cold cut into pieces
2 eggs
1 cup mini cinnamon chips [they aren't sold in California, but you can order them here]

-egg wash (optional - gives the scones a more finished, glazey look though!)
1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water

Directions
Preheat oven to 350*F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
In a small bowl, blend the sour cream, vanilla and baking soda, and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, cream of tartar, and salt. Add in the butter, using a pastry blender -blend until butter is in pea-sized pieces.
Add in the sour cream mixture and eggs into the flour mixture and mix until just moistened.
Fold in cinnamon chips (taste few too!)
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface [it will be sticky...VERY sticky], and knead briefly - if too sticky add more flour. Roll or pat dough into a 3/4 inch thick round. Cut into 12 wedges, and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. You can easily shape these any size you want.
If you choose to do the egg wash, brush the tops lightly with egg wash.
Bake 13-16 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown on the bottom.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting Glaze
1 (4 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon butter, softened
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract extract
2 tablespoons milk
Directions
Mix the cream cheese with the butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a bowl. Drizzle over cooled scones in any fashion you choose. We just put it in a ziploc bag, cut the corner off and drizzled over the yummy goodness that is the cinnamon scone.



Whoever came up with this amazingness, thank you. It's delicious!