From the earliest days of our marriage in 1986, Hectic Mom and I have been at odds over the kitchen counters. She wants nothing on the counters. Nothing at all. To her, the counter is a horizontal space that should remain uncluttered and unfettered. It’s not that she wants the space so she can use it. Honestly, in all these years of marriage she’s used the counters and … [Read more...]
🎄Prepping for the Holidays
The year is rapidly coming to a close. It’s kind of funny to say that, when barely 80% of the year has gone by…but there’s a feeling of urgency as we get to this time of year. Here in the US we celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s eve over the span of six weeks. I also have a birthday in the middle of that, so there are four big holidays that get crammed together in … [Read more...]
🗃Kitchen Organizing 102 – Spice Rack
Yeah, that sounds great when you see it on some collectible in a gift shop, but we’re all struggling with real life and don’t have time setup our kitchens. The daily grind of taking care of the family, running the house, working, and generally being pummeled against the grist mill of life wears us down and sucks the energy right out of you. Am I right? But like all those … [Read more...]
Kitchen Organizing 101 – The Pantry
Introduction Spring is here (at least on the calendar)! I say on the calendar, because it’s cold, dreary, and nasty outside. I know in my head real Spring is just around the corner, but it sure doesn’t feel like it. Nevertheless, I’m getting that Spring Cleaning itch. Does it happen to you? You’ve been cooped up all Winter in the house. Going outside is a pain with the coats, … [Read more...]
⏱Kitchen Time Savers – More Cleanup Tips
Previously I wrote about some kitchen cleanup tips used at Hectic Manor. I presented strategies for attacking messes and how to efficiently get work done. But that's one side of the coin. The other is to avoid making messes altogether. It's been a hard lesson for me to learn, but I’m slowly incorporating these into my own portfolio. First off, reconsider how you prep your … [Read more...]