Organized Kitchen Thoughts

Supermarket Nutrition: NuVal Scores

Wed, 09 May 2012 05:34:33 -0400

Are you familiar with NuVal scores? If you shop in one of the participating grocery stores, you may have seen the signs.

The NuVal scoring system was developed by nutrition and medical experts to analyze a comprehensive list of nutritional factors into one numeric score; the more nutritious a product, the higher the score.

To sum it up in its simplest form:

100 = nutritious, 1 = notsomuch.

From the NuVal website:

How the Scoring Works
NuVal Scores summarize comprehensive nutritional information in one simple number between 1 and 100. Each NuVal Score takes into account more than just the nutrition fact panel. It considers 30-plus nutrients and nutrition factors – the good (protein, calcium, vitamins) and the not-so-good (sugar, sodium, cholesterol). And then it boils it down into a simple, easy-to-use number; a number you can trust to make better decisions about nutrition in just a few seconds.

What do I think?
I appreciate that this gives a better overall picture of the nutrient content of the product. Sure, that information is already present on the Nutrient Fact Label (or “the block”), but an accurate comparison of the labels of two products requires careful examination of serving sizes and adequate understanding of macro- & micronutrients. Who has time for that? If you’re like most folks, you want to get in and get out of the grocery store as quickly as possible. (A task made much simpler with a grocery list!)

How can you use it?
I think the NuVal score would be very helpful for making a decision between two products. A quick glance at the numbers will allow you to make an informed choice. I’m not convinced it’s a meal planning tool or a means to set a target goal (say 400 NuVal points a day), but it is a quick way to get a better understanding of the nutrient content of the foods we choose.

Can you guess the scores of your favorite foods?
Try the Nutrition by the Numbers game on the NuVal site. Guess NuVal scores by ranking products from highest score to lowest. You may be surprised by what you learn.

Does the face a TV trainer on the box affect the NuVal score?

Nope, but it certainly makes that container of oats easier on the eyes.

Sigh…Bob is dreamy. <Side note: I find it hard to believe that vegan Bob Harper is eating flavored packets of instant oatmeal. But I’m pretty sure he’s enjoying his endorsement income.>

Have you seen these scores in your store? Do you use them? Would you find them helpful?

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I am in no way affiliated with NuVal and was not compensated for or asked to do this review. I just wanted to share what I learned about the scores after seeing them at my Lowes Foods.

Is Your Life Clutter Free? Triangle, NC Expert Panel Event

Mon, 07 May 2012 08:57:46 -0400

We’re all familiar with the different forms that physical clutter takes on in our spaces and lives. Your trouble space may be an overflowing kitchen junk drawer, while your neighbor may be unable to shut her closet door for all of the decades-old clothes crammed inside. But have you ever taken the time to consider what’s cluttering your mind, body and spirit? You know, those habits, choices and even people who are no longer serving you?

I’m honored to be on the panel of Julie Seibert’s upcoming Reawaken Your Brilliance clutter-free THRIVE Event in Raleigh on May 22nd. We will be discussing clearing your mind, nourishing your body purposefully and connecting with your spirit.

For more information and to register today, visit the Is Your Life Clutter Free event page.

I hope to see you there!

Some of my friends in school nutrition introduced me to the Spot...

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:09:01 -0400

Some of my friends in school nutrition introduced me to the Spot the Block campaign. It was created by the FDA to encourage “tweens” (ages 9 - 13) to use the Nutrition Facts Labels on food items to make educated decisions on their food choices. This Dishin’ the Nutrition rap is part of the campaign. …and it’s a bit catchy. But I have to say I’ve never heard the nutrition label referred to as “the block.”

Have you? What do you think of the rap? Do you look at the nutrition facts labels when making meal plan decisions?

Learn more about the campaign here.

I had the honor of being interviewed by Don Johnson (no, not...

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:12:59 -0400

I had the honor of being interviewed by Don Johnson (no, not that one) of the Don Johnson Real Estate Team in Cary NC. It was a great opportunity to explain a little more about my services and I’m very proud that, even with the distraction of that gorgeous kitchen, I was able to answer his questions in complete sentences. Thanks Don!

Order Up Organizing Around the Web April '12

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:36:05 -0400

It’s been a busy couple of months! In addition to exciting things here in North Carolina (more on that next week), I’m honored to have been featured on some fabulous blogs.

I shared 5 Steps to Creating a Healthy Kitchen on Geralin Thomas’s Managing Modern Life® blog. Not only is Geralin a well-respected professional organizer whose work is regularly featured on the A&E show Hoarders, but she is one of the kindest, most genuinely friendly women I’ve ever met. It’s an honor to call her a colleague.

The wonderful folks at Purse Perfector featured my article on Organizing your Kitchen for Easy Meal Planning. If you’re not familiar with Lyn Marsteller’s awesome product, check out her pocketbook organizer today. With the wide variety of sizes and colors, you’re guaranteed to find one that fits your needs.

Autumn from Space for Living featured my Recipe Binder Organizing Project. You may remember Autumn from her guest post here last fall or our shared aversion to bone-in chicken. She’s an organizer in California who shares practical, useful organizing tips on her blog.

Many thanks to these fabulous ladies for these opportunities! Be sure to check out their helpful spaces on the web.

What are some of your go-to blogs for organizing, meal planning and kitchen ideas/tips? Please share in the comments.

Simplifying Meal Planning: Assigning Theme Nights

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:00:05 -0400

The goal of establishing a meal planning system for your family is to make it a simple routine—not to further complicate things. Take a hint from the professionals who create cycle menus in food service establishments and assign theme nights.

Customize the themes to match the preferences and goals of your family. If you all like to try new, exotic foods, perhaps your themes could reflect a variety of regional dishes. Maybe you can’t stand the thought of going an entire week without pizza (ahem), so you declare Sunday as Pizza Sunday in your house!

Theme nights provide structure without being too restrictive. For example, “Italian Tuesday Nights” will guide your recipe decision as you lay out your meal plan, but will still allow for some creativity/variety as you choose between spaghetti, ravioli, chicken parmesan, lasagna, etc.

Some other ideas for theme nights:

Protein sources: chicken, beef, turkey, seafood, pork, beans, meatless, etc.
Regional cuisine: Italian, Mexican, Indian, Asian, Irish, Jamaican, Greek, southern, etc.
Prep methods: grilled, baked, slow-cooked, fried, etc.
Types of entrees: sandwiches, soups, casseroles, salads, etc.
Meal origins: freezer stock, take-out, restaurant, new recipe, leftovers, etc.

Could the nonrestrictive structure of theme nights help get you started with meal planning? Which theme nights would work best in your family? What suggestions can you add to this list?

Three Easy Tips to Improve your Eating Plan

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:48:28 -0400

It’s (almost the end of) National Nutrition Month®! How have you been celebrating? Whether you’ve taken the time to evaluate your eating plan or have been focusing your time and effort on a certain NCAA tournament, here are few simple healthful changes to consider for March and beyond:

Drink more water. Your body needs water to function properly and when you’re properly hydrated, you feel less sluggish. And an added bonus: if you replace a ~~soda~~ pop or other sugary drink with 8 ounces of water each day, you’ll be cutting calories in the process. Doable First Step: Drink sixteen ounces of water between each meal.
Eat more produce. I’ve mentioned this before, but increasing your fruit and vegetable intake is a small, measurable, achievable goal that can have a huge positive impact on your health. Produce is naturally low in calories and fat and is packed with the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. Doable First Step: Aim for one (non-fried) fruit or vegetable at each meal.
Eat breakfast. Your morning meal not only fuels you for the work you’ve got ahead of you, but it also keeps your metabolism in action. An active metabolism = calorie burn. Doable First Step: Eat something in the morning—even if it’s just a slice of toast with peanut butter or, better yet, a banana and a glass of milk. (See tip #2)

What small change can you make today to move your eating plan one step closer to your nutrition goals? Choosing one change and mastering it before moving on to another can increase the likelihood of your success.

5 Tips to Help You Store Your Wine Collection - Guest Post

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:25:13 -0400

Occasionally I get asked for the best way to store wine. As I’m not much of wine drinker (beer is much more my speed), I’ve decided to seek outside advice. Jessica from Extra Space Storage has some tips:

There comes a time in every novice wine collector’s life when storing wine becomes a complication. It’s usually when the wine rack is full. At which point, you’re faced with a dilemma: buy another wine rack or set up a whole different way to store your wine. You obviously don’t want to overcrowd your kitchen or dining room with wine racks. And you may not be able to convert your basement into a wine cellar. Fortunately, storing your wine collection doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Here are five tips to help you store your Merlots and Pinot Noirs like a champ:

Consider the linen closet. It’s best to store wine in a cool, dry, dark place, which makes the linen closet ideal. You can set up a large rack inside your linen closet and use the existing shelf space to store your wine.
Think about investing in a wine refrigerator. Buying a wine fridge is much less expensive than converting another space in your home into a wine cellar. Wine fridges can store up to 200 bottles and they create the perfect low-light and cold environment for your wine.
Turn to kitchen cabinet space. If you have a pretty big collection of wine, you obviously won’t be able to store all of the bottles in your cabinets (unless you get rid of all your pots, pans, and dishes). However, there’s no harm in sticking a few of your favorite bottles in one or two of your cabinets.
Store in the garage with caution. If you’re fortunate enough to live someplace where it’s 65 degrees year round, the garage is a great place to store your wine. However, if you live where it’s extremely cold in the winter or hot in the summer, the garage is a less than optimal storage location.
Don’t rule out your self storage options. Self storage is an excellent solution for wine collectors whose living space is simply too small to support a wine collection. Self storage is also ideal if you’re moving and need a temporary home for your wine.

Author’s Bio: Jessica Johnson helps residential and business customers who use self storage when they don’t have enough storage space on their own property Johnson’s company - Extra Space Storage - has locations from coast to coast, including a Greensboro self storage facility.

Repurposing Tip for Storing Kitchen Lids from Lifehacker

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:19:37 -0500

Repurposing Tip for Storing Kitchen Lids from Lifehacker:

I think this Lifehacker idea for keeping your container lids organized is so smart. (Thanks for sharing, John!) It’s useful in a deep drawer, but could be just as efficient on a cabinet shelf.

What do you think?

Meal Planner's Review of Supermarket Smarty

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 09:00:06 -0500

We all know that I enjoy efficient grocery shopping and I may have mentioned a time or two how much fun I have on Twitter. So imagine my excitement when I found out about the Supermarket Smarty there. The Supermarket Smarty is a reusable, wipe-off grocery list that includes an insert for a one-week meal plan and easy-to-follow nutrition tips.

Grocery list, a weekly meal plan and nutrition tips? Be still, my heart.

I’m a creature of habit and routine, so I knew switching from my handwritten department-specific grocery list might be a challenge. But I’m also open-minded and wanted to give this list a test-run.

First thing was first: deciding on the meal plan for the week. The meal plan insert follows the same premise as my wipe off menu plan board (just on a smaller scale), so I felt right at home.

Next, based on the recipes I chose, I decided which ingredients I would need. After finding the ingredients on the Supermarket Smarty list, I marked them with the provided dry erase marker. Some items were easier to find on the list than others, but I’m sure after using it over and over, you become familiar with the list.

Then, I went to the store with my list. As I added an item to my buggy, I wiped off the mark.

Just that simple!

My favorite parts of the list:
- The neat little magnifier and coupon pocket are convenient and easy to use.
- The dietitian in me loves that the produce is broken down by color. It’s such a smart way to keep track of your fruit and vegetable intake! Variety of colors = variety of nutrients!
- The magnetic clip with the marker holder makes it easy to keep track of the list when it’s not in use.
- The symbols are easy to read and could be helpful when deciding between to foods.

Parts of the list I found challenging:
- As I mentioned, I am used to simply writing in the ingredients I need under a specific department header (produce, cooler, dry, freezer). I’ve never been a one-size-fits-all template kind of girl and prefer not to wade through a list of items I don’t need.
- There is not a lot of room to clarify an ingredient. For example, you’re limited to choosing “Veggies” under Frozen, so I wrote in “Broccoli” for my benefit. If I needed additional frozen veggies for my recipes, I wouldn’t have had much room to write them in.

My opinion:
I think the Supermarket Smarty is a fabulous tool for stocking a healthful kitchen. It provides great general nutrition guidance in a small, convenient space. I also think it could be an excellent resource for creating a meal plan. If, for example, your goal is to eat three different colors of produce each week, you can refer to the Supermarket Smarty to choose which fruits and vegetables you could incorporate into your meal plan.

If it sounds like this is the list for you, you can order your Supermarket Smarty here.

What does your preferred grocery list look like? Do you use a template? Or do you rely on your memory? We’d love to hear!

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Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary Supermarket Smarty. This, in no way, affects the content of this post and I am not affiliated with the company in any way. As always, the thoughts and opinions of this review are all mine.

Kitchen Organizing Inspiration from an Unlikely Source

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:21:43 -0500

Did anyone catch last week’s episode of Modern Family? I’m a big fan of the show and never miss an episode. It’s a great mix of clever, laugh-out-loud humor, lovable characters and touching family moments. (Seriously, I think Jay melts my heart each & every episode.) But Cam won me over last week.

Without spoiling the episode for anyone who missed it, he reorganized Gloria’s kitchen. As he showed her where to find her relocated tea, he proudly gestured and said:

“There’s a flow now. Tea, mugs, kettle, you’re welcome.”

YES! Kitchen efficiency!

When choosing where to store items in your kitchen, it is important to think about where/how you use them. A smooth flow with minimal trips across the space can improve the efficiency of (& reduce the amount of time required for) your meal prep and cleaning routines.

Consider your breakfast routine. (You are eating breakfast, right?) Could the flow be improved? What if you stored your cereal bowls, cereal, spoons and coffee mugs in the same cabinet by the fridge? Could it shave a couple of minutes off of your morning routine? Maybe you could arrive to work closer to your (ahem) target time?

Think outside the regular “rules” of what a kitchen is “supposed” to look like. You’re the one who uses the space—it only needs to make sense to you.

And keep an open mind as you look for inspiration. It might just show up during your favorite television show!

Have you created any unconventional storage solutions in your space? When you set up your kitchen, did you consider how and where you use things? And what are your favorite tv shows?

Photo from abc.com gallery.

Deep Cleaning the Kitchen - Cabinets, Counters & Floor Edition

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:35:05 -0500

It’s time to (finally) finish up the Order Up Organizing kitchen deep cleaning challenge.

Even though the cabinets, counter tops and floor weren’t visibly ~~filthy~~ soiled like some other areas of my kitchen (ahem), this was not a quick project.

KITCHEN BEFORE:

The counter top by the toaster: (which gets used daily)

Cleaning tools for the cabinets & counter tops:

How to Clean your Kitchen Cabinets and Counters with Vinegar:

1. Start by removing everything from the counter tops, then wipe off all of the crumbs with a dry cloth.

2. Lightly spray the water and vinegar mixture (3 parts water + 1 part vinegar) onto the cabinet doors and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.

3. Using the same technique (with a fresh microfiber cloth), wipe down the counter tops.

4. Enjoy the fresh cabinet fronts & counter tops as you eat a nourishing (crumb-free) snack to prepare yourself for the ever-so-fun task of scrubbing the floor.

Cleaning tools for the floors:

How to Clean your Kitchen Floors with Vinegar:

1. Fill a bucket with about a gallon of warm water. Add to that about 1.5 cups of vinegar. I just eye-balled it.

2. Use your favorite method (is that even possible?) of mopping/scrubbing to clean the floor. More for effectiveness than for enjoyment, I got on my hands and knees and used a scrub brush followed by a clean sponge to absorb some of the water.

3. Keep all feet and paws off of the floor as it air dries.

KITCHEN AFTER: oh, so different than the Before

And the dining area:

Length of Time Spent on this Project:

8 Tobes’ Tunes (approx. 25 minutes) on the cabinets & counter tops

18 Tobes’ Tunes (approx. 55 minutes) on the floors

My Thoughts:

Because I painted the cabinets with Impervo paint, they were very easy to clean. (Side note: if anyone is interested in a ~~couple~~ ~~few~~ several cans of this paint, I can hook you up with a sweet deal. I’ll calculate the discount using the same impressive math skills I used to grossly overestimate the amount of paint I needed for my project. ahem.)
I’m thinking that I will buy a new (clean) toaster with a BUILT-IN crumb tray to reduce my headache. In the meantime, in order to catch & corral those crumbs, I added a tray under the toaster. We’ll see if this helps.

Hands & knees mopping is overrated. I ended up using my Rubbermaid Reveal mop (my go-to tool for mopping) to clean up some streaks left behind as the floor dried.
Not only did it leave the floor streaky in spots, but it took forever. Marshall Dillon’s posture summed up how we both felt when I was finished.

How often do you clean your cabinets? Do you use a mop, sponge or scrub brush on your floors? Or have you determined that paying someone else to clean your kitchen is the best arrangement for you? I may have to look into that…

Other projects in the Order Up Organizing kitchen deep cleaning challenge:

Deep Cleaning the Kitchen - Oven Edition

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:55:11 -0500

Today we jump headfirst into my dirty oven. Sort of. While I was definitely all up in my oven, it was only temporary and strictly for the Order Up Organizing kitchen deep cleaning challenge.

Fortunately, I knew this challenge was coming and I didn’t want you, dear reader, to be disappointed, so I made an especially large mess of the appliance. (Only part of that extra long sentence is true.)

OVEN BEFORE:

Wow:

Inside the storage drawer: (don’t overlook the crumbs!)

Cleaning tools: (plus a whole lot of heat)

How to Clean your Oven with Vinegar, Lemon & Baking Soda:

1. I started by reading the manual for the oven. To get the most out of the self-cleaning feature with the least amount of smoke, the manufacturer recommends removing as much gunk ahead of time as possible. (Gunk is my word, not theirs. Obvs.) So, I removed the racks, then vacuumed up the crusty, charred chunks from the floor of the oven.

2. Using a cloth soaked in water and vinegar mixture (3 parts water + 1 part vinegar) clean the parts of the oven that will not get hot enough to char off any filth: the outer frame of the interior of the door:

and the frame of the oven by the gasket. This part may require a paste of lemon juice and baking soda and some elbow grease. (At least mine sure did.)

Be careful not to damage or dislodge the gasket. Rinse off the paste with a wet cloth and dry the surface with clean cloth.

3. Because the oven gets extremely hot during self-cleaning, all items should be removed from the stove-top and the storage drawer—especially those that can melt. Also from the manual, I learned that the storage drawer could be removed. I was slightly concerned about what would lurk underneath, but I was pleasantly surprised at the relatively small amount of hound hair and cobwebs there. (Side note: what’s with all of the spiders in North Carolina?! I know they kill other bugs and blah blah blah, but they’re so creepy & crawly.)

I was also surprised to learn that the plastic liner in the storage drawer could be removed. Who knew?! Vacuum under the oven and in the storage drawer.

4. Open the window(s) to allow for adequate ventilation. Set the self-cleaning timer. The manual for my oven suggested anywhere from 2.5 hours to 4.5 hours. I went with 2.75 hours and crossed my fingers that would do it.

5. Tackle the oven racks during the cleaning cycle. Partly because they don’t really fit in my sink and mainly because I didn’t want to dirty my shiny sink, I used the storage drawer liner as a tub for cleaning the racks. I used steel wool soap pads to scrub the cooked-on food.

Rinse the racks and set them out to dry.

6. Drain the drawer liner and wipe it clean with vinegar & water solution. Rinse and dry.

7. When the cleaning cycle is over, wait for the oven to cool.

Then, using a clean cloth soaked in vinegar-water, wipe the ash from the floor and walls of the oven and interior of the door. I was surprised how easily this came off.

8. Wipe down the front of the door and drawer with the vinegar-water solution. Use the lemon-baking soda paste on the handle, if necessary.

9. Enjoy your clean oven. Keep it that way by switching to a raw diet.

OVEN AFTER:

Still a few spots, but all-in-all, MUCH better:

Length of Time Spent on this Project (excluding the self-cleaning cycle):

32 Tobes’ Tunes (approx. 96 minutes)

My Thoughts:

I anticipated more smoke and stench than actually occurred. In fact, because past dinnertime smoke disasters have stressed him out, I relocated the hound to the bf’s for this project. I’m pretty sure he would’ve been fine.
Like the microwave project, it was a little unnerving to be INSIDE the appliance cleaning it.
Avoiding the gasket as I scrubbed the frame wasn’t all that easy. And it got a little dirty in the process.
The racks are not 100% spot-free, but I grew bored with that part of the project after about 10 Tobes’ Tunes. They definitely look better, but not brand new. I think soaking them first would have made a difference. I also found this suggestion to soak them in the bathtub overnight. Heh. Maybe next time.
It’s also worth noting that the label on the soap pads indicates they are made of biodegradable ingredients.

How does your oven look? Do you use the self-cleaning feature? Have you ever removed your storage drawer? And what do you store in there?

Other projects in the Order Up Organizing kitchen deep cleaning challenge:

Deep Cleaning the Kitchen - Dishwasher Edition

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 10:35:00 -0500

We’re really churning right along on the Order Up Organizing kitchen deep cleaning challenge. It’s time for the dishwasher!

DISHWASHER BEFORE:

Cleaning tools:

How to Clean your Dishwasher with Lemon & Baking Soda:

1. Check the drain in the floor of the dishwasher. Remove any food or other debris there. (Gloves or alternative ways to protect your fingers from the slimey goodness is recommended.)

2. Using a paste of lemon juice and baking soda (also used on the glass-top stove), scrub the interior frame of dishwasher and its door. Pay close attention to the rubber gaskets where some build-up may have collected. Rinse with a wet cloth or sponge.

2.a) Keep a certain hound dog with an interest in the lemon-scented cleaner away from the bowl.

3. Once the interior frames are clean, tackle the controls and handle on the outside. I hadn’t realized how grimy the top of the door had become. But I was pleasantly surprised at how easily it came off with a little scrubbing. Rinse with a wet cloth or sponge.

4. Wipe down the face of the appliance. Have you ever peeked at the space between the base plate and the bottom of the door? Do that. Then, quickly wipe it clean before you get too grossed out—especially if you live with a one-foot, two-inch tall hound dog.

5. Although my dishwasher didn’t have a stench, I decided to give it a vinegar bath. Start with a dishwasher-safe glass of distilled white vinegar on the top rack.

6. Run the otherwise empty dishwasher through a regular cycle—without detergent.

7. Admire your work!

DISHWASHER AFTER:

Interior frames:

Door controls:

Door top so clean it deserves two photos:

The part of the appliance you can’t see while standing up (but now it’s clean!):

Length of Time Spent on this Project (excluding the vinegar bath cycle):

10 Tobes’ Tunes (approx. 30 minutes)

My Thoughts:

It seems a little silly to wash the dishwasher, but let’s be clear: mine needed it. (even though I didn’t necessarily notice)
I am LOVING how clean and white the top of the door is now. I’m considering requiring anyone who loads/unloads the appliance to wear gloves. Too much?
It’s not easy keeping the pooch with a sense of smell second only to a bloodhound away from lemon-scented cleaners at his nose-level. Wonder if there’s a way to make this work in my favor??

How about your dishwasher? Is it white? Or intended to be? Do you ever clean its basin? What about the top of the base plate?

Other projects in the Order Up Organizing kitchen deep cleaning challenge:

Deep Cleaning the Kitchen - Kitchen Sink Edition

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:31:05 -0500

Up next the Order Up Organizing kitchen deep cleaning challenge was the kitchen sink. Mine happens to be stainless steel and in its before state was not-so-shiny.

STAINLESS STEEL KITCHEN SINK BEFORE:

Cleaning tools:

How to Clean your Stainless Steel Sink with Dish Soap, Lemon & Baking Soda:

1. Using dish soap, fill each basin with warm soapy water.

2. Let the water soak for a Tobes tune or two. I timed this well and scrubbed my stove-top while I waited.

3. Drain the basins. Sprinkle them with baking soda.

4. Use a scrub brush to remove any build-up in the sink basins. I paid close attention to the rims of the drains and was surprised at how gunky they were. (yes, gunky)

5. Wipe down the faucet, sprayer and rims of the sink with a cloth (and break the scrub brush back out if needed).

6. Rinse entire sink with warm water.

7. To further disinfect, wipe down the sink with lemon juice.

8. Enjoy the shine.

STAINLESS STEEL KITCHEN SINK AFTER:

Length of Time Spent on this Project:

10 Tobes’ Tunes (approx. 30 minutes)

My Thoughts:

As was the case with the stove-top, I didn’t have a lot of baking soda. I would use more next time, so I wouldn’t need to scrub so much. In theory, at least.
I’m becoming slightly obsessed with using a lemon half as sponge/scrub brush.
I love the less cluttered appearance of the AFTER picture without the drain stoppers (is that what they’re called?) and dish brush. So until I get a set of these installed, I’ve relocated those items to a basket underneath the sink. (Bonus tip: the dishwasher does a fantastic job cleaning those drain plugs (is that what they’re called?). The stainless steel one, like the sink, has never been shinier.)
As I was cleaning the sink, I found myself a bit unimpressed with the difference. But I will say that the final results were quite noticeable. In addition to relocating the clutter, I’ve especially enjoyed the streak-free faucet. This may be one project I maintain.

How does your sink look? Is it stainless steel? Are you familiar with The Fly Lady’s advice to always make sure your sink is clean? (Side note: my friend Julie interviewed The Fly Lady recently on her Reawaken your Brilliance show. Have you watched?)

Other projects in the Order Up Organizing kitchen deep cleaning challenge:

Deep Cleaning the Kitchen - Stove Top Edition

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:31:00 -0500

For the next project in the Order Up Organizing kitchen deep cleaning challenge, it was time to take on the burnt on mess on my glass stove top. (It’s worth noting that a glass top electric range would not be my first choice, but it works well for my needs (& budget) right now.)

If you have a glass-top range, you may be familiar with the cleaners/polishers/scrapers that are available specifically for taking care of these messes. I don’t have a scraper and decided to try all-natural alternatives to the other cleaners.

GLASS-TOP RANGE BEFORE:

Note the crumbs from lunch prep earlier in the day.

Cleaning tools:

How to Clean your Glass-Top Range with Lemon & Baking Soda:

1. Wipe, brush or vacuum away crumbs from the stove top. I used the brush attachment on my vacuum.

2. Mix the juice of half of a lemon (or juice from concentrate) with baking soda to form a paste. Enjoy the resulting grade school-esque science experiment foaming action.

3. Apply paste to the stains on the range and let sit. I let mine soak through two Tobes tunes as I tackled the controls and dials on the back of the stove.

4. Use a cloth dipped in a mixture of lemon juice and water, wipe down the controls. Remove the dials to clean thoroughly behind them.

5. Scrub the paste into the stains with a scrub brush or sponge. Alternatively, you could use the lemon half.

6. Rinse with warm water and dry with clean cloth.

7. Enjoy the sparkle.

GLASS-TOP RANGE AFTER:

Length of Time Spent on this Project:

10 Tobes’ Tunes (approx. 30 minutes)

My Thoughts:

I was running low on baking soda (& planned to use some on the next project too), so I used it sparingly. Next time, I’ll use more—I need more abrasive to get all of the stains.
There are still a couple of spots that could use a little more elbow grease (and probably baking soda), but overall, I’m very pleased with how it turned out. “Not a total Betty, but a vast improvement.” <—Name that movie.

Tell me about your range. Electric? Gas? Clean? Stained? Do you clean it regularly? I’d love to hear.

Other projects in the Order Up Organizing kitchen deep cleaning challenge:

Deep Cleaning the Kitchen - Refrigerator & Freezer Edition

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:40:05 -0500

For the second project in the Order Up Organizing kitchen deep cleaning challenge, I took on the fridge and freezer.

It turned out to be the perfect time to deep clean since they were both pretty bare because:

I had just returned from the Thanksgiving trip and had used or tossed anything perishable before I left.
They’re rarely packed anyway thanks to weekly meal planning and dinnertime responsibilities being split between my house and the BF’s.

REFRIGERATOR BEFORE:

FREEZER BEFORE:

How to Clean Refrigerator & Freezer with Dish Soap:

1. Evaluate the contents of your fridge & freezer and toss anything that is past its prime or unidentifiable. Pay close attention to those condiments whose expiration dates seem to change over time—because seriously, why else would there be anything in there that expired in 2009?!?

2. Decide whether you’ll leave the shelves in the appliance or take them out to clean them. I opted to take the shelves out—and boy am I glad I did. Otherwise I would have missed out on the dog hair collecting in the sticky mess below the bottom ones. (So sorry to have forgotten to document that with a picture.)

3. Remove the contents of the shelves/drawers and work quickly. You’re in the Temperature Danger Zone now. (This project could easily be tackled one shelf at a time over a week or so.)

4. Wipe, brush or vacuum out all of the crumbs. I used a vacuum.

5. Use warm soapy water and a cloth to wipe down the shelves, drawers and insides of the appliance.

6. Rinse, dry and replace the shelves and drawers.

7. Don’t forget to wipe down the gaskets, handles, doors and the top of the appliance. The top of mine had seen better days, so it took a Tobes Tune or two to tackle.

8. As you return the contents to the fridge and freezer, establish zones so nothing gets lost in the mix. Some to consider: snacks, lunches, beverages, leftovers.

9. Enjoy the clean environment and begin scheduling regular Quick Scan & Toss sessions.

REFRIGERATOR AFTER:

FREEZER AFTER:

Length of Time Spent on this Project:

25 Tobes’ Tunes (approx. 75 minutes)

My Thoughts:

I’m glad I didn’t have a lot of food in my fridge when I did this. Exposing the perishables to room temperature might have made my head explode a bit. Now that it’s been deep cleaned, this may be a project I tackle one shelf at a time in the future. maybe.
Using the brush attachment on the crumbs in the stickiness (??) in the bottom of the fridge created another project I hadn’t anticipated: washing the brush attachment. See? Cleaning is a vicious cycle. Maybe that’s why I put it off?

How frequently do you scrub down your fridge? Do you consider the safety of the food as you do?

Other projects in the Order Up Organizing kitchen deep cleaning challenge:

Deep Cleaning the Kitchen — Microwave Edition

Deep Cleaning the Kitchen - Microwave Edition

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:51:23 -0500

For the first project in the Order Up Organizing kitchen deep cleaning challenge, I tackled the microwave. It seems as though the owner of this particular appliance either has not used it in a long while or has chosen to overlook the gunk inside as she uses it to heat her cup of tea every morning.

ahem.

MICROWAVE BEFORE: (The identity of the appliance in question has been hidden to protect the innocent.)

Inside:

The door:

Here’s the crazy (lazy?) part: cleaning the microwave is not difficult. And I imagine that if it is done on a regular basis, it’s not all that time consuming.

Cleaning tools:

How to Clean your Microwave with a Lemon:

1. Slice a lemon in half lengthwise. Place the halves cut-side-down in a microwave-safe bowl of about one-cup of water.

2. Place bowl in said microwave and heat on high for three minutes. The steam from the lemon water will loosen any stuck-on food or other gunkiness.

3. With a gloved hand (particularly important if you have a paper cut on your finger—trust me on this one), use a cloth or sponge soaked in the warm lemon water to rub and/or wipe away the mess. Alternatively, you can use the lemon half as a scrub brush.

4. If there is a turntable, remove it to clean thoroughly underneath. It can be wiped down with the lemon water, hand washed with dish soap in the sink, or even washed in the dishwasher.

5. Wipe the inside of the microwave dry with a clean cloth. Replace the turntable.

6. Use the lemon water and cloth or sponge to clean the outside of the microwave. Mine … er, I mean this microwave had some build-up on the front and underside, so it required a bit more elbow grease. I’m sure this is common with microwaves mounted above stoves. right??

7. Enjoy the shiny view! And vow to clean it more regularly.

MICROWAVE AFTER:

Length of Time Spent on this Project:

10 Tobes’ Tunes (approx. 30 minutes)

My Thoughts:

The steam + lemon worked wonders. It didn’t require a whole lot of scrubbing.
I will admit that it seemed a bit risky to be inside an electronic appliance like that with water. (Maybe that’s what has kept me from doing it more frequently?)
The project took longer than I thought it would. The underside and upper vents took a bit more effort than the inside. I even had to break out a trusty ol’ toothbrush.
The lemon was no match for the fingerprints on the number pads. I ended up using a Clorox wipe on those.

All in all, it wasn’t too painful. It’s still certainly not my idea of a fun way to spend an evening, but I have hope that doing it on a regular basis will take less time and effort.

How about you? Is the microwave on your regular cleaning schedule? Do you have any tips for me?

Kitchen Cleaning Challenge-Ordered Up

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:40:05 -0500

I have a confession. And it may come as surprise to you. I do not like to deep clean. In fact, I avoid it as much and for as long as I can.

Whew. It feels good to get that out there.

As I’m sure you’ve figured out (you’re smart), I like to organize: to sort like with like, purge clutter and create efficient systems—those fun projects that end up making life easier. To me, deep cleaning does not fall under that umbrella.

You may be thinking, “Wait. What about your ~~obsession with~~ focus on food safety?” That’s a good question. (I knew you were smart.) My fascination with food safety keeps dishes, utensils, and hands that touch the foods squeaky clean and sanitized, but the attention to detail stops there. Weird, I know.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I don’t live in filth. To prove it, here is a photo of my kitchen right now.

I clean up after meal prep, wipe spills and consistently put dirty dishes in the dishwasher. It’s the little things that add up over time like crumbs from the toaster, gunk in the microwave and that pesky dog hair that seems to multiply and distribute itself into every nook and cranny. I tend to overlook those things until one of two things happen: either I get overcome with an urge to open the windows and scrub my home (usually the first warm day after winter) or (more likely) I invite company over. And then I tackle the most obvious problem and tend to putter out before the rest of the room is spotless.

I, like you, am not dumb, so I recognize that just as it is with organizing projects, regular maintenance is the key to success with cleaning ones—even if they’re not nearly as fun. So, I’m on the lookout for simple, quick and efficient methods for deep cleaning each area of the kitchen. Over the next several weeks, I’m going to be deep cleaning every inch of my kitchen—one project at a time—and documenting it here.

Here’s the plan:

I’ll be researching methods for completing each task. My focus will be on:

Natural/non-chemical-y cleaning products (think vinegar or lemon juice)
Inexpensive cleaning tools
Doable time-frames (which may require breaking tasks into manageable chunks)

The posts will include how I cleaned the area, how effective the method is, how long it took (in Tobes’ Tunes*), and my thoughts on the process.

I’d love to hear from you during this challenge. Please feel free to share your tips and thoughts. Hopefully we can all learn something new along the way.

How do you feel about cleaning? Do you love the smell of cleaners and the sight of shiny appliances? Or can you overlook crumbs and stains?

* I’ve found that music can help to make the most mundane tasks more tolerable. So perhaps my favorite music could make cleaning, dare I say, fun!? I’m willing to give it a try, so my cleaning soundtrack will be provided by Toby Keith. Sure, the dancing and singing may add a minute or two to the project time, but that’s a risk I’m willing to take. Wish me luck!

Meal Planning Workbook Giveaway

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:39:34 -0400

I’m excited to announce that we are participating in Love It? Promote It! Raleigh’s 30 Days of Free Giveaways!

The prize tomorrow (Thursday Oct 12) is a copy of Jumpstart your Family’s Meal Plan with a bonus phone consultation to help create a system to meet your family’s needs.

Enter to win by liking LIPI Raleigh’s Facebook page. Once you’ve initially registered, you can enter each day for more chances to win throughout October. You can find detailed instructions here.

While LIPI promotes local businesses in and around Raleigh, with Order Up Organizing’s prize you don’t need to live in the Triangle.

So enter now! And tell your friends! And then follow along to win other great prizes this month!