Perfected Pantry

Pantries.  Pantries can be such difficult places to organize and keep organized. In order for a pantry to remain clutter free there has to be a system in place.  Now, the system doesn't have to be one that is super intricate or costs a lot of money, but there has to be a method to the madness. 


The first apartment we lived in had a very small pantry.  This resulted in storing small kitchen appliances in the guest bedroom closet. Not practical at all.  The town home has a walk-in pantry and it is OH SO NICE to have all of my kitchen belongings in the kitchen.  After being in the town home six months, I finally "perfected" my pantry.  My system may not be what works for you, but it has been totally reliable for me.  In fact, I haven't had to re-organize the pantry since putting this system to use.  To me, that equals beautiful.


Here are my top 5 elements in my pantry that I have found to be a must.  If you're in the market for organizing your pantry, I highly recommend these ideas:


1. A Shoe Organizer

That's not what you expected to be first on the list was it?  Seriously, I couldn't live without this in our pantry.  It's a perfect place to store all of those pre-packaged goodies (snacks, popcorn, cliff bars, rice, oatmeal, oats, bread crumbs, hot cocoa pouches, etc).  This literally allowed me to throw away more than a dozen boxes. Total space saver.  I got this clear pouched shoe organizer at Wal-Mart for $5.


2. Hooks

Take advantage of your wall space in the pantry. I love having a spot to hang my apron, extra Wal-Mart sacks, lunch boxes and my pup's travel bag.  I just used 3M hooks for the lunch box, and I found a precious spoon inspired three hook frame at Paul Michael's.  

3. Coordinating Baskets

I have loved having baskets in our pantry.  It has been so nice to have a spot to group together like items.  I have a basket for any kind of canned tomato product, green veggies, soups used when cooking, boxed meal starters, etc. This also makes creating a grocery list WAY easy.  I am not digging through mounds of cans or boxes to find out if I'm out of something.  Also, it keeps me from over buying because I can see everything I have easily.  I'm not a huge fan of buying things is mass quantities either, so I am less likely to do that since I have limited space in each basket.


4. Shelves

We added some extra shelving (the chrome) to our pantry, and it has provided us with so much extra storage.  It's a great place to stash small kitchen appliances, bake-ware, mixing bowls, roasting pan, etc.  Our kitchen doesn't have much cabinet space, so these have been really great for storing things that might usually end up in a cabinet.


5. Cookbook Haven

I love having a designated spot for all of my cookbooks.  I am never searching for a recipe for hours or wondering where I sat the cookbook I used last week.  They are always right in this spot.  It's totally in a convenient spot too, right? :)

So, that wraps up the list.  I'm sure there are tons of wonderful ideas out there that might surpass my top 5, but I have found these to be so so helpful.  An organized pantry just makes life easier, I think.  The #1 key to organizing a pantry is grouping similar items.  All five of my favorite features have that in common.  It's a great way to start when organizing anything.  

What are your top 5 elements of an organized pantry? Or, what are your hopes and dreams for your pantry?

love, the Blair Abode

Summer Smoothie

Summer time + smoothies = perfect.


There's really nothing better than making a refreshing, healthy smoothie on a hot day.  Lately, I have been all about smoothies as my dinner.  They're filling and totally appealing.  Hubs and I have been experimenting with different variations and this has proven to be our "summer staple."  


As in, this summer you will always find the ingredients for this smoothie in our freezer/fridge.


I don't typically follow a recipe for smoothies, but I have combined different elements from other smoothie recipes to create this one.  I'll do my best to come up with rough estimates of measurements. 


Summer Smoothie
-1/4 ~ 1/2 c. milk (the milk is used to thin, so use accordingly)
-4 large T. vanilla yogurt (this is my favorite, or I recommend Greek yogurt)
-1 pkg. of breakfast essentials french vanilla powder (adds extra boost if you're using the smoothie as a meal)
-As much fruit as your <3 desires! The mixed bag of frozen fruit from Wal-Mart is what I am keeping on hand + we always have fresh fruit.  Here's a list of the fresh fruit Hubs and I used before we purchased the frozen mixed: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, pineapple, banana and kiwi.  Really though, do whatever sounds good!


Place all ingredients in a blender and blend.  Add milk as needed for thinning.  Serve immediately with a pretty garnish. :)

love, the Blair Abode

Things I love

Ahhh! Saturday Morning. It doesn't get any better than this.  Here are some things that must happen in my weekends: 

My Saturday mornings always begin with this.  There is nothing better than sleeping in until 8, and then coming downstairs and making coffee.  My sister-in-law actually told me about a trick for coffee.  She adds cinnamon into her filter before brewing the coffee.  I did that this morning, and it is so heavenly. Try it! I did about 1/2 teaspoon.

Hubs and I usually eat Mexican food Friday night, and I so look forward to my enchiladas and margarita. It helps me through the week.. not kidding.  I also find time to shop, organize and plan the coming week.  I find so much refreshment in weekends that we are able to be home. 

I'm looking for a graduation dress, and I'm going to include a few pictures.  These are not the actual dresses I have my eye on.  I haven't been able to find anything that I have liked enough to buy.  The pictures are just examples of styles I am thinking of.  Here are my options: 

1. A dressy, sophisticated dress.  This would require the most $, and possibly wearing heels.  Here's Antonio Melani's Celo Lace dress.  I have actually seen this one at Dillard's and it is gorgeous.  Not sure I need something this dressy? 

2. A summery, sun dress.  Possibly made of cotton.  Fairly casual, and I would be able to wear a flat, "strapy" sandal. Here is Loft's Surplice dress.  I have actually tried this on in chocolate brown.  It's a really cute fit, but totally casual and made of cotton.  I have some darling summery heels I could do with this + jewelry.  Is that enough?  

3. Wearing a dress I already own.  Of course, this option makes the most sense, but sounds like the least amount of fun. Ya know what I mean? 

What is your favorite option? 

love, the Blair Abode