Organizing Your (Ahem, My) Home

Mom sent me a link to a Martha Stewart web page full of practical and pretty ideas for organizing. Here were my favorites (all of which I plan to implement/have implemented).

 

To start, I will give you the link where you can find the answers to "How do I do this?" question.

Martha Organizing Link

Coffee Filters to prevent scratches when nesting your pots and pans. Brilliant!

A cake stand full of the every day essentials: salt and pepper, olive oil, and maybe a few favorite spices. Never hunt for the things you reach for the most often.

Grommets to hang towels and gloves inside the door. Seriously, why didn't I think of this??

 

Labels for the frozen things in your life. 

 

Dishtowel that doesn't fall off every. single. minute.

 

The spring loaded dowels are such a good idea for utilizing shelf storage. Love this.

 

Lid organization is an area I need help with. Please, someone help me!

Old dresser drawer, wine crates, or whatever with casters on the bottom. Think of all the stuff you would never have to look at ...

 

This is my favorite idea. The kids' towels are always a wet, messy pile. Three towel bars attached to the door look fantastic and would really work well.

 

Just when you thought your bathroom had no storage. Look up! Attach a shelf to the top of your door. Cute and practical. 

Bye bye blow dryer and straightener mess under the sink. Attach to hooks and hang from doors. 

I just adore Martha.

Sweet Potato Fries

I have a thing for sweet potato fries. I also have a swimming suit that I need to get into in 3 weeks. My life is a paradox, I tell you.

Enter this recipe. Making it tomorrow and probably every day after (my plain grilled chicken breast and cheerio diet needs some variety).

Link to recipe here: Annie's Eats.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients:
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. light brown sugar
1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus extra for sprinkling
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil greased with cooking spray.
Halve the sweet potatoes lengthwise and cut each half into long spears.  (Soak in cold water for 20-30 minutes before continuing for crispy texture outside.  Drain well and pat dry.)  Place the potato spears on the sheet pan and toss with olive oil.  Spread them in a single layer.  Combine the brown sugar, salt, and pepper and sprinkle on the potatoes.  Bake for 15 minutes, then turn with a spatula or tongs.  Bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, until lightly browned.  Sprinkle lightly with kosher salt and serve hot.

This recipe was adapted from Barefoot Contessa - who just happens to be my favorite, favorite, FAVORITE author of cookbooks.



P.S. I ate chips and salsa and guac today. When I start freaking out the bikini issue, please remind me that my will power tends to suck. Thanks.