{images credited to MarthaStewart.com}

1. Chalk Paint Drawer Labels – I have leftover chalkboard paint from creating two huge idea walls in our living room. I think making labels would be pretty easy.

2. Mini Office in a Chest – I have a rescued from the ...]]> I’m itching to get a few organizational projects out of the way, a result of warmer weather and a need to purge clutter. If I had the time this week, these are the projects I would take on.

{images credited to MarthaStewart.com}

1. Chalk Paint Drawer Labels – I have leftover chalkboard paint from creating two huge idea walls in our living room. I think making labels would be pretty easy.

2. Mini Office in a Chest – I have a rescued from the dumpster wood chest that needs to be sanded down and painted. It would be easy to add rails for hanging drawers and track down the beat up corkboard we have in our garage.

3. Notebook with Envelope Pocket – An easy project to add to all my random journals I have laying around the house. Perfect for ephemera and receipts.

4. Paint Can Cubbies – I could really use these in our closets for storing all the random objects that get thrown into boxes never to be seen again.

What projects are you working on this Spring?

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2011 · Permalink · 3 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Crafts, Organization

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For inspiration, here are some great examples of bookcases and shelves, and what you can do.

You can organize them by color:

Or, you can use them to bring some color into your room:

Or pattern:

Shelves can be useful and practical:

Or a place to display beautiful items:

Bookcases and ...]]> The styling of bookcases and shelves can sometimes be tricky.  Do you just put your books on them, do you use them in an office to hold storage, or do you put up your collections for display?

For inspiration, here are some great examples of bookcases and shelves, and what you can do.

You can organize them by color:

Or, you can use them to bring some color into your room:

Or pattern:

Shelves can be useful and practical:

Or a place to display beautiful items:

Bookcases and shelves can add so much texture and depth to a room

As well as a great place to keep things close at hand:

What do you like to put on your shelves?

*Pictures from: Elle Decor via I Suwannee, I Suwannee, I Suwannee, Country Living via I Suwannee, Brooklyn Limestone, Canadian House & Home, DecorPad, DecorPad, I Suwannee, I Suwannee, DecorPad, DecorPad, I Suwannee

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2010 · Permalink · 7 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Decor, Organization

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But. I have always been a little rigid, controlling, obsessed with tidiness and cleanliness. I’m a Monica. I obsess over the little things like a crumb on the counter top or some dog hair near the baseboard. I can’t help it, but I’m learning to tone it down a bit.

What girl doesn’t want her house to look impeccable and always be ...]]> Turning into a mommy just happened over night. One day we were two and the next day we were three.

But. I have always been a little rigid, controlling, obsessed with tidiness and cleanliness. I’m a Monica. I obsess over the little things like a crumb on the counter top or some dog hair near the baseboard. I can’t help it, but I’m learning to tone it down a bit.

What girl doesn’t want her house to look impeccable and always be ready for the guest that just pops in unexpectedly? I think one of the main rules your own mother teaches you is to not let the  cleaning pile up. Keep up with it, so if someone calls and says , “I’ll be there in 5 minutes,” you can just pick up a few things and throw on a smile.

On any given day, you can bet that my living room looks like this. (Pay no attention to the guard dog on top of the sofa.) We sort of set the room up and use the furniture to barricade him in the area where we want him to stay.

And my kitchen looks like this. Drying rack, bottle pieces, formula, cereal, and water are always on my counters.

It’s okay. I can’t be too worried about having it all there, all the time. I pick it up during nap time and pick it up again every night. We have some cute toy baskets for the smaller toys. But just knowing that everything is generally messy kind of makes me go crazy thinking about it. I came up with a few solutions to help me through the baby clutter.

1. Buy cute storage bins. We have these canvas buckets from Pottery Barn Kids for all of the small toys. The bins look cute in the room and aren’t too imposing on the rest of the decor.

2. Don’t let the baby messes pile up. Deal with small things throughout the day and pick up the toys every night.

3. Have some rooms in the house that are baby-free. Our guest bedroom and our study are not baby-friendly zones, so we don’t put toys in there. I’d love it if our master bedroom was baby-free, but that’s where I have to get ready every day and it’s just not realistic to keep all of his things out. We use our Pack ‘n Play as a playpen in our bedroom and keep a few of his toys in there. It keeps him entertained long enough for me to get dressed.

4. Don’t buy too many toys. It’s so easy to go into the store and come out with a new toy every time because you know he’ll love it. But we just don’t have the space for it in our little bungalow. We don’t have a play room and anything we bring him just makes our house a little bit smaller. Hudson likes playing with pots and pans (the cheap ones, not the All Clad), so excessive toy is unnecessary.

5. Get over it. People know I have a baby and they’ll be forgiving, not judgmental.

Relaxed is a stretch. I can be relaxed. But I still strive to keep a clean house. I just wait until my son has turned in for the evening to attempt to make the sophisticated adult home a reality again.

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2010 · Permalink · 3 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Children, Organization

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Back in the day I subscribed to the now-defunct design magazine, Domino. I religiously tore out inspirational pages and glued them into scrapbooks or slid them into clear plastic binder sleeves; I never saved the entire issue. Then I got lazy. I stopped cataloging my favorites and just started stacking past issues on my bookshelves. In retrospect, I’m glad I decided to keep a year’s worth of Domino. It’s fun to flip through them to see what strikes my ...]]>
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Back in the day I subscribed to the now-defunct design magazine, Domino. I religiously tore out inspirational pages and glued them into scrapbooks or slid them into clear plastic binder sleeves; I never saved the entire issue. Then I got lazy. I stopped cataloging my favorites and just started stacking past issues on my bookshelves. In retrospect, I’m glad I decided to keep a year’s worth of Domino. It’s fun to flip through them to see what strikes my fancy now.

It’s not practical, however, to keep every single magazine I’ve received, and I receive quite a few of them: Real Simple, Entertainment Weekly, Vogue, Glamour, Lucky and Body + Soul. I also buy several on occasion, including Women’s Health and Psychology Today. When an article piques my interest, I end up setting aside the magazine to return to at a later time… which rarely happens. I’m wondering if I should start saving specific articles again, and, if so, how. I could paste them inside a notebook, file them in folders, store them in binders or scan them into the computer, as this post from Unclutterer recommends.

Do you save magazine articles for future reference? If so, what strategies do you employ to keep everything neat and organized?

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2010 · Permalink · 8 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Organization

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Pots and pans were the area where I felt the most lost when registering for wedding gifts. How was I supposed to know whether I needed a 9″ or 10″ skillet?  Is Le Creuset all it’s cracked up to be? Did I really need ...]]> Welcome back to A Well-Stocked Kitchen, my ongoing series about the tools and gadgets that have helped me become a better cook and baker! This week, I’m sharing my cookware (i.e. pots and pans) collection with you.

Pots and pans were the area where I felt the most lost when registering for wedding gifts. How was I supposed to know whether I needed a 9″ or 10″ skillet?  Is Le Creuset all it’s cracked up to be? Did I really need an omelette pan? The answers: doesn’t matter, yes (drooool), and nope!

So here’s where I stand on the debate about non-stick vs. stainless steel: I have a strange aversion to metallic things, I don’t like the way some of them feel or sound. I also really wanted clear glass lids for my pots. So, for me, the nonstick was a clear choice, since it makes my skin crawl the least. But there are lots of pros in the stainless steel column too. Here’s an interesting thread on Chowhound about the differences (Zoolander anyone?).

The only thing missing from my collection at the moment is a stock pot, which I don’t have the space (or need) for at the moment. Someday, when I’m a real grown-up, I’ll be making matzo ball soup for 25 people at family holiday gatherings. In my stock pot that I have plenty of space to store.  A girl can dream, right?!

So, my friends, what’s your pick? Nonstick? Stainless Steel? Cast Iron? Mix and match?

You can find previous editions of A Well-Stocked Kitchen here:

Utensil Crock Edition
Baking Edition
Small Appliance Edition
Drawer Edition

My picks:

10″ Frying Pan

13″ Deep Skillet with Lid (I use this guy by far the most)

Grill Pan (my husband’s fave!)

Wok (not an essential item, but I make a lot of stir-fries and Asian-inspired dishes, so I do use this. If you’re interested in getting one, it’s on major sale at Amazon at the time of this writing!)

2 1/2 Quart Saucepan

8-Quart pot

And my pièce de résistance: 5 1/2 Quart French Oven

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2009 · Permalink · 5 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Around the House, Cooking and Food, Organization

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Anything I missed? What’s your favorite little kitchen tool?

Measuring cups x2. My biggest piece of kitchen-gadget-related advice is ...]]> Welcome to this week’s edition of A Well-Stocked Kitchen, the series in which I’m sharing the tools that have helped me produce lots of deliciousness in the kitchen. This week, I’ll share with you the contents of my “stuff” drawer. This is my go-to small-tool stashing spot. It’s not very well organized, but it’s one of the highest traffic areas of my kitchen.

Anything I missed? What’s your favorite little kitchen tool?

Measuring cups x2. My biggest piece of kitchen-gadget-related advice is to keep 2 sets of measuring cups and 2 sets of measuring spoons on hand if you cook a lot. It makes cooking and baking a whole lot easier (and fun!), since you won’t be constantly rinsing and looking around for the measure you need.

Measuring spoons x2

Ice cream scoop

Offset spatula: for frosting cakes, this tool is a dream come true.

Vegetable Peeler

Pizza Cutter

Corkscrew

Meat Tenderizer

Meat thermometer

Candy thermometer To be honest, I’m not sure if this is any different than the meat thermometer. But I like to keep my meat and candy very, very separate, don’t you?

Pastry blender

Pastry bag , tips, & couplers: I keep my ever-growing collection of pastry decorating stuff in a ziplock bag to make sure I don’t lose any of the small pieces.

And now, for the “unitasker” section. These are tools that serve only one purpose, are moderately gimmicky, and can easily be done without, but are still fun to have around.

Egg separator: Not truly necessary (you can separate eggs using just the shell), but makes life a bit easier. This one hooks on to a bowl for easy maneuvering, plus it’s undeniably adorable.

Potato masher

Melon baller

Garlic press

Cherry pitter

Egg slicer

Avocado slicer: This one’s kind of embarrassing, that’s how unnecessary it is. Wish I had know that when I bought it!

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2009 · Permalink · 7 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Around the House, Cooking and Food, Organization

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Which small appliance can’t you live without?

Food Processor: My #1 most ...]]> Welcome to another edition of A Well-Stocked Kitchen, where I’m sharing with you the tools and gadgets that have helped me become a better cook and baker. This week, I’m talking about small appliances, the ones that are relatively portable and can sit on your counter or be stored away when you’re not using them. These are listed in order of the frequency I use them, with most frequent first.

Which small appliance can’t you live without?

Food Processor: My #1 most used small appliance. Before I had one, I didn’t know I needed one, but now that I do, I use it constantly for cooking and baking.

Rice Cooker: Rice is my all-time favorite food (weird, I know), so this was a worthwhile investment. If you don’t eat rice too often, it’s definitely not necessary, but I make it at least twice a week. Mine is cute, little, and yellow, but it takes forever to cook the rice (over an hour for 2 cups), so there are definite pros and cons to this model.

KitchenAid Mixer: This kitchen staple has simplified my life more times than I can count. It’s also expensive and sucks up counter space, so if you don’t bake often, consider a handheld mixer instead.

Blender: Handy for soups, smoothies, crushed ice, and other liquidy treats.

Toaster: Duh. I just included it because it matches!

Ice Cream Maker: We got this as a wedding gift, and it’s been an unexpected favorite! It’s a fun, refreshing way to let your creative juices flow; the flavor possibilities are endless!

Crockpot/Slow Cooker: I’ve used ours once, and it was a total flop, so I’m a bit scarred. I’ve been waiting for cold weather to try again. Anyone have any great slow cooker recipes?

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2009 · Permalink · 11 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Around the House, Cooking and Food, Organization

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What baking tool can’t you live without?

Silpat: This non-stick silicone baking mat/cookie sheet liner is one of ...]]> Welcome to another edition of A Well-Stocked Kitchen! This is my humble attempt to share with you, dear readers, the tools that have helped me become a better cook and baker. Today, we’re talking baking supplies. Another time, I’ll write about the ingredients I keep on hand at all times, but for now, this is the equipment that produces yumminess on an almost-daily basis.

What baking tool can’t you live without?

Silpat: This non-stick silicone baking mat/cookie sheet liner is one of those things that I never thought I needed before I had it, but now use constantly.

Muffin Pans x2: Most of my bakeware is the Calphalon Classic brand. I’ve been very pleased with the quality and durability of their products. Having 2 muffin tins has made making muffins and cupcakes infinitely easier. Many recipes make 24, and it’s quite the pain to have to bake a batch, cool, and start over with the same pan when you could be baking both at once. I recommend the investment in an extra one if you’re planning on doing a lot of baking.

Cookie Sheets x3: Okay, so maybe 3 is a little excessive. But for the same reasons as the muffin tins, I recommend owning at least 2. I bought my 3rd one for $1.99 at Goodwill… the kitchen bargain hunter’s heaven! I also recommend having at least one rimmed baking sheet (like a jelly roll pan). You never know when these will come in handy.

Mini Muffin Pan: Not a necessity, but a fun addition to the mix, and especially useful if you love to entertain at brunch time like I do!

Pie Plate: There’s a large variety of types (glass, metal, ceramic) of pie plates. I love my ruffle-y Emile Henry one, and it comes in lots of colors!

Springform Pan: I’d skip this if you’re just trying to put together the basics of bakeware for your kitchen, but it’s essential for cheesecakes and some other delicate foods you might want to make. It’s 2 parts, and the ring that goes around the sides basically unlocks and pops off, eliminating the need to unstick the cake from the bottom of the pan.

8″ Square Cake Pan

9″ round x2: Layer cakes are much easier with 2!

9×13 Nonstick Metal Cake Pan

9×13 Glass Baking Dish: If you’re short on storage space, either the metal OR the glass 9×13 will do the trick, but I like having both on hand.

Loaf pans x2: I like having 2 for the same reason as the muffin pans. Many zucchini or banana bread recipes make 2 loaves… make one for now, freeze one for later!

Tart pan: My most recent acquisition! Like the springform pan, I’d recommend this if you’re looking to break out of the cookie/cake/muffin mold and try something new and a bit more challenging. Make sure you get one with a removable bottom!

Wire Cooling Rack: Another item I didn’t know I needed until I had it, and now I use it almost every time I bake.

Bundt Pan: Make sure you spray this well with cooking spray (I like the Crisco brand with Pillsbury flour, Baker’s Joy is good too) or oil/butter and flour before pouring the batter in. I’ve learned the hard way that it’s a nightmare to unstick a bundt cake when you haven’t greased

Specialty/Novelty Pans: The best excuse to play with your food! I have a Garden Patch Cakelet pan from Williams Sonoma, and I think it’s the cutest thing ever. They don’t sell it anymore, but they’re always stocking interesting novelty pans like this giant cupcake pan that I’m constantly coveting.

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© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2009 · Permalink · 1 comment · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Around the House, Cooking and Food, Organization

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Over the next few weeks, I’m going to share the contents of my kitchen drawers, counters, and cabinets, ...]]> I’m so excited to introduce a new series I’m starting here at EADL: A Well-Stocked Kitchen.  Over the last year or so, I’ve managed to reach the perfect balance of just enough stuff: I use everything I have (nothing’s gathering dust or wasting space), and 99% of the time I find I have the right equipment for any recipe I want to try.

Over the next few weeks, I’m going to share the contents of my kitchen drawers, counters, and cabinets, with the hope of providing a jumping-off point if you want to learn to cook or bake. Keep in mind that everyone’s needs are different, this is just what makes life easy for me, and it might for you too.  I spend about half my time in the kitchen cooking and half baking, so the items I share will be a good mix of tools for each.

The first installment in the series is the utensil crock! This sits next to my stove, and I use its contents constantly.  Believe it or not, it’s big enough to fit ALL the stuff I’ve listed below. You can also buy one of these babies prefilled if you’re into that kind of thing.

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Whisk

Tongs

Ladle

Slotted spoon

Wooden spoon

Rubber spatula

Pancake turner (use for much more than just pancakes)

Microplane Grater/Zester

Silicone Basting Brush

Do you have a crock or canister on your kitchen counter? What’s in it?

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2009 · Permalink · 4 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Around the House, Cooking and Food, Organization

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