December Organization

"THE HURRIER I GO, THE BEHINDER I GET"

 

 

 

I don't know who said this first but I would imagine they were in the throes of getting ready for the holidays and company coming for the big feast.  Sometimes stress is good for you, but when it starts to overwhelm you, it's time to STOP!  Time to do something just for you.  Maybe a little power nap before the kids get home from school.  Perhaps sipping on a cup of sweet Jasmine tea and having a nibble of some of those cookies you've been baking.  As for me, I'm going to spend some time with a sweet friend at the movies today.  After I'm refreshed, I'll be able to attack today's assignment.

 

Here it comes.  The one tip you have been dreading.  Let's clean out the refrigerator!  I know, that ranks just behind cleaning the oven on your list of favorite things to do in the kitchen.  Just think of how nice it will be to open the refrigerator door and be able to find just what you need when you need it.  No stress!

 

I usually have an insulated cooler handy for the frozen items and perishables.  Your condiments should be fine sitting on the counter while you clean.  As you remove items, check for expiration dates and toss what needs to go.  Put that on your grocery list so you won't be without what you need.  Also, get rid of any leftovers.  No, don't save last night's mashed potatoes.  They'll just be green the next time you lift the lid for a look.   Next, have a bucket of hot water with some Dawn dish soap in it.  Dawn will help cut the greasy spills that have accumulated.  Don't have it too sudsy or you will be spending too much time rinsing.  You will also want to run a sink full of hot sudsy water.  Take out any and all removable shelves and drawers to clean in the sink.  You can also clean the empty containers now.  Then take your bucket of water and start wiping down the interior.  After you have dried everything off and returned the shelves and drawers to their proper places, you can reload the food.  Now is a good time to specify certain areas for certain foods.  And look, you have lots of room and all those leftovers you threw out will leave you with some nice shiney clean containers to store Christmas dinner leftovers.  There...wasn't that relaxing?