Organizing Pan Lids

 

I have been trying to figure out a good way to keep my pan lids from falling out of the cupboard but still have them easily accessible. I found this dish rack for $3 at the thrift store. It could also be used to hold storage container lids. I can just slide it out when I need a lid, they aren't falling out or getting shoved way in the back of the cupboard anymore.

Another organizing idea to store pan lids (from my sister) is to use a file rack. You can find them at the thrift store or at a department or office supply store for under $5.00.  More Kitchen Organizing tips

I use a plastic shoe box for my storage container lids. You could use a regular shoebox too, I like using clear containers so I can see what's in them.
~Simply Angie

Chicken and Gravy

 

A simple and budget friendly meal idea is chicken (or turkey), gravy and mashed potatoes. This is also a great way to use your leftover chicken or turkey. I make mine gluten free but you can substitute all purpose flour if you don't require gluten free. My family loves this!
Ingredients:
2 cups boneless, skinless chicken or turkey (I usually use thighs and breasts)
2 cups chicken stock (or water)
1 T oil (I use olive oil but any will work)
1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
1/2 shallot, chopped or 1/4 onion , chopped  (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
Boil chicken in dutch oven or large pan on stove for about 45 minutes or until chicken is tender. Remove chicken from stock or water and set aside. When it cools, break it up into chunks. Now get ready to make your gravy. Heat your liquid stock so it boils then start to make your gravy.  
Gravy:
1/3 c white rice flour (gluten free) or all purpose flour
2/3-3/4 c milk (depending how thick you want your gravy)
Whisk flour and milk together (I use a large measuring cup) then slowly add to the chicken stock using a whisk and boil for a minute or until the gravy thickens, then reduce the heat. Add the chicken back to the large pan and let simmer until you are ready to serve.
I serve this over mashed potatoes but you could serve over rice, polenta, biscuits or noodles.
Enjoy!
Love and peace,
~ Simply Tammi

Frame Gallery Wall

I wanted to do something to fill a awkward wall space. The ceiling is high and at an angle so I needed something fairly large. In my decluttering I found some picture frames I wasn't using so I decided to make an arrangement on my wall with empty picture frames. I also got a couple from a family member who had some old frames she wanted to get rid of. You can find them in thrift stores pretty cheap too. Ask people you know first...you might be surprised to find out what people have in basements and attics that they want to get rid of! I cleaned and painted them, then arranged them on my wall. You might want to lay them out on the floor or use painters tape on your wall with the sizes of the frames to be sure you like the arrangement...I'm not saying that I just randomly hung them or anything...but there might be a few more nail holes in the wall then there needed to be!
~Simply Angie

Using Everyday Items for Storage and Organizing

Welcome to our gallery of simple storage ideas!  We use glass containers for sugar, flour, oatmeal, pancake mix, granola or anything we use on a regular basis. Baskets are handy for dishtowels, recipe books, or magazines. Pitchers can be used for kitchen utensils. Ball jars are perfect for cupcake liners, straw holders and buttons. Vintage jars such as old sugar or syrup jars are great by the oven to keep toothpicks to check your baked goods. Pringles containers wrapped in contact paper make great pasta storage containers. Hope you get some tips and remember to share your simple storage ideas with us!
~ Simply Angie and Tammi