how I store my Tupperware (R)

    As many of you know, I am a huge fan of Tupperware(R)!!! No, I am not a distributor. Nor have I ever been one. Nor do I wish to become one. (I think that covered all of the bases.)  I just really, really, really, like most of their product line!
    Yes, they are a bit more expensive than some similar product lines. And yes, I actually have done controlled product comparison testing. I have taken a big batch of baked goods, put them into several different brand containers, sealed them up good and hid them from my guys (shhh  ;-p). I left them hid such for a period of two weeks. The hiding spot was in our basement. Did you know that 'picnic' coolers make wonderful controlled environment hiding spots? They do! In-fact, you can do your Christmas baking up the week after Thanksgiving, store it in Tupperware, in a cooler, in your basement and when you take it out the week of Christmas, the product still tastes freshly baked! ( <--- BONUS TIP there)
    Back to my experiment. We (Brian and I) were very surprised with what we found at the end of the time period. The product in one container was so stale and hard, we wrote it off as a loss and tossed it. :-[.  A second famous brand, while not as bad, wasn't good either. It was definitely on the verge of being totaled. And yet the product in the Tupperware container was just barely reduced from the fresh from the oven taste. Amazing!!
    For the record, the experiment was done with round containers of all of the brands. And all of them had been 'burped', like you're suppose to do with Tupperware round lids.
   
    So, as I said, I am a HUGE fan of Tupperware and made a Tupperware lady's month with the order I placed after our house fire, replacing all of my totaled stuff. Items which I had earned via hosting many Tupperware parties. I almost always took it out in regular product line rather than their hostess gifts. I couldn't always buy what I wanted, so I found a way to earn it. ;->
    Well here lately, I have been seeing lots of other bloggers doing postings about organizing different parts of their home. I have also found that lots of pinterest(R) pinners have boards labeled 'organizing'. So I figured I should start sharing some of the ways I organize things.
    I am an oxymoron. (NOT a regular moron!!! o;-p)  I am very creative and can make such messes in that their process. And yet to me, the mess is usually organized. On the other hand, I am a list maker, "detail orientated", when things get put away, it's in organized fashion in closets, or drawers, or even box's type of person. My biggest challenge, is that most of the guys in this house aren't 'organized' individuals. Sigh. I choose to love them anyways.

     As you guessed (the title probably clued you in ;->), today I am going to show you how I store and organize a lot of my Tupperware. It has been arranged like this for ten years now and I know it works good, because some family members get very agitated with other family members when they don't put things back right. (:->!!)

     This is up upper corner cupboard. Rather than getting lazy Susan's and storing other things in it, I chose it as a Tupperware cupboard and have been very happy with that decision.
    The middle of the bottom shelf holds various sized mixing and storing bowls. They can fit inside one another oh so nicely and even stack one set on top of another.   
     Different things are stored around the edges of that shelf. To the left inside the door is where little cups go. (That way they are easy to get to, to fill with Raisins or other goodies for Analyse. ;->) Behind that is an tall square container, on it's side. My box style metal grater slides in there ever so nicely and the Tupperware then protects your fingers when your getting something else off of that shelf. To the right  just inside the door are small oblong like containers. And then other containers. And in the corner in the back, is the stacks of containers which go with the hamburg press.
     The middle of the middle shelf is for the microwaveable Tupperware containers. I was so happy when they started carrying those! Around that shelf's edges are various other styles and shapes of small to med. size containers.
     The front of the top shelf is taken up by three baskets. Each basket holds different types of Tupperware lids. The one on the left is for med. to large size containers. The one in the middle is solely for the microwaveable containers. And the one of the right is for smaller to small container lids. Trust me, it is very easy to pull the middle container out with one hand and then get one of the other two out with your other hand if they are what you need.
     With lids sitting in a flat bottom basket like they do, it is easier to eyeball which sized lid is the one you need for the container you just filled.
     Here is a picture of the baskets sitting on a couch, so that you could better see what I'm talking about.

         Back behind those baskets of lids, is where I store the Tupperware beverage pitchers.  Pull the baskets out, use a pair of tongs, and wa-la! Easy!

      That was one cupboard. There are two more. o;-p
      This is the one underneath the silverware drawer.

 

       Actually, it's only one shelf of that cupboard. The shelf underneath it holds the crock-pots. But the Tupperware shelf holds medium to larger sized square and oblong containers. And there is a basket in there for their lids as well.

     The third cupboard is 'suppose to' have a shelf in it. But I like it better without one.

       Stacked in here, are my big metal and Tupperware mixing bowls, as well as strainers.  A couple of lids for them just sit along the side. Bend down, pull the stack part way out and get what you want out of the stack.

    I also have Tupperware stored in the basement. Like this -

    This particular bag contains a stack of Tupperware pie takers. Man do I like those things! For pies, though I usually wrap a clean dish or hand towel around the pie in the container. For Cupcakes. For cookies, stack them around the outside like your traying them (one overlapping the other) and go all of the way around. Then add more in the middle. For deviled eggs (just put down a couple layers of paper towel first, and do NOT double stack when transporting (don't know why this makes such a difference, but man does it!) For bar cookies. Put in a layer. Top with a piece of parchment or waxed paper. Add another layer.
     As you can see, I have several of them. But yes, I would like more. And yes, there have been many times I have borrowed additional ones from friends.
    Both the pie takers and the old deep style round cake takers (Oh, and the oblong cake takers too), are stored in large plastic bags on the shelf's in the basement.   
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I 'plan' on linking this particular posting up to:
 ~ "the simple things", are hosted by Rebecca, at 'simple as that' (http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/).
 ~ "Creative Monday's", are hosted by Clair Justine, at 'Clairejustineoxox' (http://clairejustineoxox.blogspot.com/), and Judy, at 'Judy-H-JS Thoughts' (http://judyh-jsthoughts.blogspot.com/) 
  ~ "Amaze Me Monday('s)", are hosted by Carrie, at 'Dittle Dattle' (http://dittledattle.blogspot.com/).
  ~ "Making Your Home Sing Monday('s)", are hosted by Nan, at 'Mom's the Word (I love to hear)'  (http://momstheword--livingforhim.blogspot.com/).
  ~ "Homemaker Mondays ... Yours, Mine & Ours", are hosted by Jen, at '11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven'  (http://rtheyallyours.blogspot.com/).
  ~  "Kitchen Tip Tuesday('s)", hosted by Tammy, at 'Tammy's Recipes'  (http://www.tammysrecipes.com/). 
  ~ Show Me What Ya Got" (Tuesday's), hosted by Stacey, at 'Not JUST A Housewife' (http://www.notjustahousewife.net/)
  ~ "Trash To Treasure Tuesday('s)", hosted by Kammy, at 'Kammy's Korner' (http://www.kammyskorner.blogspot.com/)
  ~ "Anything Goes" (Tuesday's), hosted by Tammy, at 'Type A Decorating' (http://typeadecorating.blogspot.com/)
  ~ "Foodie Wednesday('s)", are hosted by Bibi, at 'Daily Organized Chaos' (http://www.dailyorganizedchaos.com/). 
  ~ "Transformation Thursday('s)", hosted by Gina, at 'The Shabby Creek Cottage' (http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com)
 ~ "Hookin Up With The Hepworths Every Thursday", hosted by Allison, at 'House of Hepworths' (http://www.houseofhepworths.com)
 ~ "Inspiration Friday('s)", hosted by Vanessa and Heather (sisters), at 'At The Picket Fence' (http://www.atthepicketfence.com)
  ~ "Feathered Nest Friday('s)", held at 'French Country Cottage' (http://www.frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com)   

Valentines and Winter decorations

     Several weeks ago now, I decided that I wanted to make it a point to put out at least a couple of Valentines type decorations. I always use to save my snowmen to put out in January. But most of them were too smelly after our house fire to salvage. And I've never gotten around to building up a collection of them again. Seeings how I had put them out in Jan., after Christmas, I tried to stay away from the Christmas looking ones.
     So-o, I had a few snowman type things, and I thought I had a few Valentines type things... and might, but when I opened the door to the attic, well... the coldness of the day, combined with the upheaval that met my eyes and the fact that Ms. Analyse was "coming Gammy"... I closed the door again.
     But before I did, I nabbed a ceramic planter that has snowmen on it. It's so cute. It had come with an arrangement in it, when it was delivered to Brian's grandma's (Nanny) funeral. Mom knew I liked the pot and allowed us the privilege of bringing it home. (Actually, at that point, we were close to finally moving back in to our home after the fire).
    I found where I had stashed a white snowflake pattern basket. Went to the basement and ever so carefully got to where I knew the box of red and white silk roses were. And hunted up some pine cones. Combined with the sleds I had put out at Christmas, I knew I could come up with at least a couple of decorations.
    When I started pulling the silk roses out of their box, Analyse got ever so excited. "Auntie Kayla's pretty flowers!!!" Yup, they were ones we had used in decorating for Brent and Kayla's wedding. You can see them in these two postings. HERE  and HERE.
     I started attempting to make arrangements, but every time I pulled a new one from the box, she exclaimed "oh thank-you!" and reached her little hand out for it. Once in her hand, it went immediately to her nose. She'd sniff, get that perplexed expression, like "why do people do this?!" but smile happily anyways. She's so silly!
     I finally gathered a little bouquet together for her to play with and said that I was going to make decorations with the rest. Her expression made it clear that she had no idea what I meant. So I reworded it. "I'm going to make pretty surprises for the house." She still didn't totally 'get' it, but "I like sprises!!" And off she wandered with her flowers.
     That night each of the guys individually questioned why there were roses here and there, and there and... She gave each of them this "duh!" look and said "pretty sprises!!" I'd chuckle. They'd moan and spout something about me teaching her to decorate when she wasn't even three yet. o;-p 
     I came up with four things.
     First one is in the front entry. I always like to decorate there. The space is just designed to be used for such.  Currently, my two trunks are stacked in there. The top makes such a nice display area (although others tried to convince me it makes a handy 'collecting stuff' station. Thankfully, they allowed me to win. :->!)

                        (Reminder, you can click on the picture to see it in larger form)

    Two sleds. The larger one was Brian's as a baby. His mom was thrilled I liked to decorate with it.  The smaller one was made special for me by a guy I use to work with. He made them to sell. They can be used with the flat sled side sticking out, or the other way, showing the little shelves inside. He knew how much I liked them and made me one after Christmas, apologizing... I was thrilled! Still am.

     Like I said, the planter is from Brian's grandma's funeral and the flowers in it were used for Brent and Kayla's wedding.
     The red "cloth" is a linen napkin I had picked up at a mission store sometime....
      And the red berry wreath came from an consignment shop, when Crystal had taken me shopping for something to wear to a friends December wedding. They had it hung in their window. It became mine. ;->
      So all in all, simple yet special things, displayed in a simple grouping, that I really really like!

     The next "grouping" sits on top of one of the living room bookcases. I believe both the metal snow flake basket and the snow man bag came from mission stores... but I'm not positive on the bag part. If you gave it to me, please kindly remind me. o;-p. The blue and white snowflake tissue like paper, came wrapped around a gift. I set it aside.
      Again, simple, but I like it!

      I have these cute snowman and women salt and pepper shakers. Again, not positive on their origin. I 'think' I had picked them up at a mission type store intending to gift them... but then couldn't part with them. o;->  It happens. 
     I sat them up on top of the other living room bookcase. Also up there are pictures of one of my and one of Brian's grandma's, as well as the picture collage the funeral home had made of Brian's mom.
     So all in all, simple yet special things, displayed in a simple grouping, that I really really like!

     As I was working, I remembered that my brother Craig had given me this heart shaped basket. It had been in his house and I had decorated with it when we lived with him (after our house fire). He didn't need to move it with him when he married Staci. I had thought it would look cute hanging above the toilet in our bathroom. And it probably would. But the thumb tack I originally used, fell out. And when 'Ms. Vertigo' here tried putting a small nail in the wall....  Yup, it looks kind of nice sitting on the back of the toilet. o;-b!!!    Super Simple. Extremely cheap. But nice.

    So all in all, I don't have much decorated for Valentines. But I like what I do have out. And Brian was thrilled that it didn't cost him any newly earned pennies. ;-p

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I 'plan' on linking this particular posting up to:
 ~ "the simple things", are hosted by Rebecca, at 'simple as that' (http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/). 
  ~ "Amaze Me Monday('s)", are hosted by Carrie, at 'Dittle Dattle' (http://dittledattle.blogspot.com/).
  ~ "Making Your Home Sing Monday('s)", are hosted by Nan, at 'Mom's the Word (I love to hear)'  (http://momstheword--livingforhim.blogspot.com/).
  ~ Show Me What Ya Got" (Tuesday's), hosted by Stacey, at 'Not JUST A Housewife' (http://www.notjustahousewife.net/)
  ~ "Trash To Treasure Tuesday('s)", hosted by Kammy, at 'Kammy's Korner' (http://www.kammyskorner.blogspot.com/)
  ~ "Anything Goes" (Tuesday's), hosted by Tammy, at 'Type A Decorating' (http://typeadecorating.blogspot.com/)
  ~ "Transformation Thursday('s)", hosted by Gina, at 'The Shabby Creek Cottage' (http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com)
 ~ "Hookin Up With The Hepworths Every Thursday", hosted by Allison, at 'House of Hepworths' (http://www.houseofhepworths.com)
 ~ "Inspiration Friday('s)", hosted by Vanessa and Heather (sisters), at 'At The Picket Fence' (http://www.atthepicketfence.com)
  ~ "Feathered Nest Friday('s)", held at 'French Country Cottage' (http://www.frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com)

Whit and Wisdom's from Brian

copied and pasted here from his Facebook page -

he had posted this one on January 19th, 2012 -
"Shot my first turkey yesterday - scared everyone in the frozen food section. It was awesome! Gettin' old is so much fun..."

"Pecan Pie" was featured ;->

    Christi at, 'The King's Court IV' and Diane at, 'Turning the Clock Back', host the weekly blogging link up party, 'What's Cooking Wednesday('s)'. "This is your chance to showcase your recipes each and every week! Just to make things even sweeter -- each week, post your fabulous recipes for the opportunity to have your recipe featured on 'What's Cooking Wednesday' the following week!!"
    This week they chose our posting about Pecan Pie as their featured recipe. :->
    You can go HERE to both see us featured, as well as see what recipes others have linked up this week.
    Thanks for featuring us girls! We definitely consider it an honor! :-D

                                                 

chuckles tonight via Pinterest ;-p

   Brian and I have been talking about all of these recipes we have saved to try 'someday'. We want to start trying at least one a week. At least one. Preferably more.
   Some are saved in my in-house files. I promise to show them to you someday. o;-p
   But others have been saved in an email file. The big challenge with those, is that I don't always know what they are by the title of the email, or even by the name of the dish in some instances. ;-p
   This evening we decided that since I am currently so 'in' to doing my pinterest boards, I should transfer as many of the recipes from emails onto my 'Recipes I'd like to try' board as possible. That will make scanning through them ever so much easier and then if we want to get the recipe for it, we just have to click on the picture.
    So I just spent the last hour and a half doing that. First off, with the current physical symptoms I'm experiencing, sitting still is a good thing! Secondly, I didn't think to read the number of emails in the one file before I got started. Oh  my  word! There were a LOT!!!
    I'd open the email, click on the title of the email so that the computer took me to that particular posting on the site I'd saved it from, go up and click on 'Bookmarks' and then on the 'pin it' button. Once the box came up, I'd pick a picture, type in a description of the dish, as well as where I'd gotten it from, click to post, close that tab, delete that email and start all over again.
    I made wondrous progress! Man do we have a lot of good eating ahead of us!
    I was going to sign off and go fix something to eat, but then the number of new emails in my box caught my attention and curiosity. Turns out, we're not the only ones interested in trying those recipes!!! Oh my goodness!!! ;-p So-o many people on pinterest either clicked that they liked one of the recipes, or they repinned it to their own boards. Again my curiosity got tweaked, so I counted up how many had re-posted recipes total. That's when I got to chuckling. You know there's a lot when... ONE email title states, "So and so (okay, they listed a name. ;-p) and 53 others repinnned your pin on pinterest." 
     As I said, I counted only all of the re-pins and the total was 385!!! Honest! CRAZY!!! And I bet more people will still do so. Chuckling..... 
    Go HERE if you'd like to see what I pinned too. (still shaking my head and chuckling...)

p.s. - I posted this and went back to my emails. There was one new one. It's title reads, "So and so and 97 others..."  WOW!!!
       You know, I should have included some of my own recipes in there... o;-p