Every Spring I go crazy clearing out clutter and cleaning all those places no one sees, and I think due to the unseasonably warm weather we have had recently the nesting bug has kicked in early. On Saturday, with Andy working and the girls both tied up with friends, I had a rare window all to my self in which to indulge my cleaning desires. Anyone who knows me will know that the desire to clean doesn't come often so I needed to make the most of it!
The kitchen was my main target, but as with all these projects there is a knock on effect!
(Before)
This cupboard houses our everyday china and glasses, and had got precariously out of control. Unfortunately in my rush to crack on I forgot to take a before photo until I had cleared the worst shelf - the plates looked like the leaning tower of Pisa.
(After)
The open shelves (below) had got the smeech and grime from cooking on them so everything was washed and sorted. I decided to move the jars of food stuff from the cupboard onto the shelves, which is where they were originally, and this is working much better for us now.
(Before)
(After)
This is my new baking cupboard, having been a store for all sorts of kitcheny bits and bobs before. I forgot to take a before pic in my excitement, but it wasn't pretty! The tins on top are for dog biscuits and bonios.
And these are the spice shelves above it.
Unfortunately when clearing out there is always the problem of what to do with all the things you haven't found a home for. Such as these bits and bobs.
I'm systematically listing a range of things on ebay to clear out some clutter, and I have a plan for some of the other bits and pieces. I recently acquired 7 boxes full of vintage china (over 250 items) which I am slowly finding homes and uses for, or selling on those bits that aren't any use. I'm lucky that Andy just raises his eyebrows as he is forced to carry in boxes of junk from the boot of the car and then leaves me to get on with it. Despite having to step round the boxes in the basement and the dining room. He's very long suffering!
Today is not going to be as productive a day - I've got the lurgy so I'm wrapped up on the sofa and may just manage to tackle some knitting and dozing. I haven't been able to keep a cup of tea down yet and getting the girls sorted with breakfast was a challenge. Hopefully it is a short lived bug and I can get back to being productive again. The knock on effect of cleaning the kitchen was that heaps of stuff got moved the the dining room. That's my next before and after project so watch this space!!
P.S I have been trying to leave comments on several blogspot blogs and it won't accept my open id - does anyone know if it is a general problem or just me?