On a scale of 1-10, 1 being “what is soap?” and 10 being “no dirt shall ever enter my home,” I’d say I’m around a 7 at trying to be a neat freak.
I have the island of Manhattan and all of its lovely varieties of bugs to thank for that. I am terrified of bugs, so if I can ward them off by staying clean, I’m more than happy to do so, especially since Bailey–literally–wouldn’t kill a fly.
This is not the face of a killer. This is the face of a dog who needs a haircut, though.
Anyway, living in Manhattan also means less space than my suburban friends might have. It’s absolutely still worth the sacrifice for me, but it doesn’t mean it doesn’t drive me nuts sometimes.
So those spices up there (which the fine people at McCormick sent me a few weeks ago) are appreciated, but their presence on my counter while I searched for a better spot was driving me a bit nuts.
As were the insides of these cabinets. (And yes, I will not buy another thing of sea salt or cane sugar for quite some time. Promise.)
I was hosting a Junior League meeting at my apartment last night, and I like to at least pretend I’m organized (even if some of the members of my committee read my blog and know better), so I needed to find a spot for those spices, since they clearly weren’t going in here.
So I bought a spice rack from the Container Store yesterday.
One little rack instantly made me feel more adult (do you know any college kids with a spice rack? Evan doesn’t count.), more organized and gave me a place for my spices. Like therapy but cheaper.
I used to be nervous about both entertaining and public speaking/leading meetings, so it’s a good thing I got over that, because last night, I led a meeting. While entertaining. (Reasons to recruit one of your best friends to be on your committee? They help you host when you’re slightly freaking out. Thanks, Lace!)
We usually keep our off-site Junior League meetings really simple–some snacks (hummus and multi-grain chips), salad and pizza.
Guys, I’m sorry if you smelled that candle from the hall and thought I had actually cooked. Psyche!
The salad is inspired by this recipe from Tiffany, who used to be on the committee. My version last night was far more simple: spinach, dried cranberries, feta and balsamic vinagrette–with walnuts added later.
And pizza, ordered from Pizza 33. I discovered Pizza 33 years ago late-night and have had a soft spot for it in my heart ever since.
Excellent meeting last night! Also, am I considered “suburban,” since I live in Astoria?
Unrelated: can you measure the depth of your spice rack? I might get one for my tiny cabinets.
@Lacey: No, boroughs don’t count as suburban. Except for maybe Staten Island 😉
Measurements: 11-5/8″ x 3-3/8″ x 7-1/2″ h
@Theodora: Yup. Staten Island is mostly suburban. 🙂 I’m good with that.
@Jen Correa @ Mom’s Gotta Run: Yeah, that comment was for you 🙂
That spice rack is beautiful! I am in love and now am dying to have one whenever I finally move out of my house and get a place of my own someday. I love posts about organization and decor – keep them coming!
@Caitlin: Thanks! Any posts about decor will likely be few and far between since I’m pretty happy with how my apartment is decorated now (or, as happy as one can get in a rental), but the organization (especially being a busy, single New Yorker) is an evolving thing.
I love the spice rack. Seems like it requires maintainence
though.
@Jen Correa @ Mom’s Gotta Run: I go through spices incredibly slowly. The only maintenance is not losing the stickers for when I buy new spices.
Ha. A spice rack would make me feel so adult, too. I should get one.
Love the spoon dish – St. michaels is one of my favorite places to go and relax at a B&B!
I love pizza 33!
I moved in with my fiance over the weekend and I think I’d say I’m a 9 on your scale 😛 It’s not so much the cleanliness as being organized… It’s frustrating searching for things!
P.S. I totes am in need of a spice rack! The cabinets in the apartment are far less than stellar so some type of organization system needs to be bought ASAP!
I hope one of the spices was Old Bay! Loved seeing the St. Michaels crab spoon. Fun spread for entertaining!
I have dreams about how I want to organize all my spices and gluten-free flour collections. Some how I always seem to spend my organization budget on new products at Whole Food though!
I wish I had a spice rack. What I use is more like a shower caddy.
@Evan: I don’t believe you don’t have a spice rack! 😮
i love those chip/dip dishes! SO DOPE! i love all the stuff in this post, actually, especially B 🙂
I always wonder how organization works in such small apartments. I love the spice rack! But how do you know which spice is which? <—- dumb question?
@Nicole: Organization in small apartments is TOUGH. Especially since I’m a bit of a packrat. I know which spice is which because there are little stickers!
bailey <3
also, things like spice racks excite me.
bailey looks like he’s smirking in this picture.