Reusing Gel Window Clings

Halloween has come and gone, but I'm already preparing for next year!  Just by neatly packing away this year's decorations, I'll be ready for next year when it comes.

I know they're usually just $1, but I like to reuse the gel clings we get for the holidays.  (I can't wait to unpack my Christmas ones!)

Easy to put away, easy to reuse!  Simply fold neatly into wax paper and lay flat when you pack up.  

My Spice Organization Nightmare

This is my spice nightmare:

Spice Nightmare!

I had about 4 of these tubs FILLED with spices.  I had duplicates of several because I wouldn't be able to find what I was looking for, so I would buy more.  

I am a bit of an obsessive when it comes to organization, but this is one area I constantly pushed to the back of my mind.  I don't cook that often, so this was easy to do, for a little while.

But with my husband working more constant nights, I was spending much more time in the kitchen and much more time looking for my spices! 

I wanted to get a rack, but I had two big problems.  I didn't want to clutter my counter top any more.  I like clean, open counters.  But my big, money-saving, waste-not problem was that almost ALL racks come with spices.  I don't need more spices, I need to organize what I have!  

There are A LOT of options out there for obsessives like me.  Here are a few:

1. Drawer organization

  If you can spare a whole drawer, you can alphabetize your spice jars, and simply lay them down in an organized fashion, or buy one of these nifty things.  Unfortunately, drawer space is at a premium in most kitchens!

2. Cabinet Mounted

  You can purchase a simple rack, or spice clips to mount within your cabinet.  This was an appealing idea, and probably the runner up to my ultimate decision (which we'll get to momentarily!)  

3.  Spice Stack

  I liked this idea.  You can fit 18 bottles in one, and they pull out pretty easily.  I looked at one at Bed Bath and Beyond and just wasn't impressed with the quality for $24 a piece.  Had it been cheaper, I may have tried it.

4.  Tiered Organizer

  Easy to organize and affordable - but I can't stand the wasted space under the "stairs"!

5. The Spinning Rack

 And the winner is... dumb luck.  I found this rack on sale online at William Sonoma online for $20 each.  Now that I'm an expert, I realize that this was a bargain!  I went in the store where they had two for $16 each.  Done and done.  Solid wood and beautiful!  They are fairly compact - so I was able to fit two perfectly side by side in my cabinet.  And they are gorgeous, so I wouldn't be shy about displaying them on my counter if I had the space.  

Spice Heaven!

I bought the glass jars at Bed Bath and Beyond and printed my own labels.  I am obsessed with the result!  All said and done, the project was about $45.  It's more than I wanted to spend, but I couldn't be happier with the result.  I smile every time I open the cabinet - and I did this project 2 months ago!  BONUS - I enjoy cooking even more now when I get to spin my rack, and easily find my perfectly alphabetized spice jar.  

Hope this post helps you achieve spice heaven in your kitchen!