solution to kitchen counter clutter

No matter how hard I try, the kitchen counter just seems to collect clutter.

lots-of-kitchen-countertop-clutter

Paperwork, receipts, mail, sunglasses, random toys, cords, ipads, phones … it all accumulates right here.

before-clutter-on-counter

Ryan suggested that we find some sort of organizer to sort this mess.

Then he went to the thrift store and found this beauty:

old-metal-file

He totally inherited his mom’s knack for finding good things in the midst of junk.

The 70′s wood grain side panels were a bit much, so I took it outside and sprayed the whole thing green – partially because it is a fun color, partially because it was all we had.

spray-paint-old-metal-file

spray-paint-old-file

I’m not always a great spraypainter, but this one actually turned out great. The key is making sure there is no dust or dirt on the item, shaking the can for a long time, then spraying one pass at a time, releasing the spray nozzle each time. I did several light coats {letting each one dry for a few minutes} and it came out smooth and without major drip marks.

Now here it sits on the kitchen counter, organizing all of that kitchen counter clutter.

organize-the-kitchen-counter

I’m not sure if that basket will stay, and I will probably tire of the green and spray it white, but for now it serves its purpose of corralling the clutter.

kitchen-counter-organization

The random paperwork, receipts, cords, sunglasses are all still there, they’re just a bit more organized.

kitchen-couter-declutter-file

If you can’t find a funky 70′s metal organizer with faux wood stickers on the sides at your local thrift store, I have found a few great options available online:

countertop-organization-items

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Here’s to practical solutions for the inevitable clutter.

4 steps to the perfect {make at home} latte

For our anniversary, Ryan gave me the milk frother I had been wanting. Romantic? Maybe not. But I was thrilled. Each afternoon, I long for a sweet coffee treat and our new set up has not only indulged that craving but has also saved us lots of trips and money spent at our local starbucks.

Here’s my latte-making routine:

4-stepssupplies-to-make-latte

step-1-&-2 step-3-&-4

enjoy-the-coffee

1. I use the bosch tassimo single serve machine {a hand-me-down from Ryan’s parents!} with decaf espresso pods.  It takes seconds for a freshly brewed cup of espresso.

2. All I need is just a splash of vanilla syrup and a heaping teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder for that subtly sweet afternoon pick-me-up.

3. Pour milk into the frother and set to desired temperature. Press the button and it whirls the milk around heating it up and making it the most delicious creamy/airy milk

4. Add milk to espresso/flavoring. If you’re fancy you can make little swirls and leaf shapes and hearts with your foam. I haven’t perfected this yet.

Enjoy!

SOURCES

Tassimo single-serve coffee brewer
{there are many different single serve coffee makers on the market – or you can just use strongly brewed coffee}

Gevalia decaffeinated espresso pods
{be sure to use the pods specifically made for your machine}

Breville milk frother
{there are many different frothers on the market. I chose this based on reviews and am very happy with it. My one request would be for an even hotter setting. I like my lattes very, very hot}

Vanilla syrup

Cocoa powder
{the only link I could find is for a pack of 10 – you probably won’t want that many – a little goes a long way. I love getting the flavor of chocolate without all the sweetness}

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