Pantry Pics

[vertigo3l]

We finally hung the posters and apron hook in the pantry this morning, so it is "complete". Eventually we will add a drop ceiling to cover up the beams, but that will most likely be 6+ months from now and there's no way I can wait that long to post pictures.

Comments

[first_lobster]

OMG I LOVE ALL OF IT. Especially those posters - amazing.

I would kill for this kind of storage space.

[vertigo3l]

Thank you! I have never had anywhere near this amount of storage space before and I am in a daze!

[eicnan]

so full of awesomesauce!

[momandmore]

wow!!!! this is fantastic!!!!

[vertigo3l]

Thank you! I am so excited.

[zeroed_in]

This is so perfect, I'm really jealous!
I love that Seller's Cabinet. I saw one in an antique store one day and it had so many secret compartments and gizmos, every time I opened a door or discovered something else, I said, "Holy shit!" and the woman was like, "I'll sell it to ya for $3000," and I was like, "Man, this thing's cool but I don't have $3000."

[vertigo3l]

Thanks! I have never had this much storage space in my life and I'm in a daze. I'm so grateful to Craig for building it; if it been my project I'd still be staring in confusion at a pile of materials.

Holy moly, $3000! It must have been in way better condition than mine. I've toyed with the idea of restoring it and trying to find all of the original accessories, but after googling it I have concluded that restoring it can go on the "lottery list". It seems like it would be pretty expensive. I'm pretty shocked at how cheap the pantry was to build; but only because we didn't have to pay for labor. Phew. We would never have been able to afford it otherwise!

[darlingmiette]

Ahhhh! I was JUST thinking about you, darling, wondering how you were since I hadn't seen a post from you in so very long. I thought you had gotten caught up in the babymaking and the next post I'd see was a "GUESS WHAT GUYS?!" kind of post. But instead, you've been busy homemaking and OH MY GOODNESS, is it ever spectacular.

I actually got a little misty-eyed seeing your beautiful pantry, especially the gorgeous heirloom pieces from your grandmother. Your new, own space is filled with such warm memories. I love it.

I am so excited that you're sharing this home-journey with us, and with photos!! It makes my heart so so happy, especially since I won't be owning a home for another few years... it is very nice to live vicariously through you! :D

You and your husband make such a great creative team. I am also impressed by your mention of sticking to a "strict budget". I really value the idea of living within one's means/responsibly and it's so refreshing to see others practicing this.

[vertigo3l]

Aw, thank you for the kind words! We are loving our modest little home. There's a lot of work to be done, but we are making progress slowly slowly and enjoying every moment.

Not having a lot of money right now definitely keeps us on track. This is my husband's slowest season so we are feeling broke. We are so lucky that Craig can do all of the carpentry so that we don't have to pay for labor. Otherwise, we would never have been able to afford it! The pantry cost us under $500 so far. The door and the ceiling will be nice, but they are not necessities right now so they'll have to wait. The next project I am willing to spend money on will be the 14x16' vegetable garden in the backyard; that's one that I am super excited about.

[mayflowermama]

I never saw this post!!!!!! Beautiful....you know me and food storage! May I suggest you get a sharpie marker and date all your food. Always put the new stuff in back of the old so that it's properly rotated too. Food storage brings such peace of mind. I love that you have it!

[vertigo3l]

Oooh, that's a good suggestion. I have been wondering how I'm going to keep it all straight. Do you date it for the date of purchase? I also haven't quite figured out how to store large flour/sugar yet. Do you keep it in the big bags or transfer it to another container? I am so excited to finally be able to have real food storage! It really does bring peace of mind, it's a wonderful feeling.

[mayflowermama]

Yes, I date it with the month and yr purchased. 3/99

I have stored sugar, flour and rice in 5 gallon food safe buckets. I have also simply put the cereal, bags of sugar and four into those clear sterite bins keeping them in their oringinal packaging. The food is protected from rodents that way too. Don't go too overboard on the sugar though as it hardens, especially if there is any dampness down there. You can also keep bags of flour in the big freezer.

I also run a dehumidifier in the summer months so the basement doesn't get that New England stinky smell. That smell transfers to flour, pasta and cereals and wrecks them.

Our church has a cannery in Worcester, MA where you can buy and can oats, sugar and dried beans for super cheap. So, I have a lot purchased in cans too.

Don't forget to get some water storage too. The whole secret to food storage is keeping it rotated and knowing what you have.

[vertigo3l]

You have such good advice! I never knew that basement smell would transfer to food! I will definitely run the dehumidifier right outside the door.

Oooh, I wish they had a cannery like that in Maine! I would go for sure.

I also never knew you could keep flour in the freezer. How long do they last in there? Past the expiration date?

I think keeping everything fresh and rotated is going to be my biggest challenge. I am definitely going to date everything with a Sharpie this afternoon. I think that will help!

For water storage, do you just do gallon jugs?