pantry business









yesterday was cleaning out the pantry day.  one of my regular spring cleaning tasks.
i remove all the contents of that tiny room and wipe down the shelves with hot soapy water.
i clean the microwave and toaster too.

then i go through each item and see how much is left in the bottles, boxes and jars.
i see what i've been using and what just doesn't get used.
it's a real eye opener inventory-wise.



it's also a great time to decide to use things that really just need to be used.
for instance i have 2 cans of pumpkin still left over from the fall.
so i know we'll be having some pumpkin pasta and maybe even pumpkin soup b/c rain is predicted on monday - although that is hard to believe b/c currently it is sunny and 85 degrees.

i actually like this job.  1, i feel so grateful to actually have a pantry with food in it and 2, it's like a fresh start diet and health-wise for the warm months ahead and 3, i'm reminded of how simple a vegan diet actually is and how very grateful i am that i've come to eat this way.







btw doing this job while dressed in a caftan, listening to records and sipping sparkling water only adds to the pleasure.

do have a wonderful weekend.


xo
janet


41 comments

  1. Such a beautifully calm and organised pantry.

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  2. Janet, your pantry looks so peaceful!

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  3. "dressed in a caftan, listening to records and sipping sparkling water"....oooh..I like that!

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  4. Gosh I think you sound a bit more like Holly Go Lightly than Janet today!
    Caftan, music and sparking water sounds exquisite!

    Oh and I'd LOVE LOVE LOVE a pantry like yours.

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  5. What a tranquil space, so clean and airy! x

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  6. I adore your pantry and am having pantry envy right now. I have a can or two of pure pumpkin also. I should make a loaf of pumpkin bread with it! Thanks for the inspiration,
    Claudia

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  7. I enjoy cleaning out my pantry too. It really helps me reflect on what we've bringing in our body on day to day basis and make adjustments when necessary. I integrated more vegetarian meals for this week's dinner plans, and I was pleasantly surprised how low the grocery cost was considering how many items I purchased (less processed food, more fresh wholesome food). Now I'm off to clean out my pantry :) Happy weekend!

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    1. Hello again,
      I just found this recipe and thought you might like it :)
      "dairy free, sugar free, gluten free coconut whipped cream"
      http://nuttykitchen.com/2010/06/01/coconut-whipped-cream/

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  8. Nice!

    janet, I don't know how far from LA you live, just in case you are interested, I thought I let you know there is a vegan movement going on this weekend:
    http://ble.at/events/81/la-slaughterhouse-protest

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  9. I'm always amazed at your pantry photos. For some reason, mine looks like it could feed the neighborhood for a week plus I keep unused appliances in there. I bet your fridge is just as perfect.
    You have inspired me to simplify my pantry/meals/food.
    Thank you!
    Betty

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  10. Pantry envy here. It's so sparkly clean and organized. Inspiring. My daughter has just gone vegan and is loving it. Hubs and I are heading that way...but not quite there yet. How long have you been vegan Janet?

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    Replies
    1. 5 1/2 yrs now!

      glad you are moving in that direction. you will be So Happy you did.

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  11. Looks beautiful, clean, white and crisp. I love it. You reminded me its time to clean out my-not-so pretty pranty.

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  12. There's your blue bread "pan," front and center!

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  13. Can you and your caftan please come over dance and organize in my pantry while I sip wine :)

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  14. I've been vegan for years... but not really as I drank cow's milk in my tea. I'm so happy I have FINALLY managed to let it go. I feel so much better and love having a cleaner tongue without the 'fur'! Did you notice that your body kind of deflated a bit when you came off dairy? I had started to actually feel bovine while on dairy and now I feel more human!

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  15. Janet, I love that you make your own little party while tackling a chore! Mason jars also make me feel very "well-stocked," orderly and prepared somehow as well. Still meaning to find a nook in our condo space for your "breakfast station". Don't know if I commented when you posted your kitchen reno, but I think that's brilliant and would help the DH's morning head. (I get wee bit grumpy when he crumb trails the entire kitchen making one slice of toast.)

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  16. My "pantry" is one of those typical floor to ceiling cupboards that is narrow and as deep as the kitchen counters. I can only assume that whoever designed these never spent much time in a kitchen. I would hang out in your pantry for hours at a time if it were mine! I especially love that it has a window.

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  17. I would clean that gorgeous pantry with pleasure. I'm not into spring cleaning yet, though. We actually have snow today!

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  18. janet, weather wise you are going to have a rude awakening soon, when can I move in with you?

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  19. What kind of crap are hiding on the other side? I know that blogger's trick.

    But knowing you, it's probably completely empty.

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  20. Lovely, Janet. I don't have a pantry but my kitchen cabinets could probably use a clean out. Thanks for the inspiration. I am trying a new recipe today, coconut chocolate chip cookies. It's a vegan recipe. Yum

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  21. your pantry is truly an inspiration!

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  22. That Steve. Even your pantry is elegant.

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  23. A caftan...

    You are my hero. Once again.

    xo T.

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  24. I love your pantry. I hope to have a pantry like yours someday. xo

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  25. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  26. I love your pantry. Just beautiful. Have a wonderful weekend Janet. xxx

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  27. I am amazed at how spartan your pantry is. Mine seems to be always bursting at the seams with so much and half of it I don't use.
    I wonder if you could dedicate a few blog posts to the vegan cooking essentials. It sounds like the way to go but where do I start and what essentials would I need to buy.
    I am a staunch supporter of live exports ban and today in Australia we have another revolting and vile report of cruelty to cattle when they are exported for slaughter. It is really sickening and I can't eat meat for months afterwards.

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    1. until i get around to it or in case i never do, :) - here is this post...

      http://thegardenerscottage.blogspot.com/2009/11/my-pantry.html

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  28. I did the very same thing a few days ago, but my pantry isn't nearly as cute are yours. It sure feels good to use up things that needed to be used. I find such solace in a well stocked, organized pantry. Strange huh?

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  29. j- let us know how the pumpkin soup turns out cause I have 2 cans of pumpkin from this fall also. although I should have used it this week when we had snow!

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  30. I couldn't help but notice what looks like Bragg's Liquid Aminos on your pantry shelf. I just made some chips seasoned with Bragg's Nutritional Yeast - very good. But I am curious, I've never tried the Liquid Aminos before, is it good and what do you use it in? I love Bragg's vinegar and salad dressing!

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    1. it is good michelle. i mostly use it in place of soy sauce. but it is good sprinkled on a sandwich as a dressing and can be used in salad dressings too.

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  31. I am one week into my "cutting back on meat and dairy" and boy did it seem difficult to stay away from the sweets. I feel a lot better though, so I am encouraged to keep going. Thank you for telling me about the Jacinto Farms for fresh fruit and veggies.
    By the way, you're pantry is eye candy, and I like how you can see everything at a glance.
    Your Trader Joe's friend,
    Melanie

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  32. Wow, I love your pantry! Perfect and so bright and pretty. Isn't Spring cleaning the best? You are so right about it helping take stock of what we have. I just did this and I think it helps you buy less...and like you use what you have.

    xxKim

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  33. Dear Janet

    Your pantry looks so pure and clean and neat! So beautiful, like a minimalist work of art. It made me wonder if like Dorian Grey you have a portrait equivalent: a messy cupboard somewhere else! But I'm sure not! That wouldn't be you - but it might be me! Happy packing and bon voyage for next week. I'm sure your packing is just as wonderful as your pantry. Best wishes, Pamela

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  34. Janet... I am.... OBSESSED with your walk in pantry! Some girls want a walk in closet, I want a walk in pantry!

    -Nico

    www.SatinAndSalt.com

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