Well I would like to say that I do fancy labels and make my pantry look all pretty - but I do not. I would love to open my pantry and cabinets and see the beautiful labels that some make. I salivate every time I see all the pretty things that Annabel shows over at the Bluebirds (she has such talent). I am sure I have the time to do those lovely things, but I keep it simple.
It seems that some regions are more in-tune to doing the pretty labels and fancy wrappings. I notice it more in posts I see from other countries.
I love it - I love seeing it - I just aint doing it!!!!!! LOL
I am a simple kind of gal. I just want to know what is in my jar - so I do things simply. That is OK. We don't all have to have those beautiful pantries and shelves. Keep things neat and orderly and tidy, mark things in a way you know what is in it, use first in, rotate - and all is good!!!
I cut original labeling off packages and adhere to bottles. I write out my own labels freehand. I sometimes write on the lids with permanent marker (or jar). I do whatever hits me at the moment. I keep and clean many of the flats I used for my home canning. They are great for using on dry goods when you are using mason jars. You can write on them - if you want to use for something else simply use a Magic Eraser to clean the wording and you are ready for another use. I hate to throw those things away - I will use over and over.
Just a few ideas that might help you. Don't feel bad if you keep it simple too!!!! Yep, it is all pretty - but I am just a simple, simple kind of gal and I have no regrets for not being all fancy smancy with my labels.
I admire those that keep pretty shelves and I love to look at them.
As for me - give me scissors, tape or a permanent marker and call me done!
KEEPING IT SIMPLE
I label my jars the simple way, same as you do. I buy rolls of wide packing tape at the Dollar Store and use that to adhere the label to the outside of the jar. I would rather spend my time reading or crocheting than making fancy labels as no one sees the jars but me.
ReplyDeleteGlad I am not alone! It works - that is all that matters!
DeletePacking tape - great idea
We are so alike in our thinking! And I agree with Granny_J's sentiment, too. Just cut the label off the front of the box or bag and shove it in the jar, so you can easily see what it is, and then cut out the cooking instructions and set them on top of the contents. And, I do it for my flavored coffee too, cut out label facing outward before I pour the remaining grounds from the bag into the jar -- I usually do this when I've used about 1/2 of the bag and am tired of getting coffee dust all over my hands when trying to scoop some out. I have a pint bale jar that I use for coffee. Saves a lot of time, fit better in the cupboards, and things are easier to locate and use.
ReplyDeleteI keep little scoops or measures in some jars - like I have a 1/4 C measure in the rice jar. Easy peasy to get what I need.
DeleteKeeping it simple works just fine.
Love your ideas and that is a good idea with the coffee.
I do the same! I have tons of postcards but I have been known to just write on the box what's inside.
ReplyDeleteBeen there and done that!!! One time I split a box with 2 different items so I started using the postcards/recipe cards.
DeleteAs long as we know what we have!!!!!!!
My go to labeling is a Sharpie written right on the glass which is easy to wash off when the jar is empty. ON canisters I have labels made with Hubby's label maker which works very well.
ReplyDeleteGot to love a Sharpie - good for many uses.
DeleteGood idea on the label maker.
The majority of my pantry is in Tupperware modular mates acquired over the years, mostly from thrift stores. I've written on them with markers (gasp). I don't really care about House Beautiful. I want House Useful-it serves ME!😀
ReplyDeleteMy canned goods are in the garage and easy to see what's in the jars. 😀
I like that saying -- House Useful. That is so me.
DeleteYour Tupperware - nobody should care - do what you want.
I have a label maker so I use that once I've decanted things to jars. I cut off any instructions from the pkg. and either tape it to the back of the jar or to the bottom.
ReplyDeleteMy pantry is organized and tidy and that's all I need. I'd love one of those fancy, walk-in pantries but that isn't going to happen in a 550 sq. foot apt. so I go with what I have. :-)
(Margie from Toronto)
Wouldn't that be lovely to have a big walk-in pantry? I won't be having one either - my storage and here, there and every where is fine for me! LOL
DeleteI may have to invest in a label maker if I find one at a yard sale or something.
Organized and tidy is all you need!
I have about a dozen plastic shoe boxes that I use to store various parts and small specialized tools. I wrote the general contents (Plumbing, Electrical, Tape, Hinges & Handles, etc.) in sharpie on index cards and tucked them in the front of each box. Now when I am looking for something specific, I know exactly where to look. I also keep my sharp tools, ones that could slice a finger just being loose in my general tool chest, in an old metal first aid box. No specific label, but a big red cross on the top. Makes me think twice about being careful when I open the box.
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas! I do that with office supplies. Pens, pencils, markers in one. Batteries & such in one. Staples, paperclips, etc.
DeleteGood idea for tools. Big red cross - obviously gets your attention and you know BE CAREFUL!
I too drool over those fancy pantries. But I don't want to spend the money or the time. I do like you and have most things in glass jars. Or I use old cottage cheese containers and mark it with a marker.
ReplyDeleteI re-use all kinds of containers for leftovers and such. I love glass jars as you can see what you want and no ants or anything can get in.
DeleteI love the fancy labels, too, but-so far- have been too lazy to make them myself. I do the cut and paste on some of my jars, too.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful, blessed day- xo Diana
I think that is my true excuse - just to lazy to do it! LOL
DeleteHave a good one.
I got a roll of 500 removable white labels on Amazon for a very reasonable price. Those and a Sharpie work great. I don't have to spend time trying to get a sticker or permanent marker off of a jar or container. They work good to write directions on or for simple ingredients labels, also. When I want to reuse the container I just peel the label off and throw it away.
ReplyDeleteGood idea. That sure would take care of a lot of jars.
DeleteI like that - peel off and ready to go.
Yep, I keep it simple, too. I don't even bother to label things that I know what they are...which is why my husband cooked rice instead of cream of wheat, LOL. As for Annabel's beautiful labels and containers...talent is a wonderful thing, but I don't have any!
ReplyDeleteAnnabel does have a ton of talent. She does so many beautiful things.
DeleteOh that is funny about the rice. Well at least rice can be good for breakfast as well!!! Better mark the salt and sugar - or ICK!
Yep, simple is exactly the way to keep things. I have a label maker, type in the contents, stick it on the jar or container.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Interesting how many use a label maker. That is neat.
DeleteSimple is just my life!
Blessings
Love your keep it simple philosophy. I'm a simple girl too. Merry Christmas. Sharon
ReplyDeleteThanks. Doesn't mean things can't be nice - just simple.
DeleteMerry Christmas to you
From the comments, it looks like I'm in good company. I cut off the package label and cooking instructions or use a sharpie on the lid. I reuse jar lids and have had to tell Farmer to look at the jar, not just the lid. "Sugar" is on the tea bag jar. "Elderberry syrup" is purple, not honey gold (but real honey is golden.)
ReplyDeleteYep - good company indeed. Cutting off package labels and sharpies are fine with me too.
DeleteOh that is funny. Yes - sometimes one needs to be very observant!
I love that you think the same way I do! Simple is about all I can handle around here. ;)
ReplyDeleteIf it works that is what matters. Too many other things to do than worrying about complicating things.
DeleteHave a good day
If you look at those cute color-coordinated labels on containers in a beautifully organized pantry, you will realize that there is very little there. It's easy to keep order when there is hardly anything to organize. If a gal is stockpiling there's no way to make storage look pretty. Supply wins over beauty! I want to know what is there, like goods together and older product in front. I did purchase a label maker a few years ago and have used it to tag the container that holds our oatmeal, along with instructions for cooking. Cutting package labels with instructions and using them is just a smart thing to do. Sharpies are a good thing!
ReplyDelete'Supply wins over beauty'. Yeppers - I agree. I'd rather know I have plenty of food and plenty to share than have a gorgeous pantry! Both would be lovely - but I will stick with plain and plentiful.
DeleteMy labels involve masking tape and a sharpie. LOL As long as I know what's in it, like you, I'm good. I do love the look of them though I just don't do it for myself.
ReplyDeleteSmart chicky! Masking tape is a great idea.
DeleteThey are lovely - but it just isn't me either.
I love to keep food in glass. And the cheapest version is bottles one used, like spaghetti sauce and etc.!!!
ReplyDeleteLabeling them is a constant problem though. -smile-
Greetings from the "North Pole"!
I used to buy pickles and olives in gallon jars - those sure are nice. I love re-using jars. Such problems we have!!! LOL
DeleteGlad to have you here.
Sometimes I get pantry envy. They have it in beautiful baskets and the labels are perfect. Like you though I just stick the label from a bag of use my label maker machine.
ReplyDeleteI understand the envy. I get it to. It all looks so perfect - just not me.
DeleteI love the pretty labels. Since I've been a crafter all my life, supplies are all over. It's a great use for scraps.
ReplyDeleteI use everything. My best friend just asked, "Where did you get coordinated wallpaper to wrap my birthday gifts?!"
I asked the paint store for any old sample books. I got 3. They group the paper in complimentary patterns! Ta da! I used some leftover yarn to make ribbons and pom Poms. Cost me nothing. I also use that wallpaper for lining drawers and making fun envelopes. Pair the scraps with a label maker and there are beautiful labels. 😁
That is a great idea about scanning the labels, etc from the original boxes.
ReplyDelete