Pantry Storage Containers

*I* bought plastic for my cupboards, gulp.  We had trouble with moths in our pantry cupboards and since then I've been looking high and low for safe containers to put flour, sugar, and other staples in.  After considering my options, I finally bought lock and lock plastic which I feel is relatively safe.  Its made of polypropylene (much safer than polycarbonate) and has a silicone seal.  They offer a lifetime warranty on the product and I'm pleased with the sturdiness of it.  Its air and water tight, so I don't think my little moth friends will be getting in nor out of these containers.  They state that its dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe, but mine will not be put in the dishwasher or microwave.  

Meijer had these on sale last week 20% off and I finally figured out that a 16.3 cup lock and lock is the size that will hold a 5lb bag of flour/ sugar/ etc.  They sold these in a package of 3- the 16.3 cup container with two smaller ones inside.  I purchased enough of these sets to put sugar, whole wheat flour, bread flour, and a few other things in the large ones and used the smaller ones for rice, quinoa, barley, etc.  I bought a long container to keep noodles in, and a large container to hold bread that I make in my bread machine.  I used my label maker to put labels on things, but these containers are also very see through, which is great for seeing how much sugar or flour I have left.  

Overall I'm happy with the new organization of my cupboards and am happy that the moths are now under control.  We had one infestation where we had to throw away quite a bit of food and while I was putting things in my new containers I found that they had started coming back again, but I think I finally have them beat.  It did cost a bit to purchase the containers, but was worth it.  The moths can eat through plastic bags (like the bag rice comes in or a plastic ziploc bag) but they can't get through solid plastic containers like these.

Note- I had considered glass containers, but couldn't find anything with a seal.  If you can find canning jars with a wide mouth in larger gallon or 1/2 gallon sizes, you can use these white plastic lids.  I thought these jars would be too heavy and large for my small pantry, but it may be a good option for someone.  

Replacing Recipes

I've been trying to replace store bought food with homemade in as many ways as I can.  I've had lots of recipe flops, but have finally come up with some good ones.  These are now my tried and true go-to recipes.  Its so frustrating when a recipe turns into a disaster, but so rewarding to find ones we love and can add to my cookbook.  

pizza crust in the bread machine

buttery bread machine rolls

granola bars

awesome blueberry muffins (these are made with white flour and not super healthy, but oh so good!)

croutons

tortillas

bagels

light wheat bread (good sandwich bread)

I've been working hard at this lately, trying new recipes for dinner as well as trying to figure out how to make these things.  I figure that making my own eliminates the preservatives, lets me control the ingredients, is cheaper, healthier, and saves packaging waste from buying all this at the store.  I'm continually working on this and will share more as I go.  

Sharing My Journey

Wow, that was a long break.  I've decided I'd like to start blogging again and sharing my journey with others.  Stay tuned for some great posts ahead on things like recipes, book reviews, homemade ideas, etc.  I've been thoroughly inspired by passionatehomemaking.com and other blogs I've been following and this has encouraged me to begin sharing my own journey again.  - the journey towards homemade, handmade, simpler life, healthy life, etc.  :)  Although I haven't been blogging this past year, I've still been working like crazy on making our home healthy and safe.  I'll share some of that in the days ahead.  Thanks for reading!

The Greenhouse Effect

From the book "The Complete Organic Pregnancy"by Deirdre Dolan and Alexandra Zissu

"Not only do plants convert carbon dioxide to oxygen, but some remove chemicals, too. All the more reason to thank them every so often. The following list of indoor plants will help filter the air in your home.

Aloe vera (formaldehyde)
elephant ear philodendron (formaldehyde)
English ivy (benzene)
ficus (formaldehyde)
golden pothos (carbon monoxide, benzene, formaldehyde)
peace lily (benzene, trichloroethylene)
spider plant (carbon monoxide)"

(These plants aren't necessarily non toxic to children, so keep that in mind in choosing where to put them.)  I recently got an aloe plant and will also use it in case of sunburns this summer.  Spider plants and golden pothos (ivy like plant) are super easy to keep.  I always forget to water my plants and these do just fine.  ;)