Category: lifestyle

Utilizing small spaces, small budgets.

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There’s nothing better than a home-cooked meal when it comes to food — for so many reasons — which is why I do most if not all of my cooking at home. Naturally, when I knew I’d be limited to a single countertop with a microwave and mini-fridge I knew I’d need to make some adjustments. Today I thought I’d share a little more about my ‘kitchen’ and how I’ve been using the space to suit my needs and cooking habits.

When preparing to move, you should always consider the extra expenses for appliances you may need as well as new cookware and dishes, and set aside extra savings. There are many things you can and should buy second-hand or at the dollar store, but the main thing you should always have on hand is a set of nice dishes. Not only is it best to have good quality dishes to serve food on when hosting company, but you should do it for yourself. The same goes for pots and pans, mainly because you’ll want something that will last and function for a long time. Aside from those however, you can save hundreds on your utensils, mixing bowls, storage containers, etc. if you know the right places to look.

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This is the one drawer under the countertop and I have to say, I am quite impressed with how well everything fit into it. There really was a place for everything I have. The cutlery tray was already there, and had a little cutlery in it already, but I added more of my own (the red-handled 16-piece set) which I purchased for $4.00 at a Dollar store in town. each of the cooking utensils I was able to buy at a different $ store this summer, each piece costing under $5. The knives I found at my local thrift shop, and each was in very good condition. Cleaned and sharpened they’re like-new! For things like these, all you need is something functional. Don’t spend more than you have to on small items that will work just as well. Also — don’t buy more than you know you will need. Make a list of all of the essentials, and don’t buy anything simply because it looks interesting and you think you may cook with it in the future. This will lead to clutter, and it will cost you money that could have been spent on better things.

~ The tin in the corner is full of some extra cookie cutters my mom let me keep, so I was lucky to get something for free.

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And this is what I have to work with! As you can see — very tight space. The microwave had to be moved to a little side table so that I could use the countertop for my toaster oven. Some things, like baking, are just too necessary. It takes some getting used to, but with a little improvisation and a learned comfort of working with food, the options are endless.

You’re also forced to consider your storage space when grocery shopping, which actually helps keep you from overspending. It’s a great added benefit.

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And here is where I keep my dinnerware. The white porcelain set I found at Canadian Tire for a great sale price, while everything else — vintage blue melmac set and glasses (behind cupboard door) I found at the same thrift store as the knives, and for less than $20 altogether. The cat mug I’ve had for a few years 🙂

Sunday shopping, bread, and more!

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I thought I’d post a little update this afternoon. Well, I suppose it’s getting on into the evening now, but it’s been an eventful day. I started off my morning with a breakfast of scrambled egg and tomato omelette. Then it was time to do my laundry and a little light cleaning.

My meal plan was organized so that I’d be stocked with enough groceries to last for the week up until today and it worked out. I still have some ingredients left over which saved me from having to buy more but despite that I somehow ended up going over the budget this trip. Some of the fruit can be frozen to last into next week, and I’ll be more careful to compare the prices of everything before putting them in my basket from now on.

Instead of spending extra on bread this week, I decided to get a jar of instant yeast and make a loaf myself. It’s rising right now, actually — almost time to bake. Here is the recipe I used.

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Also, I learned a very important lesson this week: you should never leave prepped onions in the fridge. Especially if it’s a small fridge. Of course, prepping food can make your life worlds easier. Whenever you want to cook, you have a container of pre-chopped veggies to whip out and no cutting boards or knives to clean once you’ve finished making the meal.

Yesterday as I stepped out the door on my way to work, I immediately noticed a smell coming from my jacket. I have to admit it put me in a bit of a panic! Nobody wants to get on the bus smelling of onions! Fortunately I was stopping in to visit my family before work and they let me use the washing machine. By the time I arrived home last night (after two more long bus rides) the bowl of onions had been sitting in the fridge for almost 24 hours. And what a smell that was. Instead of going to bed, the place needed to be aired out and I stayed up. Opened the windows. Plugged in my essential oil diffuser — thank goodness for that! If I didn’t have those oils it would’ve taken twice if not three times as long to get rid of it. It took a bit of research, but I found some quick methods for removing odours that I could use without having to make an extra trip to the grocery store.

  1. Baking soda: pouring baking soda into little containers and placing them around the house, in spots where the smell is strongest helps to absorb it. I put a little dish of baking soda on the couch, and put the cushions over it to help remove the smell from them. I placed the box of baking soda just inside the fridge door, open. I shouldn’t be surprised, but it is working — and well — most noticeably with the couch.
  2. Vinegar: The same thing, strangely. I don’t know the science behind it, but apparently the vinegar acts in a similar way absorbing odours from the air. So I placed a couple small bowls around my suite, including inside the fridge.
  3. Essential oils: used with a diffuser to disperse fragrant mists. I’ve had to move it around, and the mist carries perfumed scents which drift and settle, covering unwanted smells. This has worked the best out of everything I tried.
  4. Perfumes: I would not recommend using anything strong, as it will be hard to get rid of once it dries. I have a couple very mild candy and marshmallow scented perfumes which I sprayed on the blinds and bamboo screen which had also soaked up some of the onion.
  5. Fresh air: just leaving the windows open is one of the best ways to freshen up a room. Even if it’s cold out, just bundle up for a bit so that you can get back to having an odour-free space.