Labels

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 opened a box of dry milk to use in a jar recipe and had plenty left. I made a couple jars up and I simply cut he label off the front of the box & the mixing instructions. I made scan of both and printed it out. I now have a label for both jars and inside the jar there is a paper with mixing instructions. Easy.

The taller bottles in back say salt and pepper - well I know better! They both contain dried tomato peels to use in soups/cooking. Front left - dry ham base (bouillon) with simple mixing instruction written on top. Front left - onion soup/dip mix - ordered in bulk and they sent a few labels. I use what works.

I showed this picture earlier. Jars have labels cut from packages - some hand written. I often place instructions on how to prepare on/in things I don't use every day.

Split peas - needs no label - but I do have the instructions cut out and placed in the jar for an easy resource

Pasta needs no explanation. Lima beans - instructions on preparing placed in the jar.

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.

Little computer labels work too. Even fill up a canning box with all the same product and label box with a postcard. Whatever works!

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