Wasted space under the stairs = New Canning Closet

 Canning Closet
I have never lived in a 2-story house before, and we had no idea what to do with this wasted space under our stairs? It had a very low wall that you had to squat to get under, then very tall ceilings... it just didn't make sense! I decided to do a little home renovating. It cost about $100 for all the supplies (wire shelves, paint, new molding, saw to cut out the wall, blade to cut through the metal studs and the drywall).  We debated wood shelves vs wire shelves and decided wire shelves would be lighter and sturdier for what I need.

We cut the super low wall out so I could walk through it, then finished the wall and put molding up so it looks like a entry way. My grampa is an amazing help for these little projects I find (by help, I mean I come up with a plan, and buy the stuff and he does all the work). All  I need now is a little light to go in there because it is pretty dark.
 Overall it wasn't very expensive, or hard to do. I honestly couldn't be happier with the outcome. It is one of my favorite little rooms in the house!

It all started when I got my pressure canner for Christmas... I started my first pressure canning project in January and was immediately hooked. I have had so much fun learning about canning, and building up my little emergency supply. With hurricane season approaching, I know there is a chance we might be losing power at some point and I will be prepared! I have several different soups, stews, chili's, spaghetti sauce, salsa, bbq sauce, jelly, beans and refried beans... I'm hoping to start building up my vegetable supply with my garden harvest this summer. Yay!

Building Raised Garden Beds

My husband finally got a break from work and helped me finish the last of my garden beds. We used 2x4 and 2x6 pieces of wood with stakes in the corner to strengthen them and screws to hold everything together. My kids love helping, especially when it comes to the garden so even though it is extra stressful sometimes, and everything takes even longer, we try to let them help as much as possible. I hope by allowing them to help, plant, water and watch the seeds grow, maybe they will be more excited about eating (and better enjoying) the fruits of our labor. Jess (age 6) has been writing about it during her free writing time in school (kindergarten) so I know she has been thinking about it, and is excited to watch everything grow. Brixton (2 1/2) just likes to dig everything up and play in the dirt... but hopefully once the little red tomatoes start growing he will enjoy picking them and eating them! Chloee (age 4 1/2) loves to help, but said she would like to give her share away to someone else who needs it (so she doesn't have to eat it)... I'm hoping as stuff grows she will change her mind LOL.
Once we finished the boxes, I stapled weed barrier to the bottom of the bed in hopes of keeping my nice well composted dirt from mixing into our Florida dirt (sand) too much. *Fingers Crossed*. Then I will just need to pickup a little bit more dirt to finish filling them so I can start getting the rest of my seedlings all transplanted. Not a bad start... I'm anxious to see how this first year of gardening in Florida goes!