A GON Reader Asks:

Hello Maria,

I really need help with my refrigerator. I hate, hate, hate throwing food away and I always plan on eating leftovers, but I always forget they are in the refrigerator. Any suggestions on how to remember? Thanks!

This fabulous GON reader 'Ask Maria' question was submitted by:

Marinell Madden-Crippen

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Maria Gracia responds:

Hi Marinell,

Thank you for your question and yes, I have a few ideas for you that work very well for my family and, hopefully, will work for yours as well:

1) Have a meal-plan for the week. Grab a sheet of paper and make a grid:

3 ROWS:
Label 1) Breakfast, 2) Lunch, and 3) Dinner

7 COLUMNS:
Label 1) Mon, 2) Tue, 3) Wed, 4) Thu, 5) Fri, 6) Sat, and 7) Sun

You now have a place to indicate what you're eating for each meal. For instance, in the box for Dinner on Monday, you might indicate 'Meatloaf,' in the box for Dinner on Tuesday, you might indicate 'Pasta,' and in the box for dinner on Friday, you might indicate, 'Meatloaf LEFTOVERS.'

By actually designating a day that you'll be eating those leftovers, whether they're used for another dinner or a lunch, you won't forget about them.

2) Don't overstuff your refrigerator. When it's stuffed to the max, it's nearly impossible to find what you need, and leftovers are often pushed to the back and go bad before they're used up.

3) Keep all leftovers stored in one area of the refrigerator. I always keep leftovers on the third shelf down in my fridge, and try to store them all to one side whenever possible. They're easier to find and use up this way.

4) Don't go grocery shopping until the refrigerator is nearly empty. This is another good way to use up those leftovers...it forces you to eat everything prior to shopping.

5) Store leftovers in the same type and color of containers whenever possible. I use glass Pyrex (all blue lids) and Gladware (all green lids) to store leftovers...all the same containers with the same lids. We can see our leftovers easily by the color of the container and lid.

6) Cook for one meal. For any GON reader who is not good about eating leftovers because they don't particularly like to eat leftovers, be careful about the portions you're cooking in the first place. In this case, make just enough for one meal and there won't be any leftovers to be concerned about.

Hope these tips help!

Maria

Just a very quick shout out to let you know that my latest issue of Anything and Everything is now available. It's the JUNE 2019 issue and I know you're going to love it. Check it out:

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What good is it doing if it's tucked away?
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Why do I cry when I'm happy?
While most of us cry in really sad or extremely difficult situations, many of us shed tears at more joyful times as well. What on earth causes this?

Ditch the awkward silence
Have you ever found yourself standing next to someone at a party or business social activity and at a complete loss for anything to say? If so, here's some help

Keep yourself and your family safe this summer
Every season has its own variety of hazards, and summer is not exempt. These 11 tips will help ensure you and your family enjoy a safe summer

Sunglass myths...busted!
While many people think of sunglasses as merely a fashion accessory, they are much more important than that. Here are a bunch of little-known myths and truths

How are you investing your time this summer?
Are you planning on a lazy summer, a time to get things done, or a little of both?

Grape Salad with Toasted Pecans
You can toss this together in minutes. It tastes delicious and, whenever I bring it along to get-togethers, it's a huge hit!

10 things to tell your dad (or remember him by) this Father's Day
Dads, step-dads, father-in-laws (or anyone who acts like a dad)...saying these things is a great way to celebrate them

Summer sayings
If you love summer, you're sure to love these summer sayings

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Maria

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GON Ask Maria A reader calls out for help: 'When I organize, the next day it's back to a mess. Help!'
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GON Monthly Checklist: June A productive summer with time to relax and enjoy? Yes, please! Follow our NEW June Organizing Checklist so you're getting things done AND having fun!
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GON Weekly Challenges: June For each week of June, our challenges will be focused on Home Projects. Focus on the mini challenge for WEEK ONE this week.
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In ADDITION, on my home page, you'll also find lots of NEW and featured STUFF including...

Cast your vote How much time do you spend sitting each day? Take our poll and let us know.

Social Media Feature Discover the unproductive cycle of procrastination

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Have a home project or two to complete this week? If so, you'll love our featured 'Garfield' comic strip


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'At the end of the week, my husband and I do a leftovers dinner, where we have to use whatever's in the fridge. It's sort of a game.' --Lake Bell

I'd love to hear from you.

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And remember...Being organized creates a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

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