Home Organizing Tips

Unexpected Snow Day in Destin: A Perfect Time to Declutter and Cozy Up With These Home Organizing Tips.

Snow in Destin, Florida is a rare and magical occurrence, and while it may bring unexpected chills, it also offers the perfect opportunity to tackle projects around the house.

On this snowy day, I decided to embrace the weather by decluttering, organizing, and whipping up some comfort food. So, here’s how I turned a chilly surprise into a productive and heartwarming day.

Organizing the Spice Cabinet

First, I tackled the spice cabinet, which had been begging for attention. I pulled out every jar, bottle, and tin, checking expiration dates and grouping similar spices together. Who knew I had three jars of cumin? I transferred loose spices into matching Glass Jars and then labeled each one for easy identification. 

I love the wooden lids and pre-printed labels that came with this set on Amazon. Now, my spice cabinet is a picture of order, and I’ll never lose the cinnamon again! Here are the before and after photos – what a difference!

Next, I turned my attention to the silverware drawer. I removed everything, wiped down the tray, and then assessed the contents. I discovered several mismatched pieces that I hadn’t used in years. After reorganizing the tray by type and size, I set aside the extras for donation. So, the drawer is now streamlined and satisfying to open.  I love this Bamboo Organizer from Amazon. 

Closet clutter was my next target. I went through each item and pulled out items that no longer fit or hadn’t been worn in ages. I sorted clothes into three piles: keep, donate, and recycle. Along the way, I rediscovered cozy sweaters and scarves that were perfect for the cold weather. I also gathered unused towels and blankets to donate to local pet shelters—a simple way to give back while clearing space.

So, after all that organizing, it was time to reward myself with some comfort food. I made a large pot of white chicken chili and a loaf of homemade bread. The aroma filled the house, making it feel even cozier as snowflakes drifted outside. Both recipes are family favorites, and the warm, hearty meal was the perfect way to cap off a productive day. I love to cook in a Dutch Oven. It’s perfect for a pot of soup or chili and for baking a beautiful loaf of the easiest homemade bread. Here are the recipes so that you can make a delicious cozy dinner.

White Chicken Chili

Here’s a super simple and delicious white chicken chili recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 2 (15 oz) cans of white beans (like cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
• 1 (4 oz) can of diced green chilies
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese

Optional Toppings

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sliced avocado
• Lime wedges
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Extra cheese

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, white beans, green chilies, chicken broth, and spices (cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano) and then stir well to combine.
3. Simmer: Bring the chili to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Add Creaminess: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the sour cream and shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like cilantro, avocado, lime juice, or tortilla chips.

Enjoy your warm and comforting bowl of white chicken chili!

No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (not hot, about 110°F/43°C)

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Instructions:

1. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast. Next, add the warm water and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy, sticky dough forms and cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
2. Let It Rise: Let the dough sit at room temperature for 12-18 hours. It should double in size and be bubbly.
3. Shape the Dough: Lightly flour your countertop and turn out the dough and gently shape it into a ball (don’t overwork it). Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper for easy handling.
4. Preheat the Dutch Oven: About 30 minutes before baking, place your Dutch oven (with the lid on) into your oven and preheat it to 450°F (232°C).
5. Bake the Bread:
   • Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven and lift the dough (with the parchment paper) into it. Cover with the lid.
   • Bake for 30 minutes with the lid on, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
6. Cool: Carefully remove the bread and parchment paper from the Dutch oven and let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

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An unexpected snow day in Destin turned out to be a blessing in disguise. By dedicating the day to decluttering and organizing, I not only improved my living space but also found ways to give back to the community. The pot of chili and fresh bread were the icing on the cake, creating a sense of warmth and accomplishment. A very unexpected snow day turned into a productive day in our home!

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