Kitchen

[gkelly]

On 9/20/2014 house_cat said:

Gkelly is wrong in saying that I never take the advice I get here. That's simply not true.

Once again, I apologize to anyone who thinks my question was posed with the hope of causing forum drama. I can see that you wish to stick to conversations about recipes and cooking gadgets. Okay. It might have taken me a while, but I learned my lesson.

I'm supposing that all the meanies of the world are living perfect lives with no doubts and no challenges. Good for you. I sincerely hope that you never need the help, advice or comfort from your fellow humans. I strongly believe that you get back what you put into this world.

That's it. I'll step off my soapbox now. I wish everyone a lovely weekend and week to follow.

house_cat, guess you misunderstood some of my post. Actually I was trying to be positive about your post and helpful. I was answering what another poster said about you never taking anyone's advice! I never said you didn't as I don't post on these threads a lot or as much as some do and don't read all of the threads here on the Q.

Sorry that my post wasn't up to your expectations!

[debic]

I stand by what I said, and I'm done with yet another of these threads.

[jlkz]

OP , it's true that busy people always find a way to get it all done. You'll find the right mix and make the most of limited refrigerator and freezer space. When you're done and your causes satisfied please take a few moments for yourself and set some objectives of how many offerings you want to do and their components. When you get to the limit you set, don't apologize. Simply tell whomever that you're at your max and maybe next time you'll be able to help. As one poster has already said: someone else will step up. You want to enable others to volunteer. When I finished a 2- year stint as a consensus builder for the year 2000 at a local parish, the council wanted me to take on the Communications initiative. I gracefully declined and reminded them others need to share their gifts. Over the ensuing years, a number of folks have stepped up and the parish now has many communication opportunities. One person shouldn't try to do it.

[haddon9]

If I were you (and I would have never taken all of that on myself to begin with!) I would just say the heck with it all and go someplace near you to pick up everything already made!...that's what bakeries are for!! If anyone says anything well that's their problem! It's supposed to be a fun celebration and it's not worth getting stressed & exhausted over!

It's too much of a short notice this time but next time see if you can get some volunteers to help bring some things.

ETA: I just saw your post where you mentioned you're trying to save money. I can understand that....but still I don't know how you have the time & energy to make everything!

If you're tight of freezer space is there a neighbor you can ask to borrow some space for a short time? In the past for the holidays I had to ask a neighbor which was not a problem and I would gladly help out a neighbor if they needed some freezer & fridge space for a party.

[RedTop]

Saying no comes very easy for me; I don't volunteer for anything, nor do I volunteer my husband. We are not "involved" kind of people.

[gazelle77]

Just say no.

[Poodlepet2]

House Cat, I am looking at your post-war what needs to go into the freezer, or did you mean to say fridge? Here is my idea if your fridge is overloaded. You have made the layers for the cake: the cake can sit overnight at room temperature. If you are making buttercream frosting, make it today, but put it in a zip lock bag. That goes for the carrot cake and cupcakes. That alone should free up space. Make the pie crust today, and once again, that can go into the fridge nicely contained in Ziploc. The fillings for the quiche should take very little time, but you could salute those veggies today and have them ready to go in the am. I have one last thought...I subscribe to Rachel Ray's magazine and she keeps her finger on expense. A number of times, she or her staff has discovered it can be cheaper to buy something already made. For example, in my last issue, I it was pointed out that it's cheaper to buy pancake mix than to make it from scratch-not necessarily as healthy, but there were pros and cons. Perhaps it would be cheaper to buy the store brand pie crust and that might free up some time.....it's just an idea.... Poodlepet

[DiAnne]

I volunteer also but why does all of yours involve food?

[Poodlepet2]

Sorry about the misspellings and lack of proofreading....my Kindle strikes again....that was Saute-not salute, but if you want to salute your vegetables, I won't stop you.....another idea for the future-and I remember does says when I was somewhat coerced into volunteering....but simplify when possible. For example, instead of making a devil's food layer cake with the frosting and all that it entails, make a Bundy with a simple glaze instead. Do you have good plastic storage? I have a Lock and Lock cake carrier that I bought to store my homemade bread in, but it keeps all my baked goods marvelously fresh. The idea here is, if you know you are going to have a busy weekend and food prep is involved, you could make the cupcakes on a Thursday or Friday. Oh-important-the Lock and Lock is dog proof: I am sure it's feline proof. You will get through this. Hugs, Poodlepet

[fromthebronx]

House cat, I know exactly how you feel. I have spent almost 40 years in a health care career. When I am not working, I feel like I am always doing something for my church. I am scared to death to retire (which is coming in five years). I have spent so much of my time and my self doing things for others that I have no idea what I like to do for myself. It is just so darn easy to get suckered into doing stuff, especially if you are a good cook/baker.