Clean counter dream not quite working out

It seems that over the past few years I have transitioned from being obsessed with the never-ending pursuit of nice clean, empty countertops to having “stations”. There are NO empty spots on my counters! Every foot is taken by some kind of work station. It’s chaotic, but practical. And now I really love the controlled mess. Though it does get dusty with the windows open all the time.

Here’s a little tour:

This is our toasting station. Steve loves bagels with cream cheese and “everything” seasoning for breakfast, so we just keep a crumbly breadboard and bread knife at the ready. I try to wash his cream cheese knife every couple of days at least so he doesn’t die of dairy botulism.

The baking station keeps growing! Believe it or not, but I’m about to finally start making my own pie crust. Or at least try! I love seeing the beehives and garden in the background.

This kitchen corner is basically our bar station. The Bartesian machine is plugged in the corner (on a really handy little rolling station), the pods are in the top drawer, drinkware is in the corner cabinet above, and the liquor and wine refrigerator are below.

My smoothie station. Somehow I ended up with four different types of protein powders, but my hands-down favorite is Ballerina Farm’s maple cinnamon flavor, and I also love the peanut butter powder from Costco.

My oatmeal station. Fruits, nuts, and of course brown sugar Splenda on a copper Lazy Susan tray.

Somehow we also ended up with a tortilla station, while Steve experiments with different approaches. His latest flour ones were winners, and next he is adding some spices.

Our coffee & tea station. Love the clutter, but still mostly love the commercial Keurig machine that is plumbed into water.

Sprout station. If I don’t eat them, the chickens will (but definitely not Steve!)