Where to start?

I debated with myself for a couple of days on where to start my simplifying challenge. Originally I was going to kick it off with my closet because, well, it is pretty scary in there. It is my catch all for stuff that I will put away "later." Ya pretty dumb I know.

Then it hit me. I need to start someplace that I will see EVERY. SINGLE. DAY! I need that visual motivation to keep me going.

Being a mom with young kiddos that haven't quite grasped the concept of picking up after themselves and a husband that leaves his socks EVERYWHERE (love you honey), I have spent many days cleaning up areas only to have my work immediately undone by those little angels. I'm sure sure countless others can relate. So by the end of the day I am tired and the last thing I want to do is dishes.

I have so many pots and pans. Too many honestly. I have frying pans that I cannot remember the last time they were used. I have pots that are so scratched up that there is a very good chance they really shouldn't be used anymore for health reasons. Teflon and its associated health-risks anyone? Plus instead of washing as I use them I just pull out more and more pots, plates, and utensils ultimately making doing the dishes as intimidating as boxing a grizzly bear.

Seriously, why am I keeping these things? Maybe I can find a use for them? I don't want to be wasteful?  I had it in college? Are those really my best excuses?

That settles it! Challenge number one is to go through my pots and pans and keep only what is in good condition, use regularly, and is healthy to cook in. In addition I will be de-cluttering my utensils and dinnerware.

Do you need to cut back in the kitchen? What is something you could simplify in the heart of your home?