If you live in a drafty apartment or ancient home you’ve probably spent the entire winter wearing a sweatshirt and wrapping a blanket around your shoulders. Rejoice, friend, for you can go back to shorts and a t-shirt before May! The answer is the Dyson Hot electric room heater. This fancy little gadget combines Dyson “Air Multiplier” technology with an electric heating element and an oscillating base. The result is a jet of hot air gently bring your room back up to a non-shivering temperature. It also automatically turns off if the unit is knocked over by a chilly, overly eager pet or child.

Dyson’s MSRP is $399.99, but we’ve seen it as low as $357.50 at Amazon.

Best Gift for the Hostess Winner

The Winners of the first annual 2011 Giftee Awards have been announced! The initial nominations were narrowed down by a panelist of expert gift-giving judges (including our very own Marie Masters) and then the winners were selected by the public. The categories include “Most Wacky Gift”, “Best Gifts under $25”, and “Most Romantic Gift” among others. Winner of the “Best Gift for the Hostess” category was this unique yet useful Corkcicle.

Gifts for a mother who loves to knit are pretty straightforward. No matter how experienced she is, there is always something new to learn, so why not get her an instructional book with knitting techniques? Or, if she’s looking for a new project, you can’t go wrong with knitting patterns.

If your mom is into French cooking you’ll find there are lots of great gift ideas. Chances are there’s some item of cookware that she doesn’t have, or something that she already has that is ready to be replaced. Have a look at pots and pans to check for scratches in nonstick coatings or scorched surfaces on stainless or aluminum.  Take a good look at the handles of all of the knives; if the handle is starting to separate from the blade or the tang, its definitely time for a new knife.

If your mom has a green thumb you have a lot of great gardening gifts. A gardener who like to start from scratch will always be pleased to get seeds as a gift, but don’t hesitate to shop for a stylish wide-brimmed hat or a pair of thick gardening gloves.

One easy strategy is to pick a color scheme and then replicate it throughout your home. But don’t feel limited to the obvious reds & greens – get creative with silver & white, blue & gold, or other deep jewel tones. You’ll find that picking out quality home accents is easier when you restrict your options to just one or two colors. Make sure that your tree ties the whole space together with complimentary ornaments and Christmas lights. Once you have a look in mind, you can even save money by shopping off-season for ornament sets and other accessories.

Another area where less is more is the front yard. If the lawn features Santa, his reindeer AND a family of snowmen, you’ve probably gone too far. Focus instead on finding a quality wreath that makes your entranceway look warm and inviting, and don’t worry if you prefer to go artificial. There are tons of tasteful Christmas wreaths and garlands on sale online, especially if you shop early. Other outdoor Christmas decorations should be minimalistic, not distracting. After all, the worst Christmas gift you can give your neighbors is the headache of flashing lights, noisy animatronics Santas, and electrical fires.

Doing your holiday shopping? Don’t miss the large selection of creative and unique gift ideas hand-picked by the experts at Gifts.com.

Choosing a desk lamp needn’t be a decision between the lesser of two evils. In fact, it can even be a stylish and pleasant addition to your workspace. They key here is to choose something that can be imagined outside of a desk scenario; something that can be alternately used as a nightstand or end table lamp. Essentially, something you would be more aesthetically conscious about choosing as an accent.

This desk lamp by Sonneman is a perfect example.

It’s sleek and modern without looking too bleak, cold, or industrial. Plus, it’s swing arm feature makes it more than just a pretty lamp. This could add just the right touch of style and finish to a boring, utilitarian desk without looking like a too strange and out-of-place intruder. Conversely, it might be a great way to subdue a space that might have too many focal points or busy elements going on.

If you don’t want to turn your back entirely on older, Tiffany-style lamps, you do have options. Tiffany designs are not necessarily limited to what’s now become its cliche– stained glass, rounded curves, with often hackneyed illustration or detail. Tiffany also had a design current associated with Frank Lloyd Wright with a sort of 1930s-woodsy-art-deco feel.

This Wood Mission Dale Tiffany lamp, though designed as a table lamp, can definitely be used for a desk, and marries crafty, woodsy elements without sacrificing good, simplified, modern design.

Even if you’d prefer something a bit more catered specifically to a desk, you don’t have to sacrifice more traditional-style detail for cold modernity. This Legacy Brushed Nickel lamp by Verilux is again sleek and simple in design, but rounded enough to where it even looks Victorian in style. Though very desk-like in function, it’s not unimaginable that it could be used as a nightstand lamp.

Choosing an aesthetically pleasing and stylish lamp also has its advantages because a lot of the often oddly-shaped more modern lamps can require lightbulb types that are incredibly inconvenient to replace once the originals burn out. Looks like form can indeed sometimes trump what may seem like function on the surface.

The keys to warming up a space with Scandanavian decor that might be a little too cold is to try and avoid plastic,  veer more toward round lines, and add in more fabric and wood. Danish modern furniture specifically tends to do a great job at balancing cold and warm here, as demonstrated perfectly with this side table from Urban Outfitters.

This wood works particularly well because it’s a very warm and rich brown color. The best part is that it straddles or even pushes the boundaries of modern furniture with its simultaneously soft, round yet streamlined and pronounced lines. It’s got style written all over it, with none of the alienation.

Going even further in a playfulness with lines,  this Jens Risom designed ameoba-shaped coffee table from Knoll turns modernism on its head with its amorphous yet defined silhouette.

Though not as warm in color as the side table, there’s something inviting about the maple finish that almost suggests a Kindergarten class. That’s definitely a preferable image to conjure than, say, a doctor’s office or the set of a dystopian sci-fi movie from the 1960s.

Of course, for larger pieces of furniture like couches, wood can’t really be used as anything more than an accent. Another, and perhaps an even better way to counteract any coldness, is to add fabric into the mix. So when choosing a texture for a couch, for example, it might be better to skip the leather or plastic.

Even when choosing a smooth fabric as the basis for an upholstered piece, a little extra push can  come from something as easy as a decorative pillow.

This Red Bird Pillow from CB2 may seem like an anachronism at first. Though, because the design is relatively simple and monochromatic, it will blend fairly well with modern Scandinavian furniture- especially because it even seems like a bit of a throwback to a more traditional, handmade type of Nordic style.

Scandinavian furniture is a classic yet stylish way to decorate your space, whatever it may be. Just remember that it doesn’t all necessarily have to be stark and austere, and even if it’s already a Danish modern piece to begin with, there are lots of other options available for turning up the volume on warmth.

It’s good to keep in mind when going for something a bit over-the-top or bold in style, that it’s best to choose more established or classic designs. For example, this Danish modern Silver Starburst wall clock from Eames is anything but boring. Yet, it’s just as classic as it is playful, with its strong and simple lines, evocative of an age in which everything nuclear was a symbol of progress and “the future”, in that charming Tomorrowland sense.

Instead of spending hours and hundreds of dollars searching through vintage shops, replications of vintage designs can actually do the trick quite nicely. The 1970s are a slightly easier decade to conjure, though, as far as your choices in non-vintage clocks.

I could easily see this Nexxt by Linea Cubix clock with its nice, deep and rich mahogany veneer in Mr. Brady’s office den. This wall clock has an especially nice practical twist, as you can also put photos in some of the panels.

If modernism isn’t your thing, things can get a bit trickier, as there is an overabundance of faux-aged Victorian-type clocks with almost Rococo-levels of embellishment and stylization. Though, if you go too bare-bones with your pick, it can add very little to your decor.

This set of 2 vintage wall clocks, in a more traditional style by IMAX, seems to be a happy medium. They’re not to stylized and overly faux-vintage, and yet not too plain. It’s a more interesting look, especially because they’re in a pair of two, which you definitely don’t see too often.

Whichever style of wall clock you choose as the best for your space, aiming for simplicity, originality, and a classic essence should always steer you in the right direction.

While tile and glass are the most popular styles, you can get creative and use other materials as well. Anything ranging from fabric, pressed aluminum tin, or recycled tiles. To create a your own backsplash with a shabby chic vibe, try using a wall paper border or fabric as wallpaper.

Making Fabric Wallpaper With Starch

1. After cleaning your surface and making measurements, simply cut out a pattern in the fabric to fit the backsplash size and set aside. Then pour starch into a paint tray, and apply it to the wall using either a sponge or a paint roller.
2. Place the fabric on top of the wall while stretching it out and using push pins to temporarily hold it in place.
3. Apply another layer of starch on top of the fabric, while you continue to smooth out the surface making sure there’s no air bubbles or wrinkles.
4. Continue until the fabric is set in place, allow it to dry and test to make sure it doesn’t peel off.
5. Cut off any excess fabric around corners, etc and voila!

Don’t Replace That Tile…

If you’re lucky enough to already have tiles in your kitchen, removable tile decals are great for hassle-free make-overs, or renters who don’t want to commit to one style. They’re easy to apply and remove and come in all different kinds of designs to suit your kitchen decor. Scandinavian inspired stickers by Allum will lend any kitchen some retro flair.

… Or Replace It With Tin!

Another easy update to your backsplash is pressed tin tiles. What used to be considered a cheap short-cut is now a sought after detail in homes. They’re cheap, even in large quantities, and come in many different decorative patterns. Either you can leave the metallic finish as is, or paint it for a faux-aged effect. Just the sort of thing you’d find in an old rustic farmhouse.

Some tiles are self-adhesive but for the ones that are not, it’s a fairly easy process to apply. You’ll need some sharp scissors or tin snips to cut out how much you want from a larger sheet. Make sure to grab some construction adhesive, small finish nails, a basic hammer, and some gloves for sharp edges on the tin sheets.

1. Cut out your area
2. Apply the construction adhesive to the back of the sheeting
3. Position onto the wall and press into place
4. To secure the tile, simply use the finish nails to nail into place

If you’re looking for something more temporary, stick to pressed tin that can be easily peeled off to avoid unnecessary nail holes in the wall.

Photos

• Photo credit #1: NancyHugoCKD

Resources

• Design Sponge Before & After Fabric Wall Makeover
• Rental Decorating: The Quick Fix Fabric on Walls
• HGTV: Installing A Pressed Tin Backsplash

A lot of this can have to do with the shape, size and objects you choose to put on display. Some patterns and shapes can inadvertently overpower areas, if they’re placed amongst even one other object sometimes. Picking out vases can be tricky in and of themselves, because you’ll want to consider whether or not you’ll actually be putting flowers in them, and therefore if you’ll want flowers to be the main focal point.

This bud vase set from Ralph Lauren Home has just the right splash of color and pattern without being overpowering.

The subtle floral pattern is great for blending in with actual flowers or standing on its own. China is a classic material that will never go out of style, and the size, being bud vases, can easily stand alongside other objects without dwarfing anything.

Picture frames can also be somewhat tricky, as they’re generally designed to take a backseat to the actual photos  displayed. Sometimes, though, especially when decorating a vanity area, bathroom, or bedroom, it can be fun for picture frames to be a little more ornate and with maybe a little vintage flair.

This Vivienne picture frame from Edgar Berebi is handcrafted by artisans out of burnished silver, gold plate, and Swarovski crystals, definitely invoking a glamorous 1930s essence.

Though it certainly is distinct and attention-drawing, the small size lends itself again for not overpowering an entire display area. Obviously, the more it matches the overall decor of an room or area, the less out of place it will look, and therefore, not be an impediment in style to any other decorative objects. Adding an older photograph closest to this era will add an especially nice touch.

Decorative ceramic plates from a trip to Italy, Spain, Morocco, or Mexico can be another great item to display, even if you haven’t actually made the journey. These Spanish-inspired ceramic tapas plates from Wisteria are smaller than a serving or regularly-sized plate, but definitely large enough to warrant a display.

These were actually patterned after Spanish pottery from Granada, fairly typical of the area. And actually, these wouldn’t be totally out of place with that Ralph Lauren vase set above, as they’re both of the porcelain/ceramic family. Here again, we see very basic and simple design and colors, which will certainly add a nice touch to almost any mantle, for example, no matter if placed in the center, or off to one side.

Refinishing hardwood floors yourself is no easy job; you can expend a lot of energy, time and it can be very messy. However, it may save you money, and it’s definitely a more rewarding experience than hiring someone else.

Getting Started

• Here’s what you’ll need (most of these you can rent instead of buy):
• Sander: There are 2 different kinds you can rent– a traditional drum sander and an orbital sander. The former is heavier but works fast; the latter is a bit smaller and easier to control.
• Sandpaper for your sander. They generally come in the following ranges of “grit” levels: 36, 60, 80, and 100 (the heaviest being 36). Depending on the level of damage your floor has, you should get the heaviest, and maybe a couple of other lesser gritted types. For best results, get at least four different levels.
• Floor edger
• Buffer
• Putty knife and scraper
• Floor wax or a polyurethane or polyurethane-water hybrid finish. The latter is less odorous, and still provides a rich tone as more traditional types of finishes.
• Wood stain, stain sealer and a four-inch paintbrush
• Shop vacuum
• Safety goggles, face/dust mask, ear protection, gloves
• Lambswool (or foam, which is less expensive) rollers, and a natural bristle brush
• About 20 cloth rags

Sanding

Before you start to sand, you should remove everything possible in the room you’re working in, and sweep the floor as meticulously as possible. Hammer down any nails that stick out, pull out any old carpet staples or tacks and fill in any cracks and gaps in the wood to ensure an even finish. Cover all doorways and ceiling fans with plastic, tape up all electrical outlets, and put cloth rags under doors and in vents to prevent dust from getting everywhere.

After that’s done, you’ll want to put on all your eye/ear/mouth/hand protection before you begin. Here are some step-by-step tips:

• The first type of paper you’ll load into your sander is the heaviest. Once the paper is loaded, begin running the sander off the floor, slowly lowering. Start sanding in a lower-visibility area in case you make mistakes at first.
• As a general rule throughout this process, you want to sand with the grain of the wood, unless your floor is very badly warped, in which case, you’ll go diagonally against the grain.
• Make sure to not leave the sander in one place for very long, especially if you’re using a drum sander, as it can gouge out spots very easily. Always keep your sander in motion.
• Use your floor edger for any spots the regular sander couldn’t reach, such as the edges closest to walls.
• Once your whole floor is sanded with the heaviest grit sandpaper, switch it out for a lesser gritted paper and go over the floor once again, for scratches or lines remaining. Use your shop vacuum for standing dust when changing between sandpaper, and once again when you’re done with all your sanding.
• Again, depending on the damage your floor has, you can go over it with all the various grit levels of sandpaper, decreasing grit strength as you go along.
• Do use damp cloth rags for wiping remaining dust in case your vacuum doesn’t quite take care of it all.

Buffing and Staining

Once all remaining dust is vacuumed, you’ll want to buff your floor, starting from the center of the room. As with sanding, go with the grain of the wood. Buffing helps tighten the wood before you begin staining.

To stain, first apply a base coat of sealer around the perimeter of the room. Then, you can start applying the wood stain, using a brush for a darker finish, or a rag for a lighter one.  Go with the grain in long, even strokes. You can apply up to two coats, though you should make sure each coat is complexly dry before proceeding with any next step.

Finishing

• Congratulate yourself for making it this far! You’re almost completely done.  Here are some tips for this final step:
• Use your bristle brush or lambswool or foam roller to apply the coats of finish. You can use the foam or lambswool rollers to blend in brush stroke marks while the finish is till wet
• Start at the farthest point from a doorway and work in 5’ wide sections
• You’ll want to wait about two hours in between applying coats, generally. Sometimes, after the first coat is applied, you might need to sand or buff the floor down a bit, as it may raise the level of the wood.
• Allow the whole floor to dry for at least 24 hours, unless you’re using water-based finish, which will dry a bit sooner.

Photos

• Photo Credit #1: daryl_mitchell
• Photo Credit #2: mecredis

References

• This Old House: How To Refinish Hardwood Floors Video Floors This Old House
• Hometime.com: Hometime How To, Flooring – Sanding Floors – Prep
• Popular Mechanics, “How To Refinish Hardwood Floors With Water-Based Finishes: Homeowners Clinic”

First Steps

The first step is sealing off all easily accessible food in airtight containers, making sure to take out your garbage as often as possible.  Though it may be a bit unpleasant, you can wipe down your countertops with vinegar.  Ants will avoid vinegar, plus it will wipe out any trails ants may have left behind for other fellow ants to follow. Make sure that you remove any standing pools of liquid, especially water, off countertops.  Make sure any cleaned dishes are wiped dry and put away as soon as possible, so they’re not left in the open, creating pools of water.

The Point of Entry

You’ll want to determine where the ants are coming from into your home so you can then do any or all of the following several things the point of entry:

• Sprinkle red or black pepper, paprika, cinnamon, chalk, baby powder, baking soda, mint, cloves, garlic, coffee grounds, powdered yeast, cucumber or citrus peels, laurel, catnip, or bay leaves around their point of entry.  You can even use any of these spices/products to encircle any dog/cat food bowls, since those will be the most accessible and least convenient to hide food and water items.
• Mix maple syrup and borax together, placing it where the ants are entering—the maple syrup will attract them to consume the mixture, and the borax will dissolve their skeleton from within. They may even carry this “food” back to their colonies, which will affect the greater population. Corn meal or Cream of Wheat can be used as a safer method (especially if you have small children or pets), as it is not poisonous, though ants will not be able to digest it properly and subsequently die.
• Leaving a nightlight on around the point of entry for a few nights can confuse and discontinue ants’ foraging pattern
• You may want to entirely caulk the holes through which the ants are entering.

Other Ideas and Methods:

Keep in mind, you’ll want to repeat the above steps a couple of times, as it may take a few days to rid of the ants entirely.  Some types of ants tend to be attracted more to grease than to sweet items, so you might want to observe through trial and error which type of foods/products the ants invading your home tend to prefer and switch up your bait based on your observations.

One short-term/fast solution you can try when seeing stray ants on site, is mixing together soap and water, putting it in an empty spray bottle and then spraying them with the mixture.   Liquid peppermint soap is best at preventing any return.

If you want to get really aggressive, you can even pour boiling water into the anthill colony mounds.  If it reaches the queen, you’ll have a good chance of eliminating your ant problem entirely in one swoop.  About 3 gallons of water should do the trick.

Photos

• Photo Credit #1: sanchom
• Photo Credit #2: summitcheese

References

• Eartheasy: Natural Insect Pest Control – Eartheasy.com Solutions for Sustainable Living
• The Frugal Life: Getting Rid of Ants

There are some obvious advantages to using concrete for your countertops:

• Design flexibility – you can pick any color, add in textures and even embed items like colored glass or tile pieces
• Durable – a long lasting product with proper care
• Easy to shape and mold

And while all of these features are wonderful, the reality is that a concrete countertop does have its drawbacks (just like any countertop product).

• Cost – Hiring a contractor to create your concrete countertop design is often very expensive which places the pricing up there with using granite or marbl
• DIY issues – if you plan on making your own, the installation and finishing can be a nightmare
• Shrinkage leads to cracks – once the concrete is dry it will shrink and over time cracks and gaps will also appear
• Color changes – the older the countertop gets, the concrete color will change and usually not in a uniform or allover manner
• Weight – concrete is very heavy and the cabinets supporting the countertop should have foam added where the two materials meet
• Installation issues – seams may not match-up due to uneven heights, the grout may shrink down once it dries, and wavy or uneven walls will create gaps
• Porous – concrete left unsealed will easily stain due to its porous nature and it not suitable as a cutting surface either. It is not naturally heat resistant either and can easily burn

Maintaining Concrete Countertops

All of the above mentioned problems can be remedied, some more easily than others, but the biggest issue with concrete countertops is they can be extremely high maintenance.

There are several types of materials that can be used to create the concrete and this creates a broad range of finished products thus affecting its physical properties and characteristics.

There are about 30 or so different types of sealant on the market to help protect the concrete from spills, heat and other everyday usages. The problem is that there is not one end-all-be-all sealant that covers the variety of situations encountered during the life-time of the product. So you have to choose the sealant wisely taking into consideration where the countertop will be placed and what will be resting on it.

You will have to wax your concrete countertop every month or so to maintain the sealant and about every three months you will have to reseal the concrete again. You should not use harsh chemicals when cleaning and do not use it for a cutting board. Most sealants will not resist the cutting or if it does, you have just dulled your knife.

Concrete countertops are durable and can be quite striking, but you would be wise to study up on the product, its manufacture and the sealants before you commit yourself.

Photos

• Photo credit #1: bochalla
• Photo credit #2: mikecpeck
  

References

• Concrete Countertops, homedoctor.net
  
• How to Avoid Mistakes When Installing Concrete Countertops
  

Mold in your home can be a deadly hazard that no one wants residing inside their humble abode. We are not talking about the mold or mildew found on the shower walls or in the toilet. This is toxic mold and can cause respiratory disorders, lesions and other illnesses rendering your home inhabitable. This happens when the mold spores become airborne floating their way through every room in your house.

There are two ways to determine a toxic mold infestation – mold testing or mold inspection. Either procedure can be handled by professionals whose job it is to seek out and find this menace. Generally an inspection is pricier than testing and more comprehensive. However, it is possible for you to do your own mold testing with a DIY kit available at most hardware and home improvement stores or from an online retailer. Most kits range in price from $35 to $100 or more and have the option of sending in the sample results to a lab for identification. A reliable kit contains both an air sampling method and a surface sampling system.

An airborne mold testing kit will contain a petri dish which is very simple to use. In fact, you probably did a similar test in your high school biology class.

1. Remove the dish from the packaging, open it up and then place it in a spacious area of your home.
2. Leave it there for at least one hour and then place the lid back on top.
3. Set the closed petri dish in a safe undisturbed place for 48 hours and then check it for mold growth.

If no signs of mold exist, place the petri dish back and check at 96 hours. If still no growth appears, you can rest easy. You can also use this kit for testing your air conditioning system for mold. Turn your air conditioning system to ‘fan’ and hold the opened, unused, petri dish under a register blowing the air into your home for about 10 minutes. After the time is up, cover the dish and follow the same culturing procedure as above.

A surface sold testing kit will contain a swab covered with sterile growth product. You should wear sterile gloves and rub the coated swab tip on any surface where you see mold. You then place the used swab in the provided container and send to the indicated lab for testing and results.

Should your samples come back from the lab with positive results for toxic mold contamination, you should immediately seek the help of a professional mold removal service to determine if the extent of the infestation. Many homeowners’ insurance companies will cover for mold damage and repairs. Should the mold removal service deem your home as unlivable, quickly get a second opinion from another company.

The one thing to remember is toxic mold is a health hazard and should not be ignored.

Photos

• Photo credit #1: frankenstoen
• Photo credit #2: The-Lane-Team

References

• Moldtesting.org
• Mold Test Kit Review
  

If you have any available wall space, the most common trick to creating an organized storage space, is by hanging a pegboard on the wall.

Organize your “tools”

Peg Boards can be easily found at local hardware stores, or even at scrap or junk shops.

• You can either keep it white for a more professional kitchen look, or paint it a vibrant color to add some contrast to all your cookware.
• The peg hooks can be bought separately and can easily accommodate all of your kitchen tools depending on the size of the peg board.
• Additional shelves are great for spices and dry goods, and a magnetic knife strip lets you free up some counter space by forgoing a traditional knife block.

Use Every Space

Even if you have full cabinetry in your kitchen, it’s all about utilizing every possible nook and cranny while staying organized at the same time. These hanging storage bars are a popular and modern method or hanging kitchen utensils.

You can find even more elaborate systems at places like Ikea and the Container Store. Even if you have already used any spare wall space or backsplash, the side of your cabinets is a great spot to store an extra tools and utensils you want easy access to.

While open kitchen storage runs the risk of looking cluttered, it usually ends up appearing more organized, makes it easier to find everything you need while cooking, and makes the room feel more open without a million cabinets, bakers racks, and kitchen carts filling up an already small space.

Stick to brightly colored and cheerful kitchen tools, since they’ll be on display out in the open.

Don’t Forget Under the Sink

While keeping all your dry goods and cookware organized is important, it’s the under the sink area where more often than not, the space goes to waste with a clutter of products.

• By using simple sliding sink organizers, you can keep all your cleaning products and other household items organized while making room for other essentials.
• Plus these shelving systems can cost less than $10, and you can add as many as the space allows for easy access to all your supplies without fumbling around in the dark.

To utilize other wasted cabinet space, there are also shelf inserts that are especially useful for stacking dishes, glasses and mugs without stacking them on top of each other and running the rest of them toppling over. These are great for hard to reach cabinet spaces that are not only mounted high up on the wall, but are tall in height as well.

By keeping your kitchen space clear and organized, it simplifies your cooking and cleaning in the process.

Photos

• Photo credit #1: KellyK
• Photo credit #2: urbaneapts

Resources

• Not Martha: More Tiny Kitchen Storage
• DIY Network: Maximizing Kitchen Storage
• DIY Life: Kitchen Storage

But stress not, there are plenty of ways to make sure you pick out what colors work for you and play around with different combinations before the paint even hits the walls. Here are some tips to finding the right color choices for your home.

To begin, ask yourself questions about the space…

• How big is the room?
• How much natural light does it get?
• What is the dominant color of your furnishings?
• What type of mood do you want the room to have?

Don’t be Afraid of Color…

Most homes come with a fresh coat of some variation of beige or white. If you tend to have a minimalist lifestyle or modern furniture this might work for you. Also if your furnishings are vibrant on their own, then a neutral color palette is also a good idea. But for the most part, color is always a good thing. Feel free to grab as many color samples at the store as you want and mix and match what goes well together. Most paint companies also offer online color selection tools that help you visual how the colors will work together.

Look for Inspiration…

Want to see how colors work in real homes? Look outward for inspiration!

• Whether it’s home decor blogs, or interior magazines, both provide an endless source for inspiration for color schemes and how to pull together a room using paint.
• Make a folder to store any magazine clippings or images that inspire you.
• Pantone also announces color trends for each year, which predict what will be the most popular colors for interiors.

Test things out…

Sometimes you don’t want to commit to painting an entire room bright yellow, only to see you hate it after all your hard work.

• Always buy a sample of the paint first to see how it looks.
• You can buy cheap paint called “oops” paint at home improvement or paint stores, which is paint that has already been mixed but was off by a slight shade.
• You can still make a color statement in a room just by painting a larger accent wall and leave the rest a neutral color.

When to break the rules…

Usually dark paint colors do not work for small spaces. Especially when there is a limited amount of natural light in the room. But there is an exception to every rule, and for certain spaces it’s okay to add a little drama by using dark paint colors.

If you have a small space like a bathroom or entryway that has a white tiled floor, you can create a rich contrast by painting the room a dark color, even black, to make it feel elegant, like an upscale hotel.

Most importantly: Have Fun

Decorating your home should not be a chore, and certainly not a task to tackle all at once. By taking the time to choose what you want and play around with different ideas, you open yourself up to endless possibilities.  Even after your hown is all set up, it’s never too late to constantly switch things up and keep the space feeling fresh.

Photos

• Photo credit #1: dougww
• Photo credit #2: ooh_food

Resources

• Lonny Magazine

Types of Air Conditioners

Before thinking about selecting an air conditioner, understanding the difference between the two major kinds of air conditioners is essential. The two major different types of units are: (1) a central air conditioning system that is hooked up throughout all the rooms of your home, and (2) an air conditioning unit that is placed into your windows. Clearly, the less expensive of the two options is the air conditioning unit.

Assuming the less expensive option is best for most, you’ll need to determine where you’ll need the air conditioning in your home. For example, if you need to cool more than one room, you’ll need to find a unit capable of doing so. It may not be the case that the larger the unit, the more powerful, however.

Air Conditioning Unit Essentials

In order to figure out what type of unit is best for your space, you’ll need to measure the square footage of the area itself.  This square footage will then correspond to the BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour.  A chart with square footage and corresponding approximate BTUs are on the labels of most air conditioning units to help guide you in purchasing what you need. For example, if you have an area that measures 500 sq.ft., the BTU capacity you’ll need will be approximately 12,000 BTUs per hour. Also important is to measure the window where you’ll want to place the a/c unit and if it’s near any outlets—otherwise, you’ll wind up with something that won’t fit and that will be a fuss to try and connect to an electrical source.

Tips To Select A Unit

Some tips to keep in mind when thinking about square footage, BTUs, and just in general:

• If your area is heavily shaded or brightly lit, you may want to “fudge” your square footage under or over a little bit
• Kitchens are usually hotter than most rooms, so you may want to overestimate your BTU needs
• Don’t expect air to be able to turn a corner.  Usually if you’re expecting to cool two rooms, they should directly connect to one another.
• If you live in a railroad style apartment, you may save money by purchasing two units and a fan, as opposed to a third a/c unit, if you buy units with fairly good BTU capacity
• If the temperature range on an a/c unit does not have a very wide span and you live in a climate that can reach very high temperatures, it may be as much use to you as a regular fan.  In other words, you’d definitely want to get a wider range of temperature in a unit.

Check consumer reports for which types of units and brands are best.  Maybe you don’t necessarily need anything fancy, or maybe you just want to know which are the best at saving energy. Consumer reports will definitely be your go-to resource here. And after you buy one, check out our guide to installing an air conditioner.

Photos

• Photo Credit #1: MSVG
• Image Credit #2: ToddMorris

References:

• Energy Star: Properly Sized Room: AC
• ConsumerReports.org: Air Conditioners, Air Conditioning Ratings

Let’s take a look at the different stain types and methods for removal.

Cooking or Cosmetics Oil, Grease

First, spray fabric with laundry pretreatment. You can then try sprinkling dry-cleaning solvent on the fabric, using paper towels for absorption underneath the fabric.  Cornstarch works especially well, though, with lipgloss stains.  As a pre-treatment alternative before laundering, you can also try dish washing liquid or even shampoo, as they’re designed to break up oil and grease.

Engine Grease or Oil

Before treating, you’ll want to scrape any excess oil or grease off with a knife.

• The key here is to absorb as much of the oil before you treat it with anything.  Absorbent powders such as cornstarch, baby powder, and baking powder are best.  As with cooking or cosmetic oil stains, you can use the paper towel treatment to absorb the stain.  This part of the process should take no more than ten minutes.
• Mechanic hand cleaner not only works on hands, but also on fabric.  You can use this as a substitute for a traditional pre-treatment before you launder.

Differently Textured Fabrics

Again, differently textured fabrics can be a significant factor in getting your oil or grease stains out, and different products and methods may work better with some types of fabrics.

• Textured factors are tricky because of all the grooves that stains can work into.  Instead of simply sprinkling an absorbent powder (such as cornmeal), you’ll want to cover the entire circumference of the stain with the powder and brush into the fabric.  Let it sit for at least eight hours before pre-treating with laundry detergent and subsequently laundering.
• Club soda works well with knit fabrics in removing greasy stains.  Simply pour on the affected area and allow to soak in for a few minutes.  Then, you can move on to pre-treatment before laundering.

Make sure that whatever fabric you’re laundering, that you’re using warm or hot water, as they are better for these types of stains.  Always air dry either flat or on a clothesline after the fabric has been laundered.  Don’t place the fabric in a dryer until you’re sure the stain is absolutely gone.

If you have a grease or oil stain that has already been set in, it will be a tougher to remove.  Strangely, in this case, oil based products work better in moving the oil stain.  Products like WD-40 can work at softening the stain, alongside dish washing liquid before placing in the laundry once again.

Photo Credits

• Photo Credit #1: richardmasoner
• Photo Credit #2: shaire productions

Resources

• Ohioline.osu.edu: Quick n’ Easy Stain Removal

Here are some effective ways to get rid of these pesky types of stains from fabric:

1. First, blot out the stain with water or carefully, using a sponge or a cotton ball. At least some ink will come out using this method first, plus you’ll avoid spreading the ink around.  Allow the area to air-dry.
2. Place regular paper towels underneath the stained fabric, set fabric on top, and spray the back portion of the stain with hairspray. Make sure the hairspray contains no conditioners or oils, but rather one with a high alcohol content, and spray two inches away from stain.
3. As another alternative, you can pour hydrogen peroxide, or rubbing alcohol, or nail polish remover (only use the latter if it’s a white garment).
4. Blot hairspray, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, or nail polish remover through so that the paper towels can absorb the stain.
5. As another alternative or as an additional step in case the stain wasn’t as absorbed by the more alcohol-based products above, you can try rubbing the stain in with a paste made of baking soda & water, or a mixture of water & white vinegar. You can either let it absorb, soak, or rub in with a toothbrush. Either way, leave the fabric be for at least 5 minutes & rinse through.
6. As an additional step to even the above, if you’ve already tried rubbing alcohol and various pastes, you can even try rubbing shaving cream into the stain before moving forward.
7. Before you throw it in your laundry, rub a pre-wash stain remover, a non-flammable dry cleaning solvent, or liquid laundry detergent into the stain. You can let it stand overnight, if the stain appears to be particularly stubborn.
8. Launder fabric as you would regularly and air dry.

There is some debate about whether or not hot or cold water should be used to finally launder your stain.  Sometimes hot water can actually set your stain in even further.  To be on the safe side, use cold water first, and if that doesn’t work, try using hot water to see if that works better with your fabric.  Again, depending on what type of fabric you have, this may be a variable factor.

Photos

• Photo Credit #1: AMagill
• Photo Credit #2: Snapr

References:

• Good Housekeeping: How To Remove Ink From Clothing – Ink Stain Removal
• DoItYourself.com: How To Remove Ballpoint Ink Stains from Clothing

Is Fixing Your Wall Cupboards the Best Choice?

Are your wall cupboards falling apart? If so, you will most likely need to replace the entire unit (doors and cabinets). Although this may seem a trifle over the top, replacing the entire wall cupboard system is fairly straight-forward.

Is the paint peeling or do they need re-staining? As long as the wood is good, you can just refinish the cabinets rather than replace them. This task will require you to remove all the hardware as well as the doors and drawers.

Do you just want to up-date the look? Rather than replacing or refining the entire wall cupboard unit, just change a few details. Replace the door and drawer pulls (or add them). You can add a little flair by pin-striping, color blocking or adding some appliqués to the door drawer fronts. For those of you with a creative flair, try painting flowers, vines or whatever you like.

Once you have determined your reason for why you want to fix your wall cupboards, you can then set about completely the task at hand. Regardless of which endeavor you undertake, here are a few tips to ensure you an easier time before, during and after:

1. Cover everything – go buy some drop cloths and cover the countertop, floor and any exposed area that could possibly collect dust, debris, paint, glue or anything else you may be using.
2. Mask off the walls – if you are repainting or re-staining, get some ‘blue’ masking tape and outline the cupboards where they meet the walls.
3. Clean, clean, and clean – be sure to thoroughly clean all the cupboard surfaces before, during and after. This is especially true when painting or staining. You want a clean surface for better adhesion and no dirt pops.
4. Wear a filtration mask and eye protection – this is a must even if you are just adding appliqués, pin-striping, or color-blocking. Paint, stain and glue fumes and sanding debris are very hazardous to breathe and using a mask will protect your lungs. The eye protection is pretty self explanatory.
5. Ventilate baby ventilate – whether you are working in the kitchen or in the garage, be sure to use fans, open doors and windows. Even with a filtration mask, the fumes can be overwhelming so keep the air circulating. Just having the air conditioner running is not enough and the fumes will be re-circulated rather than removed.

One final point – have some fun! You’re saving money, spending time at home with the loved ones and will have some beautiful wall cupboards when finished. Will you encounter some problems – of course you will! Who doesn’t? Just remember the end results and you will do it!

Photos

• Photo credit #1: Vagabond Shutterbug
• Photo credit #2: shareski

References

• Kitchen Remodeling and Design

Window Size

• Look for windows that move up and down rather than side to side. The vertical sliding ones will add extra support when you clamp it down on top of your A/C Unit
• If it does slide horizontally, be sure to board up any open area with a protective surface to prevent the elements from coming into your home

Room Placement

• To get the maximum cooling effect, choose a window that’s centrally located in the room you are trying cool.
• Make sure there are outlets close by, so there will be no cords to trip on.
• The farther away the unit is from the outlet, the less efficient it will run.

Mounting Tips

• If the unit is on the lighter side, you may not need mounting brackets to install it in the window.
• Always check the manufacturers direction to see what type of mounting support you will need.
• Place the unit into the window and slide out the accordion attachments so they touch both sides of the window frame.
• Slide the window down on top of the unit to temporarily hold it in place.
• Attach the mounting frame and flap attachments to the window sash (aka the window frame) with screws.
• Use a level to make sure the unit is flat against the window, which ensures a tight seal between the two.
• To hold the top pane of the window in place, use an angled bracket that comes with the unit (or buy one) and screw them into the upper frame of the window. This prevents the window from slipping open and the unit from falling out.

Finishing Tips

• After the unit is installed, use a piece of weather stripping foam or foam sealant, and place it in between the window edge and the top of the unit for added protection against the weather.
• If the unit is a heavier model, use the angle brackets to support it from the bottom by mounting them on the outside of the building.
• If available, always use another person to help, for this really is a two-man job.

Photos

• Photo credit #1: NoWin
• Photo credit #2: bondidwhat

Resources

• Rustic Girls: How to Install a Window Air Conditioner Unit

Its popularity may have quieted some, but we’re still obsessed with the regal and utterly classic Chesterfield sofa.  Cheap they are not, but if you can afford one, a Chesterfield is certain to become a family heirloom–seriously, they always look their best when they’ve been used for generations.  For a practical sleeper-sofa option, check out this tufted leather Chesterfield from “Distinction,” now on sale for $3300 (a bargain compared the full list price of $5500).

Yes, it really looks like this.

For a cheeky riff on the classic style, we’re intrigued by this calf printed “hair on hide” version from Living Comforts.  Granted, it may be better suited to a Montana ranch than a New York apartment, but a bit of “home on the range” style never hurts–though the $5300 price tag certainly does.

Curtains literally frame a room, so it’s important to make a choice that suits all of its decor.  They’re also–for reasons we never quite understood–hugely expensive, so try to pick something you can live with for a long time.  With that in mind, sticking with neutral colors like flax, gray, or chocolate brown is often a wise decision, in case one day you decide to swap out the bright yellow chairs in your living room and find yourself stuck with matching lemon curtains (tragic). We like these simple neutral linen curtains by West Elm for an affordable $64 a panel.

It’s also important to consider the weight of the fabric.  A sheer or lightweight textile will filter light throughout the day, which may not be ideal for vampire-type humans who prefer not to be woken up by pounding sunlight.  So, as a rule of thumb, stick with something heavier like silk or velvet in a bedroom that will block out light in the morning, and something softer like linen in rooms you want to keep bright and sunny at all times.

If you’re interested in choosing a pattern for your curtains, make sure it’s in a room that doesn’t already have a lot of different prints in it. You can find yourself sleeping or eating in a circus tent if you’re not careful.  If, however, the patterns are pretty neutral, something simple like a stripe or diamond-check is usually pretty safe. We love Horchow’s “Milano” striped curtains in blue and brown.

Guests at your Fourth of July BBQ will be dazzled by your gorgeous Cherry Cola Pops–a recipe originating from the fabulous Sweet Rose Creamery in Santa Monica. To make, all you’ll need on hand is a frozen pop mold (we like the cute star-shaped mold from Sur La Table), a sauce pan, and a blender.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh cherries
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 12oz can of naturally sweetened cola

To Make:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries with he water and sugar and cook until the mixture just comes to a boil.  Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 30 minutes.
2. In a blender, puree the cherry mix with the lemon juice and pour into the molds, about halfway full. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for two hours.  Fill up the remaining space with the cola, and allow to freeze overnight.

What we’re getting at here is picnicking.  If you’re not planning to picnic this weekend–or, at the very least, partake of some barbeque–then there’s a good possibility you’re out of your mind. Our favorite picnic baskets by far are the extra-fancy versions sold at gourmet stores like Williams Sonoma and Sur la Table that come with dainty little wine glasses and bundles of cutlery wrapped in cloth napkins.  Practical they are not, but gorgeous? Yes.

And so we present to you the Sonoma Sunday Picnic Basket, complete with four wine glasses, four plates, four napkins, stainless steel cutlery, a cheese board, corkscrew and salt and pepper shakers. All that’s left to do is wrap some cheese and tasty snacks in zip lock bag and you’re good to go.

For a slightly more practical option–not that we don’t love the concept of putting dirty glasses and plates back into a $150 basket–is the super simple metro basket.  This easy choice doesn’t come with cutlery or plates, but it is insulated, which earns big brownie points with us (who wants to eat warm watermelon?).

The first pick our search yielded was this lovely “astor” tissue box in polished chrome. It plays into our obsession with all things industrial, and we like that it’s not too hip or overdesigned.  After all, we aren’t looking for a cerebral experience every time we blow our nose. For $25, this is a great way to spruce up a bedroom or bathroom counter by hiding a necessary evil.

If you’re not equally infatuated with all things shiny, try a beautiful bamboo tissue box cover from Simplehuman. If you decide it’s the perfect look for your space, you’ll be pleased to know they also carry a matching soap pump, toothbrush caddy, trashcan, soap dish and cotton swab holder.

We think this Mini Summer Pie Cutter set from Crate and Barrel is adorable. With these little cutters, you can coordinate your crust with whatever filling is inside. When the summer is over (we shudder at the thought) you can still use them as regular cookie cutters.

This bright citron pie dish by Emile Henry is made from Burgundy clay in a traditional French clayware factory. Translation? This dish will bake your pie evenly, and can withstand the chill of your freezer and the heat of your oven. This particular pie dish is extra deep and wide, so it’s perfect for entertaining (because seriously, is there ever enough pie?)

Overstock.com is an unbelievable resource for sourcing affordable home wares and accessories.  Their throw pillows are typically sold in pairs, and don’t run more than $30.  Our first pick? Their sage green pillows in faux-chenille for $22.94.

Should you be seeking something with more modern flair, don’t miss these graphic pillow sets by Inhabit. Hand printed and handmade in the USA using environmentally friendly materials, they’re the perfect touch of eco-chic. We love the chain link “plinko” print in chocolate brown and porcelain blue.  Of course, you pay for what you get: at $60 a pillow, they’re much pricier than the bargain Overstock variety, but such is the cost of 100% recyclable home accouterments.

Which is why a stylish desk fan is a perfect buy for summer.  Sleek and sophisticated, an old school desk fan adds style to a bookshelf or countertop while keeping your living space comfortable.  Personally, we couldn’t live without them.

One of our favorites is the Metro 10″ table fan by Hunter. Its vintage-inspired design translates easily between classic and modern interiors, and would look fabulous on top of a bedroom dresser or rustic bookshelf.  Now on sale for $79, this slice of Americana style is totally irresistable.

If you prefer a lighter look, try the “trend table fan” by Holmes. Its simple cage design is retro without being gimmicky, and the clean white painted finish adds a softer design touch.

Of course, it’s not very much fun to serve sangria in red plastic cups, so before you embark on a sangria making mission, invest in a stylish pitcher from which to serve your guests.  Half the fun of the whole project is seeing your gorgeous concoction on the dinner or deck table. We like this sleek and simple glass pitcher from Sur la Table for just $18, which could easily double as a vase.

For a more “high design” selection, check out this hand-blown glass pitcher in pale pink by Morgantown for $39.99.  The pink color adds some festive pizazz, and will only boost the color of your naturally pink beverage.

Easy Sangria Recipe

• 8 cups dry red wine
• 8 cups apple juice
• 1 grapefruit, cut into eights
• 1 orange, cut into slices
• 1 lemon, sliced thin
• 1 small pear, diced
• 1 small apple, diced

To make, add the wine, apple juice and grapefruit slices to your pitcher. Cover and refrigerate overnight.  The next day, add the orange and lemon slices and refrigerate another 3 hours.  Later, add the apple and pear, mix well and serve over ice.  Easy peasy!

One of the best parts about red is that it can transform an ordinary piece of décor into an incredibly cool focal point for your room. Take these candlesticks by the Home Decorators Collection. In a normal silver or gold, they would be nice. But in this high gloss red varnish, they look so fancy and modern.

A whole piece of furniture can look great in red, too. We love this spire chair by Bellacor. With its molded plastic seat and chrome legs, it’s Mid-Century schoolhouse chic (yep, we went there). And, it’s on sale.

Or, check out this cute lamp from Crate and Barrel. The glossy cube base is echoed by the square shade, making a fun mod statement. For $34.95, you can get two: one for each of your end tables or night stands.

Simple to clean and easy to use, a bread maker is a great way to add a homemade touch to any meal.  Not to mention how much they allow you save on groceries (flour, yeast, and water are super cheapo).  The Oster 5838 Express Breadmaker boasts Jetson-esque benefits like “family size” horizontal loaves, three crust color selections, and a 58 minute “express” bake cycle.

Best of all, there’s an audible “add in” feature that lets you know when it’s time to add extra ingredients like fruit and nuts or, our personal favorite, fresh garlic and herbs. A handy warming feature will keep your loaf piping hot for up to 60 minutes without any overcooking.

We find that fresh baked bread makes a thoughtful hostess gift when presented in a basket wrapped in a pretty linen napkin, and of course, it’s always a welcome addition to any dinner party (be sure to bring balsamic vinegar for dipping!).

Quirky salt & pepper shakers have been around for many decades. In the fifties, painted ceramic versions were popular, coming in every shape from woodland animals to mushrooms. Today, there are so many funky salt & pepper shakers out there that you can find one that makes just the right statement. We love this set by Mod Cloth. Made out of real wood, they’ll add a rustic yet playful touch to your dining room.

Lastly, we couldn’t resist including one that was animal-themed. These cute little sparrows by Kikkerland are sweet, but the bold black and white color scheme keeps them from being too sweet.

You can start prepping for your party with our all time favorite Zak piece: the Happy Spoon. Seriously, even if your fruit salad explodes and your avocados are still not ripe, you’ll be in the best of moods with this little guy. The spoon is surprisingly sturdy and lightweight, and the color stays bright mix after mix. If you’re feeling sassy, the spoon also comes in a winking expression and a surprised expression.

Next, bust out a sophisticated version of the classic party cup with Zak’s Melamine tumbler set. The bright colors and durable material are just right for a summer soirée or casual barbeque.

When you’re ready to serve the main course, look no further than Zak’s colorful stacking bowls. There is a perfect size bowl to serve everything from cashew nuts to that fruit salad.

The iTouchless Towel-Matic is a magical device whose sole purpose is to create crisply torn paper towels every time you use it.  If it sounds a little unnecessary, consider this: how many times have you gone to reach for the paper towels and accidentally torn off WAY more than you meant to? If you’re anything like us, it happens ALL THE TIME.  Not very cost effective, and certainly not very “green.”

The other advantage of the Towel-Matic’s snazzy hands-free design is that the towel roll is kept completely sanitary.  No more grabbing for paper towels with food covered hands (always gross).  An automatic sensor can tell where the perforations appear in the roll, so you can get one sheet, two sheets, or a half-sheet just by approaching your hand to the machine.  The future is now! Plus, the handy battery-operated design means it won’t take up any precious kitchen plugs (we always find there aren’t enough).

Le Creuset is the go-to source for high quality enamel cookwear that will endure through years of heavy use, so we were thrilled to see that they’ve come out with a Reversible Grill Griddle. Its oversize design can span two burners, and will evenly distribute heat through everything from chicken wings to pancakes.

If you’d rather keep the mess off the stove, you can also opt for a plug-in version like BroilKing’s Griddle with Backsplash.  Pop it on the counter and grill up some h’ors douerves at your next backyard-less BBQ.  We advise grilled peppers, onions, and fennel marinated in balsamic to start, and super moist grilled peaches with a bit of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Aside from its good-for-humanity street cred, the KitchenAid also happens to be a top-of-the-line product, featuring an electronic sensor (that automatically adjusts speed depending on batter thickness), seven different settings, special “Soft Start” technology that gradually increases speed to avoid messes, and a touch pad that displays the current settings.  It’s like a helpful pink R2-D2 that lives in your kitchen!

If you can’t get enough pink, KitchenAid also offers a blender, food processor, can opener, measuring spoons, apple peeler and mixing bowl set as part of their Cook for the Cure series of products.

Recently we stumbled upon a breakfast recipe so fantastic that we’ve begun preparing it multiple times a week just to have leftovers to share with our friends and our landlord.  They are the now-famous Orange Pineapple Muffins, and nobody–except maybe people with severe pineapple allergies–could ever refuse their deliciousness.

It’s pretty perfect that today we found a muffin pan shaped like actual pineapples. Why this magical cooking apparatus exists we do not know–could it be that other people are as obsessed with pineapple muffins as we are?–but we’re totally digging it.

To Make Orange Pineapple Muffins

You’ll Need

The spectacular pineapple-shaped muffin pan

1/2 cup chopped and toasted pecans

2 cups all purpose flour

A dash of salt

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup unsalted butter

3/4 cup sugar

1 large egg

3/4 cup plain yogurt

1 teaspoon pure orange extract (usually available at specialty grocery stores like Whole Foods)

1 tablespoon orange zest

8 oz can crushed pineapple, or freshly chopped pineapple

To Make Glaze:

1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup orange juice

Steps

1 – Preheat oven to 350.  Toast and chop pecans, set aside.  Grease muffin tin with cooking spray.

2 – Whisk to combine flour, salt, and baking soda.  In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until fluffy (approx 2 minutes).  Add egg, yogurt, orange extract, and zest.  With a spoon, add the flour and baking soda mixture. Fold in toasted pecans and pineapple.

3- Spoon batter into muffin tins.  Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.  As muffins bake, mix the sugar and orange juice in a small bowl.  Drizzle over cooling muffins, and enjoy!

But on a recent brunch excursion to the Williamsburg eatery, Egg, we realized the depth of our misunderstanding.  Egg insists on serving its coffee in personal-size French Press carafes. Of course, they charge a premium for the service–which we grumbled about for a few minutes–but, upon tasting their scrumptious coffee creations, we were completely won over.  How could we not have known?

As an added bonus, it’s super stylish to present house guests with a piping hot carafe of french-press coffee in the morning.  Not only does it taste fabulous, but it looks stunning on the breakfast table.  We like this high-design (but low priced) 8-cup french press by Bonjour for only $69.99. Unlike glass presses, the double wall stainless steel design keeps coffee piping hot for hours.  Pair with extra fancy mugs and a cute Williams-sonoma creamer.

Yeah yeah yeah, “but there are hazards AND virtues,” you say.  This is true. Please don’t light up your cool new candles and go to bed only to wake up the next morning wondering why all your worldly possessions are in a little black heap at your feet.  We would rather not recommend a home accessory that is potentially lethal, so, use your noggins. Thanks.

Disclaimers aside, no electric lighting source exists that is as soft, soothing, or sexy as candlelight–which is why a fixture lit entirely by candles can be a wonderful (not to mention bill-reducing) addition to your dining room or eating area. We recommend this cool modern candelabra in chunky white porcelain to add equal parts style and romance to your dinner routine.

If you prefer something a touch more classic, check out the silver three-candle holder from Christofle.  At $1450, it’s dramatically more expensive, but who can really put a price on atmosphere, eh?

For the industrial decorator, be sure to check out this 50’s-inspired metal bench with tufted leather seat, now on sale for $307.  While we don’t recommend buying an entire chrome-plated bedroom set or anything, this is definitely an attention-grabbing accessory to add to an otherwise non-metallic room.  Plus, it comes with wheels, so you could potentially take it for a ride.

For a warmer look, go with the Safari Bed Bench for $480.  Built of solid wood and Mozambique veneers (how exotic does that sound?), this bench features stealthy lift-top storage access and convex and concave drawer fronts.  Its sleek modern look will go with just about any kind of decor, and you won’t have to store extra blankets or bed linens at the end of the bed.  Soon you’ll wonder how you survived without one for so long.

Recently, we attempted to make our first-ever stuffed pancakes, with the help of a handy filled-pancake pan.  We picked one up at the local grocery store, but Nordic Ware’s “Ebelskiver Pan” (now on sale for $39.99) with super-deep aluminum divots would fit the bill nicely.  Unlike regular flapjacks, a stuffed pancake is sensationally thick and chewy, and allows the cook to add spoonfuls of his/her favorite pancake additions (blueberries, bananas, and chocolate chips are some of our faves).

Ingredients for Zesty Lemon-Stuffed Pancakes

6 large eggs

2 cups cottage cheese–if you’re trying to keep it light, opt for a low-fat variety

1/4 cup sugar

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Vegetable-oil cooking spray

1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar

Zest of 2 lemons

To Make:

1. Beat egg whites on medium-high with an electric mixer, or by hand for two minutes using a whisk.

2. Heat your stuffed pancake pan over medium heat. Mix together eggs, cottage cheese, granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon, and lemon zest in a bowl.

3. Grease pan with a bit of butter or spray with cooking spray. In small scoops, pour approximately 1/4 cup batter per pancake into the cups, and cook until pancakes begin to bubble, 1 minute. Using a spoon, flip pancakes over to finish on the top.  Cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes more. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar, and serve with lemon zest on the side.

Few pieces of furniture are as crucial as a bookshelf.  Not just for keeping your books, but as little life organizers for office files, pottery collections, shoes, etc.  A good bookshelf not only adds invaluable function and storage, but can frame an unfinished, or “work in progress” room.

This open shelving unit from Crate & Barrel for $699 isn’t so formal as a close-ended version–which is often heavy and imposing–and is a nice medium size if you want to push more than one together to line a wall. Made of reclaimed teak wood and iron, its sturdy enough to last for years without developing any pesky wobble, but slim enough to disappear into the background of your home.

Likewise, their set of three ladder-style leaning bookcases in white is an easy way to add function without sacrificing any visual space.  They might not look so sturdy as the teak-and-metal bookshelf, but they mount into the wall to ensure maximum stability. Plus, they’re probably the best bargain in town, a complete set now on sale for just $379. Storage never sounds fun until you realize that buying shelving is like investing in a mini home make-over.

Pick a room that doesn’t already have a focal point of design interest–like, for example, a big chandelier or a large piece of artwork.  That way, if you add your oversize lamp, it won’t overwhelm or detract from what you’ve already created.  (This might not be true for everyone depending on the scale of the room and how much “statement” design it can absorb–or just depending on your personal taste).

We like the Horchow “Stage” Floor Lamp as a dramatic addition to a reading corner, or next to a couch.  The designers cleverly added a canvas panel at the bottom to diffuse light and prevent any retina-scalding from looking up at the lamp from a seated position. Constructed from brass with a hand-painted bronze finish, the stage lamp is a functional flourish that is guaranteed to earn compliments.

Shop for more contemporary floor lamps.

Home designer Thomas Paul got his start at DKNY, interning and running errands in the mid-nineties after wrapping up a degree in Textile Design at FIT.  After a short stint designing bright printed neckware and scarves, Paul turned his focus on the world of interior design, printing fabric to use on pillows and home goods instead of fashion accessories. Since then, his eponymous brand has come to include everything from cheerful tabletop accessories to rugs, lamps, stationary and linens.

We’re obsessed with Paul’s new collection stencil-printed dish towels, which for $20 each would add a touch of illustrative charm to any aesthete’s kitchen…they’re almost too pretty to dry your dishes on.

We like the idea of using interesting printed and vintage dish towels as napkins–hey, it’s a heckuva lot “greener” than buying those disposable square ones from the grocery store.  Granted, you’re signing yourself up for more laundry-doing, but it’s nothing a little hand-wash detergent like Ecologic couldn’t handle.Try with some snazzy new napkin rings, like these rope toggles by Ralph Lauren ($28) or these embellished “chirp” napkin rings ($48), which are meant to look like tied twigs.

So, for those of you with the advantage of real, non-fantasy outdoor space to work with, we present to you the latest-n-greatest in eco outdoor accessories: a motorcycle swing made entirely of recycled automobile and truck tires. Made by Wildlife Creations, Guaranteed to delight everyone in the family, this souped-up tire swing will be enjoyed for summers to come. If we had been given this as children, we would probably still be on sitting on it, making brrrrm brrrrm noises.

The black of the tires is guaranteed not to rub off on clothes–not that a six-year-old is interested in preserving his crisp white shirt, but maybe you’ll feel inclined to take this beast for a test ride yourself. Each motorcycle swing comes completely assembled, with 15 feet of installation rope that will support up to 200 lbs. Obvious though it may seem, do make sure you have a suitably sturdy branch to hang your hot wheels on, or you’ll wind up getting bonked in the head.

The Eco life collection is also packed in 80% recycled materials using soy-based inks, so you don’t have to suffer that twang of guilt when you pitch the wrappers.  Our faves from the list include the set of three graduated mixing bowls for $29, which would come in handy, well, pretty much every time we cook.

Rubber bands, be gone! Pfaltzgraff really covered all their bases by including these sweet little green kitchen clips, which can easily manage a bag of chips or other tasty snack that you want to keep fresh in the cabinet (as major pretzel enthusiasts, this item is essential to our kitchen but also to our survival). Be sure to check out the rest of Pfaltzgraff’s Eco Life essentials, like the rad measuring cups or colander.

As it gets ever-greener outside, we’re taking steps to be a little greener inside.  No, we don’t mean a windowsill garden.  At least not this week, anyway.

One of our (slightly overlooked) New Year’s resolutions was to make simple, eco-friendly changes in our daily routine; like, bring a mug to work instead of getting a million paper cups; keep the shades drawn during hot daytime hours to keep the apartment cool at night.  Etc and so forth.

But perhaps the easiest way to incorporate a little “eco” into your kitchen shrine is investing in a good water filter…and then using it consistently. We have struggled with the last step in the past, occasionally giving in and picking up a Volvic en route to work, but no longer! A Brita Aqua Lux pitcher, rated “best overall water filter” by ConsumerSearch.com, kept snugly inside the refrigerator door would keep anyone Volvvic-free. Plus, you can add a few slices of lemon or lime to the basin to give your daily agua a yummy kick.

Of course, the second step is picking up a good BPA-free water bottle to keep in your purse/briefcase.  We like the Klean Kanteen wide-mouth bottle, which is 100% recycle-able and has nice rounded corners, so bacteria has nowhere to run.

One brand you can count on to deliver clean yet effective household products is Seventh Generation, which takes its name from an old Iroquois saying: “In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.” Keep that in mind as you merrily scrub your bathtub with the biodegradable Tub & Tile cleaner, which contains no chlorine, petroleum based solvents, glycol ethers, phosphates, acids, caustics or dyes. It does, however, have a refreshing cypress and fir scent (what, like you’d miss the wafting aroma of Tilex?).

The Seventh Generation product lineup contains everything from disinfecting spray to dish soap to chlorine-free baby wipes, so there’s no excuse to keep using the same ol’ toxic garbage. Plus, they routinely go on super sale at Amazon.com, so you won’t have to pay a premium for turning green.

(One parting “eco” tip via our savvy granny: another earth-friendly cleaner is probably already in your pantry–pure Baking Soda, which effectively cleans and deodorizes household surfaces. It is also rumored to control litterbox odor, whiten your laundry and teeth, cure minor skin irritations, freshen up the refrigerator and settle upset stomachs. Shazam!)

But coolness be damned! We’re sick of looking at our random mish mash of spice jars on the shelf, obscuring one another from view, the cinnamon next to the Italian seasoning, the mulling spices uncomfortably near the curry. Surely, on a microbial level, the proximity of dissimilar spices affects the taste?  That might be the paranoia talking (we’ve been known to wrap garlic in layers of cellophane before putting it in a supposedly air-tight container; yet somehow, the butter still tastes garlicky).

These beautiful iron spice racks from Ballard Designs (our fave of late) are only $30 per shelf.  We like that you can simply add on more shelves as your spice collection continues to grow.  For the more modern spice connoisseur, check out the ultra-hip (well, as hip as spice racks go) Lipper International Soho 20-Shaker Set. Simply pack the nifty magnetic steel containers with your favorite spices, and they’ll stick to the wall.  Alas, at $120, the Lipper is a touch more costly, but it is definitely as chic as your spice display can get.

You’ve heard us ramble on about the virtues of subway signage, salvaged industrial fixtures, filament light bulbs and so forth.  Major nesting magazines like Elle Decor and Vogue Living regularly run editorials on biological charts and antique maps. But our recent infatuation (obsession?) with vintage blueprints threatens to outdo them all: unlike signage, blueprints are actually engaging, and invite the viewer to take a closer look at your hanging artwork.

We like blueprints used in offices (convenient if you’re, ya know, an architect), or as a burst of color against a neutral wall. Architectural blueprints are easy to find on eBay, but lately we’ve been into more mechanical blueprints, like for old toys or cars.  We also heard a rumor that you can find gnarly nautical blueprints (for old boats and ships) at www.seajunk.com.

Occasionally we stumble across a deal so awesome, we have to fight the urge to buy, oh, twenty or so, just to keep on hand to give friends as gifts (those birthdays sneak up on you).  This mega-cute pharmacy desk lamp from Target is one such unbelievable deal at just $39.99.  We’re not going to buy twenty, but we are indeed ordering one for our desk immediately.

Similar styles of precisely the same lamp retail for over $300 at Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware.  What are they made of, diamonds?  Forty bucks is about our speed when it comes to lamp purchases. Sure, we appreciate aesthetics and quality of make, but it just needs to produce light and look cute for goodness sakes.  For $300 we could go to Florida for the weekend.

We’re obsessed with this one in particular because it’s so convincingly old-fashioned. The pewter finish will tarnish nicely, and it is actually rather heavy-duty, made of silver and steel alloy. When people ask where you bought it, just say something cool, like you salvaged it from an old doctor’s office in the country.  We guarantee they’ll believe it.

Most of the things on our reading nook list we can find on eBay for cheap, or on Craigslist for practically free.  However, we’ve never been too keen on buying vintage upholstered furniture (unless it’s specifically for a re-upholstery project), so the arm chair is doomed to be a major purchase.  Here’s our two top contenders:

The Colefax Arm Chair by Ballard Designs is available in roughly two million different textiles (divided into subcategories like solids, stripes, florals and patterns), and is classic enough to blend in with our mish-mash of modern and flea-market furniture. Plus, with the addition of a bold textile like this black-and-white stripe, it won’t seem too dowdy or old-timey. Prices range from $549-$773.

The Gentry Armchair from Bellacor is one of the more unusual leather club chairs out there, with an interesting gold damask backing and seat cushion.  We couldn’t decide at first weather we totally dug this one, but after careful consideration, we’re definitely into it.  This is the kind of thing that will look even better when it’s all worn and broken-in.  Plus, we find it very “literary” looking, and thus, reading-nook appropriate.

The problem was–as it often is–that we weren’t any richer than the day we pulled it in off the street.  So, we opted to build a cheap-n-simple TV bench by ourselves, and give it an anitque white finish to really pop against the new gray walls (or, more accurately, the new “Ozark Shadow” walls…thanks, Benjamin Moore!).

For the fancy new bench, we used a cut list and followed some simple instructions from our favorite building site, Hammerzone.

What you’ll need:

• Four 8′ 2×4’s
• One partial 2×4, 6′ long.
• Two large pieces of OSB (Oriented Strand Board)
• 3″ Deck Screws
• 1-5/8″ Deck Screws

Follow the step-by-step instructions. Our tip for busy people (with, you know, jobs): we did about an hour of building each day after work.  In general, we find that doing building projects in bite size pieces minimizes the stress (and mess) and keeps them more manageable. For the white finish, we first stained the wood a medium oak color before giving it a deliberately messy paint job.  Once the paint dried, we attacked it with sand paper to chip away the edges and give the piece a worn, weathered look. We like the effect so much, we plan to use the same technique on an old kitchen cabinet in the near future.

Total building time: about 3 hours (not including travel). Total cost: approx $30.

The finished product! And don’t worry, all of those messy cords are about to be given the ol’ staple gun treatment.

Those of you who’ve experienced plaster walls know that anything more than a few ounces will immediately rip out and leave a gaping, crumbly hole in its place.  We learned the hard way, when a massive Ikea shelf (originally intended as a hat rack…long story) buckled under the pressure of our beloved leather jacket collection. The hole was so huge, we could have climbed in.

So, in 2010, we resolved to suffer the tyranny of the plaster walls no longer, and designed a custom-size hanging rack to fit inside the alcoves framing our bed. They had to be 100% freestanding to avoid any more disasters, so we designed them on sturdy wooden bases to make them more aerodynamic. And the poles themselves needed to be tough enough to support our weighty wardrobe.

Inspiration: The plumber's pipe hanging racks at Rag & Bone

The most practical material for the task turned out to be simple plumber’s pipe: strong, easy to assemble, and cheap. Inspired by the chic hanging racks at Rag & Bone in Soho, we made a quick trip to Home Depot in Queens, where we did an impromptu assembly in the aisles (to make sure everything fit properly). The racks took approximately an hour to assemble each; our the pine wood bases took about 30 minutes each to piece together, and just an hour or so to stain a warm golden color.  Total assembly time (not including travel to Home Depot/lumber yard): 4 hours, 30 minutes. Total cost: $500.

My handy assistant

The finished product isn’t only strong enough for our clothes–it’s sturdy enough to physically hang off of. We had a brief jungle-gym moment upon project completion, and attempted a few (failed and embarrassing) chin-ups. We cannot fully put into words the sublime relief we experienced hanging our clothes up for the first time in four months.  Take that, plaster walls!

The finished product

Of course, whites don’t tend to photograph very accurately, so here’s the “computer rendered likeness”–which actually looks pretty close to the real thing on our monitor:

We didn’t want to sacrifice any of the warmth we enjoyed with our previous buttery yellow walls, so we focused on creams and beige-y tones that would keep things soft, but offer some contrast to the cool white we used on our trim and doors.  We did not, however, want to just trade in the bright yellow for pale yellow. Swiss Coffee is brilliant because it’s warm, yet doesn’t contain any yellow pigment. The finished effect is clean and fresh but still cozy and comfortable.

As for the painting process, no self-respecting Home Improver can skip the primer.  A good coat of primer will make the difference between a crisp, evenly-covered wall and a splotchy mess. When you buy your paint, ask which primer will make the most sense for the space you’re painting (kitchens and bathrooms need different primers than bedrooms or living rooms). After giving your walls a day to dry, hit the spots you missed with a teeny tiny paintbrush, re-arrange some artwork, and enjoy!

Like us, you probably don’t really need to know what time it is due to the myriad of gizmos and gadgets we carry around with digital clocks, but there’s something rather comforting about that ol’ tic-tic-tock. Our top pick is the Baena Wall clock from Frontgate, which, in addition to its beautiful yellowed face and Roman numbering, features a thermometer and hygrometer, and can be used either indoors or out.

If you prefer something with a bit more modern flair, check out the Copenhagen metal wall clock by Infinity Instruments, which features graduated metal grommets instead of numbers on a pitch-black clock face. This one is significantly smaller than the Baena at only 12 1/2 inches in diameter, but we assume not everyone shares our affection for massive, statement-making home decor.

Like painting a wall or switching out a light plate, replacing door knobs is a renter-friendly upgrade that doesn’t have to be permanent if your landlord isn’t into it. Do keep in mind, however, the actual door you’re putting you’re attaching the new doorknobs to. The beaded brass knobs are lovely, but probably too much “look” for a simple interior door.  If you are lucky enough to have heavy wood doors in your home, then something bigger and more elaborate would make a little more sense.

A simple crystal door knob is a great option in an apartment with simple, four-panel interior doors.  If these are too feminine for your taste, try a heavy oiled brass upgrade instead. Whatever aesthetic you choose, you’ll find it’s little details like these that make the biggest difference in your home.

Our first pick is the stylish Borghese Mirrored side table from Homedecorators for $450. We love the tiled mirrored effect along the edge, and the faux-tarnished treatment down the legs and base isn’t too gimmicky or contrived.  In fact, this piece strikes us as a pretty convincing antique: something you might have salvaged from your great grandmother’s attic or speciality market. Place in a dark corner to add a pop of light, or try as a bedside table to stow books and reading glasses (it would look spectacular with an orchid on top).

We also found this chic little mirrored writing table for $358 in the unlikeliest of places: Walmart. This would look lovely facing a wall with windows, or would work beautifully as an old-fashioned vanity table in the bedroom.  Wherever you put them, a mirrored piece of furniture is guaranteed to brighten up your living space–and quite possibly your day.

Before you do anything, stock up on the essentials: planting soil, gardener’s gloves, a trowel, and some small terracotta pots.  Keeping these basics on hand will make things easier when inspiration suddenly strikes (or time suddenly opens up). One of the projects we’ve been eyeing are these clever sugar crate planters, which we first spotted on a trip to Concord, Massachusetts. There’s no shortage of vintage crates on eBay or in Brooklyn, so we’re thinking of picking up a few hardy shrubberies, such as the super-fragrant daphne plant, to keep in sun-drenched parts of the house.

Design*Sponge

Since we can’t grow vegetables indoors (at least not ones that humans would want to eat), we’re trying to get a little herb garden up and running.  Come May, this copper window planter would work beautifully with the basil, rosemary and thyme plants we’ve already got started in the apartment. We’ll keep you updated on our potting progress over the course of March, but one parting tip: with everything you plant, remember to write down a simple watering schedule to keep on the refrigerator.  Much easier than scratching your head when all your little greens up and die.

Well, not so much.  Which is why we’ve taken to “faking it,” either beating metal cabinets up ourselves (therapeutic, but quite loud), antiquing outdoor light fixtures with a sponge and some rustoleum, or (our favorite) swapping out regular lightbulbs for old-timey filaments.  These bulbs (above) are especially gorgeous in overhead light fixtures or sconces where the bulbs are exposed, and unlike modern bulbs, you can actually look at them directly without scorching your retinas.

If, like us, you become a tad obsessed with your retro-chic filaments, check out these awesome cage fixtures from Anthropologie.  Also known as “trouble lights,” these reproductions are available in two styles–a classic shape like the one shown above and a ruffle-edge. They’re still made today, but of course they’re plastic and very, very yellow. We think they would make uber hip bedside sconces, or better yet, try hanging them upside down from a ceiling hook over your dining table or kitchen counter.

Baskets are fantastic storage solutions because they come in literally all shapes and sizes (if you don’t believe us, just visit Basketville in Bellows Falls, VT–you’ll never think of baskets the same way afer you’ve seen one in the shape of a life-size zebra), and have a lot more to offer in the way of character and craftsmanship than their metal Container Store counterparts. The Sedona Oval Basket would be perfect in a bedroom setting for storing knits, accessories or other “un-hangables.” For those of you who own that cubic Ikea bookshelf–and really, who hasn’t owned it at one time or another?–or have a shelf with similar depth, these would be perfect for sprucing up and personalizing a rather austere unit.

We’re also fans of these handy-dandy lidded sea grass storage baskets, available at Overstock for (brace yourself) only $37.94.  Like the Sedona basket, we see these being used in shelves or in closets as attractive organizers, but also in the kitchen or bathroom to hide rarely used tableware or unsightly makeup products (someone really needs to design a chic-looking deodorant bottle).

At once classic and stylish, a good set of metal cafe chairs will see you through years and years of daily use, either indoors at the dining table, or outside with patio furniture.  They always look better a little scratched up, or mixed in with a mismatched collection of flea market dining chairs. We’re digging these ultra simple matte aluminum chairs from Eurostyle for $150 each (believe it or not, that’s a pretty good deal).

If you’re fortunate enough to have a high butcher’s block or perhaps a craft table in your home, check out these sleek aluminum counter stools from Home Decorator’s Collection. We think they’d add some serious flair to the kitchen or the office–plus, they’re easy-to-clean (and impossible to break), which are practical features in both spaces. They’re on sale right now for $139 (down from $150), so if you’re as enamored as we are, be sure and hurry to the checkout!

The first thing you realize when you buy a staple gun is that cords in your life don’t have to be a mess all the time. The office, wall sconces, chargers, the zone of terrifying cord chaos behind the TV (an area of our apartment so evil we avoided touching it at all costs).  A few careful, deliberate punches of the staple gun along the baseboard and behold: neat, organized cords whose purposes, plug-ins, and points of origin are totally clear. We will sleep easy tonight knowing the red cord on the TV is totally separated from the red cord with the speakers… okay, maybe that’s a little OCD.

The other wonderful thing this magic little tool can do is punch nails into things.  This is no revelation to the more hardcore of craftspeople among you, but to our novice brain, this was like a caveman finding fire.  Awesome…but maybe a little dangerous. We’re pretty good with nails and a hammer, but oh, the convenience of gluing together a wood drawer for our closet and then boom boom boom, nailing it together in under a minute. We’ll probably be buried clutching this thing to our chest.

We’ve always made an effort to keep cut flowers around, but of course, their pretty petals eventually wither and die–especially when the radiators are going full blast during the winter.  The low-maintenance solution to our un-green thumb? An easy to make, easy to care for Terrarium, also described as a micro-landscape.

How to Make a Mini-Terrarium

1) Go to your local flea market or dollar store and pick up a glass bell jar with a lid. You could also use a glass candle terrarium like this one from Target.

2) At a landscaping or gardening store, pick up 1-3 small, hardy plants such as succulents or cacti (we recommend micro sinningia).  Determine how many you need based on the size of your terrarium jar. You’ll also need a small bag of potting soil, sand, or pebbles. TIP: if you have friends with lots of plants, see if they’ll give you some cuttings.

3) After cleaning your jar, place a small layer of the pebbles or sand in the bottom of the container (this helps prevent water damage).  Next, place a layer of the potting soil on top of the sand/pebbles.

4) With your finger or a piece of wire, carve out a small hole in which to plant your succulent.

5) Carefully remove the plant with its root ball, and place it in the hole. Gently tap down the soil around the plant.

6) Spritz with some water–and voila!

Our first Terrarium–please excuse the BlackBerry picture quality, our camera didn’t cooperate.

Next time, we’re going to copy this mega-cool “Wardian Case” Terrarium to put on top of our office bookshelf.  Pretty snazzy, huh? Oh, and did we mention the unbelievable gift potential?

Chilewich’s vinyl placemats in bold graphic designs are chic, easy-to-clean, and will save you and your family countless trips to the laundry room (and thus, will save you money).  Best of all, they look like they’re woven from fabric, but because they’re plasticky they’ll last way longer than their real fabric counterparts, which fade and warp after countless washes.

If table mats aren’t really your bag, a simple runner will lend a bit of understated elegance to any dinner table. Also designed by Chilewich, this pressed cubic table-runner is modern without being too harsh, and will protect your tabletop from serving dish scratches or burns. Now we just have to find serving dishes as stylish as our new table runner!

If you’re skeptical of sheepskin, we completely commiserate: it’s undeniably 70’s, tricky to clean and maybe even–gasp!–a little tacky.  It is, however, quite a seductive textile when it comes to creating a soft spot for our bare feet. This single sheepskin longwool rug is only $70, and if styled well in the room–that is, if everything else is kept neutral, maybe with a few industrial accents to ward off the “grooviness”–we can see this becoming a cool feature.

Having said that, the vague pelt shape still kind of freaks us out.  We found this soft plush ivory rug by “Silken Desire” (ignore the name) that may prove another good alternative. You get all the benefits of sheepskin without the potential ick-factor. The 2 x 8 foot runner is only $240, which is a pretty good bargain in the realm of luxe rugs, and it’s available in a range of colors to suit your palette.

Now we just have to find a matching pair of slippers.

The Wusthof Classic Hollow Edge Steak Knives feature hollow ovals cast into the blade that prevents food from sticking to the knife as you slice your way to epicurean heaven. Plus, they just look really slick, with a lean non-serrated edge and triple riveted handle.  Check them out before they sell out at the sale price, marked down to $179.95 from $300

Just one afterthought: a set of beautiful steak knives can make a fabulous–and totally practical–gift when presented in an elegant wood casing.  This set from Zwilling J.A. Henckels is only $169.99, and would last your giftee for years. We’d consider buying them for the next wedding on our calendar, or even better, for Father’s Day.

Enter our new best friend, the Penguin-style Ultrasonic Humidifer, whose ingenious tag line reads: “enjoy the benefits of a humidifier with the appeal of a penguin.”  What is it with household electronics and penguin shapes? Remember the penguin spritzer bottle? Not that we’re complaining…they are strangely appealing.

This little fella handles a gallon tank of water, and offers a nifty “mist intensity” knob so you can adjust the humidity of your desert-like apartment or home with ease. His no-slip flippers will keep him firmly in place on whatever surface you plant him on, and the silent function will make you forget he’s even there.  Though honestly, who could forget a face like that?

Our search criteria was simple: color, a sturdy hand grip, and a really loud whistle for under $60.  This fetching little Paula Deen tea kettle hit all the marks, and looks about 400% cuter than its more expensive, designer-brand counterparts (this one retails for only $34). The red porcelain enamel boasts easy-to-clean and stain resistant properties, and the drip-free arm will prevent any unwelcome, early-morning finger burns.

If variety is what you seek, check out Kitchenaid’s collection of 2-quart porcelain tea kettles, available in seven different colors.  A heat-resistant silicone grip guarantees comfort and ease while pouring, and the base is made of a “triple ply” stainless steel to secure fast, even heating.  Of course, if nothing else, don’t they look cute?  And if coffee is more your speed, try using your new kettle in conjunction with an extra-fancy french press.

It’s not too often that you find hardwood offerings under $200 from mainstream discount retailers.  Ikea, KMart, Walmart, and Target all pride themselves on unbeatable prices, but of course the materials are often plasticky or plywood, and you wind up spending more money replacing the darn thing than you would have buying something nicer in the first place. We purchased the table pictured above just one month ago, and granted, it hasn’t been all that long yet, but the quality is such that we’re gearing up to buy a pair of bookshelves from the same Avington collection to use in our living room.

We’re also big fans of the Avington side tables for just $120 each.  The dark wood stain is a convincing cherry, and the brushed nickle hardware is classic and expensive-looking. Top with a flea-market lamps or big stack of books, and you’re good to go!

We love that Anthropologie always keeps a wide selection of quirky handmade aprons in stock. The one pictured above is called The Lady’s Apron, and conjures up memories of our grandmother kneading cookie dough with pink kitten heels on. Aprons are a highly underrated kitchen basic, and what could be more charming than incorporating a bit of vintage fashion into your dinner prep routine?

And on the subject of kitchen fashion-ization, we’re big fans of their brightly-colored and trippy-patterned potholders. Technological breakthrough? Not really.  But when purchased in a set, these would look great hanging on the wall next to a kitchen cabinet, or stacked neatly on a butcher’s block. This Stockholm Flora potholder is imported from Sweden and features an unusual, blown-up lace pattern (also check out the matching oven mitt).  Browse the entire Anthropologie Home section here, and see what other design flourishes would mesh well in your kitchen!

It seems sort of counter intuitive that aesthetics are such a strong consideration in purchasing a dutch oven, but half the charm of a brightly-colored pot is its ability to go from oven to tabletop.  This chianti red dutch oven comes with a lid designed to self-baste as your meal cooks. Perfect for braising small roasts, making soups, stews, or even baking bread (seriously), Batali’s sturdy cookware is guaranteed to become a fixture at family dinners or parties.  Best of all, if you take good care of your dutch oven, there’s no reason it won’t last for decades. Be sure to check out the complete range of cookware from Mario Batali, in particular the super chic panini press. Bon Appetit!

Until our ship comes in, we’ve contented ourselves with the slow accumulation of chic barware, perfect drink recipes and highly specific gizmos to make our favorite pub beverages at home. Very recently, we splurged on a much-too-expensive set of bar tools only to discover this excruciatingly affordable set-which may even (gasp) be a little sleeker, and much more compact, than our own. The “Manhattan” set includes everything you need for a night of hoity toity hosting: a strainer (for use with shaker), a 2 oz jigger (which is just a miniature measuring cup), a stirring spoon, and tongs for ice.  If for some reason your first drink with the new bar set doesn’t turn out as delicious as you’d hoped, at least it’s really fun to say “jigger.”

We’re happy to report that that’s not the case with this little doozy of a handheld blender: the Cuisinart Smartstick Blender can whip, chop, mix or blend anything you throw at it.  It’s become our best friend in the kitchen on cold winter nights when all we want is a hot bowl of corn chowder or stew–the broth for which it can handle in two minutes flat.

The loveliest part is that the Smartstick is not particularly loud (under normal circumstances we run for the  hills with dishtowels crammed in our ears if someone is making a margarita within 100 feet), and handles its blending tasks with minimal splatter or clean-up afterward. The Smartstick also features a handy “pulse” button, whisk and chopper attachments, and a 16 oz mixing/measuring beaker.  We guarantee your old counter blender will look on at your evenly blended smoothies and soups with envy–heck, you may even have to get rid of the darn thing.  Sorry, buddy.  We had some good times, didn’t we?

Sure, you’ve seen convex mirrors in car garages and corner delis, but who knew they could be so downright good-lookin’ with the addition of a little gold leaf and and some ornate wood moulding?  We were so smitten we immediately placed a few hasty eBay bids, but in case they don’t pan out in our favor, here’s a perfectly suitable plan B:

You can’t ask for a cuter mantle-top accoutrement for under $60. We especially like convex mirrors when hung on deep dark walls, like navy or charcoal grey, opposite a window or lighting unit so they act as tiny bursts of light. While they don’t make the most practical of bedroom of bathroom mirrors (unless you’re into seeing the funhouse version of yourself every morning), but they’re guaranteed to add interest and personality to any living or family room wall.  If faux-metal borders aren’t really your thing, check out Walmart’s Reflecting Bizari convex mirror in a variety of stained wood frames.

This Victorian-age sofa traditionally has one or two raised ends that women could elegantly recline over to catch their breath. The sloping back and carved wooden legs contribute to the couch’s feminine aesthetic. Today, the fainting sofa has been reinterpreted in a variety of fabrics, shapes, and styles. Our ideal one would retain much of the original Victorian design, but be rid of the heavy wooden accents and brocade fabric that would make it fit in Great Aunt Flannery’s parlor. But oh, where to find such a piece of furniture? Where else but the shrine of all things young, hip, retro and oh-so-cool? Urban Outfitters, of course.

The Antoinette Fainting sofa from Urban Outfitters is our current furniture lust magnet. The curved lines and thickly tufted velvet look great in shades of leaf green, gray, aqua, purple, and ruby red. We had the pleasure of sitting on one of these beauties at a house party the other day, and these sofas are just as comfortable as they are attractive. The velvet is very soft to the touch, and there was ample padding for our derrières. If sitting on the sofa with several friends, the low slope of the back may require a pillow or two.

We can’t wait to instantly up the cool factor our living room with one of these sofas. For $575 a pop, it might just be easier than we think. We’ll grab a bowl of Kettle Corn and faint into a heap for a movie marathon.

“Ombre,” the French term for shading or shadow, is an all-encompassing design term for furnishings (and sometimes fashion design) that incorporate a light gradient.  Baron based his collection of ombre rugs (which were produced exclusively for Elson and Company) on a collection of “Liquid Light” photographs he took on the coasts of Eastern America, Western Europe and the Mediterranean.

We find ombre rugs well suited to dwellings with a lot of clean lines and contemporary furniture, although mixing in a few well-chosen vintage pieces could add character to a living room featuring a statement ombre piece.  Baron’s collection was tres exclusive, but fabulous inexpensive alternatives can be found through a quick Pronto Home scan.  This torquoise and earthy brown option by Ocean Karela Collection is only $600, and offers a major color boost over Baron’s version.  We think it would look fabulous in a charcoal gray or dusty lavender room to let the color really pop.

As it turns out, it’s pretty easy to find your favorite dinosaur in cookie-cutter form.  Ours? The ferocious Velociraptor, available for a whopping $2.29 at Amazon.com, preferably in blue and pink sugar. If you’re too big a dinosaur freak to stick with just one species, boy have we got the thing for you: a complete set of dinosaur cookie cutters from CL Biggs Inc, which features the delicious Stegosaurus, the tasty Brontosaurus and even the tantalizing Triceratops (very rare).

We guarantee the guests at your next holiday fete will appreciate a break from frosted green tree cookies and sugar cookie snowmen, but if you really feel like you need something more, um, “normal” to go with your prehistoric snacks, you could always try ABC’s Pre-Chewed Gingerbread Men.

AF Lighting’s Stag Chandelier would bring a quirky home-on-the-range vibe into your contemporary living space. Hung over a dining room table or smack in the middle of the family room, this fixture hints at a far off Lodge Liftestyle so hilariously removed from our urban experience…well, it’s one of those fabulous design contradictions we can’t possibly resist.

The more committed “rustica” decorators among you have probably already scrounged up a taxidermy bust or stuffed creature from some flea market upstate.  Though our official stance on taxidermy is eeeew, we applaud  your urge for authenticity.  Might we suggest, however, this infinitely more humane and decidedly less creepy resin alternative from Black Forest Decor? Nobody will know it isn’t the real deal unless they try to pet it, and who wants friends constantly petting the wall decor, anyway?

Better still, why not embrace the virtues of inflatable wall art and order Baron Bob’s blow-up deer head? We think it would perfect in a kid’s room or hung (temporarily) over a lonely, humorless mantle for the holidays.

Often referred to as “nap blankets,” these 100% cotton throws are chic, inexpensive and easy to clean.  When choosing home decor as a gift, it’s generally advisable–unless you’re shopping for a close friend and you share similar taste–to keep colors neutral, so as not to clash with whatever else your gift-ee has going on in their room. West Elm offers this Lutz & Patmos grey cotton throw in a nice chunky cable knit for only $79.  We’re also big fans of the $60 crocheted throws at Country Curtains (check out the warm persimmon color–awesome).

For the “eco” conscious shopper, take a gander at Gaiam’s Organic Cotton Fireside blanket, available in a wide range of colors and stripes patterns.  It’s always nice to be able to throw in a hearty “and it’s good for the environment, too!” as your gift is being unwrapped.

Rather than embark on a major-investment in artisan ornaments and tscochkies, start from the top down with an unusual tree topper that screams, “THIS is the official metaphor of my most festive self.” We’re fans of the quirky cherry wood Vermont Snowflake, hand crafted from woven strips of bark.

If that’s a little au natural for your taste, might we suggest a fun, kitschy alternative: the Silver Tinsel Flower Christmas Tree Topper looks like it fell off the set of A Christmas Story.  We 100% guarantee it to imbue your tree with warmth and that extra-special holiday tackiness.

Still not working for you? Well, this last one is a can’t-fail.  For the Christmas geeks out there, pause your video game for a second to check out the inimitable, mind-blowing glory that is the Kurt S. Adler Yoda Tree Topper...with real glowing light saber!

Our big holiday preparation project for this week is building our very first gingerbread house, complete with licorice paths, red hot string lights, and Hershey’s chocolate roof tile.  If there are kids in your life, this is (of course) the perfect family project.  However, if you’re a touch short on six year old comrades, invite over some 21+ amigos for spiked egg nog and Christmas tree decorating. The finished gingerbread chateau will not only make a fabulous centerpiece; it will be a tasty treat to scarf for dessert.

Visit your local grocery store and stock up on gingerbread mix and your favorite decorative candies. You will need thick white icing to glue the gingerbread bricks together, which you can either purchase in tubes or make at home. If your gingerbread kit doesn’t come with directions (most do, but just in case), see our favorite gingerbread recipe and assembly instructions.

For the more highbrow gingerbread connoisseur, check out Hometta, a new company that offers small sustainable home plans from leading architecture firms… now available in gingerbread form.

By now everyone has seen vintage signage used to decorate the home in magazines like Domino or Elle Decor, but more often than not those pieces are randomly accrued antiques–not that that’s a bad thing, but we prefer our vintage buys to have some kind of personal connection to place or time.  Being an NYC resident, there’s something spectacularly romantic about old subway signage from the 1930’s.

A few eBay sellers like “houseofmemories82″ specialize in the maintenance and collection of subway memorabilia, but predictably, they’re painfully expensive, and a little beyond our target price range.

Someday, we’ll splurge on the real deal and surprise our gift-ee target, but for now, we think he’ll have to be satisfied with these cute subway sign reproductions from NYCwebstore, which allow users to select his or her “favorite subway stop.” Circa 1932 they are not, but we’ll sacrifice authenticity for a $16 price tag any day of the week.

Ever since sampling the VT Country Store’s homemade roasted peanuts, we’ve been somewhat preoccupied with trying to create the tasty treats at home.  After mastering the simple salted variety, we’ve moved on to bigger and better peanut concoctions.  This scrum-diddly-umptious recipe for Garlic and Ginger Roasted Peanuts, found at whiteonricecouple.com, will probably be our backup gift this holiday season (you know, the gift you give the awkward friends-of-a-friend or the coworker you only see in the breakroom once a week).  And now that we’ve ordered our handy brown bags and fancy ribbon, there’s no stopping this one-woman peanut factory.  Just have to think of a logo.

Garlic and Ginger Roasted Peanuts Recipe

Ingredients:

1 lb Raw Peanuts
5-6 Garlic Cloves, crushed
1″ Fresh Ginger, finely grated
2 T Oil, grape seed or peanut oil preferably
2 T Soy Sauce
1/2 T Fish Sauce (trust me, you won’t even know it’s there, but it will give an extra element of happy mouth)
1/2 T Granular Sugar
sea salt & fresh cracked pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 325° F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper, then put peanuts on sheetpan. Dry roast for 15 min.

2. While the peanuts begin to roast, mix everything else except for the salt and pepper in a medium bowl.  After first 15 min. remove roasted peanuts from oven, mix the peanuts with the marinade, pour back onto sheet pan, then return to oven.  Continue to roast for 10-15 move minutes, or until the peanuts are a light golden brown color.  Take them out a little before you think they are perfect, because they will continue to cook on their own a little more after being removed from oven.

3.  Allow to cool, then season with salt and pepper.

We first noticed pseudo-industrial decor in the form of plumbing pipe shelving units, which cropped up in stores like Rag & Bone, Nau, Mischka and shortly thereafter in the living rooms of some very handy neighbors.  Unwilling to start your own do-it-yourself media unit? We don’t blame you.  Instead, try swapping out hand towel racks in the bathroom or  kitchen with a simple 2 foot length of plumbing pipe (and two “elbows”), available at any Home Depot or plumbing supply store. It’s a great, simple strategy for achieving that gritty-chic effect without the sweat–or the expense.

Our personal favorite factory-looking accent is the ever-popular industrial lamp, here shown in a brilliant copper hue from Circa Lighting.  Bought in a set of three or more, industrial hanging lamps can look fabulous over a dining room table or strategically placed throughout a living room.  Be aware that you’ll probably need to swap out the bulb for something softer, as these tend to give off a harsh glare.  Iron or aluminum metals are more traditional, but we think the copper offers a bit more warmth.

We did! Only an hour or so of work and voila: a salvaged thrift store desk is now transformed into a funky miniature craft table.  The image above gives you a pretty good sense of the practicality–and awesome potential for endless scribbling–that a chalkboard table can offer.

If we revisit this project down the road, we’ll remember to prep the table–or wall, or whatever subject you choose–with a bit of Active Wall magnetic paint.   Apparently, a magnetic primer doesn’t detract from the “write-ability” of the chalkboard surface, and allows the user to magnetize papers, clips or what have you.  Could be an especially good idea on an office wall, but we’ve also seen the chalkboard effect used in bedrooms, traced in the shape of a headboard. No matter how you choose to use it, spray-can chalkboard paint is guaranteed to add a little fun and imagination to any room.

See also arts & crafts.

Materials:

• 8 bundles of Fresh Spike or Lavandin Lavender
  OR 10 bundles of Sweet Lavender
  (Should yield 75-100 mini bundles)
• Bare frame of willow or grapevine wreath base
• 1 package medium elastic bands
• 1 spool of tough ribbon or twine for wrapping bundles
• 1 spool of fancy ribbon for the bow

Steps:

1. Wrap bundles of lavender into 10 mini bundles. Place elastic close to the flower head & trim stems short, about 3-4 in.
2. Lay wreath base flat.  Attach your ribbon to the base securely.
3. Lay 3 mini-bundles at a time across the base to lay your first layer of lavender. Bundles should all face the same direction.
4. Pull ribbon over the mini-bundles just above the elastic area. Tighten as you wrap around the base.
5. Lay the next layer of mini-bundles overlapping the first layer, covering the ends with the wrapped ribbon.
6. Continue around the base, layering each successive layer of mini-bundles.
7. Leave the ribbon in one long continuous length, tightening at each layer to keep even tension. Wrap snugly  (the bundles shrink as they dry & it can leave the ribbon loose)
8. Make an off center loop for hanging on the reverse side or backside of wreath.
9. Tie a ribbon bow

Newfane Country Store owners, Marilyn and Bob, would most certainly disapprove of the store-bought Nautica quilt we’ve been using to curl up on the couch since high school. The center room of their winding boutique in the center of Newfane boasts hundreds of handmade American quilts made by some of the finest quilters in the area–including Marilyn herself, whose latest custom-order involves sewing a quilt made entirely of baby clothes.

We don’t anticipate taking up quilting anytime soon–it looks, you know, really hard–but should you feel inspired, or just in need of a new, brutally time-consuming hobby to get you through the winter, here’s a couple things to get you started.

Start with a good quilting how-to book which will educate you in quilting fundamentals and some easy starter projects.

Second, you will need what is called a Quilting Hoop, which keeps your work in place as you sew. We’ve selected this 7-inch “No Slip” quilting hoop for just $8–so if it turns out can’t stick with it, you’re only out of pocket the cost of two lattes.

Other than that, it’s just fabric scraps, needles and thread. Who knows–maybe quilting will be the next folksy art to go “chic,” just like knitting in 2002.

One of the simplest ways to transform your room is to add an object or two with a wood grain pattern. This pattern (also known as Faux Bois) has been popping up lately on everything from bar soap to lampshades. Our favorite use of it is on wallpaper. (Don’t freak out. Wallpaper is incredibly easy to use now-a-days. Many varieties come pre-pasted and ready to peel off the moment you tire of it.) This texturized Faux Bois wallpaper comes in four natural shades, and pasted up behind your sofa will create instant coziness.

Or, try a piece of branch décor. This trend has also been seen in a variety of home items. We love the way that this lamp by Currey and Company has a gathering of branches at the base that grow into a modern neutral shade. The colors on it are so light that this piece could translate easily into your spring décor.

Lastly, don’t forget to add a rug, like this plaid one by Milliken. Its color scheme is a bold array of teals, oranges and reds, while the graphic lines are more of a suggestion of plaid than the actual thing. Keeping the colors fresh is a sure-fire way to prevent any plaid from looking too lumberjack.

When you are finished, relax, cozy up next to the fire and break out your harmonica. Drink some apple cider and revel in the comfort of the great indoors.

But we’ll forgive their out-of-towner status in exchange for some of these amazingly rich, lathery shea-butter suds. Australians have long known the virtues of shea butter in combating a harsh, dry climate–and there’s no better time than winter for Americans to embark on their personal moisturizing journeys.  Keep your eyes peeled for the collection in speciality bath and body stores, but in the meantime, check out these equally delicious shea butter bubbles.  Amazon.com is offering a great deal on hand-painted Portuguese soap dishes that come accompanied by a bar of lavender “Savon de Marseille”  shea butter soap (remember to keep those holiday gifts in mind–presumably everybody uses soap, so this would make another can’t-miss hostess gift).

Take, for example, the “Dryer Ball.” We’d never heard of this urchin-looking gizmo, but were intrigued by the bright kitschy packaging and urgent, exclamatory signage.  As it turns out, this goofy thing is sort of ingenious:  the dryer ball softens, unwrinkles and de-statics clothing, totally eliminating the need for chemical softeners.  By now all your little eco bells should be ringing. If you can’t make it to Weston, Vermont to stock up on these little wonders (not to mention licorice from the insane candy counter), never fear: Nellie’s makes an updated, PVC-free version of the laundry room staple with room for soy “fragrance diffusers.”

The phrase “casserole dish” doesn’t usually get our heart racing, but the beautiful hand-cast enamel cookware from Le Creuset will turn anyone into Alain Ducasse.  Creuset’s signature glazed stoneware with an unglazed base allows for maximum heat absorption and slow, even baking. If your host has already finished cooking by the time you arrive for the evening’s festivities, he or she will appreciate having such a chic new serving dish–after all, the very best thing about Le Creuset cookware is that it can go directly from the oven to the table .

If your host has a garden (or just an apartment-friendly green thumb), they may or may not be aware that November is the time to start planting their Spring bulbs. There are over 2000 different kinds of Narcissus, our personal favorite April bloom-er, and we haven’t heard of anyone who doesn’t like the sight of peeking purple crocuses as the snow melts.  A packet of multi colored bulbs and a shiny new trowel, along with some handwritten planting instructions, will be enjoyed months after the holidays when the spectacularly bright blooms burst out of the frost.

People aren’t typically inclined to shell out for a high quality cutting board–the red plastic ones from Ikea work just fine–but that’s precisely why they make such lovely holiday gifts.  This round walnut cutting board from John Boos will stand up to years of daily kitchen prep–and will look fabulous no matter how passionately you chop, slice and dice.  Plus, with the addition of some freshly baked bread and maybe a little pumpkin butter, it’s guaranteed to be the showpiece of your host’s Thanksgiving table–er, besides the turkey, that is.

Our truly unappealing sink fixture became “vintagey and cute” with the addition of a fresh coat of paint and a hand full of nifty new drawer pulls.  We’re big fans of these Amber Scroll Knobs from Target, which come in a set of four for only $40.  Try with a new hanging mirror (we found a gorgeous painted mirror at the flea market for $8) and a cool, freestanding cabinet to stow away towels and the extra-fancy soaps you save for guests.  The Espresso Brown cabinet from Ameriwood looks like it would fit in even the tiniest of city-dweller bathrooms. Happy non-renovating!

Once a month we’ll invite friends and coworkers over for a calorie-saturated soiree at our Brooklyn abode–a Night of a Thousand Carbs, if you will. However, at our most recent potluck, we found ourselves in a bit of a pickle:  too many invitees turned out to be willing to make the trek from the Upper West Side to Williamsburg and we quickly ran out of seating. Not to worry–the evening was still a tremendous success, though guests resorted to sitting indian-style on our living room carpet with trays of mac and cheese balanced in their laps.

Which is why we’ve decided to embrace floor seating in a more stylish way to prevent any future seating debacles. The Auskin Natural Sheepskin Floor Pillow in Ivory will blend easily into our living room color scheme (it’s pretty easy to incorporate white), but is also just silly and fluffy enough to add some humor to our “floor-socializing.” We think a set of four should suffice, and they can act as magnificent fuzzy couch cushions when not in use. But beware if you have household pets: we can see this becoming Fido’s personal napping throne if left unattended. ]]> http://blog.prontohome.com/home-garden/cushy-living/feed/ 1 http://blog.prontohome.com/interior-design/weird-trend-rubber-rugs/ http://blog.prontohome.com/interior-design/weird-trend-rubber-rugs/#comments Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:44:58 +0000 Blair Pfander http://prontohome.blog2.pronto.com/?p=273 Every so often we stumble across a home trend that we really want to like, but aren’t totally convinced will mesh in our apartment’s aesthetic. One such craze is the rubber rug, which we first spotted in design showrooms and, more recently, in the living rooms of a few stylish sophisticates. While the rubber rug undoubtedly looks awesome, we have to wonder:  do people really enjoy the texture of a thousand undercooked penne noodles underfoot while savoring their morning coffee?

The solution we finally arrived at  is to embrace the rubber rug in the great outdoors–assuming you’re lucky enough to own (or rent) a slice of it.  The Nanimarquina Bicicletta Rug, available through the outrageously gorgeous Brooklyn showroom,  The Future Perfect, is manufactured from recycled pieces of bicycle tire, and would look spectacular on a porch or nestled into your outdoor seating area. We like to think of it as a modern take on the 1970’s shag rug–and we guarantee house guests will do a double take. If the Nanimarquina price tag is a little steep (comes in just under $1300 for a 5 x 8), try the handknotted black rubber shag rug from St. Croix Trading for only $295. It may not have the nifty bicycle anecdote to go with it, but it’s still made of recycled materials, so your eco cred won’t be compromised.

We’re not sure in what universe the Bia Salt Pig with Spoon actually looks like a pig–maybe in some unpublished Kurt Vonnegut novel about an alternate swine galaxy–but it sure does look cute on our tabletop, in spite of its anatomical inaccuracy (personally, we think it looks a lot like a fire hydrant).  If you’re not yet a geek on the Sea Salt bandwagon, get started on your dweebiness with this set of three exotic smoked salts from Salt Works.  The beginner’s collection includes Salish (a slow-smoked Red Alderwood flavor), Bali Salt (which includes a bit of citrus), and Fume de Sel (smoked over chardonnay oak  chips).

Oh, yeah, they’re exactly as good as they sound.

So we instantly fell in love with these DIY soda siphons when they started popping up on the shelves of all our local kitchen boutiques. Our cherry red Whip It! Soda Siphon has become our favorite dinnertime acoutrement: it not only carbonates tap water beautifully,  but also works with simple juices or wine (our personal favorite summertime beverage).

Flavored syrups and sugar can be added for refreshing homemade sodas–we recommend trying Torani’s Grapefruit Syrup with mint leaves and plenty of ice for a nose-tingling winter treat that makes good on the season’s citrus offering. Be warned that CO2 cartridges go fast if you use the siphon often, so be sure to order in larger quantities to avoid the horror that is Household Bubble Deficiency. Trust us–we’ve experienced this affliction firsthand, and it ain’t pretty.

With every winter comes the deterioration of the previous summer’s kick-ass exercise routine and the tragic but inevitable softening of our mid-sections.  Our jeans start to fit a little tighter,  our buns less of steel than of play dough, and we mourn our formerly hot selves in a sea of gingerbread and mulled cider.

But after about a month of over-indulgence in the season’s many tempting harvest treats, we start to feel the need to start fresh, and purge ourselves of the thick sugar coating lining our bellies.  One fabulous way to do this is a full-blown juice fast–which we always say we’re planning on and never actually have for more than 12 hours–but another good idea is just, you know, drinking some more juice and less hot chocolate. The Breville Ikon Juicer can churn out 8oz of pure healthy goodness in five seconds flat–heck, it even juices bananas–and is guaranteed to make you at least feel like a fit, healthy human being again.

For the novice juicer, start out making simple orange or grapefruit juices in the morning.  Once you’ve mastered that, we recommend giving Martha Stewart’s Green Juice a shot.  We do our best not to be Martha Stewart freaks, but every so often the lady comes up with something so undeniably awesome we have to worship at her lavender-with-a-hint-of-vanilla scented temple.

Makes two servings:

• 1 unpeeled cucumber
• 2 ounces green Swiss chard or spinach
• 3 sprigs flat-leaf parsley
• 1/2 Granny Smith apple
• 3/4 cup cubed honeydew melon
• 1 celery stalk
• 1/4 fennel bulb
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger

Don’t let the color get to you–it may look like gloop, but this stuff is tasty.

So to remedy the situation we’ve been keeping an eye out for simple dinnerware sets that would mesh with–well, with everything, really–and hold up to serious daily use. This sixteen piece earth-blue collection from Pfaltzgraff promises to do exactly that–plus, it’s dishwasher safe, which only serves as further motivation to move somewhere with a dishwasher. We like that the blue will add some color to the table, but is still neutral enough to pair with our most outlandish side and serving plate pieces. Of course, if blue isn’t the one for you, choose from taupe, sand, sage and mahogany sets as well.

These professional quality blades are forged of a high-carbon stainless steel that resists daily rust and corrosion. The riveting detail along the inside of the blade prevents vegetables from sticking–which we never realized was annoying until we tried using knives without riveting.  A laser controlled edge ensures a more consistent blade angle and lasting sharpness, perfect for those of us who haven’t scheduled regular sharpening sessions into our kitchen maintenance routines.  Break them in with a giant vegetable stir fry dish–we guarantee you’ll never consider chopping up an onion with anything else.

So until the day we find a convertible three bedroom with room for a few sawhorses and a lenient (i.e. deaf, blind, and dumb) landlord, we’ll continue to seek out space saving, all-in-one pocket tools like this black oxide-dipped stainless steel vunder gadget from Leatherman. Granted, it’s not going to build you a new sofa table any time soon, but by God, it will clip your hanging wire, adjust your table legs, measure the height of your bookshelves, file your nails and–and!–uncap a well-deserved beer when you’re through.

If that’s not enough for you, take a moment to consider how much it looks like something Batman just removed from his toolbelt. And who doesn’t love an included carrying case? The simple nylon pouch makes for easy storage in a purse or backpack for the on-the-go craftsperson that can’t stand to keep their serrated knife or diamond-coated file to themselves.

However, even with autumn’s new expenses there are ways to save money in various areas, such as…

Rentals and buying a home: People usually move in summer, and any left-over apartments may be discounted with renter discounts as apartment complexes see a lull in renters. As for buying a home, now is a great time as summer sellers who are frustrated about another winter coming on and no new bites for a buyer may make drastic discounts now that they would not have before.

School clothing – As September drones on, stores need to get their back-to-school clothing out the door to make way for seasonal and winter clothing. Look for great deals on discounted school clothing now.

School supply clearance – You can expect school supplies like crayons, paper, desks, pens, backpacks, and even laptops to be on sale during mid September but also this usually includes more adult minded office supplies which were heavily stocked for back to college folks.

Consumer Reports notes that September is the perfect time to pick up the following discounted items…

• Bikes
• Computers
• Gas grills
• Shrubs, trees, perennials, and other garden gear
• Small consumer electronics

Jack O Lantern Mini Stained Glass Window – handcrafted and beautiful Halloween decorative lighting for any room or application. Rust and moss autumn leaves surround a pumpkin orange jack o lantern that glows and lights up cool autumn nights. Encased in a solid brass frame to hang perfectly in its own brass tabletop display.

Jack-O-Lantern Accent Lamp – Another Medya Tiffany lighting choice – an adorable pumpkin that’s also a charming accent lamp and a hauntingly beautiful work of art.

Halloween Lantern Lights – Easy and colorful string of Halloween paper lantern lights to create a festive mood at your holiday party. Plug in and enjoy all October long!

Sparkling Ghost Light Set – Really cute sparkling ghost light set measures approximately 11 long. Ghost lights light up in white and blue light that twinkles and flashes. Plus can be used for indoor or outdoor use.

• Heating and cooling
• Water
• Recycling
• Electricity

While CR notes that the heating & cooling category is the area where homeowners can save the most they offer plenty of tips across the board that can help you save all year long. Some of the CR October tips include…

• Use a combination of caulk, foam board, expandable sealant, and weather stripping to insulate and stop leaks.
• Check insulation levels to make sure your attic has more than 11 inches of fiberglass or rock wool or more than 8 inches of cellulose. If not, you need more insulation. ,
• Sealing ductwork is the most frequently overlooked step according to CR. If you spend $500 to seal leaky or poorly insulated ducts that run through crawl spaces, attics, or other areas you can save about $400 per year BUT that sealing will last longer than a year, saving you cash in the long run.
• Buy a programmable thermostat which can save you 20% on heating costs.
• Install low-flow shower-heads to save as much as $265 per year on water bills.
• Low-flow toilets can save $90 annually.
• Replaced incandescent light bulbs with a compact fluorescent light bulbs.
• Replace three major appliances with energy-efficient models. Such as buy an energy efficient front loading washer, energy efficient dishwasher, and an energy efficient tankless water heater to save oodles of money for the long haul.
• Recycle at home. If you don’t recycle, the newer “Pay As You Throw” trash programs, now in more than 7,000 communities, (which  treat trash like a utility, charging homeowners for garbage they throw out) may cost you.

The full report on energy-saving products (which is huge) — including Consumer Reports tests of pellet stoves and solar water heaters, and tips on saving energy costs — is in the October 2009 issue of Consumer Reports Magazine. It’s also available online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

[image via stock.xchng]

1. Call your local recycling center and find out which items they accept and how they should be separated. Paper, plastic, aluminum is typical but some centers take other items as well. Make a list of items you can send to your local center. For the items you know are recyclable, but that your local center won’t take, check Earth 911 for a facility – for example batteries. By now you should have a ballpark figure of how many recycling bins you’ll need.
2. Pick an area of your home for your center. Somewhere near the kitchen is good since a lot of recycling happens there. See what kind of space you have – under the counter, under a cupboard, or against a wall.
3. Choose bins that fit the space you have available. Below are some good choices.

Neu Home Three Compartment Step-On Recycling Bin – Divided into three compartments that feature color coded step-on foot pedals for organizing and separating recyclables. Pull-out inserts and back handle for easy transport.

Rev-A-Shelf Tri-Color Recycling Bin – nicely tucks away under your cupboard.

Recycle Bags- Set of 2 – Bags made from recycled material. These stand upright and can be washed.

See more home recycling bin options.

Here are some fun fall decor ideas…

Modernist Autumn Wall Tapestry – a nice modern take on a timeless theme in warm earth tones with cotton backing.

A super cool Uttermost Fall Leaves Set Art Work – extra pretty and fall inspired. Hand forged and hand embossed metal and features a distressed red, aged verdigris and sandy brown finish. Hand rubbed chestnut brown completes the pieces.

Howard Elliott “Autumn” Mirror – lovely mirror with a natural look including some embossed leaves! A ribbed texture in radiant gold and bronze looks rustic, but not too cowboy like. This would even fit in a modern home.

An adorable Terrys Village Fall Welcome Sign that can be personalized and features embossed metal leaves and wooden acorns. PERFECT for fall!

As a table touch try the berry-trimmed wooden Terrys Village Autumn Candle Lamp with a realistic flame-tipped candle bulb.

Following are some components that can help you create a soothing and peaceful bedroom.

1. Go for calm with a platform bed like the Prepac MBD-5600 Sonoma Collection Double/Full Platform Bed-Maple. This bed has no cluttering headboard, and comes with a contemporary maple finish slat support system which eliminates the need for a box spring. Solid wood slats distribute body weight evenly and minimize the amount of motion transfer for a restful sleep. There’s extra storage with the six large drawers positioned below the bed to keep stuff out of sight.
2. Pick lighting that’s clutter free such as ceiling lighting. The Kichler Wilton Three Light Pendant in Carre Bronze has plenty of  attention to detail, and is not overly stated. Intricate scrollwork and a rich Carre Bronze Finish accented by Antique Barley Glass in a classic tulip shape make this a calming lighting choice.
3. Stay away from bold color choices in bedding and go with something calm like the Sausalito Stripe Organic Duvet Cover and sham … since it’s organic, you’re air will be cleaner, and your dreams free from pesticides too.
4. Surround yourself with soothing scents like Vanilla & Acorn or Lavender & Lemongrass via soy candles which are a greener and healthier choice than traditional wax based candles.

Do you sleep better when your bedroom has calm decor?

A few of the tips HGTV offers include:

Minimal is in: I like minimal and HGTV notes that simple window shades with easy lines are the way to go – especially, they note if you want your home to appeal to younger buyers (if you’re selling).

Keep it light: You don’t want curtains or blinds that block out too much light. One, this will make your room look smaller, two, dark kitchens are a big negative in the minds of buyers, and three, we’re not vampires. The light is yes, actually good for you and of course saves you cash on your electricity bill – why have the lights on during the day?

The Martha Stewart Collection “Trousseau” window drape panels shown above are a great example of both a minimal look and keeping it light. This style offers two coordinating options woven from smooth cotton voile in cloud. Available with wheat dot embroidery details and scalloped edges as shown, or solid cloud with an intricately woven antique lace hem.

Try some texture: HGTV says that “Roman shades made of rattan, bamboo or other natural fibers” add visual appeal for buyers. Plus, they just look cooler than boring old one dimensional shades.

Brussels Bamboo Platinum Drapery shown above is one example of a more textured look without going over the top. See all six HGTV tips about choosing the perfect window treatments.

• Air conditioners
• Camping equipment
• Dehumidifiers
• Lawn mowers
• Outdoor furniture

They’re right on target too. Here are some awesome deals going on right now in the above categories.

Adalea Teak Patio Set – Lovely Teak side table and 2 chairs in natural Teak color with aluminum legs. Contemporary design to match a stylish home and long lasting.

For camp outs the Weber Smokey Joe Silver 14.5 Inch Charcoal Grill travels well, being smaller, has a no rust vent, and a nice ten year warranty.

The Haier Paragon Eco-Conditioner is an eco-minded air conditioner that both cools your room while filtering the air. The Paragon uses no ozone-damaging chemicals and uses less energy than other similar air conditioners, making it an earth-friendly choice for home comfort during the summer. It can cool a room about 12 feet x 10 feet in size. The air purifier component runs on UV (ultraviolet) rays, yup the same ones found in sunlight, which is a natural air filter.

Black and Decker LAWNHOG Mulching Mower with Flip-Over Handle – This mower is the perfect choice for those with smaller lawns and runs on electricity and is a little more eco-friendly than gas powered.  Plus it produces half the noise and is easier to start than gas-powered lawn mowers. The handle flips over for easy storage in tight spaces.

I have a pretty basic Kitchen Aid blender, and it works perfectly for smoothies. You don’t need an expensive blender at all, just one with some varied settings. You want it to be able to crush ice. Not all smoothies need ice, but my son like me to add some. You also want it to blend large chunks smoothly – which is key to the perfect ’smooth’ smoothie.

My blender is getting old, and I’ve been looking at the Kitchen Aid Brushed Nickle KitchenAid 5-Speed Custom Metallic Blender shown above. It’s got all the settings I like plus looks super slick and clean – go silver!

Secondly you’ll need some big sturdy glasses and some non-toxic drink storage for left-over smoothie. In my experience kids rarely drink the whole smoothie at once, and if you make double the amount you can hand out the extra as an after-school snack.

Driscoll’s Berries sent me this cool Mixed Organic Berry Smoothie recipe and minus the ginger my son loves it. Keep the ginger though if you’re an adult – it’s tasty and healthy!

Prep time: 3 minutes
Makes about 3 cups, or 2 servings

• 1 cup Driscoll’s Organic Blueberries
• 1 cup Driscoll’s Organic Raspberries or Blackberries
• 1 cup Driscoll’s Organic Strawberries, halved or quartered
• 1 cup organic vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 cup Organic orange juice
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped crystallized ginger
• Organic Berries for garnish

Blend all ingredients plus two ice cubes in a blender until smooth. Garnish with additional berries before serving.

Nutrition Per Serving: 245 calories, 2.59g total fat, 1.05g saturated fat, 8.36g protein, 51.20g carbohydrate, 6.12mg cholesterol, 7.45g fiber, 89mg sodium

More awesome smoothie ideas:

• Organic Halloween Smoothie
• Icy cold summer lime smoothie
• Healthy kids smoothies

As noted my son likes me to add ice. I think he likes the crunch and cold. You can ice to any smoothie or mix and match 2 parts fruit with 1 part yogurt and 1 part juice, milk, or soy milk. For thicker smoothies add more fruit or even add some flax or wheat germ for added nutrition.

Lastly, hardware is fun. I’ve been looking at Anne At Home decorative hardware lately, and there really is something for everyone. No matter your style or personality. For example…

If you happen to want a killer cooks kitchen, replace your existing hardware with mushroom cabinet knobs, pea pod knobs, or a cute little radish knob.

Nature lovers can bring the outdoors inside with shells, leaves, butterflies, and the bright sunshine.

You create an ocean themed dresser for a child with sand dollars, sea horses, and dolphins.

For the eclectic there’s musical notes, Asian Lotus flowers, frogs, and more.

You have tons of options – see all the cool Anne At Home decorative hardware choices.

• Bedding
• Wastebasket for desk (I’d add a little recycling basket too)
• Ton’s o’ clothes hangers
• Alarm clock
• Under the bed storage
• Desk lamp
• Laundry bag (a carry bag is best)
• Sewing kit
• Bathroom / shower caddy
• Peg board or white board – great for roommate messages
• Small fridge and microwave
• Some various non-breakable dishes
• Area rug
• And more – print out the handy checklist

Once you’ve got your list, here are some great gear ideas that won’t cost you an arm and a leg:

1. Safco Mixx Modular Storage Cube with door- great for all sorts of storage, plus looks cool. Can also be interlocked to build more storage.
2. GE Profile Countertop Microwave – can also fit under a cupboard.
3. Architect Desk Lamp Orange – adjustable, inexpensive, and available in colors to suit any mood.
4. Metro Laundry Bags -100% cotton-twill bag. It features two side pockets to hold your quarters and laundry essentials, and a thick sporty drawstring that doubles as a shoulder strap. Reinforced with heavy-duty webbing and belt loops. This bag won’t bust if it falls down the stairs.
5. Bath Caddy – basic and won’t leave gear inside soggy.

Do you have kids heading off to college? What essentials are you packing?

Then the green gurus over at Inhabitat posted a piece,  IS IT GREEN?: The Compact Fluorescent Light, that figured in toxic mercury and the recent developments in LED technology, which, when looked at as a whole means that “CFLs may not be the smartest choice for long-term sustainability.”

What to do. Basically there are plenty of ways to save energy in the home that have nothing to do with your choice of light bulb. Turning off lights not in use, using your oven in an efficient manner, closing windows when it’s cold, and so on saves a lot more energy than your choice of lighting. Of course every little bit counts right; so home lighting is still  a concern.

Basically there are a ton of lighting choices that put the old school incandescent light bulbs to shame. See the gallery below for options.

Shown above are:

• GE Spiral CFL Bulb
• Progress Lighting Everlume Collection – LED
• Progress One Light LED Mini Pendent
  

Your best bet for outdoor lighting is solar. Solar lights cost more at the onset, but run on the sun, so you’re saving a lot more energy and cash over time. For example, the Gardman Orbis Stainless Steel Solar Light Set or the Malibu Post Top Solar Light can be charged by the sun during the day then used to light up the garden or walkway at night.

If you need a visual pop in your room, wall decor is probably your solution. I’ve been looking for wall shelves for the past couple of weeks now because I’m feeling like my walls are a little bland. I want my eyes to be visually stimulated when I walk into my studio. There are all sorts of different types of wall shelves: wall cubbies, wall ledges, wall blocks, etc. And these are just the traditional ones. There are ones that look like a tree branch, S-shaped, L-shaped, etc.

Personally, I like my wall shelves to be on the plain side because there’s already a lot going on in my studio and I want to highlight the items I’ll be placing on the wall shelf like my friend’s painting and pictures. But it’s whatever you feel best fits the room. I personally really like West Elm’s deep picture ledges. These wall shelves come in a variety of sizes (2, 3, or 4 inch) and two different colors (chocolate or white). Not only is it plain enough to highlight the items on it, but protect them from falling; the ledges have a little lip.

So if your room needs a little pop, give wall shelves a try.

This year get ready now to pack a healthy lunch and stop the waste cycle by investing in some reusable school lunch gear. Ideas for reusable lunch boxes and bags below.

1. The Wildkin Lunch Bag – a safe lunch bag that’s soft and can fit in a backpack with ease. Includes a beverage container holding area, zippered front, and detachable shoulder strap.
2. Crocodile Creek Ladybug Pocket Lunch Box – great for a tiny tot just starting school. This durable bag features a great insulation to keep food fresh and comes with a comfortable carrying handle.
3. For older kids there’s the Built NY Gourmet Getaway Lunch Tote Minidot – Tested for lead safety – no vinyl or PVC used. Made from neoprene and has soft-grip handles plus zip closure AND stores flat while keeping lunches cool up to 4 hours.
4. Pottery Barn Kids PBK for boys or girls – Made with durable 600-dernier polyester, roomy pockets and heavy-duty zippers to make packing easy. BPA- and phthalate-free insulation so it’s safe for your kids. There’s also a zippered mesh pocket inside is sized perfectly to hold utensils or a napkin. Personalization is also available.

You’ll also need a decent beverage container. Reusable, non-plastic water bottles are the safest and best for your kids, although BPA free plastic is lightweight and still a better choice that toss away juice boxes or disposable water bottles. Some choices below.

• CamelBak Water Bottle, Berry
• Stainless Steel Water Bottle – 40 oz
• Laken Kukuxumusu Water Bottle
• Disney Large Aluminum Jack Skellington (awesome) I love Nightmare Before Christmas!

Coming up soon some lightweight and safe ideas for food storage in your lunch boxes. Are you packing a lunch for your child this year or going with school lunches?

Powell Sunday Funnies Kids Desk Set is available with or without the hutch, but either way it’s a totally fun retreat from the ordinary. It looks like a cartoon, but works great for homework or study. Sweet bombe-shaped with generous scale and proportion plus; 2 Pencil drawers, 1 Large door for storage, and finished in 4 colors; Honeysuckle green, Bluebell, Tulip pink, and Dandelion.

Locker 3-Drawer Desk – The locker styling of this fun desk makes homework at least a little cooler. Features a cool and durable silver metal frame with a natural-wood surface and pull-out keyboard tray. There’s also a smooth natural-wood surface and 8 Locker Panel Drawers faces in eight different colors.

I never had a hanging table because when my son was born I thought, “Hey, why spend money on a changing table – you can change babies on the floor, the bed, the couch, it’s all good.” Well, I’ll tell you what, you DO need a changing table. It’s the one item I never had that I truly should have bought. Your back gets super sore after bending over for the millionth diaper change. Plus it keeps all your gear organized in one place.

I suggest you buy a changing table that doubles as a dresser though so you can use it forever. I like the Cocoon Nursery Dressing Table (shown above) because you don’t have to affix the changing pad to the table top, the side wall holds it steady and there’s a ton of storage. Available in Espresso, Paprika, or hand-rubbed Vanilla finishes this table is 100% solid wood and has 3 Large drawers, 1 small side drawer, one pullout compartment with unique cutout shelf perfect for stacking diapers and lotions, and a pullout shelf on the side for extra top space. I also like that it’s mature. This looks good in a nursery but would also look fine in an older child’s room or even in an adults room. It’s transitional and thus worth the cost.

You can also pick up a basic dresser and add a changing pad to the top. One super cute kid’s dresser is the Bratt Decor Dick Dresser (shown above). Bratt Decor makes the cutest furniture and all of their wood supply is forested from 1.7 million new trees specifically planted for harvest in the wood and paper industry. This is also a mix and match dresser. You can change the look of the dresser drawer fronts by removing the standard panels and sliding your new ones in place. Very cool.

Are you thinking you’ll skip the changing table to save a few buck, or splurge? IMO this is one of those splurges you should take.

Tips for a green and healthy kitchen – best eco-friendly dishes to own…

• Test the dishes you already have for lead. IF your dishes contain lead use them for other things or recycle them, but don’t eat off of them. Lead is extremely harmful for your health.
• Buy bamboo dishes – bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource and won’t leach chemicals or lead into your food.
• Choose dishes made with recycled glass or even non-recycled glass dishes – both are healthy and safe choices (we’ll unless you drop them).
• Stoneware and ceramic dishes made in the U.S. are a good choice.
• Sustainable wood dishes with non-toxic finishes tend to cost more but look great and are also safe.
• Stainless steel dishes – you can even find recycled stainless steel dishes. 
• If you MUST use disposable dishes, choose recycled and biodegradable disposable dishes.

Green and healthy dish options:

1. Totally Bamboo Serving Tray
2. WMF Kult Stainless Coffee Mug
3. Rings Salad Plate Recycled
4. Recycled Glass Serving Bowl
5. Totally Bamboo Mini Bowl
   

A word about plastics:

If you own plastic dishes you’re not alone. Plastic is a mainstay in today’s kitchens. It’s lightweight, portable, less expensive, and easy to find. That said, it’s not the healthiest or greenest choice. Plastic plates, cups, and other plastic food storage can all contain harmful chemicals not to mention plastic, in most cases is made with non-renewable petroleum.

Avoid containers made of PVC (3), polycarbonate (7), or polystyrene (6). Research shows that plastic #7 can shown leach Bisphenol A (BPA), a harmful chemical which has been shown to disrupt hormones and cause other problems. If you have to have some plastic containers, buy containers with the recycling symbols 1, 2, 4, or 5 and avoid heating them in the microwave as heating has been shown to release harmful chemicals. Glass, stainless steel are far greener and healthier food storage options than plastic. Neither leach chemicals and both are easily recycled.

Green food storage options…

1. Pottery Barn Kids PBK Spencer Food Storage (BPA and phthalate-free)
2. Thermos BPA Free Leak Proof Food Container
3. Brillant Air-Tight Stainless Steel Canister
4. Kinetic 12 Piece Go Green GlassLock Food Storage Set

Have you done a green dish audit lately?

Silicone Baking Cups shown above – NO paper waste and you don’t even need a muffin pan, these stand alone in the oven!

• First of all, silicone products often take the place of toss away items, which makes silicone a green home choice. For example, you could buy paper muffin cups and store bought ice pops OR you could buy reusable silicone muffin cups and refillable, reusable silicone ice pop molds. You cut waste and keep junk out of the landfill.
• Silicone saves money – because silicone is reusable and lasts flippin’ forever, you won’t need to buy new products all the time.
• It’s safe and non-toxic. Unlike plastics, silicone won’t leach chemicals into your food. Yay! You don’t really want to be eating chemicals leached from plastic now do you?
• Silicone is non-stick, easy to clean, lightweight, flexible, and fun. Especially silicone molds which can make short work of all those birthday parties, holiday events, and barbecues you plan all year long.

See some awesome silicone mold ideas after the jump…

1. Lekue Silicone Flexible Bakeware Pyramid Mold – Kids and adults alike will be super impressed when you serve up pyramid shaped cupcakes.
2. Wilton Silly Feet Reusable Silicone Baking Cups – If you have kids, you need these for parties for sure.
3. Dress up summer drinks with a cool Harold Import Company Lekue Star Ice Cube Tray.
4. Lekue Silicone Leaf and Rose Butter Molds – great for making pretty and elegant butter pats for a dinner party or wedding.
5. Lekue Silicone Heart Pan, Red Cake Pan Mold – for Valentine’s Day or any special “I love you” event.

The Antonio C Toilet Roll Holder by Guido Venturini from Alessi is a fun accessory for a kid’s bathroom, or for a bathroom of someone young at heart. I like it, but more importantly it reminded me how much I adore Alessi. Alberto Alessi’s company is one of the darlings of the design world, working with independent and external artists over in-house artists to create beautiful, modern, and often totally fun designs for the home. Alessi’s product catalog is comprised of items that are one part art object – one part functional and includes products like vases, bathroom accessories, office gear, kitchen dishes, and many other home items.

Because of the vast amount of creative minds working with the company; over 500 artists world-wide, there’s something Alessi for everyone, no matter your taste. For example you could choose a modern Michael Graves Sugar + Creamer or an adorable  “Tigrito” Cat Food Bowl. The range is huge. Here are a couple of my favorite Alessi pieces…

Alessi – Lilliput Salt & Pepper Shaker – SO cute! Great conversation starter at dinner parties too.

Alessi wire basket – a modern and lovely take on the typical wire basket. Use for fruit, bread at dinner, or for small objects in your office even.

See more cool Alessi products – Glasses, Stemware, & Barware, Flatware, Tableware, and Kitchen.

Easy and inexpensive home updates you can try…

A new sofa cover and throw pillows are always good. Older covers and pillows have been sat on, smashed, spilled on, and wrinkled. Just one new sofa slipcover and some nice new plump pillows can make your entire living space look like new. There are sofa slipcovers made to fit just about any couch you can imagine in all sorts of styles and colors and plenty of throw pillows to match.

Shown above are some ideas (see links for purchase info below).

1. Riverstone Organic Sofa Slipcover by Surefit
2. Sure Fit Asbury Throw Pillows
3. DwellStudio Paisley Throw Pillows
4. Sage Aspen Classic Fit Organic Cotton Sofa Slipcover
5. Grandin Road – Spring Throw Pillows

Another nice inexpensive home make-over application is a mirror. Mirrors can open up a small space and make it seem larger. They’re also bright and actually useful vs. just a decor object. I like the Jonathan Adler Meurice Mirror in Deep Patina Bronze shown above because it’s got a nice organic, yet modern quality about it plus its length will cover a wall space nicely.

Other nice and inexpensive home make-over tips…

• Some nice new picture frames for your photos.
• Try a new vase or two on the window sill or coffee table.
• New light fixtures!
• Try placing some flowering plants around the bathroom or kitchen.
  

For the bedroom – I like the Meyda Tiffany Knotwork Mission Pendant shown above. Your sleeping space should be peaceful and this light will surely chill you out. This lighting solution comes with a lovely uncluttered and soothing white sawgrass shade design made with sustainable natural materials that have been embedded within the clear panels. The polished chrome hardware accents the shade perfectly. A white shade like this throws light nicely, not too brightly, making it a great choice for your bedroom. This shade also comes in a pretty cool green sawgrass style too.

For the kitchen -  A row of ELK Lighting Refraction Pendants would look amazing over a dining room table; way more unique than a typical chandelier or round ceiling fixture. This light pendant is made with etched glass and polished chrome. The Refraction collection captures the phenomenon of refraction; a bending of a wave path of light, which means light from a refraction piece appears to reflect off a stationary object and bounce into various trajectories. This light is available in a clear pendant or colored glass pendant. Personally, I think the blue glass shown above is gorgeous and upbeat for mealtimes.

The two above are just a couple of great lighting solutions in the ELK line though; there are plenty of options and you’re sure to find one that suits your style. See all the sales going on right now on ELK lighting Modern Ceiling Lighting.

If you’re planning an organic garden, your first consideration should be plants and seeds. Organic seeds are far superior to conventional. Benefits of organic seeds include…

• Organic seeds are not genetically modified (GMO-free).
• Organic seeds are chemical free.
• Organic seeds support companies who support the organic movement.
• Organic seeds are often breed to grow well in organic soil conditions.

Some organic seed choices:

• Organic Roma Paste Tomato Seeds
  
• Organic Cornfield Poppy Seeds
• Organic Nantes Coreless Carrot Seeds
• Organic Serrano Chile Pepper Seeds
• Organic Northern Pickling Cucumber Seeds
• Organic Unwins Dahlia Seeds
• Organic Sunrise Orange Sweet Bell Pepper Seeds
• Organic Victoria Sage Seeds

A couple of other nice organic gardening tools…

A kitchen composter like the Williams-Sonoma WS Ceramic Compost Pail fits on any kitchen countertop and collects food scraps that will eventually become compost (healthy soil for your garden). This pail is nice because it’s attractive and has a sturdy handle for transport. If you’ve got the space, it’s best to go with a larger composter though, such as a basic Tumbling Compost Mixer. Composting not only eliminates landfill waste and saves you money on your garbage bills but gives you free ongoing organic soil.

Lastly, consider garden mulch. Mulching is one step that some gardeners overlook. However, mulching is a super inexpensive way to save water, reduce the need for chemical soil amendments and fertilizers, lessens weeds, and keeps plants cool in the summer months.

What did you plant in your garden this year?

Some organic bedding choices:

Each Pottery Barn PB Organic Hemstitch Sheet Set is made with 100% organic cotton that is free from pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. The smooth 200-thread-count sheets are woven with twin rows of openwork stitching for a delicate texture and available in shades of dark pear, ocean breeze, or marigold. If you’re interested in a pop of color for your sheets take a peek at the Pottery Barn PB Woodland Organic Sheet Set.

To top off your bed, try the Pottery Barn Organic Hemstitch Duvet Cover and Sham in a lovely natural shade to match any decor. Each piece in this set feature a 200-thread-count and twin rows of openwork stitching. The duvet cover in has hidden buttons and interior ties to keep it tidy.

To learn more about the health perks of organic cotton visit one of the following sites:

Sustainable Cotton

Organic Trade Association

About Organic Cotton

The Aspen Antique Copper Outdoor Wall Light is pretty and functional. This exterior wall sconce features solid brass, an antique copper finish, and pretty honey art glass. The glass is amazing, but my favorite part is the sweet nature inspired leaf, bud, and stem look. Also can be used with a fluorescent bulb to save energy. Bonus; if a wall sconce doesn’t float your boat, this same design is available in other styles like hanging, path lighting, post lighting, and more.

Shop for outdoor lighting and patio furniture.

Coffee tables are essential. Depending on how you have the room set up, they serve multiple purposes. First, a coffee table acts as a table. You can put down books, remotes, cups, plates, etc. on it. I’m sure you’ve been to a home with a bunch of couches but no coffee table. And the whole time you have to hold onto your cup (finished or not) because you’re not sure where to put it down.

Second, a coffee table acts as a centerpoint around your couches/chairs. They work well as the visual focus of the living room.

Finally, a coffee table can be the footrest in front of your couch. There’s nothing like getting comfortable, turning on the TV, and kicking your feet up onto the coffee table. Now, I wouldn’t recommend going to other people’s homes and using their coffee table as a footrest but in your home, you’re the boss.

I recently purchased a Pyramid Trunk Table for my studio apartment and I love it. It’s not too big so that it overtakes my small living area. It’s a great fit with my couches (which have a very comfortable look). And not only does it work as a coffee table, it also acts as a storage unit. Now I can place my board games, blankets, and pillows in an area where I’m going to be using them.

Shop for coffee tables and other living room furniture.

The Nurseryworks Sleepytime Rocker by Nurseryworks is an awesome rocker, well worth the cost as it’s sleek design will work both in and beyond the nursery for years to come. This chair features a tufted cushion, a soft back pillow, and tall back to cushion against strain as you read to your child. The chair is wide enough to accommodate a breastfeeding mom and her nursing pillow.

Best of all Nurseryworks is known for their beautiful and environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing processes. Green perks of Nurseryworks include:

• The company uses renewable materials and eco-friendly woods.
• All Nurseryworks products are tested to governmental standards on a quarterly basis and are certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association so you can feel safe in this rocker.
• Products are air-chamber tested to examine and eliminate toxic materials.
• Nurseryworks uses low-VOC finishes, lacquers, and glue plus uses formaldehyde-free dyes.

The Sleepytime Rocker is available in dark or light ash (for wooden legs) and three fabric choices; microsuede, twill, or velvet. Color choices include camel, ecru, lamb, mocha, slate, citrus, lime, mocha, navy, delft, lilac, and rosette.

Shop for more children’s furniture.

A blender (of course): A great blender choice is the Cuisinart CBT-500 SmartPower Premier 2 Speed Blender which is sure to be a hit at any party due to its stylish sleek cast metal look, ice crushing power, and a special Count-Up Timer to keep track of recipe time for perfect results. Plus with its large capacity 50-ounce glass blender jar no one will have to wait long for a drink.

Cups: You can use plastic cups, but that’s not really a smart green choice. If you have parties often, you may want to consider a big set of thick handled beer mugs. If you’re having a BIG 4th of July party and really need a ton of disposable cups you can always choose a greener bulk cup choice, like GreenStripe Compostable Plastic Cups.

Fun: Add some festive flare with some cute little drink umbrellas!

Recipes!: Now that you’ve got your blended drink gear, all you need are some cool recipes. Check out the following links…

• 9 of the best blended drinks around
• If you’re pregnant or just not into alcohol, you can still join in on the blended drink fun. Visit MADD for a big list of non-alcoholic frosty drinks.
• Fun and frosty drinks for the kiddos.

Finally remember, blended drinks are fun and refreshing, but if you’re using alcohol, make sure you drink responsibly for a happy and safe 4th of July!

1. Set aside a whole day – you’ll need the time and if you do it in spurts, it’ll take longer to finish.

2. Place all your tools and supplies out where you can see them. Sort them into piles as follows:

• Stuff to keep.
• Stuff to donate.
• Stuff to recycle.

3. Learn where to recycle – You can find a place to donate or recycle almost anything at Earth 911. Before tossing anything make sure you can’t recycle it first. You can even recycle hazardous waste properly in order to keep toxic chemicals out of out water system and soil.

4. Organize all the supplies you’re keeping. For garden tool storage solutions see below.

Organizing options shown above include:

1. Arrow Garden Accessories The Garden Shed – this is a good shed for getting organized because it comes with hanging hooks for tools and shelving for extra storage.
2. Clear stackable containers allow you to organize your gear in a visible manner while keeping out moisture.
3. Whitehall Products Perrault Hose Holder – Verdigris – easier than untangling your hose every time and made with recycled aluminum!
4. A collection of buckets are good for storing tools and supplies plus handy for trucking tools to and from the garden.
5. Suncast Morel Storage Deck Box with Wheels – if one storage shed is too small snag an extra mobile unit for items you use often and need to transport (think heavy soil).

Shop for outdoor storage and patio products at Pronto Home.

Other perks of the Weber Performer Charcoal Grill include:

• A taller frame – helps protect you back; no more leaning over.
• A 22 1/2″ porcelain-enameled bowl and lid with a dual-purpose thermometer, which means less gear to tote to the barbecue.
• Tuck-Away lid holder.
• Char-Basket fuel holders.
• The cart holds up to 20 lbs and sits on a heavy-duty steel cart frame.
• Wire bottom shelf to hold utensils.
• A One-Touch cleaning system! No more scrubbing to death.

This feature-rich barbecue is perfect if you grill often, but want to spend your time actually eating and hanging with the family vs. cooking.

If you’re looking for something a little more portable try the Landmann Portable Tabletop Charcoal Grill.

The compact design allows you to grill on the go, but doesn’t sacrifice function or stylish design. Plus the 187-square-inch cooking area still allows for plenty of grilling space.

The Highlander – Deluxe Willow and Bamboo Picnic Basket for 4 is a Bombay style picnic basket. Made with rapidly renewable bamboo and brown rattan, this basket has everything you need for a fun picnic at the beach or park. This fully lined basket comes with enough gear for a family of four (or a small group of friends), including  four plates, one food container, four 8oz wine glasses, four blue cotton napkins, four each stainless steel utensils, one wine duffel, one stainless steel waiter style corkscrew, one set of salt and pepper shakers, and a handy cutting board. Nice right? You won’t leave a negative trash-footprint, as everything is non-disposable and reusable.

Bonus: If you’ve got kiddos coming along, why not get them their own adorable basket to play with?

The Melissa & Doug Picnic Basket Fill and Spill comes with four colorful and adorable picnic treats that rattle, jingle, and squeak, plus pack up into their own travel-friendly basket carrier. Helps to develop fine motor skills and provides fun time so the adults can chat.

Chaney Mahogany Wall Clock

Seriously, when did clocks become so fancy and techie? I’m not that old; I’m fairly young actually. So I’m up with the technology and all that jazz. But somewhere between my 12th and 22nd birthday, the clock industry cranked out a ridiculous amount of clock types and styles. I’m talking what seems like a million different styles for clocks. I did a search for clocks and it was an overwhelming experience. What happened to those big plain round wall clocks and your standard AM/FM digital alarm clock? I guess they’re still there, but these clocks have dropped way down the totem pole.

If you’re looking for a solid timepiece you should have a good idea of what you want.  Digital or analog? Wall-hanging or desktop? Clocks can be inexpensive depending on what you want.  Most digital clocks come fully loaded with all sorts of features like calendars, alarms, radios, iPod docks, and so on.

I’m in love with the Chaney Mahogany Wood wall clock!  It automatically adjusts for daylight savings time (and I always forget).