Archive   |   November, 2007

help! our hardwood stairs are too slippery!

We recently pulled up the ugly beige carpeting that was on our interior steps. Underneath is hardwood. It looks better than than the horrible rug but now the steps are too slippery for our dogs. I have looked up stair treads but they are all 1. very “country kitchen” looking or 2. made for outdoor use. Can you help us find a fun, modern solution? We love bright colors and modern design. Thanks so much! — Rachel R., Baltimore, MD.

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Thanks for your question Rachel! Just last week Angela M. was in Home Depot and spotted something that could work for you. Roppe rubber flooring. Have you ever seen it? It comes in a rainbow of colors, so you can order one that’s modern and bright, and there’s a “stair tread” that has a raised circle patterned — it provides traction and looks mod. Above is a photo from their site — but don’t let the commercial-ness turn you off. It would be fab in a home. Ask at your local Home Depot for prices and how to order.

Does anyone else have stair covering suggestions for Rachel? Let her know here!

great gift idea: penzeys spice box

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You always hear stories about unfortunate wedding gifts — things that live in your basement forever in the boxes they came in. Our wedding was small and filled with only with those who know us well, so that wasn’t the case with us. But of all our gifts, this one was perhaps the happiest surprise (though Chad is beyond-smitten with the Garmin GPS): a twelve jar spice kit from Penzeys. ( With the kitchen in our new house begging to broken in, our shelves were hopelessly bare until this package arrived. It’s filled with the basics you need most often, but of the finest quality like California Basil, China Ground Cinnamon and Turkish Oregano. There are also a few blends that I can’t wait to try — like Country French Vinaigrette and Jerk Chicken. I can’t think of a better house warming gift for the new homeowners in your life. (Thanks Tim & Eileen!) — Angela M.

introducing q collection junior

Green Goods for Kids!

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Our good friends at Q Collection have just opened the online doors of their latest venture, Q Collection Junior, a line of kids’ furniture made with the healthiest, most sustainable products possible. All the furniture — which includes cribs, dressers and these adorable storage cubes and stools shown above — is made by hand in the USA, with water-based, non-toxic materials and Forest Steward certified wood. But what we really love about it all is the design — clean lines with a splash of color. Think that stool could hold a 135 pound mom? Either way, it’s a great piece for $90.