1. Some of you prevent oil spills by replacing the bottle. CityMinx suggested the Verte bottle: “More expensive than a rubberband, but look how stylish!” Meanwhile, Tara suggests a “retro-looking stainless steel oil can at Ikea. It keeps the counter oil-free and pours so evenly.” Click for more oil spill prevention suggestions.

2. Serving sliders? There’s more than one bun. Holly T. says, “Whole Foods sells a small bun perfect for sliders. Also, I sometimes do them with the dough you pop open on the side of a countertop. The mini burgers look cute on them and I make them along with pigs in the blanket. Great for kiddy parties.” See what’s cooking with sloppy joe sliders here.

3. Who needs a designer glass canister when you have a mason jar? “I prefer mason jars,” says Shannon. “You can get them at your local grocery store for ten dollars for 9-12 of them. Way cheaper and I love them. I use the large ones for storage and the mid sized ones for drinking glasses and the tiny ones for making and storing jam (or they could be used for juice glasses).” See the wood and glass canisters we wanted here.

4. Living without a fridge is doable, but debatable. Commenter Amy says, “You have to think about all the takeout containers and individually packaged goods that would likely increase when you ditch the fridge. You can never buy bulk of goods that need refrigeration, which means more packaging. Not to mention fuel used for takeout and delivery.” Would you lose your fridge?

5. Roman shades without a sewing machine? Yes you can! In response to a comment about our hem-tape curtain, ita-darling says, “My friend Jaime conquered this idea.… It’s not a perfect science, but the effect is very nice!

Roman shades with iron on hem tape-
1. go to Ikea and buy the white muslin roman shades.
2. cut fabric to size (with hem allowance on all four sides)
3. iron down sides with hem tape.
4. use combination of hand sewing and hem tape to attach the roman shade “slip cover” to muslin base. paying attention to attaching it at the top and at the folds.
5. install per ikea directions.

“Voila!”

Sweet last-minute valentines at Modish, plus yet another Valentine’s Day giveaway.

Romantic tea time at sfgirlbybay.

Valentine’s Day eco-musings at Tiny Choices.

Thrifty Valentine’s Day decorations at Casa Sugar.

Heart-shaped decor at mirrormirror.

How to choose Valentine’s Day flowers for a gardener at about.com.

Clean and simple art from the heart at poppytalk, plus a card slideshow.

A love-ly roundup at katiedid.

A unique way to show the love — a smiling crocheted happy pill — at PlushYou!

And one more reminder: our revamp-your-bedroom contest ends Sunday.

I’m in love with this funky iron chair from Anthropologie. I’m pretty much ready for spring already, so when I was browsing their newest catalog, I was immediately attracted to this colorful, lighthearted design. It would be so sweet in a bathroom, kitchen, garden, or little girl’s room. Alas, we have no place to put it right now. But it can be yours for $248. — Michelle V.K.

Ever since I first saw the movie Office Space, I’ve wanted a red Swingline stapler for my desk. According to the trusted (Yeah, right!) Wikipedia site, the company received so many requests for the red stapler from fans of the movie, they added it to their product line. Well, folks, for the first time in years, my stapler allegiance has shifted. I now covet this solid wood version I first spotted at Mighty Goods. I love the clean lines and simple design, and the use of wood, of course — unexpected and a tad whimsical. –Erica P.

I have a thing for anthropomorphized food — add arms, legs, a face, and I’m just a sucker for it. This explains my obvious love for Cakespy, a delightful combo platter of watercolor illustrations by Jessie Oleson and the delicious real-life food she loves. You can buy Jessie’s work in her Etsy shop, and it is ridiculously cute and a little insane (I mean that in a good way). Zombies chasing a cupcake? A robot and cupcake in love? Hey, why not? They’re irresistible. (And how much do I love her nod to Picasso, above?) And guess what — there’s a Valentine’s Day-themed giveaway going on a Cakespy right now. Sweet! –Mary T.

P.S. Don’t forget we’re having a Valentine’s Day giveaway of our own.

As the daughter of former chocolatiers, I often try to replicate my parents’ secret and famous rum truffle recipe for my valentines. (They are leaving it to me in their will, so I can’t share it yet.) I usually start with Trader Joe’s 1 lb plus Belgian Chocolate Blocks, which are thick and hard to maneuver. That’s why I’m lusting after this chocolate knife and hammer set from Berti, a family company that has produced handmade cutlery in the Tuscan countryside since 1895. I think these would get the job done beautifully. At Unica Home, $572. –Holly D.

Spotted over at Today and Tomorrow, the Hooker’s Delight by Greece is for Lovers seems like the perfect way to add some flair to your drink. Your olive is tastefully speared on the end of a pretty gold hook that is attached to the stem of your martini glass. I think that beats a simple toothpick any day. –Erica P.

Could your bedroom use a little spicing up? Well, here’s your chance to get some free professional help! We’re giving away a free consultation from Designers Call, an online decor service. One lucky Shelterrific reader will win a one-hour consultation that includes a quick redesign, space planning, and professional advice — valued at $250. All you have to do is send us a photo of that not-so-hot bedroom now! Email your entries to letters (at) shelterrific dot com. Be sure to include your city and state info. Contest closes Sunday, February 15th at 5 pm EST. Click here to read more information!

A couple of weeks ago, I asked for some advice on what kind of cupcakes I should serve Isadora on her first birthday. Ideas poured in, ranging from carrot to chocolate. But then the very next day, Erica P. posted about a banana chocolate cake, and I thought, “That’s it!” The recipe is from Cooking Light, and has apple sauce in it instead of too much sugar. I followed the instructions exactly but baked for only 20 minutes instead of 40. I topped it off with a simple light cream cheese frosting. Needless to say, Isadora enjoyed them a great deal … though honestly, we liked them even more than she did! — Angela M.

Okay, here’s a first. I forgot to take a photo of a dish I wanted to share with you! We are usually so diligent about whipping out our camera before taking that first bite of whatever I have just cooked. But at Iz’s birthday party the other weekend, I just plum forgot. Honestly, I found being a hostess and a mom at the same time quite a challenge. Normally I’m the kind of gal who runs around and makes sure that everyone has a fresh drink in her hands, but on that Sunday, I found myself on the floor playing with our adorable girl most of the time. Hopefully people didn’t feel too neglected. Luckily, I did manage to whip up some tasty bites, namely sloppy joe sliders from Everyday Food. This is a pretty straightforward recipe — but it called for two things that really made the dish unique: mustard powder and a touch of cider vinegar. They really gave the beef some kick! I could NOT find mini buns like the ones in the photo anywhere, so I opted for hot dog buns cut into neat thirds instead. No one seemed to notice. I highly recommend this dish the next time you are serving a crowd, but skip the mini buns. Big ones would be better, because everyone wanted seconds! — Angela M.