1) IKEA KULLA lamps need a mass exorcism. Angela’s KULLA lamp isn’t the only one seemingly possessed — lots of you are having the same issues. Kris says: “it happened with my white floor version. freaked me out the first time it happened – it was (i swear this is true) a dark and stormy night, i was home alone, and the lamp started switching itself off. i got so annoyed i said out loud ‘i need some light!’ – and it switched on again. eek!” How’s your KULLA lamp doing?

2) Lisa has declared it the summer of the potluck! Mary T. hosted a potluck BBQ, and Lisa (dinner party) says: I am totally with you on this! I want to make this the summer of the potluck.” Check out Lisa’s link for great tips, and see how Mary saved money with her BBQ here.

3) Topsy-turvy tomatoes aren’t for everyone. Sarah says: “Kinda hating the topsy turvy. Spent the $20 because it said it would last more than one year. Doubting that. And when I add water, it pours out the bottom seams and splashes everywhere. Had the plant in since May 15 and no blossoms or tomatoes. Have used the basil I planted in the upper ports, so that is at least good. Next year I go back to pots, unless it starts doing better.” Click for more ways to grow (we hope) tomatoes upside down.

4) Hand-crank washer? You’re better off just using your hands. Some good and some bad opinions on the hand-crank washing machine, but judyofthewoods pretty much has the last word: “The plus side – it works well, the minus side – the plastic version is flimsy. The handle feels like it will break, the pivoting pins keep slipping out of the anchoring holes, and I ended up turning the drum without the handle by pushing and pulling at the whole thing…. If you are lucky enough, you may find an old metal or enameled version on ebay or in a junk shop – I have found both, though I don’t know how widely they were used…. I now mostly wash by just soaking the laundry for a few hours.” Read all of the portable washing machine opinions here.

5) It’s that time of year: margarita recipes! Here’s one from the oldies-but-goodies file. Readers are still weighing in on a two-year-old but still quite relevant post on finding the best frozen margarita recipe! Royphil345 says: “A third vote for miriam’s recipe! …This recipe really is delicious! The balance of lime, tequila, and triple sec is the most perfect I’ve tasted and you couldn’t ask for an easier recipe.” It’s only Monday, but we think we will be revisiting that recipe post ourselves!

Photo by Hady Onaissi