I ran across the blog Daily Routines via Boing Boing recently and was instantly rapt reading the detailed accounts of the days of many a famous artist, writer, and even President Obama (who exercises at 6:45 a.m. every day). They can allow an intimate glimpse into the lives of some really interesting folks. Some people, like Winston Churchill, had a rigorous daily schedule that never varied. Others are a bit more loose, like author TC Boyle, who starts his day “with the L.A. times and the Santa Barbara News Press.” The “rituals” are even subcategorized by habits like drinking and procrastination. I may not be as rigidly planned as some, but I just can’t start my day off without a freshly pulled latte and at least ten minutes in front of the computer. All this talk of ritual begs the question — what’s yours? –Megan B.

I’m years away from having kids of my own, but that doesn’t stop me from drooling over amazing design — even if it is for babies! This industrial changing table over at Cookie magazine’s nesting blog is awesome. Clever mommy Sara and her handy husband made the table from an inexpensive car tools cart by Sunex. I love the idea of making my own kiddie furniture when it comes time for me to do so, but maybe by then Sunex will have moved into the baby goods industry and I won’t have to! — Erica P.

I rescued this plant from the test kitchen where I’ve been working; we walked in one morning to find it on the counter. It was falling over in a pot that was clearly much too small for its 16-inch height — it needed a bigger pot stat and a stake to hold up the stalk. I offered to take it home and give it some TLC, but now I’m not sure what to do. So far I’ve re-potted it in a larger planter and tied the stalk to a piece of a vintage yardstick to keep it upright. Does anyone know what type of light this plant needs, or how much water it likes? Should I attempt to put it outside on the fire escape, or will it do better indoors? Help! –Erica P.

Depending on where you live, this could be your lucky weekend. My very first Shelterrific post was about the DWR Warehouse Sales that used to be held a stone’s throw from Cincinnati (they’ve since relocated to Cleveland) and I still miss being able to take advantage of all the great deals and the heady excitement of limited goods. DWR Warehouse sales are this Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. And if you bring along a printout of this page, you’ll get additional 10% off. –Mary T.

If you want a vast, yet fast, tour of Chicago gardens, try Chicago Gardens: Past and Present at the Chicago Tourism Center. The show covers dozens of topics superficially — there are tips on how to make your own dandelion wine and coffee, images of neighborhood rooftop gardens, and a photography tour of local celebrity chef Rick Bayless’ herb garden (where he grows food to serve in his restaurants Frontera Grill and Topolobampo). Visitors get a look at Chicago green spaces from conception to fruition — original garden plans painted in delicate watercolors hang alongside current photographs, illustrating a lush “before and after” of public parks. My favorite part is Danny Mansmith and Catherine Schwalbe-Bouzide’s life-size, handmade “Tree of Knowledge” installation. Visitors are invited to add gardening tips, poems, and other comments to the tree via paper “leaves.” (I added a first hand warning against amateurs trying to tend orchids.) The show is free and open to the public now until August 16. Visit the Explore Chicago website for hours of operation, directions, and more details. –Katie D.

By the way, if you need help growing an orchid, this post is still going strong.

Congratulations to Laura, who enjoys swimming and growing veggies in the summer — you’ve just won a set of four notNeutral Melamine Snack Sets from Living Rooms Direct. Thanks to everyone who entered, and special thanks to Living Rooms Direct, where there’s living room furniture for everyone — whether that living is done indoors or out!

Ever since the summer started, I’ve been baking like Martha Stewart after a case of Pixie Stix. My most recent culinary experiment resulted in what my boyfriend called “the best muffin I’ve ever had in my life.” Okay, Doubting Debbies, usually I would agree that taking on the occupation “boyfriend” means that, by definition, you have to love everything your girlfriend cooks — not true in this case! One of my first attempts at cooking pasta resulted in this review in its entirety: “It’s crunchy.” If there’s one thing he can be trusted on, it’s honesty. In truth, these treats are less muffins and more mini apple pies — very tasty! –Katie D. For those of you brave enough to take on the greatest muffin ever made, click for the recipe! (more…)

When I spotted the vintage-inspired bottles of Fentimans Curiosity Cola lined up in the cold case at my local grocery store, my curiosity was piqued. Fentimans brews their beverages naturally, according to century-old English recipes, through the process of fermentation. Ginger roots, herbs, natural extracts, sugar, brewer’s yeast, and fresh spring water are transferred to wooden vats where the liquid is left to ferment for a week to develop the signature flavor and carbonation. Yes, it also allows for trace amounts of alcohol to be formed, but after pasteurization, the booze that remains is less than 0.5%. They even leave a layer of sediment at the bottom of the bottle to ensure that the maximium flavor is delivered to each imbiber. So how’s it taste? In a word, complex. It’s definitely a powerful cola — spicy from the ginger but balanced by the earthiness of kola nut. I found it delightfully effervescent and not too sweet — it will definitely make a repeat performance in my home. I’d actually love to try some more of their inspired refreshments, such as the whimsically named “Orange Jigger” and “Shandy,” a soda made from beer! –Megan B.

More refreshment: Pepsi Natural, Dry Soda.

Love the classic shapes of the George Nelson’s iconic Criss Cross Bubble Lamps, but can’t afford to pay vintage prices? You’re in luck. Through Modernica, we learned that the Cigar, Pear, and Ball pendant lamps that have been out of production for decades have recently been re-issued and are now available online. They’re still a bit of an investment at $360-400 each, but not bad for a design classic. See them all at Modernica — where you’ll also get free shipping. –Mary T.

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