If you have a background in broadcasting or are old enough to remember the pre-cable TV days, these melamine Off the Air Dinner Plates by Imm Living will let you really have a TV dinner. The design is based on the test pattern that allows cameramen to calibrate colors. Learn more at Dvice.com, or pick some up for $10 each at REVOLVEclothing.com. — Mary T.

The office I’m currently working in is freezing. I spend all day at my desk with my coat on drinking tea. No surprise, then, when I tell you that all I want for dinner when I get home is a hot bowl of soup to warm me from the inside out. This recipe is based on one Heidi posted over at 101 cookbooks (which was a recipe from The Great Big Veg Challenge by Charlotte Hume). I switched it up enough that I think it’s worth it to give you a new recipe. This soup is healthy, hearty and delicious. You can use any mixture of frozen green vegetables you like, but I think it is smart to use edamame as at least half of the veggies. I used one bag of this prepackaged frozen veggie blend and one bag of frozen edamame. Enjoy! –Erica P. Click for Erica’s eat-your-greens soup! (more…)

I was joyfully browsing around Magpie Lovely the other day, falling in love with each click the mouse. While I was mostly swooning over the mod dresses for little girls, I couldn’t help but find myself craving this modern baby owl clock. Meant for a little one’s room, I think it’d be quite groovy on a kitchen wall. Made of laser-cut bamboo, it silently keeps impeccable time while making us ask: Who? Who? Who cares if it’s meant for kids? — Angela M.

Marissa writes:

Any suggestions on where one would purchase a bedspread for not too much money? Less than $150 would be grand! I want something to cover my bed (including over my pillows) to protect it from cat hair. It would be nice if it looked cute, too. I was looking at this, but I fear it won’t fit in my washer.

Well, Marissa, some of our suggestions are going to be tried-and-true, like Overstock.com, where you can get a washable cotton, down-alternative comforter for the rock-bottom price of just $31.49! If you want to go for more color, these Branches comforter sets (shown above) are quite striking and just about $85. This all natural cotton comforter from Garnet Hill is $115 for king size — the lower profile looks modern and has a better chance of fitting in your washer. For a big boost of color, you can get a Target Home Brites alternative down comforter for $40-60. Also from Target, this Clover down alternative comforter has a slightly more upscale look for just $60-70. As for covering the pillows, think about a comforter a size larger than your bed if you want to assure full coverage. That’s not going to help if you have a king-size bed, of course!

Readers, please let us know in comments if you have additional sources for great, washable comforters.

I stumbled upon this amazing Quick Weeknight Meals Contest at The Kitchn a little late, but I thought I’d share anyway. It’s a collection of some truly-yummy sounding speedy meals, all that take less than 30-minutes to make. I am definitely going to be trying a few soon. Caper-glazed pasta with ricotta and pepper? Or spinach-pie quesadillas? Sign me up. Step-by-step photos for most make them even more accessible. — Angela M.

Halloween is over, so what’s my excuse for desperately wanting to wear this mask? The very talented Von Glitschka from Art Backwash gave his Digital Illustration students an “illustrated mask” assignment. Thinking the assignment sounded fun, he decided to participate as well. The result is this fantastic Twitter Beard mask inspired by his love for Twitter (duh). The best part is, Von gives us all the chance to make our own Twitter Beard by downloading this PDF. What a fun party-prop this could be—I can just imagine the photo-ops! —Erica P.

You like your Halloween pumpkins to last. Erin @ SYL: Slipcover Your Life said, “I skip the carving and leave my pumpkin whole well in to November!!!” See how others handle their pumpkins.

Thelermont Hupton’s hook have a place in your heart, too. Erin exclaimed, “These are super fun (would be cute with an apron hanging off of one in a kitchen!).” See the quirky kitchen hooks here.

Cooking in a mug is something you want to try. Tiffany gushed, “Hello, brilliant! This is perfect for those nights when you need a little something-something but, of course, don’t feel like cooking a whole cake. I can’t wait to give it a try!” Click here for a recipe to get you started.

Over-packaged products really ruffle your feathers. Laila said, “I love this idea, but I’d like to see a move toward a different wrapper. Maybe something like parchment paper? It would keep spices fresh and also would be something I could throw into the compost heap.” Check out the post that sparked so many comments.

We’ve given you a new site to bookmark. Anne (in Reno) told us, “I think these guys are so cute! Their style isn’t exactly like mine but I always think they have such great ideas!” Take a peek at Young House Love.

I’m loving this Found Objects- Pins print by Australian artist Mandy Horne. I’m always amazed how easily an everyday item is transformed into art when it’s part of a collection. The limited edition print is part of an ongoing series and can be purchased for $15 at withwallpaper’s etsy shop. —Erica P.

via Poppytalk

Last week we had a cereal bowl that makes a splash. This week we have the Splash Bowl. Tim Parsons, in an ongoing project with A. R. Wentworths, has designed a bowl that is created by dripping molten pewter over a mold. This process ensures that every bowl is unique. The bowls range in size and price from about $40-$265. I think it would look great as a catchall in an entryway. I can just imagine dropping my keys into one as I step into my apartment. —Erica P.

I’m very particular about my laundry. My boyfriend decided to do a load of laundry one day while I was out, and I came home to find he had shrunk one of my favorite sweaters. Rather than take sole responsibility for all future loads, I decided to teach him how I like it done. He shared his concern over not knowing what can be dried and what must be hung up. I told him, “when in doubt, just hang it up.” The next time he did laundry, I came home to find my clothes hanging on every surface in the apartment. At least we’re making progress. So readers, who does the laundry in your house? Do you share this dirty job? —Erica P.
image via organize.com