Everyone owns a Mr. Coffee coffeemaker at some point in their life. They’re small, compact and get the job done without busting the bank. But this new edition, released in honor of the well-named machine’s 35th Anniversary, may appeal to not just the practical, but design nuts too. It’s create by the design company, Altitude , and has a subtle 1970’s vibe. We also like that it’s brown, as opposed to black or white, the standard kitchen appliance colors. If you’re in the market for a new coffeemaker this year, Mr. Coffee may just be your man. Click here to see at amazon.com, $75.

There’s been a lot of talk this week about how all the bottled water we’ve been drinking is really horrific for the environment. The New York Times reports it takes 1.5 billion gallons of oil to make all the plastic water bottles American use. So while drinking bottle water is considered both chic and good for you, eco-savvy consumers are starting to look for another option. We love these Insanely Pretty Reusable Water Botttles by Sigg, and with an in-house filter (Angela uses an under-the-counter PUR filter in her kitchen) attached to the sink, it’s be easy enough to fill up and bring your own. We are going to try to remember to do this, especially when we go to the movies or on long drives (when we often make bit stops for a bottle of Fiji). Another option is to get a crock and set up your own cooler at home. (See Allison’s example here). What about you? What kind of water do you drink? Straight from the tap or you an Evian-devotee? Fess up!

When I was a little girl, I wanted to grow up and be like Jane Goodall. I’d set up my own private jungle with stuffed animals in my bedroom and try to communicate with them. Needless to say, I still have a soft spot for Grand Dame of environmentalists, and was thrilled to discover Green Mountain’s Gombe Reserve coffee, grown by local farmers near the boarder of Gombe National Park where the Dr. does her research. The coffee provides farmers with an incentive to protect the preserve, and economic stability. $17 for a 12 oz bag. Click here to see more info. — Angela M.

I thought I’d add a bit of whimsy into my kitchen with a new set of quirky ice-cube trays but as I began my search I was awed at all the different trays available. However will I choose!?!

Even though I never really played with legos as a kid when I saw these over at coolhunting.com they instantly moved to the top of my list (at least for the time being). Pick ‘em up at shop.lego.com.

Not so sure I could get passed the eww-factor on this one, but “mice-ice” would surely be a conversation starter. Score some at perpetualkid.com.

For the fashionista, what about these Gucci trays over at fabsugar.com. You can grab a set on sale for $23 over at the Nieman Marcus site (they were originally $90!!). I wonder if there’s a tray of the Chanel C’s out there somewhere!?

Or perhaps you want more bling in your drink — check out these “cool jewels” at fredflare.com. For just $8 each, those are some jewels I can actually afford! — Erica P.

I’m wondering if you have a good recipe for frozen margaritas. I’ve made them every way possible (with mix, without mix) and they never have the same quality or taste of one I could buy in a restaurant. What am I doing wrong? — Mary Beth, Lexington, KY

Hi Mary Beth! Thanks for your questions. Frozen margaritas are a skill indeed. Honestly, we prefer them on the rocks, but frozen can be a blast when you have seasonal fruits and such to blend in. We’ve used this recipe from Martha with success. Of course, she weighs on the side of NO MIX, and we’d have to agree. The mix of fresh limes with Cointreau is perfect. What you really need is a good blender! Chop up the ice first, and then blend your other ingredients in separate pitcher — tasting along the way — before blending together. This recipe from Myrecipes.com, recommends skipping the ice, but freeze everything else for eight hours, and also says frozen limemade can work. We’ve made margaritas using Santa Cruz Organic Limemade. It’s perfectly sweetened and so easy! Once you’ve mastered the basic one, it’s time to get creative. You can add just about any flavor to a frozen margarita — we’re in favor of berries of all kinds. This cucumber margarita recipe sounds mighty tempting!

Does anyone else have a fool-proof way to make frozen margaritas? Please let us know!

We love the idea of these: cloth tea napkins. Featuring line drawings of colorful cups and cutlery, they’ll turn any cup of tea into special event. These darlings are pricey, $55 for set of six at Rocket St. George (because of the cursed exchange rate) but we bet you thrifty folks can find vintage ones at the flea market that will do the trick.

Do you use cloth napkins in your home? Let us know if you have good sources to share!

A week or so ago I wrote about blossoming teas, something I had seen in a movie but had never tried in real life. A bunch of you left great suggestions on how to find them, and now I am happy to report that I have! I brewed a few cups from fullbloomtea.com and think they’d be a wonderful Mother’s Day present. Why send ordinary flowers? With names like “happiness,” “pot of gold” and “sunset” each one is a an aromatic surprise. The blooms are a bit pricey, $3 each, but each makes about six cups or two small pots of tea. They all tasted amazing, especially with a drop of honey added, and would be great iced. You can order a Greeting Bloom for $6 and the company will inculde a printed message card for you. For mom, I’d recommend the half dozen sampler, $22, which comes with a clear glass mug (above) which will allow her to watch the magic happen.

A few other places that also sell blooming teas: dragonwater.com sells them by the pound (1/4 lb is $37). adagio.com has the best price — ten for $10, and their packaging is lovely, too. teaposy.com sells a half dozen for $18. — Angela M.

Man-oh-man there’s a lot going on this weekend. Cinco de Mayo, the Kentucky Derby, the De La Hoya vs Mayweather fight! We’re not sure what we’re gonna do, though a night in with HBO may win. Here are a few links to help you stir up some fun of your own.

Martha Stewart is offering up her favorite margaritas on her site, which includes this basil watermelon one. It sounds yummy, but it’s a bit early for watermelons in our hood. We’d rather go with the ginger mint one in her May issue: You crush ginger, mint, tequila, Grand Marnier and lime juice in glass with a wooden spoon. Add ice, and then pour in ginger beer.

Every party needs some chips and dip Here’s an ethnic twist on a classic quac recipe. At 101cookbooks.com, there’s an Indian flavored guacamole: avacados with white onions, garlic, lime, salt and then some cumin and curry powder dashed in. Serve with naan bread.

If you’re thinking of having a Derby party, consider this recipe from Sprig, the new eco site from the MSN-Newsweek group. Chicken wings and hot chili corn pudding bread. If you serve that at your house, we guarantee your guests will show up with bells on.

For drinks, a classic julep is always lovely, but why not mix it up and try this gin version that we found on Variety’s Stylephile blog. Or, here’s something even more tempting: At Serious Eats, we found a post about a Bourbon Ball Milkshake. Just the other day, our friend Anthony was telling us about the wonders of Bourbon Balls, a Southern Xmas treat. But this frosty version sounds perfect for right now! You game?

(P.S. Our money’s on De La Hoya!)

I finally watched Sophia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette over the weekend. It wasn’t nearly as bad as people had said it was. It fact I was completely entertained by the satiny, lacey, poufy and excessive lives of the young queen and her cohorts. (I think it’s because I saw Grindhouse during the day and needed a girly anecdote to Tarantino’s machismo.) At one point near the end of the film, Marie’s brother comes to visit her from Austria, and she pours him a cup of flowering jasmine tea — “a gift from the emperor” she says. It was so beautiful, I’m dying to find some myself. I tracked down these two at Tea Palace in London but would rather not pay such steep shipping costs. Do you know a U.S. store where you can buy such magical brews? What does lotus flower tea taste like, anyhow? Wouldn’t this be a great way to make an impression for a special guest! Let them drink tea! — Angela M.

Speaking of coffee mugs, we were tickled to see a post on Angela Adam’s blog saying that her adorable Munjoy Morning coffee mugs were featured on the set of 30 Rock. We admit that we missed this lovely bit of product placement when we watched the show last week (too distracted by Alec Baldwin’s hairline, no doubt) but now this gives us even another reason to be glad this gem has been renewed for another season. You can start your day just like Tina Fey, by picking one up here at Angela’s site, $39 for two mugs and a 1lb of coffee.