making morning coffee a little better
Like most people I know, I like to have coffee in the morning to wake me up. And since I often work from my home office, “picking up a cup on my way into work†means making it in my kitchen! Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the past few years that will help perk up your morning coffee (pun intended!):
– Always use fresh filtered water
- Switch to a metal coffee filter, which lets more flavorful oils through than paper filters
- Add a pinch of salt to the grounds before brewing to help combat bitterness.
Want to spice things up a little? Try adding one of these to ground coffee before brewing: cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, almond extract or vanilla. Or, on special mornings –- stir in a spoonful of Nutella before adding frothed milk or creamer. Mmmmmm. Do you have any coffee tricks of your own? — Rebecca F.
Photo credit: Rebecca Firlik
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post off: is a timeless kitchen possible?
Given the cost of a kitchen remodel — even if it’s a modest one — the idea of creating something timeless appeals to me. The picture above is circa 1990 and is Martha Stewart’s former kitchen. Switch out the hardware, and it seems like 20 years on, it still works. Well, at least if you’re not going the sleek and modern route. Soapstone or marble countertops. Painted cabinets. Glass doors. Big farm sinks. To me, they seem like they have achieved a certain timeless quality without sacrificing style. The question that’s plaguing me is will they age well through another 20 years? Or will they smack of 2005-2015 kitchen design? — Sarah L.
when a clogged drain comes along, you must zip-it
Now Zip-it! Zip-it good! Sorry — as a big DEVO fan, I had to. But seriously, can we talk about how brilliant the Zip-it is? As someone who seems to shed her abundant long hair as much as our long-haired cat does, our drains slow down often, even with mesh traps and lots of careful cleaning. I’d even taken to unfurling a wire hanger and using it to fish out the nasty stuff that gets down in our shower drain. It took a while, and it seemed to only KINDA make it better. So when I spotted the Zip-it at my local Home Depot for about $3, I figured I’d give it a test run on our sluggish shower drain. Lo and behold, one rip of the Zip-it, and the scariest, grossest tangle of hair goo came up with it, and my drains have been clear ever since. Heck of a lot better than caustic chemicals! And if you don’t believe me, take a look at the many photo testimonials on the site (for those blessed with a strong stomach). Find them at your local hardware store, or online, at Amazon. — Megan B.
want it now: step ladder by karl malmvall
Our ceilings are pretty high, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Yes, I love the drama and open feel, but simple things like changing a lightbulb can be a pain without a pretty tall step ladder. So when I spotted the STEP ladder at huset shop, I immediately fell in love. Produced by Design House Stockholm and designed by Karl Malmvall, this step stool is designed to hang on the wall, displayed proudly rather than secreted away in a closet. While I absolutely adore the minimal design, wood frame, and bold red color, the price — a steep $298, is a no-go for me. I wonder how many coats of red spray paint it’ll take to get a similar effect on my current Skinny Mini? — Megan B.
help! my terrarium is dying
Those of you with chronically black thumbs will sympathize with my plight. The rest of you are going to wonder what in the world is wrong with me. A few months ago – right before Christmas, in fact – I heard about a terrarium workshop happening at a beautiful local nursery. While I’ve never once managed to make it past the two month mark with a plant, I decided if ever there was a chance, it was with a plant that only had to be watered once every few months (hurray for succulents!). Plus, I am an utter sucker for those adorably tiny little terrariums – they’re so cheek-squeezably cute, and they look so calming. So, I went to the workshop, I built my lovely little terrarium, and I was so proud.
Fast forward to a few days ago, when I was checking in on my little project, and – predictably – it’s now showing signs of serious discontent. Several of its tiny green leaves have shriveled and turned black, and the rest of them just look sad. Normally, this is where I’d start frantically watering, and the plant would then die of root rot. But instead, readers, I ask you: any tips on saving this little plant from what is an almost certain death if I’m left to my own devices? –Becki S.
