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Print Your Own Postage

Erin—Manic Mommies — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 01:35:00 PDT

One of my least favorite trips to make during any given day is to our local post office. Waiting in an endless line to ship a package (or several packages) is, in my view, a complete waste of precious time. In the small town where I live there is not so much as a single postal scale in front of the counter, so when you need to weigh a package you wait in line with everyone else.

When I started my home-based business four years ago, one of the first things I did was to research my options for shipping and mailing from home. I also purchased a digital scale for weighing my small packages and padded envelopes. As a publicist, I am often sending copies of DVDs, books, and press kits to media all over the country. Sometimes I am processing anywhere from 50 to 500 envelopes at a time. Some must be shipped overnight using FedEx or UPS. Otherwise, for time-sensitive shipping, I generally use USPS Priority Mail and their flat rate envelopes.

Did you know you can schedule free package pick up with your postal carrier when you ship using Priority Mail or Express Mail? You can even print your postage directly from the USPS Web site using their Click-N-Ship software. There are several online tools and software applications that allow you to print professional, customized postage using nothing more than your standard inkjet printer and labels purchased at your local office supply store.

I use Endicia, one of the few Mac-based postage applications available. I do pay a monthy fee for the service, but my envelopes always look professional and I can customize the return address complete with my company's logo or a client's logo. I have several profiles set up in my system, and I can purchase additional postage with the click of a button. Endicia's PictureItPostage allows me to create and print my own customized stamps. You've probably seen this kind of stamp on wedding invitations and other personal mail, but imagine sending your business invoices, marketing pieces and general correspondence using your company's logo. Why not brand every where you can?

Endicia is certainly not the only option for printing postage. There are several great software applications and online solutions including Stamps.com and Zazzle.com. But a word of caution, be sure to read through all the technical requirements and specs before you start downloading anything. As I learned during my initial research, many mail solutions are for PCs and Windows-based computers, so it's important to read the fine print. Remember, the goal is saving time, not wasting it.

So now that this post is finished I really must run. I have a shipment to drop in the local FedEx box. If I could only convince FedEx to pick up my single pieces every now and again, I'd really have all of my small business shipping needs taken care of!

Have you used custom postage for personal or business use? What was the reaction?

10 Etsy Faves for July

Holly Becker — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 23:59:00 PDT

Once a month here at Home & Organizing I plan to highlight a few Etsy stores that I think are really great. Some I've written about before elsewhere, but since not everyone reading this blog follows my work in other places, most of these finds will be new to you. Here are a few shops on Etsy that I think you may really enjoy for the month of July. I'll share more towards the end of each month going forward.

First up is artist Jennifer Davis and her original paintings. I own several and I'm very pleased with her work. These are a few cigar boxes she's adorned with her colorful creatures.

Next is Tabitha Emma from Australia. From coin purses to prints, her crafty goods make for the perfect gift.

I could seriously own all of the prints from the Pepperminte shop. Drool. Caitlin Shearer is clearly talented lady!

If you love shoes, prints from What Katie Does will fit you to a T!

I don't know about you, but I think this owl needs a little love and a new home like yours, don't you? It's from the always creative Wonting shop.

Some bunny will adore this paper rabbit clock. Will it be you? And yes, it actually works. It's by Maiko Kuzunishi of Decoy Lab, another big etsy fave of mine.

The High Street Market always has something I want to buy. I love her rare and beautiful vintage finds. This jar is ideal for a cookie or two, but it could also double as a vase on the coffee table.

Untamed Menagerie mostly carries laser cut jewelry (to die for, I might add) but I found this unfinished birch wood silhouette most intriguing.

I'm feelin' the love for the retro pillows and pendant lights handmade by Hunky Dory, aren't you? These patterns are just too wild, child!

Here are a few more great lights, this time urban-inspired beauties from Re-Surface out of Brooklyn.

Another Etsy round up will follow towards the end of August so stay tuned for more dispatches from the world of independent art + craft!

Oh, and HAPPY WEEKEND... Please plan to meet me back here on Monday!

(images linked to sources above)

Multiply Your Wardrobe With A Winkee

Michelle Madhok — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:00:00 PDT

I am so impressed with the Winkee ($15-$16 at TheWinkee.com), because it offers a solution to one of the eternal challenges of summer: how to dress modestly enough for work and other daytime activities without piling on the layers and inviting all those meticulously chosen clothes to become a sweaty disaster. For low-cut tops that usually require camisoles (or banishment to the “maybe some day” part of your closet), the Winkee is just perfect.

Here’s how it works: Position the triangular part of the Winkee in the middle of your bra. Fasten the longer pieces of fabric onto bra straps with the included stickers (“Winkeedots”), and you're sporting an instantly higher neckline; no bunching, no extra layers.

And if your top isn’t objectively too low-cut – just to low-cut for, say, a board meeting - you can easily duck off to the ladies’ room and un-stick your Winkee before dinner. When folded up, it’s smaller than a running sock.

Your Best Tuna Fish Sandwich

Kathleen Murray Harris — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:14:57 PDT

In the July issue of REAL SIMPLE, Erica Wagner wrote about an unexpected yet treasured childhood memory: a tuna fish sandwich...the "world's best tuna fish sandwich" to be precise. Little did she know that this culinary quest would bring forth a flurry of amazing tuna-fish sandwich tips (reprinted at the bottom). Here's an excerpt of her story:

"I encountered the world's best tuna-fish sandwich by accident. My parents had taken me off to explore the countryside, and after a morning of adventuring...we needed lunch. We looked for a place to stop but found nothing. I grew hungry and then hungrier. Hours passed, or so it seemed. My parents, frustrated, burst into giddy laughter as time wore on, and we still could find nowhere to stop and eat. And then, around the bend in the road, my dad spotted a white clapboard building with a neat sign hanging from the eaves, proclaiming to be a diner...

"They sat us down, and I ordered a tuna-fish sandwich. I liked tuna then...the tuna sandwich was my default. And that day I needed something fast and reliable, something that wouldn't disappoint. Talk about an understatement. That sandwich was the most delicious thing I've ever eaten: perfection on white toast, bound with mayonnaise....How much mayo in the mix? How much celery? Was the tuna from a can packed with oil or water? I have no idea. But I do know this: For the past 30 years, I've searched for a comparable sandwich...

"So to start, I choose tuna packed in oil -- none of this slenderizing water nonsense, which leads to tuna that is dryish and tastes like nothing. For mayo I stick to Hellmann's, and I think celery is a must-add, though not too much, and you do have to destring the pesky stuff. A little salt, a little pepper, and maybe a wee squeeze of lemon. I've come close with this version, but never close enough."

Here's where REAL SIMPLE readers stepped in to help with some wonderful e-mails:

"I was raised in Elizabeth, N.J. in the 50's . There was a little drugstore with a fountain counter on Magie Ave. that on special days I could eat lunch at. Every time I ordered the tuna-fish sandwich that was the best I ever tasted. The recipe was secret but I know they used a very cheap brand and added milk and a touch of lemon. I have never found that wonderful taste again although I am always on the search. Thanks for the story. It brings back great memories." -- Harriette

"For 'unforgettable tuna salad' use miracle whip salad dressing, hard boiled eggs, and a couple teaspoons (or to taste) of SUGAR, mixed with a couple of cans of tuna. Put on white toast. Lettuce and tomato slices, optional. Hope you will try this. A little sugar and miracle whip makes all the difference." -- Vicki

"I have made tuna salad for decades. My grandmother (Nanny) taught me to add VINEGAR to the tuna, Hellmann's, salt, pepper, onion powder (or minced onions) and lemon juice. Have you tried that? I use about one or two capsful of vinegar (of 32-oz. bottle) for about 24 oz. of tuna. I use water-packed now, but it used to be the yummier oil-packed! Hope this ingredient brings your tuna closer to your glorious memory -- although I certainly realize that memory was glorious for other reasons, too!" -- Barb

"Have you tried a small amount of apple cider vinegar in the mix of tuna, onion, celery and mayo? My mother always made her tuna with about a tablespoon of cider vinegar to a small can of tuna. It is still my favorite tuna salad and now has become my husband's favorite. I served it for lunch to my husband's son, daughter and her friend last weekend and they said it was the best tuna salad they had eaten.
I enjoyed your article in Real Simple magazine. The older I get, the more I enjoy all those great childhood memories." -- M. J. Dykes

hi erica,
as i read the sweet story, i was immediately convinced that you have (probably) overlooked the basic ingredient....the bread, which most likely is limpa, not white bread. it looks like white bread, but has a very distinct taste, and is dearly loved by scandinavians. all four of my grandparents are native norwegians, and i grew up eating limpa bread, especially with goat cheese, and it is truly delicious. my favorite chicago restaurant, tre kroner, is owned by a sweedish/norwegian couple and every diner gets a complimentarty tiny tuna sandwich appetizer, tuna salad (made with small pieces of green grapes a little mayo, maybe a small amount of celery, i'm not sure), on limpa, of course. it's the limpa bread that makes it so unique and i'll bet anything that mrs. sweedish used it for that fondly remembered treasure. there's a wonderful sweedish bakery in chicago, in the old sweedish (andersonville) neighborhood that makes terrific limpa bread. it's called erickson's, on north clark street. most of the real scandinavians in the chicago area are happy to make that long drive to the sweedish bakery, and would never think of leaving without a few loaves of limpa. if you can't find any, let me know and i'll overnight mail a couple of loaves; an expensive sandwich, but possibly worth it. good luck...maybe this is the secret ingredient of your dreams.

best regards,
janet

(who then adds:)
pardon the lack of capitals; i'm hunting and pecking with two broken wrists.

enough said. what's your secret to the perfect tuna-fish sandwich?

Dining in Black & White

Jennifer Sbranti — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:04:33 PDT

This new Subliminal Dinnerware from cb2 dons a fun motif of jumbled letters surrounding clever phrases like "use a napkin", "don't slurp", and "clean your plate". ($3.95-$4.95) Coordinating Subliminal Coolers aptly state "drink up" ($4.50 ea). Between the bold black & white palette and creative use of type, this collection looks fit for a contemporary art museum...or one extremely cool dinner party!

Black and white dishes look great mixed with a bright splash of color. cb2's Basketweave Placemats ($2.95 ea) in techno pink and Gloss Placemats ($5.95 ea) in black give a fun late 80's/early 90's vibe when mixed with the Subliminal collection. Complete the look with more black & white pieces like understated Pimienta Pepper/Sal Salt shakers ($3.95 ea) and Tokyo Four-Part Server ($19.95).

Seven Edible Plants That Look Great In The Garden

Heath Brockwell — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 04:34:00 PDT

My favorite way to plant my garden is to mix herbs, vegetable, and flowers together in interesting patterns. For this section of the garden, the theme was all about being edible (herbs and flowers) mixed in with some spectacular flowers (like that what dahlia in the center). Here is a breakdown of the arrangement:

1. SWISS CHARD: As mentioned in a previous entry, the colorful leaves of this vegetable make for a nice ornamental.

2. BASIL: No summer garden is complete without basil. I like to dot it through out the garden for its scent and bright green leaves. In the coming weeks, I'll have lots more to say on this delicious herb.

3. PURPLE BASIL: This tasty variety adds a great hit of color.

4. PEPPERS: This is brand new to my garden this year. I'm looking forward to seeing little red peppers in the garden this August. Great for another splash of color.

5. CALENDULA: These annual flowers were started from seed and add constant color throughout the summer and have an added benefit of edible petals.

6. SAGE: This perennial herb gets bigger every year and has a silvery blue hue that contrasts to the rest of the green leaves and herbs.

7. NASTURTIUMS: They also came from seed and have great variegated leaves and a slew of different colored flowers. The flowers have a slightly peppery taste and are great in salads. I'm also excited to steep them in vodka to capture some of that spicy flavor.

The Ultimate Collection of Food Blogs

Kathleen Murray Harris — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:13:00 PDT

To see what's happening in the world of food, I subscribe to weekly/daily e-newsletters and RSS feeds for a few of my favorite food blogs and websites. But sometimes, admittedly, when I'm really busy, I delete the emails before even reading them and never check my google reader. This is why I love Alltop.com -- on one page, they feature the five most recent, up-to-the-minute posts from dozens of food blogs including New York Magazine's Grub Street, Chubby Hubby, Skinny Chef, our very own Simply Stated, and more. This way, you can scan the headlines to see what's new in food. It's a great way to meal plan, too -- just click on the recipe titles that interest you and make your shopping list.

Here's a fun smattering of what's featured on foodie heaven Alltop right now:

With Beans Comes Rice from Homesick Texan (shown above)

Peanut Butter Cookies from 101 Cookbooks

Bananas and Soup from Cooking with Friends Blog

Summer Squash Gets Some Respect from NPR: Food

Mad Mini Burgers from Average Betty

Chocolate-Covered Bacon for Breakfast from Serious Eats

What are your favorite food blogs?

Review: When Organizing Isn't Enough

Erin Doland — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:30:00 PDT

I have been a fan of Julie Morgenstern's for more than a decade. Her book Organizing from the Inside Out is on my top-five list of favorite organizing books. She is gifted at explaining organizing techniques and systems, and isn't afraid to speak from personal experience.

Her latest book When Organizing Isn't Enough, SHED Your Stuff, Change Your life looks beyond storage solutions and tries to get at the root of a person's problems with disorganization. SHED is in capital letters because it is an acronym for Separate the Treasures, Heave the Trash, Embrace Your Identity, and Drive Yourself Forward. Her theory is that "by releasing your attachment to obsolete, tangible items in your space and schedule, you will gain the energy, insight and clarity to make decisions about the big stuff. SHEDing creates the space to think; it fortifies your identity and eliminates old, unhealthy belief systems."

The goal of her system is impressive. Who among us wouldn't want to have more energy, insight and clarity? Sign me up for a hefty dose of those three things! But, does her system work? Does it provide a way for people to achieve these lofty aspirations?

I think it can, but it's not an overnight, quick-fix method. To purge one's life of clutter, which she defines as "any obsolete object, space, commitment or behavior that weighs you down, distract you or depletes your energy," Morgenstern outlines a plan of introspection, assessment, purging, and maintenance that require some discipline to complete. It's not impossible, and I think it's one of the more realistic methods for change that I've encountered.

Her writing gets a little cutesy with names ("treasure guidelines" and "radical release" are a couple that come to mind), but the principles behind the titles are inspired and well-conceived. She asks readers to create guidelines and motivations that ring true on an individual level so that you're more likely to personalize the advice and stick with the system in the future. Clearing junk without a vision or purpose will ultimately result in more junk coming back in and filling up the empty space. Her system makes every effort to keep this from happening.

My biggest complaint about the book is that it assumes all clutter is grounded in an emotional or psychological cause. Unfortunately, experience has shown me that this isn't always the case. For some people, ADD or ADHD make order and focus difficult endeavors. Other people have just never had a need (unlimited space or a full-time staff to handle their lives) or haven't been taught the fundamentals of organizing (many teenagers fall into this category). I don't think it's a bad book because of this oversight, I just don't believe that it is the perfect book for all people. I highly recommend it, though, for people embarking on life transitions (new baby, retirement, marriage) and for people who feel stuck in a rut and need motivation to change.

What Do You Wear to Yoga Class?

Liz Krieger — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:00:00 PDT

Regular readers of this blog (hi Mom!) will already know my love for the yoga pants and other athletic wear from Lululemon. I can't rave enough about their Groove Pants and their Deep V Tank II. That's my go-to yoga outfit—the fit is amazing, the design is smart (jacket zippers have built-in "emergency" hair elastics and thumb loops for tucking in your hands on cold days), the material lasts and lasts through a million washings (i.e. doesn't get all stretched out or pill-y), and the choice of colors and patterns is terrific.

But my editor here was just asking me for some other suggestions for great yoga pants/tops—things that are a tad more affordable (the Groove pants alone are $96!), and also available for purchase online. (For now, alas, Lululemon is only available in stores —there are 43 in the US right now.)

Over the years I've worn stuff from Prana, Athleta and Hard Tail and have a few items from each line that I like. (One pair of Hard Tail pants I like has a great roll-over waistband that is both flattering and comfortable. Still, they are not all that cheap at $56.) I've seen some new Nike yoga wear that looks great, but haven't yet tried it.

So I am wondering if you can share with me your fail-safe yoga outfit?

A Few T-Shirt Slogans I'd Really Like to See

Kristin van Ogtrop — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:07:16 PDT

I was walking through Rockefeller Center today and saw a woman wearing a t-shirt that was a genius takeoff of that now-classic “Got milk?” campaign. This particular t-shirt said, “Got wine?”

Ha. Well put, sister. I laughed to myself, and then thought of all of the other “Got...” t-shirts I’d like to wear on any given day. Here, in no particular order:

Got a self-cleaning husband? Got 15 minutes to fold my laundry? Got a non-shedding yellow lab? Got a self-renovating house? Got a sabbatical? Got a trip to Mexico? Got perfect skin? Got kids who will throw food wrappers in the garbage can in the kitchen instead of leaving them on the side table next to the sofa and the laptop, and why has that side table become the new unofficial home for the laptop anyway when we have a perfectly good kitchen counter where food wrappers would not look so irritating as they do in the t.v. room? But I digress. Got a no-cost vacation? Got a cat who won’t get old? Got another hour of sleep? Got a Xanax?

I've Been Honeymooned

Margit — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:50:13 PDT

Well folks, the honeymoon to Ecuador and Peru was phenomenal, save for one minor mishap, which I'll detail in a minute. Thankfully, the mishap did not include anything to do with the husband (husband! A new word in my daily vocabulary) although the two times I called my parents, my mother kept asking us in her half-joking way, "Are you fighting yet?"

In fact we did start scraping a bit -- nitpicky arguments about dumb things like luggage tags and directions. It's almost like, well, we're family now, we're not going anywhere, so we can let it all hang out. In his vows, Husband told me, "I'm the best 'me' in your presence." (Which is, of course, where we both lost it).

During the honeymoon he added, laughing, "You know, actually, I think I'm the worst me in your presence too." When you can be yourself, the good and the bad, well isn't that true love?

So, without further ado, here are 10 Highlights from the Honeymoon -- the good and the bad.

1. Snoozed with sea lions on the Galapagos Islands.

2. At Cicciolina’s, Husband tried "Cui" aka guinea pig, a very popular dish in Peru. I tried to forget about Frisky, Peanut and Rocky, my sister's childhood pets. When it's chopped up, marinated and lumped over polenta it becomes a lot more appetizing.

3. While touring cathedrals and cobble-stoned streets in Quito, Ecuador we somehow acquired George, a man who claimed to be from New Jersey, likes the Yankees, calls my husband (who happens to be African American) "Obama," and of course wanted $80 at the end of our "tour."

4. Orchids in Machu Picchu

5. Machu Picchu. It was bigger and more awe-inspiring than I'd imagined.

6. The train ride back from Machu Picchu on Peru Rail included a dancing clown and a fashion show. Yes, inexplicably, the man and woman who were once our conductors swapped their uniforms (in the cramped bathroom) for alpaca sweaters. With the Pet Shop Boys and Abba wheezing through the train's sound system, they walked like supermodels up and down the aisle, showcasing Peru's finest knits. Bizarre and awesome. Amtrak, take note.

Here's a quick clip:

7. On the Galapagos Islands I fell off a bike. We'd barely started a rainy-day tour of the lava tunnels when I crashed into a ditch and flew over the handlebars into a pile of rocks. Thankfully I only scraped up my forearm and bruised my left leg. And now I know what the emergency room on the Galapagos Islands looks like -- not as bad as you'd think. Two lovely women cleaned my wounds and bandaged my arm while a doctor prescribed antibiotics and ibuprofen. Thanks to them (and another doctor who reexamined me in Lima) I enjoyed the rest of my trip.

Exhibit A, the muddied clothes:

8. Inca Kola. Strangely delicious, albeit in an unappealing shade of yellow.

9. Dining at Casa Hacienda Orihuela in Pisac. The Orihuela's, a family of art collectors (think Incan and colonial artifacts) offer up their luxurious home to tourists for lunch.

10. The people (and llamas) of Peru

And just because I'm hitched doesn't mean I'm going to fade away like an old, wine-soaked wedding gown. While I'll be passing the bouquet to our forthcoming "Nearly Wed" scribes, I'll be chiming in once in a while. Stay tuned for further recaps, a little "behind the scenes" with some of my vendors and a few insights on being "Newly Wed."

-The Mrs.

Freaking About the Weather! Help!

Liz Krieger — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 03:51:14 PDT

I know it's silly, and that there's NOTHING I can do about it, but I'm totally freaking about the weather for Saturday, my wedding day!

Yes, the wedding is planned to take place outdoors.
Yes, we can scuttle into the dance tent or the restaurant if necessary.
No, that's not my first choice, as a big part of the loveliness of the location is the Hudson River views, the trees, the grounds, the patio where cocktails are 'sposed to take place!

And yes, I know that it will be lovely no matter what...and yet, and yet, here I am, four days before the wedding, obsessively refreshing weather.com and accuweather.com for zip code 10567. (And yes, my fiancé, mother, friends and colleagues are surely already tired of this endless discussion.)

So far the forecast calls for upper 80s, with scattered thunderstorms. Chance of rain 40%. The weather is notoriously hard to predict and fickle this time of year so honestly I think I'd be tense even if the report called for 100% clear-blue skies. Storms seem to pop in and out of nowwhere.

Here's hoping they at least hold of for 2 hours on Saturday evening.

Can anyone 'talk me down' off my meteorological ledge—to just help me somehow relax about it all?--Liz

Can You See Me Now?

Erin—Manic Mommies — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 03:47:43 PDT

My mother called me over the weekend very excited to tell me her big news: She and dad splurged on a new computer and Webcam, so now they can video chat with the grandkids live from Florida! While I was equally excited that they had entered a new technological era, I knew it was going to take some time to set up and execute our first call.

Just because one has purchased a Webcam does not mean one knows how to use it. My parents were led to believe that they'd plug in their camera, dial us up as they would over a land line, and in an instant they'd see their smiling grandson's faces in Massachusetts.

Not so simple.

First of all, a video call or chat requires users on both ends of the call to be using the same (or a compatible) platform. My parents are PC users and their default service is Windows Live Messenger. As we all know, I'm a Mac user, and therefore use either iChat or AOL's Instant Messenger. I tried to explain to my mother that I could not be located using Windows Live Messenger because I do not use a Windows computer.

"Well, doesn't your husband have a Windows PC?" she asked.

"Yes, Mom, he does. But it does not have a Webcam," I explained. "The camera is built into my laptop."

"So are you telling me we bought this Webcam for nothing?"

"No, not at all," I said. "You'll just need to download an application that lets us communicate with each other. I have several on my computer already. You can pick one that I am using."

While mom continued to read about the features of her messenger service, I jumped online and realized Windows Live is compatible with Yahoo Messenger. So I downloaded it. After several minutes of my mother saying "I can't see you yet" over the phone line, I realized the compatibility was limited to text messaging only.

Still no pictures.

Like many, my parents are leery of downloading software from the Internet, yet they trust the man at the local computer shop where they purchase their hardware. I convinced my mother to download Skype, an application that works on both PCs and Macs, and provides high-quality video calls.

The next day, mom called with good news. "I've got Skype now and even have my user name all set up," she said with pride.

We scheduled our first video call for two hours later, when my dad would be home in Florida, and my kids home here in Massachusetts.

And then there were two grandparents and two grandsons smiling into their computers. "Wow, Tommy," my dad said. "You really are getting big."

"You look big, too, Bampa." Straight from the mouth of a 6-year-old.

The Here and Now of Summer Produce

Kim O'Donnel — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 03:28:21 PDT

In yoga, we talk a lot about being in the moment and letting go of the day, no matter where or how you left it. Admittedly, I’m too wound up to practice mindfulness every time I unroll my mat, but I’ve discovered how much my yoga practice has traveled with me off the mat -- and into the kitchen.

After all, being fully present is essential if you want to maximize your time with summer produce. For much of the country, summer is the “it” season for fresh fruits and veg, with so much to choose from. The caveat: Mother Nature waits for no one, and summer -- and all its edible jewels -- will be gone before you know it.

Here’s what I love, in no particular order, about the incredible edible summer, before those frosty winds remind me it’s but a memory:

Summer is….

…When you can bake a different cobbler for every night of the week and not get bored

...When salt is sometimes all you need to season a tomato, a cucumber or a snap bean

...When you don’t mind the natural ink of a blackberry or cherry staining your lips and when cherry-pit spitooning is a competitive sport

...When it’s fun to dive your whole face into a wedge of watermelon and slurp on the sidewalk

...When the simplicity of an ear of sweet corn, grilled or steamed, is enough to make you happy at suppertime

...When okra are big enough to be an entrée, and you don’t mind a bit

...When you realize you’ve eaten tomatoes 30 different ways and now it’s time to make sauce and freeze for the winter

...When preserving peaches and blackberries is a better use of time than chasing dust bunnies

...When you've wondered if anyone has thought about bottling basil into perfume

...When blueberries taste like their color

If need a refresher on what's seasonal in your neck of the woods, check out this handy interactive month-by-month, state-by-state produce map.

West Elm Products I'm Loving...

Holly Becker — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:46:00 PDT

I thought I'd give a little love to West Elm today. Okay, a lotta love. I adore their new products this season and have to share some of my personal favorites.

First of all, can you get over some of their new sofas? Sweet. I like this whole natural vibe they have going on -- the flax, white and gray theme is something I'm totally digging right now as a base since you can do so much with a foundation of neutrals, especially if you are one who likes to change the colors in your home often. You could do orange in the Autumn, crisp black and white in the winter, blue/green in the Spring, and lilac and silver in the summer with white or gray as your starting point. But that's just me... It's how I prefer to decorate. I grew up with patterned sofas my entire life. We had a new patterned sofa every 3 years. As an adult I'm rebelling. I go with a solid sofa and a patterned chair perhaps, but that's where I draw the line. For those of you who prefer a patterned sofa because you don't tire of things easily, go for it -- by all means.

Back to West Elm (I took a bit of decorating 101 detour, sorry). I always loved this company based out of Spain called Zara Home but ZH items aren't available over here in the states. Now that West Elm has a bit more of a ZH feel for the Fall I'm over the moon delighted. It looks a lot more sophisticated and quality seems to be on the menu because I'm reading item descriptions and noticing some definite improvements in materials used, like 'organic' and 'bamboo'. I do wish one could purchase solid wood pieces vs. all of the wood veneer furniture that's out there though. It seems you have to pay thousands these days for solid wood anything. I often wonder what antiques will look like to future generations... But that is a blog post topic best saved for another day... For now, onwards with wood veneers and pretty sofas!

And what are your thoughts on this dining room? I think that the table, chairs, and console are beautiful. I'm slightly put off that everything is merely a wood veneer but I guess the majority out there could care less so I'm not going to bother stating my opinions about veneers here. I have a love/hate relationship with them. When I look at this table for instance, the love kicks in a most major way.

West Elm consistently stocks some of the BEST lighting out there. I own five West Elm lamps in my home (the others I own: two by Jonathan Adler, two from Crate + Barrel, a task light via IKEA, and two others from Target). I purchased two of the West Elm lights in 2006 the moment the first New England location opened outside of Boston. The other three are from a sale last summer. All are made extremely well, solid, sturdy, and they look and feel like lamps that go for 3-4x as much elsewhere. I cannot toot a louder horn for West Elm lighting. I think their lighting, floor rugs, and window hardware are their three strongest collections.

I also like that they are not like your typical store where you find a lamp in 2006 and they're still carrying it two years later. They change things up quite often so if you find lighting that you like JUMP ON IT before it's gone as in, forever. I cannot tell you how many times my friends and clients have asked me if they could still find my West Elm lighting in stores and when they find out that they can't, they ask if they can buy mine! Um let me think about it... Uh, no way! So I'm telling you all today... Get your own! :) If you see it and like it, buy it. Period. Nothing beats a lamp you love that also happens to be made exceptionally well and moderately priced.

I have my eyes on a few of their accessories this season like the faux antler shelf, narrative animals, and these two gorgeous mirrors that really remind me of French company Bleu Nature.

If you're a bird lover (tweet! tweet!), the vintage bird duvet cover is another nice find at a decent price point. I have no experience with West Elm bedding whatsoever so it's hard to recommend it one way or another. Do you own bedding from them and if so, how do you rate it?

And... If you're a fan of Domino magazine like I am you may be interested to know that West Elm has a Domino Picks page of 20+ items that have been featured in the magazine recently. I just noticed it as I was about to wrap up this post and found many additional products that I'm liking in addition to what I've shared above.

Have you shopped West Elm before and how would you rate them from customer service to product quality? What do you currently own from this store? Has it stood the test of time?

(images from west elm)

Whitening Toothpaste: Drugstore vs. Designer

Michelle Madhok — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:00:00 PDT

This article in Beauty & Style got me thinking about two great whitening toothpastes I hadn't heard of before I started using them in the past number several months: Elgydium Whitening ($6.99 at Drugstore.com) and BriteSmile Toothpaste ($16.50 at BriteSmile). I’ve found that both did a good job keeping teeth white, and both have a pleasant, not-too-sweet, minty flavor (and both pastes actually are white – is anyone else averse to brushing their teeth with something blue?).

Elgydium has tiny tiny pieces of baking soda to get between teeth, and whitens without that overwhelming baking-soda taste. It’s slightly more posh (and French) than your everyday drugstore brand, but it’s available at drugstores, which I find très convenient.

The BriteSmile paste has fluoride do prevent cavities, and claims to create a barrier on teeth that will prevent new stains from forming. It comes in tube that’s pretty enough not to hide in your medicine cabinet.

Both products worked for me, but I'm still not sure about paying BriteSmile's premium price, even for an admittedly very pretty tube of toothpaste. What's your spending limit for an everyday beauty buy like toothpaste?

Bedroom Lighting: Finding the Right Style

Nykia Spradley — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:01:36 PDT

I woke up about week ago and while the first thing on my mind should have been something along the lines of "oh what a beautiful morning, how I can't wait to start my day," my brain seemed to be stuck on pause as I stared up at my incredibly boring lighting fixture. We opted for the default option when we renovated, and it wasn't until I found myself unintentionally gazing up at it, that I realized how much it does not fit with the rest the room. And so my quest begins for the perfect fixture for the room. A few things that I have to keep in mind are, one, the ceiling is not that high so I need something that sits close to the ceiling. Second, the room itself is pretty long and narrow so whichever I choose it cannot overpower the ceiling. Here's a shot of the current fixture and a few options that I'm considering. What do you think?
How do/did you decide on the right lighting fixture for your bedroom?

Here are a few of my top picks. Which do you like best?

A little bling

Modern Drum

Traditional and Sleek

Contemporary and Streamlined

All images courtesy of Lamps Plus

Sneak Peek Video: Hosting an Open House

Kate Parker — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:36:19 PDT

Last week I hosted a small Open House at my apartment, in part to celebrate the recent completion of a home-decor overhaul, and mostly to gather friends together to sip on yummy summer cocktails and talk about how quickly the summer is flying by.

More to come in the following days - online resources for the inexpensive party favors and suppplies, easy appetizers that don't require plates or utensils, and helpful set-up/clean-up tips to make the not-as-fun part go by more quickly.

But for now, two funny videos to give you a sneak peek at some of the action, shot and narrated by Real Simple's very own Sharon Tanenbaum. (Thanks Sharon - I was running around the party far too much to have done this myself!)

Here, Carlos demonstrates how to make an easy (and strong) Lemon Drop Martini.

Here, a brief moment of panic when I realized I forgot to put the spinach dip in the oven before the party, as I had planned.

Crisis averted, it was still ready in time to serve mid-party, and we ate every last bite.

Have you ever forgotten that one final step while entertaining, only to remember it in the middle of the party or later?