I generally prefer not to have help in the kitchen beyond "Can you get that thing off the high shelf?" and "Can you take this out to the table?". Luckily, my friends understand that, even though t...

I have a Braun blender, which is about $65. It has a good, if loud, motor and will do anything you need it to. I bought it because it was deeply discounted when I went blender shopping, but I fee...

@larchgirl I'm glad you have had such good experiences with tenants and vice versa. However, I don't think your good fortune is typical. I admit that I don't live in the ...

I bought a cabinet off Craigslist that seemed to be the perfect size for a buffet. Sadly, it is a bit too short for that purpose, but it fits nicely in my bedroom as extra storage.

@GingerVitis It can be expensive for a landlord to have to find new tenants, so it generally behooves them to negotiate on the rent with current tenants. Also, if the landlord is oper...

I like your place. The funny thing is that I have that same screen from World Market and I use it as a headboard, too!

My kitchen shears have a flat head screwdriver on one handle, a bottle opener on the other, and a little groove between them for opening small jars. Plus, they come apart for cleaning, which regul...

I have an ottoman instead of a coffee table. I have enough surfaces for drinks, but not enough seating for parties.

This seems impractical. Not only would it make books more difficult to locate, but they would also be more difficult to dust.

I've had everything on the list except cardoons. Does anyone know where to get them in Chicago?

I have a really pretty Spanish hand-painted ceramic spoon rest that I always forget to use. Spoons always end up in whatever's handy.

I use that Julia Child recipe, too. It always turns out so wondrously perfect that for the longest time I was perplexed when people mentioned difficulties with choux pastry.

Are these similar to the Kuhn Rikon Colori knives? If so, then I would definitely try them out. I bought a Colori paring knife to use for picnics but it's become one of my favorites...

I'm terrible at unpacking. I moved in May and half my stuff is still in boxes. I've given myself a deadline of Labor Day to have everything organized.

I always get rave reviews when I make grilled gorgonzola and pear sandwiches on cinnamon bread, even from people who claim not to like blue cheese.

I second Salumi, Top Pot, Stumptown, Beechers and the Crumpet Shop. I'd like to add Chocopolis in Queen Anne, Le Panier across from Pike Place, and Serious Pie.

@any such name - It depends on how strong of a cucumber taste you want and how fresh the cucumbers are, but you can probably have sufficiently cucumber-y water in about a half hour. @e...

I love Fresh Picks. The quality of their produce is outstanding and they are always so nice. I recommend them to everyone I know.

Charlotte and itsakitty, I have a thriving jasmine plant that I have successfully kept for the past three years on a Chicago windowsill. They just need sun and a lot of water.

I get a little frisson of joy whenever I get to use my zester. Sad, but true.