raven's Profile

yes, wallpaper is terrible!

I'm not a big fan of expressions of trends that make a big mess when its time to make a change. Wallpaper takes that cake every time.

Has anyone had experience with "Kitchen Craft" waterless cookware?

I was at a home show over the weekend and saw a demo. It is quite expensive, but the claim is that it saves time and uses less energy from your stove. I'm curious. Does anyone use this product?

Nicely done. One great advantage of spending "so much money" on these designer "cliches" is that you really have to consider everything you bring into your home and its placement. This space is very well curated, and I don't mean to say it looks like a museum.

I have started to collect GOOD furniture, and I hope that my home looks this coherent in 15 years. One thing is for sure, I never look at my most expensive pieces and think, I should have bought a bunch of stuff at target instead.

The only thing I would change about the design is the flooring. The color and texture are really nice, but I would put in a cork floor if I were lucky enough to live in this home. I think it would be easier to clean and still warm and inviting.

What is the orange side table in the first photo? I recognize most of the other pieces :)

I think the best advice with parents is to invite them over or call often enough that they don't drop by out out of the blue. Try to gauge how frequently they want to see you and get together on your terms. Let them know you are busy, and that they are important in your life. Schedule visits and don't feel bad about sending them away when they come by unannounced to bug you. Just say "I'm so glad to see you, but I am very busy right now. Let's talk this Sunday at Brunch when we can both relax and enjoy each other."

This situation is not as bad as wishing you could see your family more often, and not being able to.

When I buy animal products, I am willing to pay more for responsible treatment of the animals. Surely at these prices there is not much room in the budget to assure a humane slaughter. It's just a thought, but violent death does not make me feel warm and fuzzy.

I avoid cooking or storing food in aluminum. Especially anything acidic, because it reacts with the metal.

Glass, ceramic, stainless steel and cast iron are good choices in my opinion.

A tall trashcan with a spoonful of peanut butter inside does the trick. Make a balance beam for your mouse out of a yardstick. Set the trap before you go to bed, and you will have a mouse in the morning. It works every time. They can jump really high, so be sure to use a tall container.

I always release pests into non-residential areas, or just outside if they are bugs. If you are worried that the mouse is carrying a disease, don't splatter its guts all over your house.

House cats won't do you much good. A barn cat, yes, but not a pet.

If I think something can't go into the dishwasher, I don't buy it. Anything that holds water when it is turned upside down is out. Wine glasses with stems: out. China with gold or silver leaf: out.

Obviously the good knives and my cast iron pan are hand wash only (these were gifts). If I replace that pan with an enameled le creuset, it will go in the dishwasher. I have these cheap bamboo cooking utensils that don't warp in the dishwasher. I put expensive stuff in too, and I've never had a problem.

I read a study a while back about scientists in the US finding that coffee does not increase the risk of cancer, while studies in Europe found that it did. The only difference was the way the coffee was brewed (with or without a paper filter), so I'll stick with my unbleached paper filters and toss them in the compost.

If you're really that concerned about water conservation, give up coffee. It's a luxury anyway. According to waterfootprint.org it takes 37 gallons of water to make one cup of coffee. If you REALLY care, give up red meat. The filter debate seems trivial when you look at the amount of water used to manufacture things we don't really need.

Gosh Rebecca, it was not my intention to distort discourse by stigmatizing some forms of sexuality and gender, or make certain types of self-expression more difficult.

I happen to be a straight woman with a black leather sofa, so I'm not missing the subtlety of how silly this decorating advice is. Of course there is a range of gray and other neutrals that define most of the world we live in. Black and white are the accent colors. P.S. thanks for teaching me a new word.