ginafly's Profile

Doesn't production of ethanol typically burn more fossil fuels than those it replaces? Or something very close? I really do not believe ethanol should be considered green.

We have a definite mix at our house. On the low (free) end are dressers and nightstands from my and my husband's respective childhood bedrooms, an iron bed given by my mom's friend, and bookcases and tables made by my grandfather (we make a sketch together and he makes it--amazing).

Then the low-mid $, some side tables and media center from West Elm, and many many various uses of FLOR products (I will not spend 1000 dollars on something my dog might vomit on).

Then the big expenditures are reserved for upholstered pieces from C&B (1400 and 800), and a real hardwood dining set (1500 or so), and above all, LIGHTING fixtures. I have spent a lot at Rejuvenation because I feel like our 1920s home deserves to have something better than Home Depot lighting fixtures. I will also happily invest in good teak for the porch because I hate sitting in something that feels disposable.

For little stuff, esp clocks and lamps, Ebay all the way. I also have a fiberglass/vinyl Eames chair from craigslist (250) that I treasure.

They're not as light, but Corelle plates are pretty and nearly indestrucible. The are thin, so they stack up very compactly. My mom has had a set since the 70s.

The nylon shower curtain liners at Target are great. Vinyl is horrible for the environment, off-gasses nasty stuff that you don't want to breathe, and is difficult to clean, prone to cracking... The nylon liners are only available in solid colors, but they do come in quite a range and are machine washable, as someone pointed out.

Rejuvenation has some mid-century things which are very cool. They also have a line called Satellite with several offerings. I think those would work great with your wallpaper and fireplace...very cool space so far!

I have bought oh, about ten fixtures from Rejuvenation as well as a bunch of doorknobs and hooks...they are a FANTASTIC company to deal with. Great people, great customer service. I kind of love them.

I have a bunch from a variety of sources... Crate and Barrel's are good, but also, Pier 1 is worth checking out. We use them for everything, INCLUDING backyard BBQs...I just roll up a set of utensils in each (like they do at chain restaurants...I'd NEVER do it for a dinner party) and put them next to the side dishes so people can bring them out to the yard. I have about 30 melamine plates from Target for those events. I think the key to reusable ANYTHING is quantity. We have lots of napkins, lots of reusable shopping bags, etc.

Wow, I haven't had any serious disasters like these...but definitely some near disasters, like the time the dog grabbed the corner of a grilled pizza sitting on the counter and started pulling. We heard sort of a crackling noise while sitting in the dining room and ran to the kitchen. We got to it in time and just had to cut off one little corner.

Blowfish. I ate this in China because I didn't want to offend the Chinese customers who served it to us. However, had I known the exact way it can kill you (by paralysis and asphyxiation, while you are fully conscious), it would have been difficult to take that first bite. Also, the skin is slimy and not especially tasty. It was a bit of a struggle.

A sandwich from Collegetown Bagels, in Ithaca, NY. Hummus on a cheddar bagel with tomatoes, lettuce, and sprouts. It was something I ate in college when I needed a pick me up. Also, their hot cider and giant mocha chip cookies.

@Niamh: Anyone with a Wegman's is spoiled by definition! =)