Kathryn's Profile

Display Name: Kathryn
Personal URL: http://chicago.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/house-tours/house-tour-kathryns-loft-life-009235
Member Since: 3/13/07

Latest Comments...

Whatever you do, DON'T buy the little bags of spice mixes! They are totally stale and just marketed to tourists. Trust me, Nonna does not cook with them!

Of course, it depends on where in Italy you're going, it's best to buy things close to where they're made. I brought back several smalls wheels of different kinds of Pecorino when I was in Tuscany this spring, along with balsamic vinegar, handmade cherry jam (from an outdoor market) and, of course, estate-pressed olive oil. I usually decant olive oil into an empty water bottle... much lighter to carry that way.

Actually, one of my favorite souvenirs is the market bags from the grocery store (PAM or Coop are two of them). They are bigger than the ones you tend to see in the US and my newest one actually has loops inside to keep wine bottles upright.

buon viaggio!


What Are the Best Kitchen Souvenirs to Buy in Italy?
9/24/12 11:08 PM

Years later, Arthur's home still impresses me!


Advice From a Pro Organizer:
Fall Closet Cleaning

9/15/12 9:38 PM

Maybe I'm just unlucky, but it seems like I've always paid top-dollar for housing. I don't think I've ever had a sweet deal!


Tell Us: What Was Your Best
Apartment Deal Ever?

8/3/12 6:27 PM

I like your wardrobe :)


Sacha's "Fornasetti" Room
11/9/11 5:46 PM

Occasion....only 1 "s".


12 Tips for Arranging the Perfect Buffet Table
11/9/11 5:42 PM

Luca Vaccari - you are smokin' hot!


Style Watch: The Fashion of Cersaie
Cersaie 2011

9/29/11 10:29 PM

I'm a Texan too, so no offense intended, but Blue Bell doesn't hold a candle to Jeni's.


Can You Recommend a Great Ice Cream Delivery Source?
Good Questions

9/7/11 5:46 PM

Seconding the rec for Jeni's. It's quite a splurge though (last time I ordered, I got 6 pints and it cost close $86). Totally worth it for a special occasion!!


Can You Recommend a Great Ice Cream Delivery Source?
Good Questions

9/7/11 4:11 PM

I am the first to admit that I am a coffee snob. I have invested a great deal of money into my "ultimate" setup (Macap grinder and Expobar Brewtus) and I order my beans from Blue Bottle....

However, while vacationing in Paris last year, I discovered the Nespresso Citiz. I ended up getting one for my boyfriend because he doesn't drink coffee every day and the pods stay "fresher" (don't get me started on this - of course, the quality is nowhere near what I get from my machine).

But it's a great back-up or alternative to SBUX. It travels well and is really easy to maintain. My only issue is that the pods are not easily available in US stores.


K-Cups and Coffee Pod Systems: Love Them or No, Thanks?
9/6/11 6:48 PM

Terrific idea and much-appreciated!


New at The Kitchn: Printer-Friendly Recipes
9/6/11 6:39 PM

The Chicago link is messed up!


Scavenger Roundup: All Our Finds From Coast to Coast!
9/6/11 6:27 PM

Gorgeous! I love the vaulted ceiling and natura light.


Lauren and Kyle's Sleek, Warm Seattle Kitchen
Kitchen Tour

9/2/11 12:36 PM

How can ApartmentTherapy assume that we don't have garages?


Make a Foam Surround for Wall Mounted Objects
Make

9/2/11 12:08 PM

My loft had the range set in the island. I liked being able to cook for a crowd while facing them. However, there was no ventilation...and 16' ceilings....cooking smells were inevitable and they tended to linger. I finally had to quit cooking fish except in the oven. I'm really glad that my next place has the stove placed against the wall. With a hood!


Set It Free: Ranges at the Kitchen Island
8/31/11 11:08 PM

Not a fan of this trend...


Summertime Style: Picnic Tables...Indoors
8/30/11 1:00 PM

After owning a condo for 10 years and sinking over $70K in improvements that I did not even come close to recouping when I sold it http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/house-tours/house-tour-kathryns-loft-life-009235

I will soon be a renter and it's my goal to spend absolutely nothing in improvements!!


First Home Advice: Where Do Renters Draw the Line?
8/30/11 12:59 PM

Professional upholstery cleaning isn't that expensive and will go a long way towards extending the life of your sofa. I paid about $150 to have my sectional cleaned (2 7'-long sofas) and it was well worth it.


Slipcover for Macy's "Chloe" Sofa?
Good Questions

8/15/11 11:30 AM

And what happens if you or your guest should need to read the instructions?


Helpful Hosting: Create Sun Care Kits For Summer Guests
7/12/11 10:03 AM

Austin can be an expensive place to stay...especially in the trendy SoCo or Travis Heights area.


A Gorgeously Contemporary Bed and Breakfast in Austin
7/7/11 11:45 AM

Pacific Pillows (http://www.pacificpillows.com/) claims to supply bedding to most of the major hotel chains.

I fell in love with the pillows at the Four Seasons Hotel in Atlanta and ordered them from this site. The prices are pretty good.


Buying Hotel Bedding for Home
7/6/11 10:25 AM