Keep it simple (again)

Another reminder that simplicity is stunning.

Image from Alvhem via Apartment Therapy

Some of us (i.e. you know who) have a tendancy to want to get something on every wall. This is a perfect reminder that its.not.necessary.

Update: It turns out this is a staged apartment, hence the reason there's minimal clutter. Oh well, still an inspiration.

Product review: Miele steam oven

Is it possible to live without a microwave? We weren't sure. But when we were trying to decide between our old faithful and a steam oven, we were intrigued by the health benefits of cooking with steam. As this is a product review on the steam oven, I suppose you can guess which option we chose.


Pros:

• Perfect steamed vegetables. Really perfect. We eat more broccoli and asparagus now that we live with this cool cat.
• Maintains original flavors when reheating left overs. It's virtually the same as the original day you cooked it.
  
• The use of steam must be healthier than microwaves. Listen, I'm no expert and don't know all the nitty gritty details, but it has to be.
  
• It's easy to use. The display walks you through everything. Fill the water tank and you're off to the races.
• Pretty much everything can be cooked in it. Other than popcorn (boo hoo), this puppy can take care of virtually any dish.
  

Cons:

• Takes a while to heat up before it starts cooking. We didn't expect it to be quite as long as it is. Now that our expectations are adjusted, it's no biggie. It's definitely a transition from a microwave.
• Need to look closely at your settings. I've had a few times where the broccoli has come out very overdone. Once I experimented with different vegetables and dishes, it has become clear. But there was a tad of learning necessary at the start.
• No popcorn
  

It was a bit of an adjustment, but we would go this route again. A year after getting it installed, we've learned to s-l-o-w d-o-w-n our cooking expectations a bit. In our rush, rush, rush society, it's been a good thing.

Hope this might be helpful to someone going through similar dilemmas at the planning stage!

Obsessive compulsive at all?

Owning our own house/condo/apartment has been a long time coming. Now that we're settled in, we've started setting up the house exactly how we want it (it was pretty much in shambles for the first year). My lovely husband started to get a bit concerned when I purchased a label maker. "What are you going to with with that?" Ummm...


Not only do we finally have an organized kitchen gadget drawer, it's also been labeled. Yes, a bit over the top, but hey, I love it. :) No trying to remember where "that thingy" is. No frustrations sifting through various items for "the one tool that I need". And in a really silly way, it makes me feel like I live in a Williams Sonoma store. Yes, it might be slightly disturbing, but I've waited a long time to finally have a home of my own...and I'm going all out.

Don't feel too bad for Mr. Big. He's sorted out a few critical drawers as well....atta boy!

We could all use one

These tissue covers by etsy seller yokomono are fab.

Thrifty finds

A few weeks ago, I blogged about our search for the right side table here. The right options just weren't popping for me, and those that we did like were getting far to expensive. In a recent run of good luck, I trundled into our local home improvement store for a new broom and came out with this little lovely.


It's a cute option and adds a bit of glam with it's subtle green glass. The best part? It was $19. No joke. $19. Love it even that much more now!