the haystack needle

the new air purifier

This summer has so far not been the swing open the windows and let the breeze in kind of weather. This heat wave has my windows closed shut with the air on, so that I can feel some relief when I make my way back from a venture outside in the sweltering land of concrete. So we've been relying on this powerhouse above (in addition to the air conditioner), since a closed-up apartment equates to even more dust. (And Dan's allergic to dust.) Our old Swiss air purifier, Henry, went kaput recently. I guess 3 years of running constantly and chugging through dirty New York City air is all you can expect from an air purifier. But we're sure this Whirlpool air purifier is like Henry on steroids. On the turbo speed, this air purifier funnels fresh air through our bedroom in no time. Even on the low speeds, this air purifier seems to work super efficiently. And we're really noticing a difference, especially when we sleep. While it's stifling humid outside, it's easy to breathe in our little loft.   

giada de laurentiis for target

Who's your favorite Food Network chef? Most of my friends passionately love Ina. I like her recipes (and love the Barefoot Contessa mixes that I've tried.) But for some reason, I can't get into her show. Giada has been my consistent favorite. Sure, she's a bit high-energy, and I found it somewhat upsetting to learn that Giada at Home is not even shot at her house. But I do love her recipes. Last night after the snowstorm, all I wanted was Giada's bolognese sauce (from her Everyday Italian cookbook.) It's a winner, and I've made it so many times that I almost have it memorized. 

Giada just debuted a huge collection of cookware, kitchen gadgets, and pantry foods at Target. Since every TV personality seems to get their own cookware line (which are often ho-hum), I went to see the preview of this collection less than enthusiastic — and was pleasantly surprised. Giada's team really thought about designing items with new twists. The enameled cast iron pots (fashioned after the classic Le Creuset designs, which cost much more) feel solidly hefty in your hands — unlike the lightweight dutch ovens by Martha for Macy's. And I'm a little obsessed with Giada'a bakeware (especially the loaf pans!). The creamy ceramic is gorgeous in person and can work from oven-to-table. I also learned it's better to bake bread in ceramic — rather than metal — loaf pans (who knew?). Giada's scoop colander is rather genius. I personally hate the final step of dumping your heavy pot of pasta out into a colander. I've heard that pasta water makes nutrient-rich water for your plants, so I'd rather not waste it. And I like the idea of her little stainless steel warmer (that costs less than $20) for making sauces and warming chocolate or butter. If I'm going to buy a specialty pot like that, I really don't want to spend a lot of money. 

If any of you own a panini pan, I'm curious if you love it? Do you feel like it's a tool worth having? Does it help make gooey grilled cheese sanwiches, too? I love the design of Giada's panini pan, but I'm not sold on whether it's something I really need in the kitchen.

angela adams doormat

I've wanted an Angela Adams rug for a very long time. Every time I'm up in Portland, I like to stop in the Angela Adams shop to see their collection of rugs, with their graphic, nature-inspired patterns. (And then in my head, I pick out which one I'd buy. ) Now I found one that fits my budget. Just look at this Angela Adams doormat! What a brilliant way to mark your entrance with style. And did you know that 80 percent of dirt in your home gets tracked inside off your feet? It's true. I choose a cute doormat over vacuuming any day.

tape measure mat

This recycled plastic mat is made from a rainbow of tape measures. It reminds me of one of the out-of-box ideas Keith commissions for Anthropologie on his travels around the globe, but I actually spotted this tape measure mat on Viva Terra. It's so cute for a kitchen or entryway. Tomorrow, I'll be sharing a peek at our Color Me Happy housewarming party!

anthropologie sale

70 is my favorite number when it refers to 70 percent off some find at Anthropologie. I don't make it a habit to replace switch plates at home, since we're renters (even though it's a little decorating detail that adds a great dose of style.) But the switch plate for our kitchen lights had mistakenly not been installed, and this was too pretty to pass up. I'm so happy I peeked in the sale area of an Anthropologie shop over the weekend. And this tin roof switchplate, which I scored for $7.95: it will be coming with us to the next apartment. Trust. 

cherries + tiffin set

On Sunday, I made an unexpected trip to NJ to see my mom — my poor mom had (another) kidney stone. I didn't want to leave behind the pint of cherries I'd just picked up at the farmer's market. (Dan is one of two people I've ever met who won't go near a cherry.) And truth be told, you need a snack to ride NJ Transit and not get cranky. So into one of my Tiffin tins went the cherries. The bottom compartment became my pit bowl. That Tiffin box set is one of my favorite wedding gifts — use it all the time! Hope your weekend is as sweet as a bowl of cherries.

patterned pots

Guess where I spotted these cute ceramic pots? Believe it or not, Home Depot. Cost: $5.98. A group of these colorful, patterned planters would make a cheap instant makeover on a patio — or windowsill.

Up next: the pegboard I created for my kitchen (after that Home Depot run.)