Kitchen & Dining – ShizIBoughtToday

Shopping While Minimizing

Posted on November 27, 2014February 28, 2018 by lisaflorence

Now that I’ve been unlcuttering for 27+ consecutive days, shopping is somewhat bizarre. Especially Whole Foods—masters of merchandising.

On the one hand I felt my head was going to explode surrounded by all the options. But, not like I was tempted, more like I was from another time and observing American culture.

Then, on the other hand I felt happy about my list (a few simple things so I could make what you see in the photo. Cranberry Pear Sauce.)

Before long I found myself staring at all the beautiful seasonal and holiday specialties like mini purple brussels sprouts and fancy mushrooms! Every thing that spoke to me, I caught myself writing a story for … “oh that would be so good roasted!” or “if I bought stroop waffles we could enjoy them with …”. That really woke me up. I was not there to fulfill a multitude of food fantasies, I was there to get the stuff to make Cranberry Sauce. I stuck with that. I left the store feeling proud. (Not to mention in an amazingly short amount of time).

Since minimizing I make sure I know why I go into a store. I feel more honest about this (that’s another challenging part of it. No emotional justifying). Shopping is fast and deliberate. It is also a bit exhausting (because I do lose focus around beautifully well-done merchandising). It feels a bit like I dropped something valuable in a lake and I have to hold my breath and go under super fast to try and find it. This is the part that worries me, although I’m proud of my project, is it sustainable long term? I believe it is, but how can I keep focus? I’m hoping that with practice and reminding myself of the value (which is so obvious and everyday. My husband and I are so much happier, for example…that’s another topic, but it is very powerful how my tackling clutter turned into our tackling clutter, and I’m thankful for that).

Oh, and today I got rid of five things from my paper drawer (most of which were pieces or mail from 2010!!)

Happy Thanksgiving!

How Many Dishtowels Do You Need?

Posted on November 18, 2014January 8, 2016 by lisaflorence

How many do you think you have? How many do you want?

If I hadn’t been minimizing, my guess would be around 20. Because I actually laundered (finally) and folded every single dishtowel in my house. I now know I have (had) 33! That’s a little excessive, wouldn’t you say? Even worse, this suggests some big pile-up potential in the laundry room.

My new goal is to never let laundry pile up. I thought about this and how I could only minimally alter my habits to get this to be easy. This brought me to ask “How many dishtowels do I actually need?”

Every Saturday I’d like to routinely do 1 load of clothes and 1 load of household. The household would consist of something like; 1 set of queen sheets, 3 additional pillow cases, 2 bath towels, 2 hand towels, 2-5 washcloths, 1-2 dishtowels, 1-2 dish rags.

The good, I edited my kitchen down to 12 towels (7 towels, 5 rags) to support this new method. Here’s how it looks!

The bad, I know I need to get that number down further. However, it seems that trying to manage a balance of festive (those bottom two are ready for the Christmas season) with “ok to get dirty” is getting in my way.

This is exactly the benefit of committing to getting rid of only 5 items/day. It allows you to get momentum without going too far and feeling overwhelmed.

Regarding the dishtowels, and what they symbolize for me, I’m working on detangling like and want. I’m working on appreciating a thing in the moment and not bringing it home because it made me smile for a few bucks.

All that and I was only able to get 1 towel out of the house! The remaining 20 are shoved in a plastic bag in the back of my closet.

Here’s what I was able to get rid of today

Sunny-side dishtowel (because folding it to look right was more complicated than I’d like)
Duvet cover
Pillowcases that match the Duvet cover (note: separate decision equals separate item. I thought about keeping these, at first. Feeling great about letting them go!)
Flannel pillowcases
Queen top sheet (fitted fell apart years ago)

It’s Our Shizaversary!

Posted on March 1, 2013 by lisaflorence

Cristina and I started our home and retail blog (Shiz I Bought Today) in February 2012!

Last weekend we got together with a little cake to celebrate our One Year Shizaversary! Cristina has one of the sweetest homes I’ve ever seen. Soon she’ll be sharing some pics and posts. I live for house tours!

Cake is a flourless torte from Danish Pastry House, Medford, MA. If you go, be sure to try a slice of the Sacher Torte Cake! My all time favorite . . . chocolate, marzipan, a wafting of peach from a thin layer of preserves. It’s perfect.

-Lisa

Shaking, it’s cooler than a stir

Posted on October 21, 2012October 21, 2012 by lisaflorence

One of many things I learned as a result of stepping into Boston Shaker, Davis Square. First of all, bitters. Bitters are the joy and the flavor code to grasp for a truly remarkable cocktail experience.

Ginger beer. You either love it, hate it or like really really really really love it! I am that third category, which I hope is why I went way overboard and spent $16 on this highly recommended brand, Blenheim, from South Carolina. I’m sure it costs far less in it’s native land. But, if you’re a yankee and you want some spice, what are you gonna do? Oh. I just answered that. A true yankee would make her own. Sorry Dad.

And here’s the book that revealed to me why we might shake a cocktail vs. why we might stir. Home Bar Basics, By Dave Stolte. Appreciate this guide. It’s concise, informative, useful and rewarding. Dave Stolte, had an outstanding Manhattan last night. At this rate I’m headed for drinking at home on a fairly exclusive basis (unless it’s wine).

Barker and Mills cocktail cherries. Vanilla and bourbon. It’s dessert.

Lady in the shop, along with a familiar customer, made sure I understood to not only enjoy the cherries, but to use every last drop of the juice!

Now I just need to find a fun crowd, happy to sparsely sip. Most of us seem to know the glutinous glug. I’m a glutton. In this exact moment, I vow to explore the sip.

Cheers!

Pedal Pops

Posted on September 24, 2012September 30, 2012 by lisaflorence

Brunch at M3

Posted on July 22, 2012July 22, 2012 by lisaflorence

Mimosa (up). Watermelon, cucumber, mint & cheese (below). I’d like to add that the goat cheese was good, but this salad really didn’t need it. The dressing was perfect on it’s own!

I also had a big waffle with butter good enough to drink by the glassful and berries as fresh as ever. Go here. It is delicious and warm, yet minimal. The decor plays with the charm of practicality and a light-filled space on a sunny corner. It showcases a beauty from chalkboard paint on every wall and every table. Some orange accents from chairs and wood tones too.

Fab, Faulty

Posted on July 20, 2012September 30, 2012 by lisaflorence

I’ve posted before about Core and their 60%+ discounts and been very happy with the measurement-embossed cut boards I found at a great price.

Bu’uuuhhttt . . .

This latest shipment was bunk! I paid $28 for a $90 lazy-susan, moveable-partition chip’n’dip! And another $28 for a $70 platter. What a deal right? Nah. These things is crap. Chip’n’ dip has a gluey-splintery construction (photo doesn’t really show the mess, but you get the idea). Tiered plate has poor construction and really can’t be assembled to spec.

And I’m curious about safety . . . both radiate some real stink! Toxic varnish or glue odor. Whatever. Main point, I call BS on Core’s pricing. More product info on two-tiered plate and chip’n’dip on Amazon.

I lean, not only because it’s challenging to align the screws properly, but also because . . .

. . .I’m an outtie! Yup, my base screw just likes to be adjusted this way.

Reasonable results

Fab did step up and agree to take my items back. Ok Fab, I’m coming around again. I guess I’ve just been putting a lot of pressure on you to always amaze me.

Kickstand coffee

Posted on July 15, 2012July 22, 2012 by lisaflorence

I love this stuff! Learned about it from Fab.com. Last week I placed my second order straight from the source, Aaron Davis creator of Kickstand. Beautifully simple site too.

As you can see it was a hit with the ladies! I’d like to add we did have alcohol. There’s a wonderful white sangria from a Martha Stewart recipe (you can kinda see it in the counter clutter) yet we’re all gathered around the opening of the Kickstand! It was a hit and quite a conversation piece. Plus, nobody added sugar and very few added cream. The quality is just that good.

The Davis Flea

Posted on June 10, 2012September 1, 2012 by lisaflorence

The Davis Flea. It’s how I got my shopping back!

After weeks of not posting I’m finally moved to shop again. (I guess I’ve just been loving my new job that much, so back off retail therapy). Premier The Davis Flea last Sunday and with a pocket of cash, there I am. This Sunday I return with a camera. Are you near Somerville? Check it out. It’s very cool. It’s well curated so the ratio of cool stuff is quite high. It brings the discovery of the rural fleas to the urban realm. Convenient. Alluring. Brilliant idea! Glad it’s here. Hope it stays.

Yes Lionel. It is you I’m looking for. (Hello to you too Raj).

Oh what a feeling! Yeah, I bought this Shiz.

Sand and Petal, this lady has a beautiful way with the upcycle.

My flea finds . . . Metal shoe-shine box, Stool, Ice bucket

Other event treasures include live music and fresh apple-cider donuts.

The Davis Flea, founded by Greg Ghazil, Jennifer Kniff and Maureen Nuccitelli

Flea finds from last week:

Kitchen Rug Love

Posted on May 2, 2012 by cristinadanielle

The new thing I love? This rug that the hubs and I found during our last Target trip. Best part? It was on sale! I’ve been eying this bad boy (or girl) for a few months now…

Burrr, Hot Coffee!

Posted on April 15, 2012April 15, 2012 by lisaflorence

Shopping spree at Barismo yesterday yields ideal Sunday morn–complete with the sun part and a napping cat!

The Barismo folks have been telling me for a while that those common home grinders are actually bruising my beans. Buying into this strange detail (seemingly based on sensitivities), I imagine the flavors of bruised fruit vs. fresh fruit. Suddenly I’m horrified at my coffee-making process and I find it’s time to buy my own burr grinder. One pot in and I’m 100% thrilled with my choice. No bruised beans, yes, but furthermore more it’s a one button-automated system with convenient storage chamber and 40 degrees of grind control!

Popcorn

Posted on April 9, 2012April 10, 2012 by lisaflorence

This got me to use my microwave again. It’s super tasty! Also, comparatively healthy.

Apple of My Eye

Posted on March 31, 2012 by cristinadanielle

I’m a bubbly water fiend. And this is my current fave: Granny Smith Apple. It’s super-refreshing, a little unexpected, and totally yum. And yes, I just wrote an entire post about seltzer.

Image: Polar

Yogurt: let your tummy do the thinking!

Posted on March 26, 2012March 25, 2012 by lisaflorence

I’ve experimented with a variety of diet types. But the most interesting discoveries happened after I read a digestion book, did a gallbladder/liver cleanse and focused on eating the least processed of foods.

The most amazing part was how inexpensive my grocery bill became! I cut out processed sugar, alcohol and coffee while increasing my consumption of fiber in things like brown rice and kale (both very inexpensive). Suddenly I was never starving. I’d get hungry at normal meal times, but it was a slow and gradual occurrence. Not the crazy-ravenous-monster-attitude with unstoppable-stomach growling like before. With that time came an interest in expensive yogurts like Siggi’s. It is expensive when you compare the volume with other yogurts. It is not expensive when you realize how little of it you’ll need to consume. I use the drinkable stuff over fruit and cereal. If you don’t feel well in general, or have new allergies, learn the digestive system.

The ancient Egyptians believed that’s where all thought and mood stemmed from. When I was a kid I thought that was the funniest thing I ever heard! Now I think it is one of the most insightful.

Pickles & a Sandwich

Posted on March 23, 2012March 23, 2012 by lisaflorence

The weather has been gorgeous here in the Boston area! Just like summer but with naked trees. I guess it pairs with our October that looked just like winter, but with leafy trees. So confusing. To enjoy the day I went to the market and bought all kinds of fixins! I was craving a brie with green apples type thing, so I went with it. Then added on some other goodies to make it feel more like a vacation day. Then, cuz I’m spontaneous, it turned into a taste test of pricey pickles: Grillos vs. Real Pickles.

Grillo’s Pickles taste springtime fresh like newly brined cukes.

Real Pickles, is, well, more like a real pickle.

Mmmm, spinach cooked in the toaster oven too.

Nesting Stoneware

Posted on March 21, 2012March 21, 2012 by lisaflorence

Izmir Measuring Cups, Anthropologie. Ornamental and functional these cups are beautiful enough to have just lying around, no need to actually use them. HOWEVER, you should use them because they’re delightfully handy. I admire them for their ongoing visual appeal and usefulness. They nest for easy storage, have cute pinch spouts, markings for measuring and each is a different color and design. I use them for serving nuts and olives—I get to feel fancy without putting in the effort. (The tiniest one is for the pits.) They’d also make for perfect bathroom or dresser accessories.

I never did get to have a set of those nesting Russian dolls when I was a kid, but having these seems to have filled that void.

Try some chocolate tea.

Posted on March 18, 2012March 17, 2012 by lisaflorence

Numi makes my favorite teas. Always flavorful, never hurts my stomach. You have to try Chocolate Puerh! It’s too obscure a variety for Whole Foods to carry, but If you live in the Boston area get it at Cambridge Naturals. As the box says its “velvety & vanilla”. Mixes great with cream and honey. A nice low-cal robust treat to shake off the cold ( i know, iknow, mild winter). Puerh is a variety said to be one if the most ancient in tea. Also said to help you burn fat, and ease a hangover.

Numi tea! Shown here with my favorite mug. It’s a one of a kind, made by my friend Belle.

Dicey Dinners: Convenient Weeknight Prep

Posted on March 15, 2012March 15, 2012 by lisaflorence

20 cubles of pre-minced garlic or ginger for $1.99! Frozen aisle, Whole Foods. This method is tasty, flavorful and allows for a fast weeknight sautee. Save time, not flavor.

Some peeps prefer to prep fresh on the weekends. For ginger I like mincing with the Microplane or even a traditional cheese grater. Fill an ice-cube tray with the pulp, keep in freezer, same kind of deal.

We all do take out from time to time (to time and time again). Stop at the market, get some fresh garlic and herbs. Order some takeout. For the next 15 minutes take out all your daily agressions with your big chef’s knife and cutting block. Then keep your fragrant wares in these cute-as-button storage bowls. Prep for tomorrow’s dinner complete.

Stainless prep bowls: Marshalls, Dishtowel: Crate&Barrel

Dessert Donuts

Posted on March 11, 2012March 11, 2012 by lisaflorence

Beautiful Sunday to brunch with a good friend. Today we headed in the opposite direction of Boston/Cambridge for outstanding brunch cuisine (yes, seriously it is cuisine in a casual rustic space) A Tavola in Winchester. She ordered us these dessert donuts! Sometimes friends just know.

Coffee, I love you.

Posted on March 7, 2012March 8, 2012 by lisaflorence

Another episode of feeling big on small indulgences. I love walking in to Barismo and just asking the barrista for whatever he thinks would taste best. Today’s roast, Reanimator. Recommended in the form of Americano. I had it black to take in all those bright citrus notes.

;

French Toast Sunday

Posted on March 4, 2012 by lisaflorence

Pear and goat cheese stuffed French toast at the Ball Square Cafe, Somerville, MA.

I fell asleep on the couch last night (again). I was attempting to complete a six-season How I Met Your Mother Netflix marathon. I’ve been working on it for a few months now. I must’ve fallen asleep around 2am, woke up at 7:30. Perfect for a filling breakfast outing! Now, taking a cup of tea and back to bed for a late morning nap. Today my husband and I have been married for six years. We’re going to one of our favorite places later tonight. Until then, I shall fast.

Wine Club

Posted on March 3, 2012March 3, 2012 by lisaflorence

The first Saturday of each month I get to pick up my two bottles of red from Menotomy in Arlington, MA!

Each wine comes with an insightful overview and recipe pairing. Frequently I’m exposed to varietals I’d never previously heard of. This month it’s Lemberger. According to the write up, it’s a cult classic!

Prep Board that Measures

Posted on March 2, 2012March 3, 2012 by lisaflorence

Well, here it is! This is what was in yesterday’s mystery delivery. Every now and then I get these bright ideas to be hyper organized. These boards were discounted 60+% on Fab. So, of course I bought three! One for me, two for gifts. Smart use of surface etching. It has a variety of diameters for rolling out crusts, linear measurement along the side, and a conversion chart in one corner!!! It’s so obvious. All boards should be like this.

Uh oh. What’d I do…

Posted on March 1, 2012March 4, 2012 by lisaflorence

Past, Employed Lisa has reached Present Unemployed Lisa. UPS just dropped this off. It is heavy! Do I open it? I’m feeling a bit stubborn and want to recall what I ordered before I go looking for the scissors.

Best Coffee

Posted on March 1, 2012March 1, 2012 by lisaflorence

Best coffee. Barismo, roasted in Arlington, MA. Served at Simon’s in Cambridge, MA. If you can get to the roaster in Arlington, do so. You can order a cup prepped using their pour-over method.

Lemon Pavlova

Posted on February 29, 2012March 1, 2012 by lisaflorence

Today I bought lemons to make Lemon Pavlova. I’ve never done this! Part one achieved. Most delicious custard I’ve ever had. Recipe from Eating Well, Feb 2011. My goal, to get luxury satisfaction on a budget. I translate this into cooking (yeah, it won’t last. Fun for today!). I bought one organic lemon to use for the zest. I’m thorough like that.

Get Educated

Posted on February 28, 2012 by cristinadanielle

I know, I know…you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover. But what about wine by its label? Still no? Well, when the label is this unique, I say judge away. Plus, when something is this cute and nerdy, the odds of me taking it home are pretty high…just ask my husband. So, needless to say, I was excited to pick up a bottle of Educated Guess, Roots Run Deep winery‘s flagship wine, and am looking forward to finding out if the inside is as fun as the outside. I’m thinking yes.

Image: Roots Run Deep Winery

A toast to losing my job.

Posted on February 26, 2012February 29, 2012 by lisaflorence

I lost my job yesterday. In the name of being frugal, I was going to return these. I just bought them and they were still in my trunk with the receipt. Well, today was unusually windy. This morning I showed up at the office to clean out my stuff. I opened my trunk and a HUGE gust of wind stabbed (it was violent and direct) it’s way into my car and pulled the receipt clean out! It was like surgery! There is so much shiz in my trunk and somehow this receipt was the one thing the got yanked out! It was across the parking lot headed for the swamp before I could exhale. I shrugged and decided to keep the glasses. They are comfy a great size for juice, fancy enough for wine, dude enough for whiskey.