New random question from husband - why do so many Washington DC newscasters have a brick wall in their house to stand in front of? I said because it proves you appreciate historic architecture.
Maybe because that’s the one wall where they can’t hang artwork or family photos, so it’s “neutral”?
Any suggestions on reheating prime rib without further cooking it, preferably in toaster oven? Am about to attempt for tonight’s dinner.
Best place to find a door mat for the exterior of the front door? At Loew’s or Home Depot? Or maybe a gardening shop?
https://ggwash.org/view/42187/this-map-shows-what-all-of-dcs-houses-are-made-of says that most houses in the area are made of bricks.
Question: Why is basement not a thing in CA houses?
^^Earthquakes?
Waterhog mats from LLBean are good quality and they offer many sizes and colors. Frontgate also has a good selection.
Speaking of mats – I’m ready to be a grown up and graduate from my Ikea bathmats. What’s a good brand? I’ve bought tons of linens from Lands’ End but never bath mats. Are they good? How about The Company Store? Other??
Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn
I just go to Bed Bath & Beyond, so I can see what I buy.
Seconding the LLBean recommendation.
I got this doormat from Birch Lane (Wayfair) and have been quite happy with it: https://www.birchlane.com/rugs/pdp/beaupre-beachcomber-36-in-x-23-in-non-slip-outdoor-door-mat-b000943298.html?piid=21265350&csnid=8DE9A4B6-B5AD-402A-879E-DEA51B11B803&_emr=7b5db737-7847-470a-afc0-4d39a7d7ad65&wfdc=se&_eml=ebbf6c94-9e7c-4ae4-9922-ef03e7e9607d&event_rec_txid=e107893b-0e1b-4374-91ff-4da46e591311&refid=EML_248&source=graymatter
For bath mats, I buy heavy cotton terry cloth ones made in Portugal. I’ve found them (on sale) online at Frontgate and Horchow, as well as Overstock and Amazon. It can take time to check out country of origin.
I like waterhog door mats, too. In some locations, I use mats by Mohawk Home (US made), which are a fraction of the price especially when on sale.
@VeryHappy : Bath mats or door mats?
I bought a nice slatted wood mat from Macy’s which looks and feels great.
My husband is hesitant to use it, as he says it creaked when he changed his orientation on it one day. (Of course, he weighs much more than I do.) It has little clear, rubber fittings at the bottom for traction.
Reminder to not skimp on the length of the doormat! Doormats should extend at least the length of the doorway if not a little more.
Is your doormat more decorative purpose or cleaning shoes purpose? I have bought the last couple doormats at Costco and been very happy - not hugely decorative but simple, large and they stay put. Also great prices.
Serious question - is Ikea considered inferior to things like Lands’ End and Company Store? We only recently got an Ikea near me and I thought it was a reasonable “middle of the road” choice for shopping. Is it commonly thought of as something for non-grown-ups? Maybe it depends on whether it’s always been available to you or not…?
Ikea is better engineered and manufactured to tighter tolerances than the real low end stuff, but the furniture is junk - it will not last under hard use and is unlikely to survive a move. Ultra thin veneers, particle board or junk wood, and it’s a pain to assemble.
Their kitchen cabinets are ok although pricey. Don’t know about their housewares although I doubt they are anything special.
And don’t ask what’s in the meatballs. ?
Oh, and their stores are exhausting - they’re huge and you have to walk through the whole thing to buy anything. And if you do, you then get to go to the warehouse where you get to pull your own (heavy!) boxes, and wheel it around yourself, and load your vehicle yourself. Then drag it into your house yourself, and after assembly you get to get rid of all the packaging. It’s a brilliant business plan on Ikea’s part because they’ve pushed the labor into the consumer.
I’m not a huge fan.