One of those posts I'll have to take down later in their lives...so as not to embarrass them.
He was not a fan of his younger brothers cold wet hand.
Minimalist Coffee
I recently wrote about minimalism, and a friend commented about her coffee maker. That dang coffee maker. Even if we don't use it, it's nice for guests. But having yet another appliance on the countertop is frustrating in the fight for counter space, especially in small space living. So I've compiled some of my favorite minimal coffee devices. If you love a good morning coffee ritual, you'll love these.
Pour Over
The pour over method is great because these little guys can fit nicely into your cabinet, leaving you with more counter space.
Aeropress
My sister makes her coffee with an aeropress. Although I've never actually used it, (I usually kick back and chat,) I've had many a cup of coffee at her house it is always wonderful.
French Press
The french press is our method of choice, simply because it is what we have done for years. It feels tried and true for us, and easy to bring camping.
Chemex
Admittedly I don't know much about the ever popular Chemex. I just know it is very lovely to look at (it's even on a permanent display at MOMA in NY) and must make delicious cup of pour over coffee.
Nespresso
And lastly the Nespresso. Available at a few different price points depending on the size and gadgets, but this is by far the easiest latte I've ever seen. It is still a machine that sits on the countertop, but it is so beautiful I wouldn't mind. t dear friend of mine has one. I watched with my jaw dropped as I watched her make espresso and frothy milk.
**Edited 6/23 to add the Moka Pot
A reliable source has confirmed that the Moka Pot does indeed make a delicious cup of coffee.
How about you? What is your favorite way to make a cup of coffee?
Can the American Dream Harm Relationships?
Everything you own takes up resources somehow. Time spent researching it, organizing a spot for it, maintaining it. Money spent on buying it, storing it, cleaning it. Even the things we don't own but fixate on owning takes up space in our thoughts.
Most of us don't have an infinite amount of money, and we all have a finite amount of time. How we choose to spend these resources, or dwelling on not having "enough" or "the best", can make us a captive to our possessions (or lack of possessions), and keep us from having authentic relationships.
My story reads:
“Tammy sees a good friend while out for a walk. She thinks, ‘I would love to just sit and have coffee and catch up with this friend. But my house is just not the way I’d like it to look. I need a new couch...nobody wants to sit on my lumpy old couch. Or my cramped eat in dining area. I have no artwork on my walls right now, it looks so bland. What is my kids are too loud. I will wait until I’ve got my act together.’“
(Yes this is a true story! Yes I actually worry about my walls being blank and it has kept me from inviting people over.)
photo by Myscha Oreo
Someone else's might read:
“I’d love to have some friends over for a game night. But first I’d need to wash the cars, mow the lawn, clean the whole house, figure out some amazing appetizers, get a new outfit...”
That might be extreme, but does it all resemble how you feel?
An old friend calls and is in the neighborhood and would like to stop by. Is it easy to pick up a few things and open the door? Or does everything need to look perfect and polished before anyone can step in? Do you have a thousand things that need to be polished?
Your child’s sports team needs a coach and you’d love to do it. Is having to mow the lawn every Saturday morning keeping you from committing?
Are you constantly trying to keep up with everyone around you, buying a nicer car, a bigger TV, more clothes...but your bank account can’t keep up? Is it difficult to clean because you just have so much stink’n stuff?
Getting rid of actual unneeded “stuff”, or the idea of wanting stuff, opens up our lives to allow us to say yes to people. What do you need to let go of?
A-Frame Cabins
Photo by Don O'Brien
via Popp Littrell Architecture in Sacramento, CA
Who loves a classic A-frame cabin for a good dose of nostalgia? Even though they may seem frustrating to furnish with their slanted walls and some may say they have wasted space...I still love them.
Most A-frames were built in the 50's, 60's and 70's...and many are still stuck in the 50's, 60's and 70's. But when they are brought up to the current decade, they are so lovely.
via Popp Littrell Architecture in Sacramento, CA
Photo by Anne-Claire Rohe . Theresa di Scianni home via Petits Papiers
Benefits of an A-frame home:
- In areas with snow, the steep sloped roof keeps it from building up
- Inexpensive and easy construction. Kits are also available
Downfalls include:
- Little space for artwork
- Spiral staircases are often used and not everyone's favorite
David Nichols via Tiny House Talk
via RelaxShax