Meal Kits Worth the Hype or a Waste of Money

The debate around stainless steel appliances has been a hot topic in home design circles, with some declaring the trend to be on its way out. While we’ve embraced stainless steel in our primary kitchen, our design vision for the beach house takes a different path, prompting us to deeply consider the merits and drawbacks of this ubiquitous finish. This exploration led us to re-evaluate when stainless steel makes perfect sense and when it might be best to explore alternative options. Beyond appliances, our kitchen has become a hub for new experiments. We’ve recently ventured into the world of meal delivery services, bringing order to our sometimes chaotic fridge with clever organization solutions, and diving into popular culinary trends to see if they truly live up to their widespread acclaim. Join us as we share our latest insights and experiences, from kitchen overhauls to daily living hacks, all aimed at creating more functional and beautiful homes.

For a deeper dive into these discussions, you can listen to our latest episode. It’s available for download on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn Radio. Alternatively, you can stream it directly here on the page using the player below. As you listen, refer back to this page for all the links, notes, and visuals we mention in the episode. If you’re accessing this content through a feed reader, you might need to click through to the original post to view the integrated player and accompanying materials.

Support for Puerto Rico: Our Community’s Impact

We are absolutely thrilled and deeply moved by the incredible generosity that has allowed us to raise a remarkable $12,000 for direct donation to the relief efforts in Puerto Rico. This significant contribution was made possible through the kindness and community spirit of the companies listed below, who partnered with us without hesitation. Their eagerness to join forces in providing much-needed assistance to this beautiful island is something we are profoundly grateful for. The devastation caused by recent events in Puerto Rico has highlighted the critical need for support, and it is truly heartwarming to witness such a collective effort to make a tangible difference. Every dollar raised represents a step forward in recovery and rebuilding lives.

If you feel moved to contribute further to these vital recovery efforts, you can make a direct donation to United for Puerto Rico here. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps bring hope and essential resources to those in need, facilitating the long road to full recovery for the island and its resilient communities.

What’s New in Our Kitchen: Exploring Meal Kits and Vegan Delights

Our recent culinary adventures have taken us into new territories, spurred by curiosity and a desire to simplify meal prep. We finally decided to take the plunge and test out a couple of the popular meal delivery services to see if they genuinely lived up to the hype. While our food photography skills might still be a work in progress, we’re excited to share some snapshots from two of the vegetarian dinners we prepared. The first, an enticing pasta dish, came from Hello Fresh, and the flavorful paella below it was from Blue Apron. We paid for all these boxes ourselves, making this a completely unsponsored, genuine review (#notsponsored), driven purely by our desire to understand the buzz.

One of our primary goals was to see how easily these kits could accommodate dietary preferences. We were pleased to find that we could adapt all the meals to be vegan for Sherry, including the two delicious dishes pictured. For instance, I only added feta cheese to my serving of the pasta, while Sherry omitted it, and similarly, she skipped the aioli for her portion of the paella. This adaptability was a significant plus, making the meal kit experience more inclusive for our household. In fact, we enjoyed the avocado pasta so much that we’ve already recreated it using our own ingredients, and the paella stands out as the Blue Apron meal we are most likely to prepare again.
Sherry, a seasoned pro in vegan cooking, has also graciously offered to share some of her absolute favorite vegan meals and essential substitutes that have become staples in our kitchen. These recommendations are perfect for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based options or transition to a vegan lifestyle without sacrificing flavor or convenience:
- Amy’s Kitchen Roasted Vegetable Pizza: This frozen pizza is a fantastic option for a quick and satisfying meal. Even for non-vegans, it holds its own against any traditional pizza, boasting rich flavors and a perfect crust.
- Butter Substitute: Earth Balance Buttery Spread: This has become our go-to for everything from toast to baking. Its taste and texture are so remarkably close to dairy butter that our entire family now uses it exclusively.
- Mayonnaise Substitute: Follow Your Heart Vegenaise: Another household favorite, this vegan mayo offers a delightful tang that enhances sandwiches, dressings, and dips. It’s a definite winner for us.
- Milk Substitute: Silk Unsweetened Coconut Milk: When it comes to cereal, we’ve found that this unsweetened coconut milk offers the closest taste profile to traditional dairy milk, making it an excellent choice for breakfast.
- Sour Cream Substitute: Tofutti Better Than Sour Cream: While Sherry stands by this one, I (John) must admit, I find the name a bit ambitious! For me, real sour cream still reigns supreme, but it’s a decent alternative for those committed to vegan options.
- Favorite Guacamole: Wholly Guacamole Avocado Verde: This isn’t just guacamole; it’s more like a vibrant salsa-guac fusion, offering a unique and incredibly delicious twist that we can’t get enough of.
- Favorite Hummus Snack Packs: Sabra Classic Hummus Singles: Perfect for on-the-go snacking, these individual packs are convenient, fresh, and consistently delicious.
- Tofu Tip: For the best texture and versatility, always opt for extra-firm tofu. It holds its shape beautifully and absorbs marinades like a dream.
We’re always on the lookout for new culinary inspirations! If you have any fantastic vegan recipes or tried-and-true substitutes that you adore, please don’t hesitate to share them with us. Your recommendations help expand our plant-based repertoire.
And on a related note, if any of you know of a meal delivery kit that truly excels in offering a wider variety of creative and delicious vegetarian options, please let me know. I’d love to order it and surprise Sherry with even more exciting plant-based dishes!

Important Updates and Community Engagements

Staying organized and informed is key to managing a bustling home and life. We’ve gathered some important updates on topics we’ve discussed previously, along with new opportunities to connect and enhance your daily routines.

For those who missed our original, somewhat neurotic, discussion about the critical importance of light temperature in home design, you can catch up on all the illuminating details in Episode #57. We delved into how different light temperatures can dramatically alter the mood and perceived warmth of a space, a topic that often goes overlooked but has a profound impact on home ambiance.
To help you achieve the perfect glow in your own home, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite soft white LED bulbs, which consistently deliver that cozy, inviting atmosphere we love. These are our tried-and-true recommendations for creating a warm and welcoming environment.
Our journey into personal finance and smart budgeting continued in Episode #63, where we had the insightful Dr. Budgets share his expert advice. He highly recommended Mint.com as an excellent free tool for tracking expenses and managing finances, a perfect starting point for anyone looking to get a handle on their money.
Following up on our budgeting discussions, many of you enthusiastically recommended YNAB (You Need A Budget), and we’ve taken your advice to heart! We’re currently giving YNAB a thorough test drive. It’s a different approach to budgeting, and I’m still in the process of getting accustomed to its methods, but I’m optimistic that with a few more months of consistent use, it will feel much more intuitive. We’d still love any tips, tricks, or strategies you have for mastering YNAB – your collective wisdom is invaluable!
Looking for a chance to connect in person? If you happen to be in the vicinity of Bristol, Virginia, we’ll be speaking there on Thursday, November 9th, at a charming shop called House Dressing. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet, chat, and delve deeper into home design and renovation topics. Information and tickets are available by clicking here, but act fast – only 100 tickets are available! We’re genuinely excited at the prospect of seeing some of you there and sharing our latest projects and insights.

Listener Question: Is Stainless Steel Still the King of Kitchen Appliances?

One of the most engaging questions we’ve received from our listeners revolves around the enduring appeal – or potential decline – of stainless steel appliances. For years, stainless steel has been the undisputed champion of kitchen design, synonymous with modernity and professionalism. However, with new finishes constantly emerging, many are asking: Is the reign of stainless steel coming to an end? Our own experience, choosing stainless steel for our main kitchen but opting for something different in our beach house, has led us to a nuanced perspective on this trend.

The Stainless Steel Debate: A Shifting Landscape

The ubiquity of stainless steel in contemporary kitchens has been undeniable. Its sleek, reflective surface, durability, and commercial-grade aesthetic appealed to homeowners seeking a sophisticated and easy-to-clean look. However, like all design trends, its dominance is being challenged by evolving tastes and technological advancements. The “Is stainless steel over?” question isn’t just a fleeting thought; it’s a reflection of a broader desire for personalization and variety in kitchen design.

Several publications have weighed in on this evolving discussion, providing valuable perspectives on where kitchen appliance trends are headed:

Apartment Therapy: Are You Ready For The New Stainless Steel?
Elements of Style: Is Stainless Steel “Over?”
Consumer Reports: Will Black Stainless Steel Finish Off Stainless?
People Magazine: 2017 Kitchen Design Trends
Digital Trends: “Black Is The New Stainless”

Our Appliance Choices: Then and Now

For our main kitchen, we carefully selected a suite of Whirlpool stainless steel appliances that offered both performance and a cohesive aesthetic. These choices were made with careful consideration of their functionality, durability, and how they integrated into our overall kitchen design. For reference, these are the appliances that have served us well and are pictured above and below in our primary home:

Counter-depth refrigerator
Gas range
Dishwasher
Microwave

However, when planning our beach house kitchen, our vision shifted. We decided against a full suite of stainless steel, opting instead for mixed-finish appliances to create a more relaxed, coastal-inspired aesthetic. This decision highlights a growing trend: homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to inject more personality and warmth into their kitchens, moving away from the uniform, commercial feel that stainless steel often imparts.

Exploring Alternatives to Stainless Steel

The market is now flourishing with alternative appliance finishes that cater to a wide range of design preferences. Our own search for the perfect beach house appliances involved looking at several intriguing options. We considered Whirlpool’s “White Ice” collection, which offered a crisp, clean look, but ultimately felt the specific white tone was a bit too bright and stark next to our planned cabinetry. As you can see in Whirlpool’s own rendering below, even in a professionally staged setting, that fridge appears strikingly cool against the surrounding elements.

Beyond white, darker metallic finishes are gaining serious traction. Viking’s Graphite Gray, for example, offers a sophisticated, muted alternative to traditional stainless steel, as beautifully demonstrated in this wood kitchen rendering. This finish provides a modern edge without the intense reflectivity of classic stainless, blending seamlessly into richer, warmer palettes. Similarly, brands like LG are pushing boundaries with “Black Stainless,” offering a deeper, more dramatic metallic finish that’s designed to resist fingerprints and add a sleek, contemporary touch. While the marketing might sometimes feature questionable fashion choices (like the “man bun” example), the appliances themselves present a compelling case for a darker, more understated metal look in the kitchen.

For those seeking a truly unique and vibrant kitchen, colorful appliances are making a magnificent comeback. Companies like Big Chill and Smeg lead the charge with their stunning retro-inspired refrigerators and ranges available in an array of bold hues. These appliances act as focal points, infusing personality and a playful charm into the kitchen space. And as long-time fans of a vintage pink stove ourselves, we can attest to the magic a pop of color can bring! The move away from monochrome kitchens signals a desire for kitchens that feel more personal, inviting, and truly reflective of the homeowner’s style, rather than just a utilitarian space.

We’re Digging: Solutions for Organization and Digital Streamlining

Life in a busy household often means a constant search for efficiency and order, both in our physical spaces and digital lives. This week, we’re highlighting two brilliant solutions that have genuinely improved our daily routines, making things smoother and more organized.

Fridge Organization: Taming the Snack Chaos

Our refrigerator, a place that should ideally be a beacon of fresh ingredients and easy access, often devolved into a labyrinth of toppled snack cups – particularly our beloved guacamole and hummus. Before our recent organizational overhaul, these smaller items would scatter across different shelves and pile up in various corners, making it frustrating to find what we needed and sometimes leading to forgotten, expired items. However, a simple yet effective solution has transformed our fridge from chaos to calm: dedicated organizational bins.

The picture above provides a glimpse into the newly organized interior of our fridge, showcasing the specific bins we’ve been using. These clear, sturdy containers have been instrumental in wrangling all our snack cups, condiments, and smaller items. They create defined zones within the fridge, preventing items from shifting around and getting lost. While our fridge might appear a bit sparse in the photo, it’s just a sign that it’s time for me to get my Clicklist order in and restock!
These versatile bins are available in three convenient sizes, and we’ve found the “Medium” ones to be perfect for most of our needs, offering ample space without being too bulky. Their transparent design also means you can easily see contents at a glance, further reducing food waste and improving efficiency.
Should our preferred bins be out of stock, we’ve also identified another excellent option that offers similar functionality and quality, ensuring you can still achieve that streamlined fridge look. Investing in fridge organization isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about making healthy eating easier, reducing food spoilage, and creating a more enjoyable kitchen environment.

IFTTT: Automating Your Digital Life

In the digital realm, we’ve discovered a powerful and incredibly useful app that we’re absolutely “digging” this week: IFTTT. The name itself is an acronym for “If This, Then That,” which perfectly describes its intuitive, rule-based functionality. At its core, IFTTT connects different web services and smart devices, allowing them to communicate and perform automated actions based on triggers you set.

For us, one of the most immediate benefits has been its ability to automatically send our Instagram photos directly to Twitter. This seemingly small automation saves us time and ensures our content reaches different platforms seamlessly without manual effort.
But IFTTT’s capabilities extend far beyond social media cross-posting. It offers a vast array of “Applets” (its term for these automated rules) that can streamline countless aspects of your digital life and smart home. You can set it to turn off your smart lights when you leave the house, get a weather alert if rain is predicted for tomorrow, save new Gmail attachments to Dropbox, or even receive a notification if a new song by your favorite artist is released. A sampling of the many connected services and possibilities are shown below, illustrating its incredible versatility.
The best part? IFTTT is completely FREE! It’s a fantastic tool for anyone looking to make their smart home truly smarter, automate repetitive tasks, and simply get more out of their interconnected devices and online services. It’s an invaluable asset for creating a more efficient and less cluttered digital existence.

For a comprehensive look back at all the fantastic products, services, and ideas we’ve shared over our past episodes, but can’t quite remember which show notes they were in, we’ve compiled a master list of everything we’ve been digging. This curated collection is your go-to resource for discovering all our past recommendations, from home decor finds to clever life hacks.

Finally, we extend a huge thank you to The Annie Selke Companies for their generous sponsorship of this episode. Their support helps us continue to bring you valuable content and insights. Don’t forget to take a peek at Annie’s exquisite new bed & breakfast, 33 Main, for a dose of design inspiration. And as a special treat for our listeners, use code YHL15 to receive a fantastic 15% off any order at AnnieSelke.com/YHL, which includes their beautiful bedding, elegant furniture, luxurious rugs, and so much more!

Thank you for tuning in, engaging with us, and being such an amazing part of our community. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to sharing more home projects, tips, and life updates with you soon!

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