It’s that time of the month again where we rally up a few of our current favorite things. Is it just me, or is this year flying by? I feel like we were just taking down the Christmas decorations last week and now we’re looking at summer. Before we know it, it will be time to start coordinating Thanksgiving plans. Crazy. Anyway, moving on. This month, I’m going to take the lead – mainly because I think my fave things are prettier than Greg’s, haha!

ONE // So, I just now saw this little guy on the West Elm website. But. He’s not available anymore. I think it’s time to start a petition to bring him back. #ilovesquirrels TWO // We picked up one of these Nate Berkus frames for the new foyer table (coming your way next week!) and every time I walk by, I love it even more. There isn’t a link available online, but the frame is still in store. THREE // I’ve been listening to this album non-stop for about two weeks now. I’ve even gone as far as to make “On Top of the World” my new ringer. I think I can now officially be called a “fan”. FOUR // Even though we’re not quite ready to tackle the master bedroom just yet, I’ve been keeping my eye out for bedding. I love this design and think it would look great with the vibe we want – or, at least the vibe we want this week, haha.

ONE // I’m taking a long weekend, a mini “staycation” if you will, so Ashley and I are going to head to Colonial Williamsburg to see the sights. It’s pretty cool that all of that history is just a short drive away from home. TWO // Goodbye Google Reader, hello Feedly. It has several different layouts, too, so if you’re not a fan of the magazine-style layout, you can always switch to a list view or something completely different. THREE // I end up with a lot of mail stacked up on my desk (despite the fact that I try my hardest to be as paperless as possible). This mail sorter is a great way to keep things from just piling up and it adds some great color (one of my favorites at that). FOUR // It seems like every time we’re doing or planning a project, I end up needing to cut something at a perfect 45-degree angle. I usually end up winging it, which isn’t the best course of action when things need to line up just right. This is a purchase I don’t think I’d ever regret making and, it needs to happen pretty soon (especially for some of the projects we have coming up).

So, what are you guys up to this weekend? Like I mentioned in Favorite #1, Ash and I are going to be chillaxing on our mini staycation, complete with picnics, shopping, people-watching and a whole lot of nothing.  Here’s to the weekend!

After Ash and I got back from vacation a little over a month ago, we got sucked into a major “let’s-do-take-out rut”. Outback and Cracker Barrel being our go-to dinner of choice, we were so busy with work and everyday things that we didn’t really take time out to plan a menu every week, do “serious” grocery shopping or cook. After a few weeks of this, we realized it was high time to put away the take-out menus and get out the pots and pans. Not only is cooking at home a lot cheaper and healthier, it’s also a fun thing to do together.

Since we’ve been spending more time in the kitchen over the last few weeks, we thought it would be fun to bring a “kitchen edition” to the table. So, without further ado, here’s a round up of our personal favorite kitchen tools we love and use…

ONE // Cuisinart CrockPot – Being that our schedules are still really busy, we’ve been trying to find easier, faster ways to cook. The crockpot is a great way to do it, and some seriously awesome stuff happens in there (Taco Soup FTW). TWO // Commercial Salt / Pepper Shakers - Ashley’s mom has a set of these, and I absolutely love to use them, so we had to buy some ourselves. They’re great for seasoning large dishes. THREE // Pancake Spatula – I’m the Pancake King in our house. In other words, I make the pancakes. I like to make plate-sized pancakes, but normal spatulas just don’t cut it. Fortunately, this one gives your huge pancakes the side support they need for proper flipping. FOUR // Cuisinart Coffee Maker – This is one of the most essential items in our kitchen. With the hot water dispenser on the right, it’s a great multi-tasker, too. FIVE // PalmPeeler – Ash bought one of these when we were prepping for Thanksgiving dinner (there were a lot of potatoes to peel), and it has been a staple in our kitchen toolbox ever since. The ergonomic shape makes the peeling process just seem faster and easier. SIX // Rubbermaid Premier Food Storage – Of course, with cooking comes leftovers. These stackable containers are great for the fridge, but they also snap together for easy transport to the office. (I love leftovers for lunch!)

ONE // Amaryllis Spoon Rest - I never realized how useful a spoon rest was until I started using one. Like my grandma pointed out, you could just use a plate instead of buying one… but this ons is a lot cuter. TWO // KitchenAid Hand Mixer - This mixer is great for times when I don’t want to use the big stand mixer – like last night when I mixed up the mashed cauliflower. And, obviously, I love the color. THREE // Batter Bowl - This is easily one of my favorite things to use in the kitchen. It’s super light, has a handy rubber bottom, durable and dishwasher safe. I love it so much, I want to buy a backup just in case something happens to this one. FOUR // Mini Ramekins -  We don’t just use these for baking. They’re perfect for single servings of snacks like salsa and humus. FIVE //  Rachel Ray Stainless Steel Cookware - We’ve had a cookware set like this since we’ve been married (they don’t carry it anymore, but the link it to something similar) and we absolutely love it. I love the comfy red silicone handles, and every piece still looks as new as the day we bought it. SIX // Utensil Holder – Like the spoon rest, I didn’t think a utensil holder would be as useful as it is. It’s so helpful to be able to pull out a spoon when you need one. It also frees up valuable drawer space around the stove.

So, how about you guys… Any favorite kitchen gadgets we need to know about?

Are you getting geared up for Easter weekend?! As for our plans, we’re hosting Easter lunch here this year (and yes, cooking every bit of it, haha!). Time sort of got away from me, so I’m going to be trying to come up with a cute Easter table on the cuff. Here’s hoping!

Oh, one more thing! I don’t know if any of you guys get the MeTV channel, but it’s one of our favorite channels around here. They air classic TV shows 24/7, including our favorites, The Dick Van Dyke Show, I Love Lucy and Donna Reed (with the exception of Saturday mornings, when they air the oddest children’s programs ever). On Sunday starting at 3:00 EST, they’re doing an entire marathon of classic TV episodes about decorating – including the Mary Tyler Moore Show episode when Rhoda redecorates Lou’s living room. Hilarious! Last night, I saw a commercial for the marathon and thought it might be something our classic-tv-home-design-loving readers would want to jump in on. We’ll be busy with Easter festivities, but the TiVo will get getting a workout!

It’s that time again, His & Her Favorite Things! For those of you who are just joining in here at 7th House (according to Analytics, there are a lot of new readers recently! So, welcome!), this is where we share a peek into what we’ve been digging over the past few weeks, what’s in our shopping bags and generally what’s catching our eye. We started this feature way back when the blog first began – actually even a year before that on my old photography blog – and it seems to be a favorite here among the readers, so we’ve kept it around. After all, knowing a person’s favorite things is a great way to get to know them, right? We normally start with Greg, but this month, we’re switching it up a little…

1. Waiting Room Magazine Rack: I’ve been on the lookout for some wall magazine storage for my office. This modern rustic beauty is on my short list. / 2. Lomography La Sardina Analogue Camera: Even though digital is where it’s at (for blogging anyway), I love the classic sardine can design and practical 35mm format of this guy. / 3. Built-Ins: Our grand plan for the living room is to add a wall of built-ins on the “tv wall”. That being the case, we’ve been collecting many, many Pins of different built-in looks. / 4. Young House Love: We love these guys, and their book is top notch. We were honored, thrilled and just plain giddy when we saw our blog on the blogroll list in the back of the book. / 5. Gold iPhone Handset: I finally caved in and bought one of these beauties. It’s totally unnecessary, but it’s so much fun to use.

1. Fender 5-String Jazz Bass: When I went to NAMM in Anaheim last month, I had an epiphany–I want to play bass. I’ve been a guitarist for 15 years, and it’s time to add another instrument to my arsenal. This Fender Jazz Bass V is on my short list of options. / 2. David Gilmour: Best known as the guitarist from Pink Floyd, this guy is one of the best rock guitar players out there, and his vocals are awesome as well. If you love music, please do yourself a favor and pick up Pulse or Live in Gdansk. / 3. Lego Mug: I’m not sure how functional this is, but I’m not sure I care. If anything, it could be an excellent catch-all for my desk at work. / 4. Frosted Mini Wheats: I have a particular love for Frosted Mini Wheats these days. When I’m watching my carb intake, these are pretty much my main weakness. They’re just so good! Image from here.

That wraps up this month’s installment of His & Hers. Do you have any favorites at the moment? Tell us in the comments!