Bonus Bone: A Fixed Fridge

My refrigerator, for the first time in just over two weeks, is actually working! Hurrah! I no longer have to sustain myself on Fla-Vor-Ice and a small cooler (within the fridge).

For this reason, I, Cardboard, declare all this a Design Boner.

Fridge Foil

While I was relaxing on a long-weekend vacation, my fridge decided to do the same. Slowly but defiantly, the refrigerator section spent four days lazily moving toward a warm, ripe siesta and, just today, the freezer decided to join in the fun.

If you happen to be forced into this disorienting situation (will mustard keep?), here is a handy list of items that should not be given the chance to test the new tropical climate. Immediately feed your dumpster:

• Turkey Bacon
• Goat Cheese
  
• Pre-Cut Fruit (specifically watermelon and pineapple which melts into a foamy, off-gassing jacuzzi of stink)
  
• White Bean Puree
  
• Flour Tortillas (that happen to be resting next to the bio hazard that was the pineapple/watermelon)
  
• Fish (!)
  
• Most Dairy (milk, cream, although butter is a trooper)
  

I have an appointment (window) with the friendly repair person from Sears tomorrow. I'm hoping I can then run straight to the grocery to re-stock my freezer with Drumsticks and vodka but we'll just have to see.

Perhaps I'll start to enjoy Euro-chic daily market trips, anticipating that evening's menu as I cross cobblestones with single-serving chicken breast and leafy celery stalks in my tote. That, or I'll just start eating a lot of Ramen and crackers. And if Sears jerks me around enough, I might just get rid of the thing all together.

Wish me cool, crisped luck and I'll soon have you over for mayonnaise.

Photo credit: "No More Words: Lame" by Dirty Boots Samantha

Bonus Bone: Mod Toolboxes

Alice Supply Co. Modern Toolboxes, at Delight

Take a swig of Rolling Rock. Survey your work. Nod your head and smile at a job well done. Yet, in the end, stay true to your femme-chic self and close up those unsightly tools.

For these reasons, I, Cardboard, declare this a Design Boner.

Snuggle Your Pipes

I just received a considerate warning from my building's management company about how to avoid frozen and/or burst pipes. Here are some tips:

• Thermostats should be set to at least 66 degrees.
  
• Open any cabinet doors below kitchen/bathroom sinks.
  
• Open your dishwasher door.
  
• Keep your faucets dripping.

Since Chicago is seeing some insanely low temperatures this week, these tactics will come in handy. Are we missing anything? What else can we do to prevent this disaster?

And what (Oh, Sweet Watery Neptune) should one do if it's discovered to be too late...

Photo credit: Southwest Florida Water Management District