Rex & Regina’s Blog

My husband and are huge sparkling water fans. When posed with the “still or sparkling” question at restaurants, we opt for the fizzy. We stock up on Perrier and San Pellegrino at Costco — well, until now. No more lugging cases of water into the house. No more bottles to recycle. We are proud owners of a shiny new SodaStream!!

Seltzer Starter Kit from SodaStream

I admit, I was a little skeptical when my husband told me he wanted to buy this crazy contraption. When he bought it home, however, I became a believer.

Fill bottle with water. Attach the bottle to the machine. Pump the lever three times. Detach the bottle. Voila! Carbonated Water!

Lest I start to sound like an infomercial, here’s why I think the SodaStream has staying power.

1) It’s eco-friendly.

While recycling may have become second nature to us, the best scenario is not having to recycle bottles at all. Sodastream comes with reusable bottles so you never have to toss empties in the recycle bin.

2) It’s custom.

You can determine how fizzy you want your water to be, something you can’t do with bottled water. A variety of flavors are also available to add to your water (there’s the “soda” part) should you wish.

3) It’s fresh.

Fizzy water on demand. Say goodbye to sparkling water gone flat.

4) It’s recession-chic.

Though the initial investment is a little steep, over time the machine will more than pay for itself.

Cheers!

My husband and I took a last-minute trip to Massachusetts this week. We stayed in Boston the first half of the week while he attended a conference for work; the latter part of the week we’ve spent at the Inn at Castle HIll in my hometown of Ipswich.

The Inn oozes hospitality and when I was here earlier this year, it inspired me to write this post on ways to make your overnight guests feel comfortable and welcome.

On this most recent visit we were charmed by the Innkeeper’s offer to build a fire for us each evening in the main sitting room. Relaxing by the hearth in overstuffed chairs, sipping coffee and playing Scrabble, we could not have been any more at home.

So as you welcome guests into your home this Fall and Winter, be sure remember the treat a bright, crackling fire can be. Follow these simple reminders on building a great fire.

Fireplace tools are a necessity for tending to a fire. Since they are always on display in one’s home, be sure to choose not only functional but stylish sets.

Rivet Hearth Tool Set from Restoration Hardware

Wood Holder from Pilgrim Home & Hearth

Fire tool set from ACHLA Designs

Accessories like these can make your next fire even more memorable:

Wrap dried herbs in newspaper to make fragrant firestarters

Pine Mountain Firecone Basket from Gumps