There’s a cycle around here: we write about projects and products, live with them, then move on to new things. That means we don’t always circle back to older posts as quickly as readers ask, so here’s a straightforward update on a bunch of items people ask about most.
Cloth diapers: We’re still using the same original set of 12 all-in-one cloth diapers we bought in 2010 before Clara was born. Two years later they’re holding up surprisingly well — no replacements, no added liners, just one disposable overnight when she occasionally wets through (that’s only once a day). A couple of snaps have come off on two diapers, but each diaper has multiple snaps so fit is still secure. Fabric and color still look great and overall they wear like new. These have proven truly adjustable, fitting Clara even though she’s much bigger than at birth.
Here’s the inside of them (photos taken recently):
Karl the sectional: Still a favorite. After over a year of heavy use from a toddler and a dog, the Dark Sivik Gray slipcovers hide wear and stains well and remain comfortable. We wash the covers at home when needed and they re-fit easily. One minor gripe: the velcro intended to hold the chaise cushion in place doesn’t line up perfectly, so the cushion slowly slides out and needs occasional nudging. An added strip of velcro would likely fix it permanently.
Ed the bed: Our Ikea bed remains sturdy and comfortable. After plenty of late-night DIY collapses, it still supports us well and feels the same as when we first got it.
ORB hardware: Many readers asked for this update — the oil-rubbed bronze hardware still looks great. We don’t use the front door as often, but the knobs and knocker have held up well in the photographed areas. The sunroom slider and exterior door, which are used multiple times daily for letting Burger in and out, also show no signs of trouble. If we ever tackle interior knobs we’ll likely sand them with a very high-grit pad as a finishing step.
Kitchen stools: We’ve had these for a few months and use them several times daily. At roughly $33 each, they’re a great value — comfortable for 30–60 minute tasks like dinners, laptop work, or proofreading layouts. The flexing back contributes significantly to comfort, so a backless version would likely feel much less comfortable for longer sitting sessions.
Chair in Clara’s room: This thrift-store slipper chair served well through 14 months of nursing and many storytime sessions. Its rounded shape supported arms comfortably and an ottoman nearby made it easy to rest feet. While some prefer a rocking or swivel glider for a nursery, this chair worked perfectly for our habits and space.
White cabinets: People often ask whether white cabinets show dirt. For us they don’t feel high-maintenance. We used alkyd cabinet paint that’s scrubbable and durable, so wiping occasional splatters takes seconds. Dust hasn’t been a problem so far; the shallow inset profiles don’t collect dust like deeper ledges do, so a quick microfiber pass now and then keeps them fresh.
White Corian countertops: We’ve been very pleased with Glacier White Corian. Despite worries about staining or scratches, we’ve had no staining from food or juice and no noticeable scratches. Corian’s nonporous surface cleans easily with a simple wipe-down, and the seamless installation with an undermount sink is a major benefit — crumbs no longer gather in seams so cleaning is quicker and more thorough. As with any countertop, we still use trivets for hot pans to avoid thermal damage.
Open shelves: We absolutely love our open shelves. They suit our routine because we reach for the items on them frequently, so dust is minimal and unloading the dishwasher or grabbing dishes with a toddler on my hip is much faster. They’re not for everyone, but for our daily flow they’ve been transformative.
HP Photosmart C4780: This is one of the few items we’re not thrilled with. Its wireless printing can be unreliable — jobs sometimes print inconsistently or stall between pages. We previously loved an Epson model (without wireless), and we may return to that brand or another reliable option when this one finally pushes us over the edge.
Nikon D3000: We’re still learning the DSLR, but overall very happy with the image quality and versatility compared to our old point-and-shoot. After saving up to upgrade before Clara arrived, the camera has made a noticeable difference in family photos and blog images. We recently added an affordable 50mm lens that’s great for low-light shots and moving subjects like the kid or dog, though we often stick with the kit lens for wider interior shots.
That’s the roundup. Hope it’s useful. What products in your home have exceeded expectations or let you down? We always love hearing recommendations and warnings from readers.