Dress to impress aprons

STAYING CLEAN IN THE KITCHEN: On the topic of fun, funky designs for the kitchen, I have to share the amazing Etsy shop, snappyshop. She sews her own aprons, and they are everything from amusing cartoonish foods to stylish vintage patterns. She even makes aprons for men, though they'd probably have to be pretty secure in their masculinity to wear them... Anyway, they are very reasonably priced, and like most Etsy stores, she could probably custom make one for you.

Pure & Green heaven

While browsing in Williams-Sonoma this past weekend I came across the company's new earth-friendly homekeeping line, the Pure & Natural Collection. Formulated with essential oils, and made with no toxins, ammonia, phosphate, chlorine or parabens, this is among the cleanest cleaning products I've ever seen. But that's not what draws me; it's the intoxicating scents that actually seem to belong in any kitchen. They are all absolutely amazing, and I may just buy up the whole line - though I question what "countertop spray" is. I love them all, but ranking from my favorite down:

1. Meyer Lemon Parsley — For clarity and balance choose the soft tones of Meyer lemon, orange and grapefruit with the earth notes of parsley and basil
2. Olive Oil Coriander — Olives, well known for strength and well-being, bring this to life along with cedar, musk, amber and, of course, coriander (cilantro)
3. Herbes De Provence Sweet Orange — Revitalize with herbal freshness of mint, basil, bay leaf, clove and lavender, plus hints of citrus and eucalyptus
4. Ruby Grapefruit Ylang Ylang — Stimulates and energizes with notes of peach, melon and apple along with grapefruit and a bit of sweetness from ylang ylang
5. Lavender Juniper Rose — Create calm and relaxation in your kitchen with lavender, plus hints of rose, geranium, jasmine, pine, juniper and sandalwood
6. Asian Plum Mandarin — Decrease stress with plum, orange and bergamot, as well as ylang ylang, marigold and rose

Zesty delicious

We're still reeling over the fact clementine season passed so quickly. To bring back that sweet, tangy scent to your kitchen — and your hands, just like post-peeling — try out this fantastic new hand soap and lotion from Crate and Barrel ($9.95). Plus, the bottle is just so country chic.