How to Choose the Best Cutting Board for You! (Part 1)

Cutting boards are a new avenue for us.  It is a path that was inspired by a close friend after a trip she took to Italy.  The first prototype is still a work in progress, but it did force us to take a closer look at the cutting board industry.   

As with anything else, there are many different opinions, but the one that most everyone agrees on, is that cutting boards made from end grain wood are best.   (End grain boards are made by cutting the piece of lumber into blocks, and gluing the blocks together with the end grain up, forming the top surface of the cutting board.)

End grain cutting boards are more durable.  They have a harder surface which make them more tolerant to the repetitive cutting motion and are better for retaining a sharp blade.   

When the grain of the wood runs vertically (up and down) and the knife strikes the surface during cutting, the grain of the wood actually separates and then closes when the knife is removed. This is a self-healing aspect of the end-grain surface. You are in essence cutting between the fibers.

Please check back for Part 2 where we discuss the best and most durable types of wood.   

A Few Corky Facts

Ahhhh.  I must say that I love a good bottle of wine that has it's yummy essence sealed with cork.  However, it can be a bit frustrating at times to get said cork back into the bottle.  For that, I prefer a stainless steel stopper. ....or just polish off the bottle!!!!!

Do not fear that we will run out of cork!  There is enough in the forests of Spain and Portugal to last 100 years.  

And then of course, there is the composite cork, that gets stuck on your corkscrew, not to mention the screw top for when you just cannot wait the added minute it takes to remove the cork before partaking of that special liquid refreshment.  

Did you know? 

1)  That in 3000 BC, cork was already being used in fishing tackle in China? 

2)  That 4th Century BC women's Italian footwear contained cork? 

3) That 13th Century Portugal pioneered environmental legislation protecting cork forests?  And we thought our generation invented "Green"!!!!!

What in the World is a "Whatnot"?

I'm sure you are wondering why I am researching the word "whatnot".  It's really simple.  My husband has turned some very unique decorative goblets as well as small containers and I haven't a clue how to market them.  What's a product without a category?

For some reason the word "whatnot" popped into my mind.  So I did a little homework and found several definitions, but liked the more in depth explanation provided by wiseGeek.                                        

The term “whatnot,” used to refer to a small, usually inconsequential object, dates from 1540. Ornaments and other decorations may be referred to collectively with this term, and in 1808, the term began to describe the piece of furniture used to hold various items as well. A number of furniture designs fall under this general category, but a typical whatnot has open shelves, often supported by decoratively carved pillars, and it is designed to display objects. The open shelved display has, of course, been around since long before 1808, and has been referred to by other names including the French etagere

Let's recap.  A "whatnot" can be an ornament or other decoration as well as open shelving.   

Ummm.  Well what the heck is a "knickknack" or "bric-a-brac"?

My conclusion is that a "whatnot", "knickknack" or "bric-a-brac" are different names for the same thing:  "a miscellaneous collection of small articles commonly of ornamental,  sentimental or antiquarian value". 

What's in a name?  "Whatnot", "Knickknack", "Bric-a-Brac.....Looking for some category inspiration!

Portlandia aka Portland, OR - Creativity with a Twist!

If you have never had the opportunity to watch the show "Portlandia",  I invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy an eclectic spoof about life in and around Portland, Oregon.  It was this quirkiness that inspired us to create our "Portlandia" Collection.  This is a new direction for Flying Buffalo and I encourage each of you to provide us with your feedback.  And for all you "Portlandia" fans, this is a great opportunity to share your comments about your favorite episode.  I look forward to hearing from you!