My last sewing machine, a 1960s Singer relic, had been living in the basement for a long time.  I had banished it to such undignified rooming because every time I used it the tension would go out of whack and I would spend two days trying to get it back; once I resumed sewing the tension would inevitably throw out again halfway through a project. My Singer was a good machine in its day, perhaps even an elegant, fancy, and expensive extravagance, but in 2007 it was outdated, non-functioning, and a point of frustration for me.  It was clearly time for an upgrade.

After careful consideration of available machines and my pocketbook’s limitations, I purchased a Husqvarna Viking Emerald 116 in the early Autumn of 2007.  After road testing it for 9 or so months I am confident in reviewing and promoting this machine.

The Basics

Some sewing machines are huge.  Some are terribly heavy.  Some require special tables or permanent homes within your house.  My house is not large, we have very limited storage space, and my sewing room must also function as an office and away space within our home; these details dictated the type of machine I could purchase.  I needed a machine that could be stowed away when not in use, so it had to be small and easily packed up.  The Emerald 116 is both compact and portable.  It is not so light as to imply cheap manufacturing, but is light enough to carry around the house.  Its relative lightness and built-in handle make it a great choice for anyone who needs to set up and take down their sewing area frequently, and the removable hard cover keeps the machine protected while not in use.

While comparable to my 1960s fancy Singer, the Emerald 116 is a fairly basic machine in this day and age.  It has no internal computer, no fancy embroidery cartridges or chips, and you don’t need a degree to make it run.  All of those things made it a perfect choice for me, because being a somewhat old-fashioned gal I look at computerized innards as one more thing to break, one more thing to go wrong when I am halfway through the final hem of a project.  I sought out a machine that was as easy to manuever as my Singer had been, and that’s exactly what the Emerald 116 is.  If you could beam this machine back to 1960 it could be easily run by anyone who knew how to drive a sewing machine then.

Attributes

While the Emerald 116 is considered a basic machine for all types of sewing (meaning it is not a specialized quilting or embroidery machine) it does have some neat selling points:

Needle Threading I had always considered needle threading one of the necessary evils of machine sewing, but this machine has a needle threader.  The chore of threading the needle manually used to take me several minutes, but now I can thread a needle within seconds!  It is a small thing, but it has made a difference in my overall sewing experience.

Auntomatic Button Holes I will admit that I never attempted to create a buttonhole on any of my sewing projects until I had this machine, but I am certain it could not have been as easy as the one-step buttonhole of the Emerald 116.  I just snap the buttonhole foot onto my machine, place the button into it, and sew.  I have been making button holes like they are going out of style, and I never imagined it could be so easy!

Presser Feet The Emerald 116 comes with 8 presser feet, including the manual buttonhole foot, automatic buttonhole foot, zipper foot, edging foot, blind hem foot, and a non-stick glide foot.  All of the presser feet snap into place; you don’t have to mess around with tiny screws and tiny screwdrivers, and you can change feet within seconds.

Drop Feed I like to sew with heavy weight fabrics when I make hand bags and baby carriers, and I also enjoy embellishing my work with thread “doodles”, as I call them.  A drop feed is important for both of those types of sewing as it allows me to lower the feed teeth so they no longer come into contact with the fabric.  Dropping the feed lets me dictate the rate at which the fabric feeds through the machine, the direction of the fabric as it feeds through the machine, and also helps keep heavy fabrics from getting stuck or tangled when sewing a particularly bulky seam.

Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure When sewing with different weights of fabric it can be helpful to adjust the pressure of the presser foot.  Very light weight fabrics require more pressure, and heavy weight fabrics can benefit from having less pressure.  I never missed having adjustable presser foot pressure when I didn’t know it existed, but now I don’t think I could sew without it; having it as an option has saved many of my projects from unsightly bunching and pulling of seams.

Stitch Selection With the simple turn of a dial you can adjust not only the type of stitch, but also it’s width and length.  It’s incredibly easy, so easy that I found myself checking the manual at first to make sure I hadn’t skipped a step.

Sewing Guide Reference Chart This chart is tucked beneath the right front of the machine and pulls out easily for a quick reference and suggestions on stitch, presser foot, stitch length/width, and pressure of presser foot.  I’ve used it countless times and I’m not sure how I got along without it when using my old machine.

Slim Free Arm Another detail I never had on my Singer but couldn’t live without now is the slim free arm, for sewing small projects.  I use it on almost every sewing project, actually, because it is perfect for sewing hems on small clothing and for topstitching around the opening of a handbag.  Also nice is the storage compartment hidden in the case that goes around the slim free arm.  All of the presser feet, bobbins, and other accessories fit into it, and its location at the front of the machine keeps everything I might need right at my fingertips.

A Good Manual It should go without saying that any machine should come with a good manual, but unfortunately that is not always the case.  Husqvarna Viking made sure their manual was helpful, informative, easy to follow and understand, and includes all functions and parts of the machine.  I refer to it often when sewing and I am always able to find the information I was seeking within a minute or two.

Price and Reputation

I said before that I had to consider the limitations of my pocketbook when I went shopping for a new machine.  I also know that when buying machinery you often get what you pay for.  I could not spend more than $350, and I wanted a machine made by a trustworthy company.  I had heard of Husqvarna because of their motorized garden tools:

Husqvarna is the world’s largest producer of lawn mowers, chain saws and portable gas-powered garden equipment such as trimmers and blowers. The Group is also a world leader in diamond tools and cutting equipment for the construction and stone industries. (quoted from www.usa.husqvarna.com )

Husqvarna yard machines have a reputation of reliability and good function, and I knew a machine made by Husqvarna Viking would more than likely promise the same.  I am happy to report that I have not been disappointed with the quality or performance of my Emerald 116.

Retailing at just over $300, the Emerald 116 fit nicely into my budget.  I waited for my local sewing shop to have a 20% off sale, and then shaved an additional $90.00 off of my purchase price by trading in my old machine.

The One Thing I Hate

Yes, there is only one thing I dislike about my new machine: I hate the angle and placement of the thread cutter.  No, it is not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but I find that getting the thread into it properly breaks my rhythm when I am working.  Because I tend to fumble through the thread cutting due to the awkward placement of the cutter itself, I tend to have very long tails of thread hanging off of my work which then have to be trimmed with scissors.  I imagine that I will one day get used to the thread cutter, but right now this one little thing is irking me.  That being said, I would still buy this machine a thousand times over because everything else functions exactly as it should.

A High Functioning Machine For a Great Price

Since purchasing my own Emerald 116 my sewing capability has increased from novice to knowledgable, and I am constantly on the lookout for great fabric.  Having a machine that functions reliably every time you sit down to sew makes a huge difference in your end product, your motivation to sew, and your overall creativity.

Whether you are in the market for a new machine or you’re looking to make your very first purchase, be sure to test drive the Emerald 116.  It is a great machine for all purpose sewing, with the ability to sew everything from light to heavy weight fabrics, leathers, vinyls, and more.  It has all of the basic functions a sewing machine should offer, plus a few extra perks that make driving it a delight.

You can learn more about the Emerald 116 here: http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/us/6119_6123.htm or at your local Husqvarna Viking dealer.

A complete lineup of Husqvarna Viking sewing machines and accessories can be found at AllBrands.com

I always visit the beverage section of the organics because my son is lactose intolerant and they sometimes stock large containers of soy yogurt next to the soy milk.  This time there was no yogurt, but there were some very appealing bottles of non-alcoholic bubbly drink that drew me in.  I decided $1.69 for 12 fl.oz. was cheap for an afternoon’s delight of sipping something cool in the sun while the toddlers slept (if only that would happen in reality, and not just in my mind).  I slipped a bottle of Lemon & Mint Sparkling Organic Beverage by The Simple Kitchen into my cart and finished the task at hand.

Later that afternoon I sat down with my new bottle of bubbles, got out my notebook (I take this gig seriously, you know), and popped the top.

The Label

The advertising department of The Simple Kitchen got it right when they designed this label.  I was drawn in by it’s simple design, appealing imagery, and straightforward dialogue.  At the neck of the bottle we have the “USDA oragnic” sticker, which makes me feel all warm and fuzzy as a consumer.  The photo of the lemon and sprig of mint is the epitome of lazy summer afternoons, and I was also able to quickly identify the products’ high points: low calorie, touch of honey, and 100% natural.

The back label has the obligatory nutrition facts table, showing 60 calories for a 1 bottle serving.  I enjoyed the ingredients list because I could pronounce each and every item: triple-filtered carbonated water, organic honey, organic lemon juice concentrate and organic peppermint extract.  It’s not often that a carbonated beverage comes with such a short list of ingredients and I was pleased.

Down the Hatch

When the drink first hit my tastebuds my gut reaction was “that’s not at all what I was expecting”.  I guess I thought this would be fizzy lemonade with a hint of mint, but it wasn’t at all.  It tasted quite like tonic with a squirt of lemon concentrate from one of those little plastic lemons, with a teensy tiny nearly indetectable hint of honey and a slight mint aftertaste.  It wasn’t terrible, but my first, honest impression was that it was a bit of a let down.

Not having anything else lemony or minty in the house to drink, I decided to finish the bottle despite my initial disappointment.  Sip by sip it tasted a little better, and by the time I got near the end of the bottle I answered “no” when my kids asked if they could share it with me because I had finally decided that I liked it.  No, it wasn’t the best thing to ever hit my taste buds, but it certainly wasn’t the worst.  I think I could easily concoct a better version of the same drink in my own kitchen with fresh lemons and sprigs of mint.  I also think The Simple Kitchen could (and should) stop the use of lemon juice from concentrate and get a better tasting product using fresh lemon juice.  A little more honey would brighten the lemon flavor (or maybe that’s just my sweet tooth talking).  The mint was perfect, spot on.  It was just enough to be noticeable and refreshing, but not so overpowering that I felt like I was swallowing my mouthwash.

Not Qwowi, But Not Bad

It didn’t blow my mind with great flavor, but for something I grabbed off a grocery shelf on a complete whim it wasn’t bad, either.  I ultimately found it refreshing, thirst quenching, and pleasant.  I would buy it again, and I am interested in trying the other flavors; maybe pinkgrapefruit or whitegrape will resonate with me on a deeper level or something.  As the brand name suggests this is a drink with a simple palette of flavors.  I think it would certainly add a fun sense of variety to the tired bucket of soda, iced tea, and beer at your next summer barbecue.  Serve it in a glass with a wedge of lemon, and cut that “from concentrate” taste right out.  Happy sipping!

The Simple Kitchen Sparkling Organic Beverages can be found at your local grocery store or online at: www.simplekitchenco.com

I have been known to be a bit of an impulse shopper, especially when it comes to my coffee purchases.  I will buy coffee based on a cool bag design, a great color combination, or even its placement on the grocery shelf.  While it is said you cannot judge a book by its cover I am not sure the same can be said for coffee beans, as I have stumbled upon some really delightful blends based on looks alone.

I bought Jim’s Organic Coffee - Jo-Jo’s Java based on a sticker on the bag.  No joke.  I bought it during a particularly overwhelming week of parenthood, when my son and daughter were constantly at odds, my clothing was incessantly tugged on by sticky toddler fingers, and my sense of self had retreated into a dark corner, where it chose to hide and quiver in fear.   In the coffee aisle at the grocery store I found a sticker that made me laugh and I bought the bag of coffee it was adhered to so I could read the sticker at home and (hopefully) laugh again.  The sticker said:

Jo-Jo’s Java

For my wife,

this blend of grace,

full of aroma and good taste.

You’ll love its smoothness,

it’s never bitter,

so relax with a cup, leave

the kids with a sitter.

Ok, so it’s not really that funny in retrospect, but it is clever and I was having a really bad week.  The good news: The coffee is great.  Here is my official review, written as I drank the final pot of coffee from the last few beans this bag had to offer.

About Jim’s Organic Coffee (Brags Taken Directly From the Bag)

• Organic; grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.  Organic coffee improves the ecosystem of the farms and surrounding communities through improved water quality, topsoil retention, and increased biodiversity.
• Jim’s Organic Coffee is grown under shade canopy
• Jim’s Organic Coffee works with farmers and pays premium prices for premium quality, thus allowing farms to treat their land, air, and water tables with respect AND sustain themselves and their communities.
• Beans are slowly hand roasted to deliver you a rich, full and clean cup

Out of the Bag

The beans are a rich, dark chestnut color with a glossy surface.  Because this is a whole bean coffee I had to grind my own, which I accomplished with the aid of my Braun Model KSM2(4) Household Type coffee grinder.  Upon grinding, the coffee takes on a nice medium brown color, much like that of a milk chocolate bar.  The grinding process also fully releases the aroma of the beans: a strong, deep, and layered smell which I would describe as earthy.

Let’s Brew

I used my home coffee pot, a Mr. Coffee model FT X29, which is a drip system.  I made six cups of coffee and had my coffee pot set to the strong setting, which allows for a slightly darker cup than the regular setting.  The coffee in the pot was dark in color, and smelled strong but not bitter.

In My Mug

As I poured Jo-Jo’s Java into my mug, I noted that it had a chestnut color similar to that of the whole bean before grinding.  I normally prefer my coffee with cream and sugar, but for the purposes of this review I also tried it black, with cream only, and with sugar only.

Black: I would describe this coffee as very brisk when taken without cream and sugar.  It is decidedly too strong for me in this form, but it certainly perked me up, as good coffee should.

With Whole Milk Only: Now we’re talking!  The addition of cream not only changes the color of this coffee to a satisfying light brown, it also smooths out the flavor, removing the super strength that made my tongue curl when I tried it black.  I still find myself missing the richness that sugar will bring.

With Sugar Only: I used Raw Sugar which I prefer over refined white sugar and Splenda alike.  The addition of one teaspoon of sugar rendered the coffee less edgy, but still not quite sweet enough for me.  I added a second teaspoon and found myself smiling.  The sweetness really takes away the edge, leaving in its place a rich, flavorful coffee.  It’s still not perfect for my palate, though, so we move on to sugar and cream.

With Sugar and Cream:  Whole milk and two teaspoons of sugar make for a perfect cup according to my taste buds.  This is a very smooth cup, with earthy undertones and not even a hint of bitterness.  Too soon my cup is empty and I am reaching for the pot again, this time skipping directly to cream and sugar.

The Final Word

Overall, this is a great, well rounded cup of coffee.  I like my coffee dark and rich, and Jo-Jo’s Java delivers the right combination of those without going over the edge into bitterness or strong aftertaste.  I also felt good about drinking a pot of coffee that was grown organically, knowing that the farmers, the growing fields, and the surrounding ecosystems were tread upon only lightly in order to bring me my morning coffee.  Jo-Jo’s Java has become one of my favorite blends, and I am eager to try other selections from Jim’s Organic Coffee.

Ask for Jim’s Organic Coffee at your local grocery store, or find it on the web at: http://www.jimsorganiccoffee.com and Amazon.com

A quick perusal of my grocery store shelf left me with a few choices.  Based on the emblem of a funky little red bird (I am into birds these days for some reason), I chose Puroast Low Acid Coffee in the House Blend, tossed it in my cart and headed home to my Mr. Coffee.

Puroast’s Boasts

About the House Blend: The house blend is a rich, flavorful blend of our most popular beans exquisitely blended into the perfect coffee for all day, every day drinking. Remember “Grind Your Coffee, Not Your Stomach” and “Feel Better, Not Bitter”.

About Their Low Acid Coffees: Puroast Low Acid Coffee’s breakthrough process produces a great gourmet coffee with 50% less acid or more depending on the brand.  The patented Puroast Process does not manipulate the coffee beans either through an extraction process or using additives.  The Puroast Process is an all natural process that does not create the acids that affect the stomach…if heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion or GERD has caused you to reduce or stop drinking coffee, now you have a real coffee choice with Puroast Low Acid Coffee…Using a patented process, Puroast Low Acid Coffee maintains the smooth taste you love in the coffee beans without the health consequences of highly acidic blends and is gentle on the stomach.

Opening the Bag

When it comes to coffee, smell is an important part of the experience for me.  Upon opening the bag Puroast House Blend smells good, but not bitter or overly strong.  I took this for a good sign.  I had purchased a bag of ground beans; the grounds appear medium brown in color and are not too moist but not dried out, either.

Making The First Pot

I used my home coffee pot, a Mr. Coffee model FT X29, which is a drip system.  I made six cups of coffee and had my coffee pot set to the strong setting, which allows for a slightly darker cup than the regular setting.  The aroma of the coffee while it brewed continued to be good.  There was no bitter smell, as some coffees produce, but rather a full, flavorful aroma that spread through my kitchen and made me eager for the first sip  The coffee in the pot is dark in color, with hints of a rich toffee color where the light hits it.

In My Mug

Upon pouring the House Blend into my mug, I noticed its nice caramel color.  I normally prefer my coffee with cream and sugar, but for the purposes of this review I also tried it black, with cream only, and with sugar only.

Black: I am impressed.  While I normally cannot bear to even think of drinking my coffee without first diluting it with gads of sugar and cream, this coffee actually tastes decent black.  It is not weak, but has a bold flavor without making my tongue cringe.  I am not sure what else I can say, other than I could drink it this way if I ran out of cream and sugar; for me, that is saying a lot.

With Fat Free Half and Half: Adding cream turns the House Blend a most satisfying, light brown/caramel color.  The brew retains its full-bodied flavor, but the cream does knock some of the boldness out.

With Sugar Only: I used Raw Sugar which I prefer over refined white and Splenda alike.  Adding  one teaspoon of sugar changes this coffee entirely, and I would highly recommend it.  The flavor brightens, bringing out underlying tones of chocolate and perhaps fruit.  I would gladly drink this coffee with sugar but without cream, any day.

With Sugar and Cream:  fat free half and half and 1 teaspoon of raw sugar, and my tongue is one happy camper.  The combination of caramel coloring and bright flavors appeals to my senses, and the rich aroma brings the package together nicely.  This is definitely my favored way to enjoy Puroast Low Acid House Blend.

Overall, the coffee tastes as good as it smells, with the added bonus of no acid aftertaste.

Does it Deliver As Promised?

Puroast Low Acid coffees boast that they contain 50% less acid than most other coffees, which should in turn help reduce upset stomach and heartburn.  I drank three cups of the House Blend and found that I had no detectable signs of heartburn, a sharp contrast to my normal reaction to three cups of other brands of coffee.  While this is not my favorite bean on the market, I do think it is a good alternative for those days when I know I am going to be eating other heartburn inflicting foods, and I like enough to keep it on hand in my kitchen.  The low acidity combined with good flavor and color make it an excellent choice for all-purpose, all day coffee drinking.

A Few Last Words About Puroast

I’ve already recommended the coffee and now I will recommend the company.  Like many consumers, I try to shop with a conscience.  According to Puroast’s packaging they use a “…unique, renewable energy system [in which] over 90% of the energy used at our facility is from renewable resources.  Puroast received the distinguished Seal of Sustainability from the Sustainability Business Institute…using renewable fuels lessens our dependence on imported fuels and helps Puroast maintain competitive pricing.”  That’s good news for all of us.

A complete selection of Puroast Coffee is available at Amazon.com.

When we bought our newly constructed home four years ago one of the major attractions to this particular house was the large covered front porch that extends across the full house width of 40′.  It looked perfect for lazy afternoons spent sipping lemonade or tea, and with the pleasant view we were sure we would spend a lot of time there.  We had only one problem: the only outdoor chairs we owned were plastic molded Adirondack style chairs that had long since grown mildew from seasons spent in our previous home’s backyard.  We wanted something that looked nicer and felt better to sit on.  We wanted furniture that would entice us to sit a spell, to relax in the shade of the porch and have long conversations with friends.  Thus began The Great Porch Furniture Hunt of 2004.

We knew we wanted furniture with a classic look and I was certain that I wanted my chairs to have cushions.  We also needed to keep the price below $500.00, which we hoped would be enough to purchase two nice chairs and an end table.  Keeping those criteria in mind we set out to shop, but we just could not find the right combination of size, comfort, and classic appeal to suit our needs.  The sets we did like were far beyond the reach of our humble budget; we were determined not to spend more because as new home owners we had a myriad of other projects to accomplish with the rest of our expendable income.

Finally, nearly a month into our search, we landed at the king of the Big Box Stores: Wal Mart.  And much to our surprise, there we found an attractive set of garden furniture for a really decent price: The Better Homes and Gardens Sunbridge 4-Piece Furniture Set for $397.00

As Advertised on WalMart.com:

The Sunbridge Conversation set from Better Homes and Gardens includes intimate seating for entertaining outdoors. Includes two toss pillows. Fully assembled set requires a space of 8′ W x 11′ D.

Oval Coffee Table:

• Hand-woven all-weather wicker weave over rust-resistant powder-coated steel frame
• Clean with soft cloth, mild detergent and warm water; buff dry with lint-free cloth
• Measures: 23″ W x 18-1/2″ H

Chairs and Loveseat:

• Hand-woven all-weather wicker weave over rust-resistant powder-coated steel frame
• Each chair supports one person up to 225-lbs.; loveseat up to 450-lbs. total
• Clean with slightly damp cloth and dry completely; no bleach or solvents
• Arm Chair 29-1/2″ W x 20-1/2″ D x 37″ H; Loveseat 52-1/2″ W x 21″ D x 37-1/2″ H

Fabric, Cushions and Toss Pillows:

• Polyester with polyester fiber filling
• Cushions attach to seat with loops
• Mildew, water and stain-resistant
• Withstands freezing temperatures
• Clean with mild soap and water; rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove soap; allow to air dry completely; no bleach or solvents
• Back cushions 4-1/2″ thick back; seat cushions 5-1/2″ thick

Manufacturer’s Information:

• Furniture will arrive in one box
• Warranties: Table includes manufacturer’s 3-year limited warranty on frame, 1-year limited warranty on weave and 1-year limited warranty on top; Chairs include manufacturer’s 3-year limited warranty on frame and 1-year limited warranty on weave; Fabric, cushions and pillows include manufacturer’s 1-year limited warranty

Why We Like It

As soon as I sat on this furniture I knew I could love it.  Beyond looking good, it is incredibly comfortable.  At 5′4″ I am not considered a tall person and I often have trouble finding chairs that allow me to sit in an ergonomically correct posture, otherwise described as having my feet touch the floor.  The Better Homes and Gardens set allows me to sit properly, with my feet flat on the floor and my lower back against the back of the chair.  It is a simple thing, but one that matters to me.  When I am relaxing I like to sit with my legs crossed on the seat of my chair (think yoga style) and the ample depth and width of these chairs allows me to sit that way comfortably.

The fabric of the cushions stands up to it’s promise of being mildew, stain, and water resistant.  Our cushions have withstood nearly four years of spills, dew, rain, snow, sleet and even hail, yet they have no water marks or discoloration.  When I have spilled coffee on them it beads and brushes off with ease.  The fabric is smooth to the touch, not rough, and it does not stick to your bare legs in the hot summer months.  The “wicker” part of the chair, actually made of tiny plastic tubing, looks as good now as the day we bought the set.  It is easily cleaned (see above for manufacturer’s directions); we simply drag it onto the driveway to hose it off and then let it air dry.  We have also hosed off the cushions and allowed then to air dry after the particularly bad pollen season of spring in NY, and though they take a day or two to dry completely they maintain their shape and water/mildew/stain resistance even after a good dousing.

The pillows have ties that attach them to the chairs.  This is not a feature I would normally give much thought to, but we have had a few really severe thunderstorms since we bought our house, with gusts of wind that took down huge trees.  Those pillows remained tied to their respective chairs and were not lost in the storm, although the chairs themselves did move around a bit in the heavy wind.

The glass-topped table is big enough to hold a tray of afternoon snacks, a pot of tea, and a vase of flowers, making it the perfect accompaniment to the chairs and love seat for a small gathering of friends.  The full-sized shelf beneath the glass top is handy for storing magazines and books out of the way.

Out Of The Box

As stated in the above spec sheet, the furniture comes in one big box.  This was problematic for us at first, as the box did not fit in the back of the vehicle we owned at the time: a Dodge Caravan with the seats taken out, which is not exactly a small compartment area.  The Wal Mart employee helping us that day suggested we take the individual pieces out of the box and pack them into the van, which worked brilliantly.  He even took the box and threw it away for us.  The cushions were individually wrapped in plastic as were the wicker chairs and table base.  The glass top to the table was wrapped in bubble wrap and then sandwiched between sheets of cardboard.

Putting the set together was simple: the chairs and love seat were complete in the box, and the table needed only a few screws to attach the legs.  The whole assembly took less than twenty minutes, and most of that time was spent unwinding the plastic wrapping from the wicker portions.  The seat cushions all attach to their respective chairs by simple ties, as do the pillows, and the glass top of the table sets in a groove and is pillowed by clear rubber slip-resistant pads.

Performance

Chairs and tables don’t have to do much of anything to perform, but there are a few things in this area to consider.  The cushions have held up very well during four years worth of use.  They have kept their shape, the fabric has not faded or ripped, and they are still very comfortable.  The frames of the chairs and table are still sturdy and level, despite being moved around frequently and being banged a bit by my two active toddlers.  The wicker parts have not dried out, cracked, lost their color, or come unraveled.  The glass table top has withstood falling objects without shattering.  All in all I would say that the Better Homes and Gardens Sunbridge Set is well built, rugged, and stylish, even after years of use.

Drawbacks

The only things that bug me about this set have more to do with our weather in upstate NY than with the set itself.  We have a period of pollen in the spring that literally coats surfaces in yellow dust, sometimes up a quarter of an inch thick.  The woven nature of wicker means there are tiny nooks and crannies that hold pollen, causing me to have to hose off the furniture, including the cushions, a few times during this problematic few weeks.  Again, not a problem with the performance of the furniture itself, but a pain nonetheless.  The glass topped table shows every speck of dust, dirt, and pollen all of the time, but using a tablecloth makes clean-up easier and the overall cleanliness of the glass not as much of a concern since it is covered.  I would have been more than happy with a wicker top for the table, but that’s just my preference.

Happier Than I Thought I Would Be

I will admit that when we bought this set of furniture I thought it would need to be replaced within a year or two, since many items sold by Wal Mart are purposely produced to be semi-disposable.  I was entirely surprised when the furniture held up well to moderate use, year-long exposure to the elements, and several washings per year.  I am thrilled with this furniture, and I think we might buy the matching dining set for our backyard deck this summer.

Those looking for replacement cushions for the Sunbridge 4 Peice Furniture Set should consider the Palm Valley Replacement Cushion Set (be sure to measure before purchasing). Also available from Wal-Mart are the Sunbridge Stripe Bench Cushion, Sunbridge Wicker Settee, and Sunbridge Outdoor Cushions, Set of 2.

I will admit that when I dragged my husband to the Babies R Us to register for our impending arrival I was not sure how to go about choosing the things we needed. Sure, I had read a few paragraphs of the Consumer Reports Best Baby Products book, but it was a boring read at best and it really frustrated me that they often recommended items that were well above our targeted price range. Rather than go by the book we did what many first-time parents do: we flew by the seat of our pants. We decided to figure out our big pieces first, starting with our high chair.

Why We Chose It:

We knew that our high chair was the most visible piece of baby furniture we would purchase for our child, as it was slated to take up residence in our kitchen or dining room where our guests, family, and friends gather. It was also one of the most-used pieces of baby gear we would likely obtain, with three meals per day eaten at home, plus snack times and moments when we’d need our little ones to be contained. Keeping those two things in mind, we really tried to get one that we could live with for the long term. While high chair styles range from pink plastic princess monstrosities to $4,000 designer showpieces, we chose the Eddie Bauer Wooden High Chair based on three factors: Stability, Design, and Budget.

I will admit that the biggest and most important factor we considered when we chose the Eddie Bauer Wooden High Chair was aesthetics, which isn’t always the best set of criteria, but it worked out well for us in the end. At first sight we liked the classic wooden structure and I thought it would blend well with the interior style of our house, where we have hardwood floors and unstained, natural Hickory cabinetry. Available in two colors, natural and cherry, and with classically sleek, wood-slatted styling, the chair can easily fit into almost any decor.

Second on our list of importance was cost. While we were registering for a baby shower, our practicality won out and we didn’t want our friends or loved ones to break the bank buying us a chair that would be used for only a few years. Already having ruled out less expensive plastic models, we liked the price point of the Eddie Bauer chair: $119.99 Not too much money, but not so inexpensive that it was likely to be a piece of junk.

Last on our list was stability. We were expecting a boy (who would be roughly 6 months at arrival, via adoption), and we had heard that boys tend to be rougher on furniture so we knew we wanted a chair that could withstand climbing, ramming of small trucks, banging of toys, and of course all of the messes that three meals a day entail. This chair is a workhorse. Now that we have two children, our son loves to climb the side to get a peek at his sister as she eats, and once in awhile we have caught our daughter sitting backwards, with her behind on the tray so she can look out of the window behind her seat. The chair has never tipped over despite their rough (and not recommended) use of it.

Other Aspects We Enjoy:

The Eddie Bauer High Chair comes with a built-in small tray that is perfect for a Cheerios appetizer while the table is being set for dinner. A large tray snaps easily into place over the small tray and I have no problem snapping it into place with one hand, leaving my other hand free to hold the baby. The large tray can be positioned in four different places, depending on how close or far away from your child you would like it to be. There is also a plastic tray liner that fits into the top of the large tray, which goes easily into my standard sized dishwasher each evening.

The entire chair is made of solid wood, no particle board or fiberboard, making the chair solid and sturdy. The bottoms of the legs have rubber feet that keep the chair from slipping around on the floor, and have the added benefit of keeping the chair from scratching our hardwood. There is a shelf under the seat of the high chair where one could store bibs, washcloths, or other supplies; because of our two epicurious dogs we have never been able to take advantage of the shelf, but our kids do have fun hiding their toys there.

The chair cushion is made of fabric (perhaps cotton?) and is safe for machine wash and dry. We used it a lot when our kids were very small, but opted to take it off for easier cleanup once they began to eat more table food. It goes through the laundry nicely, without losing shape or bunching up, and is easily put back on the chair with the use of hook and loop (Velcro type) tape.

This chair wins my personal award for being easy to clean. I have worked in daycare centers with all types of plastic and other wooden chairs and I simply find this one very easy to wipe down. There aren’t many nooks and crannies where food can hide, and with a simple warm wet washcloth I am able to maintain the cleanliness of the high chair without too much elbow grease. On the rare occasions when I felt the mess was out of control, I took the chair outside to my deck and hosed it off. The finish of the chair held up to my medium pressure hose and the wood dried without warping.

The Bothersome Bits:

Even the best products have their drawbacks and I would be lying if I told you there was nothing I would change about the chair. I personally find the straps difficult to adjust for length. It is nearly impossible to do with the child already seated in the chair and it frustrates me every time I have to do it. The good part of this is my kids cannot adjust the belt length themselves, as they can on other straps, so when I buckle them in I know they are going to stay put. I also find it a pain to remove the buckles and straps for washing. Because I clean the chair up after each meal I don’t have to do this very often, but when I do need to remove them it requires a screwdriver which is obviously not ideal.

The same solid construction that makes the chair sturdy also makes it very heavy. I have no problem moving it around, but I have had light-weight friends comment on its heft.

The chair does not fold down, and it does take up a decent amount of real estate in our dining area. It can fit in the corner when not in use, but if you are concerned about saving space this chair may not be for you. Likewise, Eddie Bauer Wooden High Chair does not recline and is not suitable for newborns. If you are looking for a newborn appropriate high chair, this is not it.

Lastly, like many high chairs currently available in today’s market, this one has trays that are light in color and will stain if covered in marinara sauce or other richly colored food, especially if they are not promptly washed. I found that certain brands of pasta sauce stained worse than others, but I was able to remove all stains by making a paste of baking soda and water, applying it to the stain and allowing it to sit for ten minutes before scrubbing it off. If the plastic tray liner was used for a potentially staining meal and then run through the dishwasher it did not stain.

Do I Recommend It?

Absolutely! My kids are both now at an age when they could easily be moved to a booster seat, but the high chair remains in our dining area. I use it for their haircuts, clipping their nails, and other times when I need them to be elevated and contained. We also recently removed the plastic, built-in small tray from the chair (simple to do by backing out four screws with a screwdriver), which allows us to pull it directly up to the dinner table for meals. After nearly three years of heavy daily use, pawing by dogs, and getting bumped around by rambunctious children, the chair is still sturdy, looks good, and seems as though it could last for another ten years. I recommend this chair to all of my expectant friends and to you, too.