Home Rule

USA Pan

2012-01-24T17:33:00.000-05:00

Have you tried USA Pan bakeware yet? Here at Home Rule we love it! It's by far the best not only in durability but also in non-stick that we've come across. Check out this brief video via USA Pan on YouTube and stop in the shop to see it for yourself!

Archipelago Botanicals

2012-01-17T17:12:00.000-05:00

It's been years since we carried Archipelago Botanical Candles. Well you missed them and we missed them and what's the best way to remedy that? Bring them back of course!

Havana

A blend of Bergamot, Tobacco Leaf and Ylang Ylang

Madagascar

A blend of White Orchid, Vanilla, Freesia and Jasmine

Positano

A blend of White Nectarine, Persimmon and Pomegranate

Stonehenge

A blend of Smoked Cedarwood, Bergamot and Amber

Tuscany

A blend of Sweet Basil, Cilantro and Rosemary

Santorini

A fresh blend of Lotus Flower, Bergamot and Lemon Leaf

These hand-poured candles in tins perfect for the home, office or travel.

Each burns for approximately 55 hours.

Stop in the shop and experience them in person!

Drop Humidifiers by Crane

2012-01-13T13:30:00.000-05:00

New this year at Home Rule, Drop Humidifiers by Crane!

Available in Orange, Green, White and Pink.

For more videos, check out Crane's YouTube Channel!

Great Gifts for Tea Lovers

2011-10-12T13:53:00.000-04:00

We're pretty excited about our whimsical selection of tea infusers right now. Whimsy not your thing? No worries, we've got some plain ol'traditional tea infusers too! Stop in the shop to see our full selection.

1. Robot Tea Infuser by Kikkerland

2. Monkey Tea Infuser by Kikkerland

These funny little infusers are made of stainless steel and come with a small tray to set them on once your tea has steeped.

3. Tea Infuser & Saucer by Arta

The sweet bud-like tea ball snaps on and off the branch to fill with your favorite loose tea. Flip the saucer over and rest it on top of your mug to steep. Perfect for white and herbal teas which need to steep covered. When finished just flip it back over and set it down, the saucer catches all the drips.

4. Just Ducky Floating Tea Infuser by RSVP

Fill the mesh infuser and snap it on this cute duck. The duck will float, swimming around your mug. Includes plastic drip cup for when he's finished swimming.

5. Tea Leaf Infuser by Arta

Large enough capacity to brew a full pot but also great for single cups. Pop the top off, fill with tea and rest in pot or mug.

Holy Heck! An Earthquake!

2011-08-24T13:11:00.000-04:00

How about that!? An earthquake here in DC. While we are smiling, laughing and joking all about it now, I've gotta say it definitely gave us here in the shop a good scare!

Of course, none of these pictures are very dramatic, but it sure felt that way. We had lots of glass to clean up. Apparently in the event of an earthquake, picture frames cliff dive. GERONIMOOOOO!!

Lots of our personal care products toppled over on displays, some even falling off completely. It's strange, seems as though the quake was focused in one area of the shop. Frames were a disaster, personal care all over the place, but an entire wall of wine glasses? Not one out of place! What a relief.

Other than the one "disaster zone" not much happened. A pyramid of light up ice cubes crumbled, some on the floor (not pictured) and some just on the shelf.

A few lunch boxes and bags ended up on the floor.

And our REsolve, REturn, REuse sign fell off the wall, but good ol'baggu stopped it from falling to the ground.

All in all the pictures and damages are pretty anticlimactic. That being said however, it really was scary. Myself and one other crew member were in the store at the time and luckily no customers. I was standing right where the store got hit hardest stocking shelves of personal care product. I felt the display moving, left - right - left - right and heard a slight rumbling. Nothing too out of the ordinary, honestly. We've got some serious construction right across the street and when big trucks drive down 14th Street it usually shakes the ground a bit. But this, I instantly knew was different. It felt so strange that I pulled my hands back quickly off the display and low and behold I was swaying left - right - left - right too! I instantly knew it was a quake and turned around to look for my coworker. He turned to look at me at just that moment and without a word or sound uttered we both bolted for the door. Talk about adrenaline!! We were the first out on the sidewalk, but just a few, maybe 5 to 10 seconds, after us all the shops flooded out onto the sidewalk. A quick check in with our neighbors to make sure no one was hurt and just like that it was all over.

Here's hoping for no more natural disasters this week... Oh wait, Irene is already on her way! Sheesh...

Dog Days Sidewalk Sale: How it all began.

2011-08-02T22:20:00.001-04:00

If you're local to the District you know as well as we do,

The Dog Days of August are not the most comfortable days here in the Nation's Captial.

photo via HERE

It seems as though the entire city flees as soon as Friday afternoons hit and they don't return until work calls looking for them Monday morning. The sale sprang from our desire to energize whomever was left in the city to come out and shop! Talking people into leaving their oh so comfortable air conditioning isn't the easiest thing in the world, what better way to encourage them than a BIG SALE! Inspiration came from one of the owners, whose father owned a retail shop and used to have a "Crazy Day" sidewalk sale. Employees would dress up in costumes and pull bins of sale product out on the sidewalk. We ditched the costume concept (can you imagine wearing a costume in this heat!?), but you might see a silly hat or two.

photo via HERE

Once the idea was formed, Home Rule pounded the pavement going to other local shops to see if anyone would be willing to hop on the bandwagon. That first year, the summer of 2000, six stores signed on: Good Wood, Rough and Ready, Pet Essentials, Framesmith, Raven Arts, and us here at Home Rule. Since that first sale our neighborhood has vastly grown and evolved. We can't express how thrilled we are that in the now thriving neighborhood our little idea has become the largest annual event in MidCity!

One thing is for sure, The people of DC love coming out to The Dog Days of Summer Sale. Some for the deals and others for the carnival-like atmosphere that it creates for one special weekend. It truly is the best time to come explore this amazing neighborhood's history, culture, food, shops, services, and people.

Home Rule is offering 50 to 75% OFF everything on the sidewalk.

Saturday, August 6, 2011 10am to 7pm

Sunday, August 7, 2011 12noon to 5pm

Come early Saturday for the best selection!

To see what else is being offered during the Dog Days Sidewalk Sale go to www.midcitylife.com or follow the hashtag #DogDaysDC on twitter!

Happiest Summer wishes to you all, See you on the sidewalk!

too hot to bake? try no-bake desserts!

2011-07-27T12:00:00.000-04:00

We just recently ran across this post on Whole Story, the official Whole Foods market blog and just had to share! It's ultra mega hot here in DC, and as many of us don't have central AC and also have tiny kitchens, who can even think of turning on an oven? Fear not! Mary Olivar has pulled together a great list of no-bake desserts for everyone to enjoy.

Double Grape Slushies.

Photo and Recipe via Whole Story, the official Whole Foods Market blog.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup concord grape juice
1 cup seedless red or green grapes
1 cup honeydew melon chunks
2 cups ice cubes

Method:
Pour juice into a blender. Drop in fruit and ice. Keep your hands out! Put the lid on and blend until smooth.

No-Bake Thumbprint Cookies.
Photo and Recipe via Whole Story, the official Whole Foods Market blog

Ingredients:
3/4 cup pitted dates
3 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 cups smooth almond butter
1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
Zest and juice of 1 orange
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
3/4 cup 100% all-fruit preserves, such as cherry or apricot

Method:
Put dates into a medium bowl, cover with hot water and set aside to let soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the soaking liquid, and then drain dates well.

In a food processor, pulse oats until coarsely ground; transfer to a large bowl and set aside. Transfer dates and reserved 1/2 cup soaking liquid to food processor and purée until smooth. Add date mixture, almond butter, coconut, orange zest and juice, cinnamon and salt to bowl with oats and knead together to make a dough.

Roll dough into 24 balls, transferring them to a parchment paper-lined sheet tray as done. Make an indentation in the middle of each cookie by pressing down with your thumb. Spoon a bit of fruit preserves into each indentation and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Chai Almond Smoothie.

Photo and Recipe via Whole Story, the official Whole Foods Market blog

Ingredients:
6 pitted dates
1 1/2 cups unsweetened almondmilk
2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method:
Place dates and almond milk in a medium bowl or liquid measuring cup and chill for 2 hours to soften dates. Put dates, almond milk, cocoa powder, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg and vanilla in a high speed blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

Lemon Treats.

Photo and Recipe via Whole Story, the official Whole FOods Market blog

Ingredients:
1 cup chopped pitted dates
1 cup raw walnuts
1 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
1/2 cup unsweetened dried coconut flakes

Method:
Place dates, walnuts, sesame seeds, lemon juice and zest in a food processor. Pulse and blend until completely mixed. The mixture will be slightly sticky. With dampened hands, roll tablespoons of the mixture into balls. Roll in coconut and chill until ready to serve.

Strawberry Melon Gazpacho.

Photo and Recipe via WHole Story, the official Whole Foods Market blog

Ingredients:

2 cups (1-inch cubes) cantaloupe
2 cups (1-inch cubes) seedless watermelon
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
1 pound organic strawberries, hulled, divided
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Method:
Place cantaloupe, watermelon, cucumber, half of strawberries, and lime juice in a food processor and blend until puréed. Chop remaining strawberries and stir into the soup. Refrigerate until chilled.

Summer Skin by Anthony

2011-07-20T12:00:00.000-04:00

Summer can be pretty rough on our skin. Especially here in humid DC (Did anyone else see that weather.com ranked DC the 6th hottest city in the nation?!)

Obviously, sunscreen is a must for all skin types regardless of skin tone, but beyond that Anthony Logistics has 3 great products we suggest for summertime skin.

With the amount of products we put all over our bodies in the summer it's crucial to exfoliate. Let your skin breathe! Exfoliating helps clear out all the products, dirts, oils, and dead skin.

For the face we recommend the Facial Scrub:

Strategy: Spherical Beads in the face scrub roll over your face, cleaning, rejuvenating. Aloe Vera and Algae soothe, Vitamin C nourishes, Chamomile soothes and refreshes.

Method of Use: Apply face scrub to wet skin, massage all over face using circular motion. Rinse off. Use 1-2 times a week, as needed.

For your body try the Mud Scrub Exfoliating Bar:

Strategy: A great soap - filled with good stuff that deep cleanses and leaves your skin happy: dead sea mud and oatmeal extract to exfoliate and smoothe, glycerin and aloe vera to moisturize and soothe.

Method of Use: Lather up, apply everywhere. Avoid contact with eyes.

The summer heat means lots of bare skin, which means regular hair removal. Whether you wax or shave, you may suffer the side effects: razor burn, ingrown hairs, razor bumps and redness. Yuck! My personal favorite item in all of Anthony's lines is The Cool Fix:

**What is The Cool Fix?** Anthony’s Cool Fix is a specially formulated blue gel that relieves the uncomfortable side effects of hair removal – and it’s not just for the gents. The Cool Fix is the first product to join our Shaveworks line, a unisex line of shaving products. So stock up ladies, because this one’s for you too!

How does it work? The Cool Fix works by loosening dead skin from the surface of the affected area, detoxifying the wound and killing bacteria, and then soothing the skin to reduce unsightly redness. If you’re dealing with an ingrown hair, our formula uses the best exfoliating agents to reach the problem-solving hair and release it. For other shaving discomforts, our blue gel goes on quickly and smoothly to cool irritated skin instantly.

How do I use it? Apply The Cool Fix to dry, clean skin after shaving or waxing. For best results, use it immediately after your hair removal experience and then each morning and evening following until your skin is cleared of irritation. It can also be used preventatively, so you may want to apply The Cool Fix every other day to maintain healthy skin and keep ingrown hairs from developing.

Why you’ll love it. The Cool Fix offers a solution to a daily frustration we all face – embarrassing and uncomfortable irritations from hair removal. It will help your skin chill out so you can enjoy swimsuit season and have the confidence to bare it all. The added bonus is that you can both use it, so buy a big bottle and spread the love!

Stop in the shop to check out these and other products by Anthony Logistics.

Here's to happy healthy skin all summer long!

Seared Steak with Minted Watermelon

2011-07-13T12:40:00.000-04:00


Photo: Kate Mathis - Recipe: Good Housekeeping

Talk about a perfect for summer, this recipe includes not only steak from the grill but one of the best summertime fruits, watermelon! Yummmmm.....
Photo and Recipe via Good Housekeeping

Ingredients

8 ounce(s) thin rice noodles
1 (1-pound) boneless 1-inch-thick beef sirloin steak
Salt
Pepper
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 stalk(s) lemongrass, yellow and pale green part only, finely chopped
1 teaspoon(s) sugar
1/4 cup(s) fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon(s) lower-sodium fish sauce
1/2 small (3 cups) watermelon, rind removed, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 seedless (English) cucumber, cut in half and thinly sliced
1/2 cup(s) packed fresh mint leaves, finely chopped

Prepare outdoor grill for covered direct grilling on medium.
Prepare noodles as label directs. Drain, rinse under cold water, and drain again.
Season steak with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place steak on hot grill; cover. Cook 12 to 13 minutes for medium-rare or until desired doneness, turning once. Transfer steak to cutting board; let rest 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in large bowl, stir shallot, lemongrass, sugar, lime juice, and fish sauce until sugar dissolves. Thinly slice steak across the grain. Add to bowl, along with watermelon, cucumber, and mint. Toss gently until well mixed.
Divide noodles among serving plates. Top with steak mixture and accumulated juices.

it's hot out, have an icepop!

2011-06-08T12:18:00.000-04:00

Here are 5 recipes for fantastic home made ice pops.

Do you have a great recipe? We'd love to know! You can post them on our facebook page, leave a comment here on the blog, or send recipes to katie@homerule.com.

Homemade Chocolate Oreo Pudding Ice Pops

recipe and photo via Let's Get Cookin'

Ingredients:

Chocolate Pudding 3.4 oz box
2 cups of Milk
6 Oreo’s
1/2 cup of cool whip

Directions:

Combine 2 cups of milk and Chocolate pudding mix in a medium size bowl.
Mix for Approx. 2 minutes.
Add Cool Whip and crushed Oreo Cookies.
Blend Well!
Fill pop molds and freeze for 5 hours.

Honeydew Lime Ice Pops

recipe and photo via Epicurious

Ingredients:

1/4 cup superfine or regular granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1 (3 1/2-lb) ripe honeydew melon, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (4 cups)
2/3 cup fresh lime juice

Directions:

Dissolve sugar in water by stirring if using superfine or by heating in a small heavy saucepan if using regular granulated (then cool).
Blend half of melon and half of lime juice in a blender until smooth.
Add syrup and remaining melon and lime juice and purée until smooth.
Force purée through a fine-mesh sieve into a 2-quart glass measure or bowl, pressing on solids and then discarding them.
Pour mixture into molds and freeze until slushy, about 2 hours.
Insert sticks, then freeze Pops until completely hardened, at least 6 hours.

Watermelon-Mint Ice Pops

recipe and photo via Eating Out Loud

Ingredients:

4 cups cubed watermelon
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup mint leaves
juice of 1 lime

Directions:

Begin by removing the watermelon rind and slicing your watermelon into small cubes. It’s easiest if you use a seedless watermelon but if you buy one with seeds, you’ll need to seed the watermelon before you puree it.
Place all ingredients into a food processor or blender then puree. Stick blenders make quick work of the job.
Pour the mix into your molds and freeze!

Strawberry and Peach Vodka Collins Ice Pops

recipe and photo via Bakers Royale

Ingredients:

6 oz pureed strawberry (about 10 strawberries)
2 oz peach syrup (recipe follows)
12 oz tonic water
2 oz plus 3 oz vodka (divided use)

Directions:

Stir strawberry puree with 2 oz. of vodka. Place three teaspoons of strawberry mixture in the bottom of popsicle form; set aside.
Stir peach syrup with tonic water stir to combine. Add vodka and stir to combine.
Pour peach and vodka mixture over strawberry mixture and stir to combine.
Freeze for about 2 hours or until mixture starts to solidify enough to hold a popsicle stick upright. Insert popsicle sticks and finish freezing popsicles overnight. To release popsicles run hot water on the outside of popsicle molds for a 2-3 seconds.

Peach Syrup (You will have more syrup than you need. Save for other cocktail uses)

Ingredients:

½ cup sliced peaches (about 4 medium size peaches)
1 cup water
1 cups sugar

Directions:

Wash, peel, and pit peaches. Place peaches in a blender or food processor and process until peaches are pureed.
Place water, sugar and peach puree in a pot and bring to a boil and continue to boil for 5 minutes.

Bittersweet Chocolate-Bourbon Ice Pops

recipe and photo via Fine Cooking

Ingredients:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
3-1/2 oz. bittersweet chocolate (70% to 72%), chopped
2 Tbs. Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1/8 tsp. table salt
2 Tbs. good-quality bourbon (like Knob Creek)

Directions:

Put the sugar, chocolate, cocoa powder, salt, and 2 cups water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly.
Transfer to a 4-cup glass measure (or any container with a spout for easy pouring). Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Stir in the bourbon and divide the mixture among pop molds.
Freeze until completely set, about 7 hours

it's hot outside, keep hydrated!

2011-06-01T17:00:00.000-04:00

Oh Washington DC, it's so hot! What better way to fight the heat than with some nice cool water. Here at Home Rule we've got several options for your hydration needs...

Bobble

Bobble is a patented filtered water bottle for life on the move. Hydrate, be beautiful and reduce waste, one sip at a time. Just fill the clever bottle with tap water and the charcoal filter pulls out impurities before you take a nice, refreshing sip. BPA-free, made from recycled PET (RPET) they are 100% recyclable. Not intended for use where water is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown origin.

Mavea

Tap water, whilst safe to drink, may contain substances which affect its taste, smell, appearance and overall quality. MAVEA filtered water significantly reduces chlorine

taste and odor making your drinking water clearer and refreshingly delicious.

The MAVEA filtration technology is an optimal mixture of activated carbon and

ion exchange resin beads that work together with the unique cartridge shape

to improve water taste and reduce limescale and other contaminants (e.g. cadmium,

copper, mercury, atrazine, simazine, benzene and tetrachloroethylene).

Takeya

Portable and stylish designs that are eco-friendly, dishwasher safe and deliver fresh taste without plastic or metal flavors. Takeya’s reusable Glass Water Bottles are made from pure glass, will greatly reduce the accumulation of plastic water bottles in landfills across the U.S. and are free of any toxic chemicals. The silicone jacket provides soft grip & protects the glass bottle and the airtight twist cap is leakproof.

Oggi

A safe, stylish and reusable alternative to disposable plastic bottles these

aluminum sport bottles have screw-top loop bottle caps and caribiner clips.

They are ultra-lightweight and impact-resistant. Made from recyclable aluminum

they have a non-toxic, baked-on inner liner.

Stop on by the shop to see all our options and colors in person!

Eco plates and bowls by Wasara

2011-05-23T11:36:00.001-04:00

Just in time for summer barbecues, picnics, rooftop parties and more...

Clearly designed to accentuate food and drink, WASARA elevates disposable tableware to a whole new level. Offering the best in Japanese design, these products fit comfortably in the hand, with an elegant texture and sturdy quality that are unparalleled in the category.

Style is only half the story, though: WASARA is also a fully “green” product. Made from tree-free renewable materials (sugar cane fiber, bamboo, and reed pulp), and fully biodegradable and compostable, WASARA is as good to the earth as it is to your culinary creations.

Here in the shop we're carrying the 6.5" plates, 9" plates, and 5" bowls.

What is WASARA made from?
WASARA is a 100% tree-free product made from bagasse (sugar-cane fiber), bamboo, and reed pulp — all of which are agricultural waste byproducts. Added to the mix is a trace of a water- and oil-resistant agent.

How does WASARA stand up to heat and liquids?
In a word, beautifully. Unlike other biodegradable tableware made from bagasse (sugar cane fiber), WASARA does not become pliable or “sweat” when hot liquids are added. This is thanks to WASARA’s unique formulation.

Please keep in mind that WASARA should not be used with liquids at or above boiling (212°F or 100°C). As with all paper tableware, WASARA will be hot to the touch when filled with hot liquids. Please exercise the same caution you would with any paper cup.

Is WASARA microwaveable?
Yes. Please note that contents may be hot, and exercise the same caution you would with any paper cup.

How biodegradable is WASARA?
WASARA is ASTM D-6400 certified (the same standard used by the Biodegradable Products Institute) to be fully biodegradable and compostable, even in home composting systems.

Will WASARA biodegrade during my party?
No. WASARA will biodegrade only when subjected to the conditions of a composting bin or other disposal situations (i.e., high-heat and -pressure conditions). Thanks to WASARA’s unique formulation, which includes a trace amount of a water- and oil-resistant agent, these products hold up beautifully during the span of your event.

Stop by the shop to see them in person and feel how sturdy they really are! See you soon!

Content and Photos via Branch Home

Twist 'n Sparkle

2011-04-27T13:05:00.000-04:00

Twist 'n Sparkle by iSi North America

A new twist on home carbonation!

Unlike some other home carbonation systems, Twist 'N Sparkle directly carbonates your beverage of choice. That's right, sparkling orange juice? No problem. Wanna fizz up your favorite wine? Yup, it can do that too. Simply pour in your favorite chilled beverage, insert an iSi^® soda charger, and twist on the sparkling wand. Voila! It’s that simple and that delicious. Fresh customized carbonated drinks at the twist of a wrist. They even provide a recipe booklet to get you started but we know the best drinks are the ones you’ll be creating yourself. Not only is it simple to use, it requires no electricity or batteries and it won’t take up valuable countertop space.

We've got all you'll need to get sparkling here at Home Rule!

Twist ‘n Sparkle Starter Set
• 1 Reusable Bottle (1 Quart/950 ml)
• 1 Sparkling Wand
• 3 recyclable iSi Sparklets soda chargers
• 1 Recipe Booklet featuring 26 sparkling beverage ideas

Twist ‘n Sparkle Bottle Set

• Set of two reusable bottles (1 Quart/950 ml)

iSi Sparklets^® Soda Chargers

• Pack of 24 iSi Sparklets^® soda chargers

Okay, maybe not everything, but that's easily settled. Just stop in to our neighbors at Cork Market and pick up some wine.

Soda Stream is here!

2011-03-29T15:01:00.000-04:00

Fresh, Fizzy Sparkling Water for 25 cents per liter!

Call it sparkling water, soda water, club soda or seltzer... But no matter what you call it, you'll save on lugging, storing and disposing of cases of sparkling water. And, you’ll save money (a lot of money!) With SodaStream you’ll enjoy sparkling water starting at just 25 cents per liter. Plus, with SodaStream, you control the fizz. Enjoy lightly carbonated water…or seltzer so fizzy it will tickle your nose. However you like your sparkling water, you can make it precisely to taste at just the touch of a button! You can even make your own flavored sparkling water just by adding a few drops of SodaStream's all-natural, unsweetened MyWater flavor essences.

Everyone in the family will enjoy their favorite flavor with SodaStream's great tasting sodamix! Enjoy traditional favorites such as Cola, Lemon-Lime, Orange and Root Beer or mixers including Ginger Ale. Also, be sure to try one of their delicious fruit creations, including Diet Pink Grapefruit and Cranberry-Raspberry.

How Does SodaStream Help the Environment?

SodaStream is an "Active Green" product, meaning that consumers are actively reducing their CO2 footprint every time they make soda or sparkling water at home instead of buying it from the store. The more the system is used on a daily basis, the more CO2 footprint the user actively saves. (This differs from "Passive Green" products, which use green-friendly production processes, but their products are not inherently helping the consumers save on their daily footprint.) Because SodaStream uses water straight from the tap, the system makes traditional store-bought beverage bottles obsolete. That means less plastic manufactured, less plastic waste is created, and fewer bottled beverages must be transported from manufacturers to distributors to stores to homes. Globally, 206 billion liters of bottled water were consumed in 2008 (Zenith International Global Bottled Water Report, 2008). The energy required to make water bottles in the US only, is equivalent to 17 million barrels of oil (Container Recycling Institute, 2002). According to the US Recycling Institute, more than 80% of bottles in the US do not get recycled and end up in landfills. Also, an estimated 4.7 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions were produced in the process of replacing the 134 billion bottles and cans not recycled in 2005.

Using your own home carbonation system means:

Less packaging waste from cans and bottles.
Less pollution caused by transport of bottled beverages.

One SodaStream carbonator makes 60 or 110 liters, equivalent to 170 or 310 aluminum cans! When empty, the carbonator is refilled and reused, ready to make more fizzy and tasty soda whenever you want it.

Needless to say we are pretty excited to have Soda Stream in the shop. Whether it's right for you for convenience, for it's earth friendliness, or because it's just plain fun, we're sure you are going to love having it in your home. Stop in the shop to check out our complete Soda Stream Collection!

Mandarin Vetiver New Caldrea Scent!

2011-03-23T13:29:00.000-04:00

This just in the shop: Mandarin Vetiver by Caldrea!

Caldrea says:

Fragrance No. 19

Mandarin Vetiver

Herbaceous, woody vetiver has long been a favorite of the world's most distinguished perfumeries and its timeless appeal makes it a modern classic. Fresh, light citrus is its perfect partner. Lively top notes of blood orange and grapefruit give way to tangerine blossoms and woody petitgrain. Earthy vetiver brings refinement and sensuality to balance this sublime citrus composition. Base notes of white thyme round out this chic fragrance, creating a fresh and lasting impression.

Home Rule says:

We love this new scent! It is an instant favorite. Just in time for spring, the bright citrus aroma will certainly wake up your senses! Currently in the shop we are carrying the 16oz Hand Soap, 16oz Countertop Cleaner and the 16oz Dish Soap in this fresh new scent.

Stop in the shop to check out our full collection of Caldrea!

Ooooh, Aaaaah, Abyss & Habidecor

2011-01-21T15:35:00.000-05:00

With so much to choose from how's one to make up their mind!? Stop in the shop to see our swatch book of all the lovely colors and styles we can special order from Abyss&Habidecor.

Annual January White Sale!

2011-01-13T15:13:00.000-05:00

Happy 2011 Home Rule Fan!

It's a new year!

Come in to Home Rule for a fresh and clean start!

Well, a clean start for your bathroom that is.

Starting Monday, January 10, 2011

Save 20% on soft goods!

This 20% discount includes all dish towels, dishcloths, bath towels, bath rugs, and shower curtains! Best of all this also includes all of our Abyss & Habidecor fine European towels and rugs, both in store and special order. Abyss & Habidecor are one of the finest towel and rug purveyors available today.

Come in and feel the difference!

Annual January White Sale

January 10, 2011 - January 31, 2011

Monday - Saturday

11am - 7pm

Sunday

12pm - 5:30pm

Here's to a fresh and clean year!

The Home Rule Crew

Beat the post-holiday blues - Bring Home the Spa!

2011-01-06T12:23:00.000-05:00

Let’s face it: It’s winter, not summer. It’s time for hot chocolate, not hot days at the beach. Reality hits hard with cold winter days that leave your skin tired and dull. No matter what, you’re still not ready to give up the warm, relaxing vibes of long summer days. Good news, you don’t have to! Bring home the beach and get renewed, exfoliated skin! Get a little taste of the warm summer days with an amazing Sea Salt Body Scrub by Anthony Logistics for Men.

Anthony’s Sea Salt Body scrub is a natural exfoliant that revitalizes skin, helping you get back that summer glow. Sea Kelp Extract nourishes and softens, while Aloe Vera Gel soothes and refreshes. Nutmeg Oil has been added to tone, and then there’s a little Vitamin C to protect and tighten your skin. Get a little citrus action with Lime and Mandarin Oils that tone and protect against stretch marks. Spread this scrub all over and you’re sure to be transported to your favorite tropical vacation!

We're still open and we still have....

2010-12-23T13:44:00.001-05:00

Goodness Gracious! Christmas is only a couple days away!!

Don't worry though, we're still open. Today (Thurs 12/23/10) we are open 11am to 8pm and tomorrow (Fri 12/24/10) we'll be open 11am to 4pm for your last last last minute needs.

Christmas is just two days away, but fear not! We still have plenty of stock on several cool gifts.

Baggu Reusable Bags

A-Z Magnatab for Uppercase letter practice

Chicken Kitchen Timers

Chillbot Robot Ice Cube Tray

Ice Orb Multi Use Icecube Tray

Monkey and Owl Animal Sound Alarm clocks

Monkey Vegetable Peeler

Oenopull Wine Bottle Opener

Paper Pot Tissue/Toilet paper dispensers

Olde Thompson Pepper Grinder

Yumbot Robot silicone cupcake molds

Gift Wrapping on the 1800 block!

2010-12-15T18:07:00.000-05:00

Great News! Now through Chirstmas Eve...

Take your receipt and items purchased at any of the stores along the

1800 block of 14th Street NW next door to Go Mama Go! (1809 14th St)

Where organizations such as The Trevor Project, Ganymede Arts, Movember DC, The PeaceBrokers, and Lifting Voices (just to name a few!)

are offering gift wrapping services for charitable donations.

Service is available December 1 through December 24

Monday – Friday

5pm – 7pm

Saturday – Sunday

11am – 8pm

Christmas Eve

11am – 4pm

MidCity Holly Days!

2010-12-10T16:24:00.000-05:00

The Holidays are a time for giving,

here at Home Rule we embrace that whole heartedly.

During MidCity's Holly Days weekend bring a donation to our shop for

Martha's Table and we will give you a coupon for

25% Off

any one item in our store, your choice!

Coupon valid December 11th and 12th in store only. One per customer.

All donations will be gladly accepted, however to find out exactly

what Martha's Table needs check out their Wish List

Stop by the 1800 block of 14th Street Dec 11th + 12th

for hot cider, cookies, gift wrapping, and all the best gifts.

To see what our Neighbors and Friends are offering during

the Holly Days weekend visit MidCity's Website

See You Soon!!

Thanksgiving must haves!

2010-11-17T16:58:00.001-05:00

Here in the shop we get oodles of "Oh my gosh I need..." emergencies on the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Here is a short list of the most common I don't haves. Even if you have it all, now is the perfect time to upgrade with our Donate for a Discount drive that is going on all the way through the end of November. Check out all the details HERE!

1. Fat/Gravy Separator by Oxo

2. Digital In-Oven Thermometer/Timer by Polder

3. Apple Divider by Oxo

4. Perfect Pie Plate by Rose Levy Bakeware

5. Dual Baster, Baster and flavor injector in one by Cuisipro

6. Plates and Platters by Harold Import Company

7. Pastry Blender by Harold Import Company

8. Fold Flat Potato Masher by Prepara

9. Roasting Rack by Harold Import Company

Kuhn Rikon's Deco Frosting Pen

2010-11-11T14:04:00.001-05:00

Here are a collection of useful "How To" videos from Kuhn Rikon about their super cool Deco Frosting Pen.

OXO tot, Snack Time and Clean Up!

2010-11-04T13:58:00.001-04:00

We're excited to be carrying OXO's new tot line!

Here's a quick peek at their snack and cleaning lines.

Fig&Prune Jam Pumpkin Pie

2010-10-28T13:43:00.003-04:00

This Adaptation from a traditional Pumpkin Pie makes use of fruit jam rather than sugar and will gain rave reviews from all who partake in its consumption! Ingredients as listed are all organic for the highest quality taste, but it's optional. For the play by play, scroll down through the photos. Wanna get straight to the nitty gritty? Ingredients list and directions are at the bottom of this post.

In a Food Processor combine 1.5 cups flour, 6 Tbs chilled unsalted butter cut into pieces, 2 Tbs vegetable shortening, and 1/4 tsp salt. 15 to 20 pulses should do the trick. It should look a bit like cornmeal. Next, with the processor on slowly drizzle in the water until the dough starts to come together. Stop mixing before the dough forms into a ball. Using your hands gently work the dough into a rough ball and transfer onto a smooth non-stick surface. Press the ball into a 4" disk. Make sure not to overwork or warm the dough too much with your hands. Seal the disk in a zip lock bag and chill for at least one hour in the fridge.

After the dough has chilled for at least one hour, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. A Roul'Pat is ideal for rolling out dough. They are non-stick, flexible and designed specifically for pastries and dough by the masters of pastries and dough, the French!

Lightly flour your Roul'Pat or other non-stick work surface and roll the dough out into a round. Dough should be approximately 1/8" thick and 11" round. French taper rolling pins work best for pies (Notice a trend? those French sure know their baked goods!) as they do not have a blunt end like a pin with handles does.

Set the dough over your pie plate and gentle work to crimp the edges with your fingers. Cut off any excess dough with kitchen shears. Set pie shell aside.

If using fresh pumpkins, clean, cook and puree!

In a medium mixing bowl combine 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of jam (we used a homemade fig and prune jam courtesy of some friendly neighbors, but whatever you like will work!), 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon. Mix well. Next add 3 lightly beaten eggs, 6oz of evaporated milk and 1/3 cup plain yogurt. Stir until combined.

Pour the filling into the prepared pie shell. Cover the edge of the pie with a crust protector or some tin foil so it doesn't burn. Bake for 45 minutes or until the center has set. Test the center with a cake tester or a toothpick.

Cool completely before serving or store in the fridge. And of course don't forget to serve with a large scoop of ice cream or whipped topping of your choice! Yummm!!

Ingredients:

Crust:

1.5 cups organic flour, plus extra for dusting

6 Tbs chilled unsalted organic butter, cut into pieces

2 Tbs vegetable shortening

1/4 tsp salt

3 Tbs distilled ice water

Pie Filling:

1 cup cooked and pureed pumpkin or 1 can pureed pumpkin

1 cup fig, apple, or other jam of your choice

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

3 eggs lightly beaten

6 oz organic evaporated milk

1/3 cup plain fat free organic goat yogurt (any plain fat free yogurt will work)

Directions:

For the crust:

In a Food Processor combine flour, butter, shortening and salt. About 15 to 20 quick pulses or until the mixture looks a bit like corn meal.

Turn the food processor on and slowly drizzle in the ice water until the dough starts to come together.

Stop mixing the dough before it forms a ball.

Lightly work the dough into a rough ball with your hands and transfer onto a smooth non-stick surface (Roul'Pat is ideal) and press into a 4 inch disk. Make sure not to overwork or warm the dough too much.

Seal the disk in a zip lock bag and chill for at least an hour in the fridge (More chilling time is okay!)

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Lightly flour a Roul'Pat and roll the dough out into a circle about 1/8" thick and 11" in diameter.

Set the dough in a 9" pie plate, gently crimp the edges with your fingers.

Filling:

In a medium mixing bowl combine pumpkin puree, jam, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well.

Add the eggs, milk and yogurt. Stir until combined.

Pour the filling into the pie shell.

Bake for 45 minutes or until center has set.

Cool completely before serving or store in the fridge.

Face Candy for Men!

2010-10-20T18:34:00.008-04:00

Halloween is around the corner, and you’re ready to dig into some of your favorite candies. But before you can enjoy yourself this Halloween, you need to address that little bit of scary razor burn on your neck. You definitely don’t want to have the scariest costume because of unsightly and uncomfortable redness and irritation. Marshmallow extract is exactly what your face is craving. Yes, we’re talking candy for your face, but relax, you don’t have to slather those gooey white treats all over your skin....

Anthony Logistics Razor Burn Repair is a treat your skin will love. The Marshmallow Extract featured in the product is the perfect candy—for your face that is. It naturally soothes and calms your irritated skin. Marshmallow isn’t the only tasty treat Anthony Logistics has for your face. Peppermint oil refreshes, energizes, relaxes, soothes and stimulates. It can help relieve itching, inflammation and sunburn. They weren’t satisfied there, so they talked to some witches who are out and about for the season, and they let them in on a little secret they use in their potions: St. John’s Wort Extract. The extract is good for chapped, irritated skin, so they threw a little of that in there too. Other key ingredients: Aloe Juice, a natural enhancer that reduces flaking and restores suppleness and super soothing Chamomile. This lightweight emulsion moisturizes and soothes skin. Razor Burn Repair helps heal skin and calms razor burn by instantly relieving redness and stinging. The lotion is enriched with essential oils, vitamins and herbal extracts to help rejuvenate men's skin. A little bit goes a long way with this cooling after shave treat.

So on the day of the dead don’t let dead skin be the scariest thing about your costume. Don’t trick your skin; treat it with a great emulsion of Marshmallow, Peppermint, and Aloe by using Anthony Logistics Razor Burn Repair.

Simple Lemon Cookies

2010-10-14T17:02:00.006-04:00

These lemon cookies are so tasty and so super simple to make! For the play by play, scroll down through the photos. Wanna get straight to the nitty gritty? Ingredients list and directions are at the bottom of this post.

You need one box of lemon cake, 2 eggs, 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of lemon extract, and 1/2 cup of confectioners sugar.

Combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil and lemon extract in a mixing bowl. Stand mixers are fantastic, but this dough is easily mixed by hand as well. For hand mixing, Oxo's Medium Silicone Spatula works great.

Measure out 1/2 cup of confectioners sugar. Soup plates are excellent for coating things. They give you plenty of room to roll around the dough and have a more substantial lip to keep the sugar on the plate.

These cookie are small, all you need is a small scoop or spoonful. Oxo's small cookie scoop which works great. If you do want to make these cookies on the bigger size, beware of burnt bottoms!

The cookies look best when they are well coated, so don't be shy with the sugar!

Space the dough evenly on a cookie sheet. We at Home Rule love Doughmakers Cookie Sheets. There is no non-stick coating, the pebbly design keeps things from sticking while allowing a little extra air to circulate for more even cooking.

Bake for approximately 9 minutes. Cookies are done when the tops are cracked and the bottoms are light brown. Transfer cookies onto a wire cooling rack. Living in a DC apartment? These stacking cooling racks are excellent space savers. They come in sets of 3 and fold flat for storage.

Ingredients:
1 (18.25 ounce) package lemon cake mix
2 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon lemon extract
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Pour cake mix into a large bowl. Stir in eggs, oil, and lemon extract until well blended.
Drop spoonfuls of dough into a bowl of confectioners' sugar. Roll them around until they're lightly covered. Once sugared, put them on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake for 9 minutes in the preheated oven. The bottoms will be light brown, and the insides chewy.

Home Rule

USA Pan

Archipelago Botanicals

Drop Humidifiers by Crane

Great Gifts for Tea Lovers

Holy Heck! An Earthquake!

Dog Days Sidewalk Sale: How it all began.

too hot to bake? try no-bake desserts!

Summer Skin by Anthony

Strategy: Spherical Beads in the face scrub roll over your face, cleaning, rejuvenating. Aloe Vera and Algae soothe, Vitamin C nourishes, Chamomile soothes and refreshes.

Method of Use: Apply face scrub to wet skin, massage all over face using circular motion. Rinse off. Use 1-2 times a week, as needed.

For your body try the Mud Scrub Exfoliating Bar:

Stop in the shop to check out these and other products by Anthony Logistics.

Here's to happy healthy skin all summer long!

Seared Steak with Minted Watermelon

it's hot out, have an icepop!

it's hot outside, keep hydrated!

Eco plates and bowls by Wasara

Twist 'n Sparkle

Soda Stream is here!

*Mandarin Vetiver* New Caldrea Scent!

Ooooh, Aaaaah, Abyss & Habidecor

Annual January White Sale!

Beat the post-holiday blues - Bring Home the Spa!

We're still open and we still have....

Gift Wrapping on the 1800 block!

MidCity Holly Days!

Thanksgiving must haves!

Kuhn Rikon's Deco Frosting Pen

OXO tot, Snack Time and Clean Up!

Fig&Prune Jam Pumpkin Pie

Face Candy for Men!

Simple Lemon Cookies

Mandarin Vetiver New Caldrea Scent!