We've always known ChefShop as an online resource, although it's also a brick-and-mortar boutique in Seattle. Way back in the nineties, ChefShop founders Tim Mar and Mauny Kaseburg wanted to provide their customers with LOTS of information about the artisan products they were selling, which — at the time — most people weren't doing.

If you rent or you're a homeowner who's on a tight budget that doesn't include a full-scale kitchen renovation in the near future, consider making small upgrades instead. Affordable projects — like switching out light fixtures or improving your cabinet storage — can make a huge difference.

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I'm a coffee nerd. Which means, I'm a sucker for any company that uses Chemexes and Hario water kettles to brew their fair trade coffee. California cafe and roastery Barefoot is one such place.

During the summer, one of the best ways to spend a weekend morning is at the local farmer's market, sampling whatever's in season. We've updated last year's guide to offer you a more comprehensive list of some of the best farmers markets in the country, along with hours, locations, and links to other markets in each state. Enjoy!

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If you're into grilling, you might recognize Well Traveled Living's products — their folding HotSpot Notebook Charcoal Grill and Yakatori Charcoal Grills have made the rounds of food and design blogs. WTL isn't a 'store' exactly, but a "designer, importer and distributor of outdoor living products."

If you're an apartment dweller without a lot of storage space, a portable grill can be a huge help. Equally useful on a patio or at a picnic, most are compact enough to store in a kitchen cabinet. This list of eight options includes a mix of charcoal and gas grills. (If you want more information on which type of grill is right for you, check out this post for tips to help you choose.) Make sure to do some comparison shopping online, as prices vary slightly from store to store.

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I'm a big fan of the "British kitchen look" — you know, Brown Betty teapots and white china pudding bowls — so when I discovered Pacific Merchants, I bookmarked them right away. Based out of Los Angeles, they import mixing bowls and tea sets from UK companies Mason Cash and Price & Kensington. They're also a major importer of Acaciaware from the Philippines.

If you're lucky enough to have a backyard, an outdoor fireplace is a great investment for entertaining. Think s'mores, hot dog roasts, or even just cool nights spent gathered around the fire. Fire pits generally come in three main types: wood burning (the most popular and usually the least expensive), gas/propane (a less smokey option that's pricier), and gel or ethanol (which creates a smokeless, odorless flame).

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An Italian company, Scavolini has been making modular kitchens since the 1960s, but it wasn't until recently that they opened their first showroom in New York's SoHo shopping district. Brothers Valter and Elvino Scavolini started the original workshop in 1961 in Pesaro, and the company has since expanded into an international brand that's strengthening its presence in America.

Planning a barbecue, picnic, or outdoor cocktail party? Instead of paper plates, try recyclable and reusable stuff — in the long run, it can save you money. Plus, it just looks better and adds a little bit of class to your soiree. Here are some of our go-to sources for quality entertaining supplies and outdoor decor on a budget.

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