Keep bread from being crushed in bamboo bags

Keep bread from being crushed in bamboo bags

Whether you’ve moved away from conventional grocery bags or not, bagging bread usually requires some extra thought — unless you like yours smashed.

Bamboo bags, by Bamboo-bag, are made from natural antimicrobial bamboo fabric and are an alternative to paper and plastic. Available in three designs, the bags are tailored for carrying and storing bread, keeping it fresher longer.

The turtle bag has a wide mouth and pleated sides to fit a 2-pound levain loaf. The loaf pouch holds up to two 1-pound loaves. The baguette quiver, which closes with a drawstring, carries up to three long loaves.

All bamboo bags turn into small packets when folded and fit in pockets or purses. Cost is $16 for each bag.

For more information, visit bamboo-bag.com.

Anyone can create a beach-style home

So what if you don’t live by the beach. Don’t let that stop you from creating the look and feel of beach-style living.

“Mary Emmerling’s Beach Cottages: At Home By the Sea” by Mary Emmerling (Clarkson Potter; $32.50; hardcover) shows what beachside living is all about. Showcasing 17 homes owned by ordinary people and the rich and famous, Emmerling offers inspiration for creating a relaxing and soothing escape, regardless of location.

Among the homes included are her own home in Laguna Beach, Calif., and the homes of designers such as Rachel Ashwell of Shabby Chic and Barclay Butera.

Homes range from luxurious to modest and from California to the Hamptons and Massachusetts, to Galveston, Texas, and Florida.

The book offers a list of beach-house elements required to make your home beach-friendly along with Emmerling’s favorite beach-house sources.

HotPads.com offers real estate advice

To buy or not to buy: That is the question.

Check out HotPads.com for help on finding the answer.

This free map-based real estate search engine lists homes for sale, apartments, condos and rental houses.

Resources on the site include: foreclosure search and heat maps; a buy-versus-rent calculator; renters and buyers guides; an insurance center with information on all types of insurance; and a help and frequently-asked-questions link to help you navigate the site.

Links to popular cities, such as Orlando, offer data on living in the city and its suburbs, demographics, people, housing, transportation, sports and interesting facts.

An interactive bird’s-eye view also can be seen.

Tough to kill plants

There are plenty of plants out there that are practically guaranteed to make it in your garden. F2

Very rare buy

Today, many sports items are being copied and sold to those who want to remember the “good old days.” F2

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