That Time I Bought A Weird Plant

Meet the new air plant. This is by far, the weirdest shit that I have voluntarily allowed into my home. I made a succulent garden a few weeks ago (post coming soon) and I kept seeing these air plants. What the HELL is this? I did some research because they were creeping me out and discovered that this is probably the perfect plant for me because it's highly unlikely that I will kill it. I got the Xerographica out of fear that the other styles could look quite tasty to my cats.

Despite the fact that I think this plant is probably the devil because it doesn't need any soil and looks like it might scurry away at any moment, these are pretty cool. Just give it a "bath" once a week for about an hour, and let it completely dry on a towel for about 3-4 hours and that's IT. It doesn't like direct sunlight but it likes some fresh air, so while it's drying I usually leave it on the ledge of a shady window. It's going to reside on my husband's nightstand for now...if it doesn't die, I'll consider one for my side of the bed.

Terrarium: West Elm, but similar here | Air plant: West Elm in store but available from Air Plant Supply Co.

Purple & Fur

I have always had cream colored sheets and pillow cases for my entire adult life. Not sure why, but I need an all off-white bed all the time. Last week I had my hair colored purple (it didn't take, but that's another story), so I bought purple pillow cases in preparation for possible color bleed onto my pillows. I wasn't pleased to change my color scheme, but I realized that purple actually compliments my green headboard. Earlier this year, I had added a faux fur blanket, a large velvet damask throw pillow and a Mongolian lamb pillow. I had been seriously considering reupholstering my headboard, but I think I'll stick with the green this year because it's working out well with my new items. I've always liked how it works so well with the Roland Richardson flamboyant painting that we received as a wedding gift.

I was little slow in the brains when I bought the pillow cases because I thought that my larger pillows were king size when they are actually queen. I was too lazy to exchange them so I convinced myself that I'll actually buy 2 king size pillows in the near future. To rectify the floppy pillow case situation, I folded and tucked the ends...I think I learned this in a hotel? I want to feel like I developed this trick myself, but I'm sure I've seen it somewhere...

Pillow cases: Wamsutta Damask Pillow Cases | Large throw pillow: Z Gallerie Andora Pillow | Small pillow: West Elm Mongolian Lamb Pillow | Fur Blanket: Restoration Hardware Luxe Faux Fur Throw (Wolf)

I Found You, Ms. New Bootie

This boot issue is really occupying more brain space than I ever intended. I'm not sure if it's because it's spring and STILL SNOWING or because I spent way too much time this week looking at Coachella style photos, but I'm still obsessing about this suede ankle boot dilemma. While I was in St. Martin and after I had to endure the leprechaun beater boots with TSA, I resumed the search. I most likely will not sell the organs needed to get the Isabel Marant Dicker boots and if I'm really brutally honest with myself, they actually give me cankle situation no matter how sublime they feel.  

So back to square one. They need to be suede, taupe or a similar light neutral shade, have a low stacked heel and a shorter shaft height to accommodate my fire hydrant-like stature. In addition to those requirements, I decided that I want to move away from the western boot look and go to something a little less obvious. I don't want to look like I'm wear fake Dickers. 

My conclusion was the Sam Edelman Petty boot above. I looked at these everyday while I was gone and vowed to order them as soon as I stepped a leprechaun beater foot back into the country. And I did. As I was waiting for them to arrive yesterday, my husband said "hey, why don't we go try on those western looking short boots you want?" Well DAMN. Do I still want the Dicker boots or have I just convinced myself that they don't look good on me because I can't afford them? I had to take the afternoon to review the facts over a beer and some crab cake sliders next door to the Barney's Co-Op. I tried them on one last time and agreed with my new strategy...they just don't look good on me unless I'm wearing pants. I was wearing a denim skirt and red Hunter boots by the way and I totally looked like this...

I have welcomed the Petty boots into my collection and we are having a rapturous love affair. But today I went to Old Navy to get the kids their summer cubby clothes for school (and some summertime pieces for St. Martin...a post on that situation coming soon), I saw THESE...

What?! I guess it's flattering to have your style boosted, right? We just gave them some basic bitch side eye and rolled. I'm not even hating on their version, but it annoys me when I'm consumed by an acquisition and then see something that looks nearly identical for 1/4 of the price. Ok, yeah I am hating and throwing all sorts of shade. Shady. BOOTS.

Maybe this post should have been Le Rêve vs. Le Real because the Petty boots are genuine suede and you can feel the difference. I love them. I think I need to update my relationship status.

Boots: Sam Edelman Petty Boots 

Oh, Hey There Sunshine

I was in St. Martin for the last week and a half to give my Coke bottle thick hipster glasses a well deserved vacation. My House of Harlow 1960 Chelsea sunglasses were my eyewear for the entire trip. I love big glasses because it conceals the fact that it's too hot and I'm too lazy to wear makeup. They're also useful at hiding hangovers.

My makeup regimen consists of the following. I just couldn't be bothered.

I got sun poisoning in Mexico in my 20's so I don't play games with the sun. Lord have muffins, it was the worst! It took months for my face to heal. My mother nearly refused to pick me up at the airport because I looked like beef carpaccio.

And here was my beach theme song. Everyone needs a theme song. Trust me.

Sunglasses: House of Harlow 1960 Chelsea Sunglasses | Hat: BP. Straw Fedora | Sunblock: Neutrogena Ultimate Sport Face Sunblock SPF 70 | Mascara: Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara | Cheek Stain: tarte cheek stain - Flush | Lip Balm: Aquaphor Lip Repair SPF 30

Wheels Up

It snowed again this weekend after I thought all that shit was DONE. I oscillate between total apathy and defeat to hope and excitement for my trip. My travel outfit is complete and my beater boots cleaned up pretty nicely. I'm adding a Love Quotes scarf for comfort and my Michael Kors watch after the TSA check.

For additional alternatives to the boots since my last rant, I have updated the list below with 2 new candidates.

Jacket: My old from J. Crew but similar here | Pants: Uniqlo Drape Bottoms | Scarf: My old Love Quotes but similar here | Striped tank: My own but similar here and here | Crop tank: Nordstrom BP. Crop Tank | Watch: Michael Kors Runway Watch | Bag: Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM Damier Ebene | Booties UPDATE: My old Steve MaddenPembrook booties but similar here and here 

Shady Boots

As you saw a few posts ago regarding my travel uniform, I've been preoccupied with the perfect light colored suede ankle boots. I discussed how they are an appropriate shade to transition from polar vortex to spring, the slip on design is easy for TSA checkpoints and the low heel add just enough height and structure to an otherwise very casual outfit. 

I already have an old taupe pair of Steve Madden boots, but my husband has gone from calling them "leprechaun boots" to now calling them "momma's beater boots". I became rather self conscious and started to review the alternatives that I suggested. The Enzo Angiolini Gimm boot seemed like a good and affordable replacement but it was just plain awful. The suede was actually more of a lilac than a taupe or grey. The stacked heel was not leather stacked but more of a block heel with painted stripes for a leather effect. Lastly, as many ratings suggested, they were horribly uncomfortable, even for the brief time I was trying them on. Oh and they were a bit high on my leg which gave me cankle effect. Booooooo!

After the strongest beer on tap at my Wednesday burger joint, I felt financially overconfident enough to try on the ubiquitous Isabel Marant Dicker boots. I don't even really like them...they seem ridiculous and severe. Pretty much how I'd picture a leprechaun's boots. But a short suede boot that you can wear in any season feels like a sound investment. I tried them on in taupe and these boots are amazeballs and I'm still not sure what kind of scheme I'm going to have to pull to get them. The toe is not as extreme as it appears and the lower heel is comfortable without being frumpy. They just feel so damn luxurious as you slip them on. But life is about choices and right now I have some other choices to make with those funds. Otherwise there is not a damn thing wrong with those boots!

So now the third option (which I should have done last year when stock was more consistent) is the Ash Spiral ankle boot. Even though it is nearly impossible to find, it's a reasonable compromise compared to the Dicker.

So what do a do with only a few days left and the need to stay financially solvent? I got a suede brush and a suede stick and cleaned up my beater leprechauns. This will have to do until I figure out a hustle.

Before --> After

First Boots: Isabel Marant Dicker Boot | Second Boots: Ash Spiral Suede Bootie | My leprechaun/beater boots: Steve Madden

My C. Wonder(ful) iPad Clutch

The countdown to St. Martin continues and with the news that we will have weefee (what the French call wifi) in the villa, I've decided an iPad is necessary. I have an iPad 2....or 3(?) with the magnetic front cover but no case. I've looked for cases, but haven't found anything my style that doesn't add bulk and weight. I decided on a clutch because I can #1 hide the iPad from the gremlins and encourage them to use the beater iPad, #2 when I travel the iPad just isn't sliding around in or out of my carry-on, and #3 I now have a colorful clutch to use when my iPad is naked while charging. Yay! 

The clutch is faux leather but the feel is similar to a coated canvas bag. That should hold up to all of the travel abuse. I'm not the best with leather.

Clutch: C. Wonder Printed Stripe Zip Top Pouch in Wheatgrass/Navy

Farewell, My Queen

It's been 5 days since it last snowed and I think it's finally over. I really couldn't take it anymore. It has snowed every week IN MARCH. I made so many batches of ricotta pancakes and drank so much Fat Weasel Ale that I didn't think that I'd ever go back to normal size. I'm still a bit on the extra padding side but that was just a caution in case I slipped on the ice. I hear that new hips are pretty expensive so I'm really just being budget conscious.

Since I think winter is really over, it's time to put the mink into cold storage. Even though I will not miss the weather, I will miss looking at this lovely animal whenever I open my closet. I spent the afternoon just draping it over my shoulders to say my goodbyes. Have fun with all of the other furs this summer. I hope you get some great stories about the foolery that goes on in coat check. I can only imagine!

Escape Plan

The last couple weeks were snow, my sister-in-law escaping Carnival and binge watching House of Cards in my basement, and MORE snow. Somewhere in that we did a few of daytime bar crawls, a couple of which ended with Stevie Nicks kimono purchases (plural) and one with a buzzed office supplies spree at Staples. I'd say the last couple weeks were a success.

Now I'm on the hustle to style chikungunya- repellant outfits as well as travel day uniforms for me and the gremlins. Above is what I plan to wear for travel day. Scarf and jacket are easily removed for tropical arrival. The crop top base layer keeps me in tact during the frequent acts of bending over and retrieving a runaway gremlin in the airport. Suede booties are easily slipped on and off for TSA checks and a little noise to your walk adds authority (boom)! A couple of years ago, I was unsure how long the Isabel Marant Dicker Boots thing was going to last, so I got a pair of Steve Madden western booties at DSW just to try out the fad. Apparently it isn't going anywhere and neither are my $35 "Leprechaun Boots" as my husband refers to them. I still seriously contemplate investing in the Dicker Boots, but ended up with the Rag & Bone Classic Newbury as a style compromise. But for this trip, I feel like lighter colored suede versus black leather is a better cold to tropical style transition. 

Jacket: My old from J. Crew but similar here | Pants: Uniqlo Drape Bottoms | Scarf: My old Love Quotes but similar here | Striped tank: My own but similar here and here | Crop tank: Nordstrom BP. Crop Tank | Watch: Michael Kors Runway Watch | Bag: Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM Damier Ebene | Booties: My old Steve MaddenPembrook booties but similar here , here and here

Fashion Challenges of Chikungunya

The tickets are purchased for St. Martin so I have 4 weeks of intense logistical planning and crisis management ahead of me. In addition to moving a family of 4 to an island for 2 weeks (boo freakin' hoo #firstworldproblems), I have to edit the gremlins' summer wardrobe and assess where they are lacking.  My daughter grows like a bonsai tree so I anticipate only replacing worn items, but my son has put on some lbs since last summer and I expect he'll need all new pieces. All of that is for another post.

So now it's time to go into overdrive on planning my outfits. We have a major constraint to take into account. There is an outbreak of chikungunya which is some wack mosquito borne virus and I do not have time for that shit. The latest CDC warning advises that in addition to standard use of insect repellant, long sleeves and pants should be worn. Dark colors attract mosquitoes and black and white stripes are apparently their version of a bullseye, so unfortunately the above outfit has to be reworked for island use. I'm considering repurposing it for the flight but with Vans slip on sneakers.

Top: Zara Striped Crop T-Shirt | Pants: Uniqlo Flower Drape Bottoms

Disco Pants

As you all know I was a pair of shady boots to official DC Fashion Week events, but I've been swarming the unsanctioned events including gorilla fashion shows, bars adjacent to said fashion shows and house parties. The week basically turned into a hall pass from home with an excuse to layer on my entire closet. 

Blazer: Bop Basics Fiance Blazer | Vest: Old from J. Crew but similar here | Shirt: Old James Perse V-Neck Tee but similar here and here | Pants: Old Sequin pants from Go Jane but similar here | Sneakers: Adidas Samba Classics

Scuba Skirt

I really couldn't get into the scuba/neoprene look from last season, but it carried over into this season and forced me to try it. Why can't I wear scuba ALL THE TIME? Do you see what it does for me? It's like a sausage casing or Spanx on the outside. Utterly amazeballs. 

Last night I was on the peripherals of DC Fashion Week which means I was parked at a bar having a sidecar and tacos while the fashion show was going on. The show was a little sketchy so Taco Thursday everybody!

Skirt: My own neoprene effect pencil skirt from Zara but similar here and here | Top: Zara Striped Crop | Tights: Wolford Velvet Deluxe Tights | Boots: Pour la Victoire "Bardot" Ankle Boots and similar here

House of Carbs

I was so ready for last night. We celebrated Valentine's Day last Friday so that I would have last night free to binge watch House of Cards: Season 2. I washed my only pair of sweatpants in Downy Unstopables.

I preserved my Diptyque Ambre candle and took back my fur blanket from the cat.

I went to the wine store for my favorite bottle of champagne, Bollinger. I asked myself should I, an unemployed housewife, spend $50+ on a bottle of champagne? I answered, "YOLO".

The menu was cheese and onion tarts and an Edible Arrangements order of a dozen chocolate dipped strawberries.

Then on February 13th, this happened...

One freakin' foot of snow. Son of a biscuit. Trapped in the house with the gremlins so no Valentine's Day HoC binge for me. A few hours into the storm, I caved and popped the bottle of Bolli, put on the sweats and lit the candle. The gremlins go back to school after President's Day so I'll attempt a HoC binge take two, most likely with a six pack of Fat Weasel Ale and some Reese's Peanut Butter hearts on after VDay clearance.

Sweatpants: My own but similar here and here | Candle: Diptyque Ambre Candle | Fur Blankie: Restoration Hardware Luxe Faux Throw | Champagne: Bollinger Brut Special Cuvee

The Perilous Prints of Peter Pilotto

Peter Pilotto for Target Shirt Dress - Red Floral Print

I was actually so pumped for the Peter Pilotto/Target collab. I'm all about resort looks for my upcoming trip to St. Martin and these mixed prints are perfect. Also these pieces are loud as hell so the Target price point is very comfortable for something so dramatic.

The collection launched at Target and Net-a-Porter on Sunday and I was up at 9 am to order the red floral print shirt dress above. I think I'll add a skinny belt and wear to Loterie Farm TreeLounge for drinks.

As the day went on, I started reading on the fashion blogs that the items were selling out. Then I checked Net-A-Porter and saw that they are down to about 3 items in the collection. In a slight panic, I reviewed the collection again, watched the ad on repeat on Youtube and decided that the dress below is absolutely critical for St. Martin.

Peter Pilotto for Target Jacquard Dress - Red Iris Print

Surprise suckas it doesn't exist. Yet. Target claims it is only available in stores and no store within 50 miles has it in any size. It was suggested to me that maybe my region is so fashion forward that they actually "sold out" instead of what the site literally says which is "out of stock". That was really hard for me to believe so I went to my local construction hole Target to investigate. Mysteries such as these will not go unchallenged...

After speaking with the staff, it was concluded that they and most likely none of the other area Target stores have even received the dress yet. Upon reviewing the items that were available in store, it looks as if entire collection has not even shipped yet. Are they waiting for more buzz before rolling out the most popular pieces? Maybe it's a logistics issue (side eye)? Will the coolest pieces eventually be available online? I'm not sure what kind of shenanigans are afoot, but I sure as hell left my contact information so that I will be notified if this dress shows up. I will continue to stalk the department and website as a backup plan because I am unemployed and have some control issues.

And now for a little bit of Sylvester to get you hyped up. Crank it as loud as these clothes!

Radarte Reunion

Last night was the night out with my high school friends and I am happy to report that there were no stabbings, either by my friends or other patrons. There was a baby at the bar, but we are south of the Mason-Dixon Line. I went with ankle boots instead of the heels because I figured I'd be standing all night (which was accurate) and I didn't want to bust my ass on the dance floor. I did get a slap on the ass from a retired cheerleader so I think we'll consider this night a win.

T Shirt: Rodarte "Radarte" Shirt in Black Heather | Shirt: My own denim shirt but similar here | Leggings: David Lerner Cropped Leggings | Jacket: Billabong Faux Leopard Jacket | Clutch: My own Marc Jacobs Quilted Zipper Clutch but similar here | Boots: Rag & Bone Classic Newbury Ankle Boots| Necklace: My own druzy from C. Wonder, but similar here

Birks Are Back

I never had Birkenstocks in college. Even though EVERYONE had them, they seemed a little expensive for something that looked so hideous to me. I chose to spend my money on multiple pairs of shoes from Payless at the time. Oh, how things have changed in SO many ways.

I had been hearing subtle buzz on ironically pairing Birkenstock slides with luxury designer brands. I gave it some slight side eye and moved on. Then I started seeing some of the high profile fashion bloggers doing it. Then I gave side eye with a raised eyebrow. Then this came out and I couldn't deny that something is really going on. Yep. They're back. But they don't seem to be as hideous as I remember. My winter vacation to St. Martin is coming soon, so I scooped a pair to start styling my resort wardrobe.

I think the key to not looking like a bum in these is to always dress them up and never down. I'll have some resort looks soon, but if I had it my way, this is how I'd roll...

Shoes: Birkenstock Madrid Sandal | Shorts: Johnathan Simkhai Leather Shorts | Tank: Buy Me Brunch Oh My God Becky Tank | Hat: Melissa Odabash Eva Panama Hat | Sunglasses: House of Harlow Chelsea Sunglasses | Bra: Dolce & Gabbana Lace Bra | Lip Balm: Laura Mercier Lip Balm | Bag: Tory Burch Robinson Adjustable Mini Bag

Peer Pressure

My BFF from middle school is making her annual migration into town next weekend to to celebrate her birthday...unless we have a super blizzard like clowns on Facebook are pontificating. These parties always end up being sort of a reunion because tons of folks show up that we've known since elementary school. She had a personal request for me to dress down this year. Her exact words were if I were to "show up looking busted" it would be a thrill to see. Does this girl even know me? I mean, it's not my birthday, so I would never wear a tutu, but seriously. I took her request to heart because she is the sweetest and I only see her once a year, but as far as dressing down goes, all I could come up with was leggings. I don't know where the party is going to be this year because the bar under the bridge near the river that we usually frequent recently had a stabbing. Maybe leggings are good for this event...getaway pants?

Since DC Fashion Week is coming soon, I decided it was a good time to go ahead and get the Rodarte "Radarte" tee that I've been side eyeing. I hadn't really decided if it is going to be fashion forward for this area or just douchey. I'm just gonna go with it and take it on a test run tonight to GBD for fried chicken, beer and doughnuts. I want to layer it, but I haven't decided if it will be over a denim shirt with rolled sleeves (could be interesting) or under it (predictable and ordinary). I could also put a denim jacket over it, but I want the butt coverage of the denim shirt since I'm going for action pants. I guess I could put a long tank under it and put the denim jacket over it? Or maybe the weather will dictate boots? I'll be trying some looks over the next few days!

T Shirt: Rodarte "Radarte" Shirt in Black Heather | Shirt: Current/Elliott Denim Shirt | Leggings: David Lerner Classic Leggings | Jacket: Billabong Faux Leopard Jacket | Clutch: My own Marc Jacobs Quilted Zipper Clutch but similar here | Pumps: My own L.A.M.B. Oxeley pumps but similar here | Necklace: My own druzy from C. Wonder, but similar here

Boozey Bougie

If you know me, you know that two of my favorite things are candles and Adventure Time. Imagine my elation when this week I discovered that my two loves have been combined. It was like a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup of life! Adventure Time introduced a new set of characters called The Hooligans Who Love Candles. These dudes really love candles. Like really. Actually more than I do because even though I have paid up to $90 for a candle, I don't think I'd actually rob anyone for one. Yet.

My holiday seasonal candles (pine, clove and animal butt) are almost spent, so it's time to replace them with winter candles before I start my spring rotation in March. I don't buy cheap candles. They will fill your air with fumes and synthetic fragrances that will smoke your walls and give you a sinus headache. I can't convince anyone that luxury candles are worth the price...it's just something you have to want. It doesn't really help that candle in French is "bougie". OK, I guess it does.

After my weekly key lime pie in Georgetown (2014 Resolution - MORE PIE) and some Bénédictine and Brandy courage, I scooted across to Blue Mercury for my winter candles. The boozey budget always says "Hey, it's not so bad. You can totally afford this."

I go back and forth about Diptyque. I remember when they used to be $45 and now they are $60. There are plenty of other brands in this price range that are made with quality ingredients with more burn time, but a Diptyque is always going to be phenomenal. I am never disappointed. The Ambre is spicy and warm...perfect for my bedroom.

For the animals that share my DNA, I got the Lafco Myrrh and Cassis which has been a consistent choice of mine for years. I burn this in the kids' rooms before they go to bed so they have a soothing environment for their bedtime rituals. They are straight up behaving like gremlins at that point in the evening so anything that encourages them to calm the hell down is key. Lafco candles are usually about the same price as Diptyque but with a 20-30 hour additional burn time. Their handblown glasses are always great to use afterwards.

Just remember an even burning candle lasts longer. Your first burn should melt the wax all the way to the glass edge, always trim your wick and snuff it, don't blow it!

Candles: Diptyque Ambre Candle and Lafco Boudoir Candle

Le Rêve & Le Real - Striped Sweaters

It's been snowing all day. It started off with the tiniest flakes which my grandmother used to warn are the foundation for a total shit show. Things have been good and we have plenty of beer. Slow falling, light snow over a long period of time usually means continued power = heat, cooking, humidifiers and wifi. 

The Dissociative Identity Disorder Alberta Clipper that's morphing into another Polar Vortex situation has me on the hunt for more sweaters. On the left we have Le Rêve or "the dream" which is the Isabel Marant Étoile blue stripe knit sweater at $470. On the right we have Le Real or...you get it. The fiscally conscious option is the Target Xhilaration marl stripe sweater in grey/blue for $22.99. 

I scooped the Target version and hand washed it in laundry detergent that actually costs more than the sweater (boom!). It's no alpaca blend, but it feels and smells glorious now. Look out for upcoming posts styling it. Because....

Le Rêve Sweater: Isabel Marant Étoile Pullover | Le Real Sweater: Target Xhilaration Marl Stripe Sweater

Cracktastic Kale Chips

I swear, this Polar Vortex bullshit is showing up more than my Saks bill. Before going into the Trader Joe's apocalypse today, I reviewed what was needed and found a bunch of kale in the basement fridge. It was intended for soup, but I totally bailed on that and eventually forgot. Kale chips!

First warning regarding my version of the recipe; I only use a food dehydrator. They can be made in the oven, but I'm slightly box-of-wine-slow-in-the-brains with that method. Second, I previously only used curly kale, but this time I used the flat (dino) kale. The only difference I can tell is that dino dries much faster. Third, with either kale, I've discovered that tearing/cutting the pieces along the spine and disposing of it works better because the spine tends to dry to the point of being uncomfortable to eat. Not a game changer, but my kids don't like that part.

My measurements are rough. You can pretty much do all of this to taste.

Ingredients:

• Bunch of kale (curly or dino)
• 1 cup raw unsalted cashews
• 1/2 red bell pepper
• A few cloves of garlic
• 2 tbsp powdered cheese (I use Penzeys Sicilian Blend)
• Cayenne pepper to taste
• Salt to taste (after you add cheese)

Soak cashews in hot water for about 30 minutes or until softened. Blend drained cashews, red bell pepper, garlic cloves and cheese in blender. Add water until mixture is a paste similar to peanut butter. Add powdered cheese and spices to taste. The friend that recommended this recipe uses nutritional yeast instead of cheese to make it vegan.

Wash and dry kale. If you use the curly, consider spin drying it. Tear/cut kale into bite sized pieces, removing spine. I have found that with dino kale, it shrinks more drastically so I wouldn't make the pieces as small. Carefully coat each piece with the cashew mixture by hand. Brush off any excess paste and arrange pieces on the dehydrator trays.

I have used the Nesco FD-80A Dehydrator for about 3 years and love it. There are definitely more affordable models, but this one fits well on my counter when I use it and is very low noise. I set it for about 135 and it usually takes about 3-4 hours to dry 4 trays full of kale. I also have the fruit roll up tray because I fancy myself doing that one day...or maybe jerky. I have dried leftover herbs from the garden before the first fall freeze. I'd say it's totally been worth the price.