Tries, Buys, and DIYs: 5 Things Apartment Therapy Editors Are Loving This Week

“As we head into summer — and hopefully have some vacation time planned — let me recommend this CALPAK cosmetics case as the one thing your carry-on bag needs. I, for better or worse, pack a lot of toiletries, and this bag keeps everything tidy and within view. I also love that the line comes in various colors, which are all super-cute, and that there are compartments for even more organization. And, because summer is also concert season, this case can double as a clear purse in a pinch.” —Kelly Dawson, Deputy Editor

“If you’re hosting for Memorial Day and want a little drink inspiration, consider checking out The Seasonal Cocktail: A Guide to Creative Drink Making Built on the Green Market Philosophy. Inspired by sourcing ingredients in all four seasons at New York City’s Union Square Green Market, Jason Hedges, beverage director and co-founder of Bar-IQ, has come up with over 100 seasonal spirit recipes and put them in this new-to-market book. The charming little illos might be my favorite feature, though; they were hand-drawn by Hedges’ wife, Sonya Barash-Hedges.” —Danielle Blundell, Executive Home Director

“Because I live alone, weeknight dinners aren’t exactly the most riveting part of my life. It’s usually me propped up on my couch in front of the TV eating a concoction of Trader Joe’s items or the occasional bodega sandwich (preferably a chicken Caesar wrap) if I’m not in the mood to cook. However, one ridiculously gorgeous item in my kitchen dinnerware collection instantly makes any meal at home feel a whole lot fancier: Year & Day’s All Day & Night Dip Dishes. In case you’re not familiar, Year & Day is a direct-to-consumer brand that makes high-quality dinnerware without the high markup. Their items are designed in California and hand-finished in Europe, so you’re getting that one-of-a-kind look and feel.” —Tamara Kraus, Commerce Managing Editor

“I recently got to test out this new blender, thanks to BEAST. I like to think I'm somewhat of a blender connoisseur because I make smoothies almost every day, and I can honestly say this is the most stylish blender I've ever seen. The cloud gray color looks great with my kitchen cabinets. It's also super-practical because it blends quickly and quietly.” —Sarah Everett, Staff Writer

“I have been using these Zevo bug traps in multiple rooms in my home for the past year-plus to catch fungus gnats around my houseplants and the occasional fruit fly in my kitchen, and I am never going back. Before, I used sticky papers that I propped in my plants' soil (meh) and then a plug-in trap with a fan that sort of sucked all the bugs in. The Zevo version plugs into wall outlets so you don't have to reserve counter space for it, and it also is sound- and smell-free. Instead, it catches bugs by attracting them with a bright blue light (which I imagine is the bug equivalent of a happy hour sign). The little sticky backing is completely invisible from the front so no one will ever know how many bug corpses you are hiding! Removing and replacing these is the most disgusting and gratifying monthly chore on my list.” —Megan Baker Detloff, Home Projects Director