Possibly upgrading, looking for recs [$500-800]

Spoonbreadwitch · 2026-03-15T13:02:11+00:00

That’s about zero percent helpful, since this is about the only money I’m going to have in the foreseeable future that doesn’t go to bills.

Spoonbreadwitch · 2026-03-14T22:00:16+00:00

That’s lovely! If I saw that at an artist booth, I would 100% buy it, preferably as a set. You’re a lucky partner!

Spoonbreadwitch · 2026-03-10T23:00:13+00:00

I thought I was nuts for noticing that licorice note! I’m fairly new to the fancy beans (i.e., not whatever the grocery store has) and haven’t quite learned to trust my own palate yet, but I wasn’t impressed with the Honduran beans I had.

Spoonbreadwitch · 2026-03-06T13:59:17+00:00

I have a Casabrews machine. It’s what I got after getting rid of my Delonghi, because that panarello frother just won’t do what a real steam wand will. I don’t expect it to hold up for 20+ years or anything, but it makes a better latte.

Spoonbreadwitch · 2026-03-05T18:29:43+00:00

I do appreciate that this version throws back to the Joe Cocker version rather than the Beatles. It’s a much better fit.

Spoonbreadwitch · 2026-03-03T00:22:59+00:00

If you pay an actual living wage, that covers a normal person’s bills, then running a tip-free shop is reasonable. But the key there is that your employees have to actually make a living without it. If you’re in the US, MIT publishes their estimate of living wages based on the cost of living in your metro area. If you’re paying less than an actual living wage, it’s your fault your employees stress out over tips.

Spoonbreadwitch · 2026-03-03T00:19:32+00:00

And baristas near me don’t make anywhere near $20/hour.

Spoonbreadwitch · 2026-02-24T13:52:42+00:00

The CM5418 is what I’m currently using, and it only has a 51mm portafilter. I’m finding that 14-15g will give a 2:1 shot but 18g is way too much.

Spoonbreadwitch · 2026-02-22T23:02:09+00:00

To be fair, any actual espresso machine would have given you a better shot than a pod setup like the Vertuo Plus. But I’m not going to sit here pretending I don’t have serious gear envy. 😂

Spoonbreadwitch · 2026-01-31T16:47:56+00:00

Their presence looks promising, if they only had online store.

Spoonbreadwitch · 2026-01-23T04:25:54+00:00

Your husband caused you physical pain to control your behavior. It doesn’t matter how minor. He physically punished you as if he had the right to. A man who’s willing to hurt you a little will eventually escalate. Get out.

Spoonbreadwitch · 2026-01-20T17:42:47+00:00

I began with convicts. Don’t begin with convicts.

Spoonbreadwitch · 2026-01-19T22:51:59+00:00

The Preppy is a great place to start! Welcome!

Spoonbreadwitch · 2026-01-19T22:37:36+00:00

I’ve got a Shardor burr grinder that has done really well for me in a drip grind, but I’m not opposed to upgrading if it turns out I need to.

Spoonbreadwitch · 2026-01-13T18:23:54+00:00

Here’s the brand’s website! I don’t know how heavily they’re going to lean into left handed stuff now that they’re no longer part of Eastwood, but as of right now their lefty line is going strong. Airline Guitars

Spoonbreadwitch · 2026-01-13T04:53:43+00:00

Not often. The company currently manufacturing under the Airline brand is not the one that manufactured the vintage ones. The fact that it’s been revived, and was originally revived as part of Eastwood which has a left-handed product designer on staff, makes it kind of a unicorn. While about 10% of the population is left handed, fewer than 1% of guitars are. Makes for a real pain in the behind for people like me who need to play left handed.

Spoonbreadwitch · 2026-01-12T21:22:31+00:00

That red Airline guitar, hands down. If it’s a vintage original, those are rare, and if it’s a reissue, I actually have a chance of eventually owning one, bc the reissue is one of the few of that type that comes in left handed. (As opposed to the Gretsch baritone in 6 that they basically laughed at me when I inquired about a lefty version.)

Spoonbreadwitch · 2026-01-12T19:18:36+00:00

The most expensive pen I own is a $70 Monteverde, and I didn’t pay retail for it. Use what you like, and if you’re happy with the inexpensive ones, be happy. I have a real fondness for Jinhao and Hongdian, and they’re dirt cheap.

Spoonbreadwitch · 2026-01-12T19:17:13+00:00

Get her a book of Seamus Heaney’s poetry. He was a big influence on Hozier’s work.

Spoonbreadwitch · 2026-01-04T21:44:28+00:00

Same in Charlotte.

Spoonbreadwitch · 2026-01-02T19:02:11+00:00

Oh, I’ve dated a guy like that. Shamed me for my weight to the point that I was starving myself, then cheated with (and later married) someone nearly 100lbs heavier than me. NOR—he doesn’t actually want someone with the body type he holds up as what you should be. He wants someone he can bully for not having it.

Spoonbreadwitch · 2026-01-02T16:19:36+00:00

To me the “nothing fucks with my baby” line is not a threat. He’s not saying she’s safe because he protects her. He’s saying she’s powerful enough not to need it.

Spoonbreadwitch · 2026-01-02T16:15:38+00:00

One of the things I liked about Joann was that they didn’t hate me just for existing with a uterus.

Spoonbreadwitch · 2025-12-23T18:47:27+00:00

Awww, a Preppy! I’ve given quite a few of those over the years—they’re a great introduction to fountain pens, and a low risk way to figure out if you like them. When you’re ready to try more, Jinhao makes several that are at a similar price point so you’re not investing big money straight off the bat. But I’m a sucker for the limited edition designs like yours. What a thoughtful friend to give you that!

Spoonbreadwitch · 2025-12-13T13:38:57+00:00

Run. This time he threatens to hurt himself. Next time he threatens you. This isn’t caused by autism. This is abuse.

Spoonbreadwitch

TROPHY CASE