No, I'm not some psycho killer. I just know knives are the key to successfully cooking at home. And, considering my last credit card bill -- that's definitely something I need to start doing more of! Plus, I tend to like my digits and don't want to lose one due to a dull knife - most kitchen accidents happen when people have dull knives as they're straining with the knife and use too much force.

I actually just got a hand-me-down Cutco knives and they are totally awesome -- they also don't need a sharpener (which I'll get to in a second)

So, the knife basics. What different types of knives are there? There are four main ones:

Chef's Knife - Common, use-it-for-everything knife. You know chopping veggies and the like.

Paring Knife - The tiny knife for fine cuts...think carrots if you don't have a peeler. small knife for peeling, fine cuts, and decorative cuts

Slicing Knife - Long, thin knife used for carving roasts, turkeys, chicken, etc.

Serrated Knife - The slicer! Good for slicing bread, slicing tomatoes, and possibly sandwiches.

There are a few others but these are the crucial ones. As for what to look for when buying these knives, make sure they are sharp, comfortable to use, are made from good material, and are easy to wash.

Regarding sharpening knives, most knives will get dull and need to be sharpened. SOME, like Cutco and Henkel don't need to be sharpened due to their design which I think to be a major plus (caus who wants to add sharpening knives to their to-do list?)

If you're freaking out that Cutco knives retail for $350+ for a set, and are not in the position to make that serious an investment right now (who is), Amazon has a very good starter chef's knife for $25. You can then add to your collection one knife at a time. (Ed. note: We have found that Amazon is a great place to score high-end kitchen stuff at low-end prices. Ebay too!)

Labels: kitchen, knives

Kinda a weird question, I know.

Solid communications skills are important in all areas of life -- but especially so when trying to close any sort of deal that's open to negotiation. Living in the U.S., with fixed price department stores, there aren't a ton of learning opportunities. You can't exactly go into Best Buy and try to bargain down that speaker system because dudes in corporate have already decided what it's worth. Either you'll agree -- and buy it -- or you won't.

Not so when dealing with fellow apartment dwellers. Practically everything is open to negotiation and interpretation. Seems like it's a better system than department stores. Well, until a misunderstanding takes place.

A friend recently found what she thought was the perfect sublet in the heart of Chicago. She didn't want to be tied down too long but desperately wanted to get out of the house. The girl subletting the room was accepted into the Peace Corps and needed someone to fill the room through April 30 and offered the apartment as furnished.

Then...she tried to sell my friend her bed and when my friend said no -- sold it to someone else. Which means it wasn't going to be furnished after all. Huh? Furnished = Bed to 98% of people. Unfortunately for my pal, not to this chick. So, she then had a weird feeling about the girl, wondered what ELSE she might not have understood and needed to decide whether the apartment was worth buying a bed for. Basically, a headache and a half.

The lesson she learned was twofold. 1) Clarify conditions so that even a kindergartner can understand the terms and 2) Get everything in writing so you can refer back to it at a later date.

It's not the end of the world for my friend; she'll find another great sublet. But, it was a tough let-down not to mention a waste of time.

Two weeks ago we gave you the top 10 additional things you should make sure to get for your first apartment. Then, a reader(Hey Jim!) wrote that we never gave you the first 10 important apartment items. Lo siento, Amigos. But, it's not too late -- read on if you are having concerns about what absolutely essential apartment items you need to start a happy and healthy home life.

1) Bed. Seriously, get rid of that air mattress. Oh, it's comfortable? Yeah, I'm not buying it. NYC has a bed bug problem so I wouldn't advise Craigslist, but for other cities I def would. I sold my $600 bed in Chicago after 1.5 years for $175. It was a great bed and of course I used a mattress cover, mattress pad, and sheets the entire time I used it to so it was totally clean. Other cheaper options are a futon and/or bed store floor model (that people DO touch, so I'd choose the Craigslist route instead.) Scared about shopping for that bed? Here's a link to my advice on getting the best deal from the mattress salesman.

2) Smoke Alarm. Fires are Bad. 'Nuff said. (Your landlord is responsible for providing this, but you are responsible for checking and making sure he/she is living up o their part of the bargain).

3) CO2 Alarm (see #2)

4) Couch. Sitting on the floor or on card table chairs might seem like an okay way to begin apartment life. It's uncomfortable. And, not homey. Why start your new apt life like that? You can find a cheapish couch at IKEA and you'll be so happy you did!

5) Plates and silverware. Homes don't have paper plates and that's what you're building or yourself. Plus, it's bad for the environment.

6) Dishsoap. Caus, you'll be keeping those plates for awhile!

7) TV. IT'S LOST FINAL SEASON. You COULD watch on your computer but OMG how can you wait that extra day til it's on Hulu?

8) Lamp(s). It's pretty amazing how soft light can change a space for the better. Be sure to also get a bedside table lamp so you don't bang any toes while getting into bed.

9) Cleaning Materials + Paper Towels/TP. When you move into a new apt, it's likely that whoever was there before you did an "OK" job but you'll likely want to do your own scrubbing -- before all the furniture is in place.

10) Additional necessary furniture. Bedside tables, Dining Room table, Chairs, TV Stand, Kitchen Cart, Bookcase, Desk, Desk Chair, Bathroom Cart.

Of course, there are other items you'll require (and they are all included in our Checklists) but this list should do you pretty well! Feel free to add other items in comments:)