Many of our vendors offer a tremendous amount of information on their websites, and we don’t just mean product news but design and wellness inspiration. There are recipes, of course, but did you know that a steam oven can clean jewelry? Some of the blogs also look deeper into design choices by offering expert advice on things like selecting a tub filler—design decisions that take a lot of consideration. Read on for some great ideas!

Contemplating a new kitchen sink, but can’t decide if a single or double bowl is for you? The folks at Native Trails have done some research for you. This recent post delivers designer input on why they chose one over the other. "I always go for a single bowl sink. I think it feels more modern, and in my personal opinion functions better. A bonus with a deep single sink is if you have dishes in there you do not notice them until you’re standing over it!" says Buffalo, New York, designer Raelyn Woltz of West End Interiors.

Are you a baker? A farmer’s market regular? Have you ever thought about how your shopping and cooking habits reveal themselves in the way you organize your fridge? Knowing what you like and where you like it can actually help guide you to a fridge whose design is just right for you. Check out Thermador’s Five Culinary Personalities. And here’s that bit about steam-cleaning jewelry—it was news to us, too!

Mr. Steam, which recently redesigned their website, offers such insightful information as interesting cultural histories of steam use and aromatherapy guidance and suggestions, with links to further resources like the Mayo Clinic. They also help explain the benefits of steam, which can improve breathing by opening the nasal passages. Steam also promotes sinus drainage and the loosening of bronchial secretions. As we’ve watched in horror the devastating fires, we’ve also watched the air quality warnings grow more and more severe. Did we ever think we’d see people walking around San Francisco in masks? As we move into what Gov. Jerry Brown has called “the new abnormal,” it’s worth considering what changes, big and small, we can make in our homes to help us live more healthful lives.

And as we turn our focus to the Thanksgiving holiday, our minds are on our friends who have been directly involved in the fires. There is no shortage of need in our city, but below are a few donation links to fire-recovery programs across our incredible state.

From all of us at Snyder Diamond, we wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

United Way

Humane Society

California Community Foundation

American Red Cross

Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation

 One of the most startling photographs from the Woolsey fire, llamas tied to a lifeguard stand in Malibu—an image we just can’t forget. Photo: Wally Skalij/The Los Angeles Times via Getty Images