Author: Otto's Granary

Humans are collectors by nature. Most of us have collections that we don’t even think of as collections—two closets full of clothes, a house filled with décor, photo albums full of memories. Collecting is a rewarding way to connect with our history, interests, and ourselves. That’s why many people find it satisfying to start intentional […]

There are a lot of things about Christmas that make it the most wonderful time of the year—holiday cookies, snowball fights, lighting up the tree. But what truly makes the holidays a memorable and magical season is the time spent with and focused on family. When you look back on Christmas’s past, your most fond […]

This year has been unlike any other, to say the least. It feels a little bit like the world took our definition of normal, ripped it to shreds, and then continues to laugh in our face as we try to pick up the pieces, doesn’t it? On the bright side though, we’ve figured out how […]

As of 2018, over 500 million copies of the Harry Potter books have sold worldwide. The films created based on J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World have grossed over $9 billion (including Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them). Even if you don’t consider yourself a devoted Potterhead, chances are you know at least a couple. With […]

As people have discovered more and more benefits to using organic, holistic personal care and healing methods, a huge market has opened up for natural skincare products. With so many options covered in pretty labels that say “chemical-free” and “natural ingredients”, it can be difficult to determine which products are actually worth trying. Luckily at […]

In Harry Potter, one of the most feared magical creatures in the wizarding world is a dementor. Dementors are horrible, ghoulish figures that hungrily feed on happiness, leaving any living creature in their presence feeling cold, miserable, and hopeless. The only antidote to restore those feelings of happiness once the dementors are gone? Chocolate! While […]

Flowers are blooming, spring-cleaning lists are being made, and winter jackets are going back into storage as we get into the swing of the brand-new season. As we enter spring, we can expect to see a few new visitors come out—birds, honeybees, and soon…the Easter Bunny! Easter baskets aren’t just fun to look for and […]

Did you know that researchers estimate the average American consumes 10-12 pounds of chocolate each year? And that’s nothing compared to the people of Switzerland, who annually devour more than 20! Based on these numbers, it’s probably safe to assume that everyone has enjoyed one or more of the many delectable flavors from chocolatiering giant, […]

Java; Cuppa Joe; Jitter Juice; Lifeblood. Not only are there plenty of different names for everyone’s favorite morning stimulant, there are so many different flavors, add-ins, beans, and even ways you can brew coffee that it has become its own culture! Passionate coffee lovers could spend days arguing why their favorite brewing method is superior […]

Ahh, fall! Everybody’s favorite season, right? It’s not too hot, not too cold, the colors are gorgeous, and it’s the perfect time to try out some deliciously flavorful warm beverages! The snuggly plaid shirts and cute fall boots that come with the season do a great job of keeping you comfy and relaxed. That means […]

One of the hottest trends in collectibles that has emerged in recent years is Funko Pop figurines! These quirky, distinctive keepsakes are typically available in keychains, vinyl figures, bobble-heads, and many other unique products that allow you to indulge your love for pop culture. Part of the fun of accumulating Funko Pops is figuring out […]

Enjoying a soothing cup of tea with your family or a group of friends is a time-honored American tradition that has persisted for centuries! Tea drinking is a practice often associated with European and Asian countries, but America has developed a unique heritage of its own. The evolution of American Tea Culture has led to […]

With all of the sugary lattes and crazy cappuccino flavors popping up at coffee shops, you might be under the impression that coffee isn’t very good for you. While it’s true that loading up coffee beverages with cream, sugar, and artificial syrups makes it more like a sweet treat than a morning jolt, coffee is […]

You’re probably already familiar with the phrase “Christmas in July,” and especially aware of it at this time of year. Maybe you’ve been to a friend’s party or taken advantage of a company sale that plays along with the theme. It seems like the concept has just always been around, but it had to start […]

Planning a 4th of July party can be stressful! You need to make sure you have enough food, drinks, festive decorations, fun activities and things to do—not to mention the cleaning and setup you’ll have to do to get your home party-ready. Luckily, there are a ton of great resources and helpful tips out there […]

No matter which side of the spectrum you’re on—looking for that mid-afternoon energy boost or trying to limit your caffeine intake—you may be wondering which type of coffee has a higher percentage of caffeine: light or dark roast? Let’s break down the debate: Some people claim that dark roasts naturally have higher levels of caffeine, […]

Father’s Day is just a little over two weeks away; have you thought about what you’re going to get dad yet? While we’re sure that just about any dad would be happy enough to get a card and a hug this Father’s Day, we always encourage putting in a little bit of extra effort when […]

There’s nothing more comforting on a chilly day than a steaming mug of ginger tea. Whether you prefer it on its own or served with peppermint, lemon or honey, ginger tea isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with Vitamin C, magnesium and other minerals. Here are just a few other amazing benefits of ginger tea! Settle your […]

The time has come for all things green, giant shamrocks, and big celebrations: St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner! Kick your St. Patty’s Day celebration up a notch by combining some of your boozy favorites with a little caffeine. Not to mention, having the matching mug to boot! Here are five must-try Irish […]

Move over corned beef, cabbage, and mint milkshakes: the following St. Patrick’s Day recipes are here to change up your traditional celebration! Try the following four coffee-inspired dishes on St. Patrick’s Day this year: Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes Send your taste buds on a wild ride this St. Patrick’s Day with Guinness beef stew. […]

Think back to your days of playing tea party with your best girlfriends wearing hot pink boas, fake pearl strands, long silk gloves, and oversized hats. Bring that fun, feminine element back with the perfect bridal shower tea party! What could be more elegant? A tea party themed bridal shower is a chic way to […]

There’s nothing more disappointing then going to take a sip of the last bit of your iced coffee, only to have the unsatisfying taste of what could only be considered coffee-flavored water. But not anymore—say goodbye to your watered-down iced coffee! We have a hack that’s simple to make and is guaranteed to seriously up […]