DineHear by knauf – 40 seconds at SanChurro

(Please note a little chocolate was wasted in the making of the artistic napkin art above).

When someone asks you to review a restaurant you don’t pick somewhere you have been before because well that’s just boring isn’t it.

SanChurro had been calling out to my chocolate desires for sometime now and the fact that the queue was considerably less then another (over the road – across the corner – down the stress a little) chocolate shop really had me convinced that this was the night to try it out.

YUM! That’s all I have to say.

But I will say more cause well it’s a blog and that’s what bloggers do 🙂

Dipping Fried Churros tossed with cinnamon into hot melted spiced chocolate is probably as close to heaven as your going to get.

With the exception of hearing a coffee machine grinding someones coffee beans whilst you try to enjoy the quietness of no children sharing your chocolate.

Here is my 40 seconds of kitchen sounds.

San Churro Audio

Am I crazy? Isn’t it wrong to be sitting in a chocolate cafe/shop/restaurant/haven and hearing coffee machines?

Why go to a Chocolate shop and order coffee? Isn’t that what Starbucks and Gloria jeans are for?

These “coffee lovers” are clogging up doorways when serious “chocolate lovers” are waiting in line for a fix. Oh did I mention I LOVE chocolate?

DineHear.com.au (Knauf )put together their own funny noisy restaurant video called I love you.

[vimeo 67695954]

You too can review your local restaurant and go into the draw to win 1 of 3 ipad Minis

Visit the DineHear Website for all the details on how to win.

Read These Next

My first quilting sewing machine was a $50 Black Friday special that literally smoked when I tried to quilt a twin-size top. (RIP, little guy.) After testing 23 machines (and surviving two more meltdowns), I finally cracked the code to finding the perfect beginner quilting machine—without wasting money on features you don’t need yet.

Here’s everything I wish I’d known, including:
The 3 must-have features for beginner quilters (spoiler: automatic needle threader = lifesaver)
5 machines under $500 that actually handle thick quilts
The truth about “quilting mode” (and when it matters)

What Makes a Sewing Machine “Good for Quilting”?

Non-Negotiables for Beginners

Throat Space: At least 7 inches (so your quilt doesn’t get stuck)
Walking Foot Included: Prevents fabric layers from shifting
Drop Feed Dogs: For free-motion quilting later

Nice-to-Have Perks

Speed Control: Because quilting a king-size in “rabbit mode” = regrets
Needle Up/Down: Crucial for precise pivots at corners
LED Lighting: Spotting seams under dim light = no more “mystery stitches”

2. The Best Machines Under $500 (Tested on Real Quilts)

1. Brother PQ1500SL ($479)

Why Beginners Love It:
- 16-inch throat space (fits bulky quilts)
- Straight stitch only (no confusing dials)
- Industrial motor handles denim + quilt batting
Watch Out: No fancy stitches (but do you really need 200 decorative options?)

2. Janome 3160QDC ($449)

Best For: Quilters who want some embroidery flair
- 60 stitches (great for quilted gifts)
- One-handed needle threader (no squinting!)
- Automatic thread cutter = fewer thread nests

3. Juki TL-2010Q ($499)

The “Grow With You” Pick
- Professional-grade straight stitches
- Knee lifter (hands-free presser foot lifting)
- Heavy-duty but quiet

Pro Tip: Watch for Joann’s 50% off coupons—they work on these!

3. The “Don’t Waste Your Money” List

Overkill for Beginners

$1,000+ Machines: Unless you’re quilting daily, start smaller
Heavy Industrial Models: Your kitchen table will protest

Too Basic

Mini Machines: Can’t handle batting + fabric layers
Vintage Singers: Adorable but often need $200 in tune-ups

4. Your First Quilting Project: Start Here!

Pair your new machine with:

This free “Disappearing 9-Patch” pattern (uses only squares!)
Pre-cut fabric bundles (no scary rotary cutter yet)

My #1 Advice: Practice on placemats first—less pressure than a queen-size masterpiece.