the wood files
Information for the wood curious.
- 30 Grandma names
- Affettati
- charcuterie boards
- Charcuterie world
- Cutting board safety
- cutting boards
- EDGE GRAIN
- END GRAIN
- FACE GRAIN
- Grandma gifts
- Grandma names
- Happy Valentines Day all over again
- Mezze
- Other names for charcuterie boards
- Quality First
- Smorgasbord
- Tabla de embutidos y quesos
- The history of cutting boards.
- Useful information about cutting boards
- Valentines Day Again
- What's your Grandma name?
THE PURSUIT OF VALENTINES DAY TRIVIA
By Michele Parkinson January 21, 2026
In the 1800s, doctors frequently advised heartbroken patients to eat chocolate to "calm their pining" for lost love.
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THE REASONS BEHIND OUR NEED TO CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND BUY PLANNERS IN JANUARY
By Michele Parkinson January 20, 2026
Our obsession with planners is a fascinating mix of ancient tradition, retail psychology, and a specific cognitive quirk known as the "Planning Fallacy." If you are someone who buys a beautiful new planner every January only for it to become a glorified paperweight by March, you are definitely not alone. Here are some of the most interesting facts about our "Planner Obsession":
Thoughts on Fonts
By Michele Parkinson January 18, 2026
There's a sweet spot with font choice in engraving. Two extremes exist among the style of a font; Overly simple may appear sterile and devoid of personality while excessively ornate can be distracting and divert attention away from the engraved message. There are few exceptions to this guideline, yet some do exist.
THE ART OF CELEBRATING VALENTINES DAY AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN
By Michele Parkinson January 16, 2026
All kidding aside, there's a profound truth here: the continued effort to celebrate, even in small ways, is vital in a long-term marriage. When you've built a life together, it’s easy for grand declarations to give way to comfortable routines.
30 Grandma names from traditional to unique and everything in between.
By Michele Parkinson January 14, 2026
It goes without saying that people truly care about their Grandmas, Nanas, Omas, Gigis, and Mimis...... and want them to know how much they are loved and appreciated.
THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO PREVENT NEW BOARD DISAPPOINTMENT
By Michele Parkinson September 22, 2025
This blog post attempts to remove any confusion often surrounding the three types of construction used to build cutting boards and charcuterie boards (in a nutshell).
Beyond the Board: 10 Wood Species You Should Never Use for Your Charcuterie Masterpiece
By Michele Parkinson September 20, 2025
Using the wrong wood can not only compromise the taste and safety of your delicious display but can also lead to a board that quickly degrades. So, put down that questionable plank and read on. Here are 10 wood species you should never use for a charcuterie board, and why.
Board Maintenance
By Michele Parkinson November 24, 2024
These instructions provide the basic information needed for conditioning any of our wood products made to use with food. This page also provides information on cleaning & sanitizing if and when the need arises. If you want to know more about keeping your board in the best possible shape, please continue to read on.Â
Wood species: the good, the bad, & the ugly
By Michele Parkinson October 24, 2024
WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS, CLEAN YOUR CUTTING BOARD.
By Michele Parkinson August 29, 2024
EAT, SLEEP, BUILD, AND REPEAT (WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A CUTTING BOARD)
By Michele Parkinson August 06, 2024
Wood species matters. Some woods are actually toxic and should never be used to cut meat or veggies.Â
Wood Choice Matters (and other important decisions we make)
By Michele Parkinson May 31, 2024