Shopper Diva

Giveaway Announcement from Sophie Dahy Designs

2009-11-04T10:32:00.004-05:00

This giveaway announcement is on behalf of Verdigris Vie who is hosting this giveaway. Please visit Verdigris Vie for a chance to enter this lovely giveaway of a faux floral arrangement of top luxury quality by Sophie Dahy Designs. You choose a floral arrangement worth $300!! I personally like the hydrangea and lenten rose wreath, perfect for the upcoming holiday season.

It's easy to enter, just leave a comment on Verdigris Vie, a lovely blog of interior design inspirations. Ends 11/15/09. Have fun and good luck!!

Sophie Dahy Designs offers handmade silk flowers in their classic blue and white china containers. They have it all!

FREE Shipping on Homegoods Christmas Gifts and supplies for the Early Birds only, ends 11/15/09!

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FREE Shipping on Homegoods Christmas Gifts for Early Birds

2009-11-03T17:34:00.004-05:00

Get a head start on your christmas gift buying with these free shipping offers (good through 11/15/09) for homegoods and housewares items, including kitchen tools, cookware, tableware, bedding, bath, holiday decorations and supplies, and more. One thing I will stress is that you buy what you want early because retailers on average have stocked 20% fewer items than the previous year due to the economic climate.

Great for Thanksgiving and Christmas decor and supplies as well. So forget the crowded stores, the wasted time and frustration - sit back, relax, get your Christmas gift list handy, and let your fingers do the shopping.

1. Free Shipping Deals on Cookware, Bakeware, Small Kitchen Appliances, Gadgets, Cutlery, Tableware, and Cookbooks:

Save $10 and Free Shipping on purchases of $100 and up on brands such as Harold's Kitchen, Trudeau, fusionbrands, Bialetti, Prepara, Jaccard (their famous meat tenderizer great for the Thanksgiving turkey or holiday ham) and Head Chefs. Bargain deals to be had here. Expires 11/15/09, Code: SAVE10.

Free Shipping on over 165 items. Top brands including KitchenAid, Wusthof, Calphalon, All-Clad LTD, Rachel Ray, Le Creuset, Cuisinart, and many, many more. This is one of the best free shipping deals out there! Expires 11/15/09, Code: n/a.

Free Shipping on orders of $25 or more on country-inspired items such as clay bakers, embossed bowls, cookbooks, more cookware, bakeware, small kitchen appliances, and gadgets.
Expires 11/15/09, Code: LSC14.

Free Shipping on any order of $69.95 or more on All-Clad, Le Creuset, Shun, KitchenAid, Saeco, Breville, Rosle, Gaggia, Cuisinart and many more. Expires 11/15/09, Code: n/a.

Free Shipping on select designer dinnerware already 50% off including CeramicsPlus bakeware. Styles include French Garden, Cottage, Toscana, and more. Expires 11/15/09, Code: VBFREERIDE.

Free Shipping on any order of $25 or more on cookbooks, holiday entertaining guides, gardening books, home improvement books, and more. Expires 11/15/09, Code: n/a.

Free Shipping on any order of $20 or more on holiday cookbooks and entertaining guides, annual cookbooks, and more. Includes titles such as, Prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas and Delectable and satisfying Christmas recipes. Expires 11/15/09, Code: LST02.

2. Free Shipping Deals on Bedding:

Free Shipping on every order of luxury down pillows by brands, including Cloud Nine, Pacific Coast, and the Pillow Factory. Includes premiere sheets and duvet covers also. Expires 11/15/09, Code: Freeship.

Free Shipping on orders of $25 or more on country-inspired items such as chenille and quilted bedspreads, throws, sheet sets, bath rug and towel sets, and more home furnishings and decor. Expires 11/15/09, Code: LSC14

3. Free Shipping Deals on Holiday Decorations and Supplies:

Free Shipping on Orders of 5 or more Ornaments. Personalized ornaments, ornaments of European landmarks, of big cities of the USA, ornament gifts for grandparents, Victorian ornaments, and more are available on this one-stop shop of all things ornaments. Expires 11/15/09, Code: n/a.

Free Shipping on orders of $40 or more on personalized greeting cards, luxuriously thick giftwrap, Willow Tree collectibles, bargain holiday entertaining decor and supplies. Everything you need for the holidays! Expires 11/15/09, Code: n/a.

Well, there you have it folks. It pays to shop early for so many reasons. The most important reason is that you save money. You also shop in peace and get the gifts you want.

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Thanksgiving Kitchen Gadgets and More

2009-10-28T20:05:00.008-04:00

Kitchen gadget lovers will find that one of the best ways to tenderize the Thanksgiving turkey is without the use of added sugar or sodium (used in the traditional brining/tenderizing process). With little effort, a tenderizer gadget can successfully, and in a lot less time, perform this duty.

It is a small, handheld kitchen tool equipped with a protective cover over a multitude of sharp knives ready to prepare the meat for a tender and juicy result. In lieu of brining, just make sure to still thoroughly wash the turkey inside and out, following proper precaution to avoid bacterial harm. Oh, and the tenderizer is dishwasher safe, great!

Once you are ready to put the bird in the oven, consider placing it on a silicone roast rack (pictured below). The flexible material with handles on top allows for easier handling than a standard metal roast rack. Fats will still drain into the cooking pot through the rack's holes. When the bird comes out and onto the plate, chuck the roast rack in the dishwasher.

In the hectic holiday kitchen, becoming distracted while working with an oven is not an option. To prevent burns from putting items into and removing items from the oven, the best solution (aside from oven gloves) is extra precaution in the form of oven rack guards. With a resistance of up to 500 degrees (F), it's as easy as snapping them onto the racks.

Save $10 and Free Shipping on purchases of $100 and Up! - hurry, ends 10/31/09

Of course, if cooking is not your thing, or you value your sanity too much, you may want to check into having a gourmet Thanksgiving dinner delivered (see special offer below).

50% OFF Second Day Shipping With Your Thanksgiving Dinner

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Exciting Cookware Giveaway Announcement

2009-10-19T11:02:00.010-04:00

**THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED**

Thanks to everyone for entering and for providing delicious and healthy recipes. And the winner is...Kngmckellar. The winner was randomly chosen using Random.org.

Happy Halloween! Subscribe to What's in My Shopping Bag? and get notified the next time there is a giveaway.
____________________________________________________________________
As noted last week, this is the official announcement for my blog's very first giveaway featuring a lovely cookware item from All Modern, a subsidiary of CSN Stores LLC. This is a top-rated online shop with stellar customer service. All Modern offers furniture, kitchenware, lighting, art & decor, and just about anything needed for the modern home. Its clean navigation interface make for a user-friendly online shopping experience.

Get ready, get set! The giveaway will be an All Steel 1 Qt Saucepan with Lid from iittala, a $59 value! PLUS, you will also receive an All Steel Silicone Red Spatula, a $19 value!

The saucepan is expertly designed with ergonomic features, including the handle which is big and sturdy. In addition, it is dishwasher safe and features an aluminum core bottom for optimal heat induction. The spatula is a great addition to any kitchen's gadget repertoire.

How to enter the giveaway:
Leave a comment on this post (anonymous commenters must include an email address) indicating a recipe you would make using the above saucepan (you must include a recipe!).

Give the name of a HEALTHY recipe as well as the full recipe (ingredient list, measurements, and directions) in your comment. This doesn't have to be a one-pot meal. It can be a healthy side dish. Incomplete recipe comments will not be accepted. Only one recipe comment per person, please.

For extra entries:
Tweet this giveaway as follows, "Win an iittala saucepan with lid + silicone spatula from All Modern by @shopperdiva! http://shopperdiva.blogspot.com/." You may tweet this daily for extra entries. After you tweet, come back and leave a separate comment with the tweet link each time you tweeted (you get this link by clicking on your RSS feeds on the lower right hand side of your tweet page, click on the tweet link, then copy/paste from address browser into your comment on this post).

Subscribe to What's in My Shopping Bag? (1 entry) - Come back and let me know in a comment that you have subscribed.

A winner will be chosen at random. The giveaway will end in 4 days with the last comment submission allowed by Friday, Oct. 23 at 11:59 PM (EST). Items will be shipped directly from All Modern. The winner will be announced on Saturday, Oct. 24.

I look forward to announcing the winner!!

Stay Tuned for an Exciting Giveaway

2009-10-14T21:32:00.005-04:00

We love products that make our lives easier, and kitchenware is no exception. Very soon, I will be announcing the first ever give-away on this blog, so subscribe to stay tuned for the announcement. It is going to be a very nice kitchen housewares product give-away that you will not want to miss getting a chance to enter for and win.

Versatility and durability are key factors when choosing kitchenware. These aspects stretch a buck and produce wonderful, home-cooked meals. Take it from someone who knows. Rachael Ray is a great example of someone who uses a core set of cookware and easy, straightforward ingredients to produce quick and delicious meals anyone can make. Her own line, Rachael Ray cookware, showcases her expertise and broad knowledge of bringing cooking home and making a meal in the time it takes to order a pizza.

Thank you and stay tuned!

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Housewares Sweepstakes Now in Progress

2009-10-12T21:12:00.006-04:00

From now through October 18, create a wishlist and be automatically entered into the Dream Kitchen sweepstakes. Win top of the line, new kitchen appliances, such as a range, refrigerator, dishwasher, and espresso maker.

Dream Kitchen brands include: KitchenAid, Paula Deen, Jura-Capresso, and Wüsthof, just to name a few!

Create a wishlist now. It's easy and fun. Ends October 18, 2009. Do not wait!

Follow me on Twitter! and be notified sooner of upcoming sweepstakes and giveaways

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Enhanced Ceramic Bakeware: A Luxurious Essential

2009-10-07T13:42:00.004-04:00

There is no shortage of new and innovative kitchen gadgets and cookware on the market. However, like a classic black dress, sometimes it is the basics that outweigh the hype; especially if the basics offer versatility and durability. Ceramic bakeware is like that black dress. It is unparalleled in its sustaining quality. Modern technology has combined silicone with this traditional bakeware to enhance your experience in the kitchen.

For the upcoming holiday season, consider using ceramics for making your favorite and traditional recipes. A ceramic dish goes from oven to table with minimal fuss and clean-up. For added convenience and safety, silicone grips provide slip-proof control as well as an oversized grip for oven mitts. Make your favorite quiche for a holiday brunch in a ceramic round quiche dish. It will come out of the oven and on to your holiday breakfast table with a perfectly cooked texture.

The heavier the ceramic, the more consistent the baking process will be. An added benefit of heavyweight ceramic ensures against chipping and cracking. Additionally, with ceramic's unique properties of heat retention, you can rest assured that your Thanksgiving vegetables stay warm as you bring them to the festive table. Clean your bakeware with ease, as double-fired ceramics produce a glaze that resists sticking and scratching. Cook with less fat! For leftovers, simply keep them in the same dish for added convenience. They are easily heated the next day, as ceramic bakeware can withstand going from the fridge to the microwave.

Affordability in ceramic bakeware is reachable with prices starting anywhere from $19.99 and up. It is a wise, long-term investment that will yield consistent results in baking. Look for ceramics with oversized, silicone grips to get the most of your investment. Many a home chef owns at least one piece of this bakeware. If nothing else, get a good sized dish (usually 10 inches) that you can use for many recipes. For the avid baker, one dish just will not do. Their collection will likely consist of a round quiche dish, loaf pan (for yummy cranberry-walnut bread), au gratin dish (cheesy potatoes), oval baker (roasted vegetables, such as carrots and yams), and many other sizes.

From oven to table to refrigerator to microwave and even the freezer, ceramics are helpful in a busy household. The versatility, durability and affordability with the added benefit of safety in silicone make ceramic bakeware an essential and luxurious addition to your kitchen repertoire. Considering the amount of kitchen gadgets and tools available today, it is comforting to know that certain traditional bakeware is as dependable as that little black dress in the face of modern trends.

Click here for a wide selection of ceramic bakeware and a free shipping offer.

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photo courtesy emich.edu

Strategically Preparing for Holiday Guests

2009-09-26T13:48:00.007-04:00

With the upcoming holiday season, preparations can not start a moment sooner for your arriving holiday guests. Whether family or friends, it is important to make them feel at home and not like they are in your way. There are challenges and rewards to hosting a guest during what is the most strenuous time of the year. However, with a few early preparations, you can create an enjoyable guest experience as well as enjoy the holidays.

First of all, if you are not feeling ok, then before beginning any type of preparation, take care of yourself. You could be suffering from a back ache or migraine headaches that, if left unchecked, could wreak havoc on the entire holiday season. Holiday entertaining is serious business. One year, my back went out due to a stressful time at work, and it was no small picnic to get everything done in time.
The next thing to do is to thoroughly clean your house, especially the areas that get frequent traffic, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and living room; and of course, the guest bedroom. If the intended guest bedroom is in somewhat disarray and disrepair and cannot be remedied in time, then consider offering your bedroom to the guest while you stay in the other room. Sometimes simply decluttering a space makes a huge difference. It is about the guest feeling welcome, after all. It is also about keeping you sane. You do not want to spend a lot of time renovating a guest room that will not be used for another year.
While you are cleaning the house (and hopefully delegating some of the chores), get someone in your family to start hanging decorations on the exterior of the house. Although the outside patio will be too cold to hang out on, it might be a good idea to get any clutter out of the way in case your guest wants to indulge in a cigarette on the back porch. Creating an inviting guest experience is about not overlooking any details, however minor. Plus, with a porch (especially a covered one), you can store wine, beer and other items that are needed during the holidays. Food storage solutions are also a key factor.
At this time in the planning and preparation stages, draw up a list of non-perishable grocery and other entertaining supplies you will need and note some recipes you want to make. You will also be shopping for Thanksgiving at this time as well. There are many good sales during these holidays. Peruse the online store circulars and make your list detailed enough to show where else you can find a particular item should the item be out of stock in your usual store. Another alternative is to jot down a substitute for that item.
Once you have the necessary grocery items, start decorating as soon as you can. The day or the weekend after Thanksgiving would be optimal. Enlist the aid of family members. Do not go overboard if it makes you feel overwhelmed. A few smart holiday touches here and there, along with the Christmas tree, will make the statement. Take the opportunity to inexpensively put some understated holiday trimmings in the bathroom and guest's bedroom. Little soaps and candles with holiday scents of cinnamon, clove and evergreen are classic accents. Placing a poinsettia plant or other winter flower in the guest's bedroom will further add to the element of your holiday retreat for your guest.

Aside from a few other things to cross off on the list, the majority of the work is done. And hopefully, you have completed it by the first week in December!

Holiday Baking Madness and How to Prevent It

2009-09-23T20:46:00.012-04:00

As you excitedly anticipate the upcoming holiday season, you start to turn your attention to the kinds of things you are going to bake and whether or not you have all the supplies on hand. There is nothing worse than starting a new baking project and realizing halfway through that you should have bought that kitchen gadget or tool that would cut the preparation time in half.

Time is of the essence, after all. There are gifts to be bought, decorations to be hung, and family and friends to see. So before embarking on any baking endeavors, consider an inventory of existing items and prepare as necessary.

The basic items necessary in any holiday kitchen that will have you baking more efficiently are:

Non-Stick Counter Top Work Station for Kneading or Rolling Dough - A double-sided, silicone-coated mat sticks to the countertop and lets you easily knead and roll out your dough. Blending your dough will also be a cinch. The underside of the mat, with its silicone coating, will stay in place as you apply pressure to the dough, whether or not you are using a rolling pin. Get FREE shipping on orders over ONLY $20! Use code LST02 at checkout.
Set of Bowls to Hold Pre-Measured Ingredients - Paula Deen is a great example of an organized baker. Her ingredients are always pre-measured in bowls and reachable for quick use in the baking preparation process. After all, preparation is key. Have all your ingredients out on the counter and pre-measured for optimum efficiency and enjoyment.
Save $5 instantly on orders of $50 and up

Mixing Bowls of Varying Sizes - For recipes calling for a lot of flour, your mixing bowl should be large enough to incorporate it as well as the other added ingredients, e.g., butter and sugar. This assures that the ingredients are well combined. Other recipes may not result in such a large amount of dough, therefore a smaller or medium sized bowl would be more beneficial (aiding in the overall clean up process as well). A set of three mixing bowls is sufficient.

Heavy-Duty Whisk - Here is where you might be tempted to skimp on quality for sake of price. From experience, I can tell you that a heavy duty whisk beats the .99 cent version anyday. The cheaper whisks tend to rust quickly, and you do not want any poisonous metal particles falling into your dough! Invest in a good quality, thick-handled (ergonomic design) whisk that will withstand heavy doughs. It will also save your hand from cramping.

Baking is nearly impossible without measuring cups - In cooking you might be able to get away with "eyeballing" ingredient's measurements. However, in baking, it is nearly always critical to measure exactly what the recipe calls for or your cookies or cake will not come out right. The Barefoot Contessa measures items all the time, although she is a pro. It is simply not a negotiable in this art. With that being said, for measuring liquids, such as vanilla extract, best practice calls for employing measuring spoons.

Of course, for the mother of all efficient bakeware, and if you can afford the counterspace, then by all means consider a stand mixer. This wonder appliance takes some of the "hands on" approach out of the baking equation. You certainly will not be needing a heavy duty whisk! Kitchen Aid is the foremost leader in this category. Check out the KitchenAid PRO LINE® Series, a coordinating suite of commercial-style performance countertop appliances.

It leaves you with a good feeling that you enjoyed, rather than stressed over, your baking project. Baking can be therapeutic if the right tools are employed. Don't skimp where it counts. Would you add anything else to the above list?

Prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas

Get FREE shipping on orders over ONLY $20! Use code LST02 at checkout

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Photo courtesy sheknows.com

The Holiday Kitchen: Ergonomically Designed Kitchen Tools and Gadgets

2009-09-22T19:41:00.002-04:00

It is the little conveniences that you afford yourself that make life a little easier. As the holiday entertaining season approaches, you begin to look at your existing inventory of kitchen tools and gadgets. You reflect on holidays past where you told yourself that next year you would do this or that differently, anything to make the next holiday season easier and more enjoyable for you.

During the last several years, you have been sifting flour, cramping your hand in the process with the continual squeezing mechanism (sort of like the thigh master). A flour sifter that fits snug atop its own measuring cup and comes with a turn dial with a large comfortable handle will make flour sifting less strenuous. Ditch the old flour sifter where if you did not watch out, flour would be sifted in more than just the bowl.

The term, "ergonomically designed" means, first and foremost, that it signifies healthy design for your body by minimizing unnecessary strain where ever possible, i.e., on your back, wrists, neck and eyes for most of us. If you are thinking you should probably upgrade some of your most frequently-used kitchen tools and gadgets that cause you pain, then you are right.

Pastry can be tough to handle. As you prepare the pastry for those delectable holiday treats, make sure your pastry blender has a comfortable, molded and soft handle. Gripping a blender with too hard a handle will hurt and cramp your hands.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are holidays that tend toward spending much time in the kitchen, handling different tools. To make a feast is no small endeavor. Oftentimes, you are overworked by the time company arrives. Smart upgrades to ergonomically inclined kitchen tools may work wonders for you during this upcoming season and beyond.

The use of stainless steel tongs to grab and turn over foods as they are cooking could be adding more strain to your hands because stainless steel-designed tongs do not hold food as well as silicone gripper tongs do. Yet another marvel of silicone technology.

When working with your oven, it becomes especially important to have accessories that will not only protect you but will also feel comfortable and let you quickly slide in or remove foods. One of the most unpopular kitchen tools is the oven mitt. We take them for granted, often using old, raggedy ones that have to be doubled up in order to avoid burns. An oven mitt that protects your hands against 600F heat as well as offering a cool and comfortable interior for ultimate food rack handling is a must have in your hectic holiday baking and cooking endeavors. Technology is a wonderful thing here. Think turkey!

In the grander scheme, designing an ergonomic kitchen would be the optimal solution. However, there are a few smart and small changes you can implement that will make a huge impact on how you fare in the busy holiday kitchen.

Get FREE shipping on orders over ONLY $20! Use code LST02 at checkout.

Delectable and satisfying Christmas recipes.

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Comments/questions welcome!

A Pressure Cooker is Ideal for Busy People

2009-09-21T22:02:00.006-04:00

Life would be simpler with more efficient kitchen tools and small appliances to make cooking an evening meal faster and healthier. Rachael Ray frequently notes that in the time it takes to order a pizza, you could make a fast and healthy meal. A pressure cooker is one such small kitchen appliance that cuts cooking time in half or more. In all the 30 Minute Meals episodes I watched, I cannot recall a time where she uses a pressure cooker.

The pressure cooker is a welcome addition for the busy professional who usually gets home late from work and ends up eating cereal or ordering take out...again. The food is cooked with a healthy dose of steam which is great for tenderizing meat. Along with a rack for separating foods that you can cook at the same time in the cooker, this small appliance also comes with its own cookbook. Recipes have been specially formulated for use with the appliance, so there is no guesswork about converting recipes over. Pressure cooking takes a little skill, but it is easily an acquired one. Achieve your own 30 Minute Meal or even a 10 minute meal with this wondrous tool.

Another kitchen helper to put time back in your pocket as well as nutrition in your body is a food processor and blender combination. Use the food processor to chop vegetables quickly and without risking cutting your finger or crying over an onion. The blender part is for easy salad dressings and cold or hot soups. Incidentally, the blender is also handy for breakfast smoothies. The design's two-in-one appeal makes this a smart choice in the small kitchen appliance family and especially a welcome addition in a counter-challenged kitchen. Every cook no matter if they are a novice or professional needs kitchen tools at hand. There is no telling where the egg will land if you attempt to flip it with a fork. Spatulas are therefore necessary. When dealing with frying foods, such as chicken, it is best to use tongs when turning it over to continue searing on the other side. A small handheld grater is great (pun intended) not only for grating fresh parmesan cheese over a bowl of macaroni but also for zesting lemons, oranges for french toast, and limes for guacamole. Having a complete kitchen tools and gadgets set handy at all times while cooking will motivate you to open those cookbooks that have been collecting dust.

So even if Rachael Ray does not use a pressure cooker, she does use all the other essentials to home cooking. However, if you just want the basics to creating a fast and healthy meal without a lot of pots and pans, give the cooker a try. Once you start cooking, processing and blending, you will find yourself eating healthier and taking pride in cooking your own food not to mention wanting to add other wonderful and nifty gadgets to your kitchen repertoire. It's addictive!

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Julia Child's Kitchen and Today's Kitchen

2009-09-14T17:14:00.008-04:00

Julia had a love for kitchen gadgets and tools, and she collected them everywhere she went as she traveled with her husband, Paul Child, through Europe for his various work assignments. On display at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. is Julia Child's actual kitchen from her Cambridge, MA home. She donated it in 2001, three years before she died. Paul and Julia together designed the kitchen in Cambridge to suit her tastes and her height (she was 6'2").
The 1960s French country kitchen was meticulously reassembled at the Institute. Julia's kitchen offers us a glimpse into the past with her many gadgets she has collected during her time in Europe. But just how much has changed since then?

Like classic clothes that never go out of style and seemingly last forever, some kitchen gadgets are similarly priceless and withstand time and its modern inventions. If you have ever made your own tomato sauce, then you probably own a food mill (pictured below). This is a truly classic kitchen gadget devised in the late 19th century and a staple in Julia's kitchen for pureeing various foods.

Did you know that the whisk was a French tool originally introduced to Americans by Julia Child? Quoting Julia Child, "The idea is to have the largest whisk and smallest bowl-it gets the egg whites in motion at once." We all fondly recall Julia's episode of the salad spinner, where she has an umbrella in hand as she dries the lettuce. Another French introduction to American cooks, the salad spinner is still very much in demand today as it was when Julia first showed it to us. When we buy pots and pans, they are meant to last us a long, long time. And so it was with Julia's enamel sauce pan which she bought in Paris in the 1940s and used up until the 1990s.

There is one kitchen tool for which we use its modern counterpart, and that is the food scale. Julia's ancient food scale below was mainly used for past recipes that called for ingredients in grams, ounces, pounds and kilos. Today's ingredients are widely measured in cups and quarts. Some ingredients, however, still note ounces and pounds, such as chicken or fish; therefore making the food scale a viable tool in today's modern kitchen.

Many of today's in-demand modern kitchen tools and gadgets stemmed from their premiere on Julia Child's television series, The French Chef. Time has shown us that classic and well-designed pieces truly do last forever and will continue to span generations to come.

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Photos courtesy Smithsonian Institute

Create an Inviting Guest Experience

2009-08-31T16:47:00.012-04:00

Having guests stay over for a day or a couple of days can leave you feeling overwhelmed with preparation to make that guest feel welcome in your home. There are things to do, such as make up the guestroom bed and clear out any unnecessary clutter, go grocery shopping for the meals you have planned to make, and clean the house. The last thing you want your guest to see is personal documents lying around or some of that poop your older cat dropped on the living room floor this morning.

Aside from the cut and dry stuff, one of the easiest and most effective ways to create a welcoming atmosphere in your home is with aromatherapy. Aromatherapy begins with the right ingredients. Infuse jasmine throughout the house and your guest will immediately notice it and start to relax and enjoy their stay with you. Truly get their senses in motion with an aromatherapy diffuser that, through natural bamboo sticks, will transport them to classic Provence, France where scents like lavender and vanilla naturally permeate the air.

Placing a fresh bouquet of flowers or herbs by the bedside automatically creates a sense of calm and serentity in the room. Just be sure the flowers are not too heavily perfumed or overbearing. Jasmine, lavender, and rosemary are some wonderful little arrangements to set out.
Sometimes the old is better than the new. Certain oldfashioned ideals and ways of doing things are like a classic Chanel suit, as they never go out of style. Handmade soaps derived from pure, natural ingredients honor this tradition and go hand in hand (pun intended) with creating an inviting guest experience.

One of the oldest and most beneficial natural ingredients available to us is olive oil. It is an exceptional ingredient that is good for us on the inside as well as on the outside. Handmade natural soaps made with olive oil soothe and moisturize your skin, leaving only a healthy sheen. The therapeutic aromas of these soaps are more versatile than you might expect: jasmine, vanilla cinnamon, eucalyptus, and lemon mint to name a few. Your guest will find themselves lingering after their bath or shower, as the bathroom will be filled with delicious aromas.

Creating a welcoming atmosphere in your home for your guest is simple and pleasing for both of you. Your guest will appreciate the small touches you implemented to welcome them in your home.

Small Kitchen Appliances that Multi Task

2009-08-17T15:24:00.004-04:00

You contend with not enough room in your kitchen as you try to accommodate the many wonderful small kitchen appliances available. You are forced to sacrifice one for the other. Counter space is more important than that toaster oven you have been wanting to get. Thankfully, technology is constantly evolving with new solutions that make life easier.

Solutions, such as creating small kitchen appliances that perform more than one function, eliminates the need for another appliance. For example, two of the larger small kitchen appliances are the microwave and toaster oven. Combining these into one appliance, the microwave oven with convection and grill is the ultimate in space saving strategies. Now you can grill vegetables, defrost bread from the freezer and make microwave popcorn all with one appliance instead of two. With the extra counter space, you can create a kitchen workstation that will make preparing meals fun and convenient.

Other classic small appliances that you need to make room in the closet for instead of being able to display on the counter for ease of use include, the food processor and blender. The base part of these appliances is similar to each other. All that needs changing is the top part from the blender to the food processor and vice versa, making the food processor and blender combination another exceptional solution. Another invaluable space saver can now be added to your repertoire of multi-tasking kitchen appliances.

Even the really small kitchen gadgets offer us multi tasking. These can easily take up unnecessary space in the pantry or closet. A combination spice and coffee grinder, if you cook often and drink coffee regularly can sit on your countertop without too much interference. You will be more motivated to grind up spices and mince fresh herbs for an extra zest to your meal and enjoy a freshly ground cup of joe the next morning.

Your kitchen is on its way to a transformation. Maximizing the precious space in your kitchen is what it's all about. Give your kitchen that refined and modern appeal without a kitchen makeover. Simply incorporate a couple of multi tasking appliances, and ditch the ones that you are already tired of taking out of the closet each time you want to use them. What do you do with the old appliances sitting in your closet now that you have replaced them with these innovative solutions? You have a garage or yard sale, of course.

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Home Office Flexible Alternatives

2009-08-11T18:11:00.005-04:00

Having a home office, even if you do not work from home, can be an organized way of taking care of financials, keeping all paperwork in an easy to find file cabinet, and having everything you need in one place. Of course if you do work from home, then you have learned early on that defining some kind of space in your apartment or house for your office is critical to being productive. Working away from the desk though, is also an option as flexibility is key to staying motivated. Similarly, if you do not have the space to designate a home office, consider these alternatives.

If you primarily work with your laptop, you know the benefits of being able to work whereever you want. At home, you sometimes sit in front of the tv when working or doing mundane tasks that do not require much concentration. Sitting on the couch and looking down at your laptop creates stress on your neck and back. Consider a laptop tray table, which is similar to a tv tray table, but goes further as it can be adjusted on a slant or a flat tabletop surface. It can also be adjusted for height. This is a great way to improve your posture as it eliminates the slouching that you so often do without being aware of it.

When you set up a home office, you usually set everything up (such as the computer, the printer, the telephone) near each other with your desk being the primary focal point. However, if you like to alternate where in your apartment or house you work, remote capabilities are a must. A laptop with wireless internet is a start as is a cordless phone. Now you can work in the kitchen while keeping a close eye on that pasta sauce you are making for dinner. That's multi-tasking, something we are all subject to in today's busy way of life. Should you need to print something out that you would rather do now instead of having to connect your printer to your laptop later, you could get a wireless network printer. Working flexibly at home and multi-tasking have now never been easier and more enjoyable.

Ear pieces or bluetooth headsets are not just for driving. They are ideal for taking quick calls that will not slow you down as you are working. With a headset, you need not be afraid to answer your cell phone and can confidently continue filing or whatever other tasks you can handle without too much concentration while talking on the phone. It will also prevent you from getting a neck ache.

Having flexible work options will fuel your motivation to be creative and productive. No one can sit in the same spot all the time without boredom setting in. Plus you will feel constrained and not able to get anything else done. It is good to change it up every now and then. And if you do not have the space for a home office, then these alternatives are just what you need.

Bed Linens Thread Count: It's Not More That Counts

2009-08-07T12:47:00.005-04:00

In your search for quality bed linens, you no doubt take thread count into consideration. Marketing hype suggests that the higher the thread count, the better the quality. Little else is emphasized on the front package cover that would suggest other aspects of quality to be considered, such as fabric type (i.e. cotton, silk, modal).

Having always been perplexed by the increasing number of thread count available in sheets and wondering if these sheets are better than the 300 thread count sheets, I decided to do a little research. I came across an article by Linen Place that lays it all out. It is agreed that thread count is a deciding factor when choosing quality bedding. However, it is not the item on the top of the list to consider. Three others take precedence: Fiber Quality, Yarn Size, and Finishing.

"300 thread count can feel far superior to a 1000 thread count," the article indicates. This is not something marketers will tell you. Marketers use the thread count metric as a marketing tool. The higher the number, the more consumers feel they are getting a high-quality product. What ends up happening is that these products are competitively priced and have to now be mass-produced and thus suffer in quality of fabric and other elements. Marketers hype up the thread count notion and de-emphasize the other qualities.

Let's consider the other factors that make a great bed sheet. The most popular sheets are 100% cotton. However, fiber quality is refined further with the staple, or length of the cotton fiber. This is what the term, Egyptian cotton, refers to. Along with Egyptian, Pima is also the longest cotton fiber ensuring a durable product. The second factor is yarn size which is an indicator of the fineness of the yarn. Without going into too much detail, the yarn size can also be "doubled" into 2-ply (super fine yarns that are twisted together) for an even finer, more luxurious experience. For the third factor, finishing, I will just briefly mention that the process requires an added step which most lesser-quality bedding linens may not undergo.

What does this mean for you, the consumer? Basically, it means that if you see bed linens of 600 or 1000 thread count at a price too good to be true, well then follow your instinct. It most likely is too good to be true. In quality, you get what you pay for. You might get the 600 thread count sheets at a steal but you may not get a premium fabric with it, thus compromising the overall quality of the linens. The often-overlooked but equally important quality metric of fabric also plays a key role. Wouldn't you rather sleep surrounded by cotton or silk rather than nylon or polyester?

To read the full article, click here.

Staying Home, Enjoying Home

2009-08-05T09:04:00.001-04:00

These days you are probably spending more of your leisure time at home rather than going out. This is good and bad. The good part is that you get to save money. The bad part is that your social life suffers a bit. Let's focus though and expand on the good part.

Staying home also lets you appreciate your dwelling more. Each month you pay mortgage or rent but you are hardly at home. Take this time now that you do have to stay home every so often and invest it in your house or apartment. After all, spending more time at home can be a delight if it is set up the way you want.

For instance, if you have always meant to buy new sheets for your bed but never got around to it due to a hectic lifestyle, now is your chance. Get those 500-thread count luxury sateen couture sheets you have been wanting to surround yourself in and treat yourself to a new bedding experience. They're on sale here for only $40. That is quite the bargain! In turn, the money not spent on those cocktails is wisely invested in your home instead. You will get much more out of the sheets than the drinks.

Another positive side effect to staying home more is that you will be cooking more of your own meals. Yes, there is the take out option but after ordering several of those in a row, you will be eager to try cooking something healthy and delicious for yourself. And for the single gal, it does not have to be a boring and lonely experience either. Invite some girlfriends over and cook an inexpensive one-pot meal or have everyone make something to bring with them. Entertaining on a budget is not a problem with the myriad of available cookbooks on the market today geared toward the budget diva. Make sure you have the basic cookware, such as a pressure cooker for super fast and healthy meals, a decent sized pan for sauteeing, kitchen gadgets, such as a timer, and plastic containers for leftovers.

Staying home does not need to be a drag. Your home is your castle and treating it as such makes all the difference when staying in.

The Ultimate Yard or Garage Sale

2009-08-04T11:39:00.005-04:00

Many a savvy buyer heads to their local neighborhood yard or garage sale in an effort to save some money and also to seek out great finds. Because we all buy more than we need due to a vast supply of imported affordable goods, today's yard or garage sale reflects that and offers the discerning buyer good quality and fashionable items. Silk scarves and dvds are among the items that can be had for a cheap price. People are quick to upgrade to the latest models in small kitchen appliances and gadgets resulting in an often overstuffed closet of "old" and sometimes forgotten things.

I would recommend seeking out your local yard or garage sale if you need to accent your home in a variety of ways without overspending at the stores. Curtains, bath accessories, and kitchen gadgets all await at these wonderful sales. Wrapping paper, party supplies, and more could surface also.

For those interested in holding a yard or garage sale, it is best to get started early in the morning to get passersby who are on their way to work, dog walkers and other people to notice the sale. Good, clear, and legible signs in strategic places (e.g., gas station, busy corners, and major roads) around your neighborhood are also a must as well as advertising on your local internet community site, e.g., Craigslist.

In pricing your items, consider offering some for free to attract buyers into browsing your other items. Also be sure to have a sufficient amount of items priced at $1.00 or less. And be prepared to bargain unless you want to carry all of your things back into the house in the evening.

So if you are planning on buying in a yard or garage sale, there are deals to be had and the items are not what you used to get or what we often think of as "junk." Oh sure, there are those too, but there is equally an abundance of good quality items that their previous owner just has too much of or they forgot they bought in the first place. Happens to me all the time.

Christmas in July: It's a Wrap with Fine Gift Wrap

2009-07-31T11:39:00.000-04:00

Christmas gift wrap is the ultimate segue to presenting your recipient with the gift you so carefully chose for them. Get all the gift wrap you need this year around a central theme or mix it up with whimsical, traditional and modern gift wrap.
Scripted holly pattern is traditional and Victorian, simply elegant.

Christmas elegance at its finest, this beautifully antiquated pattern is slightly whimsical and will make your gifts pop under the Christmas tree.

This bright and fun holiday gift wrap of snowflakes and candy canes is versatile. Use it all throughout the winter season for birthdays and the various holidays we celebrate during this time of year.

Many more wonderful and affordable designs are available here. Gift cards, gift tags, boxes, invitations, and more are available here.

Christmas in July: Bethlehem Lights, Battery-Operated

2009-07-30T09:12:00.000-04:00

Bethlehem Lights Set of 2 Battery Operated Lighted Walkway Trees: Perfect for your entrance door on the outside, place one on either side. Battery-operated!

24" Pre-Lit LED Red Berry Battery Operated Canadian Pine Wreath - Red Lights: A traditional wreath showcasing vibrant berries. Pre-lit with festive red lights and its battery operated!

Bethlehem Lighting Pre-Lit-Battery-Operated-Cranberry-Rattan: This is wonderful for so many reasons. Battery operated so you never need another extension cord. Hang it whereever you like in the home. Beautiful clear lights shine out of the vibrant cranberry and natural twig base.

Bethlehem Lighting Indoor/Outdoor Mini Starlight Sphere 50 Lights

Christmas in July: Lenox Holiday Bakeware & More

2009-07-29T09:47:00.000-04:00

Lenox Holiday Bakeware is elegant and traditional. Their signature holly and berries artwork is world-renowned and simply beautiful. Their quality is unparalleled. And at Christmas in July prices, it's also affordable. Celebrating 120 years.

Lenox Holiday Bakeware Square Baker (also available in the oval shape)

Lenox for $13.99!!! Lenox Holiday Carved Mini Loaf Pan - This adorable mini-loaf pan makes a wonderful gift when paired with one of the larger pans shown here. Or buy it for yourself and it to your designer baking collection.

Wilton Cast Large Snowflake Pan: This beautiful bakeware set conducts heat evenly for an overall consistent bake. Additionally, their non-stick surface will make cleaning a breeze during the busy holiday season.

Lenox Holiday Bakeware Loaf Pan

Nordic Ware Holiday Star Bundt Pan: Makes a perfectly shaped star for your next holiday gathering or any festive occasion. Non stick for easy use. Proudly made in the USA by Nordic Ware.

Christmas in July: Christmas Wreaths

2009-07-28T14:21:00.001-04:00

Low-maintenance artificial Christmas wreaths that store easily and create a warm, festive ambience inside the house and out is what the holiday decorating season should be all about. It's amazing the assortment of wreaths that are available on the market today. For a traditional wreath, consider this Artificial Christmas Wreath: Douglas Fir for that lush and dense look. 140 lights that won't all die out should one go out.

Only $14.99! From Bethlehem Lights, this artificial Christmas wreath with 70 multi-color lights, featured below, is the perfect and most affordable item to bring home and decorate with during the holidays.

For a traditional look: Red Berry Christmas Wreath with Pine Cones & Holly
For that snazzy Christmas look, check out this red, artificial Christmas wreath. 100 mini red lights that won't be affected if one light happens to go out.

Christmas in July: Christmas Cookbooks

2009-07-27T10:41:00.001-04:00

Start a collection of Christmas cookbooks. Give them as a gift to someone who loves to cook. If you know someone that has an autumn birthday and loves the holidays, getting them a Christmas cookbook is the perfect gift, allowing them to prepare for the holidays in a new and unique way. Find all of your favorite holiday recipes. Plan ahead for the busy holiday season. It's never too early to start planning a holiday dinner party or festive holiday party, especially if it's your first one. Buy at Christmas in July prices.

For the ultimate holiday entertainer diva in you, you will want to add this to your holiday planning repertoire: Southern Living Christmas Cookbook. Mouth-watering recipes, such as Bourbon-Glazed Ham and Out-of-this-World Scalloped Potatoes are just a small sampling of what is available inside this remarkable entertaining guide that is not just for the holidays. Featuring superb color photographs, tons of recipes and menus, there's little guesswork in your next party planning endeavor. This is a true all-in-one entertaining guide for the Christmas holiday and beyond.

Patriotism never goes out of style. Learn about classic Christmas recipes from all 50 states in this All-American Christmas cookbook. With nostalgic vintage artwork and recipes, such as from Alabama's Pecan Divinity to New York's Oyster Stew to Utah's Quick Peppermint Stick Cake, this cookbook is a must-read for the whole family. It's a wonderful cultural lesson in how our country celebrates Christmas by the recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation.

An American staple, this Christmas cookbook by Betty Crocker features all the classic favorites and then some, such as vegetarian dishes. Planning a holiday dinner party takes time, and starting early will get you in the holiday spirit when it comes time to pull all the details together. This is also a great resource for holiday food gifts and wrapping ideas.

Other wonderfully and deliciously delightful Christmas cookbooks:

Gooseberry Patch: Very Merry Christmas Cookbook: Over 185 Tried & True Recipes, Scrumptious Menu Ideas & Clever How-to's for a Magical Christmas!

Christmas Cookies: 50 Recipes to Treasure for the Holiday Season

Christmas in July: Christmas-Scented Candles

2009-07-26T10:10:00.002-04:00

Scents of pine, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and pomegranate combine to create a wonderful Christmas potpourri that will fill your home with the best of the season's fragrances. Buy it for yourself or for someone else and you already have a gift you can check off on your list. Dickens Christmas Scented Jar Candles make the perfect gift for the holiday candle lover. The above is also available in a sugar cookie scent, Christmas Eve Scented Jar Candle, yum!
The lively scene on top of this candle depicts a train headed for the North Pole. This Christmas scented candle will surely brighten up the holiday for a friend or neighbor.

Christmas Eve Scented Jar Candle, Santa Skiing Red

The above sampling of Christmas-scented candles brings together all the aromas of the Christmas holiday season. Ordering these or other Christmas-scented candles in the Christmas in July pricing puts you ahead of your shopping and eases the holiday rush on you, leaving room for other things to do, such as baking!

Christmas in July: Personalized Ornaments + Free Shipping

2009-07-25T11:16:00.009-04:00

'Tis the season to buy Christmas gifts, especially when there are deals available. Five months to Christmas is not a long time, especially when you're on a budget. Start early with these beautiful Christmas ornaments showcased below from a renowned online ornaments-exclusive retailer offering personalized ornaments online for over 11 years now. These ornaments are well under $20. Get all your personalized gifts now and avoid panic during the Christmas rush, where you will have plenty of other things to do and personalized gifts take a little bit of time anyway.

If you do not see the family number (Family of 4, Family of 6, etc), do not despair! They are available to search for here.

Mitten Family 4 Personalized Christmas Ornament: How cute is this mitten?

Snowman 5 Children Personalized Christmas Ornament: Perfect for grandma or grandparents.

Fireplace Hung with 5 Stockings Personalized Christmas Ornament: Personalize this unique and beautiful ornament gift and you are well on your way to spending under budget this Christmas.

Not to worry if your family is larger or smaller in numbers, there are dozens of styles to choose from and getting the correct number is easy.

For exquisitely detailed European landmark ornaments, visit my new blog, "Kris Kringle for Singles." Paris' Eiffel Tower, Rome's Trevi Fountain, and more unique ornament gifts all under $20.

Stock up on these beautiful ornaments and many more plus get free shipping!