Weekly Catalog Finds

A wireless security system hooked to my computer and skype sounds like a good idea.  Better than the old system that is currently installed.  Check out Lorex Technology

Don't like wearing the theater 3D glasses or want a more stylish pair, check out Dimensional Optics glasses

Looking for a unique gift for that person who has everything and loves wine or would like to get to know it better.  How about sending them a wine sampler from Tasting Room.

Instead of buying wine charms or name card let your china or glassware do the talking with Chalk Board China.  If you are crafty you can purchase chalk board paint for glass and make your own but this takes the guess work and effort out.

Everyone uses a scratch pad or sticky  notes so how about making them personal with Pic Pads.

No patience to let your nails dry or don't have the money to go to a salon.  Sally Hansen Sticker nails.

Thermal totes from Thirty One.  Reasonably priced at $10-15 and best of all made in the USA.

I think these wall decals are pretty cool, especially for a child's room.  Check them out from Dali Decals.

Weekly Catalog Finds - Misc

Perfume Travel Atomizer:  This is one of the newest things I have seen that I think would be a great gift.  Now that we can't bring on over 3 oz. of liquid unless you got a gift pack you may not have a small size of your favorite perfume.  Using this atomizer allows you to use your favorite and be green while doing it since it is refillable.  From Travolo for only $19.99.  Great gift

Spice Grinder: I was thinking about just getting another coffee grinder but this one seems small and handy. From SurLaTable, Item#804708 for $19.99. It comes in a variety of colors, not just purple.

I want to own good quality, sharp knifes. Instead of purchasing more cheap knifes I am ready to invest in a brand that will last a long time. The brand I have decided on is Wusthof. You can find them at many places including Williams Sonoma and ChefsCatalog. What I also decided is I don't need a whole set and a block to put them in which will just give me more counter clutter. Instead I only need to get what I'll use. The following pieces are the one's I want to replace with Wusthof knifes.

• 5-6" sandwich knife (daily use)
• Steak Knifes (set of 4)
• 8" Chefs knife
• 9" Bread knife

I'm going with the Classic style. I have also seen Grand Prix II and Classic Ikon but I like the classic style the best.

At Christmas time with all the outdoor lights and extension cords I'm always worried about rain and the connections of these cords. I love this solution, I hope it works. From Improvements Catalog, these cord plug protectors, Item# 356694 for $9.99/2.

Tart Pans:  There are so many choices and although you may rarely make a tart I think a couple of pans are needed.   The first set of tart pans I purchased were really Flan pans from Pampered Chef, Item #1700. They were about 10" around and worked out perfectly for my Zucchini Tart. Since the dough goes into the grove around the edge I thought the tart won't come out but it does just fine. The problem with this pan is that you can't really unmold like you could if the bottom was removable and there wasn't a groove. I wouldn't suggest purchasing this for a tart pan but it has worked out fine for me so if you find one cheap at a garage sale it is an option. I have seen them on eBay but they are no longer available through Pampered Chef.

The next tart pan I purchased was quite a bit larger 12" D and had a removable bottom. I haven't tried this yet because I need to double my recipe. What I liked about this pan besides the removable bottom was that it was deeper so you can fill it with more goodies. It's made of a heavy metal and I got it at Marshalls.

Finally, I want to purchase the one from Le Creuset which is 9 1/2" D at Chefs Catalog. Since it's deeper like my metal pan you can make quiches and other things I can't make in my shallow flan pan. I also like that you can serve right from the pretty pan where you can't do this from the one where the bottom removes. It also makes it easier to transport. You can find this at Chefs Catalog, Item#25928 for $29.99. It comes in cobalt, cherry, white and kiwi.

Just like these tart pans, I found that I have to have multiple pie plates. I tried to narrow the number of pie plates I have but I found that impossible. Pie pans also come in a variety of sizes so I need one for my deep dish pumpkin pies, one for smaller quiches, one for brie and fruit spreads. I need them all.

Filled Pancake Pan: This is another one of those kitchen gadgets that I think I need but haven't yet got myself to purchase. I think it would be cool but really how often would I use it. Now if you have kids you may use it more because you could make filled pancakes to go or add fruit inside for those who don't eat any fruit. Either way I like the pan but if I purchase it, it may end up like my eggs benedict pan that I insisted on having and have yet to use. I first heard of these kind of pancakes in Solvang, CA. They call them Ebelskivers. At William Sonoma it is Item# 24-6126122, for $39.95. Best of all it's made in the USA! You can also purchase the turning tools (which look a bit like chop sticks) for $12.95, Item# 24-116632.

These look so yummy. You can fill them with what ever your heart desires. What about a cube of caramel

Gravy Seperator

I've had this for awhile now and am wondering is it one of those items I'll never use.  It is a gravy seperator from Chefs Catalog, Item# 21659 for $24.99 for the 2 cup model or you can get a bigger one but I really don't think that would be necessary for $29.99.

Note:  The one I saw in the catalog was red however they did ship me the white one.  It was disappointing only because I was expecting red.

Weekly Catalog Finds

Divided Dish:  Just saw this on Rachael Ray and want it.  I made an early Thanksgiving yesterday and would have liked to make both white and sweet potatoes but two large dishes is way too much for the two of us.  With this dish I can make two smaller batches of potatoes.  Now I just need to decide between purple or red for the holidays.  I found this one at Cooking.com, Item#360043 for $49.95.

Fruit Basket:  Although I purchased an inexpensive two tiered basket awhile back I like this one better although it does cost more.  From Ballard Designs, Item# BM068 for $45

Weekly Catalog Finds - Misc. Gifts

The Wizard of Oz is my favorite all time movie.  Since I take my rings off each night I thought this would be a cute way to display them till I put them back on.  From Potpouri, Item# RF1140 , for $14.95


Do you have someone this TShirt might be good for, I thought it was funny.  Now I just need to figure out who it fits or better yet who won't be offended.  From Potpouri Item #: RA1013, Price: $19.95

Cat Scratcher: Do you have a cat? I hate those scratching posts that become part of your decor. Instead I feel it should be hidden.  I keep mine under the bed, but mine is cardboard so I like this one much better.  I know what "Pumpkin" is getting for Christmas.  From Dr. Foster Smith, Item# AWH-17873 for $19.99

Book Pillow:  Great Christmas gift for someone who reads.  I love looking at cookbooks while watching TV and usually bunch up a blanket on my lap so I don't have to hold the book.  This would be perfect for me.  Item#V10-787 for $29.95 from Catalog Favorites.  I like the black paisley.

UPDATE:  I got the black paisley pillow for my birthday and I love it.  Helps my bad wrist situation.

Weekly Catalog Finds

With Christmas just around the corner it is time to shop.  Unfortunately how I shop during this time of year is one for you, one for me.  Here are a few things that are currently on my list.

At Christmas time with all the outdoor lights and extension cords I'm always worried about rain and the connections of these cords. I love this solution, I hope it works. From Improvements Catalog, these cord plug protectors, Item# 356694 for $9.99/2.  You can also get it through Fresh Finds, Extension Cord safety.  Item# 5883 for $12.95  

Popcorn popper:  Why buy prepackaged preseasoned microwave popcorn.  Yes it is easier but not healthier and not greener.  From Fresh Finds, Item# F3606 for $21.95

I want to put a chandelier in our guest room.  I found one at IKEA (first picture) for $39.00 and I just found this one at RSH.  My only problem is that it has pink in it so it dictates a change to the blue room.  Item# 12283, for $89.

Calendar:  How about one that is green and you can recycle it each and every year.  From RSH, Item# 16492 for $79.  My only problem is that I can't write on it.

Cork Holder:  I've seen various cork holders at shops in town but this one I liked because of the size and statement "Put a Cork in It".  From Wine Enthusiast, Item# 1932202 for $49.95.  Don't like the statement, you can get it without.

Cheese Markers:  These are so cute.  I purchased a metal mouse once and ever since have been looking for more.  From Napa Style, Item#80280 (Blue, Cheddar, Parmesan, Brie, Goat & Gruyere for $59 BUT currently on sale for $46.99 They come in Sheep, Cow and Goat also but this wouldn't solve the problem of what kind of cheese is it.

These are another cheese marker that can be customized even further.  From Cooking Enthusiast, Item# 1R39-090 for $14.95.  Set of 6.

Coin purse:  I love flowers and this coin purse/ key chain is really cute.  From Grandin Road, Item# 46626 for $19

TShirt:  Do you have someone that this shirt would be perfect for, I do.  From Catalog Favorites, Item# V1-565P for $17.95

or what about this one, Item# V0-661 for $17.95

Weekly Catalog Finds for the Kitchen

BOOS block: Cherry #26724 (shown here), med $99.95 or large $129.95 or Walnut #26725, med $104.95 or $144.95 from Chefs Catalog.  I'm going for the large so I can use it to make bread.

Metal fish spatula:  I need one.  The silicone one I bought for eggs and fish but it is too flimsy.  Chefs Catalog, Item# 24491, $14.95.

Gel Mats:  I can't decide if I should purchase on of these or not.  I'm the cook so technically I would need it in front of the stove or in front of my prep area but where I usually have a rug is in front of the sink.  I like that a rug brings pattern to the floor where this would only bring color.  I just can't decide.  But if you know these are a great option.  They come in plain or various patterns but I wonder how cleaning it would be with a pattern.

Shampoo Dispenser:  No stranger wants to reuse a bar of soap and cluttering the tub with shampoo bottles looks bad.  I want to get a 3 dispensers (shampoo, conditioner and soap) holder for the spare bath.  I've seen it at Bed Bath and Beyond also so I need to check their price.

Wusthof Knifes:  I need new sharp, sturdy knifes and I don't need an entire set.  I need a 8" Chef's knife, a 6" utility knife and a bread knife.  You can get them at many places, one being Chefs Catalog.  I found a set of three "Classic' which includes a paring knife, Item# 93545 for #179.95, they also have 'Classic Ikon', Item# 25611 for $249.95 (need to research the difference and make sure they don't have other styles).  The 9" bread knife is Item#90984 for $75.

Stackable Egg holder:  Now that I buy eggs directly from a farm, I have had to keep old egg cartons in order to transport the eggs.  I think this is a better idea and I like that it is reusable and I won't use the styrafoam one's.  Even if I buy eggs at the store this will make it easier to stack things on top of the eggs.  From Chefs Catalog, Item# 27172 for $14.95 or two for $24.95

Weekly Catalog Finds for the House

My spare room is my office but it also has a day bed in it.  I want to put a coffee table of sorts in front of the bed and this one since it is smaller I thought might work well.  I could even do two in front of the bed.  The side table, from Ballard Designs, Item#TS338 for $239.

Another option besides a table would be a leather cube which will give me storate, a table and extra seating for a party that I can easily move around.  These come in a variety of colors but will I be bold?  I like the red, plum and lemongrass.  From Crate & Barrell, SKU 235931 for $143.65

Wine Fridge:  Another thing I need when my kitchen is redone.  I may have it built into the island or I may put it in the dining room where I have the wine rack now.  I thought this one was cool because it is a piece of furnature that you stick your fridge in.  Only problem I may need one that holds 50 bottles.  Expensive at $1295 but nice, Item# 335 87 04

Wine Fridge Barrell:  Here is another way to hide a wine fridge, in a barrell, from  Wine Enthusiast, Item# 2760318for $895.

Bar or Table:  What about a table or bar made out of a barrell.  Don't know where I would put it, living room probably but odds of using it slim.  Love it.  From Wine Enthusiast, Item# 3251013 for $749. 

Snack Table: Right now I don't have room for a end table on my side of the couch so I have to use the coffee table for my drink. This table would allow me to have my drink closer, lazy or practical? I say practical. This snack table is from Whatever Works, Item# K1959 for $59.99

Here is another snack table at Improvements Catalog, Item#378744 for $49.99

If you are looking for a more nicer piece of furnature, you will pay for it but this one is adjustable and can be used in bed, up to 40" tall. Made of solid mahogany, from Frontgate, Item# 19316 for $249

This may be my favorite, from Leventer, item# FA4065 for $139

Searching for a new Kitchen Table

Although a new kitchen table isn't a necessity for several reasons, the one I have is in good shape, just tired of the OAK, we never sit at it so why replace it and although I like pedestals it is what I have.

Augusta Pedestal Table:  From Ballard Designs, Item# TD297 for $899 which is 42" diameter.  I like the black, shown below is the walnut.

Searching for an Entry Hall Table

Here is what I have found so far, when I find the one I want the search will be over.  Until then I will continue to add tables as I find them.
Brookfield Demilune:  From Ballard Designs, Item# TC351 for $459.  I like the mahogany (no longer available) or the black, 32"Hx37 1/8"Wx14 1/4"D.  Shown below is the distressed light ash.

Weekly Catalog Finds - Summers over but there is always next year

Although summer is over and it is really time to look inside vs. outside I want to keep this in mind for next year.  I think I could add some decor to the side yard that is currently gravel and a raised bed.  The Plant Display Ladder Stand: from Gardeners Item#39-296 at $89.95 for the ladder and an additional $39.95 for the set of 3 shelves (if you think you need them, I'm not sure), Item# 39-297.

Outdoor Table Center Piece:  Talk about fancy, this is beautiful.  From Frontgate, Item# 44288, now only $129 while supplies last.

Garden Bench:  We have a garden bench in the corner of our yard.  It was there when we bought the place and after 4 years I have yet to sit on it.  It is in OK shape but not great with a wooden seat.  This one is better but since I've never sat in the one I have is it worth getting a new one, don't know but I like it!  From Plow & Hearth, Item#34526 for $199.95.  It also comes in black which I like better.

Weekly Catalog Finds

Plug in portable burner: In need of a new burner or want to keep something hot on your island. I think this is a great thing, induction cooking is also fast, energy efficient and responsive. From Cooking Enthusiast, Item# 1H40-120, $149.95.

 

Taco Server:  Are you a taco lover and have the space to store these unique serving dishes.  This taco server is so cute, if I only had the room.  From Cooking Enthusiast, Item# W1H16010 for $24.95.

Tortilla Warmer:  I also like the tortilla warmer and room isn't an issue since it is like a pot holder.  I have seen ceramic and even had a plastic one but it wasn't practical.  I like this idea much better.  From Cooking Enthusiast, Item# 1H16-040 for $14.95

Lead Free Decanter:  I have always wanted to decant my booze.  Problem I have is the lead in the crystal.  I found a beautiful solution today.  From Cooking Enthusiast, Item# 1H22-040 for $84.95