Packing lunches is a great way to save cash and eat healthfully: No running out for a $9 fast food lunch or succumbing to the temptations of the office vending machine for you, and no mystery meat school lunches for your kids. But all those plastic sandwich bags (or Saran Wrap, for that matter) are tough to recycle, and end up clogging landfills. What’s more, some organizations, like the nonprofit Healthy Child, Healthy World, site concerns about the impact these plastics can have on kids. Rather than abandon the sack lunch, try packing sandwiches and snacks in reusable, non-toxic bags. The Snack Taxi Snack Sack (pictured above) comes in several sizes and a host of cool prints to make lunch time more fun. The Wrap-N-Mat (below) unfolds to a placemat, so it’s perfect for toting along on picnics or hikes where there may not be a clean place to put down food. The FreshSnackPack (bottom) can hold an entire lunch in its clear pouch.

–Becky Ellis

French Bull Collage Round Tray, $22

This summer seems to be the season of buying housewarming gifts. Not sure why so many of my friends are in transition, but I’ve attended at least four housewarming barbecues, cocktail parties and brunches in the last couple of months. I love a good party, but in these cases I’m also faced with the challenge of finding fun, practical and beautiful gifts that will help my friends “warm up” their homes. Enter French Bull, the maker of fun melamine products. The idea for French Bull started in 2002 from a desire to create high-style housewares products for design-conscious consumers at accessible prices. And these pieces are not your mom’s or grandma’s melamine!

Add pattern and color with a set of storage containers. Great for keeping food in your refrigerator or freezer. Remove the lids and bring them right to the table, indoors or out! What a stylish way to transport your summer salads and desserts to picnics and pot lucks!

Some of us look to the stars for our future and now you can look at these star sign mugs for a fresh start to every day! French Bull created a 12-piece collection of porcelain mugs representing each sign of the zodiac. Each mug is $13.50 and comes pre-wrapped in a bright orange box. Cute.

Have an addiction for those fruit-flavored waters? Now you can create your own without pulp or seeds getting in the way. The Fruit Infusion Natural Fruit Flavor Pitcher is made with a special container that’s suspended inside a crystal clear acrylic pitcher and features open holes allowing liquid and fruit to mix on their own—and without the pulp getting into your water glass. The best part is that the special fruit container can be removed from the lid at any time, or you can refill the pitcher without replacing the fruit at all. Fill the fruit container with sliced lemons, oranges, cucumbers, strawberries or grapes to create your own flavored water!

Perfect for picnics and backyard barbecues, these durable plastic baskets let you dish out burgers, hot dogs, fish and chips, sandwiches with classic drive-in charm. Bonus: they make cleanup a cinch! Just pick up some burger basket liners for serving. Baskets are dishwasher and microwave safe and a set of six is just $6.95!

The beehive beverage jar is the perfect self-serve container for lemonade, cucumber water and punches. The 13-inch container works great indoors and out and has three little bees adorning the lid.

Back in February, we turned you onto Slimware, the melamine plates that help you control portion sizes (Summer Tip: these shatter-proof plates are perfect for your work or church picnic, where piling on hefty portions of chips and potato salad is all too easy). The same company recently launched another product and, to be honest, I think it’s even more genius: Measure Up Bowls.

These ceramic bowls are sophisticated and simple, and on the inside they have measurements, so you know exactly how much you’re eating. Each set contains two bowls–one snack-sized for high-cal things like ice cream or nuts, and one meal-sized bowl for cereal or pasta–and is dishwasher and microwave safe.

I know pasta, cereal and ice cream are where it’s easiest for me to go astray (How can I eat just 1 cup of pasta and 1/4 cup of ice cream??), and these bowls will definitely help me stay on track. When you know exactly how much you’re consuming–and what the caloric consequences are–it’s much easier to step away from the spoon.

–Becky Ellis

Who else remembers making popsicles the old-fashioned way? Pouring Kool-Aid into ice cube trays, covering with Saran Wrap and sticking toothpicks (or recycled popsicle sticks) through the plastic and into each slot. They turned out to be a big, drippy mess, but they were still fun.

Now, there are easier ways to make all kinds of frozen treats without the mess. These Orka Ice Pop Molds (above) produce swirly, twirly popsicles that will rival anything you’ll find in the freezer aisle, and the Tovolo Dual Freeze Molds (below) let you combine two tasty flavors on one stick. As for flavors, you can go the quick and simple route by using a powdered drink mix and water, or try one of Country Living’s fantastic recipes to produce surprisingly sophisticated treats.

Are you a fan of jalapeño poppers—Those fried, frozen and spicy little things that you reheat for a quick snack? Well now you can actually cook a healthy or gourmet version right on your grill. Just stuff the jalapeño peppers with your favorite ingredients—goat cheese, tomatoes, spices—and heat them on the grill using this handy dandy chile grill rack. The stainless steel is dishwasher safe and holds 18 chiles!

Does your outdoor lighting leave something to be desired? If you’re tired of flipping burgers or chicken in the dark, try the Steven Raichlen LumaTongs. They have two LED bulbs on the handle, allowing for easy visibility even after the sun goes down.

New to the grill? Get the Weber Way to Grill cookbook. It features step-by-step instructions on how to perfectly grill all kinds of meat (baby back ribs, steak, smoked turkey), plus there are dozens of marinades, spice rubs and sauce recipes to keep your meals interesting.

By now, you’ve probably heard of the (in)famous “Latte Factor,” the phrase coined by David Bach and popularized on Oprah. If not, he basically uses it to describe the way we spend a lot of money on small, daily things like (you guessed it) lattes.

I am so very guilty of this. I LOVE my fancy coffee beverages. Straight-up coffee just isn’t the same as a Mocha-Choca-Frappe-Double-Ginormo cup of Starbucks, so drinking it at home was a hard sell for me until I tried the Nescafe Dolce Gusto by Krups. This machine makes just about any coffee beverage you can imagine–from espresso and cappuccinos to lattes and mochas and machiatos. It will even make them iced (which I love!). It’s really, really easy, and the machine is well-designed and looks great on your counter.

Before I tried this, I’d been underwhelmed by pod-based coffee makers, but the Dolce Gusto machine makes truly great stuff. And at only $9 for a box of 16 capsules (less than 60 cents a cup!) the machine will pay for itself in less than a month… and then you can start banking your savings!

I’ve been all about the avocado this spring: on sandwiches, as a snack, even to thicken up smoothies (really!). Then I discovered that one avocado has a whopping 250 calories. They’re healthy calories for sure–full of nutrients and healthy fats–but since they pack almost the same caloric punch as a Snickers bar, I decided I need to scale back! Saving half an avocado without it becoming brown and grodie is tough, but I recently saw the Avocado Saver by Evriholder Products online and I’m most definitely intrigued! Turns out, this company offers a whole range of food-specific “saver” devices for fruits and veggies like tomatoes, lemons and onions. These look cool, and perfect if you’re, say, the only person in your household who likes onions or cucumbers and don’t want the other half to go to waste.

Has anyone tried them?

Boxes of these Tasty Organic Fruit Snacks have been appearing in my office kitchen for a while now, and no one seems to know where they came from. For a long time, I ignored them; I’m not usually a big fan of gummy snacks. But when the call of my sweet tooth grew too loud to ignore, I begrudgingly gave them a shot. And, well, YUM.

Unlike sugary worms, Swedish Fish and other run-of-the mill gummy snacks, these are bursting with flavor (so a small amount actually satisfies), and they’re not so gummy that they stick in your teeth. Plus, they’re made entirely from Organic ingredients and pack 100% of the RDA of vitamin C. Perfect for kids’ lunches, your purse, or your desk at work. Viva la snacking!

My collection of fiestaware has grown over the years. I now have plenty of margarita glasses, serving dishes and decorations to go around. What if you’re a Cinco fiesta novice, Fear not! SHOP.COM has you covered. Here are some suggestions:

The Raya collection is the perfect fit for a Mexican fiesta, but it also doubles as fun summertime dishware. The modern striped collection includes a platter, pitcher, serving bowl, chip and dip, and condiment bowls.They’re dishwasher and microwave safe.

Be sure to decorate with bold colors! Tissue paper poms are an easy craft to make, and unlike flowers, the poms last for a few events if you store them safely. Make them in any size and choose a color palette that matches the rest of your Cinco theme.

Don’t forget the music! If you’re not springing for a live mariachi band, there are a number of songs and CDs you can add to your iPod playlist. Also, consider getting some maracas so your guests can dance the night away.

Zojirushi Mini Bento Lunch Pack

Whether you’re dashing off to work or getting kids ready for school, it makes sense set aside a little time each morning to pack snacks or lunch before you go. Not only will it help you make smart choices, it will also save you time by helping you avoid the lines at restaurants and cafes. Plus, doesn’t it feel like a mini vacation when you take a break outdoors midday?

Zojirushi’s new mini bento lets you tote your lunch in style. The set comes with stainless steel lunch jar, two side containers and a roomy and decorative tote. Bento is a single-portion takeout or a home-packed meal that’s common in Japanese cuisine. In Japan, that meal often consists of rice, fish or meat, along with pickled or cooked vegetables. You can use your mini bento to pack anything. Fresh salads, fruit, leftover dinner, small sandwiches, chopped veggies and dip, hummus, or crackers and cheese are all easy ideas.

What I like about cupcakes—besides the yummy goodness—is that they COULD be considered diet-friendly. Okay, maybe sugar and frosting is not a cellulite fighter, but at least you are limiting your intake if you just eat one! The treats are the perfect take-along to picnics and office gatherings. They also make great gifts. Check out these cute carriers for your cupcakes:

Not only is the Go Go Cupcake Holder cute, it will keep your frosting and toppings in tact. Drop one in the kid’s lunches or gift them for bridal showers and birthday favors. You can also use it as a gift card holder.

The Cupcake Courier was invented by a mother of two who needed a practical way to transport all those cupcakes to school and family functions. There’s no joy in moving cupcakes in a tin draped in flimsy plastic wrap! All that hard work decorating would go to waste. Made of durable translucent plastic, this container comes with three stackable trays, each with 12 deep cups to hold the cupcakes separately and securely. The comfortable handle allows for easy carrying while the four bottom latches hold the base in place without worry.

These individual cupcake holders from are made of molded plastic and are designed to hold a single cupcake with plenty of space to preserve extra-high frosting and decorations.

Egg cups are cute! There are so many styles to choose from. They are also a great decorating aid. I use them to hold flower blossoms, candles, present candy and to serve up individual hors d’oeuvres. They are also a handy place to corral your rings while you do the dishes.

The egg cups set is one of the most popular Zak designs items. The set of four assorted melamine egg cups will brighten up any kitchen or breakfast table.

Shaped with tiny chicken feet, these porcelain egg cups bring some fun to your otherwise average egg eating routine. Comes in a gift box!

Cico the egg cup by Alessi comes with his own spoon and his hat is a salt shaker. What a way to get your kids to eat some protein!

Enter the Hourglass Coffee Maker. Unlike conventional coffee makers, the Hourglass brews coffee without heat or electricity. Instead, it uses a patent-pending cold water infusion process that naturally produces low-acid coffee that’s smooth and rich with no bitterness. The company says that lab tests show that coffee brewed in the Hourglass has 69.6% less acid than coffee brewed with traditional hot brew methods. That means you might just need less sweetener and cream! Coffee brewed in the Hourglass can be used to make both hot and iced coffee drinks.

For you fans of sustainable design, the Hourglass is eco-smart: it requires no electricity to brew and includes a stainless steel filter that lasts a lifetime (no paper filters needed!). The portable Bean Kanteen stores coffee fresh in the fridge. The Hourglass is spill proof, shatterproof and completely portable, making it the perfect coffee maker for travel, college life or brewing on the go.

The Black & Decker 6-slice countertop convection oven offers cooking versatility right on your counter.You can bake, broil and reheat your favorite foods as well as toast up to 4 slices of bread at a time. With convection baking, meals are done to perfection as an even airflow circulates the food for faster and consistent baking every time. This model has a cool feature—the pizza bump. It’s a curved interior that accommodates for a 12-inch pizza. Although many of us aspire to be talented chefs, frozen pizza is a reality with our hectic schedules!

Skip the Panera or Corner Bakery. DeLonghi’s 6-slice panini and toaster oven turns your kitchen into an instant cafe. The standard inner rack can house 6 slices of standard sized bread for toasting for sandwiches, toast or garlic bread. Plus, the special panini rack allows you to toast melted cheese or hot turkey sandwiches on ciabatta or foccacia. The panini rack includes a top press so the toasted sandwiches can be prepared the traditional way with everything hot the whole way through and both sides toasted – top and bottom. The Panini press can also be used to create appetizing grill marks on meats and vegetables!

For bagel junkies, it’s a good idea to have a bagel slicer on hand in your kitchen. Trust me, it’s way safer than wielding a bread knife first thing in the morning. One of my favorites is the Bagelpod, which is a handy little gadget that can make slicing your bagels a breeze. Unlike traditional slicers, this one doesn’t scrape the tasty toppings off your bagel. Instead, the Bagelpod’s side covers, which are hinged at the bottom, close in gently around the bagel. The slicing system uses two blades that counter rotate to make perfect, even cuts.

The Fusion Brand’s foodpod is a modern  cooking tool designed to save time when boiling, blanching or steaming. The silicone tool helps to contain, remove, and drain foods like eggs, veggies and shellfish while you’re cooking. Simply insert foods in the foodpod and place in water to cook. Lift from water and let drain. Very easy!

No more messy sauces, condiments and dressings! The drizzlestick lets you dip into honey, olive oil, sauces, chocolate and butter—pretty much anything liquidy—and drizzle it over your food with more control. Each drizzlstick cone holds a teaspoon and a half of liquid. The specially designed head pivots to reach every last bit in the jar or bowl. Bonus use: the stick can also be used to beat eggs and blend oil and vinegar! It’s dishwasher safe and 7.5 inches in length.

Fusion Brand’s Food Loop replace kitchen string and toothpicks in the prep and cooking processes. These 15-inch long silicone trussing tools are heat-resistant to 675°F, nonstick, reusable and dishwasher safe! A mesh dishwasher/storage bag is included. They come four to a package.

I was raised on good old-fashioned popcorn, the kind that you make in a big pot on the stove with oil and kernels. Consequently, microwaved and bagged popcorn never quite made the cut… until I tried Popcorn Indiana a few weeks ago.

Inspired by the popcorn they found in Popcorn, Indiana (an actual, if tiny, town in my home state of Indiana) two popcorn-loving entrepreneurs created bagged popcorn with a decidedly superior taste and texture than anything I’ve ever tried before. Available in five varieties, Original Kettle Corn, Aged White Cheddar Kettle Corn, Smoked Cheddar Cheese Kettle Corn, Gourmet Sea Salt Popcorn and Movie Theater Popcorn, each two cup portion–a hearty size for a snack–has between 120 and 150 calories and 2 or 3 grams of fiber. Movie Theater and Gourmet Sea Salt are my favorites, and (shh!) I take a bag of the Movie Theater Popcorn into theaters with me. It tastes the same as the buttery, overpriced stuff they sell on-site, but I save both money and calories.

An innovative set of dishware can help you increase your portion consciousness without sacrificing style. At first glace, Slimware looks like casual melamine dinnerware with fun patterns. However, a closer look reveals that each shape on the plate represents a recommended food portion. Vegetables go in the largest area, carbs and side dishes in the medium-sized area, and proteins or entrees go in the smallest area.

The 11-inch plates are constructed of durable melamine, which makes them lightweight, shatterproof and scratch-resistant. They are also practical for outdoor dining and dishwasher safe! Each set of four plates retails for just $29.95 and comes with a product brochure and a portion control graphic flashcard.

One of the best ways to get your kids interested in food—and to try new things—is to encourage them to cook with you in the kitchen. The Handstand Kids Cookbooks make the task fun and easy!

The cookbooks help kids explore different cultures, recipes and languages from the safety of your kitchen. The books are based around five characters, the Handstand Kids, who have diverse interests and backgrounds that help kids relate to them: Felix is a vegetarian, Izzy loves to cook for his diabetic sister, Ari uses her cooking skills to volunteer at kid’s charities, Gabby speaks Spanish and English, and Marvin is an aspiring executive chef. So far, there are three books in the series based on Chinese, Mexican and Italian cuisines, and each cookbook comes with a utensil relevant to the culture. The Chinese book has a takeout box and and chopsticks, the Italian book has a chef’s hat, and the Mexican cookbook has an oven mitt.

The newest, the Chinese Cookbook, ties recipes to cultural lessons. For example, the The Great Wall of Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe ties together with a lesson on the Great Wall of China and Kung Pow! (Kung Pao Tofu), showing the characters doing karate.

“The goal of the Handstand Kids Cookbook series is to create a global community of children,” said Yvette Garfield, author and founder of the Handstand Kids Cookbook Company. “The series not only introduces kids to recipes from around the word, but encourages them to use their new skills to get involved in their community.”

This model has all the bells and whistles of high-end models. It’s easy to use and oh-so-stylish: the architectural cube design has an aluminum finish. The designer of this machine created it for people who like the look of classic machines but wanted the latest technology.  Two buttons at the top of the unit make brewing espresso a quick process. Pop in a capsule and push a button for different amounts of espress0: one is the traditional espresso size and the other is for a more generous 5 ounces.  The maker features a 19-bar pressure pump so you can customize your brew, automatic capsule ejection (container holds up to 15); removable water reservoir and heated cup trays. The Aeroccino Plus heats and froths cold milk for perfect latte or cappuccino.

Bonus: the set includes two glass espresso cups and saucers, and a 12-capsule Nespresso sample pack!

According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2010 is the Year of The Golden Tiger, which begins on February 14, 2010 and ends on February 2, 2011.   The first day of the lunar New Year 2010 falls on the 14th day of February, which is also Valentine’s Day.  The Tiger is the third sign in the cycle of  Chinese Zodiac, which consists of 12 animal signs.  It is a sign of courage. This fearless and fiery fighter is revered by the ancient Chinese as the sign that wards off the three main disasters of a household: fire, thieves and ghosts. Chinese wisdom says that on New Year’s Day: “it is beneficial to celebrate, to be happy, to have smiling faces, and to refrain from scowling, quarreling, or criticizing anyone.”

What does the Year of the Tiger hold in store? Drama, intensity, change and travel will be the keywords for 2010. Unfortunately, world conflicts and disasters tend to feature during Tiger years also, so it won’t be a dull 12 months for anyone. The Year of the Tiger will bring far reaching changes for everyone. New inventions and incredible technological advances have a good chance of occurring. For all of the Chinese horoscope signs, this year is one to be active – seizing opportunities and making the most of our personal and very individual talents. Everything happens quickly and dramatically in a Tiger year – blink and you could miss an important chance of a lifetime!

Celebrate the Year of the Tiger in style with fun party decorations

People born in the Year of the Tiger are magnetic, passionate and charming! When the Tiger does anything, it gets noticed! Indecisiveness and stubbornness can mar the sparkle of the Tiger personality. On the one hand generous, on the other hand a little mean, it’s sometimes hard to know where one stands with the Tiger. Flexible, honest and truly entertaining, one has a friend for life with a Tiger.

Were you born in the Year of the Tiger? Know someone who was? Tiger pendants and jewelry are the perfect gift for your favorite feline.

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The classic French press pot is one of the best—and easiest—ways to brew the perfect cup of coffee. The press pot is simple in design: a metal or glass cylinder, a screen filter, and a lid. To make it, I place coffee grounds into the container (two tablespoons or so for each six ounces of water), pour in the amount of hot water needed, and watch it brew. Stirring or swirling the container helps the grounds and water combine quickly. After a few minutes, you insert the filter and press down, which separates the grounds from the water.

A pretty press pot makes the whole morning ritual a bit more civilized, as I stand in my robe and slippers in the kitchen. The Bodum Eileen Press is stylish option. It was conceived in honor of the great designer Eileen Gray, who was a pioneer of the Modern Movement in architecture, and was inspired by the cafes of Paris. The Eileen press has an easy-grip, santoprene-coated, square handle, ensuring safe and convenient handling at all times. A solid stainless steel frame protects the glass jug from bumps, but does not conceal the freshly brewed coffee inside.

I love the simplicity of Teaposy’s Juliet Coffee/Tea Press. For maximum heat retention, the pot features an innovative double-walled clear glass design that will keep your coffee or tea piping hot with an insulating layer of air. It holds 16 ounces of coffee or tea and is made of 20 percent recycled material.

Alessi’s Cactus Press has been around for a few years, but I’ve always admired its clever punched stainless steel decoration. It holds 24 ounces of coffee.

KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer

One of my friends divorced recently and the only thing she took with her (besides her wardrobe, of course) was her KitchenAid stand mixer. It’s bright cherry red and and is the centerpiece of her new, single-girl kitchen. I never really understood the love affair many women have with these small appliances, but after buying one, I do. It’s the ultimate kitchen tool. You can make everything from bread and cookies to sauces and mashed potatoes with it. Seriously, every home cook should have one of these babies. And the fun part? They come in a rainbow of colors to match any mood, decor or personality.

CHEFS Catalog is having an amazing sale and special offer on select KitchenAid stand mixers! Save $50 this week off the Artisan mixer model and get free shipping! Customers will also receive a $30 mail-in rebate, a one-year subscription to Food & Wine or Travel & Leisure magazine, and the 20 Favorite Stand Mixer Recipes book.

The 5-quart KitchenAid Artisan model is a great bet for the average home cook. It has a rugged, 325-watt motor and all-metal construction for long life and quiet operation. The rubber feet anchor it securely to your counter. The Artisan comes with a 5-quart stainless steel bowl, with ergonomic handle, but it can also accommodate the 3- and 4.5-quart bowls. Ten-speed slide controls range from a very super-fast whip to a slow stir, and the high-performance, 67-point planetary mixing action ensures ingredients are thoroughly mixed without frequent scraping or rotating bowl. The tool also comes with a bevy of extras, such as a professional wire whip, a ‘C’ dough hook that kneads dough for pizza and bread recipes and a clear pouring shield. Go ahead, mix up a storm!

Kuhn Rikon Frosting Pen

I will admit that I’m not much of a baker. I have dreams of whipping up moist cakes and sugary-sweet homemade icing (wearing four-inch heels and a stylish wrap dress no less), but the reality is over-baked sweets and store-bought frosting. Time is precious, and I just can’t spend every weekend perfecting the red velvet cupcake or my favorite—the frosted sugar cookie! Thankfully, I discovered a new kitchen gadet that will make my store-bought treats look and taste just as good as home baked!

The Kuhn Rikon frosting pen is a clever little tool that lets you dress up store-bought and home-baked goodies like a professional. The pen gives you precise control as you write, border and create shapes on your cakes, cupcakes and cookies! Great for kids and adults, the pen has two speeds three to five tips, and two to three refillable frosting cartridges, depending on which SHOP.COM store you purchase it from. What I love about it is that you just write with it like you would a pen, and the frosting comes out smoothly and easily. That means fewer mistakes and less wasted frosting! I plan on using this handy gadget for customized Valentine’s Day cupcakes. I’ll draw little hearts or fun little sayings on each like those conversation heart candies!

I’ll probably use it with a simple can of Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker frosting, but feel free to mix up your very own. The pen uses two AA batteries. Just hand wash the unit when you’re done!

Emile Henry Flame Top 5.5 Quart

A spicy chili or warm soup is the perfect dinner for a cold winter’s day. It just heats you up and satisfies! I prefer cooking my favorite soup and chili recipes in my Emile Henry stewpot.  The natural clay allows slow even temperatures and the durable glaze makes this pot easy to clean following use.

Emile Henry’s cookware now now comes in a beautiful new Azure color, which is a rich Mediterranean blue. Flame-Top cookware is made of a flameproof ceramic that is much lighter, in fact 30%, than comparable enameled cast iron cookware, and yet it is a heavy duty, durable workhorse. It is microwave- and dishwasher-safe. It’s so durable that a cook can cut directly in the cookware —even with an electric knife without fear of scratching, chipping or cracking the surface. That’s usually a no-no on any kind of cookware.  Flame-Top goes under the broiler and directly from a freezer or refrigerator into a hot oven.

In terms of cooking performance, Flame-Top is ideal for braising, browning and slow cooking due to the gentle and steady heat distribution properties of Burgundy clay. The pots are also light enough so that they can be carried comfortably to the table even when full of food.

The styles available in the new Azure color are the 11-inch Brazier, the Large Roaster and four Round Stewpots: 2.6-qt, 4,2-qt . 5.5-qt and 7-qt sizes. Flame-Top cookware is made from all natural materials and is dishwasher safe. Emile Henry Flame-Top cookware carries a three-year guarantee.

Each elegantly designed bottle of Godiva Liqueur is chocolate perfection with the perfect marriage of enticing flavors from around the world: Madagascar vanilla, espresso from Arabica coffee beans, exquisite caramel or velvety cream. Godiva liqueur is made with the same standards for excellence and quality as Godiva Chocolate ensuring these liqueurs meet the high expectations of chocolate lovers around the world.

With its new delicious creamy texture each flavor of Godiva Liqueur is crafted to be perfect on the rocks, or blended into a delicious cocktail.

Go ahead, indulge!

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Latke Dish, $34.99

I couldn’t resist featuring this adorable latke plate from Target! Today is the first day of Hanukkah, and whether you’re Jewish or not, there’s no reason why you can’t make some latkes anyway — they’re delicious! A latke is essentially a potato pancake, usually eaten throughout Hanukkah and regularly eaten by many people throughout Eastern Europe. They are usually made with grated potatoes and onion and served with applesauce and sour cream. Here’s a simple recipe, courtesy of Epicurious:

* 1 medium onion, peeled
* 4 large russet or Idaho potatoes (about 3 1/2 pounds), peeled
* 2 large eggs
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
* Applesauce and/or sour cream, for serving

Preparation

Preheat oven to 200°F. Place 2 nonstick baking sheets in oven.

Serve pancakes hot with applesauce and/or sour cream.

Then…you can put them in this nifty plate and enjoy! Yum!

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With the holidays coming, and visions of sugarplums dancing in your head, there’s no better time to clean house and make sure your body is squeeky clean. That way you can feel free to sneak in a bit of indulgence and not feel it in the New Year. We recommend you clean up your body with Teavana Detox Tea Blend. By combining the detoxifying effects of green tea, white tea and oolong tea, you get the best of all worlds. This tea blend is designed to clean the stuff you consume (but probably shouldn’t) from your kidneys.  It reduces the effects of alcohol, fat, sodium salt and heavy meals. And it helps control your blood sugar. With just a touch of caffeine, it’s a great option in the mornings. This is a blend of Silver Needle white tea, Gyokuro green tea and Monkey-picked Oolong. Also tastes great with a bit of Organic Peppermint tea mixed in.

It will fit you to a T!

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Williams-Sonoma New Deep Fried Turkey $95

If you’ve ever wondered what deep-fried turkey tastes like, but have been too scared to try making one on your own, you’re in duck! I mean luck! Williams-Sonoma has a brand new item as part of their Thanksgiving repertoire this year — a Southern-style Deep Fried “Jive” Turkey. And boy does it look good. The turkey comes from Brooklyn’s Famous Jive Turkey restaurant, which specializes in deep-fried turkeys, offering about a dozen varieties from Jerk Turkey to Lemon Pepper Turkey to a Peking Fried Turkey, and is now available to you through the Williams-Sonoma web site for $95.

The deep-fried turkey ships overnight and it is recommended that you eat it within 4 days of arrival, so don’t order it too early! The turkey is rubbed with sage, rosemary, and thyme and cooked in peanut oil at very high heat, meaning that the turkey itself actually absorbs very little oil. MMMM!

Want to deep fry your own turkey? Check out my post last year on this amazing oilless turkey fryer! It heats your turkey using infrared technology and is much safer than deep-frying!

If you’re more into the traditional, Williams-Sonoma also has an amazing free-range Willie Bird turkey too that has gotten rave reviews from its eaters. Try it with the Williams-Sonoma apple & spices turkey brine and you’re good to go!

Willie Bird Free Range Turkey $89.95 for 18lb.

And if you’re way beyond paltry poultry, and are needing to iron out your just desserts, you MUST try Williams-Sonoma’s Pecan Pumpkin Butter, it is heavenly! THIS PUMPKIN BUTTER SELLS OUT EARLY EVERY YEAR, SO GET SOME NOW!

Williams-Sonoma Pecan Pumpkin Butter, $9.95

And last, but certainly not least, DO NOT leave the Williams-Sonoma store without looking at this new Acorn Cakelets Pan! Rather than making huge cakes and pies that make mounds of leftovers and leave guests feeling overly full, try making these mini-cakes in festive fall acorn-shaped goodness! This one comes with a snickerdoodle quick bread mix. Heavenly!

Acorn Cakelets Pan with Snickerdoodle Bread Mix, $43

Shop Williams-Sonoma Jive Deep-Fried Turkey
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The Best of Gourmet: Sixty-five Years, Sixty-five Favorite Recipes

If you haven’t yet heard, one of the world’s most beloved food magazines, Gourmet magazine, has been shut down by Conde Nast due to variety of reasons, most of which are influenced by a downward economy and formidable competition with food websites.

Often considered the most elegant food publication in existence, since its 1940 inception Gourmet has always managed to create an aura of elegance and intelligence. The magazine would often invite non-food writers like Maya Angelou and the late David Foster Wallace to contribute their writings to the magazine, and the magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Ruth Reichl (former NY Times restaurant critic) is certainly a favorite of many. Here’s a great spiced chicken recipe she recommends, btw.

For those of you who are huge Gourmet fans, there are some compilations out there that you may be interested in adding to your cookbook collection — before they’re bought by avid Gourmet fanatics.  There’s The Best of Gourmet: Sixty-Five Years, Sixty-Five Favorite Recipes, which features tantalizing recipes like risotto al gorgonzola and passion fruit ice cream. And there’s also History in a Glass: Sixty Years of Wine Writing from Gourmet with contributions from notable writers like Ray Bradbury.

CB2, which is the younger, more modern and less expensive offshoot of Crate and Barrel is my go-to place for fun, funky accessories. I am always amazed at the level of style and quality you get here for amazingly low prices. Smart designs, clever materials. Neat stuff, cool colors. Check out what I found there this week:

Marimekko Wall Hanging

Have a big, empty wall just begging for some art? Large pieces are usually very expensive, but this gorgeous wall hanging by artist Sanna Annukka is not at just $119! Contrasting graphic black/white milling gears will accentuate just about any space. Made of 100% cotton, it measures 58.25″ x 91.25″, and can be machine washed and tumbled dry.

Hypno Pillow

Chartreuse and fuschia come together for this eye-popping accent pillow that would look great on a side chair, sofa or the bed. 100% cotton with rayon needlework. Flips to solid fuchsia. Marked down to only $14.95!

Spoon & Coffee Mug

No more coffee drips: glazed porcelain mug solves he problem of where to park your spoon post-stir, and it comes with this lobster red spoon. Perfect for drinks like hot chocolate where you need an occasional re-stir to mix up those marshmallows. Dishwasher- and microwave-safe for just $3.95.

Abstract Mobile

Fill in those white ceiling spaces on a budget with a colorful mobile made of aluminum shapes in autumn’s hottest decor colors: orange, gray and yellow. Comes with 6 feet of fishline for hanging! Each are only $19.95, so why not get a few for a home office or fun kid’s space?

Football season is upon us! If you’re an avid NFL, college ball or high school football fan, you’re probably figuring out how to roast up a few burgers or brats before or after the big game.

At just 18-inches tall and weighing in at only 20 pounds, the portable propane M-iGrill from Gastar is part grill and part MP3 player. It has 8,500 BTUs and 14 inches of cooking surface, which is enough grilling space for five burgers, or several chicken breasts. Both the cooking surface and the drip pan are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup at home easy after the game. The grill uses a 1-pound disposable tank of propane.

The sound system on this baby includes two powerful speakers and works with an iPod or other MP3 player, and the adapter is included. The speakers and amplifier are powered by a 110v power cord (included) or 4 AA batteries (not included). Choose from red, white, black or silver. At just $129, what’s not to like?

Gone are the days when veganism was simply a dining preference. Now veganism is prevalent in fashion too — and beauty, hair products, even vegan pet food! Not to mention causing havoc in the media, like this controversial Peta ad that made headlines for weeks. Fashion designer Stella McCartney is renown for her vegan clothing and accessories, and for a cheaper option, there’s the New York based Olsen Haus brand and Montreal-based Matt & Nat, specializing in handbags made from recycled water bottles and other non-animal materials. And I’m a HUGE fan of the relatively new Cri de Coeur line of naturally made shoes, like the Alexa style above.

Matt and Nat Pool Clutch

No blog post about vegan fashion would be complete without a mention of the highly publicized TOMS brand shoes, that not only uses all-natural materials like canvas and hemp, but for every pair purchased, they give a pair to a child in need.

Your newly embraced vegan lifestyle would not be complete without a hemp collar for your pet:

Hemp Dog Collar

For the boys, I love the Herban Cowboy brand of colognes, musks, aftershaves, and deodorants. PETA supports their products and they’ve been embraced by several Hollywood movie houses.

Herban Cowboy Deodorant

Enough to convince you to join in on the vegan lifestyle? You’ll be in good company. Woody Harrelson, Morrissey, Jason Mraz, and Alicia Silverstone are all vegans too. What’s your favorite vegan pick? Please share.

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The challenge: fit nine months worth of clothes, decor, entertainment and (of course!) study aids into a tiny room (the average size for a dorm with two beds is 12×19 feet), and many will share that space with a roommate.

As part of their off-to-college shopping frenzy, freshman spend quite a bit of time and money decorating their dorm rooms. It’s part of the post-high-school makeover process, and how coeds outfit their personal space will speak volumes about who they are and where they want to go. My 17-year-old stepkids, who are twins, head off to different colleges this year. Our boy is going out of state and lucked out with a single dorm in a brand new building right in the middle of campus. He’s after the ultimate bachelor pad (oh dear). Our girl is staying closer to home and will live in a circa-1970s dorm with a roommate. We’re going to have to work extra hard to transform that cinder block room into a palace!

No matter what your dorm circumstances, there are a few must-haves that can make any room feel more like home. Check with your college office of residential life to see what’s allowed, and then SHOP your way to the ultimate dorm room!

Haier 1.8 Cubic Foot Refrigerator

Emerson 900-Watt Microwave

Lite Source Flower Mosaic Desk Lamp

Karen Rhodes Ultra Slim Anti-Slip Hangers

Blue Chenille 4x6 Shag Rug--just $69.99!

Cool Ice Beverage Molds, $15.99

It’s over 90 degrees here today and I am literally melting. That’s why I’m longing for a cold, thirst-quenching glass of lemonade to sip poolside.

Imagine my excitement when I discovered Cool Ice cocktail glass molds! Made of food-grade silicone, you can use these molds again and again to make fabulous icy beverage glasses. Just fill the mold with water and set it in the freezer to chill. Once frozen, the glasses are perfect for sipping lemonade, iced tea, juice or a fruity cocktail. Each mold makes two icy 7-ounce drinking glasses at a time. Yes, they will melt as you drink your beverage, but I just love the idea of keeping my hands cool while I hydrate. Novel summertime fun!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Kate Spade “aimme” bag was: $195 now:$129.90	Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Calvin Klein Jeans Flare Stretch Jeans was: $49.50 now: $29.90
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Frenchi Sweater Dress was: $48 now: $31.90	Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Marc by Marc Jacobs Watch was: $125 now: $82.90
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Teardrop Hoop Earrings was: $42 now: $27.90	Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Betsey Johnson Thongs was: $12 now: $7.90

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So many products are inspired by and named after lollipops. Their bright colors bring out the kid in everyone. Check out these lollipop-themed items on SHOP.com!

BUY Just Cavali lollipop skirt pencil skirt, Saks Fifth Avenue

BUY Juicy Couture lollipop boyshorts

BUY Alivar lollipop chairs 

BUY lollipop lamp

BUY rawhide lollipops for your dog

BUY lollipop print baby blanket

Crocodile Creek Stainless Steel Drinking Bottle – Jungle Jive – $10.00

It’s been hot. Really hot. And my three year old has been asking for: “cold water, mama… real cold, please!” The thing is, no matter how cold the water is when I give it to him in the car – it gets scorching hot in 15 minutes or less. Not only is sipping hot water unpleasant for him,  I don’t really like the idea of phthalates leeching into his water from plastic bottles. Recently, I discovered the absolute coolest invention for kids from Crocodile Creek. It’s their Eco Kids Stainless Steel water bottle. It comes in tons of fun colors and themes. My son loves this Jungle Jive version complete with colorful animals like lions, zebras and monkeys.  These water bottles  are so cool because they can be used for water, juice or milk and kids can drink either directly from the bottle or through the HDPE #2 sipper spout. The best part is that stainless steel is an earth-friendly, reusable alternative to plastic and other epoxy-lined metal containers. It does not leach chemicals, stain, corrode or rust and it’s 100% recyclable.  How’s that for eco-friendly and kid friendly?

It probably boils down to thoughtfulness. I’m love to cook and don’t mind providing an endless supply of clean towels. If you’re staying longer than 3 days, however, it’s nice when guests chip in and help with the dishes.

Luckily, most of my guests are great to have around. We laugh, cook together and feel sad when it’s time to say goodbye. They’re not pilfering stuff from my medicine cabinet or hogging the television remote!

Then there’s the guest horror stories. Recently a certain guest left a pile of sopping wet towels on my guest room bed. Yes, I have to wash the sheets anyway, but now I have to let the mattress air dry, too. And then there was the married couple who can’t sleep in the same bed because the husband snores. So he sleeps on the sofa and keeps the rest of us up all night. Joy!

One of the most thoughtful gestures any guest can do is to bring a little token of appreciation. If you’re one of those people who love to bring people little gifts, SHOP.COM has lots of adorable options that will make you and your host happy!

Four Flip-Flop Coasters in a set

Festive Flip-Flop Coasters

These Flip-Flop Coasters make a great hostess gift. The flip-flop was designed (as early as Egyptian times) to stay on the base of the foot but it works great with the base of a martini glass as well! Who knew? The sturdy straps keep your drink from tipping over as you saunter about a summer party and work as a perfect support when near by a slippery poolside.

Try these other great fun Flip-flop inspired items from SHOP.COM!

• Flip-flop plates

• Flip-flop frames

• Flip-flop wall hooks

And here’s a fun affordable summer project for the family!

1. Buy Cheap flips-flops! Old Navy has some great colorful ones only $2.50 if you buy two or more!

2. Go to your local craft store or dig in the closet and find fabric, feathers, beads, buttons, shells, or ribbon and start decorating! This craft is great as a gift or a party favor for summer birthdays.

Ribbon straps: Wrap ribbon, fabric or leather strips around the straps of your flip flops to personalize them and to add a cushion to your children’s feet against the hard irritating plastic. Just push out the plug, poke the ribbon through and glue in place!

Shells: Simply glue shells on the line of the straps using a low heat glue gun. Supervision required for little ones.

Flowers: Glue a large fake fabric flower at the spot where the straps connect or scatter smaller blossoms down the sides.

Check out these other great samples from Michael’s Craft Store

It’s officially summer and my favorite thing in the world about summertime is that you can  cook and eat outside. It was time to toss out my old grill and invest in something new. I just picked up one of these stylish (yes, stylish!)  Kamado Grills from Dome Infinity Series.

These new, all-weather grills utilize new premium blend of TERAPEX Ceramics, which is composed of 7 natural and pure ceramics, and are capable of withstanding cooking temperatures up to 1,200°F, that is some 200°F higher than other ceramic smoker grills. These grills are designed for a perfect balance between porosity and density to deliver the best cooking experience for a variety of foods. Every new smoker grill comes with hardware made of 304 grade stainless steel, and is built with increased height for more cooking space, so you can smoke a 30 lbs turkey or cook meats and vegetables on several levels at the same time. With this amazing grill you can smoke a 12 lbs turkey in just 2 hours, roast a whole chicken in only 40 minutes, or grill a chicken breast in an amazing 9 minutes.

Other than its incredibly fast cooking time, this ceramic grill takes less than 5 minutes to start and, due to its unique double damper system, you have precision control when it comes to the glow of charcoal, smoke flavor and the temperature. It uses 70% less charcoal than traditional grills which is great for the environment and the quality of the food you’re cooking. With the double thick insulating ceramic walls, its outer surface gets only slightly warm to the touch, making it safe for use around children. Huge benefit when you have a toddler running around like I do.Grill Dome currently makes the Infinity Series Ceramic Smoker Grill in 5 finishes – black, blue, green, red or cooper. So it will look great with your outdoor decor. Price is about $630. You can’t beat that!

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New Age Thick-Stemmed Martini Glasses $34.99

I’m usually a wine drinker and have an amazing collection of wine stemware . Martinis I love but have been admittedly a bit intimidated to buy glasses for one of my favorite cocktails.  They just all seem so… well, big and clunky. But I think I’m in love – because I’ve just discovered this totally cool, totally avant-garde glassware. I mean, who says that you have to drink martinis from thin-stemmed, delicate glassware? I’ve known folks to down martinis in Dixie plastic cups. But I digress, these New Age Thick-Stemmed Martini Glasses I’ve just discovered shatter the thin-stemmed martini glass myth by boasting thick, elegant, frosted glass bases. Each one of the 4-glass New Age Martini Glass set has a slightly different design. Each set of 4 are only about 35 bucks. They look like you spent a fortune, hold about 6 ounces of Martini and are totally dishwasher-safe. Guess what my signature wedding gift is this year? James Bond, drink your heart out.

Shop New Age Thick Stemmed Martini Glasses now

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EdgeStar 45 Bottle Built-In Dual Zone Wine Cooler- $594.15

So last weekend my S.O and I went on a little wine tasting trip through the central California coast. It was absolutely spectacular but a few hundred dollars and about a dozen new bottles of wine later I went from being a wine lover to an official wine aficionado.  So now that I have a “wine collection” (which I have never had in my entire 35 years on the planet, btw), the question is, how do I store it? My $10 wine rack that I’ve been using for my grocery store reds won’t do. So I took the plunge and invested in a wine cooler. But not just any wine cooler – it’s an EdgeStar 45 Bottle Built-In Dual Zone Wine Cooler.

This baby stores up to 45 standard 750 mL wine bottles. A stainless steel trimmed dual paned glass door, shelving, towel bar handle, and blue LED light offer excellent presentation for your wine collection. This undercounter wine refrigerator features two separate, digitally controlled zones designed specifically to keep red and white wines at optimum temperatures. The upper zone for white wine holds 24 bottles at a temperature range between 48ºF and 54ºF while the lower zone for red wine stores 21 bottles at a temperature range between 55 ºF and 65ºF. The best part is that it has built-in and freestanding capabilities so you can replace that old trash compactor or any other old under-counter appliance or you can have it look pretty on its own.  It has a powerful (and quiet) compressor based cooling system that ensures optimum wine temperature without any unnecessary movement that could disturb the wine. The other best part is the price, at less than $600 – I can now afford to expand my wine collection. How cool is that?

SLIMMING SWIMSUIT

What’s better than a swimsuit that fits? A swimsuit that make you look 10 lbs. lighter! Miraclesuit® shapes and flatters your figure without uncomfortable bulky linings. This chocolate brown one-piece swimsuit features a flattering faux-wrap design with shirred sides to help contour the waist, adjustable straps and discreet underwire bra to lend subtle support, a low-scoop back and high-cut legs. Be svelte and sexy poolside or beachfront – no dieting required.

Miraclesuit "Captiva" Swimsuit $134

GREAT GRILL

You can’t have a Memorial Day weekend without a good ole’ fashioned outdoor BARBEQUE! So make sure you have a great grill  to cook your favorite meats and veggies on. The new Weber Q 300 gas grill pairs a high-performance cooking system and easy-grip handles to form a powerful yet portable gas grill.

Weber Q 300 Gas Grill - $336.46

BEACH BAG

Memorial Day is a patriotic holiday, right? Well, sort of. But in any case you can still rock this cool American flag beach bag at the beach, by the pool or to the park. It’s roomy for all your summertime necessities and it has denim lining for durability and an extra zip pocket for extra space. Plus its fab patriotic theme will be relevant through Labor Day.

Straw American Flag Straw Bag $27.27

Feng Shui is the art of arranging your living space in such a way that brings balance, harmony and abundance to your life. I love this Buddah fountain that’s on sale for just $34.99 and is sure to turn your home into an instant Feng Shui sanctuary.

Sushi has to be one of my favorite foods but it can get so pricey. So why not make your own? Check out some great sushi cookbooks like this one by Yumi Umemura. Tons of delish recipes for about 20 bucks. Invite some friends over and ENJOY!

Tea is a ritual that I love to indulge in. China is considered to have the earliest records of tea consumption with records dating back to the 10th century BC. There are so many kinds of tea: herbal tea, green tea, black tea and oolong tea. I enjoy brewing it, serving it and drinking it. This tea set makes tea time that much more special.