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.

It seems the cell phone has ousted the watch as the new standard for time-telling devices, but when you’re active, toting along your phone just isn’t practical. Enter the Wooloot Wave Ion Sport Watch. Unlike many bulky, serious-looking sports watches, this fun, functional, durable rubber watch is more like a funky accessory. It’s ultra lightweight–it weighs just 10 grams, or about as much as two teaspoons of sugar–and water resistant to 3 ATM (ie, in 96 feet of water). Perfect for days at the beach or active sports, from surfing to snowboarding to softball, the Wooloot Wave Ion Sports Watch is available in 12 colors and in sizes ranging from XXS (for children up to age 10) to Large. And at just $19.95, it’s an easy, inexpensive gift idea for just about anyone, from kids to teens to grown-up sports enthusiasts.

The chop-chop-chop sound of table fans and ceiling fans is a summer staple, but no longer! James Dyson, who became famous by taking the bags out of vacuum cleaners, has taken the blades out of table fans.

The Dyson Air Multiplier creates a soft, steady breeze without the need for clunky and sometimes dangerous fan blades. In simplest terms, this sculpture-like gadget sucks in air from the base and pushes it up into the ring. The air moving out creates a jet of air that sucks in even more air from the back, amplifying it 15 times. You’ll just feel a soft breeze and hear a soft whir. A small button on the base lets you adjust the speed of the air moving through the fan. You can also set it to swivel like a traditional fan. No blades means its safer for children (no little finger nicks!) and easier to clean!

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.

The groove and crevice cleaner removes debris from all those outdoor spaces that are hard to reach: between deck planks, bricks, patio tiles and concrete slabs. The steel blade is weather- and rust-resistant, and the long 32-inch handle lets clean without bending or stooping. Just $19.95!

It’s the home version of the popular NBC TV game show! The rules of Deal or No Deal are simple, but this game of odds and chance is a challenge. First, select a briefcase. As each round progresses, you have to decide whether to keep your briefcase or make a deal with the bank for a different one. Will you hold back or take a huge risk? Each right choice will bring you closer to winning the game. Only $13.98!

The Golfer’s Doorstop is the perfect gift for the lunatic golfer. This device acts like a traditional door wedge and it’s also a putting aid. A thin ramp will help sharpen your dad’s aim, hone his speed control, and further feed their golfing addiction. Includes the golf ball, and it’s only $17.95.

The Mischief Maker’s Manual, an illustrated book, was written for kids but is great for anyone who still loves to pull pranks on people. Five specific sections, including “Do-It-Yourself” and “Recipes,” offer readers an amusing guide to pulling off perfect pranks, such as making crank calls and creating an eerie foaming toilet, complete with step-by-step instructions and “helpful” illustrations. Less than $15!

Where have I been?

Target launched the Liberty of London for Target collection back in March, and I don’t know how on earth I missed it. Fortunately, this beautiful and totally-on-trend collection of clothing and housewares is still going strong, and new products are still launching. Both the home and fashion collections are full of delicious floral patterns and prints that will breathe new life into your wardrobe or home at unbelievably affordable prices.

Personally, I’m craving the Liberty of London Dunclare Pink 8-Tumbler Set, above (available for pre-order and releasing on May 28th), and the Liberty of London Sixty Prep Bowl Set, below. I also wish that this collection had been released in December so I could have bought the Liberty of London Baby Quilt (bottom photo) as a baby gift for my best friend’s newborn.

Has anyone seen this stuff up close? What do you think? 

This glass sphere contains its own little world. Plants, live shrimp, algae, and micro-organisms live together and thrive with the help of seawater, indirect light and moderate temperatures. Each EcoSphere comes with a handbook that explains how it works and how to care for it. Wouldn’t this look pretty on the coffee table or a sideboard?

These glittering nightlights are made from actual maple leaves! First, a filigree process makes the leaf semi-transparent. The leaf is then coated with a layer of antique silver or gold to preserve it and make it shine. Each one comes with a gift box, so you’re ready to go!

Help mom keep her earrings, necklaces and bracelets from tangling up with this twiggy jewelry tree. It looks pretty as a decorative accessory unadorned, and works like a charm to keep chains and chandelier earrings organized.

One of my favorite boutique jewelry stores, Gorjana jewelry, is having a special sale, today only! This sale is not advertised on their site, so you can feel lucky to be an insider on this one. Today only, you can get 25% off anything on their site — necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, even handbags, and it will be delivered in time for Mother’s Day! Just use code LUVMOM at checkout to receive your special savings. Not only is it a special sale for you, but you also get free ground shipping too!!

We all know that there’s no gift large enough or expensive enough to adequately express appreciation for everything our moms have done for us. Childbirth alone would warrant a car or a house or a trip to Paris, and just forget about the debt we owe her for our teen years.

Of course, moms often don’t care about the gift at all (think of those twig and popsicle stick houses we made a summer camp) but just love to be remembered. If you’re on a budget (or if your mom, like mine, wants you to save your money rather than buy her things), these three gifts are beautiful ways to show your mom you’re thinking about her, without draining your bank account.   

(Above: Print Condition Scarf, $16)

Voluspa Pedestal Candle/ Santiago Huckleberry, $16

Crabtree & Evelyn Gardeners Hand Therapy Cream, $15

Is your mom a designer mom? Does she like the finer things in life? If the answer to those questions is yes, and if you don’t want to pay out the wazoo to make Mom happy this year, get thee to the Gilt Groupe Mother’s Day sale NOW!!

Gilt Groupe is an invitation-only site (just sign up and they’ll accept you) that will send you a daily list of the hottest deals on designer gear around, at a fraction of what you would pay normally. And the sales today are amazing! These are just a few examples of what’s for sale, but the selection is fantastic and includes deals from Judith Ripka, Tara pearls, Proflowers, Furla handbags, Clarins beauty products, Trovata Lounge, and much more. But you MUST get there now, because everything is SELLING OUT! I just checked on the blue topaz pendant below and it’s already sold out!

Go here to sign up for Gilt if you’re not already a member.

Grow Great Grub
Grow your own Organic Food from Small Spaces on a patio, balcony, rooftop, front stoop, windowsill or planter box with the expertise of gardening expert Gayla Trail. This book offers tips on timing, planting, harvesting, drying and preserving your garden-fresh goodies. How about a little caprese salad with tomatoes and basil or a mojito made with mint plucked right from your own containers?

A strawberry pot is the perfect solution if you have a hankering for sweet, juicy berries. Strawberries adapt very well to garden containers, and two varieties—ever-bearing and day-neutral—will give you plenty of fruit from late spring to September. Sliced strawberries over oatmeal, fruit salad and strawberry shortcake sound ever-so-good right now!

Looking for some stylish containers for your patio herb garden? The Chippendale planters marry clean lines with a bit of artistic design in one beautiful garden pot. The fiberglass construction is lightweight, durable and maintenance free. Elaborate lines interconnect to form a unique design that will look great and house multiple blooms or a single plant, like rosemary, thyme or basil. The glossy white finish is made with a powder coating to ensure a highly protective, long lasting finish.

Show off the herbs you planted with the chalkboard herb marker. Write the name of each herb you plant to remind yourself which one’s which from seed to harvest.

We at theshoppingvine.com are in love with all things eco-friendly. Some of the best products are the ones that help you to change bad habits into ones that are better for the earth. Here are some suggestions:

Chef and registered dietitian Jackie Newgent offers hundreds of planet-pleasing recipes and tips for a luscious, low-carbon lifestyle in her Big Green Cookbook. It’s all about low-cost, eco-friendly cooking with climate consciousness and offers guidelines for going organic. Learn more than 200 easy recipes that promise full flavors of the season, along with a green kitchen checklist, nutrition info, and easy-on-the-earth cooking techniques. Includes a seasonal produce guide!

Disposable water bottles are some the biggest landfill hogs, so it’s smart to ditch them for something reusable. The KOR Hydration water bottles are made from BPA-free materials. The 25-ounce containers have a hinged cap for easy opening and closing, and the threadless spout doesn’t feel like you are drinking from a water hose! You can easily fit ice cubes in the spout, and the bottle has an easy-carry handle and soft bottom. Bonus: KOR donates 1% of all sales to a select group on non-profits that focus on water-related issues.

A kitchen compost pail is a simple and affordable way to reduce the amount of kitchen scraps you throw away and create beautiful, nutrient-rich soil for your houseplants. These airtight small pails can hold up to a few gallons of scrap and come with replaceable carbon filters.

I’ve been on the hunt for stylish accessories for my kitchen for what seems like eons, and then I discovered Kähler ceramic. The pieces are practical art, offering both beauty and functionality. The Cammeo, created by Louise Campbell, is a ceramic storage container that won the red dot award last year for product design. It would make a graceful addition to any kitchen, bathroom or office that requires a clever storage solution. Each of the containers comes with six colored rubber bands you can swap out to change the look of the container—no matter what the mood, decor or season. Plus, the ceramics are dishwasher safe.

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.

Infants and Toddlers: The Potty Caddy, by Rachel Gordon

Add a little fun to the most basic of human functions! According to NAPPA, this kit contains “a funny little book for kids teaches “The Potty Song” and answers questions like, “How do I know when I have to pee?” and “My poop looks like clay. Is it OK if I play with it?” The kit also includes an informative pamphlet, written by a professor of pediatricians, that offers practical tips for parents, such as throwing a “good-bye diapers!” party to help your child transition to the toilet. A helpful chart with stickers that cheer “hurray for poop” and “yippee for pee,” accompanied by a pack of 100 “toilet targets,” add motivation, positive reinforcement and fun to the process.”

Preschoolers & Up: Make Your Own Animal Puppets

Some toys are classics for a reason! In this sock-puppet kit, three soft socks get reincarnated as cows, elephants, pigs or your own wacky creation with felt shapes, googly eyes and fun fur, just peel and stick (careful! They can’t be repositioned once adhered). From NAPPA: “Parents will appreciate that his art kit leaves little mess to clean up and sparks imaginative play even after the activity of creating is done.”

Ages 6 & Up: Crayola Art Studio

Leave it to Crayola to create a PC program to nurture creativity and tech savvy all at once. NAPPA says: “This powerful creativity application for the PC invites kids to learn to create, edit and transform digital images with fun-to-use digital tools, such as Crayola Pencils, Paints, Markers and Crayons. The easy-to-learn interface provides a perfect introduction to the standard layout of tools, features and functions found across computer applications that kids will encounter as they grow older.”

Ages 9 & Up: Quelf

Kids (and parents) get goofy in this hilarious board game combining stunts, quiz questions, wacky rules and kooky topics. From NAPPA: “In this game, the word “random” takes on new meaning… Hundreds of hilarious game cards cover everything from barnyard sing-alongs to dancing prison guards; origami dinosaurs to spooky ghost stories; presidents to chickens; bellydancing to thumb wrestling … and more. Whether you win or lose, the non-stop laughter is what keeps everybody playing. Quelf is simultaneously bizarre, perplexing, occasionally embarrassing, generally silly, and never the same game twice.”

Ages 12 & Up: It’s All Too Much, So Get It Together: Less Junk, Cleaner Mind, Better Life, by Peter Walsh

Best known for his role on TLC’S Clean Sweep, Peter Walsh helps teens clear the mental and physical clutter they accumulate from their moving-at-the-speed-of-Twitter lives. NAPPA says that “this book has so many great suggestions that parents may want to sneak it out of their teen’s room for their own reading. The good news is that the entire family will quickly start applying Walsh’s organizational secrets to create calmer surroundings and increase peace of mind.”

For more great products, check out all of the NAPPA winners.

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!

Jax Matte Print Jersey Floral Dress sale $59.99

My favorite spring trend this year is definitely the fixation with floral dresses that every major retailer seems to be touting. It used to be that most of the floral dresses you’d find were shapeless moo-moos resembling your living room curtains, but now designers have seemed to found a way to make floral patterns chic, even edgy, in many of today’s styles. Every woman should definitely have a gorgeous floral dress in her closet (I am crazy about the Jax Matte floral print dress above), but I also love adding florals throughout my wardrobe, home, even my beauty products too. Check out some other fun florals that will help get your mind, body, and soul in the spirit of spring!

Floral Shoes

Madden Girl Floral Sandals, $45

Floral sandals are a fun way to get in the spirit of spring and draw attention to newly manicured toes very nicely, too! I love these Madden Girl floral thong sandals that come in gorgeous gold or a fresh purple color. The flower is pretty and tasteful and a nice size, not totally overpowering the shoe. Perfect for spring!

Floral Headbands

Cara Accessories Floral Headband, $34

Gossip Girl helped launched the floral headband craze and now it seems like there are a million gorgeous styles and fashions to choose from. Whether they come with feathers, beads, or jewels, I love the range of floral headbands from Juicy Couture, Cara Accessories, and other leading names in jewelry.

Floral Wall Art

Delightful Daisy Wall Frames, $19.50

I love wall frames and decals! They’re a great way to add some personality to any room and are vibrant and inexpensive. Plus you can easily take them off when you get tired of looking at them, or when the seasons change. I love these Delightful Daisy Wall Decals from Delight.com. I also love these Sumersault Mod Floral Wall Decals from Target and these nylon floral decals, also from Target.

Floral Knickknacks

I was originally going to feature floral handbags for the fifth floral must-have under $50, but as I was searching for just the perfect handbag, I came across this adorable handbag holder from Spring Street Designs. What a clever idea! Instead of leaving your purses all over the floor (not that I do that of course) you can add them to your wall, like art, with these cute floral hangers! Brilliant!

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.

Post photos, coupons, clippings and memos on these cute 15-inch-wide shaped metal flowers! Each board comes with eight powerful magnets. Available in white, orange and pink, and the stainless steel mounting hardware included.

Give mail and keys the one-two punch with the triple hook•up strip. It securely holds mail or papers behind the top hooks. Coats, bags and accessories can be hung on the top and bottom hooks. The incorporated magnetic strip bulletin board comes with four powerful magnets to hold notes, photos and other reminders.

Instead of dropping your keys and mail on the kitchen counter or your entry table in disarray, check out this cool bamboo entry butler! This award-winning piece is a compact organization center—perfect for entries, kitchens, laundry rooms and offices. The back compartments hold a phone, mail, and paper notes and the metal hooks at the bottom hold keys, scarves, bags…The possibilities are endless!

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.

Then I saw these products by Southwest Specialty Products being promoted at the International Home & Housewares Show. Mind you, they may not be the sexiest looking decor accessories, but boy are they clever! The company makes diversion safes, taking common objects like soda cans,  garage and cleaning products, or books, and turns them into secret places to hide your valuables. Cash, jewelry, your office stash of Jolly Ranchers…whatever floats your boat. Just open up the secret compartment, hide your goodies inside and set it someplace in plain view. A snooper would never expect to find something valuable inside a can of Arizona iced tea, except for caffeine, of course!

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.

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.

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.

Shop Tiger Accessories
Shop Books on Chinese Horoscopes
Shop All Chinese Zodiac Items

Fashion Week just kicked off here in New York City, and one of our favorite stylists, Robert Verdi, is hosting a TweetUp to spill all his insider style secrets. He’ll talk about the latest trends, easy (and inexpensive) ways to update your look and luxe products for when you feel like spoiling yourself.  The best part? He always has AMAZING giveaways. All you have to do is follow along with Shopcom on Twitter starting at 5 pm EST / 2 pm PST. You’ll be the first to get the dish, along with the opportunity to win one of his super-fabulous gift bags.  Previous gift bags have included boots from Uggs Australia, cashmere scarves, a Palm Pixi, chocolates, accessories and more. So tweet along with us!

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!

Hidden Message Collar Stays

In middle school, it was all about the dance. I’d shop at 5-7-9 for some satin or lace dress in red or pink. Gussied up in Bonnie Bell chapstick, my friends and I would wait near the bleachers until some “cool” boys would ask us to dance. We were waiting a long time.

I’m all grown up now, and I realize that Valentine’s Day isn’t about waiting around for your date to make the first move. It’s nice to find a silly, romantic gift to share with your loved one. For my husband, I’m thinking about these secret message collar stays. This set of 12 stays come with six each of two sizes, 2-1/2″ and 2-3/4″. They say cute things like “You’re so handsome,” “You make me laugh,” and “You keep me warm.” Bonus: they come all wrapped up in a black leather carrying case lined with red faux suede. Oo la la!

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.

Target – most stores open until 11pm

Toys R Us – most stores open until 9pm, with a few open until 10 pm

Kmart – most stores open until 10 pm

Walmart – most stores open until 8 pm

Kohl’s – most stores open until 6pm

Williams-Sonoma – most stores open until 5pm

Macy’s – most stores open until 6 pm

Nordstrom – most stores open until 6 pm

Walgreens – most stores open until 10pm and open on Christmas Day until 6pm

CVS Pharmacy – most stores open 24 hours (and those are open on Christmas Day too) and non-24 hour stores open until 6pm (not open on Christmas Day)

Grocery stores — most open today until 6pm and closed tomorrow

]]> http://theshoppingvine.com/2009/12/stores-open-late-on-christmas-eve/feed/ 0 http://theshoppingvine.com/2009/12/a-tisket-a-tasket-a-snuggie-and-a-slanket/ http://theshoppingvine.com/2009/12/a-tisket-a-tasket-a-snuggie-and-a-slanket/#comments Thu, 24 Dec 2009 01:34:13 +0000 ss_shopgirl http://theshoppingvine.com/?p=25431

Zebra Print Snuggie Blanket

I went to two holiday parties over the weekend where we had to bring a gift for a white elephant gift exchange. For these I usually like to visit my local thrift stores and find unique and artsy finds to donate so that I’m not responsible for just disseminating more junk out into the world. So I ended up finding an antique silver Santa candy dish for one party and a few oddball art books for the other.

Never would I imagine that only one item could truly capture the hearts and minds of these white elephant gift exchangers — enough to inspire a couple’s infighting, incessant re-stealing, and beaming smiles upon the stealing of this gift — the Snuggie!

Yes, that ubiquitous Snuggie blanket that I thought was just an early 2009 fad has resurfaced rampantly this holiday season at holiday parties and — dare I say it — as Christmas gift ideas. This full-body-throw-with-armholes has blanketed the world by storm!

In one holiday party I saw BOTH a zebra snuggie and a leopard print Snuggie. I was terrified that one would somehow prey upon the other! Anyhow, I looked into it and it turns out that not only are there animal-print Snuggies but you can buy college-themed Snuggies, breast cancer awareness Snuggies, even luxury microplush Snuggies! But the real kicker– Snuggies for dogs!

Believe it or not, these Snuggies are selling out quickly at stores like Target, Toys R Us, Walgreens, and more. If you can’t find one there, you may be able to score one on eBay or Amazon for about 3 times the regular cost, but hey, it’s the it-blanket of the year, so why not? For those of you that refuse to cave into the Snuggie trend, there’s always the nearly identical Slanket. What’s the difference? Who knows? They’ll both make you the most popular guest at your next white elephant gift exchange, that’s for sure!

And if you’re looking for something completely different, a bit pricier, but a lot more plush and cozy, check out my earlier post on the Nuddle Blanket!

Shop Snuggies
Shop Slankets

Free Shipping Day Today!

If ever there was a good time to order last-minute Christmas gifts, today IS IT! Over 700 stores are offering amazing free shipping deals today, with guaranteed delivery by Christmas. Check out the list here and don’t miss out!

If you’re looking for some gorgeous jewelry made with all-natural materials at AMAZING prices, check out Gorjana jewelry. Not only are the designs delicate and stunning, they’ve been worn by dozens of celebrities from Jessica Alba to Cindy Crawford. Gorjana is having a special one-day sale on all their jewelry (handbags too!) today only! Use code HOLIDAY09 at checkout to save 25% with FREE ground shipping and guaranteed delivery by December 23!

Yay Gorjana!

Shop Gorjana jewelry

So here are my go-to skin savers: Clinique’s Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream is an oil-free, super-rich formula that’s easily absorbed and conditions nails and dry, flaky cuticles too. The clincher is you only need a pea-size amount on each hand to ensure continuous, 12-hour moisturizing.  It also boasts a ton of antioxidants to counteract and protect your skin from the damaging free-radicals that speed up the aging process.

Jurlique’s Hand Cream Trio,  in three luscious scents–citrus, rose and lavendar–is a bedtime favorite. The nourishing  ingredients of honey, calendula and sweet almond oils, deliver enough hydration that one coating leaves my hands looking plump and moisturized by morning. And while these hand helpers are pretty handy for me, I’m thinking they make great gifts too, especially for anyone cooking up a storm this holiday season.

A cool limited edition trio, for $48 ($75 value).

Neopets Series Camoflauge Poogle

If you’re frantically trying to find a Zhu Zhu pet somewhere, don’t worry. There are alternatives. Who who, you say? Zhu Zhu (Zhu Zhu is Chinese for “little pig” and is pronounced “joo joo”) pets are probably the hottest holiday toy gift right now — and are nearly impossible to find at regular price due to demand. They are plush robotic hamsters that coo, purr, sleep, and do other cute animal-like things. Once available at Toys R Us, Zhu Zhu pets have flown off the shelves and are now only to be found for exorbitant prices at eBay and Amazon.com.

But there’s another pet/toy that starting to get some buzz — Neopets. Neopets have been around for about 12 years, starting as a virtual site that allowed to own, well, a virtual pet. You can create a pet, play games with other Neopets in Neopia, and use Neocash to get around. Neopets branched out with its own merchandise too, so now you can purchase a Neopet and get a unique code that gives you access to certain features on the site.

Neopets Puzzle Adventure for Wii

You can also play games on your Wii or purchase Neopets collectors’ figurines and use them to play on Neopets playsets too! See, there are alternatives to Zhu Zhu — and the best part is, most Neopets figures and merchandise is less than $20!

Neopets Figures

Neopets Playset on sale for $9.98

Shop Neopets now
Shop Zhu Zhu pets now

Best Buy Black Friday Deals
Sale begins 11/27

Samsung 46” LCD TV 1080p 120 HZ $999.99

Sprint Palm Pre $79.99

Hewlett-Packard Laptop $197
in store only

Sony VAIO Laptop with free antivirus software for 1 year $399.99

Garmin Nuvi 205 $99.99

Left 4 Dead 2—Xbox 360 $34.99

Walmart Black Friday Deals — 5-11 a.m. on Friday
eMachine Laptop $198

Sony Bravia 46-inch $798

Nikon Coolpix S230 $139

Polo Ralph Lauren for Men $29

Crock-Pot Slow Cooker 7 Quart

Miley Cyrus & Max Azria Graphic Tees $3

Emerson 32″ LCD 720p HDTV $248

Emerson 42″ Plasma 720pHDTV $448

Maganvox Blu-ray Disc Player $78

Nintendo DS Lite $98

Xbox 360 Arcade Console with 3 bonus items $199

PlayStation 3 Console with Bonus items $299

Rock Band Special Edition $50

X Rocker Gaming Chair $35

Amazon’s Black Friday Deals

GET $3 IN MP3s for FREE!

Garmin Nuvi 260 $119.99
Kodak Pocket Video Camera $99
Canon PIXMA Photo Printer $49
KitchenAid Professional Mixer $299.99

Invicta men’s Russian diver collection black watch $89.99

Fujifilm FinePix J28 Digital Camera $79.99

Newegg’s Black Friday Deals
Samsung S2 640 GB USB 2.0 External Hard Drive $99

Sharp 46” LCD HDTV $699.99

Sony DVP- Portable DVD Player $152.99

Buy.com’s Black Friday Deals
George Foreman grill $16.88

Microsoft Zune Pink $100.99

Microsoft Zune Pink Refurbished 30 GB $89.99

White Gold 10K Three Diamond Drop Pendant $54.99

North and South Complete Collection $16.99

Target — Starts at 5 am

Westinghouse 32” LCD TV 720p $246

Nikon CoolPix S203 Digital Camera $88

TomTom XL340S GPS $97

Apex 40” 1080p LCD TV $449

Haier 7” portable TV $79

Memorex system for iPod $49.99

Casio Keyboard $49.99

Sony Blu-ray player $149.99

Memorex compact DVD player $19.99

Western Digital portable 500 GB hard drive $59.98

RCA 7” Dual-screen DVD player $88

Garmin Nuvi 1350 GPS $179

Apple 8GB iPod nano $145

RCA 7” Portable DVD player $47

H&M
H&M Friday Store Hours:

Most H&M stores will open at 6am; some will open as early as 5am

H&M Black Friday Specials:

25% off any item of your choice from opening until 10AM
Fashion finds starting at $5 (example pricing included below)
Select outerwear styles at 50% percent off

Example pricing:

Ladies

Knitted shrugs from $24.95 to $5.00

Knitted dresses from $34.95 to $10.00

Party dresses from $39.95 to $15.00

Men’s

Patterned shirts from $29.95 to $10.00

Merino wool sweaters from $39.95 to $15.00

Knit pullovers from $24.95 to $10.00

Kids

Little girls sweaters $17.95 to $5.00

Little Boys trousers from $17.95 to $5.00

Ladies/Men’s

Winter knit accessories $14.95 to $5.00

If you were anywhere around a movie theater last night or today, you probably saw an interminable line of teenage girls (and some boys and adult women too) for the new Twilight: New Moon movie premiere. It’s the second movie in the entire Twilight trilogy based on the book by Stephenie Meyer and it is probably one of 2009’s biggest movies, sweeping the nation by storm a la Harry Potter. Ok, that’s hyperbole, but you know what I mean. The kids are going crazy for it — so crazy that brands are starting to align themselves with the movie, creating Twilight-themed clothing, jewelry, beauty products, and more.

This, of course, makes it very simple for you to find the perfect gift for that Twilight fan in your life.  Nordstrom, for example launched an entire Twilight: New Moon line of clothing, cosmetics, and jewelry that’s…well, to die for. Check out this chunky charm bracelet from Nordstrom’s Brass Plum line:

Twilight Charm Bracelet

And for those fans that want to slumber soundly at the thought of a dreamy Edward Cullen, check out this Twilight Trio Pack — it includes a fleece blanket, a tote, and a throw pillow. Plus you get a free New Moon bracelet with any purchase of $30 or more!

Twilight Trio Pack ,$29.99

Plus check out these other Twilight movie gift ideas:

Twilight Wallet,$19.99

Twilight Lip Venom, $16.99

Twilight New Moon Movie Poster, sale $9.95

Shop Twilight books
Shop Twilight movie posters
Shop Twilight clothing from Nordstrom
Shop Twilight jewelry
Shop Twilight board games, collectors dolls, and other Twilight toys

Get $20 off today only!

Gorjana Jewelry is offering a special deal for The Shopping Vine readers, just in time for holiday shopping and gift giving season! If you’re not familiar with Gorjana jewelry, check out the site. Gorjana’s jewelry is gorgeous and affordable, and many of the designs are nature-inspired or very modern-looking pieces. Celebrities like Jessica Alba, Felicity Huffman, Rachael Ray and many more have worn Gorjana’s jewelry.

Please note: You can only get $20 off Gorjana jewelry TODAY. This promotion will expire at 11:59pm tonight. Use code SPOILME20 at checkout.

What are you waiting for? These make PERFECT Christmas gifts for the fashionista in your life! (Hint, hint everyone who knows me!)

Shop Gorjana’s site now to get the $20 off
Shop Gorjana’s jewelry on shopbop

Pantone Salt & Pepper Mills by Typhoon

Imagine my joy when I stumbled across these fabulous salt and pepper mills by Typhoon! The maker of stylish kitchen and cookware accessories teamed up with the world-renowned color specialist Pantone to create these chic spice mills in five high-fashion colors. You can choose from 40 different fixed settings to grind pepper, salt, spices–and even coffee–effortlessly, from fine to coarse. Each mill is sold separately and costs less than $30 each. What a great way to spice up your food AND your kitchen!

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?

The Sold Out Beatles Stereo Box Set is Available Here

If you haven’t yet heard, the new Beatles Box Stereo box set is pretty extraordinary. Beatles fans have long been clamoring for a definitive catalogue of the best Beatles music around, and now they’ve got one. The box set includes all 12 studio albums, starting with their first album Please Please Me through their final album Let It Be, plus the two Past Masters albums that have been condensed into one album, for a total of 13 remastered albums.

The Past Masters album is especially noteworthy because it’s got the Paul McCartney-approved version of Let It Be — not the overdubbed and over-stringed Phil Spector approved version that appeared on the original album. The tracks are raw and extremely clear — and the sound far superior to the 1987 remasters. The packaging seems to have gotten mixed reviews — some love the elegant look of the box and the cardboard sleeves (as opposed to the plastic jewel cases some find wasteful), while others complain that the packaging is flimsy and looks more impressive than it is.

Either way, there’s no doubt that The Beatles’ albums were definitely due for an overhaul to keep up with modern advances in stereo music technology. And with the span of brilliant tracks from a brilliant band in this new set, you’d do yourself a favor to get this one now. Especially because the next release of box sets may not include some of the extras, like the mini-DVD documentaries that discuss the making of each of the 13 albums.

Buy the Beatles Stereo Box Set Now
Buy the new Beatles: Rock Band Game Now
Shop the BeatlesSHOP

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?

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!

If you’re a fan of QVC like millions are, you know what Diamonique is. And no, it’s not your best friend from elementary school, it’s the name of a popular jewelry line that features simulated diamonds set in precious metals like 14K gold, sterling siliver, or Platinum Clad sterling silver. They’re great for people who want the look and the luxury of diamonds, but can’t afford the price tag.

Diamonique carries rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces and even come in different colors, like sapphire, ruby, champagne, and other gemstone colors.

The Diamonique sale features items at around 30% off — it’s a great sale, don’t miss it, it ends tonight!

Shop the Diamonique anniversary sale now