Lenox Bloom is available in three neutral colors – Oyster, Sand, and Slate.  The neutral, solid colors bring out the blossoms that define the floral pattern.  The tone-on-tone floral graphic highlights the Bloom collection accent plate and mug.

Lenox’s Bloom is made of stone and it is dishwasher and microwave safe.  This allows you to have a beautiful, simplistic look every day that’s easy to clean.  The Bloom pattern is also sleek and elegant enough to use for a dinner party.

The Bloom dinnerware is sold individually or in a 4-piece place setting.  It is available at Macy’s and Lenox.com.  The 4-piece place setting retails for $86.00, however, the Lenox website has the place settings for $59.95.

My personal thoughts: I like the Bloom dinnerware and the available color choices.  It is pretty, simple, elegant, and can be used every day.  The dinnerware being microwave and dishwasher safe is a must for me. It’s important to have something that is nice, yet functional for families.  I thought the $86.00 price for a place setting was a bit high for my budget, but was happy to see that Lenox is selling it for a much lower price.

You can find out more information from Lenox by following them on Twitter, on Facebook, or from visiting their website.

Are you looking for an elegant everyday stoneware?

image from lenox

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My husband and I enjoyed our first knife so much that we found it was always dirty.  Last year, I found someone else that was doing a Rada fundraiser.  We ordered another knife, the knife sharpener, cutting board, and chopper. 

My husband frequently sharpens our Rada knives.  I have never found a knife to do a better job cutting produce, especially tomatoes.  Most of the Rada knives are made with a stainless steel blade and heavy duty aluminum handle, but if you prefer you can purchase them with a black rubber handle.  They are also made in the United States.

While searching around today, I found a sale on Rada pairing knives.  At J. Mark Cutlery you can purchase four pairing knives for only $15.79.  I usually prefer to purchase my knives from a fundraiser because by doing so I am supporting a local cause, however, buying knives online is a quicker route.

Have you ever tried Rada knives?

image J. Mark Cutlery

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Nestlé is taking this action out of an abundance of caution after being notified that the Food and Drug Administration, together with the Centers for Disease Control, are conducting an investigation into reported E. coli 0157:H7 illnesses that may be related to consumption of raw cookie dough.

You can read the entire Nestle Tollhouse Cookie Dough Press Release as well as the entire list of recalled products.  Consumers can return the recalled products to their local grocer for a full refund.  Nestle invites consumers with questions to contact Nestlé Consumer Services at 1-800-559-5025 and visit their web site at www.verybestbaking.com.

Nestle also reminds us that it is unsafe to consume raw cookie dough.  (If they don’t want us to eat it, then they shouldn’t make it so yummy!)

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Here’s a few things we like about this blender:

• The price – under $20!
• chops the ice and leaves no chunks
• liquid dispenser
• does not leak
• easy cleaning – pieces come apart

The one thing I don’t care for is that the height of the dispenser.  I would like to put taller glasses up under the dispenser, but I can’t do that unless I put the machine to the edge of the counter.  I usually end up choosing a smaller glass and getting a refill.

We have used our blender for making our own frappuccinos, smoothies, milkshakes, protein shakes, and slushies.  If you have kids, this machine could definitely save you some money on slushies.  For the kids’ slushies, I usually add some lemonade or other drink and toss in some ice.  There’s slushies for everyone in just a few minutes with very little cost.

Wal-Mart has two variation of this blender.  The blender shown here is $18.96.  The Hamilton Beach Express is $24.97.  Right now, Wal-Mart is offering $.97 shipping on these blenders.

I know that everyone has specific needs for kitchen products.  For our family’s needs, this blender has been a great addition to our kitchen.

Have you tried this blender?

image from wal-mart

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While I was visiting my parents this week, I saw that my mom had one of the Duncan Hines Decadent Carrot Cake mixes in the pantry and I decided to give it a shot.  There are actual raisins and shredded carrots in the package.  You simply soak them in water for about 5 minutes to soften them up and then you add them to your cake batter. 

In my opinion, the cake was easy to make and it was great that it came with real raisins and carrots. The cake was dense and moist and had a nice spice taste.  It certainly wasn’t as good as homemade carrot cake, but was better than the other carrot mixes because this one had texture to it.  I would use the cake for everyday uses, but probably not if I were having guests.

For a short time, you can try the Dunkin Hines Decadent Carrot Cake for free with this rebate form.  I am not sure if this is for everyone or just for those that don’t like it.  It might be worth a shot.  Simply fill it out and send it in by April 30, 2009.

Have you tried this cake?  What are your thoughts?

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Sure Fit has something to fit anyone’s needs.  Whether you have a loose back cushion couch, a t-cushion couch, a recliner, futon, or chair, you’ll find something with Sure Fit.  They also have a wide variety of stylish colors and high-quality fabric.  However, if you have an animal, I wouldn’t recommend getting the suede cover like I did.  My cat liked the suede and I guess I didn’t think about it showing hair.  lol  Sure Fit also has coordinating drapes, pillows, and rugs.

Right now, Sure Fit is also having a President’s Day sale.  Buy any stretch slipcover and save 25% on your entire order.  Simply use the promo code PDSH.  Hurry, this sale ends February 17, 2009.

“Thanks mom.  This is comfy!” 

images by Sure Fit and me

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When you purchase greeting cards, please consider purchasing the Colors of Compassion cards.  It’s a small way to help a child in need.

Post from: Keeping the Castle

In Extreme Entertaining Made Simple, Eduardo shares his philosophy of using the five senses to create and celebrate a memorable occasion. The taste, sound, feel, smell and look of an event are given equal attention according to its chosen theme. A sixth sense, intuition, is also given its due in the book.

The parties in our large extended family usually happens somewhere other than in my home. But I’m eager to learn how to put together a well-planned gathering, for the next time that the party does happen in my house. Eduardo’s new book offers ideas that I’ve never considered before, and which I’m excited to try out. His approach of catering to the senses is new to me, yet it makes a lot of sense.

Eduardo starts by discussing the five six senses and how they should be considered in design and entertaining. The rest of the book is taken up by sections focused on six events:

• classic dinner party
• princess party
• spa party
• white party
• margarita party
• beach party

For each party, Eduardo goes through all the steps to put it together. His narratives are accompanied by beautiful colored photos, specific instructions (eg., napkin folding), gift and centerpiece suggestions, and easy recipes. There is also a CD included, with music that’s appropriate for the parties above. As I was reading through the book, I felt that I was being walked through the entire planning process for each party.

I did get the sense that the parties that Eduardo designed for this book are extreme, just as the title says. They’re not your everyday dinner parties (the spa party had a sofa topped with real grass!). But these ideas are not just for expensive gatherings. Eduardo also gives alternatives to keep costs down and allow for variations to the themes. The key is to lift inspirations, scale them down (or up!) as needed, and involve all the senses in the celebration.

Extreme Entertaining Made Simple is an exciting, do-it-yourself resource for party planning. Though you can certainly go the whole distance and copy one or two (or all) of the parties here, the value in this book is in the approach it takes in preparing for a gathering. The possibilities are endless; just apply the principles here and you’re on your way to a very special party. And if you’re not someone who usually hosts gatherings, the book makes an excellent gift for the event planner in your family.

KTC rating:

image from Amazon; affiliate links

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While they work well on paper, it is on non-porous surfaces that Glaze and Souffle really shine. Once dry, they leave a 3-dimensional effect behind. The Glaze effect is glossy and transparent, while Souffle is opaque and puffy. They can both be used to draw free-form on glass, plastic, ceramic and the like. They can also be used in conjunction with Sakura’s Sticklers, which was where the fun really began for me.

Sticklers are stickers with raised outlines and empty gaps in the middle. Use Glaze pens to give a painted-glass effect or Souffle to make an opaque decoration. Combine the two pens for a unique look. These pens are an easy way to “paint” for those of us who are less artistic.

Here are examples of how I’ve personalized and decorated items made of plastic, metal and leather.

KTC Review:

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Dress yourself with Duck Tape and you just might win $500 and a year’s supply of duct tape in the “Stick or Treat Halloween Costume Contest”™. The Duck brand is available in 20 colors, so if you can imagine it, you can probably make it!

The contest is open until October 10, 2008. You can find the rules and everything you need to know at www.stickortreat.com.

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