Gourmet Roasted to Order Coffee from Boca Java

Here's a wonderful way to start the new year: a selection of coffees delivered every month from Boca Java Gourmet Coffee roasted to order. From medium roast to dark roast to flavored blends, there are plenty of choices. Maybe too many!

Full details are provided on the Boca Java website, but here's the scoop (as it were!): Your coffee will be roasted to order -- the way you choose -- today and shipped the next day. It will arrive fresh and brimming with flavor in about a week. Approximately 4 weeks later, you will receive a fresh batch of the blends and flavors that you select, or you can simply go online at any time to your My Account page and update your selections and preferred delivery date.

Click on the banner below to start your new year with fresh coffee from Boca Java. Or visit the Boca Java Gourmet Coffee home page to select individual bags of coffee, tea, or cocoa for delivery to your home in style.

Villeroy & Boch 4" Home Elements Ramekin

We hosted a small dinner party last night and discovered we were one short of our favorite set of ramekins. These versatile small containers are among the most used items in our kitchen and clearly we need to replenish our stock.

We like the Villeroy & Boch 4" Home Elements ramekin in white. Available from Cooking.com, this slightly larger ramekin goes from oven to table with ease, is dishwasher safe, and comes with a lifetime warranty. You'll find hundreds of uses for it in your kitchen. Click on the image below or the links above for more information.

Gourmet Monthly Clubs: 6 to Choose From

Here's a gift that keeps on giving all year round. And the recipient doesn't have to be a friend or relative; it can be you!

Since 1994, Gourmet Monthly Clubs have introduced members to the world’s finest specialty products in a format focused on quality, variety, and ordering flexibility. Six clubs are currently available; order one or combine several. The clubs are:

Beer: Experience the world's best handcrafted microbrews without traveling the globe!
Wine: Enlighten your palate by sampling outstanding Internationally acclaimed wines.
Cheese: Taste hand crafted, aged cheeses, which were savored by the likes of Aristotle, Cleopatra and Peter the Great!
Chocolate: Taste the extraordinary difference...artful creations made with only the purest ingredients by world class chocolatiers.
Flowers: Send breathtaking bouquets and your thoughts will be remembered long after the flowers are gone!
Cigars: Unmatched quality and variety. Try rare tobaccos from Ecuador, Honduras, the Dominican Republic and more!

And here's a special deal: Receive $10 off any 12 month prepaid order for any of GMC's six gourmet products! Simply use code GMC$10 at checkout. But hurry! You must place your order by the end of the year (12/31/2008) to realize your savings.

Click on the banner below to learn more about these gourmet clubs.

Bush Furniture Sonoma TV Stand

If you received a wonderful new flat screen television from Santa this year (or maybe, like us, you got yours bit early), you might be looking for a console to set it on. We currently have our television in the bedroom on a table completely incompatible with the decor of the room and have been searching for something more suitable.

What we have found is that most consoles are designed for living areas where the viewers will be seated on chairs or sofas. We have one of those ultra-deep pillow-top mattresses and need a console that has a higher profile.

A good example is the Bush Furniture Sonoma TV Stand shown below. It measures just under 32" wide by 20" deep and 31" high, and comes with a 6-year warranty. There are two styles, one in a mocha cherry veneer finish with silver-tone pulls (as shown), the other in a light cherry veneer. Wood framed glass doors keep components dust free on an adjustable shelf. A bottom storage drawer is available for the inevitable "miscellaneous items".

We think we'll enjoy our new television much more now that we can see it from the top of our bed!

Wüsthof Gourmet 14-Pc. Knife Block Set

Next on our shopping list was a new knife block. We found a great selection at Sur La Table and though it's short notice, all knife block sets ship for free but you have to order by tomorrow for it to arrive in time for Christmas. (Other items ship for free as well including cookware sets, Riedel glassware, coffee and expresso machines, and more.)

Knife blocks can be pricey so we were looking for a balance between functionality and cost. A good example is shown below, the Wüsthof Gourmet 14-Pc. Block Set available exclusively from Sur La Table. Wüsthof, renowned German cutlery makers for nearly 200 years, typically offer superb value. In this set, which is made in Germany, each knife is cut from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel using lasers for an ultra-precise cutting edge. Full tangs extend through traditionally styled handles, triple-riveted for amazing strength. Advanced grinding and polishing procedures produce a blade that is perfectly tapered from tip to bolster. Set includes: 3" serrated parer, 3" parer, 4½" utility, 8" bread, 7" santoku, set of six steak knives, 9" sharpening steel, 9" shears and 17-slot block with extra slots for future add-ons.

Visit Sur La Table, the art and soul of cooking, for a great selection of quality items for your kitchen in style.

Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 10-Piece Cookware Set

Amazon.com sent us a reminder message that only 2 days remain to take advantage of free super saver shipping if we wanted to get our purchases in time for Christmas. Since the weather of late has been cold and frightful, and we do have a few gifts left to buy for family and friends, we thought we'd stay in and see what Amazon.com has to offer.

We first clicked on the Top Holiday Deals banner and then the Home & Garden link. Lots of choices here! Holiday Markdowns, Buy Three get a Fourth Free, Bonus Offers, and ... what's this? ... Get Free Gifts from Cuisinart. That last one caught our eye. There are three options available depending on what you purchase: a free utility knife, a free prep board, or a free coffee grinder. We'd use all three ourselves but we're thinking that maybe the coffee grinder would make a fine gift in and of itself.

The requirement to receive a free coffee grinder is simple: When you purchase select Cuisinart cookware sets, you can receive a free coffee grinder from Cuisinart via mail-in rebate. Offer ends December 31, 2008. There are currently 15 to choose from, but we elected to go with the Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 10-Piece Cookware Set shown below. What's included: 1-1/2 quart saucepan with lid, 3 quart saucepan with lid, 3-1/2 quart saute pan with helper handle and lid, 8 quart stockpot with lid, 8 inch open skillet, and 10 inch open skillet. All for less than $150 (and it ships for free, if ordered before December 18, 2008).

And we think we may get that free utility knife as well. Any Cuisinart purchase of $99.95 or more qualifies. A bonus on top of a bonus. Sweet!

Free Standard Shipping on $49 or more at Chefs Catalog

Starting today and for 3 days only (December 13th through 15th, 2008), Chefs Catalog is offering free shipping on all orders totalling $49 or more.

Check out their top-rated gifts that customers love, gifts under $50 to fit any budget, gifts for the chef with everything, and their special sale category. There are also currently cash back rebates on many KitchenAid applicances. Click on the banner link below to start shopping!

About Chefs Catalog: Since 1979, Chefs is a trusted name for the best in kitchen products. From the beginning, Chefs quickly became the leading catalog retailer of top-quality cooking equipment at exceptional values, both for home chefs and cooking enthusiasts. Chefs offers the best products for the kitchen from the world's top brands, including All-Clad, Calphalon, Cuisinart Cookware, Cuisinart Electrics, Henckels, KitchenAid, Le Creuset, Waring, Wusthof. With an expanding product offering to meet all kitchen needs, chefs also offers bakeware, cookware, cutlery, dinnerware, furniture, kitchen electrics, specialty foods, and more.

Amazon.com's Special Offers on Groceries

Most people don't think of Amazon.com for groceries but maybe they should. We've purchased many items from them in the past, enjoying both the convenience and the savings. One item that we never seem to have enough of on hand is tea, a beverage we drink morning, noon, and night. While shopping teas at a local supermarket, another customer suggested a box of Celestial Seasonings. (Actually it's quite a long and amusing story though probably not terribly relevant just now.) Knowing we were running low (again) on tea, we checked out the Celestial Seasonings selection on Amazon.com and discovered one of their Special Offers.

For many tea purchases made prior to December 31, 2008, customers can save an additional 15% instantly simply by using the code TEATEA78 at checkout. We're highlighting the Celestial Seasonings Morning Thunder Black Tea here, a blend of black tea and the South American herb yerba mate, but it also applies to another 10 or so Celestial Seasons varieties (and actually about a half-dozen other tea brands, though using different codes).

And if this item, or any other, is something purchased on a regular basis, customers can save an additional 15% with Amazon.com's Subscribe and Save. To make the savings even more attractive, shipping is always free.

We'll definitely be looking for more Amazon.com Special Offers in groceries, but in the meantime, we're stocking up on tea right now!

All-Clad 6.5-qt. Slow Cooker

As we were preparing our pot roast for dinner last night, we noted our slow cooker was showing a bit of age. We're not sure when we got it but it has served us well over its many, many years of use. Maybe it's time for a new one.

We like the oblong-shaped container of our current cooker but are looking for one with a somewhat more generous capacity. And we're thinking we'll leave it out on the counter so need one that fits in with our stainless-steel appliances and dark granite.

This may be the perfect choice. The All-Clad 6.5-qt. Slow Cooker with black ceramic insert is truly a design masterpiece that melds perfectly with one's existing All-Clad cookware collection or as the start of a new one. This work of art is a true performer in the kitchen with a 6.5-quart capacity, 3 temp settings, and a programmable timer that enables meals to be prepared up to 26 hours in advance. Stainless steel handles and a glass lid make it easy to monitor the cooking progress and move the cooker as needed. Both the ceramic insert and glass lid are dishwasher safe.

We think we'll give ourselves the gift of culinary convenience this year with a new All-Clad slow cooker.

Save $30 on $200 or more at Lamps Plus

From now through the end of the year (12/31/2008), Lamps Plus is offering $30 off your purchase of $200 or more. Simply use the coupon code 78AFF at checkout. Combine these savings with their Holiday Sale where hundreds of items are already priced 10-50% off and you'll definitely have a something to cheer about this season! Click on the link above or any of the banner links below to begin shopping.

Save 20% For One Week Only at StarbucksStore.com

From now through midnight, December 15, 2008 shop StarbucksStore.com and save 20% on all orders. Your discount will appear on the order review page and applies to the merchandise total for each shipment before tax and shipping. Note that Starbucks card purchases and reloads are not eligible. Click on the link above to shop for Starbucks coffees and Tazo teas and save 20%!

Christmas Wine Baskets from WineBasket.com

After speaking of wine in our previous post, we decided to check out the Christmas wine baskets at the appropriately named website WineBasket.com.

Wow, what a selection! For champagnes, there's the Cristal Champagne Chiller Gift Basket or the Dom Perignon Champagne Gift Basket. For specific wineries, there's the J. Lohr Four Wine Gift Basket or the magnificent Clos du Bois Classics Gift Basket. There are baskets featuring wines from Spain and Chile, and several with chocolates and truffles.

Having trouble deciding? Download their 2008 Holiday Catalogue, available from their home page.

Visit WineBasket.com and select from dozens of themed wine baskets for your next festive occasion or to give as gifts.

About WineBasket.com: We are a family owned and operated business, large enough to handle orders for hundreds of baskets at a time, yet small enough to customize any order, personally answer the phone, patiently offer gift suggestions, and quickly troubleshoot any issues or problems which may arise. Operating out of a 10,000 square foot facility in New Jersey, we design and hand-make an extensive array of gift baskets, all beautifully presented in a variety of styles and colors.

Oster 4207 Electric Wine Opener

Sometimes we peruse the bestselling product lists at Amazon.com noting what people are buying in various categories. Near the top of the Home and Garden category this morning was the Oster 4207 Electric Wine Opener, an item that piqued our interest. While we have no problem using the screw caps that come on some fine New Zealand sauvignon blancs, and we're reasonably adept at extracting natural corks from wine bottles, we find that some of the synthetic corks vintners use are exceptionally difficult to remove.

The manufacturer's product description is short and to the point: "At the touch of a button, the Oster Wine Opener easily opens up to 30 bottles on a single charge. The stylish and ergonomically designed soft-grip handle will fit into the palm of your hand for a firm grip. Also includes a foil cutter to remove wine seals and a recharging base for convenience."

Customers seem to like the product. Of the 265 customer reviews, 214 (over 80%) give it 5 stars. Priced less than $20, it would seem to be a great gift to give yourself or to give as a stocking stuffer.

For wine reviews and ratings of ABC ("Anything but Chardonnay") wines, please visit our companion site ABC Wine Ratings and Reviews.

Oversized Throws for Chilly Nights from the Lakeside Collection

There was a distinct chill in the air the other night and as we reached for a throw to wrap around our shoulders we noticed that it was getting a little worn around the edges. Maybe it's time for a new one. After searching through a number of catalog sites, we found one that matched what we were looking for.

This oversized throw from the Lakeside Collection is a large 55" x 70" and features a soft blend of feather fiber, down fiber and down for a pillowy comfort. The cover is an ultra-soft microfiber polyester and is available in three colors: brick (which we have to admit we're not too keen on), moss (our favorite), and taupe (goes with anything). Currently priced at $14.95, it's an inexpensive way of staying warm on those chilly evenings in front of the television or just reading a book.

Shop the Lakeside Collection and browse their many departments for items for your home in style.

About The Lakeside Collection: We offer a fine selection of merchandise at wonderful prices. Our team travels at home and abroad to collect and bring you the world’s best products, along with outstanding prices and topnotch service. It is our goal to bring you a world of style and value, and extend our commitment to customer service and satisfaction.

Free Shipping on $75 or more at Gardener's Supply Company

Enjoy free shipping with your Gardener's Supply Company order of $75 or more! Just add over $75 worth of merchandise in your basket and you'll automatically receive free standard shipping. Hurry, this offer ends December 19, 2008.

Gardener's Supply Company has over 80 unique gifts, all under $20. They also have a special Holiday Shopping section with ideas for holiday decorating, gardener's gift guides, and green gifts for the home, garden, and yard.

About Gardener's Supply: Gardener's Supply was founded in 1983 by a handful of enthusiastic Vermont gardeners. Today, we serve millions of gardeners nationwide, offering everything from seedstarting supplies and garden furniture to flower supports and garden carts. Though our company has grown, we remain passionately committed to providing garden-tested, earth-friendly products that will help our customers have more fun and success in their gardens.