Leaf Wall Sconce

Do you have those narrow strips of wall, between door jambs and rooms and the like, places too narrow for a piece of furniture or where artwork might look out of place?

Consider a sconce. They can add interest to any room without being obtrusive. (Of course the more elaborate it is, the more eye-catching!)

The Leaf Wall Sconce shown below is just over 8" in width and a good 28" in height. It will fit perfectly filling in that space alone next to a door or paired with a mirror on a larger space. It's elegant in its simplicity and will fit into any decor.

Howard Miller Key Wound Worthington Mantel Clock

Sitting in front of the fireplace the other night finishing the latest mystery bestseller, we thought a new mantel clock would make a nice addition to our reading room. And while battery operated clocks are certainly convenient, we do like the idea of winding our own.

We already own a key wound Howard Miller wall clock and are thrilled with it. So when it came time to look for mantel clocks, we started with the same manufacturer.

What we found was the stunning Howard Miller key wound Worthington mantel clock shown below. Finished in Yorkshire oak on select hardwoods with rare triangular Carpathian elm burl overlays, beaded dentil molding above the full plinth base, and a cream colored Roman numeral dial with convex glass crystal and solid brass, hinged bezel, it will make a handsome addition to our room. It comes with a Westminster chime movement with a chime silence option.

Romantic Valentine's Day Dinner for Two from Home Bistro

Let the Home Bistro Chefs prepare a delicious memorable dinner this Valentine's Day. You don't need to go out to a fancy restaurant; you can enjoy a chef-prepared meal in the comfort of your own home.

Try their heart-shaped ravioli stuffed with tender pieces of lobster, shrimp, crawfish, and a ricotta and mozzarella cheese blend in our creamy champagne sauce served with baby asparagus spears. The romantic dinner for two includes caramelized onion soup, lobster and seafood ravioli, and individual servings of chocolate souffle.

And now through the end of February, you can save on every order from Home Bistro. Save 10% off on orders over $100 when you use the code Love100. Or for even greater savings, you can save 15% off on orders over $150 when you use the code Love150.

The Home Bistro Lighter Side savings also continue into February. These delicious healthy meals are less than 500 calories each and are lower in fat and sodium. Buy 5-9 lighter side meals and save 10%; buy 10-14 and save 15%, and buy 15 or more and save 20%.

Miltonia Orchid Silk Flower Arrangement

We love orchids. Our problem is, despite many attempts to grow them and countless hours poring over how-to books, we just can't get it right. The light, the water, the medium, something always seems wrong.

Fortunately, we can still have orchids in our house with silk arrangements. Orchids lend themselves to silk with their delicate form and simple elegance and are usually small enough to brighten any niche.

For example, the Miltonia orchid silk flower arrangement shown below. Always impressive, this showy orchid, also called a pansy orchid, is permanently planted in a dark brownish/green glass bowl. It is sure to add charm and enhance any space you place it. With faux roots, moss and soil adding a life-like realism, these richly colored burgundy and rust Miltonia orchids will bring joy and smiles for seasons to come.

Rose Tree Fairlane Set of 6 Placemats

Placemats are one of the simplest and least expensive ways of quickly dressing up your table, or even changing the overall appearance of your kitchen and dining room. We always have several styles on hand to match our dining occasion.

These Rose Tree Fairlane Set of 6 Placemats have a simple, understated elegance. The have the look of linen (but are made from a machine-washable polyester/rayon blend), are embellished with a decorative border or contrasting embroidery, and come with clean, neatly mitered corners. Available in a wide variety of colors, the black with gold stitching placemats are shown below. Matching tablecloths and napkins are also available.

Use these placemats alone or be creative, layering one with another of a different style, creating a look unique to your home.

Save $25 on $125 or more at Oneida

Oneida is having a special site-wide savings sale. From now through January 28, 2009, when you spend $75 or more you can save $15 by using promo code JAN15. Spend $125 or more and you can save $25 by using promo code JAN25.

Oneida is one of the world’s largest marketers of stainless steel silverware / flatware, and offers a complete range of tabletop products. Their selection is unbeatable. And if you have forgotten or lost your pattern name, chances are they can identify it with over 600 current, discontinued, and retired items in their database.

And here's something we didn't know: Oneida has a sizzling deal of the week. Each week they offer a selection of products at savings up to 75% off. This week's deals include some stunning flatware sets and storage chests. Check back every week to see what's newly discounted!

Solid Milk Chocolate Foiled Hearts from Ghirardelli

We're hosting a small Valentine's Day party this year wanted to have a little something on hand to present to each of our guests, our way of welcoming them and saying thanks for stopping by.

This nicely sized container of Solid Milk Chocolate Foiled Hearts from Ghirardelli is just ideal. Each solid milk chocolate heart is individually wrapped in red or black foil, perfect for a simple, sweet treat. And remember, spend $50 or more at Ghirardelli.com and shipping is free!

On Valentine's Day this year treat your guests to the best, fine chocolate from Ghirardelli.

Let Peapod Do Your Grocery Shopping

Sometimes a home in style is one where you let someone else do the shoppping!

If you live in one of the following areas, Chicagoland, Milwaukee and SE Wisconsin, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia, we'd like to recommend Peapod for your groceries. New customers can currently receive $10 off their first order of $75 or more. Just remember to enter the code CJA2 in the promotional code box on either the home page or at checkout to receive the offer.

Click on the banner below to place your first order with Peapod and let them do the shopping while you spend your time planning all the marvelous meals you're going to prepare!

Calphalon 5-qt. Saucier Pan with Insert

While our chowder was simmering on the stove (it was excellent, thanks for asking!), we were browsing our favorite kitchen supply sites online. How did we ever manage a kitchen without a laptop and a wireless internet connection?

We found this very versatile Calphalon 5-qt. saucier pan with insert, part of the new Calphalon One Nonstick line. Available from Cooking.com, this pan has a stainless steel insert, perfect for steaming vegetables. But its generous size also allows it to be used to create delicious stews, sauces, and more. We think it will make an ideal addition to our stock of pots and pans.

January Savings on Gourmet Meals from Home Bistro

Have you tried Home Bistro? They create great recipes -- everything from soups and appetizers to complete meals and desserts. Then, using only the finest ingredients, they prepare everything, with skill, know-how, and artistry, just for you. They do all the time-consuming things. They shop and they chop. They mix, blend, and sauté. They grill the steaks, roast the lamb, poach the salmon. All you need to do is follow the simple instructions to heat and serve our meals. It's that easy!

And now through the end of January, you can save on every order from Home Bistro. Save 10% off on orders over $100 when you use the code Save100. Or for even greater savings, you can save 15% off on orders over $150 when you use the code Save150.

Click on the banner below to browse their delicious selection of appetizers, sides, soups, dinners, and desserts. Don't forget to check out their samplers and specials!

Top Grain Premium Leather Chair and Ottoman

We were sitting by the fire the other night enthralled by the latest mystery book bestseller when it occured to us that we could use a new reading chair. We like the chair / ottoman combination, but were reluctant to go with another wing chair. And while Herman Miller chairs are a visual delight, the prices will take your breath away.

First and foremost, we wanted something comfortable with relatively low arms so we could easily curl up our legs if we wanted. That means spacious as well. And since it isn't really an accent piece but something that needs to blend in with our current furnishings, we wanted an elegant, understated style in a neutral color.

We found it in this Top Grain Premium Leather Chair and Ottoman depicted below. The chair and ottoman set in a brown leather finish featuring beautiful crafted details. Shaped legs, and overstuffed, soft cushions offer a more comfortable feel. The chair is 41" long by 32" wide by 36" high; the ottoman os 30" long by 24" wide by18" high. A perfect fit for the niche next to the fireplace.

Home Office L-Shape Computer Writing Desk with Storage

There's simply no denying it: we need a new desk. Our current desk was designed long before computers, printers, and other electronic accessories became standard fixtures in the home. Our requirements: spacious enough to create a comfortable working environment but not so large that it dominates the office. And lots of convenient, well-designed storage.

The Home Office L-Shape Computer Writing Desk with Storage seems to meet our needs. And then some! Made of solid wood and veneers it has a rich cherry finish. The desk measures 68" wide by 30" deep and 30.5" high. The right-hand extension is 50" wide by 22" deep and 30.5" high. A matching file cabinet and bookcase are also available.

Free Shipping on $99 or more at Chefs Catalog

Visit Chefs Catalog this week to discover new items for your kitchen plus receive free standard shipping on all orders of $99 or more. But this special shipping offer ends 01/18/2009.

We took a look at their new this spring collection and decided that this is the year of bread. Yes, we're going to take the plunge and get ourselves a bread machine. The new Zojirushi bread machine is (according to the product description) an advanced design that makes it simple to enjoy fresh, perfectly baked breads, rolls, cakes, and more. We can't wait!

The Wine Enthusiast Magazine Wine & Food Pairings Cookbook

We were discussing (debating is probably a better word!) food and wine pairings the other day with friends and decided that our kitchen library was missing a relatively simple book that discussed how wines paired with food, included examples of recipes, and when and why to serve a particular wine with a meal.

We found a great example with The Wine Enthusiast Magazine Wine & Food Pairings Cookbook: With More than 80 Recipes and Wine Recommendations. This beautiful and easy-to-use cookbook features more than 75 innovative food and wine pairings compiled by the expert editorial team at Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

With chapters that are organized by wine styles -- from soft, easy reds to light, aromatic whites -- this cookbook guides wine and food lovers to easily choose a wine and plan a delectable meal around it. The mouthwatering recipes come from top chefs and culinary stylemakers around the globe, from simple dishes that are ideal for a last-minute weekday meal to elegant, exotic feasts that will serve as centerpiece to a stylish special occasion. Each recipe is creatively paired with the best, and most interesting, wines from around the world, and Wine 101 sidebars break down the need-to-know facts about the styles of wines showcased. This indispensable guide also includes a comprehensive vintage chart listing the great grape varieties of the wine world and the key characteristics of each.

Lenox Opal Innocence Crystal Vase

A neighbor very thoughtfully brought us a bouquet of flowers as a way of saying Happy New Year and while we immediately put them in a vase, it really wasn't either the right size or shape. We thought it time to add a new vase to our collection and found a stunning example.

The Lenox Opal Innocence Crystal Vase stands 14" tall with a delicate, etched vine motif and scalloped rim. We admit we're partial to Lenox products, so this was an easy choice to make. This vase is too beautiful to put away so when it's time, we'll replace the fresh flowers with a display of silk ones. (We'll probably have more to say on that later!)