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Thursday, January 31, 2008

Heart-felt chocolates



I don't have a sweet tooth, as in a yen for super sugary icing or candy that jars the molars. But, wow, do I enjoy chocolate, that lush and lovely quality that can only be transmitted via coca.

Ferrero is serving up chocolates that offer the rich, indulgent taste of premium chocolate, yet have a modest price tag. Happily, you can lay hands on these babies just about anywhere.

The collection, presented nicely in a heart-shaped box, includes the first dark chocolate product from the Italian company. Ferrero Rondnoir dark chocolates have a decadent "black pearl" center, encased in a delicate wafer and topped with crunchy dark chocolate morsels.

You'll also find white chocolate studded with yummy coconut, as well as cocoa confections.

Expect to pay $6.99 for this pretty Valentine's Day pack, available at most grocery and convenience stores.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Splendor in the bath


Whoever said soap is a mechanism for cleanliness never indulged in a long, hot bath.
When it comes to sumptuous soaps, I suggest you try hand-made. natural bars crafted by Morristown soapmaker Jennifer Urezzio, founder of Blooming Grove Herbal Remedies.
Committed to both the earth and earthly pleasures, Urezzio has come up with a full line of custom bath and body products. Each is tailored to the individual customer, who fills out a form detailing such sensuous choices as smell. (What's your fave? Coffee? Or orange juice?)
I'm enjoying the lavender bella soap, a generous, $4.50 bar that includes soothing herbs and oatmeal in an olive oil base. It left my skin feeling smooth, refreshed and pampered.
Blooming Grove also offers such niceties as herbal tea bags to drop in your bath and packages that arrive each month, a reminder the recipient is, well, awfully special. For details, go to www.bloominggrove.net

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

A toast to romance


Champagne is like love -- sparkling, bubbly and cause for celebration.
Personally, I adore Champagne and it's an absolute joy to find yet another bubbly that makes my sensibilities pop.
Most recently, I lifted my glass to Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut, which offers the complexity of broiche and spicy yeast, with the youthful freshness of lime and citrus.
The Champagne serves up the long-lasting bubbles and high style of Perrier-Jouet's far more expensive offerings, as well as a sturdy acid that let's you know this is an assertive sparkler with an elegant finish. After all, class will tell.
A cut above in taste, the wine is at a price point below what you might expect to pay for such a fine bubbly. Prepare to pay about $35 -- and enjoy with someone you love.

Monday, January 28, 2008

The total tote from your little honey



When I was a little girl, I'd draw valentines for my mom and dad, original works of red construction paper glued cock-eyed on rumpled white paper doilies.

These days, thanks to the miracle of technology, our heartfelt, childish scrawls can be translated into one-of-a-kind renderings immortalized on totes. It's the latest personalized and pragmatic idea from Land's End, the folks who have been bringing us durable, practical basics for eons.

Here's how it works. Choose a freehand work drawn by your little Picasso, preferably in Crayon or marker. Scan the masterpiece or take a digital photo to create a jpg file.

Then all you have to do is decide on the size of the tote and choose from a dozen color combinations. The carry-alls start at $34.50 for a medium-size bag. Gift wrap is available for an extra $6.

The embellishment may be sweet but the tote is rugged, a sturdy canvas that likely will last until the young artist is off to a garrett in a college town. If you're planning on bestowing a tote on a loved one for Valentine's Day, please make haste. Your bag will arrive within 10 days of the receipt of order.

For details, phone (800) 963-4816 or go to www.landsend.com

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Flocking to blacksheepstyle

Style is often elusive in this off-the-rack world.

So what are you supposed to do if you're not an off-the-rack kind of shopper?

If you appreciate clothes that set you apart from
the flock, you'll enjoy the winsome, witty and wholly original T-shirts available at http://www.blacksheepstyle.com/

Designed by Haddonfield native Nancy Whitcraft, the winner of a poster contest in third grade, these comfy cotton basics offer unique flair. They range from edgy skull motifs to such bonbons as a whisper soft tee depicting a slice of layer cake and the word 'baby' beneath. Baby cake, get it?

My personal fave is a design featuring a doe-eyed deer, with with fun pun 'Dear" in script below. Now, that's a T-shirt sure to have your friends fawning over it. In addition, your purchase helps animals, including sheep; 5 percent of proceeds are donated to charities which benefit animals.

Even better, it's an opportunity for the best in retail indulgence: buying quality goods, supporting a home-grown artist and being kind to animals. As my mother says, what's not to like? Price start at $18.

Whitcraft, who now makes her home in California, is an accomplished artist who has exhibited widely in shows and galleries -- which just goes to show the judges of that long-ago poster contest knew what they were doing.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Chocolate treats from QVC


Indulgence is good for us, really it is.
QVC, a veritable monument to retail, is offering dozens of calorie-free ways to pamper ourselves -- or give as gifts to the people we would like to make feel special.
Two treats blend fashionably in QVC's signature chocolate gold collection. Fashion-forward two-inch polished round hoops are big and bold, but astonishly light and comfortable. Their warm look is created by layering chocolate brown plating over 14k gold. The hoops are currently priced at $109.
Another non-edible treat worth trying is the Chocolate Mocha Body Scrub, a decadent way to soften and exfoliate the skin. Well priced at $18 for a 13-ounce tub, the scrub combines two glorious smells -- chocolate and coffee -- and gently buffs the skin. The scrub also includes concentrations of Vitamins C and E, organic grape seed and black currant oil. Rinse well (with a dark-colored wash cloth to avoid possible staining) and follow up with a good moisturizer to keep that spa sensibility going.

Friday, January 25, 2008

I'm carding you, sweetheart


I can't decide which is more fun -- sending or receiving valentines.
Okay, okay, getting lots of cards is definitely a pleasure, making up for the painful Valentine's Days in elementary school when the girl sitting next to me wound up with a mountain of cards on her desk and I had a modest hill of valentines, most from the nice kids who brought cards for everyone.
I'm planning to send lots of cards this year, mostly because I'm blessed with lots of love and partly because the makers of greeting cards are reminding me of more reasons than I might have thought of on my own to drop a card in the mail.
This year, American Greetings has come up with packages of cards that don't cost a bundle. For $3, you get a trio of grown-up billet-doux with such messages as: "I didn't planet this way... but I'm glad our worlds collided."
You'll also find Valentine's Day cards from the cat, the dog and the crabby people in your life. My personal favorite is a $4.99 musicial card that belts out "At LAAAAST.... My love has come along!"

Thursday, January 24, 2008

This sweetie takes the cake


Chocolates aren't the only edible way to say "I love you."
Consider the celebrated red velvet cake from Carousel, which teams three tender layers of cherry-colored chocolate between thick, dense gobs of unabashedly sweet cream cheese frosting. This time of year, the cake is topped with a pair of red hearts. The sides are studded with white, red and pink sprinkles.
This cake first gained acclaim because Oprah Winfrey, taste maker extraordinaire, loves it. But it's stayed on the top of the rack because it's a quality product with the added benefit of being easily shipped to loved ones.
A cake arrived at our house, scrupulously packed in a chilled, crush-proof box. Inside, the confection was perfect, despite its travels. And it was so yummy -- dense, moist and indulgent -- that my husband Dale, the resident sweet tooth, asked for seconds, urging me to cut a generous slice this time, for goodness sake. Seven inches round, the cake serves six to 10 generously -- or five Dales.
The suggested retail price: $39.95. To order, call (866) 659-2253 or visit www.carouselcakes.com

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Liquor is quicker


In an ever-growing class of uber-premium vodkas, it's hard to set oneself apart from the rest of the class.
Christiania, which bills itself as the World's Smoothest Vodka, does so with elegance and simplicity. But then, the Scandinavians have had lots of practice. When King Christian of Denmark conquered Norway in 1596, he brought vodka with him, which no doubt made him popular with the locals.
These days, Christiania is crafted from Norwegian organic Trondelag potatoes and arctic spring water, according to the original recipe. The result is smooth as silk, with just a hint of sweetness, a round mouthfeel and a cool finish. Try it with smoked salmon, as the Scandinavians do -- or sushi. Expect to pay about $40 for a tall, sleek 750 ml bottle.
It's an equally opportunity Valentine's Day indulgence, appreciated by both genders, particularly those who have sworn off sweets.
As Ogden Nash so rakishly opined in "Reflections on Ice Breaking:"
Candy is dandy.
But liquor
Is quicker.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

It's healthy to love yourself


I'm thinking, as I ponder the sweetest way to say 'I love you' to others on Valentine's Day, that perhaps I should start with moi. When you love yourself, it's a whole heck of a lot easier to be good to others.
The folks at the Vitamin Shoppe are here to help with pampering products, including Desert Essence Organics Red Grape Shampoo and Conditioner ($7.99 each).
Essentially, some of the same components that make wine good for us on the inside also help to promote beautiful hair. Extracted from Italian grapes, these grooming tools include red wine extract, UV-filtering antioxidants and are totally vegan. Growing up Baptist, the sweet, wholesome scent of the shampoo reminds me of Welch's grape juice and Communion Sunday. The conditioner is so rich and thick it formed a dense swirl in the palm of my hand. It left my naturally wavy hair soft and manageable without a trace of frizz.
While you're browsing at the Vitamin Shoppe, pick up Rachel Perry's Chocolate Bliss Lip Lover($3.95). PH-balanced, this handy goodie is formulated with natural plant extracts and oils, harvested from sustainable rain forests in projects that create economic opportunities for indigenous people.
It moistens your lips -- and tastes like chocolate. Better on your lips than your hips.

Monday, January 21, 2008

I foresee a sweet Valentine's Day


Ahh, um, gosh (blush) and good golly, hon.
It's only 24 short days until the dawn of Valentine's Day, when our thoughts turn to love -- or perhaps the lack of romance in life.
But relax. I'm thinking about reminding people we love -- sweethearts, friends, colleagues, adored children -- that they are special. No pressure, only good and loving thoughts -- which is why I'll be writing about ways we can show others how much we care from now through Valentine's Day.
A recent discovery is Emily's, which is serving up chocolate-covered fortune cookies. There are two versions -- red for romantic interests -- and pink for pals, which I think also can translate to co-workers, teachers and professional aquaintances.
Priced at a mere $4.99, Emily's offers thoughtfulness at a sweet price point. Each box -- patterned after a Chinese take-out carton -- includes six individually wrapped cookies encapsulated in high-quality dark chocolate. Messages inside are reminders of the power of loving, positive thinking, such as: "Value your friends; one will soon do something helpful for you."
You'll find these treats in such familiar retail environs as Target, Wal-Mart and Whole Foods.
I predict a whole lot of chocolate-covered fortune cookies flying out of those stores.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

A Fairweather friend


As the winter winds howl, I keep warm thinking about my garden.
One of my favorite places to browse for unusual plants is the $5 catalog published by Fairweather Gardens, an extraordinary destination in Greenwich.
You'll find such rare delights as carnivorous plants, trees from around the globe and grasses too lovely to mow, a selection that springs from the green thumbs and glorious imaginations of owners Bob Hoffman and Bob Popham.
This beauty is likely a hybrid of the Anise Hyssop but is known as Black Adder and grows 2-3 feet high and wide. Its smoky blue-violet blooms will bring joy to your garden, summer into fall. A gallon plant costs $11.95. To learn more, visit www.fairweathergardens.com

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Fresh breath and white teeth

By now we are all aware of the importance of having really, really white teeth. Our medicine cabinets are stocked with whitening strips, whitening trays, whitening syringes and whitening toothpaste.

Make room for Scope White, a new mouthwash designed to whiten teeth as it freshens breath. In addition to the cool, minty flavors that will be immediately recognizable to Scope users, the mouthwash includes good old hydrogen peroxide, which breaks down stains without harming the enamel on teeth. It also contains hexametaphosphate, a gentle micro-cleanser that's designed to prevent future staining.

The suggested retail price: $6.59 for a 32-ounce bottle, in white, naturally. Can orange juice with calcium and tooth whitening be far behind?

Friday, January 18, 2008

A toast to the earth -- and girl power


Finding enjoyable wines from the Rhone region has never been a stretch.

Now, praise be, pleasant pours from the region's women winemakers are equally accessible.

Usually, when someone mentions the paucity of women in any particular field I shudder, and proclaim: "Stop! That's SO '80s!!!"

But with winemaking there actually is some merit to the theory, although that's happily changing. Add organic farming techniques to the mix and you have a true find.
That's when you'll open a bottle of Mas de Libian, Bout d'Zan 2005, a whippersnapper of a Grenache blended with a wise old Syrah resulting in a berry-rich blend that's easy on tannins with a nice finish. (Expect to pay about $13 a bottle.) It's made by Helene Thibon, the energetic daughter of a family that began growing grain in 1670.
Thibon has been making wine since 1995, when she convinced her kin to start making their own wine instead of supplementing other vineyards. We're glad she did.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Shimmer, Suky and back again

Suky, the upscale provider of party garb on Kings Highway in Haddonfield, will henceforth be known by its previous name, Shimmer.

Seems folks just never got used to the new name, also on the marquee at Suky's in Ardmore, the fabu bridal destination under the same ownership.

But while Suky on the Jersey side of the river was an ideal spot to shop if you're a MOB (Mother of the bride) or attending a soiree, it didn't carry the zillions of gowns and veils customers flocked to Suky on the Pennsy side to ooh and aah over. To moi, the change back to Shimmer makes perfect sense.

Expect to find the same design labels on special occasion frocks and accessories as before. Only the name has changed.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

The skinny on Apple


You can never be too rich or too thin.
The thin part applies to the MacBook Air, dubbed "the world's thinnest notebook."
Priced starting at $1,799, the notebook was the most highly touted of the new products Apple czar Steve Jobs introduced at a much ballyhooed presentation in San Francisco today.
The news didn't surprise Apple aficionados who had ferreted out tech tidbits as the big day approached.
With as much flourish as a geek can muster, Jobs pulled the notebook from a manila envelope. The newbie measures a scant 0.76 inches at the hinge and weighs about three pounds.
If you're a Mac kind of person, you're thrilled.
If you're living in the real world, as I am, you're waiting to see if it really, really works. And I really, really hope it does because I want a laptop that is light as a feather -- and weighs less than my purse.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Life for major appliances

We've been holding a vigil for our clothes dryer, which has been near death for quite some time.

It wails like a banshee in the basement as it tosses tormented loads of ghostly sheets. The dryer's cries of agony reverberate throughout the house, leading our friends to wonder if we're appliance abusers.

It's become quite embarrassing. But I can't bring myself to creep into the laundry room and silence the dryer with a pillow, pressed firmly and remorselessly against the vent. After all, it's been part of the family for many years.

Still, if there was ever a good time for an appliance to kick the bucket, it's now, during Sears' super appliance sale. For example, Kenmore's high-capacity gas dryer has been reduced from $499.99 to $469.99. You can pick it up at the store or have it delivered. Sears will take away the corpse of the dear, departed dryer for free.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Girls still wanna have fun


Lyric Culture, a premium adult contemporary apparel line, is launching LYRIX, its first brand extension based on the songs and style made famous by the hit television phenomenon American Idol, which premieres its seventh season on Jan. 15. The grown-up line features fashion-forward music-inspired togs such as this $75 Lady Marmalade tee.

LYRIX, designed for girls ages 7-16 (that age when we know all the words to songs) is driven by popular song lyrics, including R-E-S-P-E-C-T and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, written by Philly popster Robert Hazard. The collection, which includes tees, denim skirts, jackets and vests, velour hoodies and sweat pants retailing between $24- $58 at http://www.shoplyrix.com/ starting Jan. 18.

You can get the goods at Macy's in early February 2008.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Aw, shucks; awesome oysters



I've always been a raw bar kind of gal.

When I was a little girl, I'd go clam digging with my sisters and cousins in Wildwood, led by Uncle Whitey, the pied piper of fun. He taught us to spot the tell-tale bubbles of bi-valves at the water's edge. We'd dig up the clams and Uncle Whitey would open them, seconds after digging, feeding us like baby birds.


There's no taste quite like that of the sea. My favorite bi-valves these days are oysters -- and that's why I'm so excited about Taylor Shellfish Farms, a fourth-generation company in Washington Statethat delivers top-shelf oysters right to your door.


For a mere $29, plus shipping, Taylor's delivers a gift box of two dozen oysters to your door, scrupulously cold and packed with a knife for shucking. The collection includes a half dozen each of four scrumptuous varieties: tiny Olympias with a sweet coppery taste; briny sweet Pacifics; smooth and minerally Virginicas; and sweet, nutty Kumamoto, introduced to Washington from Japan in 1947.


We drank ours with a crisp sparkling wine from the Rhone region. Best of all, it was a lot more fun -- and tastier -- than popping popcorn. To treat yourselves, order at http://www.taylorshellfishfarms.com/



Saturday, January 12, 2008

V8 revving 75 years


Wow! You could've had a V8 in 1933!
The drink that's had us slapping our heads for years was invented in 1933 by W.G. Peacock, the founder of New England Product Company. In those days, the company manufactured individual vegetable juices under the name "Vege-min."
Even then folks were balking at consuming their veggies and his concoctions sat on the shelf. So Peacock began blending the juices into a single beverage, which eventually was shortened to V8 and sold to Campbell Soup Co. in Camden.
These days, there are all sorts of variations on V8, including citrus fruits. For the record, here are NINE veggies in the original cocktail: tomatoes, beets, celery, carrots, lettuce, watercress, parsley, lettuce and spinach.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Bye, bye Jasmine Sola

Jasmine Sola, the hip, fashion-forward retail response to a young gal's wardrobe dreams has vanished from Cherry Hill Mall, little more than a year after it opened the door to undifferentiated cuteness.

The bottom line: New York & Co., which took over the Massachusetts-based chain two years ago, couldn't continue to sustain losses in revenue. Contributing to that was a very expensive sexual harassment lawsuit involving Jasmine Sola's founder, who was accused of not being able to keep his mitts off at least six female employees. So all 26 Jasmine Solas went out of business.

The result: Women got hassled AND now have one less great place to shop. Where is the justice in that?

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Organized, for 30 percent less

Somewhere, likely beneath the mess on my desk, there's a supremely organized spirit in seach of a storage system.

This month, The Container Store is reaching out to souls in need of decluttering with the annual Elfa sale, in which shelving and storage systems are 30 percent off.

I like the idea of a well-designed system that facilitates order. But I'm wondering if the store provides follow-up support to make certain the customers actually make good use of those bins, cubicles and other storage solutions?

As an admitted HGTV addict, I watch those shows in which a SWAT team descends on the Slob Family in Anywhere USA, decluttering, scrubbing and organizing an incredibly messy abode into momentary bliss.

I usually get a sinking feeling that weeks later the homeowners have toppled over and turned their home back into a pig pen. In short, their houses are neat and tidy but they still have a lot of junk in their brains. In fact, as the camera scans the initial squalor, I can't help but exclaim: "These folks don't need an organization system! They need a psychiatrist!"

The upside is I truly believe there's hope for people like me, folks who have nicely decorated serene homes with only ONE problem area -- which, for me, is my office. I figure I'm way ahead of the game as my brain is actually quite organized... now if I could only get the rest of me to cooperate.

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Framed, at 60 percent off

The times when we get our paintings, photographs, diplomas, et al framed are alarmingly out of sync with when it's cheapest.

We go when we finally think of it. That's too bad because custom framing is frightfully expensive.

But now's the time to gather thy collectibles while thee may and make haste to Michael's. The arts and crafts titan is offering a super 60 percent off on custom framing. So why not treat that sepia-toned portrait of Aunt Lillian to a tasteful mat, frame and sun-screening glass?

Here's more advice. If you're planning to treat the extended family of portraits to new frames, please choose a color-coordinated scheme in order to create a tasteful, pulled together presentation. Consult your inner decorator and choose frames and mats of the same color. You'll be amazed at how it creates an immediate cohesive sensibility, your very own family gallery.

Aunt Lillian would say: "Thanks, sweetheart. You always were my favorite."

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Shopping for TV shows


As the writers' strike drags on and on, I find myself admitting to something I didn't think I'd ever say.
I miss TV, shows with plots and story lines developed by genuine, real-life writers.
And a whole lot of other folks feel the same way, which is why my conversations about TV lately aren't about the shows we watched but rather about the shows we rented or bought.
Here's a scene from the HBO series Rome, which we're watching right now, having rented episodes from Netflix. This temptress, played by the ravishing Polly Walker, is the evil niece of Julius Caesar. Wonder how many episodes she'll make it through. After only one show, these Romans are showing themselves to be a bloodthirsty lot.
Stay tuned.

Monday, January 07, 2008

Williams-Sonoma cleans house


Many of us have been thinking about food, food, food for months.
At Williams-Sonoma, they're thinking sale, sale, sale on a number of culinary and tabletop wares.
Take this nut bowl with screw-operated cracker. The bowl is crafted from beech wood, stained a deep, rich walnut. I think of it as an investment piece for entertaining, something you could set out for a big party or an intimate gathering of friends. (I practice what I preach, having amassed enough specialty serving pieces to outfit a caterer.)
Happily, the price of indulging is less these days. Originally priced at $75, the bowl and cracker set is now $39.99. You'll find this and lots of others cookware, linens and gourmet goodies at Williams-Sonoma, in the stores and online.

Sunday, January 06, 2008

Sorry, wrong number

I read the ads exhorting me to ring in 2008 with a new mobile phone -- and, indeed, I've been due for a free upgrade since September, according to the folks at Verizon.

Here's the rub. I've never learned how to use the hot cell phone I already own, a screaming scarlet number with Web access, an electronic calendar, picture phone, video and a whole bunch of other cool stuff I never use.

So when I read about the merits of a Blackberry Curve 8310, with personal and business email and an integrated GPS system, all for a mere $99.99, I do my utmost to keep a blank stare from developing on my face. Dear readers, I can tell you that's an uphill battle.

Here's what I think the mobile phone companies should do. Set up special education classes for folks such as moi, where we can learn why these bells and whistles are so important (and hopefully, for the phone company, pony up the money to pay for them).

At it stand now, the only response I can honestly provide to someone who wants to sell me an advanced phone is: Sorry, wrong number.

Saturday, January 05, 2008

Museum pieces you can take home

You don't have to visit the museum store at the august Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. to take advantage of a super sale going on right now.

Of course, it's preferable that you take in the Spirit of St. Louis along with your shopping experience but, hey, we can't be in two places at the same time.

Among the deals available in person, by catalog and online: a butterfly wall sculpture, marked down from $95 from $49.99; a diaphonous wool shawl, once $65 and now $39.99; and a set of six Venetian glass tumblers, originally $165, now $89.99.

This faceted tiger's-eye jewelry, originally priced at $118-$75, is now $74.88-$44.99. Members save an additional 10 percent more.

For more info, go to www.smithsonianstore.com

Friday, January 04, 2008

Bundling up at Jos A Bank


It's more expensive to heat your home this winter but the price of keeping warm just went way down at Jos A Bank.
Today and tomorrow, the entire stock of merino wool topcoats and raincoats at the menswear chain is discounted more than 50 percent.
Originally priced at $385-$350, outerwear is now marked down to a cool $129.

Thursday, January 03, 2008

Boscov's giant January sale


Online and in stores, Boscov's is offering big-time bargains, starting with 50 percent off on apparel for men, women, juniors and kids, as well as jewelry, luggage, housewares and more.
The discounts are even deeper in linens and curtains, at 60 percent off, plus an extra 10 percent.
As for domestics, the bed-and-bath staples of white sales of yore, take a whopping 77 percent off.
Among the deals: 350-count thread-count king-size sheets: a mere $39.99, knocked down from $99.99. Queen-size sets of striped 400-count sheets with an extra bonus set of pillow cases: originally $109.99, now $39.97.

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Stocking the perfect pantry

At our house, dinner is frequently a culinary puzzle, solved by looking at the items in the pantry and finding ways to put them together.

Here are three staples you might not have thought of that we regularly pop in the dish du jour:

Tinned anchovies: "You can melt them to add richness to a sauce or a kick to salad dressing -- plus it has a shelf life of 'forever,'" says Dale, who is a great cook, in addition to being a wonderful husband.

Herbs de Provence: A blend of dried thyme, majoram, fennel, rosemary, basil. sage and lavender. The French cousin of Italian seasoning, except you can't quite tell what's in it. Way more sophisticated than oregano and super in omelets.

Prepared gnocchi, straight off the shelf at Trader Joe's: Cook in boiling water for two minutes, toss with butter and a handful of fresh sage leaves, torn in thumbnail-size pieces. Sprinkle with freshly grated romano cheese and a twist of black pepper. Serve to thunderous applause.

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Macy's rings in a New Year with a sale


Many of the goodies you might have wished you bought in 2007 are still available at Macy's -- only they cost less.
With prices marked down as much as 65 percent, now is the time to make the most of the gift cards Santa sent you. Among the bargains are Charter Club cashmere scarfs in jaunty polka dots and such fashion-forward hues as pink and lilac, in addition to the old standby black and white. Originally priced at $75, you can now wrap up a scarf for a mere $37.27.
You'll also find deals on shoes, handbags, outerwear, clothes for women, men and kids, as well as housewares. Items from Martha Stewart's holiday collection are half price.
Shoppers can redeem gift cards online at www.macys.com You can make returns and exchanges at a Macy's near you.

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