Today's Prescription: Handcrafted holiday decor makes the perfect gift!

If you're looking for a unique and special holiday decor item, look no further than our collection of carvings from local artist, Bill Evans.   Located in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, Bill lovingly carves and paints unique holiday collectibles from a variety of woods, including old Christmas tree trunks!   These snowmen, Santa and angel figures are all signed by the artist.  Pittsburgh fans will love the Black & Gold themed carvings.  For a small gift, we've got handcarved santa or snowmen ornaments perfect on a more rustic, casual Christmas Tree.  If you know someone who loves the shore, we think they'd appreciate the hanging Santas carved out of driftwood.  Antique collectors should appreciate the rolling pins, bobbin candlesticks, rug beaters, or shoe lasts.

Our photos don't do these items justice!  Come by to see them if you are able.  

Today's Prescription: Hanukkah hostess gifts at great prices!

Don't be caught off guard by the early holiday this year!  If you'll be visiting friends and family this year for Hanukkah celebrations, stock up on some great hostess gifts starting at just $4.99.  Let us offer a few suggestions:

For just $4.99, you can get a nicely packaged set of Menorah Candles from Mud Pie.  Give them alone as a small token, or add them to a  Dreidel Spreader or Hanukkah boxed Napkins & Spreader set as a more substantial gift. 

For just under $25, choose from the wooden Menorah Cutting Board that comes with napkins and spreader,  the metal Dip Cup & Spreader Set, both from Mud Pie, or a fabric Happy Hanukkah wall hanging from Pockets of Learning perfect for a family with small children.

We also have an array of menorahs from which to choose...artistic, modern & sleek, classic, traditional & elegant, wooden one-of-a-kind...   You can surely find one perfect for yourself or someone you love.  Check out our Judaica selection online or come by to see us!

 

 

 

 

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Today's Prescription: Thanksgiving Prep time...

We're just a week away from one of the biggest meals most of us indulge in all year!  If you're hosting the big event, it's definitely time to ensure you've got all your serving necessities.  Here's our checklist and some suggestions if you can't check the box!

Place settings - Do you have enough plates and flatware for everyone?  We sell most of our dinnerware open stock, so you can just pick up some extra dinner plates, and don't have to purchase a full place setting if you don't want to.

Stemware - Count your glasses... make sure everyone will get to enjoy a nice glass (or two!) of wine.  The Riedel Vinum collection is great for everyday use as well as a more formal event.

Salad Bowl - Make sure your family eats some greens!  The acacia wood Nambe Yaro Salad Bowl is one of our biggest sellers.  The salad servers are included for this great price.  From Enrico, we've got a beautiful selection of wooden salad bowls, including this simple eco-conscious Colonial bowl made from a camphor laurel tree.

Napkins -  Save a tree and use cloth napkins from Chilewich.   They come in sets of four, and in perfect hues for Fall. 

Placemats -Set the most elegant table with linens from Kim Seybert.

Platters - If you didn't get all of the serving pieces for your fine china, no worries!  A table looks even better with some complementary pieces in glass or metal mixed in.  Check out platters from Annieglass or Mariposa as a start.

Servers - All those dishes require serving utensils...  Julia Knight's salad servers or Vietri servers are gorgeous and come in a wide array of colors.  Salad Hands are pretty "handy" too, and great for use all year round. 

Check your cupboards and make sure you're ready for the main event.  If not, jump online or stop by to pick up all of your Thanksgiving essentials and extras!

Today's Prescription: Add artistic flair to your holiday decorating

If you're looking for truly unique holiday decor, Sticks Furniture and Accessories is the way to go.  These hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind, American made sculptures will certainly brighten your space.  Made from birch, poplar and driftwood and then further designed with hand drawn imagery, etched contouring and vibrantly blended paint.  Choose from our Santa or Snowman collections.  The santas get all the attention, but the snowmen are my personal favorites! Our photos don't do these pieces justice, so come by our store if you can.   
Their collections are always customizable, too!  Choose your piece and the color scheme that works for you and create your own work of art! Buy one for yourself or give someone their favorite gift of the season.

Today's Prescription: Prepare for the little ghosts & goblins!

The trail of little school children marching past my home today giving their costumes a try before the big event this weekend has me thinking of Halloween!  Actually, it's got me thinking of candy, yummy, gooey, sticky sweet candy.  If you're expecting a hoard of trick-or-treaters, then you'll need a big old bowl in which to put your treats!

Here are a few great options we currently have in stock:

For just $24.99, check out French Bull's melamine Avocado & Turquoise large bowl perfect for candy, popcorn, or a summer salad served outdoors.   

iittala's Origo Orange striped serving bowl holds two quarts and it's bright colors would add a fun pop of color after the holiday to your white dinnerware collection.

Le Creuset's stoneware serving bowls will do the job on Halloween, but you'll turn to this piece regularly for mixing and serving.

If your taste is a little more rustic, you will probably love the rhubarb Everything Bowl from R. Wood Studio.  After filling it with yummies and gummies this weekend, use this great bowl for salad, fruit, or a catch-all at the door. 

Happy Haunting!

Today's Prescription: Change the look of this year's holiday table setting with accessories from Kim Seybert

How long have you been setting the same looking holiday table?  Keep your china and spice things up with stylish place mats, napkin rings and linens from Kim Seybert.  Far from traditional, this collection of tabletop accessories can add rich texture, color and a true sense of style to any table setting. If you're not the best cook, no worries, people will remember your table... not your turkey!

Some of our favorite Kim Seybert tabletop items:

• Their Heavy Metal Round Mats come in gold or silver so they can work perfectly with platinum or gold banded dinnerware.  
• Lace Capiz Shell Round Mats are quite stunning as well and come in lovely, soft hues perfect for an elegant affair. 

Don't see the Kim Seybert item you want on our website?  No problem, we'll order it for you!

Today's Prescription: Skip the kitschy Halloween items, and get them something they'll love longer than a few weeks!

Ok, we realize that not everyone buys Halloween gifts, but if you are a gift giver at heart, then consider these ideas for your family of ghouls at Halloween:

• The Harvey's Seatbelt Bag Rope Tote with Scully design is perfect for so many!  A young lady with a rocker edge will love the skeleton design, a true Harvey's fan will HAVE to HAVE this limited time only design, and anyone that loves Halloween will enjoy carrying this bag, even if only in the Autumn. 
• As the weather cools and people start spending more time indoors, they start their fall cleaning routines and maybe switch up some decor.  Adding a carrot colored fruit / bread basket from Eucalyptus Stoneware is the perfect way to add some vibrant color in the kitchen or dining room.
• These little decorative "pumpkins" are an inexpensive way to decorate for the season.  Add them to a lovely crystal or glass bowl from Reed & Barton, Simon Pearce, or value priced Nachtmann for an Autumn gift.    
• The Mariposa pumpkin napkin weight is so cute and under $15!
• Keep your kids or grandkids occupied inside with one of our many crafts and games from Alex Toys or eeBoo.

Shop our website for more gift ideas!  Order soon and we can ship in time for Halloween delivery.  We'll even add orange or black ribbon to set the spooky mood...

Today's Prescription: Shop in support of Breast Cancer Awareness

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in support of those affected by the illness, Swarovski created several pink products.  We've got a lovely pink pearl bracelet with the well known pink ribbon charm decked out in crystals, of course.  The bejeweled ribbon also comes in a tack pink and a charm perfect for clipping on other jewelry, a purse, a zipper-pull or anywhere else you can think of!    Wearing the crystal heart pendant proudly shows your support.  Their crystalline pink pen is the perfect way to remind you of someone you love every time you sign a check, write out your shopping list, address your holiday cards, etc...Wear or use these special items year round to remind you of someone special impacted by breast cancer. 

Today's Prescription: Help them pinch pennies

What newborn's nursery would be complete without a "piggy" bank?   Teach them to save from an early age!  They'll love dropping coins in one of our bank options:

From Elegant Baby, you'll find the classic ceramic piggy bank in a variety of colors perfect for baby.  The chocolate brown with multi-hued blue or pink dots is one of our personal favorites.  Just arrived: the sweet green bank spotted in stars!

Big Belly Banks are a favorite with toddlers.  Kiddos can watch the coins slide right down the neck into the round clear belly.   They're the perfect height for setting right on the floor for easy access.

If something smaller and more elegant is preferred, then the Dr. prescribes one of our Reed and Barton silverplate banks.  You'll likely be able to find coordinating items like a water globe, picture frame, and flatware, as well.

Today's Prescription: Go contemporary with our new collection from Alex Marshall Studios

Just in!!!  Decorative and functional pieces from Alex Marshall Studios.  If you've got a modern aesthetic for your home and want pieces that will not only display beautifully, but truly function for you, then we think you will enjoy the creations of Alex Marshall.  Her glazes are wonderfully rich and earthy.  The ceramic dinnerware collection is all lead free, microwaveable, dishwasher safe, and oven safe for gentle warming.  Best of all, the collection is manufactured in Corning, California!  We love to continue to offer quality American-made products.

We think the Gourmet Rectangle and 3 small dishes would make a fabulous gift!  Perfect for condiments, dips and more!

The pieces and colors are really best admired in person, so please come visit us to check them out if you can!   If not, we're happy to answer questions or send additional photos if you contact us via email.  

Announcing our NEW A Platter That Matters: DSAP, double your donation...

Announcing our NEW A Platter That Matters: DSAP, double your donation... via #constantcontact

We're excited to be working with the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh through our A Platter That Matterstm program.  Click on the link above to see the details about our new plate and learn more about the organization and how to support them.

Today's Prescription: Entertain in Steelers Country

Warning:  Pittsburgh Steelers Fans only! 

Send out invites for Sunday's game and get ready to cheer on your favorite team!   We just received a collection of Pittsburgh Steelers items perfect for entertaining or daily use in a true fan's home.  We've previously highlighted the great qualities of Tervis tumblers which are perfect for hot or cold drinks.  Serve lemonade, juice and water to the little fans in the 10oz Junior cups.  The 12oz Tumblers work nicely for Jack & Coke, gin & tonic, and other refreshments.  Perfect for beer, soda, and almost any other drink is the 16oz Tumbler.  And for those who don't want to miss a second of the game by getting up for a refill, you'll need the Big-T 24oz Tumbler.  When the weather gets cool and an Irish Coffee or hot apple cider is on the menu, check out the generously sized 17oz Mug!  Finish off your bar decor with the coordinating Steelers Ice Bucket.

Start your Christmas shopping early for the Pittsburgh fans on your list!

Today's Prescription: Cozy gifts for your wife, girlfriend, sister...

If getting a puppy or kitten is out of the question for a lovely lady you know, then we have the next best thing.  Barefoot Dreams creates some the most luxurious, comfy knit products you'll ever come across.  They're washable, dryable and loved by celebrities (if that matters to you!).  Right now, we have pullovers and hooded sweatshirts (a.k.a. hoodies) perfect for the approaching Autumn season.    In a zip up style, we have the Bamboo Chic Striped hoodie in pink, aqua ice, lilac and stone.  These are the perfect solution for cool evenings.  In a slightly different textile, is the pullover Bamboo Chic Lite Deep V-neck Hoodie.  This cozy, cocoa colored sweater will soon become a favorite in her wardrobe.

Make her smile and relax every time she puts on your gift...

Today's Prescription: Frame a memory that will last forever

Most likely I am personally breaking somebody's design "rules" in regards to how many photographs to have framed in ones home.  I can't help it, I love photos and I enjoy choosing a frame in which to display my cherished friends, family, and special moments in my life.  If you know someone like me (maybe you?), please take the time to read about Elias Art Metal frames.   These American-made, high quality pewter frames come in a vast array of designs and sizes.  Many of the frames are available in not only the pewter finish, but also in electro-plated gold.  Another great feature of most frames is the swivel stand in the back which easily rotates to make the frame perfect for horizontal or vertical shots. 

Just like the memories held within, these frames will last a lifetime. 

These frames are really lovely in person!!!  Some of the photos don't do them justice!

Today's Prescription: Steelers fans, get ready!

We've got the perfect gift for both little and "big" fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers.  It's still summer, but the regular season is nearly here, so snatch these fun items up while we still have them.  Limited stock available for all!

• The whole family can have fun with Steelers Connect Four, the classic game with a local, sporty twist.  And what about a Yo-Yo for fans of all ages! 
• Kids over 3 will enjoy the jumbo Steelers Floor Puzzle.
• Show your team spirit all the time by carrying a Steelers carry-all bag.  Great bag for work, the gym or even as a small diaper bag. 
• A boxing Steeler?  Yes, we've got one...
• My personal favorite is our Steelers Aluminum Water Bottle.  Eco-conscious and so useful!  You won't leave home without it.

Today's Prescription: If you love Juliska, check out their new color Ruby!

Juliska is one of our hottest selling lines for brides!  Most popular is their Berry & Thread collection which is offered in basic white with many pieces available in ice blue, cappuccino brown, and pistachio green.  And it is complemented beautifully by their Jardins du Monde collection which was previously only available in white.  Recently, they've added Ruby red pieces to both collections and the color is just gorgeous!  If your dinnerware is Berry & Thread White, you may love adding this pop of color to what you already have. 

If you need a gift, I am a huge fan of Juliska's heart shaped cocktail plates, which are now available in Ruby, too!   This set of four is perfect for appetizers or dessert and makes a really cute engagement or bridal gift. 

Today's Prescription: Prepare your pre-schooler!

Do you have a little guy or gal heading off to pre-school this year?  We've got some great items for that age group that they can use at school or at home.

They'll have to learn to start toting their essentials to school daily and they'll love doing so if they can carry one of these cute quilted backpacks from Stephen Josephs. The collection also includes snack sacks and lunch boxes in great patterns.

If you expect rain in your Fall forecast, check out Kidorable's line of rain coats, boots, umbrellas, boots and backpacks to help keep them dry.

School is going to teach them a lot, but I'm sure you want to help, too!  Try our magnetic Color & Shapes Bingo game as a fun after dinner learning activity. Melissa & Doug's Magnetic Calendar is a useful learning tool.  Learning to tell time is a piece of cake with the wooden Melissa & Doug's Shapes Sorting Clock.

Not quite for your little one, but don't miss our great, organized diaper and other bags from Ju-Ju-Be.You'll always have what you  need handy. 


If you need to boost their wardrobe, check out our clothing selection.

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Today's Prescription: Check out new Calasio

We recently blogged about this new line for us, so I won't bore you again....But we recently received a couple new pieces in our store from Calasio, and think they're great.  Not too formal, they're just right for entertaining or everyday use.   

• Calasio Souffle Baker with Pillivuyt insert
• Calasio Salad Bowl with Pyrex insert

Christmas gifts?  Or maybe a gift for myself...

Today's Prescription: Perfect gifts for anyone college-bound!

If your kids or grandchildren are off to college shortly, we're sure you would love to send them on their way with a little something special.  Space is limited in those dorms, so get them something they can use!  Here are a few ideas:

• Tervis Tumblers with their college logo.  We're highlighting a great, local university here, but many schools are offered.  We can place a special order for you!
• If they're from Pittsburgh, give them Steelers Connect Four to remind them of home and give them something to do on study breaks!
• Heading to Penn State?  Check out this chip & dip server from Arthur Court.  They'll probably need a caffeine fix too, and Tervis makes a great mug, too (works for iced or hot drinks).
• For a little bit of a splurge, treat them to a luxurious robe, throw blanket, pullover cozy hoodie, or zip striped hoodie from Barefoot Dreams.  Trust me... they'll love it and use it!
• They're not going to have room for too much kitchen clutter, so give them this one great, multi-purpose knife from Kyocera that won't need sharpened until after they graduate!

Today's Prescription: Make the family roadtrip a little smoother...

If you are like many families squeezing in a vacation before school starts in a couple weeks, you are probably slightly concerned about keeping the kids busy and entertained.  Whether you'll have downtime in the car, airport, or motel stops along the way, it is good to be prepared with games and activities.  We've got a couple suggestions to keep the kids occupied:

• For your little princess (over 3 years of age), check out Magnetic Dress Up or the Magnetic Doll House.  They come in a handy tin to keep all the items together when play time is over.
• And if you've got a little guy, I bet he loves dinosaurs!  There is a Magnetic Dinosaur tin as well that should keep those three and up busy for hours!   Magnetic Faces is great for boys or girls alike!
• Keep kids of all ages busy at the table when you stop to eat.  Don't count on the restaurant providing crayons, bring your own!  This artistic silicone "Day at the Pond" table mat is easy to tote around and clean.
• If you've got a future Picasso to keep busy, how about Alex Toys  "Art to Go" for toddlers?  Contents zip up into a sturdy case and pages are wipeable!
• For kids with focus who like to accomplish something, check out needlepoint from Alex Toys.  We've got a Sea Friend, Butterfly, and Flower  motif for those over five years of age.

Parents be prepared and stay organized!  Don't miss:

• Ju-Ju-Be "Be Prepared" diaper bag is perfect for trips. 
• Keep them hydrated with cold drinks by carrying your Ju-Ju-Be Fuel Cell.
• The Reisenthal Bottle Shopper is seriously a handy bag.  Don't let the name fool you, those exterior pockets are indeed great for bottles (drinks), but think about being able to keep important things separated and within easy reach.  Pacifiers, baby wipes, snack bars, your phone, itinerary, passport, keys, sunglasses, your baby's shoes once they've kicked them off!  Seriously, it's a great bag for a great price!

Today's Prescription: Stock your bar with 20% off select Alessi in August!

Wow, it's August already!  Hard to believe...  The July Alessi sale was an exciting opportunity for people to get some of their favorite bowls and baskets at 20% OFF!  Well, July is gone and now it's time to introduce the fun Alessi items on sale through August.  Seriously, if you're an Alessi fanatic, now is the time to buy.  We've got bottle openers, wine openers & stoppers, and other festive entertaining pieces marked 20% off for the rest of this month.  This collection has some great items under $50 if you're looking for a small birthday, hostess or house warming gift. 

Monkey lovers?  Or not...the Banana Boys Wine Bottle Stoppers are one of my favorites.  Check out their silly expressions. 

If you're buying a gift for someone who appreciates modern design with a touch of whimsy, check out the Anna G Corkscrew in chrome.  It's sleek silver color will look elegant on the bar while Anna's girlish figure will surely turn some heads!

Alessi connoisseurs seem to love Babyboop.  These simple hors d'oeuvre servers come in a couple sizes, and will surely be used often.

Don't miss this rare chance to get Alessi on sale! 

Today's Prescription: Decorate with the highly customizable Sticks Furniture Collection.

We are so excited to share this new collection with you!  We have recently brought in some furniture and decor from Sticks, a unique creator of artistic, colorful and one-of-a-kind pieces for the home.  You can get anything from a utensil holder for your kitchen counter to a king-size bed!  Most pieces are very colorful and covered in designs, images and various sayings - all of which are able to be customized to meet your specific decorating needs. 

For example, are you designing a dream nursery for a lucky baby girl?  If so, you might be interested in the soft, pastel color palette, in the "a star is born theme", and why not add phrases like "Dream Big", "Sleep Tight", and "Wish Upon A Star" to the pieces you select. 

Everything we have in stock is currently on our website and available for immediate sale.  The Lazy Susans are one of our favorite items!  Many other items that are available from Sticks are shown on our site and we are in the process of adding more so that our customers can see all the exciting products that are available.

The possibilities are endless...  Please contact us and let us help you design your own Sticks!
 
About Sticks:  "Sticks was started by Sarah Grant in 1992. Since then, Sticks has received national acclaim for our distinctive line of furniture, accessories and object art. The company began by designing smaller items such as ornaments and candlesticks, and has evolved to feature larger items such as dining sets, beds and armoires. Each piece is handcrafted within Sticks’ award winning studio in Des Moines, Iowa. All pieces are finely crafted from birch, poplar and driftwood. The pieces are further designed with hand drawn imagery, etched contouring and vibrantly blended paint. Pieces can be embellished with 3-D wood components, metal, leather and fabric. Our line is constantly evolving due to the imagination of our design team and the many talented craft artisans that we employ. Every piece that we produce can be personalized to feature themes, imagery or colors that you or your customers desire." [from Sticks website]

Today's Prescription: Swarovski jewelry is perfect for a summer wedding

Image via Wikipedia

Whether you are the bride-to-be, one of her attendants, mother-of-the-groom or just attending the soiree, Swarovksi jewelry will be the perfect finishing touch for your look.  A simple black dress can be made totally glamorous with the right "bling".

Here are some of our current in-stock favorites:

• If you're the one in white this summer, check out the Lunar Indian Sapphire pendant.   Not for the faint of heart, this necklace will make a statement...  It is a beautiful way to add a touch of blue to your ensemble.  The Large Cobra Necklace is another knockout piece.    If you're a bit more conservative, the Angelic pendant is a sweet, light necklace you will surely wear time and time again.  
• The Bella Earrings in tanzanite moonlight crystal would be a wonderful bridesmaid gift.  They are simple, yet interesting and eye-catching. If you prefer to call attention to the bouquets by adding wrist sparkle, check out the Pave Circles bracelet. 
• Calling all Mothers of the Bride and Groom!  Show your love for the new couple by wearing the Etera heart pendant.  It might be the brides' day to shine, but you will surely get loads of compliments on this piece, too.  
• If you're just there to party, the sky is the limit as far as your accessories from Swarovski .  The Hoopla Hoop pendant is a fun piece that can easily be dressed up or down.  Everyone will notice this narrow mesh bracelet.  

We can special order any current jewelry item from Swarovski.  So, if you don't see what you need on our website, please contact us! 

Swarovski Jewelry Collection

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Today's Prescription: New items from Mary Jurek

We adore the stainless steel tableware collection created by Mary Jurek.  These luxury home goods combine old world artistry and craftsmanship with modern aesthetics.  All products are hand-made by artisans throughout the world with direct creative input from and oversight by Founder Mary Jurek.  What we think really makes this collection special is the fact that the products are eco-friendly, hand-made and dishwasher safe!  Yes, unlike so many metal-ware lines that require handwashing, these stainless steel items can go in the dishwasher.  One of my personal favorites is the Galaxy Cream & Sugar Set... it's going on my personal wish list! And for the modern bride who is scoffing at all the traditional cake knife & server sets out there, check out the Helyx Cake Set.  We love it!

We've brought a small selection into our store, but if you are looking for a particular item that you don't see on our website, please contact us. 

Today's Prescription: Baby gifts worth the splurge!

Exuding love as a first time Grandparent, Auntie, Godmother, etc... to a beautiful little bundle of joy?   We bet you're just in love with that little boy or girl already, right?   And you're trying to find the perfect gift to present to the new family, right?  We think we can help in that department!  Here are some splurge-worthy ($70 & up) new baby gifts:

• Help decorate the nursery or playroom with these fun, painted furniture items from Guidecraft.  The safari themed collection is fun and suitable for a boy or girl.  We love the Safari Rocking Chair, Storage Step Stool, Lamp, and  table and chairs set where the little one will eventually spend hours and hours coloring and playing for years to come.  Our website only shows a sampling of their furniture collections, but we can order anything that they make for you!
• Envelope the baby in the softest blanket you will ever touch from Little Giraffe!  The large, Luxe blanket comes in cream, pink, blue, navy and chocolate to name a few options and is currently $78.
• Keep them looking presentable with a brush and comb set.  We love the sterling Lunt Royalty Boy's Set and the simple, classic Lunt Girl's Set.
• Keep them warm and looking stylish in the functional, fun "Little Riding Cape" from Babyhood & Beyond.  This is one of my personal favorite new baby gifts!   They are super soft and come in great color combinations.  They'll use it for years...
• Treat the new mom to a diaper bag she'll adore from Ju-Ju-Be.  You can surely find a style and color to suit her.  Don't forget the coordinating accessories like checkbook covers and wallets, too.

Today's Prescription: Take advantage of our July 20% off Alessi sale

It's doesn't happen often, so when it does... take advantage!  During the month of July, you can save 20% on a great selection of baskets and bowls from Alessi.  Yes, this sale even includes the ultra popular Mediterraneo design. Do you know someone who is an avid gardener?  The La Rosa baskets would make a lovely gift for a flower lover.  For a a basic everyday  fruit basket, take a look at Alessi's medium wire basket.

Don't miss out on this July sale!  Have an upcoming wedding?  They would make a great gift, or pick one up for yourself!

Today's Prescription: Essentials for preparing & serving summer salads

Image via Wikipedia

No one wants to slave away in the kitchen on these hot summer days!  So, a lovely, fresh summer salad bursting with flavor and color is the perfect meal.  We've got some great kitchen essentials to help you toss together something delicious.

• Once you've got one, you'll wonder how you lived without a great tomato knife.  We've got several from Wusthof , and our store owner's favorite Serrated Ceramic blade utility knife from Kyocera. 
• You'll likely need a peeler to prep a good salad - and we love the colorful ones from Kyocera and the sturdy, sleek one from Culinary Institute. 
• Don't forget a good cutting board!  We love Epicurean's cutting surfaces - they come in a variety of sizes, colors and they can easily be washed and sanitized in the dishwasher.  If you're eco-conscious, check out their Recycled boards. 
• Dry those lettuce leaves with this awesome OXO stainless salad spinner!
• When it comes to serving, let people help themselves with some great everyday servers or tongs from Jonathan's Spoons, Woodbury's of Vermont, Tizo, or how about these cute salad "hands" from Mudpie .   You can pick up an attractive, glass-looking bowl and servers for under $50 from William Bounds Grainware.  Perfect for indoor or outdoor eating, is our melamine collection  of salad bowls, servers and full dinnerware options from Le Cadeaux. 

 We offer plenty more preparing and serving products to meet all your entertaining (or mealtime-for-one) needs!  

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Today's Prescription: Make a splash!

This oppressive heat has me thinking of one thing only - cooling off! Hiding in an air-conditioned space works for many of us. For those of you lucky enough to have easy access to the water (whether it is pool, lake, river or ocean), we think you NEED one of these cute summer bags to keep all your essentials nearby:

• Even with the water nearby for cooling off, you still need to stay hydrated and refreshed! So, take along the insulated Bugalow! Scout's Dockette to keep beverages cool.

• The water-resistant Daytripper tote bag is another essential from Bungalow! Scout. This will easily hold your towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and other essentials.
  

• We've got the Brush Stroke Beach Tote from Chilewich (yes, the placemat company!) in two colors - Orange/Pink or Brown/Black. This is a really cute bag that works just as easily in the city as it does by the pool.

• Hey Moms! The WannaBe from Ju-Ju-Be is THE bag for you to use this summer especially, but all year round, too. Wanna know why??? How about because of its: sand drain, insulated cooler pocket, electronics pocket, towel holder, backpack or shoulder straps... not to mention the fun pattern! Seriously, if you know someone who lives at their local swimming "hole" in the summer, get them this bag! They'll thank you for it.

• Looking for the perfect option for small things? Check out the Ju-Ju-Be Fuel Cell, Shiraleah Snack Sack, and Scout Counterfeit (perfect for taking cash / credit cards to the pool).

Stay cool everyone!

Today's Prescription: Bridal party gifts they'll love!

If you're getting married soon, you have probably put some thought into what to give your bridal party. It's a tough decision, right? These people are important enough to you that you've asked them to play a crucial role on your most special day! We know you want to give them a thoughtful memento to remind them of the cherished role they will play in your not just wedding, but your entire life. We understand, too, that as generous as you would like to be, funds may be limited. So, we'd like to offer you some suggestions in a couple price ranges:

For Your Groomsman:

• Under $50 - can't go wrong with the traditional gifts of a flask, and we've got a nice, simple one from Reed & Barton.
• Under $100 - if you'll be surrounded by sports enthusiasts on your big day, they'll love this personalized hockey stick to hang in their "man caves"! If they're big entertainers for Sunday football, they'll love this football shaped serving dish from Beatriz Ball.
• Any price range - if they appreciate a good bottle of liquor, they would probably love to drink it from a quality, elegant glass. Check out our selection of formal drinkware, and choose a pair of Double Old Fashion or Highball glasses for each of your friends. Check out some gorgeous glasses from Saint Louis, Baccarat, and William Yeoward.

For Your Bridesmaids:

• Under $50 - every time they use this great little heart themed serving piece from Riverside Design Group's Plates with Purpose collection, they'll be reminded of the fun they had at your wedding.
• Under $100 - they'll love a gift that they can use all the time and these Hipster / Wristlets from Harveys Seatbelt Bags fit the bill! Order in advance and pick the perfect color for each bridesmaid!
• $65 and up - skip that boring, typical wedding jewelry and give each girl a specially selected piece from our Alexis Bittar or Liquid Metal jewelry collection. Your girlfriends aren't all the same, so why buy them all the same necklace???

If you need more ideas for wedding party gifts, please stop by, give us a call, or try out our website.

Today's prescription: Pick up last minute entertaining needs for the Fourth of July.

It's picnic time and here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania we are expecting a gorgeous weekend! Here are a few items that will allow for easy, fun entertaining this holiday weekend and all summer long:

• This patriotic display American Flag from Peggy Karr glass is the perfect decorating accessory for Memorial Day, Fourth of July and even year round.

• The Le Cadeaux collection of durable melamine dinnerware and polycarbonate drinkware lets you relax while you entertain beautifully. Forget about buying paper plates all the time, and invest once in a stack of these stylish, sturdy blue dinner plates. The planet will thank you too!

• Don't get burned (literally)! Pick up this Le Creuset BBQ mitt and silicone brush set in red or blue so you look festive!

• Keep your guests cool with refreshing drinks! Make sure you've got a great ice bucket stocked. The Regal swivel top ice bucket is a favorite due to its glass appearance (it's plastic!), heavy weight, and connected swivel top. Pick up a couple sets of Tervis Tumblers and drinks can stay hot or cool.

• We recently wrote about our new line - Calaisio. These pieces are PERFECT for picnics and all your entertaining needs.
  

So, come and see us for your entertaining needs. Be safe and have fun this holiday weekend. Hope your forecast is sunny!

Today's Prescription: Need a small gift for a fun lady who loves her wine?

Colorfully decorated glassware is always fun for a birthday or general "pick me up" gift for your girlfriend, mom, or other fun lady in your life! We just received some great designs from Mud Pie.

So, check out these sayings and find one that is perfect for someone you know!

"Why pay a Therapist when I can Wine to my friends for free?"

"We've survived mini skirts, go go boots and free love... We can certainly survive another BIRTHDAY!"

"We've survived disco dancing, bell bottoms and feathered hair. We can certainly survive another BIRTHDAY!"

"Here's to good friends, good wine and a faster metabolism"

If decorated glassware isn't her style, these "wine belts" will ensure her guests always know which wine is theirs!

Today's Prescription: Natural, woven accessories perfect for outdoor entertaining

We love bringing in new, interesting collections! One of our most recent additions by Calaisio is already a hot seller! Their timeless, durable collection is handmade by artisans in the South Pacific. According to their website: "The vines they use to construct [each piece] — called “vignes d’eau” or water-vines — only grow in remote mountain jungles and are very difficult to reach and challenging to harvest. However, once reaped, the vines grow back quickly, leaving no damage in their native forests. At a mere 3 millimeters in diameter — barely one-fourth as thick as typical rattan — the water-vine takes 1-7 days to hand-weave into a finished design but yields a substantially more durable, heat-resistant and elegant product."

While each piece is perfect for outdoor entertaining, don't hesitate to use these eco-conscious, natural, functional products inside as well. We are big fans of the square chip 'n dip and rectangular handled tray.

These are perfect house-warming and bridal shower gifts!

Today's Prescription: Fun, kids' gifts to keep them outside, enjoying summer!

School is over, summer has begun, and the kids need something to do (outside!). Help save the sanity of some nice parents you know by giving their children some fun activities or toys to keep them entertained. We've got a few ideas for you:

• Who doesn't love bubbles? Well, forget about those little wands of the past and check out Alex Toys MONSTER BUBBLES! This machine will create enormous bubbles and lots of laughs.
  

• Here's a twist on the classic game of catch - Monster Mitts allow for easy catching with their velcro fronts. This is a fun game for the backyard or the beach.
  

• Know a little one who wishes they were "big". Let those three and up pretend with Monster Clompers foam stilts.
  

• If a rainy day is in the forecast, we have a huge selection of crafts and games perfect for indoor entertainment from Alex Toys, eeBoo, and more.

Today's Prescription: Brighten up your bakeware!

Cooks rave about the quality of cast iron cookware from Staub. You can expect the same quality from their collection of stoneware baking dishes. We just stocked up and are excited to offer their oven-, microwave-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe bakeware. We love the convenient handles on the bakers and pie dishes... so HANDY! If you like to create petite, individual masterpieces, you will love the sets of mini-pie dishes and mini-rectangular bakers which easily go straight from the oven to the tabletop. Dishes are presented beautifully and they stay at the proper temperature!

Aesthetically pleasing and neutral, the stoneware collection is available in your basic white. If a pop of color is more your style, however, check out the vibrant yellow, red and orange choices as well!