Spice It Up for Valentine’s Day with The Spice House

How about a gift of spice for Valentine’s Day? If you like it hot, here is a great gift box to turn up the heat!

http://www.thespicehouse.com/spices/some-like-it-hot-gift-box#content

$22.95 for 4 jar Spice Gift Box – “Some Like it Hot” (includes: Hot Chili Powder, Vulcan’s Fire Salt, Very Hot Cajun Seasoning and Black & Red Spice)

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If that much heat is more than you were looking for, check out their website for all of their fabulous gift boxes. There are plenty to give someone a little “sugar” or something in between sugar and spice!

click here: http://www.thespicehouse.com/spices-by-category/gift-boxes#content

Little Passports Valentine’s Day Lunch Idea

http://www.littlepassports.com/blog/2015/02/valentines-day-bento-box/?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image+-+http%3A%2F%2Fwww.littlepassports.com%2Fblog%2F2015%2F02%2Fvalentines-day-bento-box%2F&utm_content=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.littlepassports.com%2Fblog%2F2015%2F02%2Fvalentines-day-bento-box%2F&utm_campaign=2.5.15-+Valentines+Day+Bento+Box

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First of all, this is adorable.

Second….that is NOT how my kids get lunch.

Once in a great while maybe, but not on a regular basis. According to the little blurb about the mom who designed this fabulous lunch, she does this all the time and has a little “cookbook” of sorts with ideas for these Bento box type meals. Lucky kids. I want a lunch like that all of the time!

Hey…this could also be a great idea to surprise a grownup in your life – the possibilities are endless!

Little Passports is also a super fun idea, a great way for children to learn about different parts of the world and you can select packages based on age ranges.

To learn more about Little Passports and the mom behind this healthy and fun Valentine’s Day lunch, click on the link above.

Maple Sugaring Starter Kit from Blain’s Farm and Fleet

Being from the Northeast and close to New England, maple sugar is a love of mine. I used to get little packages of pure maple candy when on vacation and I savored that treat. The way the sugar just melts and dissolves in your mouth….mmmmmm.

I received an email from Blains Farm and Fleet and this is what I saw (click on link). How fun! Aside from the kit, there are other related goodies.

http://news.farmandfleet.com/public/?q=preview_message&fn=Link&t=1&ssid=10172&id=l4u61humtvrpc4qu1v2jkhf241kqh&id2=f48a2u6oikl88xgckhlm5m8w0s06h&subscriber_id=abywdyrkvwxiszvtywgaafkdfxwcbge&delivery_id=bppsjdqhkvowogqgvgvfogezokgabih&messageversion_id=buuzhghqtukyfgdgzdcymqqsnghkbpb&tid=3.J7w.B71jlA.GBdP.Afb9Zw..AlnRpQ.s.awo.s.AVgs.b.VNIz8A.VNJPqA.J53MYQ

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This kit looks like so much fun, although I suspect there is a learning curve and a bit of work involved. But you just might have someone on your gift list who would love this fresh idea.

$90.00 for Tap My Trees Maple Sugaring Kit

http://www.farmandfleet.com/products/878661-tap-my-trees-maple-sugaring-starter-kit.html?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image+-+Tap+My+Trees+Maple+Sugaring+Starter+Kit&utm_content=Breakfast+will+never+be+the+same+again%21&utm_campaign=150204+6806+Spring+Dollar+Days+Tap+My+Trees+In+Area#.VNJipTM5CUk

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Even if I could take on this hobby, one important factor is missing…

We only have one tree in our backyard.

I guess there will not be a brunch at our house to celebrate my first batch of homemade maple syrup!

Dollar Shave Club & Manly Man Goodies

Check out these super cool gift ideas for any male on your gift list…

https://www.dollarshaveclub.com/?localization=en_US

A monthly or bi-monthly subscription for shaving supplies – what a treat!

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Or…if you like a soft fuzzy face, how about a Beard Pack to soften the scruffies!

http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/beard-pack

$40.00 for Beard Pack

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And if your giftee would love some extra lovin’ to get spiffied up, how about the Working Man’s Kit?

http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/working-mans-hygiene-kit

$50 for Working Man’s Hygiene Kit

Love these!!

Rum Chata

 

(Must be 21 years of age to view website – it contains alcohol!)

http://rumchata.com

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This is a Wisconsin “thing” and I received it for my birthday…delish!

It’s a dairy, rum, spice-vanilla-y, “hard to put your finger on the flavors” kind of drink…fun stuff and lots of recipes to try too!

Birthday Cake Cheesecake from Wisconsin Cheeseman

Looing for a fun gift idea for a birthday?

How about this delicious looking Birthday Cake Cheesecake from the Wisconsin Cheeseman. It is sure to put a smile on your giftee’s face!

 

http://www.wisconsincheeseman.com/shop-by-occasion/new/birthday-cake-cheesecake-FR.pro?source=promo&medium=email&code=sp21978438&crn=00008657338&link=Product_Image_BDayCheesecake&cm_mmc=promo-_-email-_-sp21978438-_-Product_Image_BDayCheesecake

$32.99 for Birthday Cake Cheesecake

Braided Trivets in a Basket from The Braided Rug Place

Here’s a fun gift idea…a basket of braided trivets!

They have a nice selection for all season, décor and holidays – check out their website below to see more and pricing!

Here are a few ideas…

Winter Trivets

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All Season

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Spring

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Pinecones

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http://store.thebraidedrugplace.net/catalog/search?keyword=trivets

$46.00 each, for a set of braided rug trivets

Chicken Soup for the Cold

(photo from Amazon) :http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dgrocery&field-keywords=lipton+chicken+soup&rh=n%3A16310101%2Ck%3Alipton+chicken+soup

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We have a neighbor who takes care of us and I just don’t know what we would do without her, especially when we have colds. She brings us homemade chicken soup, with homemade noodles too. It is so comforting and delicious.

On the opposite spectrum are my childhood comforts in the packets of Lipton Chicken Noodle Soup. Some days, there is nothing like that little packet to make me feel better.

This is the season for colds and a wonderful gift for someone feeling under the weather is some chicken soup, whether it be homemade or store-bought. Add a box of tissues, a magazine or movie and some tea bags and it’s a wonderful “perk me up” for someone in need!

Stock your pantry the next time that you go grocery shopping and you will be ready whether you need it or a friend.

 

Soup and Soup Mugs Make a Perfect Pair!

Is there a better season to give the gift of soup? (to yourself, perhaps…)

You can find all sorts of fun soup mugs, so have fun looking around for the perfect gift. I love the big oversized mugs that at one point were called the “Friend’s” mug when they were made famous from that show and their coffee shop moments. (Yes, I loved that show.)

Every once in while I like to switch it up a bit and use a large shallow bowl. It makes me feel sophisticated.

And whether you give one or a whole set, it will warm someone’s heart….(get it?)!

Any way you serve it, a soup gift for this time of year is fun. Add a soup starter kit, your own homemade soup or grab some from a local sandwich shop or grocery store.

And don’t forget the dipping bread!

(All below are from Kohl’s)

http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1877187/certified-international-top-hat-snowman-4-pc-soup-bowl-set.jsp?pfm=rrrecs-pdp-gtab1

$61.99 for Certified International Top Hat Snowman 4-pc. Soup Bowl Set

or, if you want a deeper bowl…

http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1877068/certified-international-top-hat-snowman-4-pc-ice-cream-bowl-set.jsp?pfm=rrrecs-pdp-gtab1

$53.99 for Certified International Top Hat Snowman 4-pc. Ice Cream Bowl Set

(Since it is technically called an Ice Cream Bowl, no sense fighting it – clean out your soup bowl and make a big ‘ole ice cream sundae!)

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or how about soup-to-go?

http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1609913/corningware-french-white-20-oz-mug-with-vented-cover.jsp

$9.99 for CorningWare French White 20-oz. Mug with Vented Cover – available in 4 colors

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Fit & Fresh Lunch Totes

While shopping at TJ Maxx, I saw a rack of fabulous looking lunch totes. Most came with plastic containers and thin-sized ice paks and I thought that they would make great gifts, especially since we’re all done with eating out and back to bringing our skinny lunches around with us…(aren’t we?).

I found the brand name at Amazon and other sources, as well as at Fit & Fresh’s site. Search the internet to see what you can find in addition to these below.

From Amazon:

$13.22 for Fit & Fresh Ladies Retro Insulated Lunch Bag with Reusable Ice Pack, Magnetic Snap, Black & White Damask (other solids ad prints available)

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$24.60 for Fit and Fresh Men’s Sporty Lunch Bag Kit with Lunch on The Go Reusable Container Set, Black

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$13.67 for Fit and Fresh Men’s Classic Roll Top Insulated Lunch Bag with Ice Pack, Light Brown

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$25.21 for Fit and Fresh Men’s Big Phil Lunch Bag Kit with Lunch on The Go Reusable Container Set, Brown

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From Fit & Fresh:

All can be found here:

http://shop.fit-fresh.com/b/6598052011?searchSize=16

various pricing from $10.00 – $19.99 for those styles shown above, other styles and prices available

 

Anniversary Gift

Happy Anniversary to me and my hubby!

I found these fabulous hats on a blog and thought that they would make a fun anniversary gift (yes, the blog is mine and no, I am not embarrassed by the “pitch”…)

http://www.gaelsong.com/product/151207/accessories-irish-hats

$20.00 each for ’tis Himself or ’tis Herself Hats

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Isn’t that sunbeam lovely!

’tis Himself has no interest in a public showing, so you got me in my ’tis Herself hat!

For Selfie Lover’s from Bed Bath and Beyond

I personally think that the charm of the selfie is the distorted pic that comes from trying to hold your hand out far enough to fit your face (and anyone else) while pushing the button calmly so that your pic isn’t blurry. But then, I am old school and I also rarely take selfies so what do I know!

For those serious selfie lover’s on your gift list, give them a “handle”…

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/action-adventure-selfie-quikpod/1042963967?Keyword=quikpod

$19.99 for Quikpod Selfie Action Adventure Handle

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And, not quite as fun as a long handle but this remote control for a selfie would work too…

$19.99 for Selfie Snap

Gifts of Food, Music & More from “Menus and Music”

I was quite taken with the “Music and Menus” collection and thought that these would make great gifts. They have recipes with a music CD to match different types of gatherings and moments…very fun and different and so many to choose from!

http://www.menusandmusic.com/Christmas_Cookies_p/008mc.htm

$26.00 for Christmas Cookies – A collection of recipes for holiday baking and a music CD from the Nutcracker Ballet

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http://www.menusandmusic.com/Chocolate_Bliss_p/010mc.htm

$26.00 for Chocolate Bliss – A collection of chocolate recipes and a music CD

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http://www.menusandmusic.com/Bourbon_Black_Tea_p/14h-0320.htm

$12.00 for Bourbon Black Tea, 28 pyramid sachets

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I love this idea, especially for a new baby gift. I have to admit that anything beyond meat and veggies that I could grill or roast was too taxing for me when I was home with new babies…and often even today…but I still love the idea!

http://www.menusandmusic.com/Home_with_Baby_p/005mc.htm

$26.00 for Home With Baby – A collection of simple recipes and a soothing lullaby CD

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http://www.menusandmusic.com/Paris_Cafes_p/002mct.htm

$29.00 for Paris Cafes – A collection of recipes and a music CD from the Heart of Paris Cafes

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http://www.menusandmusic.com/Bistro_p/14cdi.htm

$38.00 for Swinging French Jazz: Favorite Parisian Bistro Recipes and a Jazz music CD

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http://www.menusandmusic.com/Invitation_to_Tea_p/011mc.htm

$26.00 for Invitation to Tea – A collection of tea fare recipes and a relaxing chamber music CD

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http://www.menusandmusic.com/Cooking_with_the_Blues_p/004mc.htm

$26.00 for Cooking With the Blues – A collection of comfort food recipes and a soulful blues CD

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http://www.menusandmusic.com/The_Cocktail_Hour_p/007mc.htm

$26.00 for Cocktail Hour – A collection of party appetizer recipes and a piano jazz music CD

Bouquets Garnis from Quelobjet

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel shared this gift idea in their Food section and I thought it was a unique fun gift. A package of 8 Bouquets Garnis – savory herbs rolled up in bay leaves and wrapped – perfect for stews, soups and more. What a great stocking stuffer, host/hostess gift or token gift for foodies on your gift list!

Plus, I get to practice my French when I say it…

Merci beaucoup pour ecouter…(excuse my French – and my grammar…and my spelling – it’s been a while)!

http://www.quelobjet.com/bouquets-garnis-p-251.html

$15.00 for pkg of 8 Bouquets Garnis from Quelobjet

Bake for Two with Cookbook from Old-Mill

When you want to bake for one or two, this cookbook could be the answer. Sometimes the “math” to reduce a recipe is easy, but sometimes you don’t feel like doing the math or a recipe is hard to reduce. Give this a try!

It even comes with a skillet!

http://www.old-mill.com/shop/small-batch-baking-book-skillet-baker-52984

$34.99 for Small-Batch Baking Cookbook & Cornbread Skillet Baker from Old-Mill

Plaid Nesting Baskets from The Country Door

http://home-decor.countrydoor.com/search#w=plaid%20basket&asug=

$39.99 for set of 3 Plaid Check Baskets (Red, Black or Buffalo Check)

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Sweet Treats and Gifts for Gals

This may be a bit frivolous but I do have to say that the water dripping down my arm into my sleeve does get annoying. Would I actually use these? I am not sure but it seems like a good idea though.

http://www.femailcreations.com/Drip-Knot-Set-2130309

$25.00 for Drip Not! set – absorbent bands to catch water that drips down arms when washing face and a towel to keep your hair out of the way

From Femail Creations

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Check out these goodies from Miles Kimball’s Candy Shoppe

http://search.mileskimball.com/search?p=Q&ts=custom&w=tea+spoons

$14.99 each, gift box includes 8 spoons, flavors available: clover, lavender or honey & lemon

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I love brittles and even more so when I see a flavor other than peanut!

http://www.mileskimball.com/buy-gingerbread-pecan-brittle-6-oz-349992?icmp=search

$6.99 for 6 oz. Gingerbread Brittle

Maybe for the mail deliverer, garbage collectors or pet sitter?

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http://www.mileskimball.com/buy-old-fashioned-penny-candy-1-lb-314732?icmp=search

$26.99 for 1 lb. collection of Penny Candy

Ahhh…good old nostalgia! 1 cent and 5 cents is what I remember.

Gift Ideas from The Company Store

I have mentioned before that I love the idea of just buying whimsical pillowcases instead of complete sheet sets. I do not have room to store 800 sheet sets so buying pillowcases gives me the opportunity to create different bedding ensembles based on my mood. There are usually enough colors in the pillowcases to match one or more of my sheet sets so it all works out hunky dory…they do have to look like they go together, I just cannot go all mish mosh mismatch, ya know.

(Pssst…you can get the whole sheet set if you think I am weird…I am a little. But not because of this…)

This can be a fun idea for a gift too! Here are some fun winter ones…

http://www.thecompanystore.com/falling-snow-flannel-sheets-bedding-set/e9g3-ps-k14.html?start=1&q=holiday%20pillowcases

$29.00-$34.00 for Falling Snow Standard or King size pillowcases

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http://www.thecompanystore.com/winter-forest-flannel-sheets-bedding-set/e6f5-ps-k14.html?start=1&q=winter%20sheet

$29.00-$34.00 for Winter Forest Standard or King size pillowcases

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http://www.thecompanystore.com/pine-bough-flannel-sheets-bedding-set/e9f2-ps-j14.html?start=5&q=pillowcases

$29.00-$34.00 for Pine Bough Standard or King size pillowcases

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http://www.thecompanystore.com/bayberry-flannel-sheets-bedding-set/e9f4-ps-j14.html?start=19&q=pillowcases

$29.00-$34.00 for Bayberry Standard or King size pillowcase

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This Two-Tier Serving Stand is unique and I thought it would make a classy holiday gift or a special wedding gift. It is made of white marble and acacia wood.

http://www.thecompanystore.com/two-tier-dessert-stand/AU19-OS-WHITE.html

$79.00 for 12 x 9 x 11″ Two-Tier Serving Stand

Gift Ideas from Ginny’s

http://www.ginnys.com/Kitchen-and-Dining/Kitchen/Kitchen-Tools-and-Gadgets/cutting-board-tablet-holder.pro?omSource=SLI&

$19.95 for Cutting Board Tablet Holder

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http://www.ginnys.com/Kitchen-and-Dining/Kitchen/Kitchen-Accents/chalkboard-jar.pro?omSource=SLI&

$14.95 for Chalkboard Jar

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http://www.ginnys.com/Kitchen-and-Dining/Small-Kitchen-Appliances/Slow-Cookers-and-Roasters/5-quart-versatility-slow-cooker-with-travel-bag-by-west-bend.pro?omSource=SLI&

$69.95 for West Bend 5-qt. Versatility Slow Cooker with travel bag

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http://www.ginnys.com/Kitchen-and-Dining/Kitchen/Cutlery/knife-set-5-pc.pro?omSource=SLI&

$16.95 for 5-pc. Novelty Knife Set

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Odds ‘n Ends from The Lighter Side

http://www.lighterside.com/product/shotgun+shell+led+flashlight.do?sortby=newArrivals&refType=&from=Search

$12.98 for set of 2, Shotgun Shell LED Flashlight

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http://www.lighterside.com/product/tic+tac+tome+book.do?sortby=newArrivals&refType=&from=Search

$12.95 for Tic Tac Tome – Play against the book!

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http://www.lighterside.com/product/daddys+little+project+diaper+bag.do?from=Search&cx=0

$56.98 for Daddy’s Project Diaper Bag…perfect for a baby shower!

or use the idea and create your own!

Jelly Belly Gifts, Big & Small

The Jelly Belly Factory is part of our world and it is a fun little tour, complete with train ride and jelly beans. I have no affiliation with them other than enjoying their goodies, so this is not a “pitch post”!

There are so many fun gift ideas here for the fall and winter holidays, as well as birthdays and parties. Whether you need a token gift for co-workers, school, friends and family or a bigger basket of goodies, you can find it here.

Harry Potter fans will enjoy the crazy flavors and “nod” to the candy in the series. Lots of other characters and larger quantities of bulk size individually wrapped small packages too that would be great when you a lot of a little!

I have provided individual links right to the gifts I am displaying here.

Here is their main site to just browse…and drool…
https://jellybelly.com/

https://jellybelly.com/product/1013

$6.99 for TABASCO® Dark Chocolate Covered Jelly Beans – 4.15 oz Gift Box

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https://jellybelly.com/product/1293

$8.99 for Pumpkin Pie Jelly Beans, 16 oz. resealable bag

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https://jellybelly.com/product/933

$5.99 for 7.5 oz. bag of Giant Candy Corn! Woo-hoo

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https://jellybelly.com/product/936

$5.99 for Jelly Belly Autumn Mix Gift Bag, 7.5 oz

flavors: Orange Sherbet, Chocolate Pudding, Peach, Red Apple, Raspberry, Pomegranate, Toasted Marshmallow, Top Banana

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https://jellybelly.com/product/713

$5.99 for Sugar Plums, 5.75 oz. gift bag – available holiday season only

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https://jellybelly.com/product/984

$9.99 for Jelly Belly Countdown Calendar

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https://jellybelly.com/product/1280

$5.99 for Holiday Favorites Jelly Belly Box, 4.25 oz.

flavors: Hot Chocolate, Cranberry Sauce, Pumpkin Pie, Candy Cane, Egg Nog

 

Fire and Wood Stove Gifts from Plow and Hearth

http://www.plowhearth.com/large-resin-burlap-sack-container.htm

$49.95 – $99.95 for Resin Wood Burlap Sack Holder (small or large)

This looked like a fun gift for those who enjoy their fires. Add a box of Fatwood for $14.95 and you have a fabulous gift and …a Perfect Pair!

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http://www.plowhearth.com/suede-hearth-utility-gloves.htm

$19.95 for Suede Hearth Utility Gloves

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Click here for the large assortment of woodstove “Steamers”…http://www.plowhearth.com/woodstove-steamers.htm

$79.95 for the above Adirondack Chair and Fire Pit Wood Stove Steamer (I am from the Adirondack area so this one caught my eye…there are many more though!)

Gift Ideas from Signals Catalog

http://www.signals.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi?action=DETAIL&ITEM=HR3456

$39.95 for Porcelain Books Accent Lamp

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http://www.signals.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi?action=DETAIL&ITEM=HR4632

$35.00 for Complete Outdoors Encyclopedia

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http://www.signals.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi?action=DETAIL&ITEM=HR5822

$79.95 for Piano Server

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http://www.signals.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi?action=DETAIL&ITEM=HP8581

$16.95 for “Romaine Calm and Carrot On” Apron

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http://www.signals.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi?action=DETAIL&ITEM=HA2982

$99.95 for Bride’s Tree Ornaments Collection – 12 symbolic ornaments to ensure happiness, according to old German tradition

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http://www.signals.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi?action=DETAIL&ITEM=HP7702

$39.95 for Moonglow Necklace, personalize with the moon as it was when you were born or on a special day

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http://www.signals.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi?action=DETAIL&ITEM=HR1512

$11.95 for Now You May Speak Coffee Mug

Copper Tumblers, Pitcher & Mugs from Napastyle

Yes, I do seem to be on a bit of a “copper” kick! These would make wonderful holiday or wedding gifts…even an anniversary.

http://www.napastyle.com/bottega-copper-tumblers.html

$99.00 for Bottega Copper Tumblers, set of 4

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http://www.napastyle.com/hammered-copper-mugs-and-pitcher.html

$69.00 for set of 2 Hammered Mugs or $129.00 for set of 4

$119.00 for Hammered Copper Pitcher

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Copper Kettle & Mugs from Plow & Hearth

I just love the look of these!

http://www.plowhearth.com/handmade-copper-kettle.htm

$79.95 for Handmade Copper Kettle

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http://www.plowhearth.com/hand-hammered-solid-copper-coffee-mugs-set-of-2.htm

$39.95 for Copper Mugs, set of 2