I need storage that doesn't look like storage. Sound familiar? The last place I expected to find it was in a chaise lounge at Montgomery Ward. Made with a soft tan microfiber (stain resistant) fabric, the entire seat lifts to reveal an ottoman like storage area. With a nailhead trim, and cherry finished legs, it is perfect for hiding papers, toys, and other sundry items in style. Grand total with shipping: $475.
Family room furniture purchases can be tricky. Most living room sets are bulky and have a "matchy-matchy" effect. But mixing furniture styles as shown in lifestyle magazines can be delicate and often difficult to balance. 
Coffee tables have many responsibilities. Usually parked in the center of the room, they are a magnet for magazines, newspapers, coffee mugs, and other sundry items. Now on sale at Macy's a round coffee table with a beautiful cherry finish, shelves for storage, and castors for easy mobility.
Men can be hard to shop for. Finding a thoughtful gift that they will appreciate takes time. Now at Pottery Barn, an Ipod classic case in espresso for $3.99, regular price $12.00. As an added bonus, the case can be monogramed, preserving those MP3 players in style.
April has been a month of guests for us, and keeping the guest bedroom looking fresh and inviting is important. On Smartbargains.com, solid sateen "Grand Estate" duvet sets with intricate embroidery in chocolate, blue, or black. 68% off a 400 thread count duvet set with pillow shams. Grand Total: $39.97, regular price $125.00
I love Target, or as the Gateauxfab pronounce it: Tarshay (with a french accent of course). Low prices, high styles, it's a decorator's dream. The other day I noticed after quite a bit of hunting, that their clearance section has a separate 75% off section. These are the deals among the deals and filled with finds for the family. Table linens for $5, simple baby clothing for $1.24, storage bins for $7.49, the list goes on.
I love my KitchenAid Stand Mixer. There is just nothing that puppy can't do, primarily because of its capacity and power. Finding discounts on these mixers is rare, unless you settle for a factory refurbished machine. Today only on Amazon.com, a new 5 Quart, 325Watt, heavy duty 10 speed stand mixer for $170 (Free Shipping) in Imperial Black. In addition, a pouring shield, which is not standard (a $20-$25 bonus attachment), is included. At this price, you'd usually have to settle for a 4 1/2 quart mixer with 275 watts.
Rachel Ray is on sale. Well, not her exactly, but her cookware. The weekend bargain on Amazon.com is her 10 piece non-stick cookware for $130 with signature orange handles. Not chic, but not shabby either. It's a great graduation gift for those young folks in your life. Actually, I am more covetous of her signature "Garbage Bowl." The design is based on very pricey vintage pieces that sell for almost a hundred dollars. This weekend only, on sale at Amazon for $7.20, $10 off . 
Today's mail brought no less than 3 Williams-Sonoma catalogs. This is a store that generally fascinates me the way toy stores fascinate 5 year olds. For one thing, there is the fantasy aspect: perhaps I do need a $170 risotto pan for my next dinner party, prepared by me in my spotless $36 apron and tasted for perfection with my $30 olive wood tasting spoon. 
Before my husband and I got married, neither of us had much in the furniture department. When we bought our first house, my thoughts immediately went to a nice bedroom set. But the prices for headboards, platforms, night stands, and dressers definitely made me pause. Nice furniture bargains require a careful eye, which is why this queen sized bed frame caught my attention. Made of uber strong rubberwood, with a striking walnut cherry finish, this bed frame doesn't require a box spring. Regular Price $1082.00, it is on sale for $352, a $730 savings. A coordinating dresser and night stand are also available. Shipping is only an additional $2.95. 
It's all the rage in Europe and now it's finally here. I'm not talking about Gucci handbags or Prada shoes, I'm talking kitchen appliances. Specifically, the Beaba Babycook, now available in the U.S. at Williams-Sonoma and Splendora.com. A French made blender, steamer, defroster, and re-heater all in one, it makes home made baby food a snap, and saves mom from having to clean a dozen different appliances, pots and pans. The steamer preserves the nutrients in fish, meat, fruits, and vegetables in just 15 minutes. The blender requires just a turn of the knob and when the light turns off, the food is ready. As an added bonus: home made baby food can save about $250 a year, and has been found more nutritious.
Let's face it, unless you're french, champagne is not an everyday beverage. Special drinks for special occasions, they deserve a special glass. Crystal is the best, but buying a table's worth of flutes can be expensive. Unless you catch this clearance sale at Macy's. Elegant, yet modern, these tall crystal flutes are etched with stars to mimic the bubbles in your bubbly. Marked 50% off, they are on sale for $20 a pair and make great gifts or additions to your crystal collection. As an added bonus, purchase between April 2-6, and receive an extra 15% off. Filled with my favorite gateauxfab sparkler, they are sure to be the star of your table.
Espresso was originally invented by a guy named Luigi Bezzera, an Italian man short on time, who wanted an express cup of coffee, hence espresso. Who knew? Today espresso machines are expensive and miles away from how the tradition first began. The truly high end models run thousands of dollars and lower priced units are full of complicated parts and pieces to clean. Add the counter or cabinet space necessary to store them, and the $4 espresso at Starbucks seems worth it. But a $26 solution in the spirit of Luigi is available. The Aeropress coffee and espresso maker is a truly simple and inexpensive way to make authentic espresso for the pickiest coffee snobs. Just put the microfilter sheet in the cap (it comes with a one year supply) and coffee grounds into the chamber. Microwave hot water for 20 seconds (175 degrees) and add to the cap. Let it sit for 10 seconds, and slowly plunge the coffee into your cup (for 20 seconds) for a perfectly brewed shot of expresso. The clean up involves pushing the grounds into the garbage can and rinsing the plunger. The best part at $26 it will pay for itself within a week. Don't believe me? See for yourself.
I am not sure when it happens, but at some point in a young adult's life, the futon mattress disappears. It's a gradual process, rarely planned, that usually involves re-gifting to a younger sibling or friend. Taking it's place is the guest bedroom, or for multiple guests air beds. Available at liquidator Tuesday Morning, Pillow top Queen Size Air Beds for $80, regular price $200. The mattress inflates within 30 seconds with a remote control button and the pillow top is covered in velour to make your guests extra comfortable. When your guests leave, the bed deflates in 1 minute and stores away in a duffle bag for their next visit. As an added bonus it can support 750 pounds.
Spring is here, but it's still chilly outside. A soft blanket, great movie, and a cozy couch make a perfect sunday afternoon. The movie and couch are up to you, but the blanket is taken care of. Micro-plush fiber blankets now available in five different colors for $9.97, regular price $40, at Macy's.
I love my drill. It's a handy little thing, that over the years has been a true friend. Using the wall to decorate vertically keeps the house organized and creates unique spaces. Now on sale at Potterybarn, the perfect combination of function and style. Wide, sturdy "entertaining shelves" which store either six bottles of wine or 10 wine glasses. The upper portion of the wine racks are deep enough to hold cookbooks, flowers, photo frames, and other wall art. Can be mixed, matched, or stacked to create a beautiful wall with a modern look. Perfect for an empty dining room wall or kitchen wall. Each shelf is $30, regular price $65 each.
I love the Hotel Collection line at Macy's. Thick, durable, and constructed with solid Turkish cotton, they are truly luxurious. The catch? A simple bath mat can cost $55. Ah, if only there were a close out sale like this one. Now on sale for $16.48, it's just the right deal for anyone looking to add a little comfort and luxury to their bath time. The catch? It's a closeout sale, so once they are gone, they are gone. 
When you have a juicy steak awaiting you, the last thing you want is a dull knife standing between you and bliss. Have no fear, extremely sharp German Wustof Euro steak knives can save the meal. Made in Portugal of high carbon, stain resistant steel, the regularly priced $45 set, is now on sale for $20. With a sleek and ergonomic design, Wustof knives are some of the highest quality cutlery available. 
I don't put plastic over my tablecloths. Perhaps it's because I don't have children yet, but mostly it's because I use the most inexpensive ones possible and scotch guard them. At the JC Penny outlet this week, it doesn't get more affordable than this. Damask linens made of machine washable cotton/polyester, are comparable in quality to more expensive linens, and yet the prices range from $2.99 for a set of 4 napkins or table runner to $4.99 for a set of four placemats. Tablecloths range from $4.99 to $6.99 and are available in a range of colors while supplies last.
summer is only a few months away. Not too soon to start thinking about a patio makeover. Instead of the standard iron framed furniture, why not upgrade to a sleeker all weather wood set? Made 
Today only at Linen's and Things, a great space saver: Luigi Bormioli 4 in 1 Cake Plate. Regular price $35.99, on sale for $17.99. A footed cake stand, chip and dip, 5 section crudite server or punch bowl rolled into one, it has everything you need for when company stops by. Free Shipping today only, and use coupon code: 26620000008 for an extra 20% off.
How many times have you walked out of the house without the thank you card you meant to write in during lunch, or the glasses you need to write it. No more. Fun, kitchy, and very practical Patinastores.com has a great little item to keep life on track. The Pink Door Organizer hangs on any door and stores all of life's forgotten essentials. Permission slips for children, reminder notes, your keys, bills that need mailing, and just about anything else that needs remembering.
Like most newlyweds, my husband and I have residual furniture leftovers from our single lives. For some people it is that quintessential leather lounger men love to watch their favorite sports in. For us, it's an IKEA coffee table purchased circa 2000 for $75. It's definitely time to upgrade, which is why these estate style coffee, sofa, and drum tables from Macy's caught my eye. Starting at $397 for this mahogany sofa table to $499 for a coffee table, these pieces are finished with a rich mahogany veneer and have a classic shell motif, similar to furniture made in the 1780's during the reign of King George. Loaded with detail, it makes an elegant statement without breaking the bank. 
After a long day, a comfortable bed with soft fresh linens can make bedtime something to look forward to. Luxury Nancy Koltes linens are now available online at liquidator Tuesday Morning at almost 70% off. An American designer, her linens are made in Italy, and sold in boutiques in Beverly Hills, SoHo, Laguna Beach, and four other cities in the U.S. The 300 thread count cotton sateen sheets have deep pockets and fit 17 inch mattresses. Regular price $155, they are now on sale for $49.99 per Queen set, $59.99 per King or California King set. Each set includes a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and 2 pillow cases in white on white stripe. 
When my husband and I first moved in together, our first major purchase was a rug. We must have searched a dozen stores trying to find rugs that wouldn't break the bank, had a neutral color scheme, and looked like a quality textile. It never occurred to me to shop at Target for rugs. In addition to a luxury rug division, they have a large selection of wool rugs at modest price points, available primarily through their website. This rectangular Vienna Woven rug is shipped for free and ranges between $30-$280 at Target in a host of sizes. With a variety of styles and colors to choose from, there is something for every type of decor.
Children's room furnishings open up a whole new world of color and design. Kids allow you to be more whimsical and fun. And it's nice when their rooms reflect their personalities. It's also nice when you can do it within a budget. At JC Penney's for $4.99 come these sweet curtain holdback sets for children's rooms. Hand painted and made of durable enamel and metal, they offer lots of color and will match most decors. Curtain rods are also available for $5.99.
For 75 cents at Crate and Barrel, these cloth napkins will put a little sparkle on your dinner table without denting the budget. Infused with metallic threads, it's glamorous without being too fussy.
There are few joys in life like a cupcake. Just looking at them brings back memories of childhood. What better way to enjoy them (and save a bit of time) than to bake one large cupcake with this Wilton Giant Cupcake Pan. Made of non-stick material, it works with any 10 cup cake recipe and is sure to bring smiles to all your guests faces. $27.95 at Sur La Table.
Just in time for Easter, Macy's is having a pre-season sale on this high quality Wustof Carving Set, with case from Germany. Made without welding, from a single sheet of high carbon, stain resistant steel, all Wustof knives are precision forged by hand. The cost? A very modest $29.97, regular price $75. 
For a number of reasons, storage is always at a premium. It doesn't matter if you live in a 600 square foot condo or a 6000 square foot house. Clutter has a way of taking over living spaces when it doesn't have an assigned place to go. Which is what makes this cubed ottoman from Linen's and Things so great. It opens for storage and the top becomes a tray, great for when you need just a little more storage or surface space. Plus it serves as a foot stool or seat when needed and the faux leather finish fits in with most rooms. The best part, you can use one of the million 20% off coupons Linen's and Things has sent you, or borrow one from a friend. Turning this $60 bargain into a $48 steal.
Pop Quiz: What's cool and fun and has four legs?
I confess: The last time I went to JC Penny I was a kid tagging along behind my mother. As soon as I was old enough to do my own shopping, I didn't look back. Today, their website reveals a modern store, maintaining its sensibly priced roots. Still, the last thing I expected to find was this ornate floral and vine wood carving. At $69, it's a great price and packs a strong visual statement. The dark brown finish mimics rubberwood from Indonesia. As a bonus, until March 4th, enter discount code XBMS while checking out for an additional $10-$20 off, depending on your final total. All returns can be made at JC Penny retail stores and shipping charges will be refunded.
Lamps are probably my favorite home deco pieces. They make rooms warm and inviting and unusual colors and designs can add interest to any room. But a good lamp can also run upwards of a hundred dollars, making frequent swap outs unlikely. Good thing Pier1 has some great solutions. Their styles range from modern to traditional and the prices start at just $29. 
Japanese Raku pottery is both elegant and informal. The beautifully glazed stoneware can add a rustic and sophisticated look to the table. Real Raku can cost upwards of $30 a plate however, making a six or eight piece place setting an investment. Enter CB2, the cheaper, hipper, sister company of Crate and Barrel. Currently on sale are 11" Jade dinner plates for $3.25 each, salad plates and bowls for $2.95. 
When my husband and I bought our first home, the sunroom was what grabbed my heart. Warm, sparkling morning light flooding through the 12 windows led to daydreams of morning coffee, muffins, and the newspaper with my husband. Of course, what I didn't think about was how much it would cost to put window treatments on all 12 of those windows. Ouch. So I was intrigued to find these window treatments at smartbargins.com, which gets its inventory from the very fabulous Loehmann's Discount Stores. With access to one of the largest liquidators in the country, smartbargins has an amazing collection of fabrics and the discounts are attractive. Particularly, interesting were these lined Jaipur Dupioni Silk panels for $59.97 per 96 inch set. Compare that to the sale of Dupioni Silk at Pottery Barn for $99 per panel. Cons? Like Loehmanns, smartbargins.com might only carry certain sizes and colors depending on their stock, so you may have to keep checking. Pros? Checking online is a lot easier than wading through piles of fabric in a discount store. And saving 50% percent of your budget can leave plenty to daydream about.
