The $225 trash can

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. 

Yeah Right.

But what really caught my attention is this $225 trash can. There is a paragraph describing its features, but the bottom line is: It Holds Trash.  I know that trash cans that match appliances and don't scream "ugly" are very appealing. But I'll pay $225 (free shipping!) for a trash can when it comes with a spouse that remembers to empty its contents on trash day. 

I do however need a trash can. And even the plastic models are $15.  For stainless steel, the cheapest I could find was this $40 model at Linen's and Things.  Assuming you could wall paper your house with their 20% off coupons the way I could, that comes to $32 for a 30L stainless steel trash can and a 3liter "bonus" can.  Not great, but not bad either.

Because nobody wants to throw their money in the trash.

Fit for a Queen

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.  

At prices like that, we can all sleep like royalty.

Top Chef

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.

So easy a baby could do it.

Cristal

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.

Did someone say mimosas?

Give it a Shot

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.

Have your espresso and drink it too.

Easy Riser

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.

So your famous sticky buns can stay on the brunch menu.

Oh So Soft

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.

These are closeout sales, so once they're gone, they're gone. 

Tell your spouse to get their own.

Wall Art

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.

Extra space in your kitchen: priceless.

Bath time

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.

Soaking in the tub never sounded better.

Nothing but "Nett"

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. 

And at such a low price, leaves more money to splurge on dinner.