Paula Deen Porcelain Nonstick 12 Piece Cookware Set Review

I received a $150 gift certificate to spend at CSN Stores (they have over 200 stores to shop from, gasp!), and I can't begin to tell you how thrilled I was to buy the Paula Deen Porcelain Nonstick 12 Piece Cookware Set in Orange ($114.95) that I have been having my eye on for awhile. I'm in the process of changing my kitchen theme, because I got so sick and tired of the Hello Kitty theme that I had for awhile. I'm opting for an orange, citrus yellow and sage green theme. Therefore, this cookware set fits right in with the theme that I'm aiming for!

I could barely contain my excitement when this cookware set first arrived. This set is truly more beautiful in person than it is in the pictures. Honestly, this is the best cookware set I've used up-to-date. It makes cooking even more enjoyable! I have used the set several times already, and I love how cleaning them is a breeze! I highly recommend hand-washing any non-stick cookware set, because dishwasher detergents are too harsh on most non-stick cookware. Also, be sure to keep the heat on a low or medium setting to keep the non-stick finish from blistering or the pans from warping. I'll admit that I love to take a couple of peeks at them when I'm not cooking and admire the state of art beauty of this set.

I also ordered a lovely Salt & Pepper Shaker set and a solar light with my CSN Stores gift certificate. I'll be featuring those reviews sometime soon!

12 Piece Set Includes:

- One 1 Qt. saucepan with lid
- One 2 Qt saucepan with lid
- One 2.75 Qt. saute with lid
- One 6 Qt. stock pot with lid
- One 8" skillet
- One 10" skillet
- One slotted turner
- One slotted spoon

Features:

- 12 Piece set.
- Porcelain Nonstick Cookware collection.
- Orange color.
- Aluminum construction.
- Colorful speckled porcelain exterior will enhance every kitchen from contemporary to traditional.
- Attractive exterior is durable stain resistant and a breeze to clean.
- Interior of each pan is a high quality nonstick allowing food to slide off. easily and ensuring a lifetime of easy cleanup.
- Dual riveted rubberized handles are designed to provide a comfortable secure grip.
- Stylish copper plated rings are attached for hanging convenience.
- Copper plated knobs add a punch of color and sophistication to spice up your kitchen.
- Tempered glass lids lock in flavors and let you watch your food cook without lifting the lid.
- NOT for use on glass cooktops.
- Oven safe up to 350°F.
- Heats up quickly and evenly.

The product in this review was provided to the reviewer for keeps and the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

Nature's Notebook Review

Nature's Notebook was born of a spiritual connection to the ocean and its beaches. Drawn to the soft sandy edges of the sea, artist Courtney Noelle has always felt inclined to inscribe words or names, thoughts or dreams into the ever-changing landscape of the beach. Something about its tumultuous fate, an uncertainty that parallels our own lives, makes sea sand the perfect tablet for expression.

And what better way to capture that expression, the memory and the magic of the beach forever, than in a photograph.

Courtney Noelle began sharing these captured moments with friends and loved ones through gifts and cards. Soon, people were talking about these special snapshots, encouraging Courtney Noelle to make these gifts available to anyone. Touched, and eager to share this passion with the world, Courtney Noelle began Nature's Notebook an online collection of photographs and cards using the seas' tranquility to express love and emotion.




My brother and his fiance both love the beach. Therefore, I knew that this would be the perfect and unique gift for them when they get married. The first and last photo in the Who Heart Who (3 Photos) ($120) has their name written in the sand. I know that both will be thrilled to receive this gift. Not only because it showcases their love for the beach, but their love for each other as well! This memorable keepsake is bound to be treasured for years to come. You can have this done up in color or black & white - whatever suits your style! You can get this frameless for $30 less or get the Who Heart Who (3 Photos) in Black, White or Silver. You can have your Wedding/Anniversary Date added for an additional $12.

The product in this review was provided to the reviewer for keeps and the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

Mountain Mamas Kitchen Candles Review

Claiming that their candles are not your mama's candles, each candle at Mountain Mamas Kitchen are hand-poured with love. You can be assured that they use earth and creature friendly ingredients. Their candles are made with soy wax and have cotton wicks! They even double scent their candles to make your candle burning experience even more pleasant. You can even re-use their containers after the wax has depleted. Mountain Mamas Kitchen are proud members of the 1% for the Planet.

Their Sprout Candles are definitely one of the most unique candles out there. It is more than just a candle to burn. You can also use it to plant wheatgrass seeds (that is included) after the wax is long and gone! Also, there is no need to use soil. Just add water and watch it grow!

Give back and enjoy life with their beautifully scented candles!

I love burning candles, especially when I am eating dinner or pampering myself with a bubble bath while surrounded by my favorite candles. It is one of my favorite ways to relax and unwind! I enjoy different scents as well. My favorite type of scents are floral and gourmand. I'm the proud recipient of the ALOHA IN-A-CAN ($12) and CHAMOMILE candle ($22), and I can assure you that these are one of the best candles I've come across so far!



The ALOHA IN-A-CAN reminds me of a resort at an exotic location. I keep it confined in my bathroom and kitchen since coconut is one of my favorite summertime scents. I never get acclimated with the scent like I do with most candles. It is one of those scents that stay with you. It is absolutely delicious!



The CHAMOMILE is just as lovely. I enjoy drinking Chamomile tea due to its relaxing properties, but I don't believe I've ever used a Chamomile candle before. It has a strong, yet pleasant scent that reminds me of a flower garden. If you love feminine and romantic scents, you will love this one! The container features a quote (The Earth Laughs in Flowers!) from an American philosopher, essayist and poet - Ralph Waldo Emerson.

The product in this review was provided to the reviewer for the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

KNOCKED-UP IN-A-CAN - Pickles & Ice Cream, $12


SPROUT $28


POLICEMAN IN-A-CAN - Smells Like a Fresh, Strong Man, $12


POPCORN IN-A-CAN $12


CABIN IN-A-CAN - Cinnamon Stick, $12

Pillow Talk with Heidi Devlin Design

Have Faith Pillow $32


I Do Pillow $24


Keep Calm and Carry On Pillow $28


Chandelier/French Settee Pillow $32


PARIS/Chandelier Pillow $28


Compass Pillow $28

$25 off $100+ at Colonial Candle

$25 off $100 with coupon code: HOT25 Exp. 6/18/10



Click here for the latest coupons and deals for Colonial Candle.

Scrubbing Bubbles Review

I can't tell you how much I loathe cleaning the bathroom, especially THE TOILET. Thankfully, the Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush 2-in-1 Starter Kit from SC Johnson dramatically reduces the ick factor and almost makes me forget that I'm cleaning the toilet. This kit is utterly easy to use since all you need to do is insert scrubbing pad into the handle. It truly gets the job done by tackling even the toughest stains due to hard water. To make this icky chore even more tolerable, the disposable heads are flushable, which allows you to have a clean brush every time.

The Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush 2-in-1 Starter Kit comes with Fresh Brush® MAX pads that are ideal for thorough weekly cleanings and the Fresh Brush® Flushables pads that are ideal for daily touch-ups. It also comes with a 19” handle and storage hook. The flushable pads have a pleasant, citrus scent that does a great job at eliminating unpleasant odors.



I also received the Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Cleaning Gel, which is another fantastic product! It comes with a disposable, easy to use dispenser and gel holder. All you have to do is insert the gel holder into the dispenser. Then, you stamp a gel disc underneath the toilet rim with the dispenser. The gel holder contains 6 gel discs, which is great for 6 weeks of usage.

The gel disc freshens and cleans the the toilet in between regular deep cleanings. It is even more hygienic than most toilet bowl cleaners since you don't have to touch it whenever you replace it. A small amount of this product dissolves each time you flush the toilet. The product circulates around the toilet bowl, and coats the surface to prevent buildup of limescale and toilet rings. It will last up to a week and will not leave any icky residue behind.

The product in this review was provided to the reviewer for the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

Yvonne Estelle's Review

I was given the opportunity to review the large rectangular baker, 3 quart, and in cobalt blue. The bakers and roasters also are available in red. These are rustic, hearty and natural earthenware bakers with color-glazed exteriors. I finally got to use a casserole that wasn't glass like the Pyrex. I love the natural interior and the cobalt exterior.



Poterie Renault earthenware is oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe. Yvonne Estelle's stocks a large selection of Poterie Renault patterns for immediate delivery.

Yvonne Estelle's has a love affair with gardening, food and style for the home. Since 2001, Yvonne Estelle's has offered luxurious home furnishings, fine linens and more. You will find beautiful American, English and French home furnishings, accessories, and antiques for stylish, comfortable and unique living, there is something for every room of your home. There is even a collection of vintage textiles and 20th century fine linens. Yvonne Estelle's is a constant source of inspiration.

Their items are chosen for their style, comfort, quality and uniqueness. Yvonne Estelle's is an exclusive retailer for Elizabeth Allen Atelier, Bella Notte Linens and Sferra bedding. French table dressings from Couleur Nature, Garnier Thiebaut and Le Jacquard Francais are ready to dress your next dinner party. Sabre flatware is available to add instant color to your table.

They also offer a gift registry for all occasions. For Wedding, Baby or Just Because, create a wish list from their unique selection of fine bedding, furnishings, tabletop and bath so that family friends can choose exactly what you want.

The product in this review was provided to the reviewer for the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

Michael Aram Olive Branch Dish $75


EUCALYPTUS STONEWARE Fruit Basket (Medium Round) $39
Available in Celery, Dark Blue, Snow, Tomato, Tuscan Gold, and Vanilla


COULEUR NATURE Table Linens Fairies Pink $8.50 - $118


Juliska Bedside Carafe $105


Aiden Gray Italian Villa Planter $75

Five Ways to Add Drama to Your Room Without the Cost

Similar to adding the right accessory to an outfit, adding certain design elements to a room can take it from plain to put-together. Two designers, Jamie Gibbs of Jamie Gibbs and Associates and Elaine Griffin of Elaine Griffin Interior Design and author of Design Rules: The Insider's Guide to Becoming Your Own Decorator provide five practical tips to add drama to a room, while still leaving you with money leftover for the right accessories.

1. Flowers: “You don’t have to tear down a room and build it up from a perfect blueprint to have a great space. There are certain things you can add to any room to leave guests wowed without much effort or cost. Flowers are a great first step” says Elaine Griffin. Add flora in eye-catching colors like bright pink, purple or yellow to brighten up any interior. To add extra flair, choose a vase in a complementary color and mix types such as yellow roses, snapdragons and hot-pink gerbera daisies.

2. Print Rug: “If a room is too simple, make the rug your focal point. It can often set the style and is inexpensive enough to be bold. For the pattern, try graphic, animal or stripes” says Jamie Gibbs. Use a large rug that covers most of the room and experiment with the shape of the rug as well as the pattern. Rather than the standard square or rectangle rug, try a circle or oval shape. While handmade rugs can become very costly, there are several inexpensive machine woven styles at various retailers that pack all the punch and are still affordable.

3. Pillows: “Pillows can be the most cost-effective way to add color and texture to a room. Try silk, suede and even linen. Mixing color and materials is key for a dramatic and styled room” advises Griffin. To save money, go to a local fabric store and buy several striking fabrics to make your own pillow covers. These can easily be swapped seasonally or by mood.

4. Wall Art: “Painting in bold colors is not the best idea. It is often expensive, time-consuming and when too exotic, people usually get overwhelmed and want to change it after only a few months. A great way to have a splash of color and add pattern to your walls without the cost and time, is by using WallPops wall art.

It is non-commitment decorating that is fun and can be easily changed” says Griffin. The peel-and-stick wall art comes in dots, blocks and stripes in various colors and patterns that can be arranged to create patterns, stripes or cover an entire wall. New styles have recently been added including:

Bali: a black-and-white intricate design with an ethnic/tribal feel.

Carnivale: a red, orange, yellow and brown circular pattern with blossoming floral patterns inspired by Brazilian margaridas

Esprit: a colorful, modern floral print

Habitat: a nature-inspired leaf print with popular colors like teal, chocolate brown and a grassy green

Go Wild: a black-and-white zebra print

Twister: a violet, tan, deep cerulean blue and olive green retro pattern with free-flowing swirls and dots with die-cut stripes

“The great thing about these patterns is the fun colors and the on-trend design. Wall art doesn’t have to be color-coordinated to the room, you don’t want something that is neutral but you don’t want something that clashes, it offers a range of color within the design that allow you to go in very different directions” Gibbs says. Also available, Wall Art Kit that include several pieces of wall art and WallPops Dry Erase Sheet, Dry Erase Monthly Calendar and 4-Piece Calendar Sets that serve as great organizational tools.

5. Mirrors: “A mirror can not only add space to a room but also style. Look for large mirrors in vintage stores and flea markets with interesting frames. Place the mirror so it is one of the first things you see when you enter the room or place several mirrors together to create an accent wall to add depth and design” offers Gibbs.

By adding these elements to a room, you can go from basic to dramatic without spending a lot of time and money.

Up to 60% off on Burn Candles

Give your home a fragrant update with these fresh blends. Up to 60% off on Burn Candles at Hautelook for a limited time!



It's an elemental development. BURN turns to LIQUID.

The founders of BURN candles (not to mention Fred Segal's legendary beauty and fragrance emporium, STUDIO) have done what their admirers have been demanding. They have transformed the solid success of BURN's signature scents into pure LIQUID luxury.

This year the creators of BURN will launch the brand's newest prodigy, the LIQUID Collection. The range offers lovers of the BURN candle fragrances another opportunity to fully luxuriate in their signature scents while at the same time delivering meaningful, efficacious and downright elegant personal care. BURN's LIQUID collection is a quartet of useful and exquisite body products.

First there is LIQUID Hand Wash which has been formulated with natural antibacterial agents that leave the hands perfectly clean yet not stripped or dehydrated by the process-which is not a bad one at all- once your senses are engaged by one of the scents. Future compulsive hand washers unite.

Next up is LIQUID Hand Lotion- a blend of soothing, nourishing botanicals and butters that absorb quickly and work to replenish moisture and protect your digits. There's an old adage about the scent of the flower lingering on the giver. Well, it is just that perfectly delicate whiff of the signature fragrance that remains on the hands.

LIQUID Body Wash is an aloe based, botanical bath and shower gel that foams without drying and leaves the skin gently cleansed, lightly fragranced and fully replenished. The ultra rich formula does double duty for shaving and delivers positively voluminous bubbles in the bath.

Finally, LIQUID Body Cream is an ultra nourishing formula blended with every nutrient imaginable to provide deep hydrating benefits while letting you literally wallow in its sublime scent. As if that wasn't enough, it's subtle light reflecting formula suffuses skin with an incandescent glow; like 24 hour a day candlelight.

Each formula is available in ten signature fragrances: Tiare Coconut Milk, Cassis Nectar, Hinoki Temple Incense, Balinese Woods, and Linden Blossom. Blood Orange Neroli, Gardenia Absolute, Shiso Tea Leaf, Asian Pear Persimmon, and Kaffir Lime Basil.

Sometimes the value of function can be so great that form just must be overlooked. Not in this case. Of course, they'd be pleased to use these beautiful liquids dispensed from even the most prosaic of containers. After spending a great deal of time crafting superbly unique product formulas, their search for a perfectly beautiful vessel to hold them led to the ultimate realization that they’d have to design their bottles from the ground up.

BURN's LIQUID Collection has been poured into low, generously proportioned, unbreakable architectural columns overlaid with BURN's iconic wood grain print and fitted with a useful pump - in all, a package that would enhance its very surroundings. Extraordinary products deserve extraordinary packages.

After all, it's one thing to be good but it is an altogether different proposition to look damn good doing it.

Do It Gorgeously – How To Make Less Toxic, Less Expensive and More Beautiful Products

As many of you know, Sophie Uliano's new book, Do It Gorgeously – How To Make Less Toxic, Less Expensive and More Beautiful Products, hits the streets today!

This book is all about making non-toxic products since it’s such an important health issue. To this end, Sophie Uliano has decided to donate 10% of the profits of this book to Canswerlink, an organization that provides a free non-toxic house cleaning service to cancer patients undergoing treatment. If you’ve ever known anyone in that unfortunate position, they don’t need any kind of toxic chemicals, least of all chlorine bleach, around them – but having a lovely clean home is a desperately important part of being able to heal peacefully. So Canswerlink is providing a simply wonderful service.



Grabbing a copy of Do It Gorgeously today is a win / win: for under 15 bucks you get to donate to Canswerlink, as well as learn how to make all the lovely non-toxic products that you need (from beauty to home – it’s all in there). Just think, you could get all your birthday/holiday gifts sorted in one fell swoop!