McCarra-Fitzpatrick's Catalogue Shopping

Creative Irish Gifts

2011-02-03T11:04:00.000-08:00

Creative Irish Gifts
Spring 2011, Volume 2
http://www.shopirish.com

Free standard shipping on all orders (expires 2/28/2011)
On the website: Valentine's Day special - 10% off all in-stock jewelry.

Division of NLC Products, Inc.
P.O. Box 8300
Little Rock, AR 72222
Toll Free: 1-800-843-4538

This catalogue is rather a mixed bag...pretty much what one would expect...Aran sweaters a plenty (both for adults and for children), Claddagh rings in silver and gold, shamrock-patterned tea towels, scarves, socks.....well, you get the idea...

There's glassware for pints and Irish coffees, and Belleek mugs, and various and sundry food items, including (of course) Barry's Tea, mustard, preserves, brown bread mix, shortbread, and Irish "fortune cookies" and candies shaped like potatoes. Sods of turf, too, and a tiny turf burner to bring the scent of rural Ireland into your kitchen. Items for men include t-shirts, baseball caps, jewelry, and golf-themed items.

Items for children include this Child's Shamrock Dress (12 month and 24 month sizes) for $23.99, Children's Aran sweaters (crew and cardigan) for $54.99 and $57.99, and a Falling Shamrock Denim Jumper (12 months, 2T, 3T, 4T) for $26.99.

There is also a selection of cute onesies, bibs, t-shirts, baby bracelets in sterling silver, and a "Bedtime Blessing Celtic Cross."

There is also a nice selection of items for wedding gifts (or for yourself!).

(Pictured above) Wild Iris Glass Jug, $69.99
Belleek 2011 Limited Edition Covered Pot, $35.00
Pourrie Bowl, $87.99
Rose Bowl Glass Vase, $69.99
Silver Celtic Necklace (locket), $39.99
Mountains of Mourne Glass Vase, $79.99
Belleek Mugs (set of two), $50.00

Mixed in with all the other items are some which definitely fall into the category of kitsch. Some of these are:

(Pictured Above) Light-Up Bow Tie, $5.99
Irish Tux for the Holidays (T-Shirt), $21.99
Shamrock adorned Irish Socks, $8.99
Irish Dirt and Shamrock Seeds, $15.99
Lucky Irish Penny, $11.99
Happy Hat and (green) Hair, $14.99

Valentine's Day Gifts (For Him)

2011-01-29T13:00:00.000-08:00

http://www.ferrari.com

Ferrari. $200,000.00 (or thereabouts).

http://www.bensilver.com

Crockett and Jones Handmade Shoes

The Savile Monk Shoe in Antique Brown Calf, $725.00

http://www.cabelas.com

Escort Smart Mirror

GPS Smart Navigation / Hands Free Cellular Phone Unit
Direct Help for Emergency Assistance
Bluetooth-enabled Speakerphone System

Valentine's Day Gifts (For Her)

2011-01-29T12:40:00.000-08:00

Here's a few suggestions for Valentine's Day! Enjoy....

http://www.godiva.com

Godiva Ultimate Collection, $150.00

20 assorted truffles
36 assorted chocolates
23 assorted biscuits

79 pieces, 21 pounds, 1.45 ounces.

http://www.tiffany.com

Tiffany Garden Flower Necklace in Platinum with Diamonds, $50,000.00

12.61 carats

*Complimentary shipping on orders of $300.00 or more.

http://www.teleflora.com

"Forever Beloved" $129.95

Thirty red roses in an urn vase complemented by fragrant eucalyptus.

Aveen Designs (Jewelry)

2011-01-29T09:58:00.000-08:00

http://aveendesigns.com/jewelry/index.html

I recently saw their "Liv" pendant in the Dec./Jan. issue of Men's Journal and thought that it was just about the prettiest (and most affordable) piece of jewelry I'd seen in a long time. They have many other pendant designs which are also lovely.....

Now, this would be a perfect Valentine's Day gift.....I'm thinking I might just get it for myself!!

Aveen Designs
276 Greenpoint Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11222

Telephone: 1-732-674-3039
Fax: 1-866-266-8762

Appleseed's catalogue

2011-01-29T09:46:00.000-08:00

http://www.appleseeds.com

Appleseed's
P.O. Box 166
Jessup, PA 18434-0166

Toll Free: 1-800-767-6666
Fax: 1-800-755-7557
Customer Service: 1-888-430-5711

"Classic is ageless" is the tagline on the 65th Anniversary catalogue I recently received in the mail. I've always like Appleseed's best for their accessories....footwear (sandals, boots, shoes, sneakers), handbags, and costume jewelery. Some of their other items, most notably the elastic-waisted pants, leave me cold. Some of the cardigan and twinset-type sweaters are nice, especially if you like pastel shades, but many of the items are a little too matronly for me at the moment.

At the moment they are offering free shipping on orders over $50.00 (until 27th February 2011). The code is 1A1FS.

One thing I have always appreciated about their catalogue is that they don't try to put middle-aged looking clothing on twiglets who appear to be suffering from eating disorders. The models here are well-preserved ladies of a certain age....past their first flowering, certainly, but still, admittedly, quite attractive.

They also have very detailed sizing charts, too, which are a definite help for those of us whose shapes have changed over time!!

Some of the items that called out to me in this catalogue are as follows.....

Sling Organizer Bag (Toffee or Black) 1A1-12D, $49.00

Lifestride "Antic" Ballerina flats 1A1-33G, $49.00

Keds "Champion" Lace-Ups (White or Black) 1A1-42D, $29.95

"Cassandra" sandals (Admiral, Hibiscus, White, Horizon Blue, Stone) 1A1-45G, $39.00

Faux-Pearl Necklace - 30 inch length - can be doubled or tripled. Ivory. 1A1-77G $35.00

Walden Tapestry Bag, 11 X 10 X 13, Black Multi Floral, 1A1-87F, Reduced from $55. to $34.99

Daedalus Books - Limited Quantities Winter 2011

2011-01-28T12:37:00.000-08:00

Daedalus Books
P.O. Box 6000
Columbia, MD 21045

1-800-395-2655

http://www.salebooks.com

There are few things that please me more than receiving a nice big box of books in the mail. With prices like Daedalus Books has on these "limited quantities" titles, this is very affordable indeed. Of course, one must remember, they also carry a varied selection of bargain priced DVDs and CDs.

In fact, I don't think I can recall when I last bought a book at list price....I have become so used to purchasing remainders...as well as second-hand volumes (online and offline!)...that I really can't see shelling out $30+ dollars for something hot off the presses.

A great source for gifts for the book-lover in your life....and, remember, Valentine's day is coming up before we know it! What could be nicer (and non-caloric, as well!) than a carefully chosen volume, lovingly inscribed?

Some of the titles which struck me particularly.....

Odysseus:A Life (Beye) $2.98
Girl With a Pearl Earring (Chevalier) $4.98
New York Underground:1970-1980 (Cobler) $9.98
Literary Feasts:Inspired Eating from Classic Fiction (Brand) $1.00
Literary Lust:The Sexiest Moments in Classic Fiction (Hyde) $1.00
William Blake: Stained Glass Coloring Book $2.98
The World in a Frame (Dickinson, illus. by Barnet) $6.98
Bryson's Dictionary for Writers and Editors $6.98
The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness, and Peace (Kornfield) $5.98
The Bell Jar (Plath) $5.98
Dream of Fair to Middling Women (Beckett) $3.98
Wintering (Moses) $3.98
Magnifico: The Brilliant Life and Violent Times of Lorenzo di' Medici (Unger) $9.98
Sex With Kings: 500 Years of Adultery, Power, Rivalry, and Revenge (Herman) $4.98
Helen of Troy:Goddess, Princess, Whore (Hughes) $4.98
Why Can't We Be Good? (Needleman) $5.98
True Crime: New Jersey--The State's Most Notorious Criminal Cases (Martinelli) $3.98
Bill Evans Trio:Sunday at The Village Vanguard CD $5.98
John Fogerty: Revival CD $5.98
The Folk Years: Simple Songs of Freedom 2 CDs $7.98
Live at Newport (Kingston Trio, Seeger, Collins, Baez and others) CD $5.98
Carl Perkins:The Complete Sun Singles $5.98
Econotes (12 notecards with envelopes and seals) $3.98
Edwin Deakin (20 notecards) $5.98
Oxford Dictonary of American Art and Artists (Morgan) $5.98
Toulouse-Lautrec:The Moulin Rouge and the City of Light (Burleigh) $5.98
How to Cook Italian (Giuliano Hazan) $9.98
Pirates (for children) (Matthews) $7.98
Herbert Fieldmouse:Secret Agent (O'Malley) $4.98
The New Yorker Cats 2011 Engagement Calendar $4.98
The New Yorker Dogs 2011 Engagement Calendar $4.98
McCain Paper Dolls (including his wife Cindy) (Tierney) $1.00
Atonement DVD (Keira Knightly et al.) $5.98

"Self Help" books -- Edward R. Hamilton Bookseller's "Bargain Books" catalogue

2011-01-14T09:35:00.000-08:00

Edward R. Hamilton, Bookseller Company
P.O. Box 15
Falls Village, CT 06031-5000

One low $3.50 shipping charge for your entire order!!!

Well, the new year has come and gone and perhaps some of us have already broken our resolutions. Never mind that...there is always a fresh start with each new day! With that in sight, I have selected some of the "self help" titles noted in the current Edward R. Hamilton "Bargain Books" catalogue to feature here.

Here are a few that caught my eye:

Better Sex Through Yoga (Greaux, et al.) $5.95

What To Do When the S**t Hits the Fan (Black) $4.95

Keep Your Brain Alive (Katz and Rubin) $6.95

How to Talk to Anyone (Lowndes) $9.95

Get Out of Your Own Way (Goulston and Goldberg) $9.95

Get it Done When You're Depressed (Fast and Preston) $9.95

The Power of Your Subconsious Mind, Revised (Murphy) $9.95

Country Wisdom and Know-How (Black Dog & Leventhal, publishers) $13.95

When Panic Attacks (Burns) $4.95

Restful Insomnia (Kornblatt) $5.95

Where Did I Leave My Glasses (Weinman) $4.95

How Philosophy Can Save Your Life (McCarty) $3.95

Metropolitan Museum of Art Store--Clearance Catalogue!!

2011-01-13T14:41:00.000-08:00

Metropolitan Museum of Art Store
(End of Season Clearance Sale and Special Values)
Sale prices valid through 28th February 2011

http://www.store.metmuseum.org

1-800-468-7383

Holiday/Jewelry/Watches/Men's/Scarves/Accessories/Art for the Home/MetKids/Books/Stationery

There are some great values in this sale catalogue. It always appears after Christmas....and all those lovely items you looked at in their Christmas/Holiday catalogue (if still available) have been reduced in price. A particularly good buy are their boxes of twenty Christmas/Holiday cards, reduced from $17.98 to $8.98. The images featured on the cards--taken from paintings and other artworks in the MMA collections are distinctive and make a nice change from what Hallmark has to offer.

There is a good range of jewelry, for a wide range of differing tastes: reproductions from the Bronze Age, Art Nouveau styles, Russian, Minoan, Etruscan, and Greek. If you have ever admired a piece of jewelry in the MMA collections this would be a good opportunity to find that special piece of jewelry (or that special gift) to complete an outfit. A varied selection of men's and ladies watches, as well as ties and cufflinks that are definitely out of the ordinary.

There are William Morris scarves and a collection of Klimt accessories (tote bags, cosmetic cases, and umbrella). Personally, I prefer the William Morris scarves, but I have to admit that the Klimt accessories would provide a nice pop of color, especially in this grey winter weather. Unsurprisingly, there are a number of pages featuring art books, but I suspect that, even though they are discounted here, you could find better prices elsewhere.

The "Art for the Home" section includes small statues, picture frames, mugs, serving trays. MetKids has a small and pricey (even with the discount) selection of children's books and toys. The best of these, I think, is the "Timberkits:Dragon" for $18.71.

Also offered: Complete Cartoons of The New Yorker $24.95 (originally $60.00), plus a wide assortment of notecards for $8.98 (reduced from $17.95 -- most boxes contain 25 cards/envelopes). Other stationery items (Klimt, Morris, Art Deco Flowers, Degas) range in price from $4.98 to $12.48 (journals, correspondence cards, notecards, and engagement calendars).

This catalogue can, theoretically, be a good source for Mother's Day, Easter, and upcoming birthday gifts.....even Valentine's Day, should you want to get that special guy a Cylinder Seals necktie ($25.00, silk twill, reduced from $50.00) or Babylonian Sun Shield Cuff Links ($24.00 18K matte gold overlay, reduced from $40.00).

Sale prices valid through 28th February 2011.

Orvis "Gifts for Men" Catalogue

2010-11-29T10:08:00.000-08:00

Orvis
1711 Blue Hills Drive
Roanoke, VA 24012-8613

http://www.orvis.com

Telephone: 1-800-541-3541

Email: customer_service@orvis.com

It's that time of year again and my mailbox has been graced by a veritable deluge of lovely, glossy, four-color catalogues angling at holiday dollars. Some are even perfumed, though most, thankfully, are not!

One of my annual favorites, the Orvis "Gifts for Men" catalogue arrived shortly. Orvis has, it has been my experience, well made, if rather expensive goods (personally, I am a fan of their online "tent sale" where, much like Loehmann's, you can see the reduction of price over time).

Still, the Orvis "Gifts for Men" is a great (and amusing) read. Where else can you find a Brunswick Windsor Billiard Table ($11,250.00) or a Dundee Panel Tartan Sportcoat ($495.00) (which I think should, by rights, come with either a set of golf clubs or a solid silver martini shaker)?

There's an admirable collection of gadgets: keychains, multi-tools, solar telephone chargers, compass watches, and a rechargable flashlight (if he is allergic to wool!).

If he is not allergic to wool, the choices widen up considerably. In particular, the "Black Sheep" Irish Fisherman Socks in pure merino wool for only (gulp) $49.00 a pair. Still, for the right black sheep, they might be the perfect present!

The other, expected, items for men also appear.....caps, small leather goods, board games, Irish linen handkerchiefs....all very tasteful, but, for my tastes, rather expensive.

Bargain Books -- Edward R. Hamilton Bookseller Company

2010-08-19T10:20:00.000-07:00

Bargain Books
Edward R. Hamilton Bookseller Company
P.O. Box 15
Falls Village, CT 06031-0015

Edward R. Hamilton is a great source for publishers' closeouts, overstocks, imports, remainders, and current titles at special prices--some titles are as much as 80% off. They do not accept credit cards (if you want to order Hamilton Books with a credit card you will need to go to http://www.hamiltonbook.com but be aware that there will be extra shipping costs).

When ordering by mail (and paying by check) there is only one low $3.50 fee for shipping and handling (a real bargain). CT residents must add 6% tax on the total, including the shipping and handling fee.

Hamilton carries a wide variety of books in a multiplicity of subject areas---from "American History" to "Your Health" (subjects are listed, in alphabetical order, on the inside of the front page of the catalogue, which is, in total, 147 pages in length). Most readers, I believe, will find some title or other that will be of interest to them. They also carry a smaller selection of DVDs and CDs, also well worth perusing.

Here are some of the titles (catalogue dated: 7/23/2010) that caught my eye:

Zaida Ben-Yusuf: New York Portrait Photographer (240 pp.) $9.95

Twilight at Monticello: The Final Years of Thomas Jefferson (322 pp.) $4.95

The Essential Writings of Machiavelli (516 pp.) $12.95

The Dodgers: 120 Years of Dodgers Baseball (445 pp.) $9.95

Cannibalism, Headhunting, and Human Sacrifice in North America (249 pp.) $7.95

Augustine: A New Biography (396 pp.) $5.95

Henry VIII: The King and His Court (642 pp.) $4.95

Hell's Islands: The Untold Story of Guadalcanal (514 pp.) $11.95

Thomas Paine's Rights of Man (Hitchens) ( 158 pp.) $4.95

The Irish-Americans: A History (Dolan) (352 pp.) $7.95

Original Sin: A Cultural History (286 pp.) $5.95

J.C. Leyendecker: American Imagist (256 pp.) $34.95

Headless Body in Topless Bar: The Best Headlines from America's Favorite Newspaper (Staff, New York Post) (191 pp.) $4.95

The Good Rat: A True Story (Breslin) (270 pp.) $5.95

LBJ's Hired Gun: A Marine Corps Helicopter Gunner's War in Vietnam (260 pp.) $7.95

Willie & Joe: The WWII Years (Mauldin) (650 pp.) $24.95

Uneasy Money (Wodehouse) (247 pp.) $11.95

Nordstrom

2010-08-07T13:24:00.001-07:00

Nordstrom

August 2010 catalogue

1-800-933-3365

The thing that strikes me most about Nordstrom's August 2010 catalogue is the mixture of Seventies (yes, Seventies) style with that of the late Nineteen-eighties. Here we have wedge sandals, platform heels, flared leg (sequin, no less) trousers, and slouchy hobo bags--but--we also have weirdly hybrid legging-pants, denim mini-skirts and quilted leather handbags. The less said about the animal-print handbags the better, I think (hello Mrs. Robinson.....). There are two perfume inserts in this one--Donna Karan's "Cashmere Mist" and Dior's "Miss Dior Cherie." The Donna Karan scent is the less noxious of the two (see how faithful I am to you, my dear Chanel No. 5?).

As in (almost) every catalogue there is One Perfect Item that speaks to me. In this catalogue it is the dress on page 76--a sleeveless black and navy dress for $158.00, which, amazingly, is available in sizes 2 to 14.

The prize for Silliest Item of clothing has to go to Steve Madden's "Trouser" laceless Oxfords. $69.95 and you don't get laces? I think not, Mr. Madden. I recall, all too well, losing a shoe on the stairwell up from the 14th Street Union Square Subway station and the resulting traffic jam as I hopped about on one foot looking for my lost shoe. No my shoes, especially at that price, must have laces!

So, off I go now, to shop in my closet, and see what vintage looks I can recreate (wait....they're all vintage looks, LOL....).

National Wholesale Liquidators

2010-08-07T11:32:00.000-07:00

National Wholesale Liquidators

Locations in: The Bronx, Brookly, Queens, Long Island City, Yonkers, Dorchester, MA, Jersey City, and Lodi, NJ

http://www.nationalwholesaleliquidators.com/

I love the Liquidators. It is true, though, that there are certain things I would never consider purchasing there--electronics, for one, clothing, or furniture (bad bad experience with a computer "work station"). This being said, I have been more than happy with some of our purchases there, particularly in the area of foodstuffs (excepting milk--you may not want to buy Liquidators milk....). A nice selection of teas, jams, preserves, candies, cookies, spices, and ethnic foods (Mexican/Middle Eastern/Italian) as well as mainstream American brands such as Lipton, Heinz, and Tropicana. Cleaning products, small housewares, and paper products (bath tissue and paper towels) are good values. Personal care products (shampoo, soap, shaving cream) seem to be priced comparably with those in any CVS, Duane Reade, or large supermarket (so you may as well wait for a special and use a coupon). Liquidators does not accept coupons, nor do they do rain checks. What you see is what they have....and their merchandise is ever-changing....so....if you see something you want/need and it's the right price....grab a couple, because it might not be there next week. Or tomorrow.

A good source for inexpensive greeting cards ( .99 cents ). Much of their stock--if one checks labels--seems to originate in Canada (yes, I am thinking of you, Nescafe). I am not sure why this is, exactly, though it has been cause--on more than one occasion-- for my husband to opine that there was no way he was going to drink "Canadian" coffee or use "Canadian" toothpaste, though, frankly, I can't tell the difference.

I particularly enjoy the Liquidators prior to Christmastime. They are the only store, in my experience, that play non-secularized Christmas carols (yes, the religious ones) instead of sanitized Santa-songs (which is, I must admit, refreshing). I have heard though, that some have ventured the opinion that they are afraid they are supporting the Jihad whenever they shop there. Of this, I cannot venture an opinion, not having any sure knowledge or certainty considering the political affiliations of the owners. All I know is that they stock the most delicious chocolate biscuits and Walker's shortbread cookies before Christmas and that is sufficient for me!! So...herewith some of their current specials (good through 8/17/2010). Keep in mind, too, that the Liquidators gets very crowded on the weekends. The best time to go is a Tuesday morning at around 11:00 a.m. or so. That is when I would go.....

Black and white composition notebooks .50 cents each

12 pack Papermate pens .88 cents

Brita Slim Pitcher $8.88

20 pack Wood Hangers 9.99

Mr. Clean 40 ounce refill 2.49

Heinz Ketchup 36 ounces 1.49

20 lb. imported Basmati Rice 15.99

McFarland Military History Books

2010-08-03T18:29:00.001-07:00

McFarland Military History Books
McFarland & Company Inc.
Box 611 Jefferson, NC 28640-0611

Orders: 1-800-253-2187

http://www.mcfarlandpub.com/

McFarland is continuously making more titles available in an e-book format. Check their website for the latest availability information. In their attractive, four-color catalogue, they list new books for Fall 2010 (several noted below) as well as an extensive backlist. Detailed histories of most every military conflict and war are represented here (though there does seem to be a preponderance of titles dealing with the Civil War), many from a first-person perspective--memoirs, diaries, letters, accounts of particular battles.

Some of their titles:

The Egyptian Expeditionary Force in World War I: A History of the British-Led Campaigns in Egypt, Palestine, and Syria, Mortlock, PB, $38.00

Abner Doubleday: A Civil War Biography, Barthel, PB, $35.00

Guadalcanal, Tarawa and Beyond, Rogal, PB, $29.95

Women Military Pilots of World War II, Merry, PB, $35.00

Mollie's War: Letters of a World War II WAC in Europe, Schaffer & Schaffer, PB, $35.00

New York's Fighting Sixty-Ninth, Mahon, PB, $35.00

The Jewish Revolts Against Rome, Bloom, PB, $45.00

Guerrilla Warfare in the Irish War for Independence, 1919-1921, McKenna, PB, $65.00

Gulf War Nurses: Personal Accounts of 14 Americans, Rushton, ed., PB, $35.00

Battle History of the United States Marine Corps. 1775-1945, Clark, HC, $75.00

Lullabies for Lieutenants: Memoir of a Marine Forward Observer in Vietnam, 1965-1966, Cox, PB, $29.95

The War of 1812 in Person: Fifteen Accounts by United States Army Regulars, Volunteers, and Militiamen, Fredriksen, ed., PB, $45.00

Out of the Mouth of Hell: Civil War Prisons and Escapes, Casstevens, PB, $39.95

Lens of an Infantryman, Leff, PB, $45.00 (backlist, published in 2007)

Hanes.com - More than Socks......

2010-07-31T13:22:00.000-07:00

One Hanes Place. com
One Hanes Place
P.O. Box 748
Rural Hall, NC 27098

Telephone: 1-800-300-2600

http://www.onehanesplace.com/

Hanes.com is more than just socks. They have a great selection of bras and panties by Bali, Playtex, Barely There, Wonderbra, and Champion. Their current catalogue features a "bra sale" with prices as low as $13.99. They also carry "shapewear" (formerly known as girdles!), stockings, swimsuits, men's underwear (some items currently 25% off), women's and men's exercise wear, and casual separates for boys and girls.

Some items:

Wonderbra Uprising Strapless Bra (Frost, Midnight, Soft/Taupe Pink) $22.99

Hanes Tagless ComfortSoft Cotton Stretch Lace Waistband Bikini (3-pack) $6.99

Bali Never Ending Smooth Firm Control Shaping Brief (White, Black, Soft Taupe) $12.99

Hanes Silk Reflections Lace Top Sandalfoot Thigh High Stockings (Black, Barely There, Little Color) (3 pairs) $18.99

Pleated Front Tank Swimsuit (Red, Black, Brown - Sizes 10-18) $26.24

The Tog Shop

2010-07-29T09:31:00.000-07:00

The Tog Shop

P.O. Box 176

Jessup, PA 18434-0176

Telephone: 1-800-367-8647

Fax: 1-800-755-7557

http://www.togshop.com/

For all of us, along with death and taxes, comes the inevitable spectre of elastic-waisted trousers. I recently received a catalogue from The Tog Shop and was surprised, indeed, that it was not accompanied by an invitation to join AARP (my husband has already received one of these and it was not a pretty sight). To be perfectly frank, the prospect of aging horrifies me far less than that of wearing elastic-waisted trousers (which I feel should be relegated strictly to maternity wardrobes). This being said, The Tog Shop catalogue carries a number of brands: Leon Levin, Haymaker, Alfred Dunner, Foxcroft, and Koret--whose speciality is clothing for women of a certain age.

It is true that, as one ages, most of us do not want to encounter the horrified glances and averted eyes occasioned by that syndrome known as "mutton dressed as lamb." There is something to be said--at any age--for three-quarter sleeves (covers upper-arm wobble, sometimes cruelly called "bat-wings") and low-heeled loafers. The advantage of these clothing lines is that all the separates will easily mix and match, interchangably, they are, undoubtedly, very practical, and I am sure they wash and pack well. There is, somehow, something about these clothes that depresses the hell out of me. It is probably because I can see most of these outfits coming off of a chartered tour bus, completed by fanny packs stuffed with senior discount coupons.

I would say that they are best for their accessories--handbags, shoes, sandals--and for their bathing suits, which are (unsurprisingly) very modest and offered in a nice range of colors and patterns--but I somehow, just cannot get my mind around those elastic-waisted trousers (shudder). As with any catalogue, check their website before ordering, especially the "clearance" page, to see if there are any good deals not represented in the printed catalogue (it can't hurt to get into the practice, in anticipation of all those "senior" discounts!!).

Dr. Leonard's Discount Healthcare Catalogue

2010-07-23T19:42:00.000-07:00

Dr. Leonard's Healthcare Products

100 Nixon Lane

P.O. Box 7821

Edison, NJ 08818-7821

Telephone: 1-800-785-0880

Fax: 1-732-572-2118

http://www.drleonards.com/

Ah, what can one say about the Dr. Leonard's catalogue? It has a wonderful collection of products...not all healthcare-related, even though the name of the catalogue may seem to indicate this. Aside from the miracle hair cream and the copper and magnetic (designer jewellery), there are housewares (slipcovers, curtains, bedspreads, sheets, air purifiers), clothing (dresses, robes, nightgowns, shoes, sandals, non-binding cotton socks, elastic-waisted pants for men and women), weight loss products, including "fat burning patches" and "colon cleansing" products. Sonic pest repellers and solar powered mole repellers. "Detox" foot pads, blood pressure monitors, folding cane that opens into a seat, the "Snuggie", waterproof bed pads and incontinence products, and Jack LaLanne's Power Juicer. Many of the items are "as seen on TV." One surprise is that, amongst the folding canes, walker baskets, and shower chairs, there are a number of intimate personal products for couples.

The Pyramid Collection: Myth, Magick, Fantasy, and Romance

2010-07-22T18:02:00.001-07:00

The Pyramid Collection
Altid Park
P.O. Box 3333
Chelmsford, MA 01824-0933

Telephone: 1-800-333-4220
Facsimile: 1-800-866-3235

http://www.pyramidcollection.com/

In MA only there is a 6.25% tax on non-clothing orders.

Gift cards are available in the following increments: $25. / $50. / $75. / $100.

Standard delivery, Rush Service, and Two-Day Express Delivery available.

Jewellery, jackets, dresses, boots and shoes, fingerless gloves, capes, tunics, skirts, some items with a markedly "dress up" feel to them. It seems that they are adding more out-and-out costumes: pirates (male and female), mermaids, Goddesses, and several other tarty outfits suitable, I would think, only for a Halloween fancy dress party or behind a locked bedroom door!! To be sure, there are a number of striking garments here, many of which could safely be worn down a busy city street without provoking a third glance (a first or a second glance can be lovely, but that third glance....I think not!).

A number of items, especially the jewellery items, would be suitable as presents, but, as in all things, you should be very sure as regards her tastes before ordering because many of the pieces of jewellery (to me) seem rather out of the ordinary. The tunics/dresses/pants seem to be cut in a swingy, forgiving fashion, with plenty of fabric, in most cases, to ensure coverage. Their patterned cowboy-style rain boots (skulls and roses) at $49.95 do nothing for me, but the 52" Dashiki (100% cotton, machine washable) at $39.95 is attractive and a good value. They specialize mainly in floaty romantic gear for women of a certain age.

There are several long-sleeved blouses I would advise against cooking in as you would surely set yourself alight. They also, ahem, have a selection of "massagers" for women, and---shades of Peggy on "Mad Men"---massaging lace briefs for ladies, which, I kid you not, can be activated by a remote control. So. Some pretty things--especially the tunics--some tarty things (best for dress-up), cute but impractical handbags, velvet coats and capes (attractive, but bound to attract every bit of lint in a five-mile radius), unique pieces of jewellery, shoes (mainly very high-heeled), and a mixture of ethnic-y, new-agey, wiccan-ish garb in sized XS (2-4) to, in some cases, 3X (22W-24W).

The Catholic Company

2010-07-21T19:08:00.001-07:00

The Catholic Company

P.O. Box 7445

Charlotte, NC 28241-7445

Telephone: 1-866-522-8465

Fax: 1-704-940-2249

Standard/Two-Day/Next-Day Shipping

Tax on NC orders only.

http://www.catholiccompany.com/

Their catalogue states that they have "over 18,000" products. Many would be excellent gifts, either for a housewarming, a Christening, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, or for a wedding. There are also publications for children, mothers, and teenagers, as well as classic works of Roman Catholic theology, wall plaques, Bibles, crucifixes, and jewellery.

A sampling of some of their items:

Illustrated Catholic Children's Bible $26.95

4 CD Set / Gospel Rosary of Pope John Paul II $29.99

Sterling Silver Brown Cocoa Bead Rosary $67.95

Douay-Rheims Bible (black leather binding) $54.95

St. Joseph Statue 10" (resin/stone mix) $28.95

Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska (pb) $15.95

Handbook for Catholic Moms (pb) $15.95

Italian Alabaster Crucifix (15" high) $84.00

Connemara Marble Rosary (25") $54.95

The Imitation of Christ (Thomas a Kempis) $18.95

Leaflet Missal - Religious and Church Goods

2010-07-21T18:52:00.001-07:00

Leaflet Missal

Publisher and Supplier of Religious Goods

976 West Minnehana Avenue

Saint Paul, MN 55104-1556

Telephone: 1-800-328-9582

Fax: 1-800-355-0650

http://www.leafletonline.com/

Tax on Minnesota orders only. Ground, Two-Day, and Next-Day Shipping Available

Leaflet Missal has a large selection of religious goods including Christmas ornaments, gifts, and decor, Fontanini Nativities, home incense kits, scapulars, inspirational clothing, car accessories, garden statues, nightlights, holy water fonts, statues, framed art, many rosaries (of widely differing price ranges) and cases, medals, holy cards, quality religious jewellery, crucifixes, pins, Church goods (vestments, chalices, patens, Mass and sick call sets) candles, playsets and toys for children, DVDs, CDs, and books (including Bibles) for children and adults, including a selection of pre-Vatican II prayerbooks.

Daedalus DVDs

2010-07-19T18:48:00.000-07:00

http://www.salebooks.com/

Telephone: 1-800-395-2665

Daedalus is best known for their books, of course, but they also carry a great selection of DVDs at discounted prices.....here are some from their Summer 2010 catalogue......

The '70's Experience Collection (3 dvds) $12.98

A Day at the Races (Marx brothers) $7.98

13 Rue Madeleine (Cagney) $6.98

Alexander the Great (Burton) $5.98

Battle of Britian (Caine) $6.98

Flying Down to Rio (Astaire) $6.98

Funny Face (Hepburn) $6.98

The Great Escape (McQueen) $6.98

Guys and Dolls (Brando) $6.98

Kings Row (Reagan) $6.98

A Man for All Seasons (Scofield) $6.98

The Man With the Golden Arm (Sinatra) $6.98

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf (Taylor) $7.98

Broadway Danny Rose (Allen) $6.98

The Brothers McMullen (Burns) $6.98

The Pink Panther (Sellers) $6.98

American Splendor (Giamatti) $6.98

Charlie Wilson's War (Hanks) $6.98

Cinderella Man (Crowe) $6.98

The Departed (Nicholson) $6.98

Good Night and Good Luck (Clooney) $6.98

The Interpreter (Kidman) $6.98

Road to Perdition (Hanks) $6.98

Serpico (Pacino) $7.98

The Seven-Ups (Scheider) $6.98

The Wind That Shakes the Barley (Murphy) $6.98

Dare Not Walk Alone (Dean) $6.98

Wordplay (Shortz) $6.98

J.R. Watkins Naturals

2010-07-10T10:01:00.000-07:00

J.R. Watkins Naturals
Watkins Incorporated
150 Liberty Street
Winona, MN 55987

Order online at:
http://www.jrwatkins.com

Telephone:
1-800-928-5467

J.R. Watkins is a unique company not only for the natural products they offer, but for the wide range of their natural products: gourmet spices and extracts, personal care items, natural home cleaners, as well as naturally-based remedies and supplements.

Some items worth noting:

Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract (6 ounces/$16.99)

Whole Black Peppercorn Grinder (1.7 ounces/ $4.99)

Poultry Seasoning (1.58 ounces/ $6.99)

**********

Aloe & Green Tea Body Lotion (11 ounces/ $9.99)

Lavender Hand & Cuticle Salve (2.1 ounces/ $8.49)

Simply Mauve-lous Lip Tint (0.09 ounces/ $4.99)

**********

Orange Citrus All-Purpose Cleanser (24 ounces/$5.99)

Lemon Liquid Hand Soap (11 ounces/$7.49)

Fragrance Free Laundry Detergent (32 ounces/ $12.99)

**********

Menthol Camphor Vapor Rub (2.1 ounces/$9.99)

Beef Iron & Wine Tonic (12 ounces/ $13.99)

Supercold Cough Medicine (6 ounces/ $4.99)

**********

Eye Care Formula (30-day supply/ $16.99)

Skin, Hair & Nails Formula (30-day supply/ $16.99)

Fruit/Veggie Complex (30-day supply/ $18.99)

Daedalus Books catalogue arrives!!!!

2010-06-10T17:55:00.000-07:00

Daedalus Books -- Books, Music, and DVDs

http://www.salebooks.com/

1-800-395-2665

P.O. Box 6000

Columbia, MD 21045

$5.95 postage/handling

6% sales tax -- Maryland shipments only.

Subject index: children's/ compact discs / cooking & healing / crafts / dvds / fiction / gardening / highlights / history / humor / literature & poetry / mysteries / nature & pets / notecards & postcards / performing arts / science / self & society / spirituality / sports / travel / visual arts

Daedalus is one of my favorite sources for remaindered books.......great quality books, great selection, great prices.

Here are some of the titles, from their Early Summer 2010 catalogue, that stand out.....

The A-Z of Modern Design (pap), (Polster, et al.) $9.98

Watchman (pap), (Rankin) $3.98

The Plague of Doves, (Erdrich) $5.98

Diary of a Bad Year, (Coetzee) $5.98

The Memory of Running, (McLarty) $3.98

The Best Day The Worst Day: Life with Jane Kenyon, (Hall) $4.98

The Painted Bed: Poems, (Hall) $3.98

Mr. Personality: Profiles and Talk Pieces from The New Yorker, (Mariner) (pap) $4.98

Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue: The Untold History of English, (McWhorter) $6.98

T.S. Eliot, (Raine) $4.98

Thumbs, Toes, and Tears: And Other Traits That Make Us Human, (Walker) $4.98

God's Problem: How the Bible Fails to Answer our Most Important Question...Why We Suffer, (Ehrman) $6.98

NPR Sound Treks: Birds (1 hour Audio CD), (Hamilton) $9.95

Complete Poems, (Dorothy Parker) $10.95

The Not So Big Life: Making Room for What Really Matters, (Susanka) $5.98

The Departed, DVD (DiCaprio, Damon, Nicholson) Full Screen, 2 hrs., 31 min., $6.98

The Painted Veil, DVD (Watts, Norton Schreiber) Letterbox, 2 hrs., 5 min., $7.98

Persuasion, DVD (Root, Hinds) Widescreen, 1 hr., 44 min., $6.98

John Coltrane: The Bethlehem Years, 2 CDs, (Byrd, Green Jones), $7.98

Vivaldi: The Four Seasons for Harp and Orchestra, CD, $5.98

New York State: Gateway to America, An Illustrated History (Ellis & Cash), $6.98

Helen of Troy: Goddess, Princess, Whore, (Hughes) $6.98

The New York Times: The Complete Front Pages 1851-2008 (Keller, ed.) $29.98

The War Diaries: An Anthology of Daily Wartime Diary Entries (Taylor) $4.98

D.H. Lawrence's Paintings (Lawrence & Sagar) $14.98

Making it New: The Art and Style of Sara and Gerald Murphy (Rothschild) $9.98

Edouard Vuillard (10 notecards) $3.98

Charles Addams: A Book of 30 Postcards $2.98

Classic Baseball: The Photographs of Walter Iooss, Jr. $12.98

French Lessons: Adventures with Knife, Fork, and Corkscrew (Mayle) $5.98

When Randolph Turned Rotten (Harper) $3.98

The Writer in the Garden: A Literary Anthology of Garden Writing (5 CDs) $9.98

The Vermont Country Store

2010-06-08T12:59:00.000-07:00

http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/

One of my favorite catalogues--for The Vermont Country Store-- arrived in the mail today. The nostalgia rises thick from it, much as the scent of floor wax in a school auditorium (which never fails to make me feel six again!).

While, to some degree, the products are priced on the high side, it has been my experience that, with VCS you get what you pay for. A case in point is their wooden drying racks--currently available in the 24 inch and 27 inch sizes, for $39.95 and $59.95, but, curiously, not the 50 inch size I purchased a number of years ago (and have found most useful).

Their selection of jams, spreads, jellies, marmalades, pickles, relishes, and chutney are worth persusing, as well as other hard to find provisions such as scrapple and maple butter. VCS is also a great source for maple syrup and cheddar cheese (delicious!). There is an ample selection of candies: chocolates, mints, licorice, jellied candies, and caramels.

Their basic kitchen appliances--the 10 cup stainless steel teakettle with a bakelite handle, for instance--may, at $54.95, seem expensive at first sight, but will give years of service and far surpass fancier models.

Home furnishings are plain, practical, and designed to provide years of use. What they lack in novelty and flash they more than make up for in dependability. They carry a "dry iron" (often hard to find, as most irons, these days, seem to be "steam" irons) which is preferred by quilters and crafters, for $29.95. There is a nice selection of bedding, in pretty pastels and florals, as well as a choice of eight different types of pillow (to meet different needs) and mattress pads made of foam, Australian wool fleece, cotton, or microfiber.

The women's (and men's) clothing tends towards the widely cut and comfortable, in modest and classic styles. Accessories include women's hats and small leather goods, as well as Dr. Scholl's original exercise sandal in bone, red, white, navy, and black, for $49.95. A full selection of women's and men's foundation garments and nightwear (long on practicality and comfort) are featured, as well as a wide range of health and beauty aids--everything from cod liver oil and liquid iron supplements to lavender scented soaps and hard to find colognes (including one of my favorites, "White Shoulders").

Their customer service, in my experience, has been exemplary, unfailingly polite and helpful--a refreshing change from many mail order companies.

The Vermont Country Store

Purveyors of the Practical and Hard to Find

Mail Order Office

P.O. Box 6998

Rutland, VT 05702-6998

Order online 24 hours a day or call them at: 1-802-362-0285

http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/

Jewelry by LuShae

2010-03-01T07:44:00.000-08:00

http://www.jewelryartdesigns.com/

The website Jewelry by LuShae offers a wide variety of affordable little luxuries---earrings, pendants, and rings.

Since I've started wearing LuShae's "Purple Brilliance" amythest pendant I've received several compliments on the quality of the stone and how the color "brings out the blue" in my eyes.

At $74.00, a beautiful piece like this is within the reach of many....but it looks like it cost oh so much more. The carat weight of this pendant is 9.4 and the chain is sixteen inches with a two inch extender. This is a "white gold Rhodium bonded teardrop pendant with faceted amythest, CZ, and bezel set peridot" -- to quote from their website.

I love that the chain has an adjustable length and that the bale is spacious enough, that, if I wanted to, I could wear the pendant on another chain. The lobster clasp is easy to manage (so I don't have to ask anyone to help me with it!!)

It has a substantial feel when I hold it in my hand. I'm really looking forward to wearing it with light floral dresses in the summer....but, right now, it looks great contrasted against a black turtleneck. I love pendants....and LuShae has so many pretty pendants with strikingly colored gemstones, I had a very hard time deciding which I liked best (since they're all so nice!).

For more pendants, see: http://www.jewelryartdesigns.com/jewelry-jad.asp?p=Pendants

Their range of earrings are available in hoops, princess, and round cut studs, in CZs and gemstones.....as well as dangle earrings of CZs and brightly colored gemstones. They'll add just that little sparkle you need to brighten up your look.....but especially so during these long winter months. One set of earrings I found particularly attractive were the "Sterling Silver Flower Bud" post earrings with marquise cut flower petals (I do so love flowery things!!!). Most all of the earrings are in 14K white gold or gold construction with a Rhodium finish.

For earrings, see: http://www.jewelryartdesigns.com/jewelry-jad.asp?p=Earrings

They have a nice selection of rings as well, including a subsection of "promise" rings. There are a number of beautiful combinations of stones and settings of white gold and gold. The designs range from the very traditional, almost Victorian (which I love, love, love), to very modern and fashion-forward styles. Some of the settings are old fashioned, and almost look "vintage" -- while others are young and fun.....so there is something for every taste here, that much is clear!!! There is a great rainbow of colors available.....including my favorite, the green gemstone, peridot.....as well as rings detailed with brightly colored enamel. It is also very helpful that they provide a sizing guide for the rings.

For rings, see: http://www.jewelryartdesigns.com/jewelry-jad.asp?p=Rings

also: http://www.jewelryartdesigns.com/jewelry-jad.asp?p=Promise-Rings

They also, on their site, provide helpful information on the purchase of jewelry for men and women, how to purchase a diamond, choosing an engagement ring, jewelry basics, jewelry care, as well as how to clean and store your precious acquisitions!

So....the next time you have a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion coming up (the Cross or Star of David pendants would be just perfect for a Confirmation or Bas Mitzvah gift for your daughter, niece, or granddaughter), or you need gifts for your wedding party, or "just because" (which I've always found the very best occasion for a gift of jewelry!) make sure to stop by Jewelry by LuShae, just a click away......the ordering process is super-simple, you get email confirmation of your order and then again upon shipment (which I really appreciate).

All in all, I found this a real "gem" of a website---great merchandise, great service---what more could a girl ask for......except maybe a special gentleman to make her a present of a keepsake she will be sure to treasure forever!!!

Jewelry by LuShae

http://www.jewelryartdesigns.com

QC Supply catalogue

2009-10-16T06:48:00.000-07:00

Now that Fall has arrived so, too, has one of my favorite mail order catalogues, QC Supply (Quality Products for Working Men and Women, Issue 628, Fall 2009).

As I noted in an earlier post, I am very happy with their Women's 14" Chore Boot (which I am wearing today) -- available with either a plain or a steel toe ($19.59 / $21.89). They are also made in the USA, which I feel is a definite plus. Exceptionally comfortable, I find, and not too heavy on my feet. They also have good treads....so I am less fearful when walking on ice. In the spirit of full disclosure I will state they also sent me a complimentary pair of their PVC String Dot Knit Gloves, which they say are "ideal for cold storage warehouse work." Many years since I last worked in a warehouse, and then it was the Saks Fifth Avenue warehouse on Tuckahoe Road in Yonkers, New York.....ask me about when I was locked in the cage doing jewellery returns.....too funny.....

I must admit that one of the reasons I enjoy this particular catalogue is that the models (both male and female) look like real people and not (especially in the case of the males) as if they spend more time primping than I do!! These men look as if they could actually do farm work (rather than elegantly lean against some ancient stone wall, arranged to fit some editrix's idea of a gentleman farmer clad in heather-toned country tweeds). I like that the men's sweatpants and sweatshirts (in grey) are "Generously Sized for Extra Comfort." What man doesn't like to be comfortable?? And....a comfortable man is often a happy man.

No jeans, to speak of, for women (not that I often wear them--I tend to stick to skirts and dresses--but they are good for sloppy weather or for around the house), but a very nice selection, in a variety of cuts and shades, for the men. The Ladies Thermal Comfortwear (sorry, Victoria's Secret) look like a great value -- tops and bottoms $8.39 each. A seven-pack of men's y-fronts is $10.55. (I still recall how I turned all of DH's blue after ill-advisedly throwing some new-ish socks into the wash--well, better blue than pink, as I told him at the time, but at least I never repeated that particular laundry mistake!) Socks from Carhartt, Fruit of the Loom, and Wigwam--good quality at fair prices. Cheap socks are the bane of my life--as I noted in a recent post.

Shampoo. They have an "Apple Fragrance" shampoo, 32 ounces for $5.04. I'm going to have to figure out what that breaks down to, per ounce, as compared to DH's pricier favorite (Prell). The catalogue has far too many sections to give them all justice here: safety, office, lighting, ventilation, livestock, pharmaceuticals (I wonder is there any real difference between bovine antibiotics and those used for humans??), pet supplies, heating, water handling, greenhouse, building, and last, but certainly not least, pest control (a subject near and dear to my heart).

I find it fascinating to look at all the different implements used on livestock. The "Band Elastrator" is a case in point. It can be used for the "easy castration" of calves and lambs, with no loss of blood or open wounds, and may also be used for docking, prolapse, and for dehorning. I doubt, somehow, that any of the male models I see in the New York Times Style magazine could wield such an implement (which might, after all, roughen their manicured hands) but the men in this catalogue look as if they are quite capable of tackling this or any number of agricultural chores.

In their pest control section they have a "Tin Cat" -- a trap that will hold up to thirty-- yes -- THIRTY-- mice. Of course, they also have industrial-sized tubs of rodent bait in block form.

Ah, for a man who would kill for me (spiders, mice, all manner of pests), clad in Carhartt jeans--now, there's a male ideal!!!

QC Supply

http://www.qcsupply.com

Telephone: 1-800-433-6340
Fax: 1-402-352-8825

Watkins skin and body care products

2009-08-19T13:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.WatkinsOnline.com/

Watkins carries several lines of natural products, including spices and extracts, body care products, home remedies, and plant-based cleaners.

I am most familiar with their line of personal care products: hand and body lotions, body creams, daily cleansing cream, gentle pore scrub, day cream, night cream, hand and cuticle salves, beeswax lip balms, lip tints, foot creams and scrubs, body oils, and bath soaks. Products are available in different fragrances: aloe and green tea, lavender, lemon cream, mango, and vanilla.

If you don't understand (or cannot pronounce) the chemicals present in your cosmetics and self-care products you would probably be better off using natural products such as the ones formulated by Watkins.

While I've enjoyed using most of their skin and body care products, one of my favorites is their hand and cuticle salve in the lavender scent. It comes in a generously sized 2.1 ounce container and has a beeswax base. When your hands are in and out of water all day--and especially if you are doing heavier housework--your nails, cuticles, and hands may suffer. I use this product every night before going to bed. Shortly after I started using it I noticed a marked change in the health and appearance of my hands and nails. Just a few moments, at night, helped to undo the damage done throughout the course of the day. In these days, when one is so often disappointed in products that promise much more than they deliver, it is indeed refreshing to come across a line of self-care products such as those created by Watkins.

At $7.49 the cuticle cream is also good value for money. I'm sure there must be any number of pricier brands, with flashier and more expensive packaging, that don't do the job nearly as well.

I've been so happy, in fact, with their line of creams, cuticle salves, and other products that I have, on occasion, made "gift baskets" for birthday presents, grouping together several products of a particular scent. I was sorely disappointed when I realized my local Duane Reade was discontinuing this line of products--it's not often you find products free of sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, chemical sunscreens, pthalates, dyes, and propylene glycol.

However, after Googling them, I was pleased to find that they have both an online presence and a printed catalogue (which introduced me to their other product lines).

Watkins Incorporated
P.O. Box 5570
Winona, MN 55987-0570

1-800-928-5467

http://www.WatkinsOnline.com/

Back to School

2009-08-09T17:46:00.000-07:00

Well, it is already August, and time to start thinking about "back to school" purchases. I've been looking for a "Clone Wars" lunchbox/thermos and think I may have found just what I am looking for--for quite a reasonable price--at http://www.diapers.com $7.99 (not including shipping and handling, of course).

I still have to tackle reviewing the boy's wardrobes and seeing what each of them will need. In any case (as always) I'll be on the lookout for bargains!!

One source of frustration for me has been the holes torn in the knees of (practically new) jeans. What to do with these?? Patch them? Let them disintigrate further?? Cut them down into shorts? What I suppose I really need to do is find jeans with reinforced knees.

My adventures in stain removal continue.....the last being black marker "drawn onto" a pair of khaki pants. No, I didn't get the stain out, but I gave it my best try.....plenty of hot water, OxyClean, Tide, and, as a last resort, bleach. No dice. You can still see the marks.....

It's been a busy summer so far. Visitors, doctor appointments, the fundraiser at the Hawthorne Country Day School, a christening......

I'm looking forward to the fall, though, and to cooler weather and my birthday in October, and (dare I say it) our two older boys returning to school (the structure is good for them) and to planning for our Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations.

I'm hoping to find replacement cushions for the sofa, maybe a new slipcover as well, to brighten up the livingroom.

Well....I'll close for now.....

Socks

2009-06-09T06:43:00.001-07:00

I don't know why it is, but I never seem to have a sufficient quantity of socks on hand. It matters little how many packages of socks I purchase....10 packs, 12 packs......they seem to magically disperse into some alternate universe populated by socks gone AWOL. Maybe they keep company with lost keys and single gloves.....I don't know.

However, I do know that I find it enormously irritating not to be able to find the socks I want to find when they are needed. Another irritation is socks that wear out too quickly. Socks, after all, are not finely spun stockings.....they should last a decent amount of time and service the foot well before being relegated to the rag bag for cleaning cloths.

This being said, I have to say that I have found that Hanes socks are better quality -- and thus better value -- than many of the "economy" socks one might find, let's say, in an establishment such as National Wholesale Liquidators. In this case, yes, you get what you pay for. Purchase cheap socks and you will, no doubt, be unhappy with their performance.

I have found that the Hanes socks weather the washing machine much more tolerably than cheaper bargain socks. You may pay a little more, initially, but, if I may reiterate....that, at least in this case, you get what you pay for.

So, the next time you find yourself in need of socks, check out "One Hanes Place" at:

http://onehanesplace.com/

They also -- aside from socks -- carry a wide variety of bras, panties, activewear, and "shapewear" (what were once called girdles!!!). Thankfully, the modern "girdle" is far more comfortable than their rubbery antecedents......but that is a subject for another post!!

QC Supply

2008-04-14T07:57:00.000-07:00

I recently ordered a pair of navy blue rubber boots from QC Supply, a catalogue offering products for those who work in agriculture and with livestock.

After many fruitless searches for a decent, plain, durable pair of waterproof rubber boots, I very fortunately came acoss QC Supply.

The pair I chose was the Women's 14 inch choreboot with a plain toe (a steel toe is also available) item number 71805 for $17.87, available in women's sized 6 - 11. They are blue and have a yellow cleated sole. So far I haven't experienced any instances where I was afraid of falling, they have such a good grip on the pavement/grassy/snowy areas. I was a little concerned that the footbed might not be that comfortable, but I was pleasantly surprised. Even if I am walking for several hours, doing errands and such, my feet do not tire in them. They are durable, but not overly heavy.

If you are looking for a good, serviceable pair of boots, they are well worth checking out. I know that I am very happy with mine and have already recommended them to several of my family and friends.

QC Supply
http://www.qcsupply.com

Well, it's that time of year again........

2007-09-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

Time for lists of school supplies, new shoes and coats, and all manner of equipment for the new school year. What's on your lists?

Baby Gifts

2005-04-02T11:34:00.000-08:00

Nothing, I find, is more thoroughly enjoyable than shopping for a baby gift. Here are some ideas for baby gifts that I recently came across and thought worthy of mention:

Barrons
1-800-538-6340
www.barronscatalog.com

Peter Rabbit Nursery set by Wedgwood- a three piece set consisting of plate, bowl, and mug in fine china ($42.95). Wallace Silversmiths sterling silver baby cups in the Grand Baroque ($69.95) and Plain ($49.95) patterns as well as a sterling silver dumbell rattle suitable for engraving ($59.95). Reed and Barton "Safari" flatware set, silverplated, featuring an alligator knife, a leopard spoon, and a giraffe fork ($39.95). Wallace Silversmiths has six different patterns available for infant feeding spoons ($29.95) and two piece baby sets of a spoon and fork ($59.95). Patterns: Towle Old Master, Reed and Barton Francis I, Lunt Eloquence, International Joan of Arc, Gorham Chantilly, and Grand Baroque.

Ross-Simons
1-800-344-6011
www.ross-simons.com

Ross-Simons has a very nice collection of sterling silver baby cups, including: William Roberts Classic plain cup (4 ounce) $49.95, Reed and Barton double-handled pot-bellied cup (5 ounce) $69.95, Lunt Eloquence (5 ounce) $49.95, Reed and Barton Beaded (5 ounce) $69.95. English porcelain mug-dish-plate sets in pale blue or pale pink ($39.95). Sterling silver brush and comb sets: Boys- $39.95, Girls- $49.95. Spode classic Winnie the Pooh clock ($59.95), Pooh dish set (plate-bowl-mug) in pink or blue ($49.95) or a two piece set (plate and mug) for $34.95. Baby Zoo Musical Carousel ($49.95). Lunt Sterling Baptismal Shell ($99.95), Limoges First Tooth Boxes in blue or pink ($79.95 each). Royal Worcester "days of the week" china: plate ($29.95) and mug ($19.95). These last may be personalized with name and date of birth.

Cashs of Ireland
1-800-223-8100
www.cashs.com

"Annie's Ribbons" Baby Blanket ($39.00) and pillow ($25.00). The blanket and pillow may be purchased together as a set for $55.00. Galway Crystal Christening Mug ($45.00). Irish Christening outfit: robe/bonnet/booties for $155.00 in a poly/cotton blend to fit babies of up to 26 pounds. Belleek Baby Cup and Cereal Bowl (bowl and spoon $39.00), (cup $45.00), (three piece set $75.00).

Shannon
1-800-223-6716
www.shopshannon.com

Aran stroller blanket (52 inches x 32 inches) in 100% pure new wool. Free booties included ($49.00). Waterford baby cup (3 1/2 inches high) $59.00. Royal Worcester three-piece "Days of the Week" breakfast set (mug-bowl-plate) display the children's rhyme that begins "Monday's child is fair of face......." ($49.00).

Valentine's Day Gifts for Him

2005-02-03T17:25:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day, of course, is not only for the ladies; we cannot reasonably forget the gentleman in our life whilst he is showering us with sweets and flowers! Here, then, are a selection of items which might, just possibly, fit the bill. It is difficult to surpass a Brooks Brothers for classic style, quality, and selection. Some particular favorites of mine are the Woven Medallion Silk Ties (A182) in dark green, gold, rust, navy, or dark red, Pinpoint Cotton Dress Shirts with a forward point collar (761E), and their Italian Camel Hair Sport Coat (167M). www.brooksbrothers.com If your fellow is an outdoorsy type, why not try L.L. Bean? How about a pair of their Scotch Plaid Flannel Pyjamas in Dress Campbell or Black Watch (KL11001)? They may not be very glamourous, but they will keep him toasty warm! www.llbean.com Does he have the dreams of an aviator? Smithsonian's Leather Flight Jacket (2845) is adapted from a World War II A-2 jacket on display in the National Air and Space Museum. www.smithsoniancatalogue.org Is he perhaps a bibliophile? The Daedalus Book catalogue is well worth checking out for interesting volumes which are deeply discounted to boot, including "The Know-It-All: One Man's Humble Quest to Become the Smartest Person in the World" by A.J. Jacobs (49545). www.salebooks.com Is he, perchance, a lover of fine wines? Check out Pop's Wines at www.popswine.com for a great selection of wines and spirits at deeply discounted prices. My personal favorite, the 2000 vintage Croft Porto (846920007) sounds simply delicious. To keep him "traditionally" warm, why not give him Creative Irish Gifts Aran Sweater in Merino Wool (CG028). The sizes go up to 2XL and (they say) it may be machine washed or dry-cleaned. Personally, I would prefer the latter, given my experiences with washing machines. www.shopirish.com For the organizationally challenged a thoughtful gift might be Red Envelope's Standing Valet (150127) on which he can hang a suit, tie, belt, and has a handy shelf for his wallet, telephone, and any other electronic accessories. www.redenvelope.com If his wardrobe needs to be attended to in an, ahem, more basic fashion, you might scan the pages of the One Hanes Place catalogue. A three-pack of Hanes Classic briefs goes for just under eight dollars (988OL). Boxers are also available, of course, in a wide variety of colors and patterns. They also have great walking socks with a cushy reinforced heel (991E) in White, Navy, Khaki, and Black to fit shoe sizes 9-12. www.onehanesplace.com If you have a fisherman or hunter in your life, grab the Cabela's catalogue and settle down for a good long read. They have absolutely everything, from lures to catch fish to the waders to don before casting out your line, to the Lodge cast-iron skillets to use in cooking your catch of the day, as well as smokers and dehydrators and all sorts of neat stuff (even for those of us who do not hunt or fish!). Their "gifts" section offers a number of charming items with a rustic touch, including "Sportsmen's Signs" such as: "Business Hours Subject to Change During Hunting Season" (CF-61-9203), wildlife prints, elk and whitetail dinnerware collections, wall murals, and, surely a great conversation piece, reproduction-antler chandeliers. I didn't see the mounted Jackelopes in this particular catalogue, but they are also not to be missed. www.cabelas.com I wish all you ladies out there the best of luck in finding that perfect gift for your sweetheart!!

Valentine's Day Gifts for Her

2005-01-23T07:47:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again! Time to ponder what might be the perfect gift for your sweetheart! Luckily, our mailbox (newly enlarged, such an improvement) has yielded a bumper crop of new Spring catalogues these past few weeks. It's hard to go wrong with jewellery -- Cash's has a gold heart locket (726402) decorated with a pearl and crystals on an 18 inch chain. www.cashs.com I couldn't help but smile when I saw the "Sweetheart Valentine Bear" (AV137385) on the cover of Gump's Spring 2005 catalogue--very cuddlesome on those cold February nights. www.gumps.com In the mood for a cooking project? Williams-Sonoma has a molten chocolate cake batter (10-6517072) that promises a delectable treat (sweets for the sweet!). If you can't keep your sweetheart warm yourself, try one of Ben Silver's cashmere cardigans (LSLC, black; light blue; peony; and pink) from Scotland. I have to admit these look even more delectable than the chocolate cake (plus, they are non-caloric!). www.bensilver.com If a romantic, relaxed look is more your style, take a peek at the Pyramid Collection's two piece linen ensemble in "thistle" (P9-480X) comprised of a kurta-style top with bell sleeves and very attractive openwork above the cuffs and a straight-ish skirt with an elasticized waistband (it's nice to see, too, that they go up to size 14-16). www.pyramidcollection.com Jewellery again. You know what they say about diamonds? Well, I don't know that I agree, exactly, but Ross-Simons sparkling white gold and diamond heart did catch my eye. Ross-Simons has a number of items with a heart motif.....bracelets, pendants, keychains, frames, even cufflinks....all in a wide variety of styles (puffy hearts, flat hearts, curvy hearts....you get the picture) and price points to fit every pocketbook. www.ross-simons.com The Vermont Country Store may seem like an unlikely place to look for a Valentine's day gift, however, the VCS offers much more than Bag Balm and sensible brassieres (though these certainly have their place and time)! You might just find that special cologne or perfume for your sweetheart, as the VCS has a nice selection of harder-to-find fragrances: Evening in Paris (39712) Eau de Parfum and Cologne (43363), Blue Grass Parfum (29765), and, one of my personal favorites from years ago, Tweed Parfum Spray (37586). www.vermontcountrystore.com Your sweetheart can mark the minutes until she sees you again with Shannon's gold and silver plated Claddagh heart watch. The time will fly by! www.shopshannon.com They say that pearls symbolize tears, but I don't think anyone would cry at receiving Red Envelope's pearl pendant necklace on an intricate silver chain (156202). www.redenvelope.com A "sweet" though non caloric gift is J. H. Breakell's Candy Heart Pendant (PD024). You have a choice of sayings, including Maybe, Say Yes, I'm Yours, or Forever. Also worth mentioning is their line of "pierced heart" designs, which, to me, resemble metal lace, including a pin, pendant, bracelet, and earrings, all in sterling silver, which, as well as attractive, are very affordably priced. Their "lovebirds" pin too, is a lovely design. www.breakell.com

However, sometimes the best gifts are those that cannot be wrapped, for example, sleeping in late while your sweetheart makes breakfast for the kids! That's the tops--and you won't even need wrapping paper or a ribbon!

First Entry

2005-01-20T10:10:00.000-08:00

I hope, in this blog, to provide information on the different goods available both in traditional printed catalogues and on online catalogues, and to note both my favorite catalogues as well as items available from the same.