From the category archives:

Kitchen Decor

Need More Space in Your Kitchen?

by Joi on March 16, 2010

Free Shipping. Create a Cart with Wood Top by Homestyles - 9001-0031

You can never have…

  • …too much love in your heart
  • ….too much chocolate in your mouth
  • … too much coffee in your cup
  • … too much money in your hand
  • ….too much fun
  • ….too many bracelets
  • …too many kids
  • ….too many miracles
  • ….too many Angelina Jolie dvds
  • … too many dreams
  • …. too much kitchen space

That’s not to say very many of these things are easy to come by.  If you cook as much as I do, the last one is of the utmost importance to you.  However, we pretty much have to make do with the space we have.  I’ve also noticed something else – kitchen space is like money… you just use it all up, anyway!  I currently have the largest kitchen I’ve ever been blessed with, yet I still find myself looking for more space.  Just yesterday, while making a few batches of sugar cookies using my beloved shark cookie cutter from Oceana,  I had to use the dining room table to place some of the cookies to cool.

If I’d had the gorgeous and space-saving kitchen cart above (the Free Shipping. Create a Cart with Wood Top by Homestyles – 9001-0031), I’d have been as cool as my shark cookies.

From Stacks and Stacks.com:

Looking for a little extra counter space and storage space? Here’s the perfect solution! This small kitchen cart will provide you with more space to cook on while not taking up much of your kitchen floor. This solid wood serving cart has one spacious utility drawer and two cabinet doors which open to storage with adjustable shelf inside. Also conveniently located on one side is a handy spice rack with towel bar and on the other side a paper towel holder. This kitchen island cart has a beautiful wood top and is available in 5 different finishes; red, white, black, oak and natural. Assembly required.

Click HERE for more information and to take advantage of the Free Shipping and to see the other gorgeous colors available. I’m going with the red for a couple of great reasons.

  1. I have a lot of red and purple in my kitchen.  I’m drawn to bright, happy, lively colors.
  2. Red symbolizes the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team to me.
  3. Red symbolizes the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team to my husband.

Number 3?  That’s the money shot.

Coca-Cola, more than just about any logo or brand you can think of, symbolizes true Americana.  That’s why (along with the upbeat attitude and great taste) so many people are drawn to Coca-Cola collector’s items.   My mom collected Coca-Cola metal trays, bottles, and a whole host of other products and when she suddenly and unexpectedly decided to move on to Heaven, I gave all of her beloved Coca-Cola products a place to call home.

I’ve fallen in love with the logo and collector’s items, myself, and now consider myself a collector of all things Coca-Cola.  I think it’s a great image, a great logo, and a big, beautiful slice of American history.

What’s not to love about that?

Red 'Enjoy' Pot Holder
Red ‘Enjoy’ Pot Holder

Good with Food Replica Metal Coca-Cola Sign
Good with Food Replica Metal Coca-Cola Sign

Sign Of Good Taste Placemat
Sign Of Good Taste Placemat

Retro Coke Napkin Dispenser
Retro Coke Napkin Dispenser

Click through any of the links for LOTS more. You’ll find vintage metal signs, tumblers, towels, and things you never even thought of. The website also features Sprite, Diet Coke (a personal favorite!) and Fanta.

By the way, speaking of Coca-Cola, have you ever tried Coke Zero? In my opinion, it tastes just like regular Coca-Cola… fantastic! For some reason (probably has a lot to do with baseball games and picnics), Coke tastes like summer to me. A hot dog and an ice cold Coca-Cola… it’s always the right time for that combination.

For a great Coca-Cola Cake Recipe, click the link!

I’m a sucker for all holidays and embrace them like a 2 year old embraces her favorite teddy bear. Valentine’s Day is a favorite – how could it not be? It’s all about chocolate, love, stuffed animals, chocolate, beautiful flowers, hearts, and chocolate. I’ve rounded up some beautiful kitchen gadgets and what-nots below just in time for this very special holiday. Yes, I said holiday… on account of the chocolate.

These would make very special valentine’s day gifts. Needless to say, they’d also make very special “self to self” gifts. You gotta love those.

RSVP International 4-pc. Endurance Heart Measuring Spoons
RSVP International 4-pc. Endurance Heart Measuring Spoons

Tin Woodsman 5-pc. Heart Measuring Spoon Set
Tin Woodsman 5-pc. Heart Measuring Spoon Set

Amco Set of 2 Heart Non Stick Heart and Daisy Pancake Molds
Amco Set of 2 Heart Non Stick Heart and Daisy Pancake Molds

R&M International Corp. 9-pc. Love Cookie Cutters
9-pc. Love Cookie Cutters

RSVP International 4-pc. Endurance Heart Measuring Cups
RSVP International 4-pc. Endurance Heart Measuring Cups

Tin Woodsman 5-pc. Heart Measuring Cup Set
Tin Woodsman 5-pc. Heart Measuring Cup Set

Valentine Treats
Valentine Treats

25 Pc. Cutlery & Gadget Set Le sigh. My apologies for the ridiculously tiny picture in this post. I came across this insanely wonderful 25 Pc. Cutlery & Gadget Set (25 pieces!) and wanted to share it with you. But, alas, the website only offers a “zoom” view of the product – leaving me with no other option but this minuscule picture.

It looks like something Barbie would have on her shelf.

If I weren’t so terribly impressed with this set, I wouldn’t have even bothered – who needs a tiny Tim image in a post?! Unfortunately, I’m wild about this cutlery and gadget set, so please overlook the small fry.

The 7-Pc. cutlery features full tang and ergonomic grip, plus poultry shears.  I love that everything’s in a black color scheme – that’s always so chic and classy.

You’ll have to click through the link (or the tiny picture) and then zoom in to see everything that’s included in the 15-Pc. gadget set.  I’m just wild about the thought of everything being so organized and tidy.  A set like this cuts down on the time (and mess) that comes from searching drawers and cabinets.

Get this: The hardwood cutlery block has a built-in 60-minute timer! The whole shebang resides in a great-looking steel wire organizer. It’s all dishwasher safe, which is another plus.


R527 – RAM Lighting Kitchen Decor

If you’re anything like me, you spend a great, great, great deal of time in the kitchen. Not only do I spend a great deal of time cooking, my home office is right actually right off of the kitchen. So, I see this room more than any other in the house. This is why I make sure to surround myself in here with everything I love. You know, things that make me smile. While I do this throughout the house, I take extra special care in my sanctum sanctorum!


R525 – RAM Lighting Kitchen Decor

Sometimes it’s fun to mix things up a little and totally re-do your colors, your accents, and your theme – your vibe, as it were. I’m really loving the Bistro-type of decor, featured in this post. They’re so classy looking!

These particular lovelies are from one of my favorite online stores: Lighting By Gregory. Click on those that catch your eye and learn more. I guarantee the price of each will be less than you’d expect.


R308 – RAM Lighting Kitchen Decor

And quite possibly my favorite (and proof positive that my favorite decorations are those that make me smile)……


R116 – RAM Lighting Kitchen Accessory

sengWare OBS-20140 Pomello Pack of 1 1qt. Casserole Dish and 2 qt. Lasagna Dish Set

Remember in the last post (Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole), I told you how much I love green bean casserole? Well, this ought to prove it. I’ve spent the past 30 minutes searching for the perfect casserole dish to serve it in this Christmas! When you shop FOR a favorite recipe, you know it’s not just love – it’s crazy love. Oh well, it isn’t my first, or last, brush with crazy… so I’ll just show you what I’ve found!

These colorful Casserole and Lasagna Dish sets would make STUNNING presentations for Green Bean Casseroles, as well as any other. And can you just picture lasagna served in one of the blues? Wow.   Click on your favorite(s) to take a closer look!

sengWare OBS-20120 Pistachio Pack of 1 1qt. Casserole Dish and 2 qt. Lasagna Dish Set

sengWare OBS-20190 Coco Pack of 1 1qt. Casserole Dish and 2 qt. Lasagna Dish Set

sengWare OBS-20200 Bistro Pack of 1 1qt. Casserole Dish and 2 qt. Lasagna Dish Set

sengWare OBS-20110 Tangerina Pack of 1 1qt. Casserole Dish and 2 qt. Lasagna Dish Set

sengWare OBS-20151 Heaven Pack of 1 1qt. Casserole Dish and 2 qt. Lasagna Dish Set

sengWare OBS-20150 Blueberry Pack of 1 1qt. Casserole Dish and 2 qt. Lasagna Dish Set

But, for Christmas, can you really do any better than red?!?!?….

sengWare OBS-20160 Pimento Pack of 1 1qt. Casserole Dish and 2 qt. Lasagna Dish Set

Women's Blue Chocolate Apron

Women’s Blue Chocolate Apron

If you are (or know) a cook who’s both a whiz in the kitchen and a real girly girl – a beautiful, flirty little apron would make her bat her lashes wildly. Not only does a great, well-made apron protect our clothes, it allows us to look like the divas we are as we go about our daily work. I am absolutely mad about these aprons, I’m not even kidding. It’s true love. If, like most of us, you still have a little Christmas shopping to finish up – trust me, one of these aprons would be greatly appreciated. They make beautiful, original, and highly thoughtful gifts.

Click through any of the aprons in this post (my personal favorites – especially the ones with dots!) to see the entire collection. There are also aprons for kids and men! So, if you know a man who has an inner Bobby Flay, Alton Brown, or Emeril -you know what an apron would mean, right ladies? You encourage him to keep on keeping on! (We’re always one step ahead of them, aren’t we girls?)

Look at the colors… look at the details… look at the bows!!

Women's Pink Chocolate Apron

Women’s Pink Chocolate Apron

Women's Frosted Cupcake Apron

Women’s Frosted Cupcake Apron

Women's Chic Teal Apron

Women’s Chic Teal Apron

Now: Let’s Hear it for the Boys!

Men's

Men’s “Caution Extremely Hot” Apron (red)

Men's

Men’s “I Turn Grills On” Apron (black)

Men's

Men’s “Kiss The Cook” (red)

Refurbished Accolade™ Stand Mixer Juniper Berry

Sigh. Is this Refurbished Accolade™ Stand Mixer Juniper Berry not the most breath-taking piece of culinary beautifulness you’ve ever seen?   I’m totally weak in the knees and can think of nothing but getting my dough-covered hands all over it.

Features:
High-Performance, 400-watt motor delivers the power to mix everyday household recipes including double batches of batter and cookie dough, quick breads, pizza dough, and basic white bread dough. Includes flat beater, dough hook, stainless steel wire whip. Pouring Shield not included, Pouring Shield sold separately Tilt-head design, Stainless steel bowl with ergonomic handle, Locked rotor protection Soft start mixing feature, Electronic speed sensor, Hinged hub cover for easy use of attachments Dimensions: 14.0″H x 14.5″W x 8.5″D, 22 lbs.

….and it’s UK blue!

On Thanksgiving morning, as a tradition, I make these amazing puff pastries that I fill with a homemade whipped topping.  Each year when I make the pastry (as well as the rest of the year when making homemade bread, doughnuts, pizza crust, etc.) I think what a difference a stand alone mixer would make.  The dough could be getting all kinds of a beat down while my hands are free to chop, cut, blend, throw chocolate into my mouth… you know, the necessities.

Click through the link above to learn more.  These beauties are available in every color you could imagine, making them more than just one of a kitchen’s greatest appliances – they’re killer decor!

I know I don’t have to tell you what wonderful Christmas gifts they’d make.  You’d truly light up someone’s world.  (Michael, dear, are you listening?…)


Melted Chocolate Running from a Whisk

Melted Chocolate Running from a Whisk Photographic Print
Buy at AllPosters.com

A chocoholic such as myself shouldn’t even look at pictures like the one above, but here I sit – drooling and fixated. Fixated and drooling.  What I wouldn’t give to plant my entire body (mouth first) beneath that flow of chocolate.

Looks like it’ll be chocolate something or another for our Biggest Loser snack tonight.   Sorry, Bob.  Sorry, Jillian.  Chocolate calls and I must answer.

A Cook’s Dream Come True!

by Joi on October 8, 2009

Free Shipping. Kitchen Cart with Pantry

Want. Want. Want. Want.

This Kitchen Cart with Pantry (also known as Joi’s dream come true) is from Stacks and Stacks.com and I’m flat out infatuated with it. Who doesn’t want more storage space in their kitchen?!

This gorgeous kitchen cart and island provides you a work space and kitchen storage in one unit. It’s constructed of durable, easy to clean, stain resistant, melamine laminated particle board with a solid hardwood butcher block top. This kitchen work center features a tilt-out compartment to accommodate a 13-gallon waste basket (not included) and a built-in pantry for storing your canned foods, packages and spices!

A handy dishtowel rack and paper towel holder adds convenience to this already versatile kitchen island. Hidden casters behind real hardwood skirt offer smooth and easy mobility – plus the kitchen cart only weighs 48 lbs. – meaning you can position your kitchen island where you need it to prep food, store and organize!

Features:

  • This kitchen cart and island provides you a work space and kitchen storage in one unit.
  • This kitchen center island is constructed of durable particle board with a solid hardwood top.
  • Assembly required. See below for more details!
  • Made in the U.S.A.

Click through to learn more about this brillaint cook’s companion.