Affordable Luxuries

Great Gift Idea: Set of 4 Latte Mugs

Nataly — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:00:47 +0000

I am of the opinion that you can never have too many great mugs. This set of 4 is great for yourself (especially if you’re cutting down on Starbucks) or as a gift, say for wherever you’re going for Thanksgiving.

$44 at Wrappables.com .

Speaking of gifts, check out our Unique Hostess Gifts for Under $25 slideshow.

Cooking: Ten by Sheila Lukins

Lylah — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 05:01:14 +0000

Sheila Lukins, co-author of “The Silver Palate” cookbooks and the longtime food editor and columnist for “Parade” magazine, has researched everyone’s favorite dishes — thick steaks, tender roasted chicken, leafy salads, rich chocolates, to name just a few — and offers up 10 amazing recipes for each in her new book, Ten: All the Foods We Love and 10 Perfect Recipes for Each. This book is a great gift for the foodie on your list — or for yourself!

$19.95 at Amazon.com

For more great cookbooks, be sure to check out our slide show, “10 Great Cookbooks for Busy Moms”!

Moms Must Haves: Kiva Keychain Tote

Lylah — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 05:03:41 +0000

This tiny tote by Kiva is just 4 1/2-inches by 2 3/4-inches when closed, but it unzips to a 755 cubic-inch bag capable of holding all of those things you didn’t think you needed but bought anyway. It’s also perfect for use as a reusable grocery bag — clip it to your purse strap, and you’ll always have it when you need it!

$9.95 at Mori Luggage & Gift.

Home Style: Mrs. Myer’s Natural Diffuser

Nataly — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:29:57 +0000

I bought this diffuser after seeing it on Daily Grommet and wow, the smell is so fresh and natural. As a plus, these are environmentally-friendly.

$23 for diffuser and one refill at Delight.com.

Check out our 5 Fab Eco-Friendly Products slideshow for more ideas.

Home Style: Miniature French Herb Gardens

mamajama — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 05:51:48 +0000

Petit Coco herb gardens are a great way to keep fresh basil and mint around. The pots are shaped like tea kettles or casserole dishes. They measure approximately 3-inches high and wide, and are sure to make any cook smile.

Find them for $11.50 each or for $33 for a set of 3 at delight.com

Work Happy: Mood Weather Mugs

Nataly — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:32:10 +0000

Alert your co-workers about how you feel today with this set of four mugs, each displaying a different mood (e.g. Fairly cranky, which is about how I feel right now.)

$38 for 4 mugs at UncommonGoods.com .

Travel Gear: Onesole Shoes

Lylah — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 05:02:57 +0000

If you tend to pack too many shoes, then Onesoles by Quick Change Artist is perfect for you. These comfortable casual shoes come with interchangeable “toppers” so you can change the look of your shoes to match your outfit. A single pair of shoe soles can be topped to look like strappy sandles, simple slip-ons, or buckle-accented wedges.

Shoe soles, $74.95; “toppers” $9.95 to $24.95 at PackingLight.net.

Going on a business trip? Check out our must-have products for business travelers!

Kid Fashion: 77kids Graphic Tee

Nataly — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:21:00 +0000

I love this modern, soft graphic tee, extremely practical for daycare and fashionable enough for my daughter to say that she is cool like mom. Can there be a better compliment?

$17 at American Eagle Outfitters.com .

Great Gift Ideas: Feltopia Quiet Activity Toy

Lylah — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 05:09:42 +0000

The old-school felt board gets updated for today’s kid-on-the-go by the folks at Manhattan Toy. This 31-piece set includes four themes — royalty, under the sea, fairy garden, and family room — and all the floppy felt pieces pack into pockets of the handled case (which doubles as the feltboard itself).

$29.95 at Genius Babies.

Need more gift ideas? Check out our slideshow featuring 10 great gifts for preschoolers!

Cooking: Barefoot Contessa Family Style Cookbook

Nataly — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 17:00:56 +0000

One of the ways we save money is by going out less and cooking more. I discovered Barefoot Contessa cookbooks a while back and to this day her simple and delicious recipes (that don’t require you to be a super-cook) are some of my favorites. I have dogeared many a page in her Paris cookbook and have just ordered this one.

$23 at Amazon.com.

Speaking of recipes, check out our Quick and Easy Side Dishes for Thanksgiving slideshow.