Fashion Jewelry - The Perfect Valentine's Day Gift!

It can't be disputed that diamonds are a girl's best friend, but if gemstones aren’t in your budget, you can still give the gift of jewelry this Valentine's Day. We have an incredible assortment of fashion jewelry that won't break the bank, but it'll still make her heart melt. The first thing you'll need to do is assess her personality: Bold and colorful? Classic? Understated and elegant? Then search for something that reminds you of her. Maybe a colorful Betsey Johnson necklace, or a delicate initial pendant, or a striking silver cuff… The possibilities are endless, and she'll appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Super Snacks

The minutes 'til game time are ticking down… are you ready? Since I like to watch, too, my MO doesn't change: pre-make a bunch of appetizers, put some chili in the warmer and let my family graze at will. Of course, if you're in the market for a slow cooker or warmer of your own, I invite you to check out our selection. I find mine to be an invaluable tool for game day and every day!

Oh, and before I go, I'll share my favorite chili recipe. I serve it with separate bowls of cheddar cheese, green onions and sour cream so guests can garnish as they wish. Enjoy!

Jamie’s Chili -Recipe Courtesy of Jamie Deen

Servings: 8 to 10 servings
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 4 hours 20 min
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients
1   (14 1/2-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1   (14 1/2-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1   (14 1/2 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
ground cumin to taste
1   (28-ounce) can whole, peeled tomatoes
2 cups chopped celery
chili powder to taste
1   package chili seasoning mix
1   small can tomato paste
1   can chili beans
2   (28-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
1   green bell pepper diced
1   medium onion, diced
1 lb mixed ground beef and sausage

Directions
Brown ground beef/sausage mixture in skillet and drain.  Spray large pot with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add the onion, green pepper, and celery and saute briefly. Stir in the diced and whole tomatoes. Add cumin and chili powder, to taste, and cook for about 8 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add the beans, browned meat, and chili seasoning. Partially cover, and let simmer for 4 hours.

Cooking Up a Great Deal

One of my New Year’s resolutions is to cook at home more, complete with healthier meals. And I’m proud to say that I’m doing a pretty good job at it! You, too? If not, I have a little inspiration to get you started now. I invite you to take advantage of this deal on cookware sets from Circulon and KitchenAid – only 34.97-89.97! - and recommit yourself to a healthier 2013.

Deals of the Day priced so low, additional discounts do not apply.  Offer available online only.

Shape Up!

Stay motivated and accomplish your fitness goals with a Garmin FR70 Fitness Watch. This techie time piece tracks all of your workout data including time, heart rate, calories burned and more.  Once your workout is complete, the FR70 transfers data to your computer wirelessly, within range, allowing you to easily track and analyze your progress. Only 99.97, it's 47% off and it's today's Deal of the Day.

Deals of the Day priced so low, additional discounts do not apply.  Offer available online only.  While supplies last.

Introducing… Advanced Retinol Night Treatment from StriVectin®

Advanced Retinol Night Treatment brand new from the miracle-workers at StriVectin®, reduces the look of deep-set wrinkles and fine lines through the night while you sleep! Impressive, no? And something I plan on test-driving post haste.

Lovely in Lace

Lace is ubiquitous at weddings and for good reason: Nothing is more elegant or classically romantic looking. That’s why I’m so excited that it’s trending in a huge way this year. Be it on wedding gowns, favors, cakes, bouquets or decorations, there are lots of fun ways you can incorporate lace into your big day.

Image credits:  

lace table found via Ruffled®, lace bouquets found via Belle the Magazine, 

lace wedding cake found via Ruffled® 

New Arrivals from Calvin Klein

I love our partnership with Calvin Klein because I appreciate the Calvin Klein lifestyle and aesthetic: Simple, clean and elegant. I don't mind spending a little more because I know I'm getting good quality and a timeless look. So, you can see why I'm so excited to announce new arrivals from Calvin Klein! Dresses, pants, tops and more that I know you'll love as much as I do. Happy shopping!

Designer Bedding

If you're doing it right – getting enough sleep, that is – experts say that you'll spend about one third of your life in bed. Why not make it the most comfortable place it can be? To accomplish this, opt for the highest thread count sheets you can, and make sure they're channeling a cool, calming vibe: Crisp neutrals, serene blues and greens, elegant florals…

We carry a fantastic selection of designer bedding from such names as Calvin Klein, Barbara Barry, Ralph Lauren and Vince Camuto both in store and online. You're sure to find something to complement your décor and to help you get a restful night's sleep.

Mix it Up

Have you been wishing for the crème de la crème in standmixers?  Well today's your lucky day! Our Deal of the Day is a KitchenAid 4.5 quart mixer for $174.97 – that’s more than 40% off! Spend less time cooking and more time enjoying when you have the tools to help you complete your tasks with ease.

Deals of the Day priced so low, additional discounts do not apply.  Offer available online only.

Finding the Perfect Foundation

Want perfect skin, but not sure how to get it? Click over to our Foundation Finder to help you find the perfect foundation for your skin and needs. Search by your particular concern or by application type. Check it out!

Pick a Berry

One of the beauty trends I am head over heels with right now is a dark berry lip.  From more subtle, colored glosses to full-out matte lipsticks, you are sure to find a shade and intensity that works best for you. Beauty perk: A bold berry lip makes you teeth look extra white!

image credit via Bridal Hot List.

Give your home a makeover with Better Homes & Gardens

Is your home in need of a makeover? Join the editors of Better Homes and Gardens for a free design consultation and seminar this Friday at our Brookfield Furniture Gallery or Saturday at our Carson’s Schaumburg Furniture Gallery.

For a free mini-design consultation with the Better Homes and Gardens editors, you can bring a photo of any room in your home. No reservations are required for this complimentary event.

Meet the editors:

Joseph Boehm, Senior Interior Designer
As Senior Interior Designer for Better Homes and Gardens magazine, Joseph Boehm designs interiors for special home-building projects and show houses. Besides his editorial duties, Joe also serves as the magazine’s liaison to the design/home furnishings industry, and has been instrumental in curating the Better Homes and Gardens furniture collection. Joe’s knowledge of trends has led him to an advisory capacity across Meredith Corporation divisions and to speaking engagements to select audiences across the nation.  A native of New Orleans, Boehm lives in Des Moines, IA where the magazine’s editorial and Meredith corporate headquarter offices are located. Well-traveled and well-schooled in art history and period furnishings, Joe brings unique inspiration to every project he touches.

Amy Panos, Senior Editor
As a Senior Editor in the Home Design department at Better Homes & Gardens, Amy covers decorating trends, do-it-yourself project ideas, and strategies and products for organizing the home. Amy was the editor of Creative Home magazine and, before that, worked at Traditional Home magazine. She’s a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia’s journalism program and holds a master’s degree in art history from the University of Iowa. Amy lives in Des Moines with her husband and three children.

  The first 50 guests will receive a copy of the Better Homes and Gardens anniversary cookbook.

Saturday, January 26, 2013
11:00 AM Design Consultation
2:00 PM Trend Presentation

Boston Store Brookfield Furniture Gallery
18615 West Bluemound Road
Brookfield, WI 53045
 (262) 827-8898

Sunday, January 27, 2013
12:00 PM Design Consultation
3:00PM Trend Presentation

Carson’s Schaumburg Furniture Gallery
830 East Golf Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 882-2447

Athletic Shoes

Well, we're halfway through January… How's your fitness resolution going? Remember that suiting up in the appropriate gear from head to toe is incredibly important, so let's start at the bottom. Whether you're just beginning a walking regimen or you're a seasoned runner, we've got the shoes for you. Take a look at our selection of athletic shoes sure to fit your style, activity, fitness level and budget. Now set your playlist, turn up the volume and let's get moving!

Spring Dinnerware

If you need a touch of spring, look no further than the brand new dinnerware offerings from Celebrity Chef Paula Deen! Choose from delightful patterns like Spring Medley, Southern Rooster and Spring Prelude. Warm weather will be here before we know it, but until then we can dream…

Deal of the Day: Trash Tech

Technology has hit the trash. So to speak. Today's Deal of the Day will amaze you. We're offering a 49.97 touchless trash can duo from Nine Stars. Using the most advanced sensor technology available, the lid opens easily when your hand passes across the infrared sensor.  Three seconds after your hand moves away from the lid, it automatically closes. I don’t know if taking out the trash will ever be “fun” but with these sweet trash cans, it will certainly make the chore a lot more palatable!

Spring is in the air!

The trends for spring 2013 offer an incredible variety of newness that includes color and silhouettes across all categories—from ready-to wear to accessories to shoes.

“Just Add Color”
Spring is bursting with color mixing bright with pastels – vibrant corals and soft apricots, intense turquoise mixed with cool mint, and an entire range of pretty pinks --from bright fuchsia to dark raspberry.
A must for spring wardrobes is the colored bottom – from jeans to capris to shorts in bright and pastels. Push the update further and add a print – dots, floral and subtle animal are key. Top it all off with a jacket – great new styles from the fitted boyfriend blazer to a jean jacket or one with a new open, softer silhouette--all key to complete your look.

“Feminine Charm”
Floral print, lace and crochet are perfect details for adding feminine charm to dresses and blouses. Key silhouettes, such as the pleated sleeve or peplum blouse, up the ante on femininity, especially when paired with a lady-like pencil skirt.

“Got the Blues” Chambray blue denim in jeans, jackets and the classic chambray shirt is back--even worn head to toe for a classic blues statement. The Chambray shirt is a must—anything from solid to ones with ditzy prints. Wear it with a great pair of jeans in any denim wash.

“Skin is In”
Wild prints can also be found in the new season’s looks. Snake and exotic skins are the most important looks for spring and can be found on handbags, shoes, and even coated denim.

Our favorite must have items for the season include:

 - Bold Colors are used on pants, dresses, jackets handbags and shoes.
 - The New Jacket includes styles like the fitted boyfriend, denim, and more.
 - Crochet and Lace offers a feminine statement.
 - Hardware embellishments include studs, grommets, and zippers.
 - Sweatshirt Looks are glommed up with sequins, lace, hardware, or screen prints.

Look Younger in 5 Days.

Did that grab your attention? Experience Estée Lauder’s Advanced Time Zone Age Reversing Line / Wrinkle Crème, Lotion and Eye Crème, and notice the difference it makes! Reducing the visible signs of aging, while discouraging their future appearance, this revolutionary collection is surely going to be a best-seller. Visit the Estée Lauder counter and let an expert guide you through which products are best for you.

Getting Ready to Say “I Do”?

Registering for wedding gifts is one of the most fun things on your "to do" list as an engaged couple.  You’re building a wish list full of both fun and practical items that you will use in the years to come.  If you create a new registry with us and add at least 25 unique items from now through March 1, 2013, we'll give you $25 to spend in our stores. Consider it an early wedding gift from us to you.  What are you waiting for, nearly-weds? Start your Wedding Registry today!

New Year, New You! Shapewear from Skinnygirl by Bethenny Frankel

Enhance your look with stylish Skinnygirl Smoothers n' Shapers created by Bethenny Frankel. We're thrilled to offer this collection of "meant to be seen" shapewear, which includes tanks, briefs, boyshorts, shaping slips and more.  Each piece features feminine details like lace, fashionable fabrics and trim embellishment to help you feel sleek, slim, not to mention beautiful. And with styles to fit nearly every need, size and budget, you're sure to find the perfect solution piece. Click through to see a sample of our selection!

Organize!

 

Resolve to get organized in 2013 with a little help from handy tools like closet organizers, utility carts, sturdy hangers, attractive storage boxes and so much more! You've heard the advice - Make three piles as you're going through your things: "Keep", "Donate" and "Toss".

When you've made those hard decisions, act on them and then take the time to sort through the things you've kept that are important to you. Once they are organized, they will take up far less room in your home and you'll be able to locate your essentials quickly and easily.

These Boots Were Made for Walking

Strap yourself in for a comfy ride with Aerosoles® "Gatherer" boots!  They're today's Deal of the Day for 49.97 (That’s 58% off!).  These darling tall-shaft boots feature Aerosoles' cushioned comfort, bringing you spa-like bliss with every step you take. They also feature Aerosoles extended calf technology, which allows the calf area of the boot to expand two additional inches.  Available in four great colors: Black, Brown, Gray and Taupe, you are sure to find a color you love.

Deals of the Day priced so low, additional discounts do not apply.  Offer available online only.  While supplies last.

Younger Looking Skin in 15 Minutes

Good news for your treatment routine! The new Prevage Anti-Aging + Intensive Repair Daily Serum has breakthrough correcting serum to life skin and improve fine facial within 15 minutes. And after that, it keeps working to counteract damage and visible signs of aging. Try it for yourself and see the improvement!

Garnets

Fun fact about the history of birthstones: In 1870, Tiffany & Co. published a collection of poems written to decree each month’s birthstone. The poem for January, whose birthstone is the garnet, reads as follows:

By her who in this month is born
No gem save garnets should be worn;
They will ensure her constancy,
True friendship, and fidelity.

Happy Birthday, January babies!