Planned Purchases & Price Matching - The Bay, Kitchen Stuff Plus, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Future Shop

I've been a bad, bad girl.

I told myself I would stop. I would end the madness. But alas, here I am, preparing to swipe my Visa once again, and stock up on kitchen gadgets galore.

I present to you my current wishlist/planned culinary purchases, arranged by store.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Bay (Sale Ends May 1st, 2014):

Joseph Joseph Stretch Trivet in Green

I've been searching high and low for the perfect trivet for some time. I have two green silicon circles at the moment, but they're incredibly thin and about the size of small salad plates. Considering I tend to use a lot of big pots and pans, I constantly worry about damaging whatever surface I place the hot pans on. I've been looking for something a bit thicker, with enough surface area to accommodate my roasting pants and cookie sheets. I wanted it to be silicon-based, due to silicon's amazing heat-resistant properties, durability, washability, and plain old ability to cool rather quickly if needed. Plus, I figure that most of the metals ones (even the coated, enamel ones), will retain too much heat and burn my hands if I try and move or adjust them, or that my pots will slide around on a slick metal surface. 

And then in steps in this beauty; a trivet goddess if there ever was one. Compact, but expandable. Refreshing in both colour and design. Heat resistant to 600F, and dishwasher safe, it fits the bill (and beyond). Currently only $13.99, on sale from $19.99 - it's a pretty sweet deal. I can't wait to pick one (maybe even two) up!

Joseph Joseph Scoop OR Small Scoop Colander in Green

Yeah, I'm a sucker for matching sets/collections. But hear me out! These colander scoopers are a utensil-junkie's dream. Heat resistant up to 480F, so it'll be really useful for oven-based meals like roasted potatoes that need saving from being "oil-boarded", or to de-chunkify your chicken/roast's resting juices. It sure beats my slotted spoons, and I really can't get over how intuitively simple and modern this tool's design really is. I'd like to get both, although I could probably manage (read: struggle) with just one. Right now they're on sale for $6.29 for the Small Scoop (down from $8.99) and $8.39 for the Regular Scoop (down from $11.99), so for under $10 each, I could afford to scoop them both up. 

Kitchen Stuff Plus:

Trudeau Blanche Mini Mortar and Pestle

I already have a nice dark grey/black marble mortar and pestle, and it has served me well for quite sometime; HOWEVER, it's way too heavy and large for its main purpose (in my case) - grinding a few small spoonfuls of black peppercorns and pink himalayan salt crystals. You really should try grinding your own spices more often - there's just something very satisfying about the crushing motion and the freshness of the grind, and besides, my poor Bodum Bistro Salt and Pepper Grinder died about a mere month-or-so post-purchase (beyond Future Shop's return policy), and frankly, it was half-assing it from the beginning. Sometimes it would screw up; when I wanted salt, I got a mix of salt and pepper instead (and vice versa). So I got fed up, relegated it to the back of a cupboard (until I have the patience to deal with Bodum Customer Support), and decided to hand-grind from there on out. Now, I'm trying to clear up space on my counters, and I'm getting sick and tired of lifting a heavy marble mortar for a mere teaspoon of salt, so I figured I'd find a smaller, counter-top replacement, and stow my larger marble stunner for times when a simple teaspoon just won't cut it. That's where this precious little piece comes in. I've read a number of positive reviews on this model, and for only $4.99, you really can't go wrong. Sure, I would've preferred another black marble one to match (I'm a sucker, remember?), but the $10 Fox Run Marble Mortar and Pestle in Black seemed a bit too shiny (translated: cheap) in comparison to my current one. Besides, I think I could get used to this simple, understated style.

Trudeau Blanche Mini Salt Pig

And so, to complete the set, I'd love to pick up one of these absolutely adorable (this pic really doesn't do it justice) matching salt pigs. Right now, I just have a this huge plastic pouch (the one the salt actually came in) taking up valuable counter space, so this, like the mini mortar and pestle, will prove to be very effective. I was considering getting a second one for my peppercorns, but my Cuisinart 16 pc Spice Rack already has a designated jar for them, so there'd be no point (we're trying to save space, remember?). It's a sooey-worthy steal at only $2.99, although I've got to admit this is one of those things I'd prefer to get vintage, but I don't have the time/patience to search (closest Value Village is 40 minutes away...). That, and purchasing from Etsy, as wonderful as it would be, is a bit too costly for me (or else I would be all over this gorgeous turquoise one). Either way, considering how cheap it really is, even if I do eventually find a snazzier one whilst vintage shopping, it wouldn't be much of a loss to replace it. I've got to admit though, I'm really liking the pop of pink against the white!

Bed Bath & Beyond:

Emile Henry 14 1/2-Inch Pizza Stone in Red

Okay, I'll admit, I would scoff at those who owned a pizza stone. "My frozen pizza crust crisps just fine on my $10 perforated pizza pan, thank you very much." Let me just say, I'm sorry. I was naive and foolish and realized the error in my ways when I tried to bake a homemade gluten free crust... and watched to my dismay at it glued itself to my pan, plugging the perforations. I figured that something without perforations ran the risk of making my crust soggy, so I went ahead and investigated this "pizza stone" bizness a little more. Turns out, The Bay has a very highly recommended pizza stone on sale for half price, and Bed Bath & Beyond sells it for $35 more (Perfect opportunity for a Price Match). This particular pizza stone (Originally $49.99 at The Bay, on sale for $34.99, selling at BB&B for $69.99) can be used in the oven, microwave, freezer, and even on your grill - can be heated up to 930F! You can slice away on it, and it claims to be much lighter than it looks (30% lighter than cast iron? I'll be the judge of that). Considering I'll be making my own gluten free pizza doughs and breads from scratch from now on, this could seriously come in handy. I plan on finding a nice wooden pizza peel (possibly bamboo) at Winners/Marshalls/Homesense; I've seen quite a few before, but never had a reason to pick one up (until now that is).

Future Shop:

Bodum Bistro Hand Blender in Red

I'm a bit of a Bodum fan-girl, and have almost never been disappointed by their clever products (the salt and pepper shaker being the exception). I currently own the Bodum Bistro Hand Mixer (which I scored on Clearance at The Bay for $31.99!), matching Bodum Bistro Toaster, and also matching Bodum Bistro Electric Blade Coffee Grinder, (found it at Winners for $19.99) among other things, and so I saw that the red "hand blender" was on sale and decided, why not? I haven't used an immersion blender since I was living at home, and simply struggled with my pathetic 5-or-so-year old Magic Bullet (that inevitably bit the bullet this year) for the longest time. I am questioning this purchase, seeing as I recently gifted myself (we all deserve something nice every once in awhile) an OXO Food Mill (I persuaded BB&B to let me have it for $50, tax included! How could I say no?!) and replaced my Magic Bullet with a Kitchenaid 3.5 Cup Food Processor. I pined for one when making homemade (from scratch) butternut squash soup, but now I think my food mill would probably do a better job. Still, this video's had me convinced that there is more than meets the eye. $45.98 ain't bad, and it matches, so, you know, gotta collect 'em all. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And there you have it folks; a tally of how I'm going to be so broke ($130 in the hole, to be precise) and how I need/justify/deserve it all. And who knows, maybe while I'm out and about, I'll find even more (let's hope not, for my wallet's sake)(but if I do, you'll surely be the first to know).

Until next dime!

Shopaholic

Kitchen Stuff Plus - Classic 2.4L Crock Pot, Only $10!

I know I'm kind of KSP-obsessed, but it's for good reason! This Canadian company continues to impress me with its weekly (sometimes even overlapping) special offers, commonly known as "Red Hot Deals" (not to be confused with Red Flag Deals' "Hot Deals"). I've kind of been on a bit of a Kitchen Stuff Plus hiatus of sorts. Don't ask me why... but if you must, I'll just tell you I've been way to lazy to make the long(-ish) trek to their Yonge and Bloor location. Also, I've kind of been a bit of a traitor and have been doing most of my shopping at Marshalls (le bf works there, I get to use his discount, sue me).

But this week I just HAD to make my way over to pick up their latest deal - A classic, 2 setting Crock Pot! With their current Red Hot Deals coupon (Valid until February 23!), you can score what's normally $19.99, for only $10! Just print the coupon or present it on your phone at your time of purchase. If you're buying online, just use the code RHD212 to get your discount!

This Crock Pot is the perfect size students, a couple, or a small family. At 2.4L, you've got enough room for a roast, and it's a lot less overwhelming than your typical 7 quart set up (bigger isn't always better). It's perfect for when I'm working or going to class, as I can pop the ingredients before I leave, and come home to a delicious, fresh meal, with no extra effort required. Simple to use, even simpler to clean (pop the insert into the dishwasher, and you're done), and with 5 fanciful colours to choose from (The blue Damask being my perfect pick), you'd be silly not to take advantage and "invest" in a Crock Pot for your kitchen.

"Red" | "Daisy" | "White" | "Damask" | "Polka Dot"

If you buy one and catch some sort of Crock Pot Fever, never fear, another option is here! If you do infact need a bigger slow cooker, Walmart has a Stainless Steel 7 quart Crock Pot available for $19.88 (with Free Shipping). It's a basic model, like those above, with great reviews and a darn large crock caboose to boot. Personally, I wouldn't want to haul that out of the cabinet on a weekly (potentially daily) basis, and my apartment is cramped enough as it is. But if you have the space, why not?

If the above hasn't convinced you, perhaps some crave-worthy slow cooker recipes'll do the trick!

Remember to adjust serving size/portions before using the recipes, as they may not be tailored for a 2.4L Crock Pot.

AllRecipes.com Slow Cooker Recipes

Spoonful.com 30+ Simple Slow Cooker Recipes

FoodNetwork.com Slow Cooker Recipes

Food.com Crock Pot Recipes

Now get to Crockin',

-Shopaholic

How to Make Certain Things Taste 100X Better, Just By Heating Them Up

Inspiration kind of hit in the middle of work the other day, while I was cashing out a lady who was buying some Miss Vickie's chips. She happened to approach my register seconds after I complained to a co-worker about my hunger pains. "Now this is a snack!" I exclaimed, excitedly waving around this woman's bag of chips, as both the customer and co-worker chuckled at my antics. "They're even better warmed up!" she said, and continued on with a story about how her son told her that the chips would literally blow her mind after a few minutes in a hot oven. Her story sparked a list of items, and we ran through them like giddy little school girls, mouths watering (and stomachs yearning) over the thought of delectable reheated goods.

And now, I'm ready to rock your mouths with that very same list.

It's Getting Hot in Here

Cookies: anything without cream or candy could use a good nuking. If you love cookies fresh out of the oven, why not recreate that by popping those puppies back in the oven? The smell is intoxicating and worth the extra time!

Glazed Donuts: If the Krispy Kreme box didn't convince you, the feeling of a glazed donut upon your tongue is pretty orgasmic. Rusty spoons need not apply. #ObscureReferences

Muffins: Take your muffin, heat it in the microwave for 10 seconds at a time until satisfied. Repeat.

Potato/Corn/Tortilla Chips: As mentioned above, toasting your potato chips in the oven takes them to a new level of enjoyment. But why leave out the other members of the chip brigade? If you love nachos, you'll surely love the taste of a freshly toasted chip.

Taco/Burrito Kit Shells/Tortillas: Don't paso on the Old El Paso dinner kits; if you heat up the accompanying grains a touch in the oven before serving, your dining experience will improve by at least 85%. At least.

Peanut Butter Sandwiches: One of my closest friends Brandon used to make this for me whenever I'd visit. DIY at home by taking two slices of your standard PB&J bread (I prefer cutting the crusts), placing them on a very large plate, and slathering one side of one slice with an unhealthy amount of the aforementioned spread. Next, place the second slice of bread on top, and proceed to "stucco" the crustless side borders of your sandwich with as much peanut butter as you can stand. Fill in every last nook and cranny - you'll thank me later. Take your finished PBBB (or peanut butter bread brick, for of all you ignoramuses) and pop it in the microwave for about 6-15 seconds, depending on power levels (<1 if over 9000), until peanut butter has reached a desired, melty consistency. Pour yourself a pint of milk (you're gonna need it), and enjoy.

Bread: Quiznos does this for a reason, and a very good one at that.You would think this would be obvious, but many people seem to be quite content with subpar-ly served grain options. By simply tossing it into the oven, one can sometimes breathe new life to a somewhat stale and (obviously) lifeless loaf. This is especially true for the aromatic cheese breads I often pass up on due to stupid dietary requirements (as in, I want to convince myself I'm doing the right thing by passing on the extra cheesy calories). This doesn't just apply to your basic dinner rolls though. Toasting sandwich breads, biscuits, and bagels of all makes and models is the key to a more enjoyable meal. Like, you don't have to go full-panini over here; just toasting the bread before making your sandwich will do the trick.

Now get the Focaccia outta here.

-Shopaholic

How To Use Up All of That Old Holiday Chocolate (Valentine's Day Edition)

So you may or may not have had some companionship on "Over Commercialized, Keep the Wavering Holiday Romance Going Strong Day". None of that matters now though. No, what matters is that you have a stack of various heart and/or cupid shaped chocolates (gifts from friends, family, or coworkers) laying around, or your inner-shopaholic (and possibly, inner chocoholic) is screaming because all chocolate has now been marked down to the low low price of "almost free because we have to clear this sappy shizz off the shelf pronto". But nevermind that either. Just clear your mind, and drop that chunk of chocolate. Now. You really don't have to shove all of that chocolate down the hole. As sad as you are, you'll get sick of it soon enough, and then it's back to the Ben & Jerry's for you. And we don't want that, because it's pricey, and frankly, less satisfying.

Here's my list to make the most of your typical post-holiday chocolate binge buy:

Chocolate Fon-Do!

Separate your bars by type (dark, milk, white) and as long as nuts and candy aren't involved, melt them down by continuously stirring them in a double boiler (or use your fondue pot, if you've got one laying around), buy some berries (and I recommend using "fondue forks", or at the very least, some long wooden skewers), and have a little fondue-dipping fun! You could even mix around the chocolates, making a marble swirl of sweetness. Doesn't that just make your mouth water? 

*Understandble Drooling*

Chocolate Covered (Insert Whatever You Can Possibly Think of Here)

Going off of the fondue idea, you could make your own chocolate-dipped just-about-anything! 

Here are a few great, well-reviewed recipe ideas:

Chocolate Covered Strawberries: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chocolate-covered-strawberries/

Chocolate Coated Oreos: http://www.howtocookthat.net/public_html/chocolate-coated-oreos-recipe/

Chocolate Covered Pretzels: http://www.food.com/recipe/chocolate-covered-pretzels-30641

Coocoo for Cocoa-Kernels

Give your popcorn the gourmet treatment by melting down that leftover chocolate and drizzling it on top of some freshly popped kernels! Popcorn is one of the easiest, most satisfying snacks you could make, and you don't even need a popcorn maker! You literally just add some unseasoned, unpopped kernels (which you can buy at any grocery store, or Bulk Barn) to a pot with a little bit of butter or oil (I personally prefer Organic Coconut Oil), cover it all with a lid, and cook it over the heat on your stove, lightly shaking/jostling the pot when the kernels start popping. Once the popping slows down, pull it off the heat and you've got yourself some steaming-hot fresh popcorn! Let it cool a touch, then use a fork to drizzle on your melted chocolate, and whatever else you really feel like adding. Chill until the chocolate's hardened, and enjoy!

The Shapeshifter

Ok, so maybe you're not a fan of the chocolate dogs and cherubs you received, that's okay! Head on over to Dollarama/Walmart and buy a cute mini-silicone/plastic baking/chocolate mould in whatever shape or form that your heart desires. Melt down your chocolate (I recommend doing it in a measuring cup, in the microwave (p.s. be careful, it'll be hot once you take it out)) then pour it into your chosen mould. Tap or lightly bang the sides of the mould on your counter to eliminate any air bubbles, and chill covered in the fridge until they've set. Now you've got your own special chocolates, in portions/shapes you personally prefer! Huzzah!

Chocolate Snow Flakes

Ok so they don't actually resemble snowflakes, like, at all, but I'm running out of puns. 

You can repurpose your chocolate as a dessert/drink topping! Just use a regular old hand grater. Whether you use a coarse or fine one should depend on what you'll use the shavings for. Use a coarse grind to make delicious chocolate toppings for your favourite hot drinks, making them Starbucks worthy! Use a finer grating for decorating all sorts of baked treats!

It's Getting Hot in Here

You know, you don't have to just EAT the chocolate. You can drink it too! I've always wanted to try Mexican Hot Chocolate, but I just never had the patience (or the extensive supply of chocolate) to just go ahead and do it. Maybe I will now though, cayenne pepper and chocolate just sound like a match made in some purely gluttonous paradise.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/mexican-hot-chocolate-recipe1.html

A Pizza My Heart

Ok, so the above wasn't really tickling your fancy. You really have so many different types of chocolate, but not much of each, and you don't really want to mix them up per se.

Two words: Chocolate Pizza - http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/chocolate-pizza-recipe.html

Two more words: You're welcome.

Re-Gift the Godiva

So the chocolate is lovely and all, but it seems that your clearly unobservant colleague didn't remember that you are caffeine intolerant to the nth degree/don't like the ones with the cream filling. Do the "unthinkable": Regift it. As long as it's still Valentine's Day (possibly the day after, if you didn't get a chance to see the said recipient on the "big day"), it is perfectly acceptable to give someone your unwanted heart chocolates (as long as they don't know who, or where, they came from). Use it to get on your boss' good side, to bribe someone to be your date, or to treat a friend who might not have gotten any (Shoutout to the Gretchens). Surprise your significant other (he won't care where it came from), or save it for your mother (just add it to the roses you were meaning to send). Bonus points if the person actually loves that specific chocolate.

And if you got a pile of Hershey Kisses, have I hit the motherlode for you...

Try one of these 101 Kisses-Specific Recipes: http://www.somethingswanky.com/101-hershey-kisses-recipes/

And if you got Ferrero Rochers, DO NOT do any of the above. I'll be over soon to... "dispose" of them, personally.

-Chocoholic

A Recipe for the Best Damn Kale Chips You've Ever Had

So I'm sure you've all noticed I've been M.I.A. as of recent... Blame it on the school, blame it on the unreliable-internet-connection... blame it on the blog-ogogogogggerrrrr.

I try.

Things I'm currently excited about:

-Monopoly is back at McDonald's
-Nine Inch Nails concert this Friday
-Hosting my own Nine Inch Nails Private Pre-Post-Party (At home) (Still awesome)
-I made/tried Kale chips for the first time ever (and succeeded/thoroughly enjoyed 'em)
-My 3 year anniversary is in 2 weeks
-I'm starting my own mini succulent sanctuary

Things I'm not excited about:
-Jays games are over, so no more paycheck (or baseball, which I was really starting to enjoy)
-I am pretty much broke now
-Midterms
-My Venus Fly Trap Died (R.I.P. Chomper)
-TekSavvy still hasn't fixed my modem, so my internet turns on and off every two minutes
-Having to catch up with online coursework when my internet turns on and off every two minutes

Now for what you really came for...

Awesome Kale Chip Recipe

Ingredients:

• A bunch (bushel?) of curly, luscious, gorgeously green Kale
• Canola Oil or Olive Oil (Best used in spraying/misting form, like Pam)
• Salt
• Whatever the hell else you wanna flavour it with!

Here's what I did:

1. Preheat your oven for 350F.
2. Cut off the thick stems (they don't bake too well).
3. Wash the leaves and dry them in a salad spinner (let them dry off sufficiently if you don't have one).
4. Prepare a baking sheet with some tin foil.
5. Rip the leaves into bite-sized pieces and lay them on the baking sheet, making sure they don't overlap.
6. Spray a light (keyword: LIGHT) mist of oil over top of the leaves.
7. Place the baking tray in your preheated oven for about 10 mins. (take them out when they're crisp, and not brown).
8. Let them cool a touch, and sprinkle with salt or whatever seasonings you prefer.
9. ENJOY!

Please don't burn them.

-Shopaholic

My Top Kitchen Stuff Plus' Red Hot Deals! Plus a Contest!

I'm a huge KSP fan (okay, junkie), and my love for them will continue to grow as long as they continue releasing their weekly Red Hot Deals! 

This week their deals are only $5 - which means you're saving 37%-66% off!  That's what I like to hear when it comes to stocking my kitchen with gizmos and gadgets aplenty, which is surely going to be the case with this week's selection of steals.

Now you can order them all on-line (free shipping when you spend $75 or more on-line), but I totally recommend going in-store and seeing what other great buys they have to offer. Just remember to have a copy of the coupon ready! You can either print it out or have a screenshot of it available on your phone for scanning at the cash. 2pc limit on each item, so bring your friends. And remember, this deal is only available from August 21st, 2013 to September 1st, 2013. So get shopping!

Also, don't forget to sign up for KSP's Exclusive E-mails so you can be notified of their amazing deals (and crazy warehouse sales) as soon as they're available.

Click here to check out this week's $5 Red Hot Deals and get the coupon!

My picks for this week's Red Hot Deals are:

KSP Spiral Pineapple Corer/Slicer: Was $14.99 - Expect a Useful Uni-tasker post after this purchase.

KSP Mesh Kitchen Cabinet Organizer (Silver): Was $9.99, Compare at $12 -
Perfect for your cleaners, or to keep clutter off the counter but still within reach!

KSP Soda Can Dispenser: Was $9.99 - For organizing soda AND soup cans!

KSP Metro Glass Oil & Vinegar Set: Was $9.99, Compare at $15 -
So you can buy in bulk, refill the bottle, and keep the counter clean & clutter-free!

What I don't understand is why they have TWO paper towel holders on sale, but I guess I can't complain when there is money to be saved!

CONTEST ALERT!

To sweeten the pot, KSP has a Pinterest contest going on right now where you can Pin to Win 1 of 2 X $50 giftcards, or the grand prize of 1 X $150 giftcard. Just pin any of your favourite KSP products onto any existing or new Pinterest board with the tag #KSPPin2Win in the pin's description.

Contest ends August 26, 2013 and winners are announced on August 30, 2013!

Click here for the contest details!

See you all tomorrow with a cool DIY, and hopefully if all goes well, the results of one of my frequently fun culinary conquests!

Stay sassy,

-Shopaholic

The Inspiration Within: IKEA Catalogue 2014

I was going to do a post on some of my favourite items from Ikea's new catalogue, but then something seriously caught my fancy and I decided to do a 180 on this post. I hope I'm not the only one that likes to read every little blurb on the page of a magazine (or a textbook, I can't help it, and it really doesn't help me come exam cram study time...). Today's blurb reading adventure opened my eyes to the genius that is the editing team for the Ikea catalogue. I would like to share with you some of my favourite quotes, pro-tips, and ideas from Ikea's beautiful pages. It's so amazing how Ikea really does take into account every little detail of their products, their own brand's goals and values, as well as their consumers' lifestyles. They think long and hard about everything, so you don't have to. So grab a copy of the 2014 catalogue to follow along, and enjoy the...

Philosophy of the home, according to Ikea:

-Life at home is about creating space for everyday life as it happens. For all the things you want to do. For the things you love. And for everyone that you spend your time with. Because when the home works for the way you live, life simply becomes better.

-Often, it's the smallest moments that matter the most. Like being lazy on the sofa, legs crossed, talking about everything and nothing. Or finding the time to be together, doing the most ordinary everyday things. Don't be afraid to bend the rules to create a home that works for you.

Pg. 21: Underneath this GÄSER rug, there is a basketball court painted on the floor. (You wouldn't even know it if they didn't mention it. For context's sake, there's a basketball net hung up on the wall of their displayed living room. Genius!)

Pg. 23: Switch your phone off and take 15 minutes on your own in a cozy, quiet spot.

Pg. 25: Plant's make a room come alive. And they're good for the air too.

Pg. 29: This SÖDERHAMN sofa combination sears you and 13 of your favourite people. (Those couch feels.)

Pg. 35: In all homes, big or small, you sometimes need to be on your own for a while. To turn yours back on everything, but still stay close. Two sofas, back to back, can create such calm little islands for 30-minute anyday holidays.

Pg. 42: Mixing and matching only has one rule. If things are beautiful to you, they will always have the right style.

Pg. 49: Let your storage grow with your interests and needs. Add one piece of storage at a time. It also becomes your own style - eclectic, ever-changing and rich with experience.

Pg. 67: Having a day bed in your office - now that's a good idea.

Pg. 81: Given their size, babies need a surprisingly large amount of space. Part of it has to do with those grown-ups who follow them around everywhere.

Pg. 87: Combine tables with similar measurements to make a really long one. And why not go for legs in different styles to give each table its own expression?

Pg. 87: Storage doesn't have to be stationary - wheel the stuff you need wherever you want it. And then put it back at the dedicated parking spot.

Pg. 95: By extending the kitchen island with a table, the one who's cooking becomes a part of the party too.

Pg. 101: Watching someone cook can be fun, no matter if it's a plain pasta or something fancy and festive. By having a small dining area at the kitchen island, it becomes easier for everyone to get closer to the cooking action. It will make the food a lot tastier and the chef a whole lot prouder.

Pg. 112: Save the water you use to rinse vegetables in the VÅLLÖ watering can and then water your plants with it.

Pg. 124: You know that weekend getaway feeling? This is just like that. Only you're in your own home.

Pg. 148: Keep dryers, brushes and combs on a cart outside the bathroom so you can fix your hair there during the rush hour.

Pg. 182: Fine dining isn't about the silverware or fancy napkins. It's about coming together and creating a moment that feels just as good as it tastes. So why not let everyone bring their own favourite chair to the table? Comfort is individual.

Pg. 256: Our elk holds his head high and looks out, fearlessly. The elk represents strength and confidence. That's what we felt when we designed this quilt cover and that's what we hope you will feel when you sleep in it - and wake up feeling strong and ready to face your day. (Talking about the elk motif on the ÄNGSSPIRA duvet cover.)

Pg. 257: A magical place where fern grows wild inspired Maria Vinka to create this pattern. (Talking about the pattern on the STOCKHOLM duvet cover.)

Pg. 274: Anyone between 1 and 99 years old can slip in a bathtub or shower. This crocodile will, however, try to prevent that from happening. (Talking about the PATRULL bath tub mat.)

Featured in this year's catalogue, here are some products that I'm super in love with:

STOCKHOLM swivel easy chair (Pg. 43 - Also available in Yellow and Dark Beige. The perfect stand-alone accent chair for my living room.)

TOBIAS chair (Shown in Grey on Pg. 90 - Would love this as a vanity chair.)

LÖVBACKEN side table (Pg. 178 - Mid-century mania!)

RÄSKOG kitchen cart (Pg. 202 - Also available in Dark Gray, but the Turquoise will make my day.)

IKEA PS cabinet (Pg. 207 - Also available in White. Pop of colour TV stand, anyone?)

IKEA PS cabinet (The other cabinet, not shown. Still, love it.)

VETTRE nightstand (Pg. 212 - You can run your chargers' wires through a hole in the bottom!)

KOMPLEMENT multi-use hanger (Pg. 216 - Perfect to hang up my vintage scarf collection!)

CIRKUSTÄLT children's tent (Pg. 244 - Can you say AWESOME CAT BED!?)

LAPPLJUNG RUTA rug, low pile (Pg. 271 - It has matching cushions too!)

HÖNEFOSS mirror, 10 pk (Pg. 283 - Rearrange to your heart's content!) 

Please note that the kid on Pg. 303 takes the cake.

And don't forget the awesome teaser on the final page for Ikea's new TRENDIG collection, debuting February 2014.

Asian Persuasion.

What are some of your favourites from this year's catalogue?

I'm a sucker for STOCKHOLM and colour...

-Shopaholic

The Chef'N Bananza Banana Slicer Review

Source: http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/chefn-banana-slicer

My kitchen is kind of becoming a bit uni-tasker haven (I can't help myself, when stuff goes on sale, and it's kind of cute/cool, I buy), and I've got a pretty creative imagination, so I figured I should add a few posts about useful uni-taskers. I'm going to come up with new uses for you to use those single-purpose kitchen tools that you're not taking advantage of! 

Alright, so I'm assuming I'm not the ONLY one that loves to add sliced banana to her cereal, to fruit salad, or even on toast with peanut butter and honey (try it, it's delicious). If you're like me, the idea of a banana slicer can seem kind of nifty. Let's be real though, how many of us honestly spend a good portion of our morning slicing bananas, or can't just pull out any old butterknife and chop up some thick, gooey slivers of potassium?

I'd say this slicer is better suited to those who require a mess-less banana slicing experience. I know it's nothing a little hand washing can't fix, but if it can be avoided, and perfect slices of banana can be had in a flash, then why not?

This product features "kid-friendly" stainless steel blades, so that's a plus for all of y'all who are harbouring fugitives of the womb-originating variety.

Also, it's dishwasher safe (Can I get a hallelujah?)

Moving on.

Use #1: As a banana slicer.

Duh. Also, note that bananas DO turn brown after awhile (oxidation, booooo), so being able to chop large amounts of banana in a short amount of time can really do wonders for your plating, presentation, and general loveliness.

Use #2: Quick strawberry and peeled kiwi slicer!

Not only can it handle bananas, but other users have reported it can handle strawberries and peeled kiwis as well!  Fruit salad FTW.

Use #3: Slicing Mushrooms/Small Zucchini/Small Parboiled Potatoes for stirfry/home fries!

It just might work with the mushrooms, and with small yukon gold and fingerling potatoes. Don't take my word for it though, I'm just the silly banana-slicer obsessed girl trying to make awesome excuses to invest in a banana slicer. Heh.

Use #4: Slicing whatever fruit can fit! 

If you're down for dehydrating fruit or making fruit chips, you could use this to pump out faster, thicker slices than your mandolin!

Use #5: Slicing little pickles or mini-cucumbers!

It's just an all-around great tool for getting those little veggies into sweet, succulent slices for sandwiches, garnish, salads, skewers, I could go on! But I won't.

Use #6: Asparagus. Mmm.

Seems like a pretty good idea to get your stalks of asparagus into manageable bits and pieces.


That's all I've got, for now.

REASONS TO GET THIS PARTICULAR PRODUCT:

It will make banana slicing a dream, breakfast a breeze, and for those of you that extend into the banana bread/banana pudding/sundae Sunday realm, you will be thanking the heavens for this one.

KSP sells over 500 of them a year.

Be 1 of the 500; join the banana slicing cul... community.

If that hasn't convinced you, here's 25 Powerful Reasons to Eat Bananas from Food Matters.

Don't know what to do with a truck load of sliced bananas?

Here's some positively lurvely banana-rama-dama recipes:

Fried honey bananas from Rachel Shultz: http://rachelschultz.com/2013/05/15/fried-honey-bananas/

Spicy banana curry from All Recipes User kidcharlemagne: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/spicy-banana-curry/

Orange banana smoothie from Dianna Rattray on About.com: http://southernfood.about.com/od/beveragerecipes/r/blbb314.htm

Another About.com recipe from Dianna Rattray for sweet potato and banana casserole: http://southernfood.about.com/od/sweetpotatocasseroles/r/bln215.htm

Buy the Chef'N Bananza Banana Slicer on-line or in-store at Kitchen Stuff Plus for only $8.49 (Williams-Sonoma sells it for $12.40!): http://www.kitchenstuffplus.com/7872-Chefn-Bananza-Banana-Slicer.aspx

Peel you later, alligator.

-Shopaholic