Kaufmann Mercantile

Kaufmann Mercantile is on a mission to offer products that hold up over time rather than fill up landfills. Everything from accent furniture, kitchen utensils, office gadgets, grooming and beauty supplies, camping gear and gardening tools is top notch.

The company scours the USA, Europe and Japan to find useful, better-made goods, including a homemade copper tea kettle, metal Plier Office Stapler, or Merchant & Mills Heavy Fabric Pins. The inventory is diverse, yet it has one characteristic in common; the items are meant to withstand a lifetime of use. 

Quality, practical basics make awesome Christmas gifts. People need them. In my opinion, much of the merchandise has a bit of old world charm, and it is easy to find something unique. The recipient isn't likely to already have an Italian olive wood pocket knive, Pivo solid brass bottle opener, or handcrafted pewter shaving mug.

The website is simple to navigate: Search for gifts by category, dollar amount, or country of origin. Often it pays to spend a few more bucks on necessities that won't have to be replaced. Excellence always makes the perfect gift.

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A Savvy Shopper's Guide For Holiday Gifts

The 30 language talking translator for a world traveler

The holidays are coming, and the time to start thinking about gifts is now. This year why not buy fewer, but more thoughtful presents? Quantity doesn't make people as happy as quality does. 

So let's begin: Peruse for ideas. Select items to put smiles on faces. Gave people gifts they need, like and will use, especially things they might not buy for themselves.

Here are six smart websites offering unique gifts:

Planisphere watch
UndommonGoods

1. UncommonGoods - Advertised as "creative living, mindful giving," it offers upscale merchandise and creative design at reasonable prices, including jewelry, accessories and home goods for men, women, and children.

2. Smallflower - Established in 1875, a retailer specializing in European herbal toiletries and remedies. It is an authentic international apothecary shop.

3. Hammacher Schlemmer - The perfect place to shop for the men in your life. Enough with the ties ... a store offering "the best, the only and the unexpected." Lots of practical goods and toys! If you want to spoil your dad or husband with a special gift, this is the place to look.

Crystal box

Archus Jewels

4. Archaus Jewels - It offers Artisan and hand crafted jewelry and accessories for women. They create articles with a breezy style and natural and lux textures.

5. RSH Online Plant Shop - Tools and plants for the gardeners on your holiday list. The Royal Horticultural Society only delivers to UK addresses, but the website is such fun to browse. A look will generate ideas, then check the horticultural society in your town for gifts.

6. The Company Store - Established in 1911, this merchant is all about comfort, offering high thread count bed sheets, cotton quilts, duvet covers, home decor and bath towels. Everyobody loves new, plush bedding and/or big, thirsty bathroom towel sets.

Finding gifts online can help you avoid the holiday crunch, as well as, save you a few bucks. No gas to put in your car, and shipping is often free of charge. Look for extra value and savings on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Agate coasters - Uncommongoods

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How Much Should You Spend To Store Your Stuff?

Call me parsimonious, because I ask myself this question every time I think about buying storage of any kind, whether it's a file cabinet, armoire, or Tupperware. I realize a few containers or cabinets are necessary for organization. It's easy to keep your home tidy if everything has its place. But oh man, do I deliberate whenever I consider bringing another storage receptacle home.

Usually I don't really want to give up the space it will occupy. So if the need for additional storage is greater than the hit, i.e. the loss of the space, I will bite the bullet. Although I'm sure before acting, I spend the next week looking at the new unit and asking myself if I made the right decision ... before I settle into actually liking the new piece.

Another issue I wrestle with is how much to pay for storage. It involves how much I value the things I plan to keep. Should I spend hundreds of dollars to keep them? Or ... should I get rid of the stuff I rarely use? Do I bring a cabinet into my apartment so I can hang onto certain things (clothes, papers, books, pillows), or would it be cheaper to give stuff away and buy it again, if a need arises?

After grappling with such thoughts for a while and deciding to take the plunge, I inevitably find I don't want to spend big bucks for storage. So I assess my needs thoroughly and look for deals.

Recently I decided to take the plunge by buying a file cabinet. File cabinets are expensive! 

Luckily, I found one (manufactured by Hirst Industries) at Target (which is also sold at Amazon, Staples and Overstock). It has 3 drawers and a lock -- 2 drawers for letter-size files and a top drawer for "junk." 

Since I don't need to worry about theft like office workers might, I accepted a few limitations in lieu of paying serious money for a heavy duty file cabinet. Basically, I just need to keep my papers and office supplies organized and occasionally away from prying eyes. The lock is good enough for that. Only the top 2 drawers lock. With a powerful jerk, the lock could be brokened open. Although legal-sized drawers are more versatile, letter-size drawers are idea for a small space. Constructed of steel, the cabinet won't fall apart, and the handles look expensive. It holds lots of files, making it perfect for a home office. I bought the pretty pearl white. Very nice for the price! $39 - $89, depending on where you buy it. 

I bought this caddy for it.

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Sydney Evans Jewelry

14k rose gold ruby lips ring

Working with diamonds, rubies, sapphires and gold, Rosanne Karnes is the designer and creative force behind Sidney Evans, a fine jewelry line. She uses cultural symbols, spirituality and humor as her inspiration. The expertly crafted rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces have a hip, modern aesthetic.

Blue ring: 18K gold, diamonds and turquoise

I have two jewelry quirks. They are quirks because there is no right or wrong when it comes to buying jewelry, only personal preferences. My quirks are: 1) I only what fine jewelry (platinum, gold or silver); and 2) I never pay big bucks for costume jewelry and usually don't want it.

So I can appreciate a jeweler who uses real 14k-18k gold and precious gems to create her line. Major department stores like Macy's, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom carry her. That's a plus because sometimes department stores run jewelry sales.

Resurrecting this ring from my Halloween blog

Another revelation ... if I were a millionaire, I'd buy lots of Sydney Evans bling, starting with the rings featured in this post. Since buying fine jewelry requires budgeting, I tend to stick with a few classic, timeless pieces. But hey if I had a huge budget, I could venture out a little more. You know what I mean?

Gold and diamond single stud earring

I love the designer's earrings also, but too often they sell as a single stud ... and I have two ears! I think for the price customers should get two earrings. I'm too cheap to make two purchases, one for each ear!

Oh well, the designer and I can agree to disagree on what you should get for the money. I still love her work -- beauty; spirituality; and a touch of whimsy!

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Macy's Is Getting A Facelift

Photo by B.P.

Macy's Herald Square first opened it's doors 155 years ago in 1858. Orginally known as R.H. Macy's & Co., it has occupied its present location, 34th Street and Broadway, for the last 111 years. Last year the landmark building began a full scale rennovation of the entire store.

Over the weekend I paid a visit. I can always find exactly what I want at Macy's. Actually, I can turn into a frenzied fashionistra -- finding tons of merchandise to buy at Macy's -- which is why I don't go near the place unless I truly need something. 

It has phenomenal sales -- 40% off and higher -- usually around 3-day holiday weekends like the 4th of July. Stop at the visitor's center to show your passport, or out-of-state driver's license and get an extra 10% discount on all your purchases. The visitor's center is located in the cellar, on the Broadway side of the building.

Below is the floor plan of the 9½ story,  spruced-up department store. The cellar adds a 10th floor. The interior looks shiny and new, but the departments have not shifted much, which is a good thing. I don't know about you, but I only like a change if it's an improvement. If you know Macy's layout, you can still find familiar departments, mostly in their old spaces. Click the image below, then hit "command" and "+" to enlarge. [If you email me, I'll send you the pdf file, which is cystral clear to read and print.]

You might like sitting in front of Macy's (on Broadway) under the umbrellas, drinking coffee or tea. I miss the days when Macy's sold gourmet deli food. Nowadays you will find Starbucks and several other well-known franchises scattered throughout the store.

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Bags For Every Budget

A great bag is timeless.  Ideally, it's both stylish and functional.  The right bag stays with you, holds your essentials and pulls together an outfit.  To be honest, I own fewer purses than any woman I know.  I admire women who match all their outfits with a slew of fabulous fashion statement bags, but my tendency is to use a favorite bag for just about everything until it falls apart.  I hate changing bags because I always leave something out that I need.  So when I do buy a new one, I have a tall order to fill.  My bag needs to be well made, durable, versatile, flattering and classic.  I look for the perfect size with lots of pockets to hold things.  I also like a sleek, slender and attractive shape.

Purses can be expensive.  So whether you're an under buyer like me -- looking for that one great, multi-purpose bag, or need some new arm candy for a swanky event you're attending, check out these cool sites.  You'll find a myriad of designers, a wide selection of styles and some amazing deals for under $100:

1) Nicole Lee – For fun unique bags with funky details.  Very fashion forward.  Click on “sample sale” for unbelievable reductions.

2) HSN – Choices galore on this site.  Look at the “sale” and “clearance” sections.

3) My Big Buddha – All vegan bags. A tremendous variety of styles, sizes and colors.  Reasonably priced.

4) Overstock.com – A large inventory of designer and quality merchandize at warehouse prices.  Terrific customer care too.  Low $2.99 shipping per order.

5) Zappos.com – They're not just for shoes anymore.  Renown for top customer service.  Free shipping both ways.

Browse and pick your bag at a price you want to spend.  Enjoy!

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A Natural Fiber Rug That Never Sheds

This Nourison wool rug from Macy's isn't it. Opps, the pink tips of my Croc ballet flats are in the shot!

Ideally I hoped to feature a wonder spray or list ingenious tips to stop wool-and-natural-fiber rugs from shedding. But guess what I surmised? If you can't tolerate shedding, avoid rugs made of wool (sorrel) and jute, 2 popular natural materials. Synthetic rugs shed less, yet are often less desired and less durable. Jute rugs last, add texture to a room and shed. Wool rugs made by hand (hand-knotted or hand-woven) are said to shed less than more affordable wool rugs made by machines (or hand-tufted). 

I don't think the usual tips given to reduce the shedding are very insightful: 1) Lay the rug in a low foot traffic area (oh, c'mon!); 2) Lightly vacuum (tell me how?); 3) Vacuum against the grain (which end is it?); and 4) Use a high-quality rug pad under the rug (well, it's a given and doesn't much reduce shedding, although it extends the life of a rug).

My Safavieh seagrass rug from Overstock

So where does this leave us?: 1) Still looking for a miracle liquid or sure-fire practices; 2) Acceptance of the shedding; 3) Never vacuuming with a beater-bar setting; and 4) Buying rugs made of natural seagrass. Oh, that's the ticket ... for some areas!

In my home, my big area rug is wool, which I bought at Macy's. Neither cheap, nor expensive, somewhere in the middle price-range; 100% wool; and made in India. I vacuum it once a week and must accept some shedding. Always, if I walk around my apartment in socks, I pick up little fibers on the bottoms (like owning a short-haired dog).

For accent rugs such as a doorway; or an enclosed patio room; or perhaps a dining room, I highly recommend natural seagrass over some other natural fiber rugs. Seagrass doesn't shed ... luckily discovered after I bought the rug! It's water-resistant, durable, and feels smooth underfoot, but I don't think I'd want it in a living room. There's no shedding, and yet you'd give up the cozy softness of a wool rug.

Readers, I've researched this topic to death on a number of occasions, and this is the best remedy I can come up with. Perhaps one day somebody will invent the miracle product I keep searching for that will stop wool rugs from shedding. Watch this space! 

Meanwhile feel free to share any tips you have to reduce the shedding of wool or other natural-fiber rugs. For sure, inquiring minds and homeowners want to know!

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Jewelry & Beautiful Things

Photo: Brilliant Earth. Won't you jump off the page onto my arm? 

In my 20s I thought I'd buy myself a sheared mink coat sometime in the future to celebrate a pivotal birthday: turning 40, turning 50. I wasn't sure when exactly, yet that was the plan. But after I bought a goose down coat and discovered how warm it was, I no longer wanted to spend such a sum on a mink coat. My wish evaporated. 

In a way, it is the value of allowing ourselves to want things, instead of falling prey to instant gratification. We make fewer purchasing mistakes if we take our time before pulling the trigger. By nature, I am an under buyer. It has served me well.

Photo: Blue Nile. I'm waiting ...

Here are some pretties I'm eying with the vague notion of treating myself on my next biggg birthday. I have long desired a tennis bracelet. Diamonds or sapphires? Depends on how much I can spend and the deal available at the time. Both stones are lovely!

As long as jewelry is real, well made and substantial enough (as I won't squint to see the stones!), they don't need to be Harry Winston quality because I don't intend to resale them. Years ago, I got some lovely pieces at Macy's.

Photo: Brilliant Earth. A shimmering ring is looking for a new home. 💅

I would not be unhappy with a pretty sapphire and diamond ring. Do you see a pattern here? Diamonds, sapphires (or rubies), oh my! Although there's no need to go overboard, I think every woman deserves a few pieces of fine jewelry, something durable that sparkles and makes her happy. Very happy! Perhaps the equivalent for a man is a good watch.

Below are earrings I do have. They look fancy, but not so much that I can't wear them for every day. Bling should not stay in a box. They would look spectacular with a new tennis bracelet, wouldn't they? Fortunately, as an under buyer, I take my time and won't go broke! Tick, tock, tick, tock ... until a  pivotal birthday.

Photo: Macy's. Hello, beauties!

What is your favorite? Perhaps it is one of the four or something you already own or want to own.


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Joss And Main

Joss and Main is a flash sale site that focuses on selling home goods and decor. It is a fabulous place to go for decorating tips and inspiration. If their stylists were to show up at my door for a makeover, not only would I let them in, they could  -- carte blanche -- do whatever they wanted. If I didn't love it, that would be the surprise.

The online retailer runs seven flash sales daily, beginning at 11 a.m. EST. Each flash sale usually lasts for 72 hours. You have to register to see them.

While there are bargains and good value to be found on the website, you should do extensive research before submitting an order. Visit furniture showrooms, read product descriptions carefully, pay attention to measurements ... and google item reviews. In other words, only take calculated risks. Don't buy articles blind, so you don't make expensive mistakes. However, if you do your homework, you can end up with a special piece, or an attractive price.

Also know going in that customer reviews for Joss And Main are mixed. While many customers report: Customer service is responsive and sends out replacements for damaged goods, there are too many complaints saying it takes a long time (over a month) to receive furniture, plus it is nearly impossible to cancel goods once an order is placed. And buyer beware, shipping is expensive, which seems to be common with flash sale sites. None of them offer discounted or free shipping.

So take a gander, get inspired ... and proceed mindfully. You might pinpoint your style and learn a few decorating tricks, but keep in mind, it's a lot of trouble to return a couch or table.

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