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More tips for Bailing Yourself Out

I just stumbled upon this adorable serving tray, and already I can think of so many different uses for it. Not only does it make a great display year round for favorite family photos, but it will be perfect for serving appetizers this Thanksgiving – which, if you haven’t noticed, is just around the corner. Use the tray to bring together the two most important parts to the holiday – food and loved ones – and you’ll be one chic hostess.

Have some extra cash in your home improvement budget but not sure where to spend it?

The results of a recent IKEA study shows that Americans spend more time in the bathroom (16-30 minutes) than in their kitchens (11-22 minutes). Maybe that's because we are cooking less. I’m not alone in the world of take-out menus, the survey also found that 26% of Americans order in 2-3 times a week.

If you’re thinking of renovating, perhaps focusing on updating your bathroom is a great place to start, and you know IKEA has lots of affordable products to help you do it.

Rachel

I love finding home accessories made from reclaimed objects. They have a vintage feel and are almost always one-of-a-kind. My latest discovery is a company called Knob Stoppers that makes bottle stoppers from vintage door knobs – a clever way to give glass or brass hardware new functionality, and worthly of that good bottle of vino I've been waiting to open. Maybe tonight...

Rachel

I’m always telling my co-workers about the incredible pies my grandmother makes. Now that it is peach season, I think I’ll bring one of her homemade peach pies to the office so everyone can enjoy the flaky crust only she seems to bake just right.

Transporting the pies might be tricky, considering the trip from Gram’s kitchen to iVillage involves a few trains. A basket made especially for pie-carrying would come in handy and is something I should own, but unfortunately don’t.

This sturdy, hand-woven pie basket from Peterboro Basket Company is a favorite – it promises the safe arrival of two pies and is comfortable to carry, too!

Apple and pumpkin seasons are just around the corner, so now is a wise time to invest in your own basket so you can show off all your baking creations – or your grandmother’s.

Enjoy,
Rachel

I whine about how much I want a dog to anyone who will listen. Fortunately, my friend Brian just got a new puppy – a red Vizsla named Ollie – who I can adore as if she were my own. Ollie’s got a great disposition and is extremely intelligent, which made her especially receptive to the training at Eagle K-9 Academy, a doggie boot camp that taught her obedience this week.

Ollie deserves something special after learning basic commands and good behavior. I like the idea of customizing a doggie gift basket with treats and toys, but she already has every toy under the sun, so I’m thinking of ordering Ollie a designer Bundle Bed from Romy and Jacob instead. Snaps on the corners of the Bundle Bed transfor it from a mat into a luxurious bed in seconds - perfect for traveling if, you know…hint, hint…she wants to stay with me this weekend.

Nothing makes the most of a summer afternoon like a well-behaved pooch, so enjoy the weekend with your dog or borrow a friend's. Check out these quick training tips if you need some help with your own four-legged friend.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Rachel

If you haven’t already, you’re probably planning some kind of getaway this summer. Unfortunately, taking your pets to a beach house, on a cruise, traveling through Europe, or to the annual family reunion across the country, isn’t always possible. You already know these great options for pet care while you’re away, but which will make you feel least guilty about leaving them behind?

I’ve always liked the idea of putting pets up in small, boutique boarding houses, because I know they’ll get plenty of personal attention, but it's important to find one that you trust. PetSmart – which has such a great reputation – recently opened pet “hotels” nationwide, to board, entertain and care for dogs and cats, and could be another great option for your family.

PetSmart’s PetHotels offer beautiful, comfortable accommodations, group and individual play, daily walks, fun treats (like soft-serve doggie ice cream!) grooming, and even personal TVs to keep them company while in their rooms – just like at home. So really, while you’re on vacation, your pet might be having just as much fun as you are.

It is hard to leave your furry best friend behind, but PetSmart also offers a “Bone Booth” where your pet can hear to your voice when you call to check up them. How cute is that?

Happy guilt-free vacationing,

Rachel

Last year, when my grandmother showed my adorable five year-old cousin, Andrew, how to plant seeds in egg shells filled with dirt, he lovingly tended to them for days, waiting for the first signs of life to appear… thrilled when the geraniums finally sprouted.

This year, Andrew's got quite the green thumb and is a huge help in the vegetable garden. He loves planting, watering, weeding, and is incredibly excited about the plump tomatoes growing heavy on their vines.

Gardening is a great way to engage your children’s imaginations and get them active outdoors this summer. They’ll be especially enthusiastic if you give them their own gardening kits to use alongside you in the backyard. Choose one with kid-sized tools, like the Kids Gardening Kit from Sassafras. The kit has everything they need, including a metal mini-trowel, hoe, and rake, all with hardwood handles, and a colorful gardening bag they’ll love to call their own.

I suspect Andrew – and hopefully your children – will look back fondly on summers in the garden, and of course, the delicious meals made from the bounty of vegetables they helped grow.

Happy gardening!

Rachel

With the green revolution taking off, there’s a serious push for sustainable, eco-friendly resources. Lately, I’m seeing bamboo test the waters of industries where cotton historically reins supreme.

I’m a huge fan of cotton clothing – comfortable, affordable and easy to care for – but because it’s a difficult crop to grow, it doesn’t have the best rep when it comes to the environment. Tremendous amounts of pesticides and chemicals are needed to produce cotton, which is not only hazardous to the environment, but the people who harvest it. Maybe it is time to look for a more earth-friendly fabric.

Bamboo fiber is a seemingly great alternative. Unlike cotton, it is sustainable and grows at rapid speeds without the use of pesticides. The fiber, created by crushing the woody stalks of the plant, is turned into a soft fabric that is noted for a breatheability ideal for clothing and bedding.

I plan to test run these bamboo sheets from Gaima to see if they’re just as smooth and comfortable as my favorite cotton sets. Order yours, or pick up these affordable ones on your next trip to Target, so we can compare notes.

I’d love to hear what you think.

Rachel

The weekend is almost here and I’m looking forward to celebrating its arrival over a cocktail tonight.

I can already tell my lucky girlfriends are going to obsess over the adorable martini glasses I plan to serve their drinks in. The glasses are from The Skipping Stone and hand-painted with cute designs and themes that get the party started.

Now, I’m hardly a bartender, but thanks to these glasses, my mixing skills are about to improve. The recipes are conveniently painted on the bottom of each glass so I’ll never forget how to make a perfect dirty martini or an indulgent chocolate martini again!

Hope you have a fun weekend,

Rachel

Listen up, small business owners! You know how you’re always complaining that your store needs a makeover? Here is your chance to do more than make subtle remarks about shabby furniture and lame displays, and start attracting more customers to your store.

As if IKEA isn’t generous enough with their incredibly low prices, apparently with the launch of IKEA Business , their new website dedicated to furnishing your business, they feel like giving fifty grand away.

Eyeing that new designer sofa for the waiting area, or want to start organizing your workplace with some new cabinets? To get your hands on some of that make-over cash, start by grabbing your video camera. Show IKEA just how badly you deserve to win their “Small Business, Big Dreams: Furnished by IKEA” contest by uploading footage of your business onto their site. People can log-on and vote for their favorite video – the winner will receive a $50,000 makeover for their business and up to ten businesses on their street. Pretty sweet deal.

The best news? Right now there are only three – yes three – entries submitted… and only one week to go! Your video needs to be in before July 26th, but the odds are in your favor. Don't sit there thinking about it, just get up and start filming now.

Yes, I'm being pushy, but you're gonna thank me later.

Rachel

Looking for a boost at the gym? Call a personal trainer. Need to talk it out? Put your shrink on speed dial. Great resources for getting your life on track are in no shortage these days, and now, getting your garden into shape is no different.

Believe it or not, gardening coaches are sprouting up everywhere, ready to help clients tackle their urban jungles. New home owners now challenged with a backyard to tame, are getting tips and advice from coaches ready to get their hands dirty. Identifying and controlling weeds, seasonal planning, pesticide-free lawn care, and even landscape architecture projects become less overwhelming for gardening neophytes with the help of an expert by their side.

Laugh if you want, but it's not a bad idea. Having someone walk you through a project, especially for the first time, usually ensures you do the job right, enjoy it, and want to use the new skills to do it again.

You want one, don’t you?

If you're in the Washington D.C. area, call on the services of gardening coach, Susan Harris , who charges $75 per hour, or locate one in your area here .

In the meantime, pop over to the Garden Web Forum , for some expert advice, or check out these tips for easy-to-grow plants and learn how to avoid common gardening mistakes .

Admitting your garden needs help is the hard step, getting the help is just a click away.

Rachel

Lucky visitors to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary are in for a treat today as they meander along the boardwalk in Naples, Florida. The extremely rare blossoms of a Ghost Orchid were just discovered living high in the boughs of an ancient cypress tree in the preserve.

The Ghost Orchid, featured in one of my favorite books, “The Orchid Thief” and the spin-off movie, “Adaptation,” knows how to bring the drama. The endangered flower lives only in South Florida, Cuba and the Bahamas, and hasn’t been seen in the area in over twelve years. You can imagine the elusive plant will draw quiet a crowd with its nine priceless blossoms. Visitors can view the flower only from binoculars and under the watchful eye of the sanctuary’s staff. The flower hangs over 150 feet high, safe from anyone who might be picturing it in their living room.

Skip the trip to the swamp and marvel over a more common variety of orchid, like the oncidium or the cattleya , which can be delivered right to your door, no security needed.

Rachel

I’m kind of a clean freak, especially in the kitchen. My poor family is overwhelmed with the fumes from the cleaners I use constantly, and that just can’t be good for any of us.

I don’t think hard-working cleaning products need to be so harsh - on us or the planet - and apparently neither does Mrs. Meyers. The aroma therapeutic line of all-purpose household cleaning products including dishwashing liquid, laundry supplies and hand soap, do an incredible job on dirt and grim without any of the harsh smells.

Recently, I tested the simply packaged, beautifully labeled and biodegradable products all over my house. Refreshing scents like Lemon Verbena, made from essential oils, almost made me forget I was scrubbing the bathroom. When I finished cleaning, the whole house was fresh, calm and spotless, without the bleachy odor we think “clean” has to smell like.

Bring the new smell of clean into your own home and I bet you won't look back either.

Rachel

Michele and I spent this afternoon at the 53rd Annual Fancy Foods Show. We snaked around the aisles of the enormous Javits Centers for hours, stopping to taste each delicious sample. Exhibitors from around the globe participated in the show, introducing us to the finest specialty food and beverages in the world.

This year they included a special natural and organic section, where Michele and I tried fair trade certified Dagoba Milagros 68% Peruvian organic chocolate. Smooth and rich, it was the perfect way to start off the show.

We grabbed a glass of Gus's “Dry Meyer Lemon” soda , a not-too-sweet, slightly carbonated beverage that is incredibly thirst-quenching and makes a great alternative to pop. Fill your fridge with these drinks instead of sodas – they’re much more refreshing and certainly much better for you.

Michele and I were first lured to Bella Cucina Artful Food by the inviting display, and were delighted to find that their condiments, crackers and sauces were just as pleasing to our taste buds as the beautiful packaging was to our eyes. We filled buttery Sweet Pastry Crostatas with a Key Lime Spread and discovered a little bit of heaven right in aisle 4700. Their bottles of olive oil have beautiful labels and would make perfect hostess gifts for a summer party.

After gobbling up chocolate-covered pretzels, bourbon candy-coated pecans, iced shortbread and other devilish goodies, we intentionally moved on to healthier options and found Himalanaia Goji Berries. These dried, red berries are nutrient-rich and common throughout China and Tibet. Enjoy them in salads, trail mixes or on their own when you need some energy on the go - they taste like raisins, only strangely tangy and heartier. They’ll probably be everywhere soon, but for now, you can find them online .

The show was wrapping up and after hours of walking, tasting, chewing and smiling, we slowly made our way to the exit. Just before the door, we discovered Airforce Nutrisoda , a new kind of drink with zero sugar, tons of vitamins, refreshing flavor and only ten little calories. I sampled “Energize” with mandarin and mint flavors and Michele enjoyed “Calm” with wild berry and citron. We’re big fans now.

We left the show happy and full but having only visited half of the exhibits.

Here’s to seeing – and tasting – more delectable treats tomorrow!

Rachel

Friday afternoon is quickly ticking by and the weekend is fast approaching. If, like me, you're planning to take advantage of the summer weather by heading to the pool or the beach, then you probably already have your bathing suit on under your “casual Friday” outfit and a bag packed under your desk.

I love listening to music, so my iPod is a must-have accessory when I'm tanning poolside or on the sand. Unfortunately, I miss out on all the good conversation when I’m wearing my headphones. The good news is that I've found something new to pack for weekends by the water that solves this problem.

iPod has designed a waterproof sound systerm, $150 at Red Envelope , that will let me hear my tunes and the gossip around the pool all summer along. The shatterproof case holds my iPod and has high-quality speakers - but best of all, I'll never have to worry about getting my iPod wet again. Plus, it floats so I won't even have to get out of the water to change the playlist.

Do you need some new music for the weekend? Search iTunes for some summer hits or find playlists created by other music lovers to upload to your iPod - which, of course, can now go to the beach, pool parties or out on the water… quite literally!

Hope you have a great weekend,

Rachel

I haven't been sleeping well lately, probably because of I've been feeling a little stressed out. It's ironic, considering that sleep can be as important as diet and exercise in keeping our bodies healthy and reducing stress, according to the recently-released results of the 2007 National Wellness Survey, conducted by Tempur-Pedic. This new survey found that three out of four Americans say that sleep does more to refresh their bodies and minds than either exercise or eating right, while 44% of the 1,500 people polled say that sleep is an effective stress-reducer.

While I’m not sure that sleeping better will replace my spin classes, I do know how refreshed I feel after a good night’s sleep. And considering that we spend about a third of our lives sleeping, it's important to make those hours count with a bedroom design that works. If your bedroom is a little too stimulating, it might be time to give it a sleep makeover. Once you've created a calming sanctuary, find the perfect mattress and luxuriously soft sheets to crawl into each night.

Your beautiful new bedroom will be best appreciated with your eyes closed.

Rachel

Who doesn’t love Oreo cookies and free money? Few can resist America’s favorite sandwich cookie or the chance to win some serious cash, so I’ll bet the third annual Oreo and Milk Jingle Contest will have some serious entries. Especially when ten grand is at stake!

Here’s the deal.

Oreo is partnering with TV host, Carson Daily, on the search for Oreo fans who love to sing. Cookie enthusiasts are already logging on to the Oreo website to submit videos of themselves performing original jingles. America will narrow down the contestants by casting votes online for their favorite performers. Top finalists will compete in a live show hosted by Carson Daily, in New York’s Times Square, where the most creative jingle will be awarded $10,000.

Deadline for entries is July 23rd, so there is still plenty of time to sign up. When the family is together over the holiday weekend, pull out the video camera and show off your collective vocal talents and your love for that delicious double-stuffed goodness. Check out the full contest details here.

We'll be back on Thursday. Have a wonderful Fourth of July!

Rachel

A tear-jerking chick flick, high pollen count, excess lip gloss, spilled coffee while stuck in traffic or a broken heart – there’s always a reason to reach for the tissues.

If you’re like me and keep a box in every room, you’ll be happy to know Kleenex just came out with custom-designed tissue boxes. Got a special occasion, a friend to cheer up or just hate the faux-marble pattern on the box you already have? Just start uploading photos directly on the Kleenex site, choose colors and add text to create a your own design.

All the great shots you to take this summer of family vacations, weekends away with the girls, your prized peonies or photogenic puppy, can cover the boxes you always have on hand and add a fun, personal touch to the home.

Rachel

It seems like easy, earth-friendly lifestyle alternatives are being made across all industries these days. I guess people are finally getting the message that changes have to be made if our great-grandkids want to experience things like… you know…spring and autumn.

I’m trying to do my part.

Last month I simply checked a little box on my electric bill to sign up for alternative energy - so easy! It cost about eight dollars a month more, but powering my home with clean energy from hydropower and wind makes me feel like a million bucks.

Speaking of easy ways to be more environmentally minded, I found a ton of great ideas in radio host Josh Dorfman’s new book, The Lazy Environmentalist. It's an in-depth guide to living more “green” with solutions for the home that are simple, stylish and might actually save me money when I start incorporating them into lifestyle.

Apparently being “green” is all about our choices, so how about making your next decision to check out Josh’s blog? There's no mention of patchouli oil or crystal deodorant, and I promise it will inspire you to begin a more eco-friendly existence, too.

Turning the light off when I leave the room,
Rachel

I’ve noticed poison ivy seems to be everywhere this year, smothering unlucky trees and putting fear in the hearts of hikers and campers. Ever since I got a severe case of it back in the fifth grade, I’m on the look out for those three shiny leaves like they’re the plague.

I breathed a little sigh of relief when I heard about these new CORTAID® Poison Ivy Care Toxin Removal Cloths, just in time for my weekend camping trip. Apparently you just wipe the individually packaged medicated cloth on skin exposed to poison ivy, and it absorbs the toxins, preventing the allergic reaction that causes the painful, itchy rash we’re all too familiar with.

$10 for six wipes? Seems like hardly enough for such a beautiful thing.

Happy hiking,
Rachel

Last night I dreamed of a brand new backyard. In my dream, my yard had a grill and some really comfortable furniture. I imagined myself relaxing with a magazine and a cool drink looking out over my perfectly manicured lawn. Unfortunately reality is something quite different. My yard needs help!

If you've had a similar dream, check out the My Dream Backyard Giveaway. Each month from July through September, yardsmarts is giving away one of 5 themed backyard packages. You can choose from Kid's Zone, Party Time, Relaxation, Green Thumb and Backyard Athlete. Personally, I'm thinking that the Relaxation Package would go a long way towards creating that perfect backyard of my dreams.

I just moved into a new apartment and I’m pleased to say the place has come together beautifully! The finishing touch of my new sanctuary was the finding – and burning – of this delicious Malie Kauai soy candle, $26. The husband-and-wife run company uses only indigenous Hawaiian flora to create their luxe candles. I bought it in “plumeria” (the tropical flower associated with leis) from my favorite home and grooming shop, Mio Mia, in Brooklyn. The candle filled the entire apartment with the sweetest, loveliest fragrance, and for a moment, my New York loft became an island bungalow. Burn one for yourself in exotic summer-time scents like, “coconut-vanilla” or “pikake” (Hawaiian jasmine) and an evening at home might just be one of the best vacations you’ve taken in years.

Every morning when I leave the house, my dog looks at me with such sad eyes that it breaks my heart. For all those dog owners like me, tomorrow may be your chance to give your dog the treat he's been looking for. Friday, June 22 is take your dog to work day. Bring your pet along and let him see what you do all day, just make sure to check with your employer first.

If I could only afford it, I'd put a cork floor in my kitchen. Cork is made from the bark of the cork oak tree, and can be removed without killing the tree, which makes it a great option if you're trying to design a "greener" home. Unfortunately, it can also be a little expensive. If, like me, you're looking for something a little more budget-friendly, try this cork bath mat, $24 from Gaiam. Cork naturally resists moisture and mold, so it's a great option for the bath, as well as the kitchen.

I'm a list maker. I have lists of things I need to do and places I need to be. In theory, it's supposed to make me more organized, but in practice I wind up with lots of little pieces of paper cluttering my handbag or dining room table. So I've decided I need a new system. I'm going to try the new Peel & Stick Chalkboard from Wallies. It will let me keep all my projects on one list, and best of all, unlike paint, it's not permanent. It will peel right off if I need to remove it. It comes in 4 colors (gray, green, blue & grape) and you get 4 9"x12" panels, plus chalk for $16.99.

I'm sorry I've been MIA for the last few days, but I took some time off to attend a friend's wedding in Barbados.

Before I left my family taste tested the 2 Trump steaks I picked up at the Sharper Image event promoting The Donald’s new collection.

They were delicious.

We had the rib eye and porterhouse, and forgot to put the seasonings it came with on the meat. We were pleasantly surprised with the taste. The meat was juicy and tender and I don’t think there was anything left for lunch the next day.

If you’re looking for a good steak to throw on the grill, I highly recommend ordering one of the collections from Trump Steaks.

I’ll be out again tomorrow, but I’m sure Andrew will have something fun to write about.

--Anne

OR

I read an article in last week's New York Times’ Home & Garden section about a new trend: an at-home urinal.

The first thing that comes to mind is the disgusting ones would see at a bus stop or train station. I’ve never heard of having a urinal installed in one’s home. But since men have become metrosexuals, I guess it was only a matter of time before their newly found fashion sense would trickle down to home décor.

Bathroom fixture designers have caught on to this trend and are not letting go. Realizing the need now to please women as well as men, they have created sleek and modern as well as artistic designs to compliment any decorating style.

Incase you weren’t sure, the orchid sculpture featured above is actually a urinal. This work of art was hand-sculptured from porcelain. If you’re looking for something a bit more modern, the Bardon Touchless by Kohler has a more streamlined look. And instead of the traditional hand-powered flush, the user can just wave his hand in front of it and the urinal will flush itself.

I guess with a urinal at home, women no longer have to worry about the seat being left up. So, what do you think - would you install a urinal in your home?

--Anne

Don’t you hate it when you realize you forgot to get a birthday, anniversary or even a card for mom on Mother’s Day? Well, now you never have to worry about running to the supermarket for a last minute card again.

Cardstock’s Every Card You Need This Year contains 40 adorable cards for every occasion you can think of – birthday (6), congratulations (2), Valentine’s Day (2), thank you (6), Mother’s Day (2), Father’s Day (2), anniversary (2), get well (2), holiday (6), New Year (4) and blank ones too (4).

Each card has a simple colored design including a red bicycle built for two for an anniversary card, an ice bag for Happy New Year and a sunny colored tropical scene to say “feel better.”

Now you can stock up on cards in January and you’ll be set for the year!

--Anne

OR

Imagine the scene for a moment: It’s February 14. You’ve been anxiously awaiting a special surprise from your significant other. You arrive home and are led by the hand to the kitchen. “Close your eyes,” he says. “Okay, now open them.” There you stand, eyeing the room, heart pounding in anticipation. And what to your wondering eyes should appear? A big shiny silver dishwasher, wrapped in a big red bow. Huh?!

Well, according to a recent survey conducted by Sears, Roebuck and Co., three out of every four women would love to receive a dishwasher for Valentine’s Day. A pair of diamond earrings and a romantic dinner out rounded out the most-wanted gifts list.

Am I missing something or does this sound completely out of whack? If given the choice, would you choose a state-of-the-art Kenmore or 2-karat diamond studs?

--Mary