The Afternoon

so many rings....

noreply@blogger.com (mrs.j) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:53:00 +0000

...so few fingers. :)

New ring day at Westroads! Bet you can't choose just one!

Have a Heart!

noreply@blogger.com (The Afternoon) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:30:00 +0000

As Valentines Day creeps closer and closer, hearts are sneaking their way into every little thing. The Afternoon is no exception and we're loving it!

This bowl is a creation by Fire and Light. Fire & Light Originals has a noteworthy heritage, formed in 1995 as a partnership between the Arcata Community Recycling Center in Humboldt County, California, and a group of local investors who wanted to develop an innovative plan for using crushed, recycled glass. Fire & Light still strives to find new ways to incorporate recycling into their production process, like using recycled beer kegs from local microbreweries as vats to cool our ladles. Each piece is handmade, one at a time, in a process that takes 3-5 days to complete. The deep, vibrant red in this bowl is punctuated by several pressed heart shapes - terrific for Valentine's Day or as a special gift any time of year.

Nothing says "I love you" like a heart-shaped silicone spatula that won't scratch your pots and pans (we're incurable romantics, you know). Even the stainless steel handle is imprinted with "Made With Love." If silicone be the spatula of love, cook on!

Stir up some magic with this colorful whisk! Features silicone-coated, heart-shaped wires in red and pink. Safe for nonstick cookware.

Can anyone fathom the measure of love? These might help. Durable plastic measuring cups in 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup and 1 cup sizes are top rack dishwasher safe (but not intended for use in the microwave).

Valentine's Guy Gift Guide

noreply@blogger.com (The Afternoon) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:30:00 +0000

The guys need some love on Valentine's Day, too. Give the great guys in your life something special, unique, maybe even a little silly. Let them know how much you appreciate them!

What is better than the gift of portable fun? No mounting is required for this ping pong set! Set includes 2 ping pong paddles with retractable handles, portable net, 2 ping pong balls and drawstring pouch for storage and transport. Its weighted net can be set up on any smooth surface table up to 72". Designer Stephan Copeland explains the concept: "Recently I noticed an opportunity to enhance mobility in my home when I found my teenagers becoming hypnotized couch potatoes. I noticed the dining room table as a ping pong opportunity and with some time in the workshop I created a portable set that includes two retractable paddles that can be used on any smooth tabletop -no mounting required. PONGO was hatched and the competitions began!”

Simply chill these rocks in the freezer at least 2 hours (with or without the hardwood tray), place gently in a glass as you would ice cubes, and enjoy your chilled, undiluted and untainted drink (no odors or odd tastes). When done, just rinse the stones or place in your dishwasher. There's zero dilution of your drink's perfectly-balanced flavors - perfect for sipping Scotch and all high-quality whiskeys and spirits. Since granite is exceptionally dense and scratchproof, it holds the cold extremely well and adds no impurities to your drink. The round shape and hand-eased edges allow the stones to swirl smoothly around your glass. One stone is usually all that's needed for the ideal chill!

Why waste a message in a bottle when you can put a message on your meat? Use this versatile BBQ branding iron to brand your name, monogram, an expression, a favorite sports team, flavor, or just about anything else you can imagine on that steak. Comes with complete alphabet and spaces to spell just about anything. Can't you see Dad having a great time with this gadget? Thoroughly hand wash before each use. Contains small parts, so please keep out of children's reach at all times.

Valentines Help for the Men Folk

noreply@blogger.com (The Afternoon) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:30:00 +0000

Fellas, we're here to help you. Valentine's Day is easy to over-think and under-think, but it's pretty simple. When it comes to shopping for your someone special, get them...well, something special! That means generically heart-shaped pendants are out. Teddy bears programed to play annoying love songs are a no-no, and scented lotions/bath products say "I spent 0 minutes thinking about what to get you." The good news is The Afternoon is full of special stuff for your special someone. Whether it's a small and sweet gesture, or a grandiose gift, we've got your back.

If you're shopping for someone with a unique and creative spirit, we suggest getting something to match. Artist Kristin Lora's jewelry and small sculpture is known for its clean, uncomplicated and contemporary lines. Tiny toys and three-dimensional sculptural jewelry are favorite avenues of creation for Kristin:: "I love the intimate scale that this work provides both as the maker and as a viewer, and I love watching the reaction of discovery when others notice the tiny and unexpected details within my pieces." These earrings feature small people figures in oxidized silver circles. Approximately 1.5" diameter (each of Kristin's creations is unique, so the people figures will vary).

We have a great selection of unique jewelry, so check it out!

We don't want to start a beef with Conversation Heart people, but when it comes to picking out a note for your beloved think outside the boxed candy. We've got an amazing selection of cards that are full of wit, whimsy, and enough charm to earn you a few gold stars. They're only available in stores, however. The good thing is you'll be able to come in and visit!

As wonderful as jokes and snark can be, we've also got great items for the unapologetic romantics out there. The style is simple and unadorned, letting the weight of the words shine through. This print reads,

"With Time, the things that make me care seem to change. Tears and laughter reverse their roles. The world switches from big to small depending on the uncertainties that surround us, while comfort packs its bags and moves from place to place, never leaving a forwarding address. But through the impermanence of people and feelings, you stay as slow, as warm, and as forever as children's summer laughter. You remain a part of my heart's truth, the part that doesn't get crushed beneath the weight of time passing, the part I give thanks for, everyday."

Stop by online or in stores, and we'll get you set up to a Valentine's Day master.

Resolution: More Time With Family and Friends

noreply@blogger.com (The Afternoon) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 22:02:00 +0000

It's one of the most popular New Year's resolutions and, we think, one of the very best! You can never spend enough time with loved ones, but we don't want you sitting around and twiddling your thumbs while you do it. Have as much fun as you can while making memories! We've got a few suggestions.

Awkward Family Photo Game - We can assure you that this game is 10 times as fun as taking an awkward family photo. Just flip over classic and never-before-seen Awkward Family Photos featuring uncomfortable moments from vacations, weddings, holidays, etc., and read aloud the open-ended questions. Your answers guarantee a night of awkward fun, and if you know your fellow players well enough and can impress them with your answers, you'll get the last laugh! Contains gameboard, 62 blue photo cards, 30 marker chips, answer pad, 6 custom pencils, 20-sided die, and instructions. For 4-6 players, ages 13 and above.

All About Us - This one is probably best for spending more time with your significant other. With questions about romance and sex, daily routines and the life of your dreams, All About Us will help you and your partner discover more about yourselves and each other than you ever imagined possible. Whether you fill it out together, separately, or ask and answer questions aloud, this unique book will help you to deepen your relationship and discover that, once again, love is the answer.

Slice Solutions® Brownie Pan - Of course you can enjoy time spent baking with your family, but the real magic of this pan is your family will no longer be torn apart by fights over who got the bigger brownie. This 3-piece set from Chicago Metallic makes 18 perfectly pre-sliced brownies. Simply pour batter into pan, insert the divider, bake and serve. Customize each piece with nuts, candies or any other toppings desired. Also great for making breakfast casseroles, cornbread, bar desserts, crispy cereal treats and more! Easy and convenient snap-on lid allows you to take the treats to any celebration.

After Christmas Sale

noreply@blogger.com (The Afternoon) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Did you miss out on something this Christmas? No worries! Stop by our Midtown Location and check out our After Christmas Sale. Christmas will be here again before we know it, but these deals won't!

It doesn't stop at Christmas, though! At Midtown only, we will have a 50% off clearance sale on selected purses and totes from Friday the 6th through Monday the 9th.

resolutions: quit smoking

noreply@blogger.com (mrs.j) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

It's January 3rd...have you broken your New Year's resolution yet? If you have, don't feel too bad about it--20% of resolutions are broken within the first week of January. At least 80% are broken within the year, and that number is probably even higher, since people don't want to admit when they think they've failed.
We'd love to help you stick to your guns in 2012, so this week we'll be featuring Afternoon items that can help you reach some of the most popular resolutions, such as:

QUIT SMOKING

We'd really like to help you with this one, mostly because we care about you and we want you to be our customer for a long, long time. We don't have nicotine patches at The Afternoon, but we do have some products that can distract and maybe take the edge off this very difficult resolution:

The herbal "Be Well" teas from The Republic of Tea are yummy, comforting, and have natural solutions for pretty much anything that ails you. Pick up the "get clean" red tea, which will remove toxins from your system naturally--useful if your holiday indulgences included a few too many drinks along with the smokes. Bonus? Now that you're not smoking you'll be able to enjoy the flavor of things in a way you never could before, so these teas will be even more delicious!

I've heard that one of the hardest parts of kicking the smoking habit is the habit itself--the routine of smoking is almost as addicting as the nicotine itself! Keep your hands busy with a big old jigsaw puzzle (like this one from Christopher Marley)

If all else fails, go with that great final motivator: fear. Final Exits, a literal encyclopedia of things that can kill you, has a whole chapter on how smoking can be fatal, and includes fun facts such as the average number of cigarrettes a hardcore user smokes in a year (7,300) and how many lung cancer deaths happened the year of it's publication (120,000 in 2003). It really makes you think. Once you're done with the coffin nails, you can read some of the more lighthearted ways to die, such as laughter, love, yawning...anything can kill you, apparently, but that's still no reason to smoke.

Good luck friends! We believe in you!

resolutions: get healthy

noreply@blogger.com (mrs.j) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:48:00 +0000

It's January 2nd...have you broken your New Year's resolution yet? If you have, don't feel too bad about it--20% of resolutions are broken within the first week of January. At least 80% are broken within the year, and that number is probably even higher, since people don't want to admit when they think they've failed.
We'd love to help you stick to your guns in 2012, so this week we'll be featuring Afternoon items that can help you reach some of the most popular resolutions, such as:

GETTING HEALTHY

Maybe you want to lose weight, or start exercising, or run a marathon. However you worded it, you want to be a healthier you in 2012. We get it. This is one of the most common resolutions partially because it's one of the hardest things to encourage ourselves to do, and also because New Years comes right after the food decadence of Christmas and we're really feeling those last few turkey dinners.

You might be inspired to hit the gym more if you had some new gear to take with you. Consider one of our wide jersey headbands, which are comfortable and breathable for work outs but cute and trendy enough to be worn outside of the gym.

Worried that the new diet will get boring after a few weeks? Our popular 101 Things To Do With... cookbooks take an ingredient and explore new and innovative ways to eat it--check out the 101 Things To Do With A Tortilla and 101 Things To Do With A Salad for new and healthy recipes you might not have imagined before.

Speaking of cookbooks and getting healthy, switching to vegetarian, vegan, or raw diets are very popular this time of year as people's desire to be healthier combines with their desire to be gentler to their planet and their animal friends. We have a wide variety of beautiful cookbooks full of so many mouthwatering recipes and gorgeous pictures so you can change to your new diet and never look back.

Other ideas for reaching your healthy new goals:

Get a cute new journal to track your eating and exercising habits and keep yourself inspired.

Use the Nordic Ware microwave popcorn popper to make a healthy snack in minutes.

Trade in your plastic or metal water bottle for our Savoy glass water bottles. These unique and beautiful designs are non-lead and BPA free, style-conscious and environmentally-conscious alternative, so you can keep the planet healthy as you get healthy, too.

Good luck with the healthier, happier you! We believe in you!

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (The Afternoon) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0000

What's Your Poison?

noreply@blogger.com (The Afternoon) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Christmas may be all about the food, but New Years is all about the drinks! However you like to ring in the new year, we've got the perfect glass to keep you topped off!

Artland Rockledge Vodka Glass Set - Beautifully handcrafted with all the elegance of crystal, this affordable crystal clear vodka glass set with chilling bowl from Artland is perfect for those intimate parties. 7 piece set (6 glasses to glass chilling bowl).

Beaded Wine Glasses - Festive wine glasses decorated with multi-colored beads and silver wire make a special occasion even more fun. Each is 7¼" tall and holds 10 ounces.

Frosted Curl Hand Painted Margarita Glass - These beautiful margarita glasses are hand painted by artisans in Western New York State, many working out of their own homes to maintain a rich balance between work and family.The 'curl' is a symbol of life. It is a life enhancing spiral that dates back to the caves of ancient civilizations and represents the artists' philosophy of simple, beautifully crafted things to enhance your life. Mixed or matched, they make a festive statement at table and a distinctive gift.

Hand Blown Martini Glass - You'll have that Vegas Strip cool when you sport these sophisticated martini glasses. These glasses are hand blown and have a great, substantial feel; the colors are attractive any place, but really pop in sunlight. Makes a great gift for Mother's Day, Father's Day, wedding, or an anniversary. Available in 4 different stem colors: Aqua; Fuschia; Lemon/Lime; and Orange. Approximately 5 ounce capacity.

Afternoon Advent Day 25 - Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (The Afternoon) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 16:00:00 +0000

It's finally here! We hope our fun, holiday products got you in a festive spirit. Have a wonderful day full of good food and good company!

Afternoon Advent Day 24 - Santa Robot Cookie Jar

noreply@blogger.com (The Afternoon) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 17:50:00 +0000

He efficiently delivers toys to millions of children in one night--it should be no surprise that Santa is a robot. He is in this incarnation at least.

It's Plan 9 from the North Pole! The Santa-nator cometh in the guise of this far-out and fun cookie jar. At the flip of a switch, Santa's LED eyes light up and the star on top of his helmet blinks - the universal cookie signal! Ceramic, 12" tall x 10" wide. Requires 2 AAA batteries (not included).

Afternoon Advent Day 23 - Golden Holly Mosaic Candle Holder

noreply@blogger.com (The Afternoon) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 21:00:00 +0000

This mosaic candle holder will come to life with glittering, holiday beauty--just add fire! Well, with a candle. We want everyone follow fire safety standards this holiday season (and the rest of the year).

Glass mosaic hurricane holds a 3" diameter pillar candle (not included). 9" tall x 5.5" diameter.

Let There Be Light!

noreply@blogger.com (The Afternoon) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:00:00 +0000

It's the shortest day of the year AND we're on the 3rd day of Hanukkah, a.k.a. the Festival of Lights, so we figure those two facts are reason enough to show off our amazing lamps! The sun may be out less and less but you can still let in the light. Can the sun give you light while adding style and sophistication to any room? We didn't think so.

This cool kitty casts a comforting glow. Made from tough yet flexible and breakage-resistant white polypropylene, this lightweight table lamp uses a cool-lighting/low energy compact fluorescent bulb that keeps the lamp cool to the touch. Great for both a child's room and for use anywhere you want to make a feline statement, and a must for the enlightened cat lover. Made in Italy; design by Ramin Razani. 9" x 6" x 12".

Today's imponderable: why have a thought outside the box when you can have a lamp in a box? Hmm, it's going to take a trip to the oracle to deconstruct that one. Meanwhile, you can enjoy this ultra-hip and tres chic journey into modern lighting. Of course, these lamps are meant to be displayed outside of their heavy duty, recyclable, reusable carrying boxes, and they sport terrific prints on their shades. This one features the bright multi-colored faces of the "Fab Four" - John, Paul, George & Ringo.. A must-have for any Beatles fan! Lamps are 21" tall. All Lamp-In-A-Box shades are cylindrical, 7” in diameter and 9” tall, designed to work with Lamp-In-A-Box bases, so you can mix and match shades! All shades are made of eco-friendly 100% biodegradable plastic. Lamp-In-A-Box bases and shades are UL listed when used together. Maximum wattage for Lamp-In-A-Box shades is 75 watts. Brushed nickel lamp base.

This lamp has received a lot of attention in our stores since it arrived. Made of polystyrene mesh, the effect is like a radiant spider's web, or perhaps a glowing dandelion. However one chooses to describe it, it's a fascinating design element. 60 watt max. 12" diameter. CUL approved.

Afternoon Advent Day 22 - Christmas Tall Container

noreply@blogger.com (The Afternoon) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 22:30:00 +0000

We've got the perfect place for your overflow of Christmas goodies!

These tall, elegant food storage containers feature delightful Christmas themes. Ceramic container features a sealed lid. Container is 9.25" tall x 5" diameter. Choose from Santa or Snowman.

Afternoon Advent Day 21 - Angel Figures

noreply@blogger.com (The Afternoon) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:45:00 +0000

Hark the Herald Angel sings! Well...these figures don't sing, but they sure are pretty!

These 12" tall, beautiful angels are crafted from resin and metal. Available in assorted poses; let us choose one for you. 12" tall.

Afternoon Advent Day 20 - Candy Cane Candle

noreply@blogger.com (The Afternoon) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:45:00 +0000

Advent item 20 looks good enough to eat! But we wouldn't recommend it. It's not like it's poison or anything, but it is a candle....it wouldn't taste very good.

Enjoy a warm holiday glow with this delightful ball candle. 3" diameter.

procrastinators rejoice!

noreply@blogger.com (mrs.j) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:12:00 +0000

Congratulations, last minute Westroads Mall shoppers! Our adorable shipment of Japanese goods from Miya just arrived today and it is good. Really good. Run around the store showing everybody the new products good. These mugs, for example--with cutey pie pig and cat details and stirring spoons that nuzzle up to the rim--would make an amazing last-minute present or showstopping white elephant gift, and all those people who finished their shopping weeks ago will never see them coming!

So just this once, procrastinators, you have been rewarded!

Afternoon Advent Day 19 - Snowman Salt & Pepper Shakers

noreply@blogger.com (The Afternoon) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:45:00 +0000

The weather may be chilly, but your spices can still be spicey!

Diminutive 3" tall ceramic salt and pepper shakers will steal your heart as your season your meal. Set of 2 shakers.

Gift Guides - For the Foodies

noreply@blogger.com (The Afternoon) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 01:00:00 +0000

These gifts are perfect for the people whose lives are like a 24/7 Food Network show. They never bring boring brownies to the Christmas party and the thought of canned produce gives them nightmares. The Foodies may have a particular palate, but you can't go wrong with these gifts.

Amboyana Cheese Board - Made of beautiful exotic hardwood from Southeast Asia; each board has a unique swirl pattern. The Afternoon recommends for your favorite cook! Clean with warm water and a mild soap, then immediately dry completely. Regular application of a food-safe oil will help keep this board in excellent condition; butcher block or mineral oil are recommended. Diameters vary.

Fold-Flat Baker's Cooling Rack - This cooling rack from Linden Sweden is a great space saver and a must for the serious baker. When in use it features 4 tiered shelves that can hold up to 10lbs each. Also great for organizing arts and crafts projects! When you're ready to store it, the rack folds flat to 13.5" tall x 1" wide - saves space on your countertop. In-use measurements are 13" tall x 10" wide x 10.25" deep. A great gift for mom, for a wedding, and for the college student back-to-school. Particularly great for those with little kitchens and big baking ambition!

The I Love Trader Joe's Cookbook - Based on author Cherie Mercer Twohy's wildly popular, standing-room-only workshops, The I Love Trader Joe's Cookbook presents her top 150 recipes for everything from crowd-pleasing hors d’oeuvres and tasty quick meals to gourmet entrées and world-class desserts. Since every ingredient can be purchased at Trader Joe’s, this is truly the ultimate one-stop shopping guide — perfect for simplifying one’s busy schedule. The I Love Trader Joe's Cookbook is designed to help shoppers recognize the best finds, savor the flavors and reap the fruits of the TJ’s buyers’ labors. From advice on topping a cracker with the best possible cheese, spread, or tapenade to far more involved recipes (as in actual cooking!), this book is packed with quick tips and simple suggestions as well as full-meal ideas. The recipes, carefully selected by the author, have been thoroughly tested by countless students for both ease of preparation and general deliciousness. Green olive and gorgonzola palmiers; black pepper chicken with winter squash; sweet potato, pecan, and cranberry salad, Spanish flavored pork — these enticing recipes are among the 150 that send readers dashing to their local Trader Joe’s. Paperback.

Afternoon Advent Day 17 - Rosana Red Glass Candlestick

noreply@blogger.com (The Afternoon) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 20:41:00 +0000

Beautiful lights are a highlight of the holiday season. We especially love things that enhance that beauty, like this glass candlestick.

Grace your table with this hand-blown tall glass candlestick holder. The vintage-inspired, rich red glass sparkles with the beauty of the season. Holds standard-sized taper or straight candles. 11.75" tall x 4.75" diameter.

Afternoon Advent Day 16 - Santa's Sleigh Advent Calendar

noreply@blogger.com (The Afternoon) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 22:45:00 +0000

Today's Advent item is a fun way to count the days until Christmas. Hide a little candy in each cupboard and enjoy sweetness all the way until the big day!

This delightful Advent Calendar features 24 pull boxes that together form a picture of Santa making his midnight run over a wintry hamlet. Fill each box with a toy, a treat, a verse, or what you will to celebrate a day of Advent. Pull out all of the boxes and see if you can recreate the Santa puzzle (okay, the dates give you a bit of a clue, but it would be naughty to cheat and, well, we know what happens when naughty and Santa mix). Sure to become a treasured part of your Christmas tradition. 10.75" x 9" x 2.25"

Gift Guides - For the Hipster

noreply@blogger.com (The Afternoon) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 01:00:00 +0000

Is there someone on your shopping list who wears scarves when scarves are not necessary? How about a young man with decidedly old fashioned facial hair? If so, there's a good chance you'll be gift shopping for a Hipster and we've got the goods.

Sushi Flash iphone Case - We would bet good money the Hipster in your life owns at least one Apple product. They were probably first in line to get their iphone, so help them protect it in style! They'll like the idea of keeping their iphone safe, and love the sushi that gives it its quirky charm. Approximately 5" X 3".

Bike Snob - In this wickedly funny rant and rave about the world of bikes and their riders, blogger and cyclist BikeSnobNYC offers a unique look at the ins and outs of cycling, from its history and hallmarks to its wide range of bizarre practitioners. He spares no one, not even himself, as he lampoons the missteps, pretensions, and absurdities of bike culture, all while maintaining a contagious enthusiasm for cycling itself. Includes 4 Bike Snob stickers!

Great Moustaches Mug - Confucius said, "A man without a moustache is a man without a soul." However, even the soul-impaired can enjoy this instructive mug that features depictions of 14 famous moustaches from hairy-lipped luminaries such as Albert Einstein, Salvador Dali, Leon Trotsky, Groucho Marx, and even Frida Kahlo (well okay, those are eyebrows, but the effect is eerily similar). Holds 12 oz.; microwave and dishwasher safe.

Afternoon Advent Day 15 - Pillars of Heaven Nativity

noreply@blogger.com (The Afternoon) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:56:00 +0000

We're over halfway to the big day, and today we have a really unique Advent item.

Artist Kim Lawrence designed this uniquely beautiful and moving nativity. The diamond-shaped pillars create an interactive sculpture that can be arranged in multiple ways. Inscribed on the back of each pillar is a Bible passage telling the story of the First Noel, reminding everyone of the true meaning of Christmas. Set of 9 pieces range in height from 4.5" to 9.5" tall.

Afternoon Advent Day 14 - Snowman Plate

noreply@blogger.com (The Afternoon) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:30:00 +0000

It's the season of sweets and good eats, so keep the holiday spirit going even down to the plates!

This 11" diameter serving plate features a hand painted, whimsical snowman design that is irresistible. Use for your holiday entertaining or as part of your décor.