Tuesday's Top Ten - Ten Best Yellow Items

Look to the symbolism of the sun, and you just might find the solutions we need to face the reality of the recession. The sun can provide the warmth, energy, and happiness we need, even when skies are gray. And let’s face it, these days, the skies are often gray.

This certainly helps explain why furniture and fashion in ’09 are shifting toward the sun’s color of comfort: Yellow. The color industry’s trend-setter, Pantone, declared yellow the new “in” color for 2009 and plenty of décor mavens, industry influencers and furniture manufacturers have embraced the trend. The Washington Post also highlighted this trend in a recent article entitled, “In Times So Mellow, A Burst of Yellow,” where they showcased the fact that yellow has become the new symbol of hope. Even Michelle Obama reflected the trend when she donned a yellow dress during the inauguration.

In honor of hope, CSN Stores’ knowledgeable and caring e-retail experts have compiled “CSN’s Say Yes to Yellow List” of bright, inspiring items. Check out our top ten...

10. Rosenthal Sunny Day Pastel Collection - $15 - $87

9. HALO Innovations SleepSack Blanket Gift Set - $31

8. bObles Tumbling Animal Collection - $39 - $499

7. Offi Pet Lamp Collection - $59

6. LumiSource Carry-Out Yellow Lamp - $21

5. Heys USA XCase - $89.99

4. Avior Pet Carrier - $59

3. Alessi Mandarin Citrus Squeezer - $40

2. Italtrike Pilot 300 Tricycle for Two - $289

1. VIPP Limited Edition Yellow Cab Bathroom Set - $469

CSN Monday - New Product Launch from Kartell

Hey everyone, we just wanted to flag you on a brand new item from one of the biggest names in the modern industry, Kartell.

At 64" tall, the Misses Flower Power is a decidedly “oversized” vase, sure to grab attention for its dramatic size and functionality. Kartell’s quest for visually striking chromatic effects led to the development of rotational molding. This production technique brings life to a semi-transparent and irregular surface to produce a vintage glass look. Applied to transparent polycarbonate, it produces a single hollow piece, suitable for containing soil, water, plants, or flowers. The vase’s round base gives the structure excellent stability. Available in a variety of transparent and opaque colors.

This particular item was designed by Philippe Starck. Unlike most other New Design artists, Starck's work does not concentrate on the creation of provocative and expensive single pieces. Instead his product designs are of usable household items. His products are often stylized, streamlined, and organic in their look, and are also constructed using unusual combinations of materials, such as glass and stone, plastic and aluminum, or plush fabric and chrome. This new modern item is available on AllModern.com.

Tuesday's Top Ten - Ten Oscar Party Essentials

Now that Super Sunday is behind us and the nacho cheese stains have finally dried, it’s time to start thinking about the next big event on the social calendar – the Oscar Party. On February 22nd, Hollywood will host the 81st Academy Awards, one of the most popular and anticipated awards ceremonies of the year. And much like the Super Bowl, the Oscars tend to be more fun and exciting when enjoyed with friends and family in a party atmosphere.

That’s why CSN has put together a top ten list of Oscar Party essentials, from movie-themed décor to hosting must-haves, to help you throw a bash worthy of the A-listers. So whether you’re throwing a formal affair or a casual ‘root for the underdog’ gathering, we have everything you’ll need to host the best Oscar party outside of Beverly Hills.

10: Bass - Spotlight Accent Lamp - $55
9: Bass - Napkin Holders - $50
8: Disney - Movie Night Assortment 4 Individual Popcorn Bowls - $51.48
7: Milliken - Intermission Border Movie Rug - $69.99 – $646.99
6: Toastess - Popcorn Maker - $49.99
5: Blomus - Enza Five Piece Dip Bowl Set with Tray - $71
4: Sengware – Hors D’oeuvre Plates (Sets of 4) - $32.99
3: iittala - Senta Set of Two 7 Oz. Champagne Glasses - $24
2: Couzon - Residence Champagne Cooler - $95
1: Advanced Graphics – Movie Star Stand-Ups - $29.99 - $39.99

Thanks for reading everyone, it was nice just to be nominated.

CSN Mondays - The Value-Tines 50 Under $50

Even if money is tight, it’s still important to show that special someone how much he or she means to you on Valentine’s Day. That’s why CSN Stores’ knowledgeable and caring gift counselors selected our Thrifty Fifty Value-Tine’s items, a collection of products that are both appealing and reasonably priced.

We suggest starting with our Top 10 Under $50 and then exploring the rest of these thoughtful, fun, and functional items, to find something that’s enjoyable and affordable for that special someone in your life.

News Alert: All Pet Furniture in The Star-Ledger

Countdown to Valentine's Day: 15 Days

AllPetFurniture.com and The Catnap Pet Valentine Sofa were just featured in the Star-Ledger in a story called "14 ways to show your sweetheart how much you care.” The bed was the editor's top pet pick. Check it out:

Are you looking for an affordable and appealing Valentine's Day gift that won't break the bank? You can check out our new 50 Under $50 Value-Tine's Page. Or, you can read about it on MSNBC here.

Whether you're buying for a new crush, a long term love, or a pampered pooch -- we have what you need. Have a great weekend, and thanks for reading! =)

CSN Mondays: Super Bowl Gear on EveryGameRoom.com

EveryGameRoom.com, CSN’s ultimate rec room site, complete with everything from ping pong to pool tables and chess to dart boards, features a wide selection of licensed gear. And with Super Bowl Sunday right around the corner, Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers Fan Goods are flying off the shelves. From serving dishes to door knockers, we have a number of fun and funky stuff that is ideal for the big game on Sunday.

If you’re a fan of the two teams playing on Sunday, than love for your team is at an all time high. Why not parlay this excitement into a quirky fan purchase, like a licensed Cardinals Shower Curtain or a Steelers Sham. And if your team’s season has been over for a while, than be sure to check out our wide variety of NBA items. There’s always next season…

Family-Focused Fridays, Getting Ready For The Big Game

Welcome back to Family-Focused Fridays on the CSN Stores Blog Network.
If you're a football fan, you're probably already preparing for the upcoming Super Bowl contest between the Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Here at CSN, we're gearing up for the big game, too, with an entire collection of tailored items featuring both licensed colors and logos from each team.
You can be a true fan fanatic with a team-specific door knocker, sofa, pub table, pub lamp, team darts and even a shower curtain. Here's a great article that just landed in the No. 10 paper in the country, The Arizona Republic, which gives you an idea of the excitement around this fan gear for your home.
If you love the Arizona Cardinals and you want to deck-out your den (or dorm room) with appropriate items, then check them out here.

Of course, if you're a Steelers' fan, then click here to review countless items you might enjoy.

Thanks everyone. Have a great weekend.

Best, Chloe's Day

Tuesday’s Top Ten: The Winter Stay-Cation

The ‘stay-cation,’ the buzz word of the summer, is getting a winter makeover. The phenomenon that encouraged families to stay at home and save rather than embark on expensive, extensive vacations started to slow with the changing of the season. But with winter breaks and annual ski trips on the horizon, the concept of staying cozy and entertained at home versus hitting the road or sky is an increasingly attractive option.

That’s why this winter, CSN Stores (csnstores.com) is promoting its ten trendiest items for the Winter-Staycation – sleds, inflatable igloos, games, fitness equipment, and anything else that will make this School Break Staycation fun for the whole family. So, with the wintriest days of winter still ahead of us, check out these new, affordable indoor and outdoor items that can transform your home into the hottest cold-weather destination around.

10: Aviva - Ice Rink - $29.99, Oval - $39.99 - This neat, innovative item brings a new winter activity to the backyard.
9: Sportsstuff - Sno Fort Winter Outdoor Toy - $99 - This fun and affordable inflatable igloo makes for the ideal snow fort.
8: Mountain Boy Sledworks - 52" Ultimate Flyer Sled - $116.99 - This heavy duty, beautifully crafted sled is the perfect way to show your family that you’re dedicated to having some serious snow-time fun this season.
7: Weslo - AerobicStride 2.0 Treadmill - $159.99 - Featuring two balanced flywheels for smooth movement, this foldable treadmill is both high performance and affordable.
6: My Good Dog - Winter Dog Coat – From $49.99 - $59.99 - With the My Good Dog Winter Coat, you can have your ‘best friend’ outside with you in the snow all season long.
5: Schoenhut - Fancy Baby Grand Piano - $137 - This fun, learning tool from Schoenhut is ideal for keeping young minds active and entertained.
4: Marker - Adventure Everything Boot Bag - $79.99 - Featuring bungee cords that hold jackets and gloves, an expanding section for a helmet and coat, a vented boot section with bottom drainage grommets, and a front audio pocket with exterior headphone port, this bag has everything you’ll need for a 24-hour adventure.
3: Classic Game Collection - Walnut Round 3-in-1 Game Set - $28.8 - This hardwood game set features pieces for chess, checkers, and Chinese checkers.
2: BonJour - 32-Ounce Hot Chocolate Maker - $29.95 - Featuring an automatic battery powered frother that whips hot milk and chocolate, this machine from BonJour is a kitchen essential kitchen for chilly days.
1: Voit - 11-in-1 Let's Play Game Center - $178 – This multi game table features foosball, air hockey, stick hockey, table tennis, bowling, shuffleboard, backgammon, chess, checkers, tic-tac-toe and cards. That’s a lot of indoor games!

Family-Focused Fridays -- Today Show Feature For Pampered Pet

Welcome back to Family-Focused Fridays here on the CSN Stores Blog Network. We've received a great response to the Alessi Corkscrew Giveaway, so if you're still interested in vying for this prize, please write us and let us know. We'll be conducting the drawing for that item by the end of January.

Switching gears, we wanted to let you know about an exciting segment from The Today Show this week, which featured CSNStores.com and something most Dog Parents would love to have -- a Snoozer Pet Umbrella. It keeps those little rascals dry in the rain during their walks. Click here if you'd like to see more of the Pet Umbrella.

Here's a snippet from an article that Fashionista Jenn Falik wrote for the Today Show Home Page, which also appeared on MSNBC.com.

Snoozer Pet Umbrella; $16.99 at CSNStores.com.
Breakthrough: For dogs that won’t dare wear a rainjacket, this keeps them dry and warm so they don’t get sick and/or matted in wet snow and rain. This umbrella works like a leash and clips to collar — bendable handle adjusts to your height. Take a look at the video:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

For more interesting ideas for the Pet Children in your life, be sure to check out the Thoroughly Pets Thursdays archive.

Thanks for reading. Drop us a line on any of the products that make being a Pet Parent easier for you and your pet.

Best, Chloe's Dad

Thoroughly Pets Thursdays and The Feline/Canine Valentine for 2009

Have you ever thought that pets are better at expressing love than some of your exes? Well, you’re not alone. At times, our feline and canine friends seem more reliable, relaxed, and even cuter than those people who didn’t turn out to be “the one.”

It certainly helps explain why cats have become the most commonly owned pet -- over 88 million -- in the U.S. today. In fact, they’re so popular that 55 percent of cat owners have more than one. And dogs aren’t far behind.

That's why “Pet Parents” at CSN Stores have banded together to make sure pets get the love they deserve this Valentine’s Day. This unique list of presents is purrrfect for even the most discriminating cat or canine, and designed to fit any budget. Chances are good that your pet is going to appreciate them far more than your ex ever did…

1. Catnap Red Valentine Pet Sofa -- $130
2. Hometeam Pets Football Pet Bed -- $30
3. Catnap Beetle Luxury Pet Bed in Pink -- $134
4. Canine Styles Dog Polo with Alligators --$39
5. Imperial Cat Fish Bone Cat Scratcher -- $22
6. Snoozer Lookout I Pet Car Seat -- $78
7. Fatboy Doggielounge -- $99
8. ABO Gear Dirty Dog Bath -- $73
9. Teafco Argo Action Petpack Carrier -- $106
10. Prrrounge Modern Cat Scratcher -- $250

Thanks for reading, and please let us know if you have any other great ideas for a terrific pet Valentine's Day this year.

Tuesday's Top Ten – Just Having a Ball

Everybody knows that mid-January is the time to have a ball. Have an Inauguration Ball, a Conference Championship Ball, even a Last Couple Days of Winter Break Ball. So to celebrate the most ‘balling-est’ week of the year, we’ve put together a list of the top ten ‘Balls’ on CSN Stores.

From ping pong balls to tetherballs, we have items that are fun the year ROUND. So bounce to your computer screens, circle round the list, and have a BALL.

10: Wonderworld - Counting Ball Manual Numbers Discovery Set
9: Joola USA Gold Star Ping Pong Balls 120 Count

8: Uttermost - Zuma Glass Bowl and Balls
7: Park & Sun Sports - Island Breeze Dual Sports Net
6: LBL Lighting - Crystal Ball Mini Pendant
5: Mr. Billiard - Wall Eye Pool Ball Set
4: ARTEflorum - Dark Brown Glitter Ball Ornaments Set
3: Draper - Tetherball System
2: Herman Miller – Eames Hang-It-All Rack
1: Wesco - Ball Pool Kit 2

CSN Mondays: CSN and the Champion Juicer on Good Day LA

Great news everybody, Good Day LA, the #1 morning show in the second biggest market in the U.S., showcased CSN Stores and the Champion Heavy-Duty Commercial Juicer in a January 7 segment about ‘new ideas for a new you’ in 2009. The juicer received a great on-air mention from celebrity reporter Kym Douglas, and myFox also placed a link on their Web site, bringing the total estimated audience to 600,000 people. Take a look at a screen shot below and watch the clip online here.

Here’s some more information on the Champion Juicer: “Powered by a 1/3 horsepower electric motor, this Heavy-Duty Commercial Juicer is designed to produce the highest possible quality of juices and foods. It's a difference you can see in the color of the juice: darker, richer colors contain more of the pigments and nutrients you desire, while the extracted pulp is pale in color. And rest assured, it's a difference you can taste!