Home and Hearth unltd: On Making A House A Home!
This photo of a blazing hearth was taken by photographer/artist Roger Kirby of Yakima, Washington.
Showcasing the heart, traditions, and love that make a House a Home. It's more than just picking pretty items for Home and Garden. It's that special sauce needed to take that final step towards making Home a nurturing, safe haven ... be it ever so humble!
Find Home and Hearth-related Products and Resources. Connect and Interact with those who share your interest in Home and Hearth ... or what makes a House a Home!
Below you'll find Merchants and Products which speak to the topic of this site and which, in keeping with our mission as The Web's Concierge, have been carefully chosen and individually screened for your shopping ease and pleasure. They are not paid ads, but rather companies with whom we have selectively chosen to partner. We do earn a referral fee if you find something you like or need and purchase it. We have striven to bring you the "best in breed" companies ... those that: we like, our friends like, have great sites and service, have good online reviews, positive consumer reports, and are family friendly. Keep us posted with regards to your own personal experiences with them.
You may be surprised at companies that have not been included. The "noisiest" in the marketplace are not always the best. We have chosen 1) newer innovative companies that are performing well and garnering respect in their respective niches as well as 2) "Main Street" companies that have been reliably getting the job done for decades ... in some cases centuries. Our oldest partner, thus far, has been in business since 1819! That's staying power.
Rest assured, if we've included a certain vendor in a site's line-up, there's a very specific reason for it. You may have to hunt and poke a bit, but it'll be well worth the effort. Enjoy the adventure!
Merchants
The Leader of the Pack
Brookstone: A specialty retailer offering an assortment of consumer products that are functional in purpose, distinctive in quality and design, and not widely available from other retailers ... just the coolest place to find the neat, the unusual, the pragmatic, and most importantly, the innovative! (They have long been "the" leader in the "travel comfort and preparedness" column ... it sure helped sell their wares in all those airport stores.) Always a satisfying shopping experience.
Customer Favorites:
Armor Concepts: Bringing you the ultimate in door and window ... and thus home ... security.
Barron Designs: A huge selection of innovative home remodeling products and specialty building materials for builders and homeowners across the US and Canada ... faux panels, stone veneer, faux wood beams, brick siding, and other molded wood building supplies. New York-based since 1972. Featured on ABC's "Extreme Makeover Home Edition" & HGTV's "Curb Appeal".
Care.com: The largest and fastest site dedicated to "care" on the globe ... dedicated to helping you find caregivers ... babysitters, nannies, child care and senior home caregivers - near you. Post jobs for babysitting, tutoring, home health care, pet care, etc. Even find your next housekeeper! Featured on ABC and USA Today. (As always ... when you're dealing with the well-being and safety of your loved ones ... it's always good to go an extra 10,000 miles in the "due diligence" process. That being said, it's a valuable resource. And we've all been in these shoes.) The site also offers much information on the subject of caregiving.
Casual Living: "The Voice of the Leisure Marketplace" and, as such, the periodical is the leading information source for retailers, designers, and manufacturers in the casual furnishings (indoor/outdoor casual living) industry wanting to keep abreast of what's new and what's hot.
Cottages and Bungalows: Showcasing "small and cozy" vs. "big and fancy" homes ... features on existing homes and neighborhoods as well as decorating tips and how-tos to achieve the same effect in your own living space (even if you don't yet own that country cottage or Craftsman bungalow).
Good Housekeeping: A staple in the women's magazine department since 1885! Covers it all ... home, food, fitness, beauty, health, and family ... and even features articles on social issues and human interest stories.
Kohl's: One amazing department store - if you put it in your home, on your body, or if it involves sports, play, or toys of any type, they've got it. (A hint ... if you are looking for counter or bar stools, this is probably the most extensive selection on the planet!)
Macy's: And yes ... it is still magical ... even after all these years. Another beautifully organized "department store" with a vast array of goods. Almost as much fun to shop online as at 34th Street! At least you don't have to deal with the crowds!
Martha Stewart Living: Created by the famous doyenne of everything "home & garden" and bringing you creative ways and encouraging you to celebrate the simple things of everyday life, such as gardening, entertaining, renovating, cooking, and decorating. (Winner of the 2013 National Magazine Award for General Excellence)
Expressions: "Stylish & Graceful Accents for You and Your Home" ... the beloved Catalog online. Featuring Home Accessories & Decor; Gifts and Collectibles; Figurines & Jewelry; and Much More ... It's about Accents that make a space "Yours". Hours of shopping pleasure here ... you'll just want to bring it all home!
RugSale.com: Area rugs galore ... and they ship fast. And internationally. Name Brand Area Rugs (Over 60,000 Rugs from which to Choose) at great prices from a long-time online retailer ... the family-owned business has been around offline since the 1950s.
SerenityHealth: Serenity inducing accessories for your indoor and outdoor living spaces ... you'll find indoor and outdoor water features and fountains, firepits, wind spinners, hammocks, massage products (even a vibroacoustic therapy system), natural alarm clocks, etc. ... all products designed to relax and de-stress.
Taste of Home: It's hard to remember when this magazine wasn't a part of our cooking and recipe lexicon...
The Caretaker Gazette: A publication showcasing - for 30 years - house sitting and property caretaking opportunities. Provides tips and counsel for property owners as well.
Wayfair: An absolute favorite ... no mater the style of your home, you will find the answer to every interior design and decorating challenging amongst this company's wares ... be it furniture or decorative accessories. I could (and you may) spend a whole day shopping this site ... either with a dedicated shopping list in hand or just to browse for ideas. Enjoy.
More Resources:
Abe's of Maine: A Family Owned and Operated Camera Store (Other Consumer Electronics Also) for 35 Years. If You're Looking for the Personal Touch Online ... There's really not much that they don't have. So don't think it's strange if you see us recommending them where you least expect it!
Allergy & Air: They're all about "improving the air you breathe" as well as providing other solutions that contribute to a comfortable and "healthy" home ... including air purifiers, air conditioning, dehumidifiers, water coolers and accessories, fireplaces and fireplace heaters, indoor and outdoor heaters and heating solutions...
Amazon: One of the planet's most mind-boggling arrays of goods. First came the books. Now they've added every other product on the planet. The ultimate in selection and convenience across multiple categories.
Better Homes & Gardens: Bringing you how-to features on food, recipes, decorating, remodeling, building, crafts, gardening, family health, money management, and education. Designed for those who have a serious interest in their personal lifestyle, it's America's complete "home and family" magazine.
BJ's: Probably America's favorite wholesale shopping club. Great for individuals, families, and small businesses (actually big ones too!). Not much you can't find here. And at great prices.
BurkeDecor: An online boutique celebrating contemporary everthing ... from Furniture to Decorative Accessories, from Perfumes to Wallpaper. And Fabulous Pillows. All by designers from around the globe. The site is a treat. You got a little flat in Chelsea? ... you'll find some goodies here that fit in beautifully. If you've got an apartment or condo anywhere on the planet that you want to dress up "contemporary" ... you'll be happy here as well!
Care.com: The largest and fastest site dedicated to "care" on the globe ... dedicated to helping you find caregivers ... babysitters, nannies, child care and senior home caregivers - near you. Post jobs for babysitting, tutoring, home health care, pet care, etc. Even find your next housekeeper! Featured on ABC and USA Today. (As always ... when you're dealing with the well-being and safety of your loved ones ... it's always good to go an extra 10,000 miles in the "due diligence" process. That being said, it's a valuable resource. And we've all been in these shoes.) The site also offers much information on the subject of caregiving.
Carol Wright Gifts: Carrying the same vast selection of items found in the original catalog ... the latest "As Seen on TV" products, housewares, bedding, kitchen aids, and garden accessories, as well as caftans, shoes, outerwear, and sleepwear for men & women and tons of kitschy, fun gifts and character items from yesteryear. Finally there's the great "Wright Price" Clearance section. Lots of Christmas gifts bought from Carol over the years!
Compact Appliance: Offering a comprehensive line of compact home appliances for today's small spaces (condos, dorm rooms, RVs, etc.) and unique applications (think wine coolers, "kegerators", and even countertop dishwashers).
Cottage Journal: The magazine geared towards helping you achieve the charming cottage look in your home and garden.
Creative Knitting - Digital: Bringing knitters a variety of fun-to-knit projects using wonderful new yarns and patterns that are easy to understand. You'll find 35-45 projects in each issue of the magazine, including fashionable "wearables", afghans and home accents, accessories for entertaining, delightful baby and child garments, and gift ideas that don't require large amounts of money or time. Features such as "Knitting Class" and "In The Know" serve to further enhance your knitting experience.
Family Circle: Providing today's woman with the information she needs to improve her home and family life. A magazine that addresses solutions to everyday scenarios and real problems that women face ... personal finance, physical fitness, fashion, beauty, and family relationships, as well as tasty recipes and (even) home improvement schematics.
FamilyFun: A magazine filled with ideas and activities designed to help families with children spend quality time together. You'll find instructions for fun projects, articles on family-friendly travel destinations, reviews of books and movies, contests, cooking recipes, party game ideas, and travel and product tips sent in by the families themselves. There's truth in "the family that plays together stays together".
First Magazine: Quite simply, First For Women magazine puts women first. Each issue is divided into three sections: "You," "Family", and "Fun" and provides numerous articles on living a well-rounded life.
Flea Market Decor: Empowering your inner “junktiquering” radar to the benefit of your home's decor - inside and out! You'll find advice from antique dealers, inspirational stories from home owners, and tips and know-how from our interior design experts. All complemented by inspiring color photography. You'll never think of flea markets (or garage sales) the same way again.
House Beautiful: An innovative magazine concerned with home design and decorating ... presented with an emphasis on architectural design, especially with a look toward future trends and aesthetic concepts. You'll enjoy articles on gardening, travel, food, entertainment, home decor, and more.
KMart: Offering a wide range of merchandise from appliances, electronics, and toys to apparel, home decor, and sporting goods ... and much, much more. It would be hard for us to calculate the goods we've bought here over the years. Great stuff, great prices ... every once in a while the online customer service gets a bit flukey... What's neat ... they've still got their great layaway plan available online!
Log Home Living: A popular magazine with log home enthusiasts. Each issue brings you lush photos, floorplans, and examples of design and decor for planning and building your dream log home.
MaryJanesFarm: An organic lifestyle magazine for women, full of simple, healthy and creative ideas for the home and family.
Northern Tool: If it has anything to do with tools, heavy and industrial equipment, construction and contracting needs for professionals or do-it-yourselfers ... you'll find it here. If it has to do with supporting "home and hearth infrastructure" or various kinds of commercial industry ... you'll also find it here. Along with much, much more. A merchant that has always amazed with the breadth of its offerings across multiple categories! And ... be sure and check out their NEW "Big Deals of the Week" feature.
Pharmapacks: A One-Stop Shop for All Your Daily Needs ... from Make-up and Haircare Products to Medical Care Aids and Household Comfort Necessities.
Reader's Digest: Who doesn't love Reader's Digest or get a nostalgic feel from just picking up one of those "little" magazines and reading ... say ... "Humor in Uniform" for example? RD remains a trusted source for ideas and inspiration on the topics that matter most when it comes to the American way of life. Discover thousands of tips on health, family, home, money, and more for living a richer, more satisfying life. Enjoy real-life dramas about hometown heroes, plus hundreds of jokes, stories, and laughs. It's nice to know some things don't change.
Reader's Digest - Large Print: The beloved mag is now available in a large-print version ... in full color and on non-glare paper.
Real Simple - Digital Single Issues: The magazine for the way you want to live today ... which is simply. You'll find actionable solutions to streamline the way you manage your life; systems for reducing clutter, saving time, and reducing stress; and helpful hints and tasty tidbits of information on just about any imaginable topic. If you love quick snippets of solid, useful information ... this one's for you!
Reminisce: The magazine that brings back the good times. Relax, laugh and remember as readers share their personal memories from the '30s, '40s, '50s and '60s. Enjoy uplifting stories, pictures from the past, and color family-album photos that capture the fun of the good old days.
Romantic Homes: Showcasing "romantic" homes and the lifestyles that accompany them. You'll find tips for achieving the same effect in your own living space ... whether it be "cottage" or "castle".
Sears: What started as your favorite catalog store has survived to become a giant retailer - 2,300 Sears branded and affiliated stores across the US and Canada - of all your "home, hearth, and garden needs" including apparel, appliances, tools, and automotive products. We may take them for granted, but there isn't much they don't have across all niches ... all displayed across an organized, easy to navigate site.
Sierra Trading Post: All your favorite Sierra Trading Post gear ... you'll be good to go for every outdoor activity. In addition to "the Gear" .... you'll find a fabulous selection of apparel and decor to suit the "casual lifestyle" of the outdoor-minded.
Target.com: This favorite shopping destination has become one of the Web's 5 top favorite places to shop ... the company has worked its way into the Fortune 50. They've really covered all the bases when it comes to customers' "wants and likes".
The English Home: "Elegant living in traditional English style" ... short and sweet. But just think of the possibilities!
The Family Handyman: Whether you're just getting started or have been a DIY-er for years, you'll like the step-by-step instructions, expert tips from industry pros, and time and money-saving hints that will help you get any job you're tackling around the house done right! Why pay for pricey repairs when you can save money and time doing it all yourself? Here's your guide to home, automobile, appliance, plumbing, and electrical repairs. You'll also find in-depth plans for a wide variety of projects including cabinetry, gardening, and decks, as well as tips for wallpapering and painting. With so many helpful tips and easy "how-tos" ... you'll be working like a pro in no time! (Hint: Maybe there should be a title ... Family Handywoman!)
Traditional Home: The magazine that promotes traditional, timeless styles in decorating, building, remodeling, and gardening. You'll find ideas for entertaining, collecting, and enhancing your home with art and antiques, as well as features on travel destinations and assorted miscellaneous "traditional" topics.
Victoria: It may named for a Queen and sound oh, so British, but this is a magazine for today's American woman. The focus is on lifestyle, home life, and enjoyment of special private time. You'll enjoy features on fashion and beauty, home and garden, entertaining and dining, crafts and collectibles, family and parenting, travel, literature, and the arts. Lots of good variety between these pages.
WillyGoat: Providing everything "outdoor play" from swingsets - wooden and metal - and play sets to trampolines, "ride on" vehicles, playhouses, and more. And if you don't want to play outside or the weather's bad ... no worry ... there are game tables of every sort imaginable. They've got the grills, pool furniture, and floats covered as well. Also, if you're a public/commercial entity in charge of a youth or rec program, there's commercial grade playground and sporting equipment to meet your needs. The site can be a bit weird to navigate, but they've got the stuff!
Wind & Weather: Providing just a really neat selection of weather instruments and stations as well as "wind and weather" related home decor (indoors and out) such as wind chimes and weathervanes. They've "been at home with nature" since 1976. You don't have to be a weather geek to enjoy this site ... again, just lots and lots of neat stuff from the practical and decorative to the vintage and whimsical ... great for gift shopping. We love it!
Woman's Day: A magazine for the more mature contemporary woman who enjoys the traditional values of home and family while balancing career, money, and personal fulfillment. Each issue of Woman's Day also covers health and fitness, crafts, cooking, relationships, and beauty tips.
Working Mother: An essential tool for mothers who have made the decision to raise families while continuing to pursue their careers. You'll find intensely personal stories about real women and innovative solutions for busy parents who want to raise happy healthy and loving children. You'll learn about meaningful integration as opposed to just work-life balance. A magazine that strives to help you be the best you can be in the dual vocation you've chosen.
