Our everyday wine glasses were looking pretty shabby because of the residue collected from the old dishwasher. We had been fighting it, but it was time to buy new.

The inspiration came in the mail with the new Crate & Barrel "Best Buys" catalog. Carter went to Crate & Barrel in Boca Town Center and bought six of the Elite burgundy glasses each just in time for my cousin, Barry, to come for dinner last weekend. They are made in Slovakia and look like they cost more than $5.99 a glass.

They worked beautifully, highlighting the nose of the French red wine (2003 Chateau de Bordeaux) that he brought. But, unfortunately, when Barry was helping me bring the dishes to the kitchen he knocked one of the glasses to the tile floor. The shattered glass flew everywhere. No problem. it was only $5.99 a glass, not $50 a glass.

One other thought: Carter learned a trick for removing price tags from the salesman. Turn the glass upsidedown, squirt the label thoroughly with glass cleaner and allow to sit 30 minutes. The labels will slip off with a touch of your finger and leave no glue residue.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

P.S. If you spend $250 or more through May 31 at Crate & Barrel, you can get 15 percent off your next shopping trip. Click for details.

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