Console Table

I am on the hunt for the perfect console table for our front hallway. I would really love something with storage (drawers, cabinets, etc), because our front hall closet is not large enough to hold our gloves, mittens, and scarves. I have discovered a few options, but I can't decide between them.

Norwich Console Table:

I'm pretty certain this table is a cheaper imitation of the Pottery Barn Rhys Console - do we think that it's worth it to spend the extra and get "Pottery Barn" quality?

Angela Console Table:Plaxon Console Table:

Although this table doesn't have the storage I was looking for - it looks like something straight from Baker or Barbara Barry - which makes me loooove it! And at just over $300 - it's the least expensive of all the tables I like.

Freesen Console Table:

The thing I don't like about this table is that the drawers - although they appear to be 4 drawers - they are actually just 2 meant to look like 4. I think that's a bit tacky, but maybe it won't appear cheap in person. Every reviewer says that it looks more expensive than it is...

Weigh in with your favorites please!

Fantastically Easy Beef Stroganoff

My new favorite blog - Meal Planning Mommies features weekly easy recipe ideas. Now I'm definitely not a Mommy (or going to be one soon), however I am a fan of anything that make dinner easier. I recently tried their recipe for beef strogonoff made in a crock pot. It was fantastic - and Andrew (my husband) liked it despite the fact that he doesn't like mushrooms. The recipe follows:

Here is what you need:
2 tbsp. flour, 1/2 tsp. garlic powder, 1/2 tsp pepper, 2 lb. boneless beef round steak (I used pre-chopped beef tips), 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup water, 1 envelope dried onion soup mix, 1/2 cup sour cream, 9 oz jar (can or fresh) mushrooms (I opted not to include these due to Andrew's dislike for them).

Step 1: combine 2 tbsp. flour, 1/2 tsp. garlic powder and 1/2 tsp. pepper in slow cooker

Step 2: Cut meat into 1 1/2 x 1 inch strips (or cubed like mine) and toss in flour mixture until well coated.

Step 3: Add mushroom soup, 1/2 cup water, and soup mix. Stir until well blended.

Step 4: Cover, cook on High 3-3/12 hours or Low 6-7 hours

Step 5: Stir in mushrooms, 1/2 cup sour cream.

Let the sour cream cook in the stroganoff about 10-15 minutes or until heated through

Step 6: Cook your noodles. I chose to eat our stroganoff over noodles, but it would be just as good over rice, bread or potatoes.

Try it and tell me what you think!