News from the Front: Gail at The International Home & Housewares Show

We sent Gail out on a little recon this past weekend, to the International Home & Housewares show in Chicago. Here's what she's reporting back: Delonghi: Charity Auction Delonghi had a few artists design different front panels for a limited edition Artista machine -- only 5 of each design will be made. They plan to auction these babies off on eBay, with the proceeds benefiting Oxfam International. We'll post an update here with photos and details once this goes live. Hourglass Coffeemaker We wrote about this machine last week, and Gail had a chance to meet with this group at the show. No samples yet, but it is one of only two products at the show that are made with BPA-free plastic. Handpresso in Color One of our favorite gadgets for delicious espresso on the go, the Handpresso team has now added different colors to their available models, plus they've developed a travel pack that includes a thermos for hot water, 4 demitasse cups and a carrying case -- we're looking into adding some of these to the store. On Chicago, and Her Cheap Date Ways "I did go to a pub called Dublin last night and experienced quite a few characters. It was one of the local hang outs. Does that count? One guy bought a round for the bar, myself included. He was well lubed up. I had already had one beer and was quite full from that, so I was a little disappointed I didn't get to choose my second poison. I hadn't had much food all day so wandered out for chow. It was interesting and Chicago is pretty cool." The show ends tomorrow, so we'll post a follow-up later this week with Gail's final notes on the show and possibly photos of the grand event.