Check Out Our Brand-New Website & SAVE!!!

Did you know that Basics Plus has a brand-new website? Check it out NOW and save BIG!!! From bathroom accessories, over cleaning products, all the way up to tools and appliances, you will find everything you need to decorate and improve your home! Take advantage of our unique online offer and use coupon code SAVE15 during your checkout to save15% off of your entire purchase!

Coupon Code: SAVE15

http://www.basicsplus.com

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Last Chance for Fragrant Scent Diffusers!

Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Scent Diffusers are going the way of the incandescent light bulb and being discontinued. They are unavailable on most major sites, but Basics Plus still has a few left! Not only that, but we have them in four difference fragrances!

 (Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Scent Diffuser in lavender)

Mrs. Meyers is known for their fragrant soaps and cleaning supplies. Their scent diffusers are strong enough to fill a large room, yet not overpower it. Simply plug in the diffuser and enjoy weeks of garden-fresh fragrances!

 (Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Scent Diffuser in Lemon Verbena)

Mrs. Meyers Diffusers are now on sale!

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End of the Semester Must-Haves

Spring break is coming to an end for many schools around the country.  Even if you're graduating, you can make the last few weeks of school count! Not in school? These are great gifts for family, friends and colleagues who are. Here are our end of the semester must-haves!

4. Bullet Board
Pin messages and old photos to your friends to this Bullet Board. Remember your early days together and create a montage of notes and other keepsakes that can become a scrapbook!

(Create a memory montage with this Bullet Board)

3. I Heart Recess Pencil Case

Remember back in grade school when choosing the right pencil case for the year was of utmost importance? Commemorate those times - and the end of this year - with this I Heart Recess Pencil Case. You're never to old to keep your pens and pencils crisp and together.  

(The pencil case is  made of 95% recycled post consumer material)

2. Mighty Wallet Composition 101

This wallet looks like an old-school composition notebook. The inside even has a metric conversion table! This wallet is sure to outlast your time in college (even if you enroll that extra year) because it's made of interwoven micro fibers to make it water and tear resistant. 

(The wallet is 100% recyclable)

1. Optimistic Bag

This bag reminds you that your future has many possibilities. It's stylish and sends a message that you have an optimistic outlook on your life and the planet! The bag is eco-friendly and carries up to 44lbs of textbooks. 

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Eco-Friendly Gifts for NYC lovers

Basics Plus began in 1989 as a small locksmith and hardware store. Today we have 9 locations and sell items internationally, but we're loyal to our NYC roots. If you're like us and love NYC, here are some gifts you may enjoy!

3. New York City Subway Map Shower Curtain
Examine the intricate and detailed map without fighting rush hour crowds for a view with this shower curtain. The NYC subway system is one of the oldest and most extensive in the world and averages 5 million rides per week! Whether you are in NYC or have never been to the city, you can appreciate the subdway's history and size.

(The official MTA NYC Subway map shower curtain is non toxic and 100% PEVA)

2. New York City Subway Map Wallet

If you aren't ready to turn your bathroom decor into a subway map, then this wallet may be for you. This wallet will have longevity, just like the NYC subway system, as it's made from interlocking fibers and is water and tear resistant. 

(The NYC Subway mighty wallet is eco-friendly and recyclable)

1. New York Travel Bag

Grab this NYC travel tote while running errands or on casual outing. You'll be be ditching plastic bags and showing your NYC love. The bag is washable and carries up to 44 pounds. 

(Use Envirosax Bags as alternatives to plastic!)

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St. Patrick's Day Gifts

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17th to commemorate the saint's death in the fifth century. For over 1,000 years the Irish have celebrated the day, which became an official feast day in the early 1600s. St. Patrick's Day falls during lent, but food and alcohol restrictions are lifted for the holiday. Here are our ideas to make you and your home St. Patty's Day ready!

4. Green Lantern Mighty Wallet
Feel like a super hero this St. Patrick's Day. The inside is a reminder of willpower that you may need to resist indulging on too much food and drink for the holiday! The wallet has the strength of a super hero with interlocking fibers that make it tear resistant and water proof.

(The Green Lantern Mighty Wallet is 100% Recyclable)

3. Green Tea Soda Mix

SodaStream allows you to ditch plastic bottles and make your own sparkling drinks. Try this Green Tea SodaStream Soda Mix - either instead of alcohol or after a night on the town. Make sure you have a SodaStream unit to use with the mix!

(Regular SodaSteam flavors contain no high-fructose corn syrup)

2. Green Sippy Cup with Handles

Have kids and not celebrating St. Patty's Day like you once did? Add green accents to your home and bring the celebration to you. This green sippy cup helps your tot transition from bottle to big kid cups. It has many leak and spill proof solutions. The handles are removable for when your baby is ready to grasp it as a cup.

(Non-slip grips and lid dimples make for easy sipping for your tot!)

1.  Green Klean Kanteen 

If you do hit the town, keep your green klean kanteen nearby. Stay hydrated while on the go and save money on plastic bottles. The kanteen is stainless steal and easy to clean. 

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Bakes It Plus: Chicken and Chickpea Tagine

Tagine is a North African slow cooked, rich stew that can sound intimidating to make. The dish is named for the heavy clay pot in which it's made.  When the New York Times blog posted a Chicken and Chickpea Tangine recipe that is "easily executed and still divine," we had to try for ourselves. The tagine can be made in a large skillet.

(Our Tagine began as spices, chicken thighs, raisins and veggies)

Click on all photographs for information about cookware!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons corn or canola oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt
• Pinch nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Pinch cayenne
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups chopped tomatoes (canned are fine; drain excess liquid)
• 4 cups chickpeas (canned are fine; drain and rinse first)
• 1/2 cup raisins or chopped pitted dates
• 1/2 vanilla bean
• 8 chicken thighs, or 4 leg-thigh pieces, cut in two
• Chopped cilantro or parsley leaves

See full recipe at The New York Times Diners Journal Blog

We prepped the pan with oil and butter.

Once the butter melted, it's time for the onions (one large onion). Stir for five to ten minutes before adding spices.

Prepping the tomatoes in our Cuisinart Food Processor. Once they're chopped, it's time to mix it the veggies!

We've added tomatoes, chickpeas, raisins and vanilla.

Now it's time for the chicken. We sprinkled chicken thighs with salt and...

tucked it into the dish. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes and...

A blend of textures and spices- plus tender chicken - made for a delicious dinner. We would make it again! How did yours turn out?

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Win a Cuisinart Blending/Chopping System!

This Compact Portable Blending/Chopping System could be yours! Make customized smoothies with the blender or refreshing herbal drinks using the chopping cup. Grab the travel cups for drinks on the go. The system is compact and travel-friendly.

Tell us why we should give you the Blending/Chopping system. Be clever and entertaining, but keep it family-friendly and under 40 words! Leave your entry in the comments below. You have until March 29th. Winner picks up the Blending/Chopping System at Basics Plus Headquarters in Manhattan or pays for shipping. So, tell us, why should YOU win this Blending/Chopping System? 

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Fridays Are Even Better With Basics Plus!

We love the end of a work week just as much as you do! That's why we have in-store celebrations every Friday at Basics Plus on 85 John Street in the Financial District.  Join us from 6:00PM to 9:00PM for panini, wine and dessert! We'll even give you 20 percent off anything in the store! What better way to start the weekend?

It doesn't get much more festive than balloons....or does it?

Yup, those are strobe lights! But the best part is yet to come...

You're probably hungry after a long week of work!

We're serving free panini and...

wine! Best of all...

Enjoy 20 percent off items in the store!

See you there every Friday from 6:00PM to 9:00PM! 

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Celebrate International Women's Day

International Women's Day (IWD) began in 1909, one year after 15,000 women marched in New York for voting rights and better working conditions. More than a century later, organizations, schools and government agencies globally are marking women's empowerment and achievements. Find an event in your country here.

We're showing our support of IWD by giving out free SHINE candles with every Basics Plus purchase. SHINE Candles promote women's empowerment all year round and donate a percentage of their profits to young women non-profit organizations. The candles are also soy based and environmentally friendly.

Add a SHINE candle to your shopping cart and use coupon code SHINE at check out to receive your free SHINE candle with purchase.


Here are some of our other favorite gift ideas for women.

3. Michelle Obama Shopper
Ditch plastic and transport groceries with this Michelle Obama shopper, which is made from recycled materials. The tote honors First Lady Michelle Obama for her inclusive nature and healthy living advocacy.

2. Face Lotion
The Thymes Face Lotion conditions your skin and includes SPF 20 and anti-aging technology. The face cream contains no animal derived ingredients and hydrates skin with cucumber and piquant tangerine elements.

1. Luxury Microcotton Bathrobe
Feel spa-ready at home in this luxurious bathrobe.  The microcotton material is soft, yet perfect for whisking away water. Two patch pockets let you keep bath items nearby!

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Turn Your Bathroom Into A Spa!

Create a luxurious environment and rejuvenating treatment in your own home and avoid extra time and money on spa trips. Sure, it's great to see a professional now and then, but these home spa ideas can transform your living space into a center of calm that you can enjoy daily!

5. Luxury Bathrobe
Dress for relaxation in this soft and lightweight Talesma bathrobe that is 100% microcotton. The robe features two patch pockets, so you can keep your spa accessories handy.

(Look and feel ready to be pampered with the Talesma Luxury Microcotton Bathrobe)

4. Frost Pinecone Candles

Calm your senses with the scent and gentle glow of Voluspa Candles. The Frost Pinecone fragrance blends Forest Cypress, Spice Pine needles and pinecone seeds. Unwind to smells of the deep winter forest in the warmth and comfort of your own home. 

(See our large selection of Voluspa candles, including Apple Spice and Crisp Champagne)

3. Body Scrub

Reveal healthy and radiant skin with the Thymes body scrub. Sugar crystals exfoliate and refresh skin, while sunflower oil and vitamin E hydrate and rejuvenate your body. The scrub is delicate for your body, yet tough enough for feet and elbows!

(See more skin care spa essentials like lotion and face mist) 

2. Pumice Stone and Nail Brush

Get gorgeous feet efficiently and easily. Polish rough skin with the pumice stone and switch sides to brush toenails clean. Best for use on damp skin. 

1. Moisturizing Booties

Wake up to super soft feet with these moisturizing booties. Just apply foot cream and wear booties overnight. You'll be amazed at your heal and toe transformation. Even your nails will look refreshed!

(Get the spa treatment while you sleep with these moisturizing booties)

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Gifts For Dog Lovers

It's time for Alaska's great sled race: Iditarod. Teams of mushers with 12-16 sled dogs brave brutal temperatures and wild animals on their thousand-mile race from Anchorage to Nome. The event commemorates a 1925 "serum run," in which mushers and their sled dogs rushed medicines to the children of Nome, saving them from diphtheria, a "white man's disease" to which they had no immunity. We're celebrating these canine heroes with these gifts for dog lovers:

5. Pet Shampoo
Even if your dog has an unfortunate incident with a skunk, you can still show it some love! This natural odor-eliminating pet shampoo removes some of the strongest smells and washes away oil.

(Fresh Wave Pet Shampoo is non-toxic)

4. Pet Lover Vacuum

You may love playing with your pup inside, but the hairy aftermath is not as fun. Keep your indoor home healthy by removing pet hair and particles with this cat and dog vacuum. 

(The high quality Miele vacuum features an air filtration system)

3. Air Purifier

You and your dog can breathe easy with this sleek air cleaner. The filter removes smoke, dust and pollen. Your dog can enter the house and leave behind unwanted particles. 

(The air purifier removes 99 percent of airborne particles)

2. Dog Bowl Cleaner

Keep your canine healthy with these sponges that make Fido's food and water bowl sparking clean. The dog bone shape reminds you of your puppy love and ensures you'll never mix up sponges.

(The Dog Bowl Cleaner is available at your local Basics Plus store) 

1. Love Your Dog Keychain

Advertise and remember your canine love everyday with this keychain! It comes complete with labrador, bone, heart and "I love my dog" charms. 

(The Love Your Dog keychain is available at your local Basics Plus store) 

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