High-end Lutris Monte-Carlo Cordless Lamp: True to its name, the Monte-Carlo lamp was designed in the Principality of Monaco and is an extremely high-quality furnishing, the kind of luxury product you associate with manufacturers like Herman Miller. The beautiful styling bridges art deco and mid-century modern design and the lamp casts a soft, serene and adjustable light. Not only is it a fine lamp for a fixed location, it is rechargeable with a 140-hour life so it can be used elsewhere, indoors or outdoors. It rests on a charging pad that makes it a hardwired indoor lamp. Just pick it up off the pad and take it wherever you want, and put it back on the pad afterwards. I have mine in the bedroom and frequently take it out on the porch on spring and summer evenings. The rechargeable batteries are replaceable, guaranteeing a long, useful life.

I got my Lutris Monte-Carlo in January and my recollection was it cost about $200. After receiving a reader question about lighting I revisited the Lutris website and saw that not only is the Monte-Carlo $149, there is a code BLACKFRIDAY that reduces the price 60% to only $59.60 with free shipping. That is the best deal on a luxury product that I have seen all year, and I promptly ordered another one to give someone for Christmas. The Lutris Monte-Carlo makes an excellent, very thoughtful gift, with its usefulness, luxury vibe and beautiful packaging. I can't wait to give mine to the lucky recipient! lutris.com

Q. Any updates on that Breville espresso machine you were testing? I'm in the market for a good machine for my husband!

—S.T., St. Louis Park, Minnesota

A. I absolutely love the Breville Barista Touch Impress! Making espresso and cafe drinks with a separate machine and grinder can be a messy and complicated affair, and steaming milk to make cappuccinos and lattes is an art form. The Barista Touch Impress makes it neat and easy for anyone, while delivering results worthy of a high-end cafe.

The full-color touch screen guides you through the process, and Breville's Impress grinding and tamping system accurately doses the coffee and tamps the portafilter without spilling grinds everywhere. It automatically uses the correct amount of water at the proper temperature and pressure to create excellent espresso shots, the basis of most cafe drinks. The automated milk steaming feature (branded MilQ) works with dairy, soy and almond milk to create perfectly textured milk for your chosen drink. Using my manual espresso machine and separate grinder can be fun, but not something I have the time or energy to do every day. Conversely, I've used the Breville almost every day since I got it. It has proven to be indispensable when entertaining, as I can crank out spectacularly good drinks one after the other with a high level of consistency. It is not inexpensive, but your investment buys a machine you will be proud to own and that you will use very often.

The design and automation minimizes mess, cuts down on wasted coffee and the machine tells you when maintenance is required. The touch screen guides you through the maintenance steps, and Breville even sells the required supplies. Everything is thought of for you, leading to a very satisfying ownership experience.

I will have another update in the future, but given your question and the holiday shopping season I wanted to mention it again now. The Barista Touch Impress usually sells for $1,499.95 but is currently on sale for $1,199.95. If you have a coffee lover on your shopping list, it's a gift they will never forget. breville.com.

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