I've seen many houses with candles in every window that are much brighter. Are these people using electric candles? Yes. The wires are a pain, but they still have the best quality light output currently available. As LED technology improves this should change, but right now all of the battery operated options I've seen pale in comparison. Too dim, and in the case of the options with 'flickering' lamps the light output is barely visible from a distance. Now, on Christmas wreaths with the clear string lights on front doors and windows. Can you buy lights that are battery operated? Yes, both Lowes and Target are stocking battery operated LED strings which would be ideal for wreaths. However, you may not like the quality of light LEDs emit. On the plus side, LEDs consume a fraction of the energy that the mini (twinkie) lights do so you should see improved battery life. I haven't seen the battery operated twinkie lights available in the usual retail outlets for several years now. If you've got to have them you'll have to search online. Does your spotlight operate wih batteries? I'm really trying to get away from cords LOL. No such animal exists since it isn't practical (you would need a heavy duty battery). I hear you on dealing with extension cords, but IMO one well placed spotlight on your front entry is a much easier solution and it looks better. It gives a stronger sense of 'Welcome, this is where you enter'.

I bought some of these this year to secure candles in the window. They are called window locks. They are a thick but flexible plastic that slips over the candle, then then you place the tab part under the window as you lower it. I tried one out when it arrived and I think it will work great and not really show much either. Here is a link that might be useful: Candle Locks

Wow, you must have been reading my mind! I was just testing some of these. I have one of the Sylvania Linear Swivel right here on my desk (DH bought them for me when I complained about my office being to dark some times). Pros: Battery operated; not harsh light. Can swivel it back and forth so you can make is shine on the counter or the backsplash. Cons: Touch light. Have to touch it in a certain place but not hard. You can brush it to turn in on. Sylvania Golden Dragon; Pros: Battery Operated. Motion Detect and you can also dim it. Cons: Can be a little tricky to dim/turn off. Light is a little harsher, and pinpointed. Can't adjust the direction I would prefer something with motion detection. I am picturing myself with wet or dirty hands and I would not want to touch the light. Next time I go to a Walmart I am going to look for one of these http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sylvania-Linear-Motion-Sensor-LED-Light-Bulb-in-White/15958704 It looks like the head may swivel front to back which would be fine. This one also looks nice, but is not low profile, and still a touch light. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Rite-Lite-12-LED-Under-Cabinet-Light/7942766?findingMethod=rr&ssm=0amp;sspt=1 If I can't find something with motion detection I will probably go with the Linear Swivel. I guess I can always brush it with the back of my wrist if my hands are dirty. I'll let you know if I buy any others to test.

I'll look at those ones at Costco. I don't need the light, but I thought it might highlight the dark granite or something. I know the light output won't be all that wonderful, I just want to play up the granite and sell this house. The daisy chain stuff is way over my head and I don't think I have the desire to figure it all out. I would like something I can just slap up there. I'm quite confident that prospective buyers won't even really notice the under cabinet lighting, just that the granite is highlighted. Thanks!