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Archive: June 2007
That sinking feeling.
Posted by etipton – June 29, 2007 10:33 AM
I saw this in the June 2007 copy of Redbook Magazine. It is the OXO Silicon Sink Strainer. One of my least favorite kitchen tasks is dumping the sink strainer. I shudder to think of the nasty stuff that gets down in the strainer. This version allows for the bowl to be flipped out for easy cleaning. I love OXO. What will they think of next? Priced under $10.
UPDATE - So I was cleaning out a sink that did not have one of these strainers today. I do not know how it happened, but I CUT my finger on the strainer! Continue reading »
Ant Farm.
Posted by etipton – June 28, 2007 12:29 PM
While I don't usually want ants in my house, these ants are really cool. Teach your kids to enjoy science as you watch ants dig tunnels, and eat the specially formulated gel. Use the illuminated container as a night light. Ages 8 and up. Power adapter plugs included. After you set-up the habitat, ant ordering information is included.Priced less than $30.
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Flip-Flops for outside.
Posted by etipton – June 27, 2007 11:56 AM
For the great outdoors you can enjoy flip-flop themed flags, party lights, stepping stones, a cooler and door mats.
Let your neighbors know summer is here with this outdoor flag. Priced less than $30.
Picnics are much "cooler" with this flip-flop tote. A roomy top compartment stows all your gear, while two layers of thermal insulation keep things chilly. Mesh and canvas pockets ensure that sun block and valuables stay handy and dry. A hidden side zipper lets you find items without dumping out all the contents, and makes shaking out sand a breeze. Padded adjustable straps leave your hands free. A fun flip-flop print has an easy-clean, vinyl coating. Perfect for a long day at camp, school, the beach or pool. Priced less than $35.
These party lights are around $20 for a 10-light strand.
These stepping stones are made of resin, and would be cute around a pool. Each priced less than $20.
These earth-friendly door mats are created by recycling the leftover materials from the production of flip-flops. There are also storage bins, and a runner available. Priced $20 - $90.
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Flip-Flops around the house.
Posted by etipton – June 26, 2007 8:59 AM
Flip-flop accessories are perfect if you have a beach house, a beach theme, or just love anything summer. I found lamps, hooks and art work with the flip-flop motif.
This fun table lamp has flip-flops, a beach ball and an umbrella.
Priced less than $100.
My swimsuit would look oh, so cute hanging on these hooks. Available in blue, mandarin or lipstick, and priced less than $15.
There are also some beautiful prints. Jessica Allen has a pink and an orange flip-flop print. Here is the orange print priced less than $75
.
And here is the pink print, also priced less than $75.
This last print is available for indoor and outdoor use. The maintenance-free surface is easily cleaned of dirt, pollen and pollution with a mild solution of soap and water. It is printed onto an aluminum composite material that is folded to retain the look of wrapped canvas. UV-protected inks resist fading. Priced less than $120. 
If you only want to make a small summer flip-flop addition, this sun-catcher can add a touch of summer to your kitchen or sun room. It will only set you back around $15.
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Flip-flop state of mind.
Posted by etipton – June 25, 2007 11:56 AM
Flip-flops just scream summer. I think flip-flops are a state of mind. Most people cannot wear them to work, so putting flops on is like saying "I'm on my time now." The flip-flop mentality has spread to house and party-ware. It doesn't matter if you are land-locked, you can feel like you are on a permanent vacation.
You can easily change your bathroom. Look at these cute items - a flip-flop shower curtain, guest towels and soaps. The shower curtain is less than $35.
The soaps are priced around $10.
These cute guest towels are priced less than $20 for a set of two. 
Continue reading »
A Clean Slate.
Posted by etipton – June 22, 2007 10:16 AM
Do you know about Mr. Clean’s Magic Eraser? If not, this may change your world. I received a sample in the mail a year ago. I was very skeptical of the product name and marketing. How could this product be any better than my other cleaning products? Boy, was I wrong!
My counter tops are white and spaghetti is my worst kitchen enemy. Every spill becomes a red stain on my counter. It takes a lot of elbow grease to remove these stains. I decided to put the Magic Eraser to test and the stains easily disappeared. I couldn't believe it. It removed the scuff marks off the kitchen floor. It cleaned the bottom of my textured bath tub. It got marks of doll faces, and made tennis shoes look like new. It even cleaned the old writing off a dry erase board. I highly suggest you read the product instructions and try it somewhere inconspicuous first. Let me know what you have used the eraser to clean.
Priced under $10 for 4.
After seeing how great this product worked I began telling all of my friends. My friend, Lisa, is quite incredulous about the product. I cut my erasers in pieces, and she took one to try. She had a mark Continue reading »
Cape Cod Metal Cleaner
Posted by etipton – June 21, 2007 8:44 PM
I love pewter products. I made a resolution to use my serving pieces more this year and really enjoy them. About two weeks into this new project, one of my trays got a stain on it that damaged the pewter. I think something acidic like spaghetti sauce or salad dressing must have spilled on it in the sink while waiting for hand-washing. After searching the internet for solutions and not finding a satisfying answer (and discovering this piece was discontinued,) I decided to e-mail Arthur Court and ask them if they had any suggestions. Shawni in customer service suggested I try Cape Cod Metal Cleaner. I had never heard of this product, but I was willing to try anything. A few days later my cleaner arrived. I was pretty skeptical that it would work, but I followed the directions and a lot of the stain went away. It is not perfect, but it no longer looks damaged. Thank you Cape Cod Metal Cleaner!
The website says you can use it on other things besides pewter. The pre-moistened cloths polish and protect silver, gold, brass, copper, nickel, pewter, aluminum and stainless steel. The cloths are reusable and can be stored in the foil packet after use. The delectable vanilla scent will leave you wondering why you've been using those smelly alternatives all these years. (It did smell great, but I was more concerned with its function than its smell.) Silverware and platters may be washed after polishing without reducing the shine or protection.
Priced less than $3.99 for two cloths or $16 for 12. 
Continue reading »
Collapse in your kitchen.
Posted by etipton – June 19, 2007 9:39 AM
One day when I grow up and have my dream house, I will not have to worry about how much drawer space I have in the kitchen. Until then, a great space-saving kitchen gadget is collapsible measuring cups. I have shallow drawers in my kitchen, and it seems that the measuring cups are always keeping the drawer from closing. These cups stay out of the way, and their size is printed right on them, so it is easy to find the measurement you need. They are heat resistant up to 400 degrees and top-rack dishwasher safe. Most importantly, they look more fun than traditional measuring cups, and make a great toy for kids. Priced under $25.
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It will leave you hearing bells.
Posted by etipton – June 14, 2007 9:34 PM
Picture this. It is raining, and I run to my friend's door with baby in tow. I can see her car in the garage. I know she is home. I ring the doorbell, but there is no answer. After digging in my black-hole-of-a-purse, I find my cell phone and give her a call. They are upstairs in the bonus room and can not hear the doorbell. We are soaked, and I am more than a little annoyed. I know she is not the only one with this problem. The other day I ran across the Extend-A-Chime.
The Extend-A-Chime expands an existing wired doorbell, allowing it to be heard in any part of the home. The transmitter connects onto the low-voltage screws in the existing doorbell. Then, plug the doorbell receiver into any 110V electrical outlet. You can hear the doorbell in all parts of the home - basement, second floor, bonus room or the attic. It has different sounds for the front and back doors, and an operating range of up to 150 feet. Priced less than $50. 
Continue reading »
Enjoy a roasting fire, even in the summer.
Posted by etipton – June 14, 2007 7:39 AM
If you are a candle person be sure and check out these neat candles from Woodwick. They use organic wood for the candle wick, so they crackle when they burn. Enjoy the sounds of a real fire that you can enjoy in August. They are available in 2 sizes: 22 oz. and 11.5 oz. in 32 different scents.
Priced under $25. 
Continue reading »
Weight a minute.
Posted by etipton – June 12, 2007 7:29 AM
I was at the airport the other day watching folks check in their luggage. It can come as quite a shock if you have to pay the additional fee for being over the luggage weight limit of 50 pounds. You really have to pack smart if you fly often or stay for long periods of time. When I am packing for a trip, I usually figure if I can carry my luggage, it is in the weight limit for the airlines, but I've never weighed a bag. The Ricardo Beverly Hills' Solutions luggage line features a built-in digital scale so you'll know exactly how much you have packed before you get to the airport. Pack, then press the "on" button, and lift the suitcase handle. The scale will display the combined weight of the luggage and its contents, leaving no costly surprises. This suitcase weighs less than 15 pounds empty. Pricing starts at $119.
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Submitted by you - SmudgeGuard
Posted by etipton – June 8, 2007 8:00 AM
Today is my first installment of "Submitted by you". I love it when someone decides they can build a better mousetrap. Jeannie sent me a link to her product Smudge Guard. It keeps the side of your hand clean from unwanted smudges, and eliminates or minimizes smudges off your work or artwork. I remember in school, my left-handed friend always had ink on her hand where it dragged over her writing. It is for left-handed or right-handed use. It is made of 87% Nylon and 13% Spandex. Visit her site at www.smudgeguard.com. Priced less than $10.
Continue reading »
Dads that have everything.
Posted by etipton – June 7, 2007 8:00 AM
If you think your dad already has everything, there is a good chance he doesn't have these products.
The Cruzin Cooler combines two basic necessities of life, the ability to have cold food or a beverage handy, along with the means to get somewhere without walking. With modern technology, the Cruzin Cooler is light-weight and comes in various sizes and is available in gas and electric models, with a 10-mile range on electric models and 30 miles on the gas models.
Priced less than $350 for a motorized version.
Give dad some peace-of-mind with a curb-side locking mailbox. In a few seconds, identity thieves can steal your life. Protect yourself with a locking mailbox.
Prices start at $35.
Keep that workshop clean with a Dirt Dog by irobot. It picks up what you throw down. Command it to clean and it gets to work sweeping under workbenches, cars and other hard-to-reach places. It picks up the nuts, bolts, dirt and other debris from the shop floor. The oversize dustbin and high-speed, counter-rotating brushes keep your workspace clean. For use on hard floors, shop carpets or industrial floor surfaces only. Priced at $130.
Keep away bugs with the Mosquito Sentinel. The attractive Mosquito Sentinel 360 uses revolutionary patent-pending technology to provide mosquito protection for up to half an acre by dependably trapping mosquitoes. Unlike competing traps that rely on wind direction or use propane, the Mosquito Sentinel 360 operates on low-voltage power, freeing consumers from the time and expense of endlessly refilling cylinders. The trap silently attracts mosquitoes to infrared targets, various lights and contrasting color patterns. more
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Dads that Gadget.
Posted by etipton – June 6, 2007 7:43 AM
Most should have this, but satellite radio is a fun gift. XM and Sirrus are the two major providers, so you might look at their content before purchasing a radio. Starting at $88, plus monthly subscription. 
Noise-canceling headphones are also nice, but pricey. They are really nice for frequent flyers. The Quiet Comfort 2 is
$299.
If you have more than one cell phone, break your phone or lose things often, this cell phone back-up is a lifesaver. Cell Stik allows easy back-up and transfer of cell phone data. Check and make sure it is compatible with your phone, but it works with Motorola, LG or Samsung phones. Cell Stik plugs right into a computer using a USB port. Priced at $40.
Outdoor speakers are great in the summer for entertaining. Starting at $129.
Get those old vinyl records out of the closet. Ion has introduced the first USB-compatible turntable, so now you can burn all your old vinyl onto CDs or load them onto your MP3 player. The turntable comes with recording software that is compatible with Macs and PCs. The turntable transfers both 33-1/3 rpm albums and 45 rpm singles to digital formats, so you can take your old record collection with you anywhere. Priced less than $150.
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A few things for dads that tinker.
Posted by etipton – June 5, 2007 8:37 AM
Here are a few ideas for any dad that spends a lot of time in the garage.
Nice storage shelves
These Steel Garage Storage Cabinets protect your equipment and your car. There are roll-away doors that lock tight and won't swing out to dent your cars. The fully adjustable garage storage shelves hold 110 lbs. each. The durable powder-coat finished steel endures for years. The smooth rounded edges keep you safe. Assembly is required. Priced under $600.
Figure out what is wrong with your car with your own car reader. Starting at more.
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For dads that are always in their cars.
Posted by etipton – June 4, 2007 8:00 AM
Back when I was growing up, most employees had an office. Today, many people work from home and their office is their vehicle. I have been on the road as part of a sales team for most of my professional life. Here are a few things that might have helped to make my job easier.
Nokia allows you to have internet access anywhere.
Priced less than $275.
Receipts, mileage and other important information are always right at hand with this receipt organizer. Priced less than $10.
Keep your car tidy with this litter bag and organizer. It has a leak-proof trash bag, and holds a standard sized box of tissues easily within reach. Tuck wipes or other items into the convenient mesh pockets. This organizer features fully leak-proof sealed seams. It wipes clean with a sponge or can be lined with a plastic bag. Priced less than $15.
If you do much overnight traveling, this Car Clothes Bar is really more Continue reading »
Recharge on the go.
Posted by etipton – June 1, 2007 10:05 AM
Why is it that you forget to charge you cell phone or the battery dies at the worst possible moment? It is when you are waiting for that important call, or have a hundred places to go. Extra batteries are very expensive, and if you could remember to charge your phone you usually wouldn't need a battery in the first place. With Energizer's Energi To Go, you can charge your phone using AA batteries. It charges your phone for up to 10 hours on two AA batteries. Make sure you get the version that is compatible with your brand of phone. Priced less than $20.
Continue reading »
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Recent EntriesSubscribe
- That sinking feeling.
- Ant Farm.
- Flip-Flops for outside.
- Flip-Flops around the house.
- Flip-flop state of mind.
- A Clean Slate.
- Cape Cod Metal Cleaner
- Collapse in your kitchen.
- It will leave you hearing bells.
- Enjoy a roasting fire, even in the summer.
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