
Posted by etipton – February 26, 2008 12:50 PM
This is a little much for the occasional traveler, but if you spend as much time in the airport as your living room, this laundry kit will come in handy. It allows you to wash your clothes anywhere. This handy kit includes a one-size-fits-all sink stopper, flexible clothesline, and a 4 oz. tube of BioSuds, the concentrated, biodegradable laundry detergent with built-in
brightener and fabric softener. Priced less than $15.
Continue reading »
Posted by etipton – February 26, 2008 12:50 PM
Do not worry about brushing your teeth. You can have toothpaste on hand with toothpowder. Toothpowder is an ideal solution to ever-changing carry-on regulations. Sprinkle it on your toothbrush, add a little water, and it foams into a pleasant minty-tasting toothpaste you can carry on board. Two one-ounce bottles per order. Priced less than $10.
Continue reading »
Posted by etipton – February 26, 2008 12:50 PM
The second item in your urban survival kit is travel cloths. They come in the form of a tablet and actually convert into a durable cleaning cloth with just a splash of water. Packaged in an aspirin-type tray, this set of 8 cloth tablets stays dry until you push them through the foil protector. Since each cloth is individually wrapped and protected, they stay sanitary and clean until you
need to use them. The cloths unroll and take shape with a very little amount of water and are thick enough to clean without easily tearing.Priced less than $5.
The third, but not entirely necessary, item is a package of lotion towels. They offer a neat way to transport moisturizer without it taking up valuable space or leaking in your bags. Lush, spa-quality moisturizer in a non-greasy formula comes cleverly packaged in individual towelettes. Each towelette is one all-over body application. No leaks, no mess, super lightweight, and perfect for travel. Five individually packaged towelettes per order. Priced less than $10.
Continue reading »
Posted by etipton – February 26, 2008 12:50 PM
In the current traveling environment, when you leave for the airport you are never sure when you will arrive at your destination. Make any overnight airport adventure a little less miserable with a few key items. The first is shampoo sheets. The kit includes 50 sheets of non-liquid portable paper shampoo. It is TSA carry-on compliant and not subject to the TSA's 3-1-1 rules. You just add water and the sheet dissolves instantly. The shampoo is biodegradable. There are also paper shaving cream sheets and paper body wash sheets. Priced around $5.
Continue reading »
Posted by etipton – February 26, 2008 11:49 AM
Here is a fun, kid-friendly product that you don't need, but it sure is fun to own. The EZ-Freeze Cereal on-the-go container allows the milk stays cool in the bottom and the cereal to stay dry on the top until you are ready to eat breakfast. The spoon is built right into the top of the container. This allows you to take your cereal wherever you go. They are a little hard to find locally or online. I bought mine at Office Depot, but you can buy them on the company site. You just have to go to the store section. Priced less than $10.
Continue reading »
Posted by etipton – February 25, 2008 9:57 AM
Shine a little light on dinner with this handle-mount grill light. Made to fit conveniently on any grill handle, the BBQ light takes the guess-work out of your outdoor cuisine. It allows you to see if your dinner is ready. The BBQ light shuts off automatically after six minutes. It uses four DD batteries (not included). Priced around $50.
Continue reading »
Posted by etipton – February 22, 2008 5:40 PM
While you don't belong in an office, you are stuck in one. Show your guests that you would rather be mountain biking with this bicycle chain business card holder. It is made from recycled bike chains. The design tells all those who take your card that you're active, environmentally aware, and love thoughtful details. Handmade by artist Graham Bergh in Oregon. Priced around $20.
What else do you need for your desk? How about a picture frame also made from recycled bicycle chains. A double border of interlaced chain creates this classic design which has been praised by critics from coast to coast. Available in two sizes, 4" X 6" or 5" X 7", and holds a vertical or horizontal photo.Priced around $35.
Continue reading »
Posted by etipton – February 22, 2008 10:27 AM
If you travel the world, or spend a lot of time off the grid, this SteriPEN is a hand-held, battery-operated water purifier that uses ultra-violet light instead of chemicals or filters to destroy micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa. The maker claims it can purify 16 oz. of water in less than a minute, and a full liter in just 90 seconds. The ultraviolet light is invisible to the human eye, but a visible blue light indicates that the SteriPEN is working and shuts off as soon as a full dose has been delivered. The UV light breaks down the DNA of viruses, bacteria and cysts, rendering them harmless. The SteriPEN requires 4 AA batteries, sold separately. The Ultraviolet lamp used by the SteriPEN is very durable, providing up to 5,000 doses. To ensure that the SteriPEN Classic provides optimal effectiveness, the lamp is automatically disabled after 5,000 doses and a red LED light alerts you that a new lamp is required.
Prices start around $70.
Continue reading »
Posted by etipton – February 22, 2008 9:31 AM
Spring is right around the corner. With the April showers and the May flowers, my car stays dirty. I found this heavy-duty liner that protects the entire cargo area of your SUV, station wagon, or minivan. It is made of rugged, vinyl-coated nylon that’s skid- and stain-resistant, waterproof, and washable. The product information says it is easy to install and remove with Velcro®-type fasteners. You can choose from gray or beige liners. Prices start at $160.
Continue reading »
Posted by etipton – February 21, 2008 4:53 PM
Show your state pride with these wonderful hand-embroidered pillows. These pillows were well-researched, and contain sites, cities and culture with flair. Buy one to celebrate your home state or favorite vacation state. Give one to your friend that, while they moved away twenty-five years ago, they still consider Texas home. A great addition to any room, these pillows feature black, velvet piping and a soft polyfill. Priced around $135.
Continue reading »
Posted by etipton – February 20, 2008 11:56 AM
This is the time of year when I am sick of cold weather. I want to sit outside today, but it is way too cold. I wish I had one of those outdoor heaters. I like this one in particular. It doubles as a bistro table. Yes, you can keep warm and have a little snack at the same time. The heater distributes warmth in a 360-degree arc and has two settings that can run for up to 46 hours. It is propane-powered, and comes with wheels so you can easily arrange it on your deck Prices start around $320.
Continue reading »
Posted by etipton – February 14, 2008 10:53 AM
Instead of stealing street signs to use around the house, look at these recycled sign gifts from Uncommon Goods. Run, DON'T WALK, to check out the coaster set. Artist Boris Bally uses recycled traffic signage in order to create bold objects of beauty that transcend their common roots. He has spent years sifting through thousands of traffic signs and exploring their properties to forge distinctive creations like these conveniently shaped coasters. Each is hand-cut and die-formed so it's ready for the beverage of your choice, then scrubbed clean and softened with a hand-filed finish. Handmade in Rhode Island. The coasters are priced less than $75 for a set of four.
If coasters aren't your thing, you can carry a work of art with you every day with this recycled street sign briefcase. It is the perfect gift for the man about town. This one-of-a-kind briefcase is not for those who drive in the slow lane. The aluminum case, created by artist Tripp Gregson, gets its dose of color and modern iconography from lawfully salvaged traffic signs. Interior organizer and file pockets, combination locks, a laptop compartment and carrying strap get you to the office and back, while its unique exterior make this briefcase anything but pedestrian. Priced around $250.
Continue reading »
Posted by etipton – February 14, 2008 10:45 AM
Everywhere I have ever worked, my office has been painfully cold. I think the temperature is set by the warmest person in the office. When you have ice cold hands it makes working difficult. I must not be the only one with this problem. Perpetual Kids sells these great USB port heated gloves. These woolen gloves have a heating pad tucked inside. You can plug them into a USB port on your computer, and your hands will become toasty warm. The open-end design allows for easy finger mobility. The gloves have a two-level heating control and work with any USB port. Priced less than $25.
Continue reading »
Posted by etipton – February 14, 2008 10:35 AM
This time of year, everyone is sick. Unfortunately, all the sick people go the same places you do, like the grocery store and the office. I want to take the anti-bacterial wipes everywhere, but even I can't clean everything. Or can I?
With this Nano UV Disinfecting Sanitizer, you can stop the spread of some of these infectious diseases. From common cold and flu bugs to deadly E.coli, Asian bird flu, and SARS viruses, the UV light on this hand-held scanner quickly and safely kills them all in just 10 seconds. Harmful micro-organisms can live up to 72 hours on indoor surfaces and cause up to 10 colds per year for the average school-age child. Proven effective by independent testing laboratories worldwide, this UV disinfectant produces sufficient energy to destroy the DNA of microorganisms without toxins or side effects. UV light is proven to kill bacteria and viral DNA after a 10-second scan on any surface. The convenient cell-phone-sized unit slides easily into any purse or coat pocket. It works nicely in your home, office, or when you travel, and we have all seen those videos about unsanitary hotel rooms. Priced less than $80.
Continue reading »
Posted by etipton – February 11, 2008 1:56 PM
These letters are the perfect package decoration or little add-on for a wreath, garland or other Valentine's Day decor. The phrases Be Mine, I'm Yours and Hot Stuff are red with sparkles, the rest are white with sparkles. Other phrases include: Always and Forever, Always Kiss Me Goodnight, Angel, Baby, Be Happy, Believe, Hugs, Kisses, Love, Naughty, Nice and Precious. Priced around $2.50 each.
Continue reading »
Posted by etipton – February 11, 2008 1:54 PM
Did you know that HGTV MarketPlace now offers gift lists to make your gift buying easier? Start here for all your gift-giving needs. We have lists of gifts for kids, for him and her, earth-friendly green products, gardener gifts and gifts for many other types of recipients. Did we miss a great item? Post it here in the comments, and we just might add your idea. Continue reading »
Posted by etipton – February 7, 2008 6:57 AM
Cupcakes have not lost any popularity since I featured them in my blog last Spring. With Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day and Easter coming up in the next few weeks, I am sure there will be plenty of cupcakes around. The Wilton company now has a giant three-dimensional cupcake-shaped cake pan. Priced less than $30.
One of my most popular featured items from the cupcake post is the Cupcake Courier. You can view that post here. We have an update from Jennifer Gunn, inventor of the product. Target has decided to give the Cupcake Courier a trial run at 1,100 of their stores nationwide. To start out, they're carrying the blue and pink models, and retailing them for $24.99. They can be found in their "As Seen On TV" section, which is usually at the end of an aisle near the bakeware area. She also thinks they will be available at Target.com. If you can not find wait until then, you can still order them from Jennifer at www.cupcakecourier.com.
The Create n Celebrate Pull Apart Cupcake Mold is another neat cupcake product now available. You bake the cupcakes. You arrange the pattern, and then you decorate. It doesn't get much easier than that! This is a turtle, but it is also available in car, butterfly, flower basket, alligator, wreath, penguin and train from Roshco. With the Pull Apart Cupcake Mold, you get the ease of cupcakes, but still have the look of a cake. The FDA approved food-grade silicone is guaranteed oven-safe to 500° F. The mold has a permanent, quick-release, non-stick surface, and is refrigerator, freezer, microwave, oven and metal utensil safe. Priced less than $20.
Other designs are available here. Continue reading »
Posted by etipton – February 7, 2008 6:22 AM
I love to take pictures, but since I got my digital camera, most of my pictures sit in the computer. I would love a digital picture frame. I could make some really cute slideshows of our daughter, our latest vacation or other fun memories. Wait, I think I might put this together and give it to my husband for Valentine's Day. I mean he would like it, and I would love it, so it is a gift we both can enjoy. That should makes things even in case he decides to get me lingerie!
Priced less than $135.
Continue reading »
Posted by etipton – February 5, 2008 12:27 PM
These heart measuring spoons are so cute. Whether you give them as a gift, or keep them for yourself, these heart-shaped measuring spoons are precious! The spoon is heart-shaped with a feathered arrow handle. The set includes a quarter-teaspoon, half-teaspoon, teaspoon and tablespoon measurements. Thank goodness that they are stainless steel, which makes them dishwasher-safe. These would be a great tie-on accent for a bridal gift. Priced around $10.
Continue reading »
Posted by etipton – February 4, 2008 9:45 AM
Today we launched some new shopping message boards. I'm so excited about them. Currently, we have two boards. The first one is "Where Can I Find It?" I was telling a friend about my job over Christmas. She was so excited to find a "shopping expert." She wanted the little things you use to keep socks together in the washing machine. She bought some years ago, and now needed to buy some more and they were no were to be found. I did a little investigating and sent her the link. They are called sock rings, and you can find them here if you were looking for them yourself. Priced less than $5 for a set of 10.
I run into this type of thing all the time. Just because you can not find it, doesn't mean someone else can't help you out. That is what makes shopping so fun, sharing it with others. Now, jump in and enjoy! Click here to visit our "Where Can I Find It?" board. Continue reading »
Posted by etipton – February 1, 2008 8:13 AM
I grew up in the age of portable music. But when I was a child, to take all of your music with you required boxes of tapes or discs and a battery-powered boom box. That is no longer true. My husband got a Zune for Christmas, and now his entire CD and digital music collection is with him every where he goes. If you want to share your music with those around you, or don't want to wear headphones, you need speakers. There are tons of speaker options, but some of the cute ones seem to be designed for twelve-year-olds. I think these JBL Spryo speakers are really cute in a grown-up way. They work with your computer (PC or MAC), digital music player, portable DVD player, or gaming system. Product specifications include a 2.1-channel speaker and subwoofer system which provides high quality sound. Prices start around $100.
Continue reading »