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Archive: July 2008

Draw like a kid.

Posted by etipton – July 30, 2008 8:49 PM

Surprise the kid in your life with this rollerball pen that looks like a crayon. Thank goodness, this crayon should not break when you use it. Designed by Adrian Olabuenaga, the pen is itself a work of art. Choose from red or blue crayon. The crayon pen is priced at $30.
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Eeeek, a mouse!

Posted by etipton – July 29, 2008 8:55 PM

Why have a boring, plain mouse when you can have one of these? The glossy, red and black lady bug mouse will add a playful touch to any desk. The Lady Bug Mouse is priced at $30.
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If you don't like lady bugs, you can pick a cat mouse, a dog mouse or even a duck mouse. Each mouse is priced at $30.
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Axis of Style

Posted by etipton – July 28, 2008 8:30 PM

The Axis Collection from Iron Accents is a versatile seating ensemble. There is a corner seat, armless chair and an ottoman. You can build a workable seating arrangement for your space. You can make a chaise lounge, day bed, loveseat or a corner sofa. The Axis components consist of a square, powder-coated, recycled steel tray, combined with a hardwood seat frame that is topped with high-quality foam and wrapped with fiber. The pieces in the Axis Collection range in price from $350-$600.
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Souper dinners.

Posted by etipton – July 28, 2008 10:42 AM

I am so excited that this plate is available again! One of my favorite things about fall is pulling out the crock pot and making soup. Nothing goes better with soups than grilled cheese sandwiches. With colder weather right around the corner, be prepared with these cute soup and sandwich plates. These plates are perfect for eating away from the table. (Yes, there are nights we eat in front of the television set – I'm sure we aren't the only family watching Seinfeld.) Safe for use in the oven, microwave and dishwasher, the simple white serving pieces are always ready for those relaxed, rainy-day meals. Imported. The Soup and Sandwich Plate is priced around $30 for a set of two.
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Charge all of it.

Posted by etipton – July 26, 2008 10:18 PM

When I travel, it is annoying to have to remember to bring all the different chargers for my phone, camera, video camera, Zune and DVD player, just to name a few of the many devices we suddenly cannot live without for a week. That is why I have asked for the Intelligent Universal Charger for my birthday. It will charge all 3.6-volt or 7.2-volt removable lithium batteries for hand-held equipment. You can use the charger's adaptable plugs in your wall outlet, USB port, or your car's 12-volt outlet. I thought this would also make a great gift for your college-bound student or for kids that live between two sets of parents. Your child can leave all the chargers at home and just pack their favorite devices. The Universal Charger is priced less than $50.
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That's not my bag, baby.

Posted by etipton – July 26, 2008 9:47 AM

While I am not an international man of mystery, I do get to the big city from time to time. Last week we were in New York City. I tend to limit my purchasing in New York less by the cost and more by the fact that I have to carry it around all day. As always, I packed too much, and had no extra room to lug stuff home. I needed one of these Pack Flat Back Up Bags. They fold flat to fit in your suitcase, and when needed, become a carry-on size bag. Pure genius. The Pack Flat Back Up Bags are priced under $25.
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Cool beans.

Posted by etipton – July 25, 2008 7:21 AM

Frontgate has such lovely products. They had this Outdoor Bean Bag designed so that you can relax in style. These Bean Bags are oversized for body-hugging support, and they are water-proof with all-weather construction. Their chlorine- and fade-resistant, UV-protective coating shields material from the sun's harsh rays. I think this would be a fun chair to have on the deck for your children, but be forewarned, the Bean Bags do not float. This Outdoor Bean Bag cushion is priced around $250.
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Living inside the box.

Posted by etipton – July 24, 2008 9:02 PM

It is almost August. In no time at all, thousands of kids will be moving off to the dorm. This 15- section cubby is a great room addition. It works for shoe storage, mail sorting and a wide variety of other items. It is a versatile storage solution. The cubby is made from white laminated wood. The slotted dividers assemble in seconds. This shoe, mail or miscellaneous item cubby is priced around $50.
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Swinging from the trees.

Posted by etipton – July 23, 2008 7:37 AM

We have the perfect branch out in front of our house for a tree swing. I have been looking into different designs of tree swings. There are a lot more options than you would think, but aren't there always a lot more options whenever you go to buy most anything? I found these tire swings from Wildlife Creations International. They are handmade from recycled tires, and artfully shaped into a variety of different animals, manuals and objects for added fun and excitement. Unlike traditional tire swings, these tires are cleaned, so black does not rub off onto clothes or hands. The swings can hold up to 250 pounds and be attached to a tree, porch or existing swing set. These creative tire swings are priced around $100.
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A tattoo moms like.

Posted by etipton – July 19, 2008 5:46 PM

After having more children at a park than adults, a mom invented these helpful temporary tattoos. As a mom, I know how easy it is to turn around, and your child is no where in sight. My daughter is usually under the clothing rack, but it doesn't make it any less scary those few seconds. I worry more in certain places than in others, and I always worry more when I'm out-numbered. Our Zoo has a poorly designed play area. Unless you are climbing around the structure with them, there is no way you can keep your eyes on them when they are playing. I only have one child, but if I had two or three, I would be terrified there. Those situations are a good time to use SafetyTat. It was designed by a mother with three children. The SafetyTat is a fun and colorful kids temporary tattoo that’s personalized with your cell phone number. When applied to the arm of your child or loved one, SafetyTat provides an immediate, highly-visible form of identification that stays in place even when wet and lasts for one to five days. Even better than just your cell phone number, you can buy tattoos with important medical information. I was in a care-giving situation a few weeks ago where it would have been very beneficial for me to know a particular child was autistic. How nice would it be to slap on a tattoo that said "my child is allergic to peanuts" before you send him off to camp or Bible School? Safety Tats are priced around $20 for 30. nuts.jpg
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A cool lunch.

Posted by etipton – July 19, 2008 5:00 PM

I was shopping for back to school supplies the other day, and I found these neat EZ-Freeze Storage Containers. These storage containers are designed with a built-in, non-toxic freezer gel in the lid. This 21-ounce, square container is ideal for sandwiches, fruit, and any other food item that must be kept cool. I bought some to keep in my daughter's lunch box at school. She will start Kindergarten in a few weeks, and she will not have access to a refrigerator. The stackable containers are Phthalate-free, BPA-free and PVC-free. These are top-shelf dishwasher safe and only the lids need to be stored in your freezer. With the Small Square EZ-Freeze you get two per package. EZ-Freeze Storage Containers are priced around $6.
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Get the hang of it.

Posted by etipton – July 17, 2008 2:25 AM

I have to admit, I get very tired of pulling my ferns down to water them this time of year. There isn't a great option for watering. You either get a ladder and go up to plant level, you pick the plants up and bring them down to your level, or you squirt water aimlessly and hope some of it stays in the plant and does not drip down on you! Charley's Greenhouse and Garden has come up with a great solution. They have a Down-Up Pulley. This handy pulley makes it easy to lower and raise your hanging baskets for watering, feeding and plant care. A spring-loaded tape locks the basket in place at the desired height. The vertical adjustment is up to 31". The pulley holds up to 25 pounds. Hang it from a wall bracket, or attach it directly to a hook your ceiling, wall or post. The Down-Up Pulley is priced around $12.
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Get the floats out of the way.

Posted by etipton – July 16, 2008 8:03 AM

Once you purchase all these pretty pool floats, keep them safe and out of the way with the Aluminum Float and Cushion Caddy. It is designed by Frontgate, and is the perfect way to organize a heap of bulky floats and rafts. This pool caddy also keeps floats from being stored flat on the ground, where they pick up damaging pebbles and dirt that ultimately end up in the pool. The Aluminum Float and Cushion Caddy is priced less than $70.
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Ride 'em Cowboy!

Posted by etipton – July 16, 2008 6:38 AM

If you are traveling with small children this summer, I feel your pain. In the past year, we have yet to have any of our flights not have delays. This is bad enough as an adult, but if you are traveling with a small child, it makes everything more frustrating. Make traveling with tots a bit easier with the Trunki Ride-on Suitcase. Yes, I did say ride-on. The Trunki Rolling Suitcase, suitable for children ages three to six, is an airline-approved carry-on bag. It is great for storing travel essentials, snacks, games and spare clothes, but more importantly your child can ride on the suitcase. This is great to help eliminate airport boredom during those long delays, and can save your back when the child decides not to walk anymore. It includes a multipurpose strap that can be used to pull riders or used as shoulder strap for parents to carry the bag. The Trunki Ride-On Suitcase is priced around $40, and available in pink or blue.
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Outdoor Carpet

Posted by etipton – July 14, 2008 12:48 PM

Outdoor carpet and rugs have come a long way since the days of astroturf on your patio. In fact, I haven't seen any of that green, shag astroturf since we helped a friend clean out his grandmother's home to sell. These rugs are fabulous! The small sizes of outdoor rugs start at $30.
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Float the Summer Away

Posted by etipton – July 11, 2008 9:54 PM

What fun is the pool without a nice float to lounge on? Check out the huge selection of floats on MarketPlace here.
One nice float is the World's Finest Float by Frontgate. Pictured in Aqua Dashes, this float will feel right at home in your pool. Designed for incredible full body support, unsinkable comfort and buoyancy, this luxuriously thick pool float incorporates fun, vibrant hues to improve your pool decor. The pool float boasts a full 2-1/2 inch thick construction. It features a contoured headrest, and comfortable, wave-patterned top for the ultimate in relaxation. The raft is made from the latest in marine-quality, triple-dipped PVC vinyl closed-cell foam technology. Its flexible foam won't become brittle like ordinary rafts or pool lounges, and it resists punctures. The durable, heat-processed vinyl coating ensures this pool float resists the effects of chlorine, sun and salt water. The World's Finest Float supports at least 350 lbs., and is priced around $200.
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Play poker in the pool.

Posted by etipton – July 10, 2008 9:43 PM

Everyone loves poker night, but add even more fun on a hot, summer night by playing your card games in the swimming pool. This inflatable Pool Master Pool Party Casino Floating Game Table includes five cup holders, two snack or accessory trays, along with spots for up to five players. The set includes two decks of plastic playing cards and a set of one hundred poker chips with a plastic tray case. With this game table, your pool can always have a full house. The Pool Master Pool Party Casino Floating Game Table is priced around $30.
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Go Speed Racer.

Posted by etipton – July 8, 2008 9:37 PM

I wish I had a backyard pool, and I wish I was still five. I would have to get this Surf Racer. The Surf Racer is a motorized, inflatable water toy that rides at real speeds of up to two miles per hour. Any youngster would be thrilled to climb in the saddle, grip the handlebars, pull the throttle...and go! It offers amazing maneuverability and 60 minutes of run-time on a single charge. Buy two Surf Riders and your kids can stage head-to-head races or obstacle course time trials. The Surf Racer, featured on I Want That, is priced around $125.
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Slide into fun.

Posted by etipton – July 8, 2008 9:27 PM

When I was a child, most pools had slides. I remember one family vacation the beach in the 1980s. My parents had a place for the week, but we went down a day early. They drove down the strip trying to find a hotel. Apparently there was no room at the inn, or at any inn that weekend. My sister and I would strain our necks in the back seat checking out the pool at each hotel and judging it by the slide and diving board.
Today, so many pools have lost their slides and diving boards. The are "dangerous", and a "liability". You can let your kids enjoy a slide at your pool without making it a permanent fixture with this Inflatable Fun Slide from Frontgate. This Inflatable Fun Slide sets up in just five minutes and is guaranteed to provide hours of thrilling, outdoor recreation. Anchors keep the water slide from moving while in use, and the easy-access, built-in step is perfect for climbing to the top of the slide. This deluxe pool toy makes it easy to create your own water-rushing waterpark, without the hassle of lines. The Inflatable Fun Slide is priced around $125.
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Soak the kids.

Posted by etipton – July 8, 2008 9:20 PM

Check out this super, fun Water Cannon. This high-quality pool toy features a full-function radio controller that allows you to direct the power soakers to target poolside opponents. The Water Cannon's nozzle can move up and down, allowing water bursts as high as 10 feet. The Water Cannon moves forward, backward, or spins for the sneak attack. It operates for up to four hours on one full charge of the included rechargeable, 6-volt battery. The Poolside Water Cannon is priced around $125.
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Stuck on decorating.

Posted by etipton – July 7, 2008 12:47 PM

Vinyl letters are an easy way to alter most anything you own. Use them on walls, glass and other smooth surfaces to make every day items a little more your style. You can decorate your car, windows, laptops, closet doors, lockers or mirrors just to name a few. Vinyl letters and vinyl art typically last three to seven years once put in place. You can remove the pieces, but you can not use them again. One company that contacted me was Vinyled. One thing that makes this company different is that it is not a non-profit organization, but after expenses and taxes, all proceeds go to Global Ministry for Children with Autism and AKPC/Cambodia Mission funds. The have some really neat pieces, and they will also make custom Vinyled designs.Vinyled art pieces start around $40.
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Why didn't I think of that?

Posted by etipton – July 2, 2008 6:49 AM

Leave it to Williams-Sonoma to find a better way for summer entertaining. This shatter-resistant, polycarbonate DuraClear Icing Pitcher is perfect for outdoor entertaining. It also has a handy, removable insert for ice. Some things taste better after they have been diluted with some melting ice, but not everything. The ice insert keeps everything cold, and prevents melting ice from diluting the taste. This is a Williams-Sonoma exclusive. The DuraClear Icing Pitcher is priced around $50.
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