Today's Kool Idea: TykeLight Portable GloMate by Mobi

When our youngest son turned three, he suddenly developed a huge fear of the dark. And we mean huge! He was nervous driving in a dark car at night, insisted on being carried at night (the moon was scary, also), and refused to go into any room that didn't already have a light on. He has always shared a room with his big brother...this helped him feel a bit more secure at bedtime, at least. Unfortunately, if he had to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, he would become hysterical crying when big brother refused to wake up to take him (our oldest is a very sound sleeper). Our poor son was having a very difficult time maintaining his typical independence and we had to find some way to help him.

Much of our son's fear of the dark (yes, he still has it) is a result of his overactive imagination. We didn't have this challenge with the first child..he's very "black and white" by nature. But our youngest one has always been more creative, telling us fanciful stories of magical creatures and faraway places almost from the time he started speaking. He sees unicorns and dragons in the shapes of the clouds...our oldest tends to envision the state of Missouri (go figure). So, it's not hard to understand that our little boy sees all sorts of scary stuff lurking in the shadows of the dark.

The TykeLight Portable GloMate from Mobi has become a lifesaver for us and our now four year old son. They don't come much cuter than this little guy! This portable nightlight is a cuddly plaything with a friendly, silky feel that he can snuggle up with on a dark night. Mobi has really done a great job with this one...our son hardly ever puts it down, even during the day. The kid-friendly, grab-'n-go design make it really easy. The different color options have actually made our TykeLight Portable GloMate a four-in-one toy for our son. "Greenie" checks hallways and dark rooms to make sure they're safe to enter. "Tiki" (she's a girl, and the solid red mode) loves to play with stuffed animals, often disciplining them when they deserve a time out. "Bud" (blue mode) likes to hang out and watch TV, while "Mobi" stays on the nightstand to cycle through the rainbow of colors to help him fall asleep at night. Seriously, folks...we have to be the only family that has a GloMate with a split personality!

Future psychological bills aside, the TykeLight Portable GloMate nightlight has really helped our son overcome his fears. It stays on the charger base, where he can take it off whenever he wants to play with it. We love that it doesn't need batteries or power cords...plus, the safe and efficient LED's keep it completely cool to the touch. It gives off just enough light to keep the monsters away, but not so much that keeps him awake at bedtime. Our only complaint is that the 15 minute timer only works with the solid blue mode...we would have liked that options with all of the colors (particularly the rainbow one). Regardless, the adorable TykeLight Portable GloMate is kid-tough, works great and is perfectly safe for even young ones. What a great gift idea for a baby shower or anyone with smaller children. Ours is definitely a welcome addition to The Daily Kool family.

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Today's Kool Idea: Bamboo Fabric Bedding Sheets

We at The Daily Kool have a confession to make. We have been having a really hard time getting out of bed in the morning lately. Yes, we know we have kids to take care of, places to be and readers to write for. But when the alarm goes off, we find ourselves stubbornly pressing the snooze button (over and over again) and snuggling deeper in our covers. Though we are admittedly a lazy bunch by nature, this is kind of over the top...yes, even for us. It's not our fault, though...really! We have a couple of dear, dear friends who are totally responsible for our recent indolence. We won't mention names, but they know who they are. Boy, are we grateful for them!

We were having dinner with our friends about a month ago and somehow got on the topic of bamboo fabric bedding sheets. Bamboo? We'd heard about the many environmental benefits of bamboo fabric, but we ignorantly assumed that there was no way this material could possibly be that comfortable to sleep on. Our friends insisted that their bamboo fabric bedding sheets were softer and more luxurious than we could ever imagine. Nope, we'd stick with our expensive European cotton sheets, thank you very much.

A couple of weeks later, we received a package from our friends with a note that said, "Just try them." Okay, fine. See the first paragraph of this post for the results. The feeling of these sheets against our skin is almost indescribable ...kind of like a blend of silk and cashmere, but definitely softer to the touch than our cotton ones. And, did you know that bamboo fabric can actually adjust to body temperature? Apparently, the very fast wicking properties allow it to be 3-4 times more absorbent than cotton. Our bamboo fabric bedding sheets will keep us cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Increased air between the body and skin prevent overheating, which is relief for those of us who experience the dreaded night sweats. There's a reason why bamboo fabric bedding sheets have been labeled "the first menopausal sheet."

As if the buttery soft comfort of our bamboo fabric bedding sheets wasn't enough, the organic and natural fiber properties make it naturally hypoallergenic. Bamboo is non-irritating to the skin, working extremely well for anyone with allergies, eczema, dermatitis or other skin sensitivities. We found several scientific studies online that demonstrate the antimicrobial and hypoallergenic properties of bamboo, resulting in sheets that stay cleaner and fresher longer. Apparently, the natural antibacterial properties of bamboo fabric come from an inherent quality of bamboo commonly called "bamboo kun." Bamboo does not require pesticides to grow because of this natural antifungal agent, which functions in the spun bamboo fibers as well. Okay, we know we got a little technical here, but the bottom line is that bamboo acts as a natural deterrent to bed bugs and mites, with a 99.8% antibacterial kill rate, making it an ideal bedding choice for children as well.

Here’s the kicker...bamboo fabric is completely biodegradable. Bamboo is one of the world's fastest growing, greenest, most renewable resource. It takes in five times the amount of greenhouse gases, and produces 35% more oxygen than an equivalent-sized tree. Plus, bamboo textiles are made from Moso bamboo, not the type of bamboo that giant pandas eat, in case you were wondering (we did). These bamboo plants can grow up to a foot per day, so deforestation is not a concern. Because it can grow so densely without the need for pesticides or herbicides, a bamboo forest has about 40% more biomass than a regular hardwood forest. Bamboo is truly one of the most eco-friendly materials around.

If you decide to try them, make sure that you only purchase 100% bamboo fabric bedding sheets...apparently there are blends out there that do not have all of the same properties and benefits. The real thing is a little pricey, but oh so worth it! We have ours from a company called SleepBamboo.com, but we have found a lower thread count on clearance from Bed Bath and Beyond that you might want to check out. There is a natural sheen to bamboo fabric bedding sheets that may not be for everyone. And keep in mind that they should always be washed on the delicate cycle (tumble dry low) and removed promptly from the dryer to minimize shrinkage and wrinkling, respectively.

There are so many wonderful things to say about our bamboo fabric bedding sheets. Hypoallergenic, environmentally conscious and heavenly to sleep on, these sheets are a perfect fit for any bedroom. Soft, supple and silky to the touch...so luxurious, we never want to sleep on another fabric again. We'll just have to start going to bed earlier in the evening...sounds like a "kool" idea to us!

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Today's Kool Idea: Naterfish Best Pet Ramp.com

The Daily Kool's beloved pooch Pepper, has just turned 9 years old...wow, time is definitely flying by quickly. Though he still acts like a puppy much of the time, we have noticed that things are slowing down just a little bit for him. The vet has told us his hips are beginning to weaken, as is often common for a standard poodle of his age. Plus, we've seen the extra hesitation when he jumps in the car, on the couch, and especially on the bed...yep, it's definitely time to get Pepper a pet ramp.

Why a ramp and not stairs, you ask (yes, we heard you)? Though both stairs and ramps are great for reducing the impact and stress associated with jumping on or off higher surfaces, we feel that the smooth and virtually impact-free design of a ramp is a better option for most pets...well, at least for ours. Since Pepper is a larger dog (and admittedly quite clumsy at times), we want to make sure that we invest in a ramp that is sturdy enough to virtually guarantee he won't fall off of it. Plus, since the ramp will become a permanent fixture in our home, we'd like to have one that blends in nicely with our wood finished bedroom furniture. So, which pet ramp is the best? And safest?

Check out the Naterfish pet ramp at Best Pet Ramp.com. These have to be some of the most beautiful pet ramps we've seen on the market yet...and we've done our research! The company boasts the safest and strongest indoor pet ramps on the market...that's quite a claim. Custom hand-finished (not factory made) and able to accommodate weight in excess of 300lbs, these pet ramps certainly seem unlikely to slip, tip over or fall apart. Yet, they are light enough to easily move when necessary to clean or make the bed...if you're a stickler for that kind of thing. The quality of the Naterfish pet ramps at Best Pet Ramp.com certainly seems top of the line, and we love all of the customizable options they offer. Best Pet Ramp.com offers three different heights (3ft, 4ft and 5ft) as well as three different width options to accommodate pets of all sizes. With a choice of seven wood finishes, six carpet colors, this is one pet ramp that would be an attractive addition to any bedroom.

Some of the Naterfish pet ramps at Best Pet Ramp.com feature models that include a safety rail which helps prevent your dog or cat from accidentally stepping off the side of the bed ramp. We love, love love this idea, especially since the rail can be placed on either side of the ramp and changed anytime. The Daily Kool is very disappointed to note that the website is not offering the safety rail option at this time...hopefully, this is just temporary. We have to say that the safety rail was one of the biggest selling points for us, and what truly sets this company apart from the rest...at least in our humble opinions. We have to admit that we would never have missed the safety rail if Best Pet Ramp.com had taken the description off of its website when they stopped offering it. But now that the idea is permanently fixed in our minds, we just cannot let it go...we're strange like that.

Even without the safety rail, the Naterfish pet ramps at Best Pet Ramp.com are undoubtedly the "koolest" pet ramps that we have come across online. Like most pet owners, we want to make sure we keep our dog as healthy as possible...protecting his hips, joints and back from injuries is a major concern for us. Let's not forget how pet ramps benefit our own backs...hey, we're getting older too, and Pepper is not quite as easy lift as you might think! A Naterfish pet ramp at Best Pet Ramp.com is a great, worry-free solution to protecting Pepper and helping him retain mobility with age, and most definitely a "kool" idea.

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Today's Kool Idea: Energizer Light on Demand Motion Activated Light

Our younger son is very afraid of the dark. In fact, his anxiety is so great, he insists on being carried into the house whenever we come home at night. The lack of street lighting in our neighborhood doesn't help...neither does the fact that our kid's going through another growth spurt and is definitely not a lightweight these days. We also tend to forget to turn on the outside light, especially when we leave the house earlier in the day when the sun is still shining. This is a particular sore point with our son, especially since the darkness makes it tough to see the keyhole on the front door and get us in the house quickly.

We came across a practical product on QVC yesterday that just might make our lives a bit easier, the Energizer Light on Demand motion activated light. Gotta love the bunny...by the way, it's his 20th birthday this year. Anyway, the Energizer Light on Demand motion activated light features a removable LED light stick, equipped with internal, rechargeable batteries. The light stick can function in its specific product, or is detachable to serve as an area light and/or flashlight. We love that the Energizer Light on Demand motion activated light is weatherproof with a 15 foot sensor for convenient use indoors and out. This feature is a particular selling point with us...we can put it right by the front door outside.

Okay we admit it, we might just get a tiny bit nervous ourselves when we have to walk Pepper (our pooch) at night...did we mention that our neighborhood doesn't have enough street lights? Think about the dual convenience of a motion activated light at the front door, with a removable LED flashlight to keep our path illuminated during Pepper's nightly stroll. Plus, the Energizer Light on Demand motion activated light is affordable enough for us to get an extra one (or three) for inside the house. The product boasts continual, emergency lighting whenever the power goes out with its rechargeable backup battery pack. Hey, hurricane season has just begun, and we've already lost electricity several times from thunderstorms this summer. As much as we appreciate the long, five-hour run time we'll get with the Energizer Light on Demand motion activated light when it's fully charged, it's nice to know we have the option of using three AAA batteries to get a continuous 12 hours in case of emergency.

We're in agreement with QVC host Lisa Robertson on this one...we can't imagine anyone who couldn't benefit from the Energizer Light on Demand motion activated light. Easy to install and energy efficient, this product is ideal for mounting anywhere you need some extra light. Perfect in a garage, closet, attic, stairway and yes, by the front door, Energizer is definitely on the right track with this modular lighting system. Seriously folks, there's no reason to come home at night to a dark door. We do confess that we wish function met a little more with fashion in this case...it's kind of an ugly looking unit. Regardless, we think the Energizer Light on Demand motion activated light is a "kool" and practical idea for every household...definitely worth checking out on your own.

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Today's Kool Idea: Space Bag Under-The-Bed Vacuum Storage Tote

The Daily Kool family spent a better part of our weekend going through and organizing our closets. That's when we noticed that most of our closet space is taken up by bedding. Blankets and sheets and pillows...oh my! We have comforters for the winter, lightweight blankets for the summer, two sheet sets per bed, plus extras of everything (including pillows) for the occasional barrage of family house guests. Yikes! Unfortunately, our closet space is at a minimum, and it's tough to fit those large storage bins through our attic door. We needed a better solution.

The area under our bed has always been pretty wasted space...after all, you really can't fit much under there, and the under-the-bed storage containers hold practically nothing. Check out this Space Bag under-the-bed vacuum storage tote, though. The rectangular-shaped outer tote features sturdy, canvas-like material and closes with a metal zipper. The inner bag has an airtight and watertight zipper, plus a patented one-way valve to remove air and compress items. Like traditional Space Bags, this tote utilizes the power of your household vacuum to remove the air and reduce the volume of your bulky or seasonal items by as much as 75%. Simply pack clean blankets, comforters, sweaters and other items in the inner bag, close the seal and remove the air with a vacuum. Then, zip up the outer bag and slide it under a bed for out-of-the-way storage.

Though they have received many mixed reviews over the years, The Daily Kool is actually a big fan of this company...this Space Bag under-the-bed vacuum storage tote is probably our favorite version of the product. We particularly love the outer canvass...it gives additional durability and protection against bag abrasion, has handles for easy lifting, and even features a see-through window to help identify contents. Because there's no air, you don't have to worry about insects, mold, mildew, dust or moisture damaging your stored items.

There's something about Space Bags that makes us get carried away and try to over-stuff...if you want them to work as well as on TV, you must fight that urge. Also, don't ever expect to store as much as the infomercial boasts. Either the company exaggerates a bit, or there's some secret we don't know, but we doubt that anybody can fit as much stuff as they claim. Don't let this discourage you, though. You can still fit a lot more than traditional storage bins....just keep your expectations realistic. Also expect some major wrinkling, especially if you're using your Space Bag under-the-bed vacuum storage tote for clothing. We prefer to re-wash anything we keep stored for an extended period of time anyway, so this is not a particular problem for us. Besides, we all know how to use an iron or the fluff button in the dryer.

So, if you're looking to maximize storage space under your bed, this might be the perfect solution for your home. Space Bag under-the-bed vacuum storage totes are really convenient for reducing clutter, particularly if your house is as overrun with bulky bedding as ours is. They store plenty, and zip into a very handy and neat package...what more could we ask for? An excellent way to stay organized all year round and a very "kool" idea.

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Today's Kool Idea: Corby 7700 Pants Press for Father's Day

Though many professionals are recently adopting a more informal attire in the workplace, the males in The Daily Kool family are die-hard suit wearers. Sorry, President Obama...no business casual in the office for our men, especially Dad. He is meticulous about his appearance, even on the weekends...he wears a polo and dress pants to clean the pool, for goodness sake! Okay, we are the first to admit that his standards may be unreasonably high (and quite possibly, unnecessary)...but, the majority of men (and women) we know do like to look good. Unwrinkled, pressed pants are often high on their list of wardrobe priorities. After all, who wants to come to work looking like they've just rolled out of bed (even if they have)?

The Corby 7700 pants press is the company's number one best selling model for the past five years...and for good reason. This is terrific Father's Day gift for the man who takes pride in his appearance. We first came across the Corby 7700 pants press at a hotel stay in New York City. This particular stay was for business purposes, and having the pants press right in the room was really convenient. As soon as we got home from our trip, we went online to purchase one for ourselves...Dad got his for Father's Day last year. Its walnut finish is actually pretty attractive, and the combination of the pant presser design with personal valet makes it a convenient piece of bedroom furniture.

Though it is quite a pricey investment, the Corby 7700 pants press will more than pay for itself in dry cleaning savings over the long run. It's designed to refresh the original crease a dry cleaner creates, and to ease out the back of knee wrinkles. This helps keep trousers in shape longer, reducing unnecessary trips to the cleaners. We love how easy it is to use the Corby 7700 pants press, and the fact that is is gentle enough for all fabrics. The front panel opens to access the pressing area. Just raise the levers to reveal a cushioned heating pad. There are two stretcher bars which grip gently eases back into shape and slightly refreshing the crease. Insert trousers, close, set the timer (to 15, 30 or 45 minutes) and walk away. The presser cuts off automatically when ready. The Corby 7700 pants press can even be wall-mounted...keep in mind though that this will eliminate the jacket hanger feature...if you mount it in your closet though, it shouldn't matter much with your jackets already hanging nearby.

The Corby 7700 pants press is a great way to help Dad keep his pants beautifully pressed and presentable every day. The price of this particular model is in the mid-range...though there are more expensive ones out there, we really feel that this one is the best value overall. Check it out...if your Dad is anything like ours, he'll love it. With its quality and functionality, the Corby 7700 pants press is definitely a "kool" Father's Day gift for the special man in your life.

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Today's Kool Ideas: Aerobed for Kids and Aerobed Sports Overnighter

This Memorial Day weekend, our kids are having a couple of their close friends at the house for a sleepover for the first time. They've been planning it for a week. They've picked out games, snacks, movies, crafts...they are so excited! We do have a bit of a challenge, though...our entire downstairs has hardwood floors. Even though we have a regular sleeping bag in the house (our beloved Puff the Magic Dragon one from about thirty years ago), unfortunately, it is pretty much out of the question for this weekend. There isn't enough room in our kids' two twin-size beds for the four boys to share either. How can we have a successful sleepover when we have no comfortable place for the kids to sleep?

We were discussing our problem with our neighbor, and she couldn't believe that we didn't already have an Aerobed for Kids in the house. We never even thought about it...hey, it's our first kids' sleepover, remember? Luckily, she has two, so we went ahead and borrowed them to test out for this weekend. Let's put it this way...the kids thought the Aerobeds were so "kool," they insisted on sleeping on them the other night right on the living room floor. The Aerobed for Kids was a bit too small for our seven year old (not that he complained), but it was a perfect size for our four year old.

There are so many terrific things to say about the Aerobed for Kids. It inflates quickly and effortlessly, and has far exceeded our expectations for comfort. The four inch safety surround kept our kids snuggled in tight...they are not very restless sleepers, but it was still nice to know that we were unlikely to hear any thumping from children falling off of the Aerobed during the night. The stars and moon cover is really cozy...again a bit too young for our older son, but adorable nonetheless. We will say that the Aerobed for Kids actually takes up more space than we would have expected, mostly because of the safety border...our sons share a room, so it's a good thing we plan on camping out in the living room this weekend. So convenient, and yet so comfortable...this product is definitely an infinite number of steps above the traditional sleeping bag...yes, even a Puff the Magic Dragon one (feeling a little nostalgic here).

Our children slept through the night beautifully on their borrowed Aerobed for Kids. So, we went ahead and purchased two new Aerobeds for our home. Since our older son has definitely outgrown the Aerobed for Kids and our younger one is getting bigger every day, we decided on two twin Aerobed Sport Overnighters (one red, one blue). This way, we can use the borrowed Aerobeds this weekend for the younger boys and the larger beds for the older ones. The lightweight backpack will make the Aerobed Sport Overnighters so easy to take on road trips and camping...we can even take them on an airplane for our visits to relatives up north.

The Aerobed for Kids and Aerobed Sport Overnighter are wonderful products to have on hand, especially for a family with children. They are so convenient for vacation travel, family visits, and yes...even sleepovers! We can see getting a lot of use out of our Aerobed Sport Overnighters, and are very grateful to our neighbor for letting us borrow her Aerobeds. Assuming the company lives up to its reputation for quality, ours will hopefully last for many, many years. Definitely a "kool" idea!

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Today's Kool Idea: E-Z Fold Step Stool

Why oh why are so many areas in our home inconvenient for the height-challenged? Ceiling fans, bathroom lights, pantries, closet shelves...some of us at The Daily Kool are constantly standing on chairs to get to those hard to reach places. Unfortunately, those of us who are more accident prone (okay, we confess) fall clumsily off those wobbly chairs just as often. We know, we know...it's time to just take out the step stool!

You might think that it is easy to find a step stool that meets all of our requirements, but perhaps those of us at The Daily Kool are just too picky. We wanted a step stool that was just the right height, lightweight enough for a three-year old to carry, yet sturdy enough for those of us who still haven't quite lost all of that baby weight (unfortunately, we must confess to that one also). It also had to be reasonably priced, and easy to store. Most importantly, we had to be confident that its locking mechanism was reliable so that our children could use it safely.

We received the E-Z Foldz Step Stool in blue as a gift, and it was absolutely perfect for our needs. At 9" high, this product gives us just enough lift for those out of reach places. The E-Z Foldz Step Stool is made of sturdy reinforced plastic, so it feels completely secure for anyone up to 300lbs. Unbelievably steady, we have used it indoors and out; it doesn't wobble, even on unstable ground. The best part? This product folds up so flat, we are able to store it anywhere, no matter how small the space. Perfect for children and adults alike, the E-Z Foldz Step Stool is definitely a "must-have" for every household.

Call us vain, but we love that this version of the E-Z Foldz Step Stool comes in so many colors to match our decor, including yellow, green, red, white, beige and black. There is also a 12" version as well as a two-step one. We find that our 9" is really perfect for our every day tasks, and have since bought it as a gift for several friends. A simple, yet effective invention that is absolutely affordable, the E-Z Foldz Step Stool is one "kool" deal.

Today's Kool Idea: Comfy Cozy

When a friend asked us to give a recommendation for an extra-special newborn gift, we at The Daily Kool knew a product review was on its way. Check out the very first (and still the best) cuddly friend our oldest child received...the Comfy Cozy Lamb. Shhh...don't tell anyone...but he's now seven and still sneaks it for comfort sometimes when he thinks no one else is looking. Our younger son likes to teas his big brother about it...while holding his own "Doggie" Comfy Cozy of course...he's four.

Baby Gund is a 106-year-old company known worldwide for its award-winning, top quality, soft and huggable plush designs. They definitely don't disappoint with this wonderful product. The Comfy Cozy features fabulous textures and satin paws that babies love to rub. So incredibly soft, yet amazingly sturdy. They claim to be surface washable, but who are we kidding? If your children are as attached to them as ours are, you will definitely have to put them into a washing machine (delicate cycle) at some point. We have, several times, and all of our Comfy Cozies (we own five of them) have held up remarkably well. These items are a bit expensive, but you are definitely getting value for your money.

Although our children have their preferences, there are several different animals to choose from, each more adorable than the next. All of our Comfy Cozies are about 24", just the perfect size for little ones to carry around with them. Some places will offer personalization options, if you prefer. We at The Daily Kool never recommend putting a child's name on anything that may leave the home for safety reasons, but it is available. This product is such a beautiful nursery accent and a great item for the crib, rocker or bed. You definitely "Gotta Getta Gund!"