Today's Kool Idea: Toy Box Storage Benches

Our kids have way too many toys. Seriously, our house is literally overflowing with games, stuffed animals, action figures, legos...well, you get the idea. We don't know quite how it happened...well, that's not entirely true. Think about it. We have two boys who are three years apart, creating two separate groups of age-appropriate toys. Add a couple of doting grandparents, uncles and aunts, and suddenly our quaint little home has become its own virtual Toys R Us. Sheesh...imagine if we added a little girl to the mix!

We are forever in search of multi-purpose solutions to store things in a way that maximizes the limited space in our home. Take a look at some of these adorable toy box storage benches from a wonderful company called Levels of Discovery. Hand painted, heirloom quality and so unique, these toy boxes are truly special. This musical version is our personal favorite. It has an entertaining backrest that combines an eight-note xylophone with two wooden mallets and two spinning bell drums for hours of entertainment for your little one. The slow-closing metal safety hinge prevents little fingers from being crushed, while the bench holds up to 100lbs and provides a perfect spot for some quiet time...yeah, our kids don't know what "quiet time" is, either. Add plenty of storage space for musical instruments, stuffed animals or other toys, and suddenly you can see the floor of your kids' room again!

Of course, there are several other toy box storage bench themes besides the musical one. Whether your theme is firefighters, princesses or even alphabet soup, Levels of Discovery is sure to have a creation to match your child's decor. We won't mislead you...these whimsical toy box storage benches are quite pricey. But, it's "kool" to know that in this case, you are really are getting what you pay for.

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Today's Kool Idea: Snap Capp Reclosable Can Tops

We at The Daily Kool are huge soda drinkers. Oh yeah, we love them all...from Coca Cola to Orange Crush to Canada Dry Ginger Ale, each one of us has our own soft drink obsession. Are we the picture of good, healthy habits, or what? We're actually pretty good about drinking mostly water, especially since we've found Fiji, but sometimes, we just have have a can of soda with a nice meal. There's just something about the fizzy tickling sensation going down the back of the throat, coupled with just the right amount of sweetness...ah, instant satisfaction.

Because everyone has his/her own favorite, we tend to keep a variety of cold soda cans on hand in our fridge for family and company. Why cans, you ask? Yes, 2-liter bottles are much more cost-effective, but cans allow us to cater to everyone's tastes while monitoring intake at the same time...we make it a point to restrict ourselves to one can a day...with the exception of club soda. Cans of club soda (we like La Croix) are great for getting a healthier soda fix on the go.

Like most people, our biggest challenge with cans is keeping the soda from going flat...unless we drink the whole can at once, of course. We have no shame in admitting that we refuse to drink soda that has gone flat...we're kind of snobbish that way. We have tried out so many "fizz keepers" over the years, without much luck. A couple of weeks ago though, we came across these amazing Snap Capp reclosable can tops. Made in the U.S.A. (a big plus with us), plastic Snap Capps convert an ordinary 12 or 16 oz aluminum beverage can into a portable, recloseable and non-spilling bottle. Okay, we were definitely intrigued enough to try this one out.

We just love it when a product does exactly what it says! We purchased a sleeve of eight Snap Capps in different colors to test out at home. We chose Orange Crush for the test to make sure we used something that would clearly show up if the product leaked. After opening the can, we simply snapped the cap onto it. It took surprisingly little effort, and the Snap Capp made a clear "pop" when it was on correctly. We then twisted open the top cover, and drank from the soda as if it were a bottle. Wow, it really was a spill-proof seal...kool!

After a couple of sips, we put the can back into the refrigerator to let it sit for a few days. Our soda actually stayed fresh and fizzy for four days, which is about the same amount of time a two liter bottle will keep in our house. After enjoying the rest of our orange soda, we held onto the Snap Capp, squeezed the middle of the can, and popped it right off. A quick rinse with hot water, and we were ready to use it again.

There are so many things we like about our Snap Capp recloseable can tops. The assorted colors ensure that each person remembers which is his or her can...a particular advantage at some of our family gatherings. Spillage is much less likely, especially in the car or with the kids...as long as the cap is on, of course. Don't get us wrong. We didn't exactly shake the can vigorously for several minutes after putting on the Snap Capp...we're not sure we're all that interested in testing it that extensively, anyway. But, with normal use, we found the seal perfectly tight. Plus it makes drinking from a can safer; we don't have to worry about cutting ourselves on any sharp, metal parts. The best part is how much less soda waste we have...we no longer feel the need to polish off a whole can in one sitting. We just put the leftovers back in the fridge until later, without worrying about it going flat.

Snap Capp reclosable can tops are great for picnics, parties, in the car and even at the office. We even brought a couple to the zoo last week for when we treated ourselves to a couple of cans from the machine. The Snap Capp gave us the flexibility to walk around, without being encumbered with open beverage cans. We're definitely giving a couple of these to our fellow soda, energy drink and yes, even beer lovers!

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Today's Kool Idea: Human Key Holder (His and Hers)

The Daily Kool is always losing things. We just don't have enough storage space in our home to accommodate all of the...hmmm, what's the politically correct word here? Stuff! Yeah, stuff...that's it. Gotta keep our post family-friendly here, folks. No matter how organized we try to be, we wind up wasting a ton of time each day looking around for our (achem)...stuff. Just last night we searched high and low for our son's Lakers jersey that he just has to wear to basketball camp today. Our house is really not that big. Our keys are the absolute worst...they're right up there with that one sock our dryer eats every time we do laundry. They always disappear, especially when we are in a rush. After all these years together, we still haven't really designated a proper place for our keys. We usually jut toss them on the dining room table when we walk through the front door. We definitely need a better solution.

When we're looking for something really creative and distinctive for our home, we always go online, and often to our friends Wrapables.com. They never fail to have some really "kool" ideas. Check out these human key holders, for example. With their sleek and modern look, these chrome-plated little guys were noted for a Peugeot Design Award a couple of years ago. Such a great example of function and fun in one convenient product! They come with a "dummy" (no comments, please) key to attach to the rest of our keys...simply insert it into the male or female forms. The human key holders are actually sold separately with your choice of his or hers...we just ordered both versions this morning for a complete look.

We can't wait to get our his and hers human key holders...talk about a conversation piece. We just have to make sure not to mount them by the front door or within a window view. No reason to take a chance. These "kool" key holders are so terrific, we'll never have to worry about losing our keys again. Now...where is that darn Lakers jersey?

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Today's Kool Idea: H2Glow Temperature Sensitive LED Faucet Light

We been having an ongoing challenge these days in The Daily Kool household. Our boys are at the age when we have to constantly remind them to wash their hands. It's not as if we are obsessive about cleanliness (well, maybe just a little). We do have rules, though. Washing hands after coming in from the outside, after meals and certainly after using the toilet shouldn't be too much to ask, right? Apparently, it just might be...at least for our boys. You should just hear some of the arguments and excuses coming out of our two little guys...everything from "My leg hurts and I can't stand by the sink" to "My hands aren't that sticky from the breakfast syrup." Our favorite of course, is the ever-popular "Hey, we stand up anyway...what's the big deal?" Imagine our embarrassment when our four year old proudly confessed to his grandmother how often he and his brother try to "trick us" into thinking that they've washed their hands (as if we didn't know). Seriously, they expend more energy trying to avoid washing their hands than it would just take to do it already. Sheesh!

Yesterday, we visited a friend that we hadn't seen in a while. She had just renovated her guest bathroom with a more modern motif. She opted for one of those glass sinks sitting on a pedestal and colorful mosaic tile along the walls. Perhaps the "koolest" feature however, was the H2Glow temperature sensitive LED faucet light she had installed. H2Glow works by illuminating the water as it comes out of the faucet. The water glows deep blue when it is safe to touch and automatically switches to red when it starts to get too hot. How great is this? H2Glow seems to be just what we need to help encourage our kids to wash their hands more often. Adults clearly think it's pretty terrific also (our friend doesn't even have children). We want it! We want it!

After doing a bunch of online research, H2Glow really seems to be the highest quality temperature sensitive LED faucet light available. This fully automatic gadget comes with the faucet attachment, two adaptors, batteries, a spare filter screen, water flow restrictor and a manual. We took a look online at the installation instructions, and they seem pretty easy and straightforward...just seven steps. We would anticipate our kids using a lot more water with the H2Glow (hey, that's kind of the point, right), so the built in flow-limiter takes a load off of our environmentally conscious (and thrifty) minds. Plus, not only has H2Glow received overwhelmingly glowing (we couldn't resist) reviews, but Sector Labs (the company who makes it) has a great reputation for ensuring customer satisfaction. We never know when we might have an issue, so a company who guarantees their products is a big draw, especially when we are ordering online.

We can truly envision our bathroom soon becoming the most popular room in the house with the H2Glow temperature sensitive LED faucet light. We love the safety element with this...what a great way to avoid burning little hands with scalding water! We must point out though, as parents, we would seriously caution our kids to always be careful and not to completely depend on it to determine how safe the water is to touch. We just love the entertainment value...H2Glow would definitely change the way we experience water every day. Just imagine how amazing the LED faucet light must look in the dark! Might be a nice addition to a kitchen faucet also. H2Glow is definitely one "kool" gadget we can't wait to get.

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Today's Kool Idea: Complete Christmas Tree Trim Set

We know what you're thinking...why on earth would The Daily Kool be discussing a Christmas tree trim set in July? Well, ever loyal to our readers, we simply wanted to give everyone a heads-up to QVC's full weekend of everything you need for gift-giving and decorating. Hey, the big day is only five months away, and quite frankly...most of us are pretty broke in today's economy. We're all for preparing earlier this year and, of course, taking advantage of as many deals as we can get before the holiday season actually begins.

Let's be honest here...a bunch of Jews giving Christmas advice may sound kind of ridiculous. Hey, we can appreciate a beautifully decorated Christmas tree just as much as the next person! Besides, this particular Christmas tree trim set really looks amazing. Don't just take our word for it either. The 87-piece kit, put together by designer David Shindler is a customer top-rated item from QVC's Christmas collection. If you're looking for a truly professionally designed look, this set is definitely for you. Plus, it's on sale with five easy payments and no shipping costs. Sounds like a pretty great value to us!

We absolutely love the consistent reviews about the high quality of the ornaments that come with this complete Christmas tree trim set. The kit comes with everything you need to decorate a 6' - 7-1/2' tree, including a whopping 50 blown-glass balls that are either solid, hand-painted or marbleized. Add a bunch of winterberry decorator sprays, tassels, teardrops, blown-glass shapes, fabric garlands and a tree topper...you're all set to decorate the Christmas tree of your dreams.

Well...maybe. It kind of depends on how professional you really want your style to be. We can certainly see this complete Christmas tree trim set being perfect for an office environment. But at The Daily Kool, we put our kids in charge of our holiday decorations, and spend weeks with them creating hand-crafted masterpieces. This set may be just a little too perfect for a family that prefers the construction paper garland and bead project look. Then again, what do we know (Jews, remember)? Keep in mind that if you're looking for a specific color combination, this style may not be for you. You should also expect that with such a large kit, there will be some pieces that just don't appeal to you...they can't please everyone, you know.

The complete Christmas tree trim set by David Shindler will undoubtedly allow you to create a beautiful focal point in your home this holiday season. Bold colors, rich fabrics and elegance galore, QVC has given its customers quite the value with this kit. This is a truly magnificent collection of color-coordination to help create a stunning masterpiece out of your Christmas tree. Definitely a "kool" idea.

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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: Sadie Ryan Keepsake Tiles - Imprinted Invitations

The Daily Kool recently received a wedding invitation for a business associate. We've been having some trouble coming up with a gift idea, though. Apparently, they've also been living together for a while, so they probably have many of the essentials. Plus, the couple hasn't registered anywhere, so we're clueless as to what they really need...sigh. Way to make it tough on your guests, guys! Sure, money is always an option, but our egos can't handle such a generic gift...we need to stand out, be remembered and yes, get kudos for our creativity. Okay, so we're a little self-absorbed.

Weddings are a sentimental business, so we've been thinking it might be a good idea to give the couple a gift to reflect the joy of the event itself. We recently came across the Sadie Ryan Keepsake Tiles website....hmmm. We just may have hit the jackpot with this one. This family-owned Louisiana business specializes in imprinting invitations on their hand-crafted keepsake tiles. In case you're wondering, the company uses an age-old process called sand casting, creating a lovely antique white patina. Plus, it seems incredibly easy to order...simply fill out the order page, download (or email, or even snail mail) the invitation, and the Sadie Ryan Keepsake Tile company handles the rest. Pretty "kool," huh?

There are so many things we love about the idea of giving a Sadie Ryan Keepsake Tile as a wedding gift for our business associate. The etching of the invitation in stone is permanent, creating an everlasting memory that is not only unique, but certainly elegant enough to display in their home. We also appreciate how reasonably priced the Sadie Ryan Keepsake Tile is. Assuming we decide to purchase the tile, plus the display easel they offer, everything (including the $10 shipping cost) would come out just under $75...this price falls within the spending range recommended by wedding etiquette experts.

Sadie Ryan obviously takes great pride in customer satisfaction...these keepsake tiles are offered in two sizes (8.75" x 7" or 10.75" x 6.5"), yet the company keeps the price the same, preferring to allow customers to pick the most appropriate size for their invitation. The company claims they can create a keepsake tile from just about any invitation or card. Plus, it's nice to have the option of including (or excluding) graphics, initials, emblem and even reception information. And, considering each Sadie Ryan Keepsake Tile is personally created at the time of order, a two week turnaround seems more than reasonable.

Although we admit that the fleur-de-lis & scroll antique finish that Sadie Ryan Keepsake Tiles offers looks stunning, keep in mind that it is the only style that is available. Also, all color ink is converted to black. Don't get us wrong...black is perfectly fine, especially since there are so many colors that would be unlikely to show up on the stone. However, a nice dark brown would possibly give the tile a softer look and be a viable option the company might want to consider offering their customers.

There is definitely something to be said for taking pride in doing one thing and doing it well. Sadie Ryan Keepsake Tiles are quite possibly one of the most unusual and timeless wedding presents we have ever come across. This is one gift that would undoubtedly become a treasured heirloom for any couple. We're definitely keeping this "kool" idea in mind for our colleague and his new bride.

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Today's Kool Idea: Party on the Go Food & Dessert Travel Caddy with 4 Inserts

Every year, the summer is filled with picnics, barbecues and other casual gatherings for The Daily Kool family. Most of these get-togethers are pot-luck events where everyone brings a dish for the guests to share. Needless to say, tables are always filled with a ton deviled eggs, fruit platters, sandwiches and cupcakes galore. So much for shedding those last few (okay, or forty) pounds...sigh. Since most of us tend to bring homemade items as opposed to pre-made trays, we are always looking for convenient travel caddies to hold our food.

Check out today's special value on QVC...the Party on the Go food & dessert travel caddy with 4 inserts. Seems like a pretty "kool" idea, and just what we need to transport our munchies. The set includes four different interchangeable trays...a travel caddy with lid, cupcake/muffin tray, deviled egg tray, 12" round tray, and veggie/chip and dip tray. These inserts are perfect for customizing the carrier for the type of munchies we're bringing to the party. For about $26 (including shipping), the Party on the Go food & dessert travel caddy is not a bad deal...The Daily Kool would certainly get our money's worth.

We love that the Party on the Go food & dessert travel caddy has a lid (complete with handle) high enough to protect our goodies...too often, our food gets mushed on top from covering it with tin foil or plastic wrap. We also like that this product comes in five colors to choose from...we are partial to the purple and blue. Achem, excuse us...lilac and sky. The only thing we're not thrilled with is that the caddy can only accommodate one tray at a time. While we understand this for the food itself, it would be so much more convenient if it included some way to store the extra pieces we're not using at the time. At least all the trays nest together for compact storage when not in use, though.

Despite our little pet peeve about where to put the unused inserts, the Party on the Go food & dessert travel caddy is certainly worth our order. Our plan is to test it out with our basic (and kid-friendly) deviled eggs for the pool party we're going to next week (see recipe below)...good thing our QVC orders tend to arrive pretty quickly. We even picked up a few extra sets as hostess gifts...we're sure our friends will appreciate how easy it is to create an attractive presentation with this product. The smart and stylish Party on the Go food & dessert travel caddy can be used year-round and certainly seems ideal for any type of casual entertainment...a definite "must have"...at least for The Daily Kool family.


Our Basic Deviled Egg Recipe

Ingredients:

• 12 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and cut lengthwise
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (we like Hellmann's)
  
• 1 teaspoon dry ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black (or white) pepper
• Paprika for garnish

Directions:

1. Remove the egg yolks and place into a small bowl, mash with a fork.
   
2. Add mayonnaise, mustard powder, vinegar, salt and pepper and mix thoroughly.
   
3. Fill the empty egg white shells with the mixture and sprinkle lightly with paprika.
4. Select the deviled egg tray and place it in your Party on the Go food & dessert travel caddy.
   
5. Place deviled eggs in the caddy, cover with lid.
6. Refrigerate up to one day (but at least one hour) before serving.
   
   

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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: Drinkwear Attachable Flip Flop Coasters

Last Saturday, we had a mom's only rejuvenation gathering at a friend's house, courtesy of our husbands. They really went all-out for this one...the men hired a massage therapist, manicurist and a server to take care of all twelve of us for the day. It was amazing! We spent an entire day, relaxing and rejuvenating ourselves at the pool...while the men took over taking care of the kids. We drank fabulous wine, and enjoyed massages, manicures and pedicures...all without lifting a finger to do anything. Yep, it was absolute bliss.

One of our girlfriends showed up to the event with a couple of bottles of wine and the cutest drink coasters we've ever seen. These Drinkwear attachable flip flop coasters were the perfect party accessories for our gathering. Designed to fit on the base of most stemware, Drinkwear flip flop coasters stay appropriately attached to the "foot" of your glass. The EVA foam rubber material keeps stemware secure as you mingle and is easy to hand wash clean. The best part? Each one of us was able to identify our wineglass with our own flip flop style. They are simply adorable!

We just couldn't get over how fun and funky these Drinkwear attachable flip flop coasters are. Each set comes with four unique flip flop coasters, secured in a drawstring tote to fit over the neck of a wine bottle. Our girlfriend found this particular set for only about $10 (minus her 20% coupon, of course!) at her local Bed Bath and Beyond store. After some research, The Daily Kool was able to find a larger (albeit, more expensive) variety of styles online at Perpetual Kid. What a fabulous housewarming gift idea for any outdoor celebration, and a great way to protect your tabletop with style. Drinkwear attachable flip flop coasters are, without a doubt, a "kool" idea for a hot summer day.

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Today's Kool Idea: Decorative House Keys

The Daily Kool family has a tendency to take advantage of every opportunity to express our individuality, even beyond the basics of fashion and hair style. From coffee mugs to bumper stickers, we are not shy about letting others know what we are all about. Our kids are still young enough that our (achem) quirkiness is pretty amusing to them...give us a few more years, though and they'll be in a perpetual state of embarrassment...yeah, we can't wait either.

We went to get a key copied at The Home Depot yesterday, and came across some decorative house keys...oh yeah, we were all over this idea! This is definitely one of those completely unnecessary items that we can't imagine anyone resisting. Hence, much to our disappointment, the store was sold out of many designs they seem to normally carry. We were able to let each child pick a style for us, though. Our 4 year old selected Mickey Mouse (not a surprise) and our 7 year old settled for the Florida Marlins...he really wanted the L.A. Lakers. Apparently, our excitement over these decorative house keys drew a crowd, because before we knew it, there was a pretty long line of other people wanting to get theirs.

And why not? Not only are decorative house keys fashionable, but they are undoubtedly going to become a "must have" for any serious collector. Our Home Depot excursion yesterday prompted us to do a little online research...lo and behold, we came across this terrific website with a tremendous selection of decorative house keys. KeysRCool offers over 500 unique and stylish house keys...yep, including the L.A. Lakers. Don't be fooled by the amateurish design of the website...their collection is top notch. We have not been able to find any other site with as extensive a selection. Their prices are also pretty reasonable, even factoring in the shipping cost. Keep in mind though, you will be receiving the key blanks and will have to pay to get them cut at your local locksmith or hardware store.

Decorative house keys are both adorable and affordable. What a great gift idea for anyone who appreciates the unusual...and really, who doesn't? From sports to superheros, Elvis to Hannah Montana...KeysRCool has a design for just about everyone. This is definitely one of the "koolest" ideas we've come across in a long, long time. Check it out for yourself!

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Today's Kool Idea: As Seen on TV Tool Band-It

The Daily Kool family is very proud of our home. While it may not seem like much to some people, we have spent countless hours decorating every nook and cranny to create a warm, livable environment. We love it and it's all ours...well, ours and the bank's, anyway. The only problem with home ownership is that there is always something that needs to be fixed, refurbished or just maintained. We learned quickly to expect the unexpected and by necessity, we've become quite savvy and adept at many do-it-yourself home repair projects.

We came across an advertisement for the As Seen on TV Tool Band-It the other day...this is definitely another one of those "why oh why didn't we think of this first" products. The Billy Mays endorsed Tool Band-It is a lightweight, flexible armband with enough magnetic power to keep up to 25lbs worth of tools and other work pieces practically right at your fingertips. This is a great idea for all those minor household projects which typically require an extra person just to manage the tools. Now, we no longer have to say those magical words, "Can you hand me that, honey?" We actually laughed when the infomercial showed a woman holding nails in her mouth for easier access...we do that all the time. We particularly like that it can hook onto a regular pants belt as an alternative to the arm. The Tool Band-It really seems like one of those rare As Seen on TV products that actually does exactly what it says.

We love the versatility of possible uses for the Tool Band-It. From gardening to auto maintenance, crafting to household repair, we can envision many, many ways that the Tool Band-It will keep us more organized and productive. We've actually come across two different offers for the Tool Band-It. The buy one and get a second one offer can be found on the official website and also includes 10 Hercules Hooks...an favorite of ours, and a previously featured "kool" idea (click here to read). The As Seen on TV website offer includes one armband plus a free bonus headlamp for better visibility in darker areas. Both offers are the same price (which is actually pretty reasonable at around $20), so it just comes down to your preference. We will be taking advantage of the buy one get one free Tool Band-It offer...this way, we can keep one for our home and give one to Dad for Father's Day.

The Tool Band-It has given us another reason to justify our addiction to As Seen on TV products. A simple, effective gizmo that will likely become a staple in The Daily Kool household...a handy helper, particularly in more confined areas such as the attic or under the sink. Plus, the Tool Band-It definitely makes a great gift idea. We can't wait to see Dad's reaction on Father's Day...perhaps it will inspire him to move forward on the countless projects our mother needs done around the house. Hey, you never know!

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