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: 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: 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: Bose QuietComfort 2 Acoustic Noise Canceling Headphones

Last week was a miserable time to fly to the west coast...trust us, we were there. The weather was severe enough to cause several flight redirects, delays and cancellations. There were babies crying, kids screaming and adults complaining everywhere we turned...at the airport and on the plane. And did we mention the turbulence? We were all shaking in our seats...literally. All in all, it was a frustrating, exhausting and noisy experience for those of us traveling.

Thank goodness for our Bose QuietComfort 2 acoustic noise canceling headphones...we give them complete credit for helping us keep our sanity. Bose really lives up to its legacy of acclaimed performance and total noise reduction with these headphones. Simply slip them on, and enjoy the peaceful reprieve as the noisy world around you fades softly into the background. In the airport, we used our Bose QuietComfort 2 headphones with our iPod, and plugged them into the in-flight entertainment system when on the airplane. The sound quality is superb...well balanced and detailed for superior audio. Of course, we wouldn't expect anything from this innovative and award winning company.

As if the sound quality and noise reduction of our Bose QuietComfort 2 headphones weren't enough, they are also incredibly comfortable to wear. The ear cups rest gently around the ear for an ergonomically crafted, cushioned fit. For those of you who prefer an "on the ear" fit, Bose also offers a QuietComfort3 model. It is reputed to have the same amazing quality as the Bose QuietComfort 2 with slightly different features, such as a lithium battery operation (instead of AAA) and slightly lighter weight.

We have read a few reviews complaining about the construction of the Bose QuietComfort 2 acoustic noise canceling headphones, particularly the earpiece rotators. However, we've had our set for a little over three years without a problem. Also, remember that no headphones will eliminate all noise...but, Bose does an admirable job of reducing distractions from engine, city and even office noise. Convenient to store in the slim carrying case, the Bose QuietComfort 2 headphones can be taken whenever you're on the move. Another interesting observation to consider is the impact our Bose QuietComfort 2 headphones have had in reducing motion sickness. Somehow (and we assume it's the noise cancellation feature) these headphones seem to balance out our inner ear, therefore significantly minimizing our nausea from flight turbulence. Go figure.

Whether we're traveling in a plane, working in an office drowning out our spouse or just want to relax and enjoy the type of sound quality that is arguably unsurpassed by Bose, the QuietComfort 2 acoustic noise canceling headphones have definitely been worth our investment. You might want to check them out..definitely a "kool" idea.

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Today's Kool Idea: StockCast Wireless Stock Market Tracker for Father's Day

Over the past year, people have been keeping a close eye on the stock market more than ever. Our parents at The Daily Kool are no exception. Our father, in particular, is almost obsessed with keeping track of how the DOW, NASDAQ and S&P500 are doing at any given time. Unfortunately, as a result, he spends too of his day feeling tied to his computer and internet connection...much to our mother's annoyance.

Check out this StockCast wireless stock market tracker as a gift idea for Father's Day. Designed by Brookstone, this product is perfect for the Dad who wants his stock market information but doesn't want to spend a lot of time getting it. What a great way to monitor the movement of the DOW, NASDAQ and S&P500...without a computer. This completely wireless gadget features free updates every 15 minutes...you can also view overall market gains and losses for the day. Simply insert three AAA batteries and you're ready to go. Be very careful not to use coppertop batteries with it, though...for some reason, they are not compatible.

We love the sleek, professional look of the StockCast wireless stock market tracker...although it comes with a refrigerator magnet mount, we can easily envision it as a great conversation piece for any office. No subscription is needed to use this product to track the three major markets...however, a monthly service is available so Dad can take advantage of the ability to track his personal portfolio. Like with most wireless devices, the StockCast wireless stock market tracker works best when in close proximity to a window.

If your father is one of those people who likes to stay up to date on stock market fluctuations, the StockCast wireless stock market tracker might be just the Father's Day gift you've been looking for. One quick glance is all it takes, so Dad can spend less time on the computer and more time with Mom...uh oh. Well, it's a "kool" idea anyway. Brookstone does it again!

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Today's Kool Idea: Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer

Every Saturday, we take our youngest child to a gymnastics class with a group of five friends that he's been with since his four-month old Mommy and Me class. This past weekend, three of them canceled because of influenza concerns, particularly the swine flu. Sure, a children's gymnasium is indeed a breeding ground for germs...after all, we are constantly telling our own children to keep their hands out of their mouths and nose (picky, picky). But unless you are willing to put your child in a bubble, he or she is undoubtedly going to be exposed to germs. As parents, the best thing we can do regarding the swine flu and other influenzas is to make sure that we take reasonable precautions to prevent infection, and call our pediatrician at the first signs of illness.

The primary modes of transmission of infection are the mouth, nose and eyes. Therefore, parents should constantly enforce good personal hygiene habits in their children...particularly frequent hand washing with soap and water, especially after being out in public. Who are we kidding, though? There are many, MANY times that hand washing with soap and water is just not feasible. In these cases, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is an extremely effective alternative. Major health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recommended the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty. CDC recommends that children in school may use alcohol-based hand rubs as an alternative to hand washing.

Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer is the one The Daily Kool family uses. It is also the hand sanitizer of choice at our kids' schools. With its unique formulation of 65% alcohol (anything lower than 60% isn't enough, according to clinical studies), Purell breaks down the germs' cell walls, causing them to die. Though we always recommend supervising children when using the Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer, it's also nice to know that according to the APIC, "alcohols applied to the skin are among the safest known antiseptics."

Though we realize that alcohol is a safe antiseptic, we still feel better knowing that once hands are rubbed dry, the alcohol in the Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer evaporates completely in seconds, leaving no harmful residue. Our kids love using it, particularly the foam formula, so there is never an argument when we take it out. They have several handy versions, including these cute, portable ones. Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer works great, smells decent and doesn't dry out our hands. We also like the way our hands feel after using it...Purell really leaves them clean and refreshed.

While nothing beats washing with soap and water (get them to wash through an entire rendition of the ABCs or Happy Birthday), Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer is a very convenient and inexpensive alternative when a sink isn't available. Hey, check out the Purell sanitizing hand wipes also...they are a particular favorite of ours, especially at restaurants or the park...hands down (no pun intended) the best wipes around! With so many wonderful products, Purell is definitely a "kool" way to help prevent infection from the swine flu and other influenza viruses.

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Today's Kool Idea: Dixon Ticonderoga Renew Green Pencil

When our eldest son started in his new school, we were given a list of required supplies to purchase. On the list were four boxes of pencils...not just any pencils, mind you. The school specifically requested Dixon Ticonderoga #2 pencils. Well, la dee da. In our ignorance, we assumed that for a second-grader, any (okay, we mean cheap) yellow #2 pencil would do...after all, who really thinks about which brand of pencil they use?

Apparently, many people do. Dixon Ticonderoga is considered the world's best pencil, and is certainly the best selling one. We have to admit that after switching to these pencils in our home, we have officially become avid members of the Dixon Ticonderoga fan club. These cedar pencils are sturdy and comfortable to use, and they produce bold, rich marks that are easy see and even easier to erase. Wow...who knew?

What's even more amazing is how the company is improving upon the perfection of their product. Pencil it in, folks (okay, that was lame)...Dixon is going green in May with their new innovation, the Ticonderoga Renew. Instead of cedar, the casing is made up of a compound that is 30% recycled, pulverized tires. The all black Ticonderoga Renew pencil may feel a bit rubbery, but Dixon assures its customers that it will sharpen as beautifully as cedar. The pencil is enhanced with recycled paper packaging, a latex-free eraser and a black graphite core of the same exceptional quality we have come to expect from Dixon. The only unfortunate aspect (especially in today's economy) of the Dixon Ticonderoga Renew is the cost, which at about $4 for a package of 10, is even more expensive than the company's already premium-priced pencils.

The Dixon Ticonderoga Renew green (well, black) pencil may be just the product to end the wood pencil, and is a big step towards preserving Earth's shrinking supply of suitable lumber. With a production of nearly a half a billion pencils a year, imagine the impact if Dixon made the shift to exclusively manufacturing the Ticonderoga Renew. We know, we know...we're discussing a pencil for goodness sake...but still, it's pretty exciting stuff. Hopefully, the Dixon Ticonderoga Renew green pencil will live up to the company's strict standards, and take its predecessor's place as the most recognized and revered pencil throughout the world. Now that would be "kool."

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Today's Kool Idea: Wire Loom and Cord Protectors by Electriduct

Spring cleaning at The Daily Kool includes our somewhat feeble attempts at organizing our office. With the holidays over, what better time is there to focus on our workspace? We have to tell you, folks...our office is a mess! Wires are hanging all over the place...electrical cords, phone wires and USB cables by the dozen. Every time we blink, another one seems to sprout up out of nowhere. Yes, there is a small, sane part of us that knows they are not alive and therefore cannot multiply. But, honestly...if you've seen our office, you would have some doubts also.

Let's face it...not only are wires ugly, but they are also dangerous, especially when they take over a room. We cannot tell you how many times we have tripped over a wire in our office. The rest of our home is no better, especially with young children around. Okay, perhaps they have just inherited our clumsy gene, but every time we take a good look at our setup, we feel as if we are taking chances with our kids' safety.

A friend of ours turned us on to to this great company called Electriduct. We were amazed at how many wire management and cord protector solutions Electriduct provides for the home and office. The management was nice enough to send The Daily Kool some samples of their best sellers...the split wire loom and the drop over cord protector. Ah ha...those blasted wires have no chance. Battle on!

To reclaim control of our office, we started out with the split wire loom. Electriduct sent us two samples, one black and one white. However, we found out that they are available in an assortment of colors to match every decor. Off the bat, we really liked the flexibility and sturdiness of this split wire loom. We did have some difficulty getting the wires in, perhaps because of the durability of the polyethylene material. This problem is easily solved with the wire loom tool that Electriduct offers, but since we didn't have the tool, we were forced to do it by hand. Once the struggle ended though, we were very impressed with how much more organized and presentable our office looked with just this one change.

Next, we took out the drop over cord protector. This particular sample was a little too big for The Daily Kool, but we knew just the executive who could use it. One of our fans is the CIO for a small manufacturing firm and he is in the process of redoing the entire facility. He liked that the drop over cord protector had T-connectors so he could add them in 5 foot increments to fit the needs of the factory floor. He also saw an immediate use for the cord cover in the company's conference room, at least until he completes the switch to an all-wireless system. Then, he plans on using the drop over cord protector to manage his electrical feeds at trade shows.

After checking out the Electriduct website himself, our CIO fan was impressed with many of the other solutions this company offers. Since he is also redoing the firm's computer room, he particularly saw a need for the cable raceways, computer cabinets and cable ties/wire clips. Though he did say that the Electriduct website was a little slow, he agreed that the vast array of products offered is more than worth the patience needed to navigate through the site.

As for us at The Daily Kool...we are well on our way to having a safer, more presentable and organized office with our wire loom. Now, the only thing we trip constantly over is the dog. Well...we'll just leave that problem for another blog.

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