Today's Kool Idea: Utensil Pot Clip by Trudeau

Cooking is a very popular but messy affair in The Daily Kool household. We tend to favor many one-pot wonders for our meals, like soups (especially from our Daily Soup Cookbook) and stews. Most of our dishes require lots of loving attention, and yes, plenty of stirring. There's only one problem. For some strange reason, we have always had an aversion to using a spoon rest. We hate the thing...who knows why. Just chalk it up to one of many, many little quirks that our psychologist would have a field day with...yep, we've definitely been avoiding him these days. Anyway, we usually just settle for setting our stirring utensils right there on the stovetop, cringing at the mess, but resigning ourselves to just dealing with it later. Okay, so we're a little strange.

Did you ever get one of those goofy little kitchen gadgets that you suspected doubted would ever rise above the bottomless pit of your junk drawer? We admit it, we were convinced the utensil pot clip by Trudeau completely fell into that category...until we used it for the first time, that is. It's colorful, it's cute and it's one of the "koolest" kitchen gizmos we've come across since um, the widget or something. Who knew this little guy could become so indispensable? Designed to clamp securely to the side of most saucepans and stockpots, the utensil pot clip features an arced slot to hold the handle of a spoon, turner or ladle. It is heat-resistant up to 600 degrees and prevents drips on the stovetop, keeps utensils handy and eliminates the need for that darn spoon rest.

Trudeau's utensil pot clip is such a simple, yet innovative solution to a common problem...we're just steamed that we didn't think of it first! We have a couple and we really use them all the time, especially when we've got a crowd coming for a big meal. Keep in mind that unless you find them at your local Bed Bath & Beyond or other kitchen store, the company selects the colors at random so you won't likely get your preference. Our pots are black, so it didn't make a difference to us. Also, though we've never, ever had this problem, we did come across one person who complained that the silicone bumpers kept coming off in the pot. Nouvelle cuisine, perhaps? Anyway, there's a whopping five-year warranty on this $7 item, so if you ever have a problem, Trudeau will take care of it.

The utensil pot clip by Trudeau is an absolute must-have for anyone who likes to cook, but dreads the traditional spoon rest. Okay, so it's great regardless of whether or not you have the same wacky pet peeves that we do here at The Daily Kool. It has truly become one of those practical, space-saving kitchen gadgets that we now wonder how we ever got along without. Easy to use, easy to clean and oh so convenient, the utensil pot clip has permanently found it's place of honor far, far away from our infamous junk drawer. Man, we really have to clean that thing out one of these days.

Subscribe to The Daily Kool by Email

Today's Kool Idea: Dynamic Frames Lil Davinci Art Cabinet

Every school year, we are faced with the same dilemma of every nursery/preschool parent...just how much of our child's artwork is it okay to throw out? If we asked our son, his answer would be passionately and unequivocally, "None." Don't judge us, and please, please don't tell him, but as a rule, we haven't kept more than five of his masterpieces from year to year. We just have to wait until he's out of the house to get rid of the others, and even then, we have to be careful to bury it waaaay down in the garbage so he doesn't find out what we did. Pretty sneaky, huh? Seriously though, we just cannot understand how some parents do it (our Mom did)...if we kept every piece of artwork our four year old came home with, we'd have no room to walk.

Well, thanks to the Dynamic Frames company, we have the perfect solution to handle all of our son's artwork. Check out this Lil Davinci Art Cabinet. Simply put, it's a slim art cabinet that looks like a frame, but stores like an album. The spring-loaded corners make it possible to hold up to 50...yes, you heard us right, 50 pages to archive all of a child's creativity. There's a discreet hinge to open the front of the Lil Davinci Art Cabinet and easily update the display, with older creations stored safely behind.

We love, love love this idea! The Lil Davinci Art Cabinet boasts an ultra-thin profile (just over 1 inch thick), and a single bevel cut acid-free mat. Each frame is made from wood and is offered in a choice of black, white or cherry finish. Since our son comes home with more construction paper type drawings and paintings than any other size, we selected the 9" x 12" Lil Davinci Art Cabinet to start out the school year. Dynamic Frames does offer other sizes, though. Plus, it comes with everything we need, including mounting hardware and a hanging template with a horizontal or vertical option. The table stand is a nice touch...we have more empty wall space than table space though, so we won't be using it.

Let's face it...children grow up before we know it. As parents, we want to keep as many of our children's treasures as possible. Dynamic Frames makes it easy to protect their artistic masterpieces. The Lil Davinci Art Cabinet is a unique and wonderful way to showcase masterpieces and store mementos at the same time, all while boosting our child's self-esteem with their proud display. The best part? No more refrigerator clutter. What a "kool" gift for anyone with a young child. Our covert trash moves are officially over.

Subscribe to The Daily Kool by Email

Today's Kool Idea: Chef's Choice 838 Waffle Cone Express Ice Cream Cone Maker

Nothing says summer quite like an ice cream cone. Some of our best childhood memories include strolling down the boardwalk by the beach with our parents, eating ice cream cones while watching the ocean waves crash against the shore. We could never quite understand how anyone could dishonor the sanctity of ice cream by eating it out of a cup. Good thing we've never quite grown up...as adults, we still love our ice cream cones, even when the sticky mess drips down the side of our arms. Waffle cones help us stay a bit cleaner...not that we care much. We just love them because they are so darned yummy!

At The Daily Kool, we have a bit of a dilemma when it comes to addictions like these. Our taste buds require easy and immediate access for those occasional (okay, frequent) cravings, but our inherent laziness prevent us from taking more trips to the ice cream parlor to satisfy them. Plus, the cost definitely adds up! Sure, ice cream cones are available at our local supermarket, but have you ever read the ingredients in those things? Too many unpronounceable words for us...blech.

Take a look at the Chef's Choice Waffle Cone Express ice cream cone maker. Seriously, folks...nothing beats the incredible aroma and freshness of a home-baked waffle cone. This ice cream cone maker features an advanced professional baking system that delivers homemade, freshly baked sugar cones in about two minutes. Yes, you heard us right...two minutes. Who could resist that temptation? Like your ice cream cone crispier than the average aficionado? No problem...a color-control dial makes that personal browning preference easy to select. An instant temperature recovery feature allows for continuous baking..cone after cone. The unique locking latch function with easy-clean overflow channel ensures each ice cream cone will be uniform in thickness for perfect results each and every time. Plus, the built-in cord storage compartment makes it convenient to keep the Chef's Choice Waffle Cone Express ice cream cone maker in a space saving, upright position.

A plastic cone-rolling form is included with the Chef's Choice Waffle Cone Express ice cream cone maker. Illustrated instructions and detailed recipes make it easy to become a master ice cream cone maker in no time. We love how the recipes use everyday ingredients we typically keep stocked in our pantry, and our creative juices are already flowing with several possible variations. Chocolate dipped sprinkle cones, waffle cups, cookies and even cannolis...our waistlines are expanding as we speak! Just be careful when rolling the ice cream cone...it has to be done when it's hot or it won't form properly. Also, make sure to pinch the end properly to prevent ice cream from leaking out...pouring some melted chocolate in the bottom of the cone is an easy (and tasty) solution. Though it has a non-stick coating, we recommend spraying or brushing the Chef's Choice Waffle Cone Express with a little oil before use to make it that much easier.

The Chef's Choice Waffle Cone Express ice cream cone maker is a great way to enjoy the crunchy sweetness of this sugary treat, straight from the kitchen. It's available all over, but we found the best deal at Bed Bath and Beyond with our 20% coupon...just go to the store to save on shipping, or type in your coupon code online. For about the price of a couple of trips to the ice cream parlor, you can produce delectable, edible delights that are sure to impress each and every time. Friends and family will be amazed at your culinary genius, never guessing how "kool" and easy it is...that's okay, we won't tell if you don't.

Basic Gourmet Waffle Cone

Ingredients:

• 1 whole egg
• 1 egg white
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup sifted all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp. butter, melted and cooled slightly

Directions:

1. Preheat the Chef's Choice Waffle Cone Express. Start with Color Control setting of 2 1/2 to 3, but change as necessary for best results.
   
   
2. Beat the egg, egg white and salt in a small bowl with a fork or hand-held mixer until well blended. Beat in the sugar and beat until sugar is incorporated and the egg has lightened in color slightly, about 1 minute. Add flour and beat another 15 seconds or until incorporated and all lumps are gone. Add the melted butter and stir until well blended.
   
   
3. Spoon 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) of batter in the center of the iron. Bake for 1 minute then check for proper color. Cook an additional 5 to 10 seconds if necessary.
   
   
4. Quickly remove the waffle from the WaffleCone Express™ onto a clean cloth towel. If the waffle is too hot to handle with your bare hands, use the cloth to help lift and roll the waffle around the cone form. Hold the cone a few seconds to set its shape then place on a wire rack to cool.
   

Makes about 8 ice cream cones.

Subscribe to The Daily Kool by Email

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.
   
   

Subscribe to The Daily Kool by Email

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.

Subscribe to The Daily Kool by Email

Today's Kool Idea: Dog Crate Furniture

Many of you may know about our beloved pooch Pepper from PoodlePicks. It may surprise you to know that he has been, by far, the most challenging dog we've ever had. At almost eight years old, he still suffers from separation anxiety. We've never had to baby-proof our house with the kids, but to this day, we do have to Pepper-proof. Before we leave the house, we have to go through the routine of closing every door, completely cleaning off the dining room table, locking the pantry and strategically putting up gates to block off the kitchen and the stairs. Heaven forbid we accidentally skip anything...we will undoubtedly come home with garbage all over the kitchen (he figured out how to open the can), empty bags of baking chocolates strewn across the floor (he breaks into the pantry and zooms right in on them), or even smelly feces on the stairs. Of course, he only does these things when we're not home...when we are, he's a perfect angel. So tell us...who's trained who here? This situation is completely our fault, of course. When Pepper was a puppy, we were told that we should purchase a dog crate for him. But where on earth would we put a large, ugly and obtrusive wire crate in our small home?

The only place we could possibly fit a crate large enough to hold Pepper is in our living room. Since this is the first room everyone sees when they come in the house, we cringed at eyesore it would create. Check out this terrific company called Crate Haven. They have actually created beautiful, functional furniture designed to perfectly fit a standard wire dog crate. After much research, Crate Haven was our top pick for quality dog crate furniture. Be aware, though...it's also possibly the most expensive solution...these prices are not for the faint of heart, folks! Crate Haven's products require a separate crate purchase. However, this is actually an advantage, since the wire crate insert will provide protection and longevity...particularly for dogs who scratch or chew on furniture (yep, you guessed it...Pepper). Crate Haven offers three different styles with several sizes and finishes to match any decor. The contemporary lines of the Harrison collection are a particular favorite of The Daily Kool.

There are a couple of other notable options for those of us who want to eliminate the wire crate altogether. The Dynamic Accents end table dog crate is constructed of durable hardwoods, featuring a swing-through door that can be fastened shut or rotated inside the crate for open access. Check out Pets2Bed for the Dynamic Accents dog crate furniture. Again, be warned...this solution is not for dogs who may chew on a wooden door! If you don't have this problem, though...wow, what a gorgeous addition to any home! If you prefer a more modern look, the zen pet hideaway and AlumaDen are other terrific options.

Even after centuries of selective breeding and living in people's homes, dogs still retain some of their ancient instinct. Like their wolf ancestors, dogs are den animals and prefer a small, cozy place of their own where they can feel safe and secure. Crates are not just for training puppies...they provide a sanctuary for retreat from confusion or strangers and a comfortable place for relaxation. Dog crate furniture offers a perfect solution to bridging the gap between our pets needs and home decor. The privacy and comfort of a crate, plus the beauty of quality furniture...what more could a loving pet owner want? Dog crate furniture will improve your relationship with your dog...a worthwhile investment and definite "kool" idea!

Subscribe to The Daily Kool by Email

Today's Kool Idea: 6-Way Folding Trunk Organizer w/ Waterproof Thermal Carrier

Today, The Daily Kool has decided to play hooky. That's right, folks...we are taking the day off from school and work to do absolutely nothing but have fun together as a family. Novel idea, huh? Since we are a group of classic workaholics, we occasionally need the break to reclaim our sanity. Yes, we realize this is why we have weekends, but ours tend to be spent running around to birthday parties and catching up on all of the chores/errands we've neglected throughout our hectic week. This calls for a day at the waterpark, complete with a picnic...without the weekend crowds.

Hmmmm...what do we need to bring today? Drinks, snacks, lunch, blanket, towels, sunscreen, extra clothing, balls, frisbees...sheesh, when did a simple family outing become so complicated? Good thing we have our 6-way folding trunk organizer with a waterproof thermal carrier. We first came across this particular trunk organizer on QVC, and we have to tell you that this is probably one of the most practical products we have ever purchased for our beloved Saturn. We actually keep two of them in the car...it is the absolute best idea for clutter-free trunk storage.

There are so many things we like about our 6-way folding trunk organizer. We love the flexibility of being able to adjust the compartments to securely fit whatever items we need and that it folds completely flat when not in use. This trunk organizer really holds a lot, and is terrific for keeping groceries from spilling out into the trunk...plus, the anti-skid pads keep everything from sliding around during transit. Trust us...the way we drive, this is a particularly important feature! It's 30lb capacity can handle almost anything, including groceries, plants, sports equipment, auto supplies, books, kids toys...you name it. We absolutely love the thermal waterproof carrier that comes with this particular model...it keeps our perishables cold (or hot) for hours and conveniently fits right in the carrier. The straps are a little too short, making it cumbersome to carry, but otherwise, the thermal carrier is a great added feature. Unlike other trunk organizers, this one comes in a variety of colors...we chose the sage for our car.

Okay, our 6-way folding trunk organizer with waterproof thermal carrier is packed and ready for today's adventure with the kids. Pathetic as it may sound, we feel all warm and squishy when we open our trunk to find it all clean and organized, as opposed to a chaotic mess. This trunk organizer is a great investment and the best version we've seen. We understand that the company has a special on a 7-way folding trunk organizer combo pack (set of two) with the waterproof thermal carrier (red and pink colors only). Though a 7-way fold may be a bit overkill, this combo pack is less expensive than the one we have...great value, and worth checking out. Regardless of which you choose, this trunk organizer is a great gift and a must-have for every driver. Definitely a "kool" idea!

Subscribe to The Daily Kool by Email

Today's Kool Idea: Touch N Brush Toothpaste Dispenser

Our children are active members of the toothpaste clump club. If you have kids, you probably know what we're talking about. Every morning, the bathroom sink is literally covered with globs of toothpaste. At night, parents control the tooth-brushing routine in The Daily Kool household, but in the mornings, the kids run the show. Don't get us wrong...we want our children to learn to brush independently. But, honestly, if it wasn't for our Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (see previous post), our formica-style bathroom counters would stay forever stained. Since our kids have a preference for the strawberry flavored stuff...well, let's just say that every morning we see red...lots and lots of red.

We saw an infomercial last week for the Touch N Brush toothpaste dispenser. Granted, it was one of the more obnoxious ads we've seen...but nevertheless, could this be the answer to our toothpaste troubles? The Touch N Brush claims that it can hold any size toothpaste tube, and that it will dispense just the right amount easily and mess-free. It looks like a breeze to install...press the suction cup base onto the surface, insert a tube of toothpaste and place on the cover...that's it! Pretty "kool", huh? To dispense the toothpaste, simply press your toothbrush against the lever and it drops right out.

We like that the Touch N Brush doesn't require any batteries (pretty novel, huh?), but we do question just how durable the plastic lever is. Hey, we admit it...our kids are tough on household items. For $20, we hope this toothpaste dispenser can take a little beating. Since we are perpetual middle squeezers, the vacuum force of the Touch N Brush should definitely stretch our dollar by getting every last bit of toothpaste from the tube. We can also see this product being ideal for someone with arthritis, carpal tunnel or other hand ailments. There could be a question of how sanitary the whole process is...after all, unless you plan on getting more than one, everyone in the house will be using the same Touch N Brush. It's not any different than sharing a toothpaste tube, though (which our kids do).

The Touch N Brush toothpaste dispenser just might be worth taking a closer look at for us at The Daily Kool. A convenient product that saves space and keeps an area cleaner is always a welcome addition in our household. Plus, it makes a great gift for anyone with a smaller bathroom or sloppy kids...or both, as in our case. Our children would definitely like using the Touch N Brush for their independent brushing...ah, their dentist would be so proud.

Subscribe to The Daily Kool by Email

Today's Kool Idea: Bongo Buckets

We hope you have been enjoying our week of "kool" cleaning ideas for kids. If you haven't already, check out Monday's post on the Swivel Sweeper and yesterday's on the Pledge Multi-Surface Duster.

Laundry has become the bane of our existence at The Daily Kool household. No matter how many loads we do, we can never seem to catch up. Separating the laundry is a particularly tedious process. Unfortunately, we don't have the room for free-standing laundry sorters. We do have a small built-in wire basket in our kids' closet that we have to go through every Friday for laundry day. Since we gleefully gave this responsibility to our children as soon as they could tell a color from a white (thankfully, that was very early on), we needed a simple way for them to sort and bring the laundry to the washing machine.

Pop-Up hampers are a great way to organize laundry without taking up any additional space in your home. We have bought several of the simple mesh hampers from our local supermarket...unfortunately, they are a great example of "you get what you pay for." The wiring easily comes out, making them fairly hazardous for little ones. Though our order hasn't arrived yet, we believe these nylon Bongo Buckets will be a great alternative to cheaply made mesh hampers. We've read the reviews and spoken with a couple of followers with unanimous praise for these colorful, durable sorters.

We love that this set of 4 Bongo Buckets come in different colors and sizes, making it very easy to give our children directions on sorting their laundry in them. They were certainly priced right at about $5 per hamper. The handles look sturdy, and the material durable enough to survive even our youngest child's rough treatment. Ever the multi-taskers in our home, we can see using the Bongo Buckets to do more than laundry...pool toys, balls, stuffed animals and a myriad of other items used by our children can be stored quickly and efficiently in them.

We can't wait to try the Bongo Buckets out at The Daily Kool. Regardless of which brand you choose, pop-up hampers are a great way to make laundry sorting fun and easy enough for your children to do for you. Oh, and have we mentioned that Bongo Buckets can be toys in themselves? We can easily see one playing a staring role in some of our favorite family games like hide and seek and basketball..how "kool" is that?

Subscribe to The Daily Kool by Email

Today's Kool Idea: As Seen on TV Swivel Sweeper

As we discussed in yesterday's blog (click here to read), this week The Daily Kool is focusing on helping our children recognize that cleaning is "kool". With the right tools and attitude, it can even be fun...really! Don't believe us? Well, we'll prove it to you.

With small children and pets (not to mention, some spouses), it seems like vacuuming is a never-ending chore around the house. No matter how meticulous we are about it, there always seems to be a Cheerio, fur or some other kind of dirt particle that materializes as soon as we pack that darn vacuum away. Where it comes from is anyone's guess...it's just another household mystery, much like that one sock that seems to disappear from every laundry load. Our children actually like to vacuum, though (we know, we don't get it either). It is just too heavy for the younger ones and too cumbersome to constantly take out every time we see a speck of dirt on the floor. But, hey...if the kids want to help us keep our floors pristine, who are we to argue with them?

Yes, this soon became another job for an As Seen on TV product. We had seen the infomercial for the Swivel Sweeper and were really impressed...not enough to actually buy it from the television at first, though. We found it hard to believe that this lightweight product could do everything it claimed. When we saw it at our local Bed Bath and Beyond store, though, we decided to use our gift card (and 20% coupon) to try it out. Almost a year later, our kids are still fighting over who gets to use it on a given day.

Our family agrees...the Swivel Sweeper is a fabulous, must-have household item. At least we did after we adjusted our expectations a bit. Though we knew it wouldn't replace our traditional vacuum, we did expect it to work on carpeting as demonstrated in the infomercial. It really doesn't, unless you have only very short pile carpet...we recommend that you play it safe and only use it on tile or hardwood floors. That said, we were (and still are) completely impressed with the Swivel Sweeper for those small jobs that are typically equipped for a broom and dustpan. This product is so lightweight (about 2lbs), that our four year old is able to carry it around the house without a problem. The Swivel Sweeper absolutely lives up to its name; a 360 degree swivel base and powerful rotating cleaning brushes that pick up dirt and messes from all four sides of the sweepers' head. Yes, you read that right...all four sides...how "kool" is that? Our children can even pick up debris right up to the walls and corners with this remarkably easy to use sweeper.

One of our favorite features is the magnetic storage latch that enables the As Seen on TV Swivel Sweeper to fold up for convenient space-saving storage. We also love that the Swivel Sweeper
is cordless. We have read quite a few complaints about the durability of the rechargeable battery, but have been lucky enough not to encounter any issues with it. We will say, however...it is important to really follow the directions that come with the Swivel Sweeper to reduce the likelihood of problems. We made sure to adhere to the 8-hour initial charge instruction and not to exceed 24 hours when recharging the battery.

There are a couple of other things to keep in mind with the Swivel Sweeper. Make sure to clean the brushes every once in a while...sometimes fibers will get caught in them. Also, don't ever consider using the Swivel Sweeper to clean any kind of wet spill...you will likely ruin the brushes and corrode them. If you decide to purchase the Swivel Sweeper, make sure you do so from a reputable company with a good refund policy in case you do have any problems.

As Seen on TV has made a terrific choice in representing the Swivel Sweeper. We understand that there is a new version called the Swivel Sweeper G2 which has additional features such as a touchless dirt tray and backsaver elbow joint to reach under beds and other furniture. We are so happy with our current version, though, that we probably won't be purchasing the Swivel Sweeper G2 anytime soon.

The Swivel Sweeper has allowed us to give our children a fun household task that they love, and one that definitely helps us keep our floors cleaner than ever. What a "kool" way to help kids gain confidence in a job well done...not to mention extra help to us as parents. Happy Cleaning!

Subscribe to The Daily Kool by Email

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.