Today's Kool Idea: BirdieBall Limited Distance Golf Practice Ball

Golf is one of those sports that has earned much respect in The Daily Kool household over the years. There is just something about the mental and physical challenge, combined with getting out in the fresh air on a beautiful grassy course, that is both relaxing and stimulating. We admit it, though...our original motives for playing golf were not entirely pure. Yep, we used golf as a front to establish potential (and often profitable) business connections...we're so ashamed! There was only one problem...we didn't account for how hard it is to stick to the green. Oh, that darn Tiger Woods...he makes it look so easy!

We received a BirdieBall limited distance golf practice ball at a marketing convention we attended last year. We were intrigued by the idea of a limited flight (about 40 yards) practice golf ball with a long hang time, true-feel trajectory. Okay, we know it looks weird...but honestly, the BirdieBall is the best golf training aid we have ever owned. Because of the limited distance, we can create an impromptu driving range in our backyard or even at the park without worry. BirdieBalls are much safer than hitting real golf balls, with far better performance than you would ever get from a perforated practice ball or wiffleball. We love how the BirdieBall spins and flies exactly like a regular golf ball...just far enough to show ball flight, but short enough that you can hit and retrieve it with minimal effort. Plus, there is nothing quite as satisfying as the turbine hum that results from a perfectly executed swing.

The BirdieBall limited distance golf practice ball really performs just like a regular golf ball...hook, slice, chip and yes, even a worm burner (sigh). Regardless of whether your are giving a full swing or are in the chipping realm, you can count on the BirdieBall to behave appropriately. Experiencing the "true feel" and seeing the "true flight" of the amazing BirdieBall has dramatically improved our ability to control a real golf ball with only 15 minutes of practice per day. Not that the practice is a hardship anyway...BirdieBalls are amazingly addicting and have never failed to offer us a pleasurable, challenging and rewarding experience. Regardless of handicap or experience, this is quite possibly the "koolest" gift for any golf lover.

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Today's Kool Idea: Folding Island Kitchen Cart With Butcher Block Top

The Daily Kool kitchen is pretty small. It's one of those longer, narrower styles that doesn't exactly lend itself to more than one person at a time. Bottom line....we always seem to be running out of room, especially when we are cooking and preparing for company. Oh, how we wish our kitchen was large enough to have a big, beautiful island in the center of it!

When we saw this folding island kitchen cart with butcher block top on QVC a few months ago, we knew we absolutely had to buy one. What an attractive piece of functional furniture! We admit that the $190 price tag gave us a quick pause, but the free shipping and easy pay option convinced us to call and order it anyway. We have to tell you...it was so worth the purchase.

The folding island kitchen cart is not for the faint of heart...the durable hardwood construction with a natural finish and stainless steel frame makes this a really solid, sturdy and yes, quite heavy piece. The butcher block top can handle up to 80lbs while each of the other two tiers hold up to 30lbs each. In case you were wondering, the kids each loved the ride around the living room we gave them on it...definitely not recommended, but fun nonetheless. We love that it came beautifully packed and completely assembled. The company has certainly put a lot of thought and handy features into this product, including two stainless steel side towel bars with six movable hooks, a wine glass rack (under the butcher block top) and a removable three-bottle wine caddy. Plus, the caster wheels are super convenient...they swivel for easy steering and lock in place to help ensure stability. The best part? Although the folding island kitchen cart boasts nine-square feet of work space, it collapses down to a mere 5 1/2 inches wide for easy storage. We keep ours in that extra space between the refrigerator and the wall when we're not using it...although, the piece is definitely lovely enough to keep on display all the time if you have the room.

We have found so many uses for our folding island kitchen cart, but it's most often an extra space for food preparation in The Daily Kool household. The 36" height is perfect for the kids, providing an area where they can help without being in the way. When we have company, often use the folding island kitchen cart to bring all the hot food out at the same time...then it becomes our beverage station, making more room on the table for the food we've just served. Be careful, though...like with all quality wood furniture, make sure you don't slice vegetables or put hot dishes directly on the butcher block surface and tiered shelves...if you protect it with a cutting board and trivets, the folding island kitchen cart will undoubtedly last for many, many years.

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Today's Kool Idea: Waterpik Shower Head for Mother's Day

As much as The Daily Kool family loves to take baths, most of our days are just too hectic to indulge in anything other than a quick shower. Our showers serve a purpose...get in, get clean, get out and move on with our day. We don't think much about our practical shower head (some generic brand we bought at The Home Depot)...as long is it does the job and rinses the shampoo out, we're fine. But when we think about it, why settle for just fine, especially for a household item that we use every day? More importantly...why should Mom?

A couple of years ago, we were strolling through our local Bed Bath and Beyond, desperately seeking inspiration for our mother's birthday. It is not easy trying to find the perfect gift for our mom...she has this ridiculous aversion to her children spending money on her, even on holidays. But we digress...we came across a display of the Waterpik Aqua Fall combo shower head system, and immediately had one of those "eureka" moments. The combination system has a 6" fixed head that give a rainwater shower effect for full-body drenching, plus a handheld that offers six settings. Exclusive to Bed Bath and Beyond, the Waterpik Aqua Fall seemed to have the perfect combination of settings to ensure a luxurious shower experience.

Let us tell you...two years later, our mother still loves her Waterpik Aqua Fall combo shower head system. She says that the fixed head feels like a soothing rain shower, but still has enough pressure to get the shampoo out. Keep in mind, though...she has very thin, fine hair, so it wouldn't take much. There are a couple of features that could be improved. Mom doesn't like that she has to get up high to change the setting from the fixed head to the handheld. It would be easier for her if both heads could work simultaneously. Hey, we're a vertically challenged family...it's not easy for us, you know! Otherwise though, our mother is absolutely delighted with her Waterpik Aqua Fall.

Aside from the Waterpik Aqua Fall, there are a couple of other shower heads that might be worth considering. The Peerless 2-in-1 shower system offers a space-saving combination, operating as a hand shower, shower head or both at the same time...this interlocking system certainly addresses our mother's lone issue with the Waterpik Aqua Fall. Keep in mind, though...the Peerless 2-in-1 shower system is not a rainwater shower head, if that is what you are looking for. Also, reviews have suggested a slight, but solvable leaking issue...read what customers have to say before making a decision. We have also heard wonderful things about other Waterpik shower head systems, particularly the AquaScape series. Other notable companies are Speakman (makers of the Anystream Shower Head) and Oxygenics. However, if you are looking for a truly magnificent shower head that is almost a decorating showpiece in itself, check out a site called RainShowerheads.com for one of the most exotic collections we've has seen.

When The Daily Kool did research on other types of shower heads, we were amazed at how personal a choice it could be...keep this in mind if you decide to give your mother a new shower head for Mother's Day. Some women prefer a delicate rain shower effect, some like the pummeling feeling of a monsoon in southeast Asia. Most shower head systems come with a flow regulator that can be removed if the default pressure is too weak. Some women like a fixed head, while others cannot do without their handheld. Also, make sure that the shower mode toggle is pretty easy to adjust, regardless of what model you choose. Finally, make sure to consider the size that would be most appropriate for your mother's shower.

A shower should accomplish more than simply cleaning your body and washing your hair...it should be able to offer the best combination of relaxation and invigoration, for an ultimate spa experience at home. The Waterpik Aqua Fall was a perfect gift for our mother, one that she enjoys every day. This was definitely one of our "koolest" and most successful ideas for Mother's Day ever!

We hope you have enjoyed our Mother's Day gift idea week. The Daily Kool would like to wish all mothers a wonderful holiday with their loved ones.

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Today's Kool Idea: Flameless Candles for Mother's Day

We at The Daily Kool love candles...they create a welcoming, relaxing environment and are a beautiful edition to any home decor. What could be a more perfect Mother's Day gift? Whoa...wait a minute. Candles? With kids in the house? Are we crazy?

Perhaps, but not in this case. Now, every mom can have it all with flameless candles for Mother's Day. We came across the most amazing selection of fashionable candles from CandleImpressions on QVC (gotta love them!) and ordered a set of three paisley flameless ones for our mother last year. We liked this particular set because of the color selections (the blue one went perfectly in our mother's home) and dual timer modes (5 or 10 hour automatic shut off options). Imagine enjoying the sight and scent (depending on your preference) of real candles without the hazardous flame or messy wax. No open flame, no soot...total safety. We were particularly amazed at how the flameless candles recreated the flicker and glow of real ones. Seriously, folks...each candle is made from wax and is so realistic, you can hardly tell the difference. There is a patented embedded LED light that flickers randomly and the batteries are hidden for a lifelike look.

Imagine the decorating possibilities that flameless candles can help you create. You can display them near curtains, next to the bed and around the pool...all without worry. Place one in the center of a floral arrangement for a stunning centerpiece. Line an outdoor stairway with flameless votive candles in glass holders. Best of all, they're safe enough to keep around kids and pets. And with each candle lasting for at least 350 hours, flameless candles last much longer than traditional ones. Beauty, safety and value...what more could mom want for Mother's Day?

Though the set of three paisley flameless candles were our choice, we want to let you know that these particular candles are on a wait list, unless you choose the white ones (shown above). But there are so many gorgeous options, you are bound to find several that will absolutely thrill mom on Mother's Day. The set of two dried flower flameless candles (vanilla scented) are particularly pretty. There is also an 8" tubular flameless mosaic candle that looks spectacular. We can't say enough about flameless candles...what a great alternative to traditional candles. Definitely one of the "koolest" Mother's Day gifts of the year!

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Today's Kool Idea: Gift of the Month Club for Mother's Day

Gift of the month clubs are always a successful, albeit expensive choice for a loved one. For the mother who seems to have everything (like ours), it's a unique and thoughtful gift that keeps giving. The Daily Kool has given several monthly club memberships as gifts over the years. Our favorites so far are Harry and David's Fruit-of-the-Month Club and Wolferman's Muffin Club. The quality and customer service of both companies has always been outstanding. Our only complaint is the lack of variety available. Oh, don't get us wrong...there are different delectable monthly features from each company. It's just that the choice is always going to be fruit from Harry and David and muffins from Wolferman's. What if we want both? Or something else added?

ClubsGalore seems to have come up with the perfect solution with their variety gift of the month club membership options. Not only do they have over 20 individual monthly clubs available, but you have the option of mixing and matching them, resulting a personalized combination that suits your mother's tastes. In other words, you can select the gourmet club for one month, the wine club for another and even the chocolate club for a third. You can even repeat any favorite club in a given month. We love ClubsGalore's unconditional guarantee...if your mother is not thrilled, she (or you) can cancel the gift of the month club membership at any time for a refund of the remaining deliveries.

Although we absolutely love the variety and options of the gift of the month club memberships from ClubsGalore, we do have one complaint. The website does not show anywhere what specific item is shipped in a given month for a particular club. We would much rather know, for example what each club is featuring in May, June and July so we can ensure the most personalized gift collection. ClubsGalore seems to be lacking in that flexibility. In due fairness, however, The Flying Noodle, a notable other gift club company (though they do not offer a variety option) does not give this kind of detail either. But seriously, folks...The Daily Kool wants details...lots of details.

Though we may not be privy to all the details we would like from ClubsGalore online, the variety gift of the month club membership option might still make it worthwhile. If you want to give your mother three months of total relaxation (for example), one month of tea, another of candles and yet another of bath and body might be the perfect gift of the month club variety for you. Of course, there are enough individual club memberships that are sure to please. For example, the menus and music (recipes and CDs) club is perfect for the mom who loves to create her own fine dining experience at home. There is also a pie club, cake club and even a cookie club for moms with an undeniable sweet tooth. Regardless of which options you prefer, ClubsGalore and even The Flying Noodle are definitely worth checking out for an unusual Mother's Day gift. If not...well, we still love Wolferman's and Harry and David!





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Today's Kool Idea: Purse Hangers and Hooks for Mother's Day

Our mother definitely has her own sense of style. She always looks meticulous and fashionable, matching her outfit, shoes and handbag to perfection. Somehow, we didn't inherit that gene, but we admire it nonetheless. Mommy (yes, we still call her that...don't make fun) particularly loves purses, and has one to suit almost every occasion. It's just a shame that her purse is always slipping off of a chair onto the dirty floor whenever she goes to a restaurant.

The Daily Kool has a solution that is stylish, practical and will make a fabulous Mother's Day gift. We first came across a purse hanger at our local hair salon. Our stylist had her handbag hanging on a pretty floral hook attached to her workstation table. We knew then that this was a "must have" for our mother. We love the simplicity of the purse hanger. Just slide the beautiful caddy over a table's edge and hang your purse over the sturdy hook. That's it...just hook it and forget it! The design utilizes gravity to safely hold up your purse, leaving it protected and off the floor.

After doing our research, The Daily Kool was most impressed with a company called Hot Hang-Ups...we loved the variety and quality of their purse hangers. We particularly like their compact style collection, especially the photo frame. Hot Hang-Ups has also innovated and patented the designer watch collection...very "kool." For Mother's Day, the company specifically features a simple, but pretty "Mom" design. Just to give you an idea of the selection, we've provided you with some of this company's designs below.

However, they were indeed one of the higher priced companies we investigated. Amazon.com features a selection of purse hangers from several companies, and another notable website from our research was Pursejewelry.com. Between the three sources, you should be able to find one (or several) purse hangers to fit your mother's unique personality, as well as your budget. Here's a little advice, though...make sure that the purse hanger you select can hold a considerable amount of weight...some only claim up to 5lbs, while others claim up to 20lbs. Our mother's handbags often feel as if they weigh more than our four-year old son, so we needed the sturdiest purse hanger we could find. We would assume that the more weight a purse hanger can handle, the higher the quality.

Sleek, sophisticated and perfect for any woman, these stylish purse hangers make an ideal and affordable gift for Mother's Day. A fabulous purse accessory that your mother will love. Definitely a "kool" idea!

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Today's Kool Idea: Photo Collage for Mother's Day

Pictures of the kids or grandchildren seems to be a popular gift choice for Mother's Day. But, who says you have to give Mom just an ordinary photograph?

Picture if you will (ha, ha...sorry), a professionally printed image of your pride and joy, meticulously composed of all your favorite shots. The Daily Kool came across this "kool" idea for a photo collage from a company called Picture Evolution. Picture Evolution will take a primary photograph of your choice, and create a composite by cutting and joining a number of other photographs (also provided by you).

We at The Daily Kool love this gift idea. If you are at all like us, you probably have hundreds of digital pictures of your kids. With Picture Evolution, all you have to do is upload and submit at least 50 of your favorites and they'll take care of the rest. Don't be skimpy on the pictures though...Picture Evolution needs enough variation in color and contrast to accurately recreate the main photo, so the more you give them, the better (there is no limit). As you can see from our example, the photo collage results are astounding.

We like the convenience that comes with uploading our selected images to Picture Evolution to create the photo collage. Don't worry, though. The company assures us that all photographs are handled with complete care, respect and confidentiality. Imagine the look on Mom's face when you present her with this beautiful piece of art. A photo collage is the ultimate expression of your special memories and a truly unique Mother's Day gift idea that will undoubtedly surprise and delight the special woman in your life.

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This Week: Happy Mother's Day, Gift Ideas

Yes, folks...Mother's Day is coming up on May 10th, and The Daily Kool wants to help you prepare with unusual gift ideas for the first special woman in your life. As we get older, it's becoming harder and harder to find that perfect gift for Mom...you know the one we mean. It's got to be personal, unusual, and so terrific she won't even think about returning it. No gift receipts here, please!

This week, The Daily Kool will be featuring five unique Mother's Day gift ideas. Here's a sneak peak:

Monday: Photo Finish
Tuesday: A Stylish Solution
Wednesday: Monthly Rewards
Thursday: You Light Up My Life, Mom
Friday: Spaaaaaaaah

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