Today's Kool Idea: Windshield Wonder, As Seen On TV

The Daily Kool family does a lot of driving. In fact, between work, school and enrichment activities for the kids, it often seems as if we practically live in our car. By the end of the week, our poor Saturn looks like a bomb has hit it...snacks, juice boxes, papers and toys are strewn all over the place. We've seen people recoil from the shock, shake their heads in wonder or, if they're parents, simply nod in commiseration at the mess of our car....yep, it can be pretty embarrassing! So, Fridays have now become the official "car cleaning" day in our household, and everyone has a job. No one ever complains...except whoever is responsible for window cleaning. The fingerprints and dog snot (Pepper loves taking rides in the car) are not such a big deal. The windshield, however, is another matter altogether. Our car has a pretty deep slope in the front, requiring us to drum up our best contortionist skills to clean it deep down. We admit it, our flexibility is quite pathetic...thus, so are our windshields.

We came across the As Seen on TV Windshield Wonder in our local Walgreens a couple of weeks ago...somehow we missed the infomercial for this one. This is by no means a complicated product, and since we admit to being a little more simple-minded than most, it seemed perfect for our windshield cleaning needs. Why oh why didn't we think of this first? The Windshield Wonder boasts a combination of a microfiber cleaning cloth, long ergonomic handle and pivoting head to make windshield cleaning fast and easy. We have to admit, Telebrands has a winner with this one. The Windshield Wonder's 16" handle really helps reach all the way down to the dash, all while sitting comfortably in the front seat. It even folds for easy storage in the glove compartment (though we keep ours in the front door pocket). The curvature of the unique pivoting head is similar to the windshield, providing even pressure across surfaces for a streak and smudge-free clean every time. Plus, the microfiber cloth/bonnet is uniquely suited for cleaning windows and other glass surfaces, with fibers that open up to grab particles of dirt and dust. Yes, yes, yes...we know that the supposed benefit of a microfiber cloth is the ability to use plain tap water for outstanding results. Call us inept (and trust us, many people have), but plain water just doesn't work for us. So, we simply put our Method Best in Glass cleaner in the little spray bottle that came with our Windshield Wonder...perfect!

Since we don't have to strain from the driver seat to use the As Seen on TV Windshield Wonder, it has been terrific for handling the fogginess that hinders our vision when driving in the rain. We simply wait until we're at a red light and give our windshield a couple of quick swipes to clear the glass right up...no straining, and no flexibility necessary. We even bought an extra Windshield Wonder to keep inside the house. It works wonders (no pun intended) on the high glass mirrors in the bathrooms...have we mentioned that we are vertically challenged? Yes, that means short! The bottom line is that the As Seen on TV Windshield Wonder by Telebrands is one of those products that does exactly what it says for a price that won't break the bank...we love it when that happens. Plus, it's easy enough for the kids to use...we especially love that! Definitely a "kool" idea.

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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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Today's Kool Idea: American Red Cross Eton Microlink for Hurricane Preparedness

Today (June 1st) marks the beginning of hurricane season, which typically lasts through November 30th. Having lived in Florida for three decades, particularly through the record-breaking 2005 season, The Daily Kool family recognizes how nerve-racking this time of year can be. Anyone who has experienced the devastation from category 5 hurricanes like Andrew (1992), Katrina (2005) and Ike (2008) can attest to the importance of preparation this time of year.

Hurricane Wilma (2005) left our home without power for two full weeks...we really could have used a product like the American Red Cross Eton Microlink. This solar-powered, self-powered AM/FM/Weatherband portable radio with flashlight and cell phone charger is an incredibly versatile little device, especially considering its low cost (around $30). Plugs and wires aren't required, making the American Red Cross Eton Microlink a welcome addition to any emergency preparedness kit. This little guy can charge in about two minutes with the hand crank, or place it outside for a solar charge. There is also a USB port...the cord is not included, but it is available almost anywhere...of course, this is useless if you're stuck without power. The illumination from the LED flashlight is better than we expected for such a small product, and though it is certainly not Bose quality, the AM/FM radio provided more than adequate reception for us. Keep in mind, though, that you may have to fiddle a bit to tune in properly to the NOAA weatherband stations on the American Red Cross Eton Microlink...could be frustrating, but merely requires practice and patience to get it right. Keep in mind that the cell phone charger may not accommodate some of the more current models...we actually charge our cell phone up in the car, so it isn't really an issue for us.

Although it's quite the value, the American Red Cross Eton Microlink might be a little too basic for some of us. If you're looking for a more souped-up model, you might want to check out the more modern Eton Solarlink model. The Eton Solarlink offers a digital radio for the analog-phobics among us, but also includes S.A.M.E. (specific area message encoding) for location-based weather alerts. Other added features include a flashing beacon, emergency siren and an alarm clock. Plus, the Eton Solarlink has a full sized USB port, designed to accommodate an MP3 player for convenient charging. As "kool" as these upgrades are, the Eton Solarlink does have a much heftier price tag (around $80)...but, you are definitely getting a lot for the investment.

Regardless of whether you choose the American Red Cross Eton Microlink or the Eton Solarlink, either model will help keep you informed in the event of an emergency. Please take the time to adequately prepare a family disaster plan...it can save the lives of you and your children. Check out the NOAA website for more specific guidelines on hurricane preparation. Nothing is "kooler" than ensuring the protection of your family whenever possible.

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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!

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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: Nomie Baby Waterproof Car Seat Cover

Last month, we carpooled with a friend and her children to meet a group of four other families for a quick (but crazy) weekend trip to the Florida Keys. Thank goodness for the invention of the minivan...we just put four car seats in the Honda Odyssey, strapped the kids in, and away we went. We all had a wonderful time, but wow...you should have seen those car seats when we got back! Imagine the coagulated mess...apple juice, chocolate milk, mushed M&Ms, cookies, crackers, chips...the list goes on and on. Combine all that with the sand, ocean water and tar from the beach, and we had a serious mess to clean up. Oh, and did we mention the projectile vomiting incident that spanned across the entire second row?

Cleaning the kids' car seats has become the bane of our parental responsibilities. Don't get us wrong...we absolutely love our Britax car seats, but the hassle of taking the cover off the base and putting it back on again is an absolute nightmare. In fact, the process is complicated enough, Britax actually felt the need to add an instructional video on their site. Our other favorite brand, Graco is no better...and they even recommend drip drying the car seat rather than using the machine. There has to be a better way!

We found the Nomie Baby waterproof car seat cover through our Twitter connections. The company's promise of no more disassembling straps was just too intriguing to pass up. So, The Daily Kool contacted Nomie Baby and asked them to send us a sample to test out. We received the navy blue (one of six color options) Nomie Baby waterproof car seat cover and immediately took it out to test on our Britax seats. The first thing we noticed is how soft and cool the quilted material is...this was a definite plus, especially with the summer season on its way. We have to admit that we did look for instructions and were surprised that there weren't any included with the product...that is, until we realized just how easy it was to install. The Nomie Baby has Velcro openings for the harness shoulder straps and two slits for the bottom buckle. We didn't have remove the car seat, or unbuckle a single strap...so simple, and yet so genius! Plus, the elastic edges fit securely and comfortably on our standard Britax Marathon seat, although it was a bit too tight for our other, Husky version.

The next step was to test its durability...and boy, did we ever! We selected a panel of five moms to abuse our Nomie Baby waterproof car seat cover over a 10 day period. This poor thing has gone through the mill...formula spills, potty accidents, vomit and all of the dirt, grime and gunk a typical toddler gets into. It has already gone through several machine washings and has held up beautifully so far. Even better, the kids absolutely loved the Nomie Baby. They all thought it was soft and comfy...one even threw a temper tantrum when her mom had to give it back to us.

The Nomie Baby waterproof car seat cover is absolute dream come true and a must-have for every mom (and dad, of course!). It's comfortable and affordable, attractive and durable. It does such a great job, it will undoubtedly extend the life of your car seat. What a great gift idea! We like that there are versions for both an infant seat and toddler seat...we would like to see a Nomie Baby stroller and/or booster seat (with back) cover soon, though. We cannot recommend this product highly enough. In fact, every one of our moms said they would love to have their own Nomie Baby waterproof car seat cover...sorry, ladies...you'll have to get your own, because we're keeping ours!

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Today's Kool Idea: No Throw Baby Bottle Tether

Yesterday, we met the newest baby girl in our extended family. Our one-year old cousin was a breath of fresh air in an otherwise male-dominated group. And the way she has all five of her brothers wrapped around her little finger...well, let's just say it was love at first sight between us! The difference between girls and boys even as infants is astounding, especially to those of us who always favored nurture over nature. Who knew? Of course, there is at least one thing that seems to be consistent across genders...an undeniable obsession with throwing things on the floor.

We remember when our second child went through this stage...he logged in hours of entertainment with the bottle-tossing game. Our older son, sweet in his innocence, was always eager to help his baby brother at the first hint of upset. Poor thing...it took him a while before he stopped falling for those baby blues...ahem...grays. Yep, definitely early manipulation at its finest! Where was the No Throw baby bottle tether when we needed it?

Turns out we just didn't know about it at the time...such a shame, too! This product is truly simplicity at its finest. Our new friends at No Throw have developed this tether to secure any bottle or sippy cup to a car seat, stroller or high chair. The company has several adorable designs...choose from princess, dinosaurs, even animal print. We love that it is so reasonably priced...inexpensive enough to have several designs. Washable, durable, adorable and practical...what more could a parent want? Apparently not much, especially for the celebrity parent. No Throw has also been touted by several, including Jenna Elfman (Dharma and Greg) and Marcia Cross (Desperate Housewives).

Yes, the No Throw baby bottle tether is definitely a convenience we think no parent with little ones should be without. Just think of the convenience...think of the safety. Though the No Throw website does not point this out (and they should), the tether not only protects bottles and sippy cups from germs, but it can also help prevent parenting-related car accidents. We can't tell you how many times we've carelessly turned around and/or reached for a sippy cup that has fallen on the floor while driving (shush...don't tell anyone!). With the No Throw, toddlers can now retrieve their own cups. We wonder if this product would work on toys also...think about those mall trips. One thing to keep in mind though...since toddlers are undeniably curious, it may be sooner rather than later that they are able to dislodge the velcro. Our advice...try to distract your child so he/she doesn't notice how you are attaching the No Throw. This may buy you more time.

Peace of mind for parents and independence for children...definitely a winning combination. Granted, our baby's bottle-throwing game was a great excuse to get some squats in...but really, who are we kidding? This product would have been a godsend to us with our little ones. Well, you never know...the No Throw baby bottle tether still might come in handy someday. Until then, we're just passing this "kool" idea along to you.

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Today's Kool Idea: Lil' Rock Starz CD

With our children in different schools and enrichment activities, it's no wonder that we feel as if we spend more time in our car than in our home. That's why we are always on the lookout for music that both of our children can enjoy, despite their three-year age difference. Of course, wouldn't it also be nice if we could find a kid's CD that even we adults can tolerate?

Hooray for Lil' Rock Starz! Honestly, we would not have even known about it if our son hadn't been watching SpongeBob SquarePants last week. But, while we may never understand our child's obsession with the zany residents of Bikini Bottom, we could certainly appreciate his interest in the commercial for this collection of rock songs. Just released March 31, 2009 by Thrive Records, Lil' Rock Starz is the first package of this new hit compilation series. Featuring a combination of modern and classic rock, this collection features newly recorded versions of favorite classics and recent hits...all covered by kids.

Being the paranoid and distrusting parents that we are, we were delighted that Amazon gave us the opportunity to listen to a sample of each song before deciding whether Lil' Rock Starz was appropriate for the entire family. What a refreshing change from some of the other kiddie music we've had to suffer (oops...did we really say that out loud?) through over the years. This is true classic and contemporary rock (our personal music of choice), in a very family-friendly format. We even recognized some of our favorites from the 80s and 90s. But the true test was yet to come...had The Daily Kool finally found a collection of music that would be enjoyed by adults and children alike? It was time to play the samples for the kids.

Woohoo...they loved the samples so much they asked us if we could go out and buy the Lil' Rock Starz CD right away. We knew they were serious because they were careful to be "oh so polite" in their request. How often does that happen? They especially liked that it was kids just like them singing...we just liked the songs, especially those from artists such as KISS and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Bottom line...we think that Thrive's launch into the children's music market will be met with a lot of enthusiasm. Certainly everyone at The Daily Kool agrees...this CD rocks!

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Today's Kool Idea: LifeHammer Original Emergency Hammer

We at The Daily Kool practically live in our car. Between work, school and other commutes, we almost spend more time in our Saturn than we do at home. It's a good thing we love our car...but have we forgotten just how dangerous it can be? Driving today, we took some time to watch other drivers and how they handle their cars. We were really shocked at how many people were not really paying attention to the road. We saw women putting on their makeup, several cell phone talkers, someone working on his compute and a mother turning around to yell at her children. It is so easy to get distracted behind the wheel...not just for us, but especially for younger drivers. It seems that every day the news announces a tragic car crash fatality. A huge percentage of those car crashes involve entrapment in a lake, canal, ravine or other body or water. How do we protect ourselves and our loved ones in the event of an emergency?

When we had our first child, someone gave us the LifeHammer Original Emergency Hammer as a (believe it or not) baby gift. Perhaps the gift was a little unorthodox, but the sincerity behind it was truly touching. As parents, we were responsible for this precious new life, and the LifeHammer was our gift-giver's way of reminding us that his safety should always be our top priority. So, along with our new infant seat, we went ahead and had our new LifeHammer professionally installed.

Let's start out by saying that we at The Daily Kool sincerely hope that you will never need to use the LifeHammer . That said, we strongly believe that each and every car should be equipped with a safety device such as this. The LifeHammer is recommended by water safety expert Gerald Dworkin, a consultant for Lifesaving Resources, Inc. and has been featured on the CBS Early Show. Dworkin points out, "Once the vehicle hits the water, you only have between 30 seconds and several minutes to make your escape." Having an escape tool such as the LifeHammer could be the difference between life and death in a vehicle entrapment situation. Don't let its light weight fool you...this is one serious piece of hardware. With its double-sided head and hammered steel points, the LifeHammer Original Emergency Hammer will shatter your car's side and rear windows with minimal effort in the event of an emergency. It also has a razor-sharp blade to cut through seat belts to free a trapped passenger and a florescent button to ensure nighttime visibility.

We at The Daily Kool have expressed our love and concern by purchasing a LifeHammer for almost everyone in our family. Though we have never had to use it (thank goodness), we feel much more comfortable for our children knowing that we have this safety device in our car. Please, please protect your family and keep an emergency hammer like this in your car...you never know what might happen when you least expect it.

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Today's Kool Idea: VisorTag Handicap Placard Holder

Today, a follower of the DailyKool showed us one of those "why didn't we think of that" products. After having to replace her 5-year handicap placard several times due to weather damage, our DailyKool friend found a simple, yet effective sleeve for her hang tag. We at the DailyKool can commiserate with the annoyance of our parking permits cracking, warping, chipping, and peeling. However, as impressed as we were with the recommendation, we think that we've found something even better...the VisorTag.

The VisorTag, by JL Safety, is not just any parking permit placard holder designed to hold and protect your handicapped or disabled parking permit tag. This ingenious little gizmo is guaranteed to take away the frustration of hanging, removing, replacing, losing or misplacing any parking ID permit for good. Available in two sizes, the VisorTag is not only for the disabled; it is also ideal for other parking ID permits and hang tags used at universities, hospitals, businesses, condos, etc. Even permits for for season passes, media/press, special events and delivery vehicles can benefit from this "kool" product. Simply clip your VisorTag to the passenger sun visor, pull the permit holder down when you park, and swing it back toward the visor before you drive. It will magnetically latch into a position out of your sight. Your parking placard is protected, and you no longer need to touch it. You can even transfer your tag to another car with ease.

We at the DailyKool think the VisorTag is a great product for anyone who wants to keep his/her parking permit easy to locate, display and remove. Reasonably priced (about $21, including shipping)and ultra-convenient...our only complaint is that we didn't think of it first!