Today's Kool Idea: Nickelodeon Family Suites, a.k.a. Nick Hotel

The Daily Kool family has just returned from our little Labor Day getaway in Orlando, Florida. Our son really really wanted to go in lieu of his eighth birthday party, but we always have trouble justifying a trip out there this time of year. As much as we love Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, it is much too hot to walk around the amusement parks. Yeah yeah...Mickey's okay too, but even the lure of Disney World is not enough to spend our mornings passing out from the stifling heat and the afternoons drowning in Florida's typical afternoon storms. We've even tried heading for Orlando just for the water park adventures...Wet & Wild might be the best one out there, but boy is does the ground burn our poor feet...we need a vat of ointment just for the blisters!

A friend of ours had recently enjoyed a week-long stay at the Nickelodeon Family Suites, otherwise known as the Nick Hotel in Orlando. After hearing her enthusiastic reviews and high recommendations, we just had to check it out for our son's family birthday celebration weekend. Seriously, folks...the Nick Hotel has to be one of the most amazing places you can take your kids. We were lucky enough to get a very reasonable rate, and once we saw how much there was to do, our vacation was set. Who needs those pesky theme parks, anyway? We were gonna get slimed!

Imagine our kids' faces when we drove up to the massive Nick Hotel, complete with their favorite Nickelodeon characters pictured right on the outer walls. There's Dora & Boots, Diego, the Wonder Pets, Backyardigans and the Rugrats...just to name a few. Oh, and let's not forget the quirky and colorful SpongeBob SquarePants...he's all over this place. That's okay, we're big fans...though some of us admittedly root for Plankton. We were given a room in the Jimmy Neutron building after refusing to cave in on the $25 per day up-charge for a Dora or SpongeBob themed room. The kids got over it quickly though, when they checked out the bunk beds in their own room...we appreciated the king-sized bed in ours. They were kinda bummed that the PlayStation wasn't hooked up (apparently the hotel is phasing them out), but once we told them about the two full-sized pools equipped with water slides, they were eager to head right outside.

The rest of our weekend was spent enjoying the included amenities, like the Nick Live shows at night and at the pool, the daily mass slimings and character meetings. Unfortunately, Ming Ming (from the Wonder Pets) got her schedule mixed up with Aang the Avatar, but other than that slight disappointment for our youngest son, our stay at the Nick Hotel went without a hitch. We even splurged on many of the extras...the kids tie-dyed their own Nickelodeon shirts by the pool, partied with Dora, Diego and Boots, did the limbo with SpongeBob and Patrick, and even had a 4-D movie marathon with all eight showings. Our days were so full, we never had to leave the resort...plus, there were plenty of activities we didn't participate in!

The Nick Hotel gave us a perfect family vacation, and one we hope to repeat sometime in the near future. What an amazing place to take the kids! When it was sunny and warm, we stayed "kool" by the pool (sorry, couldn't resist the rhyme), and when it rained, we still had plenty to do indoors. We did venture out one night to go NBA City at Universal's City Walk for dinner as a special birthday treat for our son...but that's a kool idea for another post. In the meantime, if you're ready for a break from the traditional Orlando vacation, just shout, "Aye aye, Captain" and head out to see SpongBob at the Nick Hotel. It's definitely worth the trip.

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Today's Kool Idea: Toy Box Storage Benches

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

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

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

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Today's Kool Idea: TykeLight Portable GloMate by Mobi

When our youngest son turned three, he suddenly developed a huge fear of the dark. And we mean huge! He was nervous driving in a dark car at night, insisted on being carried at night (the moon was scary, also), and refused to go into any room that didn't already have a light on. He has always shared a room with his big brother...this helped him feel a bit more secure at bedtime, at least. Unfortunately, if he had to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, he would become hysterical crying when big brother refused to wake up to take him (our oldest is a very sound sleeper). Our poor son was having a very difficult time maintaining his typical independence and we had to find some way to help him.

Much of our son's fear of the dark (yes, he still has it) is a result of his overactive imagination. We didn't have this challenge with the first child..he's very "black and white" by nature. But our youngest one has always been more creative, telling us fanciful stories of magical creatures and faraway places almost from the time he started speaking. He sees unicorns and dragons in the shapes of the clouds...our oldest tends to envision the state of Missouri (go figure). So, it's not hard to understand that our little boy sees all sorts of scary stuff lurking in the shadows of the dark.

The TykeLight Portable GloMate from Mobi has become a lifesaver for us and our now four year old son. They don't come much cuter than this little guy! This portable nightlight is a cuddly plaything with a friendly, silky feel that he can snuggle up with on a dark night. Mobi has really done a great job with this one...our son hardly ever puts it down, even during the day. The kid-friendly, grab-'n-go design make it really easy. The different color options have actually made our TykeLight Portable GloMate a four-in-one toy for our son. "Greenie" checks hallways and dark rooms to make sure they're safe to enter. "Tiki" (she's a girl, and the solid red mode) loves to play with stuffed animals, often disciplining them when they deserve a time out. "Bud" (blue mode) likes to hang out and watch TV, while "Mobi" stays on the nightstand to cycle through the rainbow of colors to help him fall asleep at night. Seriously, folks...we have to be the only family that has a GloMate with a split personality!

Future psychological bills aside, the TykeLight Portable GloMate nightlight has really helped our son overcome his fears. It stays on the charger base, where he can take it off whenever he wants to play with it. We love that it doesn't need batteries or power cords...plus, the safe and efficient LED's keep it completely cool to the touch. It gives off just enough light to keep the monsters away, but not so much that keeps him awake at bedtime. Our only complaint is that the 15 minute timer only works with the solid blue mode...we would have liked that options with all of the colors (particularly the rainbow one). Regardless, the adorable TykeLight Portable GloMate is kid-tough, works great and is perfectly safe for even young ones. What a great gift idea for a baby shower or anyone with smaller children. Ours is definitely a welcome addition to The Daily Kool family.

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Today's Kool Idea: Done Right Multiple Cook Time Kitchen Timer

Fall is a busy time for The Daily Kool family. This is the time of year that we celebrate the season with large dinner parties. Oh, and we invite everyone! Ah, yes...food is definitely the catalyst that brings us all together. Always has been. It's nothing for us to expect 30-40 guests in our admittedly small home for an elaborate dinner. Over the past ten years of our marriage (yikes!), our household has truly become the destination for meals galore. We only have one rule...no one brings food. Bottles of wine? Sure. Soda? Absolutely. The food though, is our domain, and we always look forward to testing out new and exciting dishes on our more than willing company. Have we mentioned how much we love to cook?

We live for the moment when our guests marvel at the sheer genius of our culinary skills...not that it happens often. Okay, we admit it...we always mess a couple of things up with every dinner. We have so many dishes in various stages of preparation, cooking and plating, at least a few of them always fall through the cracks. Over-boiled soup, scorched veggies, mushy risotto and dry (we sometimes forget to baste) turkey are just a few examples of the disasters we've encountered over the years. It's not easy staying on top of everything all at once.

Thank goodness for our cousin. Last time she came over, she gave us this absolutely adorable Done Right multiple cook time kitchen timer as a hostess gift. Check it out...there are five (count them) separately functioning timers in one oven-shaped package. Each of the five timers gives off a sound flashes with a light when ready. This little guy is just what we need to stay on track! We love how we can correspond the stove top timers with each of our burners, while the front timer reminds us when to check the oven. We were actually amazed how easy the Done Right timer was to program, even for us technically inept folks. Just press the 1 or 5 minute increment button until the desired time is reached and press start...it's that simple. Seriously, how great is this little gadget? And, why didn't we think of it first, darn it?

There are a couple of things that we've noticed with our own Done Right multiple cook time kitchen timer that we wanted to pass along. First off, the alarm itself is fairly low, which is why they've added the flashing light component, we suppose. It would have been nice to have a volume adjustment option. Honestly though, it's not much (if at all) lower than our regular oven timer. Plus, one of us is always in the kitchen, so it's not particularly a problem for us. Also, we always use the company's suggestions for prolonging battery life. When we aren't cooking up a storm, we remove one of the four AA batteries, and usually make sure to stop the flashing light before its one-minute automatic shut off. You can find this kitchen timer at several websites, including Amazon, Target and Walmart. Our research though, shows that QVC seems to currently have the best price at just under $20 (plus shipping)...this the the main link we've provided throughout the post.

We love our Done Right multiple cook time kitchen timer so much, we leave it out on our stove top, even when we're not using it. Sure, it's a little larger than your standard kitchen timer, but talk about a fabulous conversation piece. What a wonderful novelty gift for anyone who spends oodles of time in the kitchen...particularly those of us who need a little help with the orchestration and execution of our larger dinner parties. Form and function are definitely the right combination with this super "kool" idea. Of course, we've just eliminated our best (and most plausible) excuse for a not-so-perfect meal. Aargh...the pressure!

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Today's Kool Idea: Kooky Klickers Pens

The Daily Kool is always on the lookout for things to help us lighten up. No, we're not talking about our weight here (though, we could probably use something for that also). We have a thing for fads that are just too cute to resist...yep, we are suckers for a smile. Let's face it, life is not always easy. Sometimes we just need to take a time out and appreciate the little things in life...a child's laugh, a sunny morning, extra sleep on a special morning, a Kooky Klickers pen.

Kooky Klickers pens? You've got to admit, they are pretty hard to resist. In case you haven't noticed them (we can't imagine how though), Kooky Klickers are a collection of fun, colorful pens that have unique faces and crazy hair. Each has his/her own name and is a member of a Krew, which is kind of like a little family. Kids use them to write with and also collect and trade with their friends. Our boys clip them on their backpacks.

Kids? Yeah, right. We've seen almost as many adults with Kooky Klickers pens as kids. We have certainly horded a few for ourselves. Nope, we just can't resist these cute, albeit ridiculous faces with the fuzzy koosh ball top. We like to keep one on our keychain...hey, you never know when you might need a pen to write with. There's a running joke in our house that our Kooky Klickers pen of the day reflects what kind of mood we're in. Our DaVinci Kooky is our "go to pen" for happy days, but when the kids see Digby, they know we'll be short on patience. It's amazing how angelic our boys suddenly become when they see Digby...hmmm, we think we'll be taking him out a lot more often.

Whether you prefer adorable, silly or just plain weird, there's a Kooky Klickers pen to fit everyone's personality (and mood). These little guys have become quite the collectible item. We even gave them out as party favors for our son's birthday last year. If we're going to write with a pen, why not use one with style and flair? Kooky Klickers pens are a whimsical way to escape from the mundane...plus, they're just plain fun! Let's face it...being kooky is pretty "kool".

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Today's Kool Idea: Highlights Educational Magazine for Children

When we were growing up, nothing (and we mean nothing) was more exciting than getting mail. Okay, we realize that many kids get email these days, but quite frankly, it just doesn't have the same appeal as the real thing. Last year, our youngest son was obsessed with the character Iceman from "SpiderMan and His Amazing Friends" (a classic 80's cartoon series). After helping him write and mail a letter asking Iceman to come babysit him sometime, imagine our son's delight when he started receiving mail and gifts personally from him...Iceman might have been swamped fighting crime with Firestar and SpiderMan, but he still took some time every once in a while to write to his biggest fan...what a hero!

Getting mail addressed to them makes kids feel special and grown up. Keeping it consistent and age-appropriate is often the challenge. Thank goodness for the classic Highlights educational magazine for children. Our parents treated us to this wonderful subscription when we were younger, and we were truly blessed to be able to carry on the tradition in our family. Launched in 1946, Highlights is the most widely read children's magazine in the world..and with good reason. Recognizing that kids are the world's most important people, Highlights feeds their natural curiosity and love of learning with stories, brain teasers, riddles, crafts and other activities in this wonderfully wholesome and fun publication.

There are so many things to love about the Highlights educational magazine for children. Our kids' all-time favorite feature is, of course, the ever-popular Hidden Pictures activity. Illustrated by award-winning artists, these puzzles enhance attention to detail and increase word knowledge...plus, they're just darn good fun! Add in some exciting science experiments, creative craft ideas, entertaining stories stories and humorous jokes and riddles in every edition. Highlights is packed with all the good stuff to foster kids curiosity, creativity and confidence. What more could a parent ask for?

Though Highlights educational magazine for children is designed for ages 6-12, The Daily Kool was thrilled with the latest series that caters to younger siblings. Highlights High Five celebrates the earlier years of childhood with developmentally appropriate activity ideas and stories for kids 2-6. Intended to be enjoyed with an adult, this magazine helps stimulate social and emotional growth, reasoning and creative ability and acquisition of language skills. A big hit with our four-year old, this is another offering that the editors of Highlights

Highlights educational magazine for children makes a terrific gift for a nephew or niece, child or grandchild. The $30 price tag does put it out of our birthday gift budget for our kids' friends, unfortunately. Since we are overloaded with birthdays, we honestly tend to stick within more of a $10 range per child. Don't get us wrong...Highlights is definitely worth the price, and is a great consideration for those who may not be quite as thrifty as we are.

Highlights clearly states its mission...to help "kids develop positive self worth by using their creativity and imagination, reading thinking and reasoning skills, and learning how to treat others with respect kindness and sensitivity." Whether you select the new Highlights High Five or the original Highlights classic, this "kool" magazine subscription is a must have for any family with children. Our boys eagerly anticipate receiving their Highlights magazine each month, and are thrilled when it finally arrives. But the most important aspect of this amazing educational children's magazine is how it encourages parents to create and spend quality time with their children. This, our beloved readers, is truly priceless.

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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.

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Today's Kool Idea: Cuisinart ICE-40 Flavor Duo Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt & Sorbet Maker

The Daily Kool family has always toyed with the idea of getting an ice cream maker for our home. As parents, we are often concerned about controlling the quality of ingredients in the food our children eat. Store-bought ice cream often has additives, so we often prefer the premium brands...hey, if we can't pronounce it, we certainly don't want to eat it. But, wow. Premium ice cream definitely comes at a premium price. An ice cream maker may seem like a perfect solution, but since no one in our household can ever agree on one flavor (heaven forbid), we always figured it would be a wasted investment...until now.

Check out the Cuisinart ICE-40 Flavor Duo Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt & Sorbet Maker...yep, it can make two different batches of ice cream at the same time. How "kool" is that? This sleek machine is fully automatic and can produce one or two quarts of frozen dessert in about 20 minutes. Cuisinart boasts the smoothest and creamiest ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet with this attractive appliance...all at the touch of a button. Made of heavy grade plastic (available in black or white) and brushed stainless steel, this just might be the ice cream maker we've been looking for. A control switch is easily set to activate both bowls or just one. We love having the option of simultaneously producing either one or two quarts of one flavor, or one quart each of two different flavors. Plus, the machine is easy to clean...a definite requirement in our family.

Making ice cream in the Cuisinart ICE-40 Flavor Duo Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt & Sorbet Maker seems like a breeze. Simply stick the double-insulated bowls in the freezer for 6-12 hours, then place them in the base. This is a critical step, since well-chilled canisters and cold ingredients are the key to success with this and any other ice cream maker. Insert the plastic paddles into the machine and place the cover units on. Select the one or two side option, turn on the motor and pour the mix into the unit through the easy pour spout. The plastic covers make it easy to see how the base is coming along. Voila...in about 20-30 minutes, it's time for dessert!

There are definitely a few things to keep in mind when deciding to purchase the Cuisinart ICE-40 Flavor Duo Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt & Sorbet Maker. Although it looks pretty sharp with its long, low profile, the dimensions of this machine make it just too large to sit out unless it's being used daily...though that is a possibility with the ice cream fanatics in The Daily Kool household. But most of us should plan on having a place to store it when not in use. Also, we understand that the machine is pretty loud when operating...just something to keep in mind with guests and children who are sensitive to noise. If there's space, it might be easier to just keep the bowls in the freezer all the time for an impromptu craving. Just make sure to keep the bowls in a plastic bag to avoid freezer burn when removing.

We love stuff in our ice cream..nuts, cookie bits, candy, fruit, pickles (just kidding). The Cuisinart ICE-40 Flavor Duo Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt & Sorbet Maker says to add any special ingredients in the last five minutes for best results and a truly individual concoction. Only one problem...if the pieces are any larger than a chocolate chip-sized small dice, they can jam up the mixer. This may be fine for the kids, but we adults like chunks in our ice cream...big, big chunks. For us, it'll just be easier to incorporate our mix-ins with a rubber spatula after the ice cream is made. We also prefer a firmer texture with our ice cream, so we will likely transfer the desserts to our beloved Lock and Lock storage containers and place them in the freezer for a couple of hours before enjoying. However, frozen yogurt should be eaten immediately or it might become a bit too hard and lose the smoothness commonly associated with it. The machine does come with a recipe book for ice cream, sorbets, sherbets, frozen yogurts and mixed frozen drinks (with or without alcohol), and there are countless lower-calorie recipes online for the more diet-discerning palette.

For anyone interested in experimenting with different flavors, making sorbet and ice cream at the same time, or simply satisfying everyone in the family with individual tastes, the Cuisinart ICE-40 Flavor Duo Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt & Sorbet Maker definitely seems like the way to go. What a pleasure it would be to know exactly what goes into our frozen desserts, eliminate processed ingredients and control the sugar content. Here's an easy recipe for vanilla ice cream that is perfect for kids and those of us who are kids at heart. Enjoy!

Quick and Easy Vanilla Ice Cream

Ingredients

• 1/2 pint light cream
• small can of condensed milk
• 1-2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (according to taste)

Directions: Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator, then transfer to Cuisinart ICE-40 Flavor Duo Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt & Sorbet Maker. Freeze according to manufacturer instructions.

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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: Drinkwear Attachable Flip Flop Coasters

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

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

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

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Today's Kool Idea: Wendy's Father's Day Frosty Weekend

When we were kids, we often spent the weekend enjoying the surf and sand of the beautiful Florida beaches. Money was tight, and it was the perfect solution for all day entertaining on a budget. Our parents would pack a picnic lunch and we would spend hours making sand castles, searching for seashells and just splashing away in the blue-green waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Then, for an extra special treat, we would stop off at Wendy's for one of their delicious Frosty desserts. Yummy!

The original chocolate Frosty is arguably the best dessert that any fast food chain has ever offered, and has remained a family favorite since Wendy's first opened it's doors in 1969. We actually had the honor of personally meeting Wendy's founder and philanthropist Dave Thomas once, and were saddened by his passing from liver cancer in 2002. A well-known advocate for adoption (he was raised by adopted parents himself), he established the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption in 1992. Today, the Dave Thomas Foundation continues to work in partnership with Wendy's to find adoptive families for the 150,000 children in the U.S. and Canadian foster care systems. One of the ways Wendy's supports the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is with their annual Father's Day Frosty Weekend.

This Father's Day weekend, we can all help change the lives of children in foster care, simply by treating ourselves and Dad to a Frosty. Seriously, folks...what's the hardship in that? For every Frosty product sold on Saturday and Sunday, Wendy's will donate $.50 to this worthwhile organization. Last year, more than $1.7 million was raised for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption during Wendy's Father's Day Frosty Weekend....let's do our part (albeit a small one) raise even more this year.

In addition to enjoying the cool and creamy goodness that is a Frosty, there are two other ways you can support the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption this Father's Day weekend. Simply create a free Father's Day card on www.frostycard.com, and Wendy's will donate $.25 to the DTFA. You can also buy a Frosty Pinup for $1 at your local Wendy’s to be hung on the wall. 100% of Frosty Pinup Sales will benefit the DTFA.

Though we are fierce loyalists to the original chocolate Frosty, Wendy's has introduced some notable varieties that may interest you. From the vanilla Frosty to the Frosty shake, the Frosty float to the Twisted Frosty, Wendy's has a flavor that is bound to strike everyone's fancy. Make sure to check out Wendy's two new flavors, Frosty-cino and Coffee Toffee Twisted Frosty...even we think they sound divine enough to tempt us away from our classic favorite...nah.

No matter which flavor you choose, you can't go wrong, especially during Wendy's Father's Day Frosty Weekend. So, create your Father's Day eCard today and make sure to bring your family to Wendy's this Saturday and Sunday for a Frosty...you'll be giving them a treat they'll love, while supporting this wonderful cause. Together, we can help children in North America's foster care system find loving homes.

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Today's Kool Idea: Chauvet Bubble Machine

Is there any child who does not love bubbles? There is just something so magical, so alluring about the way these iridescent spheres float in the air and drift slowly down in mesmerizing fashion...then, POP! Such a simple pleasure for kids and the parents who cannot help but be drawn into their bubble ecstasy. Bubbles are such a world-wide phenomenon, it has even become a recognized art form. Don't believe us? Check out "The Gazillion Bubble Show", produced by Fan Yang who holds 14 Guinness World Records for bubble artistry. If you are ever in New York City, this is an absolute "must see" for the entire family...it is spectacular! The Daily Kool family has seen the show, and we cannot recommend it highly enough! But we digress...

We purchased the Chauvet Bubble Machine for our son's backyard birthday party a few years ago. Though it is much pricier than other, more kid-grade models, the durability makes it a completely worthwhile investment. The Daily Kool has wasted a lot of money in bubble machines over the years...none of them have held up like the Chauvet Bubble Machine. We also have the Gazillion Bubble Machine in our home (a gift from a family member). It's not a bad machine, but it doesn't work very well with anything but the gazillion bubble solution. Don't get us wrong, gazillion bubbles are the best, but they are very expensive...so, our $20 machine costs us much more over the long run. The Chauvet Bubble Machine, on the other hand will take any solution, or even a homemade one and produce thousands of bubbles in just seconds. Of course, the higher the solution quality, the longer lasting your bubbles will be. Be aware though...bubble machines go through solution very quickly, so make sure to keep plenty on hand!

Our Chauvet Bubble Machine has given our kids and their friends countless hours of delight. Nothing can put a smile on a parent's face faster than hearing their child's infectious laughter as they are swarmed by a bubble storm. The Chauvet Bubble Machineis perfect for larger outdoor areas (we don't recommend it for indoor use), yet meets our portability needs. Keep in mind, though...it does not run on batteries, like less expensive models, so make sure you have some kind of electrical outlet close by. It also features an all-plastic construction to prevent rust, and the fluid tank is easily removable for cleaning.

If you are looking for a simple alternative to a bubble machine, check out the bubble solution recipe below. We often put out tin foil pie plates filled with our homemade solution, and give the kids an assortment of bubble wands so they can do it themselves. The Daily Kool uses our Chauvet Bubble Machine so much that it has paid for itself time and time again. We will be taking ours out again this weekend for Memorial Day...the kids are really excited about having their friends over this weekend for a holiday barbecue. Our party is bound to be a hit!

Simple Bubble Solution Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon glycerin (can be found in most drug stores)
• 2 tablespoons liquid dish soap
• 9 oz. water
  

Directions: Mix ingredients up the day before you plan on using them for the best results. Also, you can replace the glycerin with corn (like Karo) syrup, but the sweetness is bound to inadvertantly invite some unwelcome insects to your party. Enjoy!

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