“I Love You” Message Beans">“I Love You” Message Beans

Well, Happy New Year to all of you! The wreaths are coming down and the menorahs are being put away, which only means that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. So start getting those hearts out or wearing your “I hate V-Day” t-shirts. Oh, and get ready to say “Happy Anniversary” to us at g3!! We’re about to turn one year old! But, back to the gifts. If you are not a romantic, but still want to give your special someone a gift that he or she will remember, try to “I Love You” Message Beans from Signals.

Posted on 1 Jan 2007 by Anne B.

Beat the Leaves, Part 3: Leaves In Bags

I swear to you that Leaves In Bags is the actual name of this product. But you’re probably also asking, why is she writing a third installment to a leaf removal issue? Well, I bought the first 2 items in my “series” and then found a better solution in one product: the Leaves In Bags system. This fabulous contraption not only holds the leaves and the bags, but has this nifty shovel that is so much easier to use than the big plastic hands. (However, the big hands did make leaf removal a bit like being in the circus. LOL!) This may be the perfect gift for the back-broken leaf wrangler in your family.

Posted on 27 Nov 2006 by Anne B.

Beat the Leaves, Part 2: Poly Leaf Scoops

Okay, for the second installment of my series on lawn refuse removal techniques and gifts, I’ve chosen the Poly Leaf Scoops to go along with my Port-A-Sac Lawn Bag Holder. In my quest to make my job of leaf disposer a little easier, I found these huge green alien suckers that are like 10 times the size of my own hands. The rake is never easy to use when putting the leaves into the refuse container (bag, can, whatever), and I’m tired of scraping our snow shovel against the driveway to pick up the leaves. My personal philosophy is that the grab is more efficient than the scoop. Hence, the Poly Leaf Scoops.

Posted on 20 Nov 2006 by Anne B.

Beat the Leaves, Part 1: Port-A-Sac Lawn Bag Holder

My husband’s favorite time of year is Autumn. I don’t know why—we spend every weekend on the lawn raking up the leaves. Well, I for one have had it!! He’s out of town for the second Fall in 3 years, and it’s up to me to get the leaves picked up and tossed. I’m only 5’3 so the big garbage cans aren’t exactly easy for me to fill and then dump into a huge lawn bag! I’m fracked, as they say on Battlestar Galactica!! (Sorry, I hope that wasn’t too cultish or crass.) Anyway, my goal is to beat the leaves without them beating me. I’m going to have to haul these suckers away from my grass during nap times, so time is of the essence. My first solution is to get something in which to put the leaves, hence the Port-A-Sac Lawn Bag Holder from The Container Store via Amazon.com. Stay tuned next week for part 2 of how I beat the leaves!!

Posted on 13 Nov 2006 by Anne B.

The Nike+iPod Sport Kit

If you know of a runner, then the Nike+iPod Sport Kit is the newest gadget to get him or her! I’ve run 3 marathons (not fast, mind you, but I finished—yea!), and I wish that I had this package when I had run them. This combination, although the kit runs at $29 or less, can be a little pricey if you don’t already own the Nike+ shoes and the iPod Nano. But I think ultimately this is worth it!! So, if you know of someone who is trying to get into shape and who also loves music, then this is the package to get for Christmas and New Year’s combined (you know the whole resolution thing?).

Posted on 16 Oct 2006 by Anne B.

DVD Covers">D Skin DVD Covers

We just got back from an interstate driving trip. And, I’m embarrassed to say that I don’t know what we would’ve done without the portable DVD player in the car. Honestly, for a 9 hour car trip where the kids are strapped in the entire time (I don’t remember having to do this in our big conversion van—we were all over the place when I was growing up!), the movies are the way to go. But how do you keep the DVDs “safe” while you’re changing them out and throwing things all over the car? D Skin is the answer!

Posted on 25 Sep 2006 by Anne B.

Sierra Outdoor Ventless Fireplace

Fall is coming here in Southern California which means cooler evenings. We love to grill dinner and sit outside to enjoy the cool evening air. But as Fall approaches the evenings end early as the cool air drives us inside too soon.

Posted on 20 Sep 2006 by Anne W.

Spa Shower Mat

As I said yesterday, with 2 small kids, a husband I adore and 2 businesses finding the time to enjoy a bubble bath is virtually impossible. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to find ways to relax.

Posted on 14 Sep 2006 by Anne W.

Assorted Brownie Tray

My birthday is speeding into reality very soon. I know my family loves me. And as a mother and wife, but if I want a birthday cake, I am probably gonna have to bake it myself. Now I like cake, but I don’t love it. So I rarely bother. My family makes a big enough celebration without the cake.

Posted on 6 Sep 2006 by Anne W.

“First Day of School” Frame">“First Day of School” Frame

I have pictures from the first day of school for each of my kids. It is a momentous day. It’s a rite of passage, every year, and especially the first year. The first year of preschool, kindergarten, elementary, jr. high and even college, each year measures the passage of time as your child grows up. And such special occasions should be captured and framed appropriately.

Posted on 31 Aug 2006 by Anne W.

Moving Day Housewarming Gift Basket

As a military family, we move a bunch. But we also see many other families always on the move, as well. Our good friends just moved to Texas and decided to build their house rather than purchase a “used” one. Now, when you buy a house from someone, you hope that the previous owners kept a good log of all improvements or problems with the home in case you, yourself, have issues with the house. With this in mind, I wanted to get our friends a Housewarming gift basket that would not only show that we cared, but one that was functional, too. And Gifts By Delivery had just the item I wanted to send: the Moving Day Housewarming Gift Basket.

Posted on 21 Aug 2006 by Anne B.

Plate Caddy

We had a BBQ last night at my house and took out the Plate Caddies for everyone to use. They were such a hit that I wanted you all to know what a wonderful and useful product this is. I can’t tell you how many parties I’ve been to where I have to try and juggle (and this is truly what you do when that drink starts to fall) my plate, silverware, a napkin and eat all at the same time. Well, at my house, you will never have to do this again, because we have the Plate Caddy at your service!! The caddies come with a hole to put your silverware, napkin, and even a little colored tee that identifies that plate as yours! Very clever!

Posted on 1 Aug 2006 by Anne B.

Bottom Line Secrets

Do you know someone who seems to know it all? Or do you want to be that person? My suggestion for both is to order a subscription to Bottom Line Personal Secrets. This newsletter of sorts has various tidbits of information that can save you money, time, and headaches regarding issues about everything from grocery shopping to sleeping to road safety.

Posted on 10 Jul 2006 by Anne B.

Action Sampler Camera

Even if you aren’t a photography fanatic, you’ll love this camera, simply for it’s simplistic mechanisms! I’m no Richard Avedon, but I love to take pictures to capture the moment. As the mom of two young ones, I always want to have a camera handy for that memorable moment that needs to be made into instant history. Along my travels, I found this little doozy in a neat gallery shop in Brooklyn last year. The Action Sampler Camera is an incredible gift for the photography enthusiast, scrapbook maker, or amateur historian in your life. The no-frills, non-automatic device uses four lenses to portray a collage of action shots, each about a quarter of a second apart. The results are artistic and interesting depending upon who or what your subject is.

Posted on 3 Jul 2006 by Anne B.

FresherLonger Miracle Food Storage

Well Summer is here and it always reminds me of the huge garden that we planted every year when I was a teenager living on the farm. I crave fresh vegetables, the kind of freshness that you just can’t get in the grocery stores. Oh they try, but the vegetables and fruit are all picked unripe and shipped so they will “ripenâ€? in-transit. But usually they arrive less than their full beauty. So I eagerly await the new growing season and I make jaunts to the Farmer’s Market for the freshest fruits and vegetables available. But once you have them at home, how do you keep them fresh? And this question really extends to all food at home.

Posted on 21 Jun 2006 by Anne W.

Teeter Hang-Ups

Oh dear, my back has been killing me lately. Too much sitting and not enough of my normal work out routines….what I would really like is about 15 minutes hanging upside just to loosen up my back.

Posted on 20 Jun 2006 by Anne W.

Digital Photo Frame

I love my digital camera. And I love taking pictures of my children. So needless to say, I have a lot of pictures. And I would love to be able to display them without having to print them out (or send them out for printing) and then framing. Well you get the picture.

Posted on 6 Jun 2006 by Anne W.

Hot Dog Roller for the Grill

Happy Memorial Day everyone! As a military spouse, I am proud to be writing a post on this day of remembrance for those men and women who have fought and are currently fighting for democracy and for our freedom. But I also thought that I would promote what most people do during Memorial Day: GRILLING! The newest, coolest gadget I’ve seen in awhile is the Hot Dog Roller from Red Envelope. It’s a great gadget for today or a great gift for Father’s Day—June 18th!

Posted on 29 May 2006 by Anne B.

Hey I am still on vacation, and as such, I am only thinking about yummy things to eat. So here’s one for all your popcorn lovers and chocolate lovers all rolled up in one.

Posted on 24 May 2006 by Anne W.

Peaceful Progression Alarm Clock

Hmm, I love to sleep in. Just ask my husband. But life marches on and I have to get up early enough to get it all done. Breakfast, pack lunches, showered, kids dressed, oh yes, me dressed too, beds made, dishes done. And then we are off to start the day.

Posted on 17 May 2006 by Anne W.

Dinner My Way

Happy Mother’s Day to all those moms out there reading this. I wish I’d gotten this entry in before today, but being a mom myself of two small children, life and its exercises often get away from me. But Dinner My Way is a company and concept that saved my life after my son was born in February, and if your husband forgot to honor you, as a mother, today, then let him read this entry SOON!

Posted on 14 May 2006 by Anne B.

Photo Book from Kodak.com

This month, I’m all about the Mother’s Day gifts, because it is up to us ladies to guide our men to the gifts and keepsakes that we want. Raise your hand if your husband has ever gone to the drugstore the night before your birthday, Christmas, or Mother’s Day to buy you a gift. Mine is raised, and, boy, was I upset about it—not because I didn’t like the gift, but because it showed that my husband had failed to really put some thought into what the special day was supposed to mean. So, for all of you men out there that are now mad at me for dumping on you, I AM HERE TO HELP YOU FIND THE BEST GIFT FOR YOUR MOTHER OR WIFE FOR MOTHER’S DAY. One great option is to create a photo book at Kodak.com.

Posted on 1 May 2006 by Anne B.

Vincci Wine Opener

As a part-time wine connoisseur, albeit still a novice one at that, I look around at all the various wine paraphernalia in great wonder. My kitchen drawer contents consist of three different wine openers. And its become apparent that without any awareness of it, I have been on the great search for a new and unique wine opener.

Posted on 25 Apr 2006 by Anne W.

Forest Faces

Spring is definitely here in Southern California and everything is in bloom. The gardener in me is alive and singing. So when perusing my usual gardening spots, I found these forest faces and fell in love. I have half a dozen people to whom I will send these as a “Spring is here gift!â€?

Posted on 19 Apr 2006 by Anne W.

Garage Vacuum

Its Spring and cleaning is in the air too. Our garage is filled with the needle like leaves from a tree in our front yard. And the car and the truck are in need of a good cleaning. All things my husband prefers to do by hand. He and kids run around scrubbing and wiping and generally making a good mess and having a good time. The cars get clean, but the people need a bath afterward.

Posted on 18 Apr 2006 by Anne W.

Grill Fork/Thermometer with Rapid Read Tip

Its spring here in Southern California. Woohoo! And we can’t wait to start grilling again. My hubby is master of the grill. He loves grilling up something yummy for dinner. But like most grill masters he asks the age old question, “Is this done?â€?

Posted on 11 Apr 2006 by Anne W.

Flickr Pro — Give the Gift of Service

I’m a bit of a shutterbug. It comes with the territory: my art degree involved a lot of photography and I also am a parent, which means that when my daughter sneezes funny, I want to take a picture. Couple that with living in a city full of fascinating architecture and you’ve got a Tina who takes her camera everywhere. When Flickr, an internet photo sharing application, debuted, I signed up immediately.

Posted on 31 Mar 2006 by Tina V.

Ionic Breeze Quadra

Ahhh, Spring time – and all of my allergies are back with a vengeance. My saving grace is our Ionic Breeze Quadra air purifier. I absolutely adore it. I had seen all the infomercials on it and a friend had one and loved hers. So when we moved to a new location and my allergies were kicking in and now my children had them too. I knew I had to do something to keep the air as clean as I could in our house.

Posted on 21 Mar 2006 by Gadget Guru

MP Digital Camera">Canon PowerShot A80 4 MP Digital Camera

Ok, I am not a techie, nor do I play one on television. So I am not going to give you long run down of all the bells and whistles of this camera. We did a lot of research when we purchased our digital camera, but after awhile, the numbers and acronyms just start running together. So we went to our favorite electronics store and asked around. We held several cameras of the big name and some smaller names too. We finally settled on the Canon PowerShot A80. This is one decision about technology that we have never regretted. We have a couple of wonderful and photogenic kids (you expected me to say something different?) In every situation, our little photographic genie has performed above our expectations. In fact, there is a lot this camera can do that we may never even get around to figuring out. There is a great book that comes with the camera and there are tons of online resources for learning how to get the most out of your Canon PowerShot A80 So as we all know pricing for cameras and other techies things changes rapidly. As of the time of posting, Amazon had this wonderful camera at $250.00 with free shipping. I think that’s a smoking deal.

Posted on 14 Mar 2006 by Gadget Guru

Game Blast

Do you play computer games? Well, millions of Americans do, so you are not alone if you do. And if you don’t, maybe you should. I do. My husband does. My kids do too and they are under 5. The hardest part is finding the right game and games can be expensive too.

Posted on 7 Mar 2006 by Anne W.

SS925 Storm Station">Black & Decker SS925 Storm Station

This is an All-in-one Rechargeable Power Source/Radio/Light for when those times when the lights go out. I lived a lot of years in the tornado alley in the Midwest and then moved to hurricane central in Florida for a couple of years and now I live in earthquake prove Southern California. I remember many times when the lights would go and we would scramble for the candles and matches, which we always had set aside for just such occasions. I have discovered the value of being prepared. So if you are looking to give a gift to someone who loved to be prepared for those times when the lights go out, take a good look at this Storm Station. It is a great help to have some light and power to assist with those little appliances that require electricity (like a cell phone charger). This unit has a detachable and rechargeable flashlight, an integral room light that illuminates the immediate area, a 25 watt power sources to operate low wattage devices, an AM/FM/TV Audio/Weather-Band Radio. And best of all, when the lights go out, if the Storm Station is left plugged into an electrical socket, the built-in locator light will automatically turn on and assist you in finding the unit. This great gift of a Black & Decker Storm Station is $99 at Amazon.

Posted on 21 Feb 2006 by Gadget Guru

Romantic Message in a Bottle

Valentines is around the corner and love is in the air. There are so many different ways to say “I Love Youâ€?. This is one special way of sharing your love that he/she will never forget.

Posted on 8 Feb 2006 by Anne W.

Because of You Custom Frame

Valentine’s Day is a great day to give a wonderful gift that will remind them of you all year round. Photographs make a great gift and what could be better than a wonderful custom frame that says how you feel about them too!

Continue Reading →

Posted on 29 Jan 2006 by Anne W.

Valentine’s Keepsake Wine

I found these delightful personalized keepsake wines, perfect for your special someone for Valentines Day. I had a friend who was an avid wine imbiber, quite the connoisseur. She had traveled the California and French wine country extensively. Her small wine cellar was filled with a small number of wines, of which she knew the exact details of when and where each was acquired. Now there aren’t that many true connoisseurs, but for special occasions, you really should remember the wine. What a better way to remember the wine, than to have the bottle forever?

Posted on 28 Jan 2006 by Anne W.