Craft Subscription

Know someone who likes to make things? Get them Craft magazine. Issued quarterly, Craft is full of things that aren’t tea-cozy patterns. Seriously, it’s a fun magazine.

Posted on 26 Oct 2007 by Tina V.

“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.

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.

Spa Massage Bath Pillow

I have this huge garden tub that I admire while I step into the shower every morning. With two small kids, the idea of finding the time to enjoy a long hot bubble bath seems daunting. But I have my hopes.

Posted on 13 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.

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.

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.

Sudoku Puzzleboard

While we were on vacation last month, my wonderful in-laws came and stayed with our kids. What a great time we had too. But that’s not what we are talking about here.

Posted on 14 Jun 2006 by Anne W.

Menscience Advanced Shaving Kit

It’s coming up to Father’s Day And of course, some of us will be running around til the end trying to figure out what to get that special man in your life. Just remember that Father’s Day is the one day of the year where we get to pamper Papa and one of the best ways to pamper him is to pamper his face, that adorable, handsome, funny face.

Posted on 7 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.

Ashton Cigar Humidor

Father’s day is around the corner. And while it’s not politically correct these days to promote smoking (and as an ex-smoker – I don’t promote it), let’s face it some still smoke. And for those cigar smokers having a really nice humidor is a thing of joy.

Posted on 31 May 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.

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.

Light Wedge

I love to read, but I hardly have time any more except just before bed. And I love reading in bed, but I love my husband more. So I don’t want to read in bed if he’s sleeping, the light would keep him awake. So when I found the Light Wedge, I loved it immediately.

Posted on 5 Apr 2006 by Anne W.

Garden Bouquet of Cookies for Easter from Gifts by Delivery

When people think about sending something to a family member or friend for Easter, most people’s thoughts go directly to flowers or chocolate bunnies. However, I always want to find that gift that is away from the norm, but still shows that I care about the gift recipient. I can always find that at Gifts By Delivery. This year for Easter, I’m going to stay away from the flowers and go for the stomach with the Garden Bouquet of Cookies, one of many gourmet gifts from http://www.giftsbydelivery.com. These incredible gourmet treats are shipped the same day they are baked and come in an adorable tin that exemplifies Spring. I know that my family and friends will appreciate the thought and the food as they celebrate the new life of the season.

Posted on 3 Apr 2006 by Anne B.

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.

Key Cassette

Ok, due to a life situation (military family) we have moved a lot in the last several years, including 4 cross country moves in that last 4 years. And some of our stuff has not made each trip, so we have storage units, a home that we still own in one town, cars, 4 houses. Well you get the idea, we have had a lot of keys to keep track of. And I am a systems lover, I always want just the thing to help me keep things organized.

Posted on 1 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

Omron Digital Premium Pedometer

I live in Southern California and it’s been so beautiful. It’s especially so since I walk for exercise. I usually walk about 4-6 miles a day, with my kids in tow in my double jogging stroller. I sit a lot because I work on the internet most of the day and into the evening, when I am not running after my kids. I take my exercise seriously and so I tend to buy the best equipment I can find. So when I went looking for a pedometer so I could measure my progress, I was very pleased when I found this one: the Omron Digital Premium Pedometer. Since I have a double jogger using an odometer proved difficult to attach and still be able to fold the jogger down. So I needed a pedometer. This one features the ability to measure steps even while attached to my belt clip which is great since I need to keep both hands on the stroller as I walk up and down the hills of Southern California. Yep its really hilly here. Check it out. This make a great gift for someone who’s trying to get in shape or someone who loves to exercise. Amazon has this for under $22. Omron Digital Premium Pedometer.

Posted on 10 Feb 2006 by Anne W.

XOXO Boxers">Valentines XOXO Boxers

XOXO - the sign of hugs and kisses and a perfect sign for Valentines Day. So it’s that time of year again and you have got to come up with something for your man. There are tons of run of the mill gifts, like cigars, or a bottle of wine. Don’t get me wrong, those are great gifts but sometimes a little sexy humor just sets a better tone. So when I ran across these XOXO boxers I immediately knew they would make a great Valentines Day gift.

Posted on 2 Feb 2006 by Anne W.

Amerikilt

Do you know a man who’s a little punk rock but still fairly traditional? Not in that tie-sporting, oxford shirt and khaki sort of way, but in the Caber-tossing, stout drinking sense of things. A real man who’s not afraid to don a kilt to watch a soccer match or listen to some Social Distortion. If so, an AmeriKilt may be right up his alley.

Posted on 22 Jan 2006 by Tina V.