Monthly Reviews: Melissa And Doug Kitchen – Musical Table – Weber Grill Pan – Electric Insect Killer – Kettle Cover

Melissa And Doug Kitchen: Fun For The Kids

The Melissa and Doug Deluxe Kitchen offers outstanding design features and solid-wood construction that will provide your children with years of serious kitchen fun. Although a bit pricey, this is a Melissa And Doug Kitchen set that has few rivals in terms of safety features, durability, and overall design. Recommended for children three years and older, this kitchen includes a stove top, refrigerator and freezer, see-through oven, microwave, sink, and plenty of storage space. Before you invest in this set, be prepared for four or more hours of set-up time. To assemble this Deluxe Kitchen Set, you’ll be asked to connect over 30 separate sold-wood pieces together with more than 170 nuts, bolts, screws and hinges. Don’t panic! The good news is that the instructions couldn’t be any easier to follow. If you know how to use a screwdriver and a hex key, you can do it. (A power screwdriver would speed things up quite a bit.) You’ll also want a second set of hands on call due to the set’s weight–the finished product weighs over 90 pounds.

Musical Table: Music Learning Table

Provide a world of learning and musical fun for your child with the LeapFrog Learn & Groove Musical Table. Designed for children ages six months to three years, this innovative toy is chock full of learning and musical activities designed to provide visual and auditory stimulation and motor skill development, as well as opportunities to learn about colors, the alphabet, and opposites for older children — and much more. The Musical Table sturdy, plastic-molded, brightly colored table sits flat on the floor for babies to play at while sitting. You can attach the table’s legs to adjust it to accommodate toddlers’ play while standing. And it offers plenty of activities at different levels of learning to keep your child entertained for these early developmental years. Your child will delight in spinning the maraca to hear a fun rendition of the ABC song; playing the colored piano keys to practice motor skills and learn about colors; moving the trombone’s slide to count to 10; and sliding the cello to learn about up and down.

Weber Grill Pan: Only The Best For Grilling

Other have done an excellent job reviewing this Weber Grill Pan and after using this pan for a week, I concur that- 1. This Weber grilling pan easily gets dirty but cleans up reasonably well with an SOS pad. Be sure to have a box on-hand, you will need them! 2. Get accustomed to the pan having a dark used look. Once used it will never be shiny. 3. I have used the pan on very, very high heat and it did not warp. Allow it to air cool after use. I would guess immersion in water if hot could warp the pan. 4. The Weber Grill Pan is much more expensive than other models. I saw a Ducane model at half the price but it had no reviews. I bought the Weber pan based on the name and good reviews. 5. I did not go with a non-stick model out of concerns for the non-stick surface chipping and getting into food. For me, it is hard to believe that a non-stick surface could survive bbq’ing for long. The size of the slits in this pan do block a lot of heat, so cooking meat and fish takes a little longer than if directly on the grill. Fish fillets turned out beautiful and stayed intact. I used PAM for BBQ’s and the sticking was not an issue.

Electric Insect Killer: No More Bugs

Since my central air conditioner broke, we had to install window units and this led to bugs coming in the house. Especially at night time. After days of being too scared to sleep during the night, I decided that I had to do something. I had tried turning an outside light on so the bugs would be attracted to that instead of the light in my room. That gave me the idea to find an electric bug killer. So I did my research and found that electric insect killer was a good price and it had high reviews so I ordered it and was so excited when it came in the mail. I’ve been completely satisfied with it. The electric insect killer attracts bugs and mosquitoes so well. I’ve noticed that the bugs aren’t swarming around the street light anymore since they’re more attracted to the light from the Flowtron. I haven’t had one mosquito bite since I installed it and there are no more bugs crawling around my room or in my house at night. Whether it is the light that attracts the mosquitoes, or it’s the unit itself, the point is that it really does kill mosquitoes. The Flowtron even comes with a scented cartridge to insert under the lightbulb, but I haven’t had to use it.

Kettle Cover: Protect Your Grill

The deliciously cooked foods Weber grills produce are reason enough to keep yours clean and protected year-round with a weather-resistant Weber kettle grill cover. This kettle cover hangs almost all the way to the ground, providing protection for the legs and lower portion of the grilling unit. Like all Weber grill covers, this one is made of heavy-duty vinyl that resists cracking even in subzero temperatures. It fits Weber 22-1/2-inch kettle grills. As I said in my review of the grill this cover is made for, I am not the kettle griller in the family, my husband is, so I actually bought this for him. We have had grill covers in the past, that are made of flimsy material, or even a bit too big for the grill they supposedly fit, so I figured this one would be the same and we were just paying for the weber name. Apparently I was wrong, It fits snugly, so getting it on takes a bit of patience, but the material is strong and seems very durable. This is our fourth grill in the 12 years we have been married, so I want this one to last…this cover seems like it will do a great job protecting our investment!

Weekly Recommendations: Imagination Desk – Playhut Playground – Rusk Flat Iron – Dual Voltage Flat Iron – Dead Sea Soap – Euphoria Perfume

Leapfrog Imagination Desk: Learning For Kids

Here’s another great LeapFrog innovation that lets children play and learn at the same time. The Leapfrog Imagination Desk teaches kids letters, numbers, phonics, counting, and vocabulary on a lively multimedia desk. As a child colors in the pages, they come to life with characters, games, and music that teach letters, colors, and other preschool skills. Three engaging modes (learn, game, and music) offer tons of variety for kids as they play, extending both the fun and appeal of the desk. The set includes the interactive learning desk, the "Let’s Learn Letters" coloring book, and crayons. The unit features volume control, storage for templates and supplies, and a carrying handle. It uses four AA batteries (not included).

Playhut Magic Playground: Maze For Kids

The Playhut Magic Playground is a wonderful maze of adventures! It connects one large structure, two cubes, two tunnels, basketball hoops, a target toss, a soccer goal and putting ramp for tons of crawling, hiding, shooting, tossing and kicking play. It’s great for indoor or outdoor use. Parents will love the easy set-up with patented EZ twist technology. It includes five separate play structures. It includes a basketball hoop and an open top for pop-up fun. Two tunnel ports provide crawl-through fun. The Sports Cube has a panel that converts to putting ramp and a soccer goal. Two tunnel ports provide crawl-through fun. With the Small Cube, you’ll aim for targets on top for high-scoring points. Two tunnel ports provide crawl-through fun.

Rusk Flat Iron: High Standards

Rusk’s Professional Str8 Irons Infused with CTC (ceramic titanium complex) TechnologyTM are manufactured to meet the high standards of beauty professionals. This Rusk Flat Iron digital ionic str8 iron features Ryton® housing, ceramic heaters and titanium infused ceramic plates for ultimate heat and unprecedented performance results of up to 450°F with LED read out. The lightweight titanium infused ceramic plates utilize CTC technologyTM, which produces even heat transfer from root to ends. These versatile tools straighten and smooth the hair and cuticle helping to preserve internal moisture and leave the hair in optimal condition. These irons are built to withstand salon use and abuse with industrial grade materials and components.

Dual Voltage Flat Iron: Travel Iron

I bought this a few months ago and haven’t looked back. I haven’t straightened my hair since high school about 7 years because I dreaded the 20 minutes it takes to do it. I had an dual voltage flat iron and the curler function didn’t even work. I threw that out and I no longer use the blow dryer to straighten. It takes me on average 5 minutes, as few as 3 minutes. It’s much faster if you wait until your hair is fully dry. You can adjust the heat from 0-30 and it has a turbo option. It truly does heat up in 30 seconds. My old Conair took 7 minutes to heat up. I saw it at CVS for about $20 and decided to check the reviews online. I actually paid less for it online and got free shipping. Perfect solution to straightening hair in no time. I don’t have to keep going over the same section of hair because it usually only takes one time in the iron.

Dead Sea Mud Soap: Minerals Soap

Our All Natural Black Mud Soap contains a unique combination of Dead Sea minerals derived from Dead Sea Mud. This effective mud soap removes dirt and cleanses your skin, while simultaneously infusing it with minerals essential to keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized. Our Dead Sea mud soap is enriched with century old Dead Sea mud, leaving your skin cleansed and nourished. As more people are learning about the healing and beauty effects of black mud from The Dead Sea, this soap is becoming a very popular choice for skin care conscious people. Then this little bar of soap came in the mail, and little did I know at the time, that it would be the foundation for a complete 360 in my life. The Dead Sea Mud Soap what can I say about it? On my first day of use my oily skin became normal and glowing, the redness of my acne subsided a little, and my face felt generally healthy. In my depression there was suddenly a small glimmer of light. After the first week I was no longer experiencing any more breakouts, and my existing acne was already gone. The light was getting brighter. After a month my face was smooth like a baby again, no more oily skin, and many of my post-marks were fading more quickly than usual. I began talking to girls with confidence again, and I went out with my friends again after nearly 6 months of being a hermit.

Euphoria Perfume: Sensual Scent

Euphoria Perfume by Calvin Klein, Euphoria by calvin klein was introduced in 2005 as a fun, enticing scent for women. The Euphoria Perfume beautiful fragrance starts off with pomegranate, persimmon, and a lovely lush green accord. The heart then blends into a sensual lotus blossom, black orchid which then finishes off with amber, violet, cream and woods. Euphoria is about sexiness, fantasy, and being captivating. Sexy and sensual, euphoria speaks to the woman who has the urge to break free from everyday life – to provocatively be part of an exciting world filled with pleasure, surprise, and temptation. Her fragrance is a contrast between exotic fruits and seductive florals, for a rich, creamy, seductive signature.

Weekly Recommendations: Weber Portable Gas Grill – Scarecrow Sprinkler – Terro Ant Killer – My First Purse – Radio Flyer Pathfinder Wagon

Weber Portable Gas Grill: Outdoor Grilling

As the daylight lingers longer each day, the more carnivorous folk start salivating in anticipation. Barbecue season approaches, liberating meat lovers from the less-flavorful pan-fried steak or bland poached chicken breasts. Likewise, the vegetarians in the family rejoice in the prospect of grilled summer squash or roasted beets and corn, rather than settling for another head of iceberg lettuce and canned beans. For juicy burgers and veggie kabobs at home or at the lake, industry leader Weber offers their portable Q-100 gas grill. The propane grill employs an 8,500-BTU stainless-steel burner to heat its 189-square-inch cooking area. Weber portable gas grill crafted the grill’s lid and body in tough cast aluminum with a sturdy glass-reinforced nylon frame. The grill ignites at the push of a button for reliable lighting, and an infinitely adjustable burner valve with a high-quality regulator makes it easy to control the heat. Meat sizzles on the porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates, while drippings follow the drip ducts to reduce potential flare-ups and enable quicker cleaning.

Scarecrow Sprinkler: Pest Control

The Contech Electronics Scarecrow Motion-Activated Sprinkler presents an innovative, humane way to keep pets and wildlife from disturbing your yard and garden without the use of complicated traps or potentially hazardous chemicals. The Scarecrow Sprinkler combines a surprise spray of water with unexpected motion and noise to create a safe, effective deterrent to unwanted visitors, helping keep your garden looking its best. A huge amount of time and energy goes into keeping your yard and garden looking great, so it’s only natural that you want to protect them from damage caused by hungry wildlife or local dogs and cats. But there are lots of reasons to avoid chemical deterrents, traps, and hazardous electric fences. Whether you’re a dedicated organic vegetable gardener or a parent looking out for the health of children and pets that play in your yard, you’ll appreciate the simple, innovative, and effective water-based concept behind the Scarecrow Motion-Activated Sprinkler. It’s also a great choice for neighborhoods where fences are prohibited and for people who consider wire fences and other visual barriers unappealing.

Terro Ant Killer: Ants Dead Quick

The same proven Terro liquid formulation, in a convenient, pre-filled bait station. The Terro ant killer patented design eliminates handling of chemicals and prevents drying out. I’m very impressed with the product. It worked great! We had ants in numerous areas in the kitchen and they were spreading fast. I put a few of these out and at first the activity seemed to get worse. I guess they could smell the Terro ant bait. At one point we were pretty concerned. The 2nd day the product was out we had what had to be well over 100 ants crawling on the wall behind the stove top and down to the counter where we had one of these open. There must have been a nest in the wall behind the exhaust over the stove. Within hours the activity slowed down and by the next day — they were gone! That was about 2 weeks ago and I haven’t seen an ants since.

My First Purse: Play Time

International Playthings My First Purse In Purple is pleased to carry a collection of brightly colored fun toddler and preschool toys. Each toy is safe and durable with excellent play value – sure to provide children with years of play and tons of fun. The adorable soft, My First Purse includes chunky play lipstick, soft mirror, set of keys, wallet, debit card and portable play phone. This was the My First Purse I searched all over for when my 2 year old wanted her own makeup. (Play makeup is greasy and can damage things just as much as real makeup.) This little playset is perfect because the lipstick is plastic, the items are chunky and the purse is sturdy for holding it all. She loved the kit and didn’t care that it was all fake-she really liked the "wallet" with her own "credit card"! I would call this a must-have for toddlers who like to pretend to be grown up.

Radio Flyer Pathfinder Wagon: Kids Love It

The popular Radio Flyer Pathfinder Wagon combines durability, comfort, and safety in a compact package pleasing to both kids and adults. The well-designed, award winning wagon features cup holders and flip-up seats that support children’s backs. The seats can be put down when hauling stuff around. Parents will appreciate the safety belts, storage compartment, and long handle for easy pulling. Radio Flyer Pathfinder Wagon is designed for up to two children ages one and one-half years and older, the Pathfinder also has front axles designed for safe, no-tip turning. Radio Flyer has been making wagons since 1923. Besides good, old-fashioned durability and great design, this solid wagon offers plenty of extras, including cup holders, an extra long handle, and flip-up seats. Safety features such as seat belts and non-tip turning are popular features for parents. The roominess of the Pathfinder means you can haul a lot of kids and toys, but beware, when fully loaded, it can get heavy.

Monthly Reviews: Little Tikes T Ball – Apples To Apples Party Box – My Pillow Pets – T3 Flat Iron – Oil Free Facial Moisturizer – Desert Essence Face Wash

Little Tikes T Ball: Baseball Fun

The Little Tikes T Ball set is always a great investment. However, if your child aspires to become the next Alex Rodriguez or Ryan Howard, then the T Ball Set is the perfect choice. The T Ball Set from Little Tikes is a great introduction to America’s Pastime and will also help improve basic batting skills along with motor skills and coordination. The Little Tikes toy is kid friendly with plastic balls and bats. T Ball is a fun intro to baseball, so provide him with his own tee and ball. The balls are also a bit heavier than the cheaper solid balls, which also lends to its durability. The down sides are that the base isn’t all that heavy, and therefore, in grass, it’s a bit hard to get it to sit securely. Also, as mentioned, I think it’s a bit too tall for littler kids and there’s not a whole lot of adjustment for it. The height adjustment is only about 1", so I think he will outgrow it soon, but overall a very nice product.

Apples To Apples Party Box: Party Fun

Apples to Apples is an award-winning party game that will have everyone laughing. We had a blast playing this game and think it is a perfect game for a "board game night" with friends and family. It is quick to set up, easy to learn, challenging, and a whole lot of fun. Apples To Apples Party Box has won numerous awards including "Party Game of the Year" by Games magazine and "Mensa Select" by Mensa International. And for good reason: it involves quick thinking, humor, and strategy. For teens, the game teaches them to think about how different things can be compared to one another and how analogies are formed. One of our criticisms is that although the game states that it is designed for ages 12 and older, many of the subjects are clearly for older teens. Part of the fun is in standing up for your choices. For instance, you might discuss why you think "Regis Philben" is painful, or segue into a discussion of the embarrassing situations you got into on your first day of school, or your first kiss. Apples to Apples excels as an ice breaker and promotes a good amount of social interaction, as many conversations will be kick started thanks to these little cards.

My Pillow Pets: Children Love It

Few things compare to the comfort and companionship of a soft, cuddly plush stuffed animal. My Pillow Pets plush folding stuffed animals add true function to that warm and wonderful feeling by combining the security of a stuffed animal with the functionality of a pillow. Made of high quality, super soft chenille, Pillow Pets plush folding stuffed animals make the most precious snuggle pals for you or your loved ones. An ideal naptime companion – not to mention a comforting partner on road trips or airplane rides – Pillow Pets plush folding stuffed animals are anything but just another stuffed animal. Extremely versatile, these unique creations are the stuffed animal version of Transformers. Close the strap across their bellies and you have friendly, comforting pets. Open the strap and the pet becomes a comfortable pillow! Even more, Pillow Pets plush folding stuffed animals are so soft you’ll think you’re hugging a real fur coat! A pillow and a pet – all in one – Pillow Pets plush folding stuffed animals keep the companionship alive, even when your child sleeps.

T3 Flat Iron: Ceramic Iron

The T3 Duality series of flat irons are uniquely made to straighten or curl, whether you want to go glam with sleek, straight locks or wow with sweet luscious curls, it is now in one highly sophisticated styling tool. Unlike ordinary ceramic hair straighteners, the T3 Duality professional flat irons will give your hair virtually any desired shape, while the negative ionic properties of tourmaline promote exceptional hair health. Now with T3 Flat Iron the magic you want is only one iron away. T3 Tourmaline 1 3/8 inches flat iron has 1 3/8 inches wide plates, which provide the most versatility. This all-purpose iron works superbly on all hair types. Eliminates frizz; emits the most negative ions and far infrared heat of any ceramic flat iron.

Oil Free Facial Moisturizer: No Breakouts

I’ve used this oil free facial moisturizer for about 10 years now, and couldn’t be happier with it. I have combination oily/dry skin, and I had problem skin through to my late 20s. After many trials, this was the best moisturizer I could find that properly moisturized my skin (protecting it against Canada’s cold) and didn’t cause more breakouts. In fact it kept my skin soft and supple enough for the blemishes to heal quickly. Now I’m in my 30s and living in the tropics, and I’m still happy with it; the SPF factor is essential for my daily routine, as I prefer to use the heavier sunblocks only when I’m out in the sun for prolonged periods as it really clogs my pores. After five years of living 10 degrees north of the equator, my skin has held up remarkably well, with few signs of aging. I also like the fragrance-free lotion, as I find today’s products are all too heavily scented, and I pay good money for actual perfume already. I’ve tried far more expensive moisturizers, and I still keep coming back to this one. Highly recommended.

Desert Essence Face Wash: Whas Your Face Daily

I’ve used Desert Essence Face Wash in the past with successful results, but for whatever reason, I often stray from its use to others (mostly out of a poorly placed sense of exploration). However, no other face wash has performed to the same degree that this product has. It does have a very pungent aroma, which thankfully doesn’t last beyond the washing stage (it doesn’t linger throughout the day like some fragrant soaps can). As a face wash, it has a very liquidy consistency but lathers up very nicely. This seems a prime candidate for those with oily complexions, as the lather could cause dry skin to even further dry out. Where other soaps and washes will leave me feeling greasy by end of day, this one does not. It doesn’t seem to strip my skin of moisture either, which makes the use of a moisturizer unnecessary (a bonus since they tend to cause me to break out).

Daily Roundup: Intex Pool Cover – Brass Grill Brush – Grill Cleaning Brush – Leapfrog Writing Desk – Melissa And Doug Dollhouse – Playhut Luxury House

Intex Pool Cover: Keep The Dirt Out

Intex pool cover is easy set pool cover 8′. Round pool cover. Easy to use. Makes a snug fit over the edge of the pool. Fits 8′ diameter pools. Drain holes to prevent water accumulation your pool with this Intex Easy Set 8′ pool cover. It is designed with a 12" overhang and drain holes to prevent water accumulation. Regarding the holes in the cover they are there a reason. I’m sure if dirt gets in. Try this I went to a craft store and bought a large package of tool. It works the same in your pool as your net when your cleaning Put it on first over your pool. Then put the cover on no bugs or dirt, I have the 8′ft pool which I love. So one pack works great. But I keep a spare just in case. As long as its underneath the cover it works well.

Brass Grill Brush: Grilling Today

Cleaning your grill is essential because anything left on the grate will cause uneven heat when you cook. But when you’ve finished grilling some savory steaks, burgers, chickens, and veggies, the last thing you want to do is clean up the mess. With this brass grill brush it’s really not so bad. This 12-inch brush/scraper has hardwood handles and brass bristles, so you won’t be left with rusty residue or stubborn leftover grime. When you’re finished, hang the tool by its leather strap until your next outdoor feast. This 12-inch grill brush/scraper features a hardwood handle and brass bristles that don’t rust or leave rusty residue on the cooking grate. Notched scraper set into the handle aids in removing stubborn grate residue.

Grill Cleaning Brush: Grilling Companion

The ultimate grill cleaning brush companion, this hardworking brush uses the power of steam to tackle even the toughest grease and residue buildup. Featuring strong stainless-steel bristles, the unit works aggressively on messes, while protecting cast-iron, steel, and porcelain grill grates from scratching and damage. Simple to use, just fill the handle with tap water and turn the grill on low before scraping. The heat from the grill warms the water, creating steam that effectively loosens crusted foods and returns the grill grates to their original shine. Best of all, the unit’s long handle protects hands from burns and splatters, and its two-sided removable dishwasher-safe head cleans easily and offers both wide and fine bristles, efficiently polishing between even the smallest of spaces. Use the storage hook for hanging the tool when not in use. The grill brush measures approximately 22 by 4 by 6 inches.

Leapfrog Phonics Writing Desk

This Leapfrog Phonics Writing Desk teaches kids the alphabet, letter sounds, letter formation, spelling, and word creation in a fun, interactive format. Kids can choose from six games: letters, a letters quiz, phonics, a phonics quiz, spelling, and "create-a-word." In the letters game, children push a letter to hear its name and see how it is formed on the LCD screen; players can also write their own letters on the "magic" writing screen. In the spelling game, children learn to spell simple words. In the phonics game, children first hear a letter and then are given a short word as an example. Along the way, the always-helpful LeapFrog "coach" offers lots of cheerful hints so children won’t get stuck in any of the exercises. Additional features include an automatic shut-off, an oversize pullout handle, a variety of comical sounds for incorrect answers, and a two-position volume control.

Melissa And Doug Dollhouse: Victorian Style

The Melissa And Doug Dollhouse style has never been so affordable! No detail has been overlooked in the design of this easily assembled wooden dollhouse. Excellent quality and distinctive detailing throughout the interior and exterior of this house will make it an heirloom to be cherished for years to come! My kids play with this a good amount of time. And friends almost all the time play with this. I bought it for my 8 year old, but my 11 year old was the one who got really fascinated with it. I’d say a small child won’t appreciate the beauty of it, but that’s just my opinion. Furniture, as expensive as it is, is beautiful and sturdy, nothing broken yet. We had to glue up one windowsill before assembly that got unglued from the Melissa And Doug Dollhouse , but that was just one thing. They ship it in a sturdy box and there are boxes inside with separate parts wrapped in squishy poly wrap. All in all it’s good value for the money and will last the kids all through the teens. It’s a cool interior decor item later. You’ll need a coffee table for this thing to sit on.

Playhut Luxury House: House Play

Get the whole gang together for playtime fun with the Playhut luxury house. This massive play structure features a house play structure and an open, airy screen room for five feet of fun that can fit up to 16 children. Created from durable and soft non-woven materials, the Luxury House features Playhut’s patented twist-n-fold technology for instant set-up and easy storage, and is ideal for children ages 3 and up. This dream house for tots has tons of space for the whole gang or the full gaggle of toys. EZ Twist technology enables instant set-up of this 2-room toddler palace. Kids love the bold, bright colors and parents love the lightweight portable design. Includes 1 closed playhouse room with door and 1 screened room with door. Made of polyester, mesh and nylon binding with a steel loop. Spot clean. Air dry.

Monthly Reviews: Intex Pool Pump – Repel Repellent – Orbit Timer – Bananagrams Game – Weber Genesis Grill Cover – Step 2 Play Table

Intex Pool Pump: Pump Filter

This is perfect pump upgrades that come packaged with your 16′ or smaller size Intex pool set. Make sure to purchase the needed hose conversion kit. It?s newly improved 2008 model, package complete with valves, hoses, filter cartridge and installation manual. Easy installation – Just hook-up hoses and plug-in. It has a double insulated pump. Air release valve for air trapped inside filter chamber. Sediment flush valve at bottom of filter chamber. Intex 1000 gallon filter pump. Easy installation just hook up the hoses and plug it in. Double insulated pump. Air release valve for the air trapped in pump. Conforms to ul/csa standards. Keeps the water clean . The Intex Pool Pump that I bought as a replacement for an 18 x 4 foot pool – as I was looking for a pump that I could really "vacuum" with. This filter was the ticket. It has ample power and suction to perform my task without a problem. The larger filter is wonderful in that now I no longer have to do the filter cleaning every other day but can go 1-2 weeks!

Repel Insect Repellent: No Deet

Ya know the guy in the crowd who always has the army of bugs flying around his head? That guy is me. I’ve tried everything, sometimes at the same time (not safe, by the way). Yesterday I went on a 5 mile hike on the Appalachian Trail in Northern NJ. Great walk, but there were a million bugs, all of whom told their friends about me. The guy I was walking with told me to try this "deet free" stuff. I kept saying no, until I shared the can of OFF I brought with the crowd at the Rutherford Shelter. They used it up so I figured I’d try the Repel. This stuff is great. The Repel Insect Repellent worked for two solid hours. Probably more, but we were back at the car by then. I’ve just ordered a bunch. Go for it! As a plus, it smells a lot better than the typical stuff, too.

Orbit Water Timer: Easy Installation

The timer is a no brainer as far as programming it goes. It’s very simple and the basics are on the lid that covers the program panel. It does come with a book with more indepth instructions though. You can program it to water Monday-Sunday…..choosing any particular days you wish to water. Or you can choose every 2 days or every 3 days to water. It has the capability to water 4 times a day if you so choose. You can water manually by pushing the manual button and setting a length of time to water at that time and then it shuts off automatically and goes back to "auto run" which is your programmed settings. You can cancel a watering for 24 hours by hitting the "clear" button. After that, it goes back to "auto run". You can stop the watering indefinitely by pushing the "off" button which cancels the "auto run", but that will not cancel out your programmed settings. To use your programmed settings again, just hit "auto run" and you’re good to go. The Orbit Water Timer seems to be sturdy and reliable. *knock on wood* The timer I purchased this Spring is still using the original 9v batteries too and I water every morning.

Bananagrams Word Game: Call Your Friends

Do you like Scrabble but get hung up trying to use those special point squares, are bummed when someone "steals your spot", or dragged down by Debbie Dictionary ("just let me look up this one word") or Slow Joe (who takes 20 minutes for each turn)? Well you would love Bananagrams Word Game, because it solves those problems. There are no special squares (or squares at all), no points on the letters (all are worth the same) and no time to dawdle. You are instead rewarded for speed and flexibility in making your own crossword. You can completely pull apart your crossword and start from scratch if you need to or just swap out a letter here and there, but don’t get caught with a bunch of spare letters when an opponent goes out! It is exciting and challenging to play this game with adults, but it can be fun to include the kids. You can easily adapt the rules to suit yourself. We "handicap" the adults by drawing two tiles for every one the kids draw. You can play solitaire or have several players.

Step 2 Waterwheel Play Table: Water Play

The falling water action from this Step 2 Waterwheel Play Table encourages creative exploration with cause and effect learning. This imaginative water play center encourages hours of outdoor fun. Pour water into the wide funnel, and activate the water wheel which then spills into the inner and outer harbors. Two molded-in sections function as canals, boats, lakes, harbors and more. An elevated design keeps water at toddler level and also keeps ground dirt clear of water and mud from forming on children’s feet. It accommodates up to three children to encourage group play. Two built-in drain plugs allow for easy water removal. The four piece accessory set includes: one cup, two sailboats, and one water wheel tower. Falling water brings interactive excitement to play time! The WaterWheel play table includes boats, a waterwheel, and a cup for pouring, all in an elevated design that keeps children as clean as possible while still encouraging creative water play. Features decorative molded-in fish designs on legs. It can holds up to four gallons of water.

Weekly Recommendations: Propane Fire Pit – Comfortable Fire – Maxforce Ant Bait – Weber Chimney Starter – Weber Grill Cover – Fiskars Pruners

Outdoor Propane Fire Pit: Great For Camping

This Portable Campfire is convenient and portable! Attractive lava rock make a perfect flame for an evening under the stars on the patio or at your favorite camp ground. Bring the fun of camping to your own backyard. The outdoor propane fire pit uses propane to provide a relaxing, intimate, comfortable fire on demand without the mess and fuss of chopping firewood. It’s portable, so you can take it along on your next trip to the park or weekend cabin. Just connect it to your propane tank (sold separately) for hours of golden flames. Pop popcorn, roast hot dogs, make delicious S’mores in minutes. Includes a base, high-pressure burner, 5 ceramic logs, 8 pounds of lava rock, and convenient carrying bag. Stands 6.5 inches tall. 15 inches in diameter. For outdoor use only.

Maxforce Ant Bait: Sweet Formula Of The Bait

Maxforce Ant Killer Bait Gel, with Fipronil, takes advantage of the natural behavior of ants. Foraging worker ants are attracted to the sweet formula of the bait. After consuming the bait the foraging ants will return to the nest and share the bait with the rest of the colony, including the queen(s) in what is known as the Maxforce Domino Effect effectively eliminating the colony. Maxforce Ant Bait offers a long term ant solution in a convenient easy to use application that begins to work in as little as six hours. Maxforce Ant Bait Gel is effective against Argentine, Odorous House, Ghost, Pavement, and Little Black Ants. Ants will carry the bait back to the nest and destroy the colony. You will see fewer ants in 3-5 days. Maxforce Ant Gel provides for the sugar feeding needs of ants. If the ants are foraging for protein as well, it is recommended that a protein-based bait be used in conjunction with the gel bait. Box of 4/ 27 gram tubes.

Weber Chimney Starter: Grilling Fun

Outdoor chefs who prefer grilling the traditional way will find this chimney starter system invaluable. No more waiting around while the charcoal slowly heats up–the Weber Chimney Starter durable aluminized-steel cylinder causes the flames to ignite each briquette quickly and evenly. To get things fired up, simply fill the chimney with briquettes, place crumpled newspaper or Weber Firestarters under the cylinder, and set in a kettle-style grill. A touch of a match through the holes at the bottom starts the fire, and within minutes the grill’s ready to cook up burgers, hot dogs, or whatever’s on the menu. The chimney starter offers an extra-large capacity that can hold enough briquettes for a 22-1/2-inch kettle grill, and its double thermoplastic handle extends outward from a mounted panel to keep hands away from heat. For use on a grill or grate only, the chimney starter measures 7-1/2 by 7-1/2 by 12 inches.

Weber Genesis Grill Cover: Keep The Grill Going

Designed to fit Weber Spirit 200/300 series gas grills and Genesis Silver A/B gas grills, this heavy-duty protective cover keeps the grill clean, dry, and looking like new by reducing its exposure to outdoor elements like wind, rain, snow, dust, and dirt. The Weber Genesis Grill Cover slips on easily, and its fitted center and long sides keep it securely in place. Made of durable vinyl, the unit not only performs well year after year, but it also offers a sleek-looking appearance, complete with the Weber logo, that will nicely compliment any outdoor decor. If you have a Weber Genesis you should definitely spend the extra $20 and get this cover. It will last 3 times as long as the cheap covers and you won’t have to use bungee cords to strap it down. The full-length grill cover measures approximately 25-1/2 by 53 by 50 inches.

Fiskars Pruners: Garden Tools

Produced by a leader in the garden tools market, the Fiskars Pruners bypass pruner is perfect for precise clean cutting of green growth. The pruner features Fiskars’s trademarked PowerGear design, which maximizes leverage for more pruning power for your effort. As you clasp the pruner, the outside handle actually rotates with the gears, an ingenious design that minimizes strain and fatigue while providing impressive results. The replaceable ultrahardened steel blade is designed to stay sharp longer than leading blades, and the handles are made of reinforced nylon engineered for strength and lightness. Fiskars PowerGear tools have been awarded the Arthritis Foundation’s ease-of-use commendation. Designed with comfort in mind, the tool fits perfectly in the hand. With its 3/4-inch cutting capacity, this is definitely a professional quality pruner, but even weekend gardeners can benefit from its fantastic design.