Kitchen tools - Chef's knife

I recently got this new Chicago Cutlery chef's knife. I was pleasantly surprised by how sharp it was straight from the packaging. I usually have a hard time finding sharp knives within my budget. This one was very affordable -coming in around $25. I have another knife from Pampered Chef that I also like because it has a semi-locking case. I take that with us camping or to parties where I need to bring a knife with for chopping. The case just makes it so convenient to do so. This Chicago Cutlery Chef's knife is all one piece of stainless steel so I don't worry about particles or water getting trapped in between the various parts and destroying the knife. It fits nicely in my hand and is not too heavy and not too light. It was one of those times where you go "out on a limb" and buy something and actually DON'T regret it. What's your favorite chef's knife and what did it cost?

Health and Beauty - salves

Our family has tried many different health and beauty products over the years. One that we return to time and time again and actually pack in our diaper bag to take when we leave the house is Miracle Salve from www.beeyoutiful.com . It is made from natural herbs and bee products and works like a charm to reduce swelling of bumps and bruises and insect bites and instantly relieves pain. I've used it on those goose-egg welts kids get when they bonk their head on something and watch the swelling go down in front of my eyes. Once my mother was there to see it happen and was so shocked at how well it worked she went home and bought a stock of it for her own medicine cabinet. I bring it with me all summer for mosquito and yellow jacket stings/bites. It works better than anything else we've tried and the kids run for it when they need it because it works so well. We love this product and the wholesome ingredients it contains!

books on... Gardening

One of the best books I have come across so far on the subject of gardening is : The Farmer's Wife Guide to Growing a Great Garden and Eating From it, Too! by Barbara Doyen. She also has one that is delegated primarily to fruits and berries. This book is written in a very simple and clear format that makes the novice gardener feel empowered and assured. It is also divided down by vegetable so is an easy go-to book for trouble-shooting or quick reference. I could never part with my copy and have given it as a gift because I know others will find it useful! Any other suggestions on good gardening books? What makes it a winner in your mind?

toy box/ottoman

We purchased this collapsable toy box/ottomon for our girls' room at Big Lots. It was under 15 dollars. We found it in the college dorm section in late summer early fall when all those type of things are out. It has been a huge space-saving solution for us and I will be looking for another this year. It has a division inside in the toy box part which makes sorting toys a little easier. The cushiony seat top gives the girls extra seating in their small room. It was a way more functional and affordable option for us than anything else I've seen online since.

Kitchen: Double-Oven

I get asked a lot if I like owning my Maytag Gemini double-oven. I always say that I do. It's true. I enjoy the ability to cook so many things at once and at different temperatures. The only downsides I could mention are that the bottom oven is so low to the floor that I always have to squat to put things in or out and I imagine that would be very challenging for an elderly person or someone with an injury or chronic pain. Also, the bottom door tends to open very rapidly and often slams on the feet of anyone standing in front of it. I have to watch my littlest ones that they don't pull on the oven door at all while they are in the kitchen as it will open right up on them and it is a little more of a "lure" since the handle is more at their line of sight. If I could improve this product at all it would be to make that bottom door a little more slow opening. Overall I really enjoy my oven and would buy it again if given the chance though. :-)

Food : kid snacks

Pepperidge Farms *Goldfish* crackers seem to have been a kid-favorite for as long as I can remember. I have to give the company a little pat-on-the-back as a Mom because I noticed on the package that they are now using all natural dyes. That is important to me as a Mom. I don't know the costs of the switch but I am glad they did it. Our purchases in the store are almost like "votes". That's our voice in Consumerland. I am pleased that this company has heard that we desire to feed our children a little better. :-)

kid stuff: learning calendar

My 5 year old boy received this Melissa & Doug learning calendar for Christmas. I really appreciate its simple design and kid-friendliness. They did a good job. It is all magnetic so it is reusable - that's a major PLUS as far as I'm concerned. Also, the magnets for holidays and activities aren't overly whimsical so it doesn't distract the child and can be used for boys or girls. I am very glad he got this as I know we will pass it down to the girls and get a lot of use out of it!

Kitchen Stuff: Cool Salad Bowl

With a gift card my husband got me for Christmas I purchased this new salad bowl. It is called the: Lock & Lock Salad to Go Serving Bowl with Divider and Lid
It holds ice in the bottom and has a little covered dip container in the middle of the removable divider as well as a tight locking lid with a carrying handle. I LOVE multi-purpose things like this and it is also affordable - under $24.00 in most places that carry it. You gotta love items that make bringing fresh food to gatherings even easier! To top it off the box says it is microwave and dishwasher safe!

Food: yogurt for kids

Go-Gurt brand yogurt has recently begun a line called "Simply". They market it as a better option because of having no high fructose corn syrup or artificial dyes. This is now the only brand of those kid yogurt tubes that we buy.

music for kids

This is one of the best music CDs for kids I have come across. It is called : An Angel in my Arms by Serene and Pearl It is by Above Rubies productions at www.aboverubies.org
Not only do the lyrics and melody help sing my little ones to sleep, but even my husband says he loves to have it playing at night. It is very calming and peaceful. Don't know what I ever did without it!

Infant Footwear

Ah! My first product review. :-) I recently purchased this pair of infant skidproof shoes from Burlington Coat Factory. They are called SkidDERS. I found the sizing on them to be easier to understand than the more popular "Robeez" brand and they were definately more affordable. The bottoms are like little rubber cleats and therefore very slip-proof. The only downside we have noticed so far is that although the tight elastic top prevents my daughter from kicking them off, they are a wee bit tighter than I would optimally like. Not really a complaint though as she doesn't seem to mind at all. I can honestly say she keeps them on longer than any other socks and/or shoes she owns.

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