Safety First
1) Learn the best ways to store that hazardous stuff we all keep in the garage: the chemicals, the paint cans and pesticides. Chemicals are the #1 danger in a garage. A lot of people keep pesticides, paints and auto fluids, often in old food containers, which can leak and cause fumes, burns, respiratory problems and fire hazards. Always store such substances in their original containers and out of reach of children, on a high shelf or in a locked cabinet. Chemicals that are poisonous to pets are also a huge problem. Road salt and ice-melt mixtures can get on the paws of cats and dogs and cause diarrhea and vomiting. Antifreeze, in particular, is highly dangerous and can be fatal. It has a sweet smell that attracts pets; as little as 1 tablespoon can kill a cat; half a cup can kill a dog. Be sure to wipe up any spills immediately, and keep antifreeze out of reach of children too.

2) Gas grills often are stored in the garage, complete with their propane tanks. Propane is highly combustible, and when the propane leaks, it’s a gas. You can’t see it, but it can hover over the garage floor. One spark of static electricity or the flick of a light switch could cause an explosion. Anything with propane should be stored at least 10 feet away from the house.

3) Kids’ toys can be a hazard if they’re not stored properly. First of all, they should be kept well away from chemical clutter, and they should be up off the floor. Not too high, though; you don’t want the kids trying to reach them by standing on wobbly boxes. Use bins for small toys and balls.

4) Ladders can be a hazard just leaning up against a wall. That may seem like the logical way to store a ladder, but it can tip over very easily, damaging your car or injuring a loved one. Lean it against the wall horizontally at floor level, or, even better, store it on hooks.

5) Gardening tools should be stored vertically on secure hooks attached to the walls so they’re easy to get to when you need them and they’re out of the way when you don’t.

6) Extension cords used in the garage should always be rated for outdoor use, even though technically you’re using it indoors. There is just too much chance of moisture on the floor in a garage, so don’t take any chances.

7) Doors and windows in garages usually don’t get the same attention as those in house. However, the door should have a professionally installed deadbolt; the doors and windows should be kept locked.

8) Smoke detectors also need the same attention you give the ones in the house. Be sure to change the batteries twice a year.

9) Unmarked stairs are an accident waiting to happen. Even if you have only one or two steps, put a strip of white or reflective tape on the edges so that people can see them, even in dim light.

10) Rugs or tarps under a car to catch leaking fluids may keep the garage floor clean, but it also becomes a fire hazard. Get rid of it, and soak up the spills with cat litter or sawdust. If the stains have already soaked into the floor, try oven cleaner to remove them. Let it soak for about 15 minutes, then give the floor a good scrubbing.

11) Garage floors need some protection, too. Install matting or rubber tiles. They extend the life of your concrete floors, and they give your garage the look of a showroom.

Now that you’re safe, it’s time to get organized!
It’s easy to control clutter if you remember that the four walls of your garage are actually four more floors. With the right cabinets, shelves and hooks you can actually quadruple your storage space.

1) For those DIY people out there, you could build your own shelving units out of wood. When doing this, take into consideration that wood is considerably more vulnerable to moisture, so it should be treated in order to protect from rotting (even if you plan to paint the wood!) Just be sure that when building the unit, you measure the size of the largest item you plan to put on the shelves, that way you only have to build it once.

2) An alternative to building wooden shelving units is to buy metal or plastic units from a store. There are a variety of selections out there with different weight ratings to hold everything from boxes to totes and heavy tools. Before going shopping, just like when building the wooden shevling, you should measure the largest thing you plan to put on the shelves. This will save you the hassle of having to return an already assembled unit to the store, only to buy the right size, and go through the assembly process all over again!

3) Pegboard is a great idea if you have and abundance of items you need up and out of the way. You can hang small or large items like tools, extension cords, gardening tools, etc. It’s relatively inexpensive and you can get a variety of hooks, pegs and baskets to store watever you like.

4) An alternative to pegboard is slatwall. Slatwall resembles vinyl siding, and is relatively stronger than pegboard, not to mention waterproof. The panels can firmly support hooks, baskets or shelves.

5) Cabinets are great for keeping your gear off the floor and out of sight. They are also great for storing anything toxic or dangerous that you want to keep out of harms way. If you plan on using cabinets to store harmful items, be sure they come with a locking mechanism.

6) Ceiling storage is often something people don’t consider. It’s great for storing bulky and seasonal items.  You can build your own simple ceiling storage system or buy a product made specifically for the purpose. Individual ceiling-mounted units are available in assorted sizes and weight capacities. Most systems have an adjustable height, as the distance between the ceiling and an open garage door varies from one garage to another. It is very important that these systems be attached to joists or rafters.

7) If you have kids, then perhaps you might like the idea of your garage doubling as a mud room! Giving the kids their own locker at home may help with the organization of school bags, sports gear, and seasonal clothing.

Wishing  you all a safe and happy new year, and all the best in 2012!

Welcome to our 12 days of Christmas kitchen gadgets blog! Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from November 21st until December 16th, we will be featuring a company with some clever and handy kitchen gadgets.

On the 12th day of Christmas, we bring to thee

Van Vacter is a brand of kitchen tools line made by Hanz. Hanz was founded by world-renowned innovation thought leader Nicholas J Webb. Nicholas had a vision of creating extremely cool products that improve the experience both in the kitchen and the workshop. Their vision is to provide products that deliver layered value. Their products provide both improved functionality and appearance. Another important part of Nicholas’s vision was to bring in the latest science to create technologies that are both cutting-edge and are made with extreme precision and quality.

The first product I would like to show you from Hanz’s Van Vacter line is their Pizza Knife. Unlike other pizza cutters, this unique product provides both fast and easy pizza cutting. Here is how it works; the first wheel cuts the pizza with their patent pending ‘Slicing-Slots™.’ This helps to separate the hot molten cheese, then their patent pending ‘Finishing-Wheel’ cuts any cheese or crust not cut by the first wheel. This unique design makes cutting pizza a breeze.

The second product I would like to bring to you from Van Vacter is the Ice Cream Knife. The Ice Cream Knife makes scooping ice cream fun and easy. Unlike other ice cream scoops, this knife uses their patent pending ‘Topping Trough™’ edge to make sawing through hard ice cream a breeze. More importantly, their ‘Topping Trough™’ provides the perfect groove on the top of your icevream to keep your tasty toppings in place.

The last product I would like to show you today from Van Vacter is their Pumpkin Melon Knife. Cutting pumpkins, watermelon or cantaloupes with a sharp knife is extremely dangerous. Carving knifes work well but the blades are short and flimsy, the handles don’t give you a good grip when cutting or carving wet slippery melons or pumpkins. Their Pumpkin Melon Knife provides their Power Handle™ and Smart Blade™ that is simply stated the world’s best pumpkin and melon knife.

To view more products from Van Vacter by Hanz you can visit their website: http://www.coolfoodtools.com/

Most Van Vacter products can also be found on Amazon.com

This concludes our 12 Days of Christmas: Kitchen Gadgets blog! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading, and have perhaps gotten some great Christmas gift ideas. Have safe a Merry Christmas!

Welcome to our 12 days of Christmas kitchen gadgets blog! Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from November 21st until December 16th, we will be featuring a company with some clever and handy kitchen gadgets.
ENJOY!

On the 11th day of Christmas, we bring to thee

Progressive International has been in the kitchenware business for over 35 years. Their products are sold in the United States, Canada, Europe, South America and other international markets. Geared to individual tastes and all levels of cooking know-how, their products are sold regionally, nationally and internationally in small gourmet kitchen shops, large department stores, boutique coffee venues, large discount stores and more. Their entire collection is also available through specialized mail order catalogs and online retailers.
Progressive is your source for the widest range of functional, inventive and fun kitchen gadgets and tools. They know that their consumer demands a balance between the practical need to get food on the table and creative expression. More than a workspace, the contemporary kitchen is the heart of the home where we connect with family and friends. Progressive’s kitchen gadgets, kitchen accessories, microwave cookware and pepper, salt and spice mills are the modern essentials of the kitchen. They are your partner in the kitchen and their products are designed to make the time you spend in your kitchen fun and successful. Their durable and reliable product line empowers cooks and builds confidence in your ability to consistently create quick and healthy meals.

The first product from Progressive that I would like to show you today is their Lettuce Keeper. Make your garden fresh vegetables last longer and help stretch your grocery budget further with the Lettuce Keeper.  This innovative produce saver features an adjustable air vent and water reservoir to create the ideal environment for fresh fruits and vegetables, keeping them fresh longer. Wash and store in one container. Remove the bottom lid and the Lettuce Keeper doubles as a colander. Snap the included divider into place to store different types of fruits and vegetables in the same container. Produce storage guide printed on front of Lettuce Keeper for quick and easy reference. This item is also dishwasher safe.

The second item I would like to show you today is the Fruit and Vegetable Chopper. Chop, dice and slice in one swift motion with the Progressive Fruit and Vegetable Chopper. Clear base container catches cut fruits and vegetables to reduce countertop messes. Built-in side blade minimizes the need to pre-cut fruits and vegetables to fit. Base container features printed measurements up to 3 cups or 800 ml. Evenly slice strawberries, mushrooms and onions. Perfectly dice onions, peppers, celery and carrots. Easily chop tomatoes, zucchini and potatoes. This product is also dishwasher safe.

The last item I would like to bring to you today from Progressive International is their Baker’s Cookie Cutter and Stencil Set. Cut and decorate with one amazing cookie cutter and stencil set. Make delicious and fun seasonal shaped sugar and Linzer cookies with the Baker’s Seasonal Cookie Cutter and Stencil Set. The 24 piece set includes 12 cookie cutters and 12 matching stencils for easy decorating. Cut out cookie then stamp with stencil, creating traceable indents for decorating, or punch out holes for Linzer cookies.  Leave stencil on cookie for mess free sprinkle application. No-mess rim catches stray sprinkles making cookie decorating easy and fun. Cookie stencils can be used to decorate cakes and cupcakes too. Decorating Stencils snap onto cookie cutters for convenient storage. These cookie cutters and stencils are dishwasher safe.

To view more products from Progressive International you can visit their website: http://progressiveintl.com/

Progressive International products can also be found on Amazon.com

Don’t forget to check back every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from November 21st until December 16th, 2011 for more handy kitchen gadgets!

On the 10th day of Christmas, we bring to thee

Over the past 30 years Jokari has developed a proven line of products for the home. Since 1974 Jokari has taken great pride in being a leader in the design of innovative products to consumers around the world, and they have always had one goal in mind . . . providing practical and simple household solutions that ultimately make life easier! They are constantly experimenting with new and different products to meet the changing needs of the marketplace. This year alone they have introduced several exciting products that you may find useful, from organizing your kitchen and bath to making food prep easier. Jokari products are sold in over 20 countries around the world and though you may not be familiar with the Jokari name, you are most likely familiar with the product.

The first item I would like to show you from Jokari is their Cookie Pro. This useful tool performs multiple tasks for making cookies. It measures one serving of cookie dough, the flex spoon releases cookie dough easily, and the spatula end is for scraping and releasing cookies from the cookie sheet. The Cookie Pro speeds up prep time, cuts down on clean-up and creates perfectly portioned and uniform cookies. Now you can have your cookies and eat them too!  This item is BPA-Free and dishwasher safe.

The second item I would like to bring to you from Jokari is their Juicer Pro. This juicer’s soft pliable rubber hugs small citrus fruits while a serrated port pierces the fruit for excellent juice extraction. Simply insert fruit and squeeze to release juice through the spout! The handy twist lock closure spout allows you to store fruit without any spills. This item is also top rack dishwasher safe.

The third item I would like to show you today is Jokari’s Snap-On Can Strainer. The Snap-On Can Strainer is the ideal kitchen gadget for straining vegetables and more! Fits on most standard sized cans and is great for draining canned tuna, fruit cans, vegetables, and more. So easy to use, quickly snap on opened can and invert in sink or bowl until it’s drained. Can be used as a mini sifter too.

To view more products from Jokari you can visit their website: http://www.jokari.com/index.html

Jokari products can also be found on Amazon.com

Don’t forget to check back every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from November 21st until December 16th, 2011 for more handy kitchen gadgets!

Welcome to our 12 days of Christmas kitchen gadgets blog! Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from November 21st until December 16th, we will be featuring a company with some clever and handy kitchen gadgets.

On the 9th day of Christmas, we bring to thee

Joie‘s products are fun, colourful, convenient and affordable. With their vast selection of kitchen gadgets, you will have an opportunity to get exactly what you need to make your cooking experiences unforgettable. Their stylish accessories are made to simplify your kitchen desires and to make you feel more comfortable and excited about the delights of entertainment dining. If you are looking for kitchen gadgets for yourself or a friend, their diverse selection of products will never bore your imagination. Joie’s kitchen gadgets are fun, cheerful, and helpful so you can enjoy using them as much as looking at them. Their gadgets can be used by everyone. Their home kitchen gadgets will motivate you to cook everyday because they were created to make your life easier. Bring out your fun side with their big list of gadget supplies . . . you won’t be disappointed. Joie means joy . . . let them help you make your kitchen a joyful place.

The first product I would like to show you from Joie is their Microwave Omelet Porcelain Pot . . . or Omelet-in-a-Pot! This handy little pot is very simple and easy to use, plus it keeps the mess of making an omelet to a minimum! Just add ingredients, mix, and microwave; Eat and enjoy directly from the pot. It’s a great tool to have around for a quick meal at home or in the office. Its compact size allows for easy storage.

The second product I would like to show you today is rather a set of 3 different products from Joie! It is their Simply Strawberries 3 piece set. What’s better than fresh strawberries over cereal or fresh strawberries over vanilla ice cream. Fresh strawberries take some time to prepare; removing the stem, slicing and rinsing. This combination of products from Joie allows you to strain, hull, and slice your way to strawberry delight. Prepare fresh berries with ease and minimum cleanup using this 3-piece set. The set includes: – 1 Strainer – 1 Slicer – 1 Huller

The last product I would like to show you today is the Tomato Slicer and Knife. Perfect chef-sliced tomatoes are now a reality for the home cook thanks to this 2-piece slicer set. Simply fit the slicer over the tomato, place on a sturdy flat surface, and make smooth guided cuts with the matching knife. The slicer doubles as a finger guard to allow for safe and easy cutting every time .
This product also works great with potatoes, onions, and more.

To view more amazing products from Joie you can visit their website: http://joieshop.com/e/joieshop.asp?s=0137BDH

Joie products can also be found on Amazon.com

Don’t forget to check back every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from November 21st until December 16th, 2011 for more handy kitchen gadgets!

Welcome to our 12 days of Christmas kitchen gadgets blog! Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from November 21st until December 16th, we will be featuring a company with some clever and handy kitchen gadgets.

On the 8th day of Christmas, we bring to thee

Having discarded the blueprints of their predecessors and the common notions of necessity, they’ve blown standard practices right out of the water. Fusionbrands® makes innovative connections between various worlds of design: a logical yet unconventional approach. Their unique strategy has yielded a playful and practical line of products with deliberate unity and lyrical forms. Tongs are beaks, designed to grasp; poachers are boats, built to float. Fusionbrands® wares are unprecedented; each serves its original purpose with unique personality and unparalleled quality. Fusionbrands® distils the function of our common tools, gives them a spirit, and recreates them as a cast of characters soon to become fixtures in your household. They conceive with intent, design with style, and prioritize experimentation. They design to make your everyday experiences a whole lot cooler.

There are 4 items today from Fusionbrands®. The first item I would like to show you is their iceorb®. It is unfortunately unavailable on Amazon.com right now, but it is a ver clever idea, so I had to share. The iceorb® is the first vertically designed ice tray that makes, stores and serves ice. The galactic dual chamber iceorb® goes far and beyond making ice. Chill champagne, wine or spirits at a picnic or party or serve ice-cream, fruit and dip inside the interior chamber, all while storing ice in the exterior chamber. It makes 21 ice cubes on a vertical wall, stores up to 51 ice cubes – airtight and odour free, and is top-rack dishwasher safe. The iceorb® is truly out-of-this world!

The second of four items I would like to show you today is the foodpod^TM. The foodpod^TM is a modern silicone cooking tool designed to save time when boiling, blanching or steaming by conveniently containing, removing and draining foods like eggs, veggies, shellfish and more in one easy-to-use vessel. This product is top-rack dishwasher safe and made of FDA/EU food-safe silicone and BPA-free nylon, which helps protect delicate foods and pot surfaces. Simply place foods in the foodpod^TM and place in water to cook. Lift from water, let drain, remove food and enjoy!

The third item I would like to show you today from Fusionbrands® is their poachpod®. The poachpod® is a flexible silicone cooking tool for poaching eggs, baking and moulding. It allows you to float and poach an egg in boiling water like a lily pad on a pond. When the egg is ready, flip the non-stick pod inside out and gently push the perfectly domed shaped egg out. Place the pod in the dishwasher for easy clean up. The poachpod® is heat-resistant to 675°F / 357°C and is made from FDA food-safe silicone. For a more sleek approach to poaching your eggs, try the poachpod®stainless.

The fourth and last item from Fusionbrands® today is very fitting for our 12 Days of Christmas! The item I am referring to is thefoodloop®lace. The first heat-resistant silicone and stainless steel lacing tool designed to replace kitchen string and sewing needles in the prep and cooking process. Use thefoodloop®lace to easily close the cavity of a stuffed chicken, turkey or duck. In fact you may find many other foods to lace up, like a whole fish. Use thefoodloop® lace in any pan on the stove top, in the oven, or in the freezer. Link together thefoodloop®lace with another lace or any of thefoodloop® family members to make it longer. This 22″ long lace is non-stick and arthritis friendly. It is heat-resistant to 675°F / 357°C, made from FDA food-safe silicone, and is top-rack dishwasher safe – with a mesh dishwasher/storage bag included.

To view more amazing products from Fusionbrands® you can visit their website: http://www.fusionbrands.com/

Fusionbrands’® products can also be found on Amazon.com

Don’t forget to check back every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from November 21st until December 16th, 2011 for more handy kitchen gadgets!

Welcome to our 12 days of Christmas kitchen gadgets blog! Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from November 21st until December 16th, we will be featuring a company with some clever and handy kitchen gadgets.
ENJOY!

On the 7th day of Christmas, we bring to thee

Chef’n is a growing Seattle-based company with more than 250 product patents worldwide and a single mission. They want to make better tools so you can make better food. It’s what drives their in-house design team to reinvent the utensils and gadgets that most of us take for granted while we’re cooking and cleaning. It’s what attracts the terrific, talented people they’ve welcomed into their Chef’n family. And it’s what compels them to tell everyone they meet about the innovation Chef’n products can bring to their kitchens. As much as design awards and magazine covers have to say about Chef’n products, they believe the true test of their products is in the homes of real people around the world. So put one of their inventions to work, create something delicious, and they look forward to hearing from you about your Chef’n experience.

The first product I would like to show you is the Garlic Zoom. This whimsical wheeled gadget chops garlic as it rolls. Simply peel, fill, and roll. The stainless steel blades turn out perfectly chopped garlic from your peeled cloves. Your hands will thank you later. The blade removes for easy cleaning and this unit is top-rack dishwasher safe.

The second item I would like to show you is the Flexicado™ Stainless Steel. Bring on the avocados, because this gadget can scoop and slice the flesh out of ‘em no matter what size they are. This updated tool looks good, and with its stainless steel slicing fins, works even better than its predecessor the Flexicado™. Its flexible nylon construction makes it perfect to fit all sizes of avocados, and is top-rack dishwasher safe.

The third item I would like to bring to you from Chef’n is their VeggiChop. This hand-powered food chopper is great for chopping nuts, veggies, fruit and ice. It is also perfect for creating the perfect salsa, pesto, hummus and guacamole . . . and all with just a few pulls of a handle. This gadget requires no electricity and the blades, bowl, and storage lid are all top-rack dishwasher safe.

To view How-To videos for these 3 gadgets as well as more amazing products from Chef’n you can visit their website: http://www.chefn.com/Default.aspx

Chef’n's products can also be found on Amazon.com

Don’t forget to check back every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from November 21st until December 16th, 2011 for more handy kitchen gadgets!

Welcome to our 12 days of Christmas kitchen gadgets blog! Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from November 21st until December 16th, we will be featuring a company with some clever and handy kitchen gadgets.

On the 6th day of Christmas, we bring to thee

FRED is an industry leader in bringing you fun-yet-functional home goods and decor. Their designs are created both in their own studio in Cumberland, RI and in collaboration with other top studios around the world. Their popular items have been featured in many magazines like Oprah, Rachael Ray, Food and Wine, Parents, and People. Their products have also been featured on TV on the Today Show and HGTV. You can also find their items at cool stores everywhere around the world.

Today is a little bit different. I will be showing you two items from three of Fred’s nine categories on their website. Since this blog sequence is about kitchen gadgets, it’s only fitting that our first category from Fred is their Kitchen line.
The first item from their kitchen like I would like to show you are their Yum Bots. YumBots are happy to serve mankind. Just fill their cubic heads with cake batter and set your oven to “stun.” In a few nanomoments you’ll have an entire squad of sci-fi cupcakes. Made of high-tech silicone and built to last, each ‘Bot has a rotating head for extra android action. You get four ‘Bots per box, each with it’s own bright colour.

The second item from Fred’s kitchen line I want to show you is their Cakewich. The silicone Cakewich baking pan is shaped like a big hunk of white bread — just bake and slice (like you would a loaf of bread) to make double-decker sandwich cakes with yummy fillings. Everyone loves a good sandwich, now you can have one for dessert too! The Cakewich pan is moulded in super-strong, dishwasher/oven-safe silicone.

The second set of items I would like to bring to you from Fred are from their Table line. The first item is the Oh, Snap! Oh, Snap! is a really nice 9” x 5” Beech wood cheeseboard that comes with a handy stainless-steel cheese slicer, and it’s all disguised as a giant mousetrap.

The second item from Fred’s table line I want to show you is the Salt & Pants. This spicy little guy dispenses salt from the top of his head and he’s got something special in his trousers…pepper! Salt &  Pants is finished with a fine matte glaze that passes California’s ultra-strict standards for heavy metals and lead. It’s supplied with two durable silicone stoppers.

The third, but definitely not the last of Fred’s NINE lines, that I want to bring to you today is their Party line. The first item from the party line today is the Party People. Chopsticks are fun, and they add an Asian flair to any party – but not everyone is comfortable using them. These confidence-building, one-piece Party People Chopsticks make anyone an expert. Choose a color that fits your personality, check out the handy etiquette tips on the back of the base, and dig in. 6 assorted colors in a reusable foam storage cube.

The second, and last item of the day, that I would like to show you from the Party line is the Ice Kabobs. Ice Kabobs stir up some fun and add a ‘cool’ touch to your beverages. These extended ice cubes double as handy swizzle sticks. Each food-grade silicone rubber tray makes three skewers. They come in 4 hot colours.

To view the other 6 categories, and more products from the 3 categories featured above, you can visit Fred’s website: http://www.worldwidefred.com/products.htm

Fred’s products can also be found on Amazon.com

Don’t forget to check back every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from November 21st until December 16th, 2011 for more handy kitchen gadgets!