Well, with Memorial Day around the corner, that just means one thing: summer is also right around the corner. Along with taking vacation, spending time outside, going to the pool, having barbeques, and making any excuse possible to find a way to get to the beach for a day or a few days, I also love the food in the summertime.

Every single week all year long I buy fresh fruits and vegetables to either eat raw or cook. You can always count on me to have fresh fruit and vegetables in my apartment at all times. In the summertime it gets so hot the last thing I generally want to eat is something heavy, greasy, and hot which is why fruits and veggies are my favorite, as I like my food in the summertime to be light and fresh. That being said, one of my favorite foods to eat in the summer is fresh corn. There is of course, a caveat to my love for corn and that is I will only eat it off the cob and cold. I know many of you think I am crazy…that grilled corn on the cob with butter and salt is the best food ever. But I am pretty certain there are others like me out there. So for those of you like me who hate to cut the corn off the cob, I found the perfect product for us: the Corn Zipper.

The Corn Zipper strips the corn kernels off the cob, and while the corn strips, the kernels drop into an attached half cup container so you will not lose any corn. Stripping corn off the cob using the Corn Zipper is not only a great idea to get those of us who do not eat corn on the cob to actually eat it, but corn is delicious in salad, pasta salad, tacos, and soups! So, the Corn Zipper will definitely be a product to help you in the kitchen all year around.

In the wake of Great Recession, Americans have made a return to frugal living. They are no longer spending money with reckless abandon or putting every other purchase on the family credit card. Rather, they are becoming more economical by cutting back on some non-essential items. Shoppers have also rediscovered a simple way to save on everything from groceries to automotive repairs. We are speaking, of course, about coupons.

History

The Coca-Cola Company grew into one of the largest corporations on the face of the Earth thanks in no small part to redemption slips. These coupons were initially distributed through employees and sales representatives and were later mailed to potential customers and then placed in magazines as sales increased. According to food historians, about one in nine Americans had received a free Coca-Cola during the companies first quarter century of operation.

Where are we now?

According to Coupons.org, an internet research firm, coupon redemption skyrocketed by 63 percent in 2011. All told, Americans saved $3.7 billion dollars by clipping, printing, or swiping vouchers that are accessible to nearly anyone. The total dollar figure represents 3.3 billion coupons, which means people saved an average of a little over a dollar every time they redeemed one. That might not seem like a lot, but on a per capita basis, each American would have saved more than 10 dollars if he or she had simply used coupons. At the extreme end, most practiced coupon clippers save hundreds, even thousands of dollars per annum.

Who uses them?

You might think that coupons are only for old ladies, but you’d be wrong. The demographics of users is rapidly changing, becoming younger, more tech-savvy, and more affluent. Those who have access to the internet and are relatively well-to-do are far more likely to print and use redemption slips than any other group. Not to mention the fact that folks with a college degree are twice as likely to redeem digital coupons as Americans who did not finish high school. Why are younger users suddenly becoming so thrifty?

The simplest explanation is that it is easier to find the vouchers you want than ever before. As long as you signup, most major retailers will send you weekly coupons via email. All you have to do then is print them out and take them to the store. Some stores even let your redeem them online! It couldn’t get any easier than that!

What do we use coupons for?

The overwhelming majority of coupons that are used in the U.S. are redeemed for food purchases. The reason for this is simple—everybody needs food! About two-thirds of the total coupons that are circulated are used for food purchases. Usage almost always increases near the end of the year, since most major supermarkets utilize reward programs in order to increase sales during the holiday season.

How to use them?

Although digital coupons are growing more popular with each passing year, most redeemed coupons—nearly 90 percent—are still procured the old-fashioned way, i.e., clipped from newspapers. But that may soon change due to increased smartphone usage, which makes it easy for users to access mobile coupons. More than 20 percent of smartphone users accessed and may have used mobile coupons in 2011, which was more than double the percentage that accessed them in 2010!

Is it worth your time?

When most young shoppers think about clipping coupons, they think about their grandmothers saving fifty cents on apples or a dollar on instant coffee at the local market. But it’s not like that anymore! With smart searching and couponing, the average consumer can save about $100 in a single hour, according to Coupons.org. This is especially true in recent days, when food costs have risen dramatically and the average American is desperate for relief. Supermarkets are more than happy to give it to them, as long as they take the time to clip and/or print the voucher they proffer.

Of course, when you take the time to find these coupons, you must store them somewhere before you use them. Proper organization often means the difference between a viable coupon and an expired one. Let us take a moment to review 5 simple ways to find coupons and keep them in order for future use.

1. Locate deals online

The local paper will obviously give you access to local deals, but if you desire something outside of your environs, you will probably have to look online. The easiest way to find the best hebdomadal deals is to sign up to coupons blogs that feature weekly coupons from popular stores.

2. Stack

The reason why some astute shoppers save beaucoup bucks is because they combine store coupons with manufacturer’s coupons and use both during a big store sale. This can and often does result in discounts of up to fifty percent or more!

3. Buy one, get one

Whether you need coupons or not, buy one, get one deals are any easy and effective way to save on items you use every day.

4. Use store rewards

Whenever a cashier asks you if you’d like to sign up for a rewards program, do it! The process will only take a few minutes and it could save you hundreds of dollars each year.

5. Get an organizer!

Expect a lot of dirty looks and eye rolling if you walk up to the register with a stack of coupons in your hand…and for good reason! It can take several minutes to locate the right coupons in a large sheaf. Putting them into a coupon organizer with pockets lets you arrange them by category, expiration date, alphabet, or even by aisle. These helpful, handy devices often pay for themselves in a single shop.

The other day I was perusing the internet and I came across a product that really caught my attention. This is a product that has some serious potential, because it answers a reoccurring question I ask myself every morning – what is the weather? Now, with the One Touch Weather Radio that daily question can easily be answered. Other than traffic, I can’t think of any other information that could possibly be more important first thing in the morning than knowing what the weather will be for the day.

What I love about the One Touch Weather Radio is that it provides the weather instantly from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). By simply using the one-touch on/off switch, and the fine tune control to get the best signal, the One Touch Weather Radio provides the weather for the day quickly so you can get your day started on the right foot.

I am the type of person who loves knowing answers ahead of time; in this case I love knowing what the weather is before even getting out of bed. That way I have extra time to plan my outfit for the day based on the weather while I shower, etc. The One Touch Weather Radio solves this problem for me, and answers my most important question of the day.

They say a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. That’s not only true; it’s the understatement of the century. Being a good cook isn’t just a great way to nab a romantic partner, but even just to enhance the everyday lives of your friends and family.

There are few things more satisfying than having a group of friends over and cooking them a delicious and nutritious meal. There is an elemental feeling of community, comfort and safety that sharing a home-cooked meal with your friends and family brings about. This is something that the cook feels, the cook’s company feels, and that everyone takes with them throughout their day.

If you are lucky enough to know someone who is a great amateur chef, then you should do your best to support their passion. Not only will they feel great that you thought of them, but hopefully you will get to share in the bounty of what their new kitchen gadget allows them to make!

Before you think about getting any kitchen tools and gadgets for an amateur chef, however, you will want to remember one thing. If they really love cooking then they probably have all of the essentials. That means if you are going to buy something for them, you should make sure they don’t already have it. Next time you are over for a pot luck at their house, feel free to do a little snooping in the kitchen just to make sure you cover all your bases.

If you aren’t able to scope out their kitchen supplies beforehand, don’t fret. Here are a two kitchen tools and gadgets that they aren’t likely to have, but are certainly likely to love!

Digital Thermometer

While this seems like an obvious item that everyone should have in their kitchens, you would be amazed at how many amateur chefs don’t have something as simple as a digital thermometer. This, however, is one of those items that you might want to make sure they don’t have already.

Even if your friend is a vegetarian and doesn’t need a digital thermometer to make sure the turkey is done on Thanksgiving, it is still an incredibly handy device to have around. It can just as easily be used to stick in the middle of a casserole to see if the center is cooked, or to make sure the center of your frozen pizza is as done as the outside is.

This digital thermometer features a face that is about one inch across. You can set it to read in Fahrenheit or in Celsius.

Deluxe Ultimate Knife Sharpener

One thing that many people don’t realize is that a dull knife can be much more dangerous than a sharp knife. Think of it this way; if you are cutting a bell pepper into strips for your stir fry you are going to have a much easier time chopping it up with a sharp knife. Using a dull knife leads to the possibility of slipping right off that pepper and cutting a finger off.

New amateur chefs might not realize that even the finest kitchen knives need regular sharpening to keep them operating at top performance. The deluxe ultimate knife sharpener is an essential tool for every chef to optimize their cutting abilities.

This sharpener is made with incredibly strong steel carbide that has been carefully set at the perfect angle. The deluxe knife sharpener also has a non-slip grip so you can sharpener your knives with ease. It even has a 10-second sharpener so you aren’t wasting any time in the kitchen!

It’s time to repay the amateur chef you know and love for all of those amazing meals they have treated you to. These are just of a few of the amazing kitchen tools and gadgets out there to give an amateur chef!

In about one week it will be Mother’s Day! That means iIt is time to start to thinking about what to get to celebrate Mom. Some of you may have already found the perfect gift, and for those of you who haven’t there is no need to panic. I realize there is not much time, but if you keep calm it can be easy finding that perfect gift. I have created a list of some excellent gift ideas for Moms of all different ages and relationship to you that can possibly help make your decision a little easier:

Wine Rack – For the mother who loves wine or entertaining with wine, this 28 bottle wine rack is the perfect wine storage gift for any wine enthusiast.

Photo Frame Tote – For the mom who is just crazy about her family and who is also always prepared, the large three window photo frame tote will allow this mother to show off pictures of her family and stay organized all at the same time.

Jewelry Armoire – For the mother who has jewelry, of course! The Over Door Mirror Armoire will allow any mom keep her jewelry organized so she can get ready and go quickly without having to dig through jewelry boxes in a drawer to find exactly what she is looking to wear.

Water Bottle – For the mom who is always on the go, but also for the mom who always likes to fit in a workout when she can. This Personalized Polka Dot Water Bottle is the perfect addition to any mother’s gym bag or tote bag.

The Gifts Finder – Yes, I like to point you in the direction of the gift finder for women. If my suggested gift ideas just do not seem to fit the woman or women in your life you need to purchase a Mother’s Day gift for, I am not insulted! Every woman is different, so take a look at the gift finder to find the perfect gift for this Mother’s Day.

What will you surprise Mom with on her special day?

One of our most popular and top selling items, the Pocket Hose, was featured in an article written by Consumer Reports today. After testing 3 different hoses, Consumer Reports concluded the Pocket Hose was the “clear winner.”

→ Click here to read the Consumer Reports article.

→ Click here to purchase the Pocket Hose. It’s available in 4 different sizes!

There are so many bathroom organizers available that it’s almost a crime to NOT have a tidy space. You can find plenty of different types at dollar stores, big box stores, specialty shops…even the drug store. Plastic, wicker and wood are some of the materials available for these organizers, and you’ll find them in almost every size and color, compartmentalized or not. What will work is up to you. It’s smart to consider organizers for the space above the toilet and around the toilet, and that’s what we’re going to share with you.

Space above the toilet is too often wasted space, but it can be reclaimed with a shelving system. Choose a style that appeals to you and suits the area and décor. The Rattan Space Saver with Metal Frame and 3 Shelves is a beautiful choice that will fit over most toilets. The metal frame is sturdy and gracefully designed. It looks like a fine piece of furniture with its elegant arches. Three rattan shelves provide you with plenty of space to store towels and toiletries or even a lovely houseplant.

A more contemporary version of this shelf system is the Over Toilet Spacesaver. This one is constructed of tubular steel with a shiny chrome finish. It’s a bit taller than the rattan version described above, so it really takes advantage of the height available above the toilet. Three glass shelves provide an airiness that is important in a small bathroom, but still provide you with all the space you need to store bathroom necessities.

But not every bathroom is large enough for an over the toilet storage unit. If you have a smaller bathroom, you still want to get it organized. A freestanding shelf unit might provide you with the storage options you need. Consider the 4 Tier Shelf Unit in glass and metal. This contemporary piece features four tempered glass shelves that have been frosted for an elegant look that always looks clean. The frame is brushed with chrome joints for shine. Organize your towels and toiletries with ease on this handy shelf unit.

If contemporary isn’t your style, consider the Folding Four Tier Organizer. This is a unique piece that features a wood frame and hand-wrapped willow roping. It has the look of a piece of fine wicker. Four shelves provide plenty of room to store towels, toilet paper, toiletries and even hair styling products or books. And for additional uniqueness, the entire unit folds into one flat formation for storage when moving day comes.

In an effort to save a little bit of money in my everyday life, there are some sacrifices that I had to make. Besides giving up my gym membership, the most difficult thing I gave up was my twice a month manicure and month pedicure appointments. Now I do my own.

So, what is the big deal? Now I paint my own nails. Unfortunately, I do not do nearly as good a job as the professionals in the salons, and my manicures last maybe a week; not nearly as long as if I got them professionally done. Also, it is not as easy as it looks to dip your nail polish brush back in the jar without smudging the already-painted nails from the other hand. In comes my search and successful find of this helpful product: the Lady Bug Nail Polish Holder. This spill proof nail polish holder is just what I need to help make painting my own nails easier. The Lady Bug Spill Proof Nail Polish Holder holds the nail polish upright, and allows the bottle to rock back and forth without spilling – awesome solution!

I know it can be very difficult to save money and sacrifice things you love in order to save what seems like a small amount of money that you can “make up” later. Making these sacrifices can seem cumbersome especially if it causes us to do extra work; but if we find helpful products to help us accomplish our goals it will definitely be worth the savings in the end.

It is that time of year when the weather is simply perfect. These perfect temperatures will not last too long, so I know I will need to make sure to make the most of the time that I have. This means lots of walks outside, walking instead of driving at every possible moment, and my all time favorite…eating outside!

It is so easy to sit, eat, and relax outside when the temperature is 70-something degrees, not humid, and not windy. There are plenty of restaurants all over the place with outdoor seating that will happily take my money and let me sit for as long as I would like.

But, would I rather sit at a restaurant, or perhaps uncover my friends’ outdoor patio furniture, dust off the grill that was hibernating all winter, and spend the whole day outside grilling, eating, drinking, and playing outside with friends? Yes, I would definitely prefer a nice and relaxing day outside enjoying the gorgeous weather with a big group of friends. And it’s always funny seeing your guy friends in front of the grill cooking delicious food, and wearing goofy aprons like this grill sergeant apron.

So, for those you lucky enough to have such beautiful weather right now, I would suggest taking full advantage of this situation before the summer heat rolls in and it gets to be too hot and humid to enjoy a long length of time outside without needing to hop in a pool to cool down. Gather your group of friends, get the kids together, and enjoy this quality time outside!

Going green isn’t about thinking you are better than everyone else or latching on to some temporary gimmick or fad. Going green is about cultivating a lifestyle where you don’t take any more than you need. It is about recycling and cutting down on consumerism and living a healthy and happy lifestyle.

In this day and age people are going green in more ways than ever before. They cut down on unnecessary spending, they recycle everything they can, they ride bikes to work instead of taking a car, and they look to weatherproof their house to save money and energy.

When most of us need something for around the house we run out to the local big box store and just buy the cheapest version we can find. We quickly deem it “good enough” and go back on our merry way.

But the plain fact is that affordable also means cheap. And a cheap price all too often means low quality. Sometimes you can actually save money in the long run by spending a little bit more in the short run and actually having something that won’t break.

Investing in a well-built product helps to reduce waste. That is exactly what the designers at OrGreenic Cookware have found. They make cooking products that will stand up to the test of time. Here are a few great reasons for going green in your kitchen by switching to OrGreenic Cookware.

OrGreenic Cookware Sets are built to Last a Lifetime

It feels like such a waste to work so hard for your money, and then waste it on a product that ends up breaking right away. Sure, that cheap mop might look like it will work perfectly fine, but you’re going to wish you ended up spending a little bit of extra cash when it breaks in a few short weeks. Not only are you wasting your money, but throwing out cheap products is also bad for the environment.

The designers at OrGreenic Cookware know this and that’s why their sets aren’t shoddily made items that will only last a couple of years. OrGreenic Cookware Sets are made to last a lifetime. When you spend your hard earned money on an OrGreenic Cookware Set you aren’t just throwing caution to the wind. You can have confidence that you’ll never have to buy another set of cookware ever again.

That is because the Orgreenic company guarantees each and every one of the products they make to last the rest of your life. If your pot breaks in fifty years and you are still alive to cook with it, just send it back to the company and they will repair it for you. Buying well-built and guaranteed products like this saves you money, time, and is a great benefit for the environment.

You Don’t Need Any More Cookware when you have the OrGreenic Set

Whether you are making a giant casserole for your whole family, a big beef stew to warm up a winter night, or even just a quick stir fry for a group of friends, you don’t need anything else but an OrGreenic Cookware set. You will be hard-pressed to find any type of cookware you might need that doesn’t come with the OrGreenic cookware set.

Ten different pieces come in the OrGreenic Cookware set. You’ll find two frying pans in the set, one that is eight inches for smaller jobs, and a larger ten inch fry pan for bigger stir frys and the like. The larger one also comes with a handy lid and an aluminum steamer. This set also has pots and lids for one and a half quarts, two and a half quarts, and a much larger one. Lids also come to fit each of these sauce pots.

Lose Weight the OrGreenic Way

Cooking at home is in its very essence a healthy way to lose weight. For one, you aren’t tempted by all of the rich and unhealthy things that you might find on a restaurant menu. It is a whole lot easier to stick to your diet when you are cooking your own meals.

But the OrGreenic Cookware set makes it even easier to drop some pounds. That’s because it has an amazing non stick coating of ceramic. Now you can backe, braise, broil, fry, steam, or sauté all of your food without having to use fattening things like grease, oil, or butter to cook in.

The OrGreenic Cookware Set is obviously a great thing for the environment, but it’s also a smart and healthy choice for your lifestyle.