Clever Gadgets To Solve Problems At Home
You've probably run into problems at home and thought, "I wish there was something out there to help me deal with this."
The thing is, more often than not, there is!
On The Early Show Tuesday, Kris Connell of Real Simple magazine showcased some of the latest and greatest problem-solvers for the home to get you out of those sticky situations.
SHOWER ROD
PROBLEM: So many wet towels, so little hanging space.
SOLUTION: Install a shower-curtain rod that can be used as a towel rack. Polder's Duo Shower Curtain Rod & Towel Rack has two parallel bars — one for the curtain, another outside the curtain for towels. Now, about those dirty clothes piled on the floor: We can hang them up! This rod is easy to install and is great for hanging those cold weather accessories, such as mittens and hats, after they get wet.
gracioushome.com, $40
ICE-SCRAPER MITTEN
PROBLEM: The ice storm cometh — and you need to clear your windshield before frostbite cometh, too.
SOLUTION: The Eddie Bauer quilted down mitten with a built-in, super-efficient scraper will restore visibility before the chill sets in. One size fits all.
eddiebauer.com, $12.50
CANDLESTICK MAKER
PROBLEM: Conventional candlesticks make a casual dinner seem stuffy.
SOLUTION: Turn drinking glasses, flutes, or jars into a luminous display with the Designfenzider Candlestick Maker. Just add a taper candle, rest the holder on the rim of the glass or the neck of a vase or wine carafe, and let there be light.
designfenzider.com, $30
FRESHNESS COUNTERS
PROBLEM: That half-used pasta sauce looks OK, but how long has it been there?
SOLUTION: Stick a digital Days Ago monitor to the lid of a jar or a container after it's been opened. The reusable gadget, attached with a suction cup or a magnet, counts the days so you don't have to.
howmanydaysago.com, $10 for two
SUGAR DISPENSER
PROBLEM: There's more sugar sprinkled on the table than in your cup.
SOLUTION: Replace your sugar spoon with the Sugar Please Automatic Sugar Dispenser. At the touch of a button, it serves up half a teaspoon of sugar, the equivalent of most sugar packets.
wrapables.com, $14
PORTABLE PAPER TOWELS
PROBLEM: A three-towel coffee spill — and just one balled-up napkin in your purse.
SOLUTION: Pop a plastic-encased Pill Towel. The nickel-size disks expand into clean, full-size paper towels with the addition of a few drops of water.
flight001.com, $6
AQUASTAKES
PROBLEM: Your drooping houseplant always seems thirsty.
SOLUTION: Insert porous, ceramic Aqua Stakes into the soil and fill them at your regular watering time. They release water slowly, when needed, to keep plants well-hydrated. Depending on the plant, it's best to fill the stakes every four days. They are made of terracotta, and slowly release into the soil.
gardensupply.com, $13 for four
WASHABLE SUIT
PROBLEM: Lunch-time spills have put you on a first-name basis with the dry cleaner.
SOLUTION: The Limited's wool-blend L3 Travel Suit goes in the washer and dryer and emerges unwrinkled (really!) and ready to wear. In four colors.
limitedbrands.com for locations; Jacket, $180 Pants, $90