Dyson's Next Generation Fans: Just in Time for Summer

Dyson's Next Generation Cool Fans are out, just in time for summer.  Significantly improved acoustics, re-engineered air flows and a lower power motor makes the new fans up to 75% quieter and more energy efficient.

Just like the last fans, these are blade free and have remote controls (awesome for the bedroom) that magnetically attach to the top of the fan so they won't get lost.  Ten airflow settings and a new sleep timer make it customizable.  I love that these fans are super safe for kids and animals and that they don't accumulate hard to reach dust.  These are easy to clean and great for those with allergies. 

And--look at them, they are cool looking!  They are modern and will look nice in your room on par with functional art.  Find them HERE. 

Tweet

Patagonia Reflip Chip Flip Flops

I'm the pickiest person in the world when it comes to flip flops and only started wearing them when I discovered Reefs.  They're the only ones that were comfortable to me--until now.  Patagonia's Reflip Chips are at least as comfortable and even better, they are made from soft recycled materials and are totally recyclable through Patagonia's Common Threads recycle program.  The fabric that fits between your toes (what can make flip flops so uncomfortable) is sewn perfectly and is soft and thin and barely noticeable. Perfect for travel, they are super light weight and comfy enough to support some extended walking. 

They're vegan too.  And did I mention they're cute?  They come in three colors, all bright and cheery and perfect for summer.  Find them HERE.

Tweet

Grand Trunk Parasheet: Beach Bag Must Have

Headed to the beach this summer?  If you're traveling and don't want to bring along bulky towels, Grand Trunk's Parasheet is a great solution.  They are super light weight at 20oz (less for the single), come in a handy attached stuff sack, and easily fit right in your beach bag.  They come in a rainbow of colors and single and double sizes.  I'd opt for double as I think bigger is better in this case, though the single is more compact and would be perfect for kids or those who want to minimize bulk even more. 

The blue is gorgeous and soothing, like your own portable oasis.  Sand shakes off with ease, so you don't have an accumulation at the bottom of your bag the way you do with towels that have been on the beach.  It also dries very quickly.  Pockets are sewn in the corners and sides to fill with sand and weigh it down so it will stay flat and won't blow away, and there are stake loops too.  It's perfect for picnics and no worries if you spill food on it, you can just throw it in the wash when you get home.

Grand Trunk has a lot of innovative gear, and they're an eco minded company.  Find the Parasheet and other travel necessities HERE. 

Tweet

Just in Time for Summer: LUST FOR LEAF

Hot off the presses--I just got this in my hands just now or I would have insisted you pick up a copy for the Fourth.  Maybe there's still time to grab one locally?   LUST FOR LEAF is a fresh, sassy and slightly risque vegetarian cookbook packed with recipes for some inspired eating this summer and beyond.

Meals perfect for camping, picnicking, and potlucks but with some serious originality.  I haven't seen a cookbook come my way in a while that made me stop what I was doing and read.  Yes, read.  The prose is entertaining and it's full of glossy photos.  I haven't had a chance to try recipes yet but I will for sure, and most often you know by looking at a recipe whether or not you're going to like it.  First on my list (and on the menu for tomorrow) is the Watermelon-Strawberry Aquas Fresca (with cilantro) and I can't wait to try the recipe for squash blossoms.  V's let you know instantly whether a recipe is vegan while fabulous recipe titles and cool info-icons with drink and music suggestions add to the fun.  Amusing it is, but there's real substance here.  It's full of creativity and made me laugh while making me hungry.

The Kindle version is available now, but unless you have a color display, I'd get the hard copy for the abundance of photos on every page.  It's not for everyone perhaps, I've never been told to stir the shit out of something in a cookbook before, but it's raunchiness definitely gives it a unique voice.  And I think that edge just might appeal to some who otherwise might not be interested in a vegetarian cookbook.  It would be an awesome host/hostess gift if you're headed out for a Fourth of July party tomorrow (or any summer party for that matter).  Find it HERE. 

Tweet

Dyson's Hot & Cool AM05

Need a new fan to keep you cool this summer?  Why not get one that doubles as a heater--two appliances in one?  Dyson's new Hot & Cool AM05 is perfect for small spaces and those that appreciate a modern combination of looks and function.  First off--it's gorgeous.  It comes in different colors, but the black and nickel is really sleek.  It has a grippy smooth texture and the silver is a gunmetal that is so super shiny it almost appears liquid.  It's a fan that you won't mind seeing around at all, it's pretty much functional art and it's low profile with a small footprint.  It's ideal for allergy sufferers, people with kids and pets, and minimalists.

As a fan, it works great with the ability to tilt and oscillate.  When it's in cooling mode, you see a blue light, red when it's heating.  It's not like your typical fan with the screen that accumulates dust and is hard or impossible to clean.  There's no blade to get dusty or to harm children or animals and it's a breeze to clean.  The top of the unit has a magnetic surface so the remote will stick to it and always be easy to find.

The heating function has all the qualities of the fan and packs a surprising amount of heat.  It's a big improvement on the last model and gets hotter and has more force.  If it gets knocked over, it will automatically shut off for safety and it will take the chill out of a room quickly.  I would not recommend this for heating or cooling super large open spaces (nor would I recommend any space heater for this purpose), but it's awesome for an average to large sized room.  Because of the fan and its ability to oscillate, you get an even distribution of heat.  You also have the option of focusing heat to a specific spot.  The remote makes it so easy to customize the output, which is great if you are using this to heat a bedroom and want to turn it off without having to get out of bed, or wake up in the middle of the night cold.

There is nothing negative to say about this unit.  It is spendy and that might turn some folks off, but sometimes it's better to buy one quality thing and be done rather than having to replace an item over and over which ends up costing as much in in the end anyway.  The potential money saving benefit on your heating and cooling bill should be factored in (Dyson speculates up to 20-30%), as well as safety.  Also, this is two products in one, and the space saving benefit has huge value to those living in small homes.   Brilliant design as usual coming from Dyson, I can't wait to see what they come up with next.   Find it HERE.

Tweet

KEEN Newport H2

I'm a huge fan of KEEN, and have been wearing them for what, about eight years now.  They are one of my top favorite brands because one--I can't wear a pair out, and two--they're as cute as they are comfortable.  Having said that, I have never tried their flagship shoe--the Newport Sandal.  Honestly, I never thought they were KEEN's best looking style.

But, last year I got my son a pair and after seeing them on him every day they really started to grow on me, they really are very cute!  This year I discovered that KEEN has a washable version--the leather free NEWPORT H2.  You can just throw them in the wash, fabulous!  How perfect for all the Summer activities like wading around in water, kayaking, frog catching, puddle stomping, etc.

They're perfect for in between weather too, when flip flops are too little, but a shoe is overkill. These are the perfect Summer hybrid of sandal-shoe-hiking boot. The soles are beefy and shock absorbing and you can hit the trails in these (light trails).  They're versatility lends itself to travel.  Really great Summer shoe, find it HERE. Remember to order up a half size with most KEEN shoes.

Tweet

Aventura Eco Friendly Swimwear

Need a cute new bathing suit or cover-up for the Summer?  Check out Aventura's new line of Recycled Poly Swimwear and Cover-ups.  I have recently discovered this brand and can't get enough, their stuff is so cute, comfortable and functional.  

Look at the outfit pictured above, isn't that wonderful for a trip to the Famers' Market for snacks, then off to the beach?  It's the Kaleidoscope Tankini worn with the Hayden Capris which have a cute little tattoo graphic detail on the back band.  They are quick dry, and perfect for travel and adventure.  The pants pack up very light and would be great on a camping trip or European holiday.  The tankini top would easily double as a top--you could wear it to a restaurant and no one would know the difference, it's just like a regular tank top.  But after lunch, you can head out onto the lake for some paddle boarding, how cool is that?  Find these and other great options HERE.

Tweet

Dyson's New No-Blade Fan

If you use a fan for Summer cooling, you might have run into the same problem I have--many fans don't come apart to clean and you end up having to throw the whole thing away at a certain point.  This is so wasteful.  Last year, I bought a new fan by Honeywell that said it was easy to take apart for cleaning, but when I tried to get it apart, after several screws, it still would not detach.

Enter Dyson's new bladless fan.  Here is a fan you will never have to throw away because you can't clean it.  The air circulates via what they call "air multiplier technology" which is supposed to draw in air and recirculate it amplified smoothly.  It's fairly quiet, especially on the low speeds.  The fan comes with a remote control, which, true to Dyson's craftiness, magnetically attaches to the fan so you won't lose it when you're not using it.

The fan is very good looking and has a sleek, modern design.  The indicator light is a nice cobalt blue and the buttons are all intuitive.  It has a very small footprint and takes up very little space.  It's not the eyesore some fans are, it looks nice in the room, bordering on functional art.

The only thing I can find that I'm not crazy about is the price tag.  For some this won't matter, but others might want to look for it on sale.  I fell in love with Dyson a couple of years ago with their cannister vacuum which is still going strong.  Both the fan and the vacuum are great for people with allergies.  You can easily clean dust off the fan on a regular basis and the vacuums are allergy tested and certified.
If you have children or animals that might get caught in fan blades, this fan has a lot going for it safety wise.  You can put your hand right through the hole and all you feel is air.  Very innovative.  Check out Dyson's new fan selection HERE.

Tweet

Grand Trunk Beach Shelter: Easy Portable Shade

Love the beach but need some shade?  Grand Trunk has a super easy solution for this, the Celio Beach Shelter.  This works well at a sandy beach, or a rocky beach, a park, outdoor concert, or anywhere you need portable shade.  The Celio comes with stakes to stake it down, and it has sand pouches sewn in to keep it anchored at the beach.

It literally takes just a couple of minutes to set this up, but even more importantly to me, it takes the same amount of time to take it down.  It also fits easily back into its storage bag which is great, so often these things are near impossible to get back in the bag.  It's well made and will last.

This is ideal for taking little ones to the beach where the sun can be too intense for tender skin.  The tent walls offer a sun protection that's rated UPF 50.  The bottom is removable so that they can still play in the sand under the shade.  I've seen cheaper versions of this, but that's what they are, cheap.  They look like they won't make it through a Summer while this is very well made and will easily last you many many seasons. 

The poles remain attached with their fold up design so they won't get lost.  Everything stays together in the carry bag and weighs 6 pounds.  It's great for keeping right in the car ready for action.  When you've found your spot, sling it around your shoulder and off you go.  Find it Here.

Tweet

OPA COVE pfds for Kids

If you have a little one that's going to be around water this Summer, you have to see this fabulous PFDs and Swim Assist Vests from OPA COVE. 
          
In and effort to "enhance family life and create products that foster family interaction, children's safety, and fun, ” the folks at Opa Cove have come up with the coolest kids pfds and swim vests I have ever seen.  Talk about combining function with brilliant design, these combine safety with great design.  Certified by the US Cost Guard, these pfds are something your children will want to wear, maybe something they won't want to take off.

They come in two versions, the swim assist to help children learn to swim and the pfd which is suitable for canoeing, water skiing, kayaking, and wake boarding.  Appropriate for ages 2-7, the vests keep kids safe while allowing them the joy of pretending to be a dolphin, clownfish, shark or orca whale.


I'm not sure about the sizing for these, my son measured for the medium, but took a large.  They do sell them at REI, so you can try them on first.

Tweet

ENO Hammock System: Portable Summer Fun

I haven't enjoyed a hammock in long time, not since I brought one back from Mexico years ago.  That was a great hammock, made from woven string.  I took it camping, enjoyed it at home, and had a lot of fun with it.  But after a couple of years, the rope deteriorated and it fell apart and that was the end of it.

When I saw Eagles Nest Outfitters Hammocks, I got very excited because they reminded me of my old Mexican one.  Eno's hammocks are way better however, and address all the issues I had with the other one.  This is a hammock you buy one time.  It's made of quality nylon that feels like a parachute.  It's easy to clean, super durable and will last.

With the stuff sack, it's quite small and appropriate for backpacking. You could keep it with you for everyday use in your day pack, messenger bag, or purse to pull out at opportune moments.  Keep it in your lunchbox to rejuvenate on your lunch break at school or work, it's something that can easily go anywhere.  The carabiners on either end combined with straps make set up and removal take less than a minute.

For camping and hiking, the Onelink System comes with everything you could possibly need such as the pro straps, a rain tarp, stakes, a bug net and the nest of your choice.  I recommend the double nest for its versatility.  There are many color combinations to choose from and you can get the Onelink System or purchase each component as needed.  If you do buy ala carte, I strongly suggest the Pro Straps which make set up incredibly easy allowing you to be very flexible in choosing the two objects you will use for mounting the hammock.  

If you have children, know that they are going to be all over this.  My six year old had to be dragged out of it after at least two hours on the porch and flew out of bed the next morning to get back to the hammock and has been quite obsessed with it ever since.  The two of us can fit perfectly in the hammock, and it's very cozy and comfortable.  There is something so soothing about floating in the air and swaying back and forth.  The built in stuff sack doubles as a bottle holder so your beverage is in reach (or flashlight, book, etc).

We haven't tried it camping yet, but it's awesome at the park and on the porch at home.  I've heard that people enjoy this hammock so much that they rig them up in their bedrooms in lieu of a bed.  These are good for any season, people use them in the snow.  If you are going to be sleeping in colder climates, it's recommended that you put a sleep mat in your hammock, and use an appropriate sleeping bag, otherwise you'll get cold.

For me, it's a Summertime luxury, and an attainable one at that.  The ENO facilitates one of the key hallmarks of Summer--the idea that at some point we will get to relax.  Find ENO Here and consider buying extra for your friends and family, they're going to want one too.

Tweet

K9 and Doggles: Eyewear for Dogs

Summer sun can be bright for dogs too, Doggles offers sunglasses made just for dogs.  And if the dog doesn't mind, they're good fun.

Doggles are the only company that make eyewear specific to dogs.  The bridge of the nose is wide to fit a dog's nose and there are adjustable straps to fit around the head and ears.  They are well made from eco friendly recycled materials.

Doggles provide protection from sun, wind and debris.  How do you get your dog to wear them?  They suggest putting them on outside where it's bright because the dog probably won't like wearing them indoors where it would be harder to see, only leave them on for a few minutes at first so the dog can get used to them, reassure that it's okay and try not to let the dog paw at the glasses.  After a few tries most dogs are willing to wear them.

There are two versions with many size and color options of each.  One is the K-9 which are more like sunglasses, and the other are Doggles which are more like goggles and are modeled after sport goggles.

The Doggles are the more hard core of the two, offering more protection.  If your dog likes to poke his head out the window or rides on a bike or side car, these would be great.

Find them HERE.
Image Credit: Kendall

Tweet

CHLORINE: should we swim in it?

We know that it's not a good idea to drink chlorine (one of the reasons we filter our drinking water) and we know it's not a good idea to bathe in it (hence the shower and bath filters), so what about swimming in it?

I LOVE swimming laps.  If I had my druthers (and a million bucks), I would wake up every single morning and swim a mile in my own indoor non-chlorinated pool.  Since I do not have my own pool, I have been going to a public pool to teach my son to swim and get in some laps every few days.  This has proved to be challenging in a big way and for one main reason--the chlorine.  My sinuses are fried after swimming, our swim clothes wreak even after multiple washes (so does our skin, even after brushing) and we both sneeze like crazy the rest of the entire day.  The whole thing has me thinking, are the benefits of swimming worth the dangers of chlorine?

Since we are not supposed to put anything on our skin that we wouldn't eat, it doesn't make much sense to marinate ourselves in chlorine, right?  Dioxin, one of the most toxic substances known to man, is a by-product of chlorine and is considered by the EPA to be 300,000 times more dangerous than the ultra-scary DDT.  Dioxin is the reason there are warnings about white coffee filters--while the coffee is brewing, dioxin is seeping into your coffee via the bleached filter!  This strikes me as very insidious.  Paper--toilet paper, even diapers contain dioxin!  All because some people associate sanitary and clean with bleached white.  Paradigm shift needed desperately.  At what point does common sense and reason become the norm?  Dioxin is also found in food products such as cheese, but more on that later.

There are all sorts of warnings due to Dioxin.  We are ingesting Dioxin every day to the tune of up to 600 times the EPA's suggested limit (as though any is okay).  This in turn leads to a ridiculous amount of health issues from allergies to cancer.

Pools that are indoors are worse than outdoor pools because you are breathing in so much chlorine along with what is being absorbed through the skin.  I've read that you could drink a quart of pool water and absorb less toxins than what you absorb by swimming in it for a half an hour.  Here's a link to some references specific to the hazards of chlorine pools.

Dr. Weil has a post about some of the dangers of swimming in chlorinated water but then goes on to suggest wearing a mask and snorkel as a solution--seriously?  I mean, thanks for addressing it, but surely we can do better than this.  To be fair, he does suggest lobbying and discussing the matter with managers at our local pools--this we can all do easily and maybe if they hear it enough, there will be change.

My conclusion:  at this point I do not have access to a non-chlorinated pool.  The danger of my son not knowing how to swim will for now outweigh the danger of the pool.  However, I will limit our exposure to once or twice per week and I will seek alternatives.

image credit: ecstaticist

Tweet