Cut with Skil

Skil has come out with a nifty little gadget just in time for Christmas. It's called a "Lithium Ion Power Cutter - Model #2352-01"

When I was asked to review this product, I was intrigued. So I went to Skil's site to learn more. According to the manufacturer, it weighs less than a pound and can power through all sorts of stuff. The lithium-ion powered battery can maintain a charge for up to 18 months.

At first I tested the product on stuff like wrapping paper which it easily sliced through. I tried cardboard too. No problems there. At that point, I sort of turned into a 12-year-old boy, looking through the house with cutter in hand trying to find something I could cut up out of curiosity. (And I had to resist the temptation to get out an old leather coat just to see if the product really can slice through leather like it promises.)

This would be a great product if you need to cut something that's tough to tear yet very thin like laminated paper, vinyl flooring or wall paper. It even cut through cloth and vinyl blinds. The only issue I came across is that you've got to feed your fabric, box or paper into a very thin opening. (See the picture to catch my drift.) So if you're trying to cut a thick-ish piece of cardboard? Not going to happen. And its not because the blade's not strong enough - but rather because the feeder area is very narrow.

But while I'm thinking of it, the gadget is easy to maneuver. So if you want to cut a curve or a circle, you can do so with ease.

I plan on passing the power cutter along to my mom and dad. While I go out of my way to avoid do-it-yourself projects, they've tackled many a wallpaper and vinyl flooring installation project. I'm thinking they'd love something like this. Plus? They won't have to worry about the blade dulling. (According to the manufacturer, the blade is precision ground hardened steel.)

The tool can be found at Lowe's and retails between $45-55.

Target gift card and Pledge giveaway

Pledge Furniture Polish has been around for years. It is one of those tried and true products that most everyone has in their cleaning arsenal. But did you know Pledge kills up to 84% of allergens found in dust? That's a good thing for those of us with allergies! (Now I'm feeling sort of guilty for not dusting more!)

Pledge and their lovely PR people are giving away 2 prizes this week to Midwestern Mommy Review readers. Both contain a $25 gift cards to Target and a bottle of Pledge (the Dust & Allergen formula and the standard Pledge Furniture Polish). All you have to do is leave a comment to enter. Winner will be chosen Saturday after 3 p.m. and posted on Sunday.

But if you're holding out for bigger winnings? Pledge has created game photo hunt. Each time you play, you are entered to win $5,000. So visit http://www.pledgephotohunt.com/. The game is available until November 30.

Winner of Lands' End giveaway

Congrats to Brimful Curiosities on winning the Lands' End giveaway.

But check back on Monday for a new giveaway!

Going green... Works!

“Going green” is now mainstream. This is a great thing, yes? But some people are reluctant to reduce, reuse and recycle because they think this will mean more work for them. And really, who needs MORE work to do?

But going green can be easy. Here’s a few suggestions:

*Buy recycled goods and recyclable goods.

*When you're at the store why don't you pick up some of those energy-saving light bulbs? And if you need some cleaning supplies? Go for more natural cleaners. (Here's where I mention Green Works™ cleaners. Because they are at least 99% natural.)

*And while you’re loading up the cart, think about whether the packaging be used for something else. (Turn a big box into a “robot torso” for your kids. Or props in a play. Or use boxes to pack away holiday decorations.) And when that box is no longer useful, recycle.

*If you’re not using it, why not donate? Lots of charities take donations. And many of these organizations will come to your house and pick up your stuff! Groups like Freecycle and Recycler's Exchange can help rid yourself of no longer used objects. If you're in a Craigslist city, make use of the "free stuff" section. You can give away old baby clothes, that mini-fridge you brought with you to college 15 years ago, or those strange potholders someone gave you for a wedding present.

These a just a few options. But the makers of Clorox and creators behind Greenworks natural cleaners have a quite a few more ideas up their sleeves. That's why they've launched 30 Days to Natural. The premise is that small changes can add up to big rewards for your family and the planet. And they can show you how. You can also read the diaries of three women going green and sign up to get helpful tips and tricks. So go check it out!

This post was written on behalf of MomCentral.

Before you schedule that gyno procedure? Read this first!

I don't know about you but for me? Its always scary finding out that the only recourse to a medical issue is to have surgery. Many a thought bombards me. Like will this truly be the answer? How much pain will I be in afterward? How long before I feel like my normal self?

Fortunately there may be more than one option for many a woman with gynecological problems facing surgery. (Its always good to have options, yes?) So if you learn you're going to need major surgery in order to fix a problem "down under"? Check THIS site before you set up the particulars. (The site includes a glossary of terms, physician finder and patient education topics.)

According to the site, which is created by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, the benefits of minimally invasive procedures "include reduced risk of infection, minimized scarring, less blood loss, decreased post-operative pain, and generally quicker recovery time."

So its not surprising that these surgical procedures (especially for gynecological issues) are becoming more and more popular. For instance, did you know a diagnostic tool that uses a miniature telescopic device is used internally to detect issues and inspect internal organs. And? Not only can doctors seek out issues, they can often fix the issues at the same time.

Go to the AAGL's site to learn about your options. As the association says, "Gynecologic care is progressing quickly and it is our goal to keep you informed so you can seek the best care possible."

This post was written on behalf of MomCentral.

Land's End Giveaway (and a Weatherly jacket review too!)

Until a few weeks ago, I didn't know much about Lands' End other than the fact that my father-in-law loves their shirts. But from what I'd heard about them over the years, Lands' End has built a solid reputation for providing quality products that are practical and comfortable.

So when I was given the opportunity to try the Women's Weatherly Jacket, I was so very interested. Really, what girl can resist a new coat?

The jacket is made of PolarThin™ insulation (for warmth without making a girl look like the Michelin man), fleece-lined patch outer pockets with side-entry handwarmer pockets and inside pockets too. Plus? Lands' End boasts that this coat has a temperature rating of -10°/-5° Fahrenheit. (If you layer pieces, the jacket can keep you warm in -10° weather; but if you're wearing one layer, you're covered when temps drop to -5°.)

I was sent the berry-colored coat in medium. (If you aren't familiar with their sizes, medium is considered sizes 10-12.) The coat is very comfortable. And warm. The stitching is durable and the fabric inside and out is nylon. At one point I accidentally spilled some water on the coat but the water beaded up and quickly rolled off! I did check the tag and found this product can easily be washed at home. No extra dry cleaning bill. Yeay!

The coat can also be adjusted to fit various shapes and sizes. You can cinch or expand the waist line, there's a drawstring at the bottom of the coat, and there's Velcro at the bottom of the sleeves so you can adjust the fit around your wrists.

I do like the pockets. But what I like even more is the fact that the pockets don't add bulk. Plus, this coat did keep me comfy on a few cold days we experienced this past week.

Overall, this is a fun, durable coat that's perfect for when you're running errands. I wouldn't pair it with an evening gown but it is a great jacket for jeans, yoga pants or casual days at work.

The coat is normally $59.50 but is now on sale for $49.50. Surprising. Because at first, I assumed it cost more like $75-80.

I'm impressed with the quality of the coat and have been perusing the Lands' End site quite a bit over the past week or so -- especially now that Christmas will be here soon. They've got me hooked.

Here's where I mention that I'm giving away a Lands' End product! Those who live in the United States, leave a comment to win either the Women's Half-Zip Pullover or the Women's Sherpa Fleece. (Winner can choose.) Don't forget to leave an email addy in your comment. Winner will be drawn on Saturday, November 8th after 3 p.m!

Winners

Remember the Chex Mix basket givaway ? It was part of the blog carnival hosted by Bloggy Giveaways. Here are the winners! Angie, Lisa Lmg, and Betty C


The alternate winner (if someone doesn't get back to me with their info by this coming Thursday) is: Ellybean.


Congrats ladies!

Check back on Monday if you'd like to enter a giveaway for a little something (that's pretty great too!) from Land's End.