Productopia: The ConsumerSearch Blog

Tips to make your swimsuit last longer

Kelly Anne Fitzpatrick — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:35:07 +0000

Once you find that perfect swimsuit for you and your wallet, all that fun in the sun can take a serious toll on your swimwear. Whether you practically live in it all summer or only take it out a few times per year, it can really hurt to see your favorite bathing suit beat up after only a few wears. Not to mention, that wear and tear results in a less-vibrant, worse-fitting suit for you.

Experts say the damage is due to the fact that bathing suits typically have a lot of Spandex or other stretchy fabrics. These materials can get damaged both by frequent stretching and by chemicals and heat. Considering all the pool chlorine, hot tub dips, and washer spin cycles, it's easy to see how the damage can add up. This summer, get more bang for your fashion-buck by taking a few easy steps to make your swimsuit last longer.

Five apps, gadgets and more for American Bike month

Isabel Eva Bohrer — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:05:10 +0000

Spring is a time when bikers naturally come out of hibernation, but did you know that May is American Bike month? Whether you're a cycling fanatic or buying your first bike this year, there are plenty of activities for you to participate in. Check out the League of American Bicyclists website to see what is going on in your area. And if you need some assistance, consider the following apps and gadgets to keep you in good shape - all season long.

Recall recap: Dry pet food, SONIC toothbrushes, BMW 3-Series, plus Chrysler 300s and Dodge Caravans

Rita Colorito — Fri, 11 May 2012 20:17:09 +0000

A slew of recalls this week caution that what affects our pets can also affect us. Several high-end dry dog food brands joined an ever-expanding recall list because of possible salmonella contamination. And our pets aren't the only ones at risk. Humans who come into contact with the contaminated food can get sick, too. Experts advise to always wash your hands properly after feeding your pet, clean surfaces that came into contact with pet food, never allow children under 5 to feed animals, and be sure to keep little ones away from the pet food bowl lest they decide to munch on some kibble.

Wheels and tails up: The ins and outs of air travel with pets

Sage McHugh — Thu, 10 May 2012 16:18:57 +0000

Flying with your pet can be tricky unless you know the proper procedures. We researched the rules and regulations and dug up some to-do tips in order to make the trip less stressful for you and your furry friend.

Live from the CTIA Wireless show in New Orleans

Molly McLaughlin — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:00:10 +0000

Smartphones smartphones smartphones. 4G! 4G! 4G! That about sums up CTIA's Wireless tradeshow. While there's not a whole lot of breaking news here, there's no shortage of great ideas. Visa and Mastercard were demo-ing their mobile payment systems (V.Me and PayPass) which aim to make online and in-person transactions just that much easier. Meanwhile, smartphones were in abundance - many of which are not yet available in the U.S. And most companies had big ideas for 4G. Here's a look at some of the interesting products I've seen - including some truly out there smartphone cases.

The right bathing suit for your body and budget

Kelly Anne Fitzpatrick — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:26:24 +0000

We've all seen those articles extolling the virtues of X-Y-Z swimsuit, which--among its other super powers--will make you look slim, curvy, sexy, lean, or any other adjective you could want. The problem is, we don't all have hundreds of dollars to shell out on a wear-it-a-few-times-per-year garment.

We've hunted through fashion editors' recommendations for each body type to find the common thread (pardon the pun). The result: readable, comprehensive instructions that will guide you to the best bathing suit for your body. Plus we threw in a few of our favorite suit recommendations--all under 50 bucks!

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If you're busty: Support is the name of the game here. Nix slips with a top that's sturdy--but that doesn't mean it has to be plain, says Real Simple. Underwire and other bra-like details (like a secure clasp in lieu of a flimsy tie) are signs of a supportive top, according to Self. Balance all that coverage with a bottom featuring a fun pattern or details. If you prefer more coverage, your one-piece still needs all the same support on top.

Recommended: Merona Women's Underwire Tankini Swim Top ($19.99- pictured above) and Mossimo Women's Mix & Match Hipster Swim Bottom ($19.99); Ambrielle Swim Top, Bra-Sized ($18, available up to 38DD) and Ambrielle Hipster ($18).

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If you're pear-shaped: Self suggests side-ties and ruching for customizable coverage on the bottom (so you can show a little more on vacation, a little less around the family). Other options are a minimalist bandeau top to draw eyes up, or a swim skirt to hide hips. When mixing and matching, choose a pattern on top and solid on the bottom. Just avoid boxy boyshorts, which make your hips look wider, says Glamour.

Recommended: Old Navy Women's Mix & Match Bandeau Top ($14.94) and Merona Womens Swim Skirt with Adjustable Side-Ties ($19.99); H&M Swimsuit ($29.95-pictured above).

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If you're boy-shaped: No matter the style, Self magazine suggests looking for feminine details like bows and ruffles, which add volume. Boyshorts "round out" a smaller backside. Real Simple suggests horizontal stripes, which help add curves. When going the one-piece route, a suit with an hourglass-shaped center panel creates the illusion of curves.

Recommended: Mossimo Women's Mix & Match Stripe Push-Up Swim Top in Black ($19.99) and Mossimo Women's Mix & Match Skirtini Swim Bottom with Side Tie (19.99-pictured above); Old Navy Women's Bandeau-Keyhole Swimsuit ($29.94).

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If you're curvy: Curvy girls, look for mix-and-match suits in the same color or pattern, which let you choose the perfect top and bottom. On top, halters are a great bet for providing plenty of support without looking frumpy. On bottom, a high-cut bikini will help lengthen legs, says Self, while a suit with a fitted (not flouncy or voluminous), built-in skirt or boy shorts offer coverage. Keep balance in mind; for example, a covered-up bottom and showy top will draw lots of eyes to your chest, while two pieces that cover about the same amount create symmetry.

Recommended: Victoria's Secret The Liya Halter Top ($26-$28) and Victoria's Secret Side Ruched Low-Rise Hipkini Bottom ($18-$20); Bisou Bisou Twist Front Bikini Top ($18-pictured above) and Bisou Bisou Side-Tie Skirt ($18-pictured above).

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If you're petite all around: Petite women will want to add volume. Bright colors and smaller prints are perfect for you, says Self, since you've got nothing to hide. Ties at the hips and chest can help create the illusion of curves. A sexy cut (think peekaboo cut-outs) paired with ruffles can help keep the look mature. Just don't overwhelm yourself with wide stripes.

Recommended: Victoria's Secret The Daisy Push-Up Triangle Top ($26-$28) and Side-Tie Bikini Bottoms ($18-$20); Old Navy Women's Printed String-Tie Swimsuit ($29.94-pictured above).

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If you're plus-sized: Plus-sized gals will want to combine a few of the tips that work for other women. For example, look for support up top with thicker straps and ruching to hide a tummy. When buying two pieces, try to mix and match to create the best fit for your body, suggests Self, and there's no need to hide from pattern. Distract from any problem areas by adding detailing like ruffles or an empire waist.

Recommended: H&M+ Swimsuit ($34.95, available in sizes 14-24-pictured above); Old Navy Women's Mix & Match Ruffle Tankini Top ($24.94, available up to XXL [size 20]) and Old Navy Women's Mix & Match Bikini Bottom ($14.94, available up to size XXL).

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If you have a tummy: The temptation may be to grab the suit with the most spandex you can find, but Glamour magazine says that's actually not the way to go. Instead of trying to suck it in all day, choose a suit with ruching across the tummy. Draw eyes up with a halter or other embellished top. All-over prints--both graphic and floral--can also detract from any unwanted pooch, according to Self. One-piece not for you? A tankini or flirty, feminine high-waisted bottoms with ruching both achieve the same look.

Recommended: Attention Women's Scrunched Swimsuit ($34.95-pictured above); American Apparel Nylon Tricot Criss-Cross Bikini Top ($25) and American Apparel Tricot High-Waist Swim Brief ($25-pictured above).

A new option to travel light with babe in tow

Sandra Gordon — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:24:55 +0000

Planning your summer vacation? Don't forget to book your baby gear, too. Instead of lugging a car seat, stroller and Pack 'n Play or making Grandma shell out for baby items or borrow them, why not rent everything you need to keep you and your little one safe and content?

Crib notes: What you need to know before buying a mattress

Sandra Gordon — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:29:29 +0000

Buying a crib mattress may not seem like nearly as much fun as picking out a designer stroller or dolling up the nursery, but it's one of the most important baby products you'll buy.

"Babies spend up to 70 percent of the time in their crib and they're bones are soft and growing faster than at any other time of their life. They need the support of a firm crib mattress," says Dennis Schuetz, director of marketing, merchandising and special accounts for Colgate Kids, a crib mattress company based in Atlanta.

Lather, rinse, reuse, repeat

Rita Colorito — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:40:45 +0000

Raise your hand if you're guilty of this: You schlep unwashed produce, drippy meat packages and sweaty milk containers, along with a smorgasbord of groceries and cleaning products, in your reusable grocery bags week after week, without so much as a thought to cleaning those, now potentially, bacterially contaminated bags. You simply hang them back on the hook, ready for your next eco-conscious shopping trip.

Going nude

Michelle Vongphakdy — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:23:55 +0000

Understated makeup remains a beauty trend and the nude lip goes hand in hand with that look. Surprisingly, perfecting a nude lip can be more difficult than going bold with a vivacious red. We gathered up some tips for choosing the best shade to help you avoid looking like a corpse.

New labels for higher risk birth control pills

Rita Colorito — Tue, 08 May 2012 20:24:18 +0000

If you take Bayer's Yaz aka Yasmin or other birth control pills containing drospirenone, a man-made version of the hormone progesterone, you'll soon notice new, stronger warning labels adorning their packages. That's because these particular pills may put women at greater risk for blood clots--as much as 75 percent higher--compared to other progestin-containing oral contraceptives.

The potentially higher risk associated with these newer contraceptives prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to issue a safety alert.

Status update: Social network news

Molly McLaughlin — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:02:46 +0000

The social networking space is never quiet. Facebook's IPO is scheduled to go live on May 18, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg putting the site's value at up to $96 billion. This follows that social network's recent launch of an organ donation tool, of all things. In other news, New York City teachers get some social networking guidelines for interacting with students online, and Forbes and The Washington Times look into the future.

Theme park price breakdown: More scream for your green

Kelly Anne Fitzpatrick — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:46:43 +0000

According to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (yes, there is such an organization), amusement park attendance increased by 35 percent from 1990 to 2007, but during the same period, annual revenue more than doubled. The Six Flags franchise (comprised of 19 regional parks) alone has revenue of $1 billion, while the Disney family of parks and resorts boasted revenue of $3.2 billion after the first quarter of 2012.

Of course, most parents didn't need to hear those stats to realize the price of taking the family to a theme park has sky rocketed in recent years. We crunched the numbers to give you the lowdown on what it will cost you to hit the coasters this year, but we've also found ways to save.

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Disney World's Magic Kingdom
Orlando, Florida

Disney World is obviously in a class by itself; while most regional theme parks are day-trip affairs, Disney World is a true destination. It's also the most expensive to visit.

How to save

Move to Florida. Floridians get off-season deals and discounted season tickets.
BYOP -- picnic, that is. Compared to $8.50 hamburgers, bringing lunch in a cooler can save you a bundle. You're allowed to bring a small, soft-sided cooler into the park. Lockers near the entrance can be used to stash your cooler until lunchtime. See the official policy here. You'll be able to find a bench or outdoor table for seating.
Read up! More than any other theme park, there are dozens of books on making the most of your visit, finding the best food deals, and organizing your day. Perhaps the best way to save is to make the most of your time. Try the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2012.

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Universal Studios
Orlando, Florida

Keeping suit with nearby Disney World, Universal Studios is also a pricey entry for both adults and kids. The cost factor also seems a bit out of sync with what a visitor gets: the park only offers a handful of rides for kids and just a mere two rollercoasters.

How to save

Bring your Floridian friends. State residents get free parking after 6pm, a $15 savings.
Two parks, two days. Visitors looking to hit Universal Studios and its sister park next door, Islands of Adventure, can purchase a Park-to-Park Admission pass for just $68 a day-- a savings of $20.
Buy online. If you purchase your multi-day tickets online you get a special coupon book featuring up to $150 in savings.

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Disneyland Resort
Anaheim, California

It's still pricey, but Disneyland is actually a pretty good deal for kids. Although a child's ticket costs $74, Disneyland has more kid-friendly rides than any other park in our list -- almost two dozen.

How to save

Picnic-it. Unlike Disney World, Disneyland has a dedicated picnic area right outside the main gates. Nearby lockers let you stash your lunch so you're not stuck carrying it all day.
Perks for California residents. Periodic discounts include two days for $99 (through June 1).
Check the Disney deals page. Coupons and package deals can be found on the Disney website.

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Legoland
Carlsbad, California

Constructed from the same plastic bricks born in Billund, Denmark in 1932, Legoland also has a hefty pricetag for a child's admission ticket, but with nearly 20 kid-friendly rides and even more attractions, it is a good value for Lego-obsessed kids.

How to save

Save on two parks. When you purchase your ticket on the web, you can save $15 off a two-park (Legoland and it's sister water park) admission.
Arrive fashionably late. Guests arriving two hours before closing get 50% the full admission price.
Get carded. Bring your ID; discounts are available for active military personel, airline employees, tour operators, travel angents and AAA members.

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Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Williamsburg, Virginia

Named the most beautiful theme park for 22 consecutive years (in annual surveys by the National Amusement Park Historical Association), Busch Gardens is a horticultural hit. It's also a pretty good value for thrill seekers, with more than seven roller coasters and plenty of other attractions and entertainment.

How to save

Buy an annual pass. For $119, you only need to go twice in a season to make your annual pass a worthwhile investment. Plus, with your pass you get other freebies and discounts on parking, single admission tickets, stroller rentals, food and beverages, animal encounters and tours, as well as merchandise.
Plan your meal ahead. Before heading to the park buy a BGW Meal Deal package online and save 40% off your dining. You get lunch, dinner, and a 32 oz. souvenir drink cup for $27.49.
Get a Fun Card. For just a few bucks more than standard admission, a Fun Card gets you unlimited entry to the park all Spring and Summer (rather than all year).
Save on a multi-day pass. Buying a Bounce Card online gets you in for seven consecutive days for less than the price of two days ($103.60 per adult Bounce Card).

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Six Flags Great Adventure
Jackson, New Jersey

The biggest theme park on our list, Great Adventure has 11 roller coasters and boasts a neighboring water park, Hurricane Harbor, along with the 350-acre Wild Safari, a zoo that's home to more than 1,200 animals, including a handful of endangered species.

How to save

Season tix are a steal. For $18 more than the price of a single-day/single-park ticket, you can buy a season pass online for all three parks. The catch? You only get free parking through May 28.
Discount for Discover card members. If you are a Discover cardholder, you instantly save 5% on all purchases inside the park.
Buy online. Buy your tickets online and save $20.

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Dollywood
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

"Let us entertain you" is the theme of the day at Dollywood. While not the park for thrills (four roller coasters) or as a kiddie nirvana (just four kid-oriented rides), Dollywood boasts at least 8 live performances (mainly music and dance) plus a rotating roster of guests musicians. You'll also find a half-dozen craft-demonstration areas from candlemaking to blacksmithing.

How to save

Eleven-year olds count as kids. At many parks, 9 years or even 3 years is the cutoff for a kids admission; at Dollywood, it's 11.
Parking is a deal. It's just $8 here, compared to twice that Universal, Six Flags or Disney parks.
Season tickets are a good deal. Particularly if you're interested in some of the guest artists, the $86 season ticket price is a good deal, and they're good through Dec. 30 -- great since Dollywood does it up big for the holidays with decorations, carol singing and special music programs.

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Six Flags Great America
Gurnee, Illinois

If you live in Chicagoland, season tickets to Six Flags Great America are a terrific deal; a season park pass purchased online will cost you $60 -- that's the same price as a one-day ticket purchased at the gate. While Great America isn't a good choice if you're a fan of live shows (there aren't very many), there are plenty of roller coasters -- 11 of them -- and a decent number for kids too (7 kid attractions).

How to save

Even if there's only a slight chance you'll go more than once by Sept. 9, get a Thrill Pass online. This season pass costs the same as a one-day ticket purchased at the gate.
Buy your tickets online -- no matter what. If you're only going one day, online day passes cost $40 online -- $60 at the park.
Use your Discover card in the park. You'll save 5% off all in-park purchases.

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Six Flags Over Georgia
Austell, Georgia

Like most of the Six Flags properties, roller coasters are the thing here. With 11 of them, Six Flags over Geogia gets you more coaster per dollar than any other park; if you buy your tickets online at least three days in advance, an adult ticket costs just $35 (adults or kids). And with 16 kids' rides, there's enough to keep little ones happy too.

How to save

Log on to save lots. All of the Six Flags parks offer hefty buy-online discounts, but this deal is particularly great -- $35 per ticket if you can buy three days in advance.
BYO picnic to save more. Parking costs a bundle ($16), but at least there's a picnic area in the parking area. Bring your own cooler for lunch or pre-park fueling. No outside food is allowed inside the park.
Six Flags Discover discount. All of the Six Flags parks this year offer a 5% discount for purchases made with a Discover card.

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Cedar Point
Sandusky, Ohio

For coaster junkies, it doesn't get much better than Cedar Point. There are 15 of them. And Cedar Point isn't short on kiddie stuff either, with 17 rides suitable for kids. On the downside, Cedar Point's definition of a "kid" is stricter than some others (under 3 years, or less than 48" qualifies you as a kid), and the season ticket isn't a great deal ($110 for an adult). While some parks like Six Flags properties offer big discounts for online ticket purchases, Cedar Point isn't so great -- you'll save $7 if you buy online.

How to save

Send the kids with the grandparents. Cedar Point is one of the few parks that offers a senior discount at all. Folks over 62 pay the kids price of $27 (when purchased online).
Drink up all day for $7. Hot days combined with high drink prices can put a dent in your wallet. Cedar Point offers $7 all-day refills for soda if you buy a special wristband.
Twilight pricing gets you at least 5 hours of fun for $32. Come after 5:00 p.m. (when the park closes at 10:00 p.m. or later) or after 4:00 (when it closes earlier) and save.

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D orney Park
Allentown, Pennsylvania

Compared to the other parks here, Dorney Park seems a little lackluster. The $49 ticket price looks steep compared to Six Flags Great Adventure, which is about 90 miles away. For the same money ($45 for an adult ticket when you buy online), Great Adventure has four more roller coasters and a next-door wildlife park. But if Dorney Park is close to home, you'll still find 8 coasters in a compact park that won't have you walking forever between rides.

How to save

$40 online single-day tickets. You can save $9 by buying online and skipping the line at the gate.
Welcome, seniors. Dorney Park is another of the few parks with seniors pricing, $25 online, same as the online kids price.
Season passes include extras. At $105, season tickets aren't especially cheap, but they do include lots of money-saving extras like free parking, included admission to Wildwater Kingdom (the sister water park), admission to Planet Snoopy (a park with 16 rides just for kids), access to the annual Halloween haunted house event, and bring-a-friend discount tickets on certain days.

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Schlitterbahn
New Braunfels, Texas

Water parks aren't unusual anymore, but while many of them are afterthoughts, tacked on to theme parks. Schlitterhahn New Braunfels (and its three other locations) are water parks first and foremost. There are three water "coasters" plus elaborate water slides along with tamer attractions. But the $45 adult ticket is the same price -- whether purchased online or at the gate. So you'll have to get creative to save here.

How to save

Picnics aren't relegated to the parking lot! Schlitterbahn is one of the few parks that actually encourages you to bring you own food. As long as you don't pack glass or alcohol, you're welcome to bring a cooler into the park (coolers will be checked before you enter).

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Worlds of Fun
Kansas City, Missouri

At first glance, the $20 kids' admission to this midwestern theme park seems like a steal. The catch? While Worlds of Fun boasts a decent number of adult coasters (six major ones), there just isn't much for kids, with just six kid-friendly rides.

How to save

Seasons of fun. At $100 each, season passes aren't a bad deal if you visit more than twice per year, and parking is included.
Non-gouging food costs. A meal deal -- sandwich/burger, fries and drink -- costs $10. That's 50% less than you'll pay at a Six Flags park. Unfortunately, you can't bring outside food into the park at all. There are some picnic areas in the parking lots, however.
Milk, bread and tickets. Area Price Chopper stores sell tickets for about $5 off.
Buy online. Buying your tickets online saves you $10 -- and saves you from waiting in a ticket line.

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Silverwood
Athol, Idaho

This mid-sized amusement park is mid-sized in a lot of ways: mid-sized in acreage, mid-sized in number of roller coasters (six) and mid-sized in price. The big bonus we can see is this park's family-friendly attitude, with 11 kid-friendly rides, a liberal age policy (under 7 years), and an especially nice price on children's tickets -- $21 if purchased online.

How to save

Bring ID if you're over 65. Adults over 65 pay the same price as kids -- $21 if you buy online.
The water park is included, so make the most of it. Access to Boulder Beach water park is included -- you can't even buy tickets for it separately. Plan your day right and you could hit the roller coasters in the morning and the water attractions when the afternoon heats up for $40 per adult (purchased online) and $21 per child.

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Lake Compounce
Bristol, Connecticut

It's not the largest or best known theme park, but Lake Compounce is a great value. Even the parking, at $8, is far less than what you'll pay at a Six Flags property. Stroller rental is just $7 (compare to $10 at most places). And the park's website gets our kudos for clarity; you can find everything from detailed ride descriptions to food menus/pricing.

How to save

Bring the kids. At $27, kids' tickets aren't dirt cheap, but kids do get a lot to do, with 12 kid-friendly rides.
Go to happy hour! After 5:00, $19 gets you in. And with the park staying open until 9:00 or 10:00 on weekends, you can fit in a good bit of fun.
Become a frequent flier. Season tickets, at $70, are a great deal. They'll pay for themselves in just two visits. The bummer: Parking isn't included.

Recall recap: BMW motorcycles and Michelin tires pose serious crash risks to vehicle occupants

Rita Colorito — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:43:35 +0000

Drivers and passengers beware: This week's recalls include 2012 BMW S1000RR motorcycles with potentially catastrophic engine damage; and Michelin tires that experience rapid air loss during use, increasing the risk of a crash. Even if you don't own any of these, let's hope they're not on the road when we're on it.

Microsoft finds its e-book niche via the Nook

Carl Laron — Thu, 03 May 2012 14:36:10 +0000

Thanks to some patent squabbles, Barnes & Noble and Microsoft have not been the best of friends of late. That's part of what made Monday's announcement that the crew from Redmond had turned around and formed a partnership with Barnes & Noble's digital publishing operations a bit of a surprise. In retrospect, it probably shouldn't have been given the fact that Barnes & Noble badly needed an injection of cash, and that Microsoft badly needed to figure out a way to, finally, get some traction in digital publishing. But what's it all mean for the companies, and, more important, what's it all mean for you?

Beware: The hidden cost of renting cars

Terence Baker — Wed, 02 May 2012 14:05:53 +0000

The base price of a car rental tells only a part of the story to your wallet. Renters have to add to that initial base cost, extras such as insurance (if your credit cards do not cover you) and sales tax, which differs by state and sometimes within different cities in those states, too. There are also those extra taxes that renters are unaware of until they sign on the dotted line. These taxes have become more and more popular in the last decade and even more disconcerting: in some cases they can more than double the cost of your rental car.

Find out which cities are the worst culprits below and why.

Treat your mom with these five modern gifts

Isabel Eva Bohrer — Tue, 08 May 2012 16:18:36 +0000

Let me guess, last year, you gave your mom flowers on Mother's Day. And the year before that, too. Maybe you took her out for brunch. While giving flowers and treating her to a delicious meal continue to be appreciated as presents, why not do something a bit different this year? Smartphone apps can help you bring a modern flair to Mother's Day, whether you want to bake your own Mother's Day dish, or create a customized eCard or entire eBook. Why not put together a special gift, such as a collection of "mom appreciation" songs. Or bring the whole family together to watch a Mother's Day TV episode. All in all, it's a special day for your mother - make sure you show her how much you love her!

Five gardening apps to try this spring

Isabel Eva Bohrer — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:42:35 +0000

Put away those gardening books. This spring, you can use apps to figure out exactly what to plant and when - and to keep track of your growing garden. Whether you've always been a fan of homegrown vegetables or are simply looking for some inspiration as to which herbs you might have in your kitchen, there are helpful smartphone apps, with encyclopedias on thousands of plant species available at your fingertips. In addition, mobile apps can help you set a gardening schedule, including to-do lists, reminders and estimates of when plants will be ready for harvest. This way, you can stay on top of your garden and truly enjoy your time out in nature.

Beyond the rose: 10 distinctive and long-lasting flowers for Mom

Monika Dziamka — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:52:28 +0000

Your mother is resilient and strong; therefore, it just wouldn't do to give her flowers this Mother's Day that were anything less. Before you reach for the red roses, consider these 10 other flower options that will also capture Mom's uniqueness.

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Peonies come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors--some, like the Alexander Fleming or the Amalia Olson varieties, which was named Peony of the Year for 2012 by the American Peony Society, are lusciously fragrant. Since peak season is now, April-June, ask your florist about less common varieties like the Candy Stripe, which is white with magenta streaks.

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Hydrangeas provide a cheerful poof of petals in their usual blue, white, or pink varieties. Hardy stems and few leaves make them perfect for arranging, and their delicate, sweet fragrance is sure to please Mom.

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Alliums are perhaps more commonly seen in purple; but these lollipop look-alikes can also be in shades of white, pink, red, yellow, and blue and can last more than two weeks. Because they sometimes exude a slight onion smell, add a drop of bleach to the water to maintain fresh air.

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Alstroemeria, also known as the Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas, comes in shades of yellow, pinks, reds, whites, and oranges; stays full-bodied for two or more weeks; and is a staple of even the grocery store florist. Inner streaks of color can be very bright and eye-catching. These often-underrated blooms look extraordinary in a big bunch, but pair delightfully with true lilies and all kinds of other flowers.

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Another classic yet under-appreciated flower, the carnation might just be the hardiest cut flower on the market. It can last for several weeks in a vase, and the colors are endless. Look out for unique breeds, like the Florigene Moonseries, a series of specially created flowers in varying shades of purple--Moonvista is so dark that it's almost black, while Moonaqua is a pale, pastel hue. To go with the SAF theme of purple with bright green, pair purple carnations with a carnation cousin, the Dianthus Barbatus (see next slide).

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The "Green Trick" Dianthus Barbatus won the 2008 award for best novelty flower at the World Association of Flower Arrangers' World Flower Show, and it has been wowing flower lovers ever since. With an up to 4-week vase life, this naturally green fuzz ball adds whimsy and vibrancy to any arrangement. As with carnations, it's best to trim the stems in between the little joint sections to ensure good water flow.

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Fragrant, large, and undeniably spectacular, lilies are an easy find. One stem can produce several flowers; mix and match with variations for a burst of color or pair with other blooms in the same shade to add perfume. The Royal Sunset lily, red with a fiery orange interior, is a brilliant choice to try and was chosen by the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers as one of the best for 2012. But because lilies can be toxic to animals, keep all parts of the plant away from pets.

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Mother Goose was onto something when she sang, "Cut thistles in May/They'll grow in a day...;" Ask your florist to trim these beauties well, and what'll be left behind is an arresting flower ranging in tones of blue and purple to white. Echinops, or globe thistles, have nice, round shapes, while other varieties have a more bristle-y or even sunburst look. As a bonus, they dry exceptionally well.

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Gladiolas: These sculptural beauties make a grand statement, trimmed and arranged with other flowers or as a dramatic bouquet all on their own. Find them in shades of yellow, orange, pink, red, green, white, and purple and look for hybrid baby versions too. Buds not opening? Cover the tops loosely in plastic for several hours to trap heat.

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"Orchids are all the rage, especially mokara, phalaenopsis, and cymbidium," says Jennifer Sparks, vice president of marketing at the Society of American Florists. Use warmer water when first submerging stems in a vase, and mist buds occasionally with a spray bottle. To encourage sleepy buds to bloom, put the orchid in a slightly sunnier place but still away from direct sunlight.

The e-book lawsuit: The good and bad

Brad Chacos — Tue, 01 May 2012 19:15:26 +0000

Have you noticed that prices for new e-books have risen over the past couple of years, even though e-book readers themselves have been getting cheaper? So did the Justice Department. The agency recently filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple and five of the six largest book publishers in the U.S., alleging that they conspired together to fix prices and raise the cost of new and bestselling e-books. The legal details are long, complex and yawn-inducing. The important question is: what could the lawsuit mean for you, the e-book devouring consumer?

Fortunately, not all of this is wild theory and conjecture; while Apple, Macmillan and Penguin plan on fighting the lawsuit in court, Simon & Schuster, Hachette and HarperCollins agreed to settle with the Justice Department immediately. The proposed settlement [PDF] shines a light on some of the things we can expect in the future.

Recall recap: STOK gas grills, Irwin circular saws, and Sakar battery chargers

Rita Colorito — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:51:27 +0000

It's almost comical to say that circular saws cause laceration hazards; battery charges pose electrocution risks; and gas grills may result in fire and burn hazards. After all, the intended use of these products is to cut materials, create an electrical charge, and provide cooking fire, respectively. But in this week's recalls, these products do all that, but in unintentional ways. Read on for the serious details.

Intel building new Bridges

Carl Laron — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:00:12 +0000

If you are in the market for a new laptop or desktop computer and can afford to put off your purchase for a little while longer, it might not be the worst idea in the world. Intel has finally released its third-generation Core processors, dubbed Ivy Bridge. The first wave of these chips is targeting high-end systems, though processors for mainstream and budget desktop and laptop computers will soon follow. Eventually, all but the cheapest cheap computers will sport the new technology. And Apple users aren't being left out; if rumors are accurate, a new generation of Ivy Bridge powered Apple laptops and desktops could begin appearing as soon as this coming May or June. Let's see some of the major improvements these new chips bring to the table.

More crazy kitchen tips: Unusual uses for your small appliances

Sage McHugh — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:10:18 +0000

Chances are you think some of your small kitchen appliances serve only one purpose. While you might not let your goldfish dwell in your blender, did you know you could make mashed potatoes in your coffee maker, or whip up a mean margarita in an ice cream machine? Well, it's time to get the most out of your kitchenware. Read on to learn more innovative uses for the common and not-so-common kitchen appliances.

What happens to your social media accounts when you die?

Brad Chacos — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:34:12 +0000

Tweeting, posting, sharing, connecting, pinning, +1ing; it's all part of your thriving online social life. And all of those digital bits and bytes, a history of you and your Likes, remains on the servers of Facebook and Twitter and Google+ long after your time on this world comes to an end. So what happens to your social media accounts when you die?

Eco-friendly stain removers

Kelly Anne Fitzpatrick — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:36:07 +0000

In researching our recent report on the best stain removers, we came across one especially sticky situation -- green stain removers. "Green-washing," or making (often unfounded) eco claims, occurs in almost every product category these days, but household cleaners are notorious for exaggerating their environmental benefits.

The Today Show provides some excellent pointers for picking out truly eco-friendly products, like watching out for vague claims and double-checking ingredient lists or product websites. But if comparative shopping and crossing your fingers doesn't quite seem like a sure thing, we've got a solution for you. Both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and independent non-profits, Green Seal and Eco Logo, have already done the work for you, identifying products that are safe for the environment, and you and your family. Considering only those products that were approved by at least one of these organizations, we've rounded up some of the highest-reviewed, eco-friendly stain removers on the market.