money & space
Designer in a box. New Room Spacing Kits from Canvas Home Basics are the least expensive product like this we’ve seen. The area-specific, do-it-yourself decorating tool includes a design board, furniture and accessory stickers, graph paper and other work materials, design tips and instructions. Call 866-376-9961 for the kit, about $8. Details at .
energy
Environmentalism has arrived in the beauty aisle of your neighborhood chain store in the form of ecoTools, a collection of Earth-friendly makeup brushes. Their handles are made of bamboo, a sustainable wood. Their bristles are super-soft, animal- free synthetic. And the brushes come in reusable pouches. The manufacturer, Paris Presents, is also part of the 1 Percent for the Planet campaign for responsible business practices. A set of five brushes is $10.99 at Walgreens. Select Kmart and Ulta stores also carry ecotools.
time
Generator primer. Inclement weather should serve as a reminder that there’s never a convenient time to lose power. Homeowners shopping for a generator to keep on hand for blackout emergencies should check out the February issue of Mother Earth News. This long-standing magazine devoted to responsible living spotlights a feature on generators and includes step-by-step tips for selecting one, guidelines for keeping fuel fresh, and safety precautions.
