finch studios » Tools

Tote Bags Are The New Plastic Bags

admin — Tue, 04 May 2010 20:41:36 +0000

The other night I was in line at Borders when the cashier helping the woman in front of me suggested that the lovely tote bags behind her on a shelf was marked down to practically give away money status when total spending exceeded a certain amount. Obviously this woman had and just like that the sale was on. Of course the woman’s impulse reaction to say “I’ll take it” was met with no resistance. With that said the cashier conveniently placed her purchased items into the tote and the woman walked away feeling that she scored a big one with her new tote.

Some grocers are selling totes as a substitute to paper or plastic bags. If you bring in a recycled tote regardless of where you purchased it they the grocer credits your bill with a few pennies. As more and more grocers get in on the action of selling their own totes you should see in the near future a more colorful and attractive tote. And designs that will change randomly and often because we consumers like to shop with our eyes. A well designed tote can be used other than going to the grocer. We’ll use them to pack kid’s school lunches (yes they do have small size totes), or to stuff beach toys at a moment’s notice when heat overtakes us on those hot and humid summer days.

Why am I telling you all this? Well the last time I looked I have a closet full of these totes. Sadly, every time I visit the grocery store I always seem to forget these totes at home. So I am faced with a choice. Paper or plastic? No, I’ll just buy that cool looking tote behind you on the shelf. And I get to save 5 cents.

Cool Balance Boards For Seniors

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:35:13 +0000

Balance boards are load of fun for the youthful set but is it too far of a stretch to think a member of the senior set is can’t enjoy the fun of it too? Balance boards need some getting used to so it is very possible a senior can make balance boards part of their fitness workout. Balance training for seniors is especially important to allow them to gain strength on the lower part of the body. Developing strong leg and ankle muscles help seniors gain more coordination and may result in less injuries due to falls.

These days the baby boomers can choose from me unique looking balance boards that show off colorful graphics. Boards are well made and come in a variety of sizes. Seniors may want to have help with a personal trainer to get started or hold onto a stationary object until they develop better coordination. Once the ageless senior masters technique you may find them taking to the streets on skateboards for at the beach enjoying themselves on surf boards. One is never too to make fitness part of better health. So go ahead Daddy-o, give balance boards a try. You’re only as old as you want to be.

A Simple Shaped Pole Finds Its Place In Fitness

admin — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 13:33:47 +0000

If you thought of pole dancing as something women do on a stage in front of paying customers, well you would be right. But there are many women these days taking pole dancing classes in dance studios with an eye on something other than making a living out of it. These women do it to get in shape. First beginners need to learn the basics like grip and hand positioning and climbing. One of the biggest fears for women is the fear of falling. Once they overcome that hurdle, these women will soon learn the spin moves that one would associate pole dancing with. An hour on the pole is a great workout because since you are using your own body weight the core muscles will benefit.

Pole dancing competitions are cropping up across America and there is even a movement to get pole dancing into the Olympics. It is wonderful that there are many alternate ways to exercise and stay in shape. Pole dancing may not be for everyone, but it’s loads of fun. Look for a class in your city. Invite your friends to come along. You’ll tone up and feel a little sexy too

Cool Looking Yoga Bags Make A Statement

admin — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 21:49:15 +0000

How many times have you’ve gone to your favorite yoga mat class lugging your mat under your arm and carrying other essentials in your coat or purse? Well it doesn’t have to be that way anymore. The Retro Yoga Mat bag is one very stylish tote that you will not mind being seen with. In fact this versatile mat bag not only transport your mat cleanly, but still has room for all your personal items. Bring along a towel, water bottle, cell phone or a yoga practice rug.

Another cool looking mat bag is the Yoga Sport Bag. Extremely soft featuring shades of brown or black, this handsome model can be used as a backpack, handbag, or shoulder bag. Lightweight, durable, and washable, the bag fits any size mat.

Water Noodles Are Fun Summer Play Toys

admin — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 12:59:56 +0000

Have you noticed those long, colorful tubes floating in swimming pools lately? These aquatic fitness tools are really pool toys to be enjoyed by the entire family. Kids who know how to swim love them as much as kids who are just learning to swim. And please remember that adult supervision is always advised whenever children are in the pool. Parents need to pay attention to their children and not rely on a water noodle to be a lifeguard.

So why do children enjoy these water noodles so much? One reason is that they keep them afloat. Water noodles are buoyant and kids can tuck them in under their arm pits and across their chest. The noodles give the child the opportunity to kick with their legs. Children should always use a water noodle properly.

Water noodles feature a hollow center, come in various bright colors, and are very lightweight as well as inexpensive usually under $3.00 apiece. That is why you will see more than one noodle being used at the family pool. Water noodles are fun summer toys for those dog days of summer.

The New Look Medicine Balls

admin — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 20:20:44 +0000

Today medicine ball workouts have grown up since the early days. The Dual Grip Xerball is a prime example of what is new with this versatile total body training tool. This medicine ball features a two-handle grip making it easier to hold when performing rotational abdominal exercises. This ball various in weight from 6lbs to 20lbs. Work the lower and upper body and the improve lower back and overall conditioning.

The Single Handle Xerball Medicine Ball makes a perfect alternative to a dumbbell. Because you can grip it, this medicine ball improves ones rotational core conditioning. A great workout tool for functional fitness where you exercise the total body emphasizing movements not just muscles. Think of it as a weighted resistance training tool that will help you improve your flexibility and endurance.

The Dead Weight Ball looks more typical of a medicine ball. This soft squeezable ball is sand-filled and comes in weights ranging from 4lbs to 12lbs. This traditional looking balls is easy to catch and throw. Helps the user develop greater muscular strength. Use it with a partner or a ball rebounder.

Lastly the most retro-looking medicine ball on the market today is the Dynamax Medicine Ball. Made of soft construction this exercise ball knows how to absorb an impact. Popular with golfers and for those who train in plyometrics, this over-sized ball will remind you of the days when an exercise ball like this one was standard equipment in a high school gym class.

Typewriters The Writing Machines Of A Time Past

admin — Sat, 30 May 2009 02:44:27 +0000

Before Apple Computer gave us the iMac, mechanical desktop typewriters known as “writing machines” were standard issue in offices and newsrooms throughout America. The electric typewriter first built by Thomas Edison in 1872 and later proliferated in the 1950s by companies like Remington soon took over the office landscape. Later models such as IBM’s Selectrics introduced in 1961 featured typeballs instead of pivoting typebars. It became a workhorse and as a result captured the majority share of the market.

The portable typewriter first introduced by the Blickensderfer Manufacturing Company, of Stamford, Connecticut, was unveiled in 1893. But success wasn’t in the cards as larger companies like Remington and Corolla eventually produced their own driving Blickensderfer out of business. Today most people use a keyboard that is associated with a personal computer.

Swiss Army Knife – A Cool Gadget For Generations

admin — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:51:51 +0000

Do members of the Swiss Armed Forces actually get issued their own Soldiers Knife? Apparently they do. Soldiers first coined the knife, originated in 1897 after World War 2. This handy utility tool is multi-functional. The basic knife features a silver body shell, a can opener, a screwdriver and a reamer. Recognized for its design, the Swiss Army knife has been awarded the prestigious honor to be inducted into the Museum of Modern Art collection.

Like many young boys growing up, the first encounter with one of these beauties was a birthday or Christmas gift. Somehow parents thought it was safe to trust their sons with such a convenient and useful tool. It easily fits in the pocket and a young boy learned that the knife wasn’t meant to be a weapon, but more of a rite of passage to adulthood.

The knife made pop culture exposure when it became the trusted problem solving tool of the choice hit TV show MacGyver. MacGyver always seemed to pull himself out of trouble by constructing some gadget with help from the knife.

These days most knifes have a body that is red. And there are many models to choose from with many configurations for just anyone. From the casual user to the sophisticated Swiss Army knife aficionado. These knives come with more bells and whistles like USB flash drives to an MP3 player making this cool gadget fit quite nicely with our current technology.

They still are favorite gifts around Christmas and birthdays, but now a generation brought up with these handy tools are keeping the brand and the memories alive for themselves and their sons.