5 Reasons to Take a Home Inventory

The thought of going through everything in your home is daunting and probably the last thing that you would want to do on any given weekend. However, it can be of great value to you in a number of ways, by using the home inventory sheet at Real Simple you could get started right away. Don’t worry, remember that it doesn’t all have to be done at once, one room a week will have you finished in no time!

Redundancy – How many coffee pots do you really need?

Yes we have garage sales but how often do we really go through everything in our storage and garage or sift through the things that lie beneath the surface? How many times do we have to go out and buy another hammer or another household item because we have no idea where the original one is hiding?

Streamline your household contents, and then you sell or donate your extras to reduce the clutter. Taking a thorough home inventory allows you to not only take stock of what you do have, but allow you to make some extra spending money from what you don’t need—or gain a tax incentive for donating. Then you can organize what you do have and put together a smart financial plan for adding things to your home.

Replacement Value – What’s it really worth?

Do you have any idea what your “big ticket” items are really worth? Take the time to go through your valuables and have them appraised. Jewelry, designer furniture, electronics and keepsakes could all be sources of hidden income or hidden losses you could expense, depending on the circumstance. Take photos or videos of the items so there is a physical record of valuable property, which will aid in any possible future insurance claims.

Renters Insurance – Your stuff, your responsibility! 

In today’s housing market there has been a shift from ownership to renting. When you own a house you have your things protected under home insurance, but with renting we often forget that in the event of a loss we would not be reimbursed. Generally your landlord’s policy will only cover the structure—and not your furnishings or belongings. Taking a home inventory can allow you to purchase the right policy to reimburse your losses. For a nominal monthly fee you can have peace of mind of knowing that your coverage is correct and your possessions are adequately documented.

Hide and Seek – Do you really know what you have?

We all remember that ring grandma gave us but do you know where it is? Or do you even have it anymore? It’s such a bummer when you haven’t seen something for a while, and are secretly hoping that it will pop up eventually. It would be better to take a home inventory and face the music now. When you move from place to place, and the same boxes move along with you, you may never really know what’s missing until you open them. Besides the awesome photos of you from grade school, there may be something valuable to discover as well.

Where Art Those Important Papers?

If you were out of commission for any reason, would your family know how to handle your affairs? By taking an inventory of your paperwork, you can efficiently organize all of those important family documents that will allow you to feel confident in the case of an emergency. Let your family know the whereabouts of your “vital documents” folder in case of sudden illness or incapacitation. Also consider keeping a duplicate record in a safe deposit box or give it to someone you trust in case of a total loss of property.

Taking an inventory is an arduous task but by doing it now you could improve your financial position as well as your state of well-being. Companies such as docuhome.com are there to help you organize and complete your inventory; have it online would make it convenient to share with a trusted family member or estate attorney.

Finding the right plan for your loved ones is difficult. Liam Murphy provides Key Insurance Quotes to make this planning easier for families.

Micah got a Flip Cam for his bday, and he’s been tearing up the Richmond scene, working his butt off, and planning his fabulous wedding. Woo hoo!

I’m about to drown in grad school, so Chris and Micah are at the helm for the next couple of months.  They have a new review coming up soon, and we’ll be getting some magic from Angie pretty soon after that.  In the meantime, send us suggestions on what you’d like to see us review.

thecoolconsumer@gmail.com

Stay awesome!

My friends Boobies aren’t they great!?

I sat watching President Obama’s speech December 7^th, 2010, when I received a text with the worst possible news.  My best friend has advanced breast cancer in her left breast & the first stages in her right breast.  I wanted to call her immediately, but I was crying my eyes out wondering what might happen to her, to her 9 year old boy, her husband of over 10 years.  Not to mention who would be my drinking, venting, eating, baking & all around fun having partner.

I went through a barrage of emotions.  I was deafened with the sound of my own sobbing.   I had to pull myself together!  I needed to stay positive for her; I certainly don’t want her to see me break down & possibly make her worry even more than she already is.  As I was pulling myself up off the floor, calming myself with each inch toward a vertical stance, I heard Obama say:  “This is a long game.  This is not a short game.” What an appropriate phrase to hear at that exact moment.  Thank you Obama!

I’m here for the long haul for her.  She needs me to be strong when she’s not.  She needs me to be a rock, so she always knows that she can count on me for anything she needs.  It can be difficult to know what to do or to say, I’m doing my best.  Do I say, “I’m sorry” …has she heard that enough today?  Is it annoying for her to hear, “It’s going to be okay?”  All I can do is be an ear, a shoulder & as always, a friend to her.

So I peddle nothing to you this week, but ask you to donate.

Cancer treatment has come a long way, but that doesn’t mean we need to stop trying to find a cure.  We are all at risk here.  This Winter season, give for those we’ve already lost, give to those who may be diagnosed in the future & give to those battling breast cancer now, like my BFF.

Here are a couple of ideas; buy yourself, a friend or loved one a gift where the proceeds go to help fund under privileged women to get mammograms.

Become a member or volunteer for a foundation or purchase merchandise directly from their websites…Who wouldn’t like an “I Heart Boobies” bracelet?

Make a difference today & everyday, because no matter how small or large you donate, volunteer or spend, that is exactly what you will be doing…making a difference.  Thank you for your attention, please take care of you & yours.  Happy New Year & I Heart Boobies!!

All my love,

Angie

Chris

Let’s face it, Americans love the idea of an underdog.  This idea has been incarnated into some of the founding principles of this great nation, and personified with folklore paying homage to the Bootstraps mentality. Happiness, wealth, and success are achievable by anyone willing to work hard enough to pull themselves to such heights.  From Rocky Balboa to Bill Gates, those who have risen accordingly provide the inspiration and hope to the rest of us that it can be done.

With the current recession looming, coupled with people’s anger at big corporation, big bank, and all the big corruption cases that have donned the news headlines lately, I’ve noticed a newfound appreciation for small businesses.  When one thinks of small business, it conjures images of family, sacrifice, hard work, long days, and giving back to the community.  These core principles are exactly what you’ll find from Dana Knowles, owner and creator of Kuphs.

If you check out her website, you’ll find Dana’s inspirational story.  Having struggled with an abusive relationship, being a single parent, and being homeless, she’s now committed to helping other women in similar circumstances.

Now, Dana and her story are not the product, but well worth mentioning in light of her plight.  The product she created is Kuphs…basically a chic wrist band/jacket enhancer.  How she came up with Kuphs is also a great story…on her website.  While Kuphs are ideal for those with long arms (and short armed-jackets), creative types will likely find other fun fashion uses to flaunt them.

As Kuphs don’t have moving parts, buttons to push, or other obvious uses worth posting, it’s quite difficult to say too much about the actual products.  Therefore, I’m going to focus on everything around the product that makes them so cool.  I’ve already mentioned Dana’s bootstrap story, so how about some more patriotic stuff.

Kuphs are Made in the USA.  While the yarn is from Turkey, all manufacturing is done in the US of A.  When asked if she would consider using a cheaper manufacturing option such as outsourcing to China, Dana affirms that she’s committed to the quality of each piece and has no interest in frequent trips to Asia to oversee the manufacturing quality.  With her years in the fashion & retail industries, she’s seen a huge disparity in the quality of some larger well-known brands that have outsourced their manufacturing overseas.   As such, she’s lined up a manufacturer in New York, so she can better manage the quality of her products, and more importantly, the Kuphs brand.

Definitely check out her website, order some for a friend, and keep an eye out as you’ll likely be seeing Kuphs blow up and available in department stores pretty soon.  Get some now and be ahead of the fashion curve.

Liz

I went nuts over these things when I got them.  Dana made my Kuphs special, and the even SMELLED GOOD.  I couldn’t stop sniffing them.  How did she do that?  I wore them every day, including a trip to Illinois, where I promptly lost the right or left (they’re interchangeable so it’s funny) one in the Charlotte airport.  I am mourning the loss of it, especially since they were such a pretty color and they smelled so good, but I’m going to order a new pair, because they’re under $20 and darn it, I deserve them.  I might even get two pair.

Micah

I may not be the most fashion forward but I’m lucky to have a fiancé that is. When Chris came to me and said he had some Kuphs headed my way I didn’t know what to think of the concept.  When I got them I still didn’t have a good idea but was certainly impressed but the simple yet sleek packaging…however still did not get a full grasp on the concept. It took me a little while to road test these Kuphs (I just moved halfway across the country) but when I tried them on I instantly got it. Since I was a kid I’ve always enjoyed camping and being outdoors. Along with that comes a certain type of experience. Things like losing your body temperature through your head and your extremities. That’s where Kuphs impressed me the most. Having moved from Texas to Virginia recently I’m feeling….well a little bit chilly. I threw on these Kuphs still a little wary but determined to try them out for you, the consumer.  Now keep in mind I still have my punk rock/metal/underground taste in fashion so I used these in conjunction with my air force inspired bomber jacket and had them kinda sticking out to cover my knuckles yet still covering my wrists. Here’s the lame pun…there the bomb!!!! It’s weird to think that something so small can totally alter your perception of your body temperature, I mean these things probably only sit about 5 inches vertically down your arm but I feel an easy 10 degrees warmer when I have them on.  Kudos to Dana, the creator of Kuphs. You’ve done a fine job and I would definitely recommend these for stocking stuffers or gifts in general for anyone you want to stay warm this winter.  By the way, as of press time, my fashion-forward fiance that I mentioned?  Well, she works at Nordstrom’s, and she gets requests for these all the time.  Luckily for everybody, you can also order straight from the Kuph’s website.

The number one choice in give-away’s & a promotional power house are PENS!  Everybody wants one, everybody needs one & everybody’s got one!  Everybody…and I mean everybody, has a favorite!  There are forums & websites & blogs out there dedicated to the mighty pen.  This paints a picture in my head.  I can see you now writer, armed with your favorite writing instrument, you hold it toward the sky & cry out; “by the powers of Greyskull!” and alone you transform an ordinary sheet of paper into a masterpiece of fiction…or non-fiction…or a dirty limerick, whatever.  The point is you love your pen.   It writes well no matter what mood or mode you’re in.  One of my favorites is Prodir.   For 8 years I have loved them & have shouted my own exclamations of satisfaction for the strength & beauty of its plastic sexiness.

Prodir – Swiss made pens – high quality!?  Oh YES!!

This particular model is # DS5, which allows for a VERY large full color imprint on the floating clip.  It has 5 different imprint areas of marketing real estate.  You can choose from a variety of barrel & clip colors, choice of sandwich clips colors, lenticular printing, scented inlays, burled wood, 3D relief or mix it up.  Prodir’s exclusive Premec floating ballpoint ink cartridge is available in all pens’, which touts velvety soft writing that glides like a surfer.   Ahhhhhh, the Swiss!!!!  Not only can you choose the color, you can choose your surface texture.  Configure your own!

Let’s say you want to package your pen & sell it to retailers…okay, you got it.

Let’s get to marketing.  Your pen will be unique in the hands of your customer & they will remember to come back to you for their fix.  So jump to it…what do you want your pen to look like?

Pedometers are a great way to promote wellness & urge the receiver to walk those 10,000 steps a day.  At $2.50 ea for a quantity of 100, it’s not a bad way to keep your pocket book fat either.

Stay hydrated with this BPA free screw top water bottles in an array of colors.  You can order as few as 36 pieces for $7.99 ea through the end of the 2010 year.

You are what you eat, so I’ve heard, therefore I must be made up of Red Wine & all varieties of Asian Food!  So why not give the gift that can be used daily.  These bowl/spoon & mug/spoon combos have been a real hit this year!  Ranges starting at $3.69, you can assure they will be a hit.

Stress is a huge health issue; shortens your life span & is a factor in many heart related diseases.  Don’t underestimate the power of a stress ball.  This Gel filled squeeze therapy ball feels great & won’t be forgotten by the receiver. If you prefer, choose the aromatically enhanced ball.

However you would like to promote health & wellness, just do it.  Offer Flu Vaccines or health screenings.  Take a Yoga class or challenge someone to be the biggest loser!!!  A healthy person is more focused, more energetic & ultimately spends less on health care each year.  That’s a big “duh!”  Take care!!!

After considering my “products” that I love (my motorcycle, kayak, mt. bike, camelbak, MacBook, backpack/man purse, fleece jacket, sunglasses, tent, and a few others), and considering Liz already chose to write about a kitchen item (sorry Brita pitcher), I’ve decided on my LL Bean Toiletry Kit/Bag thing (LLBTKBt)…or “personal organizer” but I think LLBTKBt sounds better.  I have a couple of them, different sizes, and they’re great.  They are far superior than the standard purse style toiletry kit which just has everything all mixed together.  For those of you who know what I’m talking about can I get an AMEN?

While it may seem like an odd choice to write about such a…well…personal item, I’m really ok with sharing my thoughts and feelings about this with the internets.  Those of you that know me should already know that I take my purchases pretty seriously, and tend to be incredibly passionate about certain products that not only fit the bill, but also go above and beyond.  “Wow Chris” you’re probably thinking, “those are pretty strong words considering you’re speaking about something with the word ‘toilet’ in the title”.  Well yes, you would be correct.  However, there’s also at least 25 other words in there too. I’m no Boggle or Scrabble king, so ask how many other words can you find in the word “TOILETRY”?  Here’s what I got with 4 minutes of thinking about it…ok, a few more than 4 minutes:

So there.  Ok, back to my point…a product that I’ve had for a while that I like a lot and am thankful for…

As already mentioned, I have more than one of these “personal organizers”.  The smallest one I have I’ve used as a quick grab bag when heading out of town for an over-nighter or weekend.  I don’t have to think about what I may need, as I’ve already done that and stocked it with everything I’ve needed in the past.  It’s stocked with the basics: bar soap in baggie, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, heartburn med, a couple of Halls, razor, shaving cream, aftershave, nail clippers, ibuprofen, “protection”, aloe, and of course qtips.  Naturally, all of these items are travel size (except for those quoted…hehe) and more than enough to get me by.  It’s also much more economical to plan ahead like this than to buy something on the road.

I’m currently living in a group-house, and share a small bathroom with another guy, so now am using this as my everyday kit, rather than having everything on the counter or where it can get…”disturbed”.

The LLBTKBt comes with the convenient hanger built in so you don’t have to fight for counter space in someone else’s bathroom, or have any of your stuff (god forbid) touch anything!  This is especially important when using a public bathroom when everything is always dripping wet for whatever reason.  It’s also very handy for bathrooms on planes, airports, highway rest stops, and campgrounds too.

The material is canvas-like, and water resistant from what I can tell.  The internal pockets are divided and customizable with Velcro so you can make it your own.  There’s even a small mirror inside if you need it, and a little mesh zippered pocket for the little stuff.  The whole thing fully loaded weighs maybe 2 lbs at most, and easily fits into a backpack, most glove boxes, trunk of your car, drawer at work, or at your significant other’s place without being too intrusive.

These also make a very convenient and easy $20 gift.  I was at my friend’s wedding 2 years ago (at a river house), sharing a bathroom with the other groomsmen and the groom’s father.  His father asked about my LLBTKBt and said how great it was and that he didn’t have anything like it.  He, being an airline pilot, immediately saw the utility and convenience that I’ve grown to appreciate.  I ended up telling the groom about it, and reminded him when Father’s Day was approaching so he had the perfect and inexpensive gift…and I looked like a rock star…a clean and organized one anyway.

The other one I have is larger (the medium), and I keep it in the trunk of my car so a spontaneous trip doesn’t have to mean bad breath or extra time and expense of stopping at a store and hoping they have what I want. While mine isn’t the family size, it is still small enough to be convenient, lightweight, and packable, while still having enough space for all the items already mentioned, plus 2 small towels, sunscreen, and plenty of room for “her” stuff too…though that section is currently vacant.

With a little planning and forethought, spontaneity is much easier.  This little item helps make traveling so much easier and enjoyable, by allowing me to be a little more at home wherever I am…and for that…I’m thankful.

So I”m up first.  Yesterday I got out my trusty Le Creuset cooking pot to make a roast.  Most recipes you run across are for crock pot roast recipes, but sometimes it’s so much better to just use a cast iron pot to do your cooking in, especially if you’re going to be home all day.

The thing weighs a ton.  Not literally a ton, but it weighs a lot.  It’s cast iron coated with enamel.  I thawed out a pork roast, and yesterday morning I plopped it into the pot, sprinkled it with salt and pepper, and stuck the pot in the oven for about 3 hours at 350 degrees.  The meat cooks  in the super hot pot, and all this dark brown stuff forms around the sides.  After that 3 hours or so I took some warm water (very important, because if you put cold water in a hot enamel coated pot you can crack the enamel) and poured it over the roast up to the line where the discoloration stopped.  I put it back in for another half hour, then added cut up potatoes and baby carrots.  About another 2 hours later, I took the whole shebang out of the oven.

I separated the food from the juice, made a roux, stuck the Le Creuset right on a stove burner and made up some gravy.

There’s enough left over for tonight and tomorrow night, probably, and the pot cleans up like a dream.  Just some warm sudsy water, a good rinse, and it’s back in the cabinet until next time.

Other things I’ve made in that pot – spare ribs, chili, bouillabaise, beef roast, vegetable casserole, and more.

They’re crazy expensive, so mine was a gift.  I use it all the time and would love to have a couple more in other sizes, but I’m grateful for the one I have.