Very seldom do I talk about products created to assist you in cleaning the kitchen, but I recently discovered this hard floor cleaner and really think that it’s worth mentioning to you.

The iRobot Scooba 380, pictured here, is one of several well-known brands of hard floor cleaners. It works wonders on tile, linoleum and sealed hardwood floors so it is perfect for your non-carpeted kitchen.

A single battery charge will allow the Scooba to clean 850 square feet of flooring. That typically translates into three to four average size rooms.

What I think is so cool about this particular model is that it will clean under tables and cabinet edges, while ignoring any rugs and carpet in the immediate area.

Hard floor cleaners, such as this one, would make a wonderful gift for anyone… but especially those who have a difficult time cleaning the kitchen floor, in a traditional manner.

The Scooba employs a four stage cleaning system. It actually preps, washes, scrubs and dries your floor in just a few minutes. Its cleaning pattern covers the entire surface an average of five times, from start to finish.

It uses either a water and vinegar or fresh scent (Clorox based) cleaning solution. It comes with battery, charging base, two virtual walls and storage mat.

I have never used a grill press. However, I am more than a little bit confident that it would work SO much better than the spatula I’m using, in its place. After reading the reviews, I’ve added the Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned Round Cast Iron Grill Press to my ‘wish list’.

I’ve written about other Lodge Logic products, in the past. They are a very reputable company, manufacturing a wide range of must have kitchen items. This grill press is no exception.

Since it’s pre-seasoned, you can use it right out of the box with no problems whatsoever… a great feature if you are giving it as a gift.

Not only does it work perfectly when cooking meats like steak, chops, ham, bacon and burgers (extracting unwanted fats and keeping everything flat) it also works great for Panini’s and other grilled sandwiches.

This press has a cool grip handle that eliminates the need to grab a pot holder, when using it.
Lodge Logic recommends that their grill press be cleaned with hot water and a stiff brush. This method will produce the best results.

I don’t know about you, but I LOVE purchasing products that carry a lifetime warranty, as this one does. It really makes them stand out in the crowd, don’t you think?

These Handbag Cookie Jars are just too cute for cookies… I mean words! I honestly think that if my house was larger, I’d start a cookie jar collection. There are so many ADORABLE ones to choose from.

(Actually, I already own a vintage jar. I have my Grandma’s Little Red Riding Hood cookie jar, manufactured by Hull. Red would be worth approximately $500 (or more) except for the fact that she had an unfortunate mishap involving her hood.)

I think this gorgeous little handbag would make the PERFECT Mother’s Day gift, for the Mom who loves to bake cookies or other sweet treats. Who says a cookie jar can only hold cookies, right?

You could even go a step further and stash some cash inside, with a quick note earmarking the funds for cookie making ingredients.

These cookie jars aren’t terribly large. They measure approximately 9 x 11 x 7. However, this makes them the ideal size for smaller kitchens.

When it comes to my favorite cookie, it has to be chocolate chip… hands down. Add a few walnuts to the batter and I love them even more.

Feel free to post your favorite cookie recipe. I’m always looking for new ones to add to my ever growing collection.

My name is Merry and I’m a hot cocoa junkie… I’ve been told that admitting it is half the battle. So, boy do I ever feel better.

With winter far from over, in many parts of the country, there is still plenty of time to give these adorable Bonjour Snowman Mugs with Mini Frother when you are faced with your next gift giving occasion. (You can even tuck them away for Christmas 2009.)

This is a set that includes four large mugs, four ‘top hat’ mug lids and battery operated frother. Fill each mug with the hot cocoa recipe of your choice, cover mug with lid and start frothing. Within a matter of a few seconds, you’ll have cocoa so rich and creamy you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

I am not knocking commercial hot cocoa mixes. There are some really yummy brands out there. But my personal preference is ‘made from scratch’ hot cocoa. There ain’t nothin’ like the real thing, baby. The best part is… it’s quite simple to prepare.

What’s your favorite hot cocoa recipe? If you’re willing to share it here, you can be quite certain that chocolate lovers from around the world will salute you.

My husband and I are both candle junkies. So much so, we are distributors for a wonderful line of veggie wax blend candles.

Even though we remain loyal to our brand, we occasionally run across a brand we’d like to try. Paula Deen’s At Home Bakery Scented Candles fall into that category. (I’m a real sucker for bakery scents.)

Scents include but are not limited to: banana cream pie (shown), oatmeal chocolate chip, peppermint bark, hot mocha float and ginger cookie.

Each candle comes in a very pretty glass jar, complete with a ribbon and Paula’s corresponding recipe. These are large candles, 38 ounces in size.

Candles make wonderful gifts, because almost everyone burns them. They are the perfect choice for the person who has it all. Rest assured, as long as they are of excellent quality, candles won’t end up in the top of the recipient’s closet… or worse yet, passed on to someone else. (Say NO to re-gifting!)

What brand is your all-time favorite candle? Do you prefer bakery scents, like I do, or are you more into flowery fragrances? Is there a brand you’d like to try that you have not yet had the opportunity to? Inquiring candle lovers want to know.