Board Cover That Banishes Slip-Sliding
Tired of ironing-board covers that wrinkle, slip and slide when you’re trying to iron your best blouse or shirt? Consider the new Ultra Fit Plus cover that adjusts to fit almost any size board.
A product of Indiana-based Seymour Industries, the Ultra Fit Plus features a Velcro hook and loop fastening system that stretches the cover tightly across the width of the board and fastens underneath. An elastic cord pulls the cover tightly across the length of the board, and a fastener secures the cord so it doesn’t loosen or untie.
Ultra Fit Plus covers come with an extra thick, elastic-edged pad, too, for a more cushioned ironing service. They’re available in slate blue or a variety of patterns and are guaranteed for five years.
Ultra Fit Plus covers (from $12.99 to $14.99) can be found in house-ware departments of hardware, department and drug stores and supermarkets nationwide. In Southern California, you can purchase them at Fedco, Home Club, Hold It, Service Merchandise or Wal-Mart stores. If you can’t find them in your area, call Seymour Housewares toll-free at (800) 457-9881.
Portable Way to Pool Back-Yard Resources
Like to have a back-yard pool, but can’t afford the expense of an in-ground one? Consider the new K-D (Knock-Down) Portable Swimming Pool, a high-quality, low-priced portable pool that can be assembled easily in less than an hour. In the off season, it can be taken down and stowed in its own 4x4x2-foot case.
With a total weight of 220 pounds, the K-D pool is 16 feet in diameter, 4 feet deep and holds 7,000 gallons of water. It’s made of polytriply, a polyester matting that’s similar to the material used inside radial tires. The pool comes with a built-in skimmer, pump and filters, and a plastic five-step safety ladder. It has rustproof parts.
According to manufacturer Hank Gillebaard of San Clemente, the K-D pool uses 65% less water than the average in-ground pool, and can be set up on almost any surface, including grass, dirt and concrete. Gillebaard says two people can assemble the pool in less than an hour, and it can be taken down in minutes.
“The biggest problem with the old, above-ground pools is that they were basically tin cans with garbage liners,” say Gillebaard. “And the liners would tear easily. The polytriply will puncture, and that can be easily fixed. But it won’t tear.” The pool comes with a repair kit and has a five-year warranty.
The K-D portable pool (suggested retail about $2,150) is beige with a navy stripe and a light blue liner. In Southern California you can find it at AAA Pool and Patio in Lakewood, Omega & Associates in Santa Ana, KD Pools of San Diego in Cardiff by the Sea, and Redi-Swim in Mission Viejo. If you can’t find it in your area, call K-D Products Inc. at (800) 777-3553.
If It Sounds Like a Duck Making Music. . .
Did you ever hear a duck quacking to the tune of “Auld Lang Syne?” Well, you can now with a new electronic toy instrument called Happy Animal Chorus.
In addition to four animal sounds--duck, dog, goat and frog--the clever lightweight plastic unit is also programmed to play 10 songs with a choice of selected animal sounds. For example, “Auld Lang Syne” by the duck sound.
Children also can learn to play piano sounds by pushing buttons at the bottom of the keyboard that are marked do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti . Or, if they prefer, they can create a melody using a mixture of piano and animal sounds. They also can record for later playback.
Happy Animal Chorus (suggested retail, $29.95) is powered by four AA batteries (not included) and is available nationwide at independent toy stores, through Childcraft Inc. catalogue at (800) 631-5657, Orvis catalogue at (800) 541-3541, or from its U.S. distributor, Majon International, P.O. Box 1458, Torrance, Calif. 90505; phone, (213) 791-1005.
