Weird! Man, kids' toys keep getting stranger and stranger...

Quoted: Products like Webkinz are not my thing. At first glance, they seem to be a cunning and more commercial version of old-fashioned stuffed animals. Each bear or tiger comes with its own code, which its kid caretaker enters into the Web site. Next, the kid decorates his pet's house by earning points in inane game-playing followed by even more inane shopping. And voilà, there you are, fighting with your 8-year-old about screen time.

These DIY cleaners are so easy (and cheap). I'm curious, think I'll try some of them out.

Quoted: We love all the new non-toxic cleaning products on the market. But did you know that baking soda, vinegar, borax, salt, citrus and even ketchup can be effective, non-toxic cleaners? Your grandparents did. They are cheap, readily available, and you don't have to worry about potentially harmful fumes.

Interesting Slate piece from today's Philanthropy Issue about paying more for products that are fair trade or from companies with socially conscious business practices. I think it raises good points about who can actually afford to make these kinds of shopping choices, particularly in expensive cities.

Quoted: We've learned that socially minded rich folk can afford to let conscience dictate their purchasing decisions, whatever the markup. But this represents only the tiniest sliver of American consumers, and their buying preferences alone aren't enough to make American businesses kinder, gentler, and cleaner.

Apparently the good old tennis ball is the cheapest and most effective of all the methods this guy tried out. Fun story.

Quoted: Which snoring remedies actually work?

Yay, I'm so glad Muji is expanding in America. I think their style is so cool...

Quoted: Among the design conscious, the most exciting news of the year has been that Muji—the Japanese retailer of nondescript, mercifully plain wares—is opening two stores in New York City.

Another cool article from Slate. Then again, I don't need a new water bottle thanks to the nifty free one I got at the work picnic!

Quoted: Unless you're stationed in the rapidly disappearing Arctic, you've probably heard about the evils of bottled water these past few months. So, I went in search of a reusable water bottle that I actually liked—a stylish, versatile, easy-to-clean (and carry) container that I could refill anywhere, as often as my thirst dictated.

Interesting article...

Quoted: Given Wal-Mart’s formidable record at home, the company’s recent setbacks have exposed a rare vulnerability overseas.