The Pocket Hose --- it's a so-so buy.

You’ve probably seen those gushing-announcer late night commercials for the amazing Pocket Hose! It’s not only available on TV, but it’s online too. Here’s the quickie description of thePocket Hose from Amazon: Pocket Hose, the garden hose that's small enough to fit in your pocket, then expands automatically to a giant full sized hose. Pocket Hose is super lightweight and easy to handle, making it convenient to hang or store anywhere - even in your pocket. And now back to me! When there’s no water in it, and it’s dry Pocket Hose does shrink down a lot. But 50’ of hose in your pocket? You WILL look weird! As you’ll see in the video, it kind of works like it does in the commercial. I was impressed. But then before you buy one, you should read the reviews on Amazon. You’ll see that lots of people said it worked for a short while, then tore, leaked or fell apart. I've used mine quite a few times now, and it's working okay. But knowing it's poorly made, I take great care not to step on it, or let it get caught under anything. It’s under $18 at Amazon for the 50’ version. There’s also a 25’ and 75’ version online. I bought my 50’ Pocket Hose at Bed, Bath & Beyond for $19.99. 

Giz Wiz with his Pocket Hose: http://youtu.be/9-SgK0j-HQM 

Magna Screen Door. I like it better than the Magic Mesh Screen Door.

Fairway has no trouble walking through the Magna Mesh Screen Door. Only the bottom few magnets open, then close behind her.Maybe it should be called Magic Mess.   --   I got almost a season of use out of my Magic Mesh screen, but it became torn and ragged rather quickly. You’ve probably seen their ads on TV a lot, and now this product is widely available in stores. Mine fell apart after about 3 months, and now I installed a different brand that I expect to last longer. It’s called Magna Screen. I got mine on Amazon. Here’s the description: Easy to install: No tools required sets up in minutes Keeps bugs and pests out while letting in fresh air Uses 20 high-powered magnets to securely open and magically close behind you Fits standard single and sliding doors Measures (2) 83in x 19.5in screen panels, 12 hook & loop strips and 20 wood tacks. $13.70. And now back to me. There’s free shipping for Prime Members. The online Amazon reviews for Magna Screen are pretty good. 3.5 Stars from 61 reviews, Vs. 2.3 stars from 41 reviews for the Magic Mesh. (Magna Screen is a bit more expensive than the Magic Mesh, but to me the better construction is worth it.) It’s under $14.00 at the link below:

Here’s the video from last year’s Magic Mesh. The Magna Screen operates exactly the same, but it’s better made and hopefully will last more than one season.

Giz Wiz Magic Mesh YouTube Video: http://youtu.be/WLjhQc-M3wc 

Ice Cream in 3 Minutes? See for yourself.

Over the past couple of months, several people emailed to tell me their kids want them to buy ICE CREAM MAGIC, the device “as seen on TV”. They asked if I could please buy one to see if it works. Well, I bought one, and it does work; kind of. There are a lot of steps involved, as you’ll see in my video. In the commercial they throw in ice cubes, but in the instructions, they say ‘crushed ice’ is best. You also need heavy whipping cream, sugar, flavoring, etc. They stress that everything has to cold. The big disappointment in most reviews I read is that you’re making only about 3 ounces of ‘soupy’ – or if you a vivid imagination – ‘soft serve’ ice cream. The whole process will probably take about 10 to 12 minutes, and you have to shake the container continuously for at least 3 minutes. The company recommends additional shaking to make your ice cream firmer. It seems like a lot of work and expense when ice cream on sale can be inexpensive. Also in some of the shots in the commercial, you see a heaping scoop of ice cream. How can that happen? But the kids just might find it fun. Be sure to read the reviews on Amazon. Lots of people have hints on how to get better results using ICE CREAM MAGIC.

Giz Wiz Makes Ice Cream Video: http://youtu.be/3OQVPzKqQaY

A 2nd Generation Soda Stream Machine.

I reviewed my first Soda Stream machine about 18 months ago. I’m still using it, and I like it a lot! No more lugging big bottles of soda and having to return empties. No more storage problems for both full and empty bottles. And you can make soda for about 50 cents a liter – vs. $1.29 for store bought soda in NYC. This new model, Source, adds some great features. A simple snap-lock bottle mechanism eliminates the need to screw the bottle into the holder. You customize your favorite carbonation level with a 3-way LED indicator. The bottles are now dishwasher safe and they’re trimmed in metal, not plastic. The Source itself is made mostly of metal. You can enjoy great-tasting soda or plain seltzer in about 60 seconds. I made about 45 bottles of soda from one 60L Carbonator. The Source starter kit contains the Soda Maker, 1 Carbonating Bottle, 1 Sample pack of six flavors, and 1 60L Carbonator. MSRP $129.99. But it’s $99.99 at Bed, Bath And Beyond, Walmart and many big box stores.  

Giz Wiz Video: http://youtu.be/Bze2tJtGeSY

MoGo2Go - a mini wallet for the back of your smart phone.

If you want to carry your hotel key & a credit card or two with your cell phone you should know about MoGo2Go. It's billed as the mobile phone case + wallet in one.  Actually the company sent me a product sample, and although it can serve as a wallet function, it’s really not a phone case. It attaches to the back of your phone with 3M adhesive. It’s made of a high-quality silicone. The pocket slits is said to hold up to 3 cards, but I was able to get just two cards in. But a lot will depend on the thickness of your credit cards, hotel key, etc. Also my MoGo2Go is brand new and will probably stretch out a bit over time. Because it’s made of silicone you won’t have to worry about it demagnetizing ID cards, credit cards and hotel room keys. It’s great for when you want to gallivant around town handbag or wallet-free! MoGo2Go says it fits the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S4. But it actually will fit any flat backed cell phone measuring 57 x 91 mm. That translates roughly to 2.25” X 3.60”. The company says the MoGo2Go can be easily removed without leaving a mark or sticky residue. It’s $4.95 and is available in black or white. It ships for free.

www.mogo2go.com.