I had to post this one just for the image of the kid kissing the Steamboy. Priceless.
Author Archive for Robert Kahn
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I haven’t read this yet, but I’ve already put it on my Amazon wish list. Written by Ellen Ruppel Shell, and reviewed by Leah McLaren of the Globe & Mail, Cheap: The High Cost Of Discount Culture sounds like a non fiction book worth reading.
What price as a culture do we pay for “cheap-goods”? I personally think we pay a very high price. I can understand why there is a need for low cost goods, not everyone can afford the best after all.
What I have the most problem with is what happens to the goods priced in the middle. Not the most expensive (and most often substantially overpriced), but the stuff that is priced at a moderate level, that represents value and quality. Too often these goods are being squeezed out by mass retailers who’s only interest is providing their customers with the lowest cost (and often the poorest quality) products.
Perhaps the great equalizer will be the Internet. For many consumers, if you can’t find what you want at retail, usually a few clicks with your favorite search engine will reveal some hidden gems. It’s just too bad that our culture has forced the removal of real choice from the retail landscape.
When we entered the steam floor mop category some years back, we were just about the only one in it. Funny the difference a few years can make.
Today, the steam floor mop category is one of the fastest growing segments in the housewares industry, with as much as 12% growth year to year. This is an amazing statistic when you consider the state of the economy, and I think it reflects well on how useful a steam floor mop can be. Consumers have picked up on the utility of stick mops, and the growing range of choices reflects this.
We are always pleased then, when a reputable review site like About.com tests one of our products, and decides to give it a four out of five star rating.
Sarah Aquirre of About.com cites, “I was impressed by its ability to remove the toughest sticky areas from floors with only water. The ability to control the amount of steam was helpful when mopping ceramic tile floors that needed less steam to clean them thoroughly. The triangular swivel head made reaching under kitchen cabinets and into corners an easy task.”
To read the full review, click here.
I know I’ve been AWOL lately, so without further adieu, here is a nice review of our professional G4 fabric steamer as seen through the eyes of a mommy blogger at mommypr.com.
I’ve been saying for years that a professional grade steamer like the G4 is in the reach of most consumers. Many people base their buying decision on a) price and b) features. In my opinion it should be a) quality of components, b) features, c) price. I know as the manufacturer I’m a little bit biased, but after all, what’s the point of a cheap steamer if it doesn’t last or work the way it is supposed to… regardless of the price.
This is what Megan at mommypr.com has to say about the G4, “what I liked most is that I was actually satisfied with how my steamed clothes turned out in the end. After using only an iron for years, I didn’t think the steamer would cut it for me. The G4 exceeded my expectations! Besides my excitement over the end result, I also liked that it was incredibly quick and easy to use.”
If you are looking for a fabric/garment steamer, why not find out what components the manufacturer used to make it. Is the heating element made of aluminum or long lasting brass? How thick is the steam head? Does the steam hose crimp easily? All good questions, and all good things to know before you make your investment.
Here’s another great “how-to” video done by Real Simple Magazine. A great watch if you have a couple of spare minutes and want to learn a few shirt ironing tricks. I’m sure I’ve seen that iron somewhere before!
We are pleased to tell you that we have signed up to be a major sponsor of QNNtv.com’s new quilting and lifestyle show, Quilt Out Loud. For more information, read the press release in it’s entirety below:
Winterset, Iowa June 5, 2009 QNNtv.com presents a brand new concept in quilt industry infotainment with the creation of the genre-breaking, quilter’s lifestyle program, Quilt Out Loud!, featuring the talent of co-hosts Mark Lipinski, creator and editor of Mark Lipinski’s Quilter’s Home magazine and QNNtv.com President and author, Jodie Davis. Quilt Out Loud! will debut July 30, 2009 on QNNtv.com.
More than just a show about patchwork technique and humdrum banter, this fun, contemporary and edgy programming transcends the predictable infomercial feel of all other online shows. It speaks to the multifaceted quilter — a viewer with wide and varied interests. From gardening to cooking and home decor, Mark and Jodie tap into the inspiration quilters find for all of their passions in life, and connect the dots with quilting. Inspiration is everywhere, and that’s where Quilt Out Loud! goes.
No longer playing to a quilting stereotype which no longer exists, Quilt Out Loud! jolts the entire field of the current crop of often flat and uninteresting online quilting video-casts and broadcast programming. Sure Mark & Jodie interview quilters - but they dig deep into the celebrities’ lives to find out what makes them who they are. Mark & Jodie review products and books, and tell what they really feel.
This series, produced exclusively for QNNtv.com by Michelle Clark, producer of such shows as TLC’s Trading Spaces, brings a refreshing approach to a quilter’s online experience and quilt related programming. The show embraces the lifestyle of the new generation of quilters. It’s filled with humor, debate, surprises, inspiration, current events, pop-culture, product reviews, money saving tips, and most of all, FUN!
Join us in shaking up quilting as we Quilt Out Loud!
For more information about the show, Mark and Jodie, or to see a preview of Quilt Out Loud! visit www.QuiltOutLoud.com
It’s not everyday that we see a professional ironing products review.
Kathleen Fasanella of the Fashion Incubator is someone who is very passionate about the garment industry and does a wonderful job commenting on the state of our trade on her website www.fashion-incubator.com.
If you are considering an investement for your small business, or perhaps for your hobby, her thoughtful review of our popular i500 ironing station and our C81 vacuum and up-air pressing board is well worth a few minutes of your time.
Stumbled upon a great “how-to” video done by Real Simple magazine. A great watch if you have a couple of spare minutes and want to learn a few ironing tricks. Pretty cool iron too!
If you are, you might want to read the review of the Steamboy T1 at Natural Mommie. Amanda has some very astute observations about the treatment of our planet, and how we can make things a little better.
Thanks Amanda for reviewing the Steamboy and for spreading the steam cleaning gospel.
We probably all have a little bit of the germo phobe in all of us. Tenille at Feisty, Frugal and Fabulous admits to being one.
Read the full review.
